text: Message-ID: <firstname.lastname@example.com> X-Archived-At: <URL:http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/Year98/12841.txt> From: firstname.lastname@example.com (Sundance Tales) Subject: {Sundance} Sorry- Netcom Eating Posts! "Amy Visits for the Summer" - Part 3 of ??? Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories,alt.sex.stories.hetero,alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.stories.erotic,alt.test Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Path: qz!not-for-mail Organization: The Committee To Thwart Spam Approved: <email@example.com> X-Moderator-Contact: Eli the Bearded <email@example.com> X-Story-Submission: <firstname.lastname@example.com> X-Original-Message-ID: <firstname.lastname@example.com> Amy Visits for the Summer Part III of ??? By Sundance (Copyright, 1998) First Posted - June 1998 Last Repost - July 1998 Please don't repost unless you include this header and all installments of the story. Thanks! ==================================================================== If you enjoy this story, could I make a shameless request? Drop me a line and let me know. Comments and criticisms are what motivate myself and many other spam-free internet authors to keep writing. Just a line or two letting me know you liked the story is fine. Certainly more is appreciated. Criticism is also always welcome, as long as it is constructive and helps me to improve. Lastly, if you're reading along with the series and have already written, I won't mind if you write again... :) I can be reached at: email@example.com Thanks and enjoy! Sundance +===================+Now the disclaimer +==================+ The following is a work of total fiction. The characters, names, and places are all products of my imagination and any resemblance to anybody or anything, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This story contains potentially obscene terms and sexually explicit content that some may find to be offensive. If you are offended by such material, or if you are under 21 years old, you have the option to stop now and not continue reading. By continuing to read you are making the following legal statement: I am over 21, I want to view a list of potentially obscene terms, and it is legal for me to view potentially obscene terms in my community, state, nation or province. If you're not sure... STOP now ..... Delete this text ..... This isn't being forced on you. +======================================================+ When I returned home from Amy's house that evening Sarah had gone to bed and was already fast asleep. I followed, exhausted from everything that had happened, sleeping straight through the night, not remembering even a single dream. I woke the next morning, as I always did, just before sunrise and made my way to the closet, grabbed a fresh pair of jogging shorts and T-shirt, and proceeded out the front door for my morning run. I chose today to alter my route, making a left instead of a right, which I knew would take me past Amy's house. As I listened to the rhythm of my track shoes pounding the asphalt, the huffing of my breath in the warm morning air, I realized I was dragging a bit more than usual. I'd been doing this jogging stuff pretty consistently for about a year and was accustomed now to gliding through this morning ritual. I was sure those two scotches I pounded after arriving home didn't add to today's energy levels. It wasn't normal for me to drink that late in the evening. But, then again, very little of what had happened in the last 24 hours could be considered normal for me. I approached Amy's Mother's house. Immediately my eyes were drawn to the tall Oak tree on the far side of the yard. I smiled to myself remembering how effective it was the previous evening at guarding from prying eyes the impromptu erotic moment shared by her daughter and I. At the same time, I felt a bit silly. Here I was, a 38-year-old successful businessman behaving like a puberty stricken teenager. I laughed thinking what a great water cooler story this would make come Monday morning. I could hear it now. "Hey Mike, how'd you spend your Saturday evening?" "Well, it was pretty typical. Went to Sarah's boring Firm dinner, came home, pounded two scotches, walked the babysitter home, hid in the bushes with her, got her half naked, showed her my cock, and had her work me over until I came on her stomach. Other then that, nothing out of the ordinary" I circled the block and decided to make it a short run today. I walked in the house and Sarah was up earlier than usual, sitting at the table reading the paper. The boys were still crashed. I poured myself a cup of coffee from the pot she had brewed and sat down, grabbing the sports page. "You were gone a long time last night. Where did you go?" Her words hung in the air as I stared at the TV schedule pretending at first not to hear her. For the first time I felt a sudden pang of guilt, realizing to answer her question I would have lie. Lying was something I hated to do, to her or anybody else. Lies were just too hard to remember when it came time to tell the same story twice. "Michael, did you hear me? I was speaking to you" "Oh, I'm sorry", pretending to be absorbed in the latest sports headlines. "I said, you were gone a long time when you walked Amy home. Did you go anywhere else?" "Yeah, I dropped her off at her Mom's house and then went for a walk myself. I needed to blow off some steam before going to bed". No pun intended. "It was a full moon and a walk seemed like a spontaneous thing to do. I just walked my normal jogging route, that's all". I paused. Was I over explaining? I'm sure it was my imagination, but I'd swear she knew I was lying. She seemed to just stare at me, long after I had finished speaking. I just looked at the paper and pretended not to notice. Finally, I got up from the table, topped off my coffee, and made my way upstairs to begin packing for the business trip I had the following week. The trip I had planned was opportune, as I definitely needed some time to regroup my thoughts. Unfortunately, the only thoughts I had to regroup seemed to be of Amy. Despite my best attempts at focusing on other things I found myself thinking of that girl from the moment my feet hit the floor until the moment my head hit the pillow. It didn't help that every time that I would call home Sarah would mention Amy's name. Either Amy had just been there or was planning on coming over later that day. She had even spent the night and her and Sarah had rented chick movies. They were getting a bit too chummy I thought. Normally I wouldn't have minded Amy becoming a mainstay in our household, as that's how it was before she moved away. But then again I wasn't playing 'hide in the bushes' with her at that time either. Things were going to get more complicated if I didn't make some changes. With my business finished on Friday morning I caught the next flight home, hoping to get in with enough time to take a nap before the evening festivities. It was Sarah's and my turn to host a Firm get-together, this time at our home. Needless to say I wasn't looking forward to it. It seemed at times I saw more of that lawyer crowd than I did of my own family. Oh well, that's the life of a Partner-wanna-be, I thought to myself. I arrived home and grabbed my suit bag and laptop from the trunk of the car and entered the house. Dropping the bags, I made my way into the kitchen where I figured Sarah would be preparing for the party. My heart skipped a beat, as it wasn't Sarah who I first saw, but Amy, sitting at the table with the boys. They were all three engrossed in composing artwork, each taking turns selecting a different color from a tub of Crayolas situated in the center of their circle. Nobody seemed to notice my arrival. "Hey guys! Guess who's home!" The boys dropped their crayons, jumped from their seats, and ran to give me a hug. These were the moments that made fatherhood worth it all. They each ran back to the table and grabbed their respective artworks and raced back to show me. I made every attempt to lavish equally over each picture, pointing out favorite details from each one. Once they were satisfied that I was indeed in awe of their artistic talents, they returned to the table. I looked up and Amy was staring at me, her brown eyes sparkling just as they did in the moonlight behind the branches. She looked as stunning and as delicious as ever. "Hi Mr. Jennings. How was your trip". She smiled as she said it before returning to her own coloring project. "My trip was fine Ms. Amy. How are you?" "I'm fine", she replied. This time we held our eye contact and I felt my heart start to beat a bit faster. There was chemistry about this girl I couldn't believe. The effect she had on me was dangerous. "Where's Sarah?" "She ran to the store to get some stuff for the party tonight. Sounds like it's going to be lots of fun. I hear it's going to be an Hawaiian theme. That should be neat". "Yeah, a real hoot", I said smiling and rolling my eyes. "Hey, maybe I'll get layed", laughing out loud at my own brand of pun based humor. "Oh man.. that's bad", Amy replied and we laughed together. "Well, now that you're home, I'll get going. I have to see if I have anything that looks Hawaiian. If not, I'll have to go shopping. Sarah asked if I could help out, watch the boys and keep the party going. So will you tell her I'll be back around 6:30?" I watched as she tossed her crayon back in the bin and stood up, leaning over to kiss each of the boy's cheeks on her way out. There was that body again, the profile of those firm breasts. As I watched her move from boy to boy, my mind swam back to the details of her form as I had so enjoyed it the other night. Every detail was etched in my mind, including the vision of her standing in front of me, her pants and panties pulled down just above her knees, her shirt pulled up over her firm, young breasts, displaying her body for my and only my pleasure. Her words, just as she whispered them, echoed in my memory.... "Do you like my body Mike". The image of her fingers running over the tops of her delicious hard nipples as she begged the question. I felt myself getting aroused again. Then suddenly it was as if I was fighting my way out of foggy dream, my trance interrupted. "Mike.... Helllooo.... . earth to Mike" I looked down and Amy was thumping me on the chest. The boys were laughing watching as she tried to get my attention. "You didn't answer me. Will you tell Sarah I'll be over at 6:30?" "Uh, yeah... I'll tell her Amy", and I smiled. Without even explaining I was sure she knew it was her playing the starring role in my daydream. "Ok.. see ya later than. Bye boys", and she bounced out the front door. * * * * I opened the 'Hawaiian Interludes' CD Sarah had brought home, put it in the retractable tray, and hit the play button. Sounded almost Jamaican to me, but what did I know. The guests were starting to arrive and I was greeting them one at a time while Sarah finished getting dressed. The door-bell rang and this time I yelled for whoever it was to let themselves in as I was now busy bartending. Talking as I was mixing, I glanced to my left and found myself stopping in mid-sentence. It was Amy. It seemed half the crowd stopped what they were doing, turning to watch her enter the room. The conversations slowed and in some instances halted. I could tell the sudden attention was making Amy bit uncomfortable and I called out to her. Conversations resumed as she looked around the room in search of my voice. Eventually she spotted me at the bar and made her way towards me. She looked incredible and it was easy to see why she had become a sudden distraction. She was wearing a short white wrap-around-skirt that hugged perfectly her shapely golden brown thighs. She had a bright, Hawaiian looking shirt on which she had tied in a knot around her stomach to form a midriff. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had accented her gorgeous features with just the right amount of makeup. "Hey you! Where's Sarah", she asked? "She's upstairs still getting dressed. Why don't you go up and find her?" "Sounds good". She smiled, reached into the bowl of snacks on the bar and plopped a potato chip in her mouth before turning on her way in search of Sarah. I glanced up and noticed there wasn't a man in the room who hadn't stopped what they were doing to watch Amy ascend the stairs. Conversely, the look on the face of the overweight wives was one of obvious jealous envy. I loved every minute of it. Eventually Amy and Sarah came down the stairs to join the party. They went their own way and I continued tending bar until I was satisfied everyone was adequately liquored up to ensure a good time. The evening was wearing on and I was growing tired. Same shit, different party I thought to myself. I fixed myself a scotch and made my way to the patio for some fresh air. The guests were divided, as they often are at parties, about half in the living room and half outside near the pool. I moved to a corner of the yard and sipped my drink, taking in the stars. It was a crystal clear evening with not a cloud in the sky to block my view. "Hey Mikey", I heard from behind me. Without even turning around I knew it was Carl. Carl was a Partner in Sarah's law Firm and probably one of the most obnoxious, arrogant assholes I'd ever met. Put a little beanie on the guy and he was a reasonable stand-in for Chumbly, the walrus sidekick from that old Tennessee Tuxedo cartoon. I mentioned that to Sarah one time and she immediately scolded me, making me promise I would never call him that to his face. I agreed, but admit, I've mentioned it to some of the other Partners and word on the street was the nickname had stuck. I turned to see his stout frame waddling towards me, his trademark half smoked cigar hanging from his puffed up lips like a brown ivory tusk. "How's it hanging Mikey". I hated it when he called me Mikey. "Hi Carl, glad you could make it". I wasn't really glad. "Hey, I wanted to ask you something". A wave of bad breath hit me in the face like a tire iron as he leaned closer. "Who's the piece of ass you hired to wait tables?" I looked across the patio to where he was motioning. He was referring to Amy who was leaning over stacking some used cups and paper plates to be thrown away. She looked up in time to see us staring at her and waved. Carl waved back, wiggling independently his sausage like fingers in Amy's direction. I felt a tinge of jealousy watching him ogle her. "Her name is Amy. She's a good friend of the family. Baby-sits the boys". "Really??. Have you taken to combing the strip clubs in search of babysitters, or what? Look at the jugs and ass on that little filly. I mean, the last time I saw a body like that I was stuffing 5 dollars in a g-string. You can tell that *baby* she can *sit* on old Carl anytime she wants", and he burst out into an obnoxious cackle. My blood started to boil. "Look Carl, like I said. She's a good friend of the family and, frankly, I think your comments are out of line". I watched the smile disappear as he moved closer to me with his fat face and bad breath. "Let me tell you something, Mikey. You need to loosen up. I never have liked you and if it weren't for Sarah I wouldn't waste my time at your goofy parties. She makes a lot of money for this Firm and for me. That's the only reason I'm here. Let me tell you something else. That little wife of yours wants to be a Partner sometime soon too. In case you have figured it out, when that time comes somebody is going to ask me my opinion, and my opinion counts. Picture yourself explaining to her that the only reason she didn't make it was because her husband couldn't learn to get along with other people. You get my drift, Mikey?" I stood and listened, watching his half-eaten stogie bob up and down in his mouth while he talked. I waited for him to finish, contemplating if now was the time to drop him like a bad habit and I felt hand forming into a fist. If it weren't for Sarah I'd have already laid him out flat. Instead, I turned my back to the crowd and put my arm around him. "Carl, you're right. I was out of line and I'm sorry". A self-satisfied smile returned to his face. "I was actually thinking that Sarah and I should get together with you and Sylvia more often, on a social basis I mean. Actually, I've got an idea." His interest seemed to peak and I continued. "You remember that Christmas party a few years ago. You know, the one where you were banging that chubby girl from the secretary temp pool in the supply room before you realized the whole thing was being picked up on the security surveillance cameras?" The smile started to fade from his lips. "Well, Sarah has her own private VHS copy of that Kodak moment. We've gotten more than a laugh or two watching that. I think my favorite part", and I slapped him on the shoulder, " was when you kept asking her to yell 'fuck me GOOD Uncle Carl, fuck me GOOD!'. I mean I laughed till I cried." The color was washing from his face and his soggy stogie almost fell from his mouth. "Anyway, I was thinking. Since Sarah probably won't make Partner after all, we'll have more time to socialize. I was thinking you and Sylvia could come over, the four of us could throw back some Martinis and watch that tape. Word has it she's the only one in the Firm who hasn't seen it. But hey, If you're busy, I'll just send my copy over to Sylvia and you two can watch it without us. I mean, it is an intimate moment and the two of you might prefer to be alone the first time she sees it. The four of us can do something else together.. go cigar shopping maybe. What do you say..... Chumbly?" He just stared at me as his lower lip starting to tremble. "You're a son-of-a-bitch Jennings" "Well, that might be true, but I'll probably be married to a Partner here pretty soon, so I can't be doing that bad", and I just glared back into his beady little eyes. He stormed away from me and into the crowd of guests. Just about that time I saw Sarah approaching. "What was that all about?" There was a sense of tension in her voice having just witnessed the way Carl stormed away. "Nothing, Chum.. I mean Carl just lost a football bet and was being a poor sport" "You have to be nice to these people Mike, even if you don't like them. I need their support" "I know, I know Sarah" "Anyway, I've been looking all over for you. Can you go to the store and get two boxes of Margarita mix. We're out". "Sure thing". I needed to get out of here and this was my chance. I made my way through the crowd, grabbed my keys and was out the front door without looking back. I was just starting across the lawn when I heard a rustle in the nearby bushes. I stopped, looked, and continued towards my car, figuring it must have been a cat or some other neighborhood pet on the prowl. "Psssssssst..", the sound from the bushes. "Mike... over here". I looked hard towards where I was hearing the sound and could vaguely make out a form in the darkness. I moved closer and could see it was Amy holding open the side gate that led into the back yard. "What are you doing?". She didn't answer, but instead grabbed me by the hand and pulled me inside, quietly closing the gate behind us. The area where we were standing was a grassy area on the side of the house, not far from the party. We had to stand close to hear one another over the blur of voices and music coming from the group gathered on the patio. Scattered around us was an array of chairs, chase lounges, a barbecue, and other items which we had moved here temporarily for the party so as to give the guests more room to mingle. Amy immediately threw her arms around my neck. "God, I've missed you. It was so hard having to act like I didn't want to be close to you" I stood still, my arms at my sides, even though I wanted so desperately to hold her, feel her form against me. It only took a moment and she eased back from our embrace and looked in my eyes, a troubled look on her face. "What's wrong? You're acting very distant" "I'm sorry, I don't mean to. What are you doing over here? Why aren't you back at the party" "I saw you talking to that guy. I was the one who told Sarah where you were. She was looking for you. I knew she wanted you to go to the store so I made my way over here when I saw you leaving. What's the matter? Don't you want to see me?" "That's not it at all". I wanted to see her much more than I was willing to admit. I wanted to take her into my arms, to capture that feeling we had shared the other night. "It's just Amy, well, you know. We have to be careful. Somebody could see us over here and that would only lead to questions". "Well, nobody is going to see us over here now", she whispered, and pulled me close, beginning to kiss me. I didn't resist. I couldn't. I felt her tongue enter my mouth and, without thinking, I had my arms around her bare midriff, pulling her close. We kissed deep and passionately and it was obvious things were heating up in a hurry. I started to move my hands down to squeeze her firm behind, but stopped myself, gaining quickly my composure. "Hold it". I took her by the hands and seated on the end of a nearby chase lounge. I pulled another over so I that we could talk face to face. I sat down in front of her and took her hands in mine. She smiled and leaned over to kiss me, this time with more tenderness than passion. God she was beautiful. "Amy, we've got to talk. This thing that is happening between us. It can't continue" "What thing?" "You know what thing. Like what happened the other night. Like what started to happen just then when we were kissing. If we continue like this we are headed for trouble. It's just way too dangerous and there is too much at stake if we get discovered" She sat up straight and took a very serious look. "Mike, I understand what you're saying. I know you're married. Besides that, I really like Sarah, a lot, and wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her or you. The way I look at it is this. I won't be here forever. I'm going back to my Father's house soon and am not sure when I'll return. Right now, I just need somebody I can trust. Somebody to be close to. The things we are sharing are making me feel really good. I also know it's making you feel pretty good too", and she smiled a sinister grin. "Nobody is going to find out unless you tell them. If I wanted to tell Sarah about us, I would have. I had more than one opportunity while you were gone on business, but I didn't. Don't you see, she'll never know. This is OUR secret... Besides...", and she paused. "Besides what?" She didn't answer, but instead leaned again into me, took my face in her hands, and we started kissing. I couldn't help myself and we found our tongues intertwined within a matter of seconds. Finally, I pulled back from her one last time. "We have to get out of here. Somebody will overhear us talking" "Well, there's one cure for that", she replied standing up and facing me. "We just stop talking and then they won't hear us" I hadn't had time to stand from my seated position on the chase lounge when I realized she was moving towards me. I watched as she looking down at me while using her hands to slowly untie the knot of her make shift midriff. She pulled it back and to the sides as she moved closer. Whether she was wearing a bra when she arrived and had removed it during her planning for this rendezvous I wasn't sure, but she didn't have one on now. Her firm young breasts were as perfect as I remembered and they seemed to stand at attention as she moved forward between my legs. She took my head in her hands, running her long fingernails through my hair as she pulled my face close, sliding her erect nipple into my mouth. She tasted sweet and firm. I moved my hands to her bare waist and used them to help support her as I engulfed her chest in my moutht. I moved my hands to hold both breasts still as I alternated, taking each hard and sensitive nipple between my teeth, pulling, before running slow circles with my tongue around the large brown circular edge. As this was happening she was working to loosen the buttons of my Hawaiian shirt and pulled it back over my shoulders. It fell to the lounge chair behind me as she used her hands to massage my exposed chest. She moved slowly back from me, stepping out of her sandals. I could see she had discovered I was absolutely enamored with her beauty and watching, taking in every inch of her young sensuous form with my eyes made for some of the most erogenous foreplay this man could ask for. Looking down at me, her shirt pulled to the side, her full breasts glistening in the moonlight with traces of my saliva on each nipple, she pulled loose the band that held in place her pony tail. She ran her hands through her thick brown hair and lifted it up, still looking deep into my eyes. Using her fingers she flared her hair out to the sides so that it cascaded down her shoulders as she moved her hands down to the buttons that held in place her wrap around skirt. She slowly and carefully undid each button until it was only her fingers holding the wrapped material around her hips. I looked to the side briefly to make sure we were still alone. While the guests were only several yards away, our area was dark and we ran little chance of being disturbed. The worst part? The danger with knowing that, at any moment, we could be discovered only added to the eroticism. What was I doing? This had to be so wrong, but I couldn't stop myself. I turned back to Amy just in time to watch her slowly unveil her lower body from the material that she held in place. Slowly she unwrapped herself until she finally released the skirt and it fell to the ground. As was the case with the bra, there were no panties to be found, and she was now standing before me completely nude, except for the midriff that hung down against her waist. Her body was like an hourglass and perfect in proportion. Her hips were narrow, yet feminine, her waist was flat and tanned, and her breasts were large, yet firm. Her dark nipples provided the perfect deep contrast to the white portion of her skin that must normally be shielded from the sun by a thin bikini top. Her neck was slender and her long luxurious hair was split across her shoulders. The Greek gods couldn't have assembled a more perfect creature. She strolled closer to me. Reaching around her I ran my hands, starting at her muscular calves, up the back of her legs, and across her firm naked bottom, squeezing firmly and slowly as I went along. All the while she was using her fingernails to squeeze hard into my shoulders. Her nipples continued to graze my mouth, and unlike earlier when I went after each in a ravenous fury, I now moved slowly, sensuously, as if savoring a luscious appetizer. Indeed, the best was yet to come and we both could sense it. She grabbed me by the arms and pulled upwards to indicate that she wanted me to stand. I obeyed and she started to slowly kiss my neck, working her way down until she was sucking my nipples while she worked loose the belt and snap of my white cotton shorts. Loose now she ran her hands inside the waistband of my underwear and pulled the shorts down my legs. My erect cock sprang to life against the night air. Underwear and all, the garments fell to the grass and she helped me to step out of them. We continued our tender embrace, now facing one another, completely nude and both fully aroused. She took my shoulders and moved me backwards until I was again in a seated position on the chase lounge. She leaned forward and kissed my lips as she went to her knees, between my legs. Our roles seemed reversed now, as she was the one watching, admiring my raging erection. Her eyes followed slowly as she traced me with her fingertips, beginning at my balls, and working upwards, across my chest, until her eyes eventually met with my own. "You have the most beautiful cock, Mike", she whispered. " It's so big and thick and when it gets hard, like it is now, it just drives me crazy. I just love to look at it" She ran her palms along the tops of my thighs and with one on my hip, the other on my erection, began to stroke me. "I want to taste you Mike. Can I taste you?" What was I doing? This was insane and I knew I had to stop things now, but I couldn't find the willpower. With one last glance to my right to ensure nobody was rounding the corner, I looked back down to her and nodded. I took her cheek gently in my hand and pulled her closer to me. She met me half way with her mouth, taking my cock in her hand and starting with the head. I could tell she lacked experience in this part of lovemaking, but I didn't mind. She moved slowly at first, using only her lips to graze the head, followed by long slow kisses to the sides of my shaft. Surprisingly, she wasn't put off by the pre-cum, and licked it slowly with her tongue, pulling back so that a web like strand extended from her mouth to me. Each movement made me harder, although I couldn't see how that was possible. I was dying. Her innocence, her uncertainty in how to proceed was translating into torment. I wanted to feel myself inside her mouth, her hot tongue rolling around me. She continued to tease, to only take small portions of the head in her mouth. Then, it was as if she sensed my need, my torment. Holding tightly around the shaft of my cock she leaned back, her eyes meeting with mine, she pulled her hair back from her face and smiled. Holding that eye contact she leaned slowly forward, opened her mouth, and took at least a third of me into her throat. For the first time I forgot we weren't alone and I moaned out loud, and not quietly I might add. Startled, she raised up. We both realized what I had just done and quickly looked around. Realizing that nobody had heard me we both laughed out loud and she resumed. I was fortunate as the music from the stereo, the voices from the party drowned out my involuntary sounds of ecstasy. My white-knuckle grip tightened around the edge of the chase lounge cushion as I looked down towards Amy. Her brown eyes were still locked with my own as her head moved up and down in long slow strokes, her hot mouth wrapped tightly around my engorged cock. I had to bite my own lip to keep from screaming as I felt her tongue press hard against my swollen shaft. Watching her, her gorgeous face, her spectacular mouth, taking me, as much of me as she could, was almost too much. I stared upwards at the stars as I felt the boiling sensation in my balls, the rush of an inevitable orgasm. To my surprise, Amy sensed my impending moment and slowed her pace, finally lifting her head for air but slowly massaging my erection from top to bottom to ensure I didn't lose interest. Like I could..... "Mike....I want you. I need you inside me. But, I'm not on the pill" "It's ok baby, trust me". I would explain the vasectomy later. By this time, I didn't even resist. Any sense of rational judgement was gone. I wanted one thing. I wanted Amy and I wanted her now. For the first time I used my strength with her, taking her by the arms in my hands and pulling her forcefully up from the ground and closer to me. We lavished in each other's mouths, biting, tasting, and sucking, in unobstructed moments of unbridled passion. The music from the stereo blared. The voices and laughs of the crowd continued. None of it mattered. This moment was Amy's and mine. I reached down and took her long luxurious thighs pulling them tightly around me as I leaned back against the lounge cushion which was perfectly positioned at a 45-degree angle. Pulling her close to me we continued to kiss as I rubbed my cock against her wet pussy. She rocked slowly against my thighs, using her fingernails to squeeze tightly into my chest, alternating with gentle tugs to my nipples. "Now Mike.... do it now", her breathing was heavy, an almost savage look on her face I hadn't witnessed until this moment. She put her bare feet on the grass and stood up over me. I reached down and positioned my cock under her, rubbing the head slowly back and forth against her swollen clit. "Oh god....Now Mike....Now" I put my hands on her bare waist to help support her weight. Her fingers laced tightly around my neck, her breasts grazing my chest, she slowly lowered herself on me. Amy had a small frame, particularly in contrast to mine, and while I could tell I was correctly positioned for entry, I could see that my size was going to require a careful, gentle approach. I began to enter her. Her pussy was hot and wet, but extremely tight around me. I looked up at her. She was biting her lower lip and had a look of intensity on her face. "Are you ok???". I didn't want to hurt her. Staring deep in my eyes, her lower lip fastened securely between her teeth, she shook her head yes, but said nothing. I lowered her slightly, entering further. She didn't speak, but instead let out an involuntary moan. I wasn't sure if this was a moan of pain or one of passion. "Are you still ok?" "Yes, it hurts a little, because you're so big, but don't stop. Please.... don't stop". Slowly she began to rock her hips against me and I could feel myself penetrating and withdrawing, a little more each time. The sensation was like nothing I had ever experienced. Her nipples were rock hard, harder than I had ever seen them and they continued to graze against my chest. I moved my hands down to her bare hips and used them to keep us as one. She began to glide against me with the rhythm of the slow jazz that sounded from the patio. She leaned forward and we resumed our passionate kissing. We were one now and, slowly, she was accepting more of me. Every now and again her lower body would seem to spasm, as if it was working to make room for me. After each spasm I was a bit deeper inside. Several moments passed, and while at first I wasn't sure if it would be possible, her small frame was taking all of my engorged cock. I looked up at her and she smiled. I knew the blur between pleasure and pain had disappeared. We stared deep into each other's eyes as her body rose and fell against my rigid member, entering, leaving, and entering her again. "Oh yes baby.. Oh yes", she moaned. She leaned close into me so that her lips were buried into my shoulder and her voice would be muffled from the crowd. "Oh yeah Mike, Oh yeah....go deep, go deeper" I obeyed, grabbing tightly around her and lifting my own hips from the chair. I thrusted my raging cock deep inside her then used my hands to lift her up, before thrusting it deep inside her again. I looked up at her. I wanted to see her while I fucked her. Her eyes were closed, her breasts were bouncing against my chest, her hands grappled against my shoulders for some sense of leverage. I noticed she kept biting her lower lip in an obvious effort to remain quiet. Finally, she looked down at me and spoke, but never slowed down her furious movements. "Mike....." "Yes baby" "Cum in me. I want to feel it.... I need to feel you" She removed her hands from my neck and placed them on my thighs as she sat straight up on me. The pace of her hips against mine increased and she began to pinch and tug at her own nipples, never taking the gaze of her dark brown eyes from my own. I was completely inside her now, filling her, and as she rose and lowered herself, there was no sign of discomfort, only of pleasure, even as she sat backwards, causing me to disappear inside her tight pussy. "I'm going to cum Mike", she moaned, in a voice that sounded if she might lose herself to tears. I felt her pussy start to spasm around me as she wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. Her feet left the ground and she bent her knees and placed her thighs on the edge of the cushion, allowing our bodies to be touching in every way. She leaned forward, pressing her breasts hard into me as she continued bouncing up and down against my rigidity in a furious frenzy. I wrapped my hands tight around her ass and rammed my cock inside her as deep as I could go. I felt her legs start to quiver as her teeth clutched into my bare shoulder. I too was going to cum to and I held her close to me as the rising began, turning into an eruptive fountain inside her, surging, surging, and surging some more. A few moments passed and I felt all of her weight collapse on me. The music continued to play. The crowd continued to mingle. I opened my eyes and the stars I had noticed earlier continued to flicker. Amy and I laid still. We held each other and didn't move. Neither of us wanted to give up this moment. What was happening to me? I couldn't kid myself. As I felt her snuggled tightly against me, my flaccid erection still insider her, I knew this was more than a sexual conquest. What was I going to do now? How was I going to deal with this? What I couldn't imagine was that Amy had all the answers. End of Part III -- +----------------' Story submission `-+-' Moderator contact `--------------+ | <firstname.lastname@example.com> | <email@example.com> | | Archive site +----------------------+--------------------+ Newsgroup FAQ | <http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/>----<http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/faq.html>


text:
House Bill Would Guarantee Pack Animal Access to Public Lands
WASHINGTON Seeking to head off environmental groups that want to limit access to federal lands, House lawmakers won approval Tuesday of legislation to assure that people can continue to use pack and saddle animals in their visits to parks and wilderness areas.
With passage of the bill, the House is "preserving one of the most fundamental and truly historic ways to experience our public lands," said Rep. Steve Pearce, R-New Mexico, of the House Resources Committee.
The legislation, passed by voice, assures that pack and saddle animals will have access to lands where a historic tradition speaks to such use. Relevant secretaries are to issue rules to define the meaning of that historic tradition.
Secretaries still would have authority to implement temporary or permanent reduction in pack animal use after environmental reviews.
Rep. George Radanovich, R-California, who drafted the bill, said in a statement that "riding livestock is part of our nation's heritage. Sadly, livestock use on federal land is threatened by efforts from radical environmental fundraising organizations who seek to restrict access to federal lands."
Donna Christian-Christensen, the delegate from the Virgin Islands, questioned whether the bill was needed or wise. "The real question is whether we should single out and legislatively enshrine a narrow specific recreational use," she said.
Access to federal lands also is an issue for various recreational vehicles, including snowmobiles.
The bill, H.R. 2966, must still be considered by the Senate. H.R. 2966Source: Associated Press

subset: commoncrawl


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Did you know that Vanilla Ice quit the rap game and began singing Indie Rock in Silver Lake? We didn't either… until we realized that crazy homeless man with glasses was actually the ninja-rapper himself.
Check out our classy covers, including an a-capella Queen cover, a Bon Iver inspired Bon Jovi tune, and a buncha five year olds channeling their best Ozzy Osbourne.
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Vanilla Ice[/lastfm] - "Ice Ice Baby"
Ice! Hey! Will you sign my Starbucks gift card?!?!
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Queen[/lastfm] - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Did you know Freddie Mercury sang the entire song, harmonies included, by himself? True story. Look it up.
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Foster the People[/lastfm] - "Pumped Up Kicks"
All the other kids, with their pumped up string instruments.
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Bon Jovi[/lastfm] - "You Give Love A Bad Name"
Dude, the 80's were chilling…
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Jimmy Eats World[/lastfm] - "The Middle"
Hey, when did Jimmy get so cute!
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Black Sabbath[/lastfm] - "Crazy Train"
ALLLL ABOOOARDDDDDD!!! No seriously, get on the school bus. We're already running late.
[lastfm link_type="similar_artist_radio"]Toto[/lastfm] - "Africa"
Did you ever think Toto could serenade you to sleep?


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Whether you call it "reality," or "actuality," it makes for "trash" television on purpose.
Matt Philbin, managing editor of the Culture and Media Institute says: "Reality television plays to people's worst instincts and depends on people behaving badly, manipulating others, lying and violence."
In my opinion, that's putting it mildly.
Reality TV is the disgusting intent to make money by catering to the lowest qualities in human beings: being entertained by death, evil, mayhem, cruelty, and downright stupidity.
MTV's contribution to the waste of the airwaves, Teen Mom (which, by the way, targets down to 12 year olds) shows Amber Portwood violently kicked, punched, and slapped by her on-again/off-again fiancé, and the father of her illegitimate and most unlucky child. She responds with a vulgar tirade – all in front of the child – and the cameras roll…and the cameras roll.
Nobody thinks of this as child abuse? I do. Upon viewing that video, authorities from Child Protective Services should have taken that child into protective custody and attempted to terminate their parental (and I use that term loosely) rights.
In season 2 of E!'s "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," Fox News reports "Terrified new mom Kourtney was seen cowering and locking herself in a room with their then five-month old, as Scott Disick litters the floor with broken glass amid a violent alcohol-involved tirade."
Grossly bad behavior these days is fodder for a TV show, with fame, fortune, nice cars, and a fabulous lifestyle as a reward.
I demand to know, considering there is video evidence, why Child Protective Services in neither case has taken the child away from each of these unfit mothers? I'm not an attorney, but I believe this is criminal activity and I know it's psychologically abusive to the children, as well as downright dangerous to them.
We don't seem to have come far from the Christians/lions and gladiators as entertainment.
Blood, violence, fury, danger, vulgar displays – these form the core of the TV shows we see now. I long for the good old days.


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We will be in the Studios on Saturday, December 4,2010, and are planning to sign up our two sons for the Jedi Training Academy. That day is scheduled as a morning EMH, or 8:00 am opening for the Studios. I understand that sign ups begin @ 9:00 am for JTA. Do you think we would have a chance @ the 9:55 am JTA
if we
1.Followed the horde to Toy Story Maina at EMH opening
2.Rode TSM
3.Got TSM Fastpasses for later
4.Returned to the JTA signup area?
We were planning to later catch at least some of the Reunion meets.
If a TSM Fastpass time is missed, can it be used later that day?
Page 1 of 1
Jedi Training Academy , Toy Story Mania, and Morning EMH Questions.
Posted 14 November 2010 - 01:05 AM
Posted 14 November 2010 - 09:12 AM
I think you'll be fine. That time of the year is not a super busy time so no big deal.
If you miss your TSMM FP return time (or any attraction), you can always return anytime that day.
If you miss your TSMM FP return time (or any attraction), you can always return anytime that day.
Posted 15 November 2010 - 10:40 PM
even if you don't make the 9:55 JTA it's worth the wait for the next round of training...my daughter still talks about it years later.
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Nissan 350Z Reliability and Maintenance Costs
kid111 Posts: 1Hi everyone. I'm new to this site, but after seeing the knowledge everyone has here about 350Zs, I decided to join to ask for some advice. I'm in the below 24 age group and ever since 350Z came out, I've always loved its looks and performance. I'm still in the progress of saving up for a 350Z, and I was thinking about getting a 03 one, since its the cheapest, but is the rumours about them having so much problems true? And do the brakes and tires wear fast? Plus are they driveable in the rain? My plan is to use the 350Z during March to September and stick with a Subaru the rest of the year. Any advices and suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!
The 350z is an awesome car. I don't know much about the 03 models (I have an 06 Roadster) but I'd recommend checking out a good 350z enthusiast forum like my350z.com. There have been issues in older models with tire feathering and wear, but I'm not aware of any brake issues. Rain performance will depend on the tires - the stock performance summer tires are NOT suitable for cold weather driving and/or snow. But with good snows and common sense, driving in 3 to 4" is generally ok. Traction control and VDC will help, as well.
My wife and I are finally ready (mid 50's) to break from the practical and buy in to the fun factor with a convertible. I absolutely love the look and test drive of the 350Z roadster, but am struck by the total lack of stowage space. Hence, the consideration of the BMW 3 series. The 3 series has the space, but lacked the Z's thrill quotient when I test drove it. More importantly, however, while I know it's a premier performance car, I am scared off a little by the high maintenance cost required to keep the 3 that way. Am I naive in thinking the Z wouldn't have similar maintenance costs?
Interesting to hear you say that. I've had my Z Roadster now for almost a year, and have just purchased the 2007 BMW 335i convertible. I take delivery in Aug/Sept. This decision was made primarily for space reasons, and the fact that I could never take my family with me in the car. We have an SUV, which we use all the time, but I miss being able to go places with the family in my car. There have also been times when we've had to do family outings and couldn't fit everyone in both cars. If I'd had 2 more seats in the back, we could have avoided renting the van! I'm in my late 40's, and am very glad I had time with this car. The Z is simply gorgeous -- I get compliments on it everywhere -- and it drives like a real sports car. I will miss it a lot, but I'm looking forward to the 335i.
Regarding the thrill quotient - if you've only driven the 328i, you MUST drive the 335i with twin turbos. It's an incredible engine with peak torque occurring at 1400 rpm. Unlike most turbos, it's very transparent and linear. No lag, just power whenever and wherever you need it. The convertibles are slightly slower (~ .2 sec) than their fixed roof counterparts, but I think the folding hardtop is the best of both worlds with no performance compromise. Don't forget that BMW includes 4 years of maintenance at no additional cost, which is a fantastic service plan. With Nissan, you pay for all of your maintenance, service and most consumable items. Unfortunately, the BMW will cost considerably more, but will hold its value well over time. Use Edmunds' True Cost of Ownership to compare vehicles and you'll see that the BMW rates amongst the lowest in its class.
Why are you buying a convertible? If it's for the fun factor alone (per your first sentence), then go with what seems like more fun.
I'm also mid-50's, married, no kids. I've found the Z has enough stowage space for my/our needs. We can pack the trunk with an airline-size carry on plus a duffel plus miscellaneous odds and ends, and there's quite a bit of space in the cubby behind the passenger seat.
However, it's a second car for us. The other car is a Maxima, which we use for long driving vacations, picking up stuff from Home Depot, and the like. In daily use, I drive the Z and my husband has the Max.
The Z would be hard to live with if it's your *only* car. It totally fills the bill (for me) as a second car. Will this be your one and only or will this be the fun-mobile with some other car doing the heavy-duty hauling and what not?
All great and helpful points if I were buying new, which my budget doesn't allow. Whether it be Z or 3 series, I'm looking at about an '04 model. Many of the 330's I'm looking at still have some miles but very few months left on their warranty program.
This is definitely "just" the fun car. We've got an SUV and a local run-around car. We just made a weekend trip that would have been perfect with the Z, a trip to the southern tip of Maryland from here in Central VA (I see you're NOVA yourself.) However, this was for a wedding, requiring several changes of clothes, my wife alone packing a huge suitcase. Short of some major fashion adjustments for my wife, we couldn't have done it with the Z.
Well, yeah, speaking as a woman, that is TOTALLY understandable! ;-)
Although - be advised that you can buy a complete set of luggage, with four pieces (suitcase, duffel bag, garment bag, and ... one other piece which escapes me now. Weekender or some such? I think Courtesy Nissan has it.
Those four pieces will fit in the trunk perfectly, and I'd bet you could get a LOT of stuff in there.
Just sayin'. ;-)
sweetmotion Posts: 7I am soooo sorry that happen! Is the man going to replace the Z?? That is the least he could do, I have a hard time during icy conditions, I got the performace package on a 2003 Z and if I leave the transmission in automactic drive, it handles better. Being a rear-wheel drive and no experience in driving the car may cause the accident. It took me a few months to get the feel of the Z, I now enjoy controling the gears and hardly need to use my brakes! But on icy conditions I rather stay home! Oklahoma City has a military base and speeders seem to think it is a dry road. Oh, do I love carvey roads, I wish I am back in Colorado! Good luck, don't give up!
I have heard good things about the Z's reliability. the one bad thing I did see what that people had complained about oil consumption.
I think that alot of people find that it is not practical and it isn't if you have a family. Also insurance may be more than they have anticipated, that and the cost of premium. Also there is a problem with oil consumption in the 06 Zeds'
I don't have a family yet and I plan on getting a z. And that is why I wnat it now, because when I have kids, there will be no need for a z or any kind of sports car until my kids move out and go to college....
dchilton Posts: 3I have a 2003 350Z with over 130k miles, purchased new. You can not find a more perfect car. It has not been into the shop for any issue. Normal maintenance has been performed by the dealership. I've used synthetic oil every 7500 miles until around 120k, started changing every 5k. Cost of ownership is very low. I'm on the third set of tired, got 60k on the original set, little less on the second. I'm pleased given that you can't rotate with the different widths front and rear. Does not take oil, doesn't leak oil. Performs as good a new. This car is driven at least 5 days a week.
I also have a 1986 300ZX, bought with less than 50k miles. I've had two problems with this car, an alternator went bad leaving me on the side of the road several years ago and now reverse does not have enough strength to back up a hill. The car has over 200k miles and is not driven much with the 350Z and a 2006 Frontier in the stable.
cabriniman Posts: 3I just got a 2003 touring this past weekend and couldn't be happier. Because of some reliability issues that are known about the Z I got an extended warranty.
I think it is hard to find a better car for the money.
I did have to drive through snow yesterday which was not too fun but I made it. I can't wait until the summer when I can go crusing in the mountains near my home!
raidersix2002 Posts: 5geez-
Mine is a 2005 GT roadster 6-speed manual. with 18" wheels I bought it new in 9/05. The build quality is okay, you can assess that yourself. The paint quality is poor. Mine is black and there front fasicsa which I had replaced and painted by a local shop is the best part of the car coating. The paint chips when you look at the car. In 25,000 (coincidence eh?) I have been through a total of 10 tires including teh RE040's it came with. At $200 per it adds up. I am NOT a lead foor burn out kid, rather a middle age white guy with a fun warm weather car. The noise from teh front tire cupping is deafening. It is teh first rear wheel drive car I have EVER had that chews up front tires faster that the rear ones!. Now today the dealer told me there is a TSB to explain why in 25,000 miles my sports car has used more oil than my Accord has in 297,000 miles. Looks like they may need to replace teh engine. In the meantime I have been instructed not to drive my "high performance sports car" cannot be accelerated at full throttle OR run at over 4000 rpm.
Is the picture getting more clear?
I just bought a used 03' touring edition, amazing machine the 350Z is. I bought it from an Acura dealership, a few days ago i was looking at the exhaust pipes and i notice the right pipe is extended a little further than the left pipe i mean at first i thought my eyes were playing tricks on me then i had my friend look and he said the same thing, is it suppose to be like that? b/c before i bought my Z i saw a Z parked and i was checking it out and i noticed it on that Z too, so can anyone tell me are the pipes suppose to be like that? i was shown the carfacts report and my Z hasnt been in any accidents or had any problems whatsoever
if anyone can let me know that would be great!
lhatala Posts: 1Is it safe to buy a 17 year old girl a 2003 350Z?
I would say no, however i dont know the 17 yr old girls driving history or even how well she drives, the Nissan 350Z is not a regular car its extremely powerful, and you have to be very careful in the rain or snow with it b/c its rear wheel drive.
I own a 350Z and I almost did a 360 on the expressway due to wet weather i was only going 15mph and barely tapped the gas to get into the next lane and basically spun out but i was able to regain control and straighten her out.
I honestly dont think the 350Z is the right car for any 17 yr old whether it be boy or girl w/ this car think of like this, would you want a 17 yr old on a crotch rocket? probably not, its just not a practical car for a teenager due to the high performance aspect of the car, just like a bike you have to really have respect for a car like the Z.
iloveguam Posts: 1Anti-lock brakes are standard. Does it have side-airbags? Because you have so much control [it handles great], you are as likely to get out of trouble as in.
You could do worse, if that's your price range.
Tom and Andy the Cat
Z Owners Since 1993
Yea it does have side airbags, but most 17 yr olds arent experienced drivers, so why would you put a 17 yr old in a high performance vehicle? Thats like putting a novice motorcycle driver on a Suzuki Hyabusa* (spelling*) when they really belong on a Katana.
It doesnt matter if you have anti-lock brakes, side airbags or how well the car handles, if you dont know how to drive a high performance car like the Z all that safety stuff is irrelevant.
Besides whoever this parent is, my advice is get her something sporty since thats obviously what she is looking for, i would look at Nissan's new Altima coupe, it doesnt have as much horse power but its still a pretty cool looking coupe, not to mention if your daughter got a Z you'd be worried 24/7 every time she took the car out, do you really want that stress?
grandpa48 Posts: 1Hi , I'm new here I am in the over 60 crowd. I purchased a 350Z roadster in November . I live in Northern Illinois, so I haven't had the chance to really enjoy it much yet. So far I love it. In the past I had 442s,Mustangs,Chargers and Chevells. This car brings back the thrill of fast cars again LOL
This discussion has been closed.


text:
Javelin Demonstrates Extended Range Capability in Recent Tests
The Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture recently demonstrated the ability of the Javelin missile to engage targets beyond its current maximum range requirements during a series of tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
During the U.S. Army tests, the Javelin system acquired and engaged targets up to 4,750 meters.
"These tests prove that, under favorable conditions, Javelin can have reliable, solid performance as a close-combat weapon system well beyond the current maximum range requirement of 2,500 meters," said Duane Gooden, Javelin Joint Venture president and Raytheon Javelin program director. "There were two direct hits on the threat representative target at the extended range."
Demonstrating Javelin's extended range performance will further enhance survivability of the dismounted Javelin gunner in combat.
"Most vehicle requirements are for a missile that can engage a target at 4,000-plus meters," said Barry James, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Javelin program director in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "The results of these tests indicate the fire-and-forget Javelin missile can potentially be used in both vehicle and dismounted roles."
About Javelin
Javelin is the world's most versatile and lethal one-man-portable, anti-tank, guided munition and surveillance weapon system. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin. Javelin has been adopted by international armed forces around the world. It is currently fielded with the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps and has also been approved for foreign military sales to 12 nations.


text:
★ ★ custom arrangements available upon
To add size custom-made dresses, to the West-friendly arrangement became possible.
By including dress designs and fabrics in stock
You may arrange the availability.
Please contact via email before placing an order.
Also, May take some time than usual in the preparation Because
Appreciate your time to order well in advance.
( order size custom-made dresses are here, at the same time ordering is only possible if.
If a tenant if you are ordering only arrange products click here
Will be cancelled. )
|Upper-body arrangements ◆ ◆
|Back shimmery + back-up: cover the none [1]
|3000 Yen
|Aside shimmery + back-up [2]
|Shimmery side [3]
|2000 Yen
|Back shimmery + back-up: cover the is [4]
3000 Yen
|◆ skirt arrangements ◆
|Inside the skirt into the petticoat fabric
|3000 Yen
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( → Mini-length long length )
| * Depending on dress
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* For more information, click here *
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Please consult before ordering.
* Special fabric, embroidery fabric
If you incur additional charges, or
If you can't respond.
This product cannot be shipped to United States from the store.
Please contact the store for further information.


text:
ICMI Activities ICMI Studies
The past Studies
Studies to come
Studies to come
The following Studies are currently under way.
Statistics Education in School Mathematics: Challenges for Teaching and Teacher Education.
This Study is organised by ICMI and the International Association for Statistical Education (
). The chair of this Joint ICMI/IASE Study is Carmen Batanero (
), University of Granada, Spain. The
Discussion Document
is now available and the deadline for submission of preliminary papers is October 1, 2007. The Study Conference will be held at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey from June 30 to July 4, 2008, just prior to
which will take place on July 6-13, 2008, in Monterrey, México. This Study Conference will thus be an ICME-11 Satellite Conference as well as an IASE Round Table Conference.
Proof and proving in mathematics education.
The two co-chairs for this Study are Gila Hanna (
), University of Toronto, Canada, and Michael de Villiers (
), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Discussion Document is now available on the
Study website
and the Study Conference will be held on May 10-15, 2009 in Taipei, Taiwan.
technician (at) mathunion.org
Last modified: Wed Apr 15 16:12:54 CEST 2009


text:
Talk: Cuppa Cymraeg
5 April 2014, 10.30am
Cost Free
Suitability All
Pop in for our tour of the galleries aimed specially at Welsh learners. It's a great way to add new words to your vocab and gain confidence with your conversation.
Followed by a free cuppa and chance to try out what you've learnt.


text:
Transverse Ranges > San Gabriel Mountains > Bighorn Peak > Climber's Log
Bighorn Peak Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Dave Daly
|3 Of 4
Date Climbed: Nov 13, 2010
|Nice and easy by following the saddle between Cucamonga and this peak. Found TacoDelStinko's stickers in the summmit register. Ice climbing in the San Gabriel's? Good luck with that.
|Posted Nov 17, 2010 12:29 pm
|From Ontario
Date Climbed: Dec 5, 2009
|Went up Falling Rock Canyon to Sugarloaf, across the ridge to Ontario, continuing on to Bighorn. Went down to the Bighorn-Cucamonga saddle, up Cucamonga, then over to Etiwanda.
|Posted Dec 7, 2009 5:50 pm
Date Climbed: Jul 29, 2009
|Climbed Ontario, Bighorn and Cucamonga Peaks. Started at the icehouse trail head. I only planned on Ontario and Bighorn but Cucamonga was right there so I did it again. 8 1/2 hours car to car. I almost stepped on a southern pacific rattle snake on the descent about a half mile from the car. Beautiful day to be outdoors.
|Posted Jul 29, 2009 9:55 pm
|Direct from Icehouse Saddle
Date Climbed: Jun 26, 2009
|Nice hike/climb to stretch the legs on a Friday afternoon. No summit log unfortunately. Great views of the San Gabriels despite the haze.
|Posted Jun 29, 2009 1:54 pm
|Via Icehouse
Date Climbed: Jun 24, 2009
|We hit this peak on the way back from Ontario. A bit windy on the summit, but it felt great as it was a warm day.
|Posted Jun 26, 2009 12:11 pm
|Bighorn sheep on Bighorn Peak
Date Climbed: May 30, 2009
|From Icehouse to Ontario Peak and then Bighorn Peak. Saw at least 2 Nelson bighorn sheep at Bighorn-Ontario saddle. Great hike with my son! Straight down Bighorn north slope to Icehouse saddle.
|Posted Jun 1, 2009 9:28 am
|W/ Ontario Peak
Date Climbed: May 30, 2009
|Climbed with my dad after Ontario Peak. Saw 2 Big Horn on the way to Ontario, then my dad spotted 4 more on Bighorn Peak! Descended the canyon north from the summit of Bighorn. Very fun.
|Posted May 30, 2009 9:53 pm
|Climber Dave
|From the saddle
Date Climbed: Feb 28, 2009
|Went with a large group, up the canyon to Ice House Saddle, and up the side then back down Delker Canyon. Great day, good weather with some winds on top, lots of good snow for a long glisade down.
|Posted Apr 2, 2009 3:53 pm
|From Ontario
Date Climbed: Dec 13, 2008
|Cold and windy.
|Posted Dec 13, 2008 10:34 pm
|Cuca and Onta traverse
| Back in the 80's a friend and I hiked up Cucamonga, then Bighorn, then Ontario, on a fine day. Back when nobody had computers, and you could not share your story with any interested folks. I first really learned how to truly posthole snow when I made a winter ascent long ago. I was hoping to do Ontario, but waist deep postholing made me go straight up to the top of Bighorn. Now I am a skier and snowshoer, but I still remember that hard lesson of deep, deep postholing
|Posted Nov 29, 2008 8:03 pm
|Ontario and Bighorn
Date Climbed: Nov 8, 2008
|Took the trail from Icehouse Canyon and then the trail to Bighorn Peak. Didn't want to backtrack on the trail on the way down so I went down a canyon almost due north about 800 feet and hit the trail very close to Icehouse Saddle.
|Posted Nov 9, 2008 12:35 pm
|Went with SoCalHiker
Date Climbed: Oct 11, 2008
|3rd and final peak of the day
|Posted Oct 20, 2008 10:03 pm
|Sugarloaf - Ontario - Bighorn
Date Climbed: Oct 11, 2008
|Went up Falling Rock Canyon and the first scree slope west to the peak immediately east of Sugarloaf summit. Continued further on the ridge to Ontario Peak. Climbed Bighorn on the standard trail and descended from the summit directly to Icehouse saddle. Great hike with a lot of up and down steep scree slopes.
|Posted Oct 13, 2008 11:26 am
|Is this really "a peak"
|Been up lots of times including once with a Richard Nixon.
|Posted Jun 30, 2008 10:16 pm
|From Ontario
Date Climbed: May 27, 2007
|Went up Icehouse Canyon, then on to Ontario and back via Bighorn. Nice hike.
|Posted Apr 24, 2008 6:28 pm
|Via Falling Rock Canyon
Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2007
|Climbed up Falling Rock Canyon and got Sugarloaf, Ontario, and Bighorn
|Posted Apr 4, 2008 2:31 am
|Done this one several times with the bro's including my actual brother. All the gabriel peaks top my favorite list. Done via icehouse, kelly's camp, that whole hooplah.
|Posted Jun 7, 2007 7:53 pm
|Side trip from Ontario Peak
Date Climbed: Apr 7, 2007
|This one took an additional 45 minutes RT from the Ontario Peak trail. Great views of Cucamonga.
|Posted Apr 9, 2007 4:46 pm
|David Rosenberg
|No Bighorn
|Hiked it on my way over to Ontario. Nice manzanita field on the way up from IH Saddle, move over to the right.
|Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:29 am
|Climber Dave
|Looking for snow
Date Climbed: Mar 10, 2007
|Went up looking for snow, trail up Icehouse was baren. Suprisingly found quite a bit going up Delker Canyon
|Posted Mar 14, 2007 3:38 am


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Cindy Dees eBooks
Cindy Dees started flying airplanes while sitting in her dad's lap at the age of three and got a pilot's license before she got a driver's license. At age fifteen, she dropped out of high school and left the horse farm in Michigan where she grew up to attend the University of Michigan. After earning a degree in Russian and East European Studies, she joined the U.S. Air Force and became the youngest female pilot in its history. She flew supersonic jets, VIP airlift and the C 5 Galaxy, one of the world's largest cargo airplanes. She also worked part time gathering intelligence. During her military career, she traveled to forty-two countries on five continents, was detained by the KGB and East German secret police, got shot at, flew in the first Gulf War, met her husband and amassed a lifetime's worth of war stories. Cindy teaches advanced novel writing courses at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Her hobbies include professional Middle Eastern dancing, Japanese gardening and medieval reenacting. She started writing on a one dollar bet with her mother and was delighted to win that bet with the publication of her first book in 2001. Cindy has won a Golden Heart and Holt Medallion for writing, is a three-time finalist in the prestigious RITA contests, is a Romantic Times Lifetime Career Achievement nominee and a Waldenbooks bestselling author. She writes for the Silhouette Romantic Suspense and Nocturne lines. She loves to hear from fans and can be contacted at her Web site.


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Cincinnati Reds 9, San Francisco Giants 2: An exercise in baseball stupidity
There wasn't much to talk about this game, as the Giants sleep-walked through a loss to the Reds.
But they got a wake-up call in the ninth inning by what only can be described as baseball stupidity.
It all started in the seventh when the game got away from the Giants.
Trailing 3-0 with two on and two out, rookie reliever hit Joey Votto in the backside with a pitch.
A perfect time for a purpose pitch to a guy who was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts, right?
The HBP on Votto led to another five runs in the inning for the Reds. So anyone could see that Otero wasn't throwing at Votto.
Well, anyone but the Reds.
The Reds wanted to make it clear that you shouldn't unintentionally throw at one of their players.
But they didn't send their message by throwing at Otero, who was left in the game as a sacrificial lamb to save the bullpen and batted for himself to lead off the eighth.
Nor did they throw at any of the next three players who came to bat for the Giants.
They had Sam LeCure throw a pitch behind Buster Posey with one on in the ninth.
Posey was able to avoid the pitch. Then got his revenge by taking LeCure deep for a two-run home run, helping the Giants avoid being shut out for the first time this season.
I guess it could have been worse. They could have thrown at Pablo Sandoval, who could have been hit by the pitch, costing him a final chance to extend his 16-game hitting streak.
As it was, Sandoval singled in the ninth to push his streak to 17 games.
The Giants send Barry Zito vs. Bronson Arroyo at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday.


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Walter Becker and Donald Fagan of Steely Dan (Scott Gries/Getty)
Steely Dan fans are in for a treat this summer. The group has announced that they will kick off a 47 city tour on July 2 in Portland, OR.
The Jamalot Ever After tour will run through September; Walter Becker and Donald Fagen will be backed by an eight-piece band on the tour. Their last road trip was last year's 'Mood Swings: 8 Miles to Pancake Day,' tour.
Steely Dan will certainly be trailblazing on their North American tour. The tour features stops in cities all across the United States from coast to coast and several stops in Canada.
Click here for information on tickets for The Jamalot Ever After tour.
– Ray Boyd, WOGL/Philadelphia


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A trade for the ages involves 4 teams.
Confirmed as successful by ESPN Trade machine
Overall... benefits Raptors + 6 wins !
Toronto gets P.Gasol, Gay, Bayless, Cousins
LA gets Bargnani, Fields, Kleiza
Sacramento gets Valanciunas, T. Ross, Wroten
Memphis gets Tyreke Evans, Calderon, T.Outlaw
Toronto's roster
Gasol, Cousins, Gray
Davis, Johnson, Acy
Gay, Pietrus,
Derozen, Anderson
Lowry, Bayless, Lucas


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At Gemvara, we believe that the jewelry you wear should be one of a kind, like you. That's why we make each piece to order, one at a time, just the way you want it. Choose green amethyst and palladium or diamond and yellow gold: it's your choice. Mix and match gems and precious metals for a look that's exactly you. It's jewelry for all life's occasions, from a wedding or birthday to your own personal milestones and celebrations. Celebrate her birthday with a brilliant gift of jewelry that she can enjoy all year long. Gemvara uses only the highest quality materials to craft your september birthstone our picks jewelry design with meticulous attention to detail. Our precious metals are recycled or responsibly mined. The September birthstone, sapphire, is most popular in gorgeous rich blue but lucky September babies can also choose sapphire in pink, yellow and white (or all four!). Our wide selection of september birthstone our picks jewelry by Ruzanna Davtian, Jeet Palavwala, Tony Rodrigues, and other talented designers means you can find jewelry that's exactly your style. You can also shop by style, choosing our Featured Band, Our Picks, or Vintage-Inspired Collections. Gemvara's fine quality september birthstone our picks jewelry is designed to be passed down for generations to come, crafted by hand in the United States.
We can help right away. Chat with a jewelry expert now!


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Love The Way You Lie: RihRih Stands By Her Man Breezy In Court
Is she a ride-or-die chick, or a sucker for love? Rihanna showed her support for Chris Brown yet again, as the singer faces concerns from the L.A. district attorney that he may have falsified his community service records.
Via Page Six reports:
Rihanna is standing by the man who savagely beat her.
The pretty songstress strolled into a Los Angeles courthouse today with boyfriend Chris Brown, who is accused of falsifying records of his community labor.
Rihanna arrived at the downtown courthouse by Brown's side, and then blew him a kiss before he entered the courtroom first.
She sat by Brown's mom, Joyce Hawkins, in the courtroom gallery during this afternoon's brief hearing.
A judge didn't immediately rule on prosecution claims that Brown faked his court-ordered community labor.
Brown and Rihanna left the courthouse together, surrounded by their entourage.
The rage-filled singer, who became infamous after beating up Rihanna in 2009, was sentenced to 180 days — or 1,440 hours — after pleading guilty to felony assault.
He did 581 hours in Los Angeles, but was then allowed to do the rest of his time in his native Virginia.
Brown claimed to have finished his sentence back home, but LA prosecutors said there's no proof he did the work.
"There's no credible, competent or verifiable evidence that . . . Brown performed his community labor as represented to the court," according to LA Deputy DA Mary Murray.
The DA wants all of Brown's Virginia hours thrown out and for him to be sent back to work in LA.
On several days Brown allegedly worked in Virginia, he was out of of the state, prosecutors said.
Judge James Brandlin said he wanted more time to review the DA's claims.
He ordered Brown to meet with a LA County probation officer within the next 48 hours and detail the work the singer claims to have done in Virginia.
Sounds like RihRih put on quite a show. We hope that Breezy appreciates her sticking by him — but something about this couple's strange dynamic has us wondering if there is still some manipulation going on behind the scenes. Do you think Rihanna could be showing so much support because she feels responsible for Chris getting in trouble in the first place? Hmmmmm…
We want to hear your thoughts.
Hit the flip for more photos of the couple from the courtroom and leaving Breezy's crib.
Here's Chris in court with his lawyer Mark Geragos
Chris and Rihanna arriving at court with his mom Joyce Hawkins
Rihanna arriving at court
The couple shared some laughs as they left the hearing in the back of their ride.
GSI Media
Mama Joyce leaving Breezy's to head to court
GSI Media
Continue Slideshow
Breezy leaving the crib to head to his court hearing
GSI Media
Rihanna and her bestie Melyssa Forde leaving Breezy's crib (after sleeping over the night before) for court.
More Stories From Bossip


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Just to prove my previous point, putting the Flea market in the "new posts" search will exponentially grow it, IMHO. I buy sell and trade stuff all the time, I have 4 in the family that ride, so always wearing out stuff or looking for upgrades.
I frequent ADV rider, and ebay (over 500 transactions) perusing the offerings, but in the years I have been here I have never listed, on only a couple times looked here.....................Until Yesterday, I hit new posts and low and behold someone was selling a set of BMW Goretex inserts, in my size!! I have been looking for a year for a set to go with my BMW Atlantis pants, I bought last year off the Pelican R1100S forum, and the Santiago Jacket I picked up a few months ago on ADV rider.
So my vote is to leave it as it is now, I will bet a piece of pie to any detractor, that in 6 months, the volume and speed of sales will be up a minimum 25%, and listings will increase due to the exposure. I win, you buy the pie!
Proof is in the pudding!
2010 F800GS Full Ohlins package, '04 R1100S Replika
'01 F650GS Wife's bike
Maritime Alps and Vosges 2012
Tuscany and Central Italy 2010
...is it possible to add a radial button in the "Miscellaneous Options" section below stating "Vendor" or "Member".
What that button "broadcasts" is up to the folks behind the screen. Perhaps a different "icon" in list view stating vendor.
Yes, vendors should have access to the Flea Market if they are in fact buying ad space OR if they are of course a Dues Paying Member in good standing.
This way we know with whom we are dealing.
This is just an alternate idea to a whole new additional section.
My 2?ó.
IÔÇÖm not a rally rat so I find very few threads worth opening on the forum. However, having the flea market listings in the regular ÔÇ£new postsÔÇØ listing makes the site much more interesting for me.
Kurt -- Forum Liaison ---> Resources and Links Thread <---
mine-ineye-deatheah-pielayah-jooa-kalayus. oolah-minane-hay-meeriah-kal-oyus-algay-a-thaykin', buddy!
I like it the way it is, as it comes up with new posts.
Very easy to skim by if it's not of interest, but I've noticed myself looking at much more posts about parts and gear. Before, I would cruize through the flea market once in a couple of weeks - just didn't think to go there......
I'll bet posters to the flea market will have much better luck with their sales too!
IBA #44567 Pres. Springfield BMW Roadriders
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
-Albert Eienstein


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Rivera knows busy women
Updated 12:30 pm, Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Jenni Rivera has some advice for busy women like her.
"Working women need balance in their lives. Setting priorities is the best way (toward balance) ... My family is my priority. At the end of the day I need to feel I've done what's best for my family," Rivera tells Conexión by phone.
The banda singer's insight into managing a busy work and home life comes from experience. Rivera, 42, is a mother, grandmother, newlywed, reality show star, radio show host, budding actress and business woman overseeing a jeans, jewelry and beauty line that includes fragrance and hairstyling tools.
One of her newest projects is as a judge on the Spanish-language talent competition show "Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento" on Estrella TV. The show airs weekdays at 8 p.m.
"The experience has been awesome," she says of the show that's been described as a Latino version of NBC's "America's Got Talent."
While Rivera enjoys seeing what talent is out there, she admits it's hard to "crush" someone's dream of stardom.
"Some people have talent. Some think they have talent," she says in the characteristic no-nonsense style familiar to viewers of her mun2 reality show "I Love Jenni," one of two reality shows she's executive produced for the bilingual network.
"It's hard to deal with (contestants') dreams ... But, I think they want someone to be honest with them, someone who knows what it takes to be in this business. Every once in a while there are some who get angry. It's surprising," says Rivera, who released her debut album, "Que Me Entierren Con La Banda," on Fonovisa Records in 2000.
The Mexican American singer, who continues to tour in the United States and Mexico, credits her humble upbringing as the child of immigrant parents in Southern California for her desire to stay busy and work hard.
"You think once you get to a certain spot in your career you can stop working so hard, but the reality is you work harder because you don't want to lose what you have," says Rivera, who dreams of being a "Latin Oprah Winfrey" and having her own TV talk show one day.
She'd also like to do more producing and acting. Rivera earned critical praise for her co-starring role as an incarcerated mother in the indie drama "Filly Brown," which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and is set for theatrical release this fall.
Besides her judging duties on "Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento" and her concert schedule, Rivera remains focused on building her "lifestyle line," which recently added a selection of eye shadows.
"I went to school to study business administration. I never imagined I would be marketing myself," Rivera says.


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It may be the first of many, but it will always be the first. It was inevitable, inasmuch as we all thought it would happen sooner or later, but a chill still ran down my spine when I read what the Kepler planet finder discovered.
(Link) — But this new orb merits special status — because it's the first planet to be officially confirmed to exist in the so-called "habitable zone." It's an ideal size. It orbits just the right distance from its star. And its star is a lot like our own sun. This means that the planet, called Kepler-22b, is the best bet yet to be a place with a thick atmosphere and a wet landscape.
The article above is one of the most comprehensive, I read several to find the best. But there's more background on Kepler here, mission homepage here — the site's getting pounded.
Update: Estimates of surface temp are 70 to 80 F if it had an atmosphere roughly similar to earths. Via the Bad Astronomer the year is about 290 earth-days long. It could take two to three "years" to get a decent mass estimate.
Name suggestions: Xmass, Kepler, Enkidu …
You better believe ground-based observatories and probably the Hubble will be looking closely to learn everything we can about the new world and its star. The star is 600 light-years away and doesn't even have a name as far as I know, at least not yet. Speaking of which, both alien planet and its sun could use a better name than Kepler 22B. I'll be adding to this post with new info, cross linking it, and opening it up name suggestions on Daily Kos this week. But you guys get the first shot at naming ideas.
Hoddamn! BTW, my own working name until I hear a better one, is Xmass. Some perspective on various masses and respective disk size against sun-like star.


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STARKVILLE, Miss. — Several local organizations are teaming up for a project they hope will be a real page-turner for hundreds of Starkville and Oktibbeha County residents.
Beginning Monday and running through May 10, the "United We Read" project will be an effort aimed at helping to promote and encourage reading and literacy in the community.
The project is coordinated by the United Way of North Central Mississippi in partnership with the Starkville Public Library, Volunteer Starkville, Armstrong Middle School, the Starkville Junior Auxiliary and the Starkville School District's Family-Centered Programs Reading to Succeed initiative.
The "United We Read" project is the second of four quarterly community outreach projects coordinated by the United Way, the first being the community-wide "United We Feed" effort to restock local food pantries during February and early March.
Other outreach projects are being planned for late summer and mid-fall, said United Way Executive Director Nikki Rives.
"The 'United We Read' project provides another way for the United Way to be actively involved in improving our community beyond just raising money each fall to support 15 charitable agencies," Rives said. "With education playing such a vital role in the life of Starkville and Oktibbeha County, we wanted to sponsor a project that would not only involve students at local schools, but also encourage them and people of all ages to embrace reading as a part of life-long learning."
The "United We Read" project will involve the following:
A book drive from April 29 to May 3 with students at Armstrong Middle School and Emerson Family School — Each participating school will have designated drop points on school property for students and their parents to bring used fiction or nonfiction books they no longer want or need.
A community book drive from April 29 to May 10 — Designated drop points will be set around the community for members of the public donate new or used fiction or nonfiction books. Drop points include Cadence Bank branches on University Drive and Highway 12, M&F Bank branches on University Drive and Highway 12, Emerson Family School on South Louisville Street and the United Way office on the third floor of the Regions Bank building on University Drive at South Jackson Street.
Once collected, volunteers will take the books to a clearinghouse location, sort them according to reading level/genre and prepared for redistribution.
The books will be distributed in a "book giveaway" to be held at the Starkville Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18. Dubbed "The Great Starkville Book Swap," the book giveaway event will provide children, youth and adults an opportunity to select books they can read during the summer months. The event will also provide an opportunity for the library staff to distribute information about reading and other programs offered for children, teenagers and adults. Books not taken in the book giveaway will be donated to the Friends of the Public Library.
"We really view this project as a win-win for the schools, library and the other participating organizations," said Rives. "Like the 'United We Feed' project earlier this year, 'United We Read' will involve people across the community in an effort to encourage people to read."
The United Way has already gotten a jump start on the book drive thanks to two local organizations' donation of more than 25 grocery sacks full and a one large box of books within the last two weeks, said Brian Hawkins, United Way public relations and outreach coordinator.
"What we've already collected definitely provides a foundation for the 'United We Read' project to succeed. As people learn more about this project, it is our hope they will not only donate books to the book drive, but also volunteer in helping us sort them and prepare for 'The Great Starkville Book Swap' on May 18," Hawkins said.
For more information about the "United We Read" project or to volunteer, call the United Way offices at (662) 323-3830 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday or send e-mail to Rives at email@example.com or Hawkins at email@example.com. Messages left at the United Way office will be returned as soon as possible.


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Pay it Forward
Pay It Forward was a 2000 romantic drama featuring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, and Helen Hunt. Decently well-received, I found it a good, heart-warming, thought-provoking movie.
It is also an allegory for how open source works.
Pay It Forward was a 2000 romantic drama featuring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, and Helen Hunt. Decently well-received, I found it a good, heart-warming, thought-provoking movie.
It is also an allegory for how open source works.
I've spoken a great deal recently about architectural priorities. In short, we as software developers cannot eat our cake and have it too. Improving flexibility in one area may hurt performance, while improving usability one another area may hinder flexibility. These trade-offs are not necessarily right or wrong, except in the context of the goals and purpose of the project with respect to its target audience.
But what is Drupal's target audience, and how does that impact our architectural decisions?
DrupalCon Copenhagen was a watershed event in terms of understanding how to conceptualize that question, in my view, based on conversations I had with the likes of Mark Boulton, Jen Simmons, and Sam Boyer. In his (excellent) keynote, Jeremy Keith noted that the HTML5 Working Group had a specific, defined set of priorities:
In case of conflict, consider users over authors over implementers over specifiers over theoretical purity.
That may be a good priority order; it may be bad. That depends on your point of view and your goals. It lays out the order in which different stakeholders should be listened to, and if you come to a decision where you have to screw one group over to benefit another how that decision should be made. Having such a clear understanding of your constituent priority is critical to making good, consistent architectural decisions.
So what are Drupal's priorities?
As if on cue, the public vs. private debate has sprung up again within Drupal. The timing is fitting given my last blog post on programming language paradigms. Of course, property visibility is not a new debate, and the PHP community debates this subject from time to time (sometimes humorously).
What I believe is usually missing from these discussions, and what I hope to offer here, is a broader picture view of the underlying assumptions that lead to different conclusions about when different visibility is appropriate (if ever).
In short: It's the difference between procedural-think and object-think.
This article is also available in Serbo-Croatian
There has been much discussion of late in Drupal about Object-Oriented Programming. That's not really surprising, given that Drupal 7 is the first version that has really tried to use objects in any meaningful way (vis, as something other than arrays that pass strangely). However, too much of the discussion has boiled down to "OMG objects are inflexible so they're evil!" vs. "OMG objects are cool, yay!" Both positions are harmfully naive.
It is important for us to take a step back and examine why one particular programming paradigm is useful, and to do that we must understand what we mean by "useful".
Programming paradigms, like software architecture, have trade-offs. In fact, many of the same methods for comparing architectural designs apply just as well to language design. To do that, though, we need to take a step back and look at more than just PHP-style objects.
Warning: Hard-core computer science action follows. If you're a coder, I recommend getting a cup of
$beverage before continuing, as it could take a bit to digest although I've tried to simplify it as much as possible. There's fairly little Drupal-specific stuff here so hopefully it should be useful to any PHP developer.
As anyone who has followed my past work knows, software architecture is a particular interest of mine. I find the subject fascinating, but my interest is not entirely selfish.
Understanding architecture, and the trade-offs that different architectures imply, is an important part of any software project. Whether you're discussing a Content Management Platform like Drupal, a language like PHP, or a particular web site, having a solid understanding of the "big picture" is crucial not only for building the system right in the first place but for communicating that architecture to others.
To be able to speak and think about the design of your system properly, though, you need to understand the trade-offs that come with it. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and designing a system to be powerful in one way invariably tends to harm it in another. It is important to know what your priorities are before you start building; and in a distributed collaborative environment like Drupal to all agree what those priorities are, at least to a large extent.
Let us therefore examine those priorities and the trade-offs they require.
I meant to post these to groups.drupal.org, but the file size limit over there won't let me. Attached are the slides from my "Drupal: The Next Generation" presentation at DrupalCon Copenhagen. A more complete summary is available over in the working group.
I'm still not aware of any video available, sadly. Supposedly that should be up eventually.
Unless you've been living under a rock, by now you've heard about the case that is certain to keep the armchair lawyers busy for years to come: Oracle vs. Google. It's already been dissected elsewhere, but in a nutshell: Sun owned their GPL-licensed Java virtual machine, and various patents on it; Google wrote their own JVM for the Android platform, Dalvik; Oracle bought Sun; Oracle uses those patents to sue Google over their JVM; Hilarity ensues.
So what? How does that affect us, as PHP and Drupal developers? Well it doesn't... except indirectly via another product that Oracle bought as part of Sun: MySQL.
A few weeks ago, I and several others helped some friends of ours pack up their apartment into a truck in preparation for moving cross-country from Chicago to New York. It was, as such moments generally are, bitter sweet. It's always a good feeling to help out a friend, but when you're helping them get further away from you it's not as pleasant.
Of course, me being me, what struck me most about the whole process was how well it served as a model for software development and project management in general.
One Con down, one more to go. DrupalCon Copenhagen is already taking session proposals. Yoinks!
I've spoken at several DrupalCons by now. It's always an interesting question deciding what to submit for a session, knowing that only some will get picked but not knowing if I'm going to end up doing just one session I wasn't really interested in or 4 that I have to prepare (yoinks!). So this time I'm going to do something different. I'm going to ask you.
Well, it's been long enough after DrupalCon for me to survive another conference and a business trip, so I finally have time to reflect.
(See below for slides from my sessions.)


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Please see below message from Michael Ireland who is a PhD Student at the University of Queensland:
Hello friends
I am very sorry for any cross posting or if you have received this already.
I am currently conducting scientific research at the University of Queensland to validate the beneficial effects of meditation.
However, I need help with completing a simple and confidential online survey. The survey explores meditation, happiness/wellbeing, personality, and psychological development. Participants have found it quite easy and interesting.
The results will be publicly available and have the potential to greatly improve our scientific understanding of meditation, how it works, and its potential benefits.
To learn more, please visit: https://surveys.psy.uq.edu.au/wellbeing.survey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I also need your help with forwarding this information to anyone else who practices meditation so we can include their input as well. Anyone can participate by clicking on the web address below or by typing it into a internet window/browser address bar.
Thank you very much your help is greatly appreciated.
Michael Ireland
PhD Student, UQ
https://surveys.psy.uq.edu.au/wellbeing.survey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;