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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Reliance Money Plans to Start Stock Exchange with FTIL
Reliance Money has the monetary backing of R-ADAG group; it is also a prominent player in commodity market after picking 10% stake in the National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE). The company wants to increase its holding to 26% in near future. Reliance Money's spot exchange for agriculture commodities is also expected to early 2009. The FTIL group has interests in a currency futures exchange, commodity futures, power exchange and spot exchange for agricultural commodities and plans to set up an exchange for SMEs. It has also set up exchanges overseas.
There is tremendous scope for equity stock exchange in the country that has only 5% of its households investing in equities compared to the global average of around 50%. The equity derivative segment has the biggest scope, with the NSE enjoying a virtual monopoly in the segment with an average daily volume of around Rs 40,000 cr. The spot equity market average turnover doesn't even match up to half of the NSE derivate average, with the BSE having a daily average volume of Rs 4,000 cr and the NSE having daily average volumes at Rs 10,000 crore in the spot segment.
Any aspirant in the stock exchange segment will however need approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). For FTIL, the equity exchange would be an extension of MCX-SX, its currency trading exchange, which was launched under a subsidiary. Reliance Money will have to set up a new company. Another issue could be equity holding, SEBI has recently decided to allow a single shareholder to hold a maximum of 15% in stock exchanges, but has not notified this yet. The aspirant companies' track record will also be key factor in getting regulatory approval. If approved, this will be the first stock exchange after 1994, when the NSE was set up
Even though both sources have not confirmed the development, both are eyeing the possibility of an exchange for small and medium-sized (SME) enterprises, an area which is beleaguered with several failed attempts. Earlier ventures such as the Indo Next under the BSE trading platform, Over the Counter Exchange of India (OTCEI) and Inter-Connected Stock Exchange of India had failed to take off.
Worldwide SME exchanges are flourishing. LSE's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) was established in 1995 to nourish young entrepreneurial British firms. AIM is home to over 1,500 firms of which close to 250 are listings of firms based outside Britain. Obviously, one of the attractions for overseas firms is the laidback regulatory regime.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Reliance Money sets up shop in Malaysia
Reliance Money director and chief executive officer Sudip Bandyopadhyay said the company will be launching its portfolio management services (PMS) and other services in Malaysia soon.
"Reliance Money's PMS in Malaysia would be offered at a threshold level of as low as US$50,000 (RM174,000)," he said in a statement made available to Business Times.
Bandyopadhyay said this is the first such initiative by an Indian broking and distribution company to offer a bouquet of financial products and services to non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Malaysia.
"This is our first move to reach out to the large base of NRIs in Malaysia with our unique, cost-effective and efficient bouquet of products and services.
"Our presence in Malaysia will complement efforts to have a larger role in this region," he said, adding that the move is part of Reliance Money's plans to expand its global footprint.
Reliance Money provides customers with access to equities, equity and commodities futures, mutual funds, life and general insurance products and off-shore investment.
The company already operates in Asia, Europe and Africa and plans to expand its operations in over 15 countries by next year.
"We aim to generate 50 per cent of our revenues from overseas markets by 2012 and capture a bigger share of the record US$195 billion invested in India last year by overseas funds," Bandyopadhyay said.
Infinity Financial Solutions director Ben Bennett, meanwhile, said the new venture with Reliance Money will help the company augment its services portfolio and provide the large NRI population in Malaysia with a platform to transact in Indian financial instruments.
"This partnership would also help us utilise their (Reliance Money) expertise by providing enhanced investment tools to a large section of population who have not been able to use these services earlier," he said.
Reliance Money is part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. At present, it serves some three million customers and has a network of over 10,000 outlets and 20,000 touch points in more than 5,000 locations.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Anil Ambani launches online shopping portal to sell financial products
Apart from the Mutual Funds, insurance, IPO, research reports and Gold coins, the portal also sell gifts, home appliances and consumer durables. The list is expected to become more exhaustive over a period of time.
The initiative may prove to be successful as R-ADAG has lot of products under Reliance Capital banner and the portal may prove to be a low cost distribution model.
Anil Ambani launches online shopping portal to sell financial products - Digital Inspiration.
Reliance Money planning to rope in mandi bodies to hold stake in agriculture spot exchange
"We have held discussions with Gujarat Niyantrit Bazaar Sangh, the apex body of more than 200 mandis in the state, and its counterpart in Tamil Nadu, and we may rope them in as shareholders," Reliance Money CEO Sudip Bandyopadhyay said.
In August, Reliance Money and NMCE had announced the setting up of National Agriculture Produce Marketing Company of India (National APMC) that aims to provide the required infrastructure for electronic trading in agricultural products.
Bandyopadhyay said that a separate spot exchange for non-agricultural products would also be set up once National APMCL started functioning hopefully by June next year. The company had earlier indicated that National APMC would commence operations by December.
On shareholding details, the Reliance Money CEO said that those were being finalised.
While National APMC has approached more than a dozen states for permission to ensure that it is able to deliver the farm products traded electronically, so far it has received permission only from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Analysts said that by tying up with state-level agencies for mandis, Reliance Money was also reducing chances of political opposition to electronic spot trading as these bodies were controlled by local politicians.
Commodities trading has been a politically sensitive issue and the government in the past has imposed ban on futures trading in commodities. The ban followed uproar by politicians, who said futures trading was speculative and blamed it for the increase in prices.
Presence in the commodity exchange business has emerged as a major focus area for Reliance Money, which is part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG). It has sought permission to acquire 26 per cent stake in NMCE, the national commodity futures exchange, but has so far received the go ahead to buy 10 per cent. In addition, it had bought a 15 per cent stake in Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange to become the second largest shareholder in the commodity bourse. Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange plans to start trading in the first quarter of 2009 by offering dollar-denominated oil contract.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
RBI's FCCB buyback policy a welcome move: Reliance Money
Reliance Money's report:
Consequent to the recent RBI directive, FCCBs are now being allowed to be bought back by Indian Companies. It has now been decided to permit premature buyback of FCCBs. For the buyback of FCCBs out of rupee resources the RBI has fixed a minimum discount of 25% on the book value. The amount of the buyback is limited to USD 50 million of the redemption value per company wherein this window will be kept open till March 09. We believe RBI's FCCB buyback policy is a welcome move but grossly inadequate.
Reliance Money debuts in Malaysia
Monday, December 15, 2008
Reliance ADAG Eyes 50% In UK Currency Co
There are still some buyers in the financial services sector. Anil Ambani led Reliance ADAG which has been striking international deals in the brokerage and commodities exchange business, is now looking at a bigger play on cross border money transfer activity. It is now close to acquiring 50% stake in a UK-based currency exchange and money transfer firm for an undisclosed amount. This will enable the Indian company to sell its financial products including mutual funds to the 1.4 million NRI population in the UK, says this report.
There are a number of large money transfer and currency exchange firms in the UK with Travelex (which was acquired by a consortium led by Apax Partners three years back). The target company is said to have more than 250 outlets. Some of the prospective names in the field who could be under the radar of Reliance ADAG include TTT Moneycorp and No1 Currency.
TTT Moneycorp is a retail, wholesale and commercial foreign exchange services firm in the UK owned by the Shlewet family trust and backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland while No1 Currency was formed in 1996 and is owned by its two founding partners David Hale and Mark McElney.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Rel Money ties up with DBS Vickers
Under the agreement, the firm would provide trading facilities for different derivatives including agricultural products, metal and energy products, which are traded on various major exchanges worldwide, Reliance Money said in a statement.
It would also provide trading facility on OTC (over-the-counter) products in segments such as energy and freight, the company added.
"Our agreement with DBS Vickers will now open a safe, secure and cost effective transaction platform for our customers to trade in Global Commodities Exchanges," Reliance Money Director and CEO Sudip Bandyopadhyay said.
"The size of the global commodities derivatives markets is estimated to be around USD 800 billion. We believe that Indian investors are looking at diversifying their portfolio and overseas trading service enables them to do so, Bandyopadhyay added.
DBS Vickers Securities is a member of the Singapore Exchange. It is the securities and derivatives arm of the DBS Group, a leading banking group of Southeast Asia.
Globally, exchange traded commodity futures is one of the largest market segments in the financial markets witnessing participation from the producers, users, traders alike.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Rel Money ties with up APMCs in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: Promoters of commodity exchange NMCE Reliance Money and Neptune Overseas have joined hands with farm produce marketing committees in Gujarat -- a major destination for the private sector-- to launch an electronic platform for physical trading in agriculture goods.
Reliance Money and Neptune Overseas have also decided to form a separate company National Agricultural Produce Market Company (NAPMC) in association with Gujarat Niyantrit Bazaar Sangh, an apex body of 209 agricultural produce marketing committees.
"As experience from futures market has been bitter, we collaborated with Reliance Money to open our own spot exchange," Sangh Chairman Narayan Lalludas Patel said, adding that the market for spot trading is opening up in the state so we decided to protect the interest of farmers.
Gujarat, a key producing state in several agriculture products, has emerged as a major destination for the private sector with as many as 12 players, including Jayant Agro, Gokul Refoils and Solvent, already receiving nod for direct procurement from farmers.
Sangh Honorary Secretary N I Chachatiya said, "We will soon file an application with the state government to obtain licence for starting a spot exchange." As soon as the nod is received, the spot exchange will be operationalised, he added.
He said the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) in the state can be a member of the spot exchange to offer the electronic platform in its premise.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hit by falling volume, brokers hike their fees
This may seem a bit surprising, considering that overall traded turnover on bourses has been shrinking since the start of this year. Industry watchers, however, say broking firms are finally coming to terms with the fact that it is not viable to charge very low levels of commission. Leading broking firms are said to have hiked their fees anywhere between 15 basis points (bps) and 50 bps.
"In good times, marginal costs were quite low. Today, brokers' costs have gone up and revenues do not justify the kind of commissions that clients were being charged in the beginning of the year," said a veteran BSE broker on condition of anonymity.
Some outfits have also introduced a standard 'minimum' brokerage charge, which would be applicable for even a single trade done by a client. Regular clients will also attract a minimum monthly brokerage at some of the firms.
"As trading volumes on bourses shrink, stock brokers expect a sharp fall in their income in the coming quarters. Such a move was waiting to happen. Unlike last year, when we saw broking firms vying with each other to cut costs, this year outfits have been forced to consider a hike across various sections," said a person familiar with the development.
Some of the broking houses, which have reportedly hiked brokerage, include India Infoline, Indiabulls, Motilal Oswal, Edelweiss and Sharekhan. India Infoline is said to have raised brokerage charge on delivery-based transactions to 50 bps from 15 bps. For F&O trades, charges are said to have been hiked from 2 bps to 5 bps. Indiabulls, too, is said to have done something similar.
In an email reply to ET's query, India Infoline said: "There has been no increase in brokerage rates across the board. What we have done is a part of normal rationalisation measures where customers who have significant trade volumes enjoy preferential brokerage rates and simultaneously those who do insignificant volumes, (barely active customers), typically have slightly higher brokerage rates. But this is only for a small group of customers with insignificant volumes. If you open an account with us today, then you will be charged the same brokerage as was being charged as before."
On whether they have hiked delivery brokerage to 50 bps from 15 bps, an official said: "These are customers who would have had preferential brokerage rates earlier owing to higher committed volumes and since they haven't generated significant volumes, their brokerage rates are being reverted to the standard five paisa for intra-day and 50 paisa for delivery trades. These are anyway the standard brokerage rates that we operate with."
Indiabulls maintains brokerage charges are client-specific and as such there are no fixed slabs. "It's a fluid system, whereby clients are charged according to the kind of business and volume they generate. As such, clients who do large volume of trades are charged less and vice versa," said an Indiabulls official.
Reiterating this, officials at Motilal Oswal also said their charges were client specific. "2 bps/ 20 bps to (trading/delivery) to 5 bps to 50 bps, depending on the size of the client. For larger clients, there is a volume discount, which is an industry norm," a senior official told ET.
Sharekhan still retains the standard slab. "The standard slab is trading -0.1% and delivery -0.5%. For customers with higher volumes, there are various slabs which they can subscribe to avail of lower brokerage," a company spokesperson said.
India's NDTV, Rel Money Tie-up for a Television Programme
The television program named as 'Our Money Forum' aims to help the retail investors to take investment decisions, the channel said in a statement here.
The 10-episode series, which would have eminent financial experts on the panel would focus on educating the retail investors on the growing need and importance of financial planning.
The program would be conducted at various corporate houses across the country such as Patni Computers and Subex.


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What's the right way to use $250,000?
Saturday Sally and I took a behind the scenes tour of ProjectHome Indy, one of the neighborhood non-profits that Trinity Episcopal Church supports.
PHI rents from Trinity, for about a dollar a month, a home around the corner from the church that the organization has nicely restored and now maintains as a place that offers shelter and life-skills training to homeless pregnant teens and teenage moms.
Read that again. Homes for pregnant teens have been around for generations. This one fills a need for girls (yes, "girls," we're talking about children) who have no place to live. Many of them are 15 or even younger; they are pregnant or raising a newborn; and they have no home. Perhaps they've been kicked or driven out of a parent's home. Perhaps the one parent they have is homeless themselves. Perhaps home is where a stepfather or relative or unrelated adult male impregnated them.
PHI's lovely house has five bedrooms upstairs, so at any one time they are working with as many as five girls (and maybe their babies). Sometimes they're not full. Some clients don't like the structure and bolt at the first bad opportunity to sleep on a friend's couch. Some stay as long as 18 months, but the average is closer to six months.
"Success" for PHI is when a client completes whatever is necessary to move out into a sustainable home life. Sometimes that means that the original home has become viable again. More often, it means completing high school or a GED, getting a job, perhaps sharing an apartment with another "graduate," ideally having acquired the knowledge and the habits to build a life outside the cycle of poverty and abuse that led them here in the first place.
Based on the numbers above, it would take an absolutely ideal set of circumstances for PHI to serve and graduate ten young women a year. But probably, five is closer to the reality.
We didn't talk about budget, but afterwards I looked PHI up on Guidestar. The most recent numbers there show them as a $250,000/year operation. Most of that is the cost of having 24/7 paid adult supervision in the home. They also have an impressive part-time executive director who, like most part-time non-profit execs, is really just receiving part-time pay for full-time work. In the year I looked at, less than a third of their revenue came from reimbursements from the state's Department of Child Services. Private donations made up the rest.
I have to admit to doing a mental calculus on return on investment. $250,000 seems like a lot of cost to society to run an operation that serves five people a year. $250,000 is four times the annual budget of each of the two feeding ministries – a food pantry and a kitchen – where I volunteer. And those both serve hundreds of people a month.
On the other hand, our clients are hungry again within a week, or a day.
At PHI, that $250,000 helps five teenage girls who ideally learned the skills and disciplines to break the cycle. Odds are, without intervention, they would have had another baby while they were still children themselves; maybe more. Odds are, those babies would grow up in the same cycle of dysfunction and, in 15 to 18 years, have a couple of babies themselves. And they would repeat the cycle.
Ideally, this year's quarter million dollars turns around the lives of five young people. It avoids the need for ten such investments in 2030 and the couple of years thereafter, and twenty in 2045, and forty in 2060. That's 70 future "broken" lives, in just the next fifty years, that hopefully won't need interventions at the cost of $50,000 each. That's three and a half million dollars.
PHI's inspirational CEO Lakshmi Hasanadka would love to build an endowment, and who can blame her? We teach our non-profit leaders to use renewable revenues on operations, and one-time gifts like bequests for capital projects or to build endowments. But would another $250,000 be better used if it was used as an endowment? It could create $12,500 a year in spendable income. How much of a difference would that make on this issue, in the lives of five people a year?
Such a gift to PHI, as an endowment, would spin out $12,500 a year … $125,000 a decade … $625,000 over fifty years.
Coincidentally, $250,000 is also just about what it took PHI to rehab a sturdy but dilapidated house that our church made available to them four years ago.
I don't want to oversimplify the situation, or make another organization's decisions for them based on two hours of observation. I just want to point out that sometimes, the best way to use $250,000 can be to spend it.

subset: commoncrawl


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This morning when I called to check in on Cameron the nurse told me that Cameron has been spitting up quite a bit and today she had a brady and some pretty significant desats along with it. She was refluxing and her bed and had been laid flat instead of raised up. So, she cannot come home on Sunday because they want to watch her and if she has even a hint of trouble then she will have to probably stay another week. If she also has trouble then they will also take another look at her feeding plan and kind of start from scratch with her. So, it looks like we have a while yet.
Reagan has also been spitting up quite a bit and after she is weighed on Monday we will be taking a new look at Reagan's feeding plan as well. Poor girls...this reflux stuff seems pretty stinky. Aubrey continues to want to "help" Reagan as much as possible. Each time it happens, I think - Where's the Camera? and then I realize that I can't get it because my hands are full with a toddler and a newborn. So, eventually I am hoping to get it together for some family photos. I am going to try to go the hospital late tonight or early in the morning and should have some updates shots of Cameron for you, too. I cannot wait until she is home. I know it will be very busy and will take some getting used to but this hour and a half round trip is getting very old and I am feeling very torn between all three girls. Please pray that I am able to meet all of their needs as best as possible.
Friday, April 3, 2009
1 comment:
We will be praying for you as your family gets used to all of these adjustments. I'm sure you are happy to have Reagan home, but I know it's hard being torn between being home and then spending time at the hospital with Cameron. Hopefully she will be able to come home soon and then the real fun begins :)! We will be in prayer for the girls reflux and that it all calms down soon...I know that can't be fun for them or for you. Remember to nap when they nap....that was my biggest mistake with my two...I was too worried about the housework!ReplyDelete
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That there is so much I should want to express
However, quite naturally, I draw a blank.
These days, I see everything in snapshots. My thoughts are in the form of a montage. A montage of memories.
I see flashes, images. These flashes are constant but short. My mind does not spelll out essays any longer or play a movie with that soft background score I usually find comfort in.
My thoughts have a mind of their own. I cannot control them or make them continuous. They have a new soundtrack, one I have not learnt to classify yet. This novelty is striking and slightly uncomfortable.
I will write another entry on this montage of memories. Some of them are probably just figments of my imagination.
But I've reached a point where I no longer know what's real and what's not. I just know what's on my mind.
And sometimes, not even that.


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This is a two step process. Authoring starts with design and create step, not directly dependent of technology. the package and deliver step aims to customize and transform content for the supported device targets and device technologies.
Design and create step shall be more independent of technology. Authoring is a team process. One should be able to work together and collaborate with other authors creating content anywhere and any time. The content needs to be stored online and should be safe guarded by our version system, to ensure that no work is lost, no matter what. One should be able to PC or tablet to design the content. The existing browser models might continue to work for content creation.
- Arrive at templates to build content suited for mobile: One can plan for templates that are suited to working in mobile based on usability and personalization and also available as templates for the author to use. These templates should be available out of the box, no programming required. The templates need to support the screen sizes/resolution supported by mobiles devices. The images and content should be transformed in to multiple forms to make effective use of the real estate in target device. One should be able to transform the content for new devices too.
- For creation of text content, there should be a way to support learning content in multiple languages. For creation of audio and video content, there should be mechanism to record audio and video in optimal bit rate so that the quality of the content to listener is good and at the same time does not choke the internet bandwidth.
- Enable "what you see is what you get" for the author:. To complete the creation process, it would be nice for author to see on his screen how the learning content looks exactly as the learner will see it after publishing. It is truly "what you see is what you get". This gives great advantages for the author. There should be hardly no trouble to publish the same course for a different interface and look and feel. Easy to use and easy to reuse!
- Authoring is a team process. One shall have a very simple powerful way of managing your tasks. For example, when you are done with your task you can mark the task as 'processed'. You can add comments and comments can be for your own use or for others. All comments can carry a status (Not processed, In process, Processed) and can be edited and deleted. We need to have a roles and rights system to ensure that everybody only has the functionality they need.
Package and Deliver step deals with the challenge of how to package the content to have a streamlined delivery mechanism. For example, one can store local contents in Sqlite in both android phones and iphones. The mechanism to package the content is driven by the model to deliver the content to the mobile.
- Follow a browser based model. This would be best suited for companies that have already existing e-learning platform. Here the device would run browser and the content is consumed using the browser calls. There is no content stored on the device and is downloaded on navigation across webpages. One needs to think of the internet usage charge for the end user to download the same learning content multiple times and the impact of network quality on the learning experience.
- Follow a application model: package the content in to applications that can be installed on the mobile devices. This model becomes cumbersome to handle on long term as the number of applications increase on the device. Students might need to have download similar applications multiple times for the sake of the content. This model is supported by the android and apple market places.
- Follow a hybrid model: allow the application to be downloaded to the mobile device. The application shall be able to download the content on demand and then the end user can make use of the content multiple times on device without any need to download the content again. This model is not supported directly by the app stores. One needs to build something like a Content Store that would enable the functioning of the model.
Content Store demands more time and effort. Content store can be build with two components, content publish component on the web and the store subscribe component on the mobile. The content is packaged in to logical units that can be downloaded to the device. The logical units shall be made available on a price or free basis and are downloaded as tracked atomic operation to the mobile device. The mobile application already has in-build intelligence to manage the downloaded content and present the same for consumption on the mobile device. You can make use of embedded web browser component to navigate through a maze of html page, downloaded as logical unit. Content store adds on to the capability of the mobile application to download the new content at the same instant, the content is packaged and approved on the website and made available for consumption. .


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End Of Days III AAR
Since it has been requested that we use AO more to post AARS then on Facebook I am here to post mine.
This AAR is in regards to End of Days III at Fallen Warrior Airsoft. As always I will try to stay impartial and put out what (in my opinion) was good, and bad in this AAR. After stating the three ups and three down, I will go in depth and elaborate.
Three Ups: Referee Presence, dedicated zombies, proper enforcement of rules throughout the day. Bonus: You had to scavenge for supplies.
Three Downs: occasional hits not being called by players, face protection must be a requirement for dedicated zombies no exceptions. Stealing of Base Supplies.
I thoroughly enjoyed this game. Once everything was said and done, I walked away from this op:
1. Extremely satisfied
2. Tired as all get out
The day started like any other day with the safety brief and a thorough going over of the rules. This phase took about 20 minutes because the staff wanted to make sure that the rules were explained and everyone understood them before we proceeded with the days game play.
One of the things that stood out to me almost immediately, was the referee presence, these guys were everywhere. At objectives, at random locations on the map, in ravines ..EVERYWHERE. It was good to see such a presence in the field, as they made it a point to make sure there was no stone left unturned, and no area they did not oversee. Another thing that was fairly awesome was that there were dedicated zombies. Zombies who ran around and whose only job was to chomp on people. An interesting rule for them was that their respawn timers were down significantly compared to folks who were converted to zombies, and that they could chomp on you while you were bleeding out or being mediced back to life. A way the EOs, kept track of people being able to survive being a zombie or now was the implementation of Life Tokens. Which you could give to a zombie in exchange for you going back to respawn to come back into the game. The final thing that impressed me more than anything else was the steadfastness of the staff enforcement of the rules throughout the day. Typically in some games, there seems to be a drop off in enforcement as days progress due to multiple reasons. This did not happen at all during the day and things kept moving extremely smoothly. As a bonus each player was given a set amount of bbs, to begin the day. Civis were given 150 bbs per person, and 250 for H.A.R.M. The staff did bag, and mag checks prior to even allowing players on the field, to make sure they all stayed on the up and up. During the course of the game you had to search everywhere and anywhere for bbs, rad suits, zombie repellant juice. and similar items.
Some things that bugged me during the game, for instance there was the occasional person who did not call their hits. It wasnt rampant but it was a peculiar thing, the game officials were very good at calling people out on their hits. Something that became an increasing issue as the day progressed was face protection for the dedicated zombies. Being that a lot of the confrontations with zombies were up close you figure this would not be an issue. Several zombies were still being shot at close distances in their faces, face protection would protect them from this. Though it was a point of emphasis several times before the game ..supplies were still being stolen from bases. Players had to be corrected a few times on this during gameplay. It did not affect the game horribly but does show that players do need to listen just a little bit more.
I cant say enough good things about this Game. I enjoyed myself a great deal and the scavenging put a different twist on it. The night op was also very enjoyable and though I did not make it to Endex amongst the living I had a blast as a zombie hunting people down. Typically I try to stay grounded and unbiased during my AAR, but cant lie .I nerded out over this while writing it.
My Rating for this op 9.75/10
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Happy Cinco de Mayo!
What better day to delve into a little history about my favorite new world discovery, chocolate?
The Mayan, Toltecs, and Aztecs were all familiar with the beans the Aztecs named cacahuatl. They traded them in markets with the dual role of food as well as currency. Conquered provinces were allowed to pay their taxes to the Aztec rulers using the beans as currency.
The Spaniards, led by Hernando Cortes, discovered a huge reserve of cocoa beans in the possession of the Aztec emperor of Mexico, Montezuma.
Somewhere along the line, the people discovered that a chemical reaction takes place which mellows out the flavour of the beans if they are allowed to ferment. This was the first development in turning the beans from currency into food. Systematic cultivation, fermentation, and further processing soon followed.
In this pre-European era, it wasn't yet possible to keep the oil and fatty part of the beans separate from the water to which it was added. The way they made xocolatl (xoco = bitter, atl = water) was to add cold water to the ground up beans, and stir it vigorously with a wooden whisk, so that the paste remained suspended in the water. It was reported that Montezuma drank xocolatl several times a day from beakers made of pure gold.
The natives were also inclined to spice the drink with native vanilla, wild honey, pita juice, and occasionally chile powder. Spanish officers added aniseed, cinnamon, almonds, and hazelnuts.
It wasn't until it was brought back to Europe and modified a great deal over several centuries that chocolate took on the form we know today.
Traditional Mexican chocolate is still made by roasting the beans, grinding them on a flat, porous stone with a stone rolling pin until the fats and solids form a pliable mass. It is then pressed into blocks, bars, or balls.
I have a recipe for traditional Mexican chocolate, but a lot of patience, strength, and know how are also involved.
4 1/2 lbs sugar
3 1/2 oz. cinnamon stick and almonds
added to 2 lbs of roasted cocoa beans
Bring a coffee pot full of water to a boil, and add for each portion 2/3 of an ounce of grated or finely chopped chocolate with an equal quantity of sugar. Allow to boil for 7-8 minutes.
Fortunatly industrialization has given us cocoa powder and Nestle Quick, among other chocolate products, so we don't have to slave over a grinding stone to get our chocolate fix.


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As I mentioned in a previous blog, Warlock, with its inimitable tagline, "Sometimes the only answer to death is lunch", is a favourite—and reflecting on this led me to today's blog topic: what would a perfect lunch look like? Well, wonder no further: this was today's perfect lunch, one that Olivia and I have consumed with minor seasonal variations year 'round, shown immediately below, and instants before consumption:
What are the components? Serena tuna, Italian style in oil (but more on that below), ripe avocado, pieces of carrot and cucumber, brazil nuts and almonds, fresh 'living' basil, Modena balsamic vinegar, Mason's Creek Extra-virgin olive oil, ground pepper and coarse-ground salt, a clove of fresh garlic per person crushed at the last minute (all healthy foods share at least one characteristic: they want to bond with oxygen at indecent speeds), and the last of the self-seeded, home-grown tomatoes. Mmmmm.
This is what it all looked like, pre the mixing process:
For reasons known only to her, Olivier prefers to reverse the standard salad-building process: in the bottom of the bowl go the plucked and torn leaves of basil, followed by the vegetable pieces, followed by the avocado, the crushed garlic, followed by the tuna (well-drained) and, last of all the tomatoes, all garnished generously with the balsamic vinegar and the E.V. Olio d'oliva. Notes on the O.O. to follow, below—the oil is one of the most important ingredients.
The zestiest fraction of the taste sensation is, without question, the tomatoes, second only to the pungency of fresh, raw garlic. There are only a few items I grow in my garden: dark purple figs (the truly fabulous black genoa variety), the black muscatel variety of grape) and tomatoes. This year's crop was 100% self-seeded from the previous year; and the species revert to their ancestors in the process, and the result is small, acidy, sweet, flavour explosions. They looked like this when I plucked them an hour or two ago:
And the oil: first, sincere thanks to Malcolm Boulter for drawing our attention to this particular oil and in fact personally carrying many bottles of it to us here in Canberra: grown on the neighbouring property to his in Portarlington, Vic., this is the best-tasting olive oil either of has ever had. And, in Australian, when olive oil is labelled as "extra-virgin", by law it must be 100% extra-virgin. Of course this term does not refer to the olive trees' sex lives but rather to the stage in crushing process at which the olive oil is cold extracted. And it must also be noted that this happy state of affairs exists nowhere in Europe when only an admixture of extra-virgin olive oil is sufficient to have the label bear that term. And who can forget the Spanish olive oil disaster of 1981? Ah: food labelling laws and human greed!
Notice how much fat-bearing food there is in this meal: in addition to the olive oil there is avocado, Brazil nuts and almonds, in addition to that is contained in the tuna. I drain at the tuna always because one cannot know what olive oil is packed in to the tuna, nor does one really know what grade it is.
I mention this aspect of what makes a good lunch because when I last had my fasting blood levels measured the ratio of HDLs to LDLs was 1:1. According to her, the 'gold standard' is 1:3 (HDL:LDL). My doctor was amazed at the ratio shown in the blood results, and asked me how I did it. "A diet high in fats, in particular unprocessed vegetable oils, and lowish in carbohydrates" was my answer. She said that although my cholesterol levels were bordering on high, she had no doubt that the protective benefits of having such high HDL levels far outweighed any of the alleged disadvantages of having relatively high cholesterol levels. I have little doubt that pre-agricultural humans had similar HDL/LDL levels in their bloodstream.
Anyhow, the end result of this lunch is an absolute taste sensation, where every mouthful has an incredible mixture of textures, flavour, good substances and all-round good feelings in its consumption.


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Carnival Fantasy Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Sail Date: May 16, 2016
Ship: Carnival Fantasy
Cabin Type: Oceanview
Cabin Number: E155
Traveled As: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 2 years ago
Review Summary
It is even hard to tell what was my favorite part in that cruise because any part or moment was notable. But here it goes. First was that I got an opportunity to meet & interact with interesting people from all around the world. I made friends from five different countries. Second, Key West & Cozumel were so enjoyable. The down town was romantic, and swimming in the beach was fantastic. I also had natural fish massage. Finally, The ship was fanciful and entertaining. Several types of fun. Nobody got bored in Fantasy. Whatever fun means to you, it is available: gambling, dancing, shows, arts, internet, bars, restaurants, golf, games, etc. I appreciate my birthday gift. Carnival Cruise Line gave $ 50 dollar off for SPA. I hoped my gift covered the whole session. I've been talking about my Carnival trip to everyone I know. I would love to see everybody I know having this memorable experience
Ship Experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship Tip
Thank you Carnival Fantasy Team. You are the best. You made my vacation perfect.
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Gary Simpson (footballer, born 1961)
|Personal information
|Date of birth
|11 April 1961
|Place of birth
|Sheffield, England
|Playing position
|Senior career*
|Stoke City
|Boston United
|Stafford Rangers
|Stafford Rangers
|Boston United
|Gainsborough Trinity
|Arnold Town
|Hyde United
|National team
|England C
|Teams managed
|Gainsborough Trinity (Player/Manager)
|Macclesfield Town
|Lincoln City
|Barrow (Assistant Manager)
|* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only
Gary Simpson (born 11 April 1961) is an English former footballer and manager, and currently assistant manager of Barrow.
As a player, he was a midfielder. He played for Boston United and Altrincham amongst other clubs. He acted as a coach and assistant to Keith Alexander at a number of Football League clubs, and upon Alexander's death in March 2010 he replaced him as manager at Macclesfield Town until March 2012. He has also had spells as manager of Gainsborough Trinity and Lincoln City.
Playing career[edit]
Simpson started his career with Stoke City, making more than 100 reserve team appearances, before joining Boston United in the summer of 1980. He remained with the club for five seasons, skippering the club in the 1985 FA Trophy final, before leaving to join Stafford Rangers, Weymouth and Altrincham.
Simpson moved on to his first managerial role becoming Player/Manager at Gainsborough Trinity, winning the club's first ever Manager of the Month award in March 1993.[1] Having been in charge at The Northolme for three years, following a 3–1 home defeat to Whitby Town on 9 October 1993 Simpson resigned from his role with Leighton James succeeding him in Trinity's hotseat. He quickly signed as a player for Arnold Townoperating under the stewardship of his one-time Boston United manager Ray O'Brien.[2] He became something of a cult-figure with the club, helping them secure the Northern Counties East League Division One Title for 1993–1994[3] before joining Hyde United in September 1994. He debuted in the 2–1 Northern Premier League away defeat to Boston United on 14 September[4] and spent a month with the club before leaving. He returned to Arnold Town at the start of the 1995 season before leaving in March 1996 to become Assistant Manager at Ilkeston Town.[5]
He won nine England semi-professional international caps and also captained the Middlesex Wanderers touring side, playing games in Indonesia, Holland and Hungary.
Coaching career[edit]
Having first met Keith Alexander whilst both were players at Boston United,[6] Simpson acted as Alexander's assistant manager at Ilkeston Town, Northwich Victoria, Lincoln City, Peterborough United and Macclesfield Town whilst also acting as a scout and coach during Alexander's spell as Director of Football at Bury.
Lincoln City[edit]
Between November 2003 and March 2004, he was caretaker manager with the club for 11 Football League games in the absence of Keith Alexander, winning five, drawing four and losing just two.[7]
On 2 January 2006, Lincoln placed both Alexander and Simpson on gardening leave with John Schofield being given the responsibilities of pro-football.[8] A board meeting three days later saw Alexander return to the manager's seat but Simpson leave the club by mutual consent for footballing reasons.[9]
Peterborough United[edit]
This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (January 2011)
Keith Alexander was appointed Director of Football at Bury in May 2007 with Chris Casper remaining in the managerial chair. On 3 July 2007 Simpson rejoined Alexander at Gigg Lane joining the club as a coach with responsibility for the reserve side and scouting.[10]
Macclesfield Town[edit]
When Keith Alexander died on 3 March 2010, Simpson, who by now was Assistant Manager at Macclesfield Town, took over as caretaker manager. On 13 April 2010 Simpson was appointed permanent manager, signing a two-year deal to the end of the 2010–11 season, after having won 18 points from a possible 30.[11] This was extended in April 2011 by a further year to the end of the 2012–13 season. However, he was asked to stand down by chairman Mike Rance on 18 March 2012 following a run of 16 consecutive games without victory, with the club finding themselves out of the relegation places in League Two only by way of goal difference.[12]
During his time as manager of Macclesfield Town, Simpson always wore yellow socks during matches as a tribute to Keith Alexander. Following the death of Richard Butcher, he wore the number 21 during matches as a tribute to his friend; 21 was Butcher's squad number and was retired by Macclesfield Town in his honour[13]
Return to Lincoln City[edit]
On 27 February 2013 Simpson was appointed manager of Lincoln City following the departure of David Holdsworth.[14] Prior to his first game in charge, Simpson re-signed former City defender Nat Brown from former club Macclesfield, and the following day he oversaw City's 1-1 draw away at Woking which left Lincoln in 18th place in the Conference two points above the relegation zone.[15]
On 3 November 2014 Simpson was placed on gardening leave while a review of his position of manager is carried out. He was then sacked and replaced by Chris Moyses.
On 9 February 2016, Simpson was appointed as assistant manager of Barrow.
- ^ Tony Williams, Team Talk Magazine, Number 24, pp.35, July 1993.
- ^ Tony Williams, Team Talk Magazine, Number 29, pp. 72–73, December 1993.
- ^ Tony Williams, Team Talk Magazine, Number 37, pp. 10–11, August 1994.
- ^ "Player statistics: Gary Simpson". Hyde United F.C. Official Website. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
- ^ http://theallnewarnoldwho.webs.com/st.htm The All New Arnold Who, The Eagles A-Z
- ^ "Gary Simpson on loss of a friend". Macclesfield Town F.C. Official Website. 4 March 2010. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ^ "The Managers". Lincoln City F.C. Official Archive. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ^ "LCFC Press Release". Lincoln City F.C. Official Website. 2 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ^ "LCFC Press Statement". Lincoln City F.C. Official Website. 5 January 2006. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ^ "Gary Simpson joins". Bury F.C. Official Website. 3 July 2007. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2010.
- ^ "Simmo appointed Silkmen boss". MTFC Official Site. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
- ^ "Gary Simpson". MTFC Official Site. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
- ^ Speck, Ivan (5 January 2012). "Simpson honours lost friends". Daily Mail. London.
- ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21608717
- ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21556928
- 1961 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Sheffield
- English footballers
- Association football midfielders
- Stoke City F.C. players
- Boston United F.C. players
- Stafford Rangers F.C. players
- Weymouth F.C. players
- Altrincham F.C. players
- Gainsborough Trinity F.C. players
- Arnold Town F.C. players
- Hyde United F.C. players
- English Football League players
- National League (English football) players
- English football managers
- Gainsborough Trinity F.C. managers
- Lincoln City F.C. managers
- Macclesfield Town F.C. managers
- English Football League managers


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But in the mean time, until I have the room for a home library, I need to work on making do with the space I have to work with. Making my home office a more pleasing room to be in is one of my goals for 2010.
Hey Lesley! Have you thought about going digital? My wife loves her Kindle and says it feels just like reading from a book. Then you can free up space for all the stuff you'll want to buy at the ERUUF auction. ;) http://eruufauction.org


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Above is the link to the House of Representatives web page where you can down load a copy of the paper emotively entitles "Cancer of the Bush or Salvation for our Cities". This document recorded the findings that came out of the investigation into FIFO workplace practices and its impact on regional Australia. The tone of the document is set in its title and with Tony Windsor prompting the inquiry its clear that not too many positives were mentioned about this growing workplace phenomenon. The overriding message of the paper is that the data the committee was able to obtain was inadequate and or too theoretical in nature to provide an accurate picture of what is really happening in the lives of FIFO workers and their families today.
If you are an FIFO worker or FIFO partner with family or know an FIFO family I urge you to pass this blog on or take the time to complete the growing number of surveys that are presently calling for participants. Here is the current list I am aware of as at today!
1. FIFO workers – Creating communities and FIFO families WA
2. FIFO workers – WA lifeline survey
3. FIFO workers and FIFO families – Murdoch University WA
4. FIFO Parents – University of Queensland


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Friday, October 23, 2009
Writer's Block: So funny I forgot to laugh
So funny I forgot to laugh
If a friend cracks a corny joke, do you force yourself to laugh politely? What about if it's your boss or teacher? Do you get annoyed if someone else pretends to be amused?
If I find it funny I laugh if I don't I simply stare and smile.
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Betty Bird
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Apache Cream Oil Restorer to penetrate the boot surface then brush with a horsehair


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Connecting the students of Hamilton, Michigan with a world of educational online resources since 2000.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Bird Riddles from Starfall.com
Spring is here and the birds are singing again. Read to learn about all of these amazing birds. See how many riddles you can guess in this great activity from Starfall.com. Click here to begin.
Posted by Andy Losik at 9:46 AM
1 comment:
Although I do not know the response to the Mad Hatter's secret question presented to Alice in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland: "Why is a raven like a composing desk?", I do know how to tell a raven from a crow! I have often observed raven and crow used interchangeably to explain any huge dark fowl. crossword puzzle helpReplyDelete
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Chloe arrived again this year and brought matching Christmas pj's for both girls. Aubrey was so excited to see Chloe.
I was going to throw this picture out, but this just documents where we are in life at the moment. One kids doesn't smile and has a strong personality and I just smile through it all. Ha!


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The Fact About scientology beliefs medical care That No One Is Suggesting
Of course, the condition is always that they hold out until you might be hooked, then intentionally provoke dischord wiht your beliefs and so with your family, and so on… They explicity promise Never to do Accurately what they do..
We're not playing some insignificant video game in Scientology. It isn't lovable or a little something to accomplish for lack of anything improved. The full agonized way forward for this planet, every Male, Woman and Child on it, and also your possess Future for the following countless trillions of decades count on what you do in this article and now with As well as in Scientology.
To all Individuals nevertheless standing in protection of Scientology 'technology'… during the words and phrases of Jason Beghe…"show me a mother fucking clear".
And on and on. Nearly every strange exercise or perception in Scientology can be compared in a way to the practice or perception in other religions. This serves to lessen the shock component – yeah, the considered goes, so they're nutty. So are all religions, to a point.
Being that we're spiritual beings, it's unattainable not to have spiritual encounters. I also have mentioned the objective of liberation cannot be had in Scientology since the Instructor wasn't liberated. Can't master weightloss in the Body fat gentleman:-))
Mike as the New 12 months can make it's physical appearance,you have this type of profound & nicely published piece on Ron and his Game.It really made me have a look at some pretty familiar images from decades back in An additional brighter mild.Ron just cherished his own viewpoint much he was willing to sacrifice numerous on his altar.My very first weeks in Sea Org @ Asho File,no-a single rather realized where by To place me.So Moreover running the folding equipment Yikes! I also bought to perform Distinctive drills contemplating I'd Considerably catching up to carry out acquiring not been in org or mission prior.At a person issue a GO/ Facts was the Org board title but read Intelligence stopped by where by I had been at a system table and basically claimed,Two points Ann.
This really is refreshing to determine. I don't know A great deal about Scientology but I never listen to nearly anything very good about it. But the truth of your issue is almost everything has anything distinct that works for them. if it can help you could't by way of rough instances and doesn't damage anybody then hey!! Not my task to guage!
Thanks, Mike Rinder, for unraveling further more the mysteries and inconsistencies of scientology. Sometime after I remaining the so-termed "church" scientology beliefs and practices of scientology, I begun studying the OT components as contained within the Tech Volumes.
But there are numerous very distinct dissimilarities that put Scientology on a completely diverse plane, which you have aptly identified as out.
Now I could give you A great deal in scientology burial beliefs the symbolism and so forth which fits along with this but you find it recorded. This, needless to say, man responds to an exploding volcano [displays a DMSMH book entrance go over, and that is an exploding volcano]. He responds to that. He understands that.
worship as they see in good shape... in personal). I tend not to believe that an individual scientology beliefs basic might be physically harmed by
Such as, most variants of Christianity believe that Jesus Christ is the only real path of salvation. Some believe that Jesus will avoid wasting non-Christians (I believe That is mainstream Catholic doctrine) and obviously people today differ on who counts for a Christian.
So far as destroying people, I'd say Scientology is tame in comparison with the major religions in the world. At least, I am able to't recall any wars fought within the name of Scientology.
As outlined by Wright, Cruise was "overheard to complain that he essential a different girlfriend" when he was in Spain at the opening of a completely new Scientology Heart. The Church then found a young Scientologist, Nazanin Boniadi, and reportedly experienced her braces eliminated, bought her $twenty,000 of clothes and coloured her hair "to Cruise's liking.


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Tuesday means we look at five neat items that would make good gifts for any occasion, well almost any occasion. Today I have four as I am short a participant this week.
Without further ado for your shopping enjoyment, Four Great Gifts. First up a couple of returning shops, Wire Witchery, owned by my personal friend Sarah Shannon, and Green Witch Designs, owned by Shelly Moody another favorite friend of mine.
NOTE: Shara's work has become more intricate and complicated. The piece below is an example of some of the new jewelry items you can find in her shop.
From: Wire Witchery
Description: This is an absolutely gorgeous black lip mother of pearl oval bead wrapped with silver plated copper wire. It hangs on an 18" fine link chain.
NOTE: I have a penchant for monsters, the macabre and things that go bump in the night. These are absolutely adorable and would make a fabulous everyday of daring dangles or just a fun pop of color at Halloween.
From: Green Witch Designs
Description: These fun little earrings are sure to make someone look twice. Featuring a small skull bead, with red accent beads to really make a pop. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation of the macabre. A nice addition at Halloween, or anytime you want to make a statement
From: The Alchemists Vessel
Description: 15-1/2" long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.
Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.
Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.
From: Home Time Art
Description: This sweet, loving original teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. Unable to contain her love she wears her not not only on her sleeve but all over for the world to see. She is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child's or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life's journey.
The Teddy Bears is 12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.
The Teddy Bears is 12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.


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Rizzo Chairs
Out of Stock
Restoration Hardware
The warmth of hand-distressed leather and the coolness of metal play counterpoint in this chair inspired by mid-1970s Italian design. Set on a cantilevered frame, the molded seat and back sport race car-inspired seaming.
Discovered by Shannon in Dining Room
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My breath has started to smell real bad lately....?
you should have it checked out, I went to the dentist when I had bad breath (I was only 18 )and it was gum disease, I had to go to a periodontist to get my gums cleaned.they also say you should bru...
Read More »
Why does a cat's breath smell so bad?
Bad breath is often a sign of a health problem in people. Cats are no different. If your cat has bad breath, or halitosis, it can be a sign of one of many different health conditions and concerns.G...
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You might have chronic halitosis, which has many possible causes. Make sure you brush your tongue when you brush your teeth, and you can try using mouthwash after you brush your teeth. Keep your fl...
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How Close do you have to be to someone to smell their bad breath?
close enough for them to see my nose-blocking mucus.-bf jb nm
Why Does a Puppy's Breath Smell So Bad?
The offensive odor coming from your puppy's mouth is known as halitosis, or bad breath. Dealing with a puppy's bad breath can be challenging for many pet owners, as it can be very difficult to elim...
Read More »


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- Pictures of the girls' first Thanksgiving
- Pictures of the girls' first Christmas with their new family
- My review of the book The Shack and why I think it is a dangerous book (you heard me)
- The difference in bonding with my biological daughter, my 4 year old and my 6 year old (yes, there have been differences)
- Pictures of Zoo Lights with the girls' brother
- How the pain of waiting for 2.5 years for the adoption to take place still affects me (even though "they" said it would fade away)
- Why I think a prayer and accountability partner or group is ultra important for everyone
- A change in hairstyles for me
- Other fun stuff that I hope will make you laugh (as you may recall, I like reading funny posts and hope to offer you a bit of humor now and then, too).
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Have you been missing me? Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
8 comments:
- Youthful One said...
I, for one, am looking forward to each and every post.
- December 2, 2008 at 2:59 PM
- Blessed Mama of 4 said...
Have you noticed? ME TOO! I'm all about making things more busy during December! I actually figure it helps me, if I get to empty my brain more often I'm a much better human being. AND I figure it's a little bit of a Christmas gift to everyone who decides to catch up with us, they'll have alot to read!
Whereas you are entitled to your opinion, I may not read the Shack post... just kidding, I will read it and hear you with an open mind... ish...
Did you change your hair style and not tell me? I must hear this one sooner than later.
Happy Christmas, bring em on!
- December 2, 2008 at 3:20 PM
- ames said...
ooooo, I want to hear about all of these!
- December 2, 2008 at 6:43 PM
- Jenny said...
I'm curious to hear why you think The Shack is dangerous.
- December 2, 2008 at 6:47 PM
- Amanda P said...
Yes, yes, and yes.
Your days with God,yes.
Your days with girls, yes.
Your homeschooling days- definitely.
Thanks for taking time to blog. It's good medicine for me. :)
- December 2, 2008 at 7:18 PM
- christa jean said...
If you could lay out your homeschooling strategies for the last, um, 5 years so I could follow them precisely... ;-D
I'm curious about your hair too, make that one first.
- December 2, 2008 at 10:01 PM
- Kismet said...
I will be checking each and every day cause I don't use a notifier and it is thanks to me that your page views go up cause I am checking daily...you're welcome. :)
I can't wait to see your hair change.
I would be interested in homeschooling details regularly also. What are you doing, how are you doing it, how is it going, how do you tailor your teaching for each child??
Do tell!
I'll be back.
- December 3, 2008 at 9:25 AM
- Molly W. said...
Can't wait for the posts!
- December 4, 2008 at 1:45 PM


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After delaying our photo shoot due to inclement weather, it was great to finally meet this family. The boys were simply a delight- sweet to each other and filled with an eagerness to play and explore...which, of course, makes my job capturing the moments all the more fun! Thank you for a great afternoon, Oliver and Adam...I hope we get to play again soon!
October 29, 2010
Oliver & Adam
Posted by Stillpoint Photography at 11:13 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: children, fall, family, lifestyle sessions, manito, photography, spokane photography, Washington
October 27, 2010
October 20, 2010
Margaret Ann Eleanor {Mae} is Two!
I have had the privilege of photographing this little girl for her newborn pictures, and her one year old pictures...last year it was freezing and we were bundled up...this time the flowers were still in bloom...welcome to an October birthday in Washington! Happy 2nd birthday, sweet Margaret! I look forward to many more adventures...
Posted by Stillpoint Photography at 7:54 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: birthday, celebration, children, fall, lifestyle sessions, spokane photography, Washington
October 18, 2010
I always feel a little sad that most senior pictures are due and done before the leaves are changing and the colors are warming. So I did a little dance of joy (yes, I really did) when I found out that I would get to do a session in the Fall! And what better person to do it with than Megan? I could hardly pick a favorite - pretty much I narrowed it to 50 and then clicked on random numbers...so good luck choosing, Megan & Fam! Take a peek, you will see what I mean!
Posted by Stillpoint Photography at 9:15 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: fall, graduation, lewis and clark, photography, senior, spokane photography, Washington
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Sayyed Kamal Al-Haidari exposed by Shia callers.
Shorter Version:
Shorter Version:
Filed under Rebuttals, Revealing Shia sect
yes hes a bit long-winded and twirling, but you too are the same, what is true is that much of ibn taymiyyas writings are also not even followed by our own sunnis, what is true is that many muslims especially starting with bani ummayya were anti ali so they had myriads of hadith fabricated and the best way to have done so, is is the case today, was to mix truth and falsehood, thats why he says for eg that "not ALL are true" etc
Shocked ? " our own sunni " why are you worried so much ? Every one knows who were the leaders of hypocrites , they even gave their daughters in matrimony and then prompted them to give poison , so that the seat of power
is grabbed ,sooner the better.Circustantial evidences do point to that .Do you want proof and references ?.


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With the rising popularity of John Piper's Desiring God as well his overall emphasis of being satisfied in God, my generation has been moved to seek satisfaction in our relationships with God. In Psalm 17:15, the psalmist passionately declares:
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
This emphasis is right and proper. In an age when individuals are incessantly tempted to be distracted by what is shiniest, Christians, as they progress in sanctification, should be increasingly satisfied in God and decreasingly satisfied by stuff.
Sadly, however, what I've seen on occasion and what I've known experientially is not complete satisfaction from God. Sipping a mint mocha frappe at Starbuck's while reading Mortification of Sin or Valley of Vision is not the purposed end of deep and sustaining satisfaction in God.
I fear that too many Christians are only finding half of the satisfaction that God intended for us. If we only search for satisfaction in God, and never put our hands to the plough in working for God, then we will not gain the whole of the satisfaction that God designed for us.
That was Jesus' point in John 4. While the disciples were in the city buying food for them and for Jesus, an immoral Samaritan woman approaches Jacob's well. You know the story; our Lord lovingly confronts the sin of her heart, convicting her of sin. When the Lord, then, reveals his messianic identity, the woman runs to her home proclaiming that Jesus is some sort of prophet sent from God. The disciples stumbled upon this scene and said something like this in their hearts,
Master, why are you speaking to a woman? Why this woman? How could you defile yourself like this, Lord? Why aren't you reading the Puritans…
But none of them said a word. Instead, they told Jesus that he must eat. Naturally, they would think that Jesus needed something to sustain and satisfy him amidst their long journeying. Jesus answered,
I have meat to eat that you don't know about…My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish his work.
Here, Jesus reveals that there is satisfaction in doing, in accomplishing – in working. Usually, when we think about being satisfied in our Christian life, we think of satisfaction primarily in terms of our relationship with God. Here, Jesus explains that there is satisfaction in our work for God.
What is this satisfying work?
The context is clear. Immediately preceding, Jesus has a spiritual encounter with the Samaritan woman that leads to confrontation and conviction of personal sin. Immediately after this scene, Jesus says, "Lift up your eyes and look unto the fields, for they are white already to harvest." The work that our Lord speaks of is a gospel, disciple-making work.
The great commission is not an option from peer to peer; it is a command from the King to his servants. Here, however, Jesus is reminding us that there is delight to be found in our service to the King.


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World Book Week – Activity ideas and where on Earth has BooKa Uhu been for a week?
So – unless you've been hiding under a bookish rock, you've probably guessed that last week was, of course World Book Week – yay!
Of course there are the various struggles that come with dressing up and whatnot, but aside from all that it's an opportunity for parents, teachers and librarians to really get creative and have some fun with books. And that's what I did – I reckon that all told, I probably entertained about 400 children with bookish activities (I'm a trifle proud, please excuse me). I didn't have many resources – just some printouts, some poster paper, coloured card, two brand new packets of coloured pencils and a whole load of time on the Internet. I'm not going to say where I held these events, both for the sake of staying anonymous and for making it as difficult as possible to attach the events to any particular school. Still, I thought I'd share – it is possible to do something bookish without too much fuss, even if you're a daft 'un like me 🙂
So, I picked out activities that could be done in a small space and, because of what I do, without too much noise (sadly). Each activity is based on a book, and to avoid one great massive post, I've split it into Infant and Junior events. Juniors are linked at the bottom.
Enough blathering – let's get on with it!
For my teeniest class I reckoned I couldn't go wrong with pants. Well, pirates in pants technically…
And what could be more fun after a tale of daring dee and knicker nicking than designing our own panticles? And some pretty funky ones they came up with too;
Year 1
Year 1 is one of my favourite activities and favourite picturebooks – The Witch's Brew and Winnie's Amazing Pumpkin.
After a noisy reading ('That was a bit wimpy, I could hardly hear you, now, what's the magic word we need to shout out…? Abracadabra you say? Right, well let's practice shouting it out, nice and loud…. Coo, any louder?' etc 🙂 ) we got down to the business at hand – what would you put in your witch's brew? Winnie loves pumpkin loads, but what would other witches like to see disappearing into their cauldrons do you think? After a couple of rounds of 'Who can find the most disgusting thing to put in their cauldron' we thought of a couple of nicer things too to keep the teachers from looking too worried at some of the decidedly bloodthirsty things being suggested (severed hands, anyone?!). Then groups of about 5-6 kids gathered round some large witch's brew scrolls (two pieces of poster paper stuck together with a scroll shape drawn on) and drew their ingredients. I've done this before where some kids labelled what they'd put in but to be honest, my main aim was just to see what bizarre things we could put into our pots and get the kids all excited.
And check out these Brews!
Pretty nifty (if gruesome – are those worms…?). Of course, it's always fun to see what the kids think of each others work so always hold them up for a good look at the end too. There we go, another item ticked off the How to be a Good Teacher List – constructive criticism, bang, done 🙂
Year 2
Year 2 got another favourite of mine, although it is quite labour intensive and needs some help from TA's or teachers. It can be used with any book on dragons but the one I used was Tell Me A Dragon, purely because it talks about particular types of dragons. A story like Custard the Dragon would work nicely too though.
The idea is that we think up our own types of dragon – maybe your dragon could be made out of chocolate, with toblerones for spikes on his back? Or maybe yours is invisible, so everyone thinks you're flying on your own when they look up at the sky? Or maybe you have, as one little boy did, a dragon that blows fireballs when he breathes, is covered in mud and slings webs from his hands (this little boy was dressed as Spiderman, incidentally)? One little girl even came up with a fairy dragon, which caused all sorts of mindmelty fairy tale mashups to run through my head. That and the image of a dragon in a twinkly dress is rather amusing, especially if you count the wand. One little boy just today told me that not only does he remember this activity from a week ago (from a year 2!) but he wrote about an electricity dragon. Now there's a sparky individual (groan…)!
Anyway, once you get your dragon ideas, everyone writes or draws them onto a cardboard dragon scale. These scales then get stuck on with tape to a large blank dragon template (this is the teacher/TA bit, because the scales soon start flying in) and the idea is that eventually the whole dragon will be covered with scales about types of dragons.
Here's the blank dragon:
And here's the one the kids brought a bit of life to:
Rather natty I think 🙂 It does take a bit of monitoring and needs more than one adult on it but still, the kids are usually pretty impressed with their handiwork. I sent this particular one back with the school to finish off with a load of spare scales I had left, but if I'd had more time I think it could have been a bit neater and left more space for further scales. If you got really ambitious you could even include little doodles of the dragons on one side of the scales, and a description of them on the underside, with the sellotape stuck on just so so that the flaps can be lifted up so the descriptions can be read underneath.
And on to the Juniors….


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Monday, February 1, 2010
Biz analytics or CI - let the quants do the quants
My terabytes are better than your terabytes...on and on it goes.Technology in processing complex data, non-formated data, powerful visualization, etc. is all wonderful and helpful. Where CI fills the gap is in getting the data or data equivalent before it is written down anywhere. Anything written down is inherently obsolete with a lot of variability in the timeline between awareness, authorship and publication. Much more qualitative. Let the quants do the quants. Use the quants stuff but do the rest too and usually first.
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carrying everything on one's body or sled.
traveling lightly on the land one treads.
our ancestors hunted and farmed.
followed the herds when alarmed.
drinking water from pristine streams.
thinking of how they could leave.
no trace they existed before they came.
land was a holy space with no name.
two inches of my brain I now miss.
connected to something new maybe, I wish.
a time when man lived off the land.
a time when nothing was polluted then.
the waters pure and the air clean.
children played with bodies lean.
running through farmland and forests.
animals lurked around corners to beware.
each meal they ate there was a prayer.
no internet to write you this letter.
no blackberry to interrupt you the better.
nothing magic to keep children glued.
to stories fed to them by the tube.
a plague or famine they might have had.
no medicine to extend their lives but glad.
just living and loving under one sun.
times were hard but they must have been fun.
children made toys out of wood and rope.
used their imagination to play pretend hope.
no kids on the corner selling crack or dope.
no kids breaking in to steal an old man's dollar.
families were large and you would hear him holler.
when a child grew up he learned a trade.
he then passed his skills to the child he made.
working with one's hands the norm.
no buttons to click in a company uniform.
no sitting on a couch all day bored to tears.
for living a hard life was filled with fear.
reptilian brain response triggering fight or flight.
mammalian social structure that made this life.
a life I'd trade in an instant.
to be an ancestral relative so very distant.


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Want to change a life?
You can!
Are you a part of a small group, ladies group, or life group?
Are you a part of a children's ministry, youth group, college class, or sorority?
Would you like to make a real difference in the lives of individuals?
All it takes is three easy steps.
1. HOST AN ECHO PARTY: Start with your small groups, collage group, or Sunday school class. If you're a youth or children's leader, plan a mission's month for kids.
2. SHARE THE POSSIBILITIES: We've got you covered! Both our Adult Fundraising Kit and Children's Fundraising Kit--for only a $20 donation to cover costs--includes a study guide, discussion questions, a DVD, and everything you need to highlight specific needs in Mozambique and how you can make a difference. Then you can help raise money for The ECHO Project by selling earrings and bracelets--made by a young Mozambican in our micro loan program—along with 2012 calendars, and stunning photo note cards.
3. CHANGE A LIFE: All donations from your fundraising will go directly to make a difference in the lives of people here in Africa. The ECHO Project strives to help in the areas of Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity.
Check out our website to find out more about what we are doing. The "Get Involved" page has more information about the Fundraising Kits. Then let us know if you would like to join in and be a part of a project that can change the world, one person at a time!
Friday, September 16, 2011
How to host an ECHO Project FUNdraiser!
Posted by Lisa Harris at 11:12 AM No comments:
Labels: ECHO Fundraiser
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
An ECHO Project Success Story!
Over the weekend, I sat watching Emily show me what her daughter Rosie had been learning, and I realized that this is why we started The ECHO Project. We want to make a difference in the lives of individuals. Rosie is one whose life has been changed through those who are helping us make a difference.
Rosie stopped talking at about 18 months. After several years of trying to get a diagnosis, we finally found out that Rosie most likely had contracted encephalitis about that same time. This left her unable to speak. Her needs were communicated through screaming or tugging on her mother.
The biggest problem was that there really aren't any resources available for situations like this where we live in Mozambique and the situation continued to become more and more frustrating. Then about two years ago, someone told me about a DVD program that teaches sign language to children and offered to buy it for Rosie. It seemed like the answer we were searching for. At first, Rosie's parents thought the idea was crazy and that it wouldn't work. You have to realize that we don't know of anyone here who speaks sign language and likely they have never heard about it.
But I convinced them to give it a try--and the results have been amazing. Not only can Rosie now communicate with her parents via simple sign language, but she wants to learn more. This year, realizing how well her mother Emily was doing teaching her and how much she was learning, I told her that The ECHO Project would sponsor Rosie (now seven) to help her with her schooling. Again, I've been blown away with how well both Emily and Rosie have done.
Be a blessing today!
Posted by Lisa Harris at 11:13 PM 5 comments:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
UPDATE: Homes for the Homeless
The response to the need to build houses for four elderly individuals who are homeless (See our recent post) has been overwhelming and exciting! Praise God! Within a couple days, we already have the four committed sponsors we needed along with several more groups and individuals wanting to get involved.
Thank you!
We will keep you updated with the building of these houses in the next few weeks through The ECHO Project blog, website, and our Face Book page. For those of you still wanting to give, we have a number of other projects including the January distribution of school supply packets for those in need, seed money for our microloan program, and the ongoing distribution of vitamins and basic health medications in the villages we work with. All donations go directly to help those we work with.
The ECHO Project Team
Thank you!
We will keep you updated with the building of these houses in the next few weeks through The ECHO Project blog, website, and our Face Book page. For those of you still wanting to give, we have a number of other projects including the January distribution of school supply packets for those in need, seed money for our microloan program, and the ongoing distribution of vitamins and basic health medications in the villages we work with. All donations go directly to help those we work with.
The ECHO Project Team
Posted by Lisa Harris at 1:55 PM No comments:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Opportunity to get involved: Homes for the homeless
There is a great need a couple hours north of us where half a dozen elderly people are living under trees because they don't have homes. Mel and Mandy, two single women from England who are considering working with us, are currently helping to provide simple structures for these individuals who truly are the poorest of the poor.
Scott would like to take several of our disciples later this month to help build four of these homes. For only $175 you can sponsor one of these homes. This money includes all of the materials, labor, and food for the workers.
Please consider giving toward this project or asking your Sunday School class or small group to get involved and sponsor one of these homes!
For information on how to donate, click on this "website link." Once on The ECHO Project website (Donation page) there is instructions on how to either send in a donation via Pay Pal (including credit cards) and where to mail a check.
Thank you!
The ECHO Project team
Posted by Lisa Harris at 4:33 AM 2 comments:
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My primary obsession with DIY's and making things from scratch is not really to be all-natural or anything like that. Although I do greatly appreciate knowing what ingredients are in something I'm eating, if you leave a plate of the chemical storms of horror that I am sure Oreos are in front of me, I will eat them and not think twice. The driving goal behind my missions is to save money. Some things are such a ripoff that it drives me absolutely crazy. We get the bill at a restaurant like Longhorn and I about faint, because that chicken and rice was not worth that much, let alone some beers.
I am all about saving money! Then I can buy more stuff for me that's fun! :) Right, Darin?!?!?
1. Peasant Bread
I am in disbelief at how beautifully this bread turned out. It was so mega easy that I can actually see myself making it on a semi-regular basis for our ordinary bread usage -- sandwiches, toast, anything. You don't have to knead it, and and if you stick the dough in a Pyrex bowl, it can rise and bake in it without any fuss. It was way tastier than I had imagined. Try slicing it up and serving with this outrageously delicious and simple feta dip. These two recipes comprised my dinner last Sunday all by themselves. If you are not culinarily blessed -- try this bread! It's almost foolproof!
A nice buttery, crispy crust!
2. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Way back in the winter time, I made my own powder laundry detergent. And it sucked. I probably should have put all of it in a food processor or blender to make the particles smaller, but I was afraid of my smoothies tasting like baking soda for the rest of my life and left the mix as it was. Chunks of soap would keep not dissolving in the wash (especially since I like a cooler wash to save energy) and would subsequently melt in the dryer and just be a big fat mess. Lame. Luckily, I found this alternative recipe for homemade liquid laundry detergent!
The best choice was buying Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. I hadn't heard of it until I read this method of making detergent -- it's a really neat company that is fair trade and has all-natural ingredients. And this huge bottle was under $15.00. The amount of soap I used for my huge batch of detergent was like, two tablespoons. I found it at Meijer, so I guess it's pretty mainstream now and at most regular stores.
(Pic from Amazon where you can buy it as well)
I poured my detergent mix in a huge Tupperware bin and just give it a good shake before scooping a cupful into the washing machine, and there you have it! Saving mega dollars and no dyes or irritating stuff, in case you have people with sensitive skin in your life. I feel like a pioneer when I use it and that works for me.
Now there is no way to make alfredo sauce with healthier ingredients that won't sacrifice taste a bit. Accepting that fact, I gave the above recipe a try and was really, really pleasantly surprised at how good it was. If you are okay with the mild taste of cauliflower, this sauce is really good! I found myself tasting it over and over when it was heating up just because I straight up liked it.
I melted a good bit of parmesan cheese into it and mixed it up with some tricolor pasta and grilled chicken and Darin ate it, so that's a healthy meal success in my book! But this sauce's tour de force for me is as the sauce on a healthy pizza. OH MY GOSH! I had it for dinner tonight and it was every bit as satisfying as a real white sauce pizza. I toasted a healthy flatbread (this kind from Aldi, which is really really tasty) and put my cauliflower sauce on, and some chicken and a half cup of mozzarella cheese, and had an awesome under-400-calories dinner that I couldn't even finish.
Melty goodness with pesto chicken on top.
Yes, please. Where was this tutorial in February where our bathroom was so cold that I chose not to get razor burn from all my goosebumps and just my leg forests thrive? (Ew, sorry that I wrote that.) I only tried the first step, and rubbed my St. Ives Apricot Scrub on my legs and rinsed it off before shaving, and HOLY WOW did it make a difference. So soft and fancy. I am now on an exfoliation mission -- it probably solves many other skin woes. This was one of the few beauty/health tricks I've encountered that actually worked in a noticeable way, not just a placebo effect. I think? Maybe I'm losing it.
Nevertheless, give these four Pinterest discoveries a try.
Now enjoy photos of what we have been up to lately.
In my opinion, a sweet shot of the Ambassador Bridge as Darin and I locate a certain rum that my dad wanted that we could only find across the border.
Darin and I enjoyed a nice shower at DTE Energy Music Theater (or Pine Knob, if you prefer) to watch Dave Matthews Band.
Our view from our room at the wonderful Yorkburg Manor Bed & Breakfast. I seriously loved this place.
Happy to have arrived after a painful, painful many miles over hot sand dunes.
Love the photobomb of my sandal in my hand.
Lake Michigan is very pretty... and very freezing.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a neat place. I highly recommend not trekking across them to the beach -- next time I will be content to roll down them like the little kids do.
It was sweet to get some fresh air on our anniversary in Williamsburg & Traverse City. We had a great time!


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It's another cold, windy, winter day here in the Great Lakes state. From my kitchen table I can see the snow drifts pile up against an old oak tree. There's a baby swing still hanging from the lowest branch. PalKid hasn't been able to sit in it for years, but for some reason, I've never bothered to take it down.
Yesterday around five a.m., a small voice woke me up.
"Daddy, I can't sleep."
"Come on in bed next to me and you can stay here, just be quiet, honey."
A few minutes later: "Daddy, I don't feel good. I have a headache. Can I have a cold cloth?"
Mrs. Pal called me at work later to tell me PalKid had a fever of about 102 and was feeling miserable. I ran into a colleague today at the hospital and he told me, "You're only as happy as your least happy kid," and that seems about right. Last night was rough, and that cute little voice got me up at four this morning. She was feeling miserable, and after getting some tylenol in her, she asked for a cool bath. A few hours later, I was on my way to the hospital, not for her thankfully, but to see patients.
My new practice uses a hospitalist service, so I'm not the one taking care of my patients in the hospital anymore, but I still like to check on them once in a while when time permits. The new practice is very, very busy, which is great, but there really isn't time to round regularly. I did manage to visit a couple of folks today (and missed a few also…sorry). I got a big hug from one patient, and nearly cried. I was happy to see he was recovering nicely after a big scare.
Someone asked me this week how I deal with giving bad news, with maintaining a clinical distance. I have no idea. Much has been written about this, but there is no right way to deal with these boundaries. Being a physician is a privilege, and a strange one. It's a bit like being a writer, inhabiting lives that aren't yours, being privy to the private dialog of others, to their happiness and tragedy. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it is ecstasy. Rarely is it simple.
But for today, at least, I'm mostly a daddy taking care of a sick kid, bringing her ginger ale in bed, enjoying a smile meant just for me.


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3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows
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- Synopsis
- Summer is a time to grow seeds. Polly has an idea that she can't stop thinking about, one that involves changing a few things about herself. She's setting her sights on a more glamorous life, but it's going to take all of her focus. At least that way she won't have to watch her friends moving so far ahead. Jo is spending the summer at her family's beach house, working as a busgirl and bonding with the older, cooler girls she'll see at high school come September. She didn't count on a brief fling with a cute boy changing her entire summer. Or feeling embarrassed by her middle school friends. And she didn't count on her family at all. . . Ama is not an outdoorsy girl. She wanted to be at an academic camp, doing research in an air-conditioned library, earning A's. Instead her summer scholarship lands her on a wilderness trip full of flirting teenagers, blisters, impossible hiking trails, and a sad lack of hair products. It is a new summer. And a new sisterhood. Come grow with them.
- Copyright:
- 2009
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Publisher Quality
- 9780385738132
- Related ISBNs:
- 9781741664096, 9780385736763, 9780385906289
- Publisher:
- Delacorte Press
- Date of Addition:
- 12/03/10
- Copyrighted By:
- Ann Brashares
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Children's Books, Teens, Literature and Fiction
- Submitted By:
- Bookshare Staff
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.
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- by Ann Brashares
- in Children's Books
- in Teens
- in Literature and Fiction