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8th December – Police Station. Early evening.
The following few hours passed with the general hubbub that a new case brings, officers bustling with ideas, phones ringing of the hook. A case of this magnitude caused everyone to up his or her game and presented the challenge that all officers crave. The rain had come. A huge deluge in fact. Pouring itself down for a good couple of hours or so, and since the darkness had fallen at about four thirty that afternoon, McCann' time had been filled with paperwork and more paperwork.
Writing up reports were the bain of his, and any officers' working lives, but it was something that had to be done in between catching the bad guys, which recently, and up until now, hadn't overloaded the schedule. A few muggings, a post office robbery in the town centre with no leads, a hit and run outside a pub in Rochester, but apart from that, all had been relatively quiet and being stuck inside for most of the day had given him a raging headache and the hump to go with it, he needed a drink and a good curry. Stretching in his chair, which squeaked under his weight, he pushed his arms up above his head and gave out a little moan in doing so. The office had been relatively empty for the last hour or so, with most people clocking off at five pm. McCann had been one of the last ones to leave. He was nearly always the last one in the office and most of the time it was intentional. It gave him the peace and quiet he sometimes craved to mull things over without having any distractions, mainly from Conrad and fellow DI, Dan Mulligan and their constant battle over trivial matters like who should be in the England squad. Should it be Rooney or Defore? No, it had to be Rooney, but what about Carroll? Or how about fresh blood like Walcott or Oxlade-Chamberlain?
There were days when he felt like snapping and occasions when he did just that, lack of sleep or a night with a bottle leaving him with a mood like stink and in no frame of mind to put up with two youngsters banging on about shit. He ran his hands down his tired face, two days growth bristling between his fingers and then flicked off his monitor and PC tower, the ceasing of the whirring making the room silent, the only sounds now being the rain rattling on the window next to his desk and the wind whistling through the spindly trees that stood outside. He stood and pushed his chair under his desk, picking up his jacket from the back of it and slipping it on. He was about to turn and head for the door, when the phone rang.
Sighing, he thought about leaving it, but, decided that it may be important and if it was he didn't want to be the one to have to answer to the powers that be. Walking across the room he reached for the receiver.
His voice tired. "Good evening, DI McCann."
"Good evening, DI McCann." he repeated, this time with a tone of irritation.
Again, silence.
"Conrad, is that you?" he sighed. "I'm tired and can't be doing with playing silly buggers."
"Oh fuck you then if you're not going to talk."
Hanging up, and, after switching off the lights, he made his way out. Along the main corridor and then down the main stairs that ran through the middle of the building. His footsteps echoing throughout the stairwell and after saying goodnight to a pretty cleaning lady, he stepped from the station and into the night.
The rain was still pouring from the star-less sky. A river of water overflowed from a drain and was gushing down the slope that led away to the main gate. The streets were eerily quiet. The intersection that was usually busy at this time of the evening almost deserted, a lonely lorry rumbled through, ferrying its cargo to some European destination. He took in a big lungful of fresh air, the smell of rain filing his nostrils, before darting across the car park to his car. Once inside he brushed the water from his head and was to halfway to inserting his key in the ignition when he felt vibrating in his inside pocket. Reaching in he pulled out his mobile, seeing the name on the display and answered. The sounds of music and loud voices filled his ear.
"Conrad. You're not going to fuck around this time are you?"
There was a pause and McCann heard him ordering a pint of Guinness before answering.
"Do what? Fucking around?"
"It wasn't you then, a minute ago?"
"Wasn't me what?"
McCann sighed and shifted in his seat. "Never mind. What's up?"
More laughter, he recognized Mulligans' voice in the background. Probably berating some poor unsuspecting fellow with his stupid opinions.
"We're in the Prince of Wales if you fancy it. Just a couple of jars, nothing too heavy."
McCann took a deep breath and pondered it. Pondered whether he could stomach an evening with the terrible twosome. Thought about the quiet one he was going to have with a drink and a curry. He was half way through his pondering when Conrad crackled back in his ear.
"Come on, don't be miserable, just one drink. Tell me what else you've got to look forward too? And if it doesn't involve being up to your balls in a fit blonde then I'm not interested."
What could he say to that? There really wasn't any comeback to that remark at all and suddenly his quiet night in didn't sound too good after all. The journey to the Prince of Wales was a short one. A few minutes through the now torrential rain, windscreen wipers going ninety to the dozen, people on the streets running for cover wherever they could find it, umbrellas popping up everywhere.
Parking the car in the car park just up from where he needed to be, he sat for a few moments in hope, more than anything that the rain would ease.
A few minutes turned into fifteen with still no sign of it letting up so, after zipping uphis jacket right and pulling the collar around is neck, he flung open the door and made a run for it.
Dashing down the hill, splashing through puddles, the rain slapping into his face. The beat of the music from the Tap N' Tin pub filled his ears as he passed, the smell of the various kebab and curry houses that lined the high street wafting in his nostrils, causing his stomach to rumble. He'd never been a big fan of kebabs, but right now he would happily have eaten a scabby horse if he had been presented with one.
Reaching the crossing he took a quick look in both directions before dashing to the other side, the pub was now in sight, no more than fifty yards to go.
On reaching the entrance he excused his way past three men in hoodies huddled together trying to light cigarettes, laughing to himself in that there is, seemingly, no weather that a smoker will not brave for a fix, and went inside.
The place was rather busy for a Wednesday evening. It was a lot busier than he'd seen it most Friday nights. Then he realised why. The big screen on the far wall was showing the Arsenal and Liverpool match on Sky Sports.
A light smile spread across his face as Jack popped into his head. He could picture his son sitting at home, decked out in his Arsenal shirt, probably drinking tea from his 'Number 1 Gunners fan' mug, a plate of biscuits on his lap, constantly chatting away at the TV. Bemoaning every decision that went against his team and cheering every tackle made. He stood and watched a few moments of the match from just inside the doorway, heads in front of him bobbing up and down, expletives filling the air with the odd chant or two. He then caught Conrad's eye and made his way to the corner of the room. The small round table that sat between them was filled with empty glasses, and crisp packets. McCann went to speak, to ask them if he could get them anything when Mulligan piped up, waving his hands in the air.
"McCann, move yourself, I can't see the TV through you."
McCann looked at him and then looked behind him, realising that he was standing right in his eye line to the match. He smirked and stayed right where he was. If there was one person on this planet that he liked to wind up then it was him.
Dan "Spray Tan" Mulligan was a thirty six year old short arse of a man with an attitude like that of a small yappy type dog. He was rarely happy and always had something to say, which was fine, but usually what he had to say was bollocks. He was also, as his nickname suggested, a bit on the orange side.
Mulligan swore a couple of times and shuffled his seat to his left to regain his view.
"Oh, sorry Dan," said McCann. "Was I in your way?"
Mulligans eyes flicked for a second onto McCann and then straight back to the screen.
"Get me a pint and sit yourself down will you."
McCann smiled, and after taking Conrad's order, stepped back through the crowd to take his place in the queue for the bar. He wondered what the fascination was with watching Football, or any sport, in pubs. At an actual match you get the full atmosphere, the electricity, the anticipation as the players take the field in front of you, ready for battle. Everyone is there for the same reason, to cheer your boys to the finish line. But in a pub, you get none of that. A half-baked atmosphere where most of the people there couldn't give a toss and would rather it was turned off so they could have a drink in peace.
The queue moved forward as someone else got their drinks and returned to their seats. McCann reached into his jacket and pulled out his mobile, nothing. He thought to himself that if life was a popularity contest then he was well and truly lagging behind the rest of the field.
Flicking through the menu he sent Jack a quick message, enquiring as to whether he was enjoying the game, and then tucked the phone back into his pocket. It was then that he saw her.
Standing at the bar on the opposite side of the room to him, looking as immaculate as she always did, her red hair trailing down onto her shoulders, was Dr Campbell. He felt a drip of sweat trickle from his armpit and run down his side as he looked at her laughing and joking with two women, neither of whom he recognized. His thoughts then flashed back to the luke warm reception she had given him at the crime scene. It all came back again, like a damn bursting its banks. As he stood there in the queue it played over in his mind, like a bad B movie. The first woman since Karen that had taken the slightest bit of interest in him, and he had blown it, and not just once either. He seemed to always be letting her down and making excuses. Most of them due, in the main, to falling asleep drunk and, like the previous evening completely forgetting she even existed.
Despite this, and again, up until last night, she had always let him back in. Always believed his excuses and considered the situation he had been in. But not this time, this time was a step to far.
He stood looking at her for a few more moments, his stupidity buzzing in his brain, as the queue in front of him dissipated, drinks and snacks being taken back to tables and dark corners. Then, she saw him, and in a split second her face changed from that of content, of happiness in the company of friends for a drink and a gossip, to that of someone who'd just seen the person responsible for the greatest sin of all.
They both stood, eyes fixed on each other, for what seemed, to McCann, like an eternity, but what, in reality, was probably no more than a few seconds, until she looked away, like he had never existed, her face changing back to how it was before she saw him. He reached the bar in the next few moments, in which time Dr Campbell had moved away and taken a seat with her two friends in the opposite corner of the room. The young spotty barman then took his order and slouched away, leaving McCann with his thoughts.
He needed to speak to her, explain himself, tell her that what happened the other night was a mistake and that he was an idiot, he'd had too much to drink and that wasn't usually how he acted. She knew the real him, didn't she? Knew that that wasn't the person he was, didn't she? He batted it around in his head until the drinks were brought back. He paid up and took them back to the table, where Mulligan's face was still carved into that of disgust that his team, Liverpool, were being beaten.
Placing the drinks down onto the table, he pulled out a stool and sat down. A few seconds passed in relative silence, just the buzz of the crowd in the bar filled the air, the odd yelp and cheer, a laugh here and there. McCann spoke.
"You're looking a bit pale Dan, everything all right? You ran out of spray on?"
Conrad stifled a laugh and took a swig of his beer. Mulligan took a sideways look at McCann.
"I'm not in the mood McCann."
McCann took a gulp of his beer. "Sorry, just not used to seeing you looking so pasty that's all."
Mulligan shook his head. "Funny, you're really funny McCann, anyone ever told you that?"
McCann nodded. "One or two people yes."
Mulligan muttered something that was barely audible and Conrad jumped in to avoid any tension building up.
"You get Bethany back ok?"
McCann nodded and placed his glass back on the table. "Yes, thanks. Karen came and got her this morning.'
A smirk appeared on Mulligans face, sensing his opportunity to go on the offensive.
"How are your little ones McCann? They enjoying their new life in that big house? Must be nice for them to have a bit of room to play in?" the smirk stayed right where it was.
McCann knew his game and ordinarily if anyone took his family's name in vain he would bite, but this was Mulligan, and not biting back would make him even tetchier, which was exactly the plan. He spoke with smile on his face, a false one mind. The thought of his own flesh and blood being away from him with their new lives made him boil.
"They're doing great thanks, I'm just happy that they're happy, no point beating myself up about it is there?" He let the question hang in the air with his eyes fixed on Mulligan, knowing that his reaction wasn't the expected one.
There was a moment of silence. "Well, yes, I guess that's right." He paused, looking at McCann, not knowing what to say to the calm response he had received. McCann enjoyed seeing him flustered, enjoyed seeing his beady eyes darting to and fro in his head, the piece of shit. He left his gaze on Mulligan for a few seconds more and then turned on his stool to face the big screen on the opposite wall, catching a smirk on Conrad's face in doing so. He also caught sight of something else, Dr Campbell, leaving, and on her own. This was his chance. He grabbed up his drink and swigged it back and placing it back down on the table he excused himself and made for the exit, which she was just passing through. Outside the night air was cold and filled with a light breeze specked with drizzle. He stepped from the door and looked left and right, catching her making her way down the high street towards the car park by the river. Pulling his jacket collar up around his shoulders he made his way after her, he needed to get this sorted. This stupid mistake. He got to within ten yards or so of her and called her name. No reply. He plugged on, calling again, this time she did reply, but kept on walking.
"Piss off Elliott. Please."
Speeding up, the rain becoming heavier, he brought himself up next to her.
"Jennifer, please, just listen to me will you."
She turned her head to face him, her pace still brisk. "Listen to what? Listen to your bullshit? I'm not interested. I'm prepared to be civil on a professional level, but that's all. I've had enough, ok?"
He sighed. "The other night, I don't know what to say, it was stupid, I sat down and had a few drinks and, well—-"
She stopped, raising up a hand in front of him. "What part of go away don't you understand?" He went to reply but didn't get the chance, her voice dropping in tone but still keeping the same intensity.
"You know how I felt and you knew how important last night was to me, but you had to be a dick. It was fucking selfish Elliott, ok?" she took a breath; she was on a role, her eyes like fire. "I've confided in you Elliott, told you things that I've not even thought about telling anyone else, and why? I'll tell you why, because I thought you were different, thought you were one of the good ones," she paused and huffed a laugh. "But I was wrong, and this time I'm not putting up with being second best, not putting up with your excuses, so I'd like you to leave me alone."
And with that she walked on. He thought about following but then thought against it. There was no point, she had said all that she needed to say, he had fucked up and that was it. He stood and watched her go, all the way to the end of the high street until she reached the crossing and was out of sight, she didn't look back.
8th December – Napier Road. Late evening.
He hadn't hung around after his altercation with Jennifer Campbell. He hadn't much felt like going back into the pub to sit with Mulligan, the smug bastard. Having to work with him was bad enough, without having to go through the trauma of socializing with him as well. He could think of a better caliber of person to spend his free time with, Hitler, Mussolini, Fred West maybe, but not Dan Mulligan and his ridiculous views on society. It was like being on a rally with Oswald Moseley at times. He wouldn't have minded so much had he been in the twilight years of his career, an old bobby having had experience of the things he raved about, but he wasn't. He was barely in his third decade and knew nothing, absolutely nothing. Arriving back at his house he let himself in and switched on the hall light. Pacing into the kitchen he rummaged around in the bureau drawer, a few moments and he pulled out two take-away menus. One for The Red Palace Chinese and the other for Spice Fusion, with its billing as 'Medway's newest and best in Indian Cuisine.' Studying them for a few more moments he plumpt for the Indian. A good curry, a beer or two and some good music was enough to put a smile on anyone's face after a shitty day.
After phoning through his order, a Prawn Masala, pilau rice, a side of Bombay potato and a peshwari naan bread, he climbed the stairs and jumped into a hot shower to wash off the dirt of the day. It hadn't been a particularly good one, not that his days were ever that good right now. The loneliness had come back, worse than before. After Karen and the kids had left it took a while to get used to the empty house, but, as time went by, he came to terms with it and started to enjoy the peace and quiet. He dearly missed them all, sure he did, and knowing that it was his fault that his family had broken up was a hard thing to bear. The feelings of guilt and frustration, on occasions, flooded over him like a damn bursting it banks. The knowing they were safe, even if it wasn't with him, sometimes made him feel better, but there was still times when he would beat himself up over it and find himself at the bottom of a bottle. This was something that the many councilors he had visited had tried, some with more success than others, to drum out of him. Telling him that if ever wanted to get to grips with his life and try to move on, he had to stop these feelings of guilt and regret, no matter how hard it was, he had to try, not just for his sake, but the sake of his children.
But what did they know? Which was exactly his attitude towards them. One after the other he kicked against the advice, and one after the other they fell by the wayside, only for the next one to spout the same advice until he gave up. Gave up with the appointments and gave up answering their calls, and went about trying to solve it all on his own, something which was more difficult to put into action than he ever realized it would be. But his current one was different. With Derrick Arthurs he felt like he was getting somewhere. He felt like his way of dealing with it all was getting him out of it. Pulling him out of his rut.
Lying on the bed, wet, and wrapped in the towel, he pulled out some folded papers from his jacket, and laid them out on the bed. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't shake the Lonely Hearts Killer case from his mind. He knew that it was stupid, as Conrad had told him in, but something about it just kept on wriggling away inside him.
Reading over the information for the umpteenth time, he felt a pang of sympathy for Keith Mason. The troubled man left to rot in prison for crimes that he denied committing, his life ending on the end of a rope. Crimes that, from no matter which angle you approached it from were undeniably his.
He blew out a long breath just as the doorbell rang. Dragging himself up from the bed he quickly threw on a t-shirt and his tracksuit trousers and descended the stairs to open the front door. He was confronted by a gangly, Asian youth, a baseball cap adorned with the restaurants logo, fitted tightly on his head. They went through the pleasantries and McCann paid, took his food and bid him goodnight.
Closing up he headed for the kitchen, grabbing a plate and some cutlery and then, after sliding Pink Floyds 1971 album Meddle, in the CD player, he made himself comfortable on the sofa, and as the opening bars of One of These Days gently wafted in, he took down his first mouthful. He'd been looking forward to this very moment all day.
The food didn't hang around for long, and halfway through 'Fearless' the albums third track, his plate and the silver cartons were all clear of food. He pushed the small table away and sat back on the sofa. The food swilled around in his gut and he put his head back on the sofa, a few moments and his phone rang.
With a bolt of dread filling his gut, he pulled himself up and crossed the room towards his mobile phone,
Tentatively, he answered. "Hello."
"Hello, Elliott?"
With a sigh of relief, he smiled.
"Derrick. Sorry, I had a horrible thought that it was going to be more bad news."
"Well, I'm glad to dispel those feelings for you. Sorry that it's late, I hope that I haven't interrupted anything?"
"No, not at all. What can I do for you?"
There was the sound of rustling paper.
"I was just going through my diary and wanted to confirm our appointment tomorrow, what with the current situation and all. I didn't want you to think that you had to come in. I've had the news on all afternoon. What a terrible business."
Crossing back to the sofa, McCann sat himself back down.
"No, I'm all set, unless something major crops up, of course, its hard to say at the moment. But, as of now, I'll be there."
"Excellent, I'm glad to hear it, Elliott. Well, I'll let you get back to your evening."
Taking another swig of the water he got up and gathered up the remnants of the meal, carrying the plates and silver trays into the kitchen and leaving them on the draining board, he'd clear them away tomorrow.
Turning to leave the kitchen he headed towards the stairs and the distant sound of his bed calling his name, when the doorbell rang. Instinctively, he glanced up at the clock on the wall, a few minutes to midnight. Who the hell would be knocking on his door at this time of night? He thought of Bethany, but surely not? He walked through the kitchen and into the hallway, calling out, but no reply. Reaching the door, he hesitated and then opened. What confronted him was nothing but the cold night air drifting in onto his face. He stepped out onto the path and looked left and then right, but the length of the road was clear. The barking of a dog and the distant rumble of an airplane the only sounds filling the air. He frowned, taking one more glance around, and then stepped back inside, closing the door. It wasn't long before he was in bed, hoping that the nightmare of earlier was nothing but a one off and that sleep would come easy and interrupted. His wish was granted, but soon enough, the nightmare would be all too real.
Alice Morgan sat at her dressing table, a white cotton towel wrapped around her body and another, the same but smaller, wrapped tightly around her head, soaking the excess water from her freshly washed hair. She glanced at the time on the radio alarm clock that sat on her bed side table, the small green diode numbers showed 08:51, she had almost an hour and a half until her date and she wanted to look her best.
She had been chatting to Tom, or TOMRR1979 as he was known on the website, for a couple of weeks now. It had started with an innocent wink from him on the dating website that she had signed up for on the recommendation of her friend Shara, after she had met someone the year previous and who was now engaged to.
They had exchanged messages for a couple of days, just brief comments on how their days had been, things like that. It was all knew to her, she didn't really know if there were any rules to it or not, things you should always do or things you should avoid saying. Then, one morning, she had checked her emails before heading to work to find that he had sent her his mobile number, the message accompanied with a smiley face and 'hope you don't feel this is too forward, but be nice to chat to you' She had smiled at the message and entered the number into her phone, which she used on her lunch hour. The conversation was nice and relaxed, there were no awkward silences or fumbling for anything to say, it was comfortable and easy and she liked it. That was how it went for the next few days, lunchtime or an evening phone call, chatting and laughing until he asked it she would like to meet, no pressure, but he thought that it would be nice to finally chat in person. She agreed and the date was set.
Alice's luck with men had been somewhat checkered in the past. Cheats and losers where how she described the guys she ended up being with, and with her last real relationship having ended almost a year to the day, she was finally in a place to shake of the shackles and get back out there and, hopefully, meet someone good, and from what she had learnt so far, Tom sounded like someone who could be just that.
Over the course of the next forty-five minutes or so she went about her usual routine, hair drying and styling. Make up, not too much, but enough to look good. Her new outfit which she had bought especially for the occasion, new dark blue jeans and a nice fitted white top that showed her cleavage, again, not to much, but enough to look good, enough to catch attention. If you've got it flaunt it was her motto, and she had it, so was going to do exactly that. With fifteen minutes to spare she was ready and stood in front of the full-length mirror on the front of her wardrobe. She turned one way and then the other, looking at herself, and deciding, with a smile and a nod of the head, that she looked the part. She then took her brown leather jacket from the back of her chair and slipped it over her slender shoulders. She was ready; she just hoped that he appreciated the effort.
They had arranged to meet in a little coffee shop in the high street, his choice. She wasn't used to coffee dates, but thought it would be a nice change from the noisy pubs she was usually taken too. Her profile information had stated about her sweet tooth, so she had taken little persuading when he mentioned the lovely cakes and muffins they served, and had accepted with a smile, thinking it lovely that Tom had taken the time to read her comments and make a decision to take her somewhere nice for their first date.
She had arrived first and stood under the awning outside to shelter from the light drizzle that fell from the concrete grey sky. It was just before ten thirty and she was a little early. She looked in through the door and saw the counter lined with delicious looking things. Cakes with lashings of cream, gingerbread men with smartie eyes and buttons, jam doughnuts the size of tea plates. Everything looked wonderful and the smell that emanated from inside was of fresh bread and coffee, she couldn't believe that she hadn't known about this place, otherwise she would have been here every day.
"Alice?" A voice from behind made her jump.
"Yes, yes," She paused, looking at the smiling face that stood in front of her, his wet brown hair dripping water down onto his forehead. "Tom? Yes?"
He ran the sleeve of his jacket over his face, clearing the water away. "Hi, yes, lovely to meet you at last. Sorry I'm a little late, I couldn't find any change for the car park."
He held out his hand, and when she extended hers he moved in for a kiss on the cheek, which she accepted with a smile. With a slight blush on her cheeks. "Shall we get inside out of the awful weather? I've just been looking at all the things they sell, I can't wait." He smiled and nodded and they went inside. Taking a seat at a table in the corner they waited to be served. There was the usual nervous silence filled with nervous smiles and raised eyebrows while they looked at the menu's delights, perusing everything on offer.
"So, can you recommend anything?" She said. "It all looks great."
He raised his head and looked at her. He had a warm face and a smile to match, his deep blue eyes looked into hers and she could feel something, she wasn't sure quite what it was but something seemed to happen.
"Well, the Gypsy Tarts are my favourite and the Carrot cake is also really good, if you like the sound of either of them that is."
Nodding in agreement, she chose the Gypsy Tart, and a Cappuccino to accompany it. He smiled and said that he would have the same but with a Latte. They were served a few moments later and then chatted in between mouthfuls of cake and sips of their drinks. He seemed like a nice guy. After the initial nerves and slight awkwardness they both eased into the date, telling each other about themselves, asking questions about this and that, things about what they had written on their profile about their likes and dislikes, things that had caused the initial attraction, albeit one over cyberspace. She learnt that he worked in I.T in the city for a small company; he had two older brothers and loved a good book, especially Jack Kerouac and Ernest Hemingway. Couple this with the things that she already knew from reading his online profile, he loved to travel, America and Scandinavia being among his favourites, he one day wanted to own a Porsche 911 and wasn't a big fan of Tomatoes, she was finding herself becoming attracted to Tom. But there was one other question that she had to ask and one that she had asked the other guys that she had chatted to through the website, though there were not that many, just a handful. "So what brought you to the world of internet dating?" He huffed a laugh and took a sip of his drink, placing the mug back down on the table in front of him and leant back in his chair.
"Well." He paused.
"No pressure." She interrupted with a cheeky smile.
Returning her smile. "I guess I got to the point in my life where I was settled in a decent job, had my own place, and wanted someone to share it with." He looked into her eyes, she felt his warmth radiate across the short distance between them. "Or something like that." He continued with another smile, then looking with a hint of embarrassment.
"No, I like it. I think we all get to that point don't we? Thinking that we are ready to make that leap to the next step." "And you think you are there?" He said with a raised eyebrow and a grin.
She smiled and nodded slightly. "I think I could be yes. I think I'm in a good place, so you never know."
They both chuckled and spent the next hour or so doing the same, chatting and laughing, getting to know one another. Alice couldn't believe her luck that she was sitting with a guy that didn't seem like a loser, didn't seem like every other guy that she seemed to have the misfortune of meeting. He had a stable job, not that that was everything but it meant that he wasn't going to sponge from her like some of her boyfriends had done in the past. He was interesting and well read, and she got a sense that he wanted to better himself in his career and in his life, he wanted to see the world and try and make a difference. She had to pinch herself. By the time they left it was nearly twelve thirty and the sun had poked itself into the sky, there was still a chill in the air but nothing like early when they arrived.
Strolling down the high street they continued to laugh and joke, peering into the windows of all the little nik nak, charity and second hand bookshops. It was turning out to be a lovely day, something that Alice hadn't had in a while, and something that sometimes she thought would never happen again. But here she was with a guy that made her laugh and made her feel at ease. A guy that seemed genuine and sincere. It sounded silly but she couldn't wait to tell her mum. The rest of the date had stayed fine, the roads drying under their feet as they walked, a few puddles here and there but no more. Tom then suggested a drink in a nice quiet pub that he knew. She didn't think anything of it and agreed without hesitation. He said that he would drive and then drop her back to get her car later on, saying that it would be safe parked where it was for a while. Again, she didn't think anything of it and said yes, liking that he was taking control of the situation.
He had an estate car, his fathers he had said. There were blankets, rope and a spade in the boot. Once more, she didn't think anything of it and climbed into the passenger seat. Once inside she reached for the seatbelt, pulling it across herself, and clipped it into the holder. It was then that it struck her.
Looking to her right, she froze, expectant on seeing Tom sitting there, waiting to whisk her off to their next destination, his smiling face looking at her and drawing her in, she was, instead, confronted by someone else, a larger man, breathing heavily and donned all in black. His hair slicked back on his head, a twisted grin visible through the mouthpiece of the white mask that covered his face.
It took a good few seconds for the comprehension to set in, her heart skipping a beat in her chest, her mind ticking overtime. She went to speak, opening her mouth to ask what was going on, the sounds quenched by the dryness of her throat.
Panicking now, she spun around, reaching for the door handle. Grabbing it in her hand she shook it, wrestling hard against it, but it was locked, there was no escape. She looked back over her shoulder, the man was still gazing at her, he hadn't moved a muscle, hadn't uttered a word, all she could hear was the breathing, hard and low. Was he real? Was this a dream, a joke maybe? Then she saw Tom, outside, standing a few feet from her window, smiling at her. She looked at him and said his name, but he didn't move. She frowned and said it again, a little louder this time. Still nothing. Her heart was now racing, beating in her chest like a drum. She started to bang on the window, harder this time, her hands throbbing from the pressure, shouting Tom's name, screaming, but he was unmoved, just standing, stock still, like a mannequin in a shop window.
Frantic now, tears streaming down her face, sobbing his name, desperately looking for a way out. A moment more passed and Tom's face spread into a smile, then, raising his hand, he waved, moving it slowly from side to side, the smile fading to a chilling look of hatred. She then felt a hand around her mouth and a voice whisper in her ear. "Time to die Alice."
She awoke, balled up on the floor, groggy and in pain, her right cheek swollen and the skin tender around her mouth, in almost pitch darkness. Opening her eyes slowly, she could just make out that she was in a small room, no more than seven or eight feet wide and with a low ceiling, the walls tattered and rough under her hands as she reached up to touch them.
Her thoughts were fuzzy, her head throbbing like a bass drum, but she remembered Tom, remembered his face and being out with him in the rain, the coffee and cake in the restaurant, his smile and their laughing together. Then she remembered someone else, the man in the car, the man in the mask, sitting there, next to her, just staring, the sound of his breathing, slow and shallow, rhythmic, Tom standing outside with the twisted smile on his face. She suddenly felt the panic rise as she recalled the man's hand clasped over her mouth and the whispered words in her ear, words that meant nothing to her, words in a language that was alien. She shuddered at the recollection of the voice, hushed and toneless, evil she thought. The room started to spin, claustrophobia swept over her, she couldn't breath, and her throat was tight, her lungs calling out to be filled with precious air.
Pulling herself up she felt along the wall further, trying to compose herself as best she could, dust and concrete falling away as she did so, crumbling down to the cold floor beneath her, there must be a door, a way out, she needed air, needed to get outside. A few moments more and she came upon something, something solid and hanging about halfway up. Grabbing hold of it she began to feel around its shape. The pointed corners, the shiny surface, raised and rough on one side, her mind trying to picture what it was in the darkness her hands were touching. It was a good few seconds before it dawned on her, a good few seconds before all the signals joined up and her mind switched on. Tugging at the object it slid away from the wall, more debris falling to the floor, dust swirling around and into her nostrils, making her sneeze. She stepped back from the wall a couple of paces and blinked furiously, her eyes slowly starting to adjust to the dark. Holding the object that was in her hand up to her face she could, then, just about make out the outline. In her hand she held a crucifix.
The clanging as it hit the hard stone floor reverberated around the small room, and the ringing in her ears seemed to take an age before it died away and the silence once again took hold, it was then that she heard the footsteps. They were above her head and as loud as thunder and as her heart began to pound she crouched down onto her knees as though they were coming straight for the top of her head, then, as quick as they started they stopped, the silence returning. She waited, the darkness closing in around her, her breath rapid like machine gun fire. Her mind ticking over double, triple time, trying desperately to figure out what was going on, and more importantly where she was, and why. After a few silent moments the footsteps started up again, this time the sound of the steps echoed on wood and descended to her right. Whoever it was coming for her, and they were getting closer. The sweat started to roll from her underarms and drip onto the floor. A wave of emotion swelled inside her and hit like a train, tears starting to roll from her eyes and down her face, her lip quivering like jelly on a plate. She went to cry out for help but all that escaped from her dry throat was a whimper, a pathetic little whimper. For a second time the footsteps stopped as quick as they started, a long moment passed before a thud and then a click broke the silence, splintering the air, and a shaft of light flooded into the room. She held up a hand to her face, the sudden burst of light blinding her eyes, and through her fingers saw a silhouetted figure stood in a doorway. Falling backwards, she scrabbled away as far as she could from the sight, back against the wall as it entered and stood looking down at her. She could hear breathing, long and heavy breaths and time seemed to pass like in a vacuum as the figure just stood, looking, its head occasionally tilting, slowly, from side to side.
She went to speak, but her throat caught and she burst into a coughing fit, still the figure didn't move, composing herself as much as she could she tried again. It was ragged, but it came out this time.
"Please, don't hurt me, please."
Silence followed as the figure, still, made no movement or sound. Just stood, motionless, like a waxwork.
She continued. "Please, what's going on?" I don't know what I've done."
It was then that the figure uttered its first sounds, a long drawn out sound. "Sssshhhhh."
She frowned and waited for more, but that was it as silence again took hold. Her mind raced, her heart thumped like pneumatic drill. She thought about making a run for it, but the figure was large, and she was weak, it would be no contest. She spoke again, tears filling up her eyes, and dripping down her face.
"I don't know what I've done, please, let me go, please."
The figure then stepped forward, slowly pacing towards her. She scrabbled backwards again, but there was nowhere else to go, she was trapped like an animal. The tears were flowing now, her speech incomprehensible as she blubbed. Reaching her, the figure bent down, a strong scent of something she couldn't quite place filled her nostrils, she blubbed some more, holding her hands up in front of her, begging, pleading, before the figure silenced her with a hard fist to the side of her head, knocking her down to floor.
She laid still, her eyes flickering, drifting in and out of consciousness. The figure straightened up and spoke, the voice low and haunting.
"Alice, Alice, sweet little Alice, so young and so innocent. Such a shame that this is where it all ends."
The figure then left the room, leaving her alone as blackness then filled her senses


text:
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--diaDexus, Inc. (OTCQB:DDXS), a commercial stage developer of proprietary cardiovascular diagnostic products, today announced that Jean Viret, Ph.D., chief financial officer, will be leaving the company effective September 19, 2014 to pursue an opportunity outside of the company. diaDexus has initiated an external search for a new CFO.
"We very much appreciate the years of dedication and service that Jean has given to diaDexus, and we wish him well in his next opportunity"
"We very much appreciate the years of dedication and service that Jean has given to diaDexus, and we wish him well in his next opportunity," said Lori Rafield, Ph.D., interim executive chair and chairman of the board for diaDexus. "We continue to focus on building a management team that is designed to expedite execution of the company's diversification and expansion plans to drive and support future growth. We have initiated a search for a new CFO and are also looking to bring in additional senior leaders to round out our team."
About diaDexus, Inc.
diaDexus, Inc., based in South San Francisco, California, develops and commercializes proprietary cardiovascular diagnostic products addressing unmet needs in cardiovascular disease. The company's PLAC® Test ELISA Kit is the only blood test cleared by the FDA to aid in predicting risk for both coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis, the #1 and #3 causes of death, respectively, in the United States. The company's PLAC® Test for Lp-PLA2 Activity, a CE-marked test, is an indicator of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the #1 cause of death in Europe. diaDexus is ISO 13485 certified and manufactures the PLAC® Test for Lp-PLA2 Activity on-site. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.diaDexus.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Global 1,3-butylene Glycol Market Report elaborates the complete details of latest industry trends and business circumstances to help the 1,3-butylene Glycol market aspirants in making key business decisions. All the vital aspects of 1,3-butylene Glycol like the current developments, growth opportunities, 1,3-butylene Glycol industry chain structure, applications are covered in this report. Global 1,3-butylene Glycol report also conducts the regional analysis of 1,3-butylene Glycol market based on market size, manufacturing cost, key market players and their 1,3-butylene Glycol market revenue. This report conducts a complete 1,3-butylene Glycol market review covering the main regions like North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle-East, and Africa.
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KH Neochem
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Just wanted to give a quick update, I spent all of my 2013 summer in Ghana, West Africa completing my final internship under the guidance of Dr. Bryan Cox at The Spinal Clinic. The experience was more than I ever could have asked for and I am too excited to return and get some larger things started!
|My typical Sunday in Ghana, on the beach!
|Graduation with my parents and grandparents
I am still serving the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (wccsworldwide.org) on the Board of Directors and in various capacities. I am so in love with this organization and all that it offers. Through my service I have been lucky enough to attend the CCE (cce-usa.org) USDE re-accreditation hearing in December of last year and most recently the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (it's still my favorite to attend in the United States). In a few weeks I'll be heading to Malaga, Spain for our 36th Annual General Meeting. I can't wait to see our members and feel the passion that we all share.
|The WCCS Americas Region in Durban, South Africa 2013


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Hello Fellow Chimps! Valentine's Day is today (for some it's tomorrow) so I thought I would do the Valentine's Day tag. You may have noticed that I do tags on special occasions, and I think I will keep doing tags like this on special days. Today, my mum will be doing this tag just because I think it is more suitable:
Q: What is your favourite Valentine's Day treat?
A: Dinner at a restaurant or Jewelry.
Q: Sweethearts or Chocolate Covered Strawberries?
A: Chocolate Covered Strawberries, I don't know what Sweethearts are…
Q: What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory?
A: When Paul gave me flowers when I started teaching at school.
Q: What Valentine's Day movie would you rather watch: Pretty Woman or You've Got Mail?
A: I have to watch both of them so I'm undecided…
Q: What celebrity would you have for dinner on a Valentine's Day date?
A: Hugh Jackman because he's not only good looking, but a very lovely man.
Q: What would you do on your perfect Valentine's Day date?
A: Go to a resort on the beach.
Q: Red or Pink Lips on Valentine's Day?
Red, I Guess It depends on your outfit.
Q: What is your ideal Valentine's Day date outfit?
A: A black dress with sparkly earrings but if I'm at the resort, I'll be wearing my swimmers!
Q: Home-made or Store-bought gifts?
A: I'd have either, because I deserve it. I don't mind, as long as I get a gift.
Q: Would you wear your hair up or your hair down for a date night?
A: Hair down because I've only got short hair.
Q: What do you love about your partner/Valentine?
A: He's just so lovely 😍😍😍😘😘🙃
I hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day and I hope that there's someone out there who really admires you, 😊. I took the tag questions from http://www.geekyfashionista.blogspot.com.au however, I modified some/added some. Go and look at her blog and happy Valentine's Day!
Be Free, Be Chimps.


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Pugs are wonderful pets, maybe the most excellent dog type that you can have as a pet. This page will keep you informed about anything new about pugs, so here is a new news articles.
AFL footballers show off their four-legged friendsHerald SunOther proud dog owners at the club: Tom Hawkins (Australian Bulldog x Pug), Mitch Duncan (Australian Bulldog x American Staffy), Josh Caddy (French Bulldog), Dawson Simpson (German Shorthaired Pointer), Allen Christensen (Elkhound), Corey Enright, ……AFL footballers show off their four-legged friends – Herald Sun
In addition, there are some news items underneath that have more interesting news about pugs, so take a look at some of those.
More new on pugs
- 10 Facts About Pugs You Must Know #5 will leave you surprised!
- Here's a Montage of a Perpetually-Sleepy Pug Yawning Over and Over Again – TIME
- PUG Stock Market Analysis, LLC – WordPress.com


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PLEASE READ WHAT VALENTUS HAS DONE FOR Donna Doan, IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW…
This is something I never wanted to talk about, was embarrassed about and in denial of.
I have suffered with Fibromyalgia & Endometriosis since the age of 15. Drs told me what it was after giving birth to my Son at the age of 21. I was on and off different medications for the past 40 years, trying to cover up some of the symptoms, going to work and just wanting to cry and be in bed away from everyone to sleep or try to get rid of the constant pain, brain fog, fatigue etc. Trying to act like nothing was wrong, trying to be a wife and a Mom that felt normal… Not in constant pain.
I won't go into all the details of what has happened to my body in the past 40 years, but I will tell you what has happened in the past 14 months.
I went off all medication because we suddenly had no coverage, the stress in life was worse then ever, I felt like I was finished.
Then a friend of mine introduced me to Valentus. I wanted to loose weight gained as a result of Fibromyalgia & Endometriosis, I thought I would try never ever thinking it would help with anything else.
After my first Slimroast coffee I felt something (not really sure what it was) happier, everything in life felt better. Then the Trim and the Immune Boost… ok I knew by the end of the week this was my lifesaver! The fatigue, neck & shoulder pain, sadness, restless legs and so much more we're basically gone! And I lost 26 lbs & 30 inches!!! I knew I found gold!
Everything was wonderful for about 10 month, then I had massive ear infections and did 4 different rounds of antibiotics….. my life was slowly creeping back to what it was, I gained back all the weight I lost on the 12in24:( The pain and fatigue etc. was back:(
I have Candida so bad from the antibiotics, I tried different cleanses that didn't work, I tried one that everyone said works and I couldn't follow the diet and it was gross…. waste of money.
I know I'll be back on track in no time…
I started our New Breakthrough Cleanse on Sunday, it's one of a kind, definitely the best, finally something that I can follow and really works. I also started Prevail Max, it's cleaning my blood so I can absorb oxygen & nutrients the way I'm meant to.
I'm now having my first cup of our Italian Slimroast that we just brought back for sale and 1/2 way through the cup I already feel what I used to!!!
I'm so excited for these next few months, I know I will have a great life again thanks to all of my Valentus products. I will never go back on the drugs with the terrible side effects, I don't need them.
Thank you Valentus for changing my life and allowing me to change the lives of others!
Thank you Dave Jordan & Joyce Jordan!
Updates to follow!💜😊☕👊🏻
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Cook strives to answer England prayers
There has never been a Sunday start to a Test in England, but the administrators have missed a trick by not following the old custom in one-day cricket of delaying the start until the afternoon so everybody had chance to go to church. Alastair Cook, a former chorister at St Paul's, presumably still knows his ways around the aisles and might wonder if there is such a thing in the Church of England as payback time. If there is, he needs it now.
This increasingly feels part Test series, part Shakespearean tragedy and, should that feeling persist over the next five days, it does not augur well for Cook. It is normally in Act III where the central character with many virtues begins to suffer for the flaws in his character, such as indecision, ambition or the failure to set a third man. If he does not somehow turn the third Test in his favour, it could become messy.
That being so, this is no time for squad rotation. It is one thing to talk entirely logically about rotating your crop of fast bowlers to survive the insanity of seven Tests in little over two months. It is quite another to do it when you are 1-0 down with three Tests to play, when a run of 10 Tests without victory represents the worst for 20 years, and when England's cricket media, and indeed much of the public, is on your back. Short-term thinking is the only way to go.
Looked at in isolation, fast-bowler rotation would mean there was a strong case for Stuart Broad to stand down at the Ageas Bowl. The rest would enhance his chances of managing the tendinitis in his knee and getting through the summer. And his presence in the next Test at Old Trafford will become even more important if, as is quite probable, James Anderson suffers a ban when the ICC disciplinary panel sits in judgment on his Level 3 charge on August 1, after his spat with Ravindra Jadeja at Trent Bridge.
But Cook was admirably honest about the position England find themselves in. When you have the third most successful fast-bowling combination in Test history - their shared-wickets tally outdone only by Ambrose and Walsh and Wasim and Waqar (fourth if you include Pollock and Kallis) - you do not voluntarily split the partnership in a match that could define your captaincy unless you have an overpowering reason to do so. Especially when the Ageas Bowl has a reputation as one of the fastest, bounciest surfaces in England.
"We are not in a position to rotate because we are not winning games of cricket, so we are picking the best XI to do that," Cook said. "Clearly with the workloads the lads have had in the four Test matches, we are starting to see more thoughts of it because we are slightly into unknown territory.
"We will do what we always do, which is to pick what we think is the best team and put all the circumstances into it - fatigue and all that kind of stuff. It is largely a physical thing. Each individual bowler will pull up fairly differently. But we are picking the XI that we think this week will be the best to win."
He was adamant that "Stuart Broad is fit enough to play this game". As for Anderson, any fears that his mind might be more on his ICC appeal than the Test would be groundless. Anderson has finished both the Headingley and Lord's Tests, against Sri Lanka and India, distraught at England's defeats. The charge hanging over him just makes him want to play all the more.
"It is obviously a distraction with that looming but he is a very senior, experienced guy who is hurting a lot," Cook said.
Chris Jordan, whose recent Championship performance for Sussex against Warwickshire countered the belief that he was stuck in one-day mode in the Sri Lanka Test series, has a strong case for a recall. Perhaps Ben Stokes' blistered feet will be hurting (his abysmal batting run hardly helps his case) or Liam Plunkett might be held to be feeling the pace. It is hard to see how England can turn to Chris Woakes, so unproven, with the series at such a critical point - but if Plunkett is leggy, Woakes may also find a place.
It is by no means impossible for Cook to turn the summer in his favour. His integrity and sense of duty should need no underlining. The former England captains, and others, who increasingly feel it is in the best interests of both England and Cook for him to step down, do so with considerable respect and would love to see him prove them wrong. Kevin Pietersen, the latest former England captain to call for his resignation, might feel more slighted, but by now he is just one more voice, the easiest opinion of all for Cook to shrug off.
With each Test that England lose, the same questions grow in potency - and, for that matter, predictability. "I am desperate to carry on because I love being England captain," Cook said. "It is a huge honour.
"We know what we are at the start of. It is bubbling under but the longer it goes without a win it becomes harder and harder. I just have to stay true to myself and realise how good it will be if I can get through this as a person, as a player, as a leader, and take huge strides from it. If I don't get through it, it is what it is.
"I am putting in the hard yards. Sometimes you feel as if you are not getting the rewards. But that's why it's called Test cricket. Nothing will give me more satisfaction than scoring runs because I will know how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into it."
The summer has sharpened his taste for black humour. He praised the coaching staff and his team mates for their unity, and remains grateful for their support. "I think so, yes - unless they are lying to my face," he said. It was a neat, and essentially lighthearted, reminder of human nature. It was not yet a disguised cry for help - although somebody will probably wonder whether it was.
He has not made a Test fifty in 2014, during which time he averages 14.33, but sustaining him is the memory of a previous low spot in his career when he could not buy a run and was on the verge of being dropped. He felt in a much worse place in 2010 then he does now. "Sod it," he said, and went out against Pakistan at The Oval with a desire to hit the ball.
"I went in to bat that day thinking 'I am going to be dropped anyway, I might as well play my way'. Think my first ball of that day against Pakistan was an awayswinger from Mohammad Amir which I hit through midwicket for four. I had a little bit of luck, a couple of nicks went through slips, and then a bloke threw it over the keeper's head for me to get a hundred."
A career is again on the line. There is a lot of work to do before he gets into the realms of possible India overthrows. But this is not a good time for England captaincy changes - not in Test cricket at any rate. English cricket will be so much better off if he makes it.
David Hopps is the UK editor of ESPNcricinfo


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text:
You find more information about the Apple Pippin console, emulation and games at: http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg90-pippin.htm 10 Games That Defined the Apple-Bandai Pippin (aka Pippin Atmark) 1996 Racing Days (Bandai) 1996 Power Rangers Zeo Versus The Machine Empire (Bandai) 1996 Gadget: Invention, Travel & Adventure (Synergy) 1996 The Journeyman Project: Pegasus Prime
Month: April 2011
John Madden Football for the Apple II
Came also out for: Commodore 64 DOS Game description: Old american football simulation co-designed by famous sportscaster John Madden. The first game in EA's long-running Madden series. Different versions of this game have been available on almost every platform – with the Mega DriveGenesis version being the most famous of


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Blog Home » Users » Seeker of Truth PaulM aka Paul Marshall (Report Profile)
Seeker of Truth PaulM aka Paul Marshall is a 50 year old (DOB: January 28, 1968) half-blood wizard living in Number 12 Grimmauld Place. He wields a 16" Purpleheart, Veela Hair wand, and is a member of Hufflepuff. His his favorite Harry Potter character is Hermoine and Harry.


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Late last year, a high school here in Powys was tested by inspectors and found so seriously lacking that it was placed in 'special measures'.
(You'll be familiar with the term, dear reader, because Jeremy Hunt, the bad-for-your-Health Secretary, has now placed several hospitals in the same category. We'll get to them soon.)
Leighton Andrews AM, who was Welsh Education Minister at the time, wrote to Powys County Council on January 7 this year, stating that he would be minded to use his ministerial powers to close John Beddoes School, which is nearly 500 years old, if the local education authority failed to demonstrate improvement by the end of the summer term.
The Council's cabinet immediately decided to ignore any calls for improvement and instead devised three alternative plans for closure. These were outlined in a letter to the Minister on January 30.
The authority then embarked on a…
View original post 717 more words


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With the General Election scheduled for 23 September, the opposition Labour Party has done the unthinkable and replaced its leader. Interest.co.nz has documented this morning's mayhem:
8am: Good morning. Labour Party leader Andrew Little will face his caucus just after 10am on the third floor of Parliament Buildings. Little cancelled all media appearances Tuesday morning. Newshub has reported Little will face a vote of no confidence during caucus. If any new leadership emerges, Fairfax was told Jacinda Ardern as leader and Kelvin Davis as deputy is the most likely ticket.
0820: RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson reports one of Labour's more centrist MPs, Stuart Nash, has turned up at Parliament this morning saying he didn't know what was going on. Stuart Nash was reported as saying yesterday as saying he backed Little 100% – it's certainly less equivocal now. Paterson said there won't necessarily be a challenge to Little – that the decision is more likely in his hands on whether to stand down. Housing spokesman Phil Twyford – a dark horse leadership contender if Ardern doesn't get the job – was a bit less clear, saying he backed the leader of the Labour Party, NZ Herald reports.
0840: RNZ is reporting Andrew Little told one of its Parliamentary reporters at Wellington airport that he was not going to resign as leader at caucus, nor call for a confidence vote in himself. Little did say, though, that he expects the matter of poor polling to come up in caucus.
0925: Ardern, arriving at Parliament, reported as saying Andrew Little has had her full support the entire time. Other MPs making comments like 'it'll be an interesting caucus'. Well, they always are after polls like these.
1005: Andrew Little is stepping aside as Leader.
1007: Little believes Jacinda Ardern will be nominated the next leader. He backs her.
1009: Little: "It was my choice. It was my judgement."
1013: Little says a new leader will be a "fresh face" and a "fresh voice" for the party.
1015: Statement from Little:
Today I have announced that I will step down as leader of the Labour Party…
The Labour team of MPs and staff have worked incredibly hard during my leadership, however recent poll results have been disappointing.
As leader, I must take responsibility for these results. I do take responsibility and believe that Labour must have an opportunity to perform better under new leadership through to the election…
1051: Sounds like it will be Ardern, with a press conference earmarked for midday. At 2pm the new leader will lead Labour into the House for Question Time – Parliamentary business doesn't stop for leadership changes…
1113: Just in from Labour:
Jacinda Ardern, MP for Mt Albert, has been elected unopposed as the new Leader of the Labour Party.
Kelvin Davis, MP for Te Tai Tokerau, was elected to the position of Deputy Leader, also unopposed…
1137: Prime Minister Bill English has told Newsroom Labour is in disarray, but he has cautioned against complacency among his supporters…
I know nothing about Jacinda Ardern, so can't comment on her ability. But changing Labour's leadership seven weeks out from the election is a bad look and seems very risky.
It's hard to see how voters could take the party seriously and vote them into office.
This is a shame because Labour's policies around housing are excellent, as is their commitment to moderate New Zealand's mass immigration intake.


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Oliver originally qualified as an IT Practitioner at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds, then moved on to his first job working in the accounts department of a large building firm. Here he gained a valuable understanding of accounting systems, and specifically the Construction Industry Scheme, CIS.
Oliver went on to work at a local Accountancy Practice by day whilst studying for his 'Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business' during his own time. Here he was able to put the knowledge gained from becoming a member with the Association of Accounting Technicians to practical use, gaining valuable experience along the way.
After roughly 5 years experience in practice and having now successfully qualified in the ACCA's 'Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business', Oliver felt it was the right time to commence with his own accountancy practice, finally taking the plunge in 2015, establishing 'Oliver Leeder Accountants Ltd'.
Oliver comes from a Stowmarket family and attended Stowmarket High School. He now resides in Stowmarket with his wife and family.
Copyright © Oliver Leeder Accountants Ltd | All Rights Reserved
Registered in England and Wales no: 09696519


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Cover-up from Dillard's/ J. Crew Outlet tank/ Lucky Brand Necklace/ Free People shorts/ Lucchese boots/ cheap sunglasses
Photo Credit: my mom
Bele Chere in Asheville, NC.
As promised, this is my Bele Chere post! I promise to stop living in the past in my next post.
As much fun as it was, I do not wish to rewind, because that means I'd have to live through summer session finals week a second time.... (Accounting is not something I would suggest squeezing into a summer class!)
So only 356 days til Bele Chere 2013!


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DOBSON — What do Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali, and 10 area youth have in common?
After a week spent at Surry Community College's annual Art Camp, the latter 10 are extraordinary artists just like the former three.
At least that's the word from Surry Community College officials.
The college held art camp on the Dobson campus July 18-21, "welcoming some of Surry and Yadkin counties' most creative," the school said.
With a new project every day, participants were able to try their hands at canvas painting, molding clay, paper mâché, watercolor techniques and sketching two-dimensional figures.
Those who participated in the camp were K.J. Haynie, Abigail Jennings and Cassidy Mills, all of Pilot Mountain; Colin Hiatt, Karli Willard and Morgan Hiatt, all of Mount Airy; Alyssa Kirby of Lowgap; Chloe Snow of Dobson; Caleigh Witherspoon of Elkin; and Lisbeidy Sanchez of Boonville.
On the final day of camp, participants treated their family and friends to an art show displaying all their work from throughout the week.


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Despite all the excitement about social media, it seems the majority of people still want to get their marketing via email. So email newsletters are still a hugely important business tool.
Emails are easy, right? Like anything involving technology, the landscape is always changing. Here's a few things to keep in mind for managing an email newsletter:
- Many of your users will read it on their phones. So your email design & any pages it clicks through to should be mobile friendly.
- Online email clients (programs like Hotmail, Yahoo & Gmail) can strip out embedded style sheets from emails. So you need to embedd a lot of design information within HTML tags or it'll be ugly.
- There are privacy laws, no less, regarding how you collect people's contact details & use them. You need to know these.
- You need systems in place to manage even moderate sized recipient lists so you don't get stuck with hundreds of out of office auto replies or manual unsubscribes.
- Direct marketing is a serious business. There's lots of research to be aware of, such as times of the day & week that score the best email open rates.
- You need to know how to tag links in your emails with utm codes & evaluate open rates, click throughs & conversions.
Much like writing for the web, marketing emails are relatively easy to create. But there are many tricks for new players & successfully using emails to consistently generate business leads requires another level of sophistication. Professional advice can help set you on the right path.


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Trump assails 'political correctness' in tweet on terror attacks
Seven people were killed and dozens of others were injured in the two Saturday night attacks on and near the London Bridge. Police are investigating the incidents as terror attacks, but no terror group has yet to claim responsibility.
Trump tweet:
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"
"We must stop being politically correct and get down to the business of security for our people. If we don't get smart it will only get worse," Trump tweeted first.
The president has from the start of his successful 2016 presidential campaign argued that the key to stopping global terror strikes is to address radical Islamic teachings and being more vigilant about allowing people into the United States from mostly-Muslim countries that are hotbeds for terror training.
"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!" Trump also tweeted.
Trump also posted on Twitter about the attacks: "Do you notice we are not having a gun debate right now? That's because they used knives and a truck!"
- Posted in: Current Events ♦ GB News & Politics ♦ General ♦ Politics ♦ Terrorism ♦ World News
- Tagged: Trump assails 'political correctness' in tweet on terror attacks


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I am posting this question on behalf of a friend of mine,
this newsgroup. Opposite S***, who is Danish and Scandinavian
senior sabre champion, I do not know much about fencing; he has
however asked me to pose this question, needing answers quite
urgently. Please send all replies to S***.
Q: "According to the new rules of '95, fencing equipment is
required to withstand 1600 N. Would it be legal, however
to wear
a) A vest (1600 N) and an "old" jacket?
b) A pair of shorts (1600 N) and an "old" pair of trousers?
Generally, what are the rules for combining "new" and "old"
Best regards and thank you for your help!
Niels Olof
Phone +45 86246937 r+(--) G' b+++ D+ B--- e+++ u++(*) h-- f+ R- !n x**(+) !j
Home page: http://SportToday.org/~bouvin Life's a beach and then you dive


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"The truth is, this world sucks!"
The above was in a submission from a MountainWings subscriber.It is a rather crude but common belief and statement;that the world is terrible and everything in it is bad.
Be honest, you hear people say this in one form or another quitea bit no matter how crude it sounds. Many use rougher language.
My opinion: the world does suck.
Before you either concur or disagree, hear me out.
From a point of physics, a sucking phenomenon is caused by anarea of much lower pressure in contact with an area of muchhigher pressure in a closed channel or tube. The air or liquidwill move from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area.
When we are born, our first meal is when we latch on to ourmother's breast. It is one of our first instincts.Infants in the Bible were called "sucklings."
One of the names of God, El-Shaddai, is sometimes translated,"The Many Breasted One."
Thus both our natural and divine instincts are to latch on to asource of supply and pull from it; to suck.There's nothing wrong with that.Our problem doesn't result from the principle;it results from our choice of supply.
We become in large part a reflection of what we choose to pull from.
All of us go through low periods and need strength.We become areas of low pressure and will have a tendency to drawinto our world and spirit whatever is in greater supply around us.
When that happens what do we choose to pull from?A Bible or a bottle?
When we need to be entertained what do we choose to pull from?The positive or pornography?
When we need advice where do we pull it from?The streets or the saints?
When we run dry, where do we drink from?The eternal water or the sewer of sorrow?
Yes, life sucks.Yes, we suck.It is our nature from birth no matter how crude it sounds.
The problem is not the principle that this world sucks,it's the choice.
There will always be abundant sources of positive and negative,good and bad. It always has been and always will be.
As infants we are presented with twin options.As we mature and are able to make a conscious choice,our options become the left and right-hand paths of good and evil.
Choose wisely.
~A MountainWings Original~
The following is a view of life from comedian Denis Leary.It is a joke but too often too many feel this way.
"Most people think life sucks, and then you die.
Not me. I beg to differ.
I think life sucks, then you get cancer, then your dog dies,your wife leaves you, the cancer goes into remission, you get anew dog, you get remarried, you owe ten million dollars in medicalbills but you work hard for thirty-five years and you pay it backand then -- one day you have a massive stroke, your whole rightside is paralyzed, you have to limp along the streets and speakout of the left side of your mouth and drool but you go intorehabilitation and regain the power to walk and the power totalk and then -- one day --you step off a curb at 67th Street,and BANG you get hit by a city bus and then you die.Maybe."~ Denis Leary ~
Copyright © 1999-2013 KountryLife.com
All Rights Reserved
A Country Living Resource and Community


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Pediatrics:Chlamydia, Sickle Cell Anemia and Stroke Risk - Ancillary to STOP II
CompletedPhase N/A Results N/A
Trial Description
To establish a link among Chlamydia infection, sickle cell anemia, and stroke risk.
Detailed Description
Infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease in the general population. Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are 200 times more likely to have cerebrovascular disease than normal children and are known to have an altered immune response to many infectious pathogens. C. pneumoniae is the leading infectious cause of acute chest syndrome which, interestingly, is a well- established risk factor for stroke in children with SCA. Preliminary data indicates that SCA patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-documented cerebral infarction are 12 times more likely to have C. pneumoniae infection than SCA patients with normal MRI scans. The investigators hypothesize that SCA patients have an abnormal immune response to C. pneumoniae that results in persistent infection which, in turn, triggers the development of cerebrovascular disease. Sickle cell anemia patients with an elevated velocity on transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) are known to be at high risk to develop stroke and an elevated TCD likely reflects underlying vascular disease. In addition, the Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia Trial (STOP) demonstrated that almost 40 percent of children with an elevated TCD have evidence of cerebral infarction on MRI. Children with abnormal TCDs are, therefore, an appropriate population to investigate an association between cerebrovascular disease and C. pneumoniae infection.
The study is in response to an initiative on Ancillary Studies in Heart, Lung, and Blood Disease Trials released in June, 2000.
The study is ancillary to the STOP II clinical trial. The intent is: 1) To determine if C. pneumoniae infection is associated with cerebral infarction in children with SCA; 2) To characterize the immunological response to C. pneumoniae infection in patients with SCA. Establishing a link between C.pneumoniae infection and cerebral infarction will open the door to novel, less toxic approaches to the treatment and prevention of stroke in SCA, including antibiotics and vaccines.
Trial Design
- Perspective: Retrospective
|Time Frame
|Safety Issue
|No outcomes associated with this trial.


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The concept of software testing seems like an amalgam of similar terms, all mixed up in to each other. We all get confused sometimes between the different but similar sounding terms.
For greater understanding of the software testing, one needs to know exactly what all the inclusive terms mean and how and where they are used or implemented. This piece of writing is dedicated to the cause of removal of such confusions. In this article we are going to clear three major concepts of software testing namely test plan, test strategy and test scenarios.
1. Test Plan
- It does the same as a normal plan would do i.e., detail out a systematic approach to the accomplishment of a certain task.
- For the test plan the task is the successful completion of a particular software testing.
- A test plan gives a detailed approach of all the processes or activities to be undertaken during the testing.
- A test plan marks the work flow of the software testing mechanism.
- A test plan states the strategy to be followed to make the software testing successful.
- It provides a means to check whether or not the software system or application meets all the requirements and specifications as mentioned by the client or the customer in the documentation.
- The test plan is usually created by the testers.
- A typical test plan includes the following fields:
(a) Compliance test or design verification: performed on the product samples while the actual product is in development stage.
(b) Production test or manufacturing: performed during the assemblage process of the product for assuring quality and performance.
(c) Commissioning test or acceptance: performed while the product is being installed.
(d) Repair test or servicing: performed during the product's service life.
(e) Regression test: performed on an existing version of the product to ensure the working of the functionalities.
- The level of the design of the test plan depends on the complexity level of the software system or application.
- For more complex systems high level test plans are created.
- Apart from the above mentioned tests, a typical test plan must cover about the test methodologies, test coverage and test responsibilities. - It also states what all requirements are to be verified in the testing.
2. Test Strategy
- Test strategy forms an essential part of the test plan.
- To put it simply we can say that the test strategy is nothing but a superficial sketch or outline of the actual test plan of the software development cycle.
- A test strategy is developed just to inform the project developers about the approach that is to be followed during the testing.
- The key components of a typical test strategy are objectives of the testing, test methods, test duration, resource requirements and test environment.
- Test strategies give the description of the risk mitigation, tests to be carried out and not to forget the entry and exit criteria for the tests.
- For each level of software testing, an individual test strategy is created.
3. Test Scenario
- Test scenarios form an essential component of the scenario testing.
- These test scenarios provide a hypothetical measure to help the tester out of some complex problem encountered during the testing.
- The main characteristics of a typical scenario are its complexity, credibility, motivational story with a reasonable outcome.
- The scenarios are usually lengthy as compared to the length of the test cases probably because of more number of steps are present in a test scenario. 2 or more scenarios together make up a scenario file.


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SOURCE: topseos.com
September 14, 2015 03:00 ET
NAPLES, FL--(Marketwired - September 14, 2015) - topseos.com, the independent authority on online marketing providers, has named VJG Interactive the fourth best search engine optimization agency for September 2015. Each month the independent research team at topseos.com investigates thousands of services to uncover which services produce the most remarkable solutions. The rankings are updated on a monthly basis to account for the latest successes within the online marketing industry.
These companies are analyzed through an in-depth evaluation process to establish which companies to feature in the recommendations. While there are thousands of search engine optimization companies, the recommendations are compiled of the absolute best the search marketing industry has to offer. The independent research team evaluates the competing companies across five areas of evaluation in order to establish their overall level of competency in areas including needs analysis, off page optimization, reporting methods, on page optimization, and keyword analysis.
To supplement the research the independent research team also connects with client references provided by the competing companies. When communicating with clients the research team delves into the client's overall satisfaction. Insight from clients is used to better understand the strengths and competitive advantages of the companies being tested.
topseos.com analyzes and selects the top search engine optimization agencies in the industry. Based on the rigorous evaluation process VJG Interactive was named as the top performing service. Those looking for a service with solid client satisfaction and a strong history of performance should consider VJG Interactive.
About VJG Interactive
VJG Interactive offers businesses effective and affordable digital marketing strategies to improve their visibility and success online. They help their clients succeed online by providing them with effective results in highly competitive online environments.
About topseos.com
topseos.com is a purveyor of search engine marketing rankings. The main ambition of topseos.com is to determine and name those individuals or firms supplying best search engine marketing solutions available. Search engine optimization firms are put through a meticulous analysis to ensure the ratings contain the absolute best firms the search engine marketing industry has to offer.
Those interested in applying for the rankings can visit:
Contact Information Marc Stephens 800-874-2458 9045 Strada Stell Ct. Naples, FL 34109
Contact Information Marc Stephens 800-874-2458 9045 Strada Stell Ct. Naples, FL 34109
See all RSS Newsfeeds


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Psychiatrist Testifies Crime Was Driven By Mental Illness
Another appearance by Park Dietz, one of the leading psychiatric "whores of the court," to use Margaret Hagen's phrase. (Hagen contributed a chapter to Szasz Under Fire.)
KCCI-TV (Iowa)
Psychiatrist Testifies Crime Was Driven By Mental Illness
Tape Plays Of Huss' Arrest After Killing
A psychiatrist testified Thursday that a convicted murderer's act was driven by mental illness -- not by sex.
State prosecutors are asking a Polk County jury to declare Loren Huss a sexually violent predator.
In 1986, he killed his girlfriend, Marilyn Sheets, and then mutilated her body. If the jury finds it was a sexually motivated homicide, that could sway its decision on whether Huss is a predator.
Late Thursday, the defense played a disturbing audiotape that police recorded when they tried to take Huss into custody just after they found Sheets' body.
For several minutes, you can hear Huss repeat the same Bible passage while screaming, laughing and crying. It took five police officers to subdue him.
During this trial, Huss testified that he was delusional that night. He said he thought his girlfriend was the devil and he thought he was going after the devil.
Some physical evidence at the crime scene, including the fact that Sheets was found naked, helped lead psychiatrists hired by the state to conclude the killing was a crime partly driven by sex.
A defense psychiatrist said Thursday that the killing was driven by Huss' mental illness.
"We ask the question, is this more like the behavior of a man who was just engaged in sexual activity or is this more like the behavior of a man who had just engaged in psychotic activity? It's an easy call," said psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz.
Prosecutors argue that the homicide shows Huss acted on his sexual urges. They also point out incidents in the years before the murder, including a rape and another case when Huss attacked, stripped and badly beat a woman in a parking lot.
Prosecutors say it's a pattern. Huss said he's no longer a threat and he should be released.
KCCI (with link to video of this "news" story)


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ArtWall "Flaming Skull" Art Appeelz Removable Wall Art Graphic 14" x 14" (0goa055a1414p)
Item #: 901-1615579ART
Model #: 0goa055a1414p
Brand: ArtWall
Not yet rated.Be the first to Write a Review!
$57.99 Each
Help with furniture delivery, assembly,...Read more + Read less -
protection plans and more.
Plus, you've got choices! You'll find options for those DIYers on a budget, those that want us to do all the work and everyone in-between. Want all the details? Get them right here.
The Artwall 'Flaming Skull' 14" x 14" art appeelz removable wall art graphic will transform your space with its fascinating charm. The Artwall 'Flaming Skull' 14" x 14" Art Appeelz removable wall art graphic is a wonderful piece for connoisseurs of the fantasy art genre and will make a lovely addition to any space with its brilliant blend of colors and striking use of light. Flamin g Skull is a fine example of Steve Goad's eye for detail. The bold lines and intricate detail of this removable wall art graphic will make an interesting accent for your home or office. It measures 14" x 14". The Giclee print technology ensures a high-q uality print resolution that is on par with museum prints.
- Size: 14" x 14"
- Artist: Steve Goad
|Art Material : Canvas Art
|Art Subject : Music, Movies & TV
|Size (H x W) : 48" x 16"
|Brand : ArtWall
|Weight : 2.00 lbs. per Each


text:
Lara's Shadow Packshot NOT Revealed — Update – it wasn't genuine after all… February 11, 2009Posted by tombraiderfangirl in 360 DLC, Underworld.
Tags: beneath the ashes, dlc, Lara's Shadow, packshot, tomb raider underworld, xbox 360
Update: Justin now says it's not genuine, so we will still have to wait to see what the real packshot for Lara's Shadow looks like. Too bad, this one is kinda nice. Although honestly I'd rather see some in-game screenshots than a packshot, but even more than that I want to play the damned levels already 😀
KC Mraz reports on Tomb Raider Forums that the Spanish distributer for Eidos has revealed the packshot for Lara's Shadow in the middle of a press release reporting the delay of Beneath the Ashes. Justin confirms that the packshot is genuine. The press release also apparently says that Beneath the Ashes is delayed until March for a simultaneous release with Lara's Shadow, but at present moment that is unconfirmed.
Gamestop had offered a token pack on their website awhile back which purported to contain cards that would allow the customer to download Beneath the Ashes and Lara's Shadow when the levels were released. The date kept getting pushed back, and now the token pack did not appear at all when I did a search for "Tomb Raider" on their main site. Clicking on the direct product link from the forum post reveals that Gamestop is not bothering with a release date anymore and simply says that the product is "Currently Not Available Online."
Oh well, this is disappointing but hopefully the levels will be fully polished and worth the wait once we finally get to play them. In the meantime, the Doppelganger looks as awesome as ever, so it ought to be a great new experience to play as her with her inhuman abilities.
No comments yet — be the first.


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I have gained the impression that the so-called 'new atheists' really have little that new to say, and that helps to make them a soft target for critics. This is a pity – to say no more – when contemporary efforts to revitalise religious thought and practice in today's very difficult circumstances, like the 'Radical Orthodoxy' launched by Professor Milbank, have serious problems of their own.
Like many others, Milbank had made the error of confusing modernism and modernity, leading to a much exaggerated idea of the significance of 'post-modernism'. Far more important, that exaggeration had the implication that a post-modernity is feasible simply because, as Milbank rightly says, the secular ideologies have withered. But the promises of secular modernisms and ideologies are one thing, and features of modernity like acceleration of trade, technology, and information; sceptical thought and moral uncertainty; or abstraction of organisation, are something else. Moreover, modernity has a complex history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages at least, whereas modernism(s) have proved more ephemeral.
Still deeper problems emerge when Milbank and others insist that religion (however defined) is a public matter, and not just a personal opinion or lifestyle. Now, it is entirely reasonable to point out that the liberal (loosely speaking) attempt to keep religious conflicts out of the public realm by holding faith to be a purely personal practice is not realistic. But the problem remains that we run democracies with religions having a place in public life on the condition that everyone has the civic right to differ on religious matters, be they theology or ritual and practice. So, each religious community can find its own niche within the public sphere alongside the personal faith of its members. That whole schema becomes problematic once theologians (or sociologists and politicians) introduce the essentially secular claim that morality has no secure basis without divine support, and even more if a claim is made of transcendent truth, which has to mean the possibility of transcendent error and falsehood. I am sure that Professor Milbank, and those sympathetic with him, have no wish to create an authoritarian theocracy, but it will be hard to reconcile the above positions with religion as a public presence unless at least some religious issues are off limits for public debate.
If atheists or secularists wish to challenge religious faith in the twenty-first century, I would sooner see them addressing these issues and working to resolve them, than merely returning to the theme that religious belief is irrational at a time when rationality is itself a problematic notion.


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If you happen to hear President Mahama speak on any issue, please do well to borrow a friend's ear, add it to yours; care less about your looks and listen to every word that falls out his mouth. Endeavor to memorize each line if possible and take him on should he fail to deliver a promise.
This caution comes from Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the Minority Leader in Parliament. In an interview with Okay FM, he wondered what has changed for the president to suddenly trumpet free Senior High School (SHS) Education.
It is on record that the National Democratic Congress, led by President Mahama in the 2012 general elections, kicked against the free SHS promise which was the main campaign message of the opposition New Patriotic Party.
But during an address to the nation some few days ago, President Mahama emphasized that the free SHS project would be rolled out progressively under his watch in 2016.
It is on the back of this that Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu believes Ghanaians must be wary of campaign promises of the NDC. He described the promises as lies usually presented as truth to voters who the NDC considers as naïve.


text: Hello all. Here are some recent photos from the birthday party of my friends 6 year old. Most of these were shot with a Canon FDn 50/1.4, but one or two may have been with a Biotar, an old Auto Yashica or maybe a Minolta. Sorry, but I really cant remember. Hope you enjoy.