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Important delivery notice
The products on this site are only delivered to UK addresses. If you require delivery to another country please visit one of our other sites below.
Shrubs and roses are great for filling gaps and adding interest to your beds and borders. There are many that are easy to grow and care for and will give you years of pleasure, making this range of plants great value for money! View our video on How to plant shrubs and take a look at Michael Perry's (New Product Development Manager) Top 5 shrub recommendations
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Miss Saori'
Bred by one of the most highly respected Hydrangea breeders, and a worthy winner of the coveted Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2014 award! Hydrangea macrophylla 'Miss Saori' is quite unique. Each fully double, white bloom is frosted with a soft rose edge, giving the large rounded flower heads a delicate, frothy appearance. This is the first of a new breed of Hydrangeas that will remain the same colour regardless of your soil type, so you are guaranteed to see these beautiful blooms at their best.
The foliage compliments the blooms perfectly, taking on an attractive burgundy hue in spring and autumn that only adds to the appeal of this stunning mophead hydrangea. An exquisite specimen shrub for borders and patio containers where it will give a long season of interest. Hydrangea 'Miss Saori' makes a lovely cut flower too. Height and spread: 100cm (39").
Useful links:More info
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens (Large Plant)
Californian Lilac, Creeping Blueblossom
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Danube' (Large Plant)
Hydrangea are one of the easiest shrubs to grow, and will perform extremely well in gardens up and down the UK. They will grow in sun or shade, and in most different types of soil. Although, remember that an acidic soil will give blue flowers, whereas an alkaline soil will produce pink blooms!
Hydrangea 'Blue Danube' has been specially selected for its deep blue flowers, with compact growth yet large, showy flower heads, 20cm (8") across. Grow in mixed borders, or in patio containers. Height and spread: 1m (39").More info
Mahonia aquifolium (Large Plant)
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium offers year round interest in the garden. These handsome shrubs have glossy, weatherproof foliage, and spring blossom in acid yellow tones. The blue-black berries later add to the show, along with the leaves taking on a purple flush in autumn!
Mahonia plants are prickly evergreens, so are ideal for security planting and deterring burglars and cats from your garden. Mahonia aquifolium is spreading, and will fill awkward areas in shade, which is especially useful for woodland gardens. An easy to grow, low-maintenance shrub, that is ideal for small gardens and beginners. Height: 1m (39"). Spread: 1.5m (59").More info
Fuchsia 'Snowcap' (Hardy) (Large Plant)
Fuchsia 'Wendy Catt'Frilly white petticoats contrast beautifully with the scarlet outer sepals of this superb hardy Fuchsia. The extravagant blooms are produced in succession throughout summer, giving a garden performance that well deserves its RHS AGM. This bushy deciduous shrub has a neat compact habit that is nicely suited to borders or growing in containers on the patio. Height: 100cm (39"). Spread: 50cm (20"). More info
Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty' (Large Plant)
Potentilla fruticosa 'Lovely Pink', Shrubby CinquefoilThriving in hot sunny positions, this Shrubby Cinquefoil makes a useful plant for dry soils where it shows remarkable drought tolerance. Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty' produces it pale pink, cup shaped blooms all summer through from May to September. With a low growing habit, this hardy deciduous shrub makes a pleasing low hedge that will also attract pollinating insects. Potentilla is tough and resilient, yet easy to grow. Height and spread: 1m (39"). More info
Cistus Collection
Rock Rose, Sun Rose
Lilac 'Dwarf Pink'
SyringaFrom early summer, a profusion of frothy pink blooms will smother this pretty dwarf lilac. This hardy little shrub is perfect for growing in containers on the patio, where its rich, sweet fragrance will fill the air. Like all Syringa, Lilac 'Dwarf Pink' will attract plenty of pollinating insects to its nectar rich blooms, making it equally useful in wildlife gardens and sunny borders. With a neat compact habit, Lilac 'Dwarf Pink' is perfectly proportioned for smaller gardens without the fear of it taking over. Height and spread: 100cm (39"). More info
Potentilla fruticosa 'Mount Everest' (Large Plant)
Shrubby CinquefoilSimple white, cup-shaped flowers adorn this Shrubby Cinquefoil from late spring to early autumn. With its neat, compact habit, Potentilla fruticosa 'Mount Everest' makes a delightful low hedge or drought tolerant ground cover when planted en masse. The nectar rich blooms are loved by pollinating insects, making this hardy shrub a must have for wildlife areas, as well as rockeries and hot, sunny borders. Height and spread: 1m (39"). More info
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' (Large Plant)
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' is a well known RHS AGM variety, which is evergreen and makes a useful and reliable addition to any garden. The silvery yellow variegated foliage gives all year round interest in the garden or in patio containers.
Euonymus fortunei is tough and versatile, and you'll find plants will thrive in almost any position, plants make superb ground cover and can also be wall-trained. The ideal plant for first-time gardeners and those looking for something low maintenance for a small garden. Height: 100cm (39"). Spread: 150cm (59").More info
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Thetis' (Large Plant)
BluebeardAromatic, grey-green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the deep blue, late summer flowers of this hardy shrub. Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Thetis' has a compact, spreading habit that makes a lovely feature towards the middle of a mixed border. Its nectar rich blooms also provide a valuable food source for pollinating insects. Height: 100cm (39"). Spread: 150cm (59"). More info
Potentilla fruticosa 'White Lady' (Large Plant)
Shrubby CinquefoilAs the name suggests, Potentilla fruticosa 'White Lady' bears pure white flowers above a spreading mound of grey-green foliage. Like all Shrubby Cinquefoils, this variety is tough, showing good drought tolerance in hot dry conditions. Its low, spreading habit lends this hardy shrub to en masse plantings for creating resilient ground cover with a long flowering period. Perfect for wildlife gardens, informal hedges, or as an individual specimen in a sunny border. Height and spread: 1m (39"). More info


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Photo Flash: First Look at NOW IS ALL THERE IS: BODIES IN MOTION - Dancers of the Royal Ballet
NOW IS ALL THERE IS - BODIES IN MOTION, Dancers of the Royal Ballet present a Photogtraphic Exibition at the Gallery at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden, 25 January 10am - 4pm; 26 and 27 January 10am - 6pm. Entry is free. BroadwayWorld has a first look below.
Now Is All There is Bodies in Motion is an exhibition of 34 stylized images of Royal Ballet dancers taken by photographer Rick Guest. Celebrating the physicality and expression ofthe dancers' bodies, this exhibition captures them in a different light away from the Royal Opera House and uniquely styled by Olivia Pomp.
This series of black and white photographs is the fusion of three art form s: photography, fashion and dance. These im ages were taken over the last two years and illustrate key disciplines of ballet technique - balance and poise - but with a strong fashion edge that is both evocative and playful.
The Royal Ballet dancers photographed for this project include Lauren Cuthbertson, Melissa Hamilton, Marianela Nunez, Nehemiah Kish, Steven M Rae, Thiago Soares, Johannes Stepanek, Eric Underwood, Edward Watson and Zenaida Yanowsky.
Each image is float-mounted and framed in American oak to form a dramatic installation. All art pieces are a limited edition of six and will be for sale.
Photo Credit: Rick Guest
Zenaida Yanowsky
Nehemiah Kish
Laura Morera
Johannes Stepanek
About Author
- SAG-AFTRA Convention Continues, George Heller Memorial Awards Presented
- Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, and More to Appear on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON
- David Leitch to Direct THE COLDEST CITY
- SAG-AFTRA Announces Gabrielle Carteris Re-Elected Executive Vice President at National Convention
- VH1's Primetime Ratings For Third Quarter Surge Ahead +34% Over Prior Quarter Among Adults 18-49
- Sara Bareilles, Idris Elba, Adam Lambert, and More to Visit LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
- KEVIN HART PRESENTS PLASTIC CUP BOYZ to be Released on Comedy Dynamics 10/13
- The First Lady Joins Public Media Effort, American Graduate Day 2015
- Review Roundup: Matt Damon Stars in Action Adventure THE MARTIAN
- Original Motion Picture Score from Acclaimed Film THE MARTIAN Out Today
- Kaley Cuoco & More Attend Opening Day of MASTERS OF LA
- Mika Kaurismaki's THE GIRL KING Available 12/8
- Sony Classical Releases THE WALK Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Today
- Documentary PINK & BLUE: COLORS OF HEREDITARY CANCER Set for Worldwide Theatrical Premiere Tonight
- Warner Bros. Celebrates Release of PAN by Asking Audiences to 'Discover Your Neverland'
- THE DAILY SHOW's Trevor Noah to Participate In Politicon
- As World Preps or Release of SPECTRE, Gillette Celebrates 'Bond Moments' in Every Man's Life
- Innovid and Netflix Win 2015 IAB MIXX Gold Award
- Director Ridley Scott Incorporates GoPro into the Making of THE MARTIAN
- Special Screening of Documentary SIR IVAN: I AM PEACEMAN to Kick Off Transgender Awareness Campaign


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Mere words.
Meanwhile in the real world, brutal losses
are being sustained by would-be millionaires.
Actually, AEGR has been holding its own through the last two weeks of carnage. You could invest in other bio stocks, but many haven't bottomed yet. That's a risky endeavor. Long AEGR.
Sentiment: Buy
AEGR had its carnage over the previous four months. ZAP3 coming soon, Mr. Beer should another study to see how many people on the moon have HoF. Also, he could check and see how many low-land gorillas have it too. t


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Sample Book Author Back PageSometimes you'll see a back cover that shows the author image and bio. Really, that is NOT want you want on your back cover. You want the back cover to be all about the book - why the person who is holding it MUST buy it. You have to promote and sell your book in that spot. Speak directly to the benefits the person will receive. Will they get caught up in the story? Will they learn how to save on their taxes? Whatever it is, lay it out, so the person feels it's worth paying the money to buy it.
For your author bio and photo, that should go on the very last page INSIDE the book. That way when the person is done reading your words, they can learn more about you and go on to read your other works.
Here is a sample back cover page.
Lisa Shea is a fervent fan of honor, loyalty and chivalry. She loves to create worlds where men and women stand side by side in their desire to help make the world a better place. Her heroines often wield a sword, but they equally value their intelligence, wisdom and compassion.
Lisa has several books in print including a series on Wedding & Courtship traditions in Ireland, France and Italy.
Please visit Lisa at LisaShea.com to learn more about her background and interests. Feedback is always appreciated!
Lisa Shea's Publishing Services
Document and Manuscript Transcribing Service
Book Editing and Formatting Service
Ebook Creation Service
Social Networking Consulting Service
Facebook Launch Party Planning Service
Getting Your Book Published
Writing Tips and Online Books
Lisa Shea Medieval Romance Novels
Online Literary Magazines
Lisa Shea's Homepage
|Follow @lisashea


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Taxonomy: Affected Trading Partner - Romania
India: Export incentives extended to Set Top Boxes/Units
DescriptionOn 5 March 2013, the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry extended export incentives under the Focus Product Scheme to "Set Top Box/Set Top Units" (HS code 8528.71).
India: Additional export incentives announced in 2011 under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14
DescriptionOn 15 February 2011, the Indian Ministry of Trade and Commerce through Public Notice 33/RE-2010/2009-14 added several products to its exports incentive schemes as under -
India: List of products eligible for export incentives amended
DescriptionOn 26 February 2009, the Government of India notified certain amendments to the Foreign Trade Policy 2004-09, vide Public Notice No. 151 (RE-2008) / 2004-2009.
China: Business tax and VAT exemptions on cultural activities
DescriptionOn 26 March 2009, the Ministry of Finance issued Notice No. 31 of 2009, to support the development of local cultural activities and entertainment industry.
India: Temporary incentive for exports of readymade garments to EU and USA
DescriptionOn 31 March 2010, the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry provided an export incentive to readymade garment exports to the EU and USA. Exports registered between 1 April 2010 and 30 September 2010 are eligible for the incentive.
India: New products added under market linked focus product scheme from 1 January 2010
DescriptionOn 31 March 2010, the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry added several products under 29 tariff lines to the Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLPFS) from 1 January 2010.
India: Import of certain flat-rolled iron and nonalloy steel made free
DescriptionOn 8 January 2010, the Government of India issued notification No. 23 / 2009-14, liberalizing the import policy for items classified flat-rolled iron and nonalloy steel, HS code 7208.
Czech Republic: Revised act on investment incentives
DescriptionOn 1 May 2015, the Czech Republic introduced amendments to its act on investment incentives.
Brazil: Import tariff reduction on five types of automotive parts
DescriptionOn 31 March 2015, the Brazilian Foreign Trade Council (Camex) issued Resolution no. 14 reducing the import tariff of five codes of the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM).
Indonesia: More selective criteria for income tax reduction
DescriptionOn 22 December 2011, Indonesia announced government regulation PP 52/2011 which amends an investment-related income tax reduction programm introduced in 2007 (regulation 1/2007). This amendment came into force on the day of its announcement.


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Facebook Announces App Center
Users will see app ratings and customized recommendations
Facebook took its App Center live, at a slick media event in San Francisco, announcing a handful of previously undisclosed features.
The social networking company announced in May that it would launch an App Center to highlight high-quality social apps that run on its platform. On Thursday, the company gave a brief demo of the feature.
The App Center, which users will be able to access from the left-hand navigational menu on their Facebook landing pages, will feature personalized app recommendations based on an individual user's interests and previous activity. The apps can also be searched by category, such as "games" or "lifestyle."
The App Center highlights apps that integrate with the Facebook platform, but it doesn't host them
Matt Wyndowe, a product manager, said that when employees tell their friends about the apps available on the Facebook platform, they are often asked: Where do I find them?
"To be honest, we haven't had a really good answer," Wyndowe said.
The App Center includes ratings for the apps, descriptions and screen shots to help users decide whether or not to download a given app. Each app's information page in the center may include a "send to mobile" button that, when clicked, will send a link to a download location to the user's mobile phone.
The App Center highlights apps that integrate with the Facebook platform, but it doesn't host them. Rather, it points users to the App Store, Google Play or a website where download is available.
The App Center launched with more than 600 apps featured, Wyndowe said.
Microsoft, Google bury the hatchet with global patent deal
Deal puts roughly 20 lawsuits to rest
Google backs RCS, working with carriers to bring new messaging standard across the Android ecosystem
The advanced messaging standard is like SMS on steroids, and Google's support in Android gives it a big boost.
Microsoft accidentally releases Windows 7 'test' patch, freaks out users
Microsoft admits to releasing a harmless patch by mistake.
Google, NASA using quantum computing to push A.I., machine learning
Sign 7-year deal with quantum computer maker D-Wave


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Rep. Michele Bachmann at the Premiere of 'Occupy Unmasked'
3:33 PM PDT 8/30/2012 by THR Staff
"This is Andrew Breitbart's legacy," Rep. Michele Bachmann declared Thursday at the premiere of Occupy Unmasked at a tent-theater a few blocks from the Republican National Convention.
Must Reads
A Widow's Threats, High-Powered Spats and the Sony Hack: The Strange Saga of 'Steve Jobs'
Rick Moranis Reveals Why He Turned Down 'Ghostbusters' Reboot: "It Makes No Sense to Me"
Hollywood's 100 Favorite TV Shows
Dan Rather Reflects on His Dramatic CBS Exit That Inspired 'Truth': "I Have a Lot of Wounds"
'The Martian's' Matt Damon Talks 'Bourne' Return, Politics and PC Flubs: "Oh My God, I Look Like an Asshole"
The Insane Battle Over Sam Simon's Will — Should the Simpson's Co-Creator's Trust Pay $140,000 Per Year For One Dog's Care?
'Empire's' "Batshit Crazy" Behind-the-Scenes Drama: On the Set of TV's Hottest Show
Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2015


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October 19, 2013
Все комментарии (16)
Damm I will like to fuck her
awesome would love massage such teacher daily
wanna fuck this hot teacher..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow she would make this big dick bust a huge load
Damn i wish i had a teacher like that
I'd love to suck on her sexy npples and pound her with a big dildo. im bi and she's super sexy!!
i like taechers to fuck
big boobs,good pussy come suck my dick
superb boobs
Shes SO hot
Great tan, good to see real boobs & she has very sexy arms.
natalbog ! hahaha
want to have a teacher like that


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MILWAUKEE (AP) - Now leading off for the Brewers ... outfielder Ryan Braun?
OAKLAND (AP) - After being shut down by Anibal Sanchez all night, the Oakland Athletics were happy finally to get a chance at Detroit's bullpen in the ninth.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Bruce Bochy remembered stressing out while watching Tim Lincecum labor through the final innings of his 148-pitch no-hitter at San Diego last July. The Giants manager said there was "no chance" of stretching out his starter again Wednesday, even after Lincecum logged five hitless innings.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Paul George went into desperation mode to salvage the Pacers' season.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Shelly Sterling was reviewing bids from five groups interested in buying the Los Angeles Clippers, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The San Antonio Spurs have seen this nightmare before.
CHICAGO (AP) - Michal Handzus is every day of 37 years old and 15 seasons in the NHL. He knows he's near the end of his career. He knows he's slower than most of his Chicago teammates.
NEW YORK (AP) - The last time the New York Rangers had a game to forget, they responded with five straight wins that put them on the cusp of the Stanley Cup finals.
PARIS (AP) - Wind was whipping, rain was falling, and thick gray clouds overhead were foreboding as Serena Williams double-faulted, then raised her hands in despair and wailed, "I can't serve!"
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) - The Baseball Hall of Fame plaques of former sluggers Henry Aaron and Frank Robinson are going on the road for the first time.
TORONTO (AP) - Pinch-runner Kevin Pillar scored the winning run on a throwing error by pitcher Juan Carlos Oviedo and the Toronto Blue Jays won their ninth straight game and completed a sweep of Tampa Bay, beating the Rays 3-2 on Wednesday night.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night.
OAKLAND (AP) - Pinch-runner Rajai Davis scored on Austin Jackson's fielder's choice groundout in the eighth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Oakland Athletics 6-5 Tuesday night to end a three-game losing streak.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Tim Hudson turned in another vintage performance to start this season, tossing seven scoreless innings to lead the San Francisco Giants past the Chicago Cubs.
Patrice Wolfson is ready to give up her title as the co-owner of the last Triple Crown winner.
Page 235 of 657
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jedd Gyorko hit an RBI single to right-center with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday night to give the San Diego ...
NEW YORK (AP) - The lovable legend of Yogi Berra, that ain't ever gonna be over.
SANTA CLARA (AP) - Colin Kaepernick walked away from the podium and off the stage after dangling an interesting glimpse into what he went through and ...
ALAMEDA (AP) - Fresh off the most productive game of his young career as the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, Derek Carr now wants to ...
OAKLAND (AP) - Barry Zito had returned home from a minor league season ready to turn his attention from baseball to his other love, music, perhaps ...
STANFORD (AP) - Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan suffered a left ankle injury early in the second half of Saturday's 41-31 upset of Southern California and ...
ALAMEDA (AP) - Raiders linebacker Curtis Lofton says Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown are so similar that it won't matter much who the Cleveland Browns ...
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Rookie Trevor Brown's RBI double was his first major league hit and Angel Pagan had a two-run home run for the ...
OAKLAND (AP) - Delino DeShields hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the sixth four batters after Mitch Moreland connected for a tying two-run homer, and the ...
NEW YORK (AP) - Goons are pretty much gone in the NHL.
ALAMEDA (AP) - Coach Jack Del Rio noticed a lot more smiles around the Oakland Raiders offices this Monday than there were a week ago.
SANTA CLARA . (AP) - Steelers owner Dan Rooney made his way to the visiting locker room at Heinz Field and tracked down Jim Tomsula after Sunday ...
NEW YORK (AP) - The Beard and the Brow checked the same place first when they got a look at the NBA 2K16 video game.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The New York Jets' suddenly opportunistic defense did it again Monday night.
DALLAS (AP) - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo broke his left collarbone in Sunday's 20-10 win over Philadelphia, spoiling his team's 2-0 start.
Page 7 of 30
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We couldn't find any jobs that match your search for "banking real estate mortgage professionals broadcasting music and film customer service sales for mercury insurance agent"
But don't give up – try one of these search tips:
- Use a more general job title or description. For example, "Sales" instead of "Sales Lead"
- Widen your search. For example, "Boston" instead of "02116"
- Check your spelling!


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Channing Tatum and Jimmy Fallon Arm Wrestle [VIDEO]
Channing Tatum ('22 Jump Street') is challenged to an arm wrestling match by Jimmy Fallon on 'The Tonight Show.'
Channing Tatum ('22 Jump Street') is challenged to an arm wrestling match by Jimmy Fallon on 'The Tonight Show.'
Long has HBO's 'Game of Thrones' reigned as one of TV's most expensive series in history, but at long last, it has a much more boast-worthy title. Tony Soprano officially lost the HBO throne, now that 'Game of Thrones' succeeded 'The Sopranos' to become the most-watched and highly rated series for the premium cable network.
When did they start letting contestants drink?
When the category is "Song Lyrics", not everyone is an encyclopedia of useless music knowledge like myself, but the answer that came out of this gentleman's mouth on a recent "Wheel of Fortune" episode is SO far off, that ist's a bit of head scratcher...
These seem like failry easy instructions to follow.
The folks at Jimmy Kimmel Live took to the streets of Los Angeles to ask random citizens one easy question...
Wanna be on TV?!
Ann B. Davis, the actress who played Alice on The Brady Bunch passed away yesterday, she was 88 years old.
Television lost an icon today, as Ann B. Davis, best known as Alice Nelson from the TV show 'The Brady Bunch,' has died at the age of 88.
It takes guts to present your case to Judge Judy, especially if she thinks you're lying. And that's exactly what happened when a group of Mainers took her an assault case.
Please Netflix Gods, let this happen!
I gotta have more cowbell!!!


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2014 BMW 4 Series Design, M3 Evolution in New Videos
I see a 2015 Viper ACR hiding in there somewhere!
this viper just make Lexus LFA more worth it.
An SMG transmission, in this day? SRT should have known better, as DCT's are much better on the track than SMG's. Though, I guess it has do with Chrysler not having anything in development right now, plus Ferrari not sharing any of their transmissions with Chrysler, that forced SRT to go with the SMG.
Though, I wonder if this would migrate to the street cars.
Still say that the Viper should be the Chrysler Viper, not the SRT Viper. It would help Chrysler, as a single brand, get on a World stage, instead of being stuck in America with just 3 products and 2 of em rebranded overseas.


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After his parents die in a car crash, 10th-grader Ted is placed in foster care. He is sent to live with the Rafter family, where he gains two foster brothers: C.W. and Astin. Although his new home is only six miles from where he grew up, it feels light years away from his previous life. Ted's birth parents ran a small pet shop and he often believed they cared more for the animals than they did for him; at his old school, his social awkwardness left him friendless. But while Ted finds the Rafters themselves to be a bit odd (Mrs. Rafter keeps a doll in her bedroom, unable to recover from the loss of a child), his new foster brothers like him, especially Astin, a talented mechanic, who mentors him on being more outgoing and approachable. Ted's attempts to come to terms with both his parents' death and his new life are aided by his ability to communicate with animals, which often serves as a source of comfort. A sparrow encourages him to "think about something else," and a lion at the zoo suggests, "What you need, Theodore, is a pride. If you can get some females to hunt for you, that's all the better." Readers will root for Ted as he learns how to feel comfortable both around other people and in his own skin. Using deft touches of humor and an element of the supernatural, Koertge (Boy Girl Boy) delivers a stirring account of a boy's rise above difficult circumstances. Ages 14-up. (June)Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Straysby Ron Koertge
View All Available Formats & Editions
Could life as a foster kid lead to unexpected benefits? A teenager's link to animals gives way to human connection in a smart, incisive new novel. Sixteen-year-old Ted O'Connor's parents just died in a fiery car crash, and now he's stuck with a set of semi-psycho foster parents, two foster brothers - Astin, the cocky gearhead, and C.W., the sometimes gangsta - and an… See more details below
Could life as a foster kid lead to unexpected benefits? A teenager's link to animals gives way to human connection in a smart, incisive new novel. Sixteen-year-old Ted O'Connor's parents just died in a fiery car crash, and now he's stuck with a set of semi-psycho foster parents, two foster brothers - Astin, the cocky gearhead, and C.W., the sometimes gangsta - and an inner-city high school full of delinquents. He's having pretty much the worst year of his miserable life. Or so he thinks. Is it possible that becoming an orphan is not the worst thing that could have happened to him? Drawing on his trademark wit and sharp insight, master novelist Ron Koertge takes the lead with this smart, surprising story about a boy learning to run with a new pack.
Editorial Reviews
Gr 7-10
Ted O'Connor, 15, grew up working in his parents' pet store until they died in a car crash and he was sent into foster care. He shares an attic bedroom with Astin, who rides a Harley and is alternately paternal and threatening. The other foster kid, C.W., has his own room because Mr. Rafter "[doesn't] like to mix white and black." Ted isolates himself from social situations, preferring to communicate with animals. These creatures-from stray dogs to caged lions-talk back. The rub is, as Ted begins to trust human relationships, his gift with animals fades. Koertge writes brilliant dialogue; the conversations between Ted and the animals are as nuanced, natural, and believable as those between humans. The characterizations are subtle and swift, especially Wanda, a senior whose parents win the lottery and virtually abandon her. She's unique from her first words on the page. Ted's slow transformation from introverted destitution to tentative but authentic affirmation is well and economically handled. The novel's initially somber mood lifts, deftly and gradually, as Ted grows surer of his place in humanity. His romantic friendship with warm, intelligent Wanda is beautifully realized and revelatory; having chosen one another, they are no longer strays. This is a great choice for reluctant readers, and for animal lovers. Not a word is wasted, and this tight, smoothly plotted, perfectly pitched novel is among the author's best work.
Johanna LewisCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Product Details
- 9780763662219
- Publisher:
- Candlewick Press
- Publication date:
- 10/09/2012
- Sold by:
- Barnes & Noble
- Format:
- NOOK Book
- Sales rank:
- 271,101
- Lexile:
- 650L (what's this?)
- File size:
- Age Range:
- 14 - 17 Years
Read an Excerpt
C.W. looks toward the screen door. "I was in this place once where the lady would tie off and shoot up while her old man made us paint the house. And all the other guys did was beat on me."
I look toward the big white front door. "What other guys?"
"This lady is not cooking for two when she can cook for three or four and make more money. That's how it works, man. Where you been? There's always other guys."
"Are they ever okay?" I ask.
"This is foster care, man. Nobody's okay."
STRAYS by Ron Koertge. Copyright © 2007 by Ron Koertge. Published by Candlewick Press, Inc., Cambridge, MA.
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