text:
A/N: A short piece I did for Aokise day. lolololololol OTL
all veins lead to the heart
(ten things aomine daiki knows about kise ryouta)
1. Kise is awkward around girls who try to flirt with him—awkward because his smile cracks at the seams and he is suddenly too suave, too perfect and without blemish, discolored and foreign, his speech like a rivulet of clever words that slides over the rocky riverbed. If anyone cared to look a little closer, they would notice the glass walls he hides behind. But that's just another string of small-print attached to the fame that comes with having a pretty face; it's so very easy to devolve from a person to a persona.
2. Kise likes to sleep with the blinds open. Aomine doesn't get why, at first, because the constant flash of city lights keeps him awake at night and he feels strangely vulnerable with the window unveiled. Then, the first time he slips into slumber tangled in Kise's long, lithe limbs, morning greets him with a tickle on the cheek and his breath hitches in his throat when he cracks open his eyes. Kise blinks, lashes heavy and mind waterlogged, and smiles as sunlight cleaves the wrinkled sheets. Aomine doesn't question the lack of an alarm on the nightstand and Kise wakes like clockwork at 7 AM, never late for first period.
3. On a normal day, Kise operates on six hours of sleep. He has basketball practice after classes (even when the club doesn't) and his weekends are packed full with modeling gigs. Whenever Aomine comes over, Kise sleeps a full nine hours.
4. Kise is like any other teenage boy: his room is a mess, clothes strewn everywhere and desk in disarray; his socks have their own dirty laundry basket because his sisters refuse to wash their clothes alongside that; in middle school he went through seven pairs of running shoes because he would always buy them the perfect size and wake up one day to have them pinch his toes or rub his heel. Most of them, though, he burns through on the court, beats them until the soles are clinging for dear life and the laces are tattered at the ends.
5. Contrary to popular belief, Kise wasn't an overnight sensation who was randomly scouted from a crowd downtown. His sisters were models before him and introduced him to their agency—he failed his first two auditions. Puberty was a tangible pain in his bones and his body felt like a stranger's, his shoulders curved inwards and he was growing up too fast and being so tall was frightening. But Kise is nothing if not resilient, and third time's the charm: all of a sudden, his sisters' persistent coaching comes to fruition, and the pride on their faces as he attends his first photoshoot largely outweighs the whispers among the crew members, talk of riding coattails and backdoor deals.
6. Kise's at-times obnoxious nickname-giving habit stems from the fact that his fangirls call him Kise-kun and the crew calls him Kise-san and cchi is the only thing that comes to mind in the spur of the moment—so he tacks it on at the back of each comforting name he can find, Kurokocchi and Midorimacchi and Kagamicchi, because there are no strings attached and nobody expects anything from him and he can be himself. Because the people who take up residence in the unwanted corners of his heart are those who stay the longest, and even though they may wander off now and then, for days or a week or years, he wants them to know that they are always welcome—that under the overt displays of affection he hands out like candy on Halloween, there's a piece of himself tucked in between.
7. There are four ways Kise knows to smile: his professional smile, which is reserved for the camera; the smile that doesn't reach his eyes, the one he plasters like a bulletproof vest onto his face whenever people ask for favors or try to wheedle themselves into his good favor; his desperate smile, which he hangs onto like a lifeline when the rest of him threatens to fall apart, unravel into threads and frayed edges (and Aomine never wants to see that smile again); and his victory smile, the one that bares his picture-perfect teeth and makes his eyes squint, the one that splits across his face like a door thrown open during a thunderstorm, sometimes accompanied by a shout of laughter or a breathless gasp. And then there's the smile that Kise doesn't know about: the one Aomine caught glimpses of all year long in history class, the one that periodically slips into the victory smile when Kise looks up at him with twinkling eyes and sweat beaded on his lashes, the one that lied stuck like broken glass inside the sad, desperate smile Kise gave him the day he swore he would let Aomine go.
8. When Kise falls in love, he goes down crashing and in flames. His body practically seethes with the need to consume the other party, but he hides his affection behind slanted glances and hands tucked in his pockets, silent devotion and quiet acceptance. After all, he has no right to wreck anyone save himself. Aomine, well, he would gladly let Kise take him to pieces if it meant he would no longer feel the need to be alone.
9. Once, Kise thought his fixation on Aomine was due to him being the one who introduced him to basketball. The instant he said he would stop admiring Aomine, he knew he was wrong.
10. One night, curled under the duvet with the lights switched off, Aomine blearily mumbles, you're mine, into Kise's earlobe, and crystalline laughter vibrates across the airy room, followed by a whispered, I am.


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text: Anchorage, Alaska Just because you folks in the lower 48 have to make the long haul to get there doesn't mean Anchorage is a place beer lovers should skip. Between Glacier BrewHouse or Midnight Sun, Anchorage Brewing, Broken Tooth Brewing and Theatrepub, Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, King Street Brewing and Snowgoose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewing, beer lovers can piece together a better brewery crawl here than in any location we've named so far. Its also one of the best pure vacations as well, as the summer months are a great time to check out the glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, orcas and eagles of Prince William Sound or grab a beer at Glacier Brewhouse during the beautiful summer months. Anchorage's ports are just loaded with cruise ships full of folks like yourself who'll be booking horseback trips through the mountains, trying to catch a peek at caribou, lynx and grizzlies during various trail hikes and packing the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum. So what can you do to keep from missing out on the last table at the WildRide Sled Dog Rodeo dinner theater or the kite flying at Delaney Park Strip? Grab an Alaska Tour Saver coupon booklet, book early and get half-price deals on Mount McKinley sightseeing, glacier cruises, remote wilderness lodges, Denali National Park train rides and glacier/wildlife/sightseeing packages. -- Written by Jason Notte in Portland, Ore. >To contact the writer of this article, click here: Jason Notte. >To follow the writer on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/notteham. >To submit a news tip, send an email to: email@example.com. RELATED STORIES: >>10 Best 40-MPG-Or-Better Cars of 2013 >>5 Vehicles You Want To Drive In A Rainstorm >>Top 10 Cities For Car Sharing Prev 5 of 6 Next


text:
The atomium is not used enough for hilarious photoshops, god work.
Also that is the closest she ever got to foreign parts, I think
― I am not drunk sufficiently constantly (Ed), Friday, 26 September 2008 14:17 (7 years ago) Permalink
I have missed the DC thread, frankly. Though not so much the Saturday morning too-many-beers-at-Big-Hunt hangovers.
― quincie, Friday, 26 September 2008 17:45 (7 years ago) Permalink
I miss the photoshopping.
― curmudgeon, Saturday, 27 September 2008 04:59 (7 years ago) Permalink
I love everyone.
― El Tomboto, Saturday, 27 September 2008 05:53 (7 years ago) Permalink
I'm gonna edit this thread title tomorrow so it has to do with that new coen flick. nobody panic.
― El Tomboto, Saturday, 27 September 2008 05:54 (7 years ago) Permalink
when is beers o clock?
There. Go Skins.
― TOMBOT, Saturday, 27 September 2008 18:41 (7 years ago) Permalink
last night you could follow the debate walking down 18th, even over the downpour. maybe not such a shocker but slightly odd nonetheless, in person.
― W i l l, Sunday, 28 September 2008 02:12 (7 years ago) Permalink
i had to be at work during the debate. and today from 11-7:30. all hands on deck until election day!
i will make some photoshops when i am back in the office.
did this the other day
― regular guy, scranton, pennsylvania (daria-g), Sunday, 28 September 2008 04:06 (7 years ago) Permalink
Wait was that really insane football video from way back (sandbox, maybe?)? Someone flying through the air in a ridiculous manner. I can't remember any other details, sorry. But it was awesome A++ would watch again if someone knows what the hell I am talking about.
― quincie, Sunday, 28 September 2008 15:29 (7 years ago) Permalink
― quincie, Sunday, 28 September 2008 15:30 (7 years ago) Permalink
YEAH HE DID THAT AGAIN! this video is from last week!!
― regular guy, scranton, pennsylvania (daria-g), Sunday, 28 September 2008 16:12 (7 years ago) Permalink
― I DIED, Monday, 29 September 2008 20:46 (7 years ago) Permalink
― quincie, Monday, 29 September 2008 21:23 (7 years ago) Permalink
The cigarette is an especially nice touch!
^^^^what happens when you meet without preconditions
― mookieproof, Monday, 29 September 2008 23:52 (7 years ago) Permalink
"She's like one of us, just a normal, hardworking person, not someone from D.C. " said Ivan Capps, a Bureau of Land Management records manager who attended a Palin rally in Grand Junction, Colo.
fuck youuuuuuuu
― I DIED, Thursday, 23 October 2008 13:52 (7 years ago) Permalink
the special prize we get for being #1 Obama supporters is that he's gonna come live here!
― I DIED, Wednesday, 5 November 2008 15:44 (7 years ago) Permalink
not just him: On a chain-link fence erected by inaugural construction crews [near the White House], someone hung the sign: "Welcome Home Malia and Sasha!"
from the Post article on last night's partying. U Street was just, wow
― W i l l, Wednesday, 5 November 2008 22:02 (7 years ago) Permalink
that was my view around 11:30 last night, insane
― I DIED, Wednesday, 5 November 2008 22:06 (7 years ago) Permalink
They call it the White House, but that's a (increasingly) temporary condition.
To each his reach, and if I can't cop, it ain't mine to hang.
― B.L.A.M., Wednesday, 5 November 2008 22:20 (7 years ago) Permalink
hey guys we have to get this thread going again now that DC is the new BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!
― I DIED, Thursday, 6 November 2008 14:31 (7 years ago) Permalink
I SO want to move back.
― B.L.A.M., Thursday, 6 November 2008 21:03 (7 years ago) Permalink
I am officially retired from breakdancing in the street. Ow.
― El Tomboto, Thursday, 6 November 2008 21:44 (7 years ago) Permalink
hey Slate: fuck youuuuuuuu for reprinting a 15-year old column about "life in DC" and saying "it's still remarkable how little of the city's character has changed."
― I DIED, Friday, 7 November 2008 15:23 (7 years ago) Permalink
orange line extending to NY? rendering of new 2nd Ave subway entrance.
― I DIED, Friday, 7 November 2008 15:29 (7 years ago) Permalink
oh man that would be the best i would buy so many records and work pays the smartrip
― 69, Friday, 7 November 2008 15:46 (7 years ago) Permalink
that's the part of the upper east side with all the fresh-out-of-college banker types and shitty bars
― gabbneb, Friday, 7 November 2008 15:51 (7 years ago) Permalink
So, I'm coming to join your cool place-to-be city some time around February. Pretty jammy timing. I've visited before but only for 2-3 days. I think I'll be living somewhere near Dupont Circle/19th, if I take over the apartment of the last incumbent in the job...
― ljubljana, Friday, 7 November 2008 21:19 (7 years ago) Permalink
― mookieproof, Friday, 7 November 2008 21:22 (7 years ago) Permalink
our football team is awesome
― T-PALIN (daria-g), Friday, 7 November 2008 21:25 (7 years ago) Permalink
― T-PALIN (daria-g), Friday, 7 November 2008 21:26 (7 years ago) Permalink
I get to learn the football rules!Is that a real TV show embedded in that vid somewhere?
― ljubljana, Friday, 7 November 2008 21:32 (7 years ago) Permalink
nah.. DC go go band Mambo Sauce had this song out for a while and finally made a video for it, so.. that's what they did. chuck brown shows up at the end to tell the police to let them go, I guess is the gist of it
― T-PALIN (daria-g), Friday, 7 November 2008 21:34 (7 years ago) Permalink
Even your cheerleaders go on tour!
― ljubljana, Friday, 7 November 2008 21:40 (7 years ago) Permalink
I'm still trying to get my head around 15K ppl in DC voting for McCain? TOO MANY I DEMAND RECOUNT.
― quincie, Friday, 7 November 2008 21:41 (7 years ago) Permalink
TOMBOT can you embed the mambo sauce vid at the top of the thread? tks.
― I DIED, Friday, 7 November 2008 22:00 (7 years ago) Permalink
I'm still trying to get my head around 15K ppl in DC voting for McCain?
― T-PALIN (daria-g), Friday, 7 November 2008 22:12 (7 years ago) Permalink
who all had logins to there? I miss the roffles ;_;
― Black Seinfeld (HI DERE), Friday, 7 November 2008 22:26 (7 years ago) Permalink
― Mr. Que, Friday, 7 November 2008 22:28 (7 years ago) Permalink
oh shit
― Black Seinfeld (HI DERE), Friday, 7 November 2008 22:29 (7 years ago) Permalink
― mookieproof, Friday, 7 November 2008 22:31 (7 years ago) Permalink
I can give LNS invites if anyone wants
― I DIED, Friday, 7 November 2008 22:55 (7 years ago) Permalink
― Black Seinfeld (HI DERE), Friday, 7 November 2008 22:58 (7 years ago) Permalink
can read such threads as:
- Stolen undergarments on Saturday- Manipulating men into LTRs and marriage- FATTIE, but great in bed. Keeper?- Is it possible to be super smoke and humble at the same time?- whats the website to order generic Viagra- How did you make up for election night depression?- any hill staffers wanna release some tension?
― I DIED, Friday, 7 November 2008 23:00 (7 years ago) Permalink
FATTIE, but great in bed. Keeper?
― Black Seinfeld (HI DERE), Friday, 7 November 2008 23:59 (7 years ago) Permalink
Is it possible to be super smoke and humble at the same time?
username on this question was "bho choom gang" right?
― the schef (adam schefter ha ha), Saturday, 8 November 2008 00:29 (7 years ago) Permalink
See I always assumed the LNS crew lived in Bethesda/NOVA and thus would not be fucking with DCs polls.
― quincie, Saturday, 8 November 2008 01:12 (7 years ago) Permalink
no much of LNS lives in DC west of rock creek park! Like YOU!
― I DIED, Saturday, 8 November 2008 02:46 (7 years ago) Permalink
Yeah actually I think some of them live directly below me. PICK UP YOUR CIGGY BUTTS DOUCHES.
― quincie, Saturday, 8 November 2008 02:50 (7 years ago) Permalink
thanks. Just tried a different Ethiopian one at Skyline on George Mason-- in the back, and I've just spaced on the name. They had a sax player and keyboardist playing live during dinner hours. Good enough but not amazing food.
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 21 April 2016 14:34 (3 months ago) Permalink
Was it Bati? That place has always been alright without blowing me away.
Enat on Beauregard was incredible once, then a little underwhelming the next time. They've recently only had Ethiopian injera, which is a little too salty and sour for my taste.
― Gukbe, Thursday, 21 April 2016 20:15 (3 months ago) Permalink
I have been to Bati which I used to love and is just alright and does have late night music on weekends I think (but sadly not anymore this great guitarist who is on an Ethiopiques compilation), but a place with its entrance in the back ---Balagger Restaurant & Market
I tried Enat once (admittedly after reading about the Washingtonian food critic taking the Post's Sietsema there) and it was solid but not incredible.
― curmudgeon, Friday, 22 April 2016 18:05 (3 months ago) Permalink
The Baby Wale is kind of totally overpriced but they're playing 100% go-go, huge space, and very decent beverage selection. Definitely going to be my new HH spot after I have shit to do at the convention center in the afternoon.
― bothan zulu (El Tomboto), Friday, 22 April 2016 22:12 (3 months ago) Permalink
toxic leak from freight train
tho not as toxic as the WH correspondents' dinner, amirite
― we can be heroes just for about 3.6 seconds (Dr Morbius), Sunday, 1 May 2016 15:07 (2 months ago) Permalink
Morbs, thought you would like the Larry Wilmore joke at the WH C Dinner that Obama was busy hanging out and having fun with Golden State Warrior Steph Curry because they both like raining down bombs from long distances
― curmudgeon, Monday, 2 May 2016 01:56 (2 months ago) Permalink
not bad
i saw/heard Larry Wilmore emcee a screening of The Parallax View a few months ago, and there are limits to his expertise.
― we can be heroes just for about 3.6 seconds (Dr Morbius), Monday, 2 May 2016 02:03 (2 months ago) Permalink
$25 or under places to take metro buses or uber to
― curmudgeon, Friday, 6 May 2016 15:35 (2 months ago) Permalink
They still like Ethiopian joints Enat and Ethiopic, plus a number of other places have been on their list for years. All still good? Or is Washingtonian getting lazy?
― curmudgeon, Friday, 6 May 2016 15:41 (2 months ago) Permalink
Finally made it to The Sovereign, for brunch. It was fantastic. Get the loaded fries.
― bothan zulu (El Tomboto), Sunday, 8 May 2016 01:05 (2 months ago) Permalink
It looks like Fort Reno is NOT happening this year. I for one am bummed.
― Diana Fire (j.lu), Friday, 13 May 2016 17:25 (2 months ago) Permalink
I know they've had logistical troubles before, but that is legitimately sad.
― embryo mtv raps (Ye Mad Puffin), Friday, 13 May 2016 17:27 (2 months ago) Permalink
― El Tomboto, Thursday, 19 May 2016 16:50 (2 months ago) Permalink
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 19 May 2016 18:47 (2 months ago) Permalink
Ft. Reno may happen per Bandwidth article that came out after Washingtonian one. Organizer Amanda just likes to take her time. Link is on the Capital Swamp thread on ilm
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 19 May 2016 18:48 (2 months ago) Permalink
― mookieproof, Tuesday, 24 May 2016 18:58 (2 months ago) Permalink
― controversial but fabulous (I DIED), Tuesday, 24 May 2016 20:59 (2 months ago) Permalink
― El Tomboto, Tuesday, 24 May 2016 21:01 (2 months ago) Permalink
I'm still annoyed at how badly Shallal has fucked up Eatonville. There was a time when that place was our go-to brunch spot and we'd drag the in-laws there for dinner every time they came to town. The service and food quality had declined so much that we had high hopes for Mulebone but it's practically a self-parody, all the bad dumb ideas in one place. "Hey, what if we did chicken and waffles with a PANCAKE instead of the waffles?!?"
― El Tomboto, Sunday, 5 June 2016 15:09 (1 month ago) Permalink
Maybe the chef that Shallal hired is to blame. I'm not a fan of W. Post reviewer Tom Sietsema, but back in March here's what he says in part, in his praise for the the new place--he has hired Joseph Paire to take over the kitchen? An alumnus of Todd Gray's Watershed in NoMa and Farmers Fishers Bakers in Georgetown, the chef, 33 and a District native, is cooking notches better than his résumé suggests.
― curmudgeon, Monday, 6 June 2016 18:18 (1 month ago) Permalink
It's not just that. The clothes for sale = weird. The dinner menu = buttered to death. The service: as bad as it ever was during the twilight of Eatonville. And this is a pet peeve, but Shallal needs to fire whomever is in charge of the beer sections of his menus. Busboys and Mulebone have taken to just listing the name of the brewery as if that tells you what you're getting, letting stuff get 86'd with no replacement, and suggesting the existence of a "seasonal" when there is actually no seasonal, just something that they don't have anymore. Seasonal empty tap. GTFOWTS,A
At least the Neal brothers can be bothered with the logistics, even if the tap menu kind of sucks (compared to the glory days of 2014) and keeps getting worse.
― El Tomboto, Monday, 6 June 2016 20:25 (1 month ago) Permalink
Sietsema slams Founding Farmers Restaurant and gives it zero stars, a rare thing for him.
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 9 June 2016 15:33 (1 month ago) Permalink
That was pretty savage. I assume their food is in fact edible, but Sietsema generally grades on performance relative to expectations - whether those expectations come from hype, reputation, popularity, or chef resume.
― full of grapes (Ye Mad Puffin), Thursday, 9 June 2016 16:06 (1 month ago) Permalink
Architecture / DC code question: The building height restriction is the width of the facing street plus 20 feet, correct? So why is nobody building anything higher than 4 stories along Rhode Island Avenue NW? Went for a stroll this morning to check out what might be our future neighborhood and noticed that new construction seems to not be taking advantage.
― El Tomboto, Friday, 10 June 2016 13:43 (1 month ago) Permalink
street +20' is the maximum citywide but neighborhood zoning often further restricts this through FAR caps, additional height restrictions, etc.
― controversial but fabulous (I DIED), Friday, 10 June 2016 14:16 (1 month ago) Permalink
Was going to post that Sietsema review - have always slightly amazed by the clueless raves that place gets
the Rinzler concert is pretty tempting this year. need to clone self.
― normcore strengthening exercises (benbbag), Friday, 10 June 2016 16:05 (1 month ago) Permalink
Another Post food reviewer Tim Carman has the carryout and international ethnic beat. I loved the roti I had recently at Caribbean Palace (New Hampshire Ave on the Langly Park & Takoma Park , MD border) and have had in the past a few times; I see that Tim Carman liked it last year (although he seems to like Teddy's Roti Shop in DC more).
Sietsema only goes to places like this when Todd Kliman brings him there in an uber (read this awhile back in either Post or Washingtonian). Kliman is leaving Washingtonian but hasn't announced where he is going to.
― curmudgeon, Friday, 10 June 2016 16:17 (1 month ago) Permalink
― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 14 June 2016 16:38 (1 month ago) Permalink
hey DC people, this is super last minute but my brother's band Thaylobleu is having a CD release party at The Velvet Lounge tonight:
Also playing will be:
The Cornel West TheoryLaughing ManLeftist
― volumetric god rays (DJP), Thursday, 16 June 2016 17:26 (1 month ago) Permalink
El Tomboto, Mulebone just fired the chef and the mixologist.
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 16 June 2016 19:29 (1 month ago) Permalink
Last remaining art gallery in Gallery Place hood is leaving
― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 21 June 2016 15:34 (1 month ago) Permalink
So yeah, this blew up on popville. what people think? http://www.popville.com/2016/06/well-this-is-depressing/
Honestly this kind of reminded me of that Blowfly song, you know the one.
― El Tomboto, Wednesday, 29 June 2016 15:49 (1 month ago) Permalink
(except Blowfly was being funny)
― El Tomboto, Wednesday, 29 June 2016 15:50 (1 month ago) Permalink
lots of clichés in that article. Poverty and crime and policing and good government issues and DC history are more complicated than that guy will acknowledge.
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 30 June 2016 18:02 (4 weeks ago) Permalink
yeah and apparently the greatest political participation the author could muster is an anonymous open letter and moving his small business tax revenue to some undisclosed location that's definitely not DC. He also never actually tried to find out why things were/are bad and terrible, just allocates blame that suits his own bigotry.
The part re: Columbia Heights being evidently worse than it was when I lived there 11 years ago feels about right, sadly.
― El Tomboto, Saturday, 2 July 2016 18:10 (3 weeks ago) Permalink
ANC 1A chair Kent Boese, whose commission represents Columbia Heights:
My concerns with the District's police force falls into two main areas 1) the decision a year ago by Chief Lanier to eliminate police district based plainclothes units with little forewarning or community input, and 2) our ability to train and maintain new recruits at a time when we have a significant number of police officers leaving or retiring. The elimination of plainclothes officers stationed in our communities was a misstep that likely has more to do with MPD's attrition rate than it does with the changing nature of crime. It was equally disheartening that our Councilmember's response to concerned residents seeking a return of dedicated plainclothes officers was that of equating plainclothes policing with jump out squads. In conversations with beat officers, DC Police Union members, and the Office of the Attorney General, have all said that addressing the most problematic criminal behavior in our community has become more difficult since the elimination of the vice squads. This is particularly true with nuisance properties – places that can and do harbor drug dealers, illegal firearms, and prostitution.MPD's decreasing number of experienced officers is also concerning.
― curmudgeon, Sunday, 10 July 2016 00:27 (2 weeks ago) Permalink
I saw Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and other original Freedom Singers perform, 50 some years later, some of their civil rights anthems last night and talk about them, and it was very impressive and inspiring and occasionally sad and depressing(not the quality of the singing, but the subject matter talked about and sung about). The event at the Metropolitan AME Church in W. DC (where Frederick Douglas long ago once spoke) was part of the March on Washington Film and more Festival going on this week and next. Ysaye Barnswell, who was once in Sweet Honey in the Rock with Johnson Reagon, later did a version of "Wade in the Water" with "Black Lives Matter" in the lyrics. She can still emote powerfully too.
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 14 July 2016 16:52 (2 weeks ago) Permalink
hot enough for ya all
― curmudgeon, Monday, 25 July 2016 15:18 (4 days ago) Permalink
u know it
― tobo73, Monday, 25 July 2016 15:43 (4 days ago) Permalink
Ugh, hate
― mom tossed in kimchee (quincie), Monday, 25 July 2016 17:12 (4 days ago) Permalink
sad story that could have a happy ending but likely won't
― curmudgeon, Monday, 25 July 2016 18:05 (4 days ago) Permalink
Report: Dispute over Metrorail operator's break almost resulted in a head-on collision
― mookieproof, Thursday, 28 July 2016 17:27 (Yesterday) Permalink


text:
Read an Excerpt
The Business Of Strangers
By Kylie Brant
SilhouetteCopyright © 2005 Kylie Brant
All right reserved.
Six Years Later
Sheriff Kingsley motioned for attention from the deputies and raised a hand to begin the signal. On the count of three, the deputy in front used the entry device to blast the door twice, then stood aside as the sheriff raised a booted foot to send it crashing against the opposite wall. The four people inside were already scrambling.
Kingsley went into the farmhouse, followed by Deputies Cook and Ralston. The scene inside was chaotic, the shouted orders mingling with the cries of the suspects. One went for his weapon and the sheriff brought up a rifle, sighted and shot with one fluid movement. The man slumped against the wall, hand clamped to his wounded shoulder. Another was attempting to flee through an open window, and Kingsley let him go. Deputies were stationed all around the house. He wouldn't get far.
"Hands in the air. In the air! Don't make a move toward that weapon!" Three other officers raced by to secure the rest of the house. Kingsley kept the rifle trained on the drug dealers they'd surprised, as Deputies Simpson, Cook and Ralston cuffed them. Only then was the weapon lowered and handed to another deputy.
"Need some help there, Ralston?" Kingsley asked.
The hulking man the deputy was attempting to pat down was huge, over six and a half feet tall, and even in restraints he wasn't proving cooperative. It had taken two officers to put cuffs on him, and he was still actively resisting. Kingsley started forward to assist.
"I got him." Ralston's sullen, barely civil tone was familiar, as it was the one he'd used to address the newly appointed sheriff for the last six weeks.
Because it appeared that the deputy had subdued the man, Kingsley drew on some latex gloves and approached the coffee table. Amid piles of bills was a clear bag containing what looked like shards of glass. Picking it up, the sheriff gave a low whistle. "This just might turn out to be a major bust."
Simpson craned his neck to look. "What is it? Coke?"
"Looks like crystal meth to me." Kingsley dropped it into the evidence bag another deputy produced, while the wounded suspect snarled, "It ain't ours. You planted it. We'll all testify to that." He looked around at his companions, as if for support.
"Better hope none of your prints is on it then, genius." To the deputies, Kingsley said, "Get them in the cars. Simpson, once the medic has your prisoner stabilized, take him to the ER."
One by one the officers led each cuffed man outside. But when Ralston passed by the sheriff with his prisoner, the deputy seemed to stumble a little, loosening his hold. The suspect used the opportunity to pull away, lowering his head and then swinging it hard, connecting with Kingsley's face.
Two deputies leaped to assist, but it wasn't necessary. Kingsley grabbed the man's shirt, using his forward motion to flip him to the floor, and placed a foot on the back of his neck to keep him there. It usually wasn't all that difficult to ignore Ralston's attitude, but the smirk on the deputy's face, coupled with the pain from the blow the suspect had landed, had the sheriff calling, "Meyer. Backstrom. Take over for Ralston here."
The order brought a familiar glower to the deputy's face. "That's not necessary, Sheriff. I've got him under control."
"No, Deputy, I've got him under control. Back away." Reluctantly, Ralston stepped aside to allow the other two officers to accompany the suspect to the car. Only after all the cuffed men had been taken outside did Kingsley turn to the deputy.
A hand on his arm stopped Ralston as he started to shove by. "No harm done this time, but making mistakes like that with suspects can get other officers injured or killed. Don't let it happen again."
The deputy wheeled around, his thin face flushed and his eyes narrowed. "Is that what you big city hotshots call a mistake? Reading your press, I figured a cocky dyke like you could take this whole crew single-handedly."
Kingsley nodded. "If I had taken them on, one of the first things I would have done with a large struggling opponent would be to incapacitate him completely. Sort of like this." A stiff-fingered jab to a neural pressure point at the base of Ralston's throat had the man sinking to his knees, both hands clasped to his neck, his breathing strangled.
Sheriff Rianna Kingsley stepped around him. "I wonder which will bother you the most now, Ralston. That you're working for a dyke sheriff or that she just kicked your ass?"
It was hours before the arrest and booking procedures were completed. There were reports to be filed, evidence to be labeled and bagged and phone calls to dodge. All of those calls had come from Eldon Croat, local county commissioner and primary reason Ria had been appointed to fill out the prior sheriff's term. She was in no mood to listen to the commissioner's jubilant crowing at this latest bust, or about his own brilliance -- even when that "brilliance" had to do with his hiring of her.
Her cheek throbbed where the suspect had nailed her, and the ongoing hostility from Ralston hadn't improved her mood. The man had been a major pain since she'd taken the job six weeks ago, and ignoring him hadn't helped. She doubted she'd improved matters any by embarrassing him in front of some of the others, but it had been completely satisfying for her, so that was something.
She glanced at the clock. It was after six. Saving the report she was typing at the computer, she stood and hung up the navy SHERIFF windbreaker she'd discarded earlier, along with the body armor. Grabbing her purse, she headed out. What she needed right now was a thick steak, two fingers of Scotch and the privacy to enjoy both. That meant traveling beyond the confines of Tripolo, Alabama. And probably even outside Fenton County.
Marlyss, the big blond secretary/dispatcher, looked up from her paperwork as Rianna walked by. "Leaving for the night, Sheriff?"
"Going out for a bite. Where's the best steak to be found around here?" She'd already learned that Marlyss considered herself a culinary connoisseur. From her talk on Mondays it appeared she and her husband's primary socializing on the weekends centered around discovering new restaurants. Her girth was testament to the success of her search.
"Shakers is about ten minutes from here, and they do a decent fillet. Things can get pretty rowdy there on the weekends, though."
Ria recalled the name. She'd sent a couple deputies on a call there last weekend. "What about outside the county?"
Marlyss reached forward and opened a side drawer on her desk. "If you want to drive on over to Phenix City or even Columbus, Georgia, I've got a few menus from places we've enjoyed. You're welcome to take them with you and decide. Bring them back when you're done though, won't you?"
Recognizing the gesture for what it was, Ria took the menus. She wasn't about to turn aside one of the few offers of genuine friendliness she'd encountered since coming here. "I'll do that, Marlyss. Thanks."
Excerpted from The Business Of Strangers by Kylie Brant Copyright © 2005 by Kylie Brant. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.


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IMDb > Dr. Nefario (Character)
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I am using v.2.5.5. of your plugin on our site. I am running WordPress 3.4.2. I have 45 Publications (all PDF) loaded, and the "Next >>" link appears at the bottom of the page, but clicking it does not seem to work. Here is the page:
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Celeb Snaps! Hottest Star Sightings Tuesday 12.4.12
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Bar Stools
Our Marguerite Bar Stool is a stylish combination of rustic textures and fresh, updated design. The comfortable, hand rushed seat ...swivels a smooth 360 degrees. Frame is crafted of aged metal and contrasting hardwood with hand applied finish.Assembly... read more
Bar Stools: Spin Swivel Backless Bar Stool - This contemporary brushed aluminum counter stool pulls up to the kitchen counter with... the classic 360-degree spin, with ball bearing action for a smooth ride. -Traditional base design with foot rungs -Foot caps to protect floor surfaces -Clear lacquer finish -Synthetic-blend cushion insert with 100 percent cotton twill cover optional; sold separately -Caution: Do not place fingers or hands beneath stool seat as there are moving parts and edges may be sharp. -Made in multiple countries read more
Bar Stools: Scholar Backless Bar Stool - Scholar earns high marks for great value and clean styling, pairing industrial metal with... wood washed in a fresh grey shade. The compact size of this casual collection works in kitchen nooks, open seating areas or smaller dining rooms. -Designed by Mark Daniel of Slate -Metal frame and legs -Poplar core seat with engineered bentwood and ash veneer -Self-leveling feet included -Made in China read more
Reminiscent of a classic Thonet bentwood chair from the mid 1800s, our Constance Barstool has a contoured, steam-bent "X" back tha...t cradles you for surprising comfort. Padded, hand woven rattan seat adds texture and charm.Constance Barstool features:Fits our Constance Chair Cushion for extra comfort. Hand crafted of solid birch . Multi-step, hand applied finish. Coordinates with our Constance Dining Chair. Frames made of birch or oak. read more
Bar Stools: Felix Walnut Bar Stool - The perfect perch for the home bar and casual entertaining, our retro-modern bent plywood bar... stool designed by Mark Daniel of Slate offers an the opportunity to mix and match at a value. The Felix bar stool's low-profile back curves into a generous seat showcasing the grain and warm color of walnut veneer on a sleek foundation of chrome legs. -Designed by Mark Daniel of Slate -Birch bent plywood and walnut veneer with clear lacquer finish -Chrome tube legs -Made in China read more
Bar Stools: Elston Swivel Bar Stool - Handworked metal rods engineer an open, architectural framework for Elston's beautifully gra...ined mango wood. The chair-shaped stool structures the perfect balance between form and function. Stained a rich shade of black, the metal base pairs with walnut-stained mango wood that's gently contoured for comfort. Designed for relaxing, the stool features a swivel seat and mango wood arm and foot rests, set deep for comfort. -Handcrafted welded metal frame with java finish -Mango wood seat and back read more
An elegant take on a classic, our Black Paige Backless Barstool is crafted of American white oak with carved details and a distres...sed finish. Plush velvet upholstery makes this exclusive barstool a stylish seating update for the home bar. read more
An elegant take on a classic, our Peacock Paige Backless Barstool is crafted of American white oak with carved details and a distr...essed finish. Plush velvet upholstery makes this exclusive barstool a stylish seating update for the home bar. read more
The curvaceous silhouette of our Pacific Blue Lydia Barstool brings to mind the everyday glamour of mid-century Hollywood. Crafted... of hardwood with soft velvety microfiber upholstery, this stool offers clean lines and a tailored appeal that complements any table or seating area. read more
Take a spin. The sophisticated style of the Shedrack barstool speaks the international language of design with its iconic tulip-sh...aped swivel seat. Made of ABS and chrome, Shedrack's luxurious white faux leather seat adjusts from 23.2 to 31.7 inches. Color: White Materials: Plastic and Chrome Steel Seat dimensions: 17.5 inches wide x inches deep Seat height: 23.2-31.7 inches Dimensions: 26.4-34.8 inches high x 17.5 inches wide x 15.8 inches deep This product will ship to you in 1 box. Minor assembly required Color: White. read more
Our Marguerite Bar Stool is a stylish combination of rustic textures and fresh, updated design. The comfortable, hand rushed seat ...swivels a smooth 360 degrees. Frame is crafted of aged metal and contrasting hardwood with hand applied finish.Assembly... read more
AVS2174 Features Sullivan collection Rustic industrial design Walnut and pewter finish Steel legs and veneer wood top Adjustable h...eight seat Intended for residential use Frame Material: Metal Frame Finish: Pewter Seat Material: Wood Style: Industrial/Traditional/Rustic Seat Style: Round Seat Height Type: Short (16''-23'')/Counter (24''-27'') Seat Color: Walnut Swivel: Yes Adjustable Height: Yes Footrest Included: Yes Leg/Base Type: 4 legs Dimensions Overall Height - Top to Bottom: 18'' Overall Width - Side to Side: 13.75'' Overall Depth - Front to Back: 13.75'' Overall Product Weight: 11 lbs Overall Maximum Height - Top to Bottom: 25.63'' Seat Height - Floor to Seat: 18'' read more
Grab a cold drink and seat yourself on this fine example of rustic style and charm. This barstool is the perfect finishing touch f...or your bar or bistro table. The Montana Woodworks barstool with back is handcrafted using solid, American grown wood. Seat height is 30, perfect for most bars and higher tables or just to sit at the breakfast bar. This model features the comfy upholstered seat. Comes fully assembled. 20-year limited warranty included at no additional cost. Hand Crafted in Montana U.S.A. Product Materials: Solid Lodge Pole Pine. Dimensions: 19L x 20W x 44H; Weight: 25 lbs read more
These units are built in the USA to our demanding quality standards. Clear instructions and simple assembly help ensure a quality ...result with less effort. Furniture designed to delight in functionality and value. Uplift your home decor today. Adds your own sense of style to any room. Instantly changes the feel of the room. Adds an inviting presence for your family and guests. Bases and Fabrics made in the USA. Collection: Erie. Base Finish: Bronze. Seat Fabric: 2288 Black Naugaleather. Size: 25 . read more
Our kitchen / bar counter top bar stools will be a rich, contemporary addition to any entertainment or dining area. Your family an...d guests will love the look and feel of the adjustable air-lift swivel stools. Seat made of PU leather with sharp chrome base, not only is it modern but also durable and long lasting. Height adjustment as the user like. All the gas lift have passed SGS testing. Free swivel seat 360 degree. Rubber ring under the base can protect the ground well against slipping. Foot rest allow for easy comfort while sitting. We have the best quality toadstools available. read more
Bar Stools: Delta Aluminum Bar Stool - Delta features straightforward styling in pure aluminum, anodized for a sleek, durable fini...sh. Classic and contemporary, the stool has a casual look that mixes well with metal, wood or glass furnishings. -Hand-polished anodized aluminum -Cross bar -Foot caps to protect floor surfaces -Foam, polyfill wrap and synthetic ticking cushion insert with 100 percent cotton cover, fabric tab fasteners and zipper closure optional; sold separately -See product label on cushion or call customer service at read more
Perfect for a casual meal and easy conversation, the Noah bar set will be a wonderful addition to your home. Made of birch solids ...and ash veneers, the 54 inch triangle shaped table is 41 inches high and is surrounded by two swivel barstools and one bench. Creamy vanilla colored Ultrahyde upholstery adds a stylish contrast of color. read more
Add a pop of color to your counter area with the contemporary Dahlia barstool. It features a scooped seat for comfort and fresh gr...een colored UltraHyde upholstery in an eye pleasing design. The lever activated stool features an adjustable height gas-lift mechanism allowing you to raise and lower the seat from 25" to 33" from the floor. A chrome finished base offers support. read more
With its basket woven detailing and on-trend gold metallic silver finish, the Thredson barstool is at the popular intersection of ...classic and contemporary. Constructed of wood solids, the elegantly interwoven panels in the back allow the Thredson to live up to its name. It also boasts a 360 degree swivel stool with a putty fabric seat covering. Some assembly required. read more
The Donalt barstool stands out with its distinctive details. Constructed of metal in an antiqued brown finish, its highlighted by ...an interlocking crescent moon back design and twisting leg rails. For added interest, the back also features a brown wooden top with nailhead accents. A 360 degree swivel brown seat rounds out this versatile seat. Some assembly required. read more
Architectural detailing and streamlined design are the highlights of the Corwyn barstool. Constructed of wood solids with a distre...ssed brown finish, and matching faux leather seat upholstery, the backless Corwyn stool packs a punch with its round grooves, unique leg framing and gold seat studding. The stool features a 360 degree swivel seat. Some assembly required. read more
The charming country cottage style of the Brynwood counter height dining set makes it a welcoming choice for any dining area. Craf...ted of wood solids, the table features a fresh white finish and an attractive X-backed set of white stools with a rustic touch. A pedestal table base gives this set a chic, timeless appeal that will look great for years to come. read more
The charming country cottage style of the Brynwood counter height dining set makes it a welcoming choice for any dining area. Craf...ted of wood solids, the table features a fresh black finish and an attractive X-backed set of white stools with a rustic touch. A pedestal table base gives this set a chic, timeless appeal that will look great for years to come. read more
The Watercolor barstool offers comfortable and stylish seating for almost any dining area. Blended leather upholstery in a Heather... green color is supple, durable and easy to clean. Stitching detail enhances the back of the chair. A padded seat and merlot finished wood legs provide support. read more
The contemporary style of the Silvermere barstool offers a clean look with on-trend design elements. A metallic overlay pattern in... a flowering vine design on the beat seat makes it a show-stopper behind any bar or table. The barstool features a distressed black finish, and has a 360 degree swivel seat with a neutral seat cushion. Some assembly required. read more
The Candler Park barstool is a classic that looks great in any kitchen or bar area. Constructed of metal with a black pewter finis...h, the back of the barstool features a dynamic starburst design and a blue stone tiled panel at the top. The comfortable charcoal gray seat supports 360 degree swivel. Some assembly required. read more
Simple styling and a neutral palette make the Ericsson barstool an easy-going favorite. Crafted of wood solids, this stool is high...lighted by its basket weave back design and distressed light pine finish reminiscent of an aged leather patina. The stool features a 360 degree swivel seat. Some assembly required. read more
Classic elegance is the hallmark of the lovely Burkard barstool. With its dark brown finish and intricately carved, curving seat b...ack, its reminiscent of an antique musical instrument. It features a 360 degree swivel stool with a brown cushion and nailhead trim. Some assembly required. read more
Whimsical detailing and simple style come together in the Oakfield barstool. Constructed of wood solids with a distressed chestnut... finish, the Oakfield stool highlights a basic construction with futuristic back detailing in the form of three metallic, interlocking rings. The 360 degree swivel seat is covered in a brown faux leather upholstery. Some assembly required. read more
Spice up your dining area with the colorful seating found on the Watercolor barstool. Blended leather upholstery in a tangy Tuscan...y red is supple, durable and easy to clean. Stitching detail enhances the back of the chair. A padded seat and merlot finished wood legs provide support. read more
Rectangular stools are on-trend and unexpected, and the Vettina barstool is a showstopper in multiple colors. Available in both we...athered gray and black palettes with matching seat upholstery, the Vettina silver studding, ornate detailing on its tapered legs, and deep, lovely finishes in both colors. Some assembly required. read more
Classical styling and a dark cherry finish are the hallmarks of the sophisticated Cambridge Court barstool. Constructed with a str...eamlined design out of wood solids, it ups the ante with grooved detailing on its undulating legs and bronze stud detailing on the seat back. A 360 degree swivel seat and a brown seat cushion round out its traditional look. Some assembly required. read more
The Chesterford barstool is a compact study in contrasts. Featuring a silvery gold finished base reminiscent of a vintage sculptur...e, it has a backless design, 360 degree swivel seat, nailhead trim, and even a footrest. Some assembly required. read more
The Watercolor barstool offers comfortable and stylish seating for almost any dining area. Blended leather upholstery in a light c...harcoal color is supple, durable and easy to clean. Stitching detail enhances the back of the chair. A padded seat and merlot finished wood legs provide support. read more
The Watercolor barstool offers comfortable and stylish seating for almost any dining area. Blended leather upholstery in a neutral... fawn tan color is supple, durable and easy to clean. Stitching detail enhances the back of the chair. A padded seat and merlot finished wood legs provide support. read more
Understated and simply conceived, the Tillman counter stool is an easy favorite. Constructed of hardwood and wood composites in a ...white finish, the Tillman is a backless, round stool with a beige fabric seat with a 360-degree swivel. Its an ideal fit for traditional, at home bar settings and arrangements. Some assembly required. read more
Picture yourself sipping a margarita while seated on this tall rustic pine wood Tall Lone Star Barstool. You'll think you're in a ...western movie, but it's right in your own home! The attractive rustic pine wood back with the single star is is very comfortable and the only decoration on this simple southwestern rustic style. The sturdy hand made construction of solid rustic pine with distressed rustic finish will give you years of service and the southwestern rustic style you desire. The height read more
Custom Straight-Back Bar Stool - Sit Back And Get Cozy With This Straight-Back Bar Stool - The Sleek, Classic Profile Of Our Custo...m Straight-Back Bar Stool Complements Any Decor. A Metal Foot Rest Lets You Get Comfortable Without Scraping The Chair's... read more
Custom Roll-Back Bar Stool - Set The Bar High With This Roll-Back Bar Stool - The Clean Lines Of Our Custom Roll-Back Bar Stool Ma...ke It A Focal Point In Any Space. Its Classic Parsons Chair Profile Is Supported By Elegantly Tapered Legs. A Metal... read more
Constructed of rattan, along with leather binding at the joints. Beautifully styled for timeless appeal. Available in five finish ...options. Arrives assembled. Evoking its namesake section of Maui, the Wailea Bar Stool imparts a casual, coastal vibe with seat caning and a rich palette of color options. Rattan construction with handsome cross bracing extends the island influence, and leather hand binding of the joints completes the look. . . . . read more
These Rush Seat Stools are a sturdy and stylish solution for your kitchen seating arrangement.These hand-woven rush seat stools ar...e a perfectly casual addition to your kitchen and dining areas. Featuring Napoleon tapered legs and 4 sets of footrests (2... read more
The AmeriHome Black Adjustable-Height Vinyl Bar Stool brings a touch of casual contemporary to complete any room in your home. The... textured vinyl seat is ideal for kitchen spaces as well as bars, game rooms and basements. The sleek polished chrome base... read more
Find Furniture Standalone Seating at Target.com! The Christopher Knight Home Milano Brown Quilted Bonded Leather Bar Stool are a g...reat transitional piece for the area between your kitchen and dining room. They exude elegance and style while still... read more
Find Furniture Standalone Seating at Target.com! € solid rubberwood, plywood and MDF composite construction € espresso finish € pe...rfect bar height Taller than the average dining chair, the Threshold Espresso Parsons Slat Back 28in Barstool makes super... read more
Subtly contoured, the Julien Bar Stool has a comfortable upholstered seat articulated with brushed-nickel nailhead accents and cov...ered with durable bonded leather. Solid-wood frame . Espresso finish . Brushed-nickel accents . Bonded leather is easy to care for; view instructions. read more
Elevate the tone of your bar or counter seating with our Jennifer Oak Stools. With the same appealing curves as our popular Julien... Stools, the Jennifer offers a natural alternative wood finish. The premium, solid oak frame is treated with a pickled wash for a lighter tone that's in vogue with top furniture designers. The padded, subtly contoured seat is punctuated with nailhead trim. Solid oak stool with a curved seat and bonded leather upholstery . A trend-conscious pickled finish reveals the wood's grain . Brushed-nickel nailhead trim . Bonded leather is easy to care for; view instructions. Arrives assembled . Imported . read more
Our Julien Barstool is dressy enough for hors d'oeuvres in the kitchen and comfy enough for lingering over Saturday morning coffee.... Solid hardwood frame has wide, welcoming arms and pretty caned back with scroll details.Julien Barstool features: Richly upholstered linen seat. Swivels a full 360 degrees. All-around heel rest for easy in and out. Assembly required. read more
Vintage industrial style with a fresh, modern vibe. Our Marian Barstool is hand crafted of metal with comfortable, low wraparound ...back and airy perforated seat. Marian Metal Barstool features: Coordinates with our Marian Metal Dining Chairs. read more
Bar Stools: Basque Honey Bar Stool - The perfect seating option for the Basque high dining table, this stool recalls the simple, r...ustic character of a European farmhouse antique. With a strong yet comfortable presence, the generously proportioned stool is designed with a tall, modified double-slat back and deep seat. -Sustainable solid mango wood -Rich honey stain -Hand-planed wooden planks -Peg detailing -Naturally occurring grain and knots -Foam cushion insert with 100 percent cotton twill cover, tie attachments, and zipper read more
Handcrafted of solid hardwood, with extremely comfortable swiveling seat and gently curved back. Hand covered in triple-stitched l...eather with self-covered buttons and tacked edge. Assembly required. read more
Our Dorchester seating was inspired by the warmth and character of classic French country furniture. Each turned spindle leg farm ...stool is crafted of solid beechwood with hand woven rush seat. Seating features vase-and-ring turnings and nicely shaped cross-stretchers. Dorchester Seating features:Big looks at a great price. Hand rubbed finishes. No assembly required. Coordinates with our Farmhouse Cushions. read more
Bar Stools: Curran Grey Bar Stool - Sleek Italian design cradles comfort in beautiful curves and fashion-forward grey. Rich pebble...-textured leather alternative hugs subtly angled wing back and seat with the look and feel of the real thing, with the added bonus of easy care and exceptional durability. Self-welt details accent the elegant lines, while slender solid beech legs finished in walnut add warm contrast. Available in two heights for kitchen island, work table or bar seating. -Synthetic leather with self-welt detail -Wood read more
Bar Stools: Lowe Smoke Leather Bar Stool - Classic Parsons-style design is echoed in our Lowe leather bar stool, upholstered in so...ft, pebble-textured bicast leather in a dusky smoke hue. Stylish and contemporary stool scaled especially for bars offers a comfortable, roomy seat and long, lean profile and has been tested for use in commercial spaces such as offices, restaurants and hotels. -Solid birch and engineered wood -Corner blocked joinery -Web suspension -Foam cushioning with fiber wrap -Legs with ebony finish -Upholstered in read more
Bar Stools: Turner Black Adjustable Backless Bar Stool - Turner puts a fresh twist on industrial seating with a vintage, architect...ural look in a clean silhouette. Crafted in sheet and tubular metal enhanced with a black steel finish with faux rivet detailing, the swivel seats are easily adjustable between two heights. Optional slim-skirted cushion dresses the stool in chic, tailored linen, adding comfort and lots of style. The Turner Black Bar Stools are Crate and Barrel exclusive. -Metal sheet and oval tube in black steel finish -Seat is not read more
Bar Stools: Felix Black Bar Stool - A versatile, retro-modern option for casual entertaining, our classic bent plywood bar stool o...ffers the opportunity to mix and match at a value. Designed by Mark Daniel, the Felix bar stool's low-profile back curves into a generous seat in a versatile black finish, while powdercoated matte black metal legs give a sleek, monochromatic look and provide ultimate stability. -Designed by Mark Daniel of Slate -Birch bent plywood and red oak veneer with black lacquer finish -Chrome tube legs with read more


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Separate names with a comma.
Easyblaze pellets are awesome. They have a lot of heat, with fairly low ash. I have burned only 1 bag so far, but I like what I see.
I picked up 10 bags of Easyblaze pellets from BT pellets in Bristol Ct today. I haven't burned any yet, so I can't give a complete review.
Shagbark Lumber and Hardware in East Haddam has Okanagan Gold in stock. Not sure how much they have, but I was told that they will have them all...
I picked up a few bags of Okie Gold and they seem to burn very well, with very little ash.
That said, I haven't burned them at high settings yet....
Primo Pellets in Wallingford SHOULD have pellets. I picked up 10 bags there this past Tuesday.
Wallingford is a pretty central location.
I found some! I picked up 10 bags of Energex. That will hold me for a while.
Long story short.
Anyone know anywhere in central CT that has pellets?
Does anyone here want to sell some of your stash?
I just checked.
I push "Back, and to the left, Back, and to the left".
Those are some magic pellets.
I'm not sure what I do.
I'll go and open the hopper to find out. If I do anything stranger than you guys, I'll let you know.....
OK I'll relax, but please be gentle......Call me.......
Thanks for the responses.
I was just concerned that the stove would not perform properly with a full fines box.
I just empties another bag into the hopper. I stopped short of emptying the entire bag. I sifted the last few pounds with my wife's colander...
I just picked up a couple of bags.
When I dumped them into the hopper, I noticed a LOT of fines/dust.
Is this normal for softwood pellets...


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I believe that the care we give can make every moment count. Compassionate care, uncompromising service and clinical excellence thats howour Hospiceimproves quality of life in the final stages of life. By delivering palliative care by hospice professionals, our patients can spend their remaining days in comfort and peace. Kindred at Home, a division of Kindred Healthcare Inc., is the nations lead...
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Skip to comments.Petition wants Obama to save Twinkies
Posted on 11/16/2012 4:09:33 PM PST by Belteshazzar
A new White House petition wants President Obama to nationalize the "Twinkie industry," saving the popular junk food from possible extinction.
"We the undersigned, hereby request Barack Obama to immediately Nationalize the Twinkie industry and prevent our nation from losing her sweet creamy center," a petition on the White House "We the People" website requests ...
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Cupcakes: Since this is also a generic word, one probably doesn't have to change the name. However, in case there is a problem, they could simply be sold as "White Housetess Cupcakes." This would have the advantage of reminding everyone of who saved this American institution.
Ding-Dongs: Simply delete the first word, and then market them as "Dongs." It will remind everyone of the Donkey party. (There is some danger of the product name reminding people of a certain part of the male anatomy, however, this may enhance sales. Memo - consult Sandra Fluke first. Also, this could be seen as unfair to women to have a product so closely association with things male, but see below).
Ho-Ho's: Do the same as with Ding-Dongs. The advantage is that the product, when marketed as "Ho's" or even "Hoes," will counteract and undo any unfairness perceived in a product called "Dongs." (Memo - consult Sandra Fluke on this as well).
Wonder Bread: Call it Plunder Bread. The advantage is that the name has meaning on several different levels, each of which could be used as focus groups dictate on different interest groups.
Twinkies: In honor of President Obama's Chicago power base, closest advisors, and political methodology these could be marketed as "Hinkies." With that name they may not sell quite as well in the Chicago area, but will be appreciated by the far greater number of potential consumers who have visited Chicago through the years and understand the meaning of this uniquely Chicagoan expression.
Fine, but we already have a full national capitol full of Ding Dongs and Twink(ie) lovers....
This is only the first of many companies he will be asked to nationalize. Incredible half our country is so dumb.
Finally we can focus on the important issues like the saving of the Twinkie and stop worrying about minor things like the total destruction of the American way of life.
Love it! hahahaha!
Wait a minute. It's not Twinkies--Barack Obama is the nation's sweet creamy center. FROWARD!!!!!
KIll Twinkies forever, they promote murder ie Harvey Milk, San Francisco!
Government Twinkies. I bet they'll taste just great.
Haven't these people heard about Moochelle's healthy eating campaign? Hostess snacks are the very foods she wants to ban. Heck, why do these people think Hostess is bankrupt, anyway?
Yeah, what he said!
Color me stupid. I didn't see this coming. I'm slipping...
Yup. To paraphrase the old commercial: Tastes great. Less filling. Everything you would expect of government.
If Obama recieved a petition to save gay bath houses in Chicago,THEN you'd see him spring into action.For Twinkies,not so much.
People's Patriotic Cream Filled Snack Cakes — "Pinkies" for short.
And they should be baked in ovens powered by Solyndra solar panels.
Your plan is awesome.
Better than mine, which was to send the dismissed employees to law school and then let them become the new IRS agents to enforce Obamacare.
Hope you don't mind, but I had to send to a few of my friends! I read this to my husband, and could not stop laughing through the whole thing. Man, I needed a good hearty laugh.
They don't care that he didn't lift a finger to save 4 Americans but cupcakes are a different story.
Like Rush said today, "Al Qaeda is alive, Twinkies are dead". LOL! Good stuff! Thanks Barry!
Are these people for real? They want to petition the WH, have they not heard of Michell'e food campaign? If it were up to her, twinkies and ding dongs would probably have been banned from grocery store shelves a long time ago.
LOL - the satire is great - but, trouble is, this just might happen!
We live in a nation that's proven to be more than half crazy... so just about anything mindless is possible.
Twinkies - too big to fail.
Barney Frank was about to sign until he saw that it said "Twinkies", not "Twinks."
Dr. Egon Spengler: I'm worried, Ray. It's getting crowded in there and all my data points to something big on the horizon.
Winston Zeddemore: What do you mean, big?
Dr. Egon Spengler: Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. Based on this morning's sample, it would be a Twinkie... thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds.
Dr. Ray Stantz:[coughs]
Winston Zeddemore: That's a big Twinkie!
No Ron, I honestly didn't see it coming.
It makes perfect sense, but it just didn't occur to me that this move was next.
I'm thinking about the stupid 18,000 going to be out of work, and they were thinking about the fall back position.
I'm just laughing at myself here. I generally try to figure out what the next move is, and I fell down on this.
The Left just doesn't think like we do. They quit their jobs, and then demand the president scold their boss.
Wow, I coulda used that one a couple of times in my life. LOL
Ah, no thanks. I don't need another mommy.
Thanks for the benefit of the doubt. Much appreciated. I just didn't deserve it. I walked into the door myself. This black eye is all mine. I got it the old fashioned way. I earned it.
BTW: I agree, this just might happen...
I think that's funny. Good one.
That means no more Ring-Dings, Yodels, and Devil Dogs, too.
This will require some thought. I am not sure that Drake's Cakes named their products as felicitously as Hostess when it comes to mockery of demodork policies.
You should have read more than the first line - actually a nice work of comical satire.
And just imagine what they'll cost.
I hope nothing happens to the Little Debbie company: Swiss Cake Rolls are my ultimate "feeding my anxiety" food.
Names 2 and 3 are just bizarre to this non-American.
That was the best name they could come up with?.
Yes, well, there are just some Americanisms that can't be fully explained by anything other than experience and usage. If it makes you feel any better - and it probably won't - when we lived in Central Europe we had friends who were originally from Belfast, though at the time were Londoners. There were a few expressions they had that never quite connected for me.
Was Governor Christie the first signature?
Such as...?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
Maritime Today
The Maritime Industry's original and most viewed E-News Service
B&G, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist has upgraded its latest software for the full range of Zeus2 and Vulcan chartplotters.
KVH Industries has announced that Brent Bruun, currently executive vice president of mobile broadband for the company, has been promoted to the newly created
Vesper Marine announced that it has provided its virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) to New York Power Authority (NYPA) to protect submerged power cables in Long Island Sound.
The newly built ferry M/V Woods Hole has been delivered to serve Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
Built by Conrad Industries of Morgan City, La.
Sanmar's first VSP (Voith Schneider Propeller) tug, of the new VectRA 3000 series, named Arie A has been constructed for Italian operator Tripmare Spa of Trieste.
GTT Training, a GTT subsidiary dedicated to training liquefied natural gas (LNG) professionals and to the development of associated simulation tools, has obtained


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Free personalized radio that
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Don't Take The Truck To Town
Features of This Tracka comedic sensibility
mild rhythmic syncopation
major key tonality
electric rhythm guitars
narrative lyrics
hard swingin' rhythm
an upbeat two-step feel
These are just a few of the hundreds of attributes cataloged for this track by the Music Genome Project.show more
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The average salary of a(n) Research Analyst Operations in Jacksonville, Florida is $73,184.
The average hourly rate of a(n) Research Analyst Operations in Jacksonville, Florida is $35.18.
The average bonus of a(n) Research Analyst Operations in Jacksonville, Florida is $2,122.00.
Florida Blue
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text:
Your End-of-the-World App Checklist
Last week, the unthinkable happened: I found myself waiting in line to use a payphone. In my confusion, I lost a few coins, ran out of money and, ultimately, had the whole thing documented by The Wall Street Journal. The article points to my payphone befuddlement, stating: "The magazine editor had never really trained her Warby Parker eyeglasses on the contraptions." To start, I must set the record straight: They're Jean LaFont, not Warby Parker.
But seriously: I had never used a payphone before last week because I was never in need of one. After Hurricane Sandy, residents of downtown New York City learned the importance of the corded classic.
That said, if you've got cell service in the middle of a disaster, the payphone's hot great-grandchild, the iPhone, is much, much more useful. Here, some apps that could save your life:
• Payphone Finder: Find phones closest to you. We know the NYC ones have appreciated all of the recent attention. A Twitter was even started for Post-Sandy Payphones.
• Gas Buddy: If there's a gas shortage in your area, tap this app for updates on station deliveries.
• Easy Battery Saver: Prolong your cell phone's battery in case you need to use it for emergency calls.
• Flashlight: It's the most basic emergency device, but flashlights really do save the day. This app will help you navigate dark alleys and survive the zombie apocalypse (or at least a power outtage).
Thanks! You're on our list.
And your life's about to get more interesting.
Some people like to travel by train because it combines the slowness of a car with the cramped public exposure of an airplane.
Dennis Miller
I think my pilot was a little inexperienced. We were sitting on the runway, and he said, "OK, folks, we're gonna be taking off in a just few—whoa! Here we go."
Kevin Nealon
"I can't wait until your vacation is over." —Everyone following you on Instagram
A man knocked on my door and asked for a donation toward the local swimming pool. So I gave him a glass of water.
Comedian Greg Davies
Just found the worst page in the entire dictionary. What I saw was disgraceful, disgusting, dishonest, and disingenuous.
Client: We need you to log in to the YouTube and make all our company videos viral.
From clientsfromhell.net
My cat just walked up to the paper shredder and said, "Teach me everything you know."
"Just because you can't dance doesn't mean you shouldn't dance." —Alcohol
@yoyoha (Josh Hara)
My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned 60 and that's the law.
—Jerry Seinfeld
Q: What do you call an Amish guy with his hand in a horse's mouth?
A: A mechanic.
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text:
BlackLynx17: My computer broke. It really broke people, I'm working on getting it fixed but until then I won't be able to update. Sorry.
Thanks for all your reviews and support, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I was able to update this one chapter, sorry if it has mistakes!
I do not support cutting one's self and/or killing oneself. This story doesn't support it either. This is a STORY and a STORY only! Do not try this at home kids! Threatening to kill yourself to get a girlfriend is not the answer, if having suicidal thoughts please call a specialist! Or contact a Parent or Guardian, etc. In real life if you tried to kill yourself to get a girl/boy, they might actually run away and/or stop you before you can do it.
Suicidal Boyfriend
Chapter 6
Lucy Heartfilia kissed me.
It was amazing at that moment but now that time has passed, I've started thinking about it. And the question that always came up was...
Why did she kiss me?
She didn't love me, she told me herself and yet... we kissed? Confusing, I know. I'll never get girls, then again I don't have to. I just need to get Lucy.
"Thanks, for today."
I blinked and looked up, we were at her home already? I cleared my throat before responding.
"Yeah no problem, I should be thanking you actually... or Loke I guess, hahaha" I laughed nervously.
Lucy lifted her hand over her mouth and giggled lightly with me. I smiled seeing how cute she was, that and all mine!
"Well, I should get going... see you tomorrow I guess?" Lucy asked.
"Of course, you know we're I'll be hiding" I joked.
We smiled, wait a second Natsu boy! The kiss.
"Lucy!" I called reaching my hand out, like I'd actually reach her.
She looked back at me pausing mid-step. I blushed and dropped my hand.
"Why? I mean not that I didn't like but, why did you kiss me?" I asked her.
Lucy blinked. She opened her mouth slightly but closed it right after. Finally she stared me in the eyes, I noticed a certain sparkle to them.
"It just seemed like the perfect moment too."
Perfect moment too.
Lucy smiled soundlessly at me then started walking towards her door. What did Gray say? Wait until she gets in the house before you leave? Hold it,... hold it... hold it...
Lucy turned back at me and waved quickly before she closed the door.
I did it.
I was able to go out on a date with Lucy. I was able to have a good time with her. I was able to kiss her. WHAT A GREAT DAY! I walked down the street swinging my bag high in the air as I walked. Such a perfect day, nothing could ruin i-
"Wah!" I sighed.
Ow. I tripped on a crack and landed in... muddy water. My bag was safe though, it was still a great day. I stood up and tried to wipe some of the dirt of my shirt, forget it I'll just have to wash it. Nice try universe but I'm still happy!
Vroom! Splash!
"WHAT THE HELL?!" I yelled at the passing by car.
Great now my bag was wet too, hold it. I opened the bag, the book was still dry. Thank God for water proof bags. I took of my glasses and wiped the dirt off with my coat... only to remember that my coat was dirty too...
Great. I took my coat off and wiped my glasses off on my shirt underneath, it was fairy clean. I placed my glasses back on and wiped off the water dripping down my face with my sleeves. I was afraid to think of anything else in fear of what the universe would throw at me next.
"PERFECT DAY STILL!" I yelled then ran the rest of my way home.
Stand out in the open Natsu, you're not going to be a stalker today. Stalking is a definitely not an option today. So you're doing it! You're standing outside of Lucy's house... in the wide open... where anyone can see me standing here... damn it!
Just before I was about to go back to my hiding place, Lucy opened the door to her home.
"Morning Natsu!" she called out as she closed the door.
"M-mor-morning!" I squeaked.
Our first kiss replayed in my mind. It was so pure, so innocent. Our first.
"Any razor's today?" she asked walking towards me.
I patted down my pockets, "must have forgotten it at home" I joked.
It was a lie, I always had the razor on me... always. Lucy giggled then started telling me about her morning. I was having a normal conversation with my girlfriend. Sure hundreds of people probably do it every day but this was me I was talking about. Natsu Dragneel, a... I don't know what I am currently, let me get back on that.
Still, it's a little pathetic of me to freak out about every simple thing that appears normal in my life. It's just so unbelievable though, who would have thought I would be here at this moment? Walking to school with a beautiful woman by my side? Maybe I'll just freak out just for a few more days until I'm used to it.
"... Natsu?"
I turned my attention away from the clouds and towards the person who called me. Once I saw it was Lucy I immediately straightened out and pushed my glasses up higher.
"What are you doing here?" she asked walking towards me.
"Well uh, you see" I trailed off thinking of an excuse.
My eyes darted from side to side, with nothing coming to mind I sighed and decided to tell the truth.
"This is my second period" I said.
"Really? How come I never noticed you? How come you never told me?" she asked.
"Well you always looked busy and stuff so I didn't want to interrupt you" I mumbled.
Because I am a coward. I did not have the courage to go sit next to you with your cheer squad surrounding you. What would they think seeing me try and talk to her? Or worse! What would they think of Lucy seeing her talk to me?
"You should go back before your seen talking to me, just say you were returning a pencil you borrowed or something" I said turning my head back towards the sky.
Such a lovely shade of blue today. I heard Lucy's footsteps walking away and sighed blissfully. I may be ruining her dating life, but I didn't want to ruin her social one. I've seen the high school movies, once the popular girl starts hanging around with the losers they instantly dump her. I'm not a loser though... who am I -
"Girls I'd like you all to meet a fr-... special person of mine, Natsu Dragneel."
Huh? I look up and saw myself surrounded... by cheerleaders! My eyes were only for Lucy but wow! They were all sitting next to me, and smiling, and batting their eyelashes, and whispering.
"On three girls. 1, 2, 3!"
"Hi Natsu!" the girls said in perfect sync.
They all just said hi to me at the same time! Was I dreaming? I pinched the back of my hand to see if I was, ouch. Nope I was awake.
"Nice to meet you Natsu."
"Nice glasses Natsu."
"Any friend of Lucy is a friend of mine."
"Hi again."
Wow, so very unlike the movies, all these cheerleaders we're nice. Super nice to a gee-... lose-... person like me.
"How long have you been friends with Lucy?" one of the girls asked me.
Come on Natsu, you can speak can't you?
"Only for a few days" I said.
"A few days? That means he hasn't passed the test Lu-cy" the girl said.
"Cana leave him alone" Lucy said.
The cheerleaders all started giggling, what? What was I missing?
"I'm just saying Lucy! All our friend's took the test, why should he be any different?" Cana asked.
Cana... what a weird name. Looking at Cana though you wouldn't think she would be weird. In all honestly she was gorgeous with a nice ra-
"He's my boyfriend" Lucy said.
BOYFRIEND! She called me her boyfriend again. Note to self, Thursday during second period Lucy called me her boyfriend.
"Even better! Now he has to take the test and his challenger will be, drum roll please" Cana said.
The girl sitting next to her started pounding on her desk. Cana cleared her throat then grinned.
"Loke!" Cana yelled.
Is what I wanted to scream out but thankfully Lucy screamed it out for me.
"Those are the rules Lucy, isn't that right Mira?" Cana asked.
"She's right Lucy. If you break the tradition then you'll be forced to quit the squad" Mira said.
What the? Kicked off the squad?! I thought Mira was the nicest cheerleader out of them all, excluding Lucy. I always saw her smiling and being polite and stuff. What kind of trick was this? Did that even matter right now? Natsu focus! Lucy's about to get kicked off the squad because of you, are you just going to let that happen?
"I'll do it" I said blindly.
"See, he's agreed to it. The test will be at Nutrition and don't worry Natsu, the whole squad will be cheering for you" Cana said and winked.
What had I gotten myself into?
"Why'd you agree to that Natsu?! Loke's going to humiliate you now and I can't protect you from it!" Lucy yelled.
"Well I didn't want you to get kicked off the squad for dating me" I said.
And as for the humiliating part, Loke does that on an everyday basis without you noticing so yeah... no worries on that one. Lucy's gaze softened before she sighed.
"Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry if I did" I told her.
"It's not that Natsu, it's that stupid cheer squad tradition" Lucy mumbled.
"The test? What is the test anyway?" I asked.
Cana mentioned Loke's name... ! Don't tell me!
"Do I have to fight him?!" I asked.
The color drained from my face. Remembering my run-ins with Loke, he's always been going easy on me. I see the way he tackles people during football, I was nothing more than a warm-up. With him serious though... he'd skin me alive.
"No Natsu, nothing like that. You see back in the old days when this school was first made the cheer squad made up a rule. If they wanted to be victorious then they would have to be around other people who were victorious. Sort of like a spread the wealth kind of way; they believed if they hanged around other victors that they too would be victors" Lucy said.
How come I was not liking this story already? Victor and Natsu together? In the same sentence?! Never going to happen unless it was, Natsu is NOT a victor or the OPPOSITE of victor is Natsu or... basically every negative way you could put those two words together.
"The rules changed over the years but one remained the same. Each friend must take the test if they want to hang out... permanently" Lucy said.
"So you give the test to all of your friends?" I asked.
Lucy shook her head.
"Only the one's I hang out with, so basically everyone at our table has had the test" she said.
"And they all passed it?"
"No well, some didn't"
"So you don't have to pass it to hang out?"
That sounded... strangely nice. Maybe I had this thing wrong?
"Not really, like I said the rules have changed over time. Others didn't like how they couldn't hang out with their friends so they changed it but kept the test for some strange reason. Look I don't know much, only that win or lose we can still be together but if you lose you will be humiliated constantly every day by everyone, especially Gajeel and Loke. Gray didn't past the test and Gajeel still teases him till this day. Just thinking about Loke, Sugar Boy, and Hughes! They'd torment you every day! So badly you'd want to ki-..."
Lucy stopped short but I knew the rest. Well Loke's gang already torment me every day until I'd want to kill myself. So... I guess there really was anything to lose. Loke already tormented me and I already wanted to kill myself for Lucy, nothing new here.
"So what's the test?" I asked.
Lucy bit her tongue.
"You're not allowed to tell?" I asked.
She shook her head. I sighed.
"Alright, on to your homeroom period then" I said
The test couldn't be too bad, like she said I wouldn't have to fight Loke... then again. There are plenty of other ways Loke can harm me without fighting, like with a dodge ball for instance. Oh god, I was about to get a black eye by a ball.
"Natsu? Are you okay?" Lucy asked me.
Stop spazzing out Natsu, try and think of the positive things. Try thinking that you're going to wi-, wi-!... wi-... I can't even think I'm going to wi-... Me vs. Loke. All the chances are his favor, I just need a motivation! Yeah, think Natsu. You're not going to lose, if you do then you won't-... !
"If I win the 'test' Lucy... would you kiss me?" I asked.
Lucy stopped walking, I looked back and saw her face heat up.
"W-what? What are you saying?" she asked.
"Well, I don't think I'm going to win... at all. The odds are against me but... I thought if I had something to motivate me then... I could... try?"
Why was I asking? I started staring up at the ceiling, my glasses falling back crashing into my eyes. If I look up then the blood should rush back down right? Right?!
"Would that really? Motivate you?" she asked.
I nodded my head.
"... alright then."
WHAT?! I looked down so fast my glasses slipped off my face and fell.
"Darn" I mumbled bending down to reach for it.
Lucy's hands met mine, I felt her push my glasses back on my face.
"Alright Natsu. If by a miracle you're able to win then I'll kiss you... on the lips... in front of all our friends... oh God" she said.
She was talking herself out of it, either that or realizing what I was asking from her.
"No, no! I'll do it! Like you said the odds of you winning are zero, there's no way you'd... oh"
Even Lucy thinks I'm not going to win, what's the point?
"I didn't mean that! Natsu look at me" Lucy said lifting up my face.
"Have confidence in yourself, you can do anything you put your mind do. Just think if you win you get a- a... a kiss! As your reward!" she said.
Confident. My hand trailed up to my scarf, I squeezed the locket hiding under it. Be confident Natsu, confident. The bell rang, students started running to get to their classrooms.
"Sorry" I mumbled standing up.
"No worries, I'll see you Nutrition?" she asked.
I nodded. She smiled and walked off, her hand briefly lingering on my shoulder before she raced down the halls. I stood in the hallway by myself, pulling down my scarf and holding the locket in my hand. I stood there alone listening to the beautiful lullaby the locket played. Confidence Natsu, that's the thing you always needed. And that's the thing you're going to achieve.
Ready or not Loke, here I come.


text:
Stayed here with my sweetheart on a Saturday and Sunday night. The staff at the front desk were very friendly and helpful. We stayed on the third floor in room 315, which shares a wall with the elevator. NOTE: the elevator is an old manual version that the staff has to run. It isn't always available and isn't used that often - mainly just when people have luggage. If you have issues climbing stairs, another hotel might be a better choice. It's a cool elevator, though!
The room was very small, but that was okay, because I actually like being up close and personal with my sweetie! The bed was very comfortable, and the pillows were good. There wasn't much drawer space in the room. Also no real room to live out of your suitcase unless you put it on the furniture. There was a small flat screen TV on the brick wall, which worked great and let us watch the football game on Sunday night. The room had a tablet with internet access which made checking email and finding things to do pretty easy. The main lights had a dimmer, which was nice, and there were bedside lamps that made it easy to read without disturbing your partner.
The bathroom was small, and the shower was VERY SMALL. If you are a large person, you will have trouble with the shower. Not much in the way of shelf space, although there were some shelves just outside the bathroom door that were technically part of the nightstand that we used to store our toiletries. No fan in the bathroom.
The walls in this hotel are very thin - we could hear people walking down at least two flights of stairs while in our room with the door shut. Women in heels were particularly loud. We could also hear conversations going on in the common area. On Saturday night there was an engagement party in the Ballroom, and we could hear the music, although it wasn't loud enough to be disturbing. They do provide earplugs, although if you are a light sleeper, this hotel might not be for you.
There is coffee available in the common area on each floor every morning. There is a bar/coffee shop downstairs as well as a regular restaurant. We had breakfast in the bar one day, and it was excellent. The restaurant has live entertainment in the evenings. The entire hotel is filled with artwork, which was terrific. I wandered on most of the floors just so I could see the artwork that hangs on each floor.
Note that parking is very limited and has to be reserved in advance. Otherwise, you will be forced to find a space on your own. the hotel spaces are just across the street, but there are only a few available. Most other spaces are a few blocks from the hotel, and while they are less expensive than the hotel spaces, they require that you feed the meter twice a day - 7 am and 6 pm.
The West Queen area is a transitional neighborhood. At first glance it appears to be a sketchy area, although we walked around late into the evening without issue. There are some panhandlers, and this is a popular neighborhood for young artist types. There are lots of places to eat and many bars. It's a walking neighborhood with lots of dogs and more young children than you would expect. There are also lots of bikes on the streets, so drive carefully. There is a large park nearby, and on Sunday morning we took a long walk and saw many people running, walking their dogs, and riding bikes.
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- The Gladstone Hotel is not only the oldest continuously operating hotel in Toronto, it's also one of Canada's favourite Art Boutique Hotels. Blending historical Victorian architecture with contemporary elegance, downtown culture and whole lot of art, the Gladstone Hotel has a very diverse client base and is a hub for locals and international travellers alike. 37 Hotel rooms each individually designed by different Canadian artists, 2 restaurants, 4 event spaces including a ballroom with a full size bar, 3 Art exhibition spaces and a meeting room. We organize private events, staff parties, corporate events, press/book launches, weddings and more. Find out what people are saying about the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto, or leave a review of your own. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Hotels.com, Expedia, Booking.com, Orbitz, Hotwire, Cheap Tickets, Travelocity, Odigeo, Priceline and Jetsetter so you can book your Gladstone Hotel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Gladstone Hotel Toronto