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A wide range of weapons are found in the World of Avatar, varying in quality, size, and usage among the four nations. Metal is the principal material used in the construction of most weapons.
Prior to the foundation of the United Republic of Nations, the Fire Nation was the most technologically advanced when it came to manufacturing weapons. This was due to their initiation of and dominant role in the Hundred Year War. The Earth Kingdom is the second most proficient due to the necessity of defending itself against the industrially superior Fire Nation, especially after the crumbling of the Southern Water Tribe. Both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes are capable of crafting their own weapons, which are often made of sharpened metal or animal parts such as skins and teeth.[4]
The invention of metalbending had a significant impact on weaponry usage and manufacturing. Since metalbenders could simply deform or otherwise defeat weapons from earlier time periods, people had to utilize other forms of fighting that did not involve metal-based weapons. The metalbenders' advantage against older types of weapons was annulled with the creation of a new range of unbendable, electrical ones.
Air Nomads
- Air Nomad glider - Due to their peaceful nature, the Air Nomads did not have any items used specifically as weapons; however, their gliders could be used to amplify airbending. Aang has used his staff for airbending, waterbending, and earthbending in battle.[3]
- Wind sword - While wearing a suit of armor, Aang mentioned that it was possible for him to make a wind sword; all he needed was a sword handle, and he could airbend a blade.[5]
Water Tribe
- Greaves and bracers - Lower leg and lower arm protection respectively, colored gray and decorated with a small white circle.[6]
- Shield - During the Invasion of the Fire Nation on the Day of Black Sun, warriors of the Southern Water Tribe carried hexagonal shields colored in shades of blue and tipped with rims of white, boomerang-shaped material, possibly animal bone.[6]
- Wolf armor - Protective battle gear including a wolf-like helmet.[3]
Distance weapons
- Boomerang - A small, L-shaped weapon made of metal. It is a thrown projectile that travels in a curved path and returns to its point of origin when thrown correctly. It is the most important and treasured weapon among Sokka's weapons, as he considers it to be an essential part of his identity.[3]
- Flower throwing stars - Used by Misu during her time in Forgetful Valley. By freezing the water inside living flowers, she was able to make the blossoms rigid and sharp-edged, and propelled them using waterbending. They were rather fragile, however, as Sokka was able to shatter them with his club.[7]
Melee weapons
- Axe - An average-sized axe with a blue-and-white blade and a medium-length white handle.[3]
- Battle club - A weapon used in the Southern Water Tribe. The base is carved from a polar bear femur and has a design in blue paint on each side of the blade. There is a heavy ball on the end and a notch for hooking opponent's weapons. A leather strap is attached for a more secure grip. This was another weapon used by Sokka.[3]
- Jaw blade - Primarily a hunting tool, made by sharpening the jawbone and teeth of a large arctic wolf. One side is rigid and is used as a saw, while the other is a blade side that is used for hunting and scraping skins clean. Sokka uses this to shave the sides and back of his head. It is known to be able to amplify vibrations in the environment, allowing the wielder to accurately detect intruders.[8] The handle is wrapped in leather for a more secure grip. It is normally carried in a small pouch. The blade comes in various sizes, and the teeth attached to the blade can vary in shape.[9]
- Machete - A long, cleaver-like cutting weapon. Sokka used this to clear away vines while in the Foggy Swamp.[10]
- Spear - A weapon used in the Southern and Northern Water Tribe by warriors in battle and for hunting animals for food. The handle is made of wood and the spearhead of bone.[3] Following the end of the Hundred Year War, metal was incorporated into these spears, as Toph Beifong and her metalbending students were able to deform them.[11]
- Whale's tooth scimitar - A weapon made from the tooth of a whale dolphin, used by tribesmen.[12]
- Tangle mine - Weapons made with a bamboo frame and covered with dried animal skin filled with skunk fish and seaweed. These mines float in the water and detonate upon contact with another object. They were invented by Hakoda, who called the weapon the "Stink 'n Sink".[13]
- Water skin - While not technically a "weapon", waterbenders often carry skins or other containers of water (which can vary in size) while traveling, in case they find themselves in a place with limited options for waterbending (such as the desert).
Earth Kingdom
- Chain mail armor - Conceived by Sokka and crafted by the students of the Beifong Metalbending Academy, this armor is made of up of small, interconnected metal plates. Flexible enough to wear underneath clothing, it can also protect the wearer against chi blocking.[11]
- Conical military hat - A round, conical hat used by the military and the Dai Li. It can easily deflect or protect the user from firebending blasts.
- Common military armor - A beige and green colored armor consisting of bracers, body armor, shin guards and a green colored belt-hung ge xie (protective clothing).
- Shield - A protective device, meant to intercept attacks.
- Collapsable wrist-shield - Utilized by the Kyoshi Warriors.[14]
Artillery and explosives
- Blasting jelly - An explosive, volatile weapon used for demolition.[8]
- Ice torpedo - These are warheads full of blasting jelly with a lit fuse inside, invented by the mechanist to be used against the Fire Nation. Waterbenders are able to propel them because of the surrounding ice.[6]
- Net launcher - A gun-like contraption used by the bison rustlers to capture baby sky bison, and later to trap Tenzin's students when they attempted to free the young animals.[15]
- Peanut sauce bombs - Explosive weapons invented by the mechanist that have yet to be perfected.[6]
- Smoke pellets - A combustive weapon. Exploding on impact, they create large smokescreens to confuse and distract enemies or victims, providing the opportunity to either attack or escape.
Distance weapons
- Bow - A weapon that uses tension to propel arrows. It is used by Longshot.[16]
- Crossbow - A weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles. It is used by the pirates.
- Surface-to-air rocks - A large earth sphere. These projectiles are the primary weapons of the Royal Earthbender Guards.[17]
Melee weapons
- Butterfly sword - This is a short dao, or single-edged blade, also known as Wu Dip Dao or Hu Die Dao. The top of the hilt is turned up so that the fighter can flip the sword around their thumb.
- Dual broadswords - It is a category of single-edge swords primarily used for slashing and chopping (sabers), often called a broadsword.[10]
- Hook swords - Three weapons in one: a long pole with a hook at the end, a curved blade above the fist, and a spearhead beneath the handle. An experienced user can hook the ends together to double the reach of the weapons. Hook swords were Jet's primary weapon.[8]
- Kama - Traditional farming implements similar to a sickle used for reaping crops and also employed as a weapon.
- Katana - A type of Japanese sword. It is a curved, slender, single-edged blade, with a circular guard (although it is shown with a rectangular guard during the Kyoshi Warriors' fight with Azula, much like a ninjatō's square guard and straight blade), and a long grip to accommodate two hands. It is used by the Kyoshi Warriors and is one of the most effective means of cutting through organic material.[14]
- Kukri - A curved Nepalese knife used as both a tool and a weapon. Smellerbee is the only one known to wield this weapon.
- Lochaber axe - A weapon consisting of a pole with an axehead mounted at its end. The axe itself is similar to tools used with crops, such as the scythe, which is designed for reaping. The point on the back of the blade is styled after the hook found on the original Scottish Lochaber Axes, in which the hook can be used for catching, hooking, and dragging clothing, skin, or weapons, not unlike the hook sword.
- Naginata - A pole weapon consisting of a wooden shaft with a curved blade on the end. It has a thick, slightly curved katana-like blade connected to a long wooden pole.
- Ninjato - A Japanese sword. It has a square grip, and a straight blade, with a small edge on its tip. The bartender of the cantina in the Misty Palms Oasis used dual ninjatos to cut fruit and ice in order to make drinks for any who stopped by.[18]
- Nunchaku - A weapon that consists of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. They take some skill to use, since the inexperienced often wind up hitting themselves with it.
- Pearl-handled dagger - Taken by Iroh from a defeated general in the Siege of Ba Sing Se and passed on to Zuko. It has an inscription on one side saying "Made in Earth Kingdom." The inscription on the other side reads "Never give up without a fight."[19]
- Polearm - A large two-handed edged weapon, usually in the form of a long metal or wood pole slightly taller than a person, with an axe-like head. It has a scythe-like blade attached to a long wooden pole.
- Pu Dao - A type of Chinese anti-cavalry pole weapon. It consists of a broad curved blade mounted atop a long wooden pole.
- Qian kun ri yue dao - A non-paired variety of the hook sword used by the pirates. The blade ends are semicircular; one resembles the sun while the other resembles the moon.
- Shanzi - Collapsible iron fans that can be used for both defense and offense. They are the primary weapons of the Kyoshi Warriors and usually carried as a pair, one wielded in each hand.[2]
- Twin war hammer - Similar to a sledgehammer in construction and appearance, it is used to augment the potency of earthbending attacks. A rogue Earth Kingdom soldier, Gow, used this weapon to great effect in combination with his earthbending.[19]
- Wooden club - A weapon made of wood used by Pipsqueak. It is simple yet effective when used by someone of great strength.[8]
- Large earth coins - These people-sized round coins are used as weapons primarily by earthbending soldiers, but some civilian earthbenders have also used these coins in combat.
- Metal plates - Skilled metalbenders are able to use small metal plates stored in a backpack or armband as ammunition. These plates can be used either to bind the limbs of enemies, blind them by covering their eyes,[20] or sharpened into an edge for delivering fatal blows.[21] Kuvira incorporated these plates into the uniform of the metalbending soldiers of her army.
- Meteor hammer - A weapon that consists of two weights connected by a rope or chain. Due to its flexible construction, the meteor hammer could be easily concealed as a defensive or surprise weapon.
- Rock gloves - These gloves are the favored weapons of the Dai Li. Agents wear the rock gloves on their hands and can use them in battle by earthbending.[17]
Fire Nation
- Military armor - Red and black armor accompanied by helmets, varying according to the wearer's status or bending ability. It may include a protective skull-shaped mask for benders.
Artillery and explosives
- Ballista - A large crossbow-like crew-served weapon that launches heavy spear-like bolts, harpoons or explosive shells.
- Cannon - A primitive firebending-powered cannon used to launch bombs has been shown mounted on Fire Nation airships.
- Catapult - Any of a number of non-handheld crew-served mechanical devices used to throw heavy projectiles a great distance without the aid of explosives. Multiple trebuchet-style catapults can be found on each Fire Navy ship, especially those that guard the nation's borders. These ornate catapults have a large dragon head statue at the top of each arm.
- Trebuchet - Artillery used to hurl projectiles (most commonly rocks, often flaming) great distances.
Distance weapons
- Bow - A weapon that uses tension generated by a string and wooden or laminate staff to propel arrows, used by the Yuyan Archers[16] and also used with flaming arrows by Vachir.
- Chain - A weapon made of a heavy object attached to a chain with a handle, used by Ogodei. It can be used to damage buildings or tie up enemies.
- Stiletto - Small arrow-like darts used by Mai. They are thrown much in the same way as throwing stars and can restrain an enemy by pinning their clothes to a surface behind or below them.
- Throwing knives - Mai's preferred weapons. She carried a variety of these blades to be used for different types of attacks.
Melee weapons
- Dadao - Large, single-edged broadswords used by some Fire Nation soldiers.[22]
- Dual broadswords - A category of single-edged swords primarily used for slashing and chopping (sabers), Zuko frequently wielded this weapon during his travels.[16][19]
- Fire Nation sword - The standard long-bladed sword used by Fire Nation soldiers.
- Guan Dao - The Kwan/Guan Dao is a type of Chinese pole weapon. It is large and heavy and used by Kahchi of the Rough Rhinos.[23]
- Hammer - A medium-sized sledgehammer that can be used as a tool or a weapon. The hammer can also be connected to an iron chain, making it a powerful medium-distance weapon.
- Jian sword - A type of straight sword wielded by Piandao and Sokka. In the hands of a master it can be far more versatile and dangerous than it appears. It is usually made of high-quality steel, but Sokka's sword was forged from a meteorite.[5] This unique sword can cut over a foot of solid metal or rock.[6]
- Jii - A halberd-spear with a crescent moon-shaped blade on one or both sides. It is useful against both ground infantry and cavalry.
- Kanabo - A long club weapon. Large and heavy, they have either metal studs or spikes running in vertical rows along the length of the weapon and have enough power to easily smash bones, even if the target uses a shield.
- Nunchaku - Two short lengths of wood connected by a chain, ued as a flexible striking weapon.[5]
- Poison knife - A dagger with a compartment for poison in its handle. Jet "discovered" this on an elderly Fire Nation citizen to incriminate him.[8]
- Pu Dao - An anti-cavalry halberd. Its first known use in combat was during the battle for Yu Dao in 101 AG by the reformed Fire Nation Army.
- San gu cha - A trident-shaped dagger.
- Spear - Mainly used by nonbender troops. The handle is made of wood. Other types of spears have a red tuft near the base of the spearhead, both to distract opponents and to prevent blood from running down the shaft.
United Republic of Nations
- Biplane - Method of transportation and warfare developed by Hiroshi Sato for the Equalists' attack on Republic City. Their great maneuverability makes them highly capable of dropping bombs and torpedoes on enemy targets.
- Bolas - Weighted lengths of cord thrown by the Equalists to entangle and bring down their foes.
- Bombs - An explosive dropped by Equalist biplanes. Bombs are capable of causing massive amounts of damage.
- Earth disks - Smaller versions of large earth coins, employed by pro-bending players as well as earthbending soldiers in the United Forces.
- Electrified glove - A portable weapon that releases a powerful electrical shock capable of rendering a victim unconscious.
- Electrified kali sticks - Metal prods used to stun and immobilize opponents upon contact. These are the signature weapons of the Lieutenant, and are powered by a generator strapped to the back of the user.[24]
- Electrified prod - An electroshock weapon used by the Lieutenant that is disguised as a spider rat extermination device.
- Electrified ropes - Ropes wrapped around small disks that deliver a powerful electric shock to victims, used by the Equalists.
- Firebending cannon - Found on United Forces battleships, these cannons are used to concentrate a firebender's attack into a long-range blast capable of destroying enemy targets.
- Mecha tank - Built by Hiroshi Sato for the Equalists, mecha tanks are large, mechanized suits that Equalists use to defeat their opponents in battle.
- Metal cables - Used by the Metalbending Police Force, these cables, which are stored in wire spools on the back of the police uniform, are used to subdue criminals, as well as to zip across the city.
- Naval mine - Employed by the Equalists to destroy enemy watercraft, they detonate when they come into contact with another object.
- Riot shield - Defensive tool used by metalbending police officers.
- Smoke grenade - Canisters that release a thick smoke to block an opponents' vision.
- Torpedo - Dropped by Equalist biplanes into the water, torpedoes will travel straight until they come in contact with another object and detonate upon impact.
- Truncheon - Used by nonbending members of the Metalbending Police Force.
- Armor of General Old Iron - General Old Iron was a spirit whose immense strength came from his suit of armor. Old Iron towered hundreds of feet tall, and the face mask of his armor alone was larger and heavier than a full-grown man.
- Many weapons—particularly those of the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation—are either inspired by or are real-life East Asian weapons.
- "Wind sword" is also the name of a weapon in Nintendo's Fire Emblem series and Berserk series.


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The venue is family run and excels in personal service. We also have the specialist skills to cater for the needs of discerning visitors and the expertise to support, advise and work with you in planning your event.
Within walking distance is the Roman site of Viriconium, Wroxeter's Anglo Saxon church and the most northerly red grape vineyard in the World. Within easy reach are the Shropshire hills, Welsh Marches and popular sites such as the Ironbridge Gorge and associated World Heritage Site.
We are happy to tailor our facilities to meet your requirements and offer you the flexibility to have your day (or stay) your way. For rates and other information, please call 01743 761256 or email us firstname.lastname@example.com
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subset: commoncrawl


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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian authorities will not let armed members of a Filipino royal clan who are being hunted in Borneo meet with Philippine officials or family members who might seek to negotiate their safety, the foreign minister said Wednesday.
Clashes sparked by the clansmen's intrusion into Malaysia's Sabah state have killed 56 Filipinos and nine Malaysian police and army personnel this month, according to Malaysian government estimates. The clan wants to reassert a decades-old territorial claim to the eastern Borneo state, which is a short boat ride from the southern Philippines.
One of the clan's Philippine-based leaders, Esmail Kiram II, said earlier this week that a group of Filipinos could try entering the area to meet the clansmen and discuss how to resolve the crisis if a cease-fire is declared.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Wednesday that authorities could not guarantee the safety of any negotiators.
"This is not the right time, this is not the right place for any outsiders apart from the security personnel to be in the area," Anifah told reporters after briefing more than 80 foreign diplomats about the crisis.
Anifah reiterated Malaysia's stance that the Filipino gunmen must surrender unconditionally and face prosecution.
Kiram told The Associated Press in Manila on Wednesday that personally meeting his younger brother, who is leading the Filipinos in Sabah, would be crucial in ending the standoff without further casualties.
"It will be difficult if we can't get Malaysia's cooperation," Kiram said in response to Anifah's comments.
Malaysian and Philippine authorities had tried to convince the clansmen to leave peacefully after they began occupying a remote village on Sabah's eastern seaboard last month. The crisis turned violent when the Filipinos killed two policemen March 1, leading to military airstrikes and mortar attacks last week that drove the clansmen out of the village into hiding in palm oil plantations nearby.
Anifah said Malaysian authorities would also not grant legal access for now to dozens of Filipinos detained in Sabah on suspicion of providing help or information to the clansmen. They are being held under a national security law that allows detention without trial for up to 28 days before they must be freed or brought to court.
Kiram's younger brother, Agbimuddin, has said he would rather die than surrender his Philippine sultanate's rights to Sabah, which he said has belonged to his clan and its followers for centuries. Sabah, which is rich in timber and oil, has been part of Malaysia since 1963.
On Wednesday, two Philippine navy gunboats intercepted 35 suspected followers of Agbimuddin who apparently fled Sabah aboard two motor boats and were traveling back to the southern Philippines, regional military commander Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo said.
The men were carrying 11 firearms and at least one was wounded and treated on a Philippine navy ship off Tawi Tawi, the country's southernmost province, he said. Navy officials said the men would be turned over to local police for investigation.
Philippine navy vessels patrolling the sea border with Malaysia have also intercepted Filipino settlers who were leaving following the violence amid concerns about a Malaysian crackdown on Filipino suspects.
Associated Press writers Sean Yoong in Kuala Lumpur and Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.


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The rise and fall of World Cup values
It is a tale of two men Manchester United wanted to sign in a World Cup year. Not Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, or even Arturo Vidal and Mats Hummels. Rather, contrasting examples of how, and when, to do business at a time when players' values can suddenly be inflated by performances on the global stage and when fine displays can suddenly prompt a surge in the number of suitors.
In 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson identified Owen Hargreaves as half of an English Pirlo-and-Gattuso-style pairing he hoped to combine, along with Michael Carrick. Then the Anglo-German-Welsh-Canadian was about the only player to truly excel in England's mediocre World Cup campaign. Bayern Munich showed rather more interest in keeping him after that, though Hargreaves eventually arrived at Old Trafford a year later and for 18 million pounds, rather than the initial mooted price of 8 million.
Four years later, lessons were learned. A move for Javier Hernandez was agreed in April 2010. The Mexico striker emulated Hargreaves; he enhanced his reputation at the World Cup. Indeed, he was timed as the quickest player in South Africa and scored against France and Argentina. Yet there was no increase to his 6.9 million pound fee, no more competition for his signature. There could not be; the deal was done.
It is but one club's experience, but it illustrates the World Cup's capacity to affect the economic equation of supply and demand. It is why canny buyers and savvy sellers alike completed some business before events began in Brazil. Borussia Monchengladbach signed Fabian Johnson, perhaps the United States' most impressive player, on a free transfer. Udinese, long admired for their transfer-market nous, tied up the transfer of Charles Aranguiz, a revelation for Chile. Zenit St. Petersburg signed Ezequiel Garay for a bargain price before he was being described as one of the defenders of the tournament. At the other end of the market, Chelsea banked 50 million pounds from PSG for David Luiz, a sum that seemed generous before Brazil's 7-1 thrashing by Germany and would have appeared impossible after his traumatic afternoon in Belo Horizonte.
Then there are those whose cost is dictated not by performance but by release clauses. Keylor Navas, seemingly Bayern Munich-bound, is available for a mere 10 million euros, whereas on the open market, his excellence would have inflated that fee. Diego Costa's fee was set at 32 million pounds. An underwhelming World Cup did not bring it down when Chelsea pounced, just as a superb La Liga season could not take it any higher. Neither Barcelona new boy Luis Suarez's biting nor his goal scoring seem to have altered his valuation, courtesy of the clause inserted into the last deal he signed with Liverpool.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Alexis Sanchez's value appears unchanged, despite his terrific form. The Chilean, and now Arsenal, winger belongs in the upper bracket of players who ought to be worth more than they were five weeks ago. They are the footballers whose class was not in doubt. Stars such as his Chile teammate Vidal, the French duo of Mathieu Valbuena and Antoine Griezmann, and the reported Real Madrid targets Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez wouldn't have come cheap anyway. Nor, indeed, would the latter's Colombia colleague Juan Cuadrado. If zeroes aren't added to the price tag, higher numbers may replace their lower counterparts.
More intriguingly, there are the breakout stars. Would Tottenham and Liverpool have engaged in a scramble for Divock Origi's services if Christian Benteke had been fit and the teenager hadn't been in the Belgian squad? We may never know, but the odds are against it and the probability is the Lille forward would not have been as expensive.
Another who exceeded expectations is free. Guillermo Ochoa picked an opportune moment to be out of contract. The agile Mexican goalkeeper left French side Ajaccio; a series of saves in Brazil should bring a more glamorous destination and a more lucrative contract.
He is not alone in being catapulted to prominence: Ecuador's Enner Valencia now seems to find himself the subject of a tug of war; Netherlands' impact substitute Memphis Depay appears in demand; Bosnia's Muhamed Besic did such a fine job against Lionel Messi that Ferencvaros can command rather more for him; the United States' DeAndre Yedlin could be another subject of footballing inflation. Then there are a whole host of Costa Ricans, many of whom are plying their trade in their homeland. Columbus Crew centre-back Giancarlo Gonzalez may have been the most impressive of the surprise quarterfinalists, Navas apart, but others could find themselves in greater demand, and at higher prices, than they were.
It also raises the question if others' values deteriorated in commensurate quantities. For instance, Barcelona may find it harder to dispose of Cameroon midfielder Alex Song after his senseless red card against Croatia. Yet the reality is that many of the underachievers are already employed at high-profile clubs in England, Italy, Spain or Russia (not surprisingly, as some of them are English, Italian, Spanish or Russian). They may not need to find alternative employers and, in any case, while brilliance in a country's colours can swell players' prices, underachievement does not seem to have the opposite effect. It is another of the win-win situations footballers encounter.
Shaw and Adam Lallana were only bit-part players in England's campaign, but neither saw his value deteriorate. Eliaquim Mangala was France's unused fourth-choice centre-back, but Manchester City's quest for his services continued unabated. Romelu Lukaku did not reproduce his Everton form for Belgium, but his club record ought to dictate he remains expensive.
Perhaps a few may have played themselves out of a move -- then again, who was queuing up to buy Fred anyway? -- or will find themselves leapfrogged on short lists by World Cup wonders. But there are few signs of clubs trying to negotiate down prices after players disappointed in Brazil. Perhaps, in this era of player power, football doesn't work that way anymore.
Richard Jolly covers the Premier League and Champions League for ESPN FC. Twitter: @RichJolly.


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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Eight thousand lucky winners will get their chance to buy Google Glass this week, the company's new Internet-connected eyeglasses, a year before they are set to hit the market.
Google Glass is seen as the next breakthrough in mobile computing.
The winners of the contest will have to pay $1,500 apiece for a test version of Google Glass. The company also took an unspecified number of orders from computer programmers.
Google said Wednesday it started making the glasses available Tuesday, though it may take weeks for recipients to get them.
The excitement stems from a belief that Google Glass is at the forefront of a new wave of technology known as "wearable computing." Published reports say that Google, Apple Inc. and others also are working on Internet-connected wristwatches.
Google hopes to lower prices by the time the glasses hit the mass market next year.
Meanwhile, Google's first-quarter earnings report, due after Thursday's closing bell, is likely to reveal how effectively the company is managing its dominance of the Internet search market as it expands into the mobile device market.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The results cover the first three months of the year, a time when Internet advertising tails off after the traditional holiday marketing frenzy. But that doesn't prevent Google from growing at an impressive clip for a company of its size. Google's ad sales, its main moneymaker, are expected to rise by nearly 20 percent from the same time last year, based on analysts' estimates. Most of the gains flow from Google's leadership of Internet search, where it handles about two of every three requests for online information.
Google's ability to keep growing has given the company a market value of nearly $260 billion, second only to Apple Inc. among technology companies. Google's stock price has climbed by more than 10 percent so far this year, slightly better than the Standard & Poor's 500 index.
Assuming Google's ad growth is in range of forecasts, watch for how investors react to several other factors. One of the biggest keys will be the average price Google gets for ads running alongside search results. That rate, known as advertisers' "cost per click," has fallen from the previous year in five consecutive quarters. The erosion has been driven by an audience that is increasingly using smartphones and tablet computers — devices that don't yet command as high a price as ads on the larger screens of laptop and desktop computers.
But ad pricing decreases have slowed, raising investor hopes that the pendulum is swinging back in Google's favor. Google executives insist that advertisers eventually will pay more to sell things on mobile devices as people use more and more of them. To help speed the transition, Google is changing the way it sells ads to prod more marketers into buying spots on mobile devices at the same time they plan campaigns aimed at PCs. That switch is scheduled to take effect this summer.
As it is, investors expect the first-quarter drop in Google ad prices to be smaller than the six percent decrease registered during the final three months of last year.
The progress of Google's $12.4 billion acquisition of cellphone maker Motorola Mobility Holdings will be another area of interest. Motorola Mobility has proven to be a financial headache for Google so far. The division, which Google runs separately from the rest of the company, has sustained losses totaling $1.1 billion since Google completed the acquisition last summer. Another loss was expected in the first quarter, though analysts are hoping it will be less than the $353 million setback in the final three months of last year.
Google has been trying to cut the losses by cutting jobs and shedding the part of Motorola Mobility that makes set-top boxes for cable television. The company began laying off about 1,200 Motorola Mobility employees last month, adding to the 4,000 people that Google let go last year. Google will get rid of another 7,000 Motorola Mobility workers when it completes its $2.35 billion sale of the set-top box operations to Arris Group Inc. That deal is supposed to be completed Wednesday. Google began this year with 11,100 Motorola Mobility employees and 37,500 workers in its core business.
Although Google primarily prized Motorola Mobility for its portfolio of more than 17,000 patents, the company also plans to release smartphones from Motorola. Those devices will compete with an array of other smartphones running on Google's Android software, which has emerged as the world's most popular mobile operating system. Google gives Android away for free, betting that the company will make money from additional traffic coming to its advertising-driven services. Although it's not mandatory, most device makers relying on Android highlight Google's search engine, maps and YouTube video service.
The conference call to review Google's first-quarter earnings will give analysts a chance to get more information from CEO Larry Page about the company's mobile ambitions. One of the hot topics may be Google Glass, an Internet-connected device that works like a smartphone and is worn like a pair of glasses. A tiny display screen is within the field of vision. Computer programmers and 8,000 winners of a Google contest will be getting a test version of Glass this year. The device currently costs $1,500, but Google hopes to lower the price by the time it is released on the mass market next year.
WHY IT MATTERS: Google Inc. is a good way to monitor the health of digital commerce because it runs the Internet's largest advertising network and is now a major player in the mobile computing market. It's also one of the world's most powerful companies, so what happens to it can affect millions of people and businesses.
WHAT'S EXPECTED: Analysts, on average, expect earnings of $10.64 per share on revenue of $11.11 billion, according to FactSet. The earnings projection excludes the costs of employee stock compensation and the revenue figure excludes Google's advertising commissions.
LAST YEAR'S QUARTER: Google earned $2.9 billion, or $8.75 per share, in the same quarter of 2012. Excluding expenses for employee stock compensation expenses, Google would have earned $10.08 per share. Revenue totaled $10.6 billion. Google didn't own Motorola Mobility during the first three months of last year.
Based on reporting by The Associated Press.
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By Sam Cage and Tsvetelia Tsolova
SOFIA (Reuters) - The center-right GERB has emerged from Bulgaria's election as the largest party but it is short of coalition options, and any new government will almost certainly need backing from a nationalist party which alarms the European Union.
GERB, whose leader Boiko Borisov resigned from government in February during nationwide protests in the EU's poorest country, won most votes in Sunday's poll but not enough to gain a majority.
The second-placed Socialists said they would try to ensure it did not return to power, offering to set up a technocrat government that would also require the backing of the nationalist Attack party.
Borisov's GERB is mired in allegations of corruption and the outspoken leader has kept a low profile since the vote, not speaking publicly or making grandiose claims of victory.
An extended political deadlock could crimp already lackluster economic growth - expected to be about 1 percent this year - and mean further delays in reforms in areas such as employment, health and education.
"There is nothing dramatic if we cannot form a government. But for the others after us, it will be extremely hard, too," said Ivailo Moskovski, a senior GERB member and former minister.
Other parties were reluctant to work with GERB, which won 30.7 percent of votes cast on Sunday and will have first go at forming a government, according to nearly complete results. It could command a tiny majority if it worked with Attack.
Attack, whose members sometimes wear swastika-emblazoned shirt and make Nazi salutes at rallies, attracted Bulgarians unhappy with the low living standards and widespread corruption, but have also ruled out for now support for GERB.
Its leader Volen Siderov has alarmed investors with his pledges of nationalizations and revoking foreign companies' concessions.
"Coalition talks are likely to be uneasy," said Otilia Simkova, an analyst at Eurasia. "Negotiations in forthcoming hours and days will be crucial for Bulgaria's policy direction in next four years."
An interim government will lead the Balkan country until a new cabinet is elected. On Monday, Interim Prime Minister Marin Raikov appealed to political parties to avoid "burning bridges" in order to form a stable government.
"If we have an unstable government, a government that yields to social demagoguery, this will sink the country," Raikov told reporters.
GERB pledges to keep fiscal deficit and debt under control, while the Socialists have promised to spend more and create jobs without running up debt. Attack is pursuing an immediate raise in the minimum wage and spending to increase living standards.
Widespread disenchantment with the voting process was reflected in turnout figures of just 53 percent, the lowest for any parliamentary election since the fall of communism in 1989.
Six years after joining the EU, many of Bulgaria's 7.3 million people are angry about low living standards and graft, following a campaign that consisted more of mud-slinging than presenting clear policies, and was marred by scandals over wiretapping and illegal ballots that hurt GERB's support.
The unclear result of Sunday's election raises questions over economic policy and could mean another ballot will be needed, possibly in September, analysts and pollsters said.
With 99.3 percent of ballots counted, the Socialists were in second place, with 27.6 percent of the vote. Ethnic Turkish party MRF had 10.5 percent and nationalist Attack 7.4 percent.
That would give GERB 98 seats in the 240-member parliament and it could command a slim majority with backing from Attack, as it did to form a government in 2009. The seats can change w
Attack's Siderov ruled that out on Sunday though that may be a negotiating position that could be softened.
The Socialists and their likely allies are set to get 119 seats when 121 are needed to form a government, meaning they would need Attack's backing to form a cabinet, almost complete official results showed.
Socialist leader Sergei Stanishev said he was certain that GERB would not be able to form a government and that his party was ready to hold talks with MRF, Attack and citizens' organizations to form a cabinet to avoid new protests.
"The first task is to get GERB out of power," Stanishev said. "We will take the responsibility to form a government."
(Additional reporting by Angel Krasimirov; Editing by Angus MacSwan)


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University of Vermont
2011-12 Online Catalogue
Biology (Master of Science for Teachers)
Faculty research interests fall into two broad groupings: A) cell and molecular biology, physiology and behavior; B) ecology and evolution. Current research projects include: A) molecular biology of cilia; smell and taste receptor cell function using molecular biology, calcium imaging and electrophysiology; olfactory and taste driven behavior; motor neuron development using cellular, molecular, evolutionary and electrophysiological approaches; muscle development using biophysical, molecular and proteomic approaches; proteomics, biochemistry and cell biology applied to molecular mechanisms of signal transduction governing neuronal positioning. B) community ecology and evolutionary ecology of carnivorous plants; genetics of malaria parasites using classical parasitology, field studies and molecular biology; ecology, zoogeography and conservation of small mammals; modeling and analysis of complex biological and environmental systems; multi-species interactions among plants, their mutualist pollinators and antagonists that include herbivores, seed predators, and competitors; developmental plasticity interactions with extreme sexual size dimorphism in spiders; evolution, ecology, and behavior of social insects; ecology and evolution of disease.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Science in Teaching
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and certification as a teacher of biology or an associated field. At least three years of secondary school teaching. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination, general (aptitude) section.
Minimum Degree Requirements
Thirty credits of course work to include a selection of courses in the Departments of Plant Biology and Biology which will broaden and balance the undergraduate work in biology. At least two 200-level courses in each department. Courses in four of the five following areas: anatomy; morphology and systematics; genetics; developmental biology; and environmental biology. Up to twelve credits of 100-level courses may be used for the above requirements where approved by the advisor and the Dean. Appropriate courses in related science departments may be used to complete the required thirty credits. No thesis is required; however, each degree recipient must complete a written and oral examination.
- Colleges and Schools: College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate College.
- Departments and Programs: Biology Department.


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Meet thousands of Ark singles through one of the best Ark online dating sites. Matchmaker.com has great instant messenger and live video Ark chat service for our members. Ark dating has never been easier with our show interest feature that will allow you to break the ice with attractive local singles.
Matchmaker.com has some great services for Ark singles looking for a longer term relationship. Besides our great Ark chat product with live video matchmaker users can send email messages to people in the area. The Ark dating scene can be hard to find the right person at times; however, we are here to help and our Ark online dating service is free to register.
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Bowhead whale
In this section:
Bowhead trackerThe Canadian and Alaskan governments have attached satellite radio transmitters to a sample of bowhead whales, in order to better understand seasonal movements and habitat use of these whales.
This information can be used to help plan for human activities (like shipping) in these sensitive, quiet arctic waters – the bowheads home – and in all decisions regarding the future of arctic marine systems facing rapid climate and economic change.
Thank you!
See more trackers
common names
Bowhead Whale, Bowhead, Greenland Right Whale
scientific name
Balaena mysticetus
Status varies by subpopulation.
Svalbard-Barents Sea: critically endangered
Okhotsk Sea: endangered
Other populations: least concern


text:
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Be prepared to laugh. Hard.
Oh, and here's the unedited, more developed version.
4 comments:
- Beth said...
These guys are also known as the Amateur Transplants. They have a bunch of equally as funny stuff up on YouTube. I make a reference to something from them at least daily.
- Sun Dec 14, 08:28:00 PM CST
- SeaSpray said...
HILARIOUS! Thanks for the laugh!
No doubt a wonder drug. :)
- Tue Dec 16, 02:12:00 AM CST
- Ann of the Incredible Gift said...
I rather suspect these funny fellows got their idea originally from an anecdote told by Isaac Asimov.
While he was waiting in an office, he was rehearsing a way to make the term "paradichloroacetyl benzaldehyde" easier for his students to say. He repeated it to the tune of the Irish Washerwoman as the receptionist returned.
"Oh," she said, "how grand. You know it in the original Gaelic!"
- Wed Dec 17, 02:51:00 AM CST
Yeah these guys are super funny.
- Wed Dec 17, 09:33:00 AM CST
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text:
- ATP Tour
Nadal to make Middle East return
Rafael Nadal will put the finishing touches on his Australian Open preparations in the Middle East as he prepares to make his long-awaited return from injury.
The world No. 4 has not played since his shock second-round defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June after struggling to shake off a knee injury.
Nadal will take part in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship - a six-man exhibition event at the end of December, which also features world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and US Open champion Andy Murray - before making his competitive return at the Qatar Open in January.
"Nadal is returning to competitive tennis since his knee injury at Wimbledon so everyone is looking forward to seeing what he brings," tournament director Karim Alami told Qatari newspaper The Peninsula.
Nadal, who returned to training in Mallorca last week, will be the top seed in Doha. "I am making progress and I hope to continue to do so," the 11-time grand slam champion said.


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The History of the Footie
Just when everyone in town has lost or triumphed with their favorite team, the British Museum gives us some historical context for this beloved contest. How did we get here? Take a look at what their curators have to … Continue reading
Posted in design, museums Tagged British Museum, football, games, history of sport, soccer Leave a comment


text: This pamphlet produced by the SCLC is an excerpt from Thomas Merton's "The Black Revolution: Letters to a White Liberal." Merton seeks to awaken the conscience of white America by presenting the Negro perspective in the struggle for civil rights. He discusses how Dr. King utilizes the philosophy of nonviolence as a tool of progress and the contrasting reaction of Negros based upon their religious association as either Christian or Muslim. The concluding message is a call for the complete reform of America's social system which permits and breeds injustice.


text:
The SolidsFlow 2000 is a natural mass-flow feeding device suited to feed a wide variety of materials including, fumed silica, cereal, carbon black, nuts, flakes, and fibers. Equipped with a drive that vibrates a specially designed feed tray, the SolidsFlow 2000 provides versatility for a number of process applications. Each feed tray contains a number of slats with a gap and overlap across the entire width of the discharge opening. All slat dimensions and angles are designed to suit the particular physical characteristics of each material being fed. Therefore, when the vibrations cease, material flow stops instantaneously due to changes in the vibrated and static angle of repose of the product. This feature is ideal for batch processes. Feed rates up to 3000 cu ft/hr are achievable.
Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater, WI 800-558-0184 www.accuratefeeders.com
For related equipment reviews, articles, and news, visit our Feeders Equipment Zone
Click here for information about International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition


text:
All games kick off at 7 p.m.
All games kick off at 7 p.m.
No. 8 Escalon (9-2) at No. 1 Auburn-Placer (11-0): The Cougars are used to either being the No. 1 seed or not meeting the No. 1 seed until the finals. To prove how loaded this division is, they face the No. 1 seed tonight in the quarterfinals. Placer won the last of its five section titles way back in 1981. They lost in the Div. IV finals in 2008 to Rocklin-Whitney and in 2009 to Modesto Chrisitan. Escalon is vying for its ninth section title and first since 2010. Cougars' senior Nathan Chunn is fifth in the section in rushing with 1,858 yards and has scored 29 touchdowns. Chunn ran for 267 yards and five touchdowns in last week's 44-14 win over Calaveras in the first round. Placer quarterback Peter Denham has thrown for 1,010 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions, but the Hillmen's running game averages 312 yards per game and is led by Isaac Brahce with 1,107 yards and 10 touchdowns. Placer has three others backs who have rushed for 650 yards or more and scored 28 touchdowns combined.
No. 6 Modesto-Central Catholic (9-2) at No. 3 Ripon (11-0): The Indians had a bye two weeks ago and a breather last week in the first round against Amador, 40-0, for their first playoff win since 1997. This will be a tougher test. The Crusaders cruised past Grass Valley-Bear River 63-20 last week and have won seven in a row. Ripon had its first undefeated regular season since 1983 and this special campaign will continue if the Indians force some turnovers, play solid run defense and score some points with senior quarterback Kyle Wengel (1,695 yards, 25 touchdowns) and senior running backs Josh McCreath (1,133, 16 TDs) and Anthony Baciocco (597 yards, nine TDs) leading the way.
No. 10 Antelope-Center (9-2) at No. 2 Argonaut (11-0): Mustangs coach Rick Davis has had a lot of fun watching his huge and talented offensive line push opponents around, allowing seniors Colton Merriman and Ryan King to run wild. Center has an outstanding back of its own: D'juan Bellaire, a 5-6, 165-pound senior, is second in the section in rushing yards (1,941) and has scored 27 touchdowns.
No. 4 Ripon Christian (9-2) at No. 1 Foresthill (9-1): The Wildfires snuffed Sacramento-Cristo Rey 47-0 to end the regular, then enjoyed a bye to tonight's semifinal against the Knights, who eliminated Elliot Christian 42-22 in the quarterfinals last week. Foresthill reached the championship game last season but was beaten by Sacramento-Bradshaw Christian, 62-6. Danny Vos has thrown for 1.867 yards and 22 touchdowns for Ripon Christian.
No. 6 Modesto-Big Valley Christian (6-5) at No. 2 Brookside Christian (8-2) at Lodi Grape Bowl: The Knights had a bye last week into the semifinals and will take their five-game winning streak into tonight's game against the Lions. Brookside has shut out three of its last four opponents, outscoring them 256-8. Austin Caldron is eighth in the section with 2,524 yards passing for the Knights.
- Bob Highfill


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Hello everyone… I've got something pretty cool today!! And it's pretty interesting as well 🙂 So lemme show you!!
Blurb: Someone's been raising the dead and it's J's job to find out who. As a detective operating in the Underworld, J—with her powers of shadow manipulation—is uniquely equipped for the job. What she isn't counting on is the help of an escapee from a mental institution who seems to attract trouble just by existing.
It's up to J and T—two very unlikely allies—to find the necromancer and bring him before the Underworld Balance Magistrate for judgment before the human world gets wise to the dead walking among them.
My Review:
Let me start by saying my mystery fans will LOVE this one! I swear it plays out like a mystery novel, but with the supernatural as the characters. It has such an interesting take on the zombie outfit as well. You are introduced to the two main characters in the most unique ways. T, who is locked up in a high security mental institution, just wants to prove to herself that she's not crazy, and J, our magical detective, who just wants to solve this crazy case of zombies on the loose! I also find the story quite hilarious at times because their personalities are so polar opposite! And I love that there's not just stakeouts but a whole lot of action and some crazy explosions and some really creepy creatures hanging about!
I think T is definitely my favorite character. She has a serious OCD cleaning problem, a real bad case of anger issues that are lethal, and a hilarious take on manners, rudeness, and proper hygiene. She is cleverly oblivious, but also smart and resourceful! Her outlook on life is something I get, as I'm kinda chipper, yet I don't think I have a temper nearly close to hers. She also has the most outrageous comebacks when she gets mad. I enjoyed laughing at J's observations of T, especially when things get chaotic!
J is such a loner with serious paranoia, and I really like her extreme need to figure out each detail. I know there is something huge about her family, but we haven't quite figured it all out. And she is scary in her own right. She may not have too many emotional responses, but I think she'd be more lethal than T if you made her mad. And regardless of what she says, I believe her and J are going to be my favorite new partnership to follow up on! I have much more in store in the future for this team 🙂
I think the writing is my most mysterious part of the story. You know there's two writers, but you really can't tell. I think that's awesome because there's no choppy distinctions. Everything flows well, the plot line and mystery is greatly portrayed, and they've left just enough cover the ending as an ending but a little extra not yet discovered for the next installment for the book to continue in a series. I really enjoyed reading how this all played out. The only thing I missed was finding out just a little bit more of the backgrounds on the characters and how the politics are playing in the background. I know some of that is left to gradually come to light in the series as to not have huge info dumps, so I also appreciate that! I'm very intrigued to see this play out in the next book! I'm going to say 4 MYSTERIOUSLY EXPLOSIVE PAWS from me, and hurry and gimme book 2 soon so I can figure out just what's going on! Hahaha 🙂
Character Interview with T:
So today, I have the very cool T over to ask a few questions 🙂 I tried to make things not too spoilery for those of you who haven't read this story yet 🙂 Here's what she had to tell me!
Tell me a little bit about yourself…
Not much to tell, really, just an average girl from the suburbs who is now a small business owner. I guess I'm proof that with a positive outlook and a "go-getter" attitude, you can really go places in life.
Barnes & Noble:
Today, I will be offering my print copy that the wonderful authors sent me as a review copy!! It's beautiful and in trade size paperback. AND the lovely authors have offered a giveaway as well! My print copy will be US giveaway-sorry shipping is high- and the authors have a few goodies including a copy of the book!! 🙂 So leave me or the lovely authors a nice comment below and also tell me if you are US or INT and I'll pick me some winners in a few weeks when the tour is up-so I can be sure everyone has a chance!! 🙂
I wish you all extra good luck and I hope you enjoyed today!! 🙂 I love when I find new goodies to read and I also should tell you that very shortly I'll also be doing a blog tour for Ms. Jeanette again for her Moon series, which is extra cool!!! 🙂 so stay tuned 🙂 Happy reading everyone and Later Gators!!!
16 thoughts on "Dead Harvest Blog Tour w Giveaway"
Book sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you for your blog and for the giveaway.
Josette Schaber
evanlea at gmail dot com
The authors are new for me but not for long. Dead Harvest sounds like a great read and I have added it to my must have list.
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Creepy cover..and yes, i want to read this copy too 🙂
i'm international
Okay, I am going to be honest and tell you that I do judge a book by its cover. And that cover looked scary and gross at first, leading me to think horror, not me. But…. I took the time to read your review and the interview, and now, I NEED to read this book. It sounds awesome. Thanks for such a great job on changing my mind. 🙂
Nice review about the characters. Fun interview questions.
I love a mystery with a supernatural aspect to it! I think the cover of a book is always the first thing to draw you in, and this would definitely make me take a look. I'm US. Thanks for joining this great hop!
[…] her! I also recently did another tour for her book that she co-wrote, Dead Harvest (it's HERE if you missed it and the giveaway is still open, too!). She's quite a great writer! So, now, […]
This one sounds good, and I love a good mystery. 🙂 Perhaps the biggest mystery of all is Ms. Phillips' extremely low-maintenance cat. Those exist? 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!


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Solar Storm
A solar flare erupted from the sun on March 6, 2012. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center continues to monitor and forecast this solar event along with potential impacts to satellites, power grids and communication and navigation systems.
Event Impacts:
Power Grid: Weak power grid fluctuations are possible.
HF Communication: Unusable at higher latitudes in the Polar regions. Commercial airlines are avoiding Polar routes.
Satellite: Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora (Northern Lights): The Aurora Forecast from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center depicts how far away viewers on the ground could see the Aurora.
Share your pictures of the Aurora on the Space Weather Prediction Center's Facebook
The above model animation shows the coronal mass ejection as it heads to Earth. The white through yellow and orange plumes indicate the density of the coronal mass ejection The sun is centered as an orange circle with the size of Earth represented in relative scale which is a small dot compared to the size of the Sun and the coronal mass ejection.
Joe Kunches with NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center further explains this week's Solar Storm.
Robert Rutledge, a forecaster at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, discusses how NOAA monitors space weather events, models their impact on Earth, and works with commercial sectors to protect lives and property.


text:
Details and online registration for courses both in North America and overseas.
course schedules >
The RTS Lectures and Video Series are now available on DVD.
view products >
Call 1-888-553-6287 to enroll or for more information about our RTS courses.
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text:
a href="https://www.automobilemag.com/chrysler/300/2013/">2013 Chrysler 300, 2013 Dodge Charger, 2013 Ram 1500
The Problem: A two-stage forging method was used to build the output shaft on certain 8-speed automatic transmissions, resulting in a shaft vulnerable to fracture. The recall will affect vehicles with a specific set of equipment: 2013 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Ram 1500 vehicles which are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as four- or all-wheel-drive and a V-6 engine. No injuries or accidents as a result of this defect have been reported.
The Fix: Free of charge, Chrysler will inspect the automatic transmission shafts and replace the transmission assembly if necessary. A single-stage forging method is now in place for transmission shaft production.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 5663 total Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Ram 1500 vehicles from the 2013 model year. 4,194 of these vehicles are in the U.S., with 1,424 in Canada and the remaining 45 vehicles outside North America.
2013 Dodge Dart Mopar '13
The Problem: Some 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar '13 models have incorrectly installed front-seat-mounted side airbags. It is possible that this airbag may not deploy when it is supposed to in the event of a crash.
The Fix: Chrysler will inform owners of the recall, and dealers will inspect and if necessary re-install the airbag free of charge.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 374 Dodge Dart Mopar '13.
The Problem: The weight-sensitive passenger airbag sensor in 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63, SL65, and SL550 models may not detect a very light person sitting in the front passenger seat. If an accident were to occur in this case, the passenger side airbag would consequently not deploy.
The Fix: Mercedes-Benz will inform owners of the possible defect, and dealers will replace the airbag sensor as well as the entire passenger side seat cushion free of charge.
Number of Vehicle Potentially Affected: 130 2013 Mercedes SL-Class.
2012-2014 McLaren 12C
The Problem: The recall affects McLaren 12C Spider and Coupe models originally sold or currently registered in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. High temperatures and humidity can cause the windshield wiper motors to jam or malfunction.
The Fix: McLaren will replace the wiper motors free of charge, and the company will also extend a lifetime warrantee on wiper motors to vehicles outside the recall area.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 376 2012-2014 McLaren 12C Coupe and Spider.


text:
Special Days A-Z Files
Browse Finding Aid:
> Information on Use
Information on Use
Terms of Access and Use
Restrictions on access:
The records are open to public research according to the regulations of the Smith College Archives.
Restrictions on use:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish or quote from the documents must be obtained from the Smith College Archives.
Preferred Citation
Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:
Special Days A-Z Files, Box #, Smith College Archives.
History of the Collection
The Special Days files were collected over time by the Smith College Archives.
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text:
chaosdragoon13 wrote:You were waiting for that one now weren't ya? Hes not even fit to be a prince or anything royal, I know he is fit to be dead but nothing further.
I'm sorry, I've been watching too much VanossGaming. See what you've done?!
chaosdragoon13 wrote:Oh well forget about sora, I sent ya a new picture of spear the hedgehog and I want to know if there is anything wrong with it or anything I can do adjust it.
Maybe have his hands open like he just got the power and is about to do a battle cry. And maybe give him a glow or something like the typical yellow glow or maybe his green aura. Idk I'm no art expert and in all honesty there's nothing really wrong with it.
So how are you making these pics anyway? Like are there multiple character model pieces you're using or what?


text:
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text:
There are two words that come to mind when watching "A Behanding in Spokane" by Martin McDonagh: "absurd" and "bizarre."
There's a third word that can be added as well: Funny. Very funny.
This (extremely) dark comedy can be seen at None Too Fragile Theater through March 9. There was much laughter throughout the production from the Feb. 9 audience.
"It was our first time at this theater, and it was great," said Bob Wodzisz of Boston Township. "We didn't stop laughing."
"It was hilarious," added his wife Shoshana.
"A Behanding in Spokane," like most of None Too Fragile's productions, is not for the easily offended or faint of heart (or for minors). But adults who don't mind political incorrectness will enjoy this show.
In the play, Carmichael (played by Michael Reginer) has been searching across the country for his missing hand, which was severed off decades ago by a gang of hoodlums. He runs into two small-time crooks, Toby (played by Brian Kenneth Armour) and his girlfriend Marilyn (played by Kelly Strand), who claim they have found the hand. Unfortunately for them, Carmichael doesn't believe the hand they have given him is really his hand, and Toby and Marilyn find themselves in danger of their lives. Help at first seems to be at hand from the hotel receptionist Mervyn (played by Nick Yurick) but, in another stroke of bad luck, Mervyn also seems to have a bit of a screw loose, as well as a long-standing grudge against Toby for a drug deal gone bad from years ago. Toby and Marilyn find themselves trying to work together to get out of their predicament while all along feuding with each other about who is more to blame.
"It is very absurd and crass and crude, but that's the whole thing," said Sean Derry, theater co-founder and director. "McDonagh has a way of taking these things and turns them on their head, and he makes us think of these things."
Ticket and show information
Show times are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. There is one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Feb. 17 and one Monday evening performance at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 18. Tickets are $20 or pay as you can, and can be purchased at the door or online at www.nonetoofragile.com. Complimentary valet parking is available for Friday and Saturday shows.
None Too Fragile Theater is at 1835 Merriman Road in Akron; the theater and box office is accessed through Pub Bricco.
Next on stage
None Too Fragile will next produce "Oh, The Humanity and Other Good Intentions" by Will Eno, which will run April 12 through May 11.


text:
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Hey, what's the live stream u use?
lol at Carl putting his facebook and myspace links on that thread. You and Melo are prob the only guys I would ever add lol.
I love how he acts like a big shot and trys to make a believe all the BS he says like playing football and coaching and blah blah. No way I will ever believe any of that lol.
I think Cal wants us to draft every West Va player possible every year. Next he will want us to give Steve Slaton and Pat White looks in camp.
Sure thing bro.
There isn't much I can really do with the forum. I can't delete threads but when noone posts in the threads they will keep going to the bottom and eventually be gone.
Hey there was a pic of Gilbert, trent, weeden, taylor and MGK. i was wondering if u seen it and know where it is?
I love your sig
Right Click on the Picture, then go to Properties and then copy the URL address. Then paste within the image icon you get in PSD.
First Round Draft Pick
Cleveland Browns TM


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Now, I do realise that the Heriodes and the Amores are uniquely 'ovidian', however, I was wondering if there is something vaguely reminiscient of these works in Greek?
I'm sure I don't have to explain, but, by reminiscient I mean, similar in terms of language use and concerns, but primarily I mean dealing with lovers or with the love of heroines/heroes.
If anyone could point me to anything at all, I would be very grateful!
So, any ideas/recommendations?


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New giant funnel bins are being installed at motorway service areas across the North West in a bid to reduce the amount of litter dropped on the regions roads.
Highways England is providing the bins as part of a North West initiative to tackle littering after over 40,000 sacks of rubbish had to be collected from motorways in the region last year - an average of 108 sacks for every mile of motorway.
The window-height bins are being installed at around a dozen service areas in the North West over the next few months, and the first bins have been installed at Lymm Services by the M6 in Cheshire this week.
Two different sizes of bins are being installed ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 metres high next to Give Way lines at the exit to service area car parks. The bins allow both car and lorry drivers to reach the half-a-metre-wide funnels from their vehicles windows
Paul Elliott, Service Delivery Team Leader at Highways England, said:
"Were committed to tackling littering on our network and are installing the funnel bins at service areas in the North West. The bins offer another opportunity for road users to dispose of their rubbish responsibly within service areas.
"Our teams of workers do a fantastic job removing litter from motorways every year but wed much rather they were able to spend more of their time carrying out maintenance work.
"The new giant funnel bins will make it much easier for drivers to get rid of their litter as they wont need to leave their vehicles, and Id urge drivers to either use the bins on the network or to take their litter home with them."
It costs taxpayers an estimated £40 for each sack of litter collected from motorways - roughly the same cost as fixing a pothole.
Litter poses a risk to other drivers if it lands on windscreens, causes a threat to wildlife and leads to flooding if drains become blocked so litter picking is regularly carried out across the network.
Rubbish has to be collected close to fast-moving traffic - putting workers at risk - and lane closures are often needed, causing needless disruption to drivers.
Paul Cooper, 46 from Bolton, has been collecting litter from motorways in the North West for 19 years as part of his job as a maintenance worker for Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald. Pauls other duties include filling potholes, repairing safety barriers and clearing drains. He said:
"I think most drivers who sling litter out their windows dont really think about what theyre doing, and that someone like me has to come along and clear up after them. It tends to be worst on slip roads or where theres standing traffic, as thats when drivers seem to decide to have a clear out of their cars.
"Theres always an element of risk when youre working on the network as youre near traffic so my message to drivers is please stop dropping litter and use the bins or take it home with you instead."
The bins are being installed as part of a North West litter initiative, which also involves trialling new signs with the message 'Workers lives are put at risk picking your litter' and carrying out extra litter picking patrols to help tackle the issue.


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The question further details the importance of this matter. "I spend more time on my browser than any other piece of software on any given day. Primarily because I use it at both at university for research and for entertainment (i.e. reading articles here)," the question reads, "The trend these days seems to indicate the browser is becoming more and more of a target rather than the OS."
I'd say that there are two parts to this question. Not only is it important to take into account the browser itself, but also the platform it's running on. It's better to have both a browser and a platform with a proven security track record than to just have a browser with a proven track record in security.
Browser-wise, you are most likely best off with either Firefox or Chromium (not Google Chrome, but Chromium). I specifically mention these two because you also care a great deal about privacy. Since Chromium and Firefox are open source, you can be reasonably sure there's no weirdness going on inside the code that you have to worry about. While browsers like Opera and Safari also have a good security track record, their closed-source nature means you can't check the code for privacy-invading weirdness. I'm not saying Opera or Safari contain such weirdness - just that you can never be sure.
This extends to the platform aspect of the equation. There are several hardened Linux distributions out there, which are completely locked-down from a security standpoint. However, even desktop-oriented distributions like Ubuntu provide you with a safe, secure, and Free/free operating system. Similarly, while Mac OS X and Windows are/can be secure too, the closed-source nature of these platforms means you cannot check for any privacy-invading stuff in there (no matter how unlikely it may be).
What do our readers have to say about this one?


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If you were hoping to snag tickets to the Presidential Inaugural Ball when they went on sale Monday morning -- you're already too late.
Due to a Ticketmaster goof, some users received the link to buy tickets 12 hours early.
A spokesperson from the Presidential Inaugural Committee confirmed that tickets are sold out, but wasn't certain whether that happened Sunday night or Monday morning.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee had promised to make a limited number of tickets available online for $60.
Those who wanted the chance to buy tickets signed up at www.2013pic.org. The email containing the link to buy tickets should have gone out Monday morning.
Ticketmaster is attributing the issue to a testing error.
The company sent a second email to users Sunday night that reads in part:
Public tickets to these events were originally scheduled to go on sale [Monday] morning -- you received the email tonight in error, and Ticketmaster takes responsibility for this mistake.
However, a significant number of public tickets were purchased this evening, despite the early email. Ticketmaster will be in touch with any additional information.
Some users received neither email.
The Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center is the only official ball also open to the public. The other official ball, the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, is open to military service members.
Were you planning on going to the ball but missed out because of the ticket goof? Email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Water Restoration Technician
Roto-Rooter is the name that home owners and businesses have turned to for over 80 years for their plumbing and drain cleaning troubles. Our newest division, water restoration, is growing quickly, and we are adding additional technicians.
As a Water Restoration Technician, your responsibilities will include:
Requirements include:
IICRC Certification a PLUS!
In return for your commitment to provide outstanding customer service, we provide a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision & 401k!
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, military status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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The first known inhabitants of what became the town of Bernardston, Massachusetts, were probably elements of the Pocumtuck nation, who settled the lands as long as 10,000 years ago. The Pocumtucks, in long decline, were finally pushed from the area after the "Falls Fight," a massacre of men, women, and children by the English at Turners Falls, followed by bloody retaliation by the Indian survivors in May, 1676. In 1734, the English survivors petitioned the colony of Massachusetts for land and were granted the "Falls Fight Township," later Coleraine, Leyden, and Bernardston. This land was still frontier though, and subject to raids from French and Native Canada. A chain of forts was built to protect that northern frontier in the 1740s. A small group of settlers gathered around these forts, but Bernardston's population did not really grow until after the major fighting of the French and Indian War ended. Fall Town, as it was now known, was renamed Bernardston when it was incorporated in 1762, named after the Royal Govenor of Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor Francis Bernard.
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As a result of the national trend among seniors, Medicare is considering providing coverage for STD screenings for seniors.
In March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid office announced that it was looking into adding STD exams to the national health-insurance program, which already pays for HIV screenings.
The reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia among older adults outpaced the nation's average, according to the analysis.
Among all age groups nationwide, reported cases of syphilis increased 60 percent between 20, while in the 55 to 64 age group it increased 70 percent.
Meanwhile, the incidences of chlamydia rose 27 percent among all ages, and double that among those age 55 to 64.
Across the nation, and especially in communities that attract a lot of older Americans, the free-love generation is continuing to enjoy an active — if not always healthy — sex life.
At a stage in life when many would expect sexually transmitted diseases to be waning, aging baby boomers are once again busting stereotypes, setting records and breaking rules.
In the five years from 2005 to 2009, the number of reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia among those 55 and older increased 43 percent, according to an Orlando Sentinel analysis of data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the Sunbelt where retirees have formed large communities, the rise was even more dramatic.
For instance, in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima counties — home to large retirement communities just outside Phoenix — the percent of reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia increased twice as fast as the national average from 2005 to 2009.
Reported cases were up 87 percent among those 55 and older in those counties.
In Central Florida, where The Villages and other retirement communities sprawl across several counties, reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia increased 71 percent among those 55 and older in that same period.
And South Florida saw a 60 percent rise in those two sexually transmitted infections among the same age group, according to the Florida Department of Health.


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Civil society wants sustainable growth package from G-20
Signatories include top leaders from environment, development, business and labour groups, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Bellagio Forum for Sustainable Development.
"We urge you to ensure that the entirety of the G20 emergency package supports three goals: (1) building economic resilience; (2) social justice and distributional equity by promoting decent work for all; (3) protection and sustainable use of the environment," Leape and others wrote in the letter.
The letter goes on to ask G-20 leaders "to allocate $750 billion of this stimulus package, which is around 1% of global GDP, to investments that will build an inclusive and green economy."
Established in 1999, the Group of Twenty, known better as the G-20, is composed of finance ministers, political leaders and central bank governors and aims to bring together industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy, according to its website. Heads of state are currently meeting to participate in the G-20 in London.
Download the letter here.


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Newly-hired Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly has plenty to ponder when it comes to the quarterback position.
Let's start with Michael Vick. CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman reported Kelly embraces the notion of keeping Vick at a reduced rate, according to a source familiar with the team's thinking. Kelly and his assistants have broken down film from Vick's 2012 season and view him as a capable quarterback -- but they still aren't certain what they have in the 32-year-old passer.
Eagles coaches also are studying Nick Foles. Freeman reported Kelly might not be as sold on the second-year pro as some believe, and might ultimately pursue San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and wave goodbye to Vick, largely because of Vick's massive salary and concussion history.
NFL Network analyst Donovan McNabb still sees Vick as an ideal fit for Kelly's up-tempo offensive scheme.
"He fits in it very well, if you look at it from afar," McNabb said on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" on Wednesday. "If you look at just the 2010 season, when they were playing very well, the offensive line was healthy, and they were making explosive plays. Explosive plays from 30, 40, 50 yards, and that's what Chip Kelly has been doing at Oregon."
McNabb cited money as a sticking point here, and that's accurate. The Eagles don't want to pay Vick's $15.5 million salary this season, especially when factoring in his shaky durability. The Vick of the mid-2000s would have been a sublime fit for Kelly, but the Vick of 2013 is surrounded by question marks.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.


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The Visit That Never Ends
Readers tell Great Recession stories of moving back home.
Soon you'll be home for Christmas, sleeping in your childhood bed for a few days, or camping on some relative's basement sofa. Millions of Americans caught in the Great Recession, however, have been experiencing a visit home that never ends. They are living like the Waltons, the fictional Depression-era family that had three generations under one roof, and which frequently took in lost, flat-broke souls.
We asked Slate readers who have had to return home or who have taken in friends or relatives to tell us what it's like to live in a multi-generational household. We heard from people who are now staying with grandparents, parents, in-laws, siblings, and friends. These impromptu arrangements can mean the difference between a warm bed and living in the car, but the experience is emotionally roiling. People described alternating surges of shame and gratitude, their relief at having a safe place to land tempered by worry about ever being able to get out. Many people wrote of unexpected, sweet moments of connection they never would have experienced in better times. But just as often, they hoped for those better times to return, so that they can get their stuff out of boxes and kiss their loved ones farewell.
"Hey, Baby, I'm Unemployed and I Live with My Parents."
One effect of the recession not captured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is what living with your parents does to your eligibility as a romantic partner. A few years back, a reader who calls himself Rajni put his administrative career in higher education on hold to follow his successful girlfriend as her career took her around the country. They broke up, and he moved in with his parents for what he thought would be a few months until he landed a job. Then the recession landed, and now he is heading toward year three of living at home. He writes, "I never imagined I'd be unmarried at 37. When I hear the slurs we use for adults living at home, like 'man-child' or 'mama's boy,' they sting, even though I don't think they apply to me. Still, I know most women want an established man with a great career. Even if I'm emotionally mature with great life experiences, my unemployment makes me a work-in-progress. I used to think I was a catch; every passing month makes me less of one. Should I try to make my case on Match.com with brazen, unemployed honesty? With a profile picture that's got my folks in the background, holding a sign that says 'It's not as bad as it looks'?"
Grandpa, His Lady Friend, and Me
The downturn has been particularly brutal for young people entering the job market. Those who went to graduate school knew they'd be taking on huge debt, but they saw it as in investment: Their degrees were supposed to allow them to choose among the most alluring jobs. Laura Sankey graduated from law school in 2009, but after a fruitless 18 months attempting to start her legal career, she is now looking for jobs unrelated to the law, and her hard-earned degree now feels like "$100K of gambling debt." She is being kept afloat by the fact that her grandfather has a big, mostly empty house. Her belongings are stacked in his garage, and she lives in his basement.
"Most nights, he goes over to his lady friend's house for dinner and a movie or TV program—they both are big fans of Jon Stewart and The Office. I often get invited, and I usually tag along about one night a week," she writes. Grandpa pays for the utilities and keeps the kitchen stocked, and Sankey, a vegetarian, does her part by cooking him occasional dinners. "He's of a meat-and-potatoes generation, so when I cook for us both, his first impression is always, 'This looks ... interesting,' with a bit of a raised eyebrow. He's always game to eat what I make, though he's vetoed any tofu recipes."
She feels indebted to her grandfather and despairs about how to get on with her life. "I hate that I turned 29 a couple weeks ago and I'm once again dependent on my family for my survival. I know that I'm lucky to have family to fall back on, and that there are plenty of people who are much worse off than I am. It's hard not to feel like I'm taking advantage, though, no matter how much my grandpa claims there's no problems with me being there."
One of Sankey's biggest fears is that the rest of her relatives, struggling to keep a family business afloat, might also find themselves in need of her grandfather's largesse, "I'm crossing my fingers that my grandpa's house doesn't fill up with my parents, brother, aunts, uncles or cousins, since we're all just barely holding it together."
"Any Plans for Dinner?"
It's easy to understand the anguish of people who are forced to move back in with their family. But one letter from a middle-aged father who wishes to remain anonymous tells how draining this life-sustaining hospitality can be for the hosts. Two years ago, Mr. X's daughter and son-in-law moved into his house, where he and his wife work out of home offices. Even though the son-in-law has finally landed a job, long-term unemployment has left the young couple's finances in such shambles that they can't afford a deposit for an apartment of their own. So their elliptical trainer continues to dominate the family room, and their stuff spreads through the house. Mr. X writes, "My work day is punctuated with one or both of the young relatives appearing to ask, 'What are we doing for dinner?' which means, 'What are you providing for us today?' "
He worries about how long it will be before the economy will be strong enough for his children to live on their own and pay off their student debt. And he contemplates what could be a great real estate idea for aging parents and their underemployed adult children: "Maybe the new fad will be the construction of 'children's apartments' in retirement homes."
He adds, "Please say something on behalf of the millions of people who are doing this proudly, if not always completely happily, for their kids. And when those kids say, as Peggy Lee did, 'Is that all there is?' when they get their inheritance, hopefully it will come with a note reading, 'You spent it all in the Great Recession.'"
Built-In Babysitters
Three years ago, Autumn and her husband were newly discharged from the military and trying to figure out their transition to civilian life. So they took up her divorced mother-in-law's invitation to move into an existing multigenerational household. The mother-in-law lived in an apartment attached to her parents' house; the young couple was offered the upper floors of the home. Two children later, there are now four generations under one roof.
"While I felt defensive at first, I no longer do when I explain why we live like this. It was refreshing to hear from a foreign coworker that living any other way would be abnormal in his culture," she writes. Yes, there have been adjustments. In deference to the sleeping habits of their older relatives, the young couple no longer hosts late night parties. Then there was the time she had to let out a sick dog in the middle of the night: "That was the same time Grandpa decided to walk to bathroom in his birthday suit because, hey, that's how he slept in his own house and why would anyone be up?" She says such living situations are not for controlling personality types, but adds: "With patience, humor, and extra bathrobes it can be a blessing."
The blessings are charmingly quotidian: "Once in a while, the laundry fairy visits and my clothes have magically moved from the dryer and are folded in a basket at the bottom of the stairs." Most important is the relationship her children have with their grandmother and great-grandparents. "My 2-year-old enjoys going downstairs in the morning in her footie pajamas to sneak a piece of bacon from the early risers. They entertain her, or, more accurately, she entertains them until I've had a coffee fix." Autumn knows this arrangement is not permanent. But, she says, "This time is a gift that I wouldn't trade for any McMansion."
A Friend Indeed
Having a single woman friend move in with a married couple is a premise well-suited to farce. But Leslie realized there was nothing farcical about the financial situation of a friend who lost her job 18 months ago. The friend qualified for a worker-retraining program, but there was no way she could afford both tuition and rent. Leslie and her husband had an empty guest room, so they offered her a place to stay rent-free while she completed her studies and looked for work.
Before the move, Leslie and her husband worried that a strange power dynamic might develop with a friend who would be living on their largesse. Other questions also loomed: "Would we resent her presence? Would we feel like we couldn't make noise during sex? What if she met a guy we didn't like and started having him sleep over all the time?"
Instead, Leslie has found, "We are simply all adults who try to be considerate of each other. We keep the common areas clean, have a Saturday morning brunch ritual which includes NPR's Wait, Wait … Don't Tell Me!. We had a good time integrating her belongings with ours and rearranging the house so that it reflects all of us."
Occasionally Leslie and her husband treat themselves to a hotel for some private time, and her friend's been too busy with school work to do much dating. Leslie says of the experience, "We've become more than friends—we've become a second family. I wouldn't change a thing."
Our Ceramic Toothbrush Holder
When people move in with friends or family, they must often say goodbye to their possessions, if only temporarily. The first night after Caitlin Seidler and her boyfriend moved into his parents' place, she tried to imagine all the belongings she had boxed up and put in storage: "Our ceramic toothbrush holder, our rubber spatula, our set of juice glasses with red roosters painted on them. I genuinely missed these things."
Seidler and her boyfriend had two years of graduate school ahead of them and his parents had offered to host them so they could pay for their studies without going broke. It all made sense, but Seidler soon got tired of her fellow students' reaction to her living arrangements: "It was usually accompanied by a facial expression that indicated the person would rather dive into a pool of glass shards then find herself in my situation. And then there was the frequent follow-up question: 'Do they let you sleep in the same room?' " (Yes.)
The couple got engaged and later married, all the while still living with his parents. Over the years, Seidler came to appreciate the financial wisdom of their offer, realizing that she and her husband had saved about $40,000 in living expenses. Seidler and her husband are a success story. They completed their studies, both found good jobs in their field (education), and today they have their own place in another city. As they contemplate eventually having a family of their own, Seidler says her in-laws are "a model for the type of parents we'd like to be." Oh, and when Seidler finally reopened her boxes two years later, she realized, "Most of the items, I had forgotten about completely."
Soviet Style
In late 2007, Shannon Mitchell and her husband could no longer afford the rent on their apartment. Mitchell, who works in public relations, and her husband, who is a contractor, were expecting their first child. They moved in with Mitchell's grandmother-in-law, an Armenian émigré who had lived under Soviet rule and who ruled her house Soviet-style, too. "She owned a dishwasher, but used it to store her tinfoil and wax paper; owned an oven, but kept her pots and pans in it, preferring to use the stove top alone for cooking; and owned a dryer, but used a clothesline religiously. Consequently, hubby and I were not allowed to use these items, either. So I had to wash dishes and baby bottles by hand, learn to make food on a gas range, and ended up needing surgery on my knee after stepping in a hole in the lawn while hanging laundry," Mitchell writes.
Grandmother also believed that artificially warming or cooling the house is bad for the body and definitely bad for the budget, so there was no air-conditioning in the summer and no heating in the winter. Fortunately, Grandmother no longer lived in Armenia but in southern California. Her frugality was extreme. "When clothing became too old to wear anymore, it was cut into squares and stored in the bathroom as toilet paper. When she goes walking she brings a bag along to collect bottles and cans for recycling."
Mitchell and her family stayed for two years, but while they were hard years, she says she learned many valuable lessons. Grandmother had survived deprivation Mitchell could only imagine; she was a magnificent cook, and she allowed Mitchell to stand in the kitchen and be the first to write down the family's Armenian family recipes. "She taught me how to be a penny pincher, although you won't catch me looking through my neighbors' garbage. But I do now know where to shop for fresh, inexpensive fruit and veggies, how to get the most out of my local markets, and to not be afraid of the thrift stores. Her wisdom has rubbed off on me and made me a better person."
A Do-Over
"Rajni," the 37-year old who worries about finding both love and work, ended his letter with some thoughts on what it means to be living with his parents a second time around. "Who gets a do-over with his parents? After the first few months we figured out how not to drive each other absolutely crazy, and since then we've had these moments to reminisce and even share new experiences. I've done landscaping with Dad, helped babysit my niece, obsessed over the election with Mom. I'm surrounded by pictures of us together 10, 20, 30 years ago. And here they are now, pushing 70. For the first time I see that not only will I not be young forever, I won't have them too much longer. I still desperately want to find new work, move out, and start a family with all I now know. But I wish every adult could spend a few months at midlife with his or her parents, just to love them, or settle things, or share a few last moments."
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