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The Goddess Test
by Aimée CarterIt's always been just Kate and her momand her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworldand if she
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
- 9781459201699
- Publisher:
- Harlequin
- Publication date:
- 05/01/2011
- Series:
- Goddess Test Series , #1
- Sold by:
- Format:
- NOOK Book
- Pages:
- 304
- Sales rank:
- 27,359
- File size:
- Age Range:
- 14 - 17 Years
Read an Excerpt
I spent my eighteenth birthday driving from New York City to Eden, Michigan, so my mother could die in the town where she was born. Nine hundred and fifty-four miles of asphalt, knowing every sign we passed brought me closer to what would undoubtedly be the worst day of my life.
As far as birthdays go, I wouldn't recommend it.
I drove the whole way. My mother was too sick to stay awake for very long, let alone drive, but I didn't mind. It took two days, and an hour after we'd crossed the bridge to the upper peninsula of Michigan, she looked exhausted and stiff from being in the car for so long, and if I never saw a stretch of open road again, it'd be too soon.
"Kate, turn off here."
I gave my mother a funny look, but turned my blinker on anyhow. "We're not supposed to exit the freeway for another three miles."
"I know. I want you to see something."
Sighing inwardly, I did as she said. She was already on bor¬rowed time, and the chances of her having an extra day to see it later were slim.
There were pine trees everywhere, tall and looming. I saw no signs, no mile markers, nothing but trees and dirt road. Five miles in, I began to worry. "You're sure this is right?"
"Of course I'm sure." She pressed her forehead to the window, and her voice was so soft and broken that I could barely under¬stand her. "It's just another mile or so."
"What is?"
"You'll see."
After a mile, the hedge started. It stretched down the side of the road, so high and thick that seeing what was on the other side was impossible, and it must've been another two miles before it veered off at a right angle, forming some kind of boundary line. The entire time we drove by, Mom stared out the window, enraptured.
"This is it?" I didn't mean to sound bitter, but Mom didn't seem to notice.
"Of course it isn'tturn left up here, sweetie."
I did as I was told, guiding the car around the corner. "It's nice and all," I said carefully, not wanting to upset her, "but it's just a hedge. Shouldn't we go find the house and"
"Here!" The eagerness in her weak voice startled me. "Right up there!"
Craning my neck, I saw what she was talking about. Set in the middle of the hedge was a black wrought-iron gate, and the closer we got to it, the bigger it seemed to grow. It wasn't just methe gate was monstrous. It wasn't there to look pretty. It was there to scare the living daylights out of anyone who thought about opening it.
I slowed to a stop in front of it, trying to look between the bars, but all I could see were more trees. The land seemed to dip in the distance, but no matter how I craned my neck, I couldn't see what lay beyond it.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Her voice was airy, almost light, and for a moment, she sounded like her old self. I felt her hand slip into mine, and I squeezed hers as much as I dared. "It's the entrance to Eden Manor."
"It looks.. .big," I said, mustering up as much enthusiasm as I could. I wasn't very successful. "Have you ever been inside?"
It was an innocent question, but the look she gave me made me feel like the answer was so obvious that even though I'd never heard of this place, I should have known.
A moment later, she blinked, and the look was gone. "Not in a very long time," she said hollowly, and I bit my lip, regret-ting whatever it was I'd done to break the magic for her. "I'm sorry, Kate, I just wanted to see it. We should keep going."
She let go of my hand, and I was suddenly keenly aware of how cool the air was against my palm. As I pressed the ac¬celerator, I slipped my hand back into hers, not wanting to let go yet. She said nothing, and when I glanced at her, she was resting her head against the glass once more.
Half a mile down the road, it happened. One moment the road was clear, and the next a cow was in the road not fifteen feet in front of us, blocking the way.
I slammed on the brakes and twisted the wheel. The car spun a full circle, throwing my body sideways. My head hit the window as I fought for control of the car, but it was useless. I might as well have been trying to get it to fly for all the good I was doing.
We skidded to a stop, miraculously missing the tree line. My pulse raced, and I took great gulps of air, trying to calm myself down. "Mom?" I said frantically.
Beside me, she shook her head. "I'm fine. What hap¬pened?"
"There's a" I stopped, focusing on the road again. The cow was gone.
Confused, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw a figure standing in the middle of the road, a dark-haired boy around my age wearing a black coat that fluttered in the breeze. I frowned, twisting around to try to get a proper look out the back window, but he was gone.
Had I imagined it then? I winced and rubbed my sore head. Hadn't imagined that part.
"Nothing," I said shakily. "I've just been driving too long, that's all. I'm sorry."
As I cautiously urged the car forward, I looked in the rearview mirror one last time. Hedge and empty road. I gripped the wheel tightly with one hand and reached out to take hers again with my other, futilely trying to forget the image of the boy now burned into my brain.
The ceiling in my bedroom leaked. The real estate agent who'd sold us the house, sight unseen, had sworn up and down there was nothing wrong with it, but apparently the jerk had been lying.
All I did after we arrived was unpack the essentials we'd need for the night, including a pot to catch the dripping water. We hadn't brought much, just whatever could fit into the car, and I'd already had a set of secondhand furniture delivered to the house.
That night, my nightmares were relentless and full of cows with red eyes, rivers of blood, and water that rose around me until I woke up gasping. I pushed the blanket off me and wiped my clammy forehead, afraid I'd woken my mother, but she was still asleep.
Even though I didn't sleep well, I couldn't take the next day off. It was my first day at Eden High, which was a brick build¬ing that looked more like a large barn than a school. There were hardly enough students to bother building one in the first place, let alone keep it running. Enrolling had been my mother's idea; after I'd missed my senior year to take care of her, she was determined to make sure I graduated.
I drove my car into the parking lot two minutes after the first bell rang. Mom had gotten sick that morning, and I didn't trust the nurse, a round, matronly woman named Sofia, to take care of her properly. Not that there was anything particularly menacing about her, but I'd spent most of the past four years caring for my mother, and as far as I was concerned, no one else could do it right. I'd nearly skipped to stay home with her, but my mother had insisted I go. As difficult as the day had been so far, I was certain it was about to get worse.
At least I wasn't alone in the walk of shame through the parking lot. Halfway to the building, I noticed a boy follow¬ing me. He couldn't have been old enough to drive, and his white-blond hair stuck out almost as much as his overgrown ears did. Judging from his cheery expression, he couldn't have cared less that he was late.
He dashed forward to reach the front door before I did, and much to my surprise, he held it open for me. I couldn't think of a single guy at my old school who would've done that.
"After you, mademoiselle"
Mademoiselle? I stared at the ground to avoid giving him an odd look. No use in being rude the first day.
"Thanks," I mumbled, stepping inside and walking faster. He was taller than me though, and he caught up in no time. Much to my horror, instead of passing me, he slowed so we were walking together.
"Do I know you?"
Oh, God. Did he expect me to answer? Luckily, he didn't seem to, as he didn't give me a chance to respond. "I don't know you." Brilliant observation, Einstein. "I should know you."
Right outside the office, he swung around, placing himself between me and the entrance. Sticking out a hand, he looked at me expectantly.
"I'm James," he said, and I finally got a good look at his face. Still boyish, but maybe he was older than I thought. His features were hardened, more mature than I'd expected. "James MacDuffy. Laugh, and I'll be forced to hate you."
Seeing no other choice, I forced a small smile and took his hand. "Kate Winters."
He stared at me for longer than was strictly necessary, a goofy grin on his face. As the seconds ticked by, I stood there, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other, and finally I cleared my throat.
"Ercould you maybe ?"
"What? Oh." James dropped my hand and opened the door, once again holding it open for me. "After you, Kate
I stepped inside, drawing my messenger bag closer. Inside
the office was a woman dressed head to toe in blue, with sleek auburn hair I'd have given my right foot to have. "Hi, I'm"
"Kate Winters," interrupted James, falling into place next to me. "I don't know her."
The receptionist managed to simultaneously sigh and laugh. "What is it this time, James?"
"Flat tire." He grinned. "Changed it myself."
She scribbled on a pink pad of paper, then tore off the sheet and handed it to him. "You walk."
"Do I?" His grin widened. "Y'know, Irene, if you keep doubting me like this, I'm going to start thinking you don't like me anymore. Same time tomorrow?"
She chuckled, and finally James disappeared. I refused to watch him go, instead staring down at an announcement taped to the counter. Apparently Picture Day was in three weeks.
"Katherine Winters," said the womanIreneonce the office door closed. "We've been expecting you."
She busied herself looking through a file, and I stood there awkwardly, wishing there was something to say. I wasn't much of a talker, but I could at least carry on a conversation. Some¬times. "You have a pretty name."
She raised her perfectly plucked eyebrows. "Do I? I'm glad you think so. I rather like it myself. Ah, here we go." She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me. "Your schedule, as well as a map of the school. Shouldn't be too hard to findthe hallways are color-coded, and if you get lost, just ask. We're all nice enough around here."
I nodded, taking note of my first class. Calculus. Joy.
"Anytime, dear."
I turned to leave, but as my hand touched the doorknob, she cleared her throat.
"Miss Winters? I justI wanted to say I'm sorry. About your mother, I mean. I knew her a very long time ago, andwell. I'm very sorry."
I closed my eyes. Everyone knew. I didn't know how, but they knew. My mother said her family had lived in Eden for generations, and I'd been stupid to think that I could get away with coming here unnoticed.
Blinking back tears, I turned the knob and hurried out of the office, keeping my head down in hopes that James wouldn't try to talk to me again.
Just as I turned the corner, I ran directly into what felt like a wall. I stumbled to the ground, the contents of my bag spilling out everywhere. My cheeks burned, and I tried to collect my things as I mumbled an apology.
"Are you okay?"
I looked up. The human wall stared down at me, and I found myself face-to-face with a varsity football jacket. Apparently James and I weren't the only ones running late that morning.
"I'm Dylan." He knelt next to me, offering me a hand. I only took it long enough to sit up.
"Kate," I said. He handed me my notebooks, and I snatched them from him, shoving them back into my bag. Two textbooks and five folders later, I stood and brushed off my jeans. That was when I noticed that he was cute. Not just in Eden, but cute by New York standards, too. Even so, there was something about the way he looked at me that made me want to pull away.
Before I could do just that, a pretty blonde girl attached herself to his side and gave me a once-over. She might've been smiling, but with the way she was leaning against him and
clutching his arm, she might as well have peed on him. He was clearly marked territory.
"Who's your friend, Dylan?" she said, tightening her grip.
Dylan looked at her blankly, and it took him a moment before he wrapped his arm around her. "Uh, Kate. She's new."
Her fake smile grew, and she stuck out her hand. "Kate! I'm Ava. I've heard so much about you. My father, he's a real estate agent, told me all about you and your mom."
At least now I had someone to blame for the leak in my room. "Hi, Ava," I said, biting the bullet and taking her hand. "It's nice to meet you."
Everything about the way she looked at me screamed she wanted nothing more than to take me out into the woods and bury me alive. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too."
"What's your first class?" said Dylan, craning his neck to look at my schedule. "Calculus. Iwe can show you where that is, if you'd like."
I opened my mouth to object, figuring there was no reason to tempt fate more than I already was by continuing the con¬versation now that Ava was here, but before I could say a word, he took me by the elbow and paraded me down the hall. I looked at Ava, about to apologize for hijacking her boyfriend, but when I saw the flush of red on her cheeks and the clench of her delicate jaw, the words died on the tip of my tongue.
Maybe my mother would outlive me after all.
Meet the Author
Aimée Carter was born in 1986 and raised in Michigan, where she currently resides. She started writing fan fiction at eleven, began her first original story four years later, and hasn't stopped writing since. Besides writing and reading, she enjoys seeing movies, playing with her puppies, and wrestling with the puzzles in the paper each morning.
Customer Reviews
Average Review:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
I guess I should put a disclaimer on reviews of books that deal with Greek Mythology, so here it is: I am a lover of all things in Greek Mythology, so usually I'm incredibly giddy before I even open books that deal with the subject matter.
Having said that, I can tell you that this book did not disappoint me in the least. The more I read, the more it won me over. Besides the mythology, I can tell you what impressed me so much about this book: no insta-love! Oftentimes in YA books, the main character falls instantly in love with the object of her affection at the very beginning and then the rest of the book is swooning and talking about how perfect he is in every way for the other 250+ pages. This isn't the case with The Goddess Test. Instead, we get to see a relationship from what starts as an extreme dislike, then morphs from empathy to friendship and eventually, love. It's a realistic process, slow to start and blossoming into something incredible, something we can all relate to with love.
All of the characters seemed to pass the test (pun not necessarily intended). There was something that first irked me about Kate, but her actions and personality really won me over through the book. The rocky start to her friendship with Ava added even more layers to their relationship, again making it completely believable and all the more true to a real friendship. I think I said enough about Kate's relationship with Henry and the lack of insta-love, which in turn made me love them more. Henry's character was a more humble character, though I must say that I expected him to be a little more dark and fierce considering who he truly was. Same with James, whose character was also a little predictable but it didn't make me like him any less. Dylan's character seemed a little left-field and I was confused by his presence. I understood closer to the end, yet the whole opening scenes with him felt a little more like a page-filler than anything that was truly necessary to the story.
Despite some minor character issues, I can't say anything bad about this book - which means that those issues are so minor that they can be completely ignored. The story was amazing, the characters and intertwining of mythology equally so. I predicted some of the ending, but it ended up taking on more of a twist than I had initially expected. It was a pleasant surprise. It was also a fairly quick read, so there was no room for a lot unnecessary details. I enjoyed this book immensely and cannot wait for the next in the series to come out.
Ok so I read the reviews for this book before I decided to purchase it and I must say that I couldn't put the book down! I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were so easy to love that I just kept rooting for them to succeed in the test and past. Henry (Hades) is such a refreshing take on a character that is considered so negatively in Greek Mythology. Kate is also someone that if you're thinking in the beginning "Wow what a weak girl" that opinion will change as we see her grow and make decision that help her learn just how strong she really is. I recommend this book.
Okay, so I'm going to be a tad on the harsh side here. I know this was written for a younger audience, and therefore on that level, this book might be great. But, that's not an excuse for me. First off, I love everything that has to do with Greek mythology and when you add in romance, I couldn't wait to read this book. The writing is simple, straight forward, but lacks depth and doesn't tie things in well. When the main character tells her friends about her unusual offer and the situation, her friends just blindly accept her statements and believe in the supernatural all of a sudden. Isn't that quite suspicious, not right, or predictable? James is an interesting character but is not developed as much as I would like, more of him would be nice, maybe the author is holding out for that in the next book. The main god is quite weak for being a god; he's supposed to be caring and considerate, but he came off as too vanilla for me. I can see what the author intended to do, but it isn't developed or written well enough. It was a nice quick read with so much going for it, but I was a little disappointed by the end.
The book was a quick read for two reasons; the first is Aimee Carter's easy writing style. I like the way she writes and I felt transported into the world she created. The whole book had a dreamy feel to it. The second reason is because I kept hoping something exciting would happen on the next page, but it didn't. Everything moved along at a very even pace.
The point of the book is that the main character will experience a series of tests and I was looking forward to seeing how these tests would play out. As in all good tests of this nature, the main character never knows when she is being tested and what she is being tested on. The only problem in this case is neither does the reader, until the very end, and at that point the book is almost over and you fell like you are playing catch-up, and I think things were taken beyond "subtle" and into "barely there".
I love retellings of the classics and I adore Greek mythology so I was a sucker for this book. I was desperate to see how the author would incorporate Greek mythology, but I feel that is what this book lacked, the essence of Greek mythology. Yes, there is one or two reference to it that is all.
A bunch of the major gods and goddesses go "undercover" for the majority of the story. I liked this idea, but it is again done so subtly that there is very little connection between the characters and their mythological counterparts. I even peeked at the back to see which characters were supposed to represent each god, and I still had a hard time seeing the connections. I also don't really think the characters' personalities matched the personalities of the Greek gods and goddesses very well. Some did, sort of, but very loosely.
Aside from the tests and the myth references, I wanted to read this book because of Hades. I love the bad boy, and for that can you get any better than Hades, god of the underworld? I think not. And yet, this Hades didn't even have a shred of bad boy in him. However our Hades here is a very sensitive character who has been hurt by the lose of Persephone, which I think could be more appealing considering this book is aimed at teen readers, but giving him some badness couldn't have hurt either.
This is the first book in a projected trilogy, but it ends pretty well on its own. I think this would have been much better as a standalone book than trying to stretch it into a trilogy, however I will probably read the rest of the books, just to see where the author take this story.
First, the bad: The writing style was simplistic, which isn't necessarily bad. Personally, I didn't like how the story would skip ahead weeks at a time, but I am also understanding of the necessity of these time skips. My biggest issue with this novel was the reactions of the characters, specifically Kate. Your "friend" dies and gets resurrected, your mother is on her death bed. And when the whole world goes to hell in a hand basket because you have suspicions that your dark, brooding stalker is the lord of the underworld himself, your reaction? Ignore it. There was never a particularly strong negative reaction that a normal person would have to this type of news. Instead of being, "You're freaking crazy, you loon!" her friends don't seem at all puzzled and are even accepting of the fact that it's a genuine possibility that this guy be Hades himself. There was also a lot of melodrama in this book. A lot of 'woe is me' and 'my life is so hard.'
The Good: It's a fresh spin on Greek mythology, and despite its shortcomings it does pull a nice plot together even if the characters are painfully frustrating. Kate is a weak female character, but she has conviction and spunk, and the supporting characters are only ever in the background at arms length.
All in all, I would recommend the book to someone who enjoys Greek mythology, but probably no one else.
I really enjoyed this book. Aimee Carter's style of writing is relaxed yet descriptive enough to create a sort of dreamy and dark atmosphere. I was really hooked by the premise - it's a Greek myth turns reality sort of deal with a bit of a twist. Kate is the modern day Persephone, and Henry is Hades. The catch, however, is that there are no sinister machinations going on that Kate isn't aware of. There's no kidnapping; no imprisonment. In fact, she walks into the deal knowing fully well what's expected of her. And that, my friends, is what made The Goddess Test refreshing to me. YA novels with brooding heroes and heroines tend to be filled with angsty teens teetering back and forth between emotional dilemmas. Kate has her fair share of decisions to make, but what sets her apart is her willingness to accept what's handed to her. There's very little resentment. She's a breath of fresh air in a world of angsty Bella Swan-like young women. You can check out the rest of my review at my website: raunchdilettante dot com.
This book has a different twist to it. I think now that i llike the charchter Hades/ Henry more. This book was tearful to me and i never cried so much in one book before. I love kates charchter a lot. Btw this book deserves a 6 star
I recently read Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini and fell in love with the Greek mythology branch of fantasy fiction all over again. When I heard some rave reviews about The Goddess Test I knew I had to check it out, I am so happy that I did! It was awesome! So awesome I nearly read myself blind trying to read in the dark! I loved The Goddess Test. So much so that even though I got an ebook copy from Harlquin via Netgalley to review I still went out and purchased a paperback.
The hopeless romantic in me was thoroughly satisfied. I would describe this book as a cross between two very different love stories: Hades and Persephone and Beauty and the Beast (although our hero is NO beast!). It has elements from many great books and it's own original story intwined but it definitely reminded me a lot of those two. Alongside the romance is also a very intriguing story that is fast paced and flowed well, I am hooked and cannot wait until the next book.
Kate is a remarkable young character. She takes care of her sick mother and when other teens would resent the task, she doesn't seem to. She's incredibly loyal and does what she has to. I love her attitude and the way she goes after what she wants and what she thinks is right. If her life was a dance she would always be in the lead, she is most definitely a fighter.
Henry on the other hand has pretty much given up on his search of a queen, ultimately giving up his life. When Kate walks into his world he's afraid of getting too close but she seems to intrigue him just enough that he starts to open up. He's so fragile and broken it made me incredibly sad, but to understand him is to understand all of him and Kate does that. He's still a very strong character, even with his broken heart, and is easy to like.
This book has so much to discover within it's pages, it is a puzzle only to be solved at the very end. I loved it, I think I said that but it's worth repeating!
As I'm afraid saying too much will ruin the fun I end on this: I recommend buying a copy (maybe 2, one for your best friend, so that they're not borrowing your copy!) because you'll want to read and reread this one!
211 pages on my nook. I loved every bit of this book. When i wasnt reading i was itching to get back to the characters i had grown too attached to. While reading i kept thinking i couldnt wait to finish so i could re-read it again! Its been awile since ive been so intensley in love with a book. Alomst cant wait to see if there will be a sequel, but at the same time it left of so lovely i just want to remember it as it is. I will most def be looking for more from this authur. Great work.
The Goddess Test is one of the best deubt books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Aimee Carter has created a story world which pulled me stright in and held me the whole book.
The characters are all well rounded an...more4.5 STARS
The Goddess Test is one of the best deubt books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Aimee Carter has created a story world which pulled me stright in and held me the whole book.
The characters are all well rounded and likeable. Kate was an amazing character to read about and to see how she coped with her new life and the test she went though. James is really likeable and funny at times.Henry was on and off for the first half of the book for me but by the next half i think i loved him nearly as much as kate.
What I loved most about The Goddess Test was how at the end i didnt see the twist and turns coming at all. Also how the book was about the gods and myths. Favourite quote "I rule the dead.I am not one of them"
The plot for this book is amazing and such a nice change from angels,vampires and werewolves.The Goddess Test is a breath of fresh air in YA books if your loking for some thing different the goddess test is a MUST read for you. I can't wait to see what happens in the 2nd book.(
Wanna chat
I bought this because the author of Twilight reocommended it. I thought it was good. kind of a surprise ending. will read the second if it ever comes out.
Fantastic book and good story. The plot was awesome but it is not very action packed and it made me cry. Plus im a trooper and i have never cryed in freaken book! Kate is the main character she is very depressing so be warned you might want to through your nook or book out the window. Please this might sound like stupid advice but trust me you will see what i mean. Henry is sensitive, guarded, and a little.... umm he is a messed up person! Somehow i end up falling for him!? James is nice, funny, and a little overprotective.Ava is your friend who is girly, gets all the boys, also gives the worst advice. I am only giving this four stars because it depressing but i guess it should be because her mom is dying of cancer.
Brilliant book. Cannot wait for the next one to come out next April!
this book was amazimg. i connected with the main chacter, kate. i loved how the author presented henry. i hope you enjoy this book as much as i did. can' t wait for the 4th one!
Beautiful loved this!
When I got this book, I only got it because the sample was interesting and I needed something to read. Once I started the book time just seemed to not matter and once I finally looked at the clock suddenly it was 2am. This book I high recommend if your looking for a book to capture you. Aimee Carter did an amazing job writing this as though your in the book with Kate, feeling everything she is going through and you have to make the decision between others life and death. The thing I loved most wsa how refreshing this book is compared to others, I read a lot so finding a book that makes me super surpized doesnt happen lately as it once did. Not to give anything away but the end TOTALLY had me on the edge of my seat in awe and saying "WHAT??!!" repeatedly :). Cannot wait for April 2012 to get the next book!!
To describe this book I would use the words, cool, unique and intriguing. Basically, a teenage girls' mother is dying, she moves to Northern Michigan to live out her last weeks. Girl starts new school and is immediately sucked into a deal with Hades. She really does not have a clue what is going on and has to wing it. Everything is happening behind the scenes in this one and it's very cool when all is revealed at the end. I am thrilled the author is writing a sequel.
I was excited for this book. Greek Mythology is one of my favorite things and I'm always interesting in reading books that contain it. I was curious how this could be modernized to fit with our times. Sadly, I was a little disappointed in how it all played out.
I liked Kate for the most part. She's spent the last 4 years caring for her mother, forgoing her teenage years in favor of these last moments with her. When the end was closer, her mother's last wish is to move back to her hometown. Kate goes along willingly. She goes through the motions of going to school, etc for her mom. She knows she's not sticking around after her death, so she's doesn't go to much trouble trying to make friends. Problem is she attracts the wrath of the most popular girl in school. After a horrible accident, Kate meets Henry. Henry has so odd powers, and he makes a deal with Kate. She agrees not realizing the consequences.
After realizing her mistake, she decides to take make another deal with Henry. Keep her mother alive, and she will stay with him for 6 months of the year. It isn't until the deal is accepted that she is told she will have to take 7 tests. The 7 tests will be graded by the council, and if she passes she will become immortal and Queen of the Underworld. As it turns out, Henry is really Hades. And his estate is the gateway to the underworld. I was ok with the story up to here. My only issue was Kate making such a huge deal for little in return. Her mother isn't going to get better. All Henry is able to do is prolong her death until Kate is able to say goodbye (but it's not indefinitely). And since she's not allowed to leave, she only sees her in her dreams.
My problem started when we started to get to know Henry. Hades is often portrayed as the bad guy. He's always been unhappy with his lot in life. He's a little vengeful. Here, he is the guy who has had his heartbroken and after a millennium still hasn't gotten over it. He seems to be so cut off from reality, that he doesn't care if Kate passes her tests or not. He fully expects her to die before she can (the past participates in the goddess test have all dies before completion). I didn't feel any chemistry between Henry and Kate. If he hasn't gotten over Persephone by now, I don't think Kate is going to be the key.
I was disappointed by the rest of the Gods as well. Even if modern society doesn't believe in them, they should be powerful and magnificent. They should not be ordinary people playing human. In the end, everything felt contrived. I don't think anything Kate was tested on really mattered, and they certainly didn't fit in with what I know of Greek Mythology. We will see if I read the next one ...
I was at Barnes and Noble, scanning the shelf for something i hadn't already read when i spotted this novel. The cover is what got me interested, i loved the white dress against the green. So i picked it up and read the back. I've been a sucker for anything involving Greek Mythology since finishing the Percy Jackson series so i decided to give this one a chance and, wow, i was not disappointed in the least. The Goddess Test is an amazing novel, essentially based on Greek Mythology with an interesting modern twist. Kate is a strong character, someone i felt for in the hard times and the bad. The other characters, such as Henry and her mother, i also found were enjoyable and well thought out. The story line was unique and i could feel my anticipation and frusturation bubbling up as i got closer and closer to the end, and, when i finally got there, i was not disappointed. For a fiction/fantasy novel, it was very believable. I could picture myself in Kate's position, worried and confused and trying to do what was right to save her friends and family. The only thing i could complain about in this novel is how fast some of the minor characters were introduced. I felt myself reeling and trying to remember everyone at once. At the end of the book, i still couldn't connect some of the names she was listing to people and that frusturated me. It seems like Aimee might've just thrown those characters in the story without really thinking it through, just putting them into the plot line for the simple fact that there were spaces that needed to be filled.
Either way, i felt this story was amazing, definentily one i enjoyed and will read over again. I'm now axiously awaiting the second of Kate and Henry's stories.
OMG, I started this just last night and finished by lunch today. Awesome, simply awesome fantasy romance. I so loved the mythology sprinkled throughout the story and the mystery suspense kept me flipping the pages to see what happened next. The final mystery, I did figure out before the author told me but the rest, wow, not a clue. She kept me guessing right up till the final pages.
I really loved the main character Kate. In the beginning, I felt a bit sorry for her as she had basically given up her teenage years to care for her mother who was dying of cancer. Despite spending her whole life in NYC, she agrees to move to a small town, Eden, because her mom wants to die in the town she was born in. She starts her senior year at a new school amongst kids that she has nothing in common with just to make her mom happy. She is way more mature than most 18 year olds are but her unselfishness was a lot of what made me enjoy this book. I heartily get tired of the typical whiny teen depicted in a lot of the YA fiction.
Kate basically agrees to sacrifice her happiness and freedom so that others may live. She must pass 7 tests to show the council that she is worthy of taking her place beside Henry and ruling the Underworld. While Kate is determined to learn as much about Henry's world, she must be vigilant as the last dozen girls before her died only months into their time in Henry's world.
This is by far the best of the YA books I've read this year and I imagine that even 8 more months down the road, it will come out on top. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, "Goddess Interrupted" and up to now have only occasionally read fantasy. The romance, mystery, and suspense has upped my enjoyment to the level that I won't hesitate to pick up the next fantasy I come upon.
In a world full of young-adult fiction, The Goddess Test is a debut that stands out amongst the rest. Aimée Carter weaves together Greek mythology and our modern world into a beautiful, fairytale-like must-read. I gulfed down its 304 pages before I realized I'll have to wait quite a bit to journey into Kate Winters's world once again.
When we first meet Kate Winters, she's driving her dying mother to the small town of Eden - its so small, it isn't even on the map. Her mother's days are counted, and Kate would do anything to keep her in this world.
So when she meets Henry, who brings back the life of a girl who plays a prank on Kate, she gets a surge of hope. Maybe her mother can live after all. But Henry needs a favor in return - a big one.
And now, Kate's pretty sure her mother will outlive her.
She has to pass seven tests, and at the same time, be wary of someone set to murder her, the same way that person had murdered the eleven girls before hee. While I guessed the murderer before Kate did, I still enjoyed the suspense building up to the reveal.
The Goddess Test is Beauty and the Beast meets Greek Mythology, plus a murderer and seven tests. I loved the story, the characters, and Kate's realistic attitude - I know I'll be visiting Kate Winters again soon.
Kate and her mother have moved to Eden, Michigan from New York. Her mother is dying of cancer and has asked that they return to her home town so she can die there. Kate knows her mother doesn't have much time left, and the day she gets called out of class and is told that her mother has fallen into a coma, her whole world comes crashing down.
Lucky for Kate, Henry, the mysterious man she met a few days earlier by the river, is actually the Greek God, Hades. He offers to keep Kate's mother alive for a few more months if Kate will become his bride. Here's the catch: Kate has to agree to live with him for six months, and in that amount of time she has to pass seven tests. If she passes them she will be granted the gift of immortality. Problem is, every girl before her who has attempted these tests has failed and ended up dead.
I REALLY wanted to love this book. The premise sounded very interesting and I thought it would be something I would really, really like, but in all honesty, it was just all right. It was a quick read (I read it in a day) and it was enjoyable; it just didn't have the punch that I wanted it to have.
I felt the characters were well-defined and I was especially touched by the relationship between Kate and her mother. I think my biggest problem was that the Gods seemed too nice - too housebroken. I wanted to fear them - especially Henry. Hades is the God of the Underworld. He can be smoking hot, but make him a little dangerous. Also, the tests seemed a little too dull. I didn't really feel like I was reading about someone being tested to be a Goddess.
The deal breaker for me was the last chapter. I felt the big "reveal" fell flat. It was a little too contrived. I know this is the first in a new series, and I will probably read the second book when it comes out, just to give the series another chance. All in all, it was just okay for me.
Couldn't put it down finished the whole series in 2 days!!


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Car Bomb Explodes in Egypt's Sinai
A car bomb exploded in Egypt's Sinai peninsula on Wednesday, killing at least six people and wounding 20. A suicide bomber drove a car at a high speed into the government's intelligence headquarters in the town of Rafah, and witnesses told the BBC that a body had been found inside the car. The building is considered the most important intelligence office in North Sinai. A second blast hit an army checkpoint shortly afterward, but it was unclear if there were any injuries. The bombing comes just days after the Egyptian Army launched a major offensive in Rafah and nearby Sheikh Zuweyid, killing at least nine Islamic militants.

subset: commoncrawl


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Shocking Before and After Photos of Celebrity Plastic Surgery
I think I'm turning Japanese. I really think so!
Everyone has something they don't like about themselves: boobs, nose, stomach, ears, etc. We all say if we had the money we would change it. But is that really necessary? We were all made a certain way for a certain reason.
These lovely ladies were super hot before their surgeries … not that they're not anymore (sort of). Although some had issues after their surgeries, others look totally surprised and well, in my opinion they didn't really need the surgeries to begin with. Lets begin!
#5: Nikki Cox
Nikki Cox is known from the television series 'Unhappily Ever After'. Pretty good show from the 90s. She also had a cameo in the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Beautiful red head. Unfortunately, she went under the knife and now seems as if she has a permanent smile and a bit too surprised.
#4: Jenna Jameson
Who ever does not know who Jenna Jameson is need to get themselves to a sexy store asap! Before I even knew who she was, I bought her book 'How To Make Love Like A Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale' and couldn't put it down. She had a rough life and it continued. On November 2004 she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Shortly after being diagnosed, she had a miscarriage. Now she is a happy mother of twin boys born March 2009. She as well, has gone under the knife on several occasions and looks pretty surprised as well.
#3: Tara Reid
The sweet and innocent American Pie star Tara Reid. Had a cute body, slim and boob-less. In an interview on October 2006 she stated that she was liposculpting done and the surgery went wrong. She said that the reason for her surgery was because her breasts were uneven and she wanted a six-pack for a movie role (um, I'm no expert, but as a personal trainer, I can find a better and healthier way to do that than by surgery ….working out!!)
#2: Rose McGowan
The sexy and flirtatious Rose McGowan who had a very public relationship with rocker Marilyn Manson (who will be here with Alice Cooper June 8th!!) for about 3 1/2 years has gone under the knife recently as well. Honestly, she looked great before!
#1: Heidi Montag
The Hills star Heidi Montag known for her marriage to Spencer Pratt and having done 10 cosmetic surgery procedures in 1 day. Now she looks like a totally different person. It was even said when her mother saw her she busted out crying because she didn't recognize her own daughter. Her breast augmentation was so drastic she couldn't even run because of the pain … I could've told you that! She looks super hot now, but she looked great before too.
Its crazy the things people will do to "better" themselves. They were super hot babes before … now they just look a little over done. :/


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Alcohol Education, Sheriff, and Health Card
Are you prepared to work in Las Vegas? Before you can work in Nevada in the hotel, gaming, food and beverage industry, you must obtain three cards:
- 1. Sheriff's Card (Work Card/Work Permit)— Sheriff's Cards are required for all positions in a gaming establishment and many other work places. The purpose of the Work Card or Permit is to document, investigate and license all employees of the gaming and liquor industry. Click here for more information about Sheriff's Cards
- 2. Health Card—Health Cards are required for people who work in specific industries within Nevada, including food/beverage handlers. Contact the Southern Nevada Health District for instructions on obtaining your Health Card.
- 3. TAM® Card (Drink Card/Alcohol Education Card)—Anyone who works at an establishment as a server, seller or security guard must receive alcohol awareness training and obtain a TAM® Card.
TAM® of Nevada offers a complete, effective and in-depth view of all aspects of beverage alcohol sales and service. This course addresses issues appropriate for anyone working in an establishment that sells or serves beverage alcohol. This includes bartenders, servers, security guards, and managers/supervisors working in casinos, clubs, restaurants, bars, and taverns, as well as for cashiers, clerks, stockers, and managers working in grocery and convenience stores.
TAM® of Nevada has been a trusted service provider for alcohol education nationally and in the greater Vegas community for over 25 years. Our fun and entertaining alcohol training programs are available online or in our new facility. This training is important to your livelihood and carrying a TAM Card® shows that you received the best alcohol awareness education. Enroll for your TAM® training today!


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PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A rare violin worth $172,000 that was mistakenly left onboard a Boston-to-Philadelphia bus by a groggy music student from Taiwan has been found and returned to its grateful owner.
Megabus USA director Bryony Chamberlain said Friday a cleaning crew recovered the instrument, which had been left in an overhead bin earlier this week. The New England Conservatory student got on a Megabus in Boston with the 176-year-old violin but got off without it late Tuesday, police said.
"It could have been quite a tragedy on Christmas, but in the end we were able to trace down the violin and put it back as soon as we could," Chamberlain said.
The 19-year-old student, Muchen Hsieh, told investigators she left the instrument in an overhead bin and only realized she had forgotten it after she had been picked up. The violin was lent to her by the Chi Mei Culture Foundation in her native Taiwan while she studies in the U.S.
Hsieh said she initially called the bus company to see if the instrument had been found, but she was told it wasn't on board. Megabus offers low-cost express bus service to more than 70 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
She also reported the loss to police, who later called the bus' cleaning company and eventually the rare instrument was returned. Hsieh was so happy she hugged detectives and played her violin during a police news conference Friday afternoon.
Lt. John Walker said people always hope for Christmas miracles around this time of year.
"In this case," he told The Philadelphia Inquirer, "we got one."


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Eddie Bauer Classic Down Vest - Girls'
Retailers' Descriptions
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previously retailed for:
The Eddie Bauer Girls' Classic Down Vest is not available from the stores we monitor. It was last seen May 28, 2013 at Eddie Bauer.
If you're looking for a new down insulated vest, check out the best reviewed current models.


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GONZO is one of the worst anime studios in existence and Afro Samurai is yet another example of that. It even ruins the minds of the people it employs; just look what happened to poor Kizaki Fuminori. His first work was the rather good Basilisk. Instead of improving, GONZO turned his brain to mash potatoes and afterwards he directed this lame Afro Samurai anime, while later on the complete flop X-Men anime. DAMN YOU GONZO! But enough with that; let's now talk about the anime and how horrible it is even if we don't know it was GONZO who made it.
[Where have I heard that one before?]
A black samurai (!) wants to revenge his father's killer, the holder of the No.1 headband. Because he is wearing the No.2 headband, he is targeted by all those who want to make a name for themselves… That's it.
For starters, an action-based series with revenge being the only excuse for the plot is not original nor it is smart. The series doesn't try to go any further than that, leaving all characters with a depth in personality that even toadpoles would find hard to live in.
[All show and no meaning]
- Afro is another cool heavy-dude, ultra-powerful no matter what his opponent may be. He talks too little and doesn't care about anyone else other than himself. He never tries to reason with someone and simply solves all his problems with brainless violence. He doesn't care about anything else, other than revenge, making him distant and hard to believe that someone can actually spend his life like that (is this even called life?).
- There is a sexy woman in the story, supposed to soften his heart. She is there to show him that happiness doesn't evolve killing a dozen people every day. But all her presence is wasted on that brainless Afro and in reality she's just there for fan service.
- There is this funny imaginary guy that follows Afro everywhere. In a way, he is Afro's inner voice of reason, and is supposed to question his motives of revenge. Again, his words are also wasted on "I don't care what you say" Afro and becomes just the comic relief in the story.
- The bad guys are typical insane megalomaniacs that engage with an obviously superior opponent but are too stupid to realize that they can't win. The only thing they care about is wasting their lives on becoming the No.2 in the world. Why? So murderers like themselves will target them for the rest of their lives. What the hell are they thinking? They can be much better by being just Afro's famous lap dogs.
What is there to praise about the characters? The cool way they fight? That's not personality, nor character development. Personally, I have left behind any respect I had about muscular/shallow heavy-dudes. No matter how awesome they fight, if they don't have a descent backdrop story or personality, they are like the drone characters of every MMORPG: Cool to look at but without a hint of reasoning behind anything they do (pressing a button is hardly called a reasoning).
But you know what? I bet the GONZO retards thought that all it mattered was to have some famous dude giving his voice to one of the characters. And thus we have Samuel Jackson voicing the main hero. There you go, half the people ran to watch this just to hear his cool voice. And that is as far as good personalities went.
[Brainlessly good]
The artwork is weird. Rough edges and as black palette colors as the samurai's race. It was hard to get used to it but then again I prefer this sort of drawings to those so-cute-that-you-want-to-puke Air or Kanon artwork. So, I won't say they are bad but rather they are "alternative". More reminiscent of dark-themed American graphic novels than anime; it's up to your personal tastes if you like them or not.
Action scenes are the whole focus. Animation and sound effects are greatly detailed and flashy but also hardly realistic. Again, it's your tastes that will decide if you find them to be cool (it's high-octane action!) or fake (it's a brainless slug-fest). If realism is set aside, you get to see some of the best fighting a series can offer.
Villains with cool gadgets and an insane look will engage the grimace-less Afro in faster-than-sound speeds. The speed of the battles is extremely high and has no intervals(like in typical shounen).
There is apparently a lot of air in the world of the series, as a breeze seems to run through everything and makes headbands, coats and hats to flap endlessly. This gives a non-stop movement to even stale images. You could even say that the breeze is in fact the strength of the characters' resolve and lust for power! … Or just hot air coming out of those airheads… Whatever it is, it makes everyone a lot cooler and imposing.
The "air effect" also causes a lot of dust. As an optical trick, every action lifts considerable amounts of dust, giving the feeling that the characters are not fighting in a stale image, called the background. It also helps to hide the outcome of every attack … and the mistakes in the animation of the action's reaction. It makes the battles much more interesting but also more confusing as many moves are hidden and leave you to imagine what happened.
Swords versus rocket launchers and laser guns may sound ridiculous to compare but then again Hollywood is famous just for being extravagant. And this series sure tries to follow Hollywood's footsteps.
Music themes are African American-oriented and appeal mostly to people that are accustomed to them (the rest of us are used to hearing J-pop). Personal tastes decide yet again. But they sure do fit with a story that has a black man as a protagonist. Being a combination of rap and techno, there is a lot of strength (and beat!) present to the point of reminding you all those AMVs some make with action clips from anime while awesome music themes play in the background. I still think that Rock and its variations is the best kind of music for battle themes. African American music is about fighting the system and describing the cruel society of the Ghettos black people were left to live; a theme not present in the series. So, it's not that fitting with the action and becomes another thing that only those accustomed with it will appreciate.
But to heck with whatever I said about the music so far; most people will only care about the hero being voiced by Samuel f-ing Jackson himself. And he is cursing, and killing, and doing stuff. And that's pretty much all there is to it.
Ever heard of another black samurai? How many series with so well made action scenes are there? These are the good parts that stand out. How many myriad series/movies with heavy-dudes bound on revenge have you seen? This is the bad part that ruins most of the replay value. Meh, besides the quality action scenes, you get a hollow cast and a pitiful story. In other words, a typical GONZO show.
P.S. This series reminded me of the song Dust In The Wind, performed by Kansas. It is full of dust and air. And it dissolves with the slightest wind before other good Samurai series.
Samurai Seven
Samurai Champloo
Sword of the Stranger
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Gay and Lesbian D.C.
Washington has a lively GLBT community-- from bars and restaurants to welcoming churches to activity groups. Here are listed just a few of the many DC establishments that cater to the GLBT community. There are many more than are listed here. For more bars, restaurants, churches, culturel events, news, calendars and more, you can pick up one of the two major local GLBT newspapers, MetroWeekly or The Washington Blade. These are free in newspaper racks throughout the city, or you can visit them on the web:
The "T"
The Transgendered community has some visibility on DC's GLBT scene. DC Trans Coalition
A big city like DC can provide you with access GLBT-friendly establishments, people, and communities that you might not have access to in suburban or rural areas. DC's cosmopolitan atmosphere should be enjoyed, and couples should feel relatively safe strolling hand-in-hand. As with any urban area, caution and common sense should be excercised. Be aware of your surroundings, don't walk alone at night, and use your judgement when meeting new people.
Should you need to contact the police, DCPD has a unit specifically created to serve the GLBT community: Police Dept. Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit
Bars are labeled M for Mostly Men, W for Mostly Women, MW for both.


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The Heat scored four times in the game's 13 minutes en route to an eventual 7-1 win on Tuesday – one of an AHL-high three games the Checkers have lost by six or more goals this season. Philippe Cornet scored the lone goal for the Checkers, who fell to 1-2-0 on a four-game road trip that concludes with a rematch in Abbotsford on Wednesday.
Starting goalie John Muse stopped eight of 12 shots before giving way to Mike Murphy, who made 24 saves in his first appearance since he himself made an early exit from a 7-1 loss to the Texas Stars on Jan. 17. Charlotte had won eight of its last 10 games and three in a row against the Heat entering the game.
In terms of the Checkers' most lopsided losses of the season, this one equaled the aforementioned loss to Texas but fell short of an 8-1 defeat to the Hershey Bears on Nov. 14. Abbotsford's four goals in the first tied the most the Checkers have given up in a single game this season, a record initially set in each of the above losses.
The Heat, who extended their point streak to six games (4-0-2), began their onslaught just 4:29 into the game when Josh Jooris one-timed shot from the slot off the post and in behind Muse. The home team's excellent puck movement was again on display four minutes later, when Michal Jordan's high clearing attempt on the penalty kill was gloved down at the blue line by Chad Billins, who quickly set in motion a tic-tac-toe passing plat that resulted in a goal by Max Reinhardt.
On a short power play created when the Checkers negated their own man advantage by taking a penalty for the second time in as many opportunities, Blair Jones cashed in on a blast from the left circle to make it 3-0. A complete breakdown occurred on the next shift, with Carter Bancks left all alone in front to take a shot and score on his own rebound to make it 4-0 at the 12:59 mark and chase Muse from the game.
The result ended Muse's five-game win streak that came one short of tying his season high. He had won 12 of his last 14 games prior to Tuesday.
Murphy held the fort for the second period and most of the third until the Heat again turned things up with three goals in seven minutes. Markus Granlund scored the Heat's third power-play goal on eight opportunities to make it 5-0, with fellow rookie Corban Knight beating Murphy on a deflection two minutes later.
The Checkers' three power-play goals allowed tied a season high originally set in the 7-1 loss to Texas. Texas (27.6 percent) and Abbotsford (23.7 percent) are the AHL's top two teams on the power play.
Though Cornet briefly stopped the bleeding by ending Olivier Roy's shutout bid on the doorstep with 6:17 remaining, Ben Street and Blair Olson executed a beautiful two-on-one feed, exchanging the puck three times through defenseman Ryan Murphy with Street finally applying the finish.
Roy, who was playing just his fifth AHL game of the season and first with the Heat, finished with 25 saves.
Tuesday's game was the first of a stretch in which the Checkers and Heat, whose win allowed them to overtake Texas for the top spot in the West Division and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, will play all four games of their season series in less than two weeks. Following Wednesday's game, the Checkers return home to play two games against the Oklahoma City Barons on Friday and Sunday before meeting the Heat once again for games at Raleigh's PNC Arena on Feb. 14 and 16.


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PHOENIX (AP) — George Karl did not remember the last time a team he coached won a game in Phoenix. For good reason, it was 13 years ago.
Nene scored 22 points in 26 minutes and the Denver Nuggets won in Phoenix for the first time in 13 tries with a 116-97 rout of the mistake-prone, cold-shooting Suns on Thursday night.
Karl ended an even longer drought in the desert. The Nuggets' coach had not won in Phoenix since Dec. 28, 1997, when he was with the Seattle SuperSonics. Karl had not won in Phoenix as coach of Milwaukee or Denver until Thursday night.
"'97, that is a long time ago," he said. "You don't like records like that. As old as I get, I still don't like places I don't play well in. It comes at a good time. We are still searching for our personality and how we can come together."
The Nuggets, playing for the first time since losing to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday, converted the Suns' 20 turnovers into 32 points and shot 52 percent to Phoenix's 41.
Ty Lawson added 20 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets, who led by 24 after three quarters.
"We had a lot of motivation going into this game. We haven't won here in seven years," he said. "Everybody was playing well. Our bench, our starters we were playing together. It was the most complete game we have played."
Marcin Gortat had 14 points and tied a career high with 18 rebounds for the Suns, who never led in their second-worst home loss of the season.
"We didn't shrink the floor. We didn't play physically with them, and we made stupid turnovers," Gortat said. " … You can't win a game like that in the NBA. They had a lot of energy and we had no energy."
Steve Nash, bothered by an irritated bone in the groin area, played only 10 minutes in the second half.
Phoenix made 5 of 22 3-pointers while blowing a chance to pull within a half-game of idle Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Wilson Chandler added 16 points as Denver improved to 6-2 since the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks.
Vince Carter, coming off a 32-point performance in the Suns' win over Houston on Tuesday night, made 2 of 11 shots — 0 of 5 on 3s — and scored six points.
Carter said the Suns are a beat-up bunch right now, but that can't be an excuse. He said the team needs to "throw this one out the window" and concentrate on Sunday's game against Orlando.
"It's not that easy," he said. "The mentality has to be the game is over come Sunday for our next game. But as of right now, we're not happy with the performance because we're playing for so much."
Phoenix committed 14 turnovers in the first half, and the Nuggets efficiently turned them into 24 points. Two came on bad passes by Hakim Warrick on consecutive possessions, the first with 6.1 seconds left in the half, the second with 4.9 seconds to go. Each resulted in two points for Nene, two on an uncontested dunk and two on free throws.
The Nuggets shot 57 percent in the first half, then opened the third quarter with a 6-1 spurt to go up 65-50 on Lawson's 21-footer, the guard staring at the Suns bench as he backpedaled down the court after the basket.
Denver poured it on from there. When Aaron Brooks inexplicably fired a 3-pointer, and missed, with six seconds left in the third quarter rather than working for a final shot, that allowed J.R. Smith to sink a 3 at the buzzer that made it 90-66 entering the fourth quarter.
By then, though, the conclusion long had been cemented.
Denver broke open a 22-12 lead and the Suns never caught up.
Phoenix cut it to 36-34 on Jared Dudley's baseline drive with 7:24 left in the second quarter. But the Nuggets responded with a 14-4 run that made it 50-38 on Smith's second 3-pointer of the night 3:51 before the break.
Fittingly, the game ended with a Phoenix turnover.
Notes: The Suns' worst home loss was 121-96 to the New York Knicks on Jan. 7. … The loss was the worst overall for Phoenix since a 34-point drubbing in Denver on Jan. 11 that left the Suns a season-worst six games under .500. … The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, appeared at the game. … The game's only ties after the tip were at 2-2 and 4-4. … A win would have put the Suns five games above .500 for the first time this season.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Tips for Outings for Kids
Think your toddler's ready to take that big step out your front door and beyond? Learn how to make the most of classic outings for kids (don't you remember your first trip to the circus?), including tips on how to keep your sweetie still through that first movie, active at museums, and more.
Fun and Free Family Outings
The best things in life are free — like these fabulous places to go to spend a little extra time with your toddler. You don't need to take out a loan to take kids on a day out they'll never forget!
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Want your little one to be your plus one at your next family gathering? Check out these pointers for turning your toddler into a pint-sized partygoer.
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Ordinary errands can be extraordinarily different with a toddler by your side. Learn how to navigate grocery aisles with ease, get set for church services, and more with this advice for everyday days out with kids.
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Learn about this topic in these articles:
discussed in biography
Gilliam again drew on Arthurian legend for
The Fisher King (1991), starring Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges, and Mercedes Ruehl in an Academy Award-winning performance. Gilliam offered a much darker take on time travel with
12 Monkeys (1995), starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, and he garnered a Palme d'Or nomination at the Cannes film festival...
Oscar to Ruehl for best supporting actress, 1991
role of
...their failing lounge act to include a sexy female singer. The 1990s brought roles in
Texasville (1990), a sequel to
The Last Picture Show;
The Fisher King (1991), about a bitter radio show host who embarks on a mystical journey to help a homeless man (played by Robin Williams); the touching story of an ex-con dad trying to relate...
While undoubtedly a successful comedic actor, Williams was equally adept at more-sober roles. He played a distressed former professor in
The Fisher King (1991) and a psychiatrist who mentors a troubled but mathematically gifted young man (played by Matt Damon) in
Good Will Hunting (1997). Both films earned Williams Academy Award nominations, and...


text: Watch Ed Bolian Explain The Cannonball Run To Hoda And Kathie LeeMatt Hardigree11/04/13 1:20pmFiled to: Record RunsEd BolianAlex Roy682EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalink Our exclusive story on Ed Bolian's cross-country record attracted a little attention last week, culminating with the record-breaking southerner going on "The Today Show" with his wife to try and explain the Cannonball Run to Hoda And Kathie Lee. Can we all agree the real record here is for 'World's most understanding partner" for Ms. Bolian? Advertisement Advertisement (Hat tip to Tim Burke for the capture!)Reply68 repliesLeave a reply


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If you have ever gazed into the approaching thunderstorm and admired the way the storm tower climbs past the anvil to form an overshooting top, then weather is more than an inconvenience to you. It's something to be admired, respected and reported.
It's for that type of person that weather spotter training classes are offered each year by the National Weather Service, hopefully leading to public members becoming official weather spotters.
Basic and advanced weather spotter training was conducted at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion on Tuesday evening, and Warning Coordinating Meteorologist Jim Pringle with the NWS will be hosting another class tonight.
"It's an outreach to the public to let them know what we do," he said. "The volunteer weather spotter is as important as radar and computer imagery models."
Weather spotters are spread about the country in all towns and cities, on ranches and farms. Their job is to report weather conditions to the National Weather Service when they see anything out of the ordinary.
Tornados, hail, strong winds and fog are all conditions the weather service would like to know about. Any weather-related damage is important information in the hands of the weather service.
Many weather warnings have been issued before the forming tornado rips into residential areas, saving lives.
People attending the weather spotter training classes will leave the classes knowing the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado, and they will be able to identify wind speed by their observations. They can tell you what makes thunder, and how far away the lightning is from your location.
"We train law enforcement and dispatchers, along with the media and anyone with aviation interests," Pringle said. "We catch as many as we can each trip. Many people come simply to gain extra weather knowledge."
Pringle's presentation includes videos of tornados slicing through power lines and cars being caught by flash floods.
His respect for weather is evident as he describes the 1997 hailstorm in Rangely that did $1 million in damage, and the six tornados experienced by Moffat County since 1955.
The session reminds those attending that 100 deaths in America occur each year from lightning, and knowing the signs and taking the right steps can save lives.
A few years ago in Kremmling, 24 people were hit by lightning during a golf tournament when they failed to heed the warning signs, Pringle said.
Carolyn (Beth) Sundberg of Hayden has been the town's official weather observer for the past 35 years, and she attended Tuesday's class because she enjoys weather.
"It's always fun, and always interesting," she said. "They originally asked my husband to do it because he was in the forest service. He was too busy, so I decided to do it, and that was in 1972."
The main goal of the National Weather Service and the weather spotters they hope to enlist tonight is simple, Pringle said.
"To protect lives and property."


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You know...I realized this all too late (about 10-15 years ago). I've been a pest in my family with a camera for years. I started looking at old family photos and it seems that people just don't take pics...even though they have cameras. Take photos of everything. You may lose people in a flash and pics may be the way you can reconnect them to family periodically.
In short...ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep the cameras within arm's reach. You'll be glad you did.


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Fernie Academy hosts impressive art show
The Fernie Academy showed off the artisitic talents of all its elementary students today with an exhibition of art work.
The impressive artwork ranged from paintings to pottery.
The artwork is the result of projects the students worked on throughout the school year.
"The variety of mediums and expressions illustrate an extensive learning of medium manipulation and art history," said Jocelyn Somprowski, school principal. "From Modigliani to Matisse, the students have created works of art both 2 and 3D that decorate the halls with a colourful display for fellow students, parents and community members."
The school opened the display to the public all week. "We are proud to share the energy and creativity of our students," said Sombrowski. "Our goal is that each student has a chance to express themselves artistically and will grow to develop an understanding of Art History and an appreciation of the arts to last a lifetime."


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Get started
Vesselina Kasarova was born in Stara Zagora (Bulgaria) and began at the age of four years playing the piano. After the concert diploma, she studied voice with Ressa Koleva at the Music Academy of Sofia, and was already as a student at the National Opera in major roles.
In 1989 she received a two year fixed contract at the Zurich Opera, where she advanced within a short time to an audience favorite and was hailed by the international community as a great discovery. That same year she also won the first prize at the German singing competition "Neue Stimmen" in Gütersloh.
In the Mozart Year 1991 Vesselina Kasarova made his debut at the Salzburg Festival, with two matinees at the Mozarteum (Betulia Liberata K. 118), as well as in the Annio conducted by Sir Colin Davis in La Clemenza di Tito. Other roles at the Salzburg Festival was Tancredi, Ombra felice, Zerlina, Farnace, Sesto and Marguerite (La Damnation de Faust). In the autumn of that year was Vesselina Kasarova as Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) under Donald Runnicles her acclaimed debut at the Vienna State Opera.
Concerts and recitals led Vesselina Kasarova to Munich, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Vienna, Dresden, La Scala in Milan, Wigmore Hall London, Carnegie Hall in New York, Schubertiade Feldkirch and the Festival de la Musique Montreux-Vevey.
For RCA Red Seal Vesselina Kasarova has recorded numerous CDs, which have won several awards.
Read more


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I recently got BF3 for PC. I already had an origin account for BF3 and linked it to my Xbox live account, but made a new one for PC. I want to unlink it so I can link it again to my origin account in which I play on PC.
First of all , you did not have to make a new acc. for the PC. Hey fellow gamer. Maybe I can help. I have BF3 for PS3, x-box and PC they are all under the same Origin acc, and I use the same gamertag for all. You do not have to "unlink" you xbox live account. You have to go to battlog to play on PC,there you should have your X-box avitar and your PC avitar. No need for 2 accounts.
I did the same thing and I've been trying to figure out how to link up my two accounts.
01-29-2013 11:41 AM - edited 01-29-2013 11:42 AM
Hi there!
Please contact the support team here if you want to merge your accounts.
As long as you can verify both accounts involved. There is a few games which cannot be transfered because their stats will be lost or the DLC will stop working.
- With kind regards, Timmie.
We'll make sure it's you by sending you a code for your trusted devices.
Learn more about Login Verification on EA HelpWe want to make finding the help you need better, faster, and easier.
So, we've had some work done at help.ea.com


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We are offering long distance telephone service through PowerNet Global Communications (PNG), using the high-speed network of Qwest, the nation's 4th largest long distance carrier. PNG has good rates with no monthly fees or minimums, and no codes to dial. Your in-state rate depends on the local exchange you live in… call (877)796-2333 for a quote!
Click here for an application form.


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Outlaw caste discrimination in the UK; activate Clause 9(5)(a)
Dalits are an oppressed group of people considered 'untouchable' by the South Asian caste system.This means they are often looked down upon and considered lesser people by other South Asians. 250,000 Dalits live in the United Kingdom and face discrimination, prejudice and abuse in many aspects of daily life. Caste discrimination is entirely legal within UK legislation.
A government report found that discrimination on the basis of caste in the UK leads to reducedcareerprospects, lowerearnings, detrimental effects on education, socialisolation, and reduced access to social provisions. As well as causing severe emotional trauma; depression, anger and loss of self-esteem. This 'hidden apartheid' continues unacknowledged and unchallenged.
Despite caste discrimination being included in the 2010 Equality Act, the government has not activated this clause* and therefore not given Dalits equal protection under the law.
In May 2012 the United Nations Human Rights Review of the UK called on our government to "develop a national strategy to eliminate caste discrimination, including the immediate adoption of the clause in the Equality Act … in accordance with its international human rights obligations".
The Equality Act's overriding intention is to prevent discrimination. So the Dalit Solidarity Network UK calls on the Minister for Equalities and Women to uphold the essential British value of equality by outlawing caste discrimination. One victim is one too many.
*Section 9(5)(a) of the 2010 Equality Act - to provide for "caste to be an aspect of race"
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Office of Maria Miller MP - Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Equalities and Women
Rt Hon Maria Miller MP


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Corded Press Tool Jaws not Included (RB 330C)
Want peace of mind from your press tool? The RP 330-C features the same reliability and durability of the RP 330-B with the added confidence a power cord offers. At nearly half the weight of the previous corded unit, this is our lightest corded press tool ever. Case and Jaws not included
- Designed to mechanically press fittings onto tubing to create a water-tight and permanent seal
- Uses an electrical motor to drive a hydraulic pump which forces fluid into the cylinder of the tool, forcing the ram forward and applying thousands of pounds of pressing force
- The entire pressing cycle lasts approximately five (5) seconds
- Once the cycle begins to deform a fitting, it will automatically continue until completion, even if the trigger switch is released
- The LED displays on the back of the tool indicate problems such as improper temperature, open jaw mounting pin or maintenance required
- Compatible with previous Ridgid standard jaws
In The Box
- One (1) Corded Press Tool RB 330C (Tool Only)


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The transaction provides $50 million to AccessBank Azerbaijan (ABA). The proceeds will be used exclusively to support ABA's plan to increase lending to MSMEs in the underserved regions outside Baku, including secondary towns and rural districts. The assistance for the MSME segment is critical to support income and employment.
Latest Project Documents
Consulting Notices See also: CMS
No notices are currently available for this project.
Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.
The Public Communications Policy (PCP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.
The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.


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Which Joe gave his name to 'sloppy joes'? We look at five interesting sandwiches and their lexical origins.
Definition of Magyar in English:
1A member of a people who originated in the Urals and migrated westward to settle in what is now Hungary in the 9th century AD.
- 'The Magyars settled in the neighbourhood of the Danube, and especially in the district on the farther side, as best suited to their occupation, that of cattle-raising.'
- 'The Magyars were bowmen and light cavalry experts from the Asian steppes, and their horses were mostly the Turkmen type.'
- 'In 907 Magyars, a semi-nomadic people from the northeast, invaded the empire and established the Kingdom of Hungary, which incorporated modern-day Slovakia.'
- 'Throughout much of history, Slovakia was dominated by the Magyars.'
- 'The third group of invaders were the Magyars who came from modern-day Hungary.'
- 'First the Magyars in Hungary won a compromise with Vienna, creating the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867.'
- 'Migrants from Hungary were not Magyars but Slovaks, followed by Serbs, Croats, and Romanians.'
- 'Ethnic Hungarians, or Magyars, make up the majority of Hungary's 10 million people.'
- 'Other modern states are said to have begun with the movements of the Lombards, the Anglo-Saxons and the Magyars.'
- 'The treasury of the Basel Cathedral dates to about 1019, when the second building to occupy the site was consecrated (the first having been destroyed by Magyars in 917).'
- 'They rallied Frankish forces against outside threats such as those offered by the Frisians, Saxons, Avars, and Arabs in the eighth century, and by the Vikings and Magyars in the ninth and tenth centuries.'
- 'In the late ninth century, Slavs and Magyars advanced westward along the Danube River valley and overran the area.'
- 'Some time in the 9th century, a Turkish people from the steppes of Asia, known as the Magyars, began migrating westward.'
- 'Medieval Hungarian traditions count even the fifth-century Huns among the Magyars ' ancestors, but their immediate forebears arrived in the Carpathian Basin as late as the seventh century.'
- 'From the 200s through the 1100s, there was a series of invasions by various tribes from the north, including the Magyars and the Saxons.'
- 'Though he lives in Paris, he's a member of 'the Hungarian Nation, as the nobility was called, Magyars whose family histories went back a thousand years.''
- 'The arrival of the Magyars in the middle Danube area near the end of the ninth century and their subsequent raids to the north led to the disintegration of the Great Moravian Empire and weakened the influence of the Eastern rite.'
- 'My grandmother was exotic because she came from Hungary, land of Magyars, paprika and goulash.'
- 'The fame of Henry I was assured by his victory over the Magyars near Merseburg.'
- 'The Magyars decided to make a film based on this concept, enlisting the help of friends and colleagues to piece together this forty-minute film.'
2The Uralic language of the Magyar; Hungarian.
- 'Buster will be in Edinburgh again this year, more bumptious than ever, because the bestseller - as well as being translated into German, French, Italian and Magyar - is now available in Japanese.'
- 'With Barbara my translator, (I was going to need more than a dozen words of Magyar to understand what was going on), I drove down to Tanyacsarda in the Bugas plains.'
- 'In the Diet of 1825 Széchenyi spoke in Magyar to demand the introduction of Magyar as the official language, and helped to found the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, to develop Magyar as a literary language.'
- 'Before the astonished members could say anything, her father reassured them, in Magyar, that this guy was all right.'
- 'The government made Magyar the official language and outlawed all other languages.'
Relating to the Magyar or their language.
- 'The result was a Magyar guerilla movement which after 1672 was supported by Louis XIV.'
- 'Central Europe, extending from the Balkans to the Baltic along the Danube and Oder Rivers, encompasses cultures of Slavic, Germanic, Magyar, and Gaelic origins.'
- 'It has commanding views over the city, and is dominated by seven gleaming towers, representing the seven Magyar tribes who entered the Carpathian Basin in the ninth century, and a statue of Saint Stephen on horseback.'
- 'The Opera House is still the great highlight, while at the end of Andrassy ut is Heroes Square where the seven princes of the Magyar tribes are commemorated.'
- 'In response to the audience's enthusiastic ovation Fleischman repeated the final Magyar dance movement.'
- 'Exactly fifty years on, the predominantly conservative opera-goers of Hungary have their first taste of its ineffable depths in a première Magyar production at the Erkel Theatre in Budapest in February 2004.'
- 'David also has close connections with both Northern Ireland and Hungary and will hopefully be blogging on Magyar matters over at 'Further Ramblings'.'
- 'The word itself is believed to be of Magyar origin, possibly derived from the Turkish uber, meaning witch.'
- 'With its original Romanian population (since the tenth century) it came under Magyar rule in the early eleventh century, whereupon it was colonized by Magyars, Szekelers, and Germans.'
- 'One of the aristocrats, Count István Széchenyi, in fact broke ranks to join the gentry, and campaigned to revive Magyar language and culture in order to preface demands for political autonomy.'
- 'The Magyar tribes who arrived here at the end of the 9th century found flourishing vineyards and familiarity with wine-making techniques.'
- 'From Brahms and Enescu through Gyorgy Ligeti, the Magyar spirit has emblazoned concert halls around the globe.'
- 'The problem for the Magyar patriots is that the majority of ingredients (onions, tomatoes and garlic) now being bought by the housewives have been imported.'
- 'The hundred year stretch from 850 to 950 was filled with the worst of the Viking invasions, to which were added Moslem raids and pirates in the south and Magyar raids from the east.'
- 'By 896 elected Magyar Arpad leaders ruled and Hungary emerged as the centre of a strong Magyar kingdom in the late Middle Ages.'
- 'She thinned her tone down to the most slender of threads, lingered over lush romantic pages, and played with wild Magyar abandon - all within a single movement.'
- 'Rodzinski conducts both of them superbly, with complete sympathy for their melancholy and eruptive Magyar ethos.'
- 'This Hungarian version is one of the more interesting chicken stews in the world, with the typically Magyar ingredients of onion, sweet peppers and paprika.'
- 'It was not, as Abler suggests, Hungarian peasant dress that provided the model for the hussar, but that of Magyar noblemen.'
- 'Well-heeled Hungarian kids like to drink at this famously and excessively long bar, surrounded by the iconography of old Hollywood and local Magyar movies.'
The name in Hungarian.
Further reading
6 punctuation marks you might be using incorrectly
Read moreWe take a look at several popular, though confusing, punctuation marks.
An A-Z of country name origins
Read moreFrom Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, discover surprising and intriguing language facts from around the globe.


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INGREDIENTS 150g Pineapple cut squid 9 large banana prawns 150g fillet White fish 200g Rice noodles 100g Curry Laksa paste 2 small Onions Hand full Mint leaves 3 cloves Garlic 2 tbsp Cooking oil 1/2 Coz lettuce chopped 750ml Water 100ml Coconut cream 3 Golden limes (limau kasturi) 2 pinches MSG (optional) Salt Dried shallots (garnish) |
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METHOD Soak the rice noodles in cold water until they soften then drain and soak in hot water for about 5 minutes. Then drain again and put the noodles into deep serving bowls ready to eat. Cut the limes in half and place in a bowl for later (Note. The limes below are a bit more ripe than I would usually use. I prefer them to still be a green colour.) Slice the fish fillet into bite sized pieces. Try to use a type of fish that will not easily fall apart when cooked. Mackerel is good. Blend the garlic and onion Put the cooking oil in a deep saucepan and heat on medium high Add the onion and garlic and fry until fragrant Add the laksa paste and stir well Add water then stir Cover and cook for about 5 minutes Add coconut milk Add salt Add prawns (Note. Cut the front 1/3 off each prawn head first) Add fish Add squid Cover and cook for another 5 minutes Add MSG (optional) Add coz lettuce (Note. It is better to add bean sprouts but I didn't have any when I cooked this) Cook until the lettuce just starts to soften. Put the mint leaves on top of the noodles then pour the soup mixture on top Sprinkle some dried shallots on top. Squeeze golden lime juice into the soup and enjoy! |
All the recipes on this disc/website are original and copyright © 2010 Dorothy P.C. Loader. |


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a place for zinesters - writers and readers
I just read White Elephants. You can buy it from http://thelalatheory.com/zines.html she sells it on Etsy for $1.25. It is a quarter size. I think that's what they are calling that size these days. It was so fun to read in one sitting. It is a log of going garage saling with her mother. I laughed out loud. It could have been me. Well, except that I can't seee myself wearing a wide yellow wicker belt over a dress. But if I had the body for it, maybe. I hope it's okay to post the picture like this. Someone tell me if it isn't.
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