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[Premade] Gregor Clegane
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Subject: [Premade] Gregor Clegane
Mon Jul 23, 2012 4:13 am
Ser Gregor Clegane
The Mountain That Rides
The Mountain
Allegiance to House:
House Lannister
(House Clegane)
Role to House:
Knight of Clegane's Keep
Bannerman of House Lannister
Ser Gregor Clegane is infamous in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros for being the cruel and violent individual with an almost bestial thirst for battle; he's vicious and short tempered with an explosive personality such as treacherous as a famished dragon pushed in a corner. He's deathly, gruesome and brutal showing no remorse or regret no matter what heinous acts are required of him; murder of women and children, rape, torture, no crime is too dreadful for the Mountain that Rides. He doesn't tolerate failure and will punish any and all who don't live up to the commands he's given them with ruthless brutality; he's no stranger to decapitate his own squire or horse when being defeated in tournaments, he's not shy to force children to watch as his men rape their mothers as many horrifying stories go around about the crimes he has committed…
Beside of being brutal and cruel, ser Gregor Clegane is often considered dim and slow, just a towering giant without a brain inside that thick head of his, though they're sadly mistaken. The Mountain isn't a dumb ogre as most expect him to be as ser Clegane is taunted by extreme headaches that prevent him from thinking rationally. Due to his extensive use of the milk of the poppy to dull the pain he's a drowsy individual debilitated by the migraines and dominated by his bottled up aggression. This leaves ser Gregor Clegane to isolate himself from others, residing within his keep staying indoors outside of tournament seasons or wars…
Physical Description:
Most distinguished about ser Gregor Clegane is his daunting posture as he stands nearly eight feet tall, massive shoulders, a chest worthy of a plow horse shoulders that would not disgrace an ox and arms thick as the trunk of small trees. Gregor weighs over thirty stone, nearly all of it muscle, making him near inhumanly strong; some even speak of ser Gregor Clegane being so strong he known to cleave men in half with a single blow…
Beside of his massive, almost grotesque appearance ser Gregor Clegane is seldom seen without his heavy thick plate armor fitted on his broad posture; to most this armor would be too heavy to even lift, let alone fight efficiently while wearing it but Gregor is capable of this incredible feat of strength. His thick plated armor only emphasizes his towering size, strengthening the terrifying image that the Clegane knight brings to the battlefield…
Powers and Abilities:
Though being a human, ser Gregor Clegane often has folks wondering how it's possible that the Mountain possesses such daunting strength; rumors go around about his phenomenal physical power as many believe he's inhumanly strong and capable of exerting that might with vicious efficiency. His armor alone is the heaviest in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, so encumbering heavy that no man has been known to lift it, let alone carry it with ser Gregor's skill in battle. Gregor is that strong that he carries a two-handed greatsword in one hand granting him a deathly reach in battle while still wielding an extremely thick oaken shield bearing the three black dogs of House Clegane on a yellow field. With a single blow he's capable of cutting an armored man clean in half, crushing a human skull with a single punch while being capable of stopping a galloping horse with his bare hands…
• Tournaments: master jouster
• War: one of the most feared knights
• Strength: strongest man in Seven Kingdoms
• Intelligence: not the smartest one
• Patience: short-tempered with rampages
• Tactics: loves just straight forward brutal combat
Weapons of Choice:
Durendal is the family heirloom of House Clegane as this six foot tall two-handed greatsword has triumphed for generations on the battlefield and in the sands of knightly tournaments. It's an impressive sturdy blade with an enormous range as both edges are sharpened to perfection; Durendal might not be the most beautiful or graceful of swords in the Seven Kingdoms, nor does it capture the remarkable prestige that comes with Valerian steel yet its worth has been proven before in battle. In ser Gregor Clegane's hand it's a ruthless beast able of ripping through enemy ranks with the greatest ease. The blade is decorated with ancient symbols in a language long forgotten in these Kingdoms whereas its hilt is uniquely forged in the barbed features reminiscent of the sharpened fangs of wild predators…
Armor of Choice:
In battle ser Gregor Clegane wears the heaviest, thickest plate armor in the Seven Kingdoms. His armor is so heavy that no ordinary man would be able to move, let alone fight effectively while wearing it, making him nigh-invincible in combat. Below the plate he wears three layers of chainmail and two more layers of boiled leather. He also wears a plate helm with only a narrow slit for vision, atop of which is a stone fist punching up towards the sky. Gregor carries an extremely thick oaken shield bearing the three black dogs of House Clegane on a yellow field giving him the statuesque image that became the infamous title of the Mountain That Rides…
Background History:
Though the history of House Clegane is fairly limited, only two generations before the sons Gregor and Sandor were born, their name carries an immense weight in the lands beneath the Lannister banner and all knightly houses to partake in prestigious tournament events. House Clegane is a house of landed knights that holds fealty to House Lannister of Casterly Rock. Their lands are southeast of Casterly Rock including a tower house named the Clegane's Keep marked by their sigil of three dogs on a yellow field. The first Knight of House Clegane was kennel master at Casterly Rock until he saved Lord Tytos Lannister from a lion and lost a leg and three dogs in the effort. As a reward, Lord Tytos gave him lands and the Tower house and took his son as his squire. The three dogs on the Clegane sigil represent those that died saving Lord Tytos to forever becoming the family shield and symbol of house Clegane. His son, the father of Gregor and Sandor, died in a hunting incident while their sister died young under queer circumstances…
Gregor's history is dark and filled with blood. As a twelve-year-old, he caused his brother Sandor's facial scars by holding the seven-year-old boy's face to a hot brazier as punishment for playing with a toy he had discarded. Their father spread the story that the injuries were caused by bedding that had caught fire to spare his family the shame of such feuding sibling rivalries getting out of hand. The brother however never got alone, their egos clashing with brutal conflicts as countless fist fights and sparring matches got out of hand; Sandor always came just a bit short to claim victory over the Mountain, who's frightening size always managed to claim him the upper hands. How often didn't Gregor's fists break his brother's bones; ribs bruised, noses crushed and limbs broken by the behemoth's relentless oppression all to prove who of the Clegane brothers was worthy of their father's inheritance…
Four years later, he was knighted by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. There were rumors that Gregor killed his father, sister, and his first two wives. His keep, the Clegane's keep is said to be a grim place where servants vanish unaccountably and even the dogs are afraid to enter the halls; blood marks those walls as hundreds of heinous rumors dwell within these confines as Gregor has committed rapes and cold blooded murders beyond count. His men basically mercenaries who all shared in the same cruel nature and preference for battle, were often permitted to loot the cities they conquered, reap the spoils while being often permitted to live outside the bounds of law and ruling. Amongst ser Gregor's men were Joss Stilwood (his squire), Raff the Sweetling, Dunsen, The Tickler (a torturer), Polliver, Chiswyck, Shitmouth, Eggon and Tobbot; each of these nine men showed a twisted nature that made them earn the chance to see another day in Gregor's ranks…
His most infamous deed came from his service to House Lannister during Robert's Rebellion as at age 17, he was one of the first Lannister soldiers to enter King's Landing during its sack at the end of the war. He and Ser Amory Lorch scaled Maegor's Holdfast when the Lannister troops reached the Red Keep. Gregor entered the nursery of the infant Prince Aegon, son of Prince Rhaegar, and killed the baby present by dashing the boy's head against a wall. It had been his duty to discard of any Targaryen that resided within the Red Keep, once and for all eliminating their threat to the Seven Kingdoms. With the boy's blood and brains still on his hands ser Gregor Clegane then raped and murdered Aegon's mother Princess Elia resulting in a vendetta to come to rise between the House Martell of Dorne and House Clegane…
Ser Gregor took part in the Tourney of the Hand where he slays Ser Hugh of the Vale in his second joust when his lance rides up and pierces the new-made knight's throat. According to Sandor Clegane also present there, Gregor had noticed the knight's gorget was not fastened properly and Gregor purposely drove his lance there with the intention to kill rather than to simply unsaddle him. He defeated Ser Balon Swann with the same ease, but was finally unhorsed by Ser Loras Tyrell, who rides a mare in heat to the joust, which unnerved Ser Gregor's stallion. Gregor fell into a rage and kills his stallion with one blow of his sword then attacking the unprepared Ser Loras; if his brother had not intercepted him, without a doubt ser Gregor Clegane would have killed the Knight of Roses and son of House Tyrell. He finally came to his senses when King Robert orders him to stop leaving him with the bitter aftertaste of being called off like the hound he always considered his brother to be. After the tourney, Gregor rode back to his keep still holding a grudge again the Tyrell family for their part in his tournament defeat...
After Tyrion Lannister was kidnapped by Catelyn Stark, Gregor was commanded by Tywin Lannister to raid the Riverlands in order to draw Eddard Stark out into the field. However Eddard, due to his injured leg, could not go and execute Gregor himself, sending Lord Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr to lead a party and bring Gregor to the king's justice. Gregor and Tywin ambushed this party, Gregor killing Beric for the first time in the ensuing clash. After the outbreak of the War of the Five Kings, he joined with Lord Tywin's host and commands the vanguard and the left flank during the Battle of the Green Fork, leading by intimidation. After the battle, Tywin withdraws to Harrenhal but leaves Gregor and other raiders behind to harry the Riverlands. Now that task continues as Ser Gregor Clegane's part in the War of the Five Kings is about to reach its climax…
[Premade] Gregor Clegane
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The INSIDER Summary:
- Skinny jeans is the number one cause of back or neck pain from clothing.
- It restricts free movement in your limbs, affecting how we hold our bodies.
- Prevent this by limiting how many times you slip on your skinnies.
We've all heard the saying, "Beauty is pain," and there's certain items in our wardrobe that this totally applies to: sky-high heels, for example. Or corsets (which, incidentally, Emma Watson forwent for her role in 'Beauty and the Beast') and super-heavy earrings (ouch — our ears hurt just thinking about them).
The one item we DIDN'T realize was affecting our health, however, are our beloved skinny jeans. According to a new study from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), the denim style is THE number one cause of back or neck pain from clothing, followed by oversized bags worn on one side of the body, coats with large fluffy hoods, high-heeled shoes, and (gulp!), spring's newest "It" shoe, the mule.
According to BCA chiropractor Tim Hutchful, that's because of the lack in range of motion afforded to us with skinnies. " They restrict free movement in areas such as hips and knees, affecting how we hold our bodies," he said on the BCA website. Hutchful said the same goes for asymmetric hemlines and oversized hoods and sleeves. Yikes!
What's more, he said that many of his patients aren't even aware it's an issue, or if they did, they didn't seem to care: The study showed that 33 percent of women had no idea about the havoc their wardrobe choices were wreaking, while 28 percent knew full well what they were doing, but did it anyway. "I am always surprised at how many of my patients are unaware that their clothing choices and accessories can affect their back health and posture, and equally, how many decide that their outfit choice outweighs their pain," Hutchful said.
That's not to say that you have to ditch your favorite blue jean silhouette for good. As Hutchful advises, "Moderation is best. Try and limit the number of times you wear skinny jeans or high heels every week, so you're giving your body a break" in favor of smarter choices, which include baggy trousers, straight leg jeans, or maxi skirts.
We can certainly get down with that — spring (AKA primo maxi season) IS right around the corner, after all.


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At a recent workshop, I met a young parent who was astounded to hear that I have a personal library of almost 1,200 childrens books ranging from very early picture books through young adult novels.
I started collecting children's books long before I had children of my own. I started with books that people had given me as a child, which wasn't many because my mother believed in going to the library instead of buying books. Then I always checked out the children's collection whenever we visited used bookstores, which was an early shared activity with my husband. Then I discovered estate sales and online used bookstores.
I looked for books that I remember reading over and over as a child. I've worn out at least one series of Narnia books — my favorite was The Horse and His Boy. I looked for books that I remember made me feel stretched, like I could be more than I felt I was, such as Honore Morrow's fictional retelling of the true story about the Sager children in On to Oregon. I looked for books that comforted me when I felt distressed. I still find Tamora Pierce's books a great way to feel better.
When my children came along, we were much more likely to buy books that we wanted them to read. We collected all 14 of the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. My son had us read them to him over and over.
We collected the full set of Great Brain books by John Fitzgerald. Both kids thought they were supremely funny. We collected the books that made my kids finally get impatient with hearing only a single chapter at bedtime, launching them into independent reading. For my daughter that was the Boxcar Children books, for my son, Brian Jacques' Redwall series.
I collected Tarzan, Caddie Woodlawn, Tintin, Eleanor Farjeon's wonderful tales, the Andrew Lang color fairy tale books, not just Anne of Green Gables but all the L. M. Montgomery books I could find, not just Little Women but all the Louisa May Alcott I could find, not just Peter Rabbit, but all the Beatrix Potter I could find.
|The Little Bookroom
Little Women (Unabridged Classics)
|The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck
On to Oregon!
|The Gauntlet
Martin Seligman once talked about people working together to create the positive canon, an analogy to Harold Bloom's Western canon with the additional criterion that entries support what's known scientifically about the life well lived. I thought it was a great idea, but got overwhelmed on my first trip to the bookstore with the enormity of the task. But perhaps I could make a contribution here by reviewing some of the children's books that have made the most difference to me.
I'll add links to the list as I add them.
- My review of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series
- Ruth Gannet's My Father's Dragon series
- Interesting definition of happiness in one of L. M. Montgomery's short stories
- L. Frank Baum's 14-book Oz Series
- Exploration of strengths in Wizard of Oz
- Margot Benary-Isbert's series, The Ark and Rowan Farm
- John D. Fitzgerald's The Great Brain series


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Welcome to His Good Soil! I'm so happy to have you join me on this journey. I figured for my first post I should give you a little background about me and how I came to walk with Jesus.
I didn't come to know The Lord until I was 26 years old. At that point in my life, I was pretty much the opposite of a Christian. I described myself as an agnostic, really not believing in anything. My life was nowhere that I wanted it to be. I was very lost. Angry and I wasn't sure why. Depressed over my situation. I had made a lot of mistakes. I didn't think there was hope for happiness. My boss at the time (Rob) was a Christian and he had such a great family and just had a peaceful presence. How do I get that I wondered.
I had never even picked up a Bible in my entire life… but I had bought one for my birthday that year! A friend of mine read his every night, and somehow I just became interested in it. I started reading it like any other book I had read: from the beginning… Genesis 1 "In the beginning…" and then I stumbled my way into Exodus, got confused and stopped. "How do you do this?" I asked that friend. "This doesn't make any sense!" He told me to start in the gospels "It's the best parts: where Jesus is alive!" Ok, round 2… here we go. Matthew, alright these are great stories. Mark, wow these sound familiar, I think I almost understand what's going on here. Luke, I see a pattern here. These are fantastic! Then I get to Luke 8: 11-15 The Parable of the Sower:
"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
This intense feeling came over me: something clicked. I couldn't explain it at that point (now I know it was the Holy Spirit.) All I knew was that I wanted to be good soil!
Not too long later, I started talking with my boss (and now friend) Rob about going to church (I hadn't been to one since I was 5 years old.) He invited me to his church for a new sermon series on Why God. What perfect timing! I started going with him and his family. He also recommended a book: The Reason for God by Tim Keller from Redeemer Church in NYC. I read the it cover to cover in a day. It answered so many questions that I had for so long. This book honestly changed my life. Page 166 hit me right in the gut:
"A life not centered on God leads to emptiness. Building our lives on something besides God not only hurts us if we don't get the desires of our hearts, but also if we do."
This one statement helped me realize why I was always trying to fill my feelings of emptiness with anything and everything but they never made me happy. Nothing was going to be able to fill this God-shaped hole in my heart… except HIM.
At this point, I have been accepted into PA school and I am moving to Long Island in a matter of weeks. I was finishing a public speaking group I was in (yes, I am a complete nerd) and I had to do my final speech "Inspirational." I chose to speak on my testimony up until that point. I know, the childlike faith is pretty amazing! Keep in mind, this group was part of a hospital, so I am about to give this talk to a room full of hospital administrators and human resource personnel. Looking back, I wish I had that kind of fearlessness now!
The next morning, I am at work having lunch with Rob (who is my good friend after working there for a few years) telling him about my speech. He knew that I was speaking but didn't know the topic. I told him that the speech went well. I got to tell everyone about my favorite part of the Bible. I love Luke and the Parable to the Sower. It means so much to me now. I want to be the good soil. I remember it so clearly that he looked up and dropped his pen. "What did you say?" I said Luke is my favorite. I just understood it. It's like a light went on! He kept staring at me, "that is the exact verse that I have been praying for you since I met you."
Yes! I know! Amazing right?
I still wasn't sure what was happening, but God had my attention. He had peeled away the scales from eyes. I really was once blind, but now I could see!
It was shortly after that I moved to Long Island… and this new life started.
So many amazing things have happened, along with some rough confusing things too. I have learned so much from experiences, books, friends, and mentors. I am excited to share things with you!Do you have a verse that changed you? Is there a part that God really spoke to you and the scales fell from your eyes? Or have you known the Lord your whole life?


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The first time a split personality is a good thing.
The Michael Kelly Hybrid Special can deliver screaming electric and sweet acoustic tones from one single guitar. The Hybrid Special is the perfect stage and studio instrument. Instantly switch it from full acoustic tone to ripping electric guitar! Want more? The Hybrid Special can also BLEND both tones together for almost infinite tonal combinations " creating endless variations of a two-axe wall of sound attack!
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If you are performing live with a Michael Kelly Hybrid Special or using one in the studio, you will love its dual amp capabilities! When using a Y cable (sold separately), the Hybrid sends a signal from the acoustic pickup to one amp and the electric pickup signal to another. Since nothing can reproduce an acoustic signal like a full-range acoustic amp, this will really enhance your performance! You can also run directly into two channels on a mixing board for live or studio applications that will allow you to tailor the sound and maximize each tone. Don't have two amps or a mixing board? Don't worry. With a standard guitar cable on the Hybrid Special Guitar, you get a single signal that you can plug into any amp. The amazing Hybrid Special gives you a vast array of tonal possibilities, with 2 Rockfield SWC coil-tapped humbuckers and very versatile controls.
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East or West Coast to Cuba, $257 on Delta
Wanna head to Cuba?
Ever since the Guv'ment relaxed restrictions for travel to Cuba, the race has been on by the airlines to fly to Cuba. Many airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Delta, American, Southwest, and more, have all been granted access to fly to the island nation.
To celebrate their service in December, Delta has offered tickets on sale from both the east AND west coast, for only $256 and change!
Delta will be operating the route from JFK and ATL using A319 aircraft, and these sale fares look like they're good from San Fran, Washington, Houston, Chicago, and possibly more. I'd encourage you to use google flights to check your city or other city pairs near you. It's one heck of a deal that won't last for long. Here's some sale fare examples.
And here's Washington, DC
Buyer beware, however, as when you go to purchase a ticket, you get the following warning message:
You've got to get your own VISA lined up, and you've also got to have a reason to go, so I'll leave it up to you as to why you're going. There's lots of articles out there about how to travel to Cuba, how to get money, where to stay, etc, so I'll leave those for other blogs out there. But bottom line is, make sure to get your ducks in a row before you head out of the country.
Jump on this deal, and then let us know how your trip was!
H/T to Secret Flying


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According to a recent study, babies aren't getting enough vitamin D. The solution? Vitamin D supplements for newborn babies, according to the research.
You might think your baby is getting enough vitamin D if you're breastfeeding, but according to a recent study, that's not the case. You should also be giving your child vitamin D supplements.
Women who are breastfeeding have been encouraged to take the supplements themselves, as breast milk actually doesn't contain high enough levels of the nutrient. Because of this—and because of the fact that vitamin D is essential to helping the body adsorb calcium and without it, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies take vitamin D supplements, regardless of whether they are breastfed or formula fed. But a recent study found something really surprising: babies who are both eating solid food and being breastfed are at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency.
The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health and was based on the observation of 2,508 children in Toronto. According to its findings, children who were breastfed up to 36 months showed a 29 percent risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies while those who were breastfed for 24 months had a 16 percent risk.
The theory behind this? That babies who are breastfed aren't getting enough vitamin D from other sources. It's possible that women who breastfeed their children believe they're giving them enough of the vitamin without any supplements. This could be dangerous for baby: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, fatigue or impaired immune function.
The CDC recommends a supplement of 400 I.U. per day for all breastfed infants. Though its rare for a breastfed infant to develop rickets—and despite the fact that sunlight provides additional vitamin D—it's important to make sure your baby is getting enough of the vitamin. You can simply add a drop of an over-the-counter supplement to your nipple before breastfeeding or to Baby's pacifier. You can also add a drop to your baby's food or milk.


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Best Literature Blog
Nominate your choice for Best Literature Blog. Blogs about books, writing, the publishing industry, or genres (classics, sci-fi, romance novels, etc.) would be at home in this category.
Update (Oct. 17): Over the next 24 hours we will be closing nominations for most categories. This is a manual process so it takes a while to complete. As long as a category allows you to enter a comment (which is how you submit a nomination) nominations for that category are still open. When the option to leave a comment is not available you'll know nominations for that category are closed. The "+" rating of nominees will remain open throughout the awards.
To nominate a blog you need to leave a comment on this entry. Your comment should contain the name of the blog, the main URL for the blog, and (if possible) the URL for a RSS/Atom feed. For example:
Unless you login via one of the supported authentication services your comments will be moderated. Due to the volume of comments, it may take up to 24 hours to approve your comment, but all anonymous comments will eventually be posted. Only authenticated comments will be published immediately.Rules And FAQ's
- You can nominate yourself, don't be shy.
- The number of nominations a blog receives is irrelevant. One nomination is enough...
- Rather than add a "me too" nomination for a site you're encouraged to use the "+" icon to indicate your preference for nominees. The "+" ratings are one extra piece of information the finalist selection panel can use to help generate the finalist slates in each category.
- The nomination period is scheduled to end on Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
- Read The Nomination FAQ
- Get technical help or ask questions at The Weblog Awards Forum
- If you are linking to the contest consider using the nomination category archive, as it contains links to all of the nomination posts.
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the stay at home bookworm
Guanabee - Spicy Coverage For The Latino In You
URL: http://guanabee.com
RSS: http://guanabee.com/atom.xml
Maud Newton
Classical Bookworm
Writer's Block
I would like to nominate
I talk to the God but the sky is empty by Kelvin,
Diary of a Heretic
Dan Leo
and here's Diary of a Heretic with its RSS feed:
Diary of a Heretic
Sandra Scoppettone's Writing Thoughts
URL: http://www.sandrascoppettone.blogspot.com
A blog to promote new writers, share work and advice.
The Reading Experience
Some really cool fiction...
Reading material to get exited about. In other words, this isn't stuffy Jane Austen type stuff. This is mysteries, science fiction, horror, graphic novels, etc.
John Baker's Blog
Mr. Brust generates lively debates and gives intriguing glimpses into the craft.
Forgotten Classics
Neil Gaiman's journal
I couldn't sign in to WP for some reason.
Anyway, I'm nominating myself:
The World in the Satin Bag
7ine Book Reviews
The Plot Whisperer
Sam Riddleburger
A blog about children's literature by the author of the Qwikpick Adventure Society
Anne Marie Pace's Journal
A blog about kids lit and the writing process.
My Star Trek fan fiction blog can beat up your snooty lit blog.
The City Desk
The City Desk is a collaborative fiction weblog comprised of semi-regular items about a city that does not exist.
an eclectic poetry blog that takes readers into the life and opinions of a poet and her experiences and that of fellow poets to show how poems come about and how anyone that wants to should and can write.
odd but catchy. like the flu! ; )
The Miss Rumphius Effect
Tricia at TMRE is an insightful and articulate blogger who writes about children's literature and teaching poetry, science, math... well anything, using children's books.


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The cagey political veteran needs to do more than toss out stock cliches and vague feel-good statements in his run for governor. He needs to tell people why they need to vote for him.
My alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. on Labor Day, but I was already awake. I didn't want to miss a minute of Jerry Brown's big event. His campaign staff was promising a "significant announcement," and Brown himself was going to be at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in downtown Los Angeles to make it.
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Friends! I apologize for the hiatus. I never intend to be away as long as I am. Life continues to be a whirlwind, but in so many wonderful ways! We have had so many fantastic visits with friends and family since we have arrived on the island. Our boys love their new home and have transitioned as well as we could have hoped for with all of the changes. We now have the first week of back-to-school under our belt, and we continue to move forward.
Amidst the busyness, and rush of life, we managed to live through our kitchen remodel. It was not a major renovation so it really wasn't that bad. The hardest part was waiting for all of the elements to come together (e.g. carpenter, plumber, tiler, electrician, and supplies to arrive). Renovations are a lesson in patience! It was nearly a 6 week process, and in the I am extremely pleased with how our vision came together. I am very excited to share the [almost] finished product!
First, I'd like to remind you what the kitchen looked like when we purchased the house. When we viewed the house initially, the kitchen was lovely but not my style. Despite that, I knew that I had something good to work with and that the changes that I wanted to implement would be mostly cosmetic because footprint and layout of the space worked. We started with a deep red wall colour, dark tone wood cabinetry, a two tiered island with a breakfast, and built in spring opening spice racks flanking the stove. The countertops were a dark laminate, and the sink and faucet were a standard builders grade stainless steel and chrome. The backsplash tile was a beige stone, and we were grateful that the stainless steel appliances were included in the sale of the home.
Kitchen Before
The first thing we had done to begin our kitchen transformation was have the walls and shaker style cabinets professionally painted white (walls are Benjamin Moore's Dove Wing, and the cabinets are colour matched to Benjamin Moore's Simply White).. It was a much more economical choice than replacing or even refacing them. We also had the wood beams stained in a dark walnut colour.
Painted Walls & Cabinets
We then had the island cut down to remove the breakfast bar tier, and we replaced the laminate countertops with quartz, making the island level and increasing the usable surface area. The stainless steel sink was replaced with a fire clay apron sink, and the faucet replaced with an oil rubbed bronze finished spray faucet. We also added an Insinkerator garbage waste disposal system. Although the builtin spice racks were a neat feature, we opted to remove them in favour of opening up the stove area and increasing our counter space. I have no regrets making that move!
Stained Beams & Island is One Level
We replaced the beige stone backsplash with classic white subway tile with contrasting grout in a charcoal colour. We also added a herringbone pattern feature above the stove. Since we removed the existing tile and subsequently has to replace the drywall, we took advantage of the opportunity and decided to add plumbing for a pot filler faucet about the stove. We love it! We kept the original cabinet knobs and pulls since they coordinated with the oil rubbed bronze sink faucet and pot filler.
Subway Tile Installation
Finally, we had the light fixture in the dining area moved about 8 inches to be centered over our dining table, and changed the fixture to a simple chandelier. That sums up the multiple changes that we have made to our kitchen and dining area. Alas, here is our new space that functions much better for our family's needs. I hope that you enjoy it as much as we are!
Our New Kitchen
We are really happy with how the kitchen, dining room, and living room flow and have come together! I will continue to update the blog to reveal the changes that we make in the other rooms in our home. I hope that you will tune in as I continue on my journey of Chasing Shiplap!


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What Is Guest blogging?
Guest blogging is a technique for writing effective and compelling content for blogs, provided the content is approved and published on the website. It's the most ethical way of doing the job where the writer can add a small memoir at the end of the write-up. In the memoir, the writer adds a link as part of the content to which the publisher is entitled to approve as a relevant activity that adds value to the purpose of the content. It's the most popular way for building strong back links, generating needed traffic, gaining exposure, and constructing relationship.
Merits of Guest Blogging Services
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Tony Bohrer: It is what it is … or is it?
I can't stand the saying "It is what it is." Who came up with it and why is it so popular?
To me it seems like a cop out. Sounds like, "Well, I will just put up with it."
Sounds like giving up and throwing in the towel.
For centuries there has been a saying that goes like this: "Rule of thumb is …"
Rule of thumb started out as a measurement — what many think to be a estimation of measurement when proper tools could not be used.
Now it has evolved into an idiom that is often used as a rule or principle that provides guidance to appropriate behavior. It refers to the common, the standard by which every thing else is measured.
In other words, it is what we just come to expect. It is the …
Expected. Status quo. Mediocre. Same-old, same-old.
It kind of sounds like being stuck in a rut, and you know what they say about ruts, don't you? A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out.
How about we change the definition? How about we stop accepting things just because that's the way it ought to be? How about we come up with some new rules that will change the trajectory of our lives.
Rule No. 1: Everyone has the power to choose (greatest gift and worst gift from God).
I think everything in life begins with the power to choose. Think about it. We choose the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to.
There are those who are reactive, who just live life by reacting to the circumstances that come their way.
And there are the people who I call proactive. They seem to always be ahead of the curve. They are the individuals who shape the future instead of the future shaping them. They are adaptive and visionary.
You have to choose.
As much as I would like to, I can't change or choose things for you. Neither can anybody else.
Rule No. 2: My attitude determines my direction.
I try to lived by this principle every day of my life.
I heard this some time ago and I have tried to keep it as one of the sayings I speak to myself: "Attitude determines direction and direction is more important than speed."
My attitude is the very attribute that determines the direction my life is going to go.
It doesn't matter how fast or slow one may go — eventually they will get to where they need to go if their attitude is right. Proper attitude points you in the proper direction.
My attitude had to be shaped by something other than my condition. Too many people allow circumstance to define their attitude thus defining their direction.
"I may not be able to change how I was born or where I may have came from, but I can sure change who I am and where I am going."
My attitude had to affect three areas of my life. These have become the ABC's of my life.
A. Who I am (ask yourself)
B. Where I am (is this where I want to be)
C. Where I am going (am I on the right path)
Attitude is equally as important as ability.
Rule No. 3: Live to make a difference
I have had to live by certain principles that have shaped how I view life. One of those principles is this: "You will never make an impact until you are committed to the collision."
I think it is safe to say that every one of us want to make a difference in life. We want to make an impact in the world we live. But before we can deal with fixing everything (and everyone) that is around us, we have to deal with us. You have to hit you head on.
We seem to have gotten this backward — we want to correct everyone around us and not deal with what may be going on in our own lives.
I found out a long time ago that God is more interested in my character than he is in my comfort. We want the comfort, the life free of challenge, but it's those very things that chip away the areas of our life that must change.
We are shaped by the struggle. Our character has to be corrected in order to lead and live the way that God intended us to live.
June's Coffee & a Newspaper meeting to feature VP of CNCC's Craig campus
Craig Press Publisher Renee Campbell invites the community to join Coffee & a Newspaper, set for 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the east Kum & Go, 700 E. Victory Way.


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Are the Assassin's Creed 5 location hints contained in AC 4 just a bunch of misdirection by Ubisoft writers?
In a related report by The Inquisitr, the Assassin's Creed 5 release date has been set for 2014 but otherwise not much else is known about the title other than the confirmation that the series will have annual refreshes similar to Call of Duty. We've also discussed the possibility for future stealth games to use new AI-based object recognition.
After the death of a critical character to the series, some wondered if the Assassin's Creed series might be coming to an end. That's not the case and the writers of the story view the first three games in the series as a trilogy focused on just one character in a very large history. Since all of history is their backdrop they feel free to take gamers wherever they wish.
Bu that doesn't mean these writers will necessarily tell us their plans in advance. Still, Ubisoft creative director Jean Guesdon went out of his way to tease gamers about the Assassin's Creed 5 location, saying it could be in Japan:
"Feudal Japan remains – like numerous other time periods and locations – a possible future setting for the franchise because, thanks to the Animus, the entire human history is our playground…. The present day sections of Black Flag are the perfect vehicle for fan service; giving more information about what fans may know, and for universe exposition, exposing to newcomers the incredible content that's already been developed."
The other major rumor for the AC5 location was ancient Egypt and there was actual evidence this might be the case due to a character design from leaked gameplay images in an unknown title showing up in Assassin's Creed 4. But other people who've played both AC 4 and Freedom Cry believe King Author's court or perhaps even the American Civil War will be the next AC 5 location based upon hints in these previous games.
One seemingly indisputable piece of evidence would seem to be an email chain in Black Flag that lists off Victorian London, the Wild West, and Japan as options. But AC 4 lead writer Darby McDevitt say that's all a lie intended as fan service:
"The email thread that's in the game, I wrote that very swiftly in an afternoon but I didn't realize that Kotaku would write like two huge articles about it. What a lot of people don't realize is that the time periods I picked were not necessarily the ones we were considering, it was just me parodying the ones that the fans had asked for back to them. So the fans generated that list, we didn't generate that list. I will say that fans definitely think alike. We have the same goals for the series, let's say. I'll leave it at that. We always want to surprise."
Still, McDevitt does give us a hint, of a sort. He points out how the company invested into developing the character animation system that allowed the moving parts of the naval combat system in both AC 3 and AC 4. He says the technology will show up in Assassin's Creed 5, just not with a boat, so that could be interpreted to mean the next AC 5 location will not involve oceans.
Which Assassin's Creed 5 location would you prefer?


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Comments about Mr. Meyer
July 27, 2017 9:32 am
by Brian from Parksville Vancouver Island, BC Proud owner of Dewy
Hello Mr Meyer!
Senior doxies are the best friend anyone could ask for!
June 21, 2014 10:16 am
by herbmeister from Tomball, TX Proud owner of Herbie
Hello My Friend
Saw your picture and just had to stop by and say hi
December 4, 2013 7:34 pm
by Dawn from Kentwood, MI Proud owner of Cory Jo
Congrats Mr. Meyer!
You look like such a sweet heart, congratulations on being Doxie of the Day!
December 4, 2013 12:19 pm
by doggiediner from San Francisco, CA Proud owner of Mr. Meyer
Thanks everyone!
Hello to my fellow doxies! Thanks for all the wonderful comments! I'm so proud to be DOTD!!!!!
Read all comments (8 total)
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2016 SIUE Homecoming Welcomes Alumni
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is celebrating 2016 Homecoming with a weeklong series of events targeting current students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. This year's events begin Monday, Sept. 26, running through Sunday, Oct. 2 on the SIUE campus.
This year's student theme is "Back to the E." The schedule of student events will include: a comedy/magic show featuring Derek Hughes; a chalk mural contest; a screening of "Back to the Future;" the 15h Annual Chili Cook-Off; the traditional golf cart parade followed by the Homecoming bonfire in Woodland Bowl; a Homecoming dance; and the annual crowning of the Homecoming king and queen. All the events are open to current students and free to attend. A complete schedule of events can be found at siue.edu/homecoming.
The seventh annual SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner "A Night Among the Stars" begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, in the Morris University Center (MUC) Conference Center. The awards dinner follows at 7:30 p.m. During the event, seven honorees will be inducted into the Hall. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at siue.edu/homecoming/alumni.
The first annual SIUE Cougars Unleashed: Homecoming Run and Pancake Breakfast at Birger Hall is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The event benefits the SIUE Alumni Association Scholarships and features 10K or 5K races and a 1-mile fun run. After the run, stay and enjoy family entertainment and a world-famous Chris Cakes pancake breakfast. Register at finallapracing.com.
An Alumni Pregame Tailgate featuring a free hog roast and t-shirts for the first 100 alumni is set for Korte Stadium beginning at 4 p.m. prior to the men's soccer match against Drake, Saturday, Oct. 1., Kick-off is at 7 p.m. The annual Homecoming king and queen crowning will occur during halftime of the match.
The SIUE men's and women's cross country teams hold the fifth annual John Flamer Invitational at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, on the SIUE course. For ticket information to all intercollegiate sporting events, visit siuecougars.com.
From 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Oct. 2, the MUC Meridian Ballroom hosts the inaugural Brunch & Bubbly: Fraternity and Sorority Life Alumni Reunion. Enjoy brunch and a mimosa bar, while reconnecting with fraternity brothers and sorority sisters. Registration is $20 per person, $10 for those under 21 or those wishing to exclude the mimosa bar. Register at siue.edu/homecoming/alumni.
More information on the 2016 SIUE Homecoming alumni events, contact SIUE Alumni Affairs at 618-650-5176.Photo: SIUE students gather around the Woodland Bowl bonfire, a Homecoming tradition.


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Deliver the Deliverer
Over the past few months I have been immensely enjoying the musical stylings of The Last Bison. (formerly known just as Bison) I discovered them on NoiseTrade and was hooked immediately on their tantalizing blend of mountain-top chamber music.
One song in particular found its place on repeat for about two hours: Iscariot. It starts off with a haunting mix of guitar and mandolin that is complemented by cello and fiddle. This captivating movement evokes a sense of mystery and beauty, itself a somewhat deceptive yet altogether appropriate introduction to the darker moods created by the lyrics and melody. The lyrics are as follows:
Woe unto you
Double crossing the Son of Man
For in the dish you have dipped your hand
Lo you come here
To deliver the deliverer
From simple kiss into tainted hands
Iscariot, Iscariot
The devil has you now
You're set up for betrayal
Iscariot, Iscariot
The devil has you now
Your kiss tastes like a crown of thorns
I have used, I have used
Your unbelief, to set them free
So die now, die now my Judas
Every time I listen to this song I am fascinated by the lyrics (and the music), especially the chorus. There is an interesting double-meaning going on here: Judas is the one who is going to be betraying Jesus, (delivering the deliverer- great line) but by doing so he is the one who is getting set up for betrayal. One is reminded of the proverb about falling into the pit one has dug, or the stone rolled comes back upon the roller. (The Sisyphean task has another possible outcome, it would seem.)
The whole act of treachery is painted as tainting everything, and the darkness within spreads to envelop every action. A kiss of friendship signals trust and familiarity, but the sinful inclination and intent of the heart turns a simple and innocent action into something more sinister. An important theological understanding is indicated here: at the Last Supper Jesus warns that the who who dips his hand is the betrayer, and Judas supposedly had this chance to pull back from his sin. But this dipping of his hand into the bowl and this sharing of bread becomes the means by which his hands become tainted and stained with blood. Here sin shows itself as privation, since the same act which ushers one into communion with the Master can also be the way into condemnation if done with a polluted will.
In this moment of darkness, as the Gospels say, Satan entered into Judas- the devil has you now, as this song says. The one who comes near to deliver the deliverer is the now betrayer who is set up for his own betrayal, as we come to the bridge:
I have used, I have used
Your unbelief, to set them free
So die now, die now my Judas
This is meant to be an echo of Jesus' words:
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born. (Mark 14:21 NIV)
The phrase in this song can be a little jarring; after all, it seems out of character for such a sentiment to be on the lips of Jesus. The lyrics of this song are certainly not a quote, but even as we consider them they must be judged to be- as strange as it seems- toned down from Jesus' actual words. The song has Judas sent off to an ignominious death, but Jesus' words go further: it would be better if he hadn't been born. Not ever existing would be preferable to the fate he must face.
One of the curious things about Judas is that he has in some ways received a sort of rehabilitation. Instead of the arch-sinner locked in the ninth circle of Dante's Inferno for his conscious and wicked betrayal, in many ways he is recast as the zealous if foolish disciple who wants Jesus to hurry up and do his kingdom building, getting the Romans the hell out of Judea. There are usually two main threads this tends to follow:
Judas the Zealot
Judas was presumably a member of the Zealots, since his other name (Iscariot) is sometimes believed (perhaps erroneously) to be a variation of another term that essentially denotes an assassination squad which, among other things, wanted to reestablish Israel's sovereignty. Within this scenario Judas very plausibly believes Jesus is the Messiah and, like many others, has his messianic hopes wrapped up in a Messiah who sends the Romans and other Gentiles packing. However, Jesus sort of dragged his feet, putting too much emphasis on a spiritual kingdom. Yes, spiritual kingdoms are great- let's have more of that, certainly. But there's not reason that couldn't encompass an earthly one as well, right?
Within this scenario Judas is impatient with the way Jesus' messiahship is going and wants to move it along. A crisis of some kind- like Jesus being arrested- might just be the ticket. And since Judas really believes Jesus to be who he says he is, those legions of angels he ends up ultimately refusing to call are what Judas is counting on. The resulting conflict between Jesus, the ruling elites and the Romans will rally the Jewish people to rise up against their oppressors and bring the kingdom to fruition.
It is only after Jesus refuses to free himself from his captors and is condemned to death that Judas realizes his horrible mistake, and in his regret takes his own life, having betrayed innocent blood.
Judas the Disillusioned Disciple
This one often follows the general outlines of the Zealot thesis, but adds a bit of a dramatic twist in that at some point there is a change in Judas' perception of Jesus. The one who used to fill him with Messianic hopes has lost his sparkle. All the talk about suffering and death shows Jesus to be just another dime-a-dozen teacher, not someone who can bring about Messianic hopes. This disappointment is so devastating that, when Judas realizes Jesus is a fraud, in his spite Judas conspires to get rid of him.
He may have expected Jesus to recant- after all, he's a fake, and surely he wouldn't carry this charade all the way to death. When Jesus maintains who he is and is sentenced to death Judas realizes he has given an innocent albeit delusional man over to a death he didn't deserve
To be sure, these theses have a compellingly dramatic character to it. Judas is cast as a tragic figure who slogs through the mire of conflicting emotions, motives and political intrigue. In some way this are reminiscent of Milton's characterization of Satan in Paradise Lost, in which he is eminently interesting, outshining God spectacularly in the depth of his character's presentation.
But it is not without its problems. The conflation of Iscariot with the assassination squad of a somewhat similar etymology is difficult to establish with certainty, since there is no corroborating example in ancient literature. (at least of which I am aware) Additionally, the group to which this is meant to refer was not in existence until the middle of the first century. True, the name could be an anachronism. But it could also (and more likely) simply be the name of his father's family, some inherited title, the name of his hometown, etc. Since the gospels give us no real indication of Judas' political leanings, it is mere speculation to associate his name in that way, especially if the only reason to do so is to buttress an evidence-less theory.
On the same note, if his name actually did have this association, there is a surprising lack of silence regarding it in the ancient Christian literature. If Judas really were part of a nationalistic assassination squad, one might wonder why no one really bothered to mention this. After all, if someone betrays the one whom you believe to be the Messiah, those sorts of details are simply begging to be flung back in his face. To be sure, arguments from silence do not prove anything, but that surely goes both ways.
The disillusioned disciple scenario has more plausibility to it, but a lot seems to hinge on assuming that Judas has an overwhelmingly compelling prior commitment to the Zealots. We get very little evidence from the accounts that Judas actually had this sort of disillusionment.
Deadly Sins and All That
So where does that leave us? Why did Judas deliver the deliverer to death? We have no access to his thoughts or motives, and only God can truly know what compels anyone to any act. We are not really given a full account of exactly why Judas did what he did.
For much of Christian history the general notion was pretty simple: Judas loved money and in his lust for mammon allowed Satan to control him. Many modern commentators find this sort of motive too simplistic:
Overall, though, none of the four Gospels provides a clear or convincing reason for why one of the inner circle of disciples would betray the teacher he esteemed so highly. Greed, for example, fails miserably as an explanation. After all, why would someone who had travelled with the penniless rabbi for three years suddenly be consumed with greed? (Rev. James Martin, S.J.)
Does it actually fail miserably though? After all, even though St. Paul doesn't ever mention Judas specifically, he does give us this tantalizing nugget:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)
And if we compare this with Peter's words in Acts, we have an extremely interesting perspective that might otherwise be missed:
With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. (Acts 1:18 NIV)
While the compressed narrative of the Gospels can give the impression that this grip of greed happened suddenly, the truth may be far more spread out. We find hints scattered throughout John's gospel. In one place Jesus says to the disciples:
Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) (John 6:70 NIV)
On another occasion Jesus is being anointed with costly perfume and Judas feigns concern about selling it to give to the poor. John gives us his opinion of this scene:
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. " He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. (John 12:4-6)
Jesus' response is interesting:
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (John 12:7)
The connection isn't terribly hard to see. Judas had been helping himself to the purse, and here he sees very expensive perfume being, in his mind, wasted. He could have sold that for quite a hefty fee and "helped the poor." Jesus all of sudden becomes a serious threat to his financial plans, and such a slap in the face like this scene adds insult to injury. Interestingly, in Mark's gospel it is right after the anointing that Judas goes to get his silver. Perhaps he originally saw in Jesus a way to gain some wealth- there seem to have been some well-to-do women who financed Jesus' ministry. And Messiahs have a way of getting money, no doubt. But then something else happens:
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him. (John 12:9-11)
Jesus has already been a marked man for quite some time, and all those cryptic sayings about suffering and dying culminate in him using this financial windfall to prepare his body for burial. Now even those closest to Jesus are being targeted for elimination. Seeing as all the disciples fled from Jesus' arrest for fear of his life, it seems plausible that Judas may have begun to wonder where that might leave him. Could it be that he already saw the writing on the wall and wanted to squeeze as much out of it as possible? Thirty pieces of silver might not be that much, (around 4 months wages) but if the act also gets you out of the line of fire it might be worth it.
Thus, when it comes down to it and when Jesus starts talking about people betraying him, Judas might have felt exposed. Going off of the gospel accounts, the other disciples seem to have been oblivious at this point to Judas' thievery. As Judas rises to leave to enact the betrayal, we are told this:
As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. (John 13:27-29 NIV)
He apparently has done such a good job covering up his stealing that the other disciples actually entrusted him with the purse and thought he might be going to buy something or give something to the poor. From this greed as one of the primary motives for Judas seems to be what John has in mind, since it is reasonable that his statement about Judas being a thief is in retrospect from this event and that to come. Since John seems to have a been in a better position to realize this, it seems fairly reasonable to take it at face-value.
This would also seem to explain the comment about Satan entering into him. By this point Judas has already taken the money, but he hasn't gone through with the betrayal. Jesus, who knows exactly what is going on, seems to be giving him a way out, and even helpfully exposes Judas fully to himself. Within that realization are two outcomes. The first to is to admit the truth and plead for forgiveness. No doubt his co-conspirators will not be pleased, to say the least, and Judas could very well be the one on a cross. The second is to let the hand that has dipped become tainted with blood and go through with the whole thing.
What may have started out as a coin here or there, a couple denarii a week has suddenly escalated into this moment, this weight of all the world compressed into a fateful choice. Sin consumes us little by little until all that is left is a void; James speaks of it this way:
…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15 NIV)
As Judas rises to leave, we are told that Satan enters him. He has become the greed that has driven him for so long and now his actions are not his own since he has given them over to another. The betrayer has been set up for his own betrayal.
Stepping back from the ledge
In looking at Judas' fate, it is probably best to remember that every one of us have a complex of motives. Judas, while he fell prey to his greed and whatever other motives were swirling around, was not sin straight through. That he even showed remorse for his betrayal is proof enough of this. In fact, it is this remorse which leads many to discount the greed scenario altogether. But that is surely too simplistic. Often we knowingly commit sins hoping they give us what we intend from them, only later to realize that they weren't all they promised. The sadness at the loss and failure is the first step to contrition.
But it cannot be the last step. The little sins that seem so innocuous at the moment can pile up around us until it seems like we are in too deep. On the edge of that precipice we are often left face to face with the nothingness we have become and the glint of light that requires its surrender. I am reminded of Frost from C.S. Leiws' That Hideous Strength:
Not till then did his controllers allow him to suspect that death itself might not cure the illusion of being a soul—nay, might prove the entry into a world where that illusion raged infinite and unchecked. Escape for the soul, if not for the body, was offered him. He became able to know (and simultaneously refused the knowledge) that he had been wrong from the beginning, that souls and personal responsibility existed. He half saw: he wholly hated. The torture of the burning was hardly fiercer than his hatred of that. With one supreme effort he flung himself back into his illusion. In that attitude eternity overtook him. (C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength)


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This was my first year of attempting homeschooling. I was definitely nervous at first, I have never been a teacher. I didn't know if I could be a teacher, especially since my patience seems to run a little on the (ahem) short side, especially teaching preschool… It's not the preschool work, it's the preschool age! I think for the most part, it went really well. It helps that my child loves to learn though! I got lucky with him as my first one. Pretty sure the second child is going to give me a run though 😉
Since going into this I was so overwhelmed and was convinced that I was going to do something to mess it up, I decided to write a little post on exactly what we did this year. I hope to make it easier on some of you! Now, I chose to start with teaching preschool because I wanted to get some good practice in (for me) before Bubby was old enough for Kindergarten. Plus, he really does love learning, so it's more like an activity to do than actual school. Preschool is not necessary, but just something we chose.
Teaching Preschool At Home
Timing: This was one of the hardest adjustments for me. When my oldest was born, we were all about scheduling. We scheduled EVERYTHING, and I was on time for it all! I can only wish for that brain power these days! Well once he got older (and way less predictable) I lost the schedule. And I haven't seen it since. So for the last 3 or so years, I've been flying by the seat of my pants. All over the place. Hot mess mom, right here. The brain fog really makes it a lot worse, because I forget everything.
As you can imagine, trying to figure out a good time to sit down and do school every day was so overwhelming to think about. So we kind of just started whenever we could, and a pattern emerged! Turns out, the best time to do be teaching preschool for Bub was in the morning when little brother was napping. That way, Bubby could focus on his work, and I could focus on teaching him instead of focusing on keeping the crayons out of Boogie's mouth.
This next year is going to be totally different because we're over morning naps, but it was a great way to ease into our first year as homeschoolers. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is no "right time" to do school. Could be morning, could be afternoon, could be evening. Could be different times, different days. It's flexible, and as long as they're getting the lessons done, then it's working for you 😉
Place: The timing didn't have to be the same every day for us, but making sure that we do our school work in the same place really helps. Now obviously, we do make exceptions when we're doing outdoor activities, but the majority of the time we do school at our school desk. It helps with being able to keep all of the supplies together, and Bubby just focuses better when he's "at school".
Curriculum: Once I decided to homeschool, I had to figure out what to teach. I started at my favorite place to shop (Amazon, not Target). It really didn't take much searching before I came across The Ultimate Preschool Curriculum Kit. It was only $30, so I decided to give it a shot. It comes as a DVD so I ordered the curriculum to be printed double sided and bound at the UPS store, and I printed the rest of the stuff at home. It was a bit of paper, but it was super easy (and way cheaper than having it printed at The UPS Store). I organized it into month and put them into their own folders and it was ready to go! This curriculum was wonderful. It was repetitive enough that he got plenty of practice with each letter, but not too difficult. We would usually do several "curriculum days" worth of work at once just because he loved it. It was great practice for me and great learning for him. Once Boogie started dropping his morning nap, I would just set him down with us and let him color. It's his way of being involved, while also building skills. It works, right? 😉
The biggest tip that I have though is to lose the pressure. Mamas, we put WAY TOO MUCH pressure on ourselves, and then turn around and judge each other. None of us are perfect, but all of us are fierce in our love for our kids. We all want the best for them, and we are all trying to do the very best we can, while feeling at the same time that we are failing miserably. We need love and support from our fellow moms, regardless of the different choices we make. So lose the pressure, feel confident in the things you are doing for your kids. You're a great mama. You're a great teacher. Your kids love you, and they are lucky to have you. If homeschooling is what you want to do, then do it. It's not too hard, and it's not as overwhelming as it seems. Step by step is all it takes 🙂
Have you tried homeschooling at all? What do your school days look like?


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Bullet-Proof Vest Testing
Reading time: less than a minute.
Many years ago, before the advent of "manscaping" and the resulting loss of a generation of men to the affliction of metrosexualism there existed real men. Men who went out wearing bullet-proof vests and took turns shooting each other, just to make sure they worked.


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Name 3 animals the first human beings hunted for food.
Where did humans live during the Paleolithic era?
What is another name for the Paleolithic era?
Question Links:
Click on Paleolithic Era here: http://www.historiasiglo20.org/prehistory/index.htm
Create your own cave painting like the ones created by humans during the Paleolithic Era. Examples:


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Trucks and Child Safety (T.A.C.S)
Time: 09:00:00 - 15:00:00
Run by national haulage companies, the TACS scheme brings a large truck into school and educates children about the danger of trucks and road safety.
• What exactly the driver can or cannot see in the mirrors.
• Make the children aware of the truck's dimensions.
• Just how loud is the engine?
• What and where are the vehicle's blind spots?
• How difficult is it for a driver, while inside the cab, to hear a
child shouting?
• What distance is needed on the nearside when a vehicle is
turning left at a junction?
• Children learn how to walk safely around the vehicle and where
to stand on the pavement.
• What should you do if a football runs under a truck?
For more information, and to request a TACS visit to your school, call Somerset Road Safety on 01823 423430 or email email@example.com


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Posted: May 16, 2017
Students are well into the "Flight" unit for Science. They are exploring the four elements of Flight, Bernoulli's Principle, air properties, and early flight exploration. I will be taking time to prepare students for the upcoming Provincial Assessments. Students will work on practice questions in preparation over the next two weeks.
NOTE: Grade 6 Provincial Assessments will be administered between May 29 - June 9th. Please ensure your child is well rested each day during the assessment period. Grade 6 students will be assessed in Literacy, Science, Numeracy, and French.
Mr. Henderson


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Intentionally Left Bank
60 x 40 Oil on Canvas
A Certain Stance of Light
48 x 36 Oil on Canvas
Accidental Essence Of The Moon
36 x 48 Oil on Canvas
Radiance of Light
40 x 30 Oil on Canvas
Our Interlaced Souls
30 x 40 Oil on Canvas
Equinox Moon
48 x 36 Oil on Canvas
Blue Water Garden
45 x 22 Oil on Canvas
Cloud Shadows
48 x 48 Oil on Canvas
Subtle Perception
30 x 40 Oil on Canvas
Summer in Waiting
40 x 30 Oil on Canvas
The Muse of Pearls
60 x 30 Oil on Canvas Board with Gold Leaf Often referred to as "The First Lady of the American Screen," Bette Davis created a new kind of screen heroine. She was a liberated woman in an industry dominated by men. Although she earned a reputation for being difficult to work with, Bette set a new precedent for women. She admitted she was terrified during the making of her earliest films and that she became tough by necessity. She was known as an actress that could play a variety of difficult and powerful roles, and because of this she set a new standard for women on the big screen. Independent off-screen as well, her battles with studio bigwigs were legendary. With a career spanning six decades, few in the history of film rival her longevity and appeal. With a career total of more than 100 films, Bette changed the way Hollywood looked at actresses. In 1977, she was the first woman to be honored with the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the first woman to be president of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, and continued to act until her death in 1989 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
Country Summer
Oil on Canvas 20 x 16


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DUI Checkpoint Scheduled This Weekend in Elk Grove
The Elk Grove Police Department will conduct a drivers license and DUI checkpoint this weekend.
A checkpoint will be set up at an undisclosed location within Elk Grove city limits on Saturday night. The enforcement check will be conducted from 7 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday.
The checkpoint will focus on removing impaired drivers, as well as unlicensed drivers from the roadways. Funding for the sobriety checkpoint is provided through a grant from the U.C. Berkeley Traffic Safety Center with primary funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The public is encouraged to call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916) 714-5111 (emergency line) or 911 if they observe impaired drivers on the roadways.


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Well we made it to a new year and as I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off last night before I had to go back to work today, I was dreaming of what a new years resolution list would be like if money were no issue...
1. Hire Maid
1. Hire Maid
2. Hire Cleaning Lady-- Yes different from maid, this one would CLEAN my home, Maid would tidy up and fold and put away my laundry so I didn't have to do it every time.
3. Home Gym & Personal Trainer -- get skinny!
4. Find Husband Trainer -- Not so he can get skinny, but so he can learn what's up in the world, like how to change the roll of toilet paper or pickup his clothes or hang up his towels. Like literally training him how to be a decent human being.
5. Hire Assistant
*Occasionally he/she would probably play babysitter too
6. Bring in the Novogratz to redesign my house
*Let's be real, BUY NEW HOUSE (if money were no issue of course)
7. Learn a new language by submerging myself into the culture, like moving to France to learn French.
*Remember money is no issue
8. Quit my job because I'm moving to France
9. Have a baby -- I would adopt one -- and spoil them rotten, if it didn't happen naturally.
10. Travel More
*I've got a list and from France it would obviously be much easier -- London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Germany, & Rome -- Actually I couldn't resist that jingle but yes, Rome, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Etc... Basically everywhere!
What would your dream new years resolution list be like?! I think I could probably add to this list, but didn't want to seem too needy.
Here's to a happier and funnier 2016!
What would your dream new years resolution list be like?! I think I could probably add to this list, but didn't want to seem too needy.
Here's to a happier and funnier 2016!


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Cow Hollow is a generally affluent neighborhood located between The Presidio and Russian Hill with Pacific Heights on one side and the Marina District on the other.
Cow Hollow was once a settlement for fisherman as the coast was much closer than it is now. In 1849 Cow Hollow was a valley filled with grazing cattle, which is where it got its name. The valley had a large freshwater pond that was fed by several creeks. In first dairy was built in 1861 and many followed.
By 1890, there were roughly 800 cows roaming the area. The Chinese kept large vegetable gardens in the area; raising produce to peddle on the street or sell to local cooks.
Today Cow Hollow is a trendy area packed with apartment buildings inhabited by young professionals. Union Street is the main shopping thoroughfare and is known for its restaurants, boutiques, health spas and wellness centers.
If you're looking for a multi-unit building, or a condominium in an affluent area with plenty to do, give us a call and we'll explore Cow Hollow.


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I-Network is an ICT for development (ICT4D) organization that is mainly supported by the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD).
The following is a sumaary of a discussion on Cyber warfare and Uganda's readiness for cyber attacks taken from the D-group mailing list.
Age of cyber warfare is 'dawning'
Increasingly, hackers fight alongside ground troops
*Cyber war has moved from fiction to fact, says a report.*
Compiled by security firm McAfee, it bases its conclusion on analysis of recent net-based attacks.
Analysis of the motives of the actors behind many attacks carried out via the internet showed that many were mounted with a explicitly political aim.
It said that many nations were now arming to defend themselves in a cyber war and readying forces to conduct their own attacks.
While definitions of what constitutes cyber war are not shared, it was clear that many nations were preparing for a future in which conflict was partly conducted via the net.
- Dumba Nicholas
I think for now Uganda is "secure" given the fact that our power generation/distribution, traffic grid controls, military/security intelligence assets, financial systems, National Data Bank, nuclear energy(lots of the mineral wealth underground), irrigations systems, air traffic controls are either non existent, under-developed,already
mannually in crisis mode or simply do not attract any real attention for economic or industrial espionage. Industrial espionage is possible in sectors that are highly competitive especially now among telecom operators, Banking sector and may be the beer industry(rivalry between Nile/Uganda Brewery). Cyber warefare is often for reconnissance, intelligence gathering, compromising of critical national assets remotely and disabling critical services such as transportation(metro or air traffic controls), energy supply, communication, compromising of military communications sytems or diversion of misile defence systems from intended enemy targets, financial systems etc. - Shaka Robert
Also remember that Uganda is in the process of building the National Backbone where all government institutions and agencies will be connected, then there are the optic fiber cable in the offing. When Uganda is finally connected, whoever will be interested in our resources will actually disorganize them before we even start modernizing them, keeping us in the underworld. So the main question here is are we prepared for these attacks as we try to modernize. Rember it's better to prevent that to fire-fight. - Dumba Nicholas
Uganda does have the infrastructure to protect, we may lack the the most recently developed "power generation/distribution, traffic grid controls, military/security
intelligence assets, financial systems, National Data Bank, nuclear energy(lots of the mineral wealth underground), irrigations systems, air traffic controls.
But trust me a walk into any of the aforementioned installations and you will see interconnected computers however basic, even mobile phones.
Think this, how many times have you failed to make a call because "All circuits are busy", we had a free calls bonaza just before CHOGM and as soon as it hit 11PM all teleco networks got jammed, it was excrutiating to be willing to pay for a call but your not able to make it, think how many failed to call emergency services when they need the help, luckly it was just a promotion that was switched off, now think if that had occured due to some permament damage to the teleco networks? Where would we be?
So Yes we do have the infrastructure to protect arcahic or not, and we should all make effort to play our part, its the patriotic thing to do :-)
- Daniel Bwente
Without properly thinking out the security processes, policies and procedures for the government systems , I am afraid sooner or later we would have a beautiful cyber attack as they say. - Fred Bbaale
For Uganda we need to start with the basics of computer use. We need to put in place aceptable user policies that ensure data integrity at the basic level.
How many government offices today save their data on the PC and CD's ??
How secure is the data on laptops ?
How many of our minsitrys have a full secure network with secure servers??
Though the major cyber threat is real i think we have bigger lower level problems which will have real impact.
A comprehensive policy is needed at the baseline which then would build in safety measures that would protect us in the long run.
PPDA also needs to have an IT infrastructure procurement policy which mitigates the potential threat.
- Badru Ntege
What is Cyber Warfare?
"Cyberwarfare, (also known as cyberwar and Cyber Warfare), is the use of computers and the Internet in conducting warfare in cyberspace."....Wikipedia. - Douglas Onyango
Cyber Warfare is the use of Internet- connected (cyber) computers and other electronic devices to conduct disruptions and/or facilitate conventional warfare. Refer to Georgia.
Since computer security covers availability, issues with the Backbone not being delivered on time, equipment being stolen and repairs being required on the new fibre could be a result of management challenges.
But this has nothing to do with Cyber Warfare which as we saw is a technique for continuing or facilitating conventional war.
- Frederick Wamala
Issues arising for MoICT and other agencies to look into
1. Is Uganda prepared for cyber attacks?
2. How are the security processes, policies and procedures for the government systems that ensure Government systems are not attacked being implemented?
3. How many government offices today save their data on the PC and CD's ?
4. How secure is the data on laptops ?
5. How many of our minsitrys have a full secure network with secure servers?
6. Do we have aceptable user policies that ensure data integrity?
I think it would be naive for us to sit back and be comfortable in the knowledge that we are "secure" just because we do not "enjoy" modern day luxuries consistent
with the information age.
Computers and computing systems are being bought and powered each day. Networks are coming online, each day. Not to reiterate what some of the other posters have already
mentioned, but if security is not part of the plan from day one, simply because we're "Uganda", then all the work we're doing is for naught.
Put in the structures now, folks. Let's correct what we already have now, but also prepare for what is coming tomorrow. As my Chinese friend would say, "This stuff won't
fix itself, grasshopper".
Let's take advantage of the greenfield state of things, if for nothing else. It'll be harder to retrofit security later on. - Mark Tinka
Read full discussion http://dgroups.org/ViewDiscussion.aspx?c=641a4329-fd6f-4f6f-a1de-9b208975fbbb&i=a5957e01-999f-4ed5-90b8-c04953c48be8
Contributions received with thanks from: Badru Ntege; Daniel Bwente; Davis J Weddi; Derek Sejjuko; Douglas Onyango; Dumba Nicholas; Fred Bbale; Frederick Wamala; James Wire; Mark Tinka; Mutaremwa Frank; Shaka Robert
To participate in ICT for development discussions, subscribe to our mailing list by sending an email with your full name, country of residence, job title and address to email@example.com
You could also fill out the form on Dgroup: I-Network Uganda.
More information on the mailing list can be found at http://www.dgroups.org
Follow I-Network updates on:


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Here's an incident that recently happened between a Brother from the Nation of Islam and myself. Life gives me so many stories to tell. Check it out!
On my way to a local coffee shop I came upon a Brother from the Nation of Islam, the sect led by Farrakhan. He appeared to be in his mid twenties, light brown complexion, tall, clean shaven, nicely proportioned frame, most would say he was goodlooking. He asked me if I wanted to buy one of his bean pies. "There the best, made with honey, and other natural ingredients. Brother you know you gotta have one." I told him, "Brother I've tasted those pies and I love them, but don't got no money today." "Can you afford the latest Final Call? It's important that a Brother stays informed, you know what I'm sayin'," he exclaimed smiling wide eyed anticipating my reply. I replied, "Ok Brother, I'll take one."
I gave him a buck. He handed me the newspaper saying, "Thanks Brother, you have a good day, A Salaam Alaikum." I responded with, "Alaikum Salaam, I hope your day is good as well. Be cool" We were at the corners of Valencia and 16th street on the outskirts of the Mission district of San Francisco. The Mission is a mostly Latino and Asian community located less than a mile East of The Castro (the white gay mecca). I headed away from the the Brother from the Nation, in the direction of The Castro. As I walked up the block the Brother exclaimed, "You don't want to go in that direction, my Brother. If you do you'll see what the white man's ways has made of our Brothers. They got Brothers sleeping with men, Brothers sleeping with white men, sleeping with the........ Well, you know what I mean."
"I'm not sure I do. What *do* you mean?," I asked.
I walked toward him as he exclaimed, "Brotherman you must know that there's no history of us doin' that stuff in Africa. That's genocide, that's the white man's doin'."
"Could you break that down for me please? I'm interested in your point of view."
"What else needs to be said. It's a result of living under the white man's thumb, under his insidious rule."
"Ok. But I'm trying to learn from you Brother, I would appreciate it if you could break down this theory or point of view to its basic elements. I'm trying to understand what you are saying."
"Man, do you really want me to go into it? Why are *you* so concerned? It's obvious what's up. What's up wit *you*? Are you headin' that way for a reason?"
"If you want to know where I'm headin, that's cool, it ain't no thang, but you're getting off the subject. A subject you brought up. You said that there's no history of homosexuality in Africa, that it was genocide and the white man's doin'. Intrigued by your views, views you volunteered, I want to understand what you're talking about. It's that simple."
At a loss, he appeared as if he was thinking of something to say, but couldn't find the words. I was standing about two feet from him, engaging him eye to eye. Finally he said;
"The Holy Qur'an speaks against homosexuality!!"
"Brother, I joined the Nation when I was fourteen, I've looked for passages on the subject and never found them. In the land where the Qur'an was written homosexuality is prevalent."
Frustrated he said, "Man what are you talkin' about?"
"I said, that the Qur'an doesn't mention homosexuality. Muslims who choose to be anti-homosexual are speaking independently of the Qur'an, they are not reading from the Qur'an itself."
"It's a sin against nature to waste the seed of life, and that's what homosexuals do!."
"What do you mean? Could you break *that* down?"
"Homosexuals can't have children -- right?"
"Well, what I mean is they don't. Right?"
"Man, you seem to know a lot about what homosexual do and don't do."
"Look Brother, you're the one claiming to know what homosexuals do, that their wasting the seeds of life, and that it's the result of the white man. You, my Brother, brought up the subject. Not me."
Speechless, he looked at me saying nothing. I went on to ask:
"I'm going to ask you a personal question. You don't have to answer it if you don't want to. Here it is. Are you currently in a relationship that involves sex?
"Allah say's that sex before marriage is wrong."
"Ok Brother, but I'm not talking to Allah, I'm talking to you. Well?
"What's your point?"
"Are you avoiding my question? It's just you and me talking Brother. You seem to be interested in spreading knowledge, so let's rap."
"Man, I'm not used to rapping about *this!*"
"Well, earlier you came off as an expert on the subject. Now you're admitting to knowing little about it. What you said about homosexuals was very oppressive. I would like to think that that's not your intention. But whether it's your intention or not, don't you think you should know what you're talking about before making sweeping judgemental statements about folks?"
"You gotta point Brother, but I never expected my comments to start a long conversation."
"Hopefully this teaches you a few things; number one, don't preach stuff you don't really understand, and number two, my Brother, you never know who you might be talking to when you say such things. Since you didn't answer my question earlier about being in a relationship that involves sex, I'll just say this: Most people on the planet generally don't have sex with reproduction as the goal. Mostly, sex is simply a part of people relating to each other physically. If *you* are having sex, I bet that ninety percent of it is not to make a baby. My point is, what's the difference between what happens with your seed, when reproduction is not the goal of sex and what happens in love making between folks of the same gender?"
"Well at least we could make a baby if we wanted to."
"So can any fertile man or woman, if they chose to." If homosexuals decide to have babies they are no less equipped than you to do so. By the way, folks who really don't want a baby have them every day. Often the baby suffers in the process."
"You've gotta point there."
"Have you been to Africa?"
"I haven't been yet, but I'm going one day."
"Maybe you should wait until you go before you tell folks that they don't have homosexuality over there."
"Well that's what I was told!"
"Was this person a homosexualogist, did they visit Africa specifically to find homosexuals?!"
"I don't know! My -- you sure seem to know a lot. Are you gay or something?"
"What difference does that make. Whether I was a virgin or whatever is not the point. The point is *you* were saying things, and repeating ideas that you know little about. You need to stop that, especially being that you are out here in suit and tie, claiming to be a voice of integrity. Again, you need to stop that, that's the point! Not my sexuality or yours. Anyway I got to go now. A Salaam Alaikum.
"It was good talking to you Brother, Alaikum Salaam."
Looking perplexed, he packed up his stuff and walked away. As I said earlier, I was on my way to a local cafe, not the Castro. I don't particularly like the Castro.
Cleo Manago
Manago, Cleo* Activist, Writer, Instructor, Social Architect. Founder of the Black Men's Xchange (BMX), an Africentric national communications clearinghouse and support system for the empowerment of Black men of diverse sexual expression. Members of BMX have been featured on Oprah and Geraldo with chapters or contacts in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County in the State of California; Detroit, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Philadelphia. Cleo is also the founder of the African-American AIDS, Support-Services & Survival Institutes, Inc. (AMASSI) in Oakland and Los Angeles. AMASSI is a full service non-profit agency providing emotional support, counseling and health educational services to couples, individuals and families diverse in sexuality and expression. Services emphasize the health and wellness of Black people and people of color. Cleo Manago is also known for popularizing the terms for Black-men-who-Love-men and same-gender-loving people of African descent. He has ongoing columns in several publications including SBC and Alternatives magazines and is a Change In Human Systems doctoral student.


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How can we help you?
We provide a flexible and personalised service across the full range of carbon management and environmental sustainability options, and climate change advisory and policy services to organisations, corporates and all levels of Government.
We help landowners and pastoralists to understand how they can benefit from the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). We specialise in assisting Indigenous people to enhance their land through Indigenous Carbon Farming.
We showed The City of Charles Sturt how to audit their vehicle emissions and we provide them with offsets. We've advised BHP Billiton and the SA Government, and assisted the famous WOMADfestivals in Adelaide and New Zealand with their environmental responsibilities.
Big or small, in business or government, Canopy can help.


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Your shopping cart is empty!
Wooden Toy - Puzzle ABC Alphabet
Age Group: 1 Y+
Toy DHA:
* This wooden peg puzzle includes a piece for each of the twenty-six letters in the alphabet.
* A colorful picture under each piece shows an image beginning with the same letter,
* Helps to promote number recognition and counting skills! Encourages eye-hand, fine motor and visual perception skills.
Size: 29x22x1.2cm
Material: Non-toxic wood


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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The heads of Russia's top metal and chemical producers arrived at the Moscow headquarters of a business lobbying group on Friday for talks with the government on a possible windfall tax on their firms.
President Vladimir Putin has called for discussion of a proposal by Kremlin aide Andrei Belousov to raise more taxes from metals and mining companies that are earning what some see as windfall profits.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Industry Minister Denis Manturov were also seen arriving at the talks being held at the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs's building, a Reuters witness said.
Reporting by Polina Devitt and Anastasia Lyrchikova; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Mark Potter