text:
Madden NFL 13 Guide
Hey Madden fans! I'm Jake Stein, Assistant Producer for Madden NFL 13. This was my first year on the team and was amazed by how much we were able to add to the game. With a brand new mode like Connected Careers, a new website, and numerous gameplay enhancements, we as a team felt it was necessary to surface the proper information needed to grasp the depth of Madden NFL 13.
So with that said, I've helped to create a detailed PDF manual for Connected Careers, as well as a guide for the Connected Careers website. I wanted to make sure everything that could potentially be confusing to the user was explained thoroughly in hopes of creating a smooth gameplay experience for you all.
Connected Careers is massive and the manual is indicative of that. With over 170-plus pages of details and custom game plans for each team, we succeeded in explaining all there is to know about this robust game mode. The Connected Careers website also required a walkthrough guide because Madden has never offered this much control away from the console.
The extended online PDF manual is a deeper take on the manual you'll find in-game. We can only squeeze so much into the in-game manual, and we really didn't want to overcomplicate things for the user when they are in-game. In other words, having an online PDF gave us a platform to take the extra step of going more in depth.
I hope you all are enjoying Madden NFL 13. We will continue to update these documents throughout the year so make sure you check back for the latest content. Thanks and we'll see you on the virtual gridiron!
Game Manuals
Manual for Madden NFL 13 on Xbox 360 (PDF)
Manual for Madden NFL 13 on PlayStation 3 (PDF)
Connected Careers Manuals
Madden NFL 13 Connected Careers (PDF)


text:
Discover Author
Philip Connors has worked as a baker, a bartender, a house painter, a janitor, and an editor at the Wall Street Journal. His essays have appeared in n+1, Harper's, the Paris Review, and the Best American Non-required Reading anthology. He lives in New Mexico with his wife and their dog.
Copyright © 2014 HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Site Powered by Supadü

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bella's happily ever after lasted two days. This is Bella's own account of what happened after Breaking Dawn, her growing understanding of her powers, her battle to remain with the man she loves, finding her place in her new family, and the ever-present threat of the Volturi.
New posting Chapter 55 - Postscript
Cold Gray Light
Please view the new trailer by Jesse Desplat it is brilliant.
Thank you so much Jesse!
This fantastic trailer was made for me by Marisa Wilson
Please view it is spine chillingly good
Thank you so much Marisia!!!
From the moment I walked through the door I could feel his eyes on me. Boring into me, owning me, watching even the minutest move I made.
I thought that I'd lose this intuition when I became a vampire. But in reality it had just got stronger along with everything else.
I thought for a moment about the one big change that my transformation had made, my thirst. Although I was still young, and the thirst for blood should be overwhelming, I had been able to handle it from the first moment I awoke in my new life. No one knew why that was. I could cope with human scents even up close, when I should have wanted to drink them dry. The scent caused me physical pain, an intense burning from my nostrils all down my throat, and feeling my throat squeezing tight with the dryness. But it was bearable. This was unusual for a new born. My kind usual manage this much control after a few years. But even with my self control the thirst was still there, the longing for something to put out the dryness.
My mind churned again. My mind could think of so many things at once. The dryness was always one of my thoughts, sometimes near the surface, then moving back into the background. I could keep all the thoughts in my mind -- juggling two, five, ten thoughts in parallel -- but never mixing them. Like watching ten TV channels at once. Another vampire trait.
Maybe I was just being paranoid. Maybe there was no one looking at me. I still hated attention just as I'd done as a human, I still shied away from it. I was just letting my imagination run away with me again. No one was looking at me. But I could hear his heartbeat six feet to my left, slightly behind where I was standing. He was sitting on a chair next to the loveseat. He was close enough to feel the warmth of his skin in the cool of the morning air. I could smell the strong scent of the skin pouch he wore round his neck. A smell that forced out every lesser smell from that part of the room, like a car headlamp blinding out a flashlight. It was not just the animal fur with its heavy notes that I could smell, but what was inside it. The herbs and berries that it contained, each type giving a new harmony to the smell. Some sharp, some sweet. Some I knew -- citrus, juniper, cinnamon -- some I had no words for.
Maybe he was just looking at Nessie like everyone else in the room. My four month old daughter was reciting a poem for her audience in her beautiful childish voice, complete with dramatic pauses and carefully characterized accents for the speeches. She was a very advanced four month old. She looked more like a small four year old, but she would have been counted as a genius in any preschool. This was because she was half vampire and half human, and of course could never be allowed in preschool. Her brown hair, with a tinge of bronze that came from Edward, fell down her back in beautiful curls. Her eyes were a warm milk chocolate color that had been mine when I was human, and were now excited by the attention she was receiving. Her complexion was pale with a healthy pink glow of excitement. We knew now that her rate of growth and progress would slow and she would be fully mature in another 6 and half years, and then live forever. We'd learned this from Nahuel only two days before. My dark worries of losing Nessie had vanished. We'd thought we would have to watch our daughter grow old and die in fifteen short years, and we would mourn her for ever.
I didn't look to check if I was right about Nahuel and his staring. I had caught his eye only once that morning, when we came in and gave the usual greeting to our family and their two remaining guests.
I still didn't understand why these guest were still here. Yes, I was grateful to them, especially him. So grateful it hurt. He had saved us all: my daughter, my husband, my vampire family, my wolf friends, and me. And he put himself and his father and his sisters in danger. How could I not be grateful to him. We all were.
I'd asked Edward twice why they had not left with the other guests after the standoff with the Volturi. The first time was after the celebrations when all the other guests had left and we had taken Nessie back to our cottage to sleep in her own bed. This was the first day that we'd met them, the first day of the stares. Edward had given his answer, saying Nahuel was so glad to know that a family like ours could exist. A family with a half vampire child, the only one Nahuel knew of that was not related to him, and a surviving mother. Nahuel's mother died in child birth and so did the mothers of his half sisters.
It is rare to find a vampire who would want a physical relationship with a human woman, even rarer to find a women who survived such an encounter. Her life could end at any moment if he did not concentrate fully on keeping her alive. And what about the outcome of such an encounter? Mortals are not compatible with half vampire babies, the babies are so much stronger than the women. I had only survived thanks to the care given to me by my vampire family and because Edward changed me into a vampire as soon as the baby was out. The memories of this violent birth were now dimming for me. The vampire venom had mended the terrible damage and left me whole, strong, and beautiful.
According to Edward, Nahuel had spent his long life, over 150 years, thinking he must be evil to the core to have killed his mother. But seeing me set him free from his guilt. He now blamed his father for not caring for his mother as Edward had for me, and for not changing her when Nahuel ripped his way out of her.
The second time I'd asked Edward why Nahuel and his aunt (a full vampire) were still with us, Edward said that they wanted to learn more about our vegetarian lifestyle. This was how we liked to describe our abnormal hunting habits in the Cullen family. Unlike other vampires we only hunted animals, not humans. This gave us distinctive golden eyes which intrigued the normal red-eyed vampires. When I asked this second time, it was not what Edward had said that set me thinking but the way he said it. If I wasn't his wife and didn't know him so well I would not have noticed the slight tightening of his straight shoulders under his tan colored jumper, and that he was holding his perfect jaw a eighth of an inch higher than normal. He was lying to me.
Edward lied a lot. He had to. When you can read the minds of everyone in a mile radius then you have to lie to appear normal. You have to learn to ignore the thoughts most of the time. You have to answer only the questions people say out loud and not all the far-reaching ones they think in their heads but don't dare ask. Edward also felt he must not betray confidences of those around him. It was not as though he could stop hearing thoughts if he wanted to, and not as if people could stop thinking when he was around, so he just didn't pass these thoughts on. I was a shield which meant that he could not read my mind, not even when I was only human. Now that I was a vampire I had learned to remove my shield if I wanted, but I could only do so for a few moments at a time and even then it was exhausting work.
But why would he lie to me about why Nahuel and Huilen were still here? We had just made it through the worst danger imaginable: the whole of the Volturi forces lined up against us, the judges, jury and executioners of the vampire world. We had survived that, so what now? What was he covering up? Surely we had to have a break from peril sometime.
Maybe bad luck was something that I'd brought with me into this life. Since I met Edward as a human I had always had bad luck. My life before Edward, before my return to Forks to live with my Dad, Charlie, was a quiet life in the big city of Phoenix with my Mom, Renée. The memory of this former life was becoming hazy, almost a pre life to my human life, as if I was now in my third life, not my second. I'd had too much on my mind to sit down and think about it, though that was the only way my family said that I would remember it for the future. As I remembered it now, it was a happy but lonely time of looking after my hair-brained mother and being the adult in the relationship even though I was the child. She didn't need to be looked after in a physical way but in an emotional one, helping her to organize and control her life. I was the one who made sure we went to the store when we needed groceries and that we went to the bank when the bills needed to be paid. In many ways you could say I was her keeper rather than her daughter. This role was taken by Phil, her husband of nearly three years.
I argued with myself that I had already brought my shield through to my vampire life along with my strange ability for self control. I was sure that I could not have brought anything else. I had left my clumsiness behind, which was a truly good thing. I now moved so fast and was so strong that if I was clumsy lots of things would get broken. Not just inanimate objects, but living things. Even people.
I looked over at Edward, to keep my eye from straying to Nahuel. His beauty never failed to amaze me. He was stunning. His eyes were a warm amber color. But this morning more like stone than liquid. Something was bugging him. No doubt he was hearing things he didn't like. His face muscles twitched slightly and his teeth locked together noiselessly. His smile remained, a facade to keep the others away from his upset within. I had no idea what he had heard or who it was that was having these thoughts, but my mind turned to Nahuel again, though I didn't let my eyes follow. Edward would tell me when it was right and certainly not in the middle of this gathering.
Edward applauded when Nessie came to the end of her poem, pride now on his face. I felt a jolt of joy at his pride. I was proud of her, naturally, and applauded loudly too. But to have him so in awe of her gave me such a feeling of belonging. I had, in the end, been able to give him something so worthwhile. A daughter, our miracle. It made up for the lack of balance in our relationship. He had given me everything: his love, his life, my new life, money, possessions, a home, a car, a family. But the one thing that that he had never imagined, that none of our vampire family had thought possible, came from me. She was a delight to them all, and especially Edward.
It was only as I turned away from Nessie's performance that I noticed Alice was staring into thin air, her eyes out of focus, completely still. I knew she was seeing something. My sister's ability to see into the future was enviable. It had made her top of the Volturi's list for acquisitions. It was this ability that had saved the family and herself many times over. The future she saw was only one of the possible outcomes. If decisions that had been made were changed then what she saw would change.
"Demetri is coming," she said simply in a clear chiming voice, not altering her stance at all. "Aro has decided. He will follow Carlisle to us."
Carlisle was at her side in an instant. "But why?" he whispered. "Why now?".
The image of the the Volturi tracker was instantly in my mind. It was not possible for anyone normal to run from Demetri. He had a gift for finding them. But this gift needed access to someone's mind, and it was something I could block with my shield. As well as being a tracker, Demetri was a warrior, with centuries of experience working with the Volturi.
"But why, Alice?" he asked again.
Alice had gone back into her trance. This time it took her over a minute to come round. "He comes only to observe," she said with a little relief in her voice. "Aro will order him to stay with us and just observe. He is to watch Nessie grow for Aro and to find out more about the wolves for Caius. He is to cause us no trouble. He will be ordered to hunt like us. Aro wants to see how this will change his character. He is report back regularly by letter. This order will be made at full council the day after tomorrow. He will arrive three days after that."
She looked around the stunned room.
"Please look for more," Carlisle urged her.
"Demetri will bring a note with him from Aro but they know that I can see what it says so you will be forewarned. Aro is staring at it so that I can read it...
My Dearest Friend Carlisle,
I am sending my dear one Demetri to visit you as an emissary. I feel that our last meeting left a rift between us which I want to close. I have asked Demetri to learn about your life style and your beloved granddaughter so that we may better understand each other in future.
I ask you to take Demetri into your hearts and your home, and to this end I will ask him to make himself useful to you and cause you no trouble. Please use him as a son.
Yours in friendship,
Carlisle looked aghast. "Is there more?" he said, shaking his head.
Her face returned to the distant mask, but seconds later disgust was clear on it. She came back to the present again shaking her head. "Uh, that is so gross".
"I saw part of the inner council meeting that was only the family, no guard. It is so gross." she said, hardly able to speak for revulsion. "Aro says he wishes to watch a half vampire child develop first hand. He says that he will order Demetri to try to father a child when he has returned from his visit. He laughs and says that he may have learned some restraint from us. The mother is to be the only human they trust, their administrator Gina. They will promise her immortality if she successfully gives birth, but she has no choice. If she says no, she's lunch. He says it will be a great honor for Demetri to father a child to be brought up and studied in Volterra. Caius is against the idea, the decision will be put off until a later date... I can't see further than that, I'm not attuned to them, I can't see so far ahead into their futures, I can't see if she will become pregnant or if they will kill her, it is many months away, it may change."
There was stunned silence.
All the joy after the last successful encounter with the Volturi was gone.
Then the speculation started. Alice could see the event but not the motivation behind it. It boiled down to three simple questions: why this? why now? and why Demetri? A dozen answers to each question came from the gathered family. The most likely answer was that they wanted to catch us doing something against the rules as soon as possible, and Demetri can stand up for himself.
The others gave little thought to the planned baby. It was beyond the immediate worry and didn't affect us personally. But my mind was on Gina and how I could help her. I had only just survived my own pregnancy and I had had good medical care and love from all my family. I felt cold, cold to the heart.
Had I started some new vampire fashion? Would lots of vampire males want to father children? And what of the vampire females, would they want to become stepmothers? I thought of the loss of human life. I thought of Gina.
I found myself a spot on the floor and sat there still, shocked, horrified.
The discussion went on for nearly an hour, until Carlisle looked at the clock and said that he had to go for his shift at the hospital.
He turned to our guests, "Nahuel, Huilen. It may be best if you were not here when Demetri comes to call. I do not wish to ask you to leave but for your own safety I must ask you to think about what you want to do. You know you have our thanks for what you have done for us, and I owe you for the safety of all my family. You are welcome here at any normal time."
It was Huilen who spoke this time. She spoke simply in her heavy accent. "We will leave before he arrives."
Carlisle smiled warmly at her. "That is for the best. We can visit you before long, and maybe meet Nahuel's sisters if that is possible."
The others continued to speculate after Carlisle had gone, Emmett debating with Jasper the possibility of beating Demetri in a fight. Jasper thought that if there were several of us it may be possible, but it would only bring the rest of the guard down on us, a battle which we would not win this time.
Alice touched me lightly on the arm, tutting at my pants and jumper combination. My favorite sister was never happy with my lack of fashion sense. But she could see the future, and would have known the day before about this particular lapse of mine. I thought to myself that I would suggest to her that she warns me in advance next time, so that I don't disappoint her again.
"You know, I thought you would have learned a little by now Bella," she chided quietly. "I will just have to take you back to your cottage and show you how to match up those pants myself. I didn't spend weeks putting together your wardrobe for you to use it like this."
That morning I must have really gotten under her skin. How could she care so much about fashion when she'd just given us the news about Demetri? Really. It made no sense.
I looked down at my outfit. It didn't look that bad to me. I'd made sure that some of the threads in the jumper were exactly the same tone as the pants, but if it made her happy we could be home and back in a very short time. A few minutes out of the house would do me some good.
"Edward," she chimed. "I'm taking Bella back to your cottage, can you look after Nessie by yourself?" The look on her face one of great effort.
He smiled warmly at her. "By myself? I don't think that I will ever be allowed to look after Nessie by myself. She has too many fans for that." He looked quizzically at her while he made his answer, as if they were having another inaudible conversation but failing to understand each other.
It was true. Most of the room were watching Nessie again, just waiting to see what she would do next, fascinated by her. Her Aunt Rose and Grandma Esme sat on the floor with her.
"We'll see you soon," Alice chimed again, wincing with effort, like a small child trying to remember a really difficult times table sum.
As soon as she said this I looked around the gathering to smile a normal goodbye. Then I saw him, Nahuel. He was staring at me. Staring at me with total adoration in his eyes as if I were the only thing he could see in the world. The only thing he had ever seen. Like a blind man seeing the sun for the first time.
Oh no... no please no, I screamed inside my head. My face turned from a smile to sheer dread, his calm face turning from adoration to puzzlement at my expression.
Edward stiffened beside me, but said nothing.
Alice tugged my sleeve and we were off through the patio doors at the rear of the house, running back to my cottage hand in hand. I was only too glad to go, and Alice's excuse was perfect.
As soon as we were over the river she said in a very hushed voice, "Shield me, stop him reading my mind."
New posting Chapter 55 - Postscript
Views: 17553
Hi Seugnet,
thank you for commenting.
Yes her mental health is a great worry, she has been under so much stress at a time when she isn't use to her new body and mind. The question is will she crack totally under the strain.
At least she is letting Edward know some of the issues she has and is speaking to Jasper again. The family are very support of her and that is helping.
How much should she trust Jasper?
Why does she hear a voice in her head when she is stressed?
Best wishes
hey chris..,
really wnderful chap lol...i wonder dat bella's mom too hav sum abilities lik she do..
may b...bt its upto u.....
pls post soon.....im really wa8ng 4 ur nxt chapter....
lu reading..,,,and were is jake...pls include him too....
Hi Saranya,
Thanks for the comment.
Jake and the pack will come back into the story in a couple of chapters - how could I go much further without them in! We all love the wolves.
I always thought that Renee was not a strong enough character in the books, so I'm going to enjoy filling her out as a character a little more. I always saw her as a lose end - but I'm trying to tie up the lose ends.
Best wishes
how does the inside-out shield work? i really can't understand it. what's the difference with just shielding alice and jasper from edward? or was that just the same?
Hi Carmel,
you are right in the case of just having the three of them in the room there woud be very little difference. In fact it was a bad thing for her to do as if there had been anyone else outside Edward would not have been able to hear them either.
If I re write I may take it out. I was really using it as a way to remind readers that she can do this trick at times - she'll need it later in the story. But it was confusing and clumsy so it should go in a re write.
You must have been reading carefully to spot it - thank you.
Best wishes
This is really great! I hope the situations with the 'shadows' will be explained soon!
I am really grateful for your comment on my story: sunset forest. It is much easier to for people to read know!
Hi Marisa,
many thanks for your comment.
Yes that is a question who are the shadows and why would anyone be following Bella? Demetri doesn't seem to know so they can't be Volturi - so who and why?
It is going to take a while to answer that one but there are plenty of suspects to think about.
Who do you think they could be?
Best wishes
great update! can't wait to see how this goes. please update again soon!
Hi Kelley,
thanks for the comment.
Do you think that she should have told Edward more?
Best wishes
Hi Lauren,
Thank you so much for reading and commenting on Cold Gray Light.
I'm very glad that you enjoyed the story.
I'm just playing a game really, can I use only the twilight characters and places to make up a new story that answers some of the questions left by the books. I fear I'm just going to create a whole load more questions along the way!
The only trouble is that it can be restrictive in what you can do with the characters. I guess I'm upsetting some Jasper fans.
I'm writing only from Bella's POV, mainly as I don't think I do a good job at pretending to be a man, they are still a total mystery to me, even when I have so many as family members. Again this is supposed to be like in the series which only had a single section written in Jacob's POV.
Fred and Demetri are fun as I have more room for making things up. Please don't see Demetri as the guy in the films, much more like the guy in the books. I think he looks like George Michael, the singer. A little older than the rest of the Cullens.
I put too many ideas into the story and there is the problem, I have so many story lines going on, there as so many clues in each chapter but I know people aren't noticing them. Did you notice the leaves blowing into the cottage on a still day? I think I need to prioritorize the plot lines more to make the story better.
Many thanks for you detailed comment and I hope you like Chapter 35, it's an action chapter.
Best wishes
Alice was right, I was thirsty. In the early hours of the following morning I left the cottage to hunt, leaving Edward with Nessie as she slept. I wanted to go alone for two reasons. First, although I loved Edward 'distracting' me, a little time to think now that I was calmer and had more perspective would be good, especially outside where I could run to alleviate any stress. Second, I didn't want to feel a prisoner because of my shadows. Demetri could be wrong - maybe I wasn't being followed and even if I were my shadows seemed to be benign.
The two deer I had taken down satisfied me but I really felt like hunting a carnivore. That would have to wait for a longer, more distant hunting trip to somewhere the big cat numbers could stand predation.
After hunting I went back to the main house to say Hi to some of the women. It was usually the best time, the safest time, to go to the main house. The men tended to be out, but Rose, Alice and Esme would most likely be in getting ready for the day. Hair still had to be washed even if you were a vampire.
As I walked in I went by habit to the kitchen to look on the notice board. We always looked for messages – with so many in the household it would be difficult if we were not organized. Esme insisted that we check the notice board whenever we entered the house. We all complied with Esme's wishes, not only because chaos would ensue if we didn't, but also out of love and respect for her. She was head of the home in the same way that Carlisle was head of the family.
That morning I had two messages, one open for all to see.
Bella, Charlie rang.
He's on the local news,
he's found the lost little girl and is giving interviews,
he wants us all to watch.
This was taken by Emmett – It had a smiley after the message and the handwriting, though not messy, was clearly not a matter of importance to the writer. My other message was also from the telephone message pad. It was folded over so that you couldn't read it without unpinning it and had Bella in fancy calligraphy written on the outside. For a moment I was confused. I tried to place the style with it's owner. Carlisle was the nearest match, but not quite. The "B" had small embellishments which were not exactly right for Carlisle and didn't suit his personality. Then with a gasp I realized that Demetri must have taken a message for me. Would this person be next for an interview? Please not my mother or any of my human friends, I thought to myself. Maybe just Jacob, and Demetri knew Jacob already.
I pulled the note down so fast that the pin holding it shot high in the air and across the room, landing dangerously point-upwards in the doorway.
I flashed to pick it up before it impaled anyone – well, Nessie or Jake anyway – the rest of us would just crush the pin without even noticing.
I read the note as I crouched down to pick up the pin
Fred (no second name given) called for you at 8:32pm on Monday evening.
He asked you to return his call, he said that he is keen to visit you all soon.
He wishes you and your family well
There was a fancy "D" in the Taken by box on the note.
Relief again, as this was not my family, no one human, or even wolf for that matter. The image of Demetri holding scales over my mother came instantly to my mind and evaporated just as quickly.
This was just Fred, lonely vampire Fred. We'd told him not to contact us and we'd phone him. If he brought Demetri down on his own head that was his problem.
As I rose from the floor Demetri came through the door and had he been human rather than vampire he would have tripped over me. As it was he just caught me by my shoulders and carried us round in a spin, the momentum of his forward motion being used up after a turn and a half. We came to a halt facing each other, both of us grinning widely. He stared deeply into my eyes for a fraction of a second and then looked away as if he was looking for something but didn't want to be caught looking.
"I'm so sorry Bella, I'm not used to living so close to someone I can't position. I have become very lazy. I rely on my gift so much that I don't use my eyes and ears well enough to see you before it's too late. I can pinpoint the others in the house to the nearest inch but with you I get nothing at all."
"My fault, I was crouching down behind the door. The board pin had shot of over the kitchen and I was just retrieving it." I held up the pin as if it was evidence.
"Ah, I'm glad you got your telephone message. Esme has you all well trained.
"I wasn't aware that there were any other vampires resident in the area."
"Oh, no, Fred is in Canada. I've only met him the once, but he was taken with our family and promised a visit. "
"I see, and you would have suggested no doubt that it may be better to delay such a visit until after I have gone back to Italy, that would certainly be understandable."
I smiled, not in apology, but more in recognition that my plans were very transparent.
"Yes, I didn't want to complicate things any more than required."
"Well, I think that things are slightly more complicated than you wish already. He is in Port Angeles, not Canada. I guess he is ignoring your advice."
"What? What is he doing there of all places!"
"I imagine that he is planning to visit you. I can't see why else he would have come all this way. Does he know about the Wolves? He may well cross their territory coming from Port Angeles to here."
"No, no he doesn't, we warned him not to come here without talking to us first. We said that there were dangers. We didn't specify ... he must have thought that we were lying to keep him away." There was anguish in my voice. I was starting to imaging the wolves running towards Fred and dropping in front of him as they hit his sickness wall. What would he do to them? Would he try to destroy them whilst they were down?
Demetri was suddenly very businesslike. "I can feel that he is moving towards us. We will need to move quickly."
I forced my head to think. "I have to go to him and bring him here. I need to keep him out of the wolves' territory. Could you tell me exactly the route he is going, please?"
"Certainly, but it would be a lot easier if I accompanied you."
I ran from the room. "Edward, Carlisle, Esme, anyone?" I called in a loud voice. I knew they'd hear if they were within a quarter mile of the house. "Ohhh! where are they now."
Jasper ran in. "Bella, what's wrong?"
"Fred is coming here. Demetri can feel him. We need to bring him to the house avoiding the wolves' territory. If they find Fred first they will try to defend their land and then I don't know what will happen. They could fight and they could all die."
"No problem, I can sort him out if you can shield me. He should have listened to Carlisle's instructions."
"Jasper, there is no need to kill someone just because they want to come and pay us a visit," I said, rather shocked by his assumption.
"Hmm, we'll see how it goes."
I turned to look at Demetri, "OK then, are we going to run or go by car?"
"Running, I think, it's across country. But tell me why you need to come with us Bella, Jasper and I can probably handle it."
We were out of the back door and running through the forest.
"No, we need Bella as a shield," Jasper explained as I was dialing on my cell turning it back on for the first time after hunting. I ignored all the messages from Alice.
"Edward, where are you?"
"At the cottage with Nessie. What's the problem? You sound distressed."
"Fred, he's coming to visit us. I'm going with Jasper and Demetri to bring him here without going through the wolves' territory. He just better not be thirsty."
I'll find someone to look after Nessie and come with you."
"No, stay there, we'll be fine. Jasper can calm the situation down and it'll all be fine. Just find Alice and keep a check on us."
"OK, will do."
As soon as I was off the phone to Edward I called Jacob's home number. The wolves never carried cells.
Billy answered. "Hello?" The gentle tone held all the authority of a leader. Even in my panic I realized that I hadn't talked to Billy since my transformation and I wondered about my reception. Despite his son's closeness to our family and devotion to my daughter, Billy may not be pleased to hear from me.
"Billy, it's Bella."
"You sound different now, like one of them. I guess that is to be expected. What can I do for you?
"Billy, can we chat later, we have a bit of a situation. Is Jacob there? I need to talk to him."
"No, but I can call round for one of them easily enough, or Sam for that matter."
"OK, thanks Billy. Tell him that Fred is on his way here. He knows who Fred is. They won't be able to fight him because he has a talent but I'm going with Demetri and Jasper to bring him to our house. We can sort this, they just need to keep out of the way and don't try to attack. Keep close around La Plush. I'll call again when it's all clear. OK?"
"Consider the message delivered. Can you fight him safely?"
"Yes, but he is only here to visit with us I think. He is trying to be sociable, not looking for a fight. But if the wolves go to attack him I'm sure he would defend himself. I don't want any fighting, I don't want anyone hurt or sick. Look, I'll call to give the all clear. Thanks Billy."
I clicked my phone shut and put on a rush of speed to outstrip Jasper and Demetri a little. I was still newborn enough to outrun everyone except Edward.
"What exactly can he do?" Demetri asked again, "I'd like to be prepared."
"He makes you feel sick if you are within a small distance of him. This is involuntary at the moment and rather
ramps his social life. But he can ramp up the effect at will to make people very sick, so sick that you can't see him or even think of him without feeling sick again. It's just a mind trick so Bella's shield works against him. She can shield us." Jasper muttered quietly to him.
"Is he a fighter? I'm surprised that we haven't heard of someone with such a talent. Where did he come from?"
I noticed how easily Demetri slipped back into the Volturi plural. I hated it; the whole thought that they thought that they should know everything, them the rulers, and us the governed. I saw the image again of Demetri with scales in his hands this time with Fred in the front of him, answering for his very existence.
Jasper replied to Demetri, "No, he is only still young, a year or so, and he has not been taught. He has no coven." Jasper smiled, "Bella managed to take him down herself a few days before you arrived when she was up in Canada with Tania's clan."
"Bella, I didn't realize you were a fighter as well. I'm impressed."
I replied, a little irritated by his tone, "There is no need to be, I'm not much of a fighter at all. I was just worried about what Fred was going to do to my family and I needed to stop him. I need a lot more training to be much of a threat to anyone with the least bit of skill."
"Yes we all needed instruction in the beginning. I'm sure Jasper is well placed to instruct you."
"I've given her a few pointers. I don't like to see my sister defenseless."
"Who created this Fred? And why is he loose to trouble the world?"
That was the question we feared on Fred's behalf. This was the reason we'd asked him not to come here while there was one of the Volturi guard living with us.
"We will leave him to tell his own story, Demetri. He is not our responsibility. He is not part of our coven. He does not live like us. He needs to talk for himself," Jasper exclaimed forcefully.
"Well said my friend, I'll talk to him. Bella can shield me while I do so, if she would be so kind," placated Demetri.
"I don't mind helping you to talk to him but I'm not helping anyone pull him apart without good reason."
"Let's hope that doesn't need doing," Demetri said grimly. "It is not for me to judge, but for my masters."
Again with the 'masters thing', why did he have to be so subservient to them?
"Look, we aren't going to fight him, he is just coming to visit us. We are just collecting him so he doesn't have any trouble with his journey, that's all." I was feeling agitated now. I didn't want any fighting, it was so unnecessary. The only problem was that he may run into the wolves on the way to us. Did we have to blow it up any more than that?
It took us sixteen minutes to get close to Fred. We were intersecting his path from an angle to stay in our territory. At the edge of the wolves' territory I stopped running and turned to Demetri .
"Thank you for your help, Demetri. You better go back now. You are our guest and it would not be right to put you in danger. If you could, please just tell me the right direction to find him."
"Bella I don't think that there is any danger here. I'll come with you, you'll find him quicker with me."
"Thank you Demetri. Let's be in and out of their territory as quickly as we can."
So we ran quickly forward into the wolves' territory, which made me feel uncomfortable even with the warning I had given Billy, but there was no sound or scent of wolves in the air. I shouted into the forest when we were about quarter of a mile away.
"Fred ... Fred it's Bella. Just stay where you are. We are coming for you, don't keep running."
As we got closer I pushed my shield over Demetri and Jasper, and we slowed. Fred had slowed too. I could hear him now.
"Fred, it's Bella. We've come to show you the way to our house."
And he was there between the trees, he'd come to a halt. I looked at Jasper and Demetri checking that they were not affected by him and they looked OK.
"Bella, I wasn't expecting a welcoming committee. How did you know where to find me? I've missed you so much."
Fred, beaming all over his face, walked forward to greet me. He was just as I'd seen him last time, glorious, blond haired, about 6'2". He walked directly up to me and grabbed me into a big bear hug, Just due to his size, he picked my feet off the floor.
"It's so good to see you again Bella."
I was stunned. This was a bit familiar for someone who I'd only met once, and the last time I had got into a fight and injured him. Jasper and Demetri immediately took up defensive crouches, and growls issued from Jasper's chest. Fred put me down immediately.
"Step away from her," Jasper growled.
Fred look puzzled but did as he was told.
"Jaz, it's OK, he's just being friendly, he means me no harm."
Jasper straightened up, obviously feeling that he had overreacted. Maybe it had taken that long for him to process Fred's feelings as well as his actions. Jasper, coming from a different era, would never have walked up to a female outside of the family and hugged them. He would consider this inappropriate.
"I'm sorry, my misjudgment."
At this Demetri straighten up too.
Fred looked at us all and noticed the tension.
"Is there something wrong?"
Long story, Fred, we've got to go. This isn't a good place to be."
"I've had no trouble."
"Trust me, come with us, we need to be a couple of miles north, that's all. This isn't our territory."
"Another vampire? Maybe I can help."
"Nothing that easy. Come home with us and we'll explain it to you. There is no danger if we stick to our own patch."
"Let's go."
And we ran. We ran fast, straight for our border. We were about half a mile away when we heard them. They were going to cut us off before we crossed the line.
End of Chapter 35 - Messages
Back to contents
© 2014 Created by Hachette Book Group.
Report an Issue | Guidelines | Report an Issue | Terms of Service


text:
FloorLiner™ DigitalFit®
Floor Mats All-Weather
Cargo Liner for Cars, SUV's and Minivans
Side Window Deflectors
AVM® All-Vehicle Mats
TechLiner® Bed and Tailgate Protection
UnderLiner® Bed Liner
MudFlap No-Drill DigitalFit®
Stone & Bug Deflector
AVM® - Universal Cargo Mat
License Plate Frames
TechCare® Auto Detailing & Cleaning
CargoTech® Cargo Containment System
Car Covers
BumpStep® Helps prevent bumper damage
Billet BumpStep® Helps prevent bumper damage
Sunroof Wind Deflector
TechShade® Windshield Sun Shade
RackSack® Rooftop Cargo Carrier
LampGard® Headlight Protection
Pet Barrier
StarBelt™ Collection Clothing Belts
Drink Coasters
Racing Gear
Battery Charger
Gift Bag
Gift Cards
Product: FloorLiner™ DigitalFit®
Vehicle: Jeep 2004 Grand Cherokee
Part Number: 44052-1-2
Make the perfect gift even better with worry-free wrapping. The WeatherTech Gift Bag is a bag exclusively made for WeatherTech® FloorLiner™ and Floor Mat boxes. Made in the U.S.A from high quality American soft Spandex cotton fabric.
The WeatherTech® FloorLiner™DigitalFit® accurately and completely lines the interior carpet giving "absolute interior protection™"! Digital laser measurements of interior surfaces offer a consistently perfect fit! A patent pending High-Density Tri-Extruded (HDTE) material allows for a rigid core for strength while offering surface friction to the carpet, as well as tactile feel to the surface! Advanced surfacing creates channels that carry fluids and debris to a lower reservoir with further channeling to help minimize fluid movement while driving! Once fluids become trapped in the reservoir, away from shoes and clothing, they are easily removed from the WeatherTech® FloorLiner™DigitalFit®over the door sill...no muss-no fuss!
WeatherTech®...where Technology and All Weather Protection meet!
Rear FloorLiner™DigitalFit® incorporates many of the same design features as the front FloorLiner™ DigitalFit®. Rear FloorLiner™DigitalFit® (where offered) is manufactured from a proprietary custom blended TPO (thermopolyolefin) that is not only wear resistant, but also remains flexible under temperature extremes. Rear FloorLiner™DigitalFit® is either one piece or two piece depending on the vehicle application.
FloorLiner is designed for vehicles with factory carpet installed when manufactured. They will not fit vehicles with vinyl floors unless otherwise specified. Please take your old floor mats out before installing your new WeatherTech FloorLiner.
Please note that the on-screen color representations are not necessarily precise representations of actual product colors due to variance in monitor calibrations.


text:
MMA News
Tuesday, 01/24/2012, 09:45 pm
UFC NEWS | Want To See The Best MMA Reality Show Ever? Check Out This 45 Minutes Of Awesome From American Kickboxing Academy (Video)
The fine fellows over at San Jose's American Kickboxing Academy have put together an amazing documentary/reality show about their camp and their fighters.
It's a full on 45 minute one of a kind production with some of MMA's top stars.
To watch the video just click the image above for the redirect and enjoy!
Click here for the latest UFC coverage provided by BJPENN.COM
Latest News


text:
Review of Dark Eden
Vanessa Sweet
I had high hopes for Dark Eden. It promised to be a vibrant speculative fiction with biblical overtones and a nuanced critique of our…Read Review
400+ pages of self-pity and whining
Julie Failla Earhart
At 14-years old, Danny Kelly wants nothing more to swim, to be a champion, and to fit in. While he excels at swimming, the other…Read Review
Chrystal Dorsey
Bittersweet, a title that offered such promise.Read Review
Summer House with Swimming Pool (no spoilers)
Sasha Lynn Pang
Overall I only vaguely enjoyed this book. I find it was written really well. I was able to like and dislike many characters, but…Read Review
Tantric Coconuts by Greg Kincaid
Jake Huneau
Tantric Coconuts by Greg Kincaid tells the story of Ted Day, a lawyer in a small town. When Ted's grandfather dies, he realizes he needs to…Read Review
Interesting Book on Little Known Subject
Elizabeth Kamienski
The Underground Girls of Kabul I just had the pleasure of reading The…Read Review
A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre
Fritz Austin
If you love World War II and Cold War stories of half angels chasing half devils, then this is the book for you. The crucial difference is…Read Review
Joy from the Light by Faith in the Gospel
Mike Schramm
While his first encyclical, Lumen Fidei, was largely the work of his predecessor, this apostolic letter has Francis'…Read Review
Compelling story of madness in the Alaskan wilderness
Joanna Baker
Pilgrim's Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier - by Tom KizziaI…Read Review
The Skies Belong To Us: Love And Terror In The Golden Age Of Hijacking
shannon wise
I received a copy of this book from the publisher from Blogging for Books. No compensation was paid for this review and this review contains…Read Review
Cooking & Food
Extra Virgin - Extra Yummy
alyssa zapinski
Extra Virgin was a mystery for me when I ordered it. I had no idea what to expect but I am so happy I chose it! It covers everything from…Read Review
Crazy about this book
Melinda Kyle
Fried & True more than 50 recipes for America's Best Fried Chicken And Sides. I couldn't wait to receive this cookbook. Who…Read Review
Lisa Ogilbee
Sweet: Our Best Cupcakes, Cookies, Candy and More is the new cookbook by Food Network Magazine. The book…Read Review
Susan Loewen
What a delight that book has proven to be. I was so excited tobe able to review this book. I have been looking for a book…Read Review
Bring on the Skinny
Carita Alexander
I have been a reader of Gina Homolka's blog "Skinnytaste" for years now, so I was very interested in seeing how the cookbook would compare…Read Review
The Job Whisperer's Guide to Resumes in the Digital World
Coletta Teske
If you feel like your resume is getting tossed aside and you don't know where to begin writing a resume that gets noticed in this…Read Review
A Unique Way to Approach Interviews
Rhyan Wong
I can remember my very first interview. It was as an intern at some company where they train you to sell products door to door. The PR person…Read Review
Relationships are the key to your success
Justin Simmons
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi hammers home the timeless fact that relationships are the key to your success. No one gets where they are…Read Review
Hey Church. Don't Go Broad, Go BIG!
Steve Hinkle
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less invites the reader into a "whole new way of doing everything." Essentialism is a discipline.…Read Review
Book Review: Never Eat Alone
Joseph Strubeck
This expanded and updated edition of Keith Ferrazzi's adds new material to the original while maintaining the key focus: how to build…Read Review
Girl Talk By: Christie Young
rebecca heller
I received the Book Girl Talk from Bloggingforbooks.I was pretty disappointed, if your looking for a quirky illustrated book that offers…Read Review
It's raining sharks?? No big deal!
Kelsey Bohl
Do yourself a favor and watch Sharknado and Sharknado 2: The Second One. There is one word to describe these movies and it is HILARIOUS! I…Read Review
Girl Talk: Super Cute and Super Funny!
Wendi Hansen
What a amazingly hilarious book! I was entertained from beginning to end, found the advice pretty right on and was seriously laughing…Read Review
'Lost in Translation' book review
kerstin adelt
'Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World' by Ella Frances Sanders is a…Read Review
Lost in Translation
Stephanie Lucente
Lost in translation is a short collection of nouns,verbs and such from various languages. It is not a big book. You can read it in less than…Read Review
Sweet and a Blessing to Read
Jennifer Whitney
I will start off to say that Amish fiction is not my favorite genre but I do love Cindy Woodsmalls books. Her writing and style is so…Read Review
"A Love Undone" by Cindy Woodsmall
Erin Mifflin
Jolene Keim was 19 years old when her parents died. Not wanting to see her five younger siblings parceled out to relatives, Jolene decided to…Read Review
A Love Undone
Melissa Smith
Book description: "At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed,…Read Review
Book Review: Through the Deep Waters
Piper Farr
Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amid the secrets held…Read Review
Seasons of Tomorrow by Cindy Woodsmall
Virginia Winfield
This was a fantastic continuation of this series. This may be the last of this series and it ended wonderfully. It was well…Read Review
Crafts, Home & Hobbies
Your Family in Pictures
Dawn Reffett
A fun book! This is the third book in Me Ra Koh's series. I haven't read the first two of her books but I enjoyed the photo "recipes" in this…Read Review
Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh {Book Review}
Erika Shirk
First off, I should mention I've been surrounded by quality pictures for the last few years. Ever since I've met Israel I've been seeing…Read Review
Family Pictures Made Easy and Fun
Terry Jeanette Carter
As an amateur photographer, who loves to take pictures of her family, I found this book easy to read and understand. I wish I had had this…Read Review
Review: Your Family in Pictures by Me Ra Koh
Heather Lammers
Your Family in Pictures is a beautiful book that helps moms, dads, grandparents, kids... create memorable family photos. Me Ra Koh walks…Read Review
Review: Your Family in Pictures
Cassie Payne
Your Family in Pictures is the follow up book to Me Ra Koh's previous photography titles: Your Baby in Pictures and…Read Review
Better Living
Frustrated learning another language -- here is the answer
Walt Bristow
If you've ever struggled to learn another language, Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner should be the next book on your reading list. Wyner,…Read Review
Girl Talk By: Christie Young
rebecca heller
I received the Book Girl Talk from Bloggingforbooks.I was pretty disappointed, if your looking for a quirky illustrated book that offers…Read Review
Amazing Method to Learn Languages
Blossom Barden
The book starts out with why you should use the techniques in the book. I tend to like the books that tell you what and how, so at first…Read Review
Girl Talk: Super Cute and Super Funny!
Wendi Hansen
What a amazingly hilarious book! I was entertained from beginning to end, found the advice pretty right on and was seriously laughing…Read Review
Brain Bending
Cynde Suite
A fabulously entertaining and insightful book full of puzzles and tips to grow your brain. This book is primarily fun,…Read Review


text:
Focus on Caribbean island states
Ramsar Mission to the Caribbean, September 2002
As requested by the Pan-American Meeting of the Ramsar Convention, held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 1-5 July 2002, a Ramsar Mission to key Caribbean Island States is taking place from 16-19 September 2002 to encourage them to accede to the Convention on Wetlands before its next COP to be held in Valencia, Spain, 18-26 November 2202.
This decision was taken in consideration of the vulnerability of the vast Caribbean coastal wetlands such as coral reefs, marine sub-tidal aquatic beds, rocky marine shores, estuarine waters, intertidal muds, marshes and mangroves, and coastal lagoons, which require efforts for their conservation and sustainable use, through the commitment of national governments and the international community.
All Caribbean continental nations are Parties to the Convention. Caribbean Island States which are already Parties include: Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Participants in the Ramsar Mission
· A government official from Trinidad and Tobago, as the Party which acts as Regional Representative in the Ramsar Standing Committee: Ms. Nadra Nathai-Gyan, Forestry Division, Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment
· A government official from the Bahamas, as the first Caribbean Island State that joined the Convention: Mr. Eric Carey, Conservation Unit, Department of Agriculture
· A government official from the United States of America, as the main donor for projects in the region: Dr. Herbert Raffaele, Division of International Conservation, US Fish & Wildlife Service
· Ms. Margarita Astrálaga, Regional Co-ordinator for the Americas at the Ramsar Bureau (the Convention's secretariat)
Timetable and countries that will be visited:
MONDAY Sep 16 - BARBADOS
TUESDAY Sep 17 - SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
WEDNESDAY Sep 18 - GRENADA
THURSDAY Sep 19 - ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA


text:
Americans can be forgiven for not being familiar with Till Death Us Do Part -- it was, apart from one significant television spin-off, a purely British phenomenon. The series Till Death Us Do Part was a minor international milestone in rock music history, as the debut of Ray Davies as film songwriter for the title track, working in a vein similar to that explored in Arthur or The Village Green Preservation Society. The television series never ran in the United States, where its deeply inflected cockney slang, not to mention the racist diatribes of its protagonist, Alf Garnett, would not have played at all; the idea behind it was transformed into All in the Family, but that's as close as viewers ever got to the original on this side of the Atlantic. This feature film was made in 1969 exclusively for the British market (never even getting a rating for U.S. release), taking the characters backward in time, initially three decades, to the end of the 1930s. We see a much younger Alf Garnett (Warren Mitchell) and his wife, Else (Dandy Nichols), coping with the effects of the worldwide depression and the growing threat of Hitler. Even here, Alf can't resist parenthetically bad-mouthing the Ethiopians in the course of blustering about what Hitler or Mussolini will find if they attack England.
The opening credit sequence offers a worthy depiction of lower-class life in pre-war London (especially set to Davies' song); the camera pans past little vignettes of life among the working poor, coupled with some subtle dissolves into a larger montage that brings us right up to date and up close to the characters and their reality. One fascinating and telling image in this segment shows a British fascist speaker in the street, attracting a sparse crowd. That points to the most interesting element of this movie -- its seriousness. As funny as many of the scenes and performances are, one never gets far from the dramatic side of the setting and era, whether it's a tavern owner lamenting the loss of 20 regular customers in the German blitz who also owed him money, or the crowds jammed into the London Underground tubes. Yet, even there, Alf's character manifests itself in his inimitable way, rising up in fury when the huddled group of night-time refugees starts singing "Lili Marlene," which he regards as a disloyal act, as it is a German song (it was internationally popular before the war). Even more fascinating is the scene depicting the aftermath of the Japanese surrender, in which Alf insults the Japanese, declaring the white race's moral superiority, while his wife listens, staring off into space, an uneasy look in her eyes. The series was often criticized as heavy-handed, but the writer Johnny Speight knew how to quietly telegraph complexities about these characters that were perhaps too subtle for certain critics.
The second half of the movie brings us up to the point of the series' beginnings, showing Alf's daughter Rita's (Una Stubbs) marriage to a young Socialist (Anthony Booth). This section of the movie shows Alf's gradual devolution into a near-fascist, even talking of how England should have allied itself with Hitler during the war to wipe out "the Russians and the yellow races," yet getting drunk and falling asleep praising Churchill. Alf is a mass of contradictions, growing teary-eyed at the sight of the queen at a sporting event and standing and saluting during the playing of "God Save the Queen," yet cursing the British government to high heaven; screaming at his fellow man, yet praying sincerely and poignantly to try and keep the house in which he lives. And that's the secret behind this movie and the series from which it is derived: Warren Mitchell. He brings so much humanity to this sad yet proud, often infuriating man, that you can't take your eyes off of him -- he may be one of England's finest actors. And he makes this film intriguing, regardless of whether one knows the original series or not.


text:
Posts tagged Anarchist
Posts tagged Anarchist
An Italian anarchist group has said it carried out an attack last Monday on a senior executive of nuclear engineering group Ansaldo Nucleare.
Roberto Adinolfi, 53, was shot in the leg by a gunman on a motorbike in the northern Italian city of Genoa.
He has undergone surgery and colleagues have said his condition is not serious.
The "Olga Cell" of the FAI (Informal Anarchist Federation), made the claim by a letter sent to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
The letter says that the attack "was carried out to punish one of the many sorcerers of the atomic industry".
Strong presence
The Ansaldo group is part of aerospace and defence giant Finmeccanica.
Four of its managers were targets of attacks in the 1970s and '80s by the far-left Red Brigades movement.
The shooting of Mr Adinolfi has prompted investigators to draw similarities with the previous attacks.
Investigative sources have pointed at anarchists involved in extremist activity as possible suspects.
The incident has sparked fears that the shooting could be a signal for sleeper cells to carry out more attacks or spark copycat shootings.
The anarchist movement has a strong presence in Genoa.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, police were examining recent pronouncements by some anarchist groups which have called for "a shift to a new phase that could lead to armed action".
The FAI has carried out a string of attacks on European institutions, including parcel bombs that exploded at the Swiss and Chilean embassies in the Italian capital Rome in 2010, badly wounding the two people who opened them.
A third bomb sent to the Greek Embassy four days later was defused.
In December last year, a parcel bomb exploded at a tax collection office in Rome, injuring the director. Police said the package also contained a leaflet signed by the anarchist group FAI.
Moderator's note: We received an anonymous clarification to this also anonymous communique that the building that was attacked was a Department of Corrections building. The statement previously submitted said it was a police building, but that was apparently an error.
Early in the morning we went to the west seattle community building and smashed out the windows. We also left two messages. One being a circle A, and the other being " For Oakland". We did this to show solidarity with our comrade Jack who is currently facing ridiculous charges and bail conditions after being arrested at a demo in oakland a few months ago. On the heels of a very impressive and inspiring May Day, us here in Seattle have aboslutely no desire to slow down in our never-ending struggle against the state and all those who protect it. Soldarity to Jack and all other Oakland comrades who are out at every demo causing havoc! From the NW to the Bay, soldarity means attack!
UPDATE 5/5 from freepax on facebook:
"We've paid Pax's $4k bond! He'll be out either very late tonight or very early tomorrow morning. More updates when we know more. (Bail was originally set at $360k, but reduced when 64 of the charges were abandoned.)"
On the morning of May 3rd over a dozen members of the Portland Police Department stormed a North Portland house and tore it apart on a warrant to indict our friend Bryan Michael Wiedeman (widely known as Pax) on 72 felony charges for "conspiracy to commit criminal mischief" and "criminal mischief" as apparently part of a two year grand jury investigation. The preposterousness of these charges (64 were dropped within a couple days), is clearly intended to terrorize and silence radical communities throughout the pacific northwest. But we're going to show them how strong our solidarity is.
Pax had his first day in court Friday May 4th at 2pm, he was assigned a public defendant and the judge claimed there was probable cause for the 72 felony charges (despite the fact that 64 were dropped later that night). As of Saturday night following the reduction to only eight felony charges he's been bailed out by supporters for $4000. His next court date will be Monday May 14th at 9am in the Portland Justice Center. Further updates, public announcement listserv, resources, calender and a direct donations jar to follow shortly. We have tshirts for preorder. Updates can also be found on his facebook support page.
by Miami Autonomy & Solidarity
Global Crisis; American Nightmare
A global economic crisis has brought a new Great Depression to the doorsteps of working class families. While the corporations, government officials, and bureaucracies are experiencing record profits and compensation, those who are least able to pay are expected to shoulder the majority of the burden [1,2]. This collapse is placed upon the backs of workers, and even more to the most oppressed in working class communities, for example: working class women, immigrants, blacks, and latinos [3,4]. Despite the promises of a Democratic congress and presidency, deportations of undocumented immigrants have dramatically increased since Obama took office, tearing communities apart and criminalizing whole populations. If we don't fight back, the crisis may drive a permanent decline in our standard of living, deepen the domination over the oppressed, and widen the gaps in American society.
But people are coming together and finding ways to support and struggle alongside each other in ways that haven't been seen in generations. The potential of a mobilized, conscious, and active movement frightens those in power, and they are pouring money, resources, and repression into diverting potential movements. People all over the world are building new struggles: turning vacant foreclosures into homes, resisting tuition hikes and worsening education in universities, fighting cuts and injustice at work, resisting ICE deportations and challenging second class status for immigrants, launching fare strikes on transit against service cuts and fare hikes, and resisting racialized police brutality and violence against oppressed communities. Attempts to coopt these potential movements are coming out of the unions who fear changes in the comfortable relationships they have with management, from the NGOs who are funded by and keep their jobs through all those who profit off our suffering, and from the political machinery that wants to channel our anger into their careers.
Vote with your feet
With the upcoming election far too often the range of reactions is either one of deserved cynicism but usually coupled with crippling apathy ("They're all corrupt, things won't change") or a faith like belief that some type of democratic or populist reform is possible that will alleviate the major underlying symptoms of capitalism (campaign finance reform, repeal Citizens United, populist illusions, etc).
But more concerning is the host of snake oil sellers on the left, within NGOs, and unions who will be pulling out all the stops to sell the Democratic Party oil once again. This might entail some re-packaging but some like SEIU who shamelessly carry water for the Democrats have publically announced their endorsement of Obama in the name of the 99% well ahead of most players. We will also receive a number of crass rationalizations (lesser evil, new promises of legislation, and once in his second term Obama will do what he really wants). A few on the left will make arguments along the lines of the left 'strategically engaging' the Obama campaign, though if you look carefully they seem to have exactly the same strategy and sales pitch as they did during the 2008 campaign. And for all the hype they made in 2008 these players ironically have little to show for their investment.
Abandoned by the State, unions, and civil society, some people put their hope in the return of a strong government to protect them, solve the crisis, and return things to business as usual. Putting faith in the courts, lobbying, and legislative reform fuel the fires of hope; we can't wait for a messiah to save us while things deteriorate. Even the purest of heart can't help but continue our suffering when they step into government. The structure is built for the interests of power, and working in the halls of power changes people. By living, working, and experiencing reality through a life of politicians, lobbying, wealthy donors and corporations, and being outside the normal lives of everyday people, the political machinery represents it's own interests and those of the powerful against the rest of the population. If some rebel tried to truly make real changes that threatened the powerful, the ruling class would not tolerate it. The rich will never let their wealth be voted away [5]; throughout history they opted to unleash bloody dictatorships against democracy, rather than bend to people's democratic will when it threatened them.
The era of government safety nets ended for a reason; it was based denying that standard of living to sections of the working class at home (for example black and latino workers), and exploiting the wealth of dominated countries abroad. Now the global balance of power has shifted with rising capitalists to the South, East, and West, and movements for equality throughout the 20th century challenged domination in our borders. In this global crisis attempting to save this system will only result in continuing the poverty, work organized for management rather than people, domination of women and the oppressed, police violence and prison society, institutionalized racism, and all the forms of repression we know. Relying on those who benefit from this to be willing to change just because we vote for them is waiting for a miracle.
We are the leaders we've been waiting for
The country has been electrified by mobilizations that seem to reflect a new combativeness and focus on class in parts of American society. The challenge for us is to move from an activist movement to a popular movement rooted in people's everyday lives. A number of activist movements in the US failed precisely here, such as the anti-nuclear movements, anti-war movements (Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq), and the anti-globalization movement. Still, today people worldwide are waking up to the need to take matters into their own hands and solve the problems the politicians and capitalists are unable to.
Throughout American history we have made change only when collectively we stood together and used our power. Slavery wasn't ended by Abraham Lincoln or even northern politicians; it was destroyed by movements against slavery organizing and taking action against a divided ruling class, culminating in a massive slave rebellion during the civil war (what WEB DuBois called a general strike [6]) that forever changed American society. Politicians and unions didn't give us the weekend, workers rights, or the 8hr day; we won those when workers challenged power through spreading strikes, demonstrations, and chasing down the ruling class in unemployment offices, courts, and government buildings. Segregation wasn't defeated by patiently lobbying politicians, but by people putting their bodies and lives on the line to take the streets, break the unjust laws of their time, and put forward a vision of a freer humanity. We won't win our freedom by defending the rotten institutions of society, but by directly creating our own together. We are the leaders we've been waiting for.
On April 14 at 3 PM, we left an incendiary device made of gasoline and a retardant fuse that burned two luxury cars in Luis Vile and Cucha Cucha.
We continue giving fire in the city of Buenos Aires, as we said we would, after the social alarm that intends to make every citizen into a police hero "at the service of the community."
Today civilization is coming to be a society of control of sustainable production. This means an adjustment of the screws that impose order through force.
The police service promises to spread in society; our free and wild instinct goes on the march at the same moment as well.
They cannot stop us, we do not fight so that the Earth will have its freedom and nothing more, nor to improve our conditions in life.
We use money for the destruction of their materialization.
To comrade Tortuga imprisoned in Chile.
To comrade Billy imprisoned Indonesia.
To comrade Luca seriously wounded in Italy.
Friends of the Earth – FAI
Side Note: I'd like to thank Forgottenness for alerting me to the Halandri case. I will be following it the best I can - and I'm going to attempt to only present it from the perspective of Anarchists, why? the corporate media ALWAYS lies, and they don't provide ANY context. Anyway, this is one of those trials that NEEDS to be paid attention to.
SOURCE: This Is Our Job
At the beginning of the session, five family members of the defendants took the stand, as well as a friend of the Nikolopoulos brothers. The questioning by the prosecutor and presiding judge was far too personal. They accused the mothers of "failing to keep an eye on your children in order to know what kind of company they keep" and pressured the father of the Nikolopoulos brothers to take a position on the fact that his sons admitted to being members of the Fire Cells Conspiracy as well as give his opinion on "the value of human life." The latter line of inquiry was an obvious reference to the Fire Cells Conspiracy statement read in court two sessions ago. Defense attorney Ifigenia Karandrea and her clients reacted immediately, with Christos Tsakalos rereading part of the statement in question and emphasizing that "the presiding judge is provoking us when he says that our organization generally disregards the value of human life."
Two more police officers—presumably "eyewitnesses" to the Fire Cells Conspiracy attack on the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace—then took the stand, but neither one was actually on duty the day of the attack and therefore neither had anything of note to say. Nevertheless, the judges had the gall to ask them what they heard about the incident from coworkers and television.
Two store employees and and EMS worker also testified, repeatedly stating that they didn't see the faces of the "perpetrators" and thus couldn't describe their physical features. The judges then asked them to look at the defendants in the dock "to see if you recognize some of them."
Three Special Guards who were "robbed of a logbook of fines by a threatening group of youths" (apparently the logbook was found during one of the searches) had nothing of consequence to contribute, nor could they positively identify anyone.
Finally, Gerasimos Arsenis took the stand. It was his apartment (which he shares with his wife Louka Katseli) that was attacked by the Fire Cells Conspiracy in September 2009. He testified that the explosion was very weak, but that "it theoretically could have endangered human lives" since the courtyard windows were broken and a door was destroyed. Arsenis neglected to mention that the Fire Cells Conspiracy placed a warning call, the apartment building was evacuated, and the courtyard windows were broken by firefighters in order to allow smoke to escape. Tsakalos and Michalis Nikolopoulos posed several questions to Arsenis in an attempt to make him recognize the political nature of the attack on his apartment, but the former minister just kept repeating that it was "an act of terrorism."
The defense attorneys then resubmitted their request to subpoena former Antiterrorist Unit chief D. Horianopoulos, who has already ignored two prior subpoenas.
To conclude the session, Michalis Nikolopoulos read the following statement in the name of the entire Fire Cells Conspiracy:
Gerasimos Arsenis is a recognized dignitary of power. During the course of his lengthy political career, he was in charge of the Ministries of the Economy, Defense, and Education, and he also led PASOK for a time.


text:
- My Shopping Cart
- Total: $0.00
Losi Rear Bumper Set
With your purchase, receive at no cost:
This is a replacement Losi Rear Bumper Set, and is intended for use with the Losi TEN-SCTE.
This product was added to our catalog on March 23, 2011.
Also Purchased
Free Shipping! Restrictions Apply
Low Price: $8.25
In Stock!
This item earns up to 8 Customer Reward points Learn More


text:
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke has been suspended four games for a hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Fedor Tyutin. The incident occurred during the first period of their game in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
Cooke was assessed a five-minute major penalty for charging and subsequently picked up a second major for fighting Derick Brassard in the ensuing scrum.
He did not receive a game misconduct for either offence.
No stranger to controversy, Cooke escaped a suspension last season for what many thought was a high and blindside side hit to the head of Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard. This past Sunday, a knee-on-knee collision with Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin also went unpunished.
The telephone hearing with the league - as opposed to an in-person interview - suggested that any suspension would be a maximum of five games. In-person interviews are held when the ban is expected to be six games or more.


text:
Infinity Blade: Dungeons
Infinity Blade: Dungeons is a new adventure set in the award-winning Infinity Blade universe.
Devil's Cove
Devil's Cove is a point-n-click adventure game with dozens of mysterious locations to explore and plenty of mind bending puzzles and challenges to solve and uncover.
Hot Tin Roof
Grab your fedora and revolver - in Hot Tin Roof you're on the case! Dive into a noir mystery and become Emma Jones, a two bit gal in an 8-bit ...
The Horus Heresy: Drop Assault
The Horus Heresy: Drop Assault is a fast-paced tactical game set in the the popular Horus Heresy setting.
Plant Panic
Plant Panic is an arcade action game where the player has to defend a plant against insects and other animals while it germinates form a seed till it blooms.


text:
Modern Times
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Website: moderntimeschicago.com
Having recently moved from their original location in Wicker Park, Modern Times is still in the business of namedropping classics of twentieth-century modern design. Devotees of the shop might travel anywhere for the selection, so its new home on Grand Avenue isn't much of a stretch.
With the recent AT discussion of knock-offs concluding in passionate support of original design and quality, Modern Times is a classic Chicago stop for original pieces and up-and-coming designers.
Some of our favorites: Dana Joy's candelabra from her fab house tour; a pair of Knoll upholsterd lounge chairs, ($2800), and this Harvey Probber sofa, ($3800, above).
In addition to furnishings, Modern Times sells lighting fixtures, specialty objects (like this 1975 wallhanging by Eleanor and Henry Kluck (Elenhank) of Chicago), and select jewelry.
What's your take on Modern Times??
1 Comment
This is really a fantastic shop (did you see those yummy Jens Risom side charis?!!). I was always inspired by what I saw. Modern Times is like a pared-down and pricey BAM. Definitely a place to go for buying something you know you will keep forever.
Thanks for the post--I thought they were gone for good after closing in W.P.


text:
26 U.S. Code § 7441 - Status
prev | next
There is hereby established, under article I of the Constitution of the United States, a court of record to be known as the United States Tax Court. The members of the Tax Court shall be the chief judge and the judges of the Tax Court.
Source(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 879; Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 951,Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 730.)
1969—Pub. L. 91–172substituted provisions establishing Tax Court as a Constitutional court, and enumerating the members that comprise its bench, for provisions continuing the Board of Tax Appeals, known as the Tax Court, as an independent agency in the Executive Branch of Government and enumerating the members that comprise its bench.
Effective Date of 1969 Amendment
Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 962(a),Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 736, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 951, 953, 954 (c) and (e), 955, 956, 958, and 960 (c), (d), (e), (g), and (j) [amending this section and sections 7443, 7447, 7448, 7456, 7471, and 7701 of this title] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969]."
Report on Inventory of Cases in Tax Court
Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1552(c),Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2753, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate and the Tax Court shall each prepare a report for 1987 and for each 2-calendar year period thereafter on the inventory of cases in the Tax Court and the measures to close cases more efficiently. Such reports shall be submitted to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate."
Continuation of Status
Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 961,Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 735, provided that: "The United States Tax Court established under the amendment made by section 951 [amending this section] is a continuation of the Tax Court of the United States as it existed prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969], the judges of the Tax Court of the United States immediately prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969] shall become the judges of the United States Tax Court upon the enactment of this Act, and no loss of rights or powers, interruption of jurisdiction, or prejudice to matters pending in the Tax Court of the United States before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 30, 1969] shall result from the enactment of this Act."
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The most recent Classification Table update that we have noticed was Tuesday, August 13, 2013
An empty table indicates that we see no relevant changes listed in the classification tables. If you suspect that our system may be missing something, please double-check with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
|Description of Change
|Session Year
|Public Law
|Statutes at Large
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text: Aerial Assassins Just like lions or wolves, Harris hawks can down prey in packs with brutal efficiency - which goes against the long-held thinking that they were solo hunters. Now, we'll venture into the hostile Sonoran Desert using radical tracking techniques to witness this remarkable behavior. Big game tracker James Currie must track them down, but there's no guarantee when and where they'll hunt. Videos 2:57Dirt Hawking2:17Red-Tail Hawk FledglingsNo VideoNo Video


text:
Middle Pennsylvania DUI Case Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
I recently took a second offense DUI case out of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, Union County. I was reluctant at first, because I couldn't point to Mifflinburg on the map or Union County. I knew it must be somewhere in the middle of the state. However, I wanted to help this guy out and get his charges dismissed. As the saying goes, "if you buy, I'll fly."
The case all hinged on the officers observations of my client and the field sobriety tests (link to pennduidefense.com field sobriety test page) since my client refused any chemical testing of his blood. When I arrived at the prelim., I didn't think I had a chance of getting the charges dismissed at the prelim. level. I thought "big city attorney in a small town, not a chance with the local politics." However, I was pleasantly surprised. I cross-examined the police officer and used a few helpful techniques I picked up along the way that helped me get the case dismissed.
When I read the police report (at the prelim. Known as the affidavit of probable cause) I noticed my client was charged with speeding but no other traffic offenses. I cross-examined the officer and established that my client traveled 3-4 miles without crossing the double yellow or fog line. This is significant. Most drivers cross these lines inadvertently on a day to day basis without being drunk. Heck, I cross the lines everyday when I go to work. It's pretty hard for a guy to be too intoxicated behind the wheel and drive the car as straight as an arrow.
Next, police officers usually put standard boilerplate language in every affidavit of probable cause. I've done hundreds of DUI cases in Pennsylvania and they all say just about the same thing: "I noticed an odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle, and the suspect exhibited bloodshot glass eyes and slurred speech which are consistent with intoxication. The suspect then fumbled for his license and registration." Like clockwork the police will put these items in their report. In this particular case, the officer left a few of these things out.
Continue reading "Middle Pennsylvania DUI Case Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing" »


text:
The Duggars Make Me Sick
The Duggars have 18 kids, which is crazy in and of itself. But teaching your kids to abstain from all sexual relations before marriage... these people are nuts!
Guest blogger Samantha: Every time I see something about the Duggars on TV, I get really annoyed. I'm annoyed that they have so many kids, I'm annoyed that all their names start with "J" and I'm annoyed that everything, EVERYTHING, they do and say in life is about their belief in God. Look, I'm all for faith. I'm all for religion. But I lose my patience when it comes to fanatics whose convictions are SO over the top that their very own children (in my opinion) end up brainwashed and robotic.
Meet Joshua Duggar and his new bride Anna.
Last night, as I watched "A Very Duggar Wedding," a reality special on TLC documenting their "union," I wanted to barf. You see, Joshua, 21, and his bride-to-be Anna, have never kissed (yes, that's KISSED!). Both are evangelical Christians and decided that they wanted to enter marriage "pure." Up until their wedding day, the most action that these two CHILDREN had ever gotten was hand-holding (ooh, naughty, naughty!) And now, their very first kiss is supposed to be in front of 300 guests?! Are you kidding me?
Before I even start in on how ridiculous I think this "purity" nonsense is, let me take a moment to talk about their wedding itself: 1) Too much tulle. 2) Someone needs to let the people of Florida know that the crimped long-hair look was out in the '80s 3) It was a dry wedding. (Um, isn't that mean to make them have sex for the first time without any alcohol???) I nearly died when they said "I do," and went for their first kiss as husband and wife. "Don't turn around!," my husband joked as we laughed about what a massive boner Joshua probably had. Then, as the camera zoomed in on Anna wiping her lips and smiling nervously as her virgin tongue went back into her mouth, I literally got queasy. How ridiculous, I thought. How ridiculous to think that not only will these kids never know what it's like to have had sex with anyone else other than each other, but that they will never know what really feels good and really feels right.
If you don't kiss a lot of frogs, how can you know if you even like kissing your prince?! The beauty of experiencing intimacy before marriage is that you CAN determine what you like and don't like -- so that you're not stuck with someone who you come to discover you have ZERO sexual attraction or connection to! As I watched the Duggars walk into their sad little hotel room (hi, TLC, ya coulda sprung for the "honeymoon suite," no?), I couldn't help but wonder if poor Anna, who will not be enjoying sex for quite some time (uh, remember when you lost your virginity), will one day wake up and wish that she had been felt up by someone other than her husband. Second base, people! We're talking about second base! Her boobies have NEVER even been touched by someone else. PATHETIC.
On Joshua and Anna's website, Anna says: "Like Joshua, I was raised in a Christian home, and my parents encouraged me to save my whole heart and purity for the one that God had for me. As a young girl, my parents told me that it was normal to have desires and thoughts, but that it was my responsibility to commit my future to the Lord and trust God to lead me in His timing." Trust God to lead you? Does God know what turns you on? Grow up! You're not proving anything to anyone and I don't believe for one instance that God is going to reward you any differently then the rest of us. You can still be pure, good, and committed to your husband even if you've had multiple partners.
In my opinion, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are to blame for this craziness. If I had to share well-deserved attention with 17 other siblings, I might pull a lame stunt like this at my wedding, too. Fortunately for me (and my two sisters), my kiss was short and sweet and my wedding night wasn't as painful as Anna's probably was (unless you count the terrible blister I got from my heels). So, to Joshua and Anna: I truly do hope you had fun on your wedding night and in 50 years are still as hot for each other as you were that night at bible camp. And if there's one thing you don't do like your parents, let's hope it's the baby-making part. For God's sake, Duggars, heed your own advice and ABSTAIN.
Amen Sister! Lol I find it ironic that my husband and I had many of these same thoughts last night as we watched. It was like a train wreck. Is it bad that I was pissed that the cameras weren't allowed in the hotel room? HELLO I wanna see this monstrosity! I can tell you one thing for sure - sex will forever be missionary in their life. I'm sure living pure doesn't involve any freaky action. I think it's great that they saved themselves for marriage..but the whole kissing thing is, as you put it, just pathetic! They looked like a bunch of 5th grade hormonal kids at their wedding. Nonetheless, congrats guys! I wish you all the best and I sure hope one of those wedding gifts included a Kama Sutra book.
Wow. Issues. How are these people and their convictions hurting you, exactly? I'm unsure in reading your post…
I say, to each their own. So what if they've never kissed? It hurts no one if that's so. They're probably both lousy at it, but so what? They don't need to know how each other's junk feels to know whether they'll have a good marriage.
Also, I think it's an odd statement to say that a person may regret never being felt up by another. I suppose that's only if you feel you're missing out. But if the person you're with does it for you and you're happy, why should it matter? It's like a gay person feeling sorry for a straight person they've never had gay sex, or for someone who's never used drugs to be pitied, or the condescending breeder who feels badly for people who've chosen to not have kids. Please. All those positions are silly and vomit-inducingly holier-than-thou.
I hadn't even heard of this until now. It's nuts! I agree with you completely. Especially about all the kids! jeez.
The beauty of this country is that we're allowed to follow or not follow whatever faith we want but damn, this is extreme. The Duggar's values remind me of this family that I read about in the Sunday NY Times a number of years back where they discouraged dating because they believed that such an act was "breeding grounds for divorce."
Your condescension is astonishing, almost as astonishing as your narrow-mindedness. Some people choose to do things differently and they are not hurting you or anyone else.
My husband and I did not kiss until we were married.
The Duggars are bothersome on several levels - anyone with a reality TV show is bothersome - but waiting for marriage to have sexual contact is not sickening. It is far healthier than promiscuity and what is nauseating about the whole setup was inviting all of America to the wedding not having one's first kiss there.
Sorry…I wholeheartedly disagree. I could find your way of life as disgusting and repulsive, but I understand that it is just that - something YOU chose. So what if others choose another route. Perhaps you need to step off your mighty high throne and admit you don't, in fact, know what's best for every person on the face of the earth.
Girls, you are not alone. My hubby and I laughed through out the whole show. I think out favorite part of the show was during commercials there was an ad for the morning after pill. Saving their first kiss for their wedding was sweet, but, that look on Anna's face, it was as if she was thinking "yep I'm a lesbian".
Ya wanna get down from YOUR high horse for a sec? I have to say I am appalled that this bothers you so badly. Why do you care what they teach their children? I'm sure you will be teaching your kids things I (and others) don't agree with. According to you it sounds like we should all be sluts and have multiple partners. Well excuse me if I don't care to have the images of other men in my head while making love to my husband. Abstinence is GOOD for society. You may not agree but it lowers STDs and divorce rates. By abstaining from sexual relations with other partners you have nothing to compare to. Although I didn't have sex before I was married I did date alot and I wish I hadn't. Those men, the things we did do, the places we went will always be with me and I can never erase them. I felt (and I know a lot of other women feel this way as well) like I had little pieces of me strewn all over the city that I could never get back. It saddens me that you attack someone's innocence and desire that it be taken away. I certainly hope you don't do the same to your child.
I am astonished at your anger and apparent hurt over the beliefs of the Duggars. Did they hurt you in some way? I'm going to guess that SOMEONE who is a Christian or believes in purity DID hurt you at some point in your life. I can't think of any other reason why you would exhibit such hatred towards them soley because of their beliefs.
I really think you need to evaluate your stress level and perhaps do some research on the effect of stress on your life if SOMEONE ELSE's beliefs…that they've NEVER said ANYTHING to you personally about…would bother you THAT much.
In my often-humbled opinion, it is NOT "sick" to wait until marriage to have sex. Neither is it sick to attempt to remain as pure as possible before marriage.
You disagree with the Duggar's. That's clear. Disagreeing with someone does NOT make them less of a person than you. Nor you them.
To "Jill"-I don't think we are in any position to assume what Anna (or anyone else) was thinking based on OUR beliefs. I am almost certain Anna was NOT thinking what YOU seem to think she was thinking after her first kiss.
I am amazed at people sometimes. Truly amazed.
Every religion has its beliefs of one thing or another in regards to dating and pre-marital relations. I in all honesty don't think what Joshua and Anna chose to be weird, it's just what they felt as being right for them. In every religion, there's views on pre-marital relations..christians, catholics and religious jews all abstain from pre-marital relations. Orthodox jews don't touch each other in public or in private prior to marriage… let alone kiss or get to 2nd base and feel each other up,…so really, what's the big diff?
On another note….the Duggars need immediate information on birth control!!!!
Having never seen (or heard of) the Duggars before now, I must say that I am shocked more at your being so highly offended by their beliefs.
Sex before marriage is something that I am teaching my kids is WRONG. The only man I have ever had sex with is my husband - and he's the only man I ever intend to have sex with. Why would you want to promote something that could create dissatisfaction with the man you have chosen to spend your life with?
Yes, I did date a few guys before I met him, yes I did kiss some of them, but that is as far as it ever went.
America is a free country - you are free to feel this way about a family that has done nothing to you except be alive, and they are free to live their lives in a way that apparently offends you to your very core.
Honestly, I feel sorry for you and for your children. They will never hear from you the beauty of saving yourself for your marriage bed, for your life-partner and him only.
Intimacy before marriage creates so many issues in our society… unwanted pregnancies, STD's, and people who are broken before they ever get a chance to grow up and see what life can really be about. If more teens and young adults would follow a path of abstinence and really get to know someone and save sex for marriage we would see a lot less people growing up hating the world for what it did to them. Young girls wouldn't have to feel that they have to give themselves away to gain acceptance by young boys who are just filling a score card - and vice versa.
Again, WOW… I am simply amazed that you are so peeved over their choice to keep sex as something that should be kept special. It is special, and it should be treated as such.
Oh, and just an FYI - a pure marriage bed can be just as exciting - if not more so - than a bed that has had a line of others pass through. I speak from experience on that one.
It's funny how you say that they are fanatics about their religion but you are a fanatic about yours. Yes, to those who profess no God for accountability, they are their own god. Everyone worships something. You sound so bitter, like a teenage girl who is jelous she didn't get picked for the prom. Just because you probably sold our your virginity for a dozen guys doesn't mean others don't place value in it and encourage that healthy lifestyle. What makes you think your ways are any better? So being permiscuous is the way? What a wierd type of messed up thinking that is.
When I saw that ad for the morning-after pill during that show, I thought OMG that's ironic, isn't it. These people that have 18 children because they don't believe in birth control and here their show is sponsored by the morning-after pill. I really wonder if they know it and if they do will it keep them off the air?
WOW. What ever happened to live and let live? If I wrote a similar post about the promiscuous or *gasp* gay lifestyle, I'd be accused of being closed minded and hateful. But this is okay how?
Musings-This is okay because we are supposed to live a "higher" standard. Meaning they can say whatever they want and call us whatever they want but we have to shut up so we don't offend or annoy anyone.
How is this "wrong?" It's what they want, it's what they believe, and this is a free country. Their beliefs aren't impinging on you - if you don't like it, here's a hint - DON'T WATCH THE SHOW!
I waited until marriage to have sex, and guess what - it's been loads of fun figuring things out with the only man I'll ever be with. Most of my friends who didn't wait are jealous - they recount hoards of not-so-great sexual experiences that they regret now. I hope both of my daughters wait until marriage, too.
Honestly, Samantha, get over yourself!
I don't have a problem with faith, I have a problem with Religion. I see a lot of irresponsibility occurring in the world by people who site The Bible as their main source for guidance. I think these people lack critical-thinking abilities and make sometimes baffling choices.
While I agree that forbidding sex (and certainly kissing!) before marriage is silly, what I really struggle with regarding The Duggars is their insistence on over-populating our already crowded planet, and teaching their children to do the same thing! It's ludicrous and irresponsible to have 18 children these days. They are walking through life with blinders on.
Oh, and can I also mention how much I loathe "anonymous" commenters? Ugh
I agree to live and let live…..
I find the Duggar's interesting to say the least..18 kids to much for me
(I only have one).They are raisng overall balanced ,what appears very happy kids.I do think they should probably stop pro-creating at this time but, I am not offended that they have values and morals representing a day and era gone by.The same values I was raised on and it worked very well if I do say so myself.
No before marriage babies,no diseases to limit my sexuality later on when it counted…No hang ups over boys/ men who dogged and treated me wrong.
The Duggars represent what a Christian family aspires to love of Jesus,each other as a family unit and others as an extension of that family. Their ways are not my ways but I get why they have them.
Most just have a hard time living up to it fully but still see sexiual purity as a value worth pursuing. Imagine if a girls waits until 20 or longer she has saved her self much unnecessary heartache and boy distraction when the focus should be on everything else.
Daily we have to watch less that moral images on TV and our kids are getting cues from them instead of the foundations and values that our country was founded on and I for one desire my girl to asprire to. I will love her either way but I am chosing for her until she choses for herself.
As ahe learns her value in the world ,not what ungrounded faithless people say is OKAY…Look where most of them are.
Rant much? While that I agree that test-driving a car before buying is important, so to speak, you have to understand that not everyone holds this same conviction. You imply that the Duggar parents are close-minded and backwards, but listen to yourself! Set an example…you could have critiqued their way of life without being so irate and prejudiced. A nice ending along the lines of 'to each their own' would have been appropriate. One amazing thing about this country is the fact that the Duggars can do what they want to do, and YOU can do what YOU want to do. While it's fine to disagree, and to discuss this sort of thing, I do not think that it's very mature to shred it to pieces in a blistering rant that's barely intelligible. Providing facts and studies about how these sorts of marriages usually turn out would have been appropriate, rather than basing everything on your own narrow-minded, cite-less babble.