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Barnwood Vineyards is a pioneer in the development of higher elevation vineyards in Santa Barbara County, California. Even though the central region of California has been successfully producing vine grapes for the past twenty years, these vineyards have been in the lower elevation valleys of the region. Prior to the planting of vines at Barnwood vineyard, several renowned...Read More About Barnwood
The largest of California's wine growing regions, the Central Coast produces the majority of California's wine. The district sprawls out, covering most of the vineyard land between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Smaller sub-AVAs of the Central Coast include Monterey Bay, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains and many others. Notable Facts...Read More About Central Coast
Sauvignon Blanc
(so-veen-YAWN blahnk)
One of the most distinctive grapes, Sauvignon Blanc is a highly aromatic variety
that does well in both the old and new world. From the Loire
Valley of France to Marlborough
in New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc has found many regions that bring out its unique
and delicious flavors.
Notable Facts
Sauvignon Blanc's home...Read More About Sauvignon Blanc
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Written by:
Anthony O.
Mitchell Jr.
O thou art the one,
whom showers i of
sheer serenity,
as warms this heart
and fills this soul
of such an endlessly
O thou art the one
whom possesses
and provides i of thy
guidance and
thy innermost light.
O Guardian Angel,
thy heavenly beauty
divinely of
1,000 colorful Springs.
For thou deliverest
faith, hope and uncon-
ditional love unto
this fellow poet whom
writes neath the
feathers of thy holy wings.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(THEINDYCHANNEL) — Pediatricians may soon get help monitoring babies' health with a high-tech diaper.
A new startup called Smart Diapers uses a QR code on a baby's diaper and parents' smartphones to record health data that would normally be thrown in the trash.
Developed by a couple with two kids and their team of scientists and engineers, Smart Diapers can reveal signs of urinary tract infections, dehydration or developing kidney problems. Once the data is collected, the app allows parents to send it directly to their pediatrician to help diagnose the problem.


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Vote of the week: How close do you live to a theme park?
Written by Robert Niles
I'm declaring Mickey Mouse the winner of last week's vote. So we're moving on to a new topic, one day early, since I will be on the road Friday. (No theme park trip this time; sorry. So no trip report coming from me.)Tweet
But on the subject of travel... How close do you live to the nearest theme park? For the purpose of this question, let's assume that we're talking about major theme parks here... not local carnivals or "amusement parks" that include little more than a go-kart track or carousel.
Tell us your favorite personal theme park travel story in the comments.
Readers' Opinions
From Anthony Murphy on November 8, 2007 at 7:44 PM
Six Flags Great America for Me!
Or Six Flags St. Louis where I am now!
From Danny Melillo on November 8, 2007 at 8:00 PM
On a good day it would take me about an hour and a half- 2 hours, but I normally hit traffic so I voted 24. And my park is Six Flags Great Adventure.
From Keith Lowery on November 8, 2007 at 8:15 PM
Six Flags, Kings Island, Dollywood, and Kentucky Kingdom all within 4 hours or so. However, we never go anymore. We only go to WDW now. All the rest just dont compare.
From Greg Maxwell on November 8, 2007 at 8:14 PM
Well, I live two to four hours from theme parks. Darian Lake, HersheyPark, Dorney Park, etc..., but I usualy drive more than 8 hours to get to Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg.
From Robert OGrosky on November 8, 2007 at 8:25 PM
SFGAM is my home park, and if traffic isnt bad it is about a 40-45 minute drive. And usually when we go early in the morning traffic isnt too bad, but road construction has been a pain this year and will likely be the same next year.
From Gareth H on November 8, 2007 at 8:39 PM
5 minute drive to sctually park in Universal, I live close o the back so it takes about 2 minutes to drive right past Men in Black or Duelling Dragons. Also 15 minutes to the Disney resort.
From Robert Niles on November 8, 2007 at 9:01 PM
I live 20 minutes from Universal Hollywood now, but once lived across the street from the rear gate of Universal Orlando. (That was when I worked at - irony - Walt Disney World.)
My favorite theme park travel story was the time I drove from Walt Disney World to Disneyland, by myself, in two and a half days. One day, I promise, to do a full blog entry on that trip. Good times.
From Brandon Jackson on November 8, 2007 at 11:14 PM
Nashville Tn, since we lost opryland, my choices are Dollywood 3.5 hour drive, Ky Kingdom 3 hour drive, SF over Georgia 4 hrs..you know which one I made the drive to 3 times this year?? UNIVERSAL ORLANDO!
ps..Orlando is a 10 hour drive from Nashville, shows how much I love universal, I dont even give the other parks a thought.
From Deidre Dennis on November 8, 2007 at 11:45 PM
Shoot, we're way up here in Washington state and aren't near any amusement park, unless you count Enchanted Parkway or whatever they're calling it these days. That must be the reason why we get excited every time we get ready to take a vacation to a theme park, or why we get excited when we hear about new rides coming to a park!
From Missy Renee on November 9, 2007 at 4:39 AM
I am 10-15 minutes away from Busch Gardens Europe.
From Eric Malone on November 9, 2007 at 4:52 AM
I only live about two and a half, three hours away from Disney World, Universal and Sea World. Barring traffic on I-4, anyway. It's a convenient distance, really. I enjoy being so close to my favorite theme parks.
From Noel G on November 9, 2007 at 5:51 AM
For me living on the Gold Coast Australia, I am virtually on the back fence to Wet'n'wild Water world,
Movieworld is 3 minutes away by car northbound.
Dreamworld is near to 5 minutes away northbound.
Seaworld is near to 15 minutes away southbound.
From Gareth H on November 9, 2007 at 5:55 AM
Oh yeah, I'm 70 minutes from Busch Gardens Africa too.
From Mark Hollamon on November 9, 2007 at 5:56 AM
I feel I am very fortunate to live in Orlando and am only 15-30 minutes from any park barring a traffic snarl and now we take 429 to WDW, so that pretty much eliminates the traffic going there.
One of the things we like best is being able to go to a park just for a walk around or to have lunch, then if it is too crowded, just leave and do something else! It really makes our visits enjoyable and keeps the parks fresh for us!
From DICK KNOEBEL on November 9, 2007 at 7:53 AM
From vg fernandez on November 9, 2007 at 7:56 AM
i live in puerto rico. no theme parks!!!!
2 1/2 hours in a plane to orlando :(
From Mike Shirley Jr on November 9, 2007 at 8:05 AM
I currently live 45 min from Kings Island and work 5 min up the street. I used to live 20 min from SFGAM and 10 min from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Honestly, the best drive I've had when it comes to theme parks is driving home every night from WDW with the Magic Kingdom fireworks in my rearview mirror.
From Mitchell Botwin on November 9, 2007 at 8:47 AM
I love living in Orlando, we go to the parks after rush hour, go on rides, see shows, have lunch, see more shows and head home before rush hour. The best way to live.
From David Renteria on November 9, 2007 at 9:10 AM
About 5 mins from Universal, 15 from Disney World. I can't really complain. In fact, I'm going to the Magic Kingdom after work for dinner with a friend.
From Iris Hernandez on November 9, 2007 at 9:51 AM
I live in Jacksonville Fl, if I go directly from here to Universal or DIsney is about 2 1/2 hours, but I usually stay at my parents house and thats only a 20-30 minute drive. I was raised in Orlando and still consider it my home and i feel so lucky to have 7 major theme parks near me.
From Tyler W. on November 9, 2007 at 9:53 AM
Less than 15 minutes from BGE and I don't know how I could live any other way.
From Don Neal on November 9, 2007 at 11:05 AM
1 hr 45 mins from King's Island in Cincy, 2.5 hrs from Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN, and 3 hrs from Kentucky Kingdon. And 16 hours from Universal Orlando! :( LOL :D
From Lee Mak on November 9, 2007 at 12:38 PM
5 minutes for Coney Island's Astroland Park
1.5 hours to Six Flags Great Adventure
everything else is by plane only...sux
From Larry Zimmerman on November 9, 2007 at 1:35 PM
In fact I just got home from Busch Gardens Africa. Rode everything I wanted to ride in under 4 hours. No crowd, everyone smiling and in a mellow mood - this is why I moved to Florida! We're an hour from the Mouse, an hour 15 from Sea World, and we don't believe in Universal (but if we did, we'd be an hour 20 from there). Nine hours from SFGa, and we have to pass Valdosta to get there.
From Barbara Boyer on November 9, 2007 at 1:33 PM
15 minutes to Busch Gardens Europe and that is on a bad day (lucky me!)
90 minutes or so to King's Dominion and we go every other year.
We have driven to Hershey (7 hours) and Cedar Point (11 hours), Dollywood and Orlando.
From Monkey Penny on November 9, 2007 at 2:17 PM
I live in VA. I am 45 minutes from KD and 1 hr. and 45 min. from BGE. This is a wonderful place to be because both parks are fun (although BGE does things at a much higher level than KD). I consider both to be my "home parks". I am within 2 hours of Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Volcano, Griffon, Flight of Fear, Grizzly, etc., and, soon, Dominator! My family has passes to both parks and we visit each 8-10 times each year.
From Victor Zolfo on November 9, 2007 at 3:12 PM
Universal Studios Hollywood is less than ten minutes from home, with Disneyland and Knotts about 30 minutes further. Ironically, when I worked at WDW, I had almost an hour commute each way!
From Claudine Deshaies on November 9, 2007 at 3:54 PM
I live about 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs from SFNE. Still, I flew to the Orlando parks this spring and drove 12 hrs to get to BGE in September. I didn't even go to SFNE at all. I guess it's a good thing I don't live too close to any park, I'd never get anything done aside from my actual job.
From John Quinteros on November 9, 2007 at 4:37 PM
I love how Disneyland is only an hour drive away (assuming there's no traffic).
From Tom Hall on November 9, 2007 at 4:41 PM
I used to live about 10 minutes from Kennywood, but only went there once a year during the School Picnic. I was terrified of the Jack Rabbit and the Pippin. Now, I get to go back there every couple of years to ride the Thunderbolt, the Jack Rabbit, and the Phantom. I'm going to try and get to Hersheypark and Dollywood this next summer.
I currently live in northern California, and live about 5 minutes from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. They're putting in "Tony Hawk's Big Spin" coaster over the winter in time for a spring opening, so I'll be getting my season's pass soon. It's nice to have some decent coasters to ride so close to home - Medusa, Roar, and Vertical Velocity are pretty good.
From Karin S on November 10, 2007 at 8:20 AM
I'm an hour and a half (give or take a couple of minutes) from the Disney parks, Universal, Busch Gardens and Cypress Gardens (a forgotten gem). The parks are close enough to do in a day and far enough that staying for a weekend is an occasional option.
From Lawrence Smith on November 10, 2007 at 7:43 AM
I live 10 minutes away from Six Flags America. I'm about 1 1/2 hours from Kings Dominion & about 2 1/2 hours from Busch Gardens Europe & Six Flags Great Adventure. I actually hit KD, SFGA & BGE more than I do SFA. Me & my buddies usually only do SFA for some quick swimming & water rides.
From Robert L on November 10, 2007 at 9:17 AM
I'm fortunate to live near Daytona Beach so theme park access is only 75 minutes to Universal Orlando and another 15-20 minutes down I-4 to Disney World. Of course I-4 traffic dictates everything. Sometimes its better and faster to take a longer route even if you have to use your EPASS. Locals know what I mean.
From rick stevens on November 10, 2007 at 5:18 PM
I'm 15 to 45 min from Disneyland, depending on traffic. About the same for Knott's. Universal and Magic Mountain is about 45 min to an hour away. We can get to most of the San Diego parks within 2 hours.
From Erik Yates on November 11, 2007 at 5:56 AM
I live about an hour and a half away from Universal and Sea World. Three from BGT 2 and a half from WDW.
Traffic around there is always so terrible.
From Bruce Lane on November 12, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I made a slight error. I voted 'Have to fly,' but we do have two zoos within less than an hour's drive (Woodland Park and Pt. Defiance), and Canada's Greater Vancouver Zoo is only about three hours north.
Our nearest true-interactive animal park, in Bandon (Oregon), is about seven hours to drive and about four hours by air/drive (taking into account the trip to the airport).
The next nearest parks that I would truly consider "decent" are the two Mexican nature parks south of Cancun, which are about seven and some-odd hours away by air/drive.
I know that some may be scratching their heads over that one, considering that we're in Washington (state), and we have California in our path south. Let me explain: None of the California "theme" parks hold any further interest for myself or my wife.
Happy travels.
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text:
Apache FOP GAE Port
Want Apache FOP Running on GAE? Here's Your Answer!
The Apache FOP port to Google Application Engine has been launched, following "about one year of analysis, code, tests, try-and-error and tons of coffee." This project features the whole stack of FOP working on GAE. The current version is 1.0. It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.


text:
Categories > Celebrities > My Chemical Romance > you can keep my brother
I told you what I do for a living and you freaked!3 Reviews
Love it, or leave it, you can't understand.. A pretty face, but you do so carry on...
Gerard told me to meet him there cause they wouldn't have time to stop by the flat, they're just passing through New York on their way to another show, so it's gonna be just a work visit.
He said I can just approach the guards, tell them my name and they'll let me in. So I did but the guards were not impressed. They actually smirked at me!
"I'm a friend of the band", I said to the huge guard number 1, he was the smirking ass.
"We're all friends of the band", guard number 2 said, he wore sunglasses and was a tiny bit nicer than the smirking ass, "But not every friend is allowed in.
"But Gerard told me I can enter", I was pretty desperate at this point, and it was really hot, "I'm his girlfriend".
"Me too", SA smirked .
"Derek!", dude 2 shot SA a look.
I guess this is how rumors are started.
Derek SA chuckled, "Look lady, you can't get in"
"Gerard said I can", I pouted.
"Well, Gerard is in sound check", dude 2 motioned on the huge doors, "He's busy. Come back tonight".
I rolled my eyes, dude 2 talked to me like I was an eager 5 year old who's whining about ice cream when she has a cold, "Look, I'm not a fanatic fan, I'm his girlfriend, he told me to come. I don't think he would be thrilled to know you kept me waiting".
"Look..What was your name? Scarlet? Sally? Whatever, no one is allowed to see the band right now", Derek SA crossed his big arms on his big belly. I upset him. I'm not sure if that was the right way to go, "Not girlfriends, not mothers, not even god! So go back to your friends", he waved to the nearest group of people hanging around the venue, "And come back tonight, if you have tickets, if not, I'm sure you can watch it on TV. In your house. Away from here".
"If only you could check your list", I said to dude2, he seemed reasonable, "I'm sure he put down my name".
"We don't have lists", dude2 shrugged, getting tired of me, "And he didn't mention any names".
I gritted my teeth in frustration, I flipped my phone open and speed dialled Gerard, then Mikey, then Frank, then Ray and Bob. Their phones were turned off.
I guess big and bigger were telling the truth, the guys were in sound check but fucking Gerard!
'Just tell them your name and they'll let you in'
'Are you sure?'
Yeah, fucking yeah!
"You shouldn't be that soft to them", I heard Derek SA say to his big buddy.
"Oh come on man, she just wanted to check out her favorite band", answered dude2.
I felt kinda humiliated, I wonder if that's how fans feel like all the time. Humiliated, not worth the band's time.
I sat on the curb, crossed my legs and waited. For what? I don't know, with this kind of treatment I should've just turned around and left.
Gerard forgot to mention my name? Coincidence? Yeah right, he's been acting like a dick ever since that I-forgot-the-wedding-date drama.
He forgot to call back, having short conversation, I couldn't reach him days at a time.
He's such a dick.
If I was going dick like on his ass every time he fucked up things between us...I would have to wear condoms by now!
Like the time he forgot my birthday...Or that time in high school when he sold me out to his gran, telling her it was I who licked way too much from the icing bowl for her cake...Or when he pulled my hair so hard it hurt for days...Or when he dared me to go to the woods and I got lost and almost got beaten by a crazy rabbit...Or when he planted that dead worm in my pencil case...No, that was actually Frank...But the point is, he's a dick!
It was so hot, I literally felt like the sun is fraying me.
Just then I heard something behind me, it was Bruce, the band's tattoo covered manager.
"Bru!", I exclaimed, standing up.
"Sky!", he smiled, "Gerard didn't say you're gonna come"
"Yeah, he didn't mention anything to these guys either", I jerked my head at big and bigger.
Bruce glanced at his clock, "Let's go, I'll walk you, they just finished the sound check".
I followed Bruce and beamed at big & bigger as I past them, they just looked embarrassed and I felt a little bit sorry for them. Just a little bit, but it's not their fault Gerard is a dick.
Bruce led me through a long dim corridor, telling me about his wife and the tour and his new tattoo.
I liked him a lot, he was the coolest guy ever and when Gerard or the other guys couldn't talk (Gerard for he's a dick and the others busy) he would spend hours on the phone with me, just ranting and rambling.
We stopped in front of a door, he knocked twice and pushed it open.
Frank and Ray sat on the leather sofa and Mikey and Gerard were huddled around the mini bar, "Hey"
Gerard looked up surprised like he's seeing me for the first time in his life. I guess he didn't think I'll manage to get past 'his' security.
I hugged and kissed Frank, Ray and Mikey before turning to stretch my hand at him, he looked me like I'm crazy.
"We're strangers now, right?", I held my hand outstretched.
"I missed you", he smacked my hand and pulled me for a hug.
"I'm pleased to hear", I wore my poker face.
"Drama queen much?", he cocked his eyebrow.
"You're the one to talk?", I cocked mine right back at him.
"I'm too tired for this shit", he threw his hands in the air and went to join Frank and Ray on the sofa, I followed him but crashed on Frankie instead, "Where's Bob?".
"He's handling some tech shit", Ray told me when I placed my legs on him and cuddled with Frankie.
Gerard gave me a look.
"Do you get any free time at all?", I nibbled on the pop tart Mikey offered me.
"A few hours before the show tonight", Ray still couldn't get over stealing my food. I swear it's some kind of a mental disorder, I could eat snails but he wanted it as long as I ate it, so he took a piece of my pop tart literally from my mouth. Gerard gave me another look.
"Wanna go shopping?", I gave Ray another piece of my pop tart, minus the drool this time, "I need some things from walmart for the tour".
Frank's eyes lit up like cheap candles, he adored walmart, it was his favorite store . Ever.
He went to one in every city they visited and never got tired of getting kicked out of them, by now they probably had his mug shot.
We used to love going there with Ray or Bob, doing shit and then make it look like they did it, and cracking up behind some shelf.
Ah, these were the days!
Ray elbowed Frank, Frank turned to stare at him, Ray raised his eyebrows and shook his head, motioning first at me then at Gerard and then nod.
Frank made a face then rolled his eyes. Ray answered him by shaking his head harder, finally Frankie nodded and looked down at his hands.
I was torn between the urge to laugh and roll my own eyes at Ray. He was so obvious.
"I'll go", Gerard tore his eyes from the silent conversation Ray and Frank were having.
Oh thank you your royal dickness, but I just nodded and smiled, calling your husband a dick gets your marriage nowhere nice, especially not walmart.
He smiled his Gerard special smile, it was my smile, he always smiled like that for me, ever since day one, he always reserved that smile for me.
I cracked up and climbed into his arms, crushing Ray on my way there.
Gerard wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my head.
We were talking about the tour I would be joining as a photographer assistent, They told me about the bands on the tour, I told them about the wacky crew.
I swear, the photographer I was assisting was a nut case, I didn't meet him in person but I talked to him on the phone like the only time I could reach him, He had a fake french accident.
OK, the man had a fake accent and he referred to himself in third body.
Oh and by the way his name was Fredrick. Yup, Fredrick the photographer.
But not everyone were insane, my colleague, the camera person assistent was like my best friend. Right after Gerard, Mikey, Frank, Ray, Bob, Amy, Billy, and Haley came Peter. My newest best friend.
And Alessa, the bass tech chick, was a rad chick. And Sophie, Alessa's best friend was awesome.
Bruce came back, I didn't even notice he left, "I'm sorry guys but I scheduled an interview in the last minute", he looked directly at Gerard. I looked directly at Gerard
"Does he have to?", Ray asked, locking looks with Gerard.
"Absolutely. And I need another one of you", he looked from Ray to Frank to Mikey to Gerard.
"Bob would do it", Mikey chipped in.
"You have 40 minutes", Bruce looked one last time at Gerard then winked at me and left.
Gerard sighed and kissed the top of my head.
"But I wanna shop", I whined.
"I can't go", he tighten his embrace around me.
"You can never go", I pouted.
"I have work to do", he sounded stiff.
"You always have work to do", I crossed my arms on my chest.
I swear it's all about his work, work work work, he never do anything fun anymore...Maybe it's fun for him but I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines watching him living his life.
"Skyler..", he sighed like he's really really tired.
"What Gerard?", I got up, "Tell me it's not true. Tell me it's not all your life now. Tell me I'm not on the 599th place in your life now".
"Umm..We'll go...Watch Bob", Ray muttered, getting up quickly and dragging Frank with him. Mikey followed them, shaking his head.
"Skyler", Gerard sighed again and rubbed his eyes, "Why does everything always has to be all about you? How come the minute I finally find what I like to do you get upset? Why can't you be happy for me?".
"I'm happy, Gerard", I looked down on my hands, "More than you know. And proud too but I wanna be part of your life"
He shut his eyes with this kinda 'I can do much more important shit with my life than having this conversation', "You're always part of my life but Sky...This is my life too and...I just don't have as much time as I used to have".
"Yeah, you can dump me with a drop of the hat", I was so annoyed I sounded like a bitch and a kid. I was really proud but I wanted him to be home sometimes, I missed him so much and when we were together he acted like such a dick.
"Fuck!", he exclaimed, "So I can't go shopping when you want me too. Big fucking deal! I don't ask you to drop classes just cause I'm in town cause I know you enjoy it and love it".
"You don't get it", I muttered.
"No I do!", he cried out, "For once not every fucking shit is about you and you can't fucking handle it!".
I stared at him.
"I swear Skyler, you've been giving me shit for everything and now that I finally found something I like you can't even give me a break", he avoided my gaze.
"You're a dick, Gerard", I was about to storm off like I always did.
I didn't like fighting with him so instead of being a grown up and talking the whole thing through I just stormed off on his ass and waited for him to come around and tell me how wrong he was and how much he loves me.
"Yeah, go ahead and walk out on me", he snapped, "Go cry to Frankie about how much pain I put you through and how I'm always wrong and don't deserve you. And when you hurt me it's like I get what I deserve and it's so unfair, sugar!".
I froze facing the door, waiting for him to finish but he never did so I walked out and slammed the door shut.
Mikey, Frank and Ray sat outside the dressing room, sitting on the floor and leaning against the opposite door.
"Where did I go wrong?", I sighed.
Frankie shrugged but Mikey always had an answer, "He just wants to be loved"
Ray stood up, "It's what we do, Sky, he loves it, he's good at it"
"I know", I nodded, "That's not the point. I don't want him to chose me over this. I just wanna...".
I just wanted him to be here like he used to, on a daily basis, not yearly.
Is that too much to ask? Was I being selfish? I just felt so lonely at times it was unbearable.
"We know, Sky", Ray put a hand around me, "We know. It doesn't make it any easier for us".
I wonder how Janet handled the distant, did she feel like she doesn't belong in Frank's life anymore? Or maybe Gerard was right and it's me who's being selfish?
I got used to him always being there, at every step of the way, supporting me physically and emotionally, I got used to being in the center of his life and now that I'm not anymore, am I afraid he might pick his music over me?
I don't know, I don't know anything.
"..On the bright side we're going to Walmart", Frank elbowed me from my trance.
"On who's bright side?", Mikey smirked.
"Not Walmarts'", Ray chuckled, "That's for sure"


text:
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Genre: Historical Romance
After a disastrous London season, Patience Harrington is banished to Blackfield Castle to catalog a bequest to the British Museum. The gloomy edifice isn't the only disconcerting thing about Blackfield -- its owner, Thomas Asche,
Obsessed with his secret government project, Thomas wants no one intruding in his life. He suspects Patience was sent to spy on him and tries to stay clear of her. But she's always underfoot, and for the oddest reason he finds himself attracted to her.
Patience doesn't know what to make of the rumors about a "monster" being created at the castle. Is Thomas another Frankenstein? What is he hiding, and why is he so suspicious of her? The only way to find out is to let him seduce her.
Mallory's novel approach to the far more serious Gothic will have readers grinning more than shivering with suspense. She breathes fresh air into the tried-and-true, and her talents seem to grow with each charming tale. SENSUAL (Apr., 384 pp., $5.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin
Publisher: Avon
Published: April 2006


text:
Over the past few weeks, I have had a chance to catch up on a few movies and have good reviews of them all! It is always nice when I feel like I am not wasting time watching a movie.
1. Inception. I had heard a lot of good things about this film last summer when it came out, but didn't get a chance to see it until Christmas break. It was thought provoking and the special effects were pretty amazing. My only problem with it was that I didn't realize how long it was and was distracted for the last 45 minutes expecting it to end. I will definitely watch it again now that I know the storyline so I can really figure out what's going on. If you like complex plot lines, a tragic love story, ambigous ending and a lot of action, this is a movie for you.
2. Black Swan. I saw this film with my little sister in law in the theaters a few days after we watched Inception. I can tell you one thing, watching these two movies back-to-back made me question my own sense of reality! In Black Swan, Natalie Portman plays a seriously disturbed ballet dancer obsessed with her own perfection. The dancing in the movie was beautiful, but the movie itself was not a pretty story. My sister and I tried to describe it to the rest of the family when we got home, but couldn't find the right words. She found parts scary, I found many hard to watch, but neither of us could turn away from the screen. You absolutely don't leave the theater happy, but you will be talking about the movie for days. It is definitely not for the faint of heart and has a much deserved "R" rating.
3. The Other Guys. If you liked Stepbrothers or Talladega Nights, you will think this movie is hilarious. I pretty much giggled for 2 straight hours. I love Mark Walhberg and wasn't sure about him in a funny role, but he and Will Ferrell's characters foil each other so well, you can't help but laugh out loud. Husband and I were both pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable this movie was!
4. The Town. We rented this from Red Box last night and loved it! You know when you want the bad guy to win, the movie is well done. The story follows Dougie, a bank robber who wants to get out of the game and start a new life, but is too caught up in everything to get out unscathed. You watch him battle loyalty to his childhood friends and obligations to the gangs of the neighborhood with a new love interest who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Definitely worth the watch!
Have you seen anything good lately?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Few Reviews
Posted by Kate @ Daffodils at 4:00 AM
Labels: reviews
2 comments:
- Tyler said...
I'm such a loser! When Ryan isn't around, movies get thrown by the wayside. I want to see all 4 of those! Black Swan is at the top of my list. It totally sounds like crazy town. I hear I will want to see it with someone I'm comfortable seeing uncomfortable scenes with, even though it takes a lot to make this lady blush!
- January 12, 2011 at 5:24 AM
- fittingbackin said...
I've seen all of these but the other guys and loved them all - inception was probably my favorite though - I just couldn't get over it and wanted to watch it again and again!!!
- January 12, 2011 at 4:59 PM
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Manga games are perfect girls games girls games to play if you love manga comics and anything else to do with manga. In every free manga game for girls the language was originally only Japanese, but now there are new manga games in all different languages, so that everyone around the world can enjoy playing these girls games. Astro Boy was a recent manga film, but there are lots of other films and TV shows with famous manga characters. Girls manga games come in all different sorts. If you like playing dress up games, then there are manga games to suit you, but likewise, if you prefer cooking games, make up games or any other kind of girls games at all, then you'll be sure to find a manga game that meets your needs.
Highest Rated


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Watch Rugby-Queensland vs NSW Blues Live Queensland RUGBY LEAGUE, on http://rugby.sportstune.tv This match between Queensland will face to New South Wales Blues.Queensland vs NSW Blues Live match will be started at From 11:30 until 14:30 (CET) . Every rugby fans are invited live watch join this Queensland vs NSW Blues Live Queensland RUGBY LEAGUE So, dont miss to watch this watch this Queensland vs NSW Blues Live Queensland RUGBY LEAGUE match on SPORTZLIVE TV
<<<< Rugby Live Schedule:>>>>
UPCOMING INFO : Queensland vs NSW Blues
COMPETITION NAME :Queensland RUGBY LEAGUEÂ
COMPETITOR :Queensland vs NSW Blues
Ground name: ANZ Stadium,Sydney
DATE : Wednesday,6 Jul 2011
TIME/WHEN START : From 11:30 until 14:30 (CET)Â
Status : Live
Often considered the pinnacle of Australian Rugby League, State Of Origin is one of Australiaâ s premier sporting events, often played in front of sold out stadiums. The series itself is contested between New South Wales and Queensland, who have formed an epic rivalry that has seen the series produce the toughest and most skilful Rugby League in the world. Since its inception in 1980, the results between NSW and QLD have been extraordinarily even, adding fuel to the competitionâ s success. Overall the Maroons have won 16 series compared to the Blues 12. In games won, the Maroons hold a six game advantage over the Blues with 48 wins compared to 42 for NSW. QLD have won the last five series since 2006, with State of Origin 2011 set for another blockbuster with NSW desperate to win the series back.
The 2-11 Origin series heads into the game 3 locked at 1-1. The decider will be played at Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane.
The Maroons have won the past five series, including a clean sweep last year. There is the potential for complacency coming off a record like that, but while the unavailability of centres Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis is a big blow on one hand it should ensure the Queenslanders are focused on the other. Hodges and Inglis have been a big part of Queenslandâ s success over the years, so the players still there will be well aware they need to work harder in their absence. The Blues lack real gamebreakers coming off the bench. The Maroons are deservedly hot favourites. The Queensland rugby team easilly beat New South Wales(QLD 16 bt NSW 12) in Rugby State Of Origin first match but New South Wales came back strongly last match NSW grab the win against QLD.New South Wales won 18-8 in the last game to level the series and set up a thrilling decider. So it is clear that 3 game of State Of Origin rugby match will be the final,both team looking for victory,letâ s see what happen who will be the victorious, is QLD or NSW?
<<NSW Blues team for State of Origin game 3 against Queensland on 6th July 2011 live streaming>>
Paul Gallen (c), Greg Bird, Ben Creagh, Michael Ennis, Keith Galloway, Mark Gasnier, Kurt Gidley, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Tim Mannah, Anthony Minichiello, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Jamie Soward, Glenn Stewart, Akuila Uate, Anthony Watmough
Paul Gallen is captain
<<Queensland Maroons team for State of Origin 3 against New South Wales on 6th July 2011 live>>
Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Corey Parker, Ben Hannant, Jacob Lillyman.
Darren Lockyer is captain


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After exposing the secret source of blood for half of Manhattan's Vampyres, private eye Joe Pitt is definitely a dead man walking. For a year he's sloshed around the subway tunnels and sewers, tapping the veins of the lost, while above ground a Vampyre civil war threatens to drag the Clans into the sunlight once and for all. What's it gonna take to dig him up? Just the search for a missing girl who's carrying a baby that just might be the destiny of Vampyre-kind.
Not that Joe cares all that much about destiny and such. What he cares about is that his ex-girl Evie wants him to take the gig. What's the risk? Another turn playing pigeon in a shooting gallery. What's the reward? Maybe one shot of his own. What's he aiming for? Nothing much. Just all the evil at the heart of his world.
©2009 Charlie Huston; (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"One of the most remarkable prose stylists to emerge from the noir tradition in this century." (Stephen King)
"[Huston] creates a world that is at once supernatural and totally familiar, imaginative, and utterly convincing." (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Warning Book 5"
Warning this is not the next book in Joe Pitt's series , it is book 5. A lot has gone on since No Dominion. Huston has a way of telling his story that you will not be lost but it will ruin the other two books. that said great book! Scott Brick perfect for this narration.
"More Pitt Please!"
Ever since I downloaded Already Dead and No Dominion I have been looking for more of this series on audible. When I saw "My Dead Body" I did an instant download. I was sad that audible did not includes Huston's other 2 books in the series on audio but like the other reviewers say the way this author writes he fills in where a reader might be confused.
Hopefully more people will ask for the rest of the series. I love the Twilight books (I know, I know all the boys reading this are going "EW!") but I also love the classic horror vampire of Necroscope, Vampire$, 'Salem's Lot, and The Strain. This series has what Butcher's Harry Dresden series has, good horror/fantasy with an ass-kicking but everyday guy kind of hero.
I think the first review nails it, it's the same high quality in and of itself, BUT messes up the flow
At first I thought the author was going for a different "backstory" approach and was waiting for it to fill in and listened to enough to say
1) it's consistent with the other books in terms of quality
both by Huston and by the reader Brick
2) You'll get overall plot arc spoilers which is a drag
"Black guy beef."
I've listened to all of the book & I've enjoyed each one and especially the last book. The only thing I would say that I don't care for is the speaking parts of the "Black" characters. I've been Black for about 43 years & I have yet to encounter any other Black folks that speak like the Black portrayed in the books...EVER. I'd gladly recommend the books to others most certainly, but as I was listening I just kept saying to myself that there was no way possible that ANY Black, African American or persons closely associated with those mentioned people were consulted about the speech patterns used in the stories.
Joe would be at the top of my favorite character list followed by Esperanza, Hurley, Chubby Freeze (love the name) and Mrs. Vandewater.
Dexter Predo.
A hard days night.
Other than the deplorable accents of the Black people the books were great.
Great Characters. Great Story Line. Great Book. 'Nuff Said.
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Emerging "Invisible Design"
The New York Times
Everyone who's ever tried to camouflage a large flat screen television certainly knows the dilemma. How do you make something that's both ugly and necessary disappear, but remain useful, on a daily basis?
We've seen some solutions to the TV problem over the years. Mostly they involve visual styling tricks that distract us, or minimizing an eyesore's presence in the room — mostly by adding other things. I'm talking about gallery walls, crammed bookcases or, if you're on HGTV, a custom wall cabinet that hides the offending object when not in use. Television? What television?
But what if that television could completely vanish?
This week's New York Times profiles the concept of Invisible Design. Proponents of the philosophy embrace seamless environments that easily flow without physical, or visual, interruption. These design professionals and companies search for clever, often technology-driven, ways to eliminate protrusions and bulky sight lines. This leads to solutions like flush-mounted electrical outlets, like the one above by Trufig, and drawers that open by touch versus a handle.
We've seen some early iterations out in the world. Anyone who's watched MTV Cribs, for example, knows all about televisions that emerge magically from the footboard of the master bed. Buttons are also less likely to be found on the front of dishwashers these days. These few examples, however, seem ham-handed and/or small fry when compared to more recent projects, like an architect-designed bed that raises from the floor to reveal a hidden bathtub, and stores in the ceiling. Or glass shower walls that fold up when not in use. To continue our example of the television, the one above by Seura becomes a mirror when it's not on.
You can see the potential. The ugly factor aside, it's ultimately about making the home more livable. For a harried parent, there are less nooks and crannies to clean, or cords to trip over. For a city dweller, it means maximizing precious space in a small apartment.
What do you think? Does this philosophy hold particular appeal? Can you see it in your household, or is it too Jetsons or unrealistic for everyday homes?
More from The New York Times
(Images: 1. Lonny; 2. The New York Times; and 3. Media Design Associates)
20 Comments
Can someone tell me where the art is from in the first picture of this post? It all would go perfectly in my apartment.
My large-ish flat screen TV is a great improvement over my previous old fashioned deep TV. The TV no longer seems to dominate the room, even though it's out in plain sight.
I would also love to have more information on the artwork in the first picture!
I have an even better solution: get rid of your television. There is nothing necessary about television.
Another suggestion: don't get such a big freaking TV. If you want a picture that big, go to the movies. My 37" flat screen sits quietly on a credenza, doesn't bother anybody, art fits on the wall around behind it.
Ditto on the art work- the whole room set up is gorgeous.
It's always bothered me in real estate and design shows when people are impressed that the refrigerator or dishwasher is hidden in the kitchen. Those are tools in a workspace, so to hide them is absurd. On the other hand, one of the better solutions for storage I have seen is hidden closets lining the entire length of a wide hallway. Closet storage exists to hide things, so to have the closets themselves hidden makes perfect sense.
I think the solution is to design more attractive televisions, not to get rid of them or limit their size. You may be averse to having a television, but I really enjoy watching mine. To each their own.
@PI - I agree wholeheartedly. Although some people don't enjoy watching television, I enjoy mine too, for there are many shows that are still worthwhile (PBS, Classic TV, or movies anyone?). Like you said, to each their own. I was able to incorporate my 32" flat-screen television into the design of my back room quite tastefully.
@TERRY IN SILVER SPRING, I agree -- today's TVs are so much less obtrusive than old models that I barely notice them in rooms. They're not all that different from a mirror now. That would be a neat tech development -- screens that turn into mirrors when they're not in use.
"aesthetic anorexic" says it all.
That said, I do like control pads to be hidden. But not everything needs to be hidden.
I think you can mount a flat screen behind a 2-way glass and it would appear as a mirror when not in use.
AT-How about a post of sliding hardware for doors and artwork to hide TVs and other unsightly stuff in the home? I read the one from yesterday but it lacked detail, you have to list vendors for this stuff!
the painting on the left was from the flea market and the one on the right was made my the designer's sister. the middle one used to be red and she painted over it:
You don't need to hide your TV any more than you need to put a skirt on your piano's legs to protect its modesty. Seriously, people.
Flatscreen TVs look nice in contemporary-styled rooms, but they can be an eyesore in more traditional rooms. I really like the Idea of the TV having a mirrored surface when it's turned off. I watch maybe 3 hours of TV a week and I like the idea of it being less obtrusive when not in use. That big black rectangle can actually suck a lot of light out of a room.
Why would anyone need a TV over the sink. Ugh!
I've always loved old bookcases that hide secret doors, very victorian and oh so mysterious. Multi-function and hidden household items pique my interest in a similar way. I'd kind of love a slim tv that doubles as a mirror and hides a safe or bookcase. Or maybe a tv that functions as a window covering at night (since that's when we do our minimal tv watching). Though I think the ultimate would be to untether the tv from the wall entirely, maybe one day a high res projection system built into our phones or tablets and you just set it up when needed. It's good to keep thinking out of the box when approaching new design ideas!
I think the main problem with TVs is that it is usually a focal point in a room (why wouldn't be, that's half the function of a living room a lot of the time). They are also very limited in design (black and shiny, unless you can find an working 'wood' TV). I think if you were able to add a different frame to the TV, and then pop a DVD of a slideshow of family photos or even just random photos and art of your taste, it could be quite nice and a conversation piece.
I would love to know how the designer's sister made the white/yellow painting on the right. I have a blank canvas about that size and I've been trying to figure out what to paint (and how) in white/aqua to hang over my bed. That would be perfect! Any way we could find out?


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AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) -- As a .179 career hitter, Tim Hudson doesn't expect much when he steps to the plate.
After pulling off the unlikely feat of hitting a homer in his 200th career win, Hudson concluded: "The stars were aligned and it was meant to be."
Hudson was a dual threat in his milestone win, dominating on the mound over seven innings and hitting a homer and a double to lead the Atlanta Braves to an 8-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.
Hudson (3-1) stuck out six and walked two while giving up one run. One of the three hits he allowed was an infield single by Denard Span.
"It was a fun game," Hudson said. "Obviously, it's kind of surreal. No one expects to hit a home run."
Hudson's bat almost stole the night. He led off the second with a double to left field off Gio Gonzalez (2-2) and hit a fifth-inning homer off Zach Duke. Bryce Harper made a leaping attempt to catch the homer, but the ball bounced off his glove and over the wall.
"We're pitchers; we're not supposed to hit home runs anywhere," Hudson said.
The homer was the third of Hudson's career and first since June 20, 2011 against Toronto.
"It was Hudson's night," Gonzalez said. "Tip your cap."
The Braves, citing information from the Elias Sports Bureau, said Cleveland's Bob Lemon was the only other pitcher to hit a homer in his 200th win. Lemon's milestone came on Sept. 11, 1956.
The Braves led 4-0 after two innings and cruised to their ninth straight against Washington, dating to last season.
Andrelton Simmons had three hits, including a homer to lead off the first inning for Atlanta. Freddie Freeman had three singles and three RBIs, and Evan Gattis drove in two runs with two hits.
Hudson, 37, became the third active pitcher with 200 wins, joining Andy Pettitte (248) and Roy Halladay (201). He is 200-105 in his career, including 92 wins while with Oakland from 1999-2004.
Hudson allowed no hits until Tyler Moore led off the fifth with a double to the right-field corner. Moore scored from third on a groundout by Wilson Ramos.
"That's the best I've seen him," Washington manager Davey Johnson said. "He used all his pitches, as usual, and made a lot of good pitches.
"Just a heck of a ball game."
Moore started with Jayson Werth being held out because of a sore left ankle and tightness in his right hamstring. Werth fouled a ball off his ankle Monday night.
Ian Desmond led off the seventh with a triple to right field but was stranded on third as Hudson ended his night by striking out Chad Tracy and Ramos.
The Nationals (13-14) fell below .500 with their third straight loss.
"We're off to a slow start," Gonzalez said. "Once we turn it around it's going to be a big change."
Gonzalez lasted only four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and a season-high five walks with nine strikeouts. The left-hander has allowed five or more runs in three of his six starts this season, leaving his ERA at 5.34. It was the second start this season Gonzalez has pitched only four innings.
"Today is one of those things you just can't explain," Gonzalez said. "You either attack the strike zone or you don't. You get nine strikeouts and then five walks. Some good contact and then broken-bat hits."
Johnson said poor command prevented Gonzalez from executing his plan to attack Atlanta's hitters.
"It looked like he was going right after them," Johnson said. "Obviously, he wasn't keeping the ball down and hitting his spots."
After Simmons led off the first with a line-drive homer that just cleared the left-field wall, Justin Upton reached on a one-out walk and scored on a double by Gattis. Chris Johnson and Freeman had run-scoring singles in the second, and Gattis drove in another run with a single in the fourth.
The Braves stretched the lead with three runs off Duke in the fifth, including a two-run single by Freeman.
Anthony Varvaro pitched two perfect innings in relief of Hudson.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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text: A 90-minute TeleConference/Live Audio WebcastThursday, September 25, 20081:00-2:30 pm ET / 12:00-1:30 pm CT / 11:00 am-12:30 pm MT / 10:00 am-11:30 am PT Moderator: Michael Shpiece, Adjunct Professor of Law, Wayne Law School, Detroit, MI.Panelists: Kevin Knopf, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Benefits Tax Counsel, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington DC; Greta Cowart, Haynes and Boone LLP, Dallas, TX; Kelley Demiryan, CEBS, Account Director, Gallagher Benefit Services, Bingham Farms, MI.As employers continue to struggle to contain the costs of providing health care, many are turning to alternatives such as HRAs, HSAs, and other individual account plans. With these new programs come a myriad of regulations. Congress liberalized some of the rules and new guidance was recently issued in the form of the "HSA Grab Bag" which also clarified and made HSAs more attractive. This program will:


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The children abused one.. ugh its no right!
(via messofyouthfulinnocence)
(Source: obsexxed, via cameltoe-mccougar)
The human heart stripped of fat and muscle, with just the angel veins exposed.
There is nothing better than waking up in the morning next to some random ass girl and just turn around with your morning wood spread that ass and just fuck it until you cum inside then change and leave gotta love it
(Source: actuallyalessandra, via beckyloves-deactivated20120409)
Experiment with life as it is full os secrets and the answers are at your finger tips all you gotta do is go out and experience as with experience comes knowledge and maturity
"Don't stop and stare at the world cause i am danm sure that the world doesn't stop and stares at you"
— Meee
Life can be what ever you make it to be you just got to make sure that it is you who decides in order for it to be yours


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Dear Friends,
It was a busy week in Washington as I welcomed the Norwegian Minister of Health, Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen, to the U.S. Capitol, and attended the President's State of the Union Address. Here is an update from our nation's capitol.
I encourage all of you to continue to join the conversation and stay in touch by visiting me on my website, Facebook page, Twitter, and YouTube. As always, please let me know whenever I can be of assistance
Erik Paulsen
Member of Congress
The State of the Union
In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, the President touched on several themes and one was the need for domestic manufacturing jobs. The first place he should look is medical device manufacturing, which provides 35,000 jobs in Minnesota alone. I will continue to be a passionate advocate for this American success story by working to repeal the President's new tax on medical devices, and to modernize the FDA so we can keep innovation, manufacturing, and jobs here in the United States.
In a greater sense, I believe we need to reform our tax code to make it simpler, fairer, and more competitive – including eliminating special interest loopholes.
Read my response to the President's State of the Union Address here.
Senate Goes 1,000 Days without a Budget
Did you know that it's been over 1,000 days since the Senate passed a budget? No wonder we've seen our nation's debt spiral out of control.
When the last budget was passed in April 2009, our national debt was $11.15 trillion. Today, the total national debt has ballooned to a staggering $15.2 trillion; that's $4.5 trillion in less than 3 years.
To put it in perspective, 1,000 days is enough time for the Empire State Building to be constructed twice, for our astronauts to make 250 trips to the moon and back and for Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence more than 58 times!
Every small business needs a budget to operate. Every large business needs a budget to operate. Most families need a budget to operate. Washington definitely needs to pass a budget to stop spending money we don't have.
Erik's Correspondence Corner: I Want to Hear From You
Do you have a question you'd like answered? Do you have thoughts on the economy, jobs, Congress?
Each week, I receive thousands of letters, emails, tweets, Facebook posts, and phone calls from constituents voicing their opinions on issues affecting our community and country. Starting last year, we opened the lines of communication even further with a weekly video series in which I respond directly to questions or comments I've received from all over the district. If you have a question, comment, or idea, please take time to share it with me by visiting my website, Facebook page, or Twitter.
View past installments by visiting my YouTube page here.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
I had the honor of standing with my good friend and colleague Gabby Giffords as she formally stepped down from Congress on Wednesday. I've known Gabby and her husband Mark since before either of us were elected to Congress. Gabby served her Arizona constituents and our country with distinction and integrity. I respect and support Gabby's decision to focus fully on her recovery after the terrible attack on her life last year. I have a feeling this will not be the last we see of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.


text: Bookmarks Dry mouthPrint-Friendly NavigatorI Would Like to Learn About:Expand All Collapse AllWhat to Expect Some cancer treatments and medicines can cause dry mouth.Symptoms you may have:Your saliva will be thick and stringy. You may have cuts or cracks in your lips or at the corners of your mouth. Your dentures may no longer fit well. This may cause sores on your gums. You will be thirsty. It may be hard to swallow and talk. You may lose your sense of taste. Your tongue and mouth may feel sore.You may get mouth sores, mouth pain, cavities (dental caries), or gum disease.Take Care of Your MouthBrush your teeth and gums 2 or 3 times a day for 2 - 3 minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.When you brush, rinse your brush in hot water every 30 seconds to keep the bristles soft. Let your toothbrush air dry between brushings. Choose toothpaste with care. If toothpaste makes your mouth sore, brush with a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 4 cups of water. Pour a small amount into a clean cup to dip your toothbrush into each time you brush. Use toothpaste with fluoride.Floss gently 1 time a day. Rinse your mouth 5 or 6 times a day. Use any of these solutions when you rinse:1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of water ½ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons baking soda in 4 cups of water Avoid rinses that have alcohol in them. You may use an antibacterial rinse 2 - 4 times a day for gum disease. Rinse for 1 - 2 minutes each time.Do not eat foods or drinks that have a lot of sugar in them. They may cause tooth decay. Use lip care products to keep your lips from drying out and cracking. Sip water to ease mouth dryness.Eating sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum may also help.Talk with your dentist about:Solutions to replace minerals in your teeth Saliva substitutes Drugs that help your salivary glands make more saliva DietYou need to eat enough protein and calories from other foods to keep your weight up. See also: Eating extra calories when you need them - adultsEating extra calories when you need them - adultsIf you are sick or getting cancer treatment, you may not feel like eating. But it is important to get enough protein and calories so that you do not...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Tips to make eating easier:Choose foods that you like. Serve foods with gravy, broths, or sauces to make them easier to chew and swallow. Eat small meals, and eat more often. Cut your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew. Ask your health care provider or dentist if artificial saliva might help you.Drink at least 8 - 10 glasses of liquid each day (not including coffee, tea, or other drinks that have caffeine).Drink liquids with your meals. Sip cool drinks during the day. Keep a glass of water next to your bed at night. Drink when you get up to use the bathroom or other times you wake up. Ask your health care provider about liquid food supplements. These can help you meet your energy needs.Avoid alcoholic drinks. They will bother your throat. Also avoid foods that are very spicy, have a lot of acid or are very hot or cold.If pills are hard to swallow, try crushing them with some ice cream or another soft food. Ask your health care provider if it is okay to crush your pills. Some pills do not work if they are crushed.Related InformationMastectomyBone marrow transp...Oral cancerThroat or larynx c...Bone marrow transp...After chemotherapy...Bleeding during ca...Dementia and drivi...Dementia - behavio...Dementia - daily c...Dementia - keeping...Abdominal radiatio...Brain radiation - ...Breast radiation -...Open ReferencesReferencesFurness S, Worthington HV, Bryan G, Birchenough S, McMillan R. Interventions for the management of dry mouth: topical therapies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;12:CD008934. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008934.pub2.Johnson R, Johnson G. Integrating palliative and curative care strategies in the practice of otolaryngology. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 81.BACK TO TOP Review Date: 5/13/2012 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Fire Fox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Fire Fox and Google Chrome browser.


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Upcoming Events:
North Medford Volleyball/Rogue Valley VBC Summer Season has started.
Upcoming practices are listed below.
Please contact Erika Wright at firstname.lastname@example.com or (541) 292-9232 for more info.
Monday, June 23rd- Practice or possible scrimmage 5-7pm
Tuesday, June 24th- Practice 1-2:30pm
Thursday, June 26th- Weight Lifting 1-2pm
Tuesday, July 1st- Weight Lifting 1-2pm
Thursday, July 3rd- Weight Lifting 1-2pm
Monday, July 7th- Practice 2-4pm
Tuesday, July 8th- Weight Lifting 1-2pm
Wednesday, July 9th- Practice 2-4pm
Thursday, July 10th- Weight Lifting 1-2pm
Friday, July 11th- Meet at NMHS at 8 a.m. to leave for UO team camp


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Categories > Anime/Manga > Bleach > Oh My Gigai!
Mental Torture2 Reviews
Kurosaki Ichigo, by all means, told his legs not to get up and yell, "What the freaking hell are you doing here!"
By Rhaine
Chapter Five : Mental Torture
Kurosaki Ichigo, by all means, told his legs not to get up and yell, "What the freaking hell are you doing here!"
But he was there. Kuchiki Byakuya, introduced as a student from, what the hell, Tokyo University, to conduct a study. What kind of study? Oh, definitely that was what Chad and Orihime wanted to know and their eyes were still fixed on Byakuya. Ishida nearly unnoticeably sent a "Wtf is this now?" gaze Ichigo who did the same thing to Rukia who had her mouth open.
Pick up your jaw, baka.
"Hajimemashite? My name is Kuchiki Byakuya. Yoroshiku onegai shimasu."
The Kuchiki Captain bowed.
Obviously, the girls found him sexy and hot and downright dumbfounding as there was a rise of murmurs and giggles from them. Those dopes… Thathandsome face, that fair skin and that wonderful stature… Behind all of those was a hideous captain-beast who made him a bed spacer in his own room!
Nothing could surprise Ichigo at this moment in time…
… or not.
"Oh…" the Principal was saying now, "Please address him as Kuchiki-taichou."
What? Taichou? Did he just say Kuchiki-taichou?
"What on earth for!" Ichigo scowled, his eyes tracing any reaction from Byakuya's face.
"Because he is a Captain." Ochi-sensei was saying now.
The "taichou" explains that part but he wanted to know why he had to be addressed such here in this world! What, he came from the Gotei 13 Tokyo University Division?
"Wait. Kuchiki?" Keigo blurted out, "Are you related to Kuchiki Rukia-san?"
All eyes turned to Rukia.
"She is my sister." Byakuya replied as if it were the most normal thing in the world for a high school girl to have her brother step into class and claim to have a need to conduct a study involving them.
"Kuchiki-san, why have you never told us you had a handsome brother from Tokyo University!"
Because she didn't have such a brother.
"You should've told us he was coming over. At least we could'veprepared."
Where "prepared" meant "beautified ourselves"!
"Ah, but I didn't know he was… coming over today…" Rukia smiled faintly at her female classmate before sending Byakuya a wondering look.
"The whole semester." Byakuya corrected.
"THE WHOLE SEMESTER!" Rukia, Ichigo, Ishida, Orihime and Chad chorused.
Yes, the surprise was too intense to have sent Chad into doing something loud.
Ichigo felt his body phasing through the chair, sinking as though he were sitting on mud. Apparently, the women had no qualms letting Kuchiki-taichou stay in their class to mingle with them and observe but to Ichigo, it was torture of all sorts. It was deprivation of human (Shinigami, Hollow, hybrid, whatever) rights. It was disrespect to all that is living, right and pure, for god's sake!
"Um, excuse me…" Ichigo finally managed to clear his throat. Byakuya sent him a glance to entertain him almost as if they did not know each other… as if he did not stay in Ichigo's room, claimed his bed, and broke every right of Ichigo's that he could.
"Excuse me, Bya–Uh…Kuchiki-taichou." Ichigo began, reluctant to having been forced to call Byakuya by surname and with "-taichou" affixed to it, "What exactly are you going to study about us?"
"That's a good question." Byakuya replied, "But if I told you, then you'd be too conscious to act normally."
Screw that. If he wanted to observe him normally then he could've done it in secret. That would be more natural. Way to go, Byakuya. You just scored a point for idiocy.
"I understand my presence compels you to act somewhat differently but everything I do is all part of my cause."
What, was he a mind-reader now?
"After all," Byakuya was saying now in the most casual way Ichigo had seen him do "I assume none of you has an inclination to do crazy things, say, like kiss a faux body?"
The class laughed in unison. Ichigo was mentally slapping his forehead and Ishida groaned. Rukia gave off a faint smile. That was it and the next thing Ichigo knew, Byakuya was sitting somewhere in the room, taking notes, asking questions and joining discussions even! What was Byakuya trying to do! It was as clear as sunlight. The 6th Squad Captain hated him. Holy shit. A mere "You. Me. Out. Let's settle this!" could have sufficed but no. He had to undergo this torture, these mind games, this humiliation!
The bell rang. Lunch! A little piece of salvation!
Ichigo looked behind him to say something, expecting to see Keigo but found Byakuya's face instead.
"HOLY FU-- ATHER, MOTHER, BROTHER, SISTER!" Ichigo bellowed as his head darted back in baffled alarm, "What are you doing!"
"I figured we should let him join us eat." Mizuiro was flashing a brilliant smile that Ichigo wanted to tear off.
"Oniichaaaaaaan!" Keigo pranced beside Byakuya whose stern eyes flashed and eyed the high school student who was beside him.
Was he just called "oniichan"?
"Baka, who do you think you are calling him "oniichan"!" Tatsuki stepped in and slapped the back of Keigo's head right on cue.
"Oi, Ich- Kurosaki-kun!" Rukia's approaching voice cut whatever it was anyone was going to say but stopped upon seeing Byakuya looking at her.
"Okay, I don't know about you but I'm going up to fill my stomach." Ichigo spat out and stood to go. Byakuya's face did not noticeably change but Rukia saw the quizzical flash in his eyes.
"We eat our lunch up on the rooftop, Niisama." Rukia said.
"N-niisama?" Keigo exclaimed, "-Sama?"
"What does it matter to you, dingbat?" Ichigo started off and lifted Ishida by the collar, "You're coming, four eyes."
"Ah, what! Kurosaki!"
Byakuya stood up and walked with the gang of students who were all too eager to know anything and everything there is to know about him. Ichigo walked ahead annoyed. What the hell did he think was he doing anyway? Who was he, Byakuya Lord of the "I-can-do-anything-harharhar"? Ichigo turned to his side to somehow complain to Rukia but found the space empty. He stopped walking and looked back and saw her walking beside her beloved Niisama who was now being flocked by women. Well, there were guys around him, too, since he offered to treat everyone.
What is it with the rule that she must walk by her brother when they are in public as much as possible? After all, they weren't in Sereitei any longer. But what does it matter to him anyway?
Tsch. Fine walk with your damned snooty brother.
"What's with you?" Ishida said. Ichigo had been in so much thought he had not noticed Ishida approaching.
"I'm annoyed to the core." Ichigo replied simply and stormed off and up to the rooftop that served as his sanctuary.
Oh, right, the whole class was now there, scattered in groups like islets after Kuchiki-taichou gave away the free lunch.
"Say, you look so beautiful you'd pass as a girl." Chizuru was eyeing him closely face-to-face as she fixed her glasses.
"I beg your pardon?" Byakuya and Rukia chorused.
"She said you looked like a girl, Bya-Kuchiki-taichou." Ichigo said as he checked his lunch.
"Oh, but it's flat!" Chizuru was almost wailing as her palms laid flat on Byakuya's chest and the latter gasped in either surprise, contempt or both. Ichigo choked on his onigiri and Orihime grabbed Chizuru's arm.
"Stop that."
"Aww, is my hime jealous?" Chizuru squealed and proceeded to squeeze Orihime's body between her arms.
"Ah, no. It's just that… it's… what you're doing… impolite." Orihime stuttered.
"Kuchiki-taichou, you look popular among women." Chizuru started again but still hadn't released Orihime from her hug, "Aside from good looks, what's your secret?"
"Secret?" Byakuya asked, perplexed.
"Yeah, why girls like you, flock to you, after you."
"Yes, I'd like to know, too." Mizuiro was now interested. Chad and Ishida looked at each other.
"I don't have a secret." Byakuya answered honestly and took a light bite on his onigiri.
For someone who's the one conducting a study, he's the one being asked questions.
"Oh, then with all the ladies around you perhaps you have some experience in bed?" Chizuru spat out directly. It almost sounded like "Shinsui is doing a pole dance". Byakuya choked on his onigiri unceremoniously and was hitting his chest with his fist.
Tatsuki slapped the back of Chizuru's head out of instinct and surprise as well as embarrassment, "Why'd you have to ask something like that!"
"Hey, he's a ladies' man! It's fine!" Chizuru reasoned out.
"Fine!?" Ishida spoke still shaken from the bombed question, "He's choking on onigiri!"
"He'll be fine." Ichigo shrugged, watching Rukia hand her brother juice and stroke his back as she asked, "Are you okay, Niisama?"
Hey,he choked on onigiri, too, just a while ago. Why didn't Rukia, uh, anyone ask him if he were okay?
"Yeah, it's okay to speak about these things but only between guys, Chizuru." Keigo was frowning, "And, no, lesbians don't count!"
"Men." Chizuru said simply, paused for a while and slapped Keigo as she said, "That's just not fair, you impudent thing!"
"But it's true!" Keigo shot back teary-eyed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Guys could talk about that any time for as long as there are only guys around! Tell them, Ichigo!"
"What?" Ichigo's eyebrow crooked after swallowing, "How did I get roped into the conversation?"
"You're well and able. Tell them!"
"Tell them what!"
"That guys talk about these things randomly when it's just us guys."
"What things!"
"Video games, women, vice, fantasies, sex…!"
Byakuya's eye twitched.
"KEIGO, SHUT UP!" Ichigo bellowed followed by a full swing of his arm towards Keigo who was sent flying a few inches above the floor and a good distance away from the group. Ichigo gave Byakuya a quick glance worthy of Shunpo and found "Bankai" written on his face. Great, Keigo, you just encouraged him.
"Oww…" Keigo got up, rubbing his cheek, "You didn't have to be so harsh."
"You didn't have to include me in the first place!"
"But what about the times we watched Hentai?"
"I wasn't with you!"
"And the times we played DoA Extreme to ogle?"
"I don't play that!"
"What about dreams about Kuchiki-san?"
"THAT'S JUST YOU!" Ichigo was now beet red.
Dreams about Rukia? Tsch.
No, wait. That did happen.
Does not count because it was not intentional!
"You don't have to be so loud, Kurosaki." Ishida added.
"I haven't heard Ichigo talk about any of the things you mentioned." Chad said lowly.
"Because I never do!"
Except in his thoughts and dreams but those don't count!
"Fine, are you gay, then?" Chizuru tactlessly spurt out again.
"NO!" Ichigo glared, a red hue persisting upon his cheeks, "And I can prove that by whatever righteous means necessary!"
"Then I'd like to see you kiss Kuchiki-san!" Keigo dared as he hurriedly hopped back towards the group only to meet with Ichigo's and Byakuya's fists and toss off again.
"Explain how you've been with Kuchiki-san without even being attracted to her!" Chizuru demanded and plopped beside Rukia, clutched her and rubbed their cheeks together, "I mean, wook at her pwetty widdle face. No way you wouldn't feel even just a teensy bit of a crush for her!"
"Ara…? Please stop that." Rukia was releasing a faint smile.
"Chizuru-chan. Stop that, please." Orihime was in panic now, looking at Ishida or Chad for any support but found none.
"Woman, lay your hands off my sister." Byakuya muttered, only his eyes moving.
"I don't have to explain anything!" Ichigo glared. If ever he were to forget something right now, it would be the fact that Chizuru was a girl just so he could hit her, "AND STOP DOING THAT!" Ichigo gripped Chizuru's hands and pried her off Rukia.
"Ow! What is it with you!" Chizuru was now glaring back, "If you don't like Kuchiki-san then why are you reacting like that!"
"Just because!"
"You didn't have to be harsh with Chizuru, too." Tatsuki was looking weirdly at Ichigo.
"Ichigo." Chad spoke, "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay."
"You don't look okay." Ishida was saying now.
"Maybe we should just change the subject, ne?" Rukia was wearing her award-winning smile.
"Right, right! Why don't we talk about… hmm… Let's see…" Orihime was enthusiastic about the new idea brought to the table.
"Let's get this straight." Chizuru looked at Ichigo, ignored Rukia and Orihime, "You're not gay?"
"Yes!" Ichigo nodded.
"And you're only friends with Kuchiki Rukia?"
"And you're not interested in her in anyway? And by that I mean hormonal and love-stuck and not otherwise."
Byakuya's gaze zoomed at Ichigo.
Fire in the hole!
Ichigo felt like something gripped his stomach and dragged it down towards his ankles. Rukia was not speaking, not moving but looking at him – just like that. Something was horribly wrong. Now would be a good time to wake up. Wake up now. Wake. Up. Now.
"So, Ichigo…" Keigo crawled towards them, "It's okay if I ask Kuchiki-san to go out with me?"
"What?" Ichigo snapped to attention rather clumsily, "What? No! I… I mean, yes! I mean, no! I… I mean…"
"What?" Rukia finally spoke, "You mean what?"
"I mean what does that have anything to do with me! If she wanted to then why the heck would I have to have a say in it!" Ichigo pouted and looked at anyone and anything else except any Kuchiki in the vicinity. Ichigo got up, took his juice box with him and walked off muttering something no one understood.
Ichigo looked through the crisscrossed wire fence and felt the wind on his face. He felt like his shoulders, his feet, his arms, his body and even his breathing were all heavy. Something was speaking in his head and he was darned sure as hell it was neither the Hollow nor Zangetsu. What was wrong? He really wasn't interested in Rukia in the first place and Rukia was not interested in him just the same. Ichigo cringed and felt something stuck in his throat. He continued to sip on the empty juice box, producing rough gargled sounds as he gripped the box.
"Umm…" said a female voice from his right. Ichigo veered his head, expecting to see Rukia but found Orihime instead.
"Oh, what is it Inoue?" Ichigo reverted back to deep thinking mode as he continued to contemplate.
"Ano… Are you all right?" Orihime was hesitant to ask.
"I'm all right."
"Are you… sure… Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime continued, "You really don't… look very well."
A short pause.
"I'm fine."
"Kuchiki-san doesn't look so well either."
Ichigo stopped whatever it was he was thinking and slowly moved his head to look at Rukia. The petite Shinigami was caught looking at him and she took the look away immediately before attending to the circle of students with her.
"Sorry about what Chizuru said. She's like that but she's really nice."
"I know." Ichigo said, "I probably got up on the wrong side of the bed."
"Then find the right side and get up from it everyday." Orihime smiled.
Ichigo blinked and looked at Orihime before stifling a small laugh and nodding. Past Orihime, Ichigo could see the group he had left.
"Kuchiki-san, I swear I will do everything for you just date me!" And Keigo clung to Rukia's arm.
And there was a sound of a juice box harshly smacking a male high school student's face.
- End of Chapter 5 -
Author: I like this chapter because of the various conversations but it was hard since there were many characters in the scene. Waah!


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Documenting the music and people I love.
One last vid for the evening. The Ar-Kaics - "No Good" performed at Strange Matter, RVA, 25 Mar 2013
The Ar-Kaics - "Can't Keep Waiting" - Strange Matter - RVA - 25 Mar 2013
Tyrannosaurus Awesome performing "Jealous" at Strange Matter, RVA. 14 Sept 2012.
Sultan Bathery, a swampy garage rock band from Venice, Italy, performed at Strange Matter in Richmond, VA, USA last week. I've never seen so many people dancing at SMatter before! It was fantastic, and well worth staying up late for.
Eurotics at Strange Matter 25 June 2012. (Yeah, I'm a bit slow at putting up some of this video, but I'm catching up.)
5 June 2012 - Eurotics at The Camel, RVA
I wish the vocals had been louder. But it still gives you a sense of their sound if you haven't heard them before.
Coachwhips - Hands On.. (Faster)
Coachwhips - Hands On.. (Faster)
(via acooldeath-deactivated20130701)
Thee Headcoatees - "Cara-Lin" from the 1997 album Punk Girls
Wau Y Los Arrrghs!! - "Momia Twist" from the 2005 album Canten En Espanol
The quality isn't great, but I really like the song. Les Sultans - "Pour Qui Pourquoi" - found on the 1967 album Express. (Also available on the compilation French Garage '66 - The Quebec 45 RPM Collection.)
Sonics - "Don't Believe In Christmas" - from the 1965 Merry Christmas compilation featuring the Sonics, Wailers, & Galaxies
Some food songs in preparation for Thanksgiving tomorrow. The Kingsmen - "Jolly Green Giant" - from the 1965 album The Kingsmen, Vol. 3 on Wand Records
Dara Puspita - "Believe Me" - from their 1967 album A Go Go released on El Shinto records.


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It's finally here! Check out the interview we did with Paramore at Warped Tour in Scranton, PA!!
It's finally here! Check out the interview we did with Paramore at Warped Tour in Scranton, PA!!
… Stay tuned. ;)
Get More: Paramore, Music, More Music Videos
Here's a working YouTube link until the MTV one starts working again:
We're stoked to announce that we'll be doing a new interview with Paramore!! On July 14th, we'll be hanging with the band at Warped Tour, and we need questions from all of you!
If there's something you've always been dying to ask the band—whether it's funny, serious, or totally random—let us know. We'll pick a bunch of our favorites and feature them in the interview!
To submit a question, either join the ParamoreFans.com Boards HERE or "Like" us on Facebook HERE and reply to the news post. Then watch when we post the interview later this month to see what questions got picked.
We're stoked for the opportunity and can't wait to see what questions everybody submits!
**Submission deadline is Wednesday at 2:00PM**


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19 December, 2011
The Dead And The Dying Are Trying To Contact Us
Annie Cap was raised in Oregon, USA but moved to England thirteen years ago and now lives in Canterbury with her husband. One of the problems about moving so far away from home is that parents get older and you tend to worry about them, especially if they are known to be in ill health. This is Annie's experience.
As if without warning Annie started to cough and felt herself battling for breath. She says, "I'd never experienced anything like this before. I felt like I had a blockage in my airways and I couldn't take in air. It was a horrible sensation."
A sixth sense, or something similar, seemed to kick in and she knew she had to contact the hospital where her mother had recently been taken. She called the number in the USA and requested that she be put through to her mother's room.
Annie continues, "My sister answered the phone and was stunned to hear my voice. She and the rest of my family were just about to call me to tell me my mother was dying.
She had been coughing and fighting for breath for the last half-an-hour. My sister put the telephone to my mother's ear so I was able to tell her I loved her and it was okay, she could let go. She took her last breath as the phone was being held to her head."
This immediately raises the possibility that perhaps there was some form of telepathic link between Annie and her mother.
Annie has concluded, "To me there is no doubt that Mum was deliberately reaching out to me across the miles. She wanted to say goodbye, and this was her way."
The whole incident had such an effect on her that she decided to investigate the subject and has now published her findings in a book Beyond Goodbye.
After her mother's death Annie had some strange sensations. "I had this extraordinarily profound conviction that my mum was back with me. In the the darkest moments of my grief, I had this distinct sensation of her stroking my hair to comfort me, just as she used to do when I was a child.
I started to find hair pins, of the kind my mother used to wear dotted around the house. They would be at random places - by the coffee-maker, on the sofa. My husband noticed them too. I had very short hair and didn't use anything like that, so it was hugely odd.
My mother was a smoker and I woke up in the morning to the smell of cigarettes even though our house was totally smoke free."
Experiences such as these are often found or sensed after losing loved ones. I have written several times of how my wife and I found white feathers after the deaths of our daughter, my mother and my best friend. There are also other such examples in the excellent book, Synchronicity and the Other Side, by my blogging friends Trish and Rob MacGregor
Many people will be sceptical about such things and to a degree this is often only believed following personal experience. In Trish and Rob's book they suggest ways to reconnect with those who have passed on to the other side.
I personally believe that our loved ones live on and are sometimes with us. They leave us little clues or messages that we can easily write off as common or garden coincidences. I have written about how, after my dad died, I was wondering what he would be thinking of my son if he could see him now. I went to my wardrobe for something and a bag fell out which held a few of my dad's possessions. This included his watch which I noticed had stopped at 3.20. This was the exact time my son had been born (see here).
The messages are there if we look, listen and believe.
Further Reading:
The Meaning Of White Feathers As Messages From The Dead
The Bird Angel Who Comforts As Someone Dies
The Unusual Contact With Her Dead Mother
5 comments:
That 3.20 watch synchro was a sign for sure.ReplyDelete
That would certainly be something special if we could accompany the dying on the first part of their journey to the afterlife. Then we would all realise it isn't a final goodbye and we will see them again.ReplyDelete
Great story, Mike. And thank you for the mention!ReplyDelete
I think that in many ways, we DO accompany our loved ones on the first part of their journey into the afterlife. If we're open and receptive, like Annie was, the signs and synchros are there.
This is fascinating. I remember a blogging friend, who had lost her husband, found tinsel just outside her shower - her husband had always put the tinsel on the tree and it was no where near Christmas.ReplyDelete
Trish: That's what my post is about tomorrow - accompanying our loved ones into the afterlife!ReplyDelete


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It's A Girl For Nicole Richie & Joel Madden
Nicole Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden welcomed a little girl into the world earlier today.
The couple's rep at Handprint Entertainment, confirmed the news to People, late Friday evening.
Harlow Winter Kate Madden was born at LA's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
"The beautiful healthy baby girl left the hospital with her ecstatic parents," the rep told the magazine.
Copyright 2014 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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According to ESPN, former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy believes that Colts owner Jim Irsay's recent criticism four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning was probably strategic in nature.
However, that doesn't mean that the Dungy, who won a Super Bowl at Indianapolis with Manning at the helm, understands the comments.
"Jim [Irsay] is making this personal. I'm surprised," said Dungy in a text message to ESPN.
Earlier this week, as the Colts prepare for Manning's homecoming with the Denver Broncos, Irsay stated that the decision to move on from Manning was because the team favored championships over stats. While Irsay has since stated he didn't mean it this way, the comments can only be interpreted as a criticism of Manning, who only won one Super Bowl while receiving countless other accolades.
Dungy believes that Irsay's comments were intended to rile up Manning.
"I think that's what he's trying to do," Dungy said, via ESPN. "Have him make it such a big game he doesn't perform well. I can't figure any other reason to go this way."
Dungy added the following:
Without Peyton, there would be no Lucas Oil Stadium. This team would be playing in L.A. right now. I don't understand Jim saying this.
Both Denver head coach John Fox and current Colts head coach Chuck Pagano defended Manning. Fox told SiriusXM NFL Radio, that Irsay's comments were "disappointing and inappropriate" and "a cheap shot."
Pagano had the following to say in a conference call with the Denver media:
I don't think there's anybody that Mr. Irsay respects and cares for more than Peyton. What can't you say about Peyton, what he's done for the organization, what he's done for this city, or fans? What he's done for football? It's off the charts and it's certainly — all I know is our owner has the utmost respect, love and passion for that guy and always will.
Manning has been on a record setting pace this season with Denver, and if Irsay wanted to rile Peyton up to get a competitive advantage, I have this feeling he is going to regret that decision come Sunday night.
Tags: Indianapolis Colts Jim Irsay Peyton Manning Tony Dungy


text: Star Wars Pinball on PS3 and PS Vita Star Wars comes to Zen Pinball 2! The first pack of tables include Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Beyond these exciting tables, there are seven others in production as we speak, all to be revealed as 2013 unfolds. 'Share' this if you enjoyed it. And hit 'Subscribe' If you don't want to miss our next video!->Subscribe via Email ← Previous Next →


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District American Kitchen & Wine Bar
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- Valet parking & parking garage
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- Full bar
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- Reservations accepted
* Click here for rating key
District American Kitchen & Wine Bar Restaurant Review: Although some would say it's jinxed with a hotel location, the District strives to be a separate entity by functioning as a---gasp---real restaurant. And thankfully, it succeeds, in part because of talented chef de cuisine Nathan Crouser's modern menu of American classics focused on locally sourced ingredients. A hip lounge and wine bar, featuring an extensive list of American wines and microbrews, adds to the cool factor. Need more? There are also art shows, live music and public art performances in the suitably swanky space. But the real kudos go to the kitchen staff, which cranks out first-rate comfort fare like Louisiana fried chicken, Berkshire pork tenderloin with mac 'n' cheese and a delightfully different pumpkin curry casserole with wild rice and marinated tofu. Plenty of other dishes, like the ubiquitous BLT salad, cater to the convention crowd, but Crouser incorporates impeccably sourced ingredients as much as possible, which means that the BLT is made with Maytag blue cheese dressing and Schreiner's bacon---and yes, you really can taste the difference. Regulars go here to make whoopee, too, as in the decadent homemade whoopie pie for dessert.
Check out the 2014 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., Rising Chefs and more.


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Information: The World's Most Valuable Commodity
Brian is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
What is the cloud? Better yet, what is information technology? IT is the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data. This is a tad ambiguous, so let's break it down even farther. Information is defined as the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence; and technology in itself is defined as the practical application of knowledge, especially in a particular area. Thank you Webster. Simply put, information technology is not only an efficient way to share knowledge with one another, but more importantly, a way to apply that knowledge in the most beneficial manner.
Still too abstract? Maybe an example of a standard business application will help illustrate. Say 'Company X' is a major retail company with department stores located all over the world, and they are trying to map sales performance of various products in their stores. The old fashioned way to do this would be to have a manager compile inventory and sales data at the end of the day, week, or month and conjure up some measurable figure. With information technology, however, the company can perform this function with much more efficiency and produce more reliable data by simply using software to record and analyze data at the point of sale. So you have the first element, information: the good that is purchased, the price paid, and the date and time in which the transaction was completed. And you've got the second element, technology: programmable software that uses statistical processes to turn your information into something that you can use to measure performance and make decisions.
Anyone who has managed to stay awake through a mid-level statistics course can appreciate the role that historical data plays in the development of predictive models, and until recently, companies would store vast amounts of data in house to be used later in product development and forecasting processes. This is where the concept of the cloud was born. From an operations stand-point, data storage is costly and tedious, requiring a network of hardware and IT professionals in place to monitor and service said hardware, not to mention the issue of cyber security. Thus, cloud computing is the practice of storing regularly used computer data on a network of servers that can be accessed using the internet. Ultimately, this means that a company can outsource the task of storing and safeguarding their data to a third party that is better equipped to handle the process, and simply pull information from the server whenever it is needed.
Analytical software and its application in the cloud is at the epicenter of todays' software industry. There are literally hundreds of companies operating in this market, some more speculative than others, but the more notable mentions would be names like Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), IBM (NYSE: IBM), and EMC (NYSE: EMC) who have carved out strong footholds in the industry. A company operating in the highly competitive industry of information technology and services must meet some very specific criteria before it can be considered a sound investment prospect, even if it is a household name.
1.) Stable and improving operating margin. This is a measure of a company's overall profitability. Growth in a company's operating margin indicates a reduction in the variable costs associated with the delivery of its services. Operating margins can tell you a lot about the quality of management in a company.
2.) Growth in earnings. The information and technology services industry is still young and very much growth oriented. If a stand-alone IT company is not growing than it is a sign of poor product delivery or lack of innovation. If a company is not demonstrating consistent growth, than you can assume that the business is likely to fail.
3.) Actively pursuing strategic acquisitions. Given the competitive nature of this industry, it is crucial that companies acquire competitors in order to gain market share and expedite innovation processes. Big bang takes little bang.
4.) Product diversity. Pioneers get killed, but settlers get slaughtered. If a company wants to stay competitive in this industry it must be able to meet the needs of an evolving market. Stay away from companies that are not finding ways to bring new clients into the market.
Let's run our household names listed above through the gauntlet to see how they fair.
Operating Margin:
Oracle: 38.49% IBM: 20.59% EMC: 18.64%
All three companies have margins that are comfortably in line with industry standards; however, margin expansion has slowed considerably over the last several years. Out of the three, Oracle seems to be the winner here, beating their industry standard by a whopping 33%.
Earnings Growth (Year over Year):
Oracle: 17.7% IBM: 6.2% EMC: 4.6%
Again, Oracle wins the earnings battle and gets a stamp of approval for having sound investment qualities. EMC is still generating year over year revenue growth, which is why it edges out IBM in this segment as its year over year revenue is down by 0.6%.
An important side note to mention here is that Oracle pays a dividend of .24 cents a share. This is something that investors should come to expect from a company maintaining such an impressive operating margin. If the company can continue to operate at such efficient levels I would expect this dividend to increase in the future.
Oracle: Oracle is not afraid to put lose cash to work. They have a history of gobbling up everything they can get their hands on, from database providers to application software; they are most definitely on the prowl.
IBM: The company has made many important acquisitions over the years, but more impressive is its record of scrapping projects that they no longer have competitive advantages in. For example, the company's move out of the PC business and into business analytics.
EMC: EMC has made some important additions to their company with the acquisition of VMware and others, but seems to be more interested in spinning these companies off and maintaining something of a partnership role, rather than uniting under one flag.
Oracle: Oracles' product base is nothing short of impressive. There isn't an analytical service that this company does not provide. From the airline industry to healthcare, Oracle has it covered with software packages designed to cater to the specific needs of the industry.
IBM: The company itself is incredibly diversified with stakes in the semiconductor industry as well as IT. From a business analytics standpoint they are a formidable adversary to Oracle and others in the space.
EMC: EMC is the laggard in this segment. The company is a little light on analytics, preferring to focus more heavily on Big Data Storage and other hardware intensive applications.
Well then, now that you are informed you can start running some analysis of your own and get in the game. The information technology industry is a very interesting one to follow and is changing the way we do business around the world. There are lots of opportunities to be found, but remember to do your homework.
SofJay has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of EMC, International Business Machines., and Oracle.. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!


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