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Reading Challenge: August 2018
Posting early because I have to bring some job credentials up to date, which means studying for the rest of the month.
It's ritual to read some writing books between drafts in hope of leveling up for the work to come. Nothing life-changing there, so moving on to the recreational reading.
Unless otherwise indicated, product links go to Amazon, and those are affiliate-coded. I buy all my books and have no involvement, professional or personal, with any party named below.
August 2018
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson: It was brought to my attention that some of the book's fans harbor hateration for the 1999 movie adaptation, which my daughter and I love, so I had to check out the "unassailable perfection" of the source material. And then I had to give a TED talk about the fundamental differences between novels, which are allowed to be contemplative and cerebral, and movies, which, by design, must visually show action.
Ninety minutes of contemplation is never going to get to production at a film studio because they already know that will be a boring movie. A FAITHFUL ADAPTATION OF THIS BOOK WOULD BE A BORING MOVIE. Half of it would be Eleanor sitting/walking with a voiceover narrating her thoughts because there isn't enough visible action present in the book to make a feature film. Doesn't make it a bad BOOK, but good BOOKS often make poor FILMS because the two forms communicate differently to the audience.
The movie provides a reason for the house's malevolence; in the book, it's just a malevolent house, no conflict there. The movie provides the doctor with an ulterior motive/false pretenses; in the book, he just invites people and they come, no conflict there. The movie traps the characters inside the house; in the book, they spend quite a lot of time roaming around freely, no conflict there.
One conflict in the book I'm glad didn't get dwelled on in the movie is Nell's envy/jealousy toward Theo (serial killer obsession with getting close to her plus resentment that she got attention from anyone else), which is all the more remarkable because Hollywood is where it's mandatory for any two women in proximity to despise each other.
This is a rare occasion when I prefer the movie for all its deviations.
Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine: The second Great Library book. It's been a while since I read the Ink and Bone, and I'd have benefited from flipping through it first to refresh my memory because this one doesn't hold your hand recapping everything that came before (hallelujah). By the end of Act I, I felt adequately up to speed with the institutional fuckery our plucky gang of youths is up against, but I strongly discourage going into this Book 2 with a totally blank slate.
Since this book doesn't stand alone at all, it's hard to say much about it without spoiling the hell out of the first book. It's a prison-break story to rescue one of the friends who got captured previously. At one point or another, I suspected absolutely everyone except Wolfe and Santi of treachery (they're exempt because I believe their love for each other has no limits, and what's good for them as a couple aligns with destroying the bad guys). I'd be a terrible fictional team player because I wouldn't believe one damn word anybody ever said. Part of that is me (Readers: Bringing half the story to the story since stories were a thing), but Caine also has a writer brain that knows what I like. It took ONE sentence to make me doubt a couple of otherwise lovable, upstanding members of the team, and I've read enough of this author's books to trust that was a deliberate move on her part.
Quick Trick by Skye Jordan: Quick DNF. Hockey player gets butthurt when hometown girl doesn't recognize what a legend he is and gets drafted straight to the Romancelandia Douchebags in the Don't Fuck That Guy league. One minute he was reminiscing about how she didn't know he was alive in high school, and the next he was like "How dare you not know what a big deal I am?" Well, chuckles, some people don't live for hockey, and if you weren't on her radar before, she didn't have any reason to take an interest in it on your account. He expected her to fall all over him because he's Mr. Pro Hockey Hometown Boy Made Good, and that kind of validation-seeking when met with rejection leads to dismembered bodies often enough that I'm not into it in a romantic hero.
I got right back on the contemporary sports romance horse because I'm not a quitter, dammit.
The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan: I had no idea this was fourth in a series until I went to get the link, so it works just fine as a standalone, no reliance upon nor obnoxious marketing for other books. He's the titular hot shot quarterback. She's a photographer shooting a charity calendar full of nekkid football players. They start off sniping and not-my-typing at each other, progress to reluctant respect, decide they'd be good friends, and then oh-shit-why-are-we-flirting-friends-don't-flirt-stop-it. He takes her in after her apartment burns down, and she returns the favor by playing his girlfriend to get his mom off his back about his loveless existence, and the fake relationship turns real, as one does.
The sex starts at the midpoint, and most of their interactions thereafter seemed to involve it. Not Using Your Words is a time-honored tradition in all fiction because delaying the inevitable increases tension, but the same method of avoidance doesn't work more than once and just feels like stalling. Adding butt stuff doesn't make it a different tactic.
Aslo kneaded poofreeding. There were words I couldn't even puzzle out in context and had to give up on the sentence, missing words, who knows what (He speaks at stronger now, but more distant.), and a few gaffes like "lord of the manner." I get paid to proofread and still pay somebody else to check my own work, so this drives me crazy.
+1 for not giving the infertile heroine a miracle pregnancy, though. I had my doubts for a while there.
The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley: I became aware of this book after a 1-star review made the rounds describing it as "murderous lesbians in space" and every single person I know stampeded to buy it due to that appealing collection of words.
The Legion is a bunch of "planets" that are fleshy and alive, with human civilizations dwelling inside them. Living planets can die, and taking over another planet to get its resources to sustain your own is the name of the game. Naturally, high demand for limited resources leads to war (hence the "murderous" aspect of the space lesbians).
The primary POV character, Zan, has lost her memory and often doesn't know what's going on any better than the reader does. If you need every little thing spelled out the moment it happens, this will probably be frustrating for you. If you can trust that everything you need to know will be made clear eventually and go along for the ride, you'll be fine.
(On a semi-related note, permit me to recommend Planescape: Torment for your amnesiac computer gaming needs. I can't tell you what happens because it's a rare game where consequences radically alter the experience. My daughter, watching me play after her: "I had to kill that guy because he wanted me dead, how did you get him in your party and chatting with you like BFFs? I had to kill every single person in this place because they attacked me, why are you all buddies? Ooh, you're going to regret killing that mage for being mad that you were robbing his house, he was useful. DID YOU JUST OPEN THE DEMON BOX IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MARKET? HOW DID YOU GET MAZED FOUR TIMES? OMG WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOOOOOOOOOO?" Me: "What part of 'naturally chaotic neutral and only behave in real life because it's in my best interests to stay out of prison' don't you understand?" It's the readingest game you ever will see, and the storytelling thrilled me all the way from concept through execution. Available on Steam, GOG, and iTunes.)
Getting Wilde by Jenn Stark: This was recommended to me after I gushed about how much I love the Livi Talbot series. This book is permafree, so there's no risk to try it if you're even a little bit interested. Sara Wilde obtains and sells magical artifacts and then donates the money to relocate magical kids before their gifts make them targets for exploitation and/or organ harvesting. She does some work for a magical organization, and the guy who hires her for that work wants to get in her pants.
The obvious UF love interest is a power forward in the Don't Fuck That Guy league. I can accept him being a mind meddler because if that's how you're made, handling it responsibly would be a never-ending challenge with no possibility of a perfect score. I can accept him putting a sleep whammy on her in order to remove her from danger she wasn't taking seriously. SEARCHING AN UNCONSCIOUS WOMAN AND REMOVING THE TALISMAN THAT KEEPS HER FROM FUCKING HIM IS UNACCEPTABLE. She is wearing a Don't Fuck That Guy amulet, he recognizes its purpose as a Don't Fuck That Guy amulet (that would be an unambiguous NO, which he understood loud and clear), and he TOOK IT AWAY FROM HER. HE PHYSICALLY REMOVED HER "NO." That's not even a little bit blurry. The word for a man who can't deal with a woman's rejection of his sexual advances is rapist, and I don't give a single damn how "hot" he's supposed to be because I'm henceforth envisioning him skinned alive, which isn't a good look on anybody. When she inevitably bangs him again and falls in lurve (the description of Book 4 specifies "blossoming love" for him, so you may now call me Claire Voyant), I'm going to hate her, too, so I'm noping out of this series right here.
Just to be clear, I'm fine with romancing a smug, overconfident asshole. The difference between a smug, overconfident asshole and a rapist is that a smug, overconfident asshole, upon discovering the existence of a sex-prevention talisman, would say, "Wow. That had to cost a fortune. You must want me really, really bad," AND BECOME EVEN MORE SMUG, OVERCONFIDENT, AND ASSHOLISH. "Keep your little trinket. Your own desire will overcome it sooner rather than later. I'm going to go do some power yoga while you stew in yearning. You may watch, but please control your rampaging lust until I'm done." A rapist can't allow his victim to have any kind of power to refuse him; a smug, overconfident asshole doesn't need or want to destroy a woman's free will in order to get her. It's not a subtle distinction!
I have a laundry list of other dislikes, but if "Sexual Predator = Hot Guy" doesn't bother you (good news for y'all: it applies to THREE men in this book), the literal fashion in which tarot is used, the shallow treatment of things that seem like they should be a big deal, and lack of satisfactory resolution of ANY of the plot points via protagonist action probably won't either.
Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher: There are many writers whose online presence I enjoy, but their books… not so much. T.Kingfisher/Ursula Vernon (of Hamster Princess fame) is on brand in both venues, that brand being cleverness, humor, gardening, and skulls.
This story begins with Slate doing a meet-and-greet in a dungeon, searching for a violent criminal to go on a special mission. Her sixth sense (which manifests as the scent of rosemary) leads her to Caliban, a paladin incarcerated for killing eight nuns ("In fairness, it was three nuns and five novices…") and two guards while under the influence of demon possession.
There were a great many things she had prepared to say—vague explanations, stripped of any facts that could be dangerous, mentions of the Dowager's name, promises of amnesty in the unlikely event any of them survived.
She considered them all and rejected them one by one.
"Would you like to go on a suicide mission?" she asked instead.
He smiled. It was the first genuine smile she'd seen all day.
"I would be honored," he said.
Direct and pessimistic! Now you're speaking my language.
The mission is to travel across a war zone into enemy territory and find out how to stop and/or copycat the clockwork army rampaging through the defenses. This merry band is the third string—the best of the best and the next best option have been slaughtered and gone missing, respectively. To ensure they have little incentive to bail on the mission when it becomes dangerous, members of our team are inscribed with monster tattoos that will literally eat them if they stray too far from the plan.
Minor wonderworkers were common enough, often possessing very specific talents. Still, what kind of turns did a life have to take before you discovered that your personal gift from the universe was making carnivorous tattoos?
To my everlasting disappointment, this question is not answered with a career path I can follow.
Not a romance, but there's plenty of forger/paladin UST. It's a book 1 of 2, done right—they find something they were searching for and arrive at their destination, so although the mission isn't over, there's a sense of closure for this volume, and plenty of questions left hanging to fuel need to read the next installment.
Hell, it was so good, I'll go back for more.
The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher: The road trip part of the previous adventure is over, and our merry band of misfits has reached the enemy city. The investigation into the clockwork army begins in earnest.
Again, part twos with continuity are difficult to describe—you don't know crucial information, and I don't want to spoil Book 1. So I'll extol a more general virtue.
All four members of this team are necessary. The scholar, who thinks breathing the same air as a woman will turn his bowels to water and make his genitals wither, is not only crucial to the research and gaining access to academic resources but is also the most skilled traveler among them. The paladin has a big sword, charms ladies into giving him information they wouldn't tell any other member of the scruffy bunch, and causes decent men to bow and scrape before his glory (indecent men are less impressed, but that's what our criminal contingent is for). The assassin… mostly kills people because his personality is ill suited for diplomacy ("Darlin', you'd be amazed what I can murder my way out of"), but he can also be relied upon to kill when everybody else's conscience is in the way of doing what's necessary. The forger's professional skills aren't called upon much, but her nose saves them all from trouble, she has the diplomacy to negotiate with hooligans, she's surprisingly ruthless in a fight when need be, and she's the rallying point that keeps these vastly different personalities working in relative harmony (when they're not actively trying to kill each other). It's a well-designed team, which is a rare thing in these everybody's-a-red-shirt days.
Is good. You read now.
(For chicken adventures, hilarious D&D live tweets, storytime with the Swiss Family Robinson, and other shenanigans worthy of the word "shenanigans," follow the author on Twitter @ursulav.)


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About Cheri
Helping others is one of my core values. I pursue opportunities to connect with people, meet them where they are and highlight their strengths, as they navigate a path to achieving their goals. Health and Wellness Coaching resonates with me for many reasons - reaching out to clients from a strength-based approach, focusing on "what can be" in the near and distant future and realizing how we all can continue to grow, learn and deepen our understanding of who we are and what we need. We just need someone on the journey with us sometimes to keep us focused, excited and encouraging of our efforts.
Over the past 20 years, I have been honored to work with women, men, children, teens, couples and families as they moved towards healing and wholeness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) and Certified Health Coach (CHC). My license and certifications have allowed me to work in a wide variety of settings (schools, non-profits, government agencies, healthcare organizations, hospitals and private practice). Whether it is working one-on-one with clients, as part of a small group or presenting to professionals, I welcome opportunities to engage people in exploring what is important to them.
Working hard to focus on my own dreams led me to opening my private practice as a Health and Wellness Coach. I am always so excited to work with clients seeking their own "what's next?" I am a life-long learner and continually seek opportunities to enhance my knowledge, experiences and strengths. I also make it a priority to nurture myself so that I can more fully give of my heart, mind and spirit in both my personal and professional lives. I am delighted to contribute to the wellness of our community through my work.
I am originally from Maryland, where I grew up and attended undergraduate and graduate school. Maryland is also where my husband and I met and were married. Ready for a change, we moved to North Carolina in 2006. We enjoy raising our young son here and love calling Greensboro "home".
I also love being outdoors and taking pictures. So, the pictures on my website are of some of my favorite places and spaces.
Thank you for visiting,

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Reivew of Mighty Avengers 11 (4.5 stars) March 28, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Avengers, Comics, Comics Reviews, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mighty Avengers
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Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Yet another great issue for Mighty! The issue starts with another brief "past" scene between Doom and La Fey (anyone else think that Djurdjevic does the best Doom ever?) in which Doom learns to summon a demon army (great, now Doom is even more powerful!); he then time jumps to the present in which he uses said army. I have no idea what these demons are, but they seem to be made of a very viscous liquid, and are impervious to the Avengers attacks; anyway, they completely cover the Avengers (literally), and the Avengers wake up to find themselves held in magical constraints in one of Doom's secret bunkers. Spider-Woman makes a rather funny reference to a past Avengers adventure (I won't spoil it), but it did cause me to chuckle. So, after assessing their situation, the Avengers decide (from their rather awkward position) to question Doom. Here Doom showed his evil awesomeness in three ways: he threw some pretty harsh insults toward Carol (dude, when did he learn the art of insults?), he actually kept his entire plan to himself (revealed to us in thought bubble, 'bout time Bendis finally learned how to use them!) instead of revealing it in a long, arrogant, stereotypical monologue, and we see that he did actually have time to form a master plan, despite the Avengers initial attack came as such a surprise (just shows he's a quick thinker). All this said, I want Bendis to write Doom more often, he does it perfectly.
After this, things really take off, as Jessica uses some before unseen powers to break the magical bonds (I thought this was a Deus Ex Machina at first, but the ending of this issue suggests otherwise, I'll touch on that in a sec). The Avengers finally take on Doom himself, while Carol goes to find Tony (this is where we finally connect to the end of last issue), Tony is indeed caught in the huge explosion, but Carol and Bob use their powers in unison to repair Tony's armor before too much damage is done. Usually the whole "we'll just use our powers to solve the problem" approach bugs me, but this one seemed to work for two reasons: one, this actually seemed to make sense, not like most times when it is used as a crutch, and two, it required both Bob's and Carol's abilities, so it thankfully wasn't another moment of "we'll just use Bob's limitless power to solve everything and not come up with a good solution to our problem." Finally, Carol leads Tony and Bob to Doom, where Sentry pulls a totally awesome move: he simply grabs Doom by the neck, and rips his face mask and chest armor off. Pwned! As awesome as Doom is, it was great to see his butt kicked like that. (That, and the Sentry just gained some cool points in my book, which, after his really whiny bout last issue, he really needed.)
We end with three rather interesting one page scenes. The first has Tony and Maria Hill discussing the victory and Doom's arrest, this quickly leads to the note that it was lucky that Jessica was there to use her powers and free everyone. This ends with a suspicious look on Tony's face before (speak of the devil!) we cut to Jessica and Natasha relaxing in a hot tub. Natasha questions Jessica about these seemingly new powers, and Jessica replies that her powers can adapt to the situation. When Natasha tells Jessica that this isn't her file, Jessica gives the very Skrullish reply of "I'll look into that." This really does seem to hint that Jessica might be a Skrull (at least, that's the vibe I got from it). If so, when was she replaced? I really don't think a Skrull agent would have outed the invasion to Tony, so I'm thinking that she must have been replaced very recently, perhaps right after the symbiote attack, and right before the Avengers left for Latveria? The last page ends in the past with La Fey wondering where Doom is. I it seemed that this scene was trying to hint something, but I sure didn't pick it up. I am sure, however, that we haven't seen the last of Doom or La Fey, and I wouldn't be surprised if they both become major players in Secret Invasion.
So overall, this is exactly what an Avengers issue should be. There was great team dynamics, awesome fight scenes, and plenty of drama and mystery. I know Mighty Avengers is heading into Secret Invasion next, and while I'm sure it will be insanely awesome, I also can't wait to see where else Bendis takes this after SI, because I'm sure it will be great.
Please leave comments!
Review of Superhero Movie (0 stars) March 28, 2008Posted by lotrking in Other Random Stuff.
Tags: Entertainment, Movie Reviews, Movies, Superhero Movie
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Overall rating: 0 out of 5 stars
I've never seen Epic Movie, nor any of the Scary Movies, and I have no desire to. But when I saw the trailer for this, I thought two things: one, it looks insanely funny, two, it will probably have several little "Easter egg" jokes that only comic books readers will get. Boy was I wrong. I watched this movie last night (one of the perks of working at a movie theatre) and I was utterly depressed. The movie completely lacked humor. It was pretty much the exact same story as the first Spider-Man movie, but with a different superhero and villain. There were a few jokes that made fun of some superhero movies (only Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Batman Begins), but those were few and far between, and for the most part, not that funny. The central focus of the movie was just a bunch of sex jokes. So the quick summary of the movie would be "Spider-Man, with tasteless sex jokes." And not only was the making fun of actual superhero movies kept to an absolute minimum, there was absolutely no reference to comics at all, nor any of the "inside jokes" I was expecting. I'd be surprised if the writers of the script were smart enough to know what a comic book was, much less ever read one. So, to anyone like myself who expected a movie that could appreciate and make fun of some of the quirkiness of comics, prepare to be utterly disappointed. You'd be much more entertained (if I do say so myself) reading my own "Batman Meets Marvel," or even better, the "Marvel/DC" parodies on YouTube (which aren't mine, of course, and are insanely hilarious). Do NOT waste your money on this movie (I'm glad I didn't), as it was written with a brain dead audience in mind; people that would laugh and say "Haha! They just made a joke about sex! Ha ha ha!" I can't imagine that anyone with an IQ of over 42 could possibly enjoy this movie.
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Reivew of Thor 7 (4.5 stars) March 24, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Comics, Comics Reviews, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Thor
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Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Another insanely awesome issue for Thor! This issue picks up shortly after the last one left off; the Asgardians have found Thor in his weakened state, and are quickly rushing him into the heart of Asgard. Fandral seeks Falki who brings something that looks like a enchanted stone coffin, into which Thor plans to enter. Within, Thor can enter the "Odinsleep," a state between life and death which will restore his strength, the only catch is that the amount of time this will take is unknown, and the "coffin" can only be opened from the inside. Right before Thor enters, he leaves Balder in charge. As the door shuts, the real surprise begins, as Donald Blake appears. The explanation is that since Thor is neither alive nor dead, Donald can now exist separate from him, similar to when Thor was in "the Void."
Donald travels to New York, to meet someone who can help him find Jane Foster. It never shows who he meets, at first it sounded like Tony Stark (who else would be caught somewhere "without trousers"?), but then I realized that Stark knows who Donald Blake is, and that Asgard is in Oklahoma. Perhaps Wolverine? (Another likely trouser-less candidate.) The real question is, who is this Jane Foster, and why does Don think that she can help Thor? Perhaps she is the mortal that Sif was bonded to? If so, what would make Don realize this only after Thor had entered the Odinsleep? Seeing as this is only a two-part arc, I'm hoping we'll find out next issue.
Meanwhile in the Odinsleep, Thor confronts his father's ravens who question why Thor did not seek out Odin earlier. The ravens point Thor to a valley, in which Odin is locked in a seemingly eternal battle with Surtur. Odin slays Surtur, while sustaining heavy wounds himself, only to tell Thor that the wounds would be gone and Surtur would return come morning. Odin poses the same question to Thor as the ravens, and calls Thor's answer an excuse. Odin then goes on to tell a story explaining why Thor's actions are understandable. I know a bit about Norse mythology, but not too much, so I don't know how much of Odin's "origin story" is actual myth and how much is Straczynski, but not only is it a tragic story, it is also a beautiful one. Even if JMS pulled this whole thing from a mythology encyclopedia, it was a wonderfully written retelling, and if it was mostly his imagination, he is all the more a better writer in my book. Likewise, Djurdjevic's art was perfect in its storytelling. As much as Coipel's art is beautiful, Djurdjevic's art is epic. I would really love to see these two take turns as Thor's penciler. Odin's entire story was insanely well drawn, I'd love to see Djurdjevic draw something like "Marvel Illustrated: Beowulf." (Hint, hint Marvel! 😉 ) The issue ends with the end of Odin's tale, so we will have to wait for Thor's reaction and decisions next issue, and personally, I can't wait!
Please leave comments!
Where things stand….. March 22, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Stuff.
Tags: Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Avengers: The Initiative, Captain America, Comics, Daredevil, Fantastic Four, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, The Twelve, Thor, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men
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Well, last week when I said I'd have comments for two weeks straight, I figured in the review for New Avengers 39, which I still haven't gotten. (Durn Marvel subs!) So, I figured that this would be a good time to have a "wrap up" post for the past two weeks by just taking a quick look at where I think things stand in the Marvel Universe.
Fantastic Four: The Millar/Hitch team isn't quite as insanely awesome as I thought it would be, but it is still good so far, and early in the run, so I still have very high hopes for this team. I also think that despite their legit appearance, the Earth Trust is a sinister group.
Silver Surfer: The last we saw of him was in the Silver Surfer: In Thy Name mini, and he is apparently going to play a big role in an upcoming arc of Nova, so I will likely pick that up (just for that arc). However, I still really think he deserves his own ongoing! So, next time you write another One More Day protest letter to Marvel, be sure to include as a side note that you want an ongoing Silver Surfer! (I know I will! 😉 )
Amazing Spider-Man: …..still hasn't gone back. 😦 (It is going to take awhile of course for them to undo their mistake, and I realize this, I've just never been patient. 😉 ) I won't lie though, I've read through a few of the recent issues, and some of them aren't bad, but even if they were insanely awesome, the marriage was one of my favorite parts of the series, and it will never feel the same without it. They can keep this retconned "Brand New World" if they want, just bring back the marriage. They don't even have to restore the previous marriage, just have them get married again! (Okay, getting off my soapbox now.)
Mighty Avengers: Looking at some other people's reactions, it seemed that most people enjoyed the last issue more than I (though I still thought it was a good issue, just not the best), and more people it seems are going to give this series a second chance and/or jump on the boat. Good! I'm loving this series right now, and I think it has enormous potential. So until the Sentry goes crazy and causes Mighty Avengers Disassembled, Make Mine Mighty! 😉
Captain America: Brubaker is a genius. 'Nuff said.
New Avengers: As mentioned earlier, I still don't have the new issue. The last few issues have been good as single issues, but overall the story is a little slow, obviously once we hit Secret Invasion the story will pick up, but if I didn't know that, this title might have been in danger of being dropped. I'll wait and see. (Besides, as mentioned above, Mighty is better.) Edit: I just found out that right before NA39 was supposed to be released, its publication date was pushed back two weeks, so it will now come out this Wednesday. I should have a review for it sometime this week.
Avengers: The Initiative: I'm still catching up, and am currently on issue 9, and so far this series is awesome! It could easily be the best ongoing that Marvel is putting out! (That's right: Thor and Captain America have a rival!) As soon as I finished 9, I was sad that I didn't pick up 10 while at my LCS last time, now I have to wait another week and a half! Garg! I'm glad that I didn't pick up this series sooner, because I couldn't imagine having to wait a month for issue 10! (And now I feel like an old school Marvel mag for ending every sentence with an exclamation point! Next thing you know, I'll be advertising for the M.M.M.S.!)
Uncanny X-Men: Brubaker's genius isn't quite apparent here, but the storyline is still interesting, and I'm going to continue it. Besides, issue 500 is surely going to do something insanely awesome, so I can't wait to see what happens!
Daredevil: See description for Captain America.
Thor: I still haven't got issue 7, but so far this series has been great, and is definitely one of Marvel's top titles. J. Michael Straczynski is a godsend for Thor (pun totally intended), and I hope he continues to write this for a very long time, as Thor has become one of my favorite characters.
The Twelve: While not as good as Thor, this series is certainly intriguing; JMS really knows how to spin a good yarn. I still think Electro is going to play a huge part in the future, and he may in fact be the Blue Blade's killer. As always we'll wait and see…..
Well, as soon as I get and read New Avengers 39 and Thor 7, I'll be sure to post a review, so check back here often! And please leave comments!
My Reactions to LOST Season Four, Episode Eight: Meet Kevin Johnson March 21, 2008Posted by lotrking in L O S T.
Tags: LOST
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Not since "Flashes Before Your Eyes" of season three has there been an episode like this: a question is asked, then answered all in one episode. I must say, it does make for a satisfying episode (all of the mini-mysteries of LOST are what make it fun, but it can sometimes be annoying when done in excess) even if not the most "mess-with-your-mind" as we often get from this show. This wasn't quite how I would have guessed that Michael got onto the freighter, but it does make perfect sense. In fact, it was quite well done, because now we will not have to see very much of Walt, as everything has been resolved on his part. Nothing against Walt as a character, but if only three months in terms of the show has gone by and Walt has magically aged from 10 to 14, well, it would take some fairly heavy explaining to make up for that. (Ah! The limitations of making a TV show not in real time! 😉 ) As for the "two endings" of this episode, I'm curious how Ben's plan will work now that the Captain knows about his spy. Did Ben intend for this to happen? (Everything that happens always seems to be a part of his plan!) If not, are the goals of the freighter people really to kill everyone on the Island? As always, time will tell. As for the deaths of Rousseau and Carl, I must say, about 10 seconds before Carl died, I thought "Holy crap! I think Carl's gonna die!" Don't know why I thought that, but I did, and then it happened. Weird. As for Rousseau, that was certainly unexpected, though we know almost everything we need to about her, so why not kill her off? (That seems to be the LOST motto: tell 'em everything they need to know about the character, and then kill them off!) The big question is who the assassin was, was it one of the freighter people, or was it one of Ben's people? If it was one of Ben's people, killing off Carl is semi-understandable, but why Rousseau? And finally, a bit off topic, what is this temple that has been mentioned several times now? On the map, it had a Dharma logo on it, so it was likely associated with the Dharma Initiative and not the "hostiles." I really have no idea what it could be, the true home of Jacob? The lair of the monster? The location of the secrets of the Island? The "big magic box"? Who knows? I'm just calling it right now, that the temple will be insanely important in the future.
Well, LOST is going on hiatus, and so, of course, my reactions must too. The next episode airs on April 24th, so be sure to watch it, then check here on the 25th for more of my comments, theories, and random babblings! (Oh yeah, and please leave comments!)
Review of Cartographer by E.S. Posthumus (5 stars) March 20, 2008Posted by lotrking in Other Random Stuff, SSTuff.
Tags: Cartographer, CD Reviews, E. S. Posthumus, E.S. Posthumus, Independent Music, Music, Music Reviews
4 comments
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
That's right, I'm actually reviewing something other than a comic, and based on my rating, you can probably see why. For anyone not familiar with E.S. Posthumus, please read their Wikipedia article. (I was going to give a brief history of them, but then realized I would be saying almost everything that Wikipedia says.) Now, on to the review:
E.S. Posthumus has worked their magic once again with their second album; Cartographer is definitely superior to its predecessor (which was still genius of course). Cartographer is a 2 CD collection with each CD being unique and being able to stand alone as a single album, yet at the same time, each CD is a good reflection of the other. The first CD, while quite different from Unearthed (their first album), is a unique blend of many different ethnic orchestral sounds, with lyrics sung by the beautiful (both in appearance and sound) Luna Sans. The lyrics were written by the Vonlichten brothers (the founders of E.S. Posthumus) in a Latin-derivative language that they created especially for this album. In order, these songs tell the story of the inhabitants of the island of Numa, a fictional ancient civilization, their rise as a civilization, their exploration of the world, and their eventual fall. Listening to this CD, it is hard not to be swept away in the spirit of exploration, and to see what they may have seen. It is truly beautiful music.
The second CD is much more akin to Unearthed, and is a remix of every song on the first CD, along with two bonus tracks. It follows the same cinematic orchestral tone of Unearthed, but at the same time it creates its own new tone. It would likely be easy to tell the difference between an Unearthed song and a Cartographer song. Cartographer "Peri Reis Remixes" makes use of a grand choir with almost every track, and does not have any of Luna Sans vocals. To me, this CD seems another adaptation of the story of Numa, even if it is in a different order, and while it may sound very different from the first CD, the same spirit of exploration, hope, and adventure is present. Together, these two CDs form one of the greatest albums that I have listened to, and one that has quickly become one of my favorites. My favorite songs from this album include: Oraanu, Mosane, and Marunae (along with their remixes). This album is worth every penny, and is definitely a great buy. It can be purchased at CD Baby. Music samples are available at the Cartographer website. This is an album that definitely deserves looking into!
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Reivew of Captain America 36 (4.5 stars) March 19, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Captain America, Comics, Comics Reviews, Marvel, Marvel Comics
2 comments
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Once again Brubaker has shown his genius. This issue starts out with a great fight between Cap and the Serpent Squad. Not too much to comment on in way of the fight, except to say that it was very well drawn by Guice and also well written. I also liked James' first use of his knife (in fact, earlier in the issue when I saw it on his belt, I wondered if he would use it anytime soon. I wonder if Guice may have made it obvious in that particular panel to bring attention to it. Whether accidental or purposeful, it was a great job on his part.) Some die hard Cap fans may not have liked the use of his gun in this issue, but I thought it was appropriately used; James didn't kill anyone, and he used it as a defense after much hand to hand fighting. It seemed to me something that a cop would do in a similar situation.
Black Widow attempts to come and save James, but she comes just as the fight ends (but just in time to save him from falling out a window!) I also have to give kudos to Guice and Perkins for this part; I literally had to count pages to see where one artist stopped and the other took over, the transition was just that smooth (once I figured it out, I could see some minor differences in style, but I would have never guessed the exact page just by eyeing the art).
In the "villain-centric" section of this issue, we learn that Red Skull and Co have indeed found out that Sharon is pregnant with Steve's child (and it hints that they may also learn something we don't know) and they discover the existence of the New Cap, and it is very likely that they have figured out who it is. (At least, the Red Skull claims to have figured out who it is.)
Next, James does what Steve would do, and tries to motivate the protesting crowd to abandon their violence and go home (he may not have succeeded, but this scene of James actually trying to do the moral thing may have sealed for me the assurance that James is perfect for Cap's mantle). The crowd's reaction to this new Captain America is not what I expected. Instead of shock and disbelief, they are indifferent and are mad at "some random guy" for putting on a Cap costume. I do like the news clip though; it really seemed to make this story seem real world, as that is how it would probably happen.
For some reason I really enjoyed the final scene between Natalia and James, especially the look on James' face in the last panel. Perkins did a great job as James' facial expression tells the whole story in one panel, no dialogue or thought bubbles needed. As for the final page reveal? One word: clone. That's right, I think part of the Skull's plan to "kill America" includes cloning the original Captain America and turning him evil. Seriously, how much would it cut into the heart of this country to see its most beloved hero committing acts of terrorism? Really the perfect plan if you ask me.
So overall an action packed issue with a great story. The little seeds of the Red Skull's plan (or rather, Brubaker's plan) are beginning to blossom, and I can't wait to see where Brubaker takes this next. I have yet to be bored when reading an issue of Captain America, and all of the subtle hints littered throughout the pages have my mind theorizing and analyzing almost as much as LOST. In fact, maybe they should hire him as a writer….. 😉
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Reivew of Fantastic Four 555 (4 stars) March 18, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Comics, Comics Reviews, Fantastic Four, Marvel, Marvel Comics
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Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars
While this was a great issue, I gotta start out with a gripe, the cover is extremely misleading. Not only does the cover show a huge mass of people leaving Earth, it also bears the headline: "Exodus from Planet Earth!", with these two things together, one would logically expect an exodus from Earth. Nope, in fact, I'm beginning to think we may not see one at all. I realize that covers are rarely accurate, but they do at least give some preview of the inside. Take Mighty Avengers 9 for example, the cover shows several of the Avengers unconscious on the ground and Doom holding Spider-Woman by the throat, while we can't expect this exact scene, we should expect some sort of fight between the Avengers and Doom. So in the FF's case, maybe we wouldn't have seen a huge mass of people leaving Earth, but maybe at least a preparation to leave Earth, or something. So while this was a great issue, it wasn't what I expected. It's kind of like going to what is advertised as a horror movie, but is in reality a romance movie. It might be a great romance movie, but you expected to be scared not "aww"ed. So that said, perhaps I should say just what made this such a great issue.
It starts out with a flashback to Reed's and Alyssa's college days, in which Alyssa has an interesting "theory." Jump several years later, and Reed is getting a tour of Nu-World, and many of its "new improvements." Theory time. Notice how Mr. and Mrs. Castle never reference exactly what is causing the world to "die." An "environment collapse" is mentioned, but not what kind of environment is collapsing. Likewise Alyssa says "We've got a clean slate here. A chance to start afresh and build a world with none of the vices that finished us." Not once do they mention anything that will prevent global warming or any other type of climate change. They do however mention things like an enforced lack of weapons and violence in this "Nu-World," leading me to think that the Earth Trust isn't trying to save us from some global natural disaster, but rather from what they think are the problems of humanity. In other words, they sound like a bunch of "peace radicals" who want to shove their "appropriate" way of life down the throat of humanity. There likely will be some kind of "faux-disaster" to get humanity to leave Earth, because it will be in the name of the "greater good."
Back at the Baxter Building, Reed is home for all of a few minutes before catching a wormhole to the other end of the universe to confirm what the Earth Trust are saying. (Anyone else think he looked insanely cool on the "wormhole motorcycle," complete with science-y leather jacket?) We then cut to Johnny, late for a rehearsal of his new rock band (and apparently he's lead singer, since when can Johnny sing?), before he runs into a diamond theft being committed by a green haired chick with super-strength. Well we all know what Johnny is like, and he thought she was pretty hot, so yeah….. Hey! Perfect time to cut to another scene! CAP (the aforementioned robotic enforcer of the zero weapon policy) breaks loose on our world, and wants to start his mission. Unfortunately for us there are plenty of weapons to be found on "Old School World."
Overall, definitely a great plot. I can't wait to see where Millar takes this. With any luck, this may finely re-attain the true status (as opposed to simply honorary) of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine!
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Review of Mighty Avengers 10 (3.5 stars) March 17, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Avengers, Comics, Comics Reviews, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mighty Avengers
2 comments
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This was a very fun issue, if you didn't take it too seriously. It starts with the Sentry waking up in an alley and wondering where he is. He learns that he is in NYC, and runs into the "early Marvel" version of himself. (I use quotations because he really isn't an early Marvel character, but he has been retconned to be. For those who are lost, don't ask me to explain, it's too complicated, just go read the first ten issues of New Avengers). These confusing circumstances lead him to think he has once again gone crazy, and he of course freaks out. It then cuts to Doom and Tony fighting for a while before they forge a truce to get back to the futu – I mean, back to the present. This fight scene, though brief, was quite well drawn on Bagley's part, and is full of the fun explosions that have become a staple of Mighty Avengers issues. Just as Tony and Doom seem like they are going to work together, the Sentry shows up, beating on Doom, and wanting him to put the world right. Doom retaliates with magic, this furthers messes up Bob's mind, and leads Doom to discover that Bob is crazy. (Anyone else think this is a very bad thing? Let me reiterate: Doom, one of the world's most powerful villains, has learned that the world's most powerful superhero is insane. I think he will definitely use this to his advantage one day. Maybe not in this arc, but it's coming, mark my words.)
These three finally realize that the only time machine they can use is in the Baxter Building, and the only way to get to it without endangering the future is by having Bob get them there. (Why? 'Cause everyone is going to forget the Sentry existed before he resurfaced in NA #1. This is one of the few examples where a retcon that has already happened is redressed in a good light. Kudos to you, Bendis!) So after another fun fight, this time between the Sentry and the early Marvel Thing, the three are able to return to the future, but as soon as they get there, Doom has vanished. Carol flies in trying to warn Tony and Bob of something, Bob flies to meet her, and Tony is caught in a huge splash page explosion. (See? I told you explosions were a staple of Mighty Avengers!) Is it just me, or does Bendis enjoy trying to kill Tony? Anyways, my predictions are that Doom was somehow able to send himself back a few minutes before Tony and Bob showed up, and that the explosion was magical, which is why Tony wasn't able to sense it in time. How did Tony survive? I dunno, I guess we'll just have to wait until next time.
So, as I said, a very fun issue, the throwbacks to the early 70s style of art and page setup were great for nostalgia (even if I wasn't born then), and the in-house ads at the bottom of each page were funny. But, (a HUGE but) while these things were enjoyable, they bring a huge question into this issue: when did it take place? The art was reminiscent of the early 70s Marvel comics, but this issue clearly couldn't have taken place in the 70s, that would acknowledge that most Marvel characters would be in their 50s and 60s by now. So I'm going to assume that since comics are always "silently retconning" their stories to be more modern, that this issue took place in the "early Marvel" time period when it would have to be in order for today's comics to fit. This means that this issue probably took place in the middle to late 90s. Yes the internet was around then, but not wireless, which would explain why Tony's armor could not connect. Likewise the other problem is everyone worrying that they will change the future. Clearly Bendis forgot to read Messiah Complex or McDuffie's last arc of Fantastic Four, because any changes would simply create a new timeline or be corrected by the robustness of the current timeline. Oops. It is because of these two inherent continuity questions that I gave this 3.5 stars instead of 4. Otherwise, it was, as I have said twice now, a very fun issue.
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Reivew of Uncanny X-Men 496 (3 stars) March 15, 2008Posted by lotrking in Comic Book Reviews.
Tags: Comics, Comics Reviews, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men
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Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This issue wasn't as good as last issue, though reading Brubaker's Captain America and Daredevil leads me to believe that this may have simply been one of his "puzzle piece" issues. In other words, an issue where Brubaker sets up the little necessary plot points that will make for a spectacular ending when everything finally resolves. So, why this may not have been the most spectacular issue, I would still recommend getting it (especially if you picked up last issue) so that you can be "in-the-know" when Brubaker gives us his genius ending. So now that I've written an opening paragraph that usually sounds like my closing paragraph, I'll delve into the actual issue and give you some of my opinions/theories.
We start by finding Hepzibah and Archangel at the same hippie party but right afterward we see two hippies sitting on the front porch and one of them says something mysterious: "not even when we were us, not even in the real." Is he simply referring to before San Fran got "hippified," or might he be referring to something else? If I had to guess, I'd say that maybe he and the girl are also mutants. This I think is likely one of Brubaker's puzzle pieces. This same hippie goes on to meet the mysterious "goddess," likely the source of S.F.'s travel back in time.
After a quick shot of Scott and Emma worrying their way to San Francisco, we meet back up with the boys in Russia. Piotr is mourning over a grave that I'm assuming belongs to his parents (I'll warn ya now: I'm an X-Noob!) and Logan tries to comfort him in the way he knows best: taking him to the nearest bar. In the bar, they talk about old times for awhile, and then it is revealed that Kitty is dead. Oops. Apparently this spoils a plot point from Astonishing X-Men (which I don't read), but I don't blame Brubaker, it's not his fault that AXM has only released 24 issues in the last four years. (I'm not joking, I got bored and looked up the release date of all 24 issues and it has indeed taken four years). When he first started scripting this issue months ago, Giant Size AXM (where I'm assuming the aforementioned plot point will be "revealed") was probably likely "supposed" to be out by now. By the time he realized that this was actually going to be a spoiler, it was probably too late to change it.
We then cut back to Scott and Emma in S.F. They talk to some hippies and one of them mentions something called a "be-in." I have no idea what this is, I'm assuming it is some kind of event, and I'm also guess that this is another puzzle piece. The last we see of Scott and Emma this issue is as they walk off, still hoping to find Warren and Hepzibah before it is "too late."
We cut back to the bar where some local thugs are trying to get the money that they are owed from the bartender. This, of course, leads to a bar fight (started, of course, by Logan). The fight was well drawn (as was the whole issue, Choi is an insanely good artist) and very dynamic, though it wasn't as fun to read, simply because we didn't really know the story behind the fight. Yes, Logan was trying to protect the bartender, but why were they assaulting the bartender in the first place? Once again, I think this may be yet another puzzle piece, and that we haven't seen the last of these goons. After the fight, Logan, Piotr, and Kurt decide to leave on the next train, but cutting to the final scene (in a government office in Moscow) we find that leaving may not be too easy for them. The government officials discover that Piotr is still alive and decide they can't let him and his friends out of the country, and are happy that they will finally have some mutants to "play with." This scene also had the great use of a puzzle piece from last issue, the tabloid that we saw in S.F. with Piotr and "Angelina Jolie" on the cover that I assumed was simply a humorous Easter Egg turns out to be an actually import plot point. Well, that's Brubaker for you, and as always, I can't wait too see what he does next!
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CMS and security: introduction and overview
During the last few months, the news has echoed the latest cyber-attacks, almost always related to large companies and their computer equipment. So much so that the security related to the global world that is the Internet has become a hot topic; although if we analyze this matter with a little depth, the one thing they all have in common is lack of security.
CSS CSS Joomla Joomla Wordpress Wordpress Internet Internet Cloud Cloud Prestashop Prestashop Ecommerce Ecommerce Cyber-attacks Cyber-attacks security security developers developers code code


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Community Lunch
The way a school organizes its lunch program will tell you a lot about its commitment to community and student wellbeing. Willow's lunch program is intentionally aligned with our values. Students and parents say it is quite different from mealtimes seen or experienced at other schools. Here's why:
- Willow lunch is served in the Health, Wellness, and Nutrition Building in two sessions (Kindergarten-Grade 5 and Grade 6-8 to bolster connection and community.
- The atmosphere is noticeably relaxed and calm. Students sit at assigned tables in mixed grades with a faculty or staff member. An adult is present to encourage manners, healthy eating, and conversation.
- Lunch is served buffet style and the facilitator of the program, Simply Gourmet, uses fresh, local, organic ingredients, seasonal produce, whole grain pastas and breads, and water. See how our locally-sourced lunches supported local farmers in 2018 here.
- At the conclusion of lunch, all students assume rotating responsibilities such as bussing plates, clearing silverware, or wiping tables. Visitors are often quite stunned to see students complete these chores without prompting or reminders; it's an expectation that's ingrained in the Willow community.
The lunch program is included with tuition. Willow is highly accommodating of children with nut and other food allergies.
Request our ebook on Systems Thinking. We will email it to you immediately.
Director of Admissions Lisa VanderVeen is here to help! Contact her at (908) 470-9500, ext. 1100 or via email.


text:
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text:
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Stats and Show Details
Show Information
For more information about the information displayed for a show, please read the Show Information section of the Help page.
|Columbus, OH (Ohio Theatre)
|Peter Sagal →
|Carl Kasell, SE →
Roxanne Roberts: 14 →
Adam Felber: 13 →
Mo Rocca: 11 →
|Chosen: (N/A)
Correct: (N/A)
Tony Cochran: 1 →
|Who's Carl This Time?, Carl Kasell's Countdown, Not My Job about "The Naked Olympics", Bluff the Listener about one man's trash is another man's treasure, Who's Carl This Time? Round II, Panelist Predictions: what will protesters do at the Republican National Convention in New York?


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Excpet when the wrong genders are involved. I know this is hardly surprising, but it is just another nail in the coffin in the idea that there is anything particularly special or moral about churches or those who practice religion. They say homosexuality is a sin, so they can't have a service there for someone who comitted that sin because otherwise they'd be condoning it. Except that they also say that NO ONE is without sin, so when they single out one sin for exclusion, what they are REALLY saying is they are bigots. Another reason why religion is inferior in morality to non-religion, in my not so humble opinion. Only with religion do people say, with a straight face, that they are doing good as they do immoral acts.
I guess the Christians here can take heart in this - since their god does not exist, they won't have to spend an eternity in hell for their bigotry here.
7 years ago


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Chapter 399 Realm of the Gods' Language.
Chapter 399 – Realm of the Gods' Language
Mu Dingshan was finally defeated by the half-step Xiantian red person. After doing his best and cutting off the red person's arm, he was defeated by its sword.
However, what shocked Mu Dingshan was that after he cut off the red person's arm, the section of the arm that was cut off burst into red lights. Some of the red lights scattered away, and some of them flowed into his body, numbing him. Not only did his injuries heal, but the true essence in his body became increasingly pure.
"This is…"
Mu Dingshan was astonished. The last time he had entered the Ancient Phoenix Main Hall, he hadn't experienced such a scene. "Is it possible that if I jump realms to a certain degree, I can obtain benefits?"
The Ancient Phoenix Main Hall was a smelting trial that was created for the younger generations of the Ancient Phoenix Clan, so that they could enhance their strength through these tribulations. It wasn't strange that a situation like this would occur.
As Mu Dingshan became aware of this, he felt a bit of regret. Unfortunately, cutting off that red person's arm was his limit. Although he had obtained a pure fire-attribute origin energy, the amount was too little. It was not enough for him to break through to the middle Houtian realm.
This benefit was something that he could only see, but not obtain.
At this time, Mu Dingshan heard some icy sounds resound within the chamber, as if it were some sort of language. But Mu Dingshan didn't know what was being said. A moment later, a red light flashed and Mu Dingshan was sent out of the chamber to begin the smelting trial that corresponded with his talent.
At this time, within Lin Ming's chamber, he was facing a peak Houtian martial artist.
This red person was equal to a talent like Huan Xiaodie if she were a peak Houtian master. In truth, this wasn't weak; it was already better than a half-step Xiantian Qin Ziya.
Lin Ming's Purple Comet Spear glared with the blinding light of thunderfire. Each time he defeated an opponent, he would conserve as much true essence as possible. He would use the most ordinary move, and absolutely no martial skills. He would defeat them in one move, and not waste another. This was because he didn't know how many more opponents he had to face every time he defeated another red person.
The red person's spear was a spear, but it also understood martial skills. It thrust out its spear, and the fire that wrapped around it manifested into the phantom of a phoenix.
Lin Ming moved, Golden Roc Shattering the Void erupting as he instantly came up behind the red person, the Purple Comet Spear shooting out. Avoiding a collision with the enemy and bypassing its attacks was the best way to save true essence.
This peak Houtian red person was quite strong. It felt Lin Ming's spear behind it and turned around to block it.
However, relative to Lin Ming, the red person was far too weak. Especially after Lin Ming had broken through to the peak Pulse Condensation period. Now his strength had even surpassed Lei Mubai by a level.
Azure true essence erupted. Lin Ming thrust his long spear towards the red person, and the spear stabbed through its dantian. Lin Ming twisted the spear, and tore its dantian to pieces.
The red person exploded into shining red lights again. But what surprised Lin Ming was that after some time, a part of these red lights began to flow into Lin Ming's body.
This was an extremely pure fire origin energy. After it surged into Lin Ming, he felt his entire body pleasantly warm up, as if the true essence in him was speeding up.
"This is…"
Lin Ming felt the red light flowing within him, and discovered that it was circulating through his meridians before gathering into his dantian and settling there.
"Dantian!" Lin Ming was shocked, and then overjoyed. The difference between the Pulse Condensation period and the Houtian realm was that a Houtian realm master could save and condense true essence in his dantian. But, a Pulse Condensation period martial artist could only contain true essence within their meridians. Naturally, the dantian could hold a much greater amount of true essence than the meridians.
Only a very small amount of true essence flowed into Lin Ming's dantian. However, this small amount was still proof that he was taking great steps towards reaching the Houtian realm!
"There's too little true essence, there isn't much increase in my cultivation. But it still opened up the path leading from my meridians to my dantian. Later, when I step into the Houtian realm from the Pulse Condensation period, there won't be any barriers, and it will be completely successful. This Ancient Phoenix Main Hall is truly wonderful!"
As Lin Ming was thinking, the red lights in front of him began to condense again. This time, another red person holding a spear appeared, but their cultivation was at a half-step Xiantian.
Half-step Xiantian!
Lin Ming was excited. What would happen if he defeated this half-step Xiantian martial artist?
With the Purple Comet Spear in his hand, Lin Ming made a preemptive move. When the figure was still materializing, Lin Ming thrust towards its chest.
Sparks scattered in the air. Lin Ming's spear had been blocked by the red person, and a wild true essence tore through the air. As the red person blocked the spear, it gripped its own spear with one hand and swept towards Lin Ming's neck.
Lin Ming instantly drew backwards, and the spear light erupted – 10,000 Flames Burning World!
Hu hu hu!
Wind and fire began to pick up within the chamber, and pillars of flame shot out like a blazing meteor. In that instant, the red martial artist had been completely surrounded by flames. But this red martial artist was agile. In this situation, it still managed to retreat as it stabbed out with its spear again, stabbing into the pillars of flame!
There were several dozen pillars of flame, but in the blink of an eye, they were all scattered by the red martial artist! However, as the last pillar of flame exploded into nothing, a purple arc of lightning lept out! This was the Divine Demon Steel Needle!
Lin Ming had hidden the Divine Demon Steel Needle within 10,000 Flames Burning World, taking the red person by surprise!
With the speed of light, the Divine Demon Steel Needle pierced through the scarlet martial artist's neck, and a rain of dazzling light showered out! The red martial artist burst apart into a deluge of red sparkling lights.
If Lin Ming didn't use a sneak attack like this, he still would have been able to defeat the red martial artist. But, he would have needed to exert a great deal of effort.
The red light once again gathered onto Lin Ming, flowing into his body.
The pure fire true essence spread through all the meridians of Lin Ming's body before finally converging into his dantian where it settled down. After the half-step Xiantian martial artist had died, the fire origin energy it left behind was several times richer and purer than the red person that had come before it.
"This fire-attribute origin energy is extremely pure and dense. When it is gathered in my dantian, it can act like a seed and lay the foundation for me to break into the Houtian realm in the future."
As Lin Ming was secretly rejoicing in his fortune, he saw the red lights begin to condense again. This time, Lin Ming's heart went cold. Without a doubt, the new red person that would emerge would be a Xiantian realm martial artist!
Lin Ming's expression was solemn. The difference between a half-step Xiantian and a true Xiantian master was enormous! Without hesitation, Lin Ming used the strength of Tempering Marrow. Instantly, the true essence that was contained within his marrow began to violently gush out, and Lin Ming's momentum shot up!
As the red person was forming, Lin Ming's figure flew forwards like the wind, the Purple Comet Spear piercing outwards.
Spear light shined, and the red person's figure suddenly distorted, completely avoiding Lin Ming's spear. The spear stabbed into the wall, causing the array formation on the wall to severely shake!
The red person struck out with its long spear. With a sound like tigers and dragons roaring, a spear swept out at Lin Ming's waist.
The red person's long spear collided with Lin Ming's Purple Comet Spear, causing the shaft to bend. Lin Ming withdrew, and the red person closely followed him, striking out with the long spear in its hand like a serpent. With every spear thrust, spear light shined out, and the spear itself seemed to contain an intelligent will, making Lin Ming feel as if he were being overwhelmed by this barrage of attacks.
"What great spear skill!' Lin Ming's pupils contracted. The red person was only a puppet that was formed from energy, but he never thought it would have such skills in spearmanship. Lin Ming's body began to emit popping sounds as he suddenly gave a loud shout; the phantom of an azure True Dragon appeared behind him.
The cry of a True Dragon flushed into the sky. Lin Ming gripped his spear and swept out. With a nearly irresistible momentum, Lin Ming broke apart all of his enemy's spear lights!
"Heretical God Force!"
Lin Ming didn't plan on challenging the next opponent. Against a middle Xiantian realm martial artist, he had no confidence that he would win. It would be best to go all out and finish off the red person currently in front of him.
As the Heretical God Force opened, Lin Ming's momentum dramatically spiked up once again. He didn't have the exquisite and skillful spear skills that the red person had. What he could rely on to win was absolute subjugation by strength. With superior strength, he would break apart the red person's skills!
Spear energy crashed in the same place, and suddenly a terrifying vortex of wind appeared in the completely airtight chamber. If a weaker martial artist was caught in this brutal vortex of wind, they would only meet a miserable death.
Ka ka ka!
The protective array formation on the walls began to fiercely shake!
The spear lights were broken apart by Lin Ming one at a time. As he swept out his spear, his attack contained the power of thunder and fire. But at this time, the red person suddenly moved, and he disappeared like smoke.
Without even looking, Lin Ming turned around and thrust out the Purple Comet Spear. On the edge of the spearhead, the Divine Demon Steel Needle roared out!
The red person lifted his spear to block. The Divine Demon Steel Needle struck above the red person's spear shaft along with the Purple Comet Spear.
A violent explosion followed. The red person was sent flying backwards by the power of thunder, and brutally slammed into the protective array formation. A faint crack had even appeared in the spear that was formed by energy! This blurry spear was naturally unable to compare with a top high-grade earth-step treasure like the Purple Comet Spear.
Lin Ming didn't let this opportunity pass. He rushed forwards, thrusting out. The power of thunder and fire intertwined; Thunderfire Annihilation!
Lin Ming only used 30% of his energy in this Thunderfire Annihilation. After all, this chamber was a completely enclosed space. If a full energy Thunderfire Annihilation had exploded within the chamber then Lin Ming himself might not have been much better off.
The red person didn't have any wisdom or thoughts. It only lifted its cracked spear to dodge this 30% Thunderfire Annihilation of Lin Ming's.
The result was unsurprising –
The red person's spear was completely broken to pieces, and the confined space began to violently shake. In the following true essence shockwave from the attack, the red person's body was broken apart, turning into a dense group of red lights. As for Lin Ming, even he had been injured. His blood vitality was roiling, and his right hand was dripping wet with blood.
The red person dispersed into a mass of red lights that merged into Lin Ming's body. This light was much richer than anything that came before; even the wound that Lin Ming had just received was beginning to regenerate at a visible speed.
The condensed true essence within his dantian strengthened once again, paving the way for Lin Ming to reach the Houtian realm. As long as Lin Ming was able to fill his dantian with true essence, he would naturally break through to the Houtian realm. He wouldn't even need to stop at the half-step Houtian realm.
"Just what sort of origin does this Ancient Phoenix Clan have, that it can construct such a wonderful and unbelievable smelting trial. No wonder Divine Phoenix Island considered this Divine Phoenix Mystic Realm the basis of their sect, and why so many core disciples struggle for a spot to enter the Ancient Phoenix Main Hall.
As the wounds of his body healed, Lin Ming began to think about how to challenge a middle Xiantian master's moves. He wanted to take a good look and see just how great the disparity was between him and a middle Xiantian master.
But to his surprise, a middle Xiantian realm red person didn't appear. Instead, the enclosed chamber suddenly quieted. As Lin Ming waited, nothing happened. He stood there puzzled, and as he was beginning to have some doubts, an icy voice rang out in the air. It was a language that Lin Ming had never heard of before, but seemed oddly familiar.
After a few words, Lin Ming's heart began to shake. This was… the language of the Realm of the Gods?


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Marion Washer
Marion has over 40 years experience in the financial industry, having worked at various brokerage firms. She became associated with the Karmin Group in 1976 at Drexel Burnham Lambert where she mainly focused on working with retail clientele emphasizing her knowledge and expertise in fixed income investments and retirement planning. Marion holds Series 7, 15 and 63 licenses.
(847) 559-9700


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This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. The U.S. unemployment rate took a big tumble last month, from 9 percent to 8.6 percent, according to the government's monthly jobs data. But it's probably too soon to pop the corks on a bottle of Asti Spumante. As NPR's John Ydstie reports, a combination of forces caused that big drop. Some good, and some are bad.
JOHN YDSTIE, BYLINE: Getting a big fall in the unemployment rate is always good news at the White House, but President Obama was careful not to gloat at an appearance yesterday in Washington.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: This morning we learned that our economy added another 140,000 private sector jobs in November. The unemployment rate went down.
YDSTIE: Notice the president didn't make a big deal about the unemployment rate falling sharply - maybe because he's afraid it will go up again. But Diane Swonk, who is the chief economist at Mesirow Financial in Chicago, says the president might be playing it down because there's another reason the rate fell so much: 315,000 people gave up looking for work.
DIANE SWONK: Many people are just not even trying right now, and seeing people just drop out of the labor force entirely is not the best reason in the world to have the unemployment rate move down.
YDSTIE: Of course, the best reason to have the unemployment rate go down is because new jobs were created. There was some of that in November, but the headline number - 120,000 net new jobs - was not enough to bring down the unemployment rate. Now, you're probably saying, wait a minute, that's contradictory. You just said the unemployment rate dropped sharply. You're right. And the disconnect happens says Diane Swonk because the jobs number and the unemployment rate come from two different sets of data.
The headline unemployment rate comes from a survey of households. Meanwhile, every month, the headline job growth number comes from a survey of businesses.
SWONK: That's a survey of established firms, and it doesn't always capture changes in small business formation, the new businesses that are being created out there, and we're starting to see some evidence that that may be picking up.
YDSTIE: The fact is, it takes a few months for the Labor Department to find those new businesses, like designer Anke Loh's new online fashion store, launched two months ago.
ANKE LOH: In the online store you can see mainly scarves and shawls and a T-shirt line.
YDSTIE: So far though, she's the only person on the payroll.
LOH: I do have freelance people, graphic designers, I mean, for every little bit of this company, I have people who help me, yeah.
YDSTIE: Have you gotten any forms from the Labor Department asking you about the number of employees that you have?
LOH: No, I didn't.
YDSTIE: This is the kind of business that's not picked up in the statistics immediately, and it's much more likely to show up in the household survey first because it's more grassroots than the survey of established businesses. In fact, in November, the household survey found more than twice as much job growth as the survey of businesses did, and that's another reason the unemployment rate went down sharply. But even if there are entrepreneurial juices producing jobs under the radar, the economy continues to face many challenges, including the debt crisis in Europe. If there's a financial meltdown there, it would hurt the U.S. economy and the job market. John Ydstie, NPR News, Washington.
Copyright © 2011 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.


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Imagine a group of fully-grown men and woman crawling on all fours like a bear, squatting like a frog, jumping around like a gorilla, hopping like a kangaroo, ambling like an iguana or kicking like a donkey. In gyms across Australia and Europe, one can find such athletes and fitness fanatics imitating animal movements as part of the growing workout trend called ZUU. Our relationship with animals has always played a central role in the way we understand ourselves as humans, and that is also true in the world of sport. Sports like bullfighting, hunting and rodeo can tell us something about local culture and heritage and, in recent years, these practices have also become global battlegrounds where people reflect upon fundamental moral issues such as human domination and animal domestication. In his famous study, the anthropologist Clifford Geertz showed how the Balinese cockfight reveals essential aspects about social organization and hierarchy in Balinese society and works as a lens through which the Balinese people understand themselves. Professional sports teams are often named after an animal that symbolizes the team, such as the Chicago Bulls, the Buenos Aires Jaguares or the Minnesota Lynx, while even more teams have animal caricatures as mascots. Looking anthropologically at the way animals are imitated in modern sport can give us some important perspectives on how we imagine ourselves and the world we live in.
According to ZUU founder Nathan Helberg, humans have forgotten how to move naturally due to their modern lifestyles and so he invented ZUU as a way of rediscovering the basic principles of primal and natural movement. The program is now an integrated part of elite sports teams in the Australian Football League and the Australian Rugby League and is also used by the military and police.
Scholars argue that the present (also known as postmodernity) is characterized by the experience of chaos, dissatisfaction, fragmentation and alienation. Therefore, it is tempting to analyze ZUU as a phenomenon through which people try to channel such confusion and frustration about the modern world and attempt to return to a way of living that is perceived as being more pure, natural, unspoiled and authentic. ZUU can therefore be seen as an example of a larger modern zeitgeist that also includes such popular trends as paleo and raw food diets, MMA, and the sharing economy. However, we can also look at ZUU to tell us more about the human condition beyond questions about modernity, especially when one consider that humans among various non-Western cultural groups have been imitating animals for centuries.
The anthropologist Rikido Tomikawa has observed how Mongolian wrestlers imitate animal movements before and after they wrestle in the national sport called Bukh. In front of a large crowd of spectators, they move like a lion, dance like a falcon, or pose like a bull. The wrestler's body represents a beast or bird of prey that has special powers and social significance, since some animals are perceived among Mongolian nomads as ancestors, while others are related to the spirits that protect sacred mountains, breeding stocks, and rivers. Like the Mongolian wrestlers, the animalistic movements in ZUU also have the purpose of connecting humans to a deeper meaning about the world that they inhabit. Among Mongolian wrestlers, that meaning can be understood as preserving local and spiritual heritage, while the meaning of jumping like a gorilla in ZUU may be to reconnect with a primordial and natural past.
For philosopher Walter Benjamin, the ability to imitate, copy and recognize similarities – what he calls mimesis – is a foundational aspect of being human. Mimesis is considered a particular way of exploring, understanding and adapting to the surrounding world through playful acts using the body, senses and language. Children explore the world by imitating it and humans constantly relate to each other through imitative behaviors such as compassion, inspiration and care. However, Westerners rarely recognize similarities with other species and, in fact, one of the most distinctive characteristics about Western cultural history is the division between animal/man and nature/culture. Such a division does not exist among the Mongolian wrestlers and that is also true among many of the world's indigenous peoples.
While it might seem a bit unusual for athletes to imitate animals in a gym, a workout like ZUU can actually make us aware of an important way that people from different cultures have been understanding and exploring the world for centuries. While acknowledging that ZUU can obviously be read as representing the frustration and alienation associated with modernity, the imitation of animals can also contribute to a greater awareness of the similarities that humans have with other species and with each other cross-culturally. Looking at ZUU and Bukh anthropologically therefore makes it possible for us to explore how humans reconsider their place in the world through sport.
Tomikawa, Rikido (2006). "Mongolian Wrestling (Bukh) and Ethnicity." International Journal of Sport and Health Science 4. 103-109.
Benjamin, Walter (1933). "Doctrine of the Similar (1933)." New German Critique 17.
Further Reading
Willerslev, Rane (2004). "Not animal, not not‐animal: hunting, imitation and empathetic knowledge among the Siberian Yukaghirs." Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 10.3: 629-652.
Taussig, Michael (1993). Mimesis and alterity: A particular history of the senses. Psychology Press.
Photo by Steve Singer license under creative commons


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With all the talk of Daniel Craig looking to step down as James Bond after SPECTRE, it looks like a new favourite may have arisen.
OK, so it's The Mirror Newspaper reporting it, but still, we thought it was worth a look.
The paper is reporting that, should 47-year-old Craig leave, Damian Lewis, 44 and star of Homeland, Band of Brothers and Wolf Hall, is next for the 007 number.
A 'well-placed source' told the paper: "If Daniel Craig leaves, it's Damian Lewis who will be crowned the new Bond. He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role. As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated."
Recently a few actor have come around, with mixed results, including Idris Elba and Tom Hardy.
While we don't necessarily put any faith into the source, we know that Lewis' name has been attached to the role for quite some time.
What do you think? Is he the man for the gig?
Let us know your thoughts below, @NerdFollowing on Twitter or on Facebook


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She self-created her own World Traveler Internship. She knows the ins and outs of commercial fishing. She's a star athlete with an extreme passion for satiating her wanderlust. Let's check her out.
Sierra Anderson and I have only met through google chats and phone conversations, but being on such similar paths led us to becoming friends and collaborators. I've been amazed by her tenacity ever since. This series - Interview a Traveler - continues to give kudos where they are due; to fellow travelers doing some very cool things.
Her Bio: I am an Alaskan native, a local of Breckenridge Colorado, and a daughter of a commercial fisherman and world traveler. I grew up in the remote bush of Alaska, and when I wasn't traveling, my summers were spent fishing off the Alaska Peninsula. Through university and travel, my zest for the outdoors and thrills increased exponentially. I'm a self-proclaimed "Curious George."
So you're a self-proclaimed "travel bug." How did you acquire this fantastic disease?
I'm a genetic byproduct of my mother, the globetrotter. Having traveled to 87 countries herself, I was fortunate during my formative middle school years to join her in many of these exotic adventures. Since then, traveling has been in my blood. My mother made each experience as authentic and educational as possible. That meant reading up on everything, never traveled in tour groups, renting cars and traveling cross-country through the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
My dad is the same way. This was the start of an impacting theme of my life. I learned what it meant to push myself to the limits each day and it carried over to how I live my life now.
Tell us about the SMU Travel Bug and how you went about creating your own school-sponsored travel program.
It was a team effort. Without Shelley, Cody and our new "bug" Tyler, none of it would have happened. I was motivated to try something new. I took a risk in doing it, and I made some valuable relationships that helped make it all a reality.
I was inspired by STA's World Travel Internship in December 2009. I applied right away, but after finding out in March that I didn't make the cut, I wasn't ready to give up. I discovered that the competition was a great learning experience and opportunity to meet some very cool and knowledgeable people in the field, not to mention meeting this awesome chick interviewing me right now.
Motivation: I thought to myself, "What if the World Travel Internship could be sponsored by SMU instead?" I wanted the challenge of making it happen for myself and to use my travels to inspire others with the spirit of adventure. I knew the intrinsic benefits of travel, and I wanted everyone else in my school bubble to see it, too.
Risk: Fortunately, I came out of college debt free but also with little to no money in hand. I needed the funding. In a matter of two months, I met my travel buddies, Shelley, Cody, and Tyler, then planned the journey to Europe with out really knowing whether or not it was actually going to happen.
Networking: After concocting a sponsorship proposal with our itinerary, budget, purpose and everything the SMU Travel Bug would do and provide, we presented these things to a number of teachers and faculty, including the International Department in hopes of gathering support. As an advocate for world travel himself, and mentor to me, Dean Niemi, of the Cox Business School, was on board and personally sent a letter to the International Department proclaiming his support and financial backing for the SMU Travel Bug. His support was fundamental.
Come May 1st, we got the approval of the Study Abroad and received enough funding to pay for my half of the journey (as a business school alumna). Halfway through our trip, Outdoor Interlaken, a prestigious outdoor adventure company in Switzerland, offered to sponsor that portion of our trip. The famous Hostel in Interlaken, Balmers Herberge, also hosted us for the week.
Where were you expecting the SMU TB to propel you, and what has actually come from the whole experience?
I've always wanted to start my own business, specifically in the adventure travel industry, and I thought this might be a means of working towards that. Unfortunately for the SMU TB, it ended up being too much too soon. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it, but in the meantime, it's a resource and portfolio of experience. Now I take more a journalist and multimedia approach to things. I have developed different skills that will propel me further down this path.
In your opinion, what are some essential characteristics of a compatible travel buddy?
Adventurous: It helps if they're a little crazy. But really, it's all about balance. Differences can be a positive thing, as long as they bring out the best and propel each other forward.
Positive: Find a team player that can make it through the grime with little fuss. My travel partner, Shelley, is a great example of this. When we were traveling from Romania to Greece on a stinky train, Shelley was incredibly sick. She had every reason to be miserable but managed to find some sense of humor in the situation and make the best of it. Attitude is everything, and it's quite contagious.
Physically fit: Most people don't consider this as that important, but it is. You never know when you might have to walk five miles with 40 pounds of luggage on your back. Yeah, it happens.
Flexible: If you're on the hunt to find the perfect travel companion, remember you have to first be that person to them. You have to be able to make adjustments and sacrifices yourself. You're not only living together but having to make quick, sound decisions every day.
What has this post-trip, post-graduation, "limbo" time been like for you, and how have you been deciding the next steps throughout this time?
The transition out of college is not often an easy adjustment. College is seriously a bubble. The SMU Travel Bug propelled me toward what I want to do, and since then, I've been working as a ski coach in Breckenridge, herring fishing in Sitka in the Spring, and salmon fishing in the summer. I've managed to deal with being 'limbo' from living in a resort town with varying seasons.
Presently, I am living in my hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado. Having just returned from 3 months commercial salmon fishing in Alaska, I am embracing the freedom of now before starting my job as a ski coach and instructor. These next couple months are about documenting my story of commercial fishing in Alaska. As of right now, I am traveling in Turkey and taking advantage of my downtime to hone in on video editing and writing.
What is The Real Alaska? Be sure to check out the second half of this interview with Sierra. Do you have any questions for her about the SMU Travel Bug, travel-centric entrepreneurship, or her experiences throughout 40+ countries? Leave a comment, and I'll make sure she gets the question!


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Just last week a colleague of mine sat down to figure out a web integration using an online technical product. I won't bore you with the specifics, but needless to say, it was more complicated than I expected.
In the midst of our adventure, a helpful little window appeared in the lower right. "Can I answer your question?" Sarah the avatar prodded with a knowing face. Could it be? Would Sarah be able to help me via chat? It all seemed so promising.
So I went ahead and typed out out the specifics of my situation and clicked "Send." I smiled at my colleague ... clearly, we were going to get. stuff. done. TODAY.
Alas, NO.
The chat window immediately replied that the service was unavailable ... and that I could email my question (and expect a response within 24 hours). MAJOR LETDOWN. Not only did they not have my answer, but also I'd wasted time typing out my problem. That made me bitter, party of one.
This isn't the first time this has happened. What I find so baffling about live chat for customer service is that the thought behind it is right on—provide immediate service. But the execution is often poor and creates the opposite effect ... people feeling as though they haven't been served at all.
I've also encountered times when an actual live human is chatting, but doesn't have the power/permission to do anything with my account. Again, an utter waste of time.
The marketing community is extolling the virtues of chat across the land, but I caution anyone to really consider adding it to your website.
Ask yourself:
1. Can someone be made available during high-traffic periods? (And secondly, is that staff time a sound investment)?
2. Is that person(s) capable of answering all types of questions? Someone who is not skilled will likely cause more customer frustration than loyalty.
3. Is there an option to turn chat on and off when staff is not available? And will someone be diligent enough to manage that?
Whatever you do, don't present a chat window to a web visitor masquerading as if someone is there if they're not. It feels like trickery, and customers or constituents never like it when the joke is on them.


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Sometimes you just want flowers to brighten your day, or someone else's. Pick your bouquet size and we'll get the delivery on it's way within 24 hours or on the upcoming date of your choice.
Flowers for all!
Want fresh flowers to greet your guests or clients every week? Select this option for a weekly, fresh and seasonal array of beauties on your weekday of choice. For your home? Early week is popular. Hotel lobby? Think week-end delivery for busy times.
Sometimes we want flowers, but not be overwhelmed by them. Choose bi-weekly delivery on the weekday of your choice for fresh, seasonal arrangements delivered right to your home or office.
Out of town? No problem. You can always adjust your delivery date.
Have some pre-determined dates that you'd hate to forget? Within your account profile, set dates for reoccurring anniversaries, birthdays, and forget about it. We'll email you the week of your event so you can remember the card.
Out of sight, out of mind, instant hero.
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email@example.com | 303.736.9670
Or to see what we're creating, check out our Instagram!


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PTSD Fire Ride!
Meet Colin, he heads off soon on an epic 2 wheel adventure from Vancouver to Colorado Springs! Colin is a retired fire fighter and is timing his trip to arrive at the COLORADO FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL for a huge march. "PTSD Takes Lives, Colin wants to help save them, raising both funds and awareness with this ride!
He leaves next week, on his 64th Birthday. You can find out all the information you need and how to help over at ptsdfireride.ca
Colin came in and loved the BRODIE Romax so much, he bought 2 of them!!!
via/ Ride On Again


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Location: Yoder's Banquet Facility, New Holland
The annual Spring Banquet is an evening for friends of the ministry, staff and Board members to fellowship while enjoying delicious food served by the Yoder's staff.
The evening program consists of: > Highlights and updates of the Woodcrest Retreat ministry. > Music by Randy and Jana Martin. > Sharing by Summer Campers. > Encouragement from Shawn Weaver, Pastor Acts Covenant Fellowship
The meal is complimentary but please call the office for reservations by March 20, or reserve online by following THIS LINK. An offering to support the financial needs of the camp will be received.


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Are the aims of power-sharing and the women, peace and security agenda compatible? How do power-sharing pacts and the women, peace and security agenda intersect with transitional justice practices? Has feminist activism had an impact on power-sharing designs? The project explores constructive engagements between these conflict resolution processes.
Our four-year research plan is centered on two objectives: developing opportunities for practitioner-academic -- 'pracademic' -- engagements to advance scholarship and creating a gendered theory of power-sharing. We will employ a qualitative multi-methods approach, including in-depth semi-structured interviews with politicians, advocacy groups, and UN staff; gender analysis of comprehensive peace records, UN Security Council Resolutions, and other key peace documents, and; comparative case studies (Syria, Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Northern-Ireland). This research will benefit not only scholars and practitioners but also women, men, and children who live in conflict and post-conflict zones.
What We're Saying Online
dispute over a rail link stokes old tensions and territorial disputes #serbia #Kosovo https://t.co/h9Le3F3n17
#Syria #peacetalks sponsored by Russia, Turkey, Iran; while the US, EU, Saudi Arabia, UN are largely marginalized https://t.co/lEHCaECuH8
RT @unngls: Check out @UNWomen's poster on #womenpeacesecurity! Available in all @UN languages. https://t.co/dAOIToXD7k https://t.co/dkCFEtdzdM


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Maryland Foreclosure Process- If you live in Md and you are facing foreclosure, please see below for the beginning to end process.
When you develop a definite plan of action with well-timed, well-informed steps, you can stop the foreclosure process and save your home. We have outlined the foreclosure process for the state of Maryland.
Judicial Foreclosure Available: Yes
Non-judicial Foreclosure Available: No (but assent to decree is allowed)
Maryland offers two basic methods of foreclosure:
Power of sale foreclosure, in which the lender or another person named in the mortgage or deed of trust, may sell the property and
assent to decree foreclosure, in which the borrower agrees to permit the court to order foreclosure.
In either case, however, the lender must file a lawsuit in court to foreclose. The same is true if the mortgage instrument lacks either a power of sale clause, or an assent to decree clause, but in that event, the lawsuit will be more complicated.
When the mortgage contains a power of sale or assent to decree clause, and if 25 percent of the involved lenders (as measured by the percentage of the total dollars of mortgage debt against the property) consent or make application for sale, then no service of process, answer or hearing is required. This simplifies the lawsuit. On the other hand, if the mortgage contains neither a consent to a decree clause nor a power of sale clause, or if a foreclosure sale is desired prior to the court's final decree, then there must be service of process, an answer and a hearing. However, in the latter case, 25 percent of the lenders do not have to join in filing the initial lawsuit.
Power of Sale Foreclosure
Power of sale clause foreclosures must be done under court supervision in Maryland. A person desiring foreclosure must file a lawsuit asking for foreclosure pursuant to the power of sale clause.
The lender must do the following:
- Include in the lawsuit paperwork a sworn statement of the amount of the mortgage debt and a certified copy of the mortgage.
- Post bond for the amount approved by the clerk.
- Publish notice of the time, place and terms of the sale once a week for three weeks prior to the sale, with at least 15 days' notice of the foreclosure sale.
- Mail the foreclosure notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the borrower no less than 10 and no more than 30 days before sale.
- The notice must also be mailed to the present owner and holder of any junior mortgage or other lien that has been recorded who also recorded a request for notice.
Assent To Decree Foreclosure
Under an assent to decree foreclosure, the lender must file a lawsuit in court to foreclose. The court will then enter a decree ordering the property to be sold and appoint the trustee to conduct the sale. The trustee must post a bond and sell the property according to the terms fixed by the court. The court will later confirm the sale.
In Maryland a deficiency judgment may be obtained if the lender makes a motion for it within three years after the accounting before the foreclosure is complete.
Maryland foreclosure proceedings take place as an action under equity law. Maryland has not seen fit to establish a specific time limit on how long the borrower has to wait to redeem real estate lost in foreclosure. However, the Doctrine of Laches prevents this time period from being unreasonably long.
C Thompson
Case Manager
For Information on Loan Modification Scams click here
For Information on Investor foreclosures click here
For FAQS click here
Pre-Approval Loan Modification Application
C Thompson
Account Manager
Call me:
Fax: 206-203-1890
Email me: firstname.lastname@example.com


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