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NOVA's Local Business Boom
The biggest rule of setting up a business and real estate investment is location, location, location. Perhaps no region knows this better than Northern Virginia, which has experienced a boom in housing and business during recent years. Eagle Bank President Ronald D. Paul predicts that northern Virginia will "continue to lead an economic recovery and lifestyle renaissance that is among the brightest in the state." One of the reasons northern Virginia is experiencing such a boon is the upstart of so many new businesses.
New Business brings New People and New Ideas
Cities and suburbs thrive when young people want to stay in them, and northern Virginia capitalizes on that. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Northern Virginia allows for a creative shopping experience. For instance, Charming Charlie, a fashion accessory boutique, offers trending pieces that update any outfit. What sets this boutique apart is how these accessories are arranged, cleverly, by color, making the hunt for a perfect scarf or necklace to match your outfit much easier.
The local scene in northern Virginia is also thriving. Lansdowne boasts a unique coffee and tea bar, BrewLoCo. This cool new store, which opened this year, sells home brewing supplies so that you can make that delicious coffee and tea in your own kitchen. What makes this spot particularly one of a kind, however, is the specialty craft beer that is also available for carry out.
Entertainment for the Family
The New Jumbo Jungle laser tag center near Dulles attracts "children, teens, and young adults" throughout Northern Virginia who want to stay active, but have fun at the same time. Similarly, King Pinz King, a new kind of bowling alley in Leesburg, gives families a fun daytime activity and is great place for a birthday party. What makes this place unique is how it transforms: by day, a family friendly bowling alley, but by night it becomes a sports bar and grill.
In addition to active play, there is plenty to see and explore. The area maintains a diverse and up and coming art community, as evidenced by the new art studio, LoCo Art Studios. Located at the shops in Dodona, the art here ranges from paintings and sculptures to jewelry. The studio is open to the public Wednesday through Friday and is the perfect spot to find a unique piece of art.
Stay Healthy and Have Fun
For a serious workout, consider the new gym, [solidcore], which emphasizes low impact exercise, but toned muscles and a tight core as a result. Also, cross-Fit Gyms have expanded their enterprises to northern Virginia suburbs, attracting fitness enthusiasts ready for a challenge.
Businesses that encourage health and healthful eating are making the most of positive lifestyle changes. To serve health-conscious residents, organic markets like MOM's have planted flagship stores in suburban and rural locations, including Alexandria, Hendon, and the newly opened Mosaic District. Their fresh food area, called Naked Lunch, offers fresh and helpful entrees as well as fresh raw juices.


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Product Details
Incipio Faxion Flexible Slim Case for iPhone 5/5s/SE
Dual-Injected Materials
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- Condition: new
From external batteries to selfie sticks, learn about the gadgets designed to make your smartphone even smarter.
For questions pertaining to this deal, click the Ask a Question button below. For post-purchase inquiries, please contact Groupon customer support.
Goods sold by Groupon Goods. View the Groupon Goods FAQ to learn more.

subset: commoncrawl


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- You are here
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"Kings Audio is very reasonably priced and their website very user friendly. I was so impressed that the item was delivered one day after ordering! I will definitely be using them again."
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Otari, Inc. has been a top quality manufacturer of industry leading audio products for professionals. Otari makes professional grade recording equipment for the music, broadcast, film, and sound recording industries. This 40 year old company produces CD-R duplicators, Master reproducers, DVD-R duplicators, CD-R recorders, R-DAT recorders, and mixing consoles, analog recorders, digital recorders, and high-speed video and audio cassette duplication and loading systems for industrial use. Otari claims to be the new standard of digital technology and has been a leader in cutting-edge innovation, design, and production of top quality digital products.


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Words that start with dineutro
Found 1 words that start with dineutro. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words starting with dineutro. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play! Related: Words containing dineutro
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Q&A Categories
Find a Question:
Many servers still seem vulnerable to Heart Bleed Bug
When a scan of all ipv4 addresses using the port scanner masscan are 318,000 systems found susceptible to the Heart Bleed bug in OpenSSL. Shortly after the vulnerability was revealed 615,000 systems were vulnerable.
Lack of ssl The results of investigator Robert Graham, the developer of efficient port scanner masscan , may indicate that the number of vulnerable servers has decreased, but that's not to say with certainty. During the portscan, who devoted himself only on https port 443, Graham took 22 million servers supporting SSL; the previous port scan that there were 28 million.
It could be that firewalls attempts by Graham to test servers blocked by the presence of the Heart Bleed bug, or that he has had his own Internet congestion. Burden It is certain at least that there are still many servers vulnerable to the Heart Bleed bug.
Remarkably, Graham took 1.5 million systems to which the heartbeat extension, where the vulnerability is present, was on. A day after the bug was discovered, he discovered one million systems in which the heartbeat extension was enabled. Graham thinks that many sysadmins heartbeat have been disabled on their server until a fix was available.
The Heart Bleed bug came to light a month ago. The bug allows malicious malicious requests to a server, OpenSSL, after which a portion of the internal memory sends back an answer. Thus are theoretically private keys, unencrypted passwords and other sensitive information on the street.
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When you love blue
About Me
Jean Cockburn
Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada
Jean Cockburn retired from her professional career as an academic librarian in 2008 to become a textile artist living on Denman Island, British Columbia. She draws, quilts, embroiders, knits and crochets, makes wearable art, weaves baskets, dyes fabric, and paints watercolours. Her work has been exhibited locally in juried and group shows on Denman Island, in Courtenay, Comox, and Duncan on Vancouver Island, in West Vancouver, and across Canada with the Surface Design Association.
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Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Fall crocus blooms signal that Autumn is here
Fall crocus in the front garden bed
There was a honey been on these oregano blossoms, but it would not stay still .....
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This guide will ensure that you have a clear understanding of both your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and those of the owner.
Viewing a Property
Make a list of your requirements before viewing a prospective home and record the criteria which each home meets against your list. Ask the agent to give you a full breakdown of the monthly rental, including all services, as well as the lease costs for signing the lease and deposit required.
Application Assessment
A credit check will be obtained as part of the application assessment, and by signing the application form you will be agreeing to the credit history enquiry. In conjunction with standard documentation required to complete such assessment such as Copy of Identification, Proof of Income, bank statements and more.
Lease Agreement
Your lease agreement is legally binding and totally compliant with the Rental Housing Act and the Consumer Protection Act. It has been drawn up to protect both the owner and tenant. The lease ensures that financial issues such as rental increases, deposit and damage claims are dealt with in a fair, transparent and professional manner.
Conduct Rules
If the home you choose is in a Sectional Title complex, it is important that you are aware of the rules of the Body Corporate which you will be expected to adhere to as a condition of the lease. A copy of the rules will be given to you by the agent with your lease documentation.
A deposit is necessary to protect the owner's investment and as security to cover any damages caused, or default, during the lease term. The deposit required is normally equal to 1(one) month's rent, however in some cases a double deposit will be required. When you vacate your unit, and if there are no deductions for damages or repairs in the unit, your deposit will be refunded to you.
Inspection Report
When you occupy a property you have rented, an agent or maintenance inspector will carry out an inspection with you to list any defects or damages the owner may have to repair. This list of defects will be attached to your lease agreement. The ingoing inspection will serve as the baseline against which the unit's condition will be compared when you vacate and when the outgoing inspection is conducted.
Payment of Rent
Rental is due monthly in advance by the 1st of each month. There are no exceptions to this payment rule! Notice of cancelling your lease and to vacate the property will be issued in the event of non-
Rental Increase
The owner must give written notice of a rental increase, which becomes effective from the date stipulated in the letter. Rental increases during a lease period term should be in line with escalations defined in the lease agreement. The Deposit will also be required to be topped up in accordance to remain the same value as the rental amount.
The lease agreement will define who is responsible for the costs of the maintenance items concerned.
The lease agreement stipulates the notice period or expiry date of the agreement, this must be a written notice to vacate the unit. The rent must be up to date.
Outgoing Inspection Report
An outgoing inspection will be carried out to see if the unit is in the same condition as when you moved in. Any damages during your occupation and identified by comparing the "in" and "out" inspections will be repaired and paid for, from your deposit, at your expense.
+27 (011) 805 6316
Hertford Office Park | Building F | Third Floor | 90 Bekker Street | Midrand | 1685


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43913027432235387582018-03-06T09:00:00.708-08:00colonel sartoris and the memphis whorehouseColonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-15237993132712699482010-10-03T10:11:00.001-07:002010-10-03T10:53:33.782-07:00The Corn Snake of Edward AbbeyI am fortunate to be given books on a regular basis. Good friend, Sawyer Avery, recently lent me a copy of Edward Abbey's 'Desert Solitaire', a collection of stories recounting the author's time working in Arches National Monument near Moab, Utah, anytime between the late 60's to mid-70's. Like all great nature writing, the book served as a daily reminder of humans' strong tether to Mother Nature, in all of her beauty and destructive power; she is like Brahma and Shiva. As much concrete as we put down, as many walls are built, and no matter how tight we sardine ourselves into metal contraptions, we are still irrevocably a part of her. She is not something to be conquered.

Below are two sections I will have with me always. Fellow Iowans, you will know the gopher snake as the bull snake. Same thing.

 The gopher snake and I get along nicely. During the day he curls up like a cat in the warm corner behind the heater and at night he goes about his business. The mice, singularly quiet for a change, make themselves scarce. The snake is passive, apparently contented, and makes no resistance when I pick him up with my hands and drape him over an arm or around my neck. When I take him outside into the wind and sunshine his favorite place seems to be inside my shirt, where he wraps himself around my waist and rests on my belt. In this position he sometimes sticks his head out between shirt buttons for a survey of the weather, astonishing and delighting any tourists who may happen to be with me at the time. The scales of a snake are dry and smooth, quite pleasant to the touch. Being a cold-blooded creature, of course, he takes his temperature from that of the immediate environment - in this case my body.

And on the mutual agreement between life and death:

 The horned owl may be the natural enemy of the rabbit but surely the rabbit is the natural friend of the horned owl. The rabbit feeds the owl. One can imagine easily the fondness, the sympathy, the genuine affection with which the owl regards the rabbit before rending it into edible portions.
 Is the affection reciprocated? In that moment of truce, of utter surrender, when the rabbit still alive offers no resistance but only waits, is it possible that the rabbit also loves the owl? We know that the condemned man, at the end, does not resist but submits passively, almost gratefully, to the instruments of his executioner. We have seen millions march without a whimper of protest into an inferno. Is it love? Or only teamwork again - good sportsmanship?
 Fear betrays the rabbit to the great horned owl. Fear does the hard work, making the owl's job easy. After a lifetime of dread it is more than likely that the rabbit yields to the owl during the last moment with a sense of gratitude, as pleased to be eaten - finally! - as the owl is to eat. For the one a consummation, for the other fulfillment. How can we speak of natural enemies in such a well-organized system of operations and procedures? All the time, everywhere, something or someone is dying to please.

Colonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-29431177166811523452009-03-05T20:20:00.000-08:002009-03-05T20:21:31.281-08:00After a bit I took off on the walk home - past everyone closing up their shops, their children playing on the streets and sidewalks.Colonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-42032288962294404002008-10-19T02:32:00.000-07:002008-10-19T02:33:14.433-07:00Little Stephen yelled in a fit of tiny kicking wooden-peg legs. "Grandma, I don't want to go!" She was silent and started him down the brown-capped basement stairs towards the cushy couch - amid the spiders and the silverfish. Each step was a thud of tripplets composed of bare feet and black knee socks. She held him around the elbow in a clamp of neccessity and iron. Grandma didn't want to scare him, but saw no sense in spending the cash on a white-coat mustache dentist. That loose tooth should come out now while there was still a roll of quilted paper towels in the cupboard above the kitchen counter. In an amalgam of woman and struggling boy - they undulated out over the cold concrete floor where the washer hummed and the dryer thumbed through beauty shop towels and garden gloves, charcoal trousers and pot holders - shower towels and dish rags - and Grandpa's flannel shirt shot up with grease stains. Young Stephen relented the tired struggle and settled on the cushion like a calf. Grandma straightened her dark blue sweat pants and enveloped him like a mist. He lay back in the makeshift dentist chair and closed his marble eyes. She reached into his fog mouth, took hold of the tooth, and snatched it right out. It hurt, he cried. His tongue searched the spot where the tooth had been - and he tasted the blood of a Grandma's love.Colonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-82043758318143724112008-07-08T15:10:00.000-07:002008-07-14T09:02:14.827-07:00truck stop romancingthey stroll across the hot concrete parking lot -
dodging empty bags of funyons and pancaked pepsi cans -
they're holding hands
in hats
his big ol' beard and her long black braided ponytail
jean shorts and jean shorts
they stop at his deep red big rig
he opens the door with a fuzzy arm
and they pause -
a passionate kiss amid other semis smoking out smoke and sweating tar -
lumbering around the parking lot - lurching and laying it out,
"aowwww!"
the kiss breaks so she starts up the stairs - he watches her legs -
she gets comfy in the high chair and he stands down below admiring her like a prize horse -
of course he's the one on the floor -
so he closes the door on his high fashion queen -
walks around on top of it all and climbs into the silver chariot's driver seat
and off they go towards passion, adventure, and danger.
Colonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-22574273836970060132008-05-11T05:09:00.000-07:002008-05-11T05:50:35.334-07:00a tribute to a lovely ladyit was snow on the outside and grandma on the inside. dad and his new lady-friend in command of grandma's own old car - driving everyone to laporte city for their supper. stephen, charles dante, and grandma: clunked up and clattered in the back - stacked sideways - conjoined in a flood of winter coats and stocking caps. grandma had a squirrel mane around the back of her neck. it was top - notch.
 this was the first meeting of the new girlfriend. everyone assumed the polite position and employed their best civil manners. the destination for the night was 'dave's chicken house' - for loads and explosives of fried chicken and frenched fries - the old squeeze red ketchup baby bottles and the big tank of yellow fish next to the cash register when you first walk in. the rain-soaked shingle roof that had collapsed and then been cuddled from above by a brand new saint of a ceiling. that red brick building.
 and then the antique store in the backroom - filled with the bric-a-brac and knick knacks - tin trains - spoons with states - china dinner plates. the box of lps - christmas and country - chipmunks and partridge family. lamps and postage stamps already stamped - porcelain cats and rubber dogs - a box of checkers and a set of homemade lincoln logs - rings and polished rocks - pencil patched post cards and coffee mugs.
 so they grew near - a beeline for the chicken house. the car - slowly straining through deep mashed potato snow - amid the chit chatting and small talking - afloat as a boat. it was going well for the new girlfriend with her new impressions. everyone was very polite and asked the proper questions.
 though, as time went by - a stomach in the backseat began to growl like a badger. it twisted and wrenched - it dreamed of chicken skin and deep dark gravy. the tremors from the organ shook up the spine and struck the head like a frying pan.
 so, with hands folded and a beautiful smile - grandma proclaimed to them all:

 "i'm so hungry i could eat the asshole out of a skunk!"

love you, grandmaColonel email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-63552376423596816392008-05-07T00:23:00.001-07:002008-05-07T00:28:46.384-07:004.26.2008: 10:34 pm
he would drive five hundred miles and he would drive five hundred more. just to be the man who drove five hundred miles to fall down into our spare bedroom - sleeping on the floor.

it was near may day when he returned and now he drank a beer and told about the drive.Colonel firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-11600416637322494302008-04-28T19:59:00.001-07:002008-04-30T15:54:52.982-07:004.26.2008: 10:32 pm

 saturday night and they all sat and posed for the digital camera. under the christmas lights they didn't think about christmas time - but laughed and said 'hello-oh!'.
 the children ran c0mbs across their heads and brushed toothpaste against their teeth. soon they tried liquor and some began to think/wonder why the time was moving so much quicker.Colonel firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-80862222248691148822008-04-18T22:06:00.000-07:002008-04-18T22:08:28.023-07:00at night i hear the janitor keys ring and remember - i am the janitor.Colonel firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391302743223538758.post-20875393982078353172008-04-16T17:16:00.000-07:002008-04-16T17:18:10.607-07:00welcomei won't be using capital letters for most of this. i don't care for them much. sometimes i feel they are necessary, but not in this arena. i use capital letters in emails to my mom and dad. and to work. goodnight, moon.Colonel email@example.com


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Ster Kinekor is planning to take over the Rainbow Cinemas movie house at Bulawayo Centre, after Rainbow cinemas closed down last year. The closure of Rainbow cinemas means that there is a single functioning movie house in Bulawayo at Elite 400.
In s statement on their facebook page, Ster Kinekor said:
Good news to all movie lovers out there! We're pleased to announce that Sterkinekor Zimbabwe will soon be opening branches at Joina City and Bulawayo Centre shopping malls
Good news for Bulawayo. Now we hope Knight Frank will now up their game in making Bulawayo Centre attractive again.
More: Chronicle


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Greets again,
I have just assembled the center piece. Everything looks 100% square without playing with tension. Still I haven't tighten the "C tension" bolts yet cause I see that in all four joints the xy pieces leave a small space (~1-2mm) from the top & bottom xyz pieces. Is that normal?!? All bearings contact with the conduits, I have a smooth motion no axis distortion or stacking. I noticed on z axis when putting it in place, that on the top xyz piece it just slide in, while on the bottom it had a little tension, just a click. Any suggestions?! Thanks in advance. It really looks and feels more rigid now


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expired Huge One Day Sale: 30% Off Tools Kits etc @Repco
Show Deal Image
Repco is having a massive One Day Sale. Details are:
- 30% Off Tool Kits; Tool Sets; Tool Storage & Hand Tools
- 30% Off Gear Oil, Brake Fluid; Transmission Fluid
- Discount applies to full priced items only.
Exclusions apply.
Offer ends at midnight tonight.


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From the Green Arrow and Freinds
Future Prime Minister of Britain?Regardless of the troubles and strife all parties have to go through, including ours, there is always room for humour. Indeed it is necessary for our sanity. And as some commentators on the Green Arrow have pointed out with other articles of mine, the humour does not necessarily go beyond a real future scenario. The picture accompanying this semi humorous article, has a similarity to that of one of the candidates put forward by New labour, after the international gold smuggler and pensions thief, Gordon Brown was unceremoniously helped out of office.
The women in the picture are from Africa, but with voters now being imported into Britain, as seen with the recent brilliant campaign by Richard Barnbrook, in which he still came second, and voting allowed to be imported by the bag load from foreign climes by the thousand, it is not beyond this insane (MOG) Marxist Occupied Government, to actually import a future leader because the position ''is unhealthily white''.
The recent report, boldly proffered by the BBC, said that GCHQ, our number one first line defence and security stop, was ''not diverse enough''. Also, there was a similar report that said: ''One in five people, are now an ethnic minority, and within a few years, the population will reach 78 million''. All true of course, but the one position still ''not diverse enough'' is that of Prime Minister. With America now safely in the hands of ''President'' Obama, and blacks who had never bothered with the political process bussed in to vote en masse to ensure this victory for equality, as we all know, Britain will surely follow.
So, if anyone knows the whereabouts of the lady in the picture, please contact Trevor Phillips, or whatever his real African name is. He's at HQ at least three times a week, and it would give him something else to do instead of attacking the BNP leader. After all, he must surely be very embarrassed indeed to take all that tax payers money of nearly £90,000 per year for just three days a week, him being a Leninist and all that. The post would include an armour plated car, bodyguards from the cream of the cream, a salary that in your own country, would enable you to buy a whole city, a multitude of servants, and all the wine and beer you could throw down your neck.
Whilst we are on the subject of diversity, and our institutions still too white, it might be worth mentioning that the latest crime figures are also far too one dimensional. How so? Well you see, apparently, it is now obvious that whites don't make up enough serious crimes, and that only blacks, Asians, and new arrival ''refugees'' seem to be ''filling'' those horrible, all too smelly and cramped prisons.
So I think a little advice is needed which would help ease our first black Prime Minister into his or her new role. Firstly, if you put more cameras into operation, you can catch more traffic violation, including driving at 32MPH in a 30MPH zone, and then ''offering the criminal a lower price for agreeing to the crime without going to court.'' Secondly, you could increase the prison sentence for white folk accused of racism, to say, 15 years. Thirdly, you could, with help from a £25 an hour interpreter, jail any political leader who says things like: Britain is Full Up, Close The Doors Now. And: The British National Party - Putting The British people First. Plus: Working To Secure A Future For British Children. I mean, with a black British leader, we couldn't have that kind of thing now could we?
Readers will note of course, the last paragraph contains all the things we have seen anyway up to this point, and the only humorous/worrying points are the increases in sentencing and fines. They will surely come, and believe me, if we do end up with an immigrant Prime Minister, the humour will fast fade away. America is now realising all too late that, having an immigrant in the ''White House'', is no joking matter, and having one at No10 Downing Street, will not make this country more equal, but more sick, more burdened with debt, and more like Robert Mugabe's Marxist paradise, Zimbabwe.
Anyway, if anyone knows the lady above, please tell her Trevor Phillips has a car waiting at Heathrow, with a full selection of drinks, a Che' Guevara tee Shirt, and list of nasty white racists, provided by former members of the horrid BNP, who have now seen the light.


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|Last weekend, my friends and I participated in Solar Entertainment's Earth Run 2012. We signed up for the three-kilometer category. Although I didn't hit my target time of 20 minutes or under, I think I didn't do so bad. After all, I did better than last time.
Wordsmith. Thinker. Musician. Fighter. Multiplier.


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Let's build a bookshelf together :)
Deep in the Ozark Mountains, in the town of Henbane, there are many secrets and very few answers. The majority of the book focuses on a sixteen-year-old girl named Lucy Bane. She is sometimes treated as an outsider in her close knit community, even though she was born there. It is because of her mother that she is treated so differently.
Lucy's mother, Lila Petrovich, hails from Iowa by way of Lucy's uncle, Crete. She is an orphan who lost her family in a car accident and has no one who will take her in. Crete brings her in and offers her room and board and cash in exchange for work that she does on his property.
Lila is young and beautiful and it doesn't take long before someone invents a rumor that she is a witch and has placed a spell on the men of Henbane to fall all over her. In some respects, she finds it quite amusing. Although weary at first, she does form a friendship with her neighbor, the ever so feisty and self-reliant woman named Birdie. Lila and Birdie become so close that eventually Birdie happily takes on the job of a grandmother and guardian to Lucy, since Lila's mother is dead and her husbands mother is senile and in a home that is well equipped to handle her illness.
When Lucy is a newborn, her mother vanishes and it is legend that she ran off and killed herself considering her gun is missing as well. This has been the story that Lucy has always known and never really questioned until one of her childhood friends, Cheri, turns up dead.
Cheri was lucky to have Lucy as a friend as she was considered the town retard. I am not using that word in jest, no she was slow and had a very low IQ and just seemed to wander around and in most cases, following Lucy. She lived with a mother who thought that she was useless and undermining and without truly understanding her daughter as a person. Actually, the whole town doesn't take the time to know her or ever mention her until she is found butchered to pieces, and then she is the talk of the town.
Lucy eventually decides to look into her murder and the reason why she was missing for an entire year before she was murdered, and in addition to trying to put those pieces together (no pun intended) she also starts digging around for any information that she can find about the disappearance of her mother. In the process, she will bring to light some things that she may wish she hadn't, but knows that she is doing it for the sake of these missing women.
The book is told from the different perspectives of each character in various chapters. I tend to like this style of writing as I like to peak in the minds of everyone involved and get a feel for their personalities better as well as their points-of-view.
Sometimes when I am reading books of small and corrupt towns, I like to look and see the deeper meaning of its name if there is one, and was pleased when finding the definition of Henbane.Henbane: a coarse and poisonous Eurasian plant of the nightshade family, with sticky hairy leaves and an unpleasant smell
I think that the definition of Henbane is a perfect representation of the town described in this novel. I looked at it as a shady and poisonous town with an unpleasant smell, but then that is how I think of most small towns where outsiders aren't welcome and most people turn a blind eye to evil doings.
I found that one of my favorite characters, Birdie, always had some metaphor for everything and I loved reading them:"You didn't wait for snakes to come out of their den, according to Birdie. You poured the den full of gasoline."One day Lila led Birdie over to the tree line to show her some nightshade, and Birdie explained the medicinal uses and the deadly ones, then got to rambling about other names for nightshade-belladonna and devil's cherry and henbane and so on. She left out how belladonna was said to take form of a beautiful deadly woman, because certain folks in town had drawn the comparison to Lila.
She also had tidbits of information that I found quite useful:"I seemed to remember Birdie telling me hedge apples kept away spiders." (GOOD TO KNOW!)
Birdie wasn't the only one with those quotes that make you stop and think. The local attorney/judge had one that I thought was equivalent to that small town metaphor that can make a lot of sense:"Look at whom you know and think about how well you know them. Open your mind to the possibilities; rethink things you've taken for granted. Like we tell the kids in Sunday School: Just because you don't see the devil doesn't mean he isn't there. He doesn't carry a pitchfork." (Hmmm...I think I may know of few devils then. Yes, I am almost positive)One of the concepts that I was torn over was how one of the "devils" was exposed and yet there was evidence that he had a soft side; therefore, I am left thinking, 'Ummm, should I feel bad for this man who emanated so much evil earlier now that I am shown a different side?'. I have a hard time with being shown this perspective because I should either hate the evil man or not, with no gray remaining. I want to feel justified for my hatred. If I leave a book pushed into the gray area, I will instantly start to feel torn and unsettled. Fortunately, the bad outweighed the good, so I was justified enough for my bad emotion. That's all I need.
The one thing that I have a hard time with when reading a book is when a word is a bit over used. I spot it out so quick and once I do, it becomes overbearing to me. In this book, I found that the word tethered was used once too many and I found that to be a bit distracting after the third time I saw it used for various things.
With all of that being said, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. I felt connected to the story and found the characters to be very believable. I also found the descriptives of the town subtle, but enough that I could envision this creepy and poisonous place and all the occupants within.
June: Protagonist and told from her point-of-view is a teenager in the mid-eighties. She struggles to understand her relationship with her gay uncle, who is slowly dying from AIDS. He is her godfather and the apple of his eye. She is confused about her feelings toward him and whether they are even healthy or normal. They both present a unity that is so magnetic that they can basically communicate without saying a word.
Greta: June's older sister feels that her uncle, Finn, takes away from the closeness that she and her sister once had. Instead of voicing this, she lets her jealousy boil under the surface and it comes across as resentful, detestable, and detached. She feels pressure from her mother to be the perfect child. Without anyone to lean on, she is falling apart and develops a nasty alcohol habit.
Finn: Although he isn't alive through most of this novel, he plays a huge role throughout the entire book. It is basically everyone's relationship with Finn that develops the story.
Toby: Is Finn's partner of 9 years until Finn's death. June doesn't even know that he exists purely because her mother is jealous of him as she believes that if it weren't for him that she would still be close with her brother. Toby is the one who gets blamed for so much when he is just trying to get by day-to-day. Although he presents himself as nothing much in life, I find him to be one of the most compelling characters. He takes the brunt of Finn's family issues with AIDS, purely because of his love for Finn. I feel that he is so endearing and treats June with so much love and tenderness and always offering support that he nestled his way into my heart.
When June's uncle Finn dies, she learns of Toby's existence. Finn left a note for her to take care of Toby and also told Toby to care for June. Although, at times, June is jealous of Toby's relationship with her uncle she has to learn to accept things the way that they are. They also discover how their time together has slowly helped them through their grieving process. June also discovers that although she had never met Toby before, she really had a connection with him after all and didn't even no it at the time.
The title of the book is based on a portrait that Finn painted of June and Greta. As time goes by, just about everyone adds a little something to the painting, and I truly think Finn would have liked it that way since he wanted to portray everyone to their core and not superficially.
This is basically a story about jealousy, grief, and overcoming deep wounds to see what is really below the strong emotions. It is also a story about healing and forgiveness. I don't know if it is because I would basically be the same age as June in the 80's, but I really connected to June's character.
The characters of this novel are wonderfully developed and I felt as though I knew each character individually and could list off every individual idiosyncrasy of their personalities. I was deeply touched by this book and would say that it is definitely one of my favorites.
I am almost too ashamed to say that this is my first ever Stephen King novel, and what a novel it is! I guess that I have been reading too many debut novels lately, because it was so refreshing to read a book by a seasoned and accomplished author. The writing in this novel is so well-crafted that I didn't find time to try to guess what would happen next because I was so intrigued from start to finish.
This is a story about a man named Jake Epping and George Amberson, who are the same person, only one lives in 2011 and the other lives in 1958. Jake was invited to the local diner by the owner, Al, who suddenly looks like he has aged many years over night and is suddenly on the brink of death, due to cancer. Al tells him of a portal to the past that he discovered years before (or minutes) in his storage closet. So when he goes back in time, it is always 1958, but when he comes back it has only been two minutes in 2011 times, which explains why Al's condition seems to have happened overnight, when in reality he had been living several years in the past.
Al has gone back and forth a few times and says that when he changed something from the past that it became permanent unless he went back again. Once he went back, it was like a reset button. He had spent many years following Lee Harvey Oswald in an attempt to save President John F. Kennedy. They both discuss the whole "butterfly-effect" and watershed moments, but Al is unsure of the consequences of what it may do to the future. One thing that he does know for sure is that time is obdurate, and it absolutely does not want to be changed. And when you attempt to change it, it attempts to change you. Basically, there are consequences and it appears that Al is dying of cancer and it may be his punishment for trying such a feat. But does he learn? No. Basically he recruits Jake to go back in time and finish his work.
Jake is skeptical at first until he takes a little trip back to experience it for himself. Besides the cigarette smoke in the buildings and the smell of exhaust, he is fascinated by the past. He feels that he could just stay there and live out the rest of his life. What does he have to lose? His alcoholic wife left him for a man she met in a drug rehab center and he has no children. He is an English teacher at a local high school who also teaches adults on the side. It is an essay from the janitor of the school that seals his agreement to go back. He had written the requested assignment of a defining moment in his life. He wrote of his families murders at the hands of his father and the very reason why he has such a limp.
Jake decides to go back, and while he waits out the time to try and rescue the President, he will save the janitors family. What will be the consequences of doing this and can he take down this burly drunk? Only time will tell. But like I stated before, the past does NOT want to be changed, so there will be a price to pay. And only time will tell what the effects this will have on the future.
This book so exceptionally well organized and written and I am so glad that I broke down and read my first King novel. I am now a true fan and have already purchased more of his books!!
The only hangup or pondering that I had about this book is that if there is a butterfly effect and one small act changes directions for everything else, then wouldn't it be possible that Jake's parents may not have met or married? I mean, if people aren't living that had died in the past then it affects all of the people around them. The person saved will probably eventually marry someone and if they had died (as they were supposed to) then the person that they married would have married someone else and I think that affects so many things! There would be children born that wouldn't have been otherwise and in my mind that would change everyone's life.
So, what I am trying to get at is, if one act changes (and he changed several), then there may have been a very real possibility that Jake may not have been born. And if that were the case, then what would happen when he went back? Would he just vanish? I thought of this a lot and just wished that it was touched on a bit since the butterfly affect was discussed. Maybe I was thinking too big, but it just nagged at me for awhile. But it did not take away anything from the book. It was awesome!
As stated, I got this gem of a book through a giveaway, and lucky me! I can't say that I would normally buy this type of book, but I would definitely be up for it after reading this one.
This book tells the story of "the fifth Beatle", long before Ringo Starr ever entered the picture. However, this isn't the story of Pete, the drummer before Ringo, this is about Stuart who played the bass before Paul took over the role. The book takes place in Hamburg, Germany in the 1960's just before their big break, and although there is a lot of focus on the Beatles, the main story is about Stuart and a photographer named Astrid. The book follows their story and how they fell in love and does so in a very endearing way.
The stories in the book are told through black and white comic strips, and although I was a bit weary of this when I read the book's general synopsis, it ended up adding so much texture to the story. This was a very quick read but enjoyable nonetheless.
This is the image that I would normally have in my head of a typical Genetics Professor with a love of lobster...(I'm not the best artist, ha)
...but this isn't the case when it comes to Don Tillman.
For so long now, I have seen The Rosie Project everywhere, from various reading groups requesting it as a book of the month to the Kindle monthly deal. That alone sparked my interest, so I got my copy right away. I was definitely not disappointed.


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Today I used the last 4 slices of bacon to make onion, garlic, bacon, olives and parmesan rat to go with pasta and ok it was too. Paul and Pauline, please send our compliments to your butcher - bloody good bacon despite the oozy water, beautifully packed and it has lasted since about September 7th. Finished the eggs last week.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
West of the Chain Locker
If you sit in Gordy's usual spot on the corner of the bar in the Chain Locker (Waterside pub in Falmouth, for the Australians and other Oddlanders) with your back to the fireplace, you would be looking more or less south with a smidge of west. That's where we are now but in a week or so - AGW - you will have to stand with your back to the fire as we pass you to the south, range 5000 nm as near as makes no difference, straight down the meridian. Celebrate with us - how about a nominal time of 1800 UTC on Nov 24th - a week today? Somebody please tell Dave Carne - we'll assume he might be in the top office - and Oz and Tall Paul and Adi and Lara and anyone else who might be around. Teleport us some ice for the G&Ts.
Posted by Berri at 12:15 PM


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MYSTORY HAS BEEN REBOOTED! After three years of hiatus i'm finally to try and finish what I started. I've lost alot of sprites over the years so if you if you still want a part than give me your sprites and i'll see what I can do. If you are already in the comic i'd still like your sprites cause I might have lost them. I'll upgrade your character if you have improved him. Cheers. PS. It's official, I lost the contest to Shard. 728 fans...What the fuck...
August 23rd, 2008, 11:44 pm
Author's Comments:
Reply Advertisement, May 23rd, 2018, 7:44 am
User's Comments:
Reply Ryan and the chickens, August 23rd, 2008, 11:59 pm
FTW fuckin awesome
Reply jacob the comicmaker, August 24th, 2008, 12:11 am
Credit for the smoke effects go to Slash.
Reply WolflanDarkwolf, August 24th, 2008, 12:29 am
go slash!
Reply turbo_da_hedgehog, August 24th, 2008, 1:29 am
AWESOME! *raises price on tickets!*
Reply Ganato, August 24th, 2008, 6:33 am
Slash should be going: "BUT I SWEAR TO GOD I DIDN'T DO IT!"
Reply scytheholder, August 24th, 2008, 9:46 am
When someone says that...YOU PUNCH THEIR ******* FACE IN!!!
Reply Turbo (Guest), August 24th, 2008, 5:37 pm
*entering RPG mode*
Turbo:Wrong kinny-man! I charge you again!
Reply Crescent Moon, August 24th, 2008, 8:29 pm
"You wanna start somethin'? SHOW YA MOVES! FALCON PUUAANCH!" CD
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I've listened to Starwars Kenobi, and didn't care much for the lazy space western, next came Darth Vader, which seemed short and unfinished, later listened to The Force Unleashed which left me mildly satisfied, but Darth Bane is one of the Jewels so far in the Republic series. Could make a good movie, but 2, even 3 hours wouldn't be enough. Also what is narrated, battles and use of force (dark and light) is better told in writing or heard than on the screen. Great book to start a series based on "The law of Two". I look forward to the next book.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Another gripping story in the Darth Bane series. Well read couldn't stop listening. Continues where last one left off, gripping characters.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent narration, excellent story.....The Rule of Two "One to embody the power, one to crave it." is a game changer for not only the Sith, but the galaxy as a whole. Darth Bane and Darth Zannah begin the grand plan to topple the Jedi, along the way of laying the foundation they must make perilous journey's. Zannah must infiltrate the Jedi Order itself while Darth Bane heads to the orders ancestral home world of Tython. The Path of Destruction started in book 1 continues, and many will suffer.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
The "Rule of Two" was amazingly fun and a great listening experience. As a sequel, I was concerned the story would fail to live up to the quality of the first book, Path of Destruction. While different, the book still managed to exceed my expectations. The story throws in some surprises as Bane goes on the hunt for ancient holocrons and begins preparing his new apprentice for her eventual rise to power. The ending introduces additional twists and turns that I found interesting. The narration and production quality are the same as the first book (which I loved) and continue to receive nothing but the highest of praise from me.
Questionable Points:
If I had to pick a couple of criticisms, one would be that I do not really agree with Bane's ideology of the "rule of two". I find that the Sith, whether they are two or two million, suffer the same backstabbing and power hungry intentions regardless of their numbers. Another criticism would be the lack of force power use and the over reliance of the light saber. These are more issues with the universe as a whole rather than the author since force users create barriers against each other hence the reliance on the sabers. These are comments regarding the lore overall, but are two things that often surface to the top of my thoughts. Although I find myself disappoint by the progression of the Sith to a "rule of two" rule of two ideology and the lore's nullification of force powers, I still found the story, characters, narration and overall enjoyment of the book carried through till the end.
Overall, an exceptional tale with fun twists and turns that delighted me every step of the way.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful


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Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
1 Online
How Long after one dose to next?
Just wondering how long I have to wait to take another dose of lorazepam? I took 1 mg at about 6 and I want to take another one so I can get some sleep. How long do I have to wait to take another 1 mg tablet? I know that some people take 2mg to go to sleep at night but my perscription is 1 mg 3x a day. Thanks
oh I guess I should add. I can take it up to 3 times a day. but I usually only take one as needed. Usually one is one a day but not everyday
Technically your script would be one every 8 hours. But as you said other peoples scripts are for more.
I just want to make sure I wont od or die from it. but I know some people do take a higher dose than 1mg. I just want to sleep tonight dam it.. lol.. thanks
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~ This item is in A&Z's Store!
Product Name: Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Location Purchased: King Sooper's
Cost: $4.89
Note: This product was part of Z's Blind Brownie Taste Test!
See the results!
Total From A to Z: 2.5 Stars
A's Review: * * *
Listen up, because you won't hear me say this very often about any GF baked good: it was actually not dense enough. I know, shocking. It was more cake-like, but in a weird way. Not how brownies should be. The flavor was OK though.
Z's Review: * *
This mix made a 9x13 pan of brownies. At first it seemed like there wouldn't be enough batter for such a big pan, but it filled the pan in the end. In my experience, these larger pans seem to produce more crumbly gluten-free brownies. I gave these brownies two extra baking minutes (for a total of 27 minutes), because I was afraid to let them get too hard. However, maybe a few more minutes would have improved their ability to hold together. Unfortunately, these brownies were my least favorite of the other brownie mixes we have tried. I thought they were really crumbly and way less chocolaty than the other brownies. In my opinion, something was a little "off" about them.


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Stitches in my Time
My son asked if I'd make supper early tonight (yes, we call it supper instead of dinner here in hickville) as he had a busy schedule. It sounded like a perfect plan since I only had Slim-Fast for lunch, and my stomach was growling. I … Continue Reading →


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A cat left standing in its own excrement was one of 2,588 animal cruelty complaints investigated by the RSPCA in Norfolk last year.
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While reflecting back upon my time in Ireland, I can't help but feel extremely fortunate and appreciative of my time abroad. Not only have I learned more about the Irish education system, as well as Irish history and culture, I have also learned more about myself as an individual and educator. As this was the second Irish study abroad experience I was able to attend, I spent most of my time focusing on details and aspects of the numerous planned experiences that I missed the first time, and made a point to truly immerse myself in Irish culture, while living in the moment. Over the course of the last two weeks, my life was again changed by my time spent with dedicated professional educators, teaching and working with a number of Irish students and teachers, visiting exciting, beautiful new places, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
Although I had already experienced teaching in Irish schools, and also visited a number of the planned historical locations four years ago, I created an entirely new appreciation for these experiences. I prioritized focusing on certain aspects Irish history and culture that I missed during my first Irish experience in 2014, and now have a far greater understanding and admiration for the fact that the Irish are extremely proud of their history, honor their heritage, and celebrate their past. With this, I found myself even more interested in my own Irish heritage, as my great, great, great grandparents fled Ireland during the potato famine. As I later learned from our time at the Cobh Heritage Center, the "Great Famine" wrecked havoc on the Irish population, as nearly one million individuals lost their life due to starvation, and another one million fled the country in hopes of a new, and better life. In regards to Irish pride, I immediately think back to our tour guide at Holycross Abbey in County Tipperary. This man was so passionate and knowledgeable about the history and significance of the monastery, and I found myself so intrigued by every piece of information he shared about the 800-year-old architectural wonder that was built with rather limited resources by the monks that inhabited the religious structure; the ingenuity is astounding. I was so impressed by every medieval, man-made structure that we visited, and felt as though I was stepping back in time while touring through the beautiful fortresses. Even when visiting the numerous cities scattered throughout the country, the history and significance of each was equally fascinating and intriguing. For someone that loves history, I was in my glory. In terms of Irish culture, I am so appreciative of the Irish hospitality, I respect their desire to go above and beyond to take care of their loved ones and friends, and truly appreciate and admire the relaxed, laid back attitudes found throughout the country.
I sincerely hope that Frostburg State University and Mary Immaculate College continue their partnership for years to come, as the connections and friendships that have been created truly demonstrate a family-style bond, and I am so fortunate to have experienced this while in Ireland. I am still in awe by how gracious and hospitable each and every Irish individual was towards our group. We all felt so welcome, and at home throughout the entire two-week stay on the Emerald Isle, and I really enjoyed catching up with those that I met during my first trip four years ago. Prior to our departure date, each one played a significant role in the planning process of the trip, and welcomed us with open arms to Mary Immaculate campus, their homes, and/or schools when we finally arrived. For those that welcomed ten American students into their home, I am so thankful and appreciative of the wonderful food and hospitality. I will cherish every memory made for the rest of my life, and I hope that one day I will be able to host my Irish friends at my home to return the kind gesture.
When reflecting upon a favorite memory, I cannot simply think of just one, as the entire trip was wonderful, and I loved every minute abroad. Being more specific, however, I would say that the time spent in three Irish schools would be a chosen favorite, as education is my passion, and the Irish education system is certainly admirable. In regards to the schools, Peter, Aisling, and Sinead welcomed us with open arms, and went above and beyond to plan a school experience that was memorable for both FSU and Irish students. I commend Peter, as well as the other principals we worked with, for valuing the importance of allowing their students to be exposed to globalized education, and interacting with foreign individuals; this broadens the students' perspectives, and is so beneficial to their learning. I enjoyed planning lessons and activities to complete in the classroom, and based on the reactions, engagement, as well as mature and impressive discussions, the students enjoyed the lesson as much as I enjoyed teaching. I was so impressed by two particular questions posed by the students involving Martin Luther King Jr. The questions were: "Do you think Martin Luther King Jr. would be happy with America if he were still alive today?" and, "Do you think Martin Luther King Jr. would change his speech if he were to give it today?" I was amazed, and so impressed by these questions, and I believe this demonstrates how insightful, thoughtful, and mature the sixth class students are in Ireland. Another favorite school memory would be at St. Conaire's when several students presented myself, and two other FSU students with a card that read "We'll miss you," asked to take a picture with us, and also gave us a hug on our last day spent together; this meant the world to me, and confirmed the impact that our FSU group had on the Irish students. As I have been out of the classroom for almost two years in order to complete my Master's degree, I realized just how much I miss teaching and being in the classroom, and my love and passion for education has only continued to grow with each passing day. I cannot wait to finally have my own classroom. In addition, while using children's picture books as a primary component of the lessons taught, I have found a new passion for children's literature, and I plan to incorporate the use of advanced children's books into my secondary classroom, as based upon the curriculum; I am bursting with ideas.
As our group spent three days at St. Conaire's, I learned a great deal about the Irish education system, and had an overall terrific teaching and school day experience that significantly differs from the norm in American schools. In regards to several differences between the Irish and America education system, Peter explained to us that the Catholic Church employs Irish teachers and administrators; however, all staff members are paid by the state of Ireland. With the separation of church and state in the United States, this would never occur. Also, the majority of the schools in Ireland are Catholic, although, children of diverse religious backgrounds are welcome. In addition, all students are required to wear uniforms, and must learn Gaelic, the traditional Irish language. The language and literacy curriculum in Ireland is far more advanced and efficient, as compared to the United States, and I wish that American students were required to learn a second language throughout the duration of their public schooling, rather than requiring a foreign language class only for several semesters during middle school, and for only two years at the high school level. In addition to language, one percent of all public spaces are to be used to recognize the arts, and I would love for American society to celebrate and recognize the talents and abilities of students and citizens. With this, I was so impressed by the student artwork displayed throughout the schools, particularly the artwork completed by sixth class students at St. Conaire's that explained the founding of the school, as well as recognized the various countries represented by the students enrolled.
Specifically at St. Conaire's, the overall morale and work-based relationships amongst the teachers is far better than what is found within a number of American schools. For example, teachers have tea in the staff lounge together in the morning, prior to the start of the school day, and have another ten to twenty minute tea break every morning around 11:00AM. During these breaks, as well as during lunch, teachers talk to one another, and seem to enjoy one another's company; not a single student, or other faculty member is discussed. From only working in the school for a few days, strong staff relationships and respect, dedication, and work ethic are evident, as is the overall positive work environment. I commend Peter's mentality of providing teachers with flexibility, as he expects flexibility in return, and I highly commend the Irish education system for allowing teachers to have significant amounts of autonomy, as teachers are well trusted and respected, experience limited accountability measures, and are not hindered by strict teaching guidelines and procedures. Also in regards to the staff, every other Friday, rotating groups of teachers sell baked goods within the staff lounge to raise money for the school, as well as other school-supported fundraisers. The school social committee actually planned a staff party with our group, and we all had a wonderful time playing numerous fun games, listening to the many stories told by the Irish storyteller, and enjoyed mingling with the staff. During our last day at the school, I was honored to be one of the selected FSU students to present Peter, the principal, with a Frostburg State University football jersey, as well as a school pennant as a "thank you" gift for allowing us work with the staff, and teach to the students. Our group wanted to leave a little piece of Frostburg in Ireland.
Although my favorite memories are from the schools, my favorite tourist memory would be a tie between experiencing true Irish culture by visiting a number of traditional Irish pubs, listening to traditional Irish music, and watching traditional Irish dancing, and visiting Cobh. As mentioned in a number of my blog posts, I enjoyed having a good meal with good company, while listening to traditional Irish music at every pub we visited, and even watching traditional Irish dancing at The Locke Bar. I admire how the Irish celebrate, recognize, and pride themselves in their traditional music and dance, which have been passed down through generations. The overall "pub atmosphere" was a great way to experience, and immerse myself into traditional Irish culture. As for visiting Cobh, I found myself in awe at the beauty of the location, as well as experienced chills when visiting the original pier, as well as Cobh Heritage Center, which are two possible locations that my ancestors could have been prior to departing Ireland for America during the potato famine. While standing at both locations, I could not help but think that Cobh would have been the last image of Ireland that my ancestors would have seen for the rest of their lives. Following this two-week experience, I feel a new sense of love and pride for my Irish heritage, and I hope to one day learn even more about my Irish ancestors.
In addition to favorite memories, our study abroad course provided us with several opportunities to attend a number of lectures from Mary Immaculate staff, as well as one Irish primary school teacher, and all are Frostburg State alumni. We also had the opportunity to meet with the president of the college, as well as the interim dean of the College of Education. Each presenter provided our group with a wealth of knowledge, and created a far better understanding of both Irish education and society. I truly appreciated the fact that the president, and interim dean, took time out of their day to welcome us, answer several questions, and further explain various aspects of Mary Immaculate College as a renowned teacher education college, as well as discuss more information about the Irish education system. The president even presented a number of similarities and differences between the American and Irish education systems.
Patrick Burke gave the first informative lecture, and based on his presentation, I now finally understand the impact of Brexit, as well as the differences between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In terms of further information regarding the Irish education system, approximately 90 percent of Irish primary schools are owned and operated by the Catholic Church, and religious education occurs in every school, although, newer schools now teach certain aspects of all religions, which is a great example of recognizing, and appreciating diversity. Ireland is very accepting and celebratory of diversity, and I applaud the country for this. Patrick also mentioned that the schools are built upon trust among teachers and students, teachers and administrators, as well as the school and larger community, and I feel strongly that this should act as a model for the United States. Also along the lines of trust, changes made to the system as a whole, or to the curriculum, are very slow, and the consultation with teacher unions is required. Pay scales are also the same throughout the entire country, which provides a fair and equitable system nationwide, as based upon seniority.
The second lecture focused primarily on interactive literacy, and the importance of online safety in terms of searching for, and locating, relevant information. This was such a useful presentation given the current technological climate within the United States, and the amount of Internet use among contemporary students. In addition, Sinead reinforced the importance of understanding differing perspectives, experiences, and frame of mind among students, as well as the benefits of helping students make connections between their prior knowledge and new information using children's books. This presentation certainly reinforced my desire to use children's books in my secondary classroom, as compared to dense, informational text. The way in which the lecture was given was also so helpful for me as a future educator. I loved the interactions, how we were seated in a semi-circle during the lecture, and how the class discussion was conducted without any interjections from the "teacher." With this concept, the students are required to think for themselves, and engage in critical thinking, rather than simply be given the answer, and I will use this model with my future students.
The third lecture discussed Irish-Medium Immersion Education. Aisling Beecher teaches junior infants at a primary school where the language spoken is Gaelic, yet most of the students come from an English speaking background; the number of these students attending Irish-medium schools has increased every year since 1993. As reiterated by research, and discussed by Aisling, there are a number of both cognitive and curricular benefits to Irish-Medium Immersion, including improved memory, creativity, comprehension, and communication skills, as well as increased academic success, bilingualism, and transferrable language skills. Just being in several Irish classrooms where students have been learning the native Gaelic language, the benefits are evident. Perhaps the only downfall to requiring all primary students to learn Irish is that all teachers must fluently speak the language, and the availability of resources that present the language is rather limited; currently, there is a shortage of primary school teachers in Ireland. Although there is a shortage, I commend the country for continuing to teach the native language, as well as recognize the importance and advantages of bilingualism, and maintaining an appreciation for Irish culture. Also in regards to language, Aisling explained the way in which she uses songs, as well as singing, to help her students with language acquisition. This is truly an ingenious way to teach a rather difficult language to young children, and indeed increases the likelihood of learning, as our group learned several Irish words and phrases from a song that Aisling created that used the familiar melody that we all knew. Our group was even able to sing this song with Aisling's students when we visited her school.
I could possibly write an entire book reflecting on my time in Ireland, as I had such a great experience, and learned a significant amount of information about the Irish education system. I even feel as though the confidence I have in myself as a teacher has only continued to grow as a result of my time working in the Irish schools. I will cherish the memories made for the rest of my life, and I hope to continue the friendships and connections made with each and every Irish individual that I either met, or worked with for a second time. Now that I have strengthened my own connections to past Irish graduate assistants, I plan to use these connections to provide my future students with the opportunity to experience globalized education, and interactions with those abroad. I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity to travel to Ireland for a two-week study abroad experience for the second time with Frostburg State University. I plan to return to the Emerald Isle as soon as I can, and I hope to remain a part of the wonderful connection between Mary Immaculate College and Frostburg State University. Until next time!🇮🇪☘
Several more images of cherished memories.


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We run a mixed Zen 3.2 and Zen 6.5 environment. I need to have two
different import servers for the time being. It was my understanding
that you could have the ZEN 6.5 machines with agents point at something
other than ZENWSIMPORT, how and where do you do this? Do you change the
agent installer?


text: I'd buy ear plugs and let her whine herself to sleep. Make sure she gets exercise in the evening and what is even better is mental exercise. That makes a dog tired even more than physical exercise. Some nose work is also good to make her tired. She has you under her paw real good


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Dick Leitsch is a dedicated activist for the gay community who served as the president of the New York chapter of the Mattachine Society and headed the legendary "Sip In" at the historic bar Julius over 50 years ago. He was also the first gay journalist to report on the original Stonewall riots. At age 82, he is a regular at the monthly party Mattachine at Julius and now he joins the I.O.S. to tell the membership about his adventures. Plus, Justin relays his annual reflections on Gay Pride.
To view in iTunes or download the SPARKLE & CIRCULATE podcast, click here.


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THE ROTTEN…Rebel Fest…March `12, 2011
Lots more video on it's way…stay tuned…
What The Fuck You Looking At/'50 Pontiac/No Good At All
Punk Is Dead…
Sonic Reducer…with guest vocals from Mr. Chris Crash of The Steeltown Spoilers…
THE ROTTEN…Rebel Fest…March `12, 2011
Lots more video on it's way…stay tuned…
What The Fuck You Looking At/'50 Pontiac/No Good At All
Punk Is Dead…
Sonic Reducer…with guest vocals from Mr. Chris Crash of The Steeltown Spoilers…
Get it at the Rebel Time Records website, HERE!
After a bit of a hiatus, THE ROTTEN are back in action! We here at Rebel Time Records couldn't be happier, for a couple of reasons. A) They are a kick-ass band and kick-ass people. As the article below, from this week's Echo Magazine, points out, they've been around for 11 years and have remained true punks in every respect and that's to be respected. They are PUNK, in the best and truest sense of the word. And, personally, I've always appreciated the fact that they were instrumental in helping to drive the neo-nazis out of Kitchener-Waterloo, through their involvement in Anti-Racist Action. The Rotten have remained true to their ideals and that counts for something. B) Ang is back behind the drum kit! And that's proof that she is kicking cancer's ass. As you can read in her blog Oops! I Wet My Pants, Ang has been dealing with breast cancer for the past half a year or so. Serious shit. But, like she says in her blog: "Fuck Cancer." Personally, I kind of know what she's been going through, as my better-half has had breast cancer twice in the past 4 years. It really takes it out of you, both physically and mentally and it just plain sucks. Ang is done her treatments and to see her back on the drums is testament to her scrappiness and fighting spirit. Kind of embodies what The Rotten are all about.
My advice: regular breast self-examination. Seriously. It's easy, it's free and it might just save your life.
Here's a just-published interview with the band, followed by a full-album stream of "Enemy Of The State"…
For the four piece that formed back in 1999, their career has been marked with an onslaught of gigs, tours and various fan responses that include everything from 'whoa, the drummer is a chick' to 'Jan's eyes are so captivating.' An ode to 70's punk, The Rotten have dominated their genre and forced the attention of music fans alike. "1970's punk rock that was all about monkey-wrenching the societal norms and wearing your grandma's hand-me-downs," the band writes in an email interview about their influences, "Punk isn't a fashion statement. As for bands, we love all kinds and it is thanks to the eclectic variety of music that each member of The Rotten listens to that we have managed amalgamate everything into what The Rotten is today; a little punk, a little rock and whole helluva lotta attitude."
And it's certainly paying off. Even as they describe it, The Rotten has been served well in Canada, springing up at shows alongside artists like The Forgotten Rebels. "A lot of thanks to the good people at Rebel Time and the tight-knit community that is the punk scene, The Rotten has always had support at every show they play," they say. "In the punk scene the definition of "making it" is to be as well-known as other Canadian punk bands like DOA and Forgotten Rebels. The Rotten has made a name for themselves in Canada so yeah, we're making it. Times can be tough and money tight but ultimately we do it because we love it and can't imagine life any other way."
Over the duration of their 11 year career, The Rotten has forged away, dropping records that push the boundaries of every day rock n roll. Destroy This Wretched Country (2000), Circus of the Demented (2003) and Enemy of the State (2009) is a studio-effort discography; testament of time well served surviving as an indie band and their subsequent signing to Rebel Time Records (think Broadcast Zero, The Brat Attack).
Talking about a career launched in Kitchener, The Rotten recollects their perspective of the city's changing music scene: "We've been doing this for 11 years so we have seen the ups and downs of the punk scene in Kitchener. We've watched fans of ours create their own bands and breathe new life into the scene. From our experience, this area is highly talented and a lot of great music comes from here. Having seen the ups and downs in this city its great to finally see a system (venues, etc) to support alternative arts."
Now back in the spotlight after a six month hiatus, The Rotten puts the band into perspective. "The Rotten has been through all kinds of ups and downs," they write. "(We) went on a 6 month hiatus while drummer, Angi, fought breast cancer. Angi: 'getting to finally sit behind my drums and beat the hell out of them after everything I went through was the greatest catharsis I could ever imagine. I also couldn't imagine a life without my band, I love it and would never give it up. It's important to do it for fun, if you stop having fun, its time to hang up your drumsticks.' No matter what happens in your life your art is valuable to you and don't allow anything to discourage you from doing what you really love."
Both THE ROTTEN and THE CLASS WAR KIDS made the FLEX YOUR HEAD radio show's "Best Of 2009" lists! Check out/download the January 5th and January 12 shows and enjoy some great music…
Again, many thanks to the college/community radio stations and radio shows that play Rebel Time Records bands…greatly appreciated…
And, if you do a radio show and would like to play Rebel Time Record's bands, drop us a line!
From the latest issue of RIOT 77, a great punk rock zine out of Ireland…
The Brat Attack
Those Who Sow Sorrow Shall Reap Rage
Some well-informed hardcore here from Canada's The Brat Attack. In what may be a collection of recent works, this disc gathers together fourteen tracks recorded over the space of six months. Undoubtedly from the same political (and at times musical) stable as fellow Canucks Propaghandi and earlier the Subhumans, this band are vegan torch-bearers out to put an end to the capitalist agenda of conservative world leaders and call for a leveling of the playing field. Truthfully, The Brat Attack can back themselves up pretty well in the booklet that accompanies this release and their politics are ones of inclusion rather than alienation, which makes a refreshing change from being spoken down to, as if often the case with bands as militant as this. A lot of effort has clearly gone into getting their message across correctly, inspiring and informing instead of aggravating the listener. With plenty of info and food for thought to be found here, the ideas expressed are well thought-out and avoid any dogma.
Broadcast Zero
Yesterday, You Could Change The World
Like Youth Brigade on speed, Broadcast Zero are a tight unit, playing no-nonsense Street Punk and Hardcore. Singer Nick Shrubsole has a pair of lungs on him that casts my mind back to hearing Mike Marsden of The Ducky Boys for the first time. Yup, those pipes are about to blow at any given second. The onslaught of Broadcast Zero is rich in the traditions of Punk Rock's past, but there's a spirit in here that makes me realize we've lost something along the way that this band is eager to put back. Choppy riffs that plough the hooks into your brain with brute force instead of sweetness. Pointing the finger at the outside world whilst maintaining a degree of warmth and affection for the listener, this connected with me on a level I expect from Punk Rock but unfortunately don't always get.
The Class War Kids
Reflection! Rage! Rebellion!
The Class War Kids from Canada are a heavily politicized bunch of Street Punk miscreants. Musically this reminds me of some of the crossover stuff No Idea has invested in, where Street Punk and Midwestern Hardcore influences don't seem all that far apart. Both favour singalongs, screeching guitars and pounding drum rhythms. Layer some hoarse vocals over the top and you've got a recipe for some very fine music indeed. The added bonus with The Class War Kids is of course their social conscience. The band shows no inhibitions in laying out it's stall and calling out all those they feel responsible for the current state of trans-global relations. What really tips this record in my favour though is simply the kick-ass songs, that remind me of how good the old Punk Rock can be without all the trimmings. The beefy two-guitar attack lays waste to all in it's path. Well played.
The Rotten
Enemy Of The State
From Canada, The Rotten are signed to an offshoot label of Insurgence and though no press info accompanied any of the releases from Rebel Time, its safe to say this band operate within the North American Street Punk circuit. With an emphasis placed on rhythm and pace, The Rotten are well aware they aren't re-inventing the wheel here, but could care less and keep the focus on the good times. The upsurge in bands like this in the 90's kicked the sheen right off Punk Rock at a time when it needed it most and brought back a sense of fun to the genre that had almost given way to PC histrionics. The Rotten make their point and share their love of a well-constructed Punk tune with the listener. Sometimes all it takes is a guitar lick and a snarl to bring a smile to my face and The Rotten occupy that slot on the stereo today.
A few choice reviews from one of our favourite blogs: OLD PUNKS NEVER DIE. Well worth keeping an eye on, and, for those across the pond, The Old Punk stocks a good selection of Insurgence Records and Rebel Time Records material.
This is The Brats fourth album, and I don't know how the fuck I missed the other three. This is anthemic rebel noise done right proper! Clearly designed to upset our enemies and fire us up in equal measure, the tracks are a finely-tuned and targeted assault on the stupidity that constitutes the current social order. It's a big target, but The Brats main-line their attack straight into the system's nerve centre. This is music that goes well beyond the meaningless clichés often found in lesser offerings. This mob know it's 2009 not 1979 and, while they're clearly well versed in our history, they're also fully aware of the reality of the struggle today. 'Those Who Sow Sorrow…' is a beautifully angry response to the situation we currently find ourselves in.
That's not to say they've forgotten their roots – there are definitely nods to the likes of Aus Rotten and The (English) Subhumans in their approach, but there's also a strong flavour of bang-up-to-date melodic streetpunk underpinning the whole lot. Of course, without the intelligent, witty, and straight-talking lyrics, this would be nothing more than pleasing ear candy à la Rancid, and there's more than enough of that sort of nonsense in the world already. The Brats are clearly not a part of that poseur punk mindset. It's abundantly clear that they're willing to accept the challenge of making punk rock a threat again.
The accompanying promo sheet nicely summarises the whole package as 'a hummus-powered, positive & purposeful punk rock radical-left political primer… [that's] even got melody, hooks & a catchy chorus or two!'. This is the sound that fills you with hope as you put a match to the Molotov in your hand and in your head.
OP's opinion: @@@@@
I love this band! I want to have their babies and breed an army of punk rock superheroes hell-bent on creating regime-changing anarchy! OK, I know that I don't have the appropriate ladybits required for babymaking but, if I did, my womb would be theirs. These young soul rebels have revolution etched into their genetic make-up.
This disc picks up from where the last one left off without simply being more of the same. It keeps all of the energy, urgency and humour that hooked me first time without sounding in the least bit rehashed. You could quite happily play their entire recorded output back to back and enjoy every fist-pumping, life-enhancing, sweat-soaked second of it. I wouldn't be surprised if you then pressed 'repeat' and did it all over again.
Even at their most serious, The Kids aren't afraid of making you laugh while they fire you up. When they tackle sexual indoctrination and self-restriction in 'Cherry Poppin' Conservatives', they do it with a literal 'fuck you' attitude, happily asserting that 'it don't matter who's into penis or vagina, if you like 'em both, best of ya!'. The remedy is to 'whip it out, slap it around' while also making sure that Christian Conservatives get their 'ass cherry popped!'. Sounds like one hell of a party.
The funnies don't always fit the theme, and that's where the poetry of their message shines through. 'The reason I'm so angry is because I'm so in love, I won't give up but one heart can only bleed so much for a world so fucked up' ('Love & Anger') captures the essence of why we feel so compelled to scream out, and how we're building a future based on love as we kick down the world around us.
This whole package brings to life Raoul Vaneigem's lesson that 'people who talk about revolution and class struggle without referring explicitly to everyday life, without understanding what is subversive about love and what is positive in the refusal of constraints, such people have a corpse in their mouth'. In true punk rock style, The Kids spat the corpse out a long time ago.
OP's opinion: @@@@@
On first listen, I was a bit underwhelmed by this offering. But I quickly realised that my mistake was playing this straight after the other two and not giving my brain a chance to reset. Much like wine appreciation, you need to clean your aural palate when enjoying fine music.
Suitably refreshed, I hit play again. What a difference a cup of tea makes to your ears. The Rotten may not have quite the same the musical or lyrical prowess of their label breathren, but that doesn't stop 'em expressing themselves in no uncertain terms. The noise is stripped down, punked up and gobbed out in the finest tradition of the old school style. There's a decent dose of street politics and wrong-side-of-the-tracks anger aimed at the 'great and good', as well as tongue-in-cheek humour and the desire to just have fun. And there's nothing wrong with that.
The influence of Canuck punk pioneers DOA courses through the veins of these 21st century (angelic) upstarts, underpinning but not overpowering this rough diamond of a record.
The Rotten – they're anything but.
OP's opinion: @@@@


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Today im introducing myself for the firt time through a distant rather slightly blured image taken by dear son. i havent liked camera nor my shadow in a long time.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
1 comment:
- r l n ! said...
Thank you so much for putting a face on your blog! Me, too... i blogged for a while and was very reticent about putting up my own face, i just wanted GOD to be about the whole blog. But i did put 3 pictures of me somewhere in the 3 blogs, way at the bottom, or where it wasn't distracting from the focus on GOD.
i've just added your blog link to my http://rl-n.blogspot.com "other links of interest" for your blog is TRULY INTERESTING! i'm almost jumping up and down from looking at your pictures!!! They're like National Geographic photos... and yours are for real, for you live it! i'd hug you if i were there with your now!!! so i'll just give you my high 10! \o/
(:D are you my sister in CHRIST?)
- January 5, 2010 at 1:15 PM
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Earlier this year Mongoose sent their riders, Paul Ryan, Greg Illingworth, Steve McCann, Cam White, Jack Fahey, Ben Wallace and Julien Masse on a road trip to Lyon, France to hit street and skatepark spots. Above is the trailer for the upcoming edit from the trip, which I think will be damn good.
20 Jul 2012
2012 Mongoose Road Trip Trailer
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The information on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG Bank S.A. accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it and as such is considered to be a marketing communication.
Gold finds a buyer
The price has managed to regain some ground overnight, as the creation of a higher high points towards the possibility of some respite after an absolute rout in the past two weeks.
However, it is worth being wary of any short-term bounce within a very clear and consistent downtrend in play. With that in mind, there is a good chance the upside we are currently seeing represents a retracement of Friday's sell-off.
As such, we would be looking for gold to turn lower at either the 61.8% ($1214) or 76.4% ($1218) retracements. Conversely, a closed hourly candle above $1223 would provide a more bullish view.


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I have read in several places that there is no 'set' amount of money you need, to be able to gain residency, but it is advisable to have enough money to last for three months. I have been reading through my ITA papers and I have noticed that part of the declaration states that you must be able to support yourself for 24months......I will stay with my sister until secured employment, which I want to do ASAP. Does this mean I have to meet a minimum requirement for financial stability? This is confusing me :017: HELP!!!
Also, proof required for employment history;
Can I provide a letter from my current employer and my previous employer stating the date I started (and finished for my previous employer), include details of job decription and wage earned? Will this be sufficient? I feel it should as this will be on headed paper and can be verified if required.
Sorry to be a pain....its just very confusing....but exciting at the same time.


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Recently I've been exchanging drafts and comments with an online circle of writers who are the remnants of various in-person writer's groups to which I used to belong. I'm glad there are still people with whom I can exchange drafts, since I enjoy reading drafts and I like the accountability of doing my revisions semi-publically (years of temp work has addicted me to external feedback).
One of the things that I don't like about exchanging comments is that there isn't as much possibility for discussion regarding the comments. What this means is that there is a greater possibility of misinterpretation/offense, which acts against the effectiveness of receiving comments. It usually stings to hear that there are potential challenges with your scenes, characters, and plot and everyone needs space for reaction to that; however, it's sometimes easier to take in a setting where everyone is receiving feedback and you're with friends rather than receiving paragraphs of "change this, change that" from someone whom you haven't seen in a while.
Maybe it's just that I've been a little sloppy with my comments lately, forgetting to indicate the places where I particulary enjoyed the text or becoming hooked on certain plot twists of my own that don't tell the story the actual author wants to tell. That's another thing that it's easier to do online--give opinions that veer into rewrite territory instead of indicating where you feel the narrative loses your interest or becomes too complex to follow. I think I'm being a little too stingy with acknowledging the good and too eager to jump with both feet on the stuff I don't prefer. I've been hijacking the plot and trying to steer it on a different course.
That I'm trying to redirect other plots probably means that I'm not doing enough revising on my own and that I'm once again letting comments (and blog entries) substitute for revision. Drat my devious brain!


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A Trinidad correctional officer was severely beaten by an inmate using his fists and shoes, shattering the officer's face.
Duane Garcia, 52, was in fair condition Tuesday at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo two days after the beating in the Trinidad Correctional Facility's recreational yard. At the time, the yard was filled with up to 300 inmates.
After the assault, Harold Martin, 41, who is serving an eight-year sentence for a burglary conviction in El Paso County, was sent to the highest-security state prison, Colorado State Penitentiary in Cañon City.
The attack was unusual for the Trinidad prison — categorized just above minimum security — where many offenders are nearing release, Garcia said. Martin was being housed there despite five previous fights, according to state records.
Reached by cellphone Tuesday, Garcia said he wrote Martin up for a rule violation Saturday, the day before the attack, when Martin sat in a prohibited area of the cafeteria.
Later that day he looked up Martin's disciplinary record on a database and learned that the inmate had been disciplined seven or eight times at the prison in the past three months, seemingly without consequence.
"He shouldn't have been there," said Garcia, his voice muffled because of injuries to his jaw. "I guess it took this before his behavior got the attention it deserved."
Katherine Sanguinetti, spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections, disputed Garcia's characterization of Martin's record. She said according to computer records, Martin was disciplined in 2005 and 2006 for five fights and other violations. He was disciplined again in 2008, she said.
He was paroled and fled to Arizona, where he was arrested on a drug charge in 2009 and sent to the Trinidad prison. Based on his infractions, he was in the appropriate prison, she said.
"This is one of those cases where we have to remind ourselves that even though it's lower security, it's still a prison," she said.
Garcia, a career construction worker, said he got a job as a guard 1 1/2 years ago because of the economic downturn.
Garcia was one of only three correctional officers supervising a yard with hundreds of inmates when he was attacked. He had just stepped out of a gymnasium into the exercise yard when Martin punched him from behind and he fell, he said.
"He started kicking me in the face," Garcia said.
Garcia's jaw is nearly a half-inch out of alignment. His cheeks and eye sockets are crisscrossed with fractures.
Sanguinetti said a prosecutor will decide what charges to file against Martin.