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National Fisherman's Melissa Wood shares her stories as a writer and editor covering the U.S. fishing industry.
Monday, 01 July 2013
Thirty years ago, Mike and Pat Burns' definition of a good season was having enough money the next spring to buy the fuel they needed to make it back up to Cordova. Times have changed.
Roger Fitzgerald caught up with the brothers both then and now — in a 1983 article for Alaska Fisherman's Journal and in his August column for National Fisherman ("Blue is the new green," p. 8) coming out this week.
When we first meet the Burns brothers — East Coast natives from Fayetteville, N.Y. — they're relatively new to fishing. After a couple successful seasons crewing on salmon seiners they decide to buy a former Chesapeake Bay buyboat they named the Chesapeake. That's Mike and Pat at the bow, right.
The Chesapeake was in rough shape when they first saw it near Astoria, Ore., "tied up in a river slough which looked like a Louisiana swamp. You had to wade to get to her." Even worse, after they fixed her up for halibut, prices collapsed, and they spent much of their time tendering for North Pacific in Prince William Sound. (For the whole story, read "Two brothers and a boat from Chesapeake Bay," which was reprinted in the July 2012 Pilot House Guide.)
Now here's the sequel. Thirty years and many boats later, the brothers, founders of Blue North Fisheries, are building the Blue North, a 191-foot longliner for the Bering Sea cod fishery, which promises to be the first of its kind in U.S. waters.
Designed by the Norwegian firm Skipsteknisk and being built by Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash., Blue North is set to be launched in late 2014. Among its many state-of-the-art features, the boat makes fuel-saving and sustainability top priorities. Her diesel electric engine is supposed to reduce fuel costs and emissions by 30 percent, and her hull will be designed to lessen resistance for even greater fuel economy.
There are many more "wow factors" about this boat that you can read about in our August issue. But Fitzgerald also has to ask, with cod prices "through the floor," why they're spending $35 million on this vessel now?
It turns out (or at least it seems) that not everything has changed. Though written 30 years apart, I thought this quote from the 1983 story sums up their attitude both then and now:
"Success is not going backwards," said Pat. "If we were in it strictly for the money, we'd have been out of it a long time ago."
Photo courtesy of Mike and Pat Burns.
National Fisherman Live: 9/9/14
In this episode:
Seafood Watch upgrades status of 21 fish species
Calif. bill attacking seafood mislabeling approved
Ballot item would protect Bristol Bay salmon
NOAA closes cod, yellowtail fishing areas
Pacific panel halves young bluefin harvest
National Fisherman Live: 8/26/14
In this episode, National Fisherman Publisher Jerry Fraser talks about his early days dragging for redfish on the Vandal.
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene its Red Snapper Advisory Panel Wednesday, July 30, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the council office — 2203 N. Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, in Tampa, Fla.


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Seputar Cendet/Pentet/Toet
Tips & sharing cara perawatan Cendet yang Prestasi.
Red Top Mohon masukannya...
1 September 2014, 10:15 AM
Beberapa koleksi Cendet KMers
cendet ndeso
13 July 2014, 10:52 AM
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subset: commoncrawl


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Latest MLB
Oct 1, 2014 4:52 PM
Let's have a look at the rosters and lineups for Wednesday night's NL wild card game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Oct 1, 2014 4:22 PM
The Cardinals will go with Shelby Miller in a potential Game 4 against the Dodgers.
Oct 1, 2014 3:56 PM
Joe McEwing has ties to Tony La Russa, which can't hurt in his bid to become the new Arizona Diamondbacks skipper.
Oct 1, 2014 12:58 PM
The Diamondbacks have a list of six candidates to become the team's next manager. A former Dodgers and Pirates skipper heads the list.
Oct 1, 2014 11:35 AM
Concerned about the pace of baseball games? Changes may be in the works.
Oct 1, 2014 11:05 AM
In the AL Wild Card Game, the Royals and A's (mostly the Royals) bunted with impunity. Which of those bunts were justified?
Oct 1, 2014 10:37 AM
After the A's loss to the Royals in the AL Wild Card Game, veteran slugger Adam Dunn says his plans haven't changed.
Oct 1, 2014 2:56 AM
Here's the final blow of the epic AL Wild Card Game between the Royals and Athletics.
Oct 1, 2014 2:53 AM
Tuesday's MLB recap -- news, transactions, rumors and injury updates -- can be found within.
Oct 1, 2014 2:25 AM
The Royals are going to the ALDS because they ran all over the Athletics in the AL wild-card game on Tuesday.
Oct 1, 2014 2:11 AM
The Royals are going to the ALDS after winning a back and forth AL wild-card game on Tuesday.
Oct 1, 2014 2:07 AM
Kansas City overcame a lot to beat the A's in a wild wild-card showdown.
Oct 1, 2014 1:57 AM
Oakland's 2014 season is done. Let us now lay them to rest.
Sep 30, 2014 11:26 PM
Brandon Moss, you might say, is having a big night in the AL Wild Card Game.
Sep 30, 2014 9:57 PM
The Royals scored a run in the first inning of the AL wild-card game, but it could have been more if not for Billy Butler's base-running blunder.
Top MLB Headlines
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September 30, 2014
A-Rod not guaranteed to start in 2015 (3:15)
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Search the Arts Collection
The Southampton City Art Gallery has a Permanent Collection of over 3,500 works of international reputation. The Collection, which spans six centuries from the Renaissance to the present day, has been 'Designated' by the Government as having special national significance.
The Art Collection Database is a complete catalogue of all these works, which offers a wealth of information suitable for both general interest and research. It is hoped that the Database will raise awareness to the Collection and give access to this remarkable holding of fine art, sculpture, ceramics, video installations and wall drawings to as many people as possible.
The Art Collection Database was created through funding from the Designated Challenge Fund, administered by Resource, the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries.
BBC's Your Paintings
You can now search art collections from thousands of museums and other public institutions across the country on the BBC's Your Paintings pages. Your Paintings is a joint initiative between the BBC, the Public Catalogue Foundation and participating collections and museums from across the UK.
Tips for a successful search:
It is possible to search the Database by using either the artist name, title of work, or accession number.
- In the 'Simple Search' option, you do not have to enter criteria on every field. It is possible to use a keyword to search for a title of an artwork, or just a few letters of an artist's name.
- If you are unsure of the correct spelling of an artist's name, it will be best for you to use the 'Search by Artist' option.
- If you encounter technical problems when using the search, please report this to us by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com


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The Partners Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Program requires participating trainees, fellows, and career development awardees to attend four hospital-based lectures or discussion sessions within 12-months of attending the PHS-specific RCR introductory session.
See below for lectures and discussion sessions offered by the BWH and the MGH that will satisfy the lecture/discussions requirement. Updates will be posted on the RCR site on the 15th of each month.
Trainees/fellows/career awardees are encouraged to check this site periodically to identify new course offerings. Registration is through the hospital offering the course not the Partners RCR program.
All trainees/fellows/career awardees must provide documentation attesting to completion of the four courses within a 12-month period. An RCR Attestation Form is provided to meet this requirement.
Please send any questions about whether a course is RCR-eligible to the RCR mailbox at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Credits & Info
- Uploaded
- Jul 26, 2009 | 12:25 AM EDT
Related Stuff
If you liked this, check these out!
Author Comments
This is my 2nd td game and i think it came out pretty well. I hope you like it and please dont rate to harshly. P.S this is version 1.1
Rated 1 / 5 stars July 26, 2009
I noticed some things
as previously stated, when you upgrade weapons they fire slower, which is upsetting,
and I noticed after so long
instead of money per enemy killed INCREASING
it just goes to 1
so every time I kill something, no matter how much health, it gives me 1 gold.
this game needs a LOT of work
maybe put in more upgrades
Rated 2.5 / 5 stars July 26, 2009
I love tower defense games. This one is pretty run of the mill. Four guns and basic upgrades and that's about it. Some may like the music, i found it to be horrifically grating and the lack of a mute is REALLY annoying. Overall, you're off to a good start, it just needs something creative to set itself apart.
Rated 1.5 / 5 stars July 26, 2009
y do the enemies give you so little money
and why do my towers shoot slower when i upgrade them??
you need to do a lot of fixing before this games earns a 3
Rated 2.5 / 5 stars July 26, 2009
Time Murder
Lacks a fast foward opption. Great 80 disco beat.. Get it with some mo unlockabells "Hadda Dadda"
Rated 3.5 / 5 stars July 26, 2009
Nice Start
I like where this is going, but it could use more sound. You could also include some more turrets possibly? Ground units other than tanks would also be a nice change. Different levels may be asking too much, but it's just constructive thinking. I love the game though, kept me busy for a VERY long time. Great work, keep it up!


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The deadline to register for the Spring 2014 100 Mile Challenge is Feb. 14 by 5 p.m.
The 100 Mile Club is a free personal-fitness program designed to help keep you active and motivated. Every exercise and activity you participate in is worth mileage, and the goal is to reach 100 miles before December. After you complete 100 miles, you can select a prize between a 100 Mile Club towel, t-shirt, or water bottle.
Stop by the Wellness Center, located in Academic Center, Room 306, to register. Once registered, you will weigh in and receive your Weekly Mileage Sheet. Each week you will submit this form (that lists your exercise activity for that time period) to the Wellness Center, and you will receive a new sheet.
For more information about 100 Mile Club, please contact the Wellness Center.
Download the Weekly Milage Log Sheet.


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News from WTOP
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- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
- AFCEA Answers
- Ask the CIO
- Building the Hybrid Cloud
- CDWG/NetApp
- Connected Government: How to Build and Procure Network Services for the Future
- Continuing Diagnostics and Mitigation: Discussion of Progress and Next Steps
- Federal Executive Forum
- Federal Tech Talk
- The Future of Government Data Centers
- The Future of IT: How CIOs Can Enable the Service-Oriented Enterprise
- Government Perspectives on Mobility and the Cloud
- The Intersection: Where Technology Meets Transformation
- Maximizing ROI Through Data Center Consolidation
- Mitigating Insider Threats in Virtual & Cloud Environments
- Modern Mission Critical Series
- Moving to the Cloud. What's the best approach for me
- Navigating Tough Choices in Government Cloud Computing
- The New Generation of Database
- Reimagining the Next Generation of Government
- Satellite Communications: Acquiring SATCOM in Tight Times
- Targeting Advanced Threats: Proven Methods from Detection through Remediation
- Transformative Technology: Desktop Virtualization in Government
- The Truth About IT Opex and Software Defined Networking
- Value of Health IT
- Air Traffic Management Transformation Report
- Cloud First Report
- General Dynamics IT Enterprise Center
- Gov Cloud Minute
- Government in Technology Series
- Homeland Security Cybersecurity Market Report
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- Technology Insights
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- The Next Generation Cyber Security Experts
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More, More, More
Monday - 3/16/2009, 11:00am EDT
The FY 2009 budget has passed and some agencies are seeing an increase in money.
The Washington Post reports that the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration are going to get a lot more funding when compared to FY 2008.
Mass transit, public housing and the supplemental nutrition program known as WIC are also going to get more federal funds.


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The grad cap decoration is an attractive addition to your high school graduation party. Show your graduation pride with a graduation decoration that will welcome your guest's to the graduation party.
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Luxury Sea View Villas
These high-end villas are perfectly positioned on a private hillside of North Patong in Phuket; giving breath-taking views of Patong bay and the ocean beyond. Each villa has a magnificent views of Phuket's tropical sunsets, casting a fiery glow across the Andaman Sea every evening.
Inside the home itself all bedrooms have full en-suite facilities making it the perfect holiday hideaway for sharing families or couples, looking to share accommodation expenses without sacrificing privacy. It is also perfect for families with teenage children.
The villa's occupants enjoy this privacy by the clever layout and design with the lower level of the home housing two master suites with en-suite bathroom. The en-suites are spacious having toilets separated from the shower/bath areas and have whirlpool baths positioned to capture the views. The second master suite also enjoys a private terrace.
View full map
Property Details
- Bedrooms2 - 4
- Bathrooms2 - 4
- ViewSea View
- TypeVilla
- Parking2 cars
- Swimming PoolPrivate
- Building Area294 - 398 sqm
- FeaturesFully-furnished, Luxury Property, Outdoor Jacuzzi
- Community FeaturesShared Swimming Pool
Interested in this property?
- Office:
- +66 (0)76 325 915
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- Email:
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COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -49 straight hours of below zero temperatures for Branch County finally ended at around 10:15 this morning when the thermometer at the airport on Coldwater's west side showed zero and around a half an hour later, it was 3 degrees and by noon, we returned to double digits for a change, a 25-degree improvement from today's official low reading of 13 below zero. Thankfully, wind chill values were not a problem with calm conditions contrary to Monday and Tuesday when it felt like it was 35 below to 40 below zero. Icy roads have been the issue since yesterday after the accumulated snow had been scraped away, the left over snowpack became polished by travel, leaving drivers to negotiate very icy surfaces. That's part of the equation that prompted Branch County school officials yesterday afternoon to decide that classes should be cancelled for today, making it 3 straight days with no school. School days 2014 could become a reality in the county tomorrow ending an extended Christmas break period that started back on December 20th.
Governor Rick Snyder has signed a new school closing law. The measure will allow districts to extend days instead of extending the school year if they exceed the allotted number of cancellation days. Districts can cancel up to six school days a year and the new law allows administrators to lengthen existing days rather than schedule makeup days. Michigan law requires districts to provide 170 days and approximately eleven-hundred hours to qualify for funding.


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£2.3m Bus Station Overspend
September 19th, 2011
Medway Labour stood up for Medway taxpayers and bus users on Thursday 15th September, at an Emergency Council meeting scheduled after it was revealed that the cost of the Chatham Bus station had ballooned from £5m to £7.3m.
At the special meeting, Medway Tories forced through an agreement that hundreds of thousands of extra pounds would be wired directly to Arriva, part of the German-based mega-transport group Deutsche Bahn.
Medway taxpayers have now been left with hundreds of thousands of pounds going to a German based multi-national – but they are not allowed to know about it!
The meeting was also held in private session, although members of the Labour Group voted that the public interest outweighed the commercial sensitivity. Unfortunately this was outvoted by the Tories.
Cllr Paul Godwin, Leader of the Labour Group said,
"The Tories once again have left the people of Medway with a democratic deficit. There is a history of issues of this nature being debated in public, with only the finite financial detail being commercially sensitive. The Tory administration have hidden behind the law to hide their shame in letting down the people of Medway on the issue of the Bus Station"
The Medway Labour Group moved an amendment which allowed a level playing field for all operators here in Medway, which would have also encouraged other potential bus operators to come and run services here across Medway.
Cllr Glyn Griffiths, Labour Spokesperson for Regeneration,
"The Labour Group moved an amendment which would have encouraged greater competition here in Medway, with the likelihood of reduction in residents' bus fares – which currently are amongst the most expensive in the Country.
It shows the Medway Tories are anti-competition, are happy to give hundreds of thousands of pounds to a multi-national based in Germany, rather than encourage better public transport services here in Medway"
Cllr Vince Maple, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group said,
"The special council meeting, held in private so the public can't hold the Tory council to account, is the latest chapter in this failed project.
The bus station was built without adequate public consultation on the location; the council leader was repeatedly unable to confirm funding was secured; it is half a year late, half a million pounds over budget and now at risk of legal challenge due to the Medway Tories anti-competition approach which could end up costing taxpayers more of their money"


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Chapter 2
"What took you so long?"
"I saw that werewolf we almost hit."
"What werewolf?" Mom asks, looking confused.
"We were driving home and a werewolf ran across the road in front of us."
"Who was it?"
"I don't know. He smells familiar, but I don't recognize him from the pack."
"I think Nessie has head trauma." Emmett comments.
"No. I don't. I saw him."
"Near that old bear den."
"I've heard some howls over there a couple nights ago, but it was only Jake wishing you sweet dreams."
"How romantic!" Alice exclaims.
"Ewww." Rosalie replies.
"How is that 'eww'?"
"He's a dog!"
"He's still romantic."
Rosalie shakes her head. "He's hopeless."
Alice and I roll our eyes.
"Nevermind, it doesn't matter." I say.
"Speaking of Jake, wasn't he supposed to call you?"
"Why don't you call him?"
"Ok, Alice."
I head over to the phone, excited to talk to him. I dial the number. After the first ring,
"Hi. I missed you. How did patrol go?"
"Um, pretty good. I missed you too."
"Do you want to come over, or do you want me to come over there?"
"No! I um, I-I'm coming down with something. It's highly contagious. I can't have any visitors over."
"Oh. Ok."
"Bye Nessie." He replies in a very low whisper.
"B..." Is all I get out before he hangs up. "ye Jake."
"What's wrong?"
"Jake's sick."
"Why don't you go over there and nurse him back to health? Last time when Billy and Jake started avoiding me, it was because Jake had just started turning into a werewolf."
"Should I take some soup just in case he is feeling down?"
"I don't see any harm."
"Ok." I run into the kitchen and grab a couple cans of soup, then dash off to my mustang, since my Porsche was totaled. I put the cans in the cup holders, start the engine, and head off toward Jake's. As I near the intersection where I crashed, I hear a familiar engine. Where have I heard it before? That's it! That's the car I crashed into. I don't see it. Now I don't even hear it. Maybe I'll see it another time.
"I'm so excited to see Jake. Their car is gone again. Billy needs to cut back on the 'Vitamin R'. That's the second time in two days." I park my car next to Billy's spot and go inside.
"Jake? I thought he was sick. It looks as if he hasn't been here all day."
RING!! I race to the phone.
"Hi. This is Seth Cleawater. Is Jake there?"
"Hey Seth. This is Nessie. Jake's not here. He told me was sick so I decided to come see him."
"Oh yeah, he is sick. I forgot that he um, is staying at Sam's."
"I wonder why he didn't tell me that."
"Sam took him there as soon as their time was over."
"Oh. Thanks Seth."
"No problem Nessie."
"See ya."
"Bye Nessie."
I hang up and dial Sam's number. After three rings,
"Hello?" Emily's beautiful voice practically sings.
"Hi Emily. It's Nessie."
"Nessie! It's so good to hear from you. How's your mom doing?"
"Mom's doing great. Seth told me that Jake was at your house."
"He stopped by for lunch. But, that was all."
"Oh. I guess Seth was misinformed. Thanks Emily."
"You're welcome Nessie. It's good to hear from you."
"You too. Bye."
"Good-bye Nessie."
That's odd. Of course Seth is probably worried about the bad vampire. I guess I'll go to town and drive around to see if I can find Jake or Billy.
"I'll start over by La Push beach, since that's close to where the pack meets." I say, turning my car in the opposite direction of home. As I pull into the parking lot, it starts sprinkling. Crap. I forgot to bring a heavier coat. All I brought was my hoodie. Oh well. I'll only be out for about five minutes. I get out and head toward the beach. What's that? A footprint, wolfprint to be exact. It's fairly new. One of the pack members had just been there. It's headed toward the woods. Maybe I can ask them about the vampire and what's up with Jake, I think to myself, heading into the forest.
"Quil? Embry? Seth? Paul? Sam? Anybody?"
There's that familiar scent again.
"Maybe if I follow the scent I can find the pack." I head in the direction of the scent. I stop and smell the air. They are much closer now. I come around a bush, and there, in front of me is a wolf much bigger than Sam and Jake combined. This is the wolf we almost hit, the one I heard in the woods, the one I saw near the bear den, near my family's home.
Suddenly, he tenses. A low, deep growl rumbles through him. I hear a wolf howl. Jake! I think to myself, a grin spreading over my face. But, wait! That's their attack call. They wouldn't attack one of their kind. Unless he's not part of the pack. I hear the pack racing off in the other direction. The strange wolf turns his attention back to me. He has a very hungry look in his eyes. He slowly starts toward me. That's when I knew I was in trouble.
Suddenly, Jake breaks through the brush, followed by Sam and Paul. Jake is the first to spot me. He quickly rushes over to me while Sam and Paul distract the large wolf. I put my hand on Jake's head. His questions come rushing into my mind.
'What are you doing here?'
"I came looking for you, Mr. My-ass-is-supposed-to-be-in-bed-cause-I'm-sick."
'You need to go home.'
'Renesemee Carlie Cullen!'
"Why haven't you been telling me the truth?"
'Because a new wolf migrated here. He's dangerous. And we want as little trouble as possible.'
"I want to help."
'I said 'with as little trouble as possible'.'
'Nessie please.'
"Fine. I'll be waiting for you at your house." I tell him, kissing his nose.
'I love you'
"Love you too, Jake."
I take one last look at the wolf. Then slowly headed back toward my car. I get in and sit there and listen to see if they need my help. Just when I think they have it under control, I hear a terrifying sound. Jake is the first thing that pops into my head. I jump out of my car just as the growling grows louder. I race into the forest. Suddenly the forest goes quiet.
"Jake? Sam? Paul?" I get to the spot where Jake is lying in pain. I drop to my knees next to him. His eyes are closed. His breath is coming in ragged gasps. I have to get help. A breeze starts up. I smell blood. I look at my hands. They are covered in Jake's blood. I start feeling lightheaded and dizzy. I have to get away from here. But I don't want to leave Jake.
Suddenly, I lunge. I get ready to sink my teeth into his neck, when something crashes into me. I fly sideways into a tree. I look toward Jake and see Sam and Paul defensively crouched around Jake. I take one step forward. Sam and Paul tense.
"Sam. Paul." I say in a calm voice. "Please let me help." I take another cautious step. Paul lunges forward. He stops a foot away from me, then backs toward Sam and Jake. "Paul. I'm fine." I take another step forward. This time Sam charges at me. I am about to dodge out of the way when he rams me into a tree. He's about to ram me into the tree again when I charge him. I send him skidding into a boulder, that explodes into pebbles. Before he can scramble to his feet, I pin him to the ground.
"SAM!" I scream at him. When his eyes meet mine, I see that he knows I snapped out of it. I let him up. I put my hand on his head.
'I'm sorry, Nessie.'
"It's ok Sam."
'I saw that you got your hunting look in your eye. I knew you'd regret it if you got your teeth around his neck.'
"I would have had you kill me. Just the thought upsets me."
'Go fetch Carlisle. He's had years of dealing with blood.'
"Ok." I race toward my car. But then decide to run to Carlisle's instead; it's faster. I get there in record time.
"Nessie, what is it?"
"It's Jake."
"In the woods, next to La Push beach."
"Come on. Let's go." Carlisle tells me, grabbing his medical bag. We rush out to his car and speed off to La Push beach. I hop out of the car before Carlisle can bring the car to a complete halt.
"This way." I shout to Carlisle as we race into the woods. We burst through some brush just as the new wolf flees the scene.
"Paul! What happened? Where's Sam?" I ask, putting my hand on his head.
'That new wolf came and jumped on Sam. The wolf raced off into the forest. Sam chased him to make sure he wouldn't double back. I heard them fighting, then nothing.'
"Sam hasn't returned." I say.
'When the wolf came back, he started toward me and Jake. He heard you guys coming and dashed off into the forest.'
"Come on. We gotta find Sam."
'But we don't know how far he might've chased the wolf. He could've ran North, South, East, or West.'
Suddenly, I freeze. "I smell blood."
'Sam.' We dash off into the forest. I hear a low whimper. "Hang a left." We break through some thick overgrowth and find Sam laying in a big puddle of blood. My stomach growls loudly. Paul whips around. He puts his paw on my stomach to stop me from attacking Sam.
'Nessie, are you ok?'
"I'll get Carlisle." I shout as I race toward the beach. "Carlisle! Sam needs you."
"Ok. Stay here and keep Jake comfy." He races off into the forest.
"Mmm. Hey."
"Hi Jake." I say, sitting down next to him, cradling his head on my lap. "What happened when I went to my car to leave?"
Jake frowns, "We tried to herd him south, toward Toleak Point."
"Then he whipped around and ripped my shoulder apart."
I wince, just imagining how painful that must have been.
"Carlisle says I lost about five gallons of blood."
"Geez." I say, bending down to kiss nis neck, then I slowly make my way up to his silky, soft lips.
"Hey Nessie! Whoa! Sorry, I didn't mean to walk in on your reunion, but we need you."
"Ok. Stay there and don't move Jake." I warn him. Paul and I head off into the forest.
"Ness, I need you to help us get Sam up." Carlisle tells me. "He's having trouble getting his feet under him."
"He must have lost a lot of blood if he can't get up without help."
"Carlisle? Where did all the clothes come from? Jake, Sam, and Paul are fully clothed."
"I brought extra clothes. These guys are used to walking around naked around each other. I didn't want you having so see that."
"Thanks," I tell him, chuckling.
"Nessie, you grab his left arm. Paul, you grab the right. Now lift him up nice and easy."
"Geez. He's heavy." Paul remarks.
"Oh brother." I roll my eyes.
"Lift him. Nice and easy." Carlisle orders. "Hold him. I'll get his feet set up under him."
"How much blood did he lose?"
"It's hard to say Nessie. I estimate that he lost about five gallons, like Jake."
"That's a lot of blood."
"Yes it is, Paul. See if he can stand on his own."
"Whoa! He's as clumsy as Bella was when she was human."
"Yeah. You two are gonna have to help him to where Jake is."
"Ok." We make our way into the clearing where Jake is laying, looking at us, worriedly.
"What's wrong with Sam?" Jake asks, as we set him next to Jake.
"He lost a lot of blood. He may need to rest for a day or two."
"Ok. What about me?"
"You should take a couple days off too."
"But what about the other wolf?"
"The pack can manage by themselves. If not, one of us 'bloodsuckers' can help." Carlisle tells him, a smile playing on his lips.
"Thanks but no thanks. We can handle the wolf." Paul remarks.
"Can I help?"
"No!" Jake replies, a little too fast.
"Because...I-I don't want you to get hurt."
"I won't get hurt."
"Nessie, please." He said, half begging.
"Nessie!" He snapped.
"Thank you." He said, kissing my cheek.
"Let's get you two in my car."
Several minutes later, we arrive at Carlisle's beautiful home.
"Jake! Are you alright?"
"Hey Bella. I'm fine, just a bit sore."
"I thought I smelled a dog." Rosalie commented.
"Nice to see you too, bloodsucker." Jake answered.
I helped Jake get settled on the couch. Before I could get him something to drink, he grabbed my hand and pulled me down next to him.
"Where's Sam and Paul?" Mom asks.
"We dropped them off at Emily's place. She was so relieved that Sam wasn't too bad."
"What was wrong with him?"
"Both his shoulders were dislocated. His neck, back, left shoulder, and right thigh were split open. His pelvis, femur, five ribs, and right forearm were fractured."
"I thought his cheek was split open."
"Oh yeah, it was. Thanks for reminding me Nessie."
"You're welcome."
"What's wrong with you, Jake?"
"I broke seven ribs, my femur, tubular, three fingers, right forearm, left elbow, cracked my pelvis, nose, and spine. Carlisle said I almost punctured a lung. And I was half a centimeter from puncturing my main artery."
"Wow. You got lucky."
"Lucky's my middle name."
"Oh brother." Rosalie remarked, rolling her eyes.
"You're just jealous." I say, smirking.
"Why would I be jealous of a dog?"
"He has a pretty good sense of humor for a dog."
"So does my monkey man."
"Aww. Schucks." Emmett jokes.
We all crack up. Breaking the tension. I glance around the living room.
"Where's Alice, Jasper, Esme, and Dad?"
"Alice and Japser went hunting. Esme and Edward went to check out the new wolf."
"You need to go and get Esme and Edward."
"Why Jacob?"
"I-I don't want them to get hurt."
"I thought you didn't worry about us." Rosalie stated.
"I said I didn't want them to get hurt."
Rosalie glares at Jake, turns on her heel, and stalks off to the kitchen.
"Is she ok?"
"I don't know Nessie, I don't know."
"Um, Nessie?"
"Yeah Carlisle?"
"Do you mind if your mother and I go hunting?"
"No. I'll stay here and keep Jake company."
"Do you want us to bring anything back?"
"No, thanks. I'm not hungry."
"Ok. See you later."
"Bye." And they were gone.
"Are you hungry?"
"Can I get you anything?"
"No. Let's watch a movie."
"What do you want to watch?"
"It's up to you."
"How about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Sounds good to me."
I put the DVD in. I turn around and sit back down on the couch. Jacobs grabs me hand and gives it a light squeeze. I cuddle down into his side and watch the movie. Jake soon starts stroking my cheek. I take his hand and kiss his palm. He takes my face in his hands, just as he leaned in for a kiss,
"Hello? Anybody home?"
"Alice!" I exclaim, jumping up to give her a hug.
"Hi." She says, kissing my cheek."Hi Jake."
"Hey Nessie."
"Hi Jasper." I run and give him a hug.
"Jake." Jasper nods.
"Did you guys have fun hunting?"
"Yes. Jasper got a buck. I got a doe."
"She didn't have a baby did she?"
"That's good."
"I made sure."
I smile at her.
"So, did you two behave?"
"Yes. We started watching Romeo and Juliet."
"Isn't that Bella's favorite movie?"
"Yep. She and Dad watched it together. They both like it."
"Where's Carlisle and Bella?"
"They went hunting."
"What about Rosalie and Emmett?"
"Rosalie went into the kitchen, followed by Emmett. They might've went hunting."
"Oh." She suddenly freezes. After a few minutes, she snaps out of it.
"What is it Alice?"
"I saw your Dad and Esme, and the new wolf."
Chapter 3
"What's wrong?"
"I only saw them staring each other down."
"That's it?"
"Where were they?" Jasper inquired.
"I'm not sure. But it looked like they were near Cape Johnson."
"Cape Johnson?" I asked, confused.
"It's northwest of here."
Should we go?" Jasper asked.
"Yes. Nessie, you stay here and keep Jake company."
"No!" Jake shouted. "You can't go."
"Why not?"
"They can handle the wolf themselves."
"We'd be there for back up."
"You guys go ahead. I'll stay with Jake."
"Jake." I wraned "Go ahead, we'll be fine."
"Ok. See you two later." Then, they're gone.
"They can't go."
"We can handle the wolf ourselves."
"Please let us help."
"We can handle him." Jake remarks, trying to get up.
"What are you doing?"
"I've gotta help."
"No. Carlisle told you to rest."
"I don't care. I've got to help."
He struggles to his feet. "I have to help."
"You have to rest!"
"I'm helping. Rest or no rest."
"No!" I scream. My eyes start tearing up. "I care about you. I don't want you to get hurt." I sit down on the couch and cry. Jake sighs and comes and sits down next to me.
"Nessie." He whispers. "Nessie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
I ignore him.
"Nessie. Please talk to me."
Jake puts his arms around me. I try to push him away. He holds me tighter. We sit like that for a few minutes.
"Nessie, I'm sorry I snapped at you. You know I love you."
"Yes. And I love you."
"Very true. If you truly loved me, you would accept my purposal."
My eyes widen. My mouth drops open.
"What?" I turn to face him.
"Renesemee Carlie Cullen, will you marry me?"
"Yes." I laugh and hug him. I kiss him again and again.
"You make me so happy."
"So do you." I say, leaning down to kiss him again.
"You're gonna have to break it to your parents."
"I can live with that. Breaking it to Alice is what worries me."
Jake chuckles, "I'll keep you safe."
"You couldn't keep yourself safe from the other wolf. How are you going to keep me safe?"
"That was a surprise attack. Caught me off guard."
"Sure." I tease, rolling my eyes.
"It was."
"Hmm, is that so?"
"Yes, that's so."
"That's nice." I tell him, kissing his cheek, forehead, lips. "Are you hungry?"
"A little."
"What are you hungry for?"
"Your juicy kisses." He smiles at me.
"Tsk tsk." I remark, leaning down for another kiss.
"When do you want the wedding?"
"Um, when do you want it?"
"I don't mind when, just as long as I marry you."
"Aww, you're so sweet. Should we let Alice decide when?"
"Let's think it over for a while. Then, if we can't think of a date, we'll let Alice decide."
"Sounds like a plan."
We cuddle up on the couch. I snuggle down into his side. Jake kisses my forehead. I kiss his cheek.
"How about June 22nd?"
"That would be good. We could have it in here. Just like Mom's." I smile.
"That'd be nice."
I sigh, "What do you want to do?"
"I'm happy just laying here."
"Are you hungry?"
"A little."
"What do you want?"
"I'm not sure."
"How about tacos?"
"Sounds good." I get up off the couch and go to the kitchen. I put the meat in the pan on the stove. The phone rings.
"Nessie! We're coming home soon."
"What happened?"
"The wolf attacked Seth and Paul."
"Oh man. Jake is going to be so upset."
"We're bringing them over so Carlisle can work on them."
Alice hangs up. I put the phone down. The meat is done cooking. I make up two tacos and head out into the livingroom.
"Who was that?"
"What'd she want?"
"They'll be home soon."
"Did something happen?"
My gaze drops to the floor. I nod.
"The wolf attacked Paul and Seth."
"What?!? How could that happen?"
"I don't know. He's getting really dangerous."
"Yeah, I know." Jake shakes his head. "Dammit."
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry? You didn't attack them."
"I know." I hug him. I kiss his neck. Anything to cheer him up. He has a sweet musky smell. We sit like that for a moment before we pull away.
"Mmm. Those tacos smell good." Jake remarks, changing the subject.
"Hope you like them."
"I know I will. Your cooking skills is the only good thing you got from Edward." Jake teases, "You got Bella's pretty face."
I chuckle, "Thanks."
"When are you going to tell Charlie and Renee?"
"Same time you tell Billy." I pause, "Speaking of Billy, won't he be worried about where you've been?"
"Um...no. He's-he's visiting my aunt. Who lives in Nevada."
"Why didn't you go visit her?"
"I wanted to stay here with you."
"Won't your aunt be upset that you didn't go see her?"
"I explained why I couldn't come."
"You've been planning this all along?"
Jake nods and grins. I teasingly roll me eyes.
"Well, what do you want to do?"
I shrug, "Your choice."
"How about a movie?"
"What one do you want to watch?"
Jake smiles.
He nods.
"Oh, alright." I get up and put Romeo and Juliet in. I press play and sit back down on the couch. We sit staring at the screen while the previews play. Then the movie starts. I cuddle down into his side. He brushes a lock of my hair out of my eyes and tucks it behind my ear.
"This way, nice and easy."
My eyes pop open, "Alice?"
They come through the door carrying Seth and Paul. I sit up. I can hear Jake and Carlisle discussing the injuries in the kitchen. Emmett and Rosalie set Seth on the couch across from me. Mom and Dad are bringing Paul over to the couch. I jump up to make more room. They set him down. Jake and Carlisle enter the room. Alice and Esme come in from outside. Carlisle cleans and dresses Seth's and Paul's wounds. Everyone is silent.
"How bad is it Doc?" Seth asks.
"Your worst injury is the broken rib. You have some internal bleeding, it's a good thing I treated you on the way here or you might have bled to death. And we would've had two ravenous vampires. This time it wouldn't have been Jasper."
"Don't remind me." Bella chuckles.
"Wow. Thanks Doc." Seth says, jumping off the couch to shake Carlisle's hand, wincing.
Carlisle chuckles, "You're welcome Seth."
"What about Paul?" Seth turns to face Paul.
"I'm fine." Paul says, scowling at Seth.
"What's wrong with him?"
"Well, Jake, he broke his right arm and two fingers."
"He got off easier than me."
"They both did." Rosalie comments matter-of-factly.
Jake nods. Everyone falls silent. I walk over to where Jake is standing. He puts his arm around my waist. I bury my face in his shoulder. I can hear Carlisle getting his keys.
"Edward, come with me and help me drop these two off at Sam's house. I had Bella call Emily and ask if she would take care of them."
Edward nods and kisses Bella. Seth and Paul gingerly get up off the couches.
"You two might be a bit sore for the rest of the night."
"I ache all over."
"If you wouldn't have jumped off the couch like that, you wouldn't be this sore."
"That figures." Seth agrees, laughing.
Carlisle chuckles, "Yep."
"Are you two ready?" Paul asks, impatiently.
Edward and Carlisle nod. They slowly, well slowly for them, walk outside toward Carlisle's Mercedes.
"See ya Jake." Paul shouts back over his shoulder.
"See ya Paul."
"Bye Jake."
"Bye Seth."
We hear the car doors slam shut and the engine start. They start down the long driveway and the gentle hum of the engine fades. The phone rings but no one starts to answer it. Finally, Mom answers it.
"Hello?" She pauses.
"Yeah, just a minute. Nessie," Mom calls me, holding her hand over the speaker, "Charlie wants to speak to you."
"Thanks." I reply, taking the phone from her outstretched hand. She turns and walks out into the livingroom.
"Hey kiddo." Grandpa Charlie's voice is like a warm embrace.
"How are you doing since the crash?"
"I'm doing good. Did you find any cars that match my description?"
"A few. We've halted investigation on your case since we don't have anymore new leads. But, we're keeping our eyes open."
"I have to go now. Let me know if you have anything new to report."
"I will."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
He hangs up. I put the phone down and turn and walk out into the livingroom.
"What'd he want?" Mom asks, coming over to me.
"He told me that they're halting investigation on the case since they don't have any new leads."
We fall silent. Suddenly, a car engine is heard in the distance. It's getting closer. We hear it pull up next to the house, the engine shuts down, car doors slam shut. Seconds later, Carlisle and Edward walk into the room.
"What's wrong?" Edward asks, rushing over to Bella.
"Nothing's wrong, honey. Charlie called to say they're halting investigation on the case since there're no new leads."
'I wonder if I should tell them.' I look over at Jake sitting on the couch. Jake nods. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves, turns towards my family, and am about to speak when Alice goes silent and gets a distant look in her eyes. A moment later, the distant look leaves her face.
"CAN I?!? Please please please please please?"
"Can she what?" Dad asks, looking confused. He glances at Jake. His eyes widen. "Oh boy."
"What?" Mom asks, getting aggravated.
Dad sighs, "Might as well tell her since you were already planning to."
"What?!?" Mom shrieks.
Jake gets up and stands next to me.
"Jake and I are getting married."
"You're marrying a dog?" Rosalie inquires, disgusted.
"It's true." Rosalie shrugs.
Jake glares at her. Rosalie glares back. They crouch down and growl, body trembling growls. Jake is about to lunge when Mom steps in.
"Aww man, a great, once in a lifetime fight was just about to start." Emmett teasingly accuses.
Mom rolls her eyes, smiling. Rose and Jake straighten up, chuckling. Alice comes over to me, grabs my hand and leads me over to the couch.
"Do you have a date picked out?"
"Yes. We were thinking June 22nd."
"That'd be a good date. Where would you have it?"
Jake comes and sits next to me. "Nessie wanted to have it here."
Alice's eyes lit up. "Do you want it exactly like Bella's?"
"I want it to be similar, but if you don't have any ideas," I pause, smiling.
"I always have ideas." Alice jumps in, grinning.
"But I want to wear Mom's dress." I smile at her.
Mom comes over and hugs me, then goes back over to where Dad is standing.
"Who do you want to be invited?"
"Well, besides all of you, we wanted Emily and the pack, Charlie and Renee, Billy, of course, and...and...that's all we could think of." I blish.
Alice smiles, "That's enough if everybody you love and care about is there."
I nod.
"Well, I'll get started right away."
"Ok." I give her a hug.
She gets up, grabs Jasper's hand, and rushes up the stairs to her room. I scoot closer to Jake. Carlisle and Esme go into the kitchen, while Rosalie and Emmett go for a walk. Mom and Dad head over to the couch opposite us. Dad smiles at us and puts his arm around Mom. Jake gently takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.
"So, you finally decided to ask her." Dad remarks, clearly impressed.
"Yep." Jake nods.
"How long have you been planning this?" Mom asks.
"For about three months."
"Three months!?!"
Jake nods, grinning at me.
I smile.
"I didn't read that in your mind."
"I wrote it down on a piece of paper and made sure I didn't think about it when I was around you." Jake laughed.
"Smart." Edward agrees, chuckling.
I had not seen Dad be this nice to Jake in quite a while. Mom gets up and heads in the direction of the kitchen, but turns left towards the bathroom. We sit staring off in all directions. Jake takes my hand and starts tracing my palm. Then Alice comes rushing down the stairs.
"I just now remembered a precaution that we have to take. Nessie needs to wear contacts to darken her eyes a bit so no one will notice the strange color."
"That's what we did when Bella was a newborn."
Alice nods. "You'll need to put new contacts in every other hour. The venom in our eyes dissolves the contacts."
"Will it blur my vision?"
"No. Bella only had to change them every other hour."
Mom walks back into the room. "I heard my name. What were you telling Nessie?"
"The time when you had to wear contacts around Charlie when you were a newborn."
"Oh yeah. It felt like and itch I couldn't get rid of."
"That sounds like they were annoying."
"They were. But Charlie didn't suspect anything."
"Luckily." Dad agrees.
"Dad didn't really notice my eye color anyway."
Dad shrugs, "True."
"That would be the safest thing to do."
Dad gets up. "Nessie, aren't you hungry? You haven't eaten in two days."
I shake my head. "I'm fine."
"Bella?" Dad turns to her.
"Come to think of it, I am a little hungry."
Dad takes Mom's hand and they leave the room.
Chapter 4
Bella's POV
Edward leads me out of the room.
"How long ago did you read that in Jake's mind?"
"About a couple weeks ago."
I sniff the wind. A couple cougars are a mile and a half to the west of us. I look over at Edward. He looking at me. "Last one there is a rotten egg!" I burst into a run, allowing my instincts to take over once Edward is a safe distance away. I rush in on two full grown males sunbathing. I stop a few yards away from them. They raise their heads, I freeze. After a moment, they go back to bathing. I crouch down, ready to pounce. I take one silent step forward. A twig snaps. The cougars freeze, not moving a muscle. Suddenly, they take off. A slight breeze stirs the treetops. I catch a scent blown my way. It's familiar, but I can't put my finger on it. A head pushes through the brush to my right. The wolf holds my gaze. His eyes are so familiar...
"Bella? Bella, where are you?"
The wolf glances at me, then disappears through the brush. Moments later, Edward is at my side.
"Are you ok?"
I stand up. I hadn't realized I absentmindedly crouched down. "I'm fine. I just--just...I'm fine."
Edward keeps staring at me.
"Really." I pause. "Did you catch anything?"
Edward is about to say something, but decides not to. I stare at him a moment longer. Sensing my distrust, Edward smiles my favorite crooked smile. I keep staring at him. His smile fades as he leans in to kiss me. His lips barely touch mine. He slowly pulls away. He stares into my eyes a monet, puts his hands on my neck, and his lips meet mine. We stand there kissing. Suddenly, we hear glass shatter. In an instant we run to the house. I smell blood.
Chapter 5
Edward's POV
We rush into the house. The couches are over turned, the window shattered, the lamp is knocked over. Glass is everywhere. Jake is under the couch, not moving. Nessie is nowhere to be seen. Jake stirs. Bella rushes over to him. "Jake?"
"Mmm...Bella?" Jake's eyes flutter open.
"Yes, I'm here." Bella rubs her hand on his arm.
"Nessie. Where's Nessie?" Jake looks around, propping himself up on his forearm.
i was in lewiston all day yesterday w/ a couple friends of mine. i didn't take my story because i wanted 2 hang w/ them and it would b rude 2 ignore them. srry i didn't write more
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You forgot that Bon Bon is not Gone Gone, they brought Jer back, 'cause he sees ghosts, so she can contact him from the other side and still manage somehow to be a freaking plot device. I guess they'll never let the girl just RIP.
now whose multi-account are you? spill it
Taylor Swift's undercover account.
I don't know why he always makes me think of Taytay's song :
"I can see you years from now in a bar, talking over a football game with that same big loud opinion, but nobody's listening, washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things, drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing.
And then you have N.Dobrev who has no facial expressions and one tone of the voice - kristen Stewart tone of the voice, that is.
Dobrev was decent this season, actually, good. As average as she might be in TVD she doesn't deserve to be called Kristen Stewart, nobody does.
My life ! lol I bet she's the doppleganger of original Tatia's BFF who were enemies with Quetsiyas aka BonBon's ancestor witch 'cause of love triangle with Silas. u_u
I might get attacked for saying this, but I could care less because it needs to be said. The ONLY people who liked that finale, and still like this show are "Fangirls". Seriously, how many of these posts have been about theses poorly written teen angst romances (Delena, Stelena, Bonnie & Jeremy, Klaroline)? Honestly, if you liked that season finale then it's because you have very low expectations for quality television.
If I read one more post about the "Delena" moment I might have to punch a hole in the wall. Oh you mean that poorly acted (Ian's eyes can't stay still), and entirely predictable scene where we aren't even entirely sure if that was really Elena or Silas? The entire Damon and Elena romance has been poorly written this season because we aren't sure what Elena was really feeling due to the sire bond.
The worst part about this finale, and this show as a whole, is that it had potential but didn't realize it. Instead of the redundant teen romances why not focus on something that would have been fresh? Plec actually writes Kol into the finale, but instead of re-uniting him with Klaus she sends him on a pointless tirade against Elena and sends Klaus to see Caroline for her graduation to placate "Klaroline" fans? WTF?
Okay, sorry my rant is over now.
Omg Tatia...completely forgot about that one....lol, what if Tatia is the woman with whom Silas wanted to be way back when he broke up with Qutsiyah......oh gosh
Remeber this day people, this is season 5's BIG twist. lolololol
thought that at that instant lol So I was like,
sooo Tatia is a lesbo? xD


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UPDATE: September 18
ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- It looks like the man known as the "Duct Tape Bandit" will not be getting out of prison any time soon.
The Ashland newspaper says the Kentucky Parole Board voted to defer Kasey Kazee's parole for three years during a recent hearing.
It was Kazee's first meeting with the parole board, according to the paper.
Back in May, a judge sentenced Kazee to 10 years in prison for trying to rob Shamrock Liquors in Ashland with his head wrapped in duct tape.
The paper says Kazee is serving his sentence at a medium security prison in Burgin, Ky.
Formal sentencing was Friday morning for Boyd County robber Kasey Kazee, better known as the duct tape bandit. A judge sentenced Kazee to 10 years in prison for trying to rob Shamrock Liquors in Ashland with his head wrapped in duct tape.
WSAZ's Dave Benton talked to Kazee after his sentencing.
"Casey, anything you want to say?" asked Benton.
"I don't know man," said Kazee. "I just didn't want to say, I'm cool."
"How do you feel about being sentenced for ten years?" asked Benton.
"I guess I got to go to it, right," said Kazee.
Kazee's attorney told the judge his client had an abusive childhood and he had mental problems at the time of the robbery.
With a clear face, Kazee pleaded guilty to second degree robbery. Gone are the scars that once existed from duct tape that wrapped his face. He used it as a disguise. It all stemmed from a crime you have to see believe. This is exclusive surveillance video from the day of the robbery last August.
You can see Kazee walk into Shamrock Liquors with his shirt pulled over his head and threaten to kill the clerk telling her he had a gun. But, Kazee is the one who ended up on the short end of the stick when store manager, Bill Steele chased him out the door with a club.
But, even after getting caught tape-faced, Kazee denied the act in this now world famous tirade.
"Look at me. Do I look like a duct tape bandit? I'm not no duct tape bandit," said Kazee back in August.
"Even though it's kind of comical, Mr. Kazee is a very dangerous man. He had a previous robbery charge from 2001 and was out on parole on that when he committed this crime," said David Justice, Commonwealth Attorney.
While the robbery will go down in history, Kasey Kazee is headed to prison.
Kazee will be formally sentenced on May 23rd. Whenever he finishes serving this sentence in Kentucky, he will go to Ohio to serve the remaining three years of a sentence he was on parole for when he robbed Shamrock Liquors. That charge came in 2001 for robbery. He was also charged for attempted kidnapping in that crime, which was later dropped.
CATLETTSBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The man some have called the "Duct Tape Bandit" is pleading guilty instead of going to trial.
Police say Kasey Kazee robbed Shamrock Liquors in Ashland back in August with his head wrapped in duct tape. Kazee faced first-degree robbery and second-degree persistent felony offender charges if he had gone to trial next month.
Instead, Tuesday afternoon in Boyd County Circuit Court, Kazee pleaded guilty to 2nd degree robbery. As part of the plea deal, Kazee is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in jail. He will eligible for parole in two years.
Kazee will be formally sentenced on May 23.
After he serves his sentence in Kentucky, Kazee is expected to be transferred to an Ohio prison to serve additional time on a robbery charge in that state.
+ Click here to watch the Duct Tape Bandit music video on YouTube.
+ Click here to watch Kazee's unedited jailhouse interview on Break.com.


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Florida After School Alliance Award of Excellence
Cynthia Ford, principal of Ralph M. Williams Jr. Elementary School in Rockledge, has received the 2012 Award of Excellence in the administrator category from the Florida After School Alliance.
This award is presented annually to an administrator who has embraced and supported the after school program at his or her school.
The Florida After School Alliance accepts nominations statewide for its annual Awards of Excellence, in seven different categories: Front Line; Supervisor - Single Site; Supervisor - Multi - Site; Administrator / Central Office / Agency; Advocacy; Volunteer and Public Official.
Two individuals from Brevard Public Schools were nominated by Joanne Swinkel, SACC program development coordinator, for the FASA Awards of Excellence; Ms. Ford for the administrator category, and Teresa Rider, school age child care coordinator at Pinewood Elementary School for her role as Supervisor-Single Site.
Ms. Ford was selected as the statewide winner in the administrator category and presented with the 2012 FASA Award of Excellence at the FASA Awards Luncheon, which was held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando.
The selection of Ms. Ford for the 2012 award makes it the third consecutive year that a principal from Brevard Public Schools has won statewide recognition for his or her dedication to the School Age Child Care program at their school. Pamella O'Kell, principal of Apollo Elementary School, was the 2011 Award of Excellence recipient, and Hilah Mercer, principal of Cambridge Elementary School, was the 2010 Award of Excellence recipient.
For more information about the FASA award, contact Debi Embry at (321) 633-1000, Ext. 357.
Top advocate, cop, and attorney for victims' rights
Brevard Sheriff's Agent Cynthia Young's work with domestic violence victims earned her Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from State Attorney Norm Wolfinger during the office's annual observation of victims' rights recently.
The event featured former Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth as the guest speaker.
Following his remarks, Mr. Butterworth announced that the annual Attorney of the Year Award would hereafter be known as the Norman R. Wolfinger Attorney of the Year Award. Assistant State Attorney Bill Respess was the recipient.
Mr. Wolfinger began the annual observation of victim rights in 1986, his second year in office. He will resign the post he has held continuously for the past 28 years on Jan. 6.
During his remarks, Mr. Butterworth spoke about how Mr. Wolfinger and his fledgling staff were leaders in the quest for a constitutional amendment, guaranteeing victims' rights to be informed, to be present, and to be heard during court hearings concerning their cases or their loved ones.
Other awards and their recipients were: The Kathy L. King Victim Advocate of the Year Award went to Christina Vinson, an advocate with the Sexual Assault Victim Services unit at the SAO, and Michelle Glover, an advocate with the Titusville Police Department.
The Outstanding Service to Victims Award went to SAO receptionist Kathy Dudley and South Brevard Women's Center volunteer receptionist Diane Reid.
The Sen. Howard Futch Memorial Leadership Award went to community volunteer Delores Spearman.
Mr. Wolfinger also recognized Col. Danny McKnight (retired) with a special leadership award for his lifetime achievements and contributions on behalf of military personnel.
For more information, call (321) 617-7548 or email email@example.com.
Brevard Workforce honored with Congressional Medal
Brevard Workforce, the area authority on workforce development was recently recognized at the TechNovation Awards Banquet for excellence in supporting the growth and prosperity of technology companies.
President Lisa Rice and community resources coordinator Jan Conrad represented Brevard Workforce in accepting the Congressional Medal of Merit in Technology Cultivation.
An exclusive reception and V.I.P. awards dinner was held to kick off the exposition, hosted by Embraer, a jet aircraft manufacturer, based in Melbourne.
The dinner took place at the Hilton Rialto Melbourne. The key note address was presented by John P. Mulholland, vice president and program manager for Commercial Programs Space Exploration at Boeing.
Congressman Bill Posey and Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce President Christine Michaels presented Brevard Workforce with a Congressional Medal in recognition of its Bizlaunch program.
Following the dinner, Brevard Workforce was a marketing partner for the Second Annual Florida TechXpo event sponsored by the Melbourne Regional Chamber, which allowed companies with advanced technologies and innovations to display their products and services to other companies looking for resources and suppliers.
Brevard Workforce's Biz Launch is a networking, support and skill-building group for those contemplating the option of becoming an entrepreneur.
For complete details on all aspects of the event, visit www.floridatechxpo.com.
For more information about the Brevard Workforce BizLaunch program, visit http://brevardworkforce.com/businesses/starting-a-business/bizlaunch.
High-altitude student experiments needed
NASA is accepting applications from graduate and undergraduate university students to fly experiments to the edge of space on a scientific balloon next year.
The balloon competition is a joint project between NASA and the Louisiana Space Consortium in Baton Rouge.
NASA is targeting fall 2013 for the next flight opportunity for the High Altitude Student Platform. HASP is a balloon-borne instrument stack that provides an annual near-space flight opportunity for 12 instruments built by students.
A panel of experts from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and LaSPACE will review the applications and select the finalists for the next flight opportunity.
Flights are launched from the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility's remote site in Fort Sumner, N.M., and typically achieve 15-20 hours' duration at an altitude of about 23 miles.
The deadline for applications for the 2013 flight is Dec. 14.
A question-and-answer teleconference for interested parties will be held Nov. 16.
For application materials and details about HASP, visit http://laspace.lsu.edu/has.
For information on NASA's scientific balloon program, visit http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code820/.
For information about NASA's education programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education.
Commissioner Andy Anderson to help with 'Elves for Elders Drive'
The District 5 Commission Office is helping Aging Solutions with its annual Elves for Elders campaign this holiday season.
The "Elves for Elders Drive" benefits individuals served by Aging Solutions. All donations received will go directly to services and needs of wards in Brevard County.
Aging Solutions has a wish list for each of the 83 seniors in its care. The District 5 Office is helping distribute these wish lists through an Adopt-a-Senior program.
To participate, contact the District 5 office by calling (321) 253-6611 or stop by the offices at 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, to request the wish list of a senior. Lists are now available.
You will be given a list for a specific senior with items that he or she would like to receive for the holidays.
Items are not luxurious but meet basic needs, such as socks, pajamas, robes, sweatpants, lotions, soaps, bras and underwear.
You would then place the items in one large Christmas bag (no wrapping, no tissue paper) and bring them to the District 5 office, which will get the items to Aging Solutions.
For more information, call (321) 253-6611.
Piano professional new To Brevard County
Rudy Matas, professional pianist and piano service technician, is bringing 33 years of piano service work to Brevard County.
An introductory 20 percent off for piano tuning is being offered for a limited time.
He is also seeking other musicians to form a jazz trio performing standard musical selections.
He is located at Heritage Isles in Viera.
For more information, call (406) 890-3864 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Humane Society membership drive under way
Become a valued member of the Central Brevard Humane Society and receive additional savings, all while helping the homeless animals in the community.
You can start your membership for as little as $15 for an individual or $25 for a family membership. There are also gold, platinum and lifetime membership opportunities available. Your membership term will be good for one full year and starts the day you sign up.
Membership dues are used to care for the animals at the shelter.
Membership cards can be purchased (tax-free) at the Central Brevard Humane Society's Shelter, their "Low Cost" Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic (both located in Cocoa), and any of their four Molly Mutt Thrift Shops (located in Merritt Island, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Rockledge).
For more information, contact the Central Brevard Humane Society at (321) 636-3343 or visit www.crittersavers.com.
Hospice of St. Francis nears second decade
Hospice of St. Francis received zero deficiencies in its latest Medicare survey, marking nearly 20 years since Brevard's only independent, nonprofit hospice has received even a single deficiency from Medicare surveyors.
Medicare surveyors visited Hospice of St. Francis in mid-September. Dozens of areas are reviewed in the survey, including:
. Hospice plan of care
. Coordination of services
. Compliance with federal,
state and local laws and
regulations related to the
health and safety of
. Medical director
. Protection of
. Physician services
. Nursing services
. Counseling services
In 1990, Hospice of St. Francis was certified as a provider of services to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Hospice of St. Francis, which serves all of Brevard County, was founded in 1977 and had offices in Titusville and Melbourne.
It is Brevard's only independent, nonprofit hospice, serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients nearing end-of-life.
For more information on programs and services, visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.
Harris Foundation again supports Brevard students
Recently, the Harris Corporation, through the Community Foundation for Brevard, presented the Brevard Schools Foundation with a check for $110,000, which will be used to fund multiple programs during the 2012-13 school year.
The donation supports Harris' primary philanthropic platform, which is for quality education, specifically in the area of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - as these disciplines are extremely important to the future of high tech companies.
Harris employees have given significant time and talent to promote STEM in grades kindergarten through 12, volunteering almost 16,000 hours with the Brevard Public Schools.
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries.
Headquartered in Melbourne, the company has approximately $5.5 billion of annual revenue and about 15,000 employees, including 6,000 engineers and scientists.
Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications products, systems and services.
The Brevard Schools Foundation is a direct support 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that matches community resources with the needs of teachers and students. It is ranked fifth in the nation for support to schools.
To learn more or to become a mentor or supporter, visit www.brevardschoolsfoundation.org or call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 756.
'Overnight Adventure' at Kennedy Space Center
This winter, children can have an "out-of-this-world" campout at the Kennedy Space Center's Overnight Adventure.
Guests will come face-to-face with a real astronaut camp experience while camping beneath an actual moon rocket.
They will test their skills on a rocket scavenger hunt and see a larger-than-life IMAX film.
The program includes dinner, snack and a continental breakfast and is ideally designed for youth groups, Scout troops and school groups ages 7-14.
Operating hours for Overnight Adventure are 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following morning.
Tuition for the program is $99, plus tax, per participant and $79, plus tax, for each attending chaperone. One chaperone per five youth members is required.
For more information or to book an adventure, call (321) 455-7036 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Birding & Wildlife Festival seeking sponsors
The 16th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, set for Jan. 23-28, is seeking local sponsors, donations, new or gently used items (for silent auction) and volunteers.
The festival usually draws more than 5,000 participants in the field trips, photography field workshops and classroom presentations offered throughout the county.
For more information, call (321) 268-5224, email email@example.com or visit www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org.
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The Good Life Neighborhood
Health and Well-Being Every Day
Clear the Clutter Out of Your Life
De-Clutter Your Desk and Work Space
Whether you work from a home office or a tiny cubicle, there's no way you can be totally productive in a space that doesn't function for you. "I have never actually met anybody who is extremely successful who works in absolute chaos," says Ellis.
Sure, everyone has a junk drawer or a messy desk on occasion, but if your clutter is taking over, it's time to scale back.
When Nwogugu tackled her home office with a very organized friend, they compiled three separate stashes: what to keep, what to shred (sensitive information), and what to just throw away.
Follow a similar routine working from desk to files to shelves. Clear everything off and sort into appropriate stacks. Use file folders, three-ring notebooks, or magazine sorters to hold important papers. And immediately pitch what you don't need. Get creative with containers. Coffee mugs and decorative boxes hold everything from paper clips and tacks to business cards and pens.
Look toward vertical wall space as a new storage solution. "We tend to make piles," says Ellis. But piles are hard to address and papers within them become hidden. You can't pay a bill or return an important message if it's hidden at the bottom of a stack on your desk.
Instead, option wall space. Set bills in a hanging bin, keys on a hook, magazines in wall hangers. Now you can see and reach items easily.
Clean Out Clothing Skeletons in Your Cluttered Closet
If closets are your nemesis and yours could rival Vogue's accessory closet, you'll need to spend some time getting down and dirty. The first step to cleaning a closet is to take everything out. Then you can see what you have. Often you'll need to purchase storage boxes or organizing bins, shoe holders, or shelving. Don't forget plastic garbage bags for trash and donations. Have a few bins or boxes for items that don't really belong in the closet but will be moved elsewhere. Be realistic. Do you really need or want each item?
Ellis' mantra is, "If you haven't seen it, needed it, or worn it in one year, get rid of it."
Nwogugu's friend had three questions when they came to every piece of clothing: Does it fit? Have you worn it in the last 12 months? Is there some sentimental value strong enough to keep it? If the answers are no, toss it in one of three options -- in a bag for charity, to sell at a garage sale or on eBay, or for the trash heap.
Nwogugu went through the same procedure for her husband's clothes and shoes as well as her children's. "By the time we were done with clothing, we had over 15 hefty trash bags of stuff for Salvation Army."


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Samsung Series 7 Gamer Gets a Bright Refresh
In addition to a processor and graphics card update, the gaming rig boasts 3D support on its 17-inch SuperBright display and a glossy coat of bright yellow paint.
Top 5 Cities for Big Data Jobs
San Francisco tops the Modis list, followed by McLean, Va., Boston, St. Louis and Toronto, and the roles that companies in these cities are fighting to fill include data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence professional and data modeling/data modeler.
Laptops for Back-to-School: How to Make the Right Choice
Students have different budgets and needs. Picking the right laptop will save both money and frustration.
Zen and the Art of Laptop Maintenance
Learn how to keep your laptop looking great and working well for as long as possible, without losing your mind.
iPad Helps Push Apple to Lead Global Market With 19% Share of PC Shipments
The iPad has boosted Apple back to the top of the market, helping the company achieve an estimated 19 per cent share of worldwide PC shipments.
Google's Android 4.0 Being Ported to $25 Raspberry Pi PC
Developers are porting Google's Android 4.0 OS, code-named Ice Cream Sandwich, to the Raspberry Pi PC, which starts at US$25 and is the size of a credit card.
Fend Off the 'Blue Screen of Death' with BlueScreenView Portable
When your PC's acting up,this handy utility is a good first step on the road to recovery.
Dell's New Ubuntu Linux Laptop Is Coming This Fall
Following an overwhelming response to its developer-oriented beta program, the company will move the project 'from pilot to product' in a few months, it says.
How to Turn Your Laptop Into a Typewriter
Eliminate distractions and focus on your writing by turning your laptop into a modern-day typewriter (sort of) using Linux and Dropbox.
Back to School Sales Aren't Only for Students
Deals are already appearing, so it's not too soon to shop around for laptops, tablets, accessories and the seasonal Apple back-to-school special. Here's an overview.
allpurposelaptopNext Page


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keyword densityIn search engine optimization (SEO) keyword density is the measurement in percentage of the number of times a particular keyword or phrase appears compared to the total number of words in a page.
The future remains, well, cloudy. But either way: Amazon, look out. Microsoft is gaining fast. Read More »Hype Versus Action in the Developer's World
Often times technologies start as hype but with time become adopted. As a developer or technologist, it is worth reading the hype and knowing the... Read More »Microsoft Hyper-V Network Virtualization Q&A
The top 5 Hyper-V questions with answers provided by Nirmal Sharma, a MCSEx3, MCITP and Microsoft MVP in Directory Services. Read More »
Webopedia Polls: Is iPhone 6 or iWatch on your list? Read More »How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to a Website
This Webopedia guide will show you how to create a desktop shortcut to a website using Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer (IE). Read More »Flash Data Storage Vendor Trends
Although it is almost impossible to keep up with the pace of ongoing product releases, here are three recent highlights in the flash data storage... Read More »
Stay up to date on the latest developments in Internet terminology with a free weekly newsletter from Webopedia. Join to subscribe now.
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Product 13/42
The all NEW COVER! Magazine #4 is now available.
NEW AND IMPROVED! IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME (and Chinese).
COVER magazine is an extremely high quality serial pictorial publication showcasing the latest weapons - mostly real, some Airsoft - and tactical equipment. All images are in full color and the magazine is printed on high quality heavy paper stock. This issue (#4) focuses on custom Ferfrans weapon systems, modern US combat dive gear, and full histories and detailed reviews of Multicam camo and the new US Army issue ACU. Now instead of just gawking at awesome pictures, you can actually READ the magazine.


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Perfect for my now fishing needs. Easy to operate.
Zebco 808 Bow Fishing Spincast Reel
Item # WX2-147826
- Google+
This item cannot ship via any of our Next Day or Second Day express delivery methods.
- Details & Specs
Zebco 808 Bow Fishing Reel has the heavy - duty goods to haul in a monster.
Designed for the rugged demands of bow fishing. Includes heavy duty adjustable drag and dual ceramic pins for instant line pick up Comes pre-spooled with 80-lb. Dacron lineDetails:
- Power torque gear set with precision metal gears provides more cranking power
- All-metal drive train with ball bearing
- 2.58:1 gear ratio
- Auto Bait alert.
This one's ready for action. Now... about your aim. Order ONLINE Today!
- Reviews
Customer Reviews
Don't Forget
1,150 yards of Cajun® Optix 12-lb. Fishing LineBuyer's Club $4.49 Non-Members $4.99
650 yards of Cajun® Optix 20-lb. Fishing LineBuyer's Club $4.49 Non-Members $4.99
Cajun Line 300 yds. of 20-lb. Braid Line, Gator GreenBuyer's Club $8.99 Non-Members $9.99
You May Also Like
Daiwa® Goldcast Spincast ReelBuyer's Club $52.19 Non-Members $57.99
Zebco Omega Z03 Spincasting ReelBuyer's Club $58.49 Non-Members $64.99
Pflueger® Cetina Spincast ReelBuyer's Club $44.99 Non-Members $49.99


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Alessandro Mallamaci
Alessandro Mallamaci is a 33-year-old Italian photographer. Fuji ambassador and director of the festival of photography "La misura del paesaggio". He studied Arts, Music & Entertainment. His work has appeared on many publication and various exhibitions, He collaborated at the event MISS ITALIA and teaches courses and intensive workshops in photography and post production. Read More...
|Alessandro Mallamaci
|Molino del Piano in Florence, Italy
|Starting Rates
|Also Serving
|1 Contest Winning Photo
|Client Letters
|2 Client Letters
|Follow Me
The Wedding Photojournalist Association proudly recognizes the accomplishments and creative excellence of Alessandro Mallamaci. The following awards have been earned by Alessandro from the WPJA. These achievements come with great merit considering the high level of competition that a member faces in the contests.
|9th Place - Ceremony
The following letters are from the clients of Alessandro Mallamaci. Click an image to view a larger version.
Roberta & Giuseppe
Married June 28th, 2012
"Grazie Alessando. Ti ho scelto per diverse ragioni, innanzitutto a livello personale perché sei una persona squisita super disponibile, molto calma e mi hai trasmesso la massima tranquillità, poi sei estremamente professionale, ci hai accontentato in tutto quello che desideravamo...more "
Gianluca & Rachele
Married July 8th, 2011
"Alessandro, thanks a lot for the amazing job you've done! Looking at the pictures of our wedding is like giving life to our memories, every emotion of the day has been captured from you and the result is that you can see the joy and the party mood of our wedding from the pictures. We...more "


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Daniel Edelstyn's grandmother, Maroussia, was a dancer and violinist in czarist Russia. She was also the daughter of a wealthy distiller. She fled to Britain after the revolution.
When Edelstyn, a British writer and musician in his 30s, discovered an autobiographical manuscript of hers he resolved to explore her Ukrainian past. The distillery and a sugar factory the family owned are about two hours from Kiev. He decided to try to export vodka from his ancestral village to Britain. More than that, he'd make a documentary about the attempt.


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What I focus on is that a hand gun in elaboration is a drone. The comprehensive universities of America perform research to produce drones.
This what Dwight David Eisenhower said on January 17, 1961, in his farewell speech. Little has been said about comprehensive research universities as regards to the military-industrial complex, but you can read the speech for yourself. President Eisenhower was talking about our worldview and how it is played out.


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Midwest Musky Club's next meeting will be on August 14.
** There is NO Meeting in July **
The Club is having a Family Picnic Outing at Wampum Lake on July 27
Please call Tom Jennings or see our Facebook Page for details
Visit Midwest Musky Club on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MidwestMuskyClub
We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Village Sportsmen's Club, 5201 W 115th St. Alsip, Il. Meetings include fishing reports, raffle prizes and guest speakers. Cocktails available for purchase. Questions? E-mail club president John Sutton firstname.lastname@example.com


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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Add drug charges to the laundry list against 31-year-old Rocky Traversie after Wednesday's assaults against family and Sioux Falls police.
Officer Sam Clemens says investigators found almost 6 grams of cocaine on Traversie after fighting with three policemen. Traversie is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Clemens says no blood tests were taken after the incident so it's unknown if Traversie was abusing cocaine.
He's also charged with kidnapping and aggravated assault against law enforcement.
Traversie's mother and sister both refused an ambulance saying they'll seek treatment on their own. He's accused of hitting them with a brick, his mother in the leg and his sister in the face.


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Alex Chediak is an author, speaker, and associate professor of engineering and physics at California University, and he's been involved in campus ministries and student mentoring for many years. His 2011 Christian Booksellers Association Best Seller, Thriving at College, explores the ten most common mistakes college students make and how to avoid them in order to successfully transition from high school to college.
In this article Chediak speaks to the parents of college-bound teens and examines practical ways they can prepare their children to have a rewarding and productive college experience. Going beyond the typical advice on financial aid and college visits, he instead focuses on what parents can do to aid their child's character development, the discovery of their passions, and the recognition of their talents to help identify potential majors and career paths.
While seven out of ten high school graduates enter college, about 30 percent will never make it to their sophomore year, and about 50 percent won't have graduated even six years later. Meanwhile the average student who does make it to graduation will have racked up $23,000 in debt. Today the cost of a college education is increasing two to three times faster than the overall rate of inflation.
Besides being expensive, college is also time-consuming and life altering. Particularly for students who move away from home, college is the season of life in which they launch into adulthood—for better or for worse. How they establish relationships, manage their time, spend money, and pursue coursework (or not) will depend largely upon their worldview and character.
Their perspective on the purpose of college is also a factor. Is college just a recreational interlude between childhood and adult life, a time to maximize enjoyment and delay responsibility? Or is it a season of academic preparation and personal growth to propel a lifetime of effective service to God and neighbor—a launching pad to responsible Christian adulthood?
To be prepared for college, a student needs to fully and accurately understand what college is and what it's not. For starters, college is not an expensive four-year personal discovery vacation funded by Mom, Dad, and student loans. It is a temporary season of academic and professional training—a time to prepare for a life of useful service in a profession which either requires or benefits from college-level training.
Full-time students should also be prepared to approach college as a full-time job. The general rule is two hours of out-of-class work for every hour spent in class, which means the typical course load of 16 to 17 semester units becomes a 50-hour-per-week commitment. College-bound students need to be both motivated and disciplined in order to maintain this level of commitment. Unlike when they were in high school, nobody will check up on them to see if they're working or even attending their classes.
College admissions counselors will tell you that no amount of intelligence can make up for a lack of ambition or discipline. Schools have been known to sometimes reject applicants with high test scores who don't also have good grades. If a prospective student has a super-charged brain but very little success to show for it, this raises a red flag. There's much more to succeeding in college than just being smart.
So what are the character traits that predict success, and how can parents help cultivate these traits during their child's pre-college years? Drive, ambition, determination, and grit, if properly applied, can marvelously fuel the kind of personal discipline required for success in college. It's that fire in the belly to do something big, to be a part of something great. Christians are called to be "zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14, NKJV), and high school students should be no exception (1Tim. 4:12).
Parents can nurture drive and discipline in their children by teaching the value of diligence, hard work, and faithfulness. Help teens use their time well—to make the most of opportunities and to gracefully say no to some things so they can say yes to the best things. Don't do their homework for them. Give them enough freedom to fail every now and again—it will teach them the law of cause and effect like nothing else can.
The ability to delay gratification is another necessary fundamental, and it can be developed through activities in which students are already participating, such as school, sports, theater, or music. Parents can help kids set goals, limit the amount of time spent on Internet entertainment to ensure higher productivity, and use social media wisely and with discernment. It's important for teens to learn that recreation should empower us for our God-appointed work, not distract us from it. This is especially true as they gain greater access to social opportunities, and these will increase dramatically during college with little to no external restrictions.
The pre-college years are also a great time for teens to learn to finish what they start. Sure, there's a place for brainstorming and idea generation, but once we lay our hand to the plow, we generally shouldn't look back. Faithfulness in the little things opens doors and prepares us for future challenges. The Proverbs speak regularly of discipline and of the consequences of being undisciplined (e.g., Prov. 10:26; 20:4; 24:30–34). It's easy to get distracted when something more interesting comes along, but those who succeed in college—and in life—know that faithfulness involves finishing one thing well before going on to something else.
Lastly, parents can help teens cultivate a sense of responsibility for their lives, combined with the confidence that personal change and growth are possible. There will always be obstacles that are beyond our control, but having a victim mentality is deadly—it saps our potential to be strengthened by adversity. Equally crippling is blame-shifting: protecting our pride by holding other people or circumstances responsible for our shortcomings. When kids make mistakes (on a test, in a basketball game, and so on), they must learn not to point the finger elsewhere ("the test was unfair"; "the other players distracted me").
There are two dangers that parents can teach teens to avoid: (1) Failure to recognize and own the mistake; and (2) Going too far and concluding, "I messed up; I always will mess up." The first error denies responsibility and thereby makes improvement unnecessary: "Why do I need to make adjustments if what happened wasn't my fault?" The second renders improvement impossible. We all fall short on occasion, so learning to own the problem and having the courage to get back up are essential.
Parents can maximize college preparation by identifying and cultivating academic inclinations during the precollege years. What activities has your teen pursued without being prompted? If the answer is endless video games or movies, brainstorming can help provide a direction. Ask, "If the salary were irrelevant, what would your ideal job look like?" Would they work outside? With their hands? At a computer? With books, people, machines, or equations? In a classroom, library, theater, or laboratory?
You can also light ambition's fire by introducing them to the needs of the world and the many ways to serve God. Are there social problems that grab their attention, such as human trafficking, extreme poverty, or crisis pregnancies? Cultivating a concern for larger global issues will expand their horizons beyond the myopia of the typical high school social scene. They might even discover connections between their professional interests and real-world needs.
As teens express their interests—in writing, math, science, music—parents can look for opportunities to help them flourish in a particular area. Maybe it's a writing contest, the math team, a robotics club, an orchestra, or a school play. If possible, expose them to historical examples, particularly of Christians, who've excelled in these fields—Madeleine L'Engle the fiction author, William Wilberforce the politician and activist, Michael Faraday the scientist, and so forth. This will help them see that God can be glorified in a myriad of professions, while also motivating a kind of holy emulation. Point them to contemporary role models in your church as well. They're not too young to volunteer or shadow someone at work.
Each young person has a unique God-given set of gifts, and with diligent effort, he or she has the capacity to increase these abilities. Mere aspiration—like faith without works—is dead. Desire and ambition must be paired with persistent application in order to accomplish anything. Bill Gates put in thousands of hours programming computers before he even graduated from high school. Mozart practiced the keyboard relentlessly even as a child, composing scores of musical pieces in his teen years. Our kids, too, must consistently apply themselves—in the paths of their God-given interests and passions—in order to reach their full potential.
As your teen explores his interests, be on the lookout for objective markers of talent. In what academic subjects or extracurricular activities has he done particularly well? Do teachers, relatives, or friends ever say, "I could really see your son doing X"? If so, ask them why. Then share that feedback with your teen and see how he responds.
It's important for parents to help their child balance the subjective experience of a particular activity (the teen's enjoyment of it, her desire to do more of it, and so on) with the objective feedback of others, but particularly that of a teacher, coach, choir director, and so forth—the person whose expertise merits serious consideration. I've met students who've taken calculus and physics three times each before concluding that engineering wasn't for them. A better initial evaluation of talent and ability would have made this realization apparent much sooner.
Today's parents must also contend with the consequences of the "high self-esteem culture," in which teens may have a tendency to feel too special and lose sight of the proper objective basis for justified self-confidence—actual accomplishment. A common misperception is that high performance follows high self-esteem. In reality, high performance follows high expectations. The 2006 Brown Center Report on American Education reported that 39 percent of American eighth graders were confident of their math skills compared to only 6 percent of their Korean counterparts. But guess which group vastly outperformed the other?
So while teens should be encouraged to aim for the moon, parents must help them be realistic about their current level of ability. Imagine that your daughter really wants to sing in the school's concert choir, but she can't carry a tune. Instead of confronting the choir director after a failed audition or spending a ton of money on private voice lessons, talk with her about the pleasure of singing in the shower.
One vital note about helping your teen discover his talent: While it's important to assist your child in finding that intersection between passion and ability, desire and giftedness, it can also be risky to give a verdict on someone's potential when he's only 16 or 17 years old. And if he isn't exhibiting success in something he's passionate about, could other factors be involved—such as a lack of discipline or maturity, an uninspiring teacher, biting off more than he can chew in a semester, or a relational difficulty? These problems can be addressed and corrected. So while we should avoid rushing to conclusions, we ought to be realistic and recognize that current success is often an excellent predictor of future success.
Many parents fear their child's college transition. They wonder, Will my daughter make it? It's totally understandable—the dangers are real and multifaceted. Teens will be tested spiritually, morally, academically, financially, and relationally. The good news is God faithfully sustains his children—he longs for our holiness and progress more than we do. Thriving at college IS possible.
What I've seen during my seven years of working with college students is that those with godly character who embrace responsibility, take initiative, know their weaknesses, pursue excellence, and come in with at least some academic ability and interest do just fine in college. Yet problems arise when one or more of these traits are missing.
While pre-college preparation is crucial, even if you're a bit late to the game, the good news is that it's never too late to start. I've had the joy of seeing a student worker I once fired graduate four years later with tremendous competence and character. I've seen students change majors and take off like a rocket because they finally found their niche. I've even seen goofoff freshmen become mature, responsible seniors.
As parents, what can we do to help prepare our children to succeed in college?
1. Love them enough to set high expectations and give them a vision of Christian excellence: Living fruitfully for God's glory in the strength that he supplies (1 Pet. 4:11), and in a manner consistent with our gift set. Keep in mind that they'll live up—or down—to our expectations.
2. Find that delicate balance between protecting them from major harm, yet allowing them to stumble so they can learn from their mistakes and misjudgments.
3. Encourage them regularly but also help them accurately recognize their weaknesses.
4. Live what we preach: Pursue Christian responsibility and excellence in our own lives, apologize when we fall short, and be transparent and authentic with them.
God has great plans for our children. May their journey be a blessing to us all.