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It's Not My Fault
I am nothing. I lay here, a withering hollow shell of something that was once a woman, my cheek pressed against the cold stone of the floor. My eyes travel to the walls, taking in the blankness and lifeless color they display. I feel the dirt entering my nose as I breathe; coating my nasal cavities with dust and heaven knows what else.
Everything hurts: my neck, from being twisted at an awkward angle. My arms throb, to say nothing of my wrists and ankles, from being wrenched back and bound with ropes. My head aches from when they knocked me out when they first dragged me into this hellhole. My back stings from the lashes when I wouldn't say why I did what I did. It wasn't my fault; the experience was still so unreal, as if someone took a hot iron and branded the memory into my brain.
I am so desperate for the sweet solace of sleep, but every time I close my eyes I see the same images: smiling faces, a girl holding a red balloon, lanterns lighting the streets. It only gets worse from there: a young woman whose blonde hair turned red from all the blood, a tall man staring at me in horror; my ears filling with the sounds of screams.
But like I said earlier, it's not my fault. The funny thing is, these aren't my memories. Oh no, most certainly not – they're Hers. She is my nemesis, my worst nightmare, all of my fears turned into a being with flesh and bone. She doesn't have a name, at least not a name that I know of. She is a part of me as real as my brain, eyes or heart.
I'm not entirely sure when She first came around; my empty and horrendous childhood could be to blame. It very well could be that She came around to comfort me while I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep, wishing I had parents who loved me and treated me like I existed.
At first She was a comfort, a friend – finally, someone that would sympathize with me and be there for me! I would sit with her for hours in my mind's eye, telling her all my woes and troubles. She was always patient, always willing to lend a listening ear. She became my best friend, until 24 hours ago.
Before I went to the festival at my local town, I was once more moaning and groaning about how I longed to be noticed, about how, since I was my parent's only daughter, I should be spoiled and treated like a princess, not a prisoner. I mentioned how much I hated them, and how much I wish they were dead. At that, She grinned wickedly and said, "Well, why not just kill them and make your wish come true?"
I was so mortified at the thought; as much as I detested my parents I could never kill anyone! If my fellow siblings taught me anything, it was to value all life. I told Her so, and She laughed at me and called me a coward. I sent her away. That is my biggest regret.
I went to the festival (even I was allowed to go at the consent of my parents) and was having an alright time until I bumped into a man and fell hard on the ground. He sneered at me and said, "Watch where you're going, little girl!" Immediately, all the hate and rage I had felt about my parents swamped me. The next thing I knew, I was staring at a massacre, a sword from a display table in my hand. My white dress was red.
My first thought was, what have I done? But then I realized, I didn't do it – I would never do something like this willingly! Only in self defense would I ever do such a horrible deed. I knew immediately it was Her. While I was swallowed up in those intense feelings of hatred, I had involuntarily let Her invade my body. She had done this, not me.
So you see? It's not my fault. The demon inside me did this. But even before I was captured I knew no one would believe me, so I ran. My capturers followed the trail of blood that was dripping from my dress and found me. They demanded to know what I had done, but I was in such a shock that I could not speak. All I could see was the faces of the dead, their glassy eyes forever unblinking. They did everything to try to get me to speak: they lashed me, threatened me, they did nearly every trick in the book. They seem to think I am mute. This frustrates them greatly.
And now, here I am, with my wrists bound and my head throbbing. During interrogation She took over and killed one of the officers. That's when they knew it was me. But you see, it wasn't me – if you look into my eyes, that's where my demon hides. You may ask, am I going to tell them all I just told you? Absolutely. Will they believe me? Never. Demons are unheard of in this day and age. They will never believe me when I say it's not my fault.
It's not my fault. I wish I could die.
Did you enjoy my story? Please let me know what you think by leaving a review! Thanks, rabidfangirl101Write a Review


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Lovely Good Morning Messages
No matter where I went,
I always knew my way back to you.
You are my compass star.
I love you,
Good Morning
I love you the way
a drowning man loves air.
And it would destroy me
to have you just a little.
I love you so much,
Good Morning
Sometimes I can't see myself
when I'm with you.
I can only just see you.
Good Morning
In your smile I see
something more beautiful than the star
I love you my darling,
Good Morning
- 11872 reads

subset: commoncrawl


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June and July 2015.
German LTURFly offers cheap tickets to Malta – a small island in southern Europe. Flights from Switzerland (Basel) from only 46 EUR round trip, even in Summer!
Travel dates:
14 – 21 June for 46 EUR,
21 – 28 June for 50 EUR
28 June – 5 July for 50 EUR.
Basel – Malta – Basel.
How to book:
Follow this link to LTURFly.com
If you're looking for cheap accommodation you should compare hotel rates on HotelsCombined.com. Don't forget to read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
Baggage policy:
One cabin bag and one piece of checked in baggage per passenger.


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Well within the average market time in her area, Penny gets an offer on the house. But then life happens. Her children, her parents and her ex come flying back to the nest, all in need of Penny's emotional—and financial—support. Spread thin, Penny becomes the poster child for the "sandwich generation," when all she really wanted to do was make managing director, buy a white couch, and maybe go on a Match.com date.
website, Facebook, and Twitter.
~Introduction by Melissa Amster
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Is a native of Daviess county, was born August 17, 1850, and is a son of Rev. Benjamin F. Smith, one of the early settlers of this county, who came here in 1835. The subject of our sketch was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the common schools of this county. He has given his attention to agriculture, and is one of the successful farmers of the county.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage, November 16, 1876, to Miss Carrie Netherton, who was born October 16, 1856, in this county. She died September 7,-1879. Mr. Smith married, January 16, 1881, Miss Jennie Warner, of this county, born in Henry county, Indiana, August 23, 1854.


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Breaking Ranks
This week on War News Radio, the lines are shifting in Washington's debate on Iraq.
Then, we hear from soldiers on active duty who are also actively against the war. Listen now to Max Parke's report.
We also find out how militant Islam has found a new foothold in Pakistan's tribal areas. Listen now to Matthew Diaz's report.
These stories, plus the week's war news, from War News Radio.
[Download mp3] [Streaming audio]
Our guests this week include:
- Tod Ensign, Scott Silliman, Jonathan Landay, Bruce Reidel, Robert Templer, and David Rohde.


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While birds, hornworms, and other insects are common pests of tomato plants, animals can also be a problem sometimes too. Our gardens can be full of almost ripened fruits and vegetables one day, then eaten down to bare stalks the next day. Continue reading to learn about animals that target tomato plants and tomato plant protection.
Tomato Plant Protection
If your tomato plants are being eaten and you have ruled out birds or insects as the culprits, animals could be the problem. Most gardeners are used to battling rabbits, squirrels, or deer but don't think much about protecting plants from these other animal pests:
We also don't like to think that our own pets and livestock (like goats) could be the problem.
Mole or vole damage to plants is oftentimes not detected until it is too late to save the plant. These animal pests eat the roots of the plant, not anything above the ground. In fact, you will most likely never see the mole or vole because if they do come above ground, it is usually only at night and even then, it is rare. So, if the foliage and fruits of your tomato plant are being eaten by something, it's very unlikely that it is moles or voles.
How to Protect Tomato Plants from Animals
Try raised beds for keeping animal pests from eating tomatoes and other garden plants. Raised beds that are 18 inches (46 cm.) high or higher are difficult for rabbits and other smaller animals to get into. It is also a good idea to have 6 inches (15 cm.) or more of the wood planks below the soil level so that small animals do not just burrow underneath the raised beds.
You can also lay down a barrier of heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire mesh below raised beds to prevent animals from burrowing into your garden. If you have limited space, tomatoes grow very well in large pots, which will also make them too high for some animal pests.
Another benefit to growing tomatoes in pots is that you can place these pots on balconies, patios, or other well-traveled areas where animals are not likely to go. Deer, raccoons, and rabbits generally avoid being too close to people or areas frequented by pets. You can also place your garden beds up near the house or in the vicinity of a motion light to scare off animal pests.
A few other ways of protecting tomatoes from animals include the use of animal deterrent sprays, like liquid fence, or using bird netting around the plants.
Sometimes, the best thing to do for keeping animal pests from eating tomatoes is to build a fence around the garden. Fences are great options when it comes to your pets or livestock out of the garden. To keep rabbits out, the fence needs to sit below the soil level and have gaps that are no bigger than one inch (2.5 cm.). To keep deer out, the fence needs to be 8 feet (2 m.) or taller. I once read that placing human hair in the garden will deter deer, but I have not tried it myself. Though I do usually toss hair from my hairbrush outside for birds and other creatures to use for nests.


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Visit our website: www.rawpaleodiet.comJoin our Yahoo Group: RawPaleoDietRSS Feed Latest 50 Posts
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I live in the Philippines and the fruits are abundant, grown organic and wild.This is why I can eat a lot of fruit safely.Just google on Philippine fruits or check out flickr.In season now are atis, green indian mango, watermelon, melons, santol, avocados, guavas, yellow mangoes just finished, next month come the durians and always in season are papayas, pineapples, 4 different bananas and coconuts and there are other lesser known, wild and non-commercial fruit like balimbing and aratilis.Since we are an archipelago we have lots of ocean fish, many types. This is why my diet is more wai diet. But I added beef, goat and some chicken for variety.We don't buy imported fruit because they are likely sprayed, chemicalized, irradiated, etc. I suggest you buy local fruits too. If I were in the USA, I wouldnt buy Philippine mangoes, coconuts, bananas or pineapples. I would get sick from the pollution, the pesticides and chemicals they put in those for-export fruits.
Wai Diet- High in fruit; low in a limited selection of animal foods; raw vegetables and dairy are forbidden.
Diet drinks and weight loss don't necessarily go hand in had...Use these 2 diet drinks and weight loss will happen... it's as simple as that.
Diet drinks and weight loss don't necessarily go hand in had. I've seen research showing diet sodas actually promote weight gain, not weight loss. In the next 2 minutes.Diet Drinks :1. Stevia WatersLook, plain water probably doesn't excite you. It doesn't for me either. I like to have a nice sweet taste with my drinks. Problem is, sugar and man-made sugar substitutes suck and are bad for you. The way around this is to use Stevia. It's a NATURAL sugar substitute that's actually sweeter than sugar.2. Protein shakesThis is a true diet drink even though you won't see it on the label. These fill you up moderately and are loaded with healthy protein which feeds your muscles, which in turn burn off lots of calories BECAUSE your muscles burn up 4-8 times more calories than your fat.To put it simply, if you're not having protein shakes daily, you are not maximizing your weight loss.Use these 2 diet drinks and weight loss will happen... it's as simple as that.
Super Slim Pomegranate is a revolutionary weight loss product made popular worldwide. Package includes 30 capsules. PACKAGES WITH SILVER ON BOTH SIDES ARE FAKE! The authentic capsules are are packaged with green foil on one side and silver on the other. Beware of sellers that lie to you about all silver packaging. The fake all silver packaging is not effective, so don't waste your money. You can get the authentic capsules on firstname.lastname@example.com Super Slim Pomegranate, an incredible diet capsules! I bought it from www.take2daydiet.com and have been taking this product for 6 days. I have lost 7lbs!!!! It really helps you control your appetite and eat smaller portions. The ingredients of this product are Granada Nut, Extract of HydroxyCitric Acid (HCA), Apple, Kiwi, Teng Huang fruit, Jerusalem artichoke, Sweet potato, and Giantarum, which are healthy for your diet. There is less side effects when taking the capsules. If you want to be more attractive, this authentic capsules must be really the best choice for you.
Should I hit "report to moderator"? I was thinking to do that. I wasn't sure, as I've never done that before. Answer me here or in a PM. Thanks.


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Until they feel safe, young people will risk their lives by carrying knives
The senseless murders of two 17-year-olds, Jodie Chesney and Yousef Makki, have caused a national outrage. Even though the killings were 200 miles apart, were not linked and do not appear to be gang related, they have forced Sajid Javid, the home secretary, to finally call the growing number of knife attacks a national crisis.
He'd had countless opportunities to do so since taking up his post nine months ago – there had been a number of black victims, including 14-year-old Jaden Moodie who was viciously murdered in January – yet he had refused. This had led many people, especially within the black community, to suggest that his declaration of a crisis, and the subsequent meeting with police chiefs, happened only because the latest victims were white and from the suburbs.
I have been calling for a central government response and clear leadership for the past year – in the form of urgent Cobra emergency committee meetings, in a similar way to terrorism attacks. Therefore I am pleased to see politicians and senior police officers are also calling for Cobra, to convince the home secretary that he needs to get a grip on knife crime and the normalisation of violence, which is spreading across the country. To do this, Javid must invest in, and make full use of, the complete spectrum of government assets, in partnership with community and grassroots organisations, and reverse the fracturing of public services, which need to be more joined up.
I know the previous Metropolitan police commissioner, Lord Hogan-Howe, has been looking into knife crime, and I agree with him that this is a national crisis, not merely a London one. Hogan-Howe pointed out that twice the amount of knife crime occurs outside the capital than inside it, and two-thirds of knife-related injuries treated in UK hospitals are outside London. And he did not repeat the false narrative that reduced stop and search leads to a rise in knife crime, as churned out by Boris Johnson this week. The figures are stark: a 93% rise in under-16s treated for stab wounds in the past five years. Hogan-Howe called for a national knife tsar – a move that has its merits as long as he or she does not over-emphasise enforcement at the expense of the public health approach.
Yet I believe a lot can be learned from the West Midlands police force, and the way it dealt with the aftermath of a double murder. Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17, were shot dead in Birmingham in 2003 – two innocent young women caught up in a gang-related feud. This was a defining moment for that force, who knew they could not stop-and-search their way out of the problem of violence. It demanded a more wide-ranging approach, in partnership with the community.
In a similar way, and around the same time, I was based in east London and worked with my Hackney Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Safer Schools officers and my outreach teams. We significantly reduced firearm and knife crime, and school exclusions too, using early-intervention and prevention programmes to encourage young people to make the right choices and turn their back on crime. In addition, sustained high-visibility patrols carried out targeted and respectful intelligence-based stop and search, without raising community tensions. It meant the criminals were always looking over their shoulder, and people going about their lawful business were not stopped unnecessarily.
This is where austerity has had a massive impact: these resources have been slashed, hampering our ability to act to reassure people, especially young people, and make them feel safe. Theresa May was clearly wrong to claim this week that austerity has not contributed to knife crime. It is at odds with the home secretary's demand for more money to strengthen police numbers to their pre-austerity level. The prime minister was also contradicting a Home Affairs select committee report last year that stated the reduced number of community officers risks making police become irrelevant to communities, especially for young people who face the daily fear of being a victim of violence. Ultimately, we all have to face up to the fact that if police cannot make young people feel safe, then they are more likely to buy into the misplaced thinking of arming themselves.


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The Black Dahlia2006 Drama | Suspense/Thriller
A tale of obsession, love, corruption, greed and depravity that revolves around a true story of the brutal murder of a fledgling Hollywood starlet that shocked and fascinated the nation in 1947 and remains unsolved today. Two ex-pugilist cops, Lee Blanchard and Bucky Bleichert, are called to investigate the homicide of ambitious silver-screen B-lister Betty Ann Short -- aka 'The Black Dahlia' -- an attack so grisly that images of the killing were kept from the public. While Blanchard's growing preoccupation with the sensational murder threatens his marriage to Kay, his partner, Bleichert, finds himself attracted to the enigmatic Madeleine Linscott, the daughter of one of the city's most prominent families -- who just happens to have an unsavory connection to the murder victim.


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THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with the boys from VOIX for a special interview.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Andi – I was always around a wide variety of music from a very young age. My parents and 4 older siblings introduced me to everything from classical (Vivaldi, Beethoven, etc) to 90's Grunge, Rock, Indie, all the way to modern pop and boy bands (Backstreet Boys are my personal favourite). Listening to music always made me feel so much and provoke such mood, both positive and negative. I dabbled with piano at 5 years of age, happily accepting the odd lesson from a close family friend until I picked up a guitar on my 8th birthday, thanks to my dad. Once I started playing music for myself there was no looking back; I knew what I wanted to do with my life, it just made total sense.
Mike – I've been interested in music for as long as I can remember! My first CD was Michael Jackson, Off the Wall so had a fascination with the soul and groove in music from the age of 8. In the words of Alex of Blur, every house should have a £100 piano, and my parents had just that! And old, out of tune piano that I learnt to understand pitch on. Guitar shortly followed with all the usual power chord shapes and learning every available Nirvana song. The first pop record that caught my ear was L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani. That is when I realised that there's way more behind pop music than most people and I really thought.
We both met in our mid 20s after growing up in the same small town and going to the same schools and playing all the same venues, somehow managing to avoid each other!
When we finally met, whilst producing for local bands, we totally hit it off and decided that one day we'd have to make some music together. And here we are!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Andi – It has to be the love and passion that I feel towards the creative process. I want to be able to make people feel something special through the sound of what we create, and although it's probably impossible, it drives me to create and never stop. There have been so many opportunities to give up in the last 15 years of the musical journey.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Andi – I would love to take our music around the world and share something special with people from all walks of life. As far as "career" aspirations, it would just be nice to have our music exposed to a wider audience and whatever outcome that creates, is perfect for me.
Mike – Id very much like to develop a company to help develop artists, like an old traditional record label but with a modern twist. We love working/collaborating with other artists and this is like an extension of that.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Andi – We plan to release 3 more singles and a remix between now (September) and January 2021. We would love to play some DJ sets next year and get out and about, but due to the current pandemic, we may have to do a raincheck.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
Our newest single is called, 'Hard to Find'. It's a high energy and uplifting dance-pop track, taking influence from Synthwave and 80's style drum machine pop. The song itself is a story of love and loss, which contends with unrequited emotions and an uncertain outcome in a relationship. Something about the mystery of the unknown in our songwriting seems to be appeal because we keep doing it.
We feel like our music could be described as positive, emotive and powerful. We aim to create feeling in our tracks and we hope that it comes across.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
We write in a few different ways, but it usually starts with either a vocal memo/melody that is sung in to a phone, or a produced track/idea that we have, which we then write to. Sometimes it's random inspiration and we just have to try and capture the idea that comes to us.
Once we have something solid that we feel good about, it's a matter of creating the right production to match what we want the song to represent. Some songs just flow and we end up with a finished idea really quickly, other songs are more complicated and have to be produced a bunch of times until they match our vision.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
We try and leave the meaning to listener; there are a many different ways that the lyrics can be interpreted and that is no accident.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I'll let you know when we arrive…
Define success… to create music that we love and have other people love it too, which feels a lot like success.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Somebody recently told us that our music helped them heal and pulled them out of a long depression. That felt amazing.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Andi – There are so many great talents in the music industry at the moment; I think Jacob Collier is hugely inspiring to me…
Mike – Although a tad predictable Id have to say Max Martin, he'd managed to do something completely unheard of in an industry where it seems everything has been done. And relatively under the radar!
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
We have plans to direct our music towards a more collaborative project, whilst developing ourselves as a label. We are collaborating and writing/creating for other artists and labels at the moment and we're looking forward to the challenges of the next chapter.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
We would love to be working alongside other artists and champion the next generation of musicians/producers if we're in the position to do so.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Favourite – Creating music together and spreading a positive message to others.
Least Favourite – Administrative duties, lack of support from others in the early stages.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Flume – unbelievable producer with such an interesting style and take on modern EDM.
Sia – definitely one of the most accomplished songwriters of this generation and such an great voice.
Parkway Drive – one of my favourite metal bands that I've followed since 2005, Byron Bay represent!
The Broadcast Fiasco – They're led by a friend of ours, Rob Howe who is a real talent. Check 'em out!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It seems much harder to grab people's attention nowadays. Social media is so noisy and apparently there are in excess of 40,000 songs released on Spotify each day, which makes independent music like finding a needle in a haystack.
It's challenging when a lot of the support outlets for new artists, such as blogs, radio stations, etc, don't seem to champion upcoming talent and are only really interested in exchanging support for profit, this is a bit sad, but it seems to be the nature of the new industry.
In a more positive light, never has the artist had more creative control over their product. If you get it right and manage to find some investment early on to build a real fanbase then you could have a career without having to relinquish any control. Which would have been impossible decades ago.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
We've always aspired to learn and grow as musicians, producers and managers of our own project, and I'm sure we will continue to put our best foot forward. Hopefully, if we create something meaningful for long enough, we will have the opportunity to reach a lot of people with our music.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
We do collaborate and are really looking to do a lot more of it. Wish list… hmm… Max Martin?
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Work really hard and set some clear goals to focus on, no matter how big or small. Stay hungry to improve and remember that you can only fail if you give up.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Thank you so much for supporting our music, we really hope you enjoy what we do. You can get in contact with us by DM on Instagram @wearevoix
Any last words?
Huge thanks to theaussieword.com for the support.
Support your local radio, blogs and venues, they're the ones that have enabled the world's greatest artists to continue making the soundtracks to our lives.


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5 Reasons Every Homeschool Should Use Sensory Bins
Sensory bins have been a huge thing in many classrooms for the last few years, but especially for homeschoolers. However, not everyone uses them if they don't believe their child has sensory issues. As a homeschooling parent you should definitely be using these in your homeschool regardless of sensory needs of your children. These reasons below are just the beginning of why you should begin using sensory bins for your homeschool classroom.
Why You Should Use Sensory Bins in Your Homeschool
Encourages classification understanding.
Learning about classification applies in multiple parts of education. Sensory bins are excellent for children to understand how to sort, separate, and recognize items. They are a great way to have children sort colors, textures, like items, items that don't belong, and even shapes. Since classification matters in math and science so much, it is a great tool not just for younger children but also grade school level classroom work.
Helps kids use all of their senses.
The senses are part of exploration, knowledge, and learning. Sensory bins obviously help your kids use all the senses, but this is also a super fun way to encourage them to recognize what senses they are using. Encouraging them to not just experience the sensory bins, but to note what senses they use to separate items and classify them is a great way to help them to really think outside the box. Kids don't often think about how they are using not just their eyes to see food, but their sense of smell and taste to determine what something is. The same thing goes with their sense of touch and smell when they are working in a sensory bin.
Encourages calming in active children.
Kids that struggle with ADD, ADHD, or simply have a hard time focusing can really benefit from learning through a sensory bin. It gives them something hands on to touch and play with while they learn. You can even easily give your children sensory bins to work with while you are going over lessons, reading or asking them questions about what you have been covering. Utilizing a sensory bin throughout the classroom is great for kids who tend to struggle with staying still and concentrating. You can easily help them focus on the lesson by providing a sensory bin that is applicable.
Helps to incorporate all subjects in one location.
Sensory bins are amazing tools to bring all of your curriculum into one simple place. You can add math, science, history, and even language assignments all inside one bin for your kids to learn more about one subject. Something like this alphabet sensory bin can help little ones learn in a multisensory way that they'll remember.
These are especially nice for unit studies on specific subjects or ideas. Choose items for your sensory bins that fit into each subject if possible. You can use counting, sorting, specific historical items for a subject, and even special specimens for science to create a great sensory bin that encompasses all of your class work in one location.
You can take a look at the simple sensory bin we used in our ocean-themed study before our field trip to the aquarium. It was a great way to tie all of those learning concepts together!
Helps kids to follow directions.
If your kids struggle with following directions, sensory bins are an amazing tool. By giving them specific things to look for, sort and separate, you can easily create a manner of following directions that they will enjoy. This is really important as they move into other subjects where following directions impacts how they come up with an end result or answer. I love giving my kids a list of items to sort out or directions on how to use the sensory bin for our classwork. This keeps them occupied, learning and working on that direction following problem they often have in the early years.
Using sensory bins throughout your homeschool classroom will be a great way to help get your kids the hands-on education they need. It gives them an easy outlet to use their hands while learning, and allows them the sensory opportunity that many children need to truly understand concepts.
Do you use sensory bins in your homeschool?
- Fall Books and Activities for Preschool - September 16, 2023
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Thursday, June 25, 2015
Further (& Final!) Markdown
To thank everyone for their great support over the last decade, we figured it would be nice to go out with a bang :-)
Even though we are winding down to our last few weeks, it doesn't mean that amazing finds are far and few between. Stylish dresses, quality shirts, denim, expertly-cut men's suits, leather handbags, statement eyewear—ALL DESIGNER GOODIES FROM NOW ON ARE 80% OFF.
Hurry up, our doors will be closing for good very soon (to reinstate the premises in their original state)—and these are steals you do not want to regret missing out on!
It's the perfect time to stock up for those "Buka Puasa "events, Hari Raya and, if you think ahead, all the year-end festivities, too ;-)
Posted by wondermomo at 6:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Happy Father's Day
You may no longer be holding our hand, but you will always have our heart.Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads who provided for and supported their children!
Posted by wondermomo at 6:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: Happy Father's Day
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Happy Fasting
Posted by wondermomo at 6:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: Happy Fasting, Ramadan Mubarak
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As usual, looking for one thing, came across another. Tonight I came across The Garriott Family Genealogy Website. It's got a very nice genealogy area, and the Descendant Trees are second to none. I'm not sure if they are using software they wrote, but it's very simple and easy to read.
An example – Francis Garriot's Descendant Tree. You can navigate up and down the tree. Probably renders fast on a dial-up connection (too many people these days are concerned about what looks good on broadband, when many of the people visiting their site are probably on dial-up).
Just thought it was a neat little site that others might be interested in.


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Life Teaser Trailer
Get ready for a sci-fi thriller (with a splash a terror) as Sony Pictures releases the first official trailer (basically the teaser trailer) for the movie Life. View trailer below.
Hmmm….this movie is interesting. I do like the film's cast and the premise seems a bit intriguing. Almost like a sci-fi-ish horror movie. Plus, its set to be released on Memorial Day weekend, so it must have some type of "potential" for the studio execs to released it on such a prominent date. Beyond what the trailer shows, I'm not super excited to see it, but it's definitely something to keep in the back of my mind for 2017's summer movie lineup.
Life arrives in theaters on May 26th, 2017


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Sidebar: So Many Parties
August was a whirlwind. There was a lot of events left and right, both at work and home.
At work, we had like a million going away parties–ok, just four, but still a massive amount. We've had a lot of turnover lately for various reasons and of course that means we have goodbye parties for everyone.
And while I like all my coworkers, just like Animal Farm, some are more liked than others lol #kanyeshrug. Meaning, I was really bummed when one of them left b/c we were work buds. But that is the life of legal aid–people come and go all the time. In the meantime, I super enjoyed all the happy hours.
Outside of parties, I had an overnight trip to S. Illinois at the beginning of the month. This was for migrant outreach–we go to different places in Illinois looking for migrant workers to inform them of their rights and check to make sure their work/living conditions are legit. The long car rides are exhausting, but it's still nice to get out and do direct client work. Plus, I like to think our group learned outreach from the best so we know all the good lunch spots 😉
Life outside of work was also super busy! First, my mom and aunt visited for a weekend, which was really nice. Then I got to see Beyonce again. I love her. Just no words at how great she is…
The concert fell on E's birthday so we also had to celebrate that. We went to our fave Mexican restaurant, Adobo Grill. It's so decadent! Everything there is delicious, but I tried the shrimp tacos for the first time–it came with tamarindo sauce and I wish I could replicate that at home (I have tried, but not successfully lol).
At the end of the month, we celebrated out ninth anniversary. eep! lol Nine years is a long time!
Ok–monthly faves!
Skincare–I started adding Lancome's comfort toner to my night routine. I normally don't use toner at all because I have dry skin and most astringent toners just strip my skin of moisture and are way too drying. I received this to try through influenster and was a little hesitant. But it's sooo nice! Unlike any toner I've used before because it's gel-like, creamy, and actually feels nice on the skin. Not drying at all. It's great and a full size comes with a ton of product.
Makeup–I just can't seem to get enough gloss! I have a few deluxe glosses from Buxom. They are a bit peppermint-y (supposed to help plump your lips), but I really like how non-sticky they are and it gives my mattes just enough shine (so great for the summer!).
In action:
I can't believe that summer is winding down! And that we didn't go on any vacation! It's kind of sad, really. Hopefully we find our way somewhere this fall.


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The USDOT has officially issued a 131-page final rule to amend Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration regulations regarding the implementation of National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA requirements along with other environmental protocols – steps the agency believes will "accelerate" transportation project delivery times.
[Above photo by NCDOT.]
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement on Oct. 31 that this new rule is one of USDOT's "most expansive regulatory realignments of federal environmental transportation policy" and "will accelerate the delivery of new railroad, transit and highway projects by rationalizing and streamlining the environmental review process across all three modes."
Also, as noted in a conference call hosted by FHWA on Oct. 26, this new rule – which takes effect Nov. 28 – will also reduce duplicative environmental reporting efforts between FHWA, FTA, and the Federal Railroad Administration.
USDOT added that the new rule implements changes passed by Congress in 2012 via MAP-21, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, and the in 2015 via the FAST Act or Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act.
The rule also helps FHWA and FTA further implement the statutory changes in 23 USC 139 and formalizes all three agencies' roles by maintaining consistency in America's surface transportation policy across multiple federal agencies.
It also reiterates states' ability to produce a single environmental document and combine a final Environmental Impact Statement or EIA with the Record of Decision document, as well allowing for "greater flexibility" on projects that take place entirely within the operational right-of-way.


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Who : OCCDLA Emergent Technology Work Group in partnership with the Emergent Learning Commons present Jim Bailey, CS Faculty, Lane CC and Dr. Jonathon Richter, U of O Center for Advanced Technology in Education.
What: Presenting their findings of a 3 year $450k NSF grant funded study which explores the use of Second Life in community college computer science curriculum. Initial data shows an improvement in female enrollment in CS introductory courses, as well as gains in female participation in programming courses beyond the initial CS sequence.
Where: Online Webinar in Elluminate (https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=2010305&password=M.98E610CA647B17234D41DB779345A1 ) Room will be available 30 minutes before and after the presentation
When: Tuesday, February 14th, 2:00 PM PST for 1 hour.
Why: This phase of the NSF grant requires exploration of partnerships to expand the use of curriculum that has been implemented and improves STEM female participation. Jim and Jonathon are looking for educators (K-20) who are interested in collaborating on using their grant developed curriculum to improve female participation in STEM curriculum.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Avatar Help Sessions
If you are an instructor in the Oregon Community College system and are considering exploring the integration of virtual worlds into your curriculum, you are welcome to stop by our open instructor avatar skills building sessions on Oregon Community Colleges Isle.
We post our schedule a week in advance on the island calendar :
Note: We don't schedule assistance times during the first week, finals week or during breaks (spring break, for example).
So if you're looking for advice, assistance, practice, content help, ideas? Bring your questions by the sandbox! One of us is available during posted times.
Posted by Monica Marlo at 1:05 PM No comments:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Arts & Education Film Festival- On Now!
Bring a colleague or invite new virtual friends to join you for a shared viewing of a playbill that selects presentations that will get you thinking about the possibilities of Second Life. In the Sky Box Theater above Oregon Community Colleges Isle, we're screening a collection of videos that focus on Second Life - it's current state and future pedagogical possibilities.
Bring a colleague or invite new virtual friends to join you for a shared viewing of a playbill that selects presentations that will get you thinking about the possibilities of Second Life. In the Sky Box Theater above Oregon Community Colleges Isle, we're screening a collection of videos that focus on Second Life - it's current state and future pedagogical possibilities.
Posted by Monica Marlo at 8:38 AM No comments:
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Island Update
It's finals week for most of our Oregon Community Colleges, and as we get ready to break away for a breather, I've produced a brief Island update for the OCCDLA. Though we haven't been blogging much, a lot has been happening with the project. (As a side note, we at PCC are also migrating our learning management system from Blackboard to Desire2Learn... busy times!)
Remember- if you are a faculty, staff or student in the Oregon Community Colleges system and would like to use virtual worlds in your curriculum, for an event, or maybe even for student group meetings, let us know- we're happy to help you! Our Monday 2PM meeting at the OR CC Isle camp fire is a great place to drop in and share your ideas.
Where we were:
Where we are:
Where we're going:
- Summer 2007- OCCDLA Emergent Tech Workgroup Formed, Team ID'd.
- April 2008 - Purchase of Island in Second Life
- 2008-2009 - Development of Island & Basic Resources (Blog, main Website, Calendar, Island Council meetings, etc.)
- 2009-2010 - Pilots, Ongoing Development of Island resources (Library, Public Events)
Where we are:
- 2010-2011- In third year of three year exploration pilot
- Establishing Student Services
- Exploring HS Completion & Student Success & Retention
- Supporting HS students using Second Life in their current curriculum migrating from the Teen Grid as it is being shut down in early January 2011.
- Training Instructors to use Virtual Worlds and how to integrate Second Life into their course events, and how to assess the outcomes of those events.
- Developing instruction for students- Virtual Worlds Skills (Spring 11)
- Exploring Clinical Simulations and Virtual Worlds for OCNE
- Ongoing course events throughout the year
- BI 202- Botany- Indigenous Flora- Students of BI 202 help populate Oregon Community Colleges Isle with greenery by collecting images of native plants in the field
- ED 206- Students in the Library Assistant program are introduced to Second Life and how this technology fits into the greater Ed. Tech. toolkit
- PHL 201- The Philosophy Garden- Our most advanced/immersive use of Second Life. From a launch point on Oregon Community Colleges Isle, students are teleported to Plato's cave, where they begin their journey from the darkness of ignorance to the light of the Philosophy Garden. Once there, a walk through the garden introduces them to seven historical western philosophers
- Arts Events available to an international audience
- ArtBeat 2010
- 2010 Student Kickoff Party featuring Chervona, a Portland folk band
Where we're going:
- Oregon Immersive Education Initiative
- Multi-Institutional partnership within Oregon Ed. System (K-20 proposed), including Oregon Center for Advanced Technology in Education (U of O) Teaching Across the Curriculum (OSU), OCCDLA
- Coordinated program development statewide
- Programs designed to support students throughout their academic careers in an effort to encourage college enrollment
- Next 3 years- Second Life/OpenSim Duality
- OpenSim not yet mature enough to directly migrate, but rapidly developing
- EDU groups mass migrating to the OpenSim Hypergrid, which allows for an interconnection between independent virtual worlds, making communication and inventory sharing possible.
- Second Life ending EDU discounts in 2 years. (prompted mass migration)
- Offering uninterrupted service for courses currently using or developing course events/public programs/high school completion etc. events that use virtual worlds
- Exporting Content out of Second Life to Open Standards
- Eventual Migration to all open content/open standards/open tools by default.
- Blender and SketchUp for Content Development
- OpenSim Platform
- All Content registered .CC Creative Commons- Non-Commercial (Attribution) and cataloged/shared via clive.merlot.org
Posted by Monica Marlo at 1:52 PM No comments:
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Oregon Immersive Ed Days
Just returning to campus from Oregon Immersive Ed Days, the inaugural meetup of statewide educators and affiliated groups working in virtual spaces. We're all working toward greater collaboration, and this meetup was a great kick off to those efforts.
Though Oregon focused in name, truly we're an open group and had participants from out of state in attendance enriching our tribe. We're working in tandem with many other groups at the moment all the way to the international level looking at the future of immersive education. If you are interested in joining our group, we would love to add your input and energy to the collective- just email jonathonrichter at gmail dot com, and he will add you to our listserv. Also, check out the wiki- I've just posted notes from Saturday's planning session at http://immersiveoregon2010.wikispaces.com/.
My notes from the individual presentation sessions if you'd like to check them out can be found at http://bit.ly/oied2010_Notes .
Getting a chance to link up with others around the region who understand these technologies for teaching and learning and dreaming about how together we can take greater leaps forward than alone was truly a treat. Though avatars are a great for when you can't get together, there's nothing like bantering possibilities over a pint and slice of pizza to get to the heart of a groups challenges.
To the future: here it is, now! :)
Posted by Monica Marlo at 1:04 PM No comments:
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Chervona Party- Happening NOW!
Come join us on OR CC Isle til 8PM Tonight- Russian folk rock band Chervona is rockin' it streaming NOW!
Posted by Monica Marlo at 6:15 PM No comments:
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Kick off the school year with Chervona!
Come join us Sunday, October 10th from 5:30-8:00 for a bit of FREE social R&R as we welcome PDX's very own Balkan party band 'Chervona' for their first performance in the Metaverse! We'll be streaming a live show recording that Chervona has made available to us specially for this event.
"Mixing together taste and passion of the best Gypsy, Russian, Ukrainian, klezmer and Balkan musical traditions, Chervona brings the fire of Eastern European carnivals to the land of America. With their authenticity and genuine fire Chervona has stolen many hearts."
We're honored and delighted to have the band playing for us at our kick off party for students, faculty and friends of Oregon Community Colleges Isle. If you've never enjoyed the sounds of Chervona, head on over to http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/2457609 to get excited about hearing them get their Gypsy jam on! Also see http://www.starbugs.com/chervona/ if you want to know more about this fabulous band.
We'll be partying in the Sandbox Cafe: http://bit.ly/ORCCIsle_Cafe
Want to join us and don't yet have a Second Life account? Get a free one at http://secondlife.com, and then check the island calendar for drop-in help times available throughout the week- you can find it here: http://bit.ly/ORCCIsle_calendar
See your pixels on the 10th!
Posted by Monica Marlo at 8:05 AM No comments:
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Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) Pitch Perfect 3
Directed by
Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hailee Steinfeld, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Kelley Jakle, Shelley Regner, Chrissie Fit, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins, John Lithgow, Matt Lanter, Guy Burnet
After the highs of winning the World Championships, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren't job prospects for making music with your mouth. But when they get the chance to reunite for an overseas USO tour, this group of awesome nerds will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time.
- Pirmklasīgās 3
- Идеальный голос 3
© 2017 Universal Pictures


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24th November, 2014 is a day I can never forget in my life.
My mum had travelled down from Ibadan to Bauchi to help nurse my twins immediately they were born and had requested to see our wedding photo album after lunch one day,
"Ah, beautiful girl, where is she now?" She had asked.
Bending down to see who she was asking about, it was Tessy, my chief bridesmaid. I hissed quietly.
"She should be fine" Was my reply as my baby sucked on.
"What do you mean she should be fine?" She asked, shock obviously evident in her voice.
"That girl is a very good girl, hope you know" She said and I nodded.
"Why won't you call her a good girl when she kneels down to greet you every now and then? Her real person came out after our wedding" I said, pain clogging my heart.
"What did she do to you? She is a witch abi? The one that snatched your husband? What evil could Tessy have done to you that you are slandering her in my presence?" My mum was becoming infuriated. I looked up at her, tears gathering in my eyes.
"I have never had any best friend asides Tessy. Tell me who I loved so much that I opened up my life to than her." I paused, placed sleeping Tracia in her crib and picked up Trivia so she could eat also.
"Of course she loves you too" My mum said and I shook my head.
"And is that why she is envious of me?" I asked and my mum's jaw dropped.
"Anita! Anita! Tessy is envious of you? Envious of what?"
"I married before her. Isn't that something to be envious of? Since my honeymoon last year May, she hasn't called me."
"Did you call her?"
"Yes, I called her severally June last year, she didn't pick. I sent her Facebook messages also. She read all but never replied! My birthday was in January, she never called to wish me well. So, what should I do again? My life has gone on without her."
"So, summarily, you people haven't spoken to each other this year?"
"No" I said, sighing as I placed Trivia in the crib also, adjusting my blouse afterwards.
"Is she aware that you have given birth?"
"Well, I said something like that briefly on Facebook but she can't see it. I blocked her off on WhatsApp and Facebook. I can't bear it, thinking she's seeing all my posts and not saying anything" I said, sluggishly and my mum clapped her hands together, placed the album on the table and sat on a stool before me.
"And you are a Christian o. A child of God for that matter. Tessy isn't just any random person that you should throw in the bin. You two have been together since the university days, you served in the same place, went for Masters in the same place too! C'mon!" She said again and I sighed.
"So, what should I have done? Keep calling her even if she wouldn't pick the call?"
"How many times did you call her last year? Was it up to three times?" She asked and I shook my head.
"See my dear, I must let you know something. One, you are no more a small girl that should be holding tight to grudges like this. Two, never you allow pride in precious relationships! Sort it out, discuss it!" She said and paused. I sighed, looking away from her.
She wouldn't just understand!
Must I always be the one to call?
"This lady scouted you in her room for two years. She was always your cheerleader. Talk of someone who always rooted for you, it was her! She didn't envy you then when you were always the best in your department. She didn't envy you when you were to go study abroad three good times! She didn't envy you when you got about four government appointments at the same time, why should she start now?" She asked and tears laced my eyes as I remembered how sweet a friend Tessy had actually been.
Those day when I was broke, she would be the one to get me something out of the little she had!
She would pray for me every little opportunity she had. And her smile…oh my!
Tears rolled down my face. My biggest support system!
"That's my third point to you! Never you focus on a single mistake of someone, forgetting the one hundred good things the person has done for you! The person is human, she is not perfect! If she doesn't call, you call! Don't bottle in your feelings, saying it doesn't concern you when it really does! Be expressive! Be kind!"
Each word that travelled down from her mouth to my ears were like needles piercing my raw wound. I had never felt so wrong in my life!
"Yes, forgive in advance! Don't always be quick to say goodbye to good people! Not someone like Tessy Anita! You are so so so wrong!"
My husband walked in just then, smiling wittily as he did.
"Mummy o, don't let my wife scatter the whole house with tears o. I am sure the words have hit her badly. Thanks for saying in a firm way, what I had been telling her gently since all this while" He said calmly, sat beside me and smiled again.
"Be firm with her when you need to my son. This Tessy girl is very precious to her. Pride is disallowing her from checking on her, even blocking her on…chai…orisirisi…"
"Sweetheart, here is your phone. I know you know her phone number by heart. Call her. You will be justified if she doesn't pick again" My husband said as he handed my phone over to me.
I sniffed wetly as I collected it gently, dialed the number and waited till she picked up.
I really didn't know what to say to her.
But I had missed her though.
"Hello, who is on the line?" An elderly voice answered. She sounded like Tessy's mum.
"It's Anita ma. I want to speak with Tessy."
"Ah…Anita! It is well o. Let me give the phone to her" She said and soon, her voice came on.
"Anita? Is it Anita Grace Adeniyi?" She asked, a large smile, obviously on her face.
"Tessy! I can't believe you are happy without me! Should there have been a day when we shouldn't talk? You didn't call on my birthday. You didn't call to ask me how marriage has been. You didn't even ask if I was pregnant or something." I mumbled on and on. She chuckled and smiled.
"I am sorry love. I am so sorry. Do you know how much I have missed you. I actually should have called but…" She was saying when I heard her mum's voice again.
"Be brief. It's time to go in now." She said.
"Erm Anita, your call means so much to me. I am actually in the hospital now. Should we talk later?" She asked and my heart missed a beat.
Tessy in the hospital?
"What's the matter with you Tessy? Hospital?"
"Yeah, I should have told you actually. I fell sick almost immediately after the wedding. I had a defect on my right eye. I am getting better by His Grace"
"Your eye? What happened?"
"Hmm…I don't want to bore you with details my friend"
"Please bore me. I need the details o. Its been a while." I said desperately.
"Okay. I actually can't see anymore. I believe in miracles though"
My heart dropped.
"You can't see what? I don't get you." My heart quaked really bad as I spoke.
"Within the space of six months, my health deteriorated, the cancer in my right eyes spread to the other eye. In short, we had to travel to India for surgery but it couldn't be helped"
"What? Do you mean that you are like…blind?" I asked, the words so heavy in my mouth.
My husband and my mum expressed shock, covering the mouth and holding the chest respectively.
"Yeah. You didn't see the fliers online? They went viral kinda. We solicited for funds from well meaning Nigerians" She said again and my heart dropped.
How could I have known?
I blocked you off social media!
Tears rolled down my face as I stood up, my knees, really weak.
"Why didn't you tell me Tessy? Why?" I cried.
"I knew how you would take it my friend and you had just gotten married. I wouldn't do that, you know?"
Oh my! So considerate!
She bore the pains alone while I rotted away with anger!
"Anita, it's fine. I actually felt forsaken at some point especially when I wasn't hearing from you but thank you for calling now. I hope to come out of surgery successfully now. Thanks for the love"
"Is it still the eye problem?"
"Hmmm…no, this is connected to some tissues in my brain. But I am sure the Lord will bring me out of it successfully" She said again and my heart quaked vehemently.
"Pray along, you hear? Thanks for calling o. It means a lot to me. Yeah…did you say you have a baby now?" She asked, so lively that I couldn't control the way I burst out crying.
I couldn't just believe all I was hearing.
I couldn't even answer her!
I couldn't tell her that her friend gave birth to a set of bouncing baby girls!
"Are you crying? Please be strong for me okay? Greetings to your handsome husband and baby. I don't know if I will ever see your beautiful face anymore but your image, especially your smile is etched on my eyes" She laughed again
"You will see again! You must see again!" I cried hard, shaking my head.
"I am sorry dear. I am so sorry. I love you. And I am so sorry for not calling all this while. Am I forgiven?" She asked again and I suddenly felt like a bad person.
Oh Lord!
Why must it be Tessy?
Such a nice person with a heart of gold!
I couldn't bring myself to answering any of her questions. I was totally shaken.
"Tessy, come out of surgery strongly, okay? Hold on you hear? I love you so greatly, understood? Forgive my stupidity and pride my love! Ah, oh my! I trust that a miracle can still happen." I paused to swallow as I heard the door open from her side and knew it was time for her to be wheeled to the theatre.
I had to rush the remaining words in my head.
"I trust that you will see my babies and marry a very good man. You will fulfill destiny with your eyes seeing clearly. Come out of it strong okay?" I wept on as the call dropped.
Looking up to the ceiling, I couldn't help but fall to the ground, slapping the cold floor inconsolably, sighing heavily as I did.
Many weeks passed by but I just couldn't forgive myself!
My mum and my husband tried their best to make me live again but until I set my eyes on my pitiable, awesomely amazing genuine Christian friend, I just couldn't be free to enjoy life!
I learnt three lessons from that experience:
- Give excuses for people and forgive them in advance!
- Whenever the thought of a person flashes your mind, don't despise the voice that says you should check on such- you might be cheering such up or even saving his/her life!
- Don't despise good relationships because of a trivial mistake.
And you know what?
The miracle did happen!
Tessy can see now, even though it's still kind of blurry!
And thankfully, I am now a better Anita.


text:
I've been thinking about how reading books is similar to playing dominos or sharing a meal with friends. In all of these activities we practice cooperating with others and peaceably bringing forth the world together.
Here's a limerick poem I wrote and illustrated that playfully reflects my thoughts:
This poem and illustration somewhat relates to my nested-ideas concept that I'm working with for my upcoming fine art exhibit. And this poem (along with others) could become an artist book to accompany my exhibit but I'm still playing around and not sure where all of this is going. This is one of the things I like about being an artist; getting to practice being flexible, playing and letting things unfold as they will.
Kind of like reading a novel, playing a game or sharing a meal with friends allows us to practice "letting things unfold…".
On a technical note: To create the above poem and illustration I used pen and ink and gouache on a greyish off white handmade paper. It looks sharp in real life, and the paper is a dream to work on, but the scan accented the grey color of the paper more than the naked eye perceives in person. The scan looks good enough, I'm not unhappy … however, note to self; use white paper for things that will be scanned and leave this lovely greyish handmade paper for fine art stuff that will be photographed and not scanned.
I'm still learning!


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Israel has a rich and fascinating history, with numerous cities of historical and cultural importance, including Jerusalem, Nazareth and the vibrant, youthful Tel Aviv. This year's cultural calendar is filled with unmissable events ranging from contemporary art and food to music and traditional culture. We explore ten of the best cultural events in Israel in spring and summer.
Crafts | Nachlat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair: Biweekly event
Occurring each week on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Nachlat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair is the largest fair in Israel and is regarded as one of the world's most beautiful markets. It has been open since 1988 and has been captivating audiences ever since. Visitors can peruse the materials on offer and browse through various vendor stalls, which sell a diverse selection of wares including local ceramics, jewellery and toys. There is more to this market than just stalls, with live performances enchanting visitors as they drop by. Stare in amazement at the street performances, laugh at the clowns, and ponder your future with a number of mysterious fortunetellers. The fair specialises in handmade and unique products, with an exciting array of creations available to buy. There are also notable buildings and coffee shops lining the paths, to make the trip even more enjoyable.
Nachlat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair, Tel Aviv Promenade, 46 Herbert Samuel Street, 2 Guela Street, Tel Aviv, Israel, +972 3 516 618
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Berlusconi excused because 'Italian men live for flirting
The wife of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has just done what millions of Italian women must have felt like doing; publicly rebuked her husband for flirting outrageously.
Veronica Lario wrote a letter to La Reppublica – one of the few newspapers independent of her husband's media empire – after her roving 70-year-old husband refused to apologise for flirting with at least three women in one night. Apparently he told one of them: "If I wasn't already married, I would marry you straightaway."
Berlusconi did the decent thing and publicly grovelled. So that's all right then – until the next time.
And there will be a next time, there's no doubt about that. Italian men have to make women love them. Flirting for an Italian is as natural as watching the Cup Final is for your average Brit; it's a national trait.
This attention to women starts young. Dario Fo, the Italian Nobel laureate, tells an anecdote of when he was a young boy out walking with his mother. "Stop picking your nose," she reprimanded him. "Look at the girls instead."
According to Fo, he and all Italian men, develop a special muscle in their necks from turning around and checking out girls all the time.
I have seen this in action. My father is Italian and has spent a lifetime flirting. I contacted my father, Benedetto Benedetti, when I was 14. My parents divorced when I was three and I hadn't seen him since then.
I gather from my mother that my father indulged in a certain amount of womanising – but she might have known what to expect. When she first met her Italian parents-in-law-to-be, my father's father, a handsome and rich industrialist, was weeping at the kitchen table while his wife consoled him.
"What's wrong with him?" my mother asked her future husband.
"His mistress just left him," came the response.
Once I was reunited with my father, I didn't take long to realise that Italian men are very different to English men. One of the first conversations my father and I had was about erections. We were looking at Michelangelo's David in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. "He's beautiful," I said.
My father explained this was just a copy and the real one was in a museum. "What's the difference?" I asked. "The real one has an erection every Wednesday at 6pm," he said.
I was horrified. "What's wrong with you?" he laughed. "Sex is like any other bodily function; you're hungry, you eat."
And therein lies the difference. To an Italian man, there is nothing wrong with flirting. Or, indeed, a bit of infidelity. As my father says: "You can't eat the same pasta sauce every night."
This desire to flirt and seduce comes from a need to be universally loved by women. Maybe this is a result of being so mothered by their fresh-pasta-making-Sophia-Loren-lookalike mammas. Perhaps it's a constant search to replace that all-encompassing adoration. But whatever it is, it can be really irritating.
I remember that first summer I met my father. He had a secretary called Mario working for him. He was around 20 and I hated him on sight, partly because he had the sort of close relationship with my father I had not yet had the chance to develop.
I was a gawky 14-year-old and, frankly, not much of a looker – so imagine my surprise when the floppy-haired Mario set about pursuing me. Every time I left the house, he would be there grinning. When I sat down to eat he'd magically appear, spouting some nonsense about how marvellous I was. He even wrote me a dreadful poem, one line of which I still remember: "Wedding bells ring in my ear, whenever you are near."
The only bells ringing in my ear were warning bells. Not only did I find him irritating and ugly, but Mario had a fiancee. One day I asked him why he was bothering me. "Why not?" he said looking at me blankly.
I asked my father the same question. "For an Italian man the war is never over," he told me.
"But he is so ugly," I said. "I hate him."
"Don't ever let him hear you say that," said my father. "For an Italian man, being hated and considered ugly means the end of life."
Since then I have had two other romantic experiences with Italian men. The first was with Giuseppe, who was the skipper on my aunt's boat. I remember kissing him on the deck of the boat after a violent storm, mainly because I was so grateful still to be alive.
Sadly, once back on dry land, Giuseppe lost his attraction – and he didn't take my rejection well. In fact for three days he simply didn't believe me.
"You mean you don't like me? But all English girls are mad for Italian boys," he said. "What do you have at home that is as good as me?"
My second romantic experience was with Massimo, whom I met in a nightclub in Rimini. He treated me like I was the most precious jewel he had ever seen; nothing was too much bother, no one was as beautiful, no girl as amusing and intelligent.
This lasted all of one night, after which he did exactly the same thing to my best friend: flirted with her all night, then took her to the beach and tried to molest her.
After Massimo, I decided to give Italian men a wide berth and I'm now happily married to an Englishman. And if I ever start to get misty-eyed about Italian romantics, my father's behaviour reminds me how untrustworthy they are.
Once, I invited a friend to stay with us in Italy. My father was so overly nice to her, buying her clothes and presents and telling her how marvellous she was, I wanted to throw up. I never made that mistake again. Of course when he chose to – or there was no one else around – he would focus all his attention on me and I would feel like a million dollars.
I remember a trip to La Scala in Milan. We sat in the Royal Box and my father treated me like a princess. However, I was soon abandoned if something better came along. Once I was due to meet him in Paris. I got to the hotel and was handed a telegram: "Have been delayed by a bottom in the south of France."
You may think that, at 70, Berlusconi is a bit old to be offering to marry random women, but my father, now 83, is still going strong.
The odd thing about the Berlusconi saga is that his wife doesn't behave in the same way. If there are all these Italian men ready to flirt, they must be looking for willing partners, and she's not unattractive, as well as being 20 years younger than him. But maybe Italian women have spent so long fighting off flirts, the very idea makes them want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and a cup of tea.
Helena Frith Powell was born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and Italian father, but grew up mainly in England. She is the author of eleven books, translated into several languages including Chinese and Russian. She wrote the French Mistress column The Sunday Times about life in France for several years. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, The Times, Daily Telegraph, Tatler Magazine and Harper's Bazaar.
Helena has been the editor of four magazines, including M Magazine, a supplement for the Abu Dhabi-based National Newspaper and FIVE, a high-end fashion glossy, also published in Abu Dhabi. Helena was also editor-in-chief of 360 Life, a quarterly glossy magazine published with the Sports 360 Newspaper in Dubai, part of the Chalhoub Group.
Helena contributes regularly to UK-based newspapers and magazines and holds a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge. She is working on a thriller set in Sweden as well as a novel about the relationship between Virginia Woolf and Katherine Mansfield called Sense of an Echo.
In 2022 her short story The Japanese Gardener came second in the Fish Publishing Short Story Prize. One of her stories was also shortlisted for the Bridport Short Story Prize. When she's not writing, she works as a headhunter for the media and entertainment industry for the Sucherman Group.
Helena, who was educated at Durham University, lives in the Languedoc region of France with her husband Rupert and their three children.
More France Please, we're British; Gibson Square 2004
Two Lipsticks and a Lover 2005; Gibson Square (hardback)
All You Need to be Impossibly French; (US version of above) Penguin 2006
Two Lipsticks and a Lover; Arrow Books (paperback) 2007
Ciao Bella Gibson Square; (hardback) 2006
Ciao Bella Gibson Square; (paperback) 2007
So Chic! (French version of Two Lipsticks) Leduc Editions 2008 (also translated into Chinese, Russian and Thai)
More, More France; Gibson Square 2009
To Hell in High Heels; Arrow Books 2009 (also translated into Polish)
The Viva Mayr Diet; Harper Collins 2009
Love in a Warm Climate; Gibson Square 2011
The Ex-Factor; Gibson Square 2013
Smart Women Don't Get Wrinkles; Gibson Square 2016
The Arnolfini Marriage; Amazon Kindle December 2016
Smart Women Don't Get Wrinkles (paperback); Gibson Square spring 2018
The Longest Night; Gibson Square spring 2019


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A graduate of The Acorn Gallery School of Art in Marblehead, Massachusetts, Hutchinson Fay has concentrated his career on oil painting, while also developing his skill in other mediums, such as printmaking, acrylic and watercolor.
After formal schooling, a trip to France provided Hutchinson Fay the experience to view vast European landscapes, listen to a lyrical foreign language and adjust to a different lifestyle, which opened him up to a new level of artistic expression. He returned to his American home with a renewed sense of adventure and freedom in his work.
The artwork of Hutchinson Fay has attracted collectors from all over the country. Pieces from past collections are hung in private homes as far away as Texas and Florida, and as close to his hometown as Lynn and Salem in Massachusetts.
Past exhibits have been held at the Abbot Public Library, the Marblehead Art Association, The Lynn Museum, and The Cooper and Smith Gallery.
The artist has relocated from the North Shore of Massachusetts to Northeast of Connecticut. While maintaining his artistic presence in his home state, he has found success in expanding his creative reach and gaining a diverse interest in his work throughout the country and internationally.
Hutchison Fay is in the process of teaching his craft to others in low income areas. He is reaching out to families with children that have learning disabilities. Being Dyslexic himself he knows how important it is to exercise the visual side of the brain. The right side of the brain is our strong point. He feels lucky to have found oil painting at a young age and encourages others to find they're calling so it may increase confidence to get them through school.


text:
I am having issues with my headlights burning out on my car. I had my bulbs replaced once, and they burned out again 5,000 miles later. Each side burned out within a couple days of each other. I took the car to the dealership and didn't get much help. Why is this happening? How can I fix it?
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District 26 Leadership Programs
District 26 seeks to exemplify "Effective School Leadership" at all levels. Within our district, we offer multiple opportunities for our community to come together and grow their leadership practice during the year. Our District Aspiring Principals (DAP), Aspiring Leadership Program (ALP), and Student Leadership Program (SLP), supports our Assistant Principals, Teachers, and Students in continuing their path of leadership development and supporting the overall improvement of our schools, district, and larger community.
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Developed and led by District 26 Assistant Principals and the D26 Core Team, we have many opportunities for teachers to develop their capacity as educators and leaders inside of their buildings.
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text:
Don't get me wrong, I love our little Maltese puppy Maxx. He's cute, cuddley, fun to play with, goes outside for the most part....all the things you want a puppy to be. But when it comes to providing life in the house, unless he's running laps around the table or momentarily barking at a much larger dog walking by...he just doesn't cut it. And that is more noticeable today than ever.
Beth, Bre and Lily left this morning and it's just TOO quiet! As of this writing, they are still trying to get out of the airport, due to malfunctions and my guess, snow. For the past few days, the house here in Maine has seen a lot of life, fun, love and laughter, many times centered around Lily. Last night it was her rendition of "if you like it you better put a ring on it" by Beyonce. We've seen a few of these versions on youtube, but live and in person, her imitating Beyonce's version was priceless. Or it was her flashing the "i love you sign" and getting it right back. It was her repertoire of childrens songs sung in the car on the way home from dinner. It was the building of the snowman in the backyard, complete with a carrot nose. It was how she picked up Maxx, as if he were a doll, and carried him around the house. We were surprised he let her do that. It was her covering her mouth when we were tubing down the hills. No snow went in her mouth, but it all went in her eyes, which she kept open so as not to miss a thing.
A lot of distance between us was erased, and our sights are set on future gatherings. A great time was had by all of us, so much so that we are exhausted! Our ever expanding family is a fingerprint from God that He is still in charge, He still loves us and still wants the best for us. And I gotta say, it feels great and I am truly grateful with all my heart. The only thing is - we've gotta do something about this "quiet" in the house! I guess it's time to chase Maxx around the table.


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WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
Nicholas Lee Jumblatt, Jumbie LLC v. SlantMedia
Case No. D2012-1011
1. The Parties
Complainant is Nicholas Lee Jumblatt, Jumbie, LLC of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America ("U.S."), internally represented.
Respondent is SlantMedia of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
2. The Domain Name and Registrar
The disputed domain name <jumbieart.com> is registered with GoDaddy.com, LLC (the "Registrar").
3. Procedural History
The Complaint was filed with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (the "Center") on May 12, 2012. On May 14, 2012, the Center transmitted by email to the Registrar a request for registrar verification in connection with the domain name at issue. On May 14, 2012, the Registrar transmitted by email to the Center its verification response confirming that Respondent is listed as the registrant and providing the contact details.
Further to an email communication from the Center, Complainant submitted an amended Complaint on May 17, 2012.
The Center verified that the Complaint together with amended Complaint satisfied the formal requirements of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Policy" or "UDRP"), the Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Rules"), and the WIPO Supplemental Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Supplemental Rules").
In accordance with the Rules, paragraphs 2(a) and 4(a), the Center formally notified Respondent of the Complaint, and the proceedings commenced on May 21, 2012. In accordance with the Rules, paragraph 5(a), the due date for Response was June 10, 2012. An informal Response was filed with the Center on May 23, 2012.
The Center appointed Lawrence K. Nodine as the sole panelist in this matter on June 13, 2012. The Panel finds that it was properly constituted. The Panel has submitted the Statement of Acceptance and Declaration of Impartiality and Independence, as required by the Center to ensure compliance with the Rules, paragraph 7.
4. Factual Background
Complainant's business is the creation, production and distribution of poster art and related goods.
Complainant created the Jumbieart brand in 2008 by pioneering the creation of "Spectral Art".
In 2009 Complainant registered the domain name at issue <jumbieart.com> and launched a web portal where Spectral Art could be experienced and artwork sold.
Complainant has used the JUMBIE trademark in relation to the sale and artistic design of posters and related goods since 2008.
Complainant invested and dedicated a majority of available resources into promoting the "www.jumbieart.com" website that involved multiple tours across the nation at trade events promoting the Spectral Art product.
In late 2010 Complainant and Respondent entered into negotiations for Respondent to do Internet marketing and product development for Complainant. The business relationship failed and Respondent moved the <jumbieart.com> hosting and modified the WhoIs information for the domain name at issue to reflect Respondent as the registrant and contact.
Complainant owns U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3,888,484 for the mark JUMBIE in class 16 with respect to posters and artwork registered on December 14, 2010.
5. Parties' Contentions
A. Complainant
With respect to paragraph 4(a)(i) of the Policy, Complainant alleges that:
Complainant owns the JUMBIE U.S. Trademark Registration identified above.
The domain name at issue wholly incorporates Complainant's JUMBIE trademark.
A domain name that wholly incorporates a registered mark is sufficient to establish identity or confusing similarity for purposes of the Policy despite the addition of other words to such marks.
With respect to paragraph 4(a)(ii) of the Policy, Complainant alleges that:
In April of 2008, Complainant was the registrant for the domain name at issue.
In April of 2011, the domain name registration was modified to reflect Respondent as the registrant and name servers were modified to remove control from Complainant's hosting access. Since April 2011, Respondent has been the registrant and sole controller of website hosting for the domain name at issue and has been displaying Complainant's logo on the website.
Respondent does not have any right or legitimate interest in the domain name at issue.
Respondent was not authorized to change, modify, or transfer the domain name at issue and is not licensed or otherwise permitted to use the JUMBIE trademark.
Even in the supposed case where Respondent had been authorized to modify the registration for the domain name at issue, the registration would have been ultimately for Complainant's use.
Complainant lost control of the website and Respondent's registration of the domain name at issue deceptively suggests a relationship with Complainant that does not exist. This demonstrates that Respondent could not have a bona fide relationship with Complainant.
With respect to paragraph 4(a)(iii) of the Policy, Complainant alleges that:
When Complainant terminated its relationship with Respondent, Respondent retaliated
by transferring the domain name registration and website hosting to Respondent.
Respondent transferred the domain name registration to itself primarily for the purpose of selling, renting, or otherwise transferring the domain name registration to Complainant who is the owner of a trademark or service mark for valuable consideration in excess of documented out-of-pocket cost directly related to the domain name at issue.
Evidence of bad faith registration includes Respondent holding the domain name at issue hostage to enforce an alleged debt. Currently, Respondent is holding the domain name at issue hostage to enforce an alleged debt.
The website for the domain name at issue displays the wording "coming soon." Respondent is passively holding the domain name at issue which is evidence that the domain name at issue is being used in bad faith.
B. Respondent
Respondent alleges that:
"[Complainant] has unpaid bills and is in default of terms of conditions. Therefore until all bills are paid as agreed upon [Respondent] feel[s] we own the rights to the website as agreed upon when we entered into partnership. As to the blank page that has nothing to do with us. I will be glad to forward all correspondence concerning this matter as we are currently working with legal to present a case that [Complainant] acted in bad faith and accepted money and services without fulfilling his agreement in the partnership."
6. Discussion and Findings
Paragraph 15(a) of the Rules instructs the Panel as to the principles the Panel is to use in determining the dispute: "A Panel shall decide a complaint on the basis of the statements and documents submitted in accordance with the Policy, these Rules and any rules and principles of law that it deems applicable."
Paragraph 4(a) of the Policy directs that the complainant must prove each of the following:
i) that the domain name registered by the respondent is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in which the complainant has rights; and,
ii) that the respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the domain name; and,
iii) that the domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith.
A. Identical or Confusingly Similar
Given Complainant's use of the JUMBIE trademark and its ownership of a U.S. registration for JUMBIE, the Panel finds that Complainant has trademark rights in the JUMBIE trademark.
The Panel also finds that the domain name at issue is nearly identical to Complainant's JUMBIE mark. The domain name at issue incorporates Complainant's entire trademark and then adds the descriptive word "art" along with the ".com" generic top level domain (gTLD). Panelists have consistently held that the mere addition of descriptive wording to well-known marks, or confusingly similar derivatives thereof, does not avert a finding that the disputed domain name is confusingly similar. Busy Body, Inc. v. Fitness Outlet Inc., WIPO Case No. D2000-0127 ("the addition of the generic top-level domain (gTLD) name '.com' is […] without legal significance since use of a gTLD is required of domain name registrants"). The descriptive or generic wording (in this case the addition of "art") to a trademark owned by a complainant to create a domain name consisting of multiple words that implies a relationship between the words can and in this case does actually increase rather than decrease the likelihood of confusion. See, e.g., Fairmont Hotel Management L.P. v. Puts, WIPO Case No. D2001-0431 ("given that the added words describe the business services for which the Complainant's trademark is registered and used by the Complain[an]t, the additions merely compound the confusion created by the incorporation of the Complainant's trademark"); and Yahoo! Inc. and Overture Services, Inc. v. Registrant (187640), a/k/a Gary Lam, a/k/a Birgit Klosterman, a/k/a XC2, a/k/a Robert Chua, a/k/a Registrant, WIPO Case No. D2004-0896 ("if the addition is a term associated with the business of the Complainant […] it can even add to the similarity between the domain name and the trademark in question").
Therefore, the Panel finds that the domain name at issue is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark in which Complainant has rights.
B. Rights or Legitimate Interests
There is a dispute between the parties about whether Respondent has legitimate interests in respect of the domain name at issue. Respondent asserts that it was authorized under agreements between the parties to transfer the domain name at issue to itself. Neither side introduces evidence on this point, but, as Complainant has the burden, the Panel finds that Complainant has failed to prove that Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in the domain name at issue. Policy, paragraph 4(a).
C. Registered and Used in Bad Faith
In situations such as the present case, where the parties have entered into a contractual relationship, panels tend to impose on the complainant a heavier burden of proof for bad faith registration (Schneider Electronics GmbH v. Schneider UK Ltd., WIPO Case No. D2006-1039).
Complainant alleges, and Respondent does not dispute, that ownership of the domain name at issue was transferred to Respondent on April 12, 2011. The issue is whether the transfer constitutes bad faith registration. The Panel notes that per paragraph 4(b)(i) of the Policy, acquisitions are to be treated the same as registration for the purposes of supporting a finding of bad faith registration.
There is a dispute between the parties about whether Respondent was authorized under the terms of their agreement to transfer ownership of the domain name at issue. Complainant alleges that "[Complainant] found that [Respondent] had used information he knew from working with the company to move jumbieart.com's hosting and modify the domain registration for the jumbieart.com website." Respondent responds that it "own[s] the rights to the website as agreed upon when we entered into partnership."
Complainant has not introduced any evidence in the record to refute Respondent's claim that it had authority under the parties' agreement to make the challenged transfer. In essence the parties are merely trading accusations without supporting evidence on the key point: whether Respondent was within its rights to transfer the domain name at issue to itself. Consequently, bearing in mind the limited evidentiary record put forward by Complainant the Panel is unable to conclude that the disputed domain name was registered in bad faith.
The Panel takes into account that the Policy was designed to deal with a certain limited category of abusive registration of domain names, but not as a means of litigating all disputes involving domain names. Particularly in cases such as the present where there would appear to be a history of contractual dealings between Respondent and Complainant and where there would appear to this Panel to go beyond the limited scope of the UDRP. Parties may instead consider their options via a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Panel need not, then, reach the question of whether the disputed domain name is being used in bad faith.
7. Decision
For all the foregoing reasons, the Complaint is denied.
Lawrence K. Nodine
Sole Panelist
Dated: June 28, 2012