text:
- Research article
- Open Access
- Open Peer Review
Construct validity of the interview Time Trade-Off and computer Time Trade-Off in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional observational pilot study
© Buitinga et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012
- Received: 13 October 2011
- Accepted: 19 June 2012
- Published: 25 June 2012
The Time Trade-Off (TTO) is a widely used instrument for valuing preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The TTO reveals preferences for own current health ('utilities') on a scale anchored between death (0) and perfect health (1). Limited information on the external validity of the TTO is available. Aim of this pilot study was to examine the construct validity of both an interview TTO and a computer-based TTO in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Thirty patients visiting the outpatient rheumatology clinic participated. Construct validity was assessed by measuring convergent and discriminative validity. Convergent validity was assessed by calculating Spearman's correlations between the utilities obtained from the TTOs and pain, general health (rating scales), health-related quality of life (SF-36 and SF-6D) and functional status (HAQ-DI). Discriminative power of both TTO measures was determined by comparing median utilities between worse and better health outcomes.
Correlations of both TTO measures with HRQoL, general health, pain and functional status were poor (absolute values ranging from .05 to .26). Both TTOs appeared to have no discriminative value among groups of RA patients who had a worse or better health status defined by six health outcome measures. About one-third of respondents were zero-traders on each of the TTO measures. After excluding zero-traders from analysis, the correlations improved considerably.
Both the interview TTO and computer TTO showed poor construct validity in RA patients when using measures of HRQol, general health, pain and functional status as reference measures. Possibly, the validity of the TTO improves when using an anchor that is more realistic to RA patients than the anchor 'death'.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient
- Numerical Rating Scale
- Mental Component Summary
- Utility Score
- Perfect Health
The Time Trade-Off (TTO) [1] is an instrument developed to assess effects of treatments in cost-utility analyses (CUAs) by measuring changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) directly by patients. The TTO reveals preferences for own current health ('utilities') on a scale anchored between death (0) and perfect health (1) by asking people how many life years they are willing to give up to become perfectly healthy. It is assumed that the more life years people are willing to trade off, the worse their health state is. The purpose of this measure is to capture the desirability of patients' own health state reflecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Traditionally, the TTO is administered by interview. The TTO can also be administered by questionnaire or computer. Furthermore, different methodological approaches to the TTO are used [2]. This makes comparison between studies difficult. Differences in TTO procedures seem to influence utilities. For example, it has been found that utility scores are heavily influenced by the method of elicitation (ping-pong, titration) [3]. Furthermore, the mode of administration (interview/computer/questionnaire) or the way the TTO question is formulated can influence utilities. Besides, the size of time frame that is used (e.g. fixed time period, life expectancy) has a great impact, since utilities are calculated as the proportion of the remaining lifetime sacrificed [2].
Few studies have examined psychometric properties of the interview TTO in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The studies that reported on the construct validity, showed poor to moderate correlations between TTO and measures of HRQoL, functional status, disease activity and pain [4–6]. It was found that the TTO was only able to discriminate between worse or better disease-specific HRQoL using the RAQoL [4, 5], between worse or better outcomes on the dimensions 'symptom' and 'role' of the disease-specific AIMS-2 [5] and between worse or better mental health using the RAND-36 mental component summary scale [4]. Tijhuis et al. showed that the TTO was able to discriminate between worse or better pain, worse or better disease activity and worse or better functional status [4]. In contrast, Bejia et al. showed that the TTO was not able to discriminate between worse and better pain or worse and better disease activity [5].
Computer-based utility elicitation procedures to administer the TTO have been developed, for example iMPACT3 [7] and U-Titer [8]. Studies in a range of conditions have used such computer-based programmes to administer a TTO using different procedures [7, 9].
In this study, we report on preliminary results with respect to the construct validity of the TTO assessed in patients with RA using an interview TTO as well as a computer TTO, and using a standardised procedure for both TTOs. The first aim of this study was to examine convergent validity of the interview and computer TTO separately by correlating TTO utilities of both TTO measures with other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with RA. The second aim was to examine whether the interview and computer TTO were able to discriminate between worse and better patient-reported health outcomes.
Patients and study design
Thirty consecutive outpatients (aged 18–85) of our rheumatology clinic who were diagnosed with RA participated. People who did not understand the Dutch language were excluded.
All participants completed the TTO twice with an interval of 14 days. Randomly the first TTO was either interview or computer-based, consequently followed by the other at the next assessment. Measures of pain, general health, health-related quality of life and functional status were administered at the first TTO assessment. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. According to legislation in the Netherlands (WMO), no approval of the ethical review board was indicated.
TTO interview
The Time Trade-Off question used in this study was formulated as follows:
"Imagine that a new treatment became available which helped you to recover fully. A side-effect of this treatment, however, is that you will die sooner. Would you opt for this treatment?" A graphical aid was used to make the question more clearly. When participants asked about the definition of being perfectly healthy, they were told to imagine being in perfect health without any disease or health-related complaints.
A life time perspective was adopted. Life expectancy calculations of the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics [10] were used. The remaining life expectancy was calculated by extracting the age of the participant from his or her expected age of dying according to the CBS. The bisection method was applied to reach the point at which participants did not prefer one of the two options: staying in their health state for the rest of their lives or being perfectly healthy for a shorter life time. Therefore, the trade-off started with setting the shorter life in perfect health on half of the remaining life expectancy. For example, a person with a remaining life expectancy of 20 years was first asked about his or her willingness to trade off 10 life years. If the person accepted the trade, a remaining life expectancy of five years in perfect health was presented. If the person did not accept the trade, a remaining life expectancy of 15 years was presented. This process continued until the patient was indifferent between his or her own current health state according to his or her life expectancy and a shorter life in perfect health. Then, the TTO score was calculated by the formula: 1-(number of life years given up/remaining expected life years).
Computer TTO
NRS pain and general health
Current severity of pain and current general health were both measured by a numerical rating scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (best) to 10 (worst).
Physical and mental health were measured by calculating the physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS) of the SF-36 version 2 [12], a generic descriptive instrument for measuring health-related quality life on eight dimensions (mental functioning, physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, role limitations due to physical problems, role limitations due to emotional problems, social functioning and general health). The scores range from 0 to 100, whereby a higher score indicates a better health.
From the SF-36, SF-6D utility scores were derived, reflecting health state valuations of the general public [13]. The utility scores range from 0 to 1, whereby a higher score indicates a better HRQoL.
The level of functional disability was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) [14], a self-report measure consisting of eight categories (dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip and common daily activities). The HAQ score ranges from 0 to 3, whereby a higher score indicates a worse functional status.
Statistical analysis
To examine the presence of an order effect between participants who started with the interview TTO or with the computer TTO, a Mann–Whitney U-test was performed.
Construct validity was assessed by measuring convergent and discriminative validity. Convergent validity of the interview and computer version was assessed by calculating Spearman's correlations between each of the TTOs with the NRS for pain and general health, SF-36, SF-6D and HAQ-DI. Moderate correlations (0.40-0.59) are expected: all measures (except for the SF-6D) are descriptive, and most instruments only capture one or some aspects of the construct quality of life. The SF-6D yields utilities, but these are derived from a general public. A sample of 29 participants is required to demonstrate a significant moderate Spearman's correlation of 0.50 with an alpha of 0.05 (one-tailed) and a power (1-β) of 0.80. Discriminative power of the interview TTO and computer TTO was determined by comparing median utilities between worse and better pain, general health, HRQoL and functional status. Therefore, the outcome measures were dichotomised by the median score. A worse health outcome was defined by the ≤ median value of the outcome measure. A better health outcome was defined by the > median value of the outcome measure. Because of a difference in scaling of the NRS (Pain and General Health) and HAQ-DI, a worse health outcome on these instruments was defined by the > median value of the outcome measure. A better health outcome was defined by the ≤ median value of the outcome measure. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to test significance. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0.
Demographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics
Age (mean years ± SD)
58 ± 13
Gender (%)
Disease duration (median years (IQR))
10 (19–3)
Marital status (%)
Married/Living together
Educational level (%)
Work status (%)
Paid work
Utilities (Median (IQR))
Interview TTO
0.87 (0.80-0.87)
Computer TTO
0.85 (0.58-0.85)
Pain (numerical rating scale) (median (IQR))
4 (2–6)
General Health (numerical rating scale) (median (IQR))
5 (3–6)
Descriptive health-related quality of life (SF36) (median (IQR))
40.05 (34.22-46.73)
40.99 (35.68-43.95)
Preference-based health related quality of life (SF-6D) (median (IQR))
0.63 (0.59-0.75)
Functional status (HAQ-DI) (median (IQR))
0.88 (0.34-1.38)
Test order
For neither interview TTO utility scores nor computer TTO utility scores an effect of test order was found (P = 0.37 and P = 0.73 respectively). So, no significant differences in utility scores existed between patients who started with the interview TTO or computer TTO.
Construct validity: Convergent and discriminative validity
Spearman's correlations (95% confidence intervals) of interview TTO or computer TTO utilities with health outcome measures for the total sample and for the traders only
Interview TTO
Interview TTO traders only
Computer TTO
Computer TTO traders only
Pain (NRS) ≈
−0.10 (−0.45, 0.27)
−0.38 (−0.70, 0.08)*
−0.26 (−0.57, 0.11)
−0.47 (−0.74, -0.05)*
General Health (NRS) ≈
−0.08 (−0.43, 0.29)
−0.42 (−0.73, 0.03)*
−0.05 (−0.40, 0.32)
−0.13 (−0.53, 0.30)
Descriptive HRQoL (SF-36)
0.16 (−0.22, 0.49)
0.45 (0.01, 0.74)*
0.22 (−0.15, 0.54)
0.35 (−0.08, 0.67)
0.24 (−0.14, 0.55)
0.32 (−0.14, 0.67)
0.22 (−0.15, 0.54)
0.24 (−0.20, 0.60)
Preference-based HRQoL (SF-6D)
0.18 (−0.21, 0.50)
0.45 (−0.01, 0.73)*
0.11 (−0.27, 0.45)
0.20 (−0.24, 0.57)
Functional status (HAQ-DI) ≈
−0.07 (−0.42, 0.29)
−0.20 (−0.59, 0.27)
−0.21 (−0.53, 0.17)
−0.38 (−0.69, 0.05)*
Discrimination of the interview and computer TTO between worse and better health outcomes a d
Interview TTO utilities (N = 30)
Computer TTO utilities (N = 30)
Worse health outcomes b c
Better health outcomes
Worse health outcomes b c
Better health outcomes
Pain (NRS) e
0.87 (0.81-0.97)
0.87 (0.57-1.00)
0.60 (0.50-1.00)
0.85 (0.74-0.97)
General Health (NRS)
0.87 (0.79-0.99)
0.93 (0.77-1.00)
0.87 (0.58-1.00)
0.82 (0.57-0.98)
0.86 (0.67-1.00)
0.88 (0.80 -1.00)
0.77 (0.53-1.00)
0.85 (0.71-1.00)
0.87 (0.63-1.00)
0.87 (0.80 -1.00)
0.84 (0.50-1.00)
0.85 (0.60-1.00)
0.87 (0.79-1.00)
0.88 (0.78-0.96)
0.86 (0.58-1.00)
0.81 (0.58-0.95)
0.91 (0.82-1.00)
0.85 (0.70-0.99)
0.86 (0.52-1.00)
0.85 (0.59-0.92)
This pilot study showed that the construct validity of both the interview TTO and computer TTO was poor in patients with RA when using measures of HRQol, general health, pain and functional status as reference measures. After exclusion of zero-traders from analysis, the results improved. This finding was expected, because zero-traders did not have a significantly different health status compared with traders. Indications of the poor convergent validity of the TTO were also found in other studies in RA and studies in other diseases [4–6, 9, 15–17]. In most of these studies it was unclear how many participants were zero-traders and whether they were in- or excluded. One study reported similar results when in- or excluding zero-traders from analysis [15]. In our study, we did not find the TTO to be discriminative for any of the health outcome measures used. Other studies found evidence for and against its discriminative ability [4, 5, 9, 16]. Contradicting findings were found for pain and disease activity scores in patients with RA [4, 5] and for functional status scores in patients with cardiovascular disease [9, 16].
All these studies were found to have differences in the TTO procedure applied. This might explain the contradicting results regarding the discriminative ability of the TTO. Beside the mode of administration, studies differed in the time frame used (remaining life expectancy [4, 5, 16–18], time frame dependent on age group [6] or not mentioned [15]). Furthermore, some studies described the way in which people had to think about current health [16, 17] and/or about the anchors perfect health [4, 5, 16] and death [16], whereas other studies did not [6, 9, 18]. One study used a symptom-free anchor ('no angina') instead of 'perfect health' [9]. In many studies it was stated that a visual aid was used, although no further information was given about its representation [4–6]. Besides, many studies did not report the precise method of elicitation (e.g. ping-pong) [4–6, 9, 18].
In our study, the TTO procedure applied was precisely described, facilitating the comparison with other studies. Strengths of this study were the fact that we used two different TTO assessments and that we used a broad set of PROs in a homogeneous population consisting of RA patients. A limitation of this study was the use of a small convenience sample.
There are several explanations possible for the results of our study, irrespective of the TTO procedure used. First, the low correlation with the SF-6D, another preference-based instrument, can be partly explained by the difference in perspective used to obtain utilities. SF-6D utilities are derived from the general public, so these scores represent a societal perspective. TTO scores were directly calculated from the patients' preferences, representing a patient perspective. Secondly, except for the SF-36 and SF-6D, the comparators used in this study only measure one aspect (e.g. functional status) of the construct quality of life. Furthermore, except for the SF-6D, the comparators are descriptive which implies that valuations of health states are not assessed. With these measures patients are asked about their levels of impaired health or pain, whereas personal preferences toward their health state remain unrevealed. It is possible that people with the same health state report different utilities if they have different 'aspirations' [18]. Nease et al. illustrate this by the example that inability to walk 'more than a city block' does not have to be a limitation if someone does not desire to be active [18]. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to examine in future studies whether it is better to validate the TTO against individualized measures of personal preferences, such as the SEIQOL [19, 20] or MACTAR [21]. Thirdly, it has been found that preferences are prone to biases inherently to the nature of the TTO, such as loss aversion. Loss aversion can be observed when a choice has to be made between 'remaining the status quo' (remaining in the current health state) and 'accepting an alternative to it' (trading off life years for perfect health). In that case people will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative in terms of losses and gains [22]. The TTO asks people about their willingness to trade off life years (a loss) for optimal health (a gain) [23]. Because 'losses loom larger than gains' [22], people become reluctant to give up life years. This will result in higher utilities, as supported by findings of Van Osch et al. [24]. Furthermore, TTO utilities might be influenced by other factors that are unrelated to current health [15], such as family-related aspects, for example having children [2] or seeing grandchildren grow up [17]. Finally, the nature of the disease can influence utilities. Asking patients to trade off life years may feel unrealistic, because patients with RA do not perceive their disease as life-threatening [6]. Therefore, people may be less willing or not willing at all to trade off life years. Our results are indicative of this: irrespective of health, a relatively large number of participants were not willing to trade any life year for perfect health. For chronic illnesses such as RA there may be more realistic health-related anchors, for example 'becoming dependent on others' and 'having increased physical limitations', which were reported by RA patients to worry them [25, 26]. It could be examined whether the validity of the TTO improves when changing the trade-off about dying earlier in other more realistic (health-related) trade-offs. The use of a 'chained' TTO procedure could also improve the validity of the TTO. In a chained procedure, the health state of interest is not directly compared with death but indirectly with the aid of an intermediate anchor health state [27–29]. A limitation is that a chained procedure is more complex, because it adds an additional step to the valuation process, possibly leading to extra noise [28]. Limited research has been performed on the chained TTO and has been mainly applied in temporary health states [28–30]. For chronic health states it has been shown that chained TTOs are systematically biased upwards (when the worst endpoint was varied) or downwards (when the best endpoint was varied), but that it is possible to correct for these biases [31]. However, the respondents were not patients, but healthy people and women at high risk for breast cancer. Research in chronically ill patients examining the validity of the chained TTO for chronic states is lacking.
In conclusion, both the standardised interview TTO and standardised computer TTO showed similar poor results regarding construct validity when using measures of HRQoL, general health, pain and functional status as reference measures. Possibly, the validity of the TTO can be improved by replacing the anchor 'death' by an anchor that is more realistic to RA patients. Future studies in which direct patient reported utilities are derived, could start with the development of a TTO instrument using realistic anchors for RA patients. This instrument could be validated against individualized measures of personal preferences, such as the SEIQOL or MACTAR instrument.
We would like to thank the participants and the rheumatology department for their contribution to this study. We are also very grateful to André Brands, who programmed the computer TTO. This study was financially supported by a grant from the foundation: 'Stichting Onderzoek en Zorgontwikkeling Reumacentrum Twente'.
Authors' Affiliations
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- The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/13/112/prepub
Pre-publication history
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


text:
|Let me guess...from left to right:
Griffon, Atlas, Locust and a Catapult?
If you're not familiar with the history of the Battletech franchise, it's basically a collection of board games and paperback novels, as well as video games running the gambit from RPG and RTS to more recently mech piloting sims. At the core of all of it though is a three decade old hex grid war game designed for mech on mech combat. The system is quite detailed and requires a lot of bookkeeping for each mech in addition to a hefty amount of dice rolling. Just to give you an example, firing off a rack of missiles at a target necessitates a to-hit roll, and assuming that is successful, another roll to determine the number of missiles that actually do damage. After that individual hit location rolls for each missile have to be calculated by comparing roll results to the proper table depending on the target's facing (front, back, left side, etc.). In total you're looking at anywhere from one to twenty-four dice rolls (on top of multiple charts and stat sheets for consultation) just to determine the effect of one weapon system. Keep in mind a large mech might have a half-dozen of these or more. Obviously, all this gets increasingly unwieldy the more and bigger the mechs are up to the point that the entire thing collapses under it's own weight when the numbers of units reach into the double digits. Of course a video could streamline all this, moving most of the number crunching under the hood, so to speak. However, there are some fundamental issues with the Battletech ruleset that really need to be addressed in order to make the game enjoyable in the 21st century.
|The Whiff Factor is bound
to lead to a lot of player
|For better or worse, Battletech has kept
backward compatibility with all
earlier versions of the game despite
its long history

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Andre Villas-Boas has launched an astonishing attack on Tottenham's home fans, claiming they offered no support and were too negative during yesterday's 1-0 win over Hull City, reports talkSPORT.
Roberto Soldado's controversial late penalty gave Tottenham a less than convincing 1-0 win that kept them in touch with the league leaders, but Villas-Boas was clearly unhappy after the final whistle, claiming his team lacked support from the home fans.
"At half-time we were getting no support. There was lots of anxiety in the stadium from the fixtures night before," Villas-Boas said.
"We didn't get any help today and sometimes you need that extra energy extra motivation to win games like this. Obviously our away support has been excellent.
"I think we have beaten the away record of last season because we are able to play without anxiety and full of confidence in away games.
"We feel comfortable, there is no anxious moments, there is no negativity and the away support has been fantastic. There seems to be lots of tension that doesn't help the players to go through."
Expectations at White Hart Lane appear to have heightened since the summer, when Villas-Boas spent over £100million on new talent following the world record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
Whilst winning most of their fixtures so far this season, performances have been patchy. Yesterday was the third game of the season won courtesy of a Soldado penalty.


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For years some comic fans, journalists and creators have been proclaiming the downfall of the direct market and predicting the end of the road for direct market comic book stores. Personally, I believe that these doomsayers are prematurely pissing on the direct market's parade and they lack the vision to see the potential of the classic comic book store to evolve. Comics are a creative medium with a fan base populated with out-of-the-box mad thinkers and it is from within our own ranks that the wellspring of innovation any industry would be thankful for lies… and those same fans are exactly where the comic retailers of tomorrow are coming from. We've only begun to scratch the surface of what comic stores are and can be as a retail environment, as a promotional tool for the artform, and as a cultural oasis.
But that's a column for another day.
Until the day that the ground opens up and swallows the direct market whole in a fiery cloud of smoke and brimstone, the comic stores are going to remain one of the most vital places for creators and publishers to get their books into people's hands. So if you are one of those creators or one of those publishers you're going to need to know how to talk to those retailers.
You're going to have to pimp to the comic pimps.
Now before you start shooting off masses of emails and cold calling comic retailers it's important to understand them. In order to sell anything effectively you have to first understand your potential customer and learn to communicate with them. Understanding people is the key to communicating with them.
Despite my Giovanno jackets and my Brutini shoes, when it comes to the fundamentals of owning a comic store I suppose I'm not all that different from the other retailers out there. I dig the funnybooks and I want to make my store as great of a venue for selling them as possible. Dirty word in our industry or not, I'm the penultimate speculator, because fuck if I'm not laying out fat checks every week to keep the four-color fixes coming in and ordering books sight unseen every month in the hopes that my clientele will agree with my taste in sequential entertainment. Sure I might be a fun loving, easy going, manic ball of energy who revels in breaking tradition…but, baby, that doesn't mean I'm fucking around. Because I'm most assuredly not fucking around.
For us comic retailers, we're in this comic game on the deep end without a fucking life preserver. We got tall dollars and long hours and serious labor invested in our stores, and we aren't about to give up living the American dream (with comics, baby!) to go get some mind-numbing square job working for the man unless we absolutely have to. And that means we're willing to fight like rabid dogs to keep our stores open and to keep the customers coming in the front door.
Now that you have a little perspective on where retailers like myself are coming from, now we can move on to getting them interested in selling your books.
One of the most common ways that creators communicate with retailers is through email. This can be a great tool, but like Stan "the Man" is fond of saying, with great power comes great responsibility. Emails can be one of the most annoying things in the entire world, especially when mailed out without any thought as to the receiver. Nobody likes to get mailbombed and even though hundreds of motherfuckers might think that sending out random emails promoting weight loss pills or penis enlargement might be an effective marketing tool, the reality is that shit just doesn't fly in the comic industry.
So be careful who you send promotional emails to. And do your research.
Me, I'm thankful for any extra information that will make my ordering easier, but not all retailers like to be contacted this way, especially if they don't know you and have never heard of you. So for God's sake if you find that a retailer is irritated or offended, be sure to apologize profusely and remove him from your list immediately. You don't want him remembering you as that email Spam person when ordering time comes around.
Less is more!
I completely understand being excited about the book you're working on, but you should be very, very careful about sending retailers emails with embedded HTML or images. Some email clients are set to not receive HTML and many retailers don't have the DSL luxury that I do and huge emails are often not appreciated. I always suggest going for the most universal and easiest formatting that you possibly can, and include any images as links to where the images are hosted on-line.
Also, given the nature of how many people contact me in this manner, I can tell you for an absolute fact that it is ineffective to send out emails that require a lot of reading. I'm a busy guy and if you're thinking I'm going to read some 900 word essay you sent me on your book you're wrong. I'll skim for pertinent information and then delete it. Less truly is more.
I can't stress this enough, always try to think about those guys and gals on the other end of that email... they're the ones who will be ordering (or not ordering) your books.
Now here's my idea of the perfect promo email:
Hello, my name is Bosch Fawstin and I've been enjoying your column on CBR. Your passion for comics comes through loud and clear and I appreciate it.
Now on to business....
I have an original graphic novel, Table for ONE, that'll be in stores 2/25/04. I'm solicited in the current Previews (Dec. 03, pg. 309) and I have a full-page ad on page 236 & the back inside cover of the retailer order form. Alex Toth, Denis Kitchen and Joe Zabel all enjoyed my book and I have their quotes on my ad & on my website: http://www.boschfawstin.com/. There's also a preview and other info on my site.
So I hope I've interested you enough to hear from you and I also hope I can help you in getting my book into the hands of readers who are hungry for something original.
Bosch Fawstin
Fuck if I didn't click that link Bosch sent me immediately!
Now normally I'd like to get a one or two sentence pitch on the book itself, but here Mister Fawstin takes a different route by listing off his comic pimping credentials. One look at the people he's gotten quotes from and the financial investment he's putting into getting retailers to take a look at his book and you know that he's not fucking around.
I like that.
Bosch's website is everything I look for in a comic creator's site and his book sounds and looks absolutely terrific. I'm looking forward to placing my orders and having "Table for One" in my store, and you can bet that I'm going to make sure my customers look at it when it comes out. If you want to know what impressed me so much, go take a look at Bosch Fawstin's website. It speaks for itself.
Some creators call me or come into my store to talk to me about their book. I think this is also very effective way to promote your book.
Once you've established a relationship with a retailer, it's important to maintain your good communication. Keeping up the good impression you've established is as important as achieving it in the first place. Now, I'm not saying that you need to flatter your retailer, kiss his feet, or buy him cookies. I'm just talking about common courtesy. Casually mentioning that you are disappointed in the orders or sales on your book can really be a slap in the face to your retailer.
You might think that this is common sense advice that I'm giving, but it's important to follow common sense advice. Even the smartest people can fall victim to easily avoided mistakes. For example, I once congratulated the creator of a black and white independent book for moving 100 copies of their book through my store. The creator's response was to simply point out that I sell more copies of the "Teenagers From Mars" comic. While I'm sure that this was somehow meant as a self-deprecating remark, it really came off as a comment on my pimping prowess in relation to their book. At the time, "Teenagers From Mars" was my best-selling book and even Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's "Batman" had trouble keeping pace. By all means, set your goals high, but also celebrate your successes on the way to achieving that goal. This backhanded comment certainly dampened my enthusiasm for selling that book, whether I wanted it to or not, which really hurt sales, and, consequently, reorders. And that's definitely not what anyone wants!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that you are an interesting and creative person, as evidenced by your comic work. Your promotion of your book should reflect your personality. Keep it fun, keep it interesting and your book will garner a lot more attention
And speaking of creators promoting their work, you've got to give it up for a creator like Ed Brubaker! Ed and I talked for several months about him coming in and doing an in-store event at the Isotope. I make no bones about my appreciation for his work and for his willingness to go that extra mile to give readers every excuse in the world to pick up his books. Ed's known for offering money back guarantees, advertising jumping-on points, handing out promotional copies and original art pages at conventions, and even for giving up a kidney to entice a potential reader (okay that last one I made up, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did!) This is how a recent phone conversation I had with Ed went:
"Hey, it's Ed Brubaker. I want to do something really special to promote the launch of the 'Sleeper' trade paperback. I already have an idea and it involves the Isotope."
"Kick ass, you know how much I love that book!" I said, "So what are we gonna do?"
"I'll come in, and we'll do one of those 12 hour marathons like you just did with Joe Casey. And we're going to give away free, autographed, Ed Brubaker comics!"
"That's great, but it'll never work. There's no way we'll ever have enough comics, I mean, we are talking about Ed Brubaker at the Isotope here! Do you know how many people are going to turn out for this thing?"
"But there's a catch."
"Oh yeah?" I said, smiling, "A catch, huh? What's that?"
"They're gonna have to beat me at arm wrestling."
Now that's how you launch a trade paperback!
But Ed Brubaker's not the only one who gets to have me launch their book and throw a big party in their honor. In fact, I'll even have an in-store event with you as the guest of honor. No seriously, I will.
But there's a catch. You've got to have five copies of your mini comic submitted to the Isotope by the end of the year in order to win the Isotope Award for excellence in mini comics. And, baby, time's running out. I've set up a website with all the information you need to know, a picture of the sexy trophy we hand out each year, and even a countdown clock so that you know exactly how many days, hours and even second you've got to get those mini comics submitted.
And in the meantime…go forth and start pimping to your local comic pimp.


text: Craig White wrote: > On Wed, 2009-04-22 at 13:28 -0500, Les Mikesell wrote: >> Jim Perrin wrote: >>> So you probably missed the notes and announcements about the 5.3 >>> release, as well as the release notes about upgrade hiccups. >> You guys just have to screw up more often to keep everyone on their toes. > ---- > that ignores the fact that the problem was noted in upstream release > notes as well. Yes, but we've all gotten used to things "just working", so nobody reads that stuff. -- Les Mikesell lesmikesell at gmail.com


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Our staff copywriters work with you to create captivating messages and content. That content is then passed to our Google SEO experts to maximize internet traffic. Finally, our graphics team integrates the messaging into your marketing materials, and our webmasters publish to your website and online channels.
By now, you're probably familiar with what seems like the entire world telling you that "copy and content" is the key to SEO. Jargon, such as "keywords" and "algorithm" are thrown at you from every vendor and solicitor. Let's be honest: You still don't know what any of this means. That's okay, because neither do we.
As a marketing company, we get calls and emails about the same stuff, and we still can't understand what a lot of these people are talking about. Let's just focus on what we do understand, from working with our account managers and tech support specialists at Google. We will very briefly touch on 3 points, not in any sort of detail–Just enough to get an idea of how it works.


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(Please double click all pictures for larger view)
My sister Pauline said she loved my bags and asked me to make one more. So this one with a yellow chirping bird was made for her. Please scroll down to see how I made it.
Lindy is my great supporter. She loves my handmade stuff. This one is big enough for her to carry large documents. It's with zipper, lining and inner bags. Hope she finds it nice and practical.
This one is for myself. I can carry lunch box to office.
This is how I made it. I cut the bird body and wing shapes in white fabric, sewed with cotton enclosed. Then painted with acrylic.


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ISKCON Desire Tree - Devotee Network
Connecting Devotees Worldwide - In Service Of Srila Prabhupada
E–सलाह Hindi
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Hare Krishna !
I have few questions as given below.
Views: 149
Hare Krishna , PAMHO, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
1. our souls & Krishna Have been Existing since Eternity ,they are not created at a certain Time period , our individual Soul is Eternally servant of Krishna,that is the souls Constitutional position , to serve krishna/Vishnu. krishna means ,he along with his name , form , pastimes , Devotees,Qualities etc . Krishna is absolute he is always with all othe above mentioned ones
2. there are 2 types of Jivas Nitya sidda & Nitya Baddha. Nittya Siddha have been are living in the spiritual world since Eternity serving Krishna & Nitya Baddha have been in this Material world since Eternity , Conditioned under maha maya
& Nitya Baddha jivas have the opertunity to Become Krishna Consciousness & achive liberation n Go back to the Spiritual world.
3. hare krishna prabhu the Jivas cant Comprehend the sorrows & sufferings of the present Life itself & if they also Remember the Suffering of past life it'll add to the misery ,hence krishna gives a Fresh memory , And how we act we Build up our Future Destiny. Well Just chanting Hare krishna maha mantra Makes you transcend Suffering & keeps you in Blissful state , so take oppurtunity of hari nama & and Chant the name of krishna attentively
Your Insignificant Servant
Hare Krsna Prahuji,
I will try to answer your questions, though they appear suspiciously familiar.
1) The lord is atmaram - He doesnt need us, we need Him. He created us for His pleasure. He desired to enjoy with jivatmas. His desire is supreme. And He doesnt need to do any effort to fulfill His desire. Simply by His desire, the entire cosmic manifestation happened.
2) When we plan a city, we also plan a jail in the city, knowing fully well that there will be people who will not follow the law and they will need to be kept away from society. Same way, lord created material world, which is 1/4th, 3/4th being the spiritual world, to keep miscreant souls. Not very intelligent?
You are thinking so many souls are here, so many criminals. Scriptures tell us that since the spiritual world is 3 times the material world, the souls are much much more in number over there.
Suffering and chaos in the material world is our own doing. Lord created this world and created the rules of the world - like creating the hardware and software of a computer. If a bug lands somewhere in the software because of its own doing, you cant blame the hardware or software, right? Where we land in the ocean of misery is our own karma. The day we realise that we suffer because of our own karma, we will stop blaming God and in fact, thanking Him, for all His mercy. Please note that He doesnt get any pleasure at all from our suffering. If yes, why would He repeatedly come to the world, preach dharma in different yugas and tell mankind how to live in this world and how to transcend it.
3) Please read purport of Gita 9.2. SP has explained so beautifully. Each karma will not take the same time frame to fructify. Some are in kuta stage, some in beej stage, some in phala stage. If we remember even one past birth, it will surely be painful for us. I can say from some crude personal experience - I am working in an office where naturally I have to interact with a set of people for my daily work. We were very cordial with each other and wish for occassions, personal and new year kind of wishes also. Then I got transferred from that profile to another, different company in the same group. I was still in the same office, but my sitting place and working colleagues changed. While the new colleagues started to acknowledge me and build working relations, the earlier group of people stopped even recognizing me. I was naturally hurt and wondered how people changed colours. Then I understood what a boon it is to forget the past life. Just imagine, if you remembered that he was a boss in past life who tortured you, and is your son in this life, would you treat him like bad boss or dear son? Similarly, any other relation - wife in one life is daughter in another - which relation you will keep? And suppose you remember, but that boss or wife doesnt remember, how will you convince them? It will be infinitesimally more complicated than it is today. The sorrow quotient would only increase, no scope of decreasing. So it is better memory is wiped out, and we are allowed to start again.
There are no flaws in Krishna's designs prabhuji. Flaw is in our level of understanding and our realisations. The greater flaw than that is in our lack of trust on the lord, our nature to forever question Him and find faults with Him, our inability to surrender to Him even after 20 years of chanting.
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krishna
Watch 'Going Back To Godhead' video from youtube. This will answer all your questions, but you need to watch it attentively.
This was produced by me.
Kamlesh Patel
Hare Krsna
1. Living entities were not created, they simply exist. Sri Krsna does not need anything outside of Him for His happiness. He is happy by Himself. Living entities need to function in alignment with Krsna to be happy.
2. Krsna made material world knowing well that living entities may want to enjoy separate from Him. But this is not design failure. Because Krsna did not design/create living entities for His own pleasure. Living entities have an option whether to love Krsna personally or exploit His energies. Some living entities chose to exploit Krsna's energies they are put in material world. Material world is meant to give opportunity to living beings to exploit Krsna's energies. In the process living entities realize they cannot do it. So material world is perfectly designed to give opportunity to living entities to exploit Krsna's energies.
3. But if a soul is able to remember only one previous life, he will understand his mistake and stop sinful activities. Instead of this Krishna puts an end to his memory of previous lives and allows him to suffer. Is this not a flaw in Krishna` design ?
This question assumes that memory of a bad experience is sufficient to reform a person. This is far from truth.
Every cigarette packet has a picture of burnt lungs. Does it prevent the smoker from using it ? Does smoker have any doubt that it is harmful ? Most criminals have had a long history of punishments, even if simple things like drink and drive or speeding violations are considered, so many people have paid fines yet they still do it. WHY ?
We have to understand that living entities act in particular ways because they want to. Material energy facilitates this and punishes them for it. But punishment is not the solution. Punishments are not the problem either. Material world works in a very mechanical way, karma, cycle of birth and death etc they are not meant to reform us. They are the rules of the prison. Rules of prison are meant to keep the prisoners inside. They are not meant to reform prisoners.
What will reform the prisoners ?
Krsna consciousness will reform the prisoners. The real problem is our desire to exploit materials energy for our own selfish enjoyment. Krsna consciousness is the solution.
Hare Krsna
Hare Krsna
Kindly refer to this link for references on creation of living entity
Why do thy exist ?
The highest purpose for existence of living entity is to have loving relationship with Sri Krsna.
Is Krsna not the reason for their existence if krsna is cause of all causes ?
Yes, Sri Krsna is the source/cause of all existence including existence of living entities.
Hare Krsna
Hare Krishna,
1. We are all part and parcel of Supreme Lord. Let us say your thumb is cut off from you are you happy without your thumb? We are all parts of Lord. Have you known the Virat Swaroopa description of Lord. You would not have asked this question only.
For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me. ( BG 6.30)
how do you think you are complete without Lord sitting in your heart? He is within you to make you complete. That is the relationship between atma and parmatma. One cannot live without other. He is in you as parmatma( Supersoul) and also you are present in HIM. You are within HIM. He occupies entire cosmos like a Virat Purusha. Lord as Sarva Vyaapi is present all over everywhere encompassing all three worlds within HIM.
As you cannot live without your heart.. parmatma and jivatma are so much complete with each other. Lord is really waiting for uniting with you.. WE ARE HIS PARTS. WE STARTED TO FEEL WE CAN LIVE INDEPENDENT OF HIM. THAT IS OUR FALSE EGO.
The bubble is born in water, floats on it and finally merges into it. Though the Jivatma and the Paramatma are one there is a degree of difference. Paramatma is infinite while the Jivatma is finite. The former is independent while the latter is dependent.
Parmatama doesn't need you. You need HIM you came from HIM and finally merge into HIM.
2. Nothing is imperfect in HIS creation. Only becoz of False Ego we are thinking all this that HE IS INCOMPLETE OR HE DID IMPERECT DESIGN. Your fingers in your palm are designed in peculiar way why are they not all equal length???
IF you had no pinky finger ( little finger) you would not be having any grip. Try closing your palm and see the strength of the grip? it is only 50% strength without Pinky finger. So everything good and bad are designed by lord to maintain balance.
Everything is designed so perfectly so only you are able to get Sun and moon everyday at same time and seasons balanced. I wonder always How really great the Lord is He must be having 1000000000 heads to plan such a big structured orderly Universe. If we are given any work we do 100 mistakes in that and how wonderful Lord made this Universe. Good and bad rebels and the disciplined all are coexisting so is light and darkness all are required to maintain balance. Everything has time limit. Nothing is permanent except the eternal truth that is Absolute Truth. I cannot imagine to even design such a Big Banyan tree He could fit inside a small seeds inside a fruit. I don't even know who came first the egg or the hen?? seed or the plant. World is all wonderful becoz It is made up of all wonders. We made Taj Mahal and call it one of the Seven wonders. It is ridiculous.
Choas is formed by us.. Flaw is with us We become selfish. Wanted to become independent of HIM. We wanted to lord over the things. We become rebels. If a child pesture /annoys its parent and wants to eat the icecream in cold weather...Father tried to teach him but then he gave free will okay go suffer and realize the disadvantages of having icecream in cold weather and come back. But the father didn't leave the child he was with the child all the while but gave him free will to enjoy. Just like the father..Our Krishna gave us freedom but he is sitting right in you heart as Supersoul and always guiding you NO this is wrong Don't do it. He left you gave you freedom becoz he loves you. Had he been a bad parent he would not let you explore much and would impose HIS will and wish on you and it would be more like bondage then love.
When you love someone Set it free...If it was your it will return. Lord loves you so much that he gave freedom to explore understand and realize HIS worth and come back to HIM. All He wants is you to realize by your own self HIS worth and come back to HIM lovingly with loads of love for HIM and understand that we really are part and parcel of HIM.
3. All this design memory loss of the previous life is only for one good cause. To make you complete your Karma. and come back to HIM. Let us say your enemy in past life came as your son this life...you had to pay back some dues and finish karma with that person this life. But instead if you know that your son was dead enemy of urs.. you wont do ur duty as a father you will rather kill your son... and this will not finish your karma with that person. He lets you finish you karma with the people and move ahead in this way.
From Him comes rememberance and forgetfulness.
(18.61 BG) In his purport Srila Prabhupada elaborates: "After changing bodies, the living entity forgets his past deeds, but the Supersoul, as the knower of the past, present, and future, remains the witness of all his activities. Therefore all the activities of living entities are directed by this Supersoul. The living entity gets what he deserves."
According to our past activities, remembrance and forgetfulness are supplied to us and are revealed as our propensities, desires, and aspirations. What we ultimately get is a combination of what we desire and what we deserve.
of what value is remembering past lives & mistakes
and where does it say that Krishna will restore our memories
of past lives?
That's coming totally the false Ego talking, you think you & your history
hold some-any(significance) but it doesn't start there surrender that Giant
incorrect ego, plz, it's non-senceacal as was everything we have ever done or known how to do, up until We meet Krishna and started calling on Him, to properly educate us as to what is to be done, or not to be done, in order to understand him better. this clam of Him granting us total recall however,? sounds fishy!
thX for the lengthy informative share Prahbu Gee!
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text:
UNDP Team and Norwgian Embassy first secretary visiting Chitral.
UNDP Team and Norwgian Embassy first secretary visiting Chitral.
By: Gul Hamaad Farooqi
CHITRAL: United Nation Development Program (UNDP) Team along with Royal Norwegian Embassy envoy visiting different ongoing schemes at Chitral which were funded by Norwegian government and their public , UNDP through Hashoo Foundation Chitral. On their arrival they were warmly welcomed by local people and were briefed by Manager Shamsuddin at Hashoo foundation office Balach regarding their training for youth on Hotel management, waiter, receptionist, and other programs funded by UNDP. He said that Hashoo foundation working on different training of skill development to enhance capacity of youth and to enable them for gaining their livelihood with a honor way. The team comprising over Ignacio Artaza country director, Amanullah Khan Assistant country Director, Muhi Usamah Disaster Risk Management specialist, Shuja Hakim communications officer of UNDP along with Naufil Naseer program Advisor Norway Embassy, Tom Jorgen fist secretary Development of Norway Embassy. They were briefed about the schemes funded by Norway and UNDP.
They visited Balach girls primary school where the local community briefed them about their village organization and how they participate in different developmental and rehabilitation works of the area with the financial support of UNDP through HF. On their arrival they were warmly welcomed by local people and they thanked them for their aids and support for rehabilitation after disasters in the area.
Ignacio Artaza shared his views with local community regarding UNDP funded programs for enhancement of backward areas and raising awareness among the people. He said that their organization always helping needy people in each and every circumstances of natural calamity and he stressed upon the local people to must be united for achieving their target of development and redresses of any issue.
The UNDP team also held a meeting with local media person sharing some views about Chitral after critical situation of tremendous flood and heavy earthquake and he also hailed role of media for highlighting these issues through their respective channels and papers. He said that UNDP working on soft schemes like training to youth for employment and their capacity building.
The team visited Zargarandeh area which had been badly hit by flash flood last year and damaged so many houses and cultivable land. Protection wall of different villages are under construction through Hashoo Foundation by UNDP fund. They also visited Ochosht village where 13 people had been died in tremendous flood of 2012. The local community including Nazimeen, Councilors, chairmen and presidents of village councils highly appreciated UNDP and Norway government and public for their support in term of rehabilitation and protection of the scenic valley from damages of flood by construction of check dams and protection wall etc.


text:
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Lisa C. Miller. I am a poet who has had a creative partnership with the Holy Spirit for many years.
My family and I live in the beautiful state of Alaska where the spirit of animals and men roam free and the secrets echo off of the land.
I enjoy reading, writing, blogging, journaling, walking, photography, scrap booking, social media.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Inspirations from Heaven's Gate
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at night. I write long hand then type.
I listen for the Lord's direction in my writing and I write what is put on my heart to share with humanity. With my writing I want to reveal the simplicity of Christ to the ordinary person and the beauty of life.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have several:
Danielle Steele
Julia Cameron
Natalie Goldberg
The Artist Way
Writing Down the Bones
What are you working on now?
I am working on a third book of poetry.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say to write what you are passionate about. This gives you confidence to keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't stop writing.
What are you reading now?
The Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kendrick
What's next for you as a writer?
I continue writing.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Chronicles of Brothers by Wendy Alec
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Miller Website
Lisa Miller Amazon Profile
Lisa Miller's Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.


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First Road Report of 2013
Hello Leech Lakers,
Well now the holiday season is over, we hope you all had a great Christmas and wish you Happy New Year!!
We were lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful holiday season on Leech Lake. We experienced sun, snow, overcast days and cold night time tempertaures. The lake is snow covered and we are not sure of the quality of the ice surface,so would not recommend venturing out on it yet.
As always, if you come up to enjoy your cottage this weekend, drive safely and keep warm.
Jerry and Carol Cragg
1195 North Side


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Confirmed, Origin have some strange performance issues
07-12-2015, 12:04 AM (This post was last modified: 11-12-2015 09:26 PM by alexatkin.)
Post: #1
Confirmed, Origin have some strange performance issues
I have now been with Origin for a year since they moved from Digital Region to BT and have had fluctuating performance the whole time.
I have put up with it because they offered a really good deal to stay, but that runs out the end of this month so I have gotten connected to Zen. As Origin was on a second line they provided (as my main line had tags problems at the time) I have been able to test both.
Firstly and immediately obvious, Zen has 1-3ms lower latency. This varies based on the PPP session as presumably Zen being a much bigger ISP have several virtual circuits, whereas Origin probably just have the one route over their LLU network.
I will dismiss the fact it has fewer hops as the latency of the first one clearly indicates that it is being tunneled over links where its being routed on Origin.
Quote:Tracing route to google-public-dns-a.google.com [220.127.116.11]
Quote:Tracing route to google-public-dns-a.google.com [220.127.116.11]
Speed wise, this is the average speed I have been getting on Origin:
Immediately on Zen however I get:
Just because it HAD to be done, here are a couple of load-balancing tests with both connections used. It does not seem to consistently apply for uploads for some reason.
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text: Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Student Fulbright Program. To learn in detail about the program, read the informative and extensive information at the Fulbright website. Basically, you will need to decide if you want to do a study/research project or an English Teaching Assistantship,and in which country. The country summaries provide detailed information about country requirements and preferences. Do not hesitate to contact me, with any questions or concerns and to discuss any aspect of the Fulbright program and application process. Once you decide to apply you may begin the online application. Applicants: Embark Online Application. Myrna Fader email@example.com


text:
I used to hear their names in internet before, but never have intention to check them out. But after listening to their split 7" with Cripple Bastards (read the review here), I am kicking myself for not checking this band earlier. Eterno Treblinka is build under one word, rage! This album contains an extreme rage and hate. The vocalist has this very deep growl and the music is really ear-punishing. The guitar riffs are tight, loud and sometime really meaty, it even sometime surpass the blast beat snare drum's sound. But overall production is straight, raw and perfect. Lyrically, this Madrid based band spitting political and religious concern. Since this album is my second introduction to Looking For An Answer, I do believe that they can rip it even better especially compared to some other grind core band in Relapse's catalogue. In-your-face grind core!
Buy this from www.relapse.com


text:
Happy Middle of the week to you, folks. We're half way through the week and on the home run for the weekend. In my case this will mean having the kids off for a week for their May Half Term. I am so looking forward to not having to rush about, and as hubby is also off work, some family time together.
Mid week, of course, means it's time to tease you all thanks to the lovely Sandra Bunino, who hosts the tease every week. I'm taking my tease from book 4 of The Protectors. The Vampire's Protector, which releases next week and is available on Pre-order now.
To set the scene a little, Eva pranged her bike the week before, and much to her surprise a brand new BMW racer has been delivered to her door courtesy of Dimitrius. She cannot resist riding it and has shown up at Dimitrius's house to deliver a grudging thank you. She has interrupted him mid work out.
As you can see, the two of them are still skirting around their attraction.... for now....
"Decided to keep her then?" he asked, and amusement warred with affection inside his chest, when Eva's cheeks pinked nicely. She put up a good front, though, he gave her that, as she glared at his arm, and he moved it to allow her to step in. He barely suppressed a groan at seeing her ass cheeks sway in the tight leather pants, and shut the door to keep his hands busy.
He sure hoped she was here to stay, because he would have a damn hard time keeping his hands off of her, and he didn't want to resort to coercing her. No, he wanted her submission freely given, and he frowned at his thought processes. It had been a long time, a very, very long time, since he had felt like this, and even then the pull hadn't been that strong.
"For now." Her breathy reply shook him out of his introspective admiration of her delectable ass, and he let his gaze wander over her front instead, as she turned around. She'd opened the zip on her top slightly, revealing creamy flesh, and he idly wondered if she was wearing anything else underneath that.
"At least until my insurance claim comes through," she added and frowned at him, when he grinned at her. "I do need transport, and I'm not in the habit of cutting my nose off to spite my face. You'll get her back when I can buy my own."
"There's no need. She's yours to keep," he said, and Eva shook her head.
"No, I will not be beholden to you anymore than I already am."
When he crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow at her, she paled and dropped her gaze to the floor.
"But, thank you…for buying her. I didn't expect…I mean, you didn't have to...and damn it, why?"
She looked so utterly rattled, it was most delightful, and he let her squirm for a bit, drinking in her confusion and unwilling arousal that spiked the longer he stared at her.
"Why not?" he finally asked, and her gaze flew up to his face. "You needed transport. I've got the money, and knowing your penchant for fast riding, that bike out there is the safest and best for you to use. I told you already. I look after what's mine."
Eva blinked, and her mouth fell open slightly, even as she shook her head.
"I'm not yours, though. I haven't agreed to any of this. I kill your kind for fu—"
Dimitrius stopped her profanity by crossing the distance between them in a heartbeat, and placing his hand over her mouth. Her eyes grew huge, and her pupils dilated, as he shook his head at her.
"Careful myshka, have you forgotten the rules already. I will not have you swearing in front of me, and if you keep insisting on it, then I really will have to punish you."
Eva's eyes sparked fire at him, and he grinned, while allowing his fangs to drop. A shudder went through her frame, and her pulse sped up. Not in revulsion, or even fear, but excitement, and he indulged himself by dipping his head and running his canines along her neck.
"You know my favorite place to feed from?" he asked and pulled back slightly to study her expression. She nodded, and he slowly released her mouth, and ran his index finger down her neck and into the tempting valley of skin exposed by her open zip.
"I've seen you in action. I know where it is." She spat the words at him, and Dimitrius smiled and trailed his fingers up again, until he reached her lips. Eva opened to him on a reluctant sigh, and he traced the contours of her mouth.
"Have you now?" he asked, and grinned at her when he pulled his finger away and she leaned closer to prolong the contact, before she appeared to catch herself and drew back with a frown.
"You know damn well I've been following you, so you can wipe that smirk of your face."
Dimitrius shrugged his shoulders, and stepped back and away from her. It was that or kiss her senseless, bend her over the breakfast bar, and...
Fuck. He had to get his mind out of his dick. Surely, this pull he felt to her was only this strong because he hadn't had her yet. One he'd actually tasted her, this need would lessen. It had to.
"All I want to know is why you seem intent on rescuing people. You didn't have to interfere with that girl, yesterday, and you didn't even feed from her. I just don't get you, and I don't like it." She continued to stare at him when he didn't respond, and then groaned.
"And for pity's sake, say something, and for the love of god put some clothes on. You're very…" She seemed to struggle for the right words, and finally muttered something to herself, and stared at the floor.
"Oh don't stop now, myshka. I'm very what? Do enlighten me, please." He couldn't keep his amusement from showing in his voice and she stamped her foot, and shook her head.
"Just get dressed, please. I can't have a conversation with you, when you're half naked. It's too distracting, okay?"
Dimitrius laughed and she looked up at him with the most delightful frown.
"Distracting. Hmm, don't think I've ever been called that before. We can't have my little Protector distracted now, can we? I shall take a shower, and…"
Her feminine growl stopped him. It was such a deep-throated sound that his balls drew tight, and he crossed the distance between them without even realizing. She swallowed hard and stepped away from him until the work top stopped her. When he picked her up, dumped her on top of it, yanked her legs apart and stepped right between them, she gasped. She didn't push him away, however. Instead her hands explored his chest, and her breathing sped up.
Dimitrius stopped the downward slide of her hands with his own, and tipped her chin up with one hand.
"Careful. I'm not known for my restraint, and most men would take this as an invitation, myshka. I can smell how much you want me."
[Siren Classic: Erotic Paranormal Consensual BDSM Romance, shape-shifters, vampires, HEA]
She is a Protector, sworn to kill vampires, not mate with them.
Eva Arnett is not having a good day. Not only does she prang her bike, but she is also set upon by a nest of vicious vamps, and then wakes up in an enigmatic stranger's bed—naked and tied up. Her eagle has lost its mind. The ancient vampire cannot be her mate, but she cannot ignore this overwhelming urge to submit.
Dimitrius Zolnerovich isn't overly fond of those pesky Protectors keeping him from his food supply. However, when he comes across Eva fighting for her life, he has to intervene. Six vamps against one woman—that's just bad manners—even if she is a Protector.
He should keep his distance, but this experienced Dom cannot resist the gift of Eva's submission, and besides, his myshka needs watching.
When trouble hits the village, lethal choices have to be made that may well spell the end for them both.
Releases May 26th and available on pre-order from Bookstrand now at a 10% discount.
Do hop along to to the other teasers today, and if you're an Author, then why not join us next week? You can sign up on Sandra's blog.
Til next time, and do stay naughty, folks.
D xxxx


text:
The MJAA Mentorship Program Kickoff event will be held Friday, Sept. 14, in Freedom Forum Conference Center, 305 Carroll Hall.
The kickoff is the first of six program meetings for the 2018-19 academic year:
Attire for the opening and closing events is business casual.
The Media and Journalism Alumni Association empowers alumni to support the UNC School of Media and Journalism today and into the future. Guided by a group of media industry leaders from across the nation, the MJAA harnesses the power of a diverse and talented graduate base to support student development, foster alumni connections and encourage giving to reinforce the School's reputation as one of the nation's elite programs.
Please contact Director of Alumni Affairs and Donor Relations Robin Jackson at firstname.lastname@example.com or Public Communication Specialist Kathleen Collette at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Despite the fact that the stickers have become a universal subject for note-taking and reporting, modern technology can improve this product. Reminder – is an electronic sticker that works on the principle of the device for babies, where you can draw and erase your drawings.
Magnetized particles inside of sticker work with a help of magnetized wand and become visible. Smart Dock can be used for switching of illumination when the time is right.
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If you are looking for an airport RV rental from New York City you are in the right place. USA RV Rentals has locations close enough to the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) so that picking up an RV is convenient if you are starting your vacation from the airport. Some RV rental companies may make you spend the night in an airport hotel if you are flying in from an international destination or you may just want to start fresh in the morning. Check your terms and conditions to see if a shuttle is available from your hotel or the airport to the RV rental location. USA RV Rentals has the perfect airport RV rental from NYC.
Photo credit: www.airport-jfk.com
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text:
Join for FREE, and start talking with other members, weighing in on community discussions, and more.
Also, by registering and logging in you'll see fewer ads and pesky welcome messages (like this one!)
Shouldn't that be enough for her?Of course she is attending class to help her decide if she likes the college.
But we also want the college to note her interest in hopes she not only gets in, but gets merit money.


text:
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Topic: Nonito Donaire (OT) (Read 7513 times)
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Nonito Donaire (OT)
November 28, 2012, 07:38:16 AM »
Talk all you want about Donaire here.
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TFC Godfather
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Re: Nonito Donaire (OT)
Reply #1 on:
November 28, 2012, 07:38:40 AM »
Donaire shows no sign of slowing down
By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 11/27/2012 8:53 PM | Updated as of 11/27/2012 8:53 PM
SAN CARLOS, California – With his hand completely healed, the Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire is less than three weeks away from his fourth fight in 2012.
He hit the gym straight after a quick post-fight vacation in the Philippines and has sparred for three weeks.
Donaire will take on Mexican veteran Jorge Arce on December 15 in Houston Texas.
"Maganda 'yung training namin reading ready na kami, kasi nakalaban ko lang with (Toshiaki) Nishioka, so ganon pa rin ang katawan ko so reading ready na sa laban," said Donaire.
As the year wraps up, boxing experts have eyed Donaire as the leading candidate for fighter of the year.
He first beat Wilfredo Vasquez for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title in February, then won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title by knocking down Jeffrey Mathebula last May.
Donaire also scored an impressive knockout against Japan's top fighter and former world champion Nishioka last October.
Donaire also ended careers. After his stoppage loss to the "Filipino Flash," the 37 year-old Nishioka announced his retirement.
For now Donaire is concentrating on Arce but is already looking ahead to another impressive run next year.
"For now 122 [pounds], there's two champions I need to beat and close out the 122 division, kahit sino sa kanila, [Abner] Mares put a challenge out there. Kaya ko 'yun… si Rigondeaux kaya ko 'yun. Wala ako pa kialam kung sino sa kanila but for next year, 'yun ang gusto ko laban sa 122. [Apat ng laban ulit] I'm hoping," said Donaire.
At 33 years old with 70 fights including four world titles, Arce is also considering retirement after he fights Donaire.
Donaire, who just celebrated his 30th birthday earlier this month, sees no signs of him slowing down soon.
"Ayoko mag make ng excuse, 'oh matanda na ako, or tumtanda na ako, humi hina na ako.' I don't want to make that excuse. Totoo naman the older I get the stronger I get, 'yun ang challenge ko. The older I get, I'm going to get better and better," he said.
Donaire, who is consistently in the Top-5 pound-for pound fighters list, is continuing to ride an 11-year 29-bout winning streak, capturing world titles in four weight classes.
With a rich pool of talent, win or lose, the Filipino Flash plans on staying at and conquering the 122-pound division with his sights set on some of the other top fighters such as Abner Mares and Guillermo Rigondeaux.
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Re: Nonito Donaire (OT)
Reply #2 on:
November 28, 2012, 07:39:12 AM »
Donaire says it's all business with Arce
Posted at 11/27/2012 9:05 PM | Updated as of 11/27/2012 9:05 PM
MANILA, Philippines – They may be friends outside the ring, but on December 15, Nonito Donaire and Jorge Arce will be trying to knock each other's block off.
Despite trading barbs with Arce leading to their fight deal, Donaire said he and the Mexican boxer actually have a good relationship.
"It just comes down to business," Donaire explained in Boxing Scene. "We all respect each other, we just talk [expletive]. It's just how it is."
The two fighters have tried to make the bout for the past three years, but could not agree over their fight purse.
Now that the deal has been arranged, they're back to being friends again. The two even clowned around after the press conference announcing their bout.
Donaire reportedly picked a TV Azteca camera and "interviewed" Arce.
"Jorge, what do you think of Nonito Donaire?" the Filipino asked the Mexican brawler. "I think he said he's going to win this fight. What do you think will happen?"
"Donaire, I don't know if that happens. It's bull---t," replied Arce, then the two burst into laughter.
But Donaire said the laughter ends when they step inside the ring.
"While we're in there, we're going to try to tear each other's head off, just kill each other," he said.
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Re: Nonito Donaire (OT)
Reply #3 on:
December 17, 2012, 03:38:53 AM »
Nonito Donaire Jr. wins over Jorge Arce via Knockout
Posted in Sports 16. Dec, 2012
One second before the third round ends, Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr. knocked out Mexican champ Jorge Arce. During the press conference of their fight Arce announced that he is going to knock out Donaire but it was the other way around.
Nonito Donaire Jr. is now a candidate for being the "Fighter of the Year". Nonito Donaire's record is now 31-1-0, 20 KOs and Jorge Arce's record is now 61-7-2, 46 KOs.
According to interviews Donaire felt heavy during the first and second round. "Buti na lang gumaan" he said.
According to bleacher report, "superfights are still waiting for him at 122 in Abner Mares and Guillermo Rigondeaux. If he chooses to move up to 126, he's got great potential fights in opponents like Orlando Salido, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Billy Dib."
Scoring a quick short right hand in round 2 and finally knocks out Arce at the third round. Donaire will be having a happy homecoming in the Philippines to spend the holidays while Jorge Arce announces his retirement after his loss to Donaire.
If last week many Filipinos mourn for Manny Pacquaio's loss to Marquez, this time is a reason to celebrate Filipino triumph for Nonito Donaire's win.
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Re: Nonito Donaire (OT)
Reply #4 on:
December 20, 2012, 06:55:16 PM »
MMK scores almost twice compared to it's rival show, Luv U still PH's Most Watched Teen- Oriented Show, 'Donaire vs Arce' tops all weekend program
Here are the Top 20 programs and comparative TV ratings nationwide from December 14 to 16, 2012 according to Kantar Media:
December 14, 2012 (Friday)
Krusada (Replay) (0.8%) vs. Wish Ko Lang! (0.9%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (4.3%) vs. Unang Hirit (3.7%)
Kris Tv (5.9%) vs. Doraemon Adventures (6.9%) / Inuyasha (9.0%) / Atashin' Chi (10.0%)
Animazing Tales (5.7%) / Hitman Reborn (5.1%) vs. Detective Conan (10.7%)
Gintama (6.2%) vs. One Piece (10.6%)
Two Wives (9.7%) vs. Knock Out (10.3%)
Masterchef Pinoy Edition (14.5%) vs. Nay-1-1 (5.5%) / Cielo De Angelina (4.9%)
Be Careful With My Heart (21.5%) vs. Chef Boy Logro Kusina Master (6.4%)
It's Showtime (12.0%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (13.5%)
Angelito Ang Bagong Yugto (13.0%) vs. Yesterday's Bride (12.2%)
Precious Hearts Romances Paraiso (11.1%) vs. Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga (12.8%)
A Gentleman's Dignity (9.4%) vs. Magdalena Anghel Sa Putikan (12.5%)
Pinoy True Stories (10.0%) vs. Smile Dong Hae (10.4%)
Secret Love Sungkyunkwan Scandal (13.6%)
Aryana (24.5%) vs. Paroa Ang Kuwento Ni Mariposa (14.7%)
TV Patrol (29.7%) / Princess And I (31.0%) vs. 24 Oras (16.0%) vs. Wil Time Bigtime (6.5%)
Ina Kapatid Anak (31.3%) vs. Aso Ni San Roque (16.5%) / Pahiram Ng Sandali (14.9%)
A Beautiful Affair (18.2%) vs. Temptation of Wife (Pinoy Version) (16.3%)
Kahit Puso'y Masugatan (11.0%) / Bandila (4.8%) vs. Bubble Gang (9.1%) vs. The Amazing Race Philippines (5.1%)
Storyline (1.7%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (3.1%) vs. Super Sine Prime (3.9%)
Cge Tv In Da Loop V2.0 (0.5%) vs. Lee San Wind of The Palace (2.0%) / One True Love A Second Chance (0.8%) vs. Pilipinas News (1.3%) / Reaksyon Kasama Si Luchi Cruz-Valdes (0.8%) / Ang Latest Up Late (0.5%)
December 15, 2012 (Saturday)
Sa Kabukiran (1.5%) vs. Adyenda (1.3%) / Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (1.1%)
Salamat Dok (2.4%) vs. Pinoy MD Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (2.5%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (2.9%) vs. The Looney Tunes Show (4.9%)
Honey Watch Out (2.8%) vs. Thundercats (7.4%)
Why Not? (4.3%) vs. Paddle Pop Elemagika (8.4%) / Hayate The Combat Butler (7.9%)
Nihao Kai-Lan (4.9%) / El Tigre The Adventures of Manny Rivera (5.0%) vs. Scan 2go (7.5%)
Planet Sheen (4.7%) vs. Dragon Ball (9.1%)
Spongebob Squarepants (6.8%) vs. Tropang Potchi (7.2%)
Masterchef Pinoy Edition (7.5%) vs. Sarap Diva (6.4%)
Be Careful With My Heart Sabado Rewind (12.0%) vs. Maynila (Larawan Ng Bansa) (8.9%)
It's Showtime (11.0%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (15.5%)
Showbiz Inside Report (6.7%) vs. Startalk (7.1%)
S.O.C.O. Saturday (8.6%) / Failon Ngayon (8.2%) vs. Wish Ko Lang! (6.9%)
TV Patrol Weekend (13.4%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (9.0%) vs. Wil Time Bigtime (Saturday) (7.7%)
Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal (23.3%) vs. Extra Challenge (12.2%)
Wansapanataym (29.7%) vs. Celebrity Bluff (12.6%)
MMK Ang Tahanan Mo (31.8%) vs. Kap's Amazing Stories (13.0%) / Magpakailanman (13.6%) vs. Talentadong Pinoy (7.1%)
Liwanag Ng Pasko The ABS-CBN Christmas Special (14.7%) vs. Watta Job (10.2%) / Tunay Na Buhay (6.8%) vs. The Amazing Race Philippines (5.8%) / Saturday Blockbuster (4.6%)
Toda Max (5.4%) / Banana Split Extra Scoop (3.1%) / The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (1.4%) vs. Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (1.6%) vs. Pilipinas News (1.7%) / Ang Latest Updated! (0.7%)
December 16, 2012 (Sunday)
Liwanag Ng Pasko Kapamilya Simbang Gabi (1.4%) vs. Jesus The Healer (0.9%)
The Healing Eucharist (5.0%) vs. In Touch (0.7%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (3.6%) vs. The Looney Tunes Show (3.9%) / Thundercats (5.6%)
Salamat Dok (4.2%) vs. Paddle Pop Elemagika (7.2%) / Hayate The Combat Butler (7.9%)
2012-2013 NBA Regular Season (Live) (10.1%) vs. Scan 2go (7.2%) / Dragon Ball (8.3%) / Aha (8.4%) WBO Junior Featherweight Championship Donaire Vs Arce (29.7%) / Juan Ruiz Vs Victor Terrazas (22.7%) / Alex Saucedo Vs Eddie Cordova (29.2%) / Donaire Vs Arce (34.7%) vs. Laban Ng Lahi Dugong Kampeon (11.0%) / Kapuso Movie Festival (12.0%)
ASAP 2012 (13.0%) vs. Party Pilipinas (8.0%) / Teen Gen (7.0%)
Luv U (10.2%) vs. H.O.T. Tv Hindi Ordinaryong Tsismis (5.9%)
The Buzz (12.0%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (9.6%) / Extra Challenge (14.4%)
Tv Patrol Weekend (22.3%) vs. Pepito Manaloto Ang Tunay Na Kuwento (21.7%) vs. Pinoy Explorer (5.6%)
Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (22.3%) / Sarah G Live (16.2%) vs. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (23.4%) / Imbestigador (17.3%) vs. Talentadong Pinoy (5.7%) / The Million Peso Money Drop (4.4%)
Liwanag Ng Pasko The ABS-CBN Christmas Special (13.0%) vs. I Bilib Featuring Wonders of Horus (10.3%) / Sunday Night Box Office (7.8%) vs. The Amazing Race Philippines (2.4%)
Gandang Gabi Vice (4.7%) vs. Sunday Night Box Office (4.6%) / Diyos At Bayan (0.7%) vs. Pilipinas News (0.6%)
Source: Kantar Media
Posted by Mark Santos at 9:03 PM
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The Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb
Rodin, Auguste
katalog izložbe; Atelje Meštrović, Zagreb, 1968
Exhibition: Rodin, Auguste
Authors: Vesna Barbić, Cecile Goldscheider
Editor: Vesna Barbić
Collaboration: Pariz Musée Rodin
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Copyright 2010 MSU Zagreb


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Investment Office
Selecting relevant market observations
Salt in Their Veins by Charles Wing is an inspiring book consisting of interviews with the ingenious, hardworking coastal Mainers from Portland to Eastport by Wing, a professor who wrote 7 books while living on a boat for 8 years. There are chapters about 4 boat builders, 3 restauraters, 7 fisherman of all sorts from local lobsterman to deep sea swordfisherman, a wharfinger, a docker, 3 businessman, 2 artists, 2 fish store operators, a teacher, 2 racers, and a mechanic.
All of those interviewed have been living in Maine for many generations, and have a work ethic second to none that I have encountered.
They are drawn together by a love of the ocean, jacks of all trades, flexibility, a loathing for those who are from away from Maine, and those who rely on anything other than their own hard work and self reliance. Maine has more millionaires per capita than any other state, and perhaps the least migration in and out of any state.After reading the book, you want to tip your hat to many geniuses you meet with. Typical of these are a self taught mechanic who builds submarines and planes without plans, a businessman who runs Bath Iron Works with 10,000 employees and builds the best boats in the world, there are master boat builders in wood, and fiberglass, there are racers who routinely cross the Atlantic in sail boats in 30 days 3 or 4 times a year.
The social structure of the inland Maine community is unlike anything you might meet with anywhere else. The kids never move out of the town they were raised in, there is no theft, the center of town is the fish store, or the post office. Half the population is related to each other, promiscuity and drinking a la Peyton place is rampant especially in the winter. And above all, there is loathing for those from away, even after 90 years, if you weren't born there you're not one of them.
Almost all those interviewed had their boats overturned in 40 degree water and survived in one way or another even without knowing how to swim. I found the preparations for these accidents and coolness in the face of imminent death, quite edifying in my own business. One can't compliment the author Charlie Wing, enough. He's the kind of person you would like to meet and sit on a log with and learn from. Every chapter has home grown wisdom form him, that inspires those he interviews to elicit the inner working of their lives.
I loved the book, couldn't put it down, and recommend it heartily. I have an enforced vacation planned at Vinyl Haven in a few weeks, and will keep my ears open while there to learn about life from the locals.
A typical Maine anecdote: Martha Stewart comes to Bar Harbor and of course her cell phone doesn't work, as is typical of most of the Maine coast. There's a line at the pay phone. She cuts in. "I have to make a very important call involving millions of dollars." An elderly gentleman says that "in Maine we all wait our turn no matter how important we are". She says, "Don't you know who I am. I'm Martha Stewart". He says, "Yes I know, I'm John Rockefeller". (He donated Acadia National Park to the state).
Bubbles and Crashes
Business CyclesCentral Banks
Creative DestructionCredit Crunch
Current Account
EquityEuropeFinancial CrisisFiscal Policy
Gloom and DoomGold
Government Debt
Historical Patterns
Household DebtInflation
Interest Rates
Market Timing
Monetary PolicyOilPanicsPermabearsPIIGSPredictions
ProductivityReal Estate
Sovereign BondsSystemic Risk
Tail Risk
Tipping PointTrade Balance


text:
Clara Venice didn't know what to expect opening for the Barenaked Ladies on their just-wrapped cross-Canada tour.
She'd been warned people might boo or even walk out. After all, they were paying to see a rock band, not a young woman wearing a pink ballerina dress, purple wig and sparkly white hat playing an assortment of instruments.
Thankfully, the audiences appreciated this one-woman band whose most unusual instrument sounds like the spooky alien theme in a vintage sci-fi movie.
That instrument is the theremin — an electronic device that Venice "plays" by waving her hands over two antennas sticking out of a boxlike structure. One antenna controls volume, the other pitch.
"The audience was fascinated," says Venice in an interview in her apartment decorated with Hello Kitty toys and cupcake-shaped cushions. "Nobody walked out. People really responded to the theremin."
Although she presents herself as a sunny soul in a pastel world, she is determined to "get in the trenches and do whatever it takes" to succeed as a pop theremist.
"She appears to be rainbows and unicorns but underneath that is a girl with a degree in philosophy," says Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies who asked her to join the tour after producing Venice's EP, Love Riddle.
Venice's interests and inspiration span music, film, fashion and visual art. Her godfather was renowned painter Gershon Iskowitz; Canadian designer Evan Biddell has called her his muse; she's collaborated with Scarygirl creator Nathan Jurevicius and artist Ken Ogawa created the animations for her live performances.
The persona is a deliberate invention, says Venice, who counts David Bowie and Björk as her influences. She pays attention to every detail of her career, including designing a heart-shaped brooch containing her EP, thereby creating what she believes to be the first piece of USB jewelry.
A classically trained violinist, Venice plays the ukulele, keyboard, electric violin, percussion and theremin in her show.
Hearn knew it might be a bit of a stretch for Barenaked Ladies fans to accept the performer nicknamed "Sparkle Princess" by the band.
"She went out and made the most of it with confidence. I couldn't be prouder of her," says Hearn, who describes her music as "simple but well-crafted."
When Venice graduated from the University of Toronto in 2008, she set out to forge a musical career backed by live bands and DJs.
One day, when the DJ didn't show for a gig at the Rivoli, Venice went on solo and realized, "I could do it by myself."
She was drawn to the theremin because it is so unusual.
"It is magical," she says, adding that all her sparkles, toys and costumes are an adoption of the Japanese obsession with all things cute, called kawaii. Her mother returned from a trip to Japan with a heap of this stuff when Venice was little and "I became obsessed with it."
Author Sean Michaels, whose upcoming novel Us Conductors is a fictional account of the life of inventor Leon Theremin, calls the instrument "fascinating and strange."
He chose its creator as the subject for Us Conductors "to rescue the theremin from the land of kitsch and flying saucers," he says in an email interview.
The distinctive woo-ooo-ooo sound is heard in the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" as well as music by Led Zeppelin, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Canadian indie band Wolf Parade, he adds.
The spacey sound haunts many sci-fi movie soundtracks including The Day the Earth Stood Still, says Michaels, adding that Clara Rockmore — one of Theremin's students — is the instrument's most famous performer.
Venice stresses that Clara is her real name, although she likes the synchronicity of having the same moniker. Venice is her middle name, bestowed by her mother who'd fallen in love with the city in an earlier trip.
She is never out of character, donning one of her 40 wigs and various upbeat outfits even when she is just going to do laundry or out for a coffee. There are people in her building who are still unaware she is just one person, not a whole posse of Kawaii-loving young women.
"It makes me happy. We live in such a fact-based world, why can't you tell a story?" she says. "That's why I like the theremin, it is still mysterious."


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Bhubaneswar, Oct 10:
Odisha has issued notice to Vedanta and Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) for failing to utilise the flyash being generated from their thermal power plants in the state, an official said on Saturday.
The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has asked them to reply to the notice within 10 days for failing to achieve 100 percent utilisation of flyash during last year as well as in 2015.
"The information available with the board on status of flyash utilisation from April to August 2015 indicates that you have not been able to utilise 100 percent of fly ash generated during the period," said a letter SPCB separately dispatched to the companies.
"The status of utilisation of flyash during 2014-15 also indicated that you have failed to achieve 100 percent fly ash utilisation."
It has asked the companies to explain why consent to operate granted should not be revoked and appropriate action should not be initiated for violating the stipulated conditions laid in the consent order.
According to the official, Vedanta Ltd. is operating a 2,400 MW power plant, a captive 1,215 MW power plant and an aluminium smelter plant with a capacity of 7.75 lakh metric tone per annum, in Jharsuguda district.
The Ib thermal power station of OPGC is operating a 420 MW power plant at Banharpali in Jharsuguda district.
SPCB has asked all district collectors to ensure use of fly ash bricks in various construction sites in their respective districts.
It has also asked the town planning authority to approve building plans with use of fly ash bricks. (IANS)


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Wow, it has been quite awhile...My first post for this year is a tribute to my friends who love culture, and for this post it will be my best friend, Susan Leo.
|Ms. Susan Anak Leo
One of the things that made me and Susan bond very well is that we share the same interest, Borneo culture..we have been introducing culture to our West Malaysian friends eversince university years..let the photos tell you...
|taken during our English teacher's end semester party (we danced ngajat and sumazau)
|Susan in action with her blowpipe during law conference
|Susan in ngepan for her Iban ceremonial wedding
|her pre-wedding photoshoot
|Susan at another year's law conference
|Susan as my Manager for Borneo Hornbill Festival 2011