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THIS scene from a mall should be familiar to anyone who's ever shopped during the winter holiday time. Which is to say virtually everyone.
A mother with two small children in tow walks up to Santa Claus, who is sitting on an elaborately decorated throne in the middle of the mall's busiest area. The tykes bounce onto Santa's lap - and then frown, grimace, and squirm for several agonizing minutes. Santa's helper, working behind the camera that will preserve this moment for posterity, waves her arms up and down and grins madly. Then she claps several times. To no avail.
Mom, standing next to the camera, enjoins her children to smile. Dad, positioned behind the photographer, starts snapping his fingers. The kids finally begrudge a thin smile, the photograph is snapped, and everyone troops over the cash register.
But what does Santa think about this assembly-line operation?
At the South Shore Plaza, a spacious suburban shopping mall south of Boston, the Santa - who, by the way, sports a very real white beard - works a grueling schedule around the holidays, from 10 in the morning until late at night. Doesn't he get a trifle tired of having perky youngsters bouncing on and off his lap?
We'll never know. When approached by a reporter, the exemplar of the Christmas spirit glumly replied: ``I don't mind talking to you, but I work for Santa Plus, and they don't want me to do interviews. For five weeks a year, they own me. Sorry.''
To get more information about Santa - and mall operations in general - we head downstairs.
In contrast to the ``Masterpiece Theater'' production ``Upstairs/Downstairs,'' at the mall it is the servants (or workers) who reside on the upper floors and the bosses who sit below.
Tom Prandato, the avuncular mall manager whom Santa answers to, has an office located down an unmarked flight of stairs from the B. Dalton bookstore. Leaning back in his leather armchair, Mr. Prandato explains that the ``Santa operation'' is a big part of what malls have to do in order to draw in busy shoppers during the Christmas-Hanukkah holidays. ``We try to make it a fun experience,'' he says.
``There have been problems with Santas in other places,'' Prandato adds delicately. ``There have been some - how do you say it? - perhaps some unpleasant experiences.... But here, we've been very careful. We hire a company that handles the photo promotion and does the recruiting and hiring of individuals to man the Santa set. We try to work with the company and maintain a level of control. We want to develop something that lends itself to the holiday spirit.'' The world that shoppers don't see
Welcome to the world behind the cheery facade that all malls put on during the Christmas shopping season - a world most shoppers never see. The ``holiday spirit'' and the jingle of cash registers isn't spontaneously generated. It is the product of extensive, wearying, sometimes dispiriting, often exhilarating work by a small army of managers, salespeople, maintenance crews, and security guards.
While Christmas or Hanukkah might be important to you and your family, it is vital to the retailers who congregate in malls. The Thanksgiving-to-Christmas period is when many stores rack up 40 to 50 percent of their annual sales.
The operation of the South Shore Plaza is fairly typical of other malls in suburbs from sea to shopping sea. Built in the 1960s, the mall has four big department stores anchoring its corners. In between are 106 shops and restaurants, even a law firm. The complex is about 1.4 million square feet - one-third the size of the Pentagon - and includes more than 7,000 parking spaces.
The mall is owned by Corporate Property Investors, a New York-based firm that owns 28 other shopping centers around the country. CPI is bullish on retailing. In 1988 it expanded another mall near Boston by adding a second floor. A similar expansion, to add 100 shops, is planned here at South Shore.
``To maintain market share, we need to keep this place vibrant,'' Prandato says. ``It'll be first-class - as good as it gets.''
But even now the mall is doing fine. New Warner Bros. and Disney stores - equal parts amusement park and retailing outlet - are drawing in gaggles of kids. Adults come for sales at the major department stores or for promotions like mall-wide gift certificates. On a peak day during the Christmas rush, an estimated 50,000 to 75,000 people troop through the mall's crowded corridors - enough to populate a small town.
Most of the work to attract customers - setting up displays, distributing coupons, and so forth - is performed by individual stores. The mall manager acts as the landlord, overseeing common areas and such basic services as utilities and maintenance.
The most important thing the mall management does, Prandato says, is to provide security. ``We do a fair amount of customer surveying, and the No. 1 thing that people want is to feel safe and secure,'' he says. It is a big reason why most shoppers choose suburban malls over old downtown shopping areas.
Mike Carr, an engaging man who once worked as a newspaper photographer, is in charge of mall security. Wearing a tweed jacket that makes him look more like a college professor than a cop, he prowls the mall with an advanced walkie-talkie - ``the same kind they used in the Gulf war'' - on his hip. He oversees a force of Pinkerton guards (mostly young, mostly strapping) who walk the mall grounds on the lookout for troublemakers. Three jeeps patrol the parking lot.
Mr. Carr stresses that his men - and soon one woman - are guards, not police officers. They don't carry guns or nightsticks or Mace, although they do wear Smokey the Bear hats. Their biggest job, Carr says, is finding lost children. ``But we know where to go. They're usually in the Disney or Warner stores.'' A vital detail: rodent control
Of course, lost children aren't the only obstacle that mall employees face around holiday time. At a Brigham's restaurant, manager Ed Pappas has hired lots of extra employees to cope with the demands of harried shoppers who want food - now! He's also got crews working on another vital detail - rodent control.
``I've worked in malls all over Massachusetts,'' Mr. Pappas says, ``and I haven't seen a mall anywhere that is completely rodent-free.'' Several years ago, most of the mall's restaurants - but not Brigham's, Pappas stresses several times - were cited for mice infestations. At one restaurant that has since gone out of business, one diner remembers finding a cockroach in her spinach crepe.
South Shore Plaza, like most shopping malls, sits atop a giant tunnel - a grim, dark, concrete labyrinth - that stores use to unload supplies. But the mall now emphasizes rodent extermination.
Dealing with human predators is sometimes more difficult, the restaurant manager says. Con artists try to pull the ``quick change'' routine - asking for change for a $20, but handing a $10 to the cashier - or the old ``bug in the salad'' trick. ``I've gotten them a few times, putting the bug in, and usually when they're almost done with their meal,'' Pappas says in disgust.
But he quickly adds that the problem is nowhere near as prevalent here in the suburbs as it was where he worked in downtown Boston. ``I'm glad to be here,'' he says. ``It's more civilized.''
That sentiment is shared by many mall employees. ``It's a lot easier than working a strip mall or individual store,'' says Sam Gangel, a veteran salesman at Simon & Sons, a menswear store. ``At an individual store, you go to lunch and dinner and you gotta put on your coat and travel a ways. Here, you just go out the door. You don't get cold or wet much. It's far easier.''
Jennifer Hunt, an employee at the Pizzeria Regina on the other side of the mall, says working here does have its downside - especially at Christmas time. ``It's kind of hectic and very hard to find a parking spot,'' she says, while enjoying a brief break on a bench outside the restaurant. But, on the whole, ``I love the mall,'' Ms. Hunt says.
Like many employees here, Hunt says she enjoys meeting - and befriending - people who work in neighboring stores. Another advantage she treasures is - what else? - shopping. ``I love to shop. When I get a paycheck, I go right out and do some shopping,'' Hunt says. Mall employees `get the best deals'
Yes, it's true. Just because they work here doesn't mean that employees don't enjoy browsing or buying as much as other shoppers. Maybe more, because mall employees enjoy a key advantage over outsiders: They're here every day. They know exactly when and where to find bargains. ``I get the best deals,'' Mr. Gangel brags.
But employees find all the mall's advantages sorely tested between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hordes of shoppers stampede the stores. Their demands are sometimes unreasonable. Sometimes they're rude. Nowhere is the problem worse than at a small pet store, part of a chain.
``Do you ever get difficult customers?'' a reporter innocently asks salesman Gerry Gardetto. He yells across at fellow employee Valerie Shand: ``Hey, Val: Do we ever get difficult customers?'' And then he laughs. So does Ms. Shand. Deep, knowing, ironic laughs. ``We encounter two types here,'' she says. ``People with children, and people who think their puppies are children.''
Mr. Gardetto adds: ``People get very emotional around animals. In most other stores, you just deal with inanimate objects. But with animals, people's emotions sometimes get the better of them.''
The ``nightmare customer before Christmas'' doesn't only shop at this pet store. Tracy Grant, a clerk at a mall shoe store, says customers often come in ``screamin' and hollerin''' if the dye jobs on their shoes didn't come out right.
It's a tough situation for Ms. Grant, who, like many salespeople, works on commission and can't afford to alienate a customer. ``I think, `Help!' I want to get out, go home. But I can't lose control. I grin and bear it. You've just got to stand there and smile.''
Frank Ryan mainly just stands around all day, but he doesn't mind. Mr. Ryan and his wife, Gale, run the ``Stockings to Stuff'' kiosk in the mall at this time of year. Ryan, a gregarious man with a heavy Irish brogue, doesn't spend the rest of his year like other seasonal workers - traditionally students, with more and more unemployed adults sprinkled in. When he's not selling Christmas stockings, Ryan is playing his guitar in Irish-American pubs and nightclubs around Boston.
Christmas is even more hectic for him than for most employees: After he leaves the mall at 8 p.m., he heads out to play a gig with his band. ``I enjoy doing it,'' Ryan says. Then he thinks a moment and adds: ``If we had to work here all year and then Christmas was a zoo, I might feel differently.''


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Award Nominees MTV Video Music Award For Best Cinematography Nominees List
Thirty Seconds to Mars is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band consists of Jared Leto, Shannon Leto and Tomo Miličević. The band's debut album, 30 Seconds to Mars, was produced by Bob Ezrin and released to critical acclaim but only to limited commercial success. The band achieved worldwide fame with the release of their second album A Beautiful Lie, which received multiple certifications all over the world, including platinum in the United States. Their next release, This Is War, reached the top ten of several national album charts and earned numerous music awards. In 2013, Thirty Seconds to Mars moved to Universal Music and released the fourth album, ...more on Wikipedia
Also Ranked
#78 on Bands/Artists With Only One Great Album
#79 on The Best Screamo Bands of All Time
#2 on The Best Bands Fronted by Famous Actors
#3 on The Best Bands Named After Stars, Planets, and Other Things in Outer Spacesee more on 30 Seconds to Mars
A-ha is a Norwegian band formed in Oslo in 1982. The band was founded by Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. The group initially rose to fame during the mid-1980s after being discovered by musician and producer John Ratcliff, and had continued global success in the 1990s and 2000s. A-ha achieved their biggest success with their debut album, Hunting High and Low, in 1985. That album peaked at number 1 in their native Norway, number 2 in the UK, and number 15 on the U.S. Billboard album chart; yielded two international number-one singles, "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."; and earned the band a Grammy Award nomination as Best New Artist. In the UK, Hunting ...more on Wikipedia
Also Ranked
#54 on The Greatest Musical Artists of the '80s
#47 on The Best Pop Artists of the 1980s
#37 on The Best 3 Piece Bands Of All Timesee more on A-ha
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, MBE is a British singer and songwriter. Adele was given a recording contract by XL Recordings after a friend posted her demo on Myspace in 2006. In 2007, she received the Brit Awards "Critics' Choice" award and won the BBC Sound of 2008. Her debut album, 19, was also released in 2008 to commercial and critical success. It certified four times platinum in the UK, and double platinum in the U.S. An appearance she made on Saturday Night Live in late 2008 boosted her career in the United States. At the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, Adele received the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Adele released her second studio album, titled 21, in ...more on Wikipedia
Also Ranked
#5 on The Best Female Vocalists Ever
#8 on The Best Singers of All Time
#1 on The Best Current Female Singers
#1 on The Best Current Pop Groups/Singerssee more on Adele
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band." Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many subsequent rock artists. The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1969. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with vocalist/harmonica player Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano, and formed Aerosmith. In 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford, and the band began developing a following in Boston. They were ...more on Wikipedia
Also Ranked
#49 on The Greatest Musical Artists of All Time
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#3 on Who Is The Most Famous Band From Every State?see more on Aerosmith


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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Electric Vehicles' started by TEG, Jan 18, 2012.
The Four Kinds of Plug-In Cars - TheStreet
Actually a decent article. Very factual and no FUD whatsoever!
Agreed - balanced, informative article that covers the pros/cons of all the current plug-in cars.
Coupl'a nits such as saying
Once EVs make inroads LPAECs should be quite popular low cost local transport.
But it was a very good article.


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Discussion in 'YouTube' started by Xeosnar, Feb 17, 2012.
Need YouTube Account Creator Bot, if you have tell me
So does 500 other people on this section.
Seriously, No one's just gonna give you a working account creator that they're probably using to sell accounts or privately use.
I have one I have just created. Hit me up on a private message if your interested in buying
Hehe Me to, Ja też :d
Just buy the accounts, they aren't that expensive when you think about all that time you save.
Seriously, 500 people?
I've had one for years... lol
same US Proxy same
i have one. It doesnt by pass sms though
Try this. It will automatically create account and also Upload profile pictures too. Also deathbycaptha supported. By the way its a cracked version.
Virustotal Detection ratio: 0 / 43
I haven't tried it out yet but will report back if it works.
Thanks for the virus scan.
Thanks mate will check it out and will post the review soon....
It creates accounts, but It looks like there is no way to save the accounts created, only if you do it manually. Do I miss something?
Did anyone ever get this to work?
i dont think soo it will work i tried it with both youtube creator method but it dosnt work
Separate names with a comma.


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Sunday, April 4, 2010
Chapter 1 Redux Marathon
13 comments:
Out of curiosity... what caused the sudden desire to edit book one? While I don't disagree with your reasoning, I find it odd that you suddenly stopped work on book two to edit book one again.ReplyDelete
On that note, I think the entire book could be improved by a rewrite focusing on viewpoint, sort of along the lines of what you're saying in your third point. Instead of building up a connection with one or two viewpoint characters, the viewpoint really seems like... wandering third person. It is somewhat scattered and limits attachment to any single character. Each scene should be limited to a single viewpoint character.
Using two primary viewpoints (Averi and Wisteria) really seems the best route to me. In fact, focusing on writing everything from their viewpoints could really bring out more depth in characters like Fell and Rai, slowly exposing the mystery of their pasts rather than it being obvious.
All hard questions you ask in your blog, but I so wonder most of all whether you're not always going to have down sides. Is there some way to measure if a new one has improved over the others?ReplyDeleteReplies
To Chris: That is a very good question. It's hard to say without any concrete criteria, but we're trying to do our best.Delete
- AnonymousApril 9, 2010 at 6:06 AM
Wasn't Wysteria's monastery a central point for the plot? I mean didn't an army attack it as a prelude to kidnapping princess Averi (whom they thought was Wysteria) and TRYING TO START A WAR with Seraph?ReplyDelete
As for Fell being a central character? I don't know, but I DO like how the story shows him growing from a bumbling farmer who had to be rescued by a cow to a stout warrior who could take down three thugs that have been harassing him all his life.
To Matt: KL and I had actually been talking about editing book one for awhile, but what really pushed us to rewrite the first book was the feedback and energy we'd received from a writing workshop we'd attended. After getting some comments from agents, editors, and fellow writers, we were inspired to take another stab at the first book and redress some of the initial issues we'd had with it. We do regret having to stop our work on book two, but book one re-writes aside, KL and I also had serious family and academic issues that we needed to deal with at the same time.ReplyDelete
To Chris: I don't think there is a method to be certain a new opening is improved over the others, but KL and I are just trying to feel things out.
To Anonymous: Wisteria's Ling Monastery is a central point, but it will not be taken out of the main plot, merely restructured.
Hey KL,ReplyDelete
I love the work all of you guys do, it's an excellent story, I just thought I'd provide two little things I noticed.
Firstly, the "contact us" link at the bottom of some pages (I don't know if it's all of them) takes you to the terms of service. That's why my comments wound up here.
Secondly, If you're at the main page of the third chapter in book two, it doesn't show the fourth chapter. At all. I had to hunt through the archives to the end of chapter three, then take the jump to chapter four. Just thought I'd try and help you out! :)
just read SFA and i must say as a keen reader i am impressed, i loved the story and yeah it had it's flaws and wasn't perfect but nothing ever is, the point is i couldnt stop reading :). just wondering when Book 2 is expected to be complete? and how many books are you planning to write for SFA? hope you don't give up and keep writing :) it would be a shame to not finish this story ><* the thief action scenes are just pure awesomeness!!!!! always intense, always something new, and always keeps me on my toes ^^ please dont give up on this, i hope there will be a time where you can dedicate your full attention to this ^^ i will definantly buy if it becomes available in the UK!!ReplyDelete
just wanted to note that i do agree about the misguiding order of the prologues, i assumed fell was the main character in all this, partially because he was the first character introduced, but i also think mainly because he is a stereo typical hero, starts off really weak and helpless, but with an ambition, works hard, shows the highest potential for growth. but he does show i would say slightly annoying growth, as in you want him to get strong quick but it's so painstakingly long its annoying (good thing) but one thing i didnt really like is how sometimes he would revert to his useless weak self (beat by that girl with the rapier during rankngs, way in which he struggles in fights against clearly weaker people, this is the guy that challenged rakam.. he should be a lot cooler in terms of fightinh, just how averi is at thief battles. im gonna shut up now hahaha. good luck!!!!!
- AnonymousFebruary 14, 2012 at 9:04 AM
Where are you. Your book is so hard to find. If I find it, it costs 100$. Your main site is closed.ReplyDeleteReplies
To Anonymous (2/14/12): We had to take the novel offline while we were querying agents, and that also meant taking down the main website. Sorry it's hard to find. We are currently working to make it available and accessible to everyone.Delete
- AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Hey. I wandered away from this story a few years ago due to life getting busy. Recently it I have been wondering what happened in the world after I left. So I finally cracked down and searched through the web for online fiction. Now it looks like this page has not seen any activity since 2010, and the main page is down.ReplyDelete
This is very sad. I really enjoyed this story. I am not sure what happened to you guys, but I sincerely hope you are doing okay, and that you will find the time and energy to get back to it. Thanks for the good times.
To Anonymous (2/18/12): We're really glad that you enjoyed the story. Life happened to get in the way of our being able to continue the novel, but we're hoping to get it back up and running soon. Thanks for your support!Delete
- AnonymousFebruary 29, 2012 at 11:12 AM
I have been wondering what happened to the site/comic for a while. Between work and moving and travel, and a computer dying thus losing my links - I was wondering the other day what became of Eastridge Academy and it's students. After searching I found little information and the site no longer available. I loved your story very much and I'm curious to know if it continues at all in any form?ReplyDelete
To Anonymous: We've been gone from the site for a while, partially due to life events and partially due to the fact that we were trying to get picked up by a publishing house. We are back now, and hoping to put up the website soon. Thank you for your kind words.ReplyDelete


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Przewalski's Horse and Foal, Illustration
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Spirits of Vengeance & Administration
Every week Hannibal Tabu (journalist/winner of the 2012 Top Cow Talent Hunt/blogger/novelist/poet/jackass on Twitter/head honcho of Komplicated) grabs a whole lotta comics, sorting these periodicals (how) into two piles — the "buy" pile (a small pile most weeks, comprised of planned purchases) and the "read" pile (often huge, often including comics that are really crappy but have some value to stay abreast of). Thursday afternoons you'll be able to get his thoughts (and they're just the opinions of one guy, so calm down, and here's some common definitions used in the column) about all of that … which goes something like this …
Astro City #11
(Vertigo/DC Comics)
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. This issue has everything you wanted in a Dr. Strange comic with him getting Rule 63'ed and barely being on panel. "The Sorcerer's Assistant" is a story so perfectly set in the Astro City universe while clearly wearing its influence on its embroidered sleeve. The Silver Adept is a magician and problem solver for multiple dimensions and worlds and, as such, is freaking busy. That's where Raitha, her trusty assistant comes in — fielding emails, scheduling appointments, oh, and yes, grappling with threats to the entirety of humanity, just after lunch. This issue is so good, so eminently re-readable, that every panel Brent Anderson did has a new surprise, a new twist to discover. Kurt Busiek was all net with this literally flawless script. There's nothing but wonder and amazement in these pages, and you'd do well to get yourself a copy, stat.
All-New Ghost Rider #2
(Marvel Comics)
Jump from the Read Pile.
The last page of this issue is one of the best heroic origin moments ever. The mixture of the art, the pacing — it's sublime. It does, however, take a long time getting there, as teenager Robbie Reyes struggles to stay on the side of the angels in a land where planning a rape in broad daylight is seen as acceptable. The kinetic, vibrant artwork of Tradd Moore and Val Staples strains towards cartoony at some points, but when it gets in the zone (the flip, that mind blowing transformation sequence) it's like nothing else. The first issue was good, this is better, and if that trend continues, the next script from Felipe Smith should blow your doors off. Slow week, though, so let's invest in the future.
Not bad, even with a mercy jump.
Honorable Mentions: Stuff worth noting, even if it's not good enough to buy
Science fiction themed politics built on a well developed foundation of alternative history, all while the literal apocalypse looms. "East of West" #11 is a treasure trove of narrative nimbleness, symbolism woven into words with the deftness Jonathan Hickman has shown in much of his creator-owned work. Beautiful and sweeping, it's more ambiance than plot, though, yet each character moment is rich with gravity despite many not connecting so well. Fascinating stuff, though, and if your finances run rich, worth your time.
"Iron Fist: The Living Weapon" #1 was fast and furious, a splash of exposition and relentless visual destruction. Danny Rand is a rudderless sail adrift in a sea of ancient fist-icism, bored with it all and lost in his father's mad shadow. It's haunting work but like its lead, it lacks an impetus, a reason to continue. Tonally solid, but lacking drive.
"Batgirl" #30 was a superb exercise in craft and storytelling that somehow still felt empty at its core. A "well known urban legend" in the form of a poem and a boogeyman become all too real in the retconned minds of the title character and some teenaged Gothamites. The narration was heavy handed and spoiled some other stories if you haven't seen them, but it was a passable comic that fans of Barbara Gordon will likely adore.
"Captain Marvel" #2 was still good, just not as good as the previous issue. Carol Danvers is on a mission of mercy and just happens to run into some familiar and movie-minded faces. This leads to jokes and quips and threats and it's all very cute, but has none of the derring-do that made the first issue so great. Surely not bad, but an installment you wouldn't miss once you get the next issue's recap page.
A clever idea buried in a flat plot: "Unity" #6 was another solid Valiant book, middling along. If it was a TV show, it'd have great cable ratings. The lead characters are mostly window dressing for exposition and standing around. Nothing wrong, but just a slice above "meh."
There's only one word what happened in "Invincible" #110: "Whoa." That is messed up. That's not right at all. The title character has maybe one of the worst days ever, and it's not even over by the end of the issue, it's just a snippet of his misery. It's not so much a story as a felonious assault. Wow. Not a bad comic book at all, but … that's a lot to have happened in a short amount of time.
"Avengers A.I." #11 had some great lines (mostly from the very eccentric Doombot) and okay character moments (Pym struggling with his relative relevance, Victor's food fetish) but the central antagonist still feels like a knock-off Ultron, an AI threat that doesn't even have his own look. This has some quality moments but plot wise, needs to focus.
The "Meh" Pile Not good enough to praise, not bad enough to insult, not important enough to say much more than the title
"What If Age Of Ultron" #2, "Savage Dragon" #194, "All-New Doop" #1, "Secret Avengers" #2, "Deadpool" #27, "Constantine" #13, "Magnus: Robot Fighter" #2, "Green Lantern Corps" #30, "X" #12, "Grimm Fairy Tales Presents Ascension" #3, "Superman Wonder Woman" #7, "Lumberjanes" #1, "Worlds' Finest" #22, "All-New Ultimates" #1, "G.I. JOE: Special Missions" #14, "Iron Man" #24, "Lola Xoxo" #1, "Superior Foes Of Spider-Man" #11, "Justice League 3000" #5, "Deceivers" #4, "Star Wars" #16, "All-New X-Factor" #6, "Royals Masters Of War" #3, "Shutter" #1, "Mighty Avengers" #9, "Indestructible" #5, "Daredevil" #1.50, "Bloodshot And H.A.R.D. Corps" #21, "Thunderbolts" #24, "Superboy" #30, "Great Pacific" #14, "Batman Eternal" #1, "Nightcrawler" #1.
No, just … no … These comics? Not so much …
A mysterious but well known presence got the best line near the end of "All-New X-Men" #25 but the issue itself was a tepid "What If…?" clip show, an excuse for a set of pin-ups and stale gags masquerading as a work of fiction. Troubling in that it had to have been expensive as hell to produce for such forgettable fodder.
One stinker? That's not so bad.
With the jump and not much being awful, that means this week's a winner.
Free on the web and cheap on your device, the second chapter of the fantasy novella "Waso: Will to Power" was just released by Stranger Comics, written by the writer of this column. Enjoy.
As of right now, you can spend ten bucks and get about 175,000 of fiction from the writer of this column. The links that follow tell you where you can get "The Crown: Ascension" and "Faraway," five bucks a piece. Love these reviews? It'd be great if you picked up a copy. Hate these reviews? Find out what this guy thinks is so freakin' great. There's free sample chapters too, and all proceeds to towards the care and maintenance of his kids … oh, and to buy comic books, of course. What are you waiting for? Go buy a freakin' book already!
Got a comic you think should be reviewed in The Buy Pile? If we get a PDF of a fairly normal length comic (i.e. "less than 64 pages") by no later than 24 hours before the actual issue arrives in stores (and sorry, we can only review comics people can go to stores and buy), we will do our best to make sure the work will get reviewed, if remembered. Physical comics? Geddouttahere. Too much drama to store with diminishing resources. If you send it in more than two days before comics come out, the possibility of it being forgotten increases exponentially. Oh, you should use the contact form as the CBR email address hasn't been regularly checked since George W. Bush was in office. Sorry!
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Operating Line
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Disclaimer; I do not own ANY part of Harry Potter, story and all – but I do own this plot…
James and Lilly have always been mortal enemies – but what happens when they decide to settle their arguments by dares and challenges– and go through the consequences the losers face?
Chapter one; The Enemies
Lilly Evans was not in a good mood. She was tired, annoyed and worse of all, had a full blown case of PMS. Well, that was what it seemed to a fellow classmate, James Potter. He smirked as she slid into a spot next to her friends that was – consequently – near his group. A young man that defiantly ruled the 'dark and handsome' area sat next to him, leaning backwards along with two other boys, one of them perched with a book in his hands and the other scrawny and anxious-looking. Lilly held her head in her hands and emitted a groan.
"Pass me the coffee, Reid," she said to her blonde friend. She passed her the coffee mug and the sugar.
"Are you okay Lilly? You seemed washed out," Reid said, pouring the coffee into the cup for her. Lilly stirred it absently.
"I'm alright," she yawned, covering her mouth. She tilted her head to the side, in a drunken sort of way as she lifted the mug to her mouth. Letting the warm drink wake her, she tipped her head back and drained the whole mug. "Is there anymore?" she said in a slightly clearer voice. But only slightly.
"Hey, Evans," James said loudly, jumping at the chance, "how's your mind going this morning? Slow as usual?" Lilly glared at the guy, still draining another cup of coffee.
"Compared to you, my mind works at light speed, Potter," she said, starting to feel awake once again. James scoffed.
"Your brain would probably bring the general speed down," he said conceitedly.
"If your brain was considered fast, then Mafloy's is considered superior." Lilly snapped back, buttering her toast. She saw James' mouth open to speak. "And please, keep your irritating voice to yourself. No one wants to hear it," he raised an eyebrow.
"Actually, I'm not to sure about that, but if you insist – I really don't want to waste my voice on you," he stressed the 'you' and turned around to finished his conversation with his friends – rather loudly. Irritated, Lilly faced her friends.
"I'm getting convinced that their brains are decaying," she caught Kitty, her other friend, staring rather intently at the group - but without the usual hate Lilly had in her glares towards them. In fact…maybe she was staring at them in adoration…"Kitty!"
"Huh? What?" Kitty said ripping her eyes away. Lilly sighed hopelessly, throwing her arms in the air. Was she the only girl in the school that was immune to the 'charm' of the
"Reid," she said, kicking her friend under the table. The girl shot around, yelping. "Stop gawping at them. They're not hamsters you know," said Lilly. "I don't know what you people see in them." She muttered, chewing on her toast.
"Well, for starters, they're gor-," said Kitty before she was interrupted by Lilly.
"Gorgeous, I know," Lilly finished for her. "I've heard that so many times that it's getting sad now." Kitty gave her a look. "Don't give me that,"
"I don't understand why you hate them so much, Lilly," said Reid, eating. Lilly gave a little 'psh'.
"I don't hate all of them, besides, Remus is like my brother." She said absently. "I just dislike Potter. He thinks the world revolves around him." She stood up.
"I heard that, Evans," said James, getting up at the same time as Lilly. His voice was cool, and he obviously didn't really care.
"Really? I thought you were either deaf or too think to understand," she said sardonically. He smiled at her mockingly.
"Well, thank you for thinking about me," he ruffled his already messy hair and smirked. "I had no idea you cared." Lilly tucked a long strand of red, curly hair behind her ear.
"Believe me, I try not to,"
"What a pity. And I thought you were starting to fall for me, Evans," he lay a hand across his chest in a mockery of sadness.
"More like disliking you even more," It was a pity that they had the same lesson next, Transfiguration.
"Whatever way you want to put it, Evans," he shrugged, and then ran a bit to catch up with the 'boys', namely Sirius (the dark haired one), Remus (the more studious one) and Peter (the smallest one). She, herself, could hardly believe that James Potter was a prefect- along with her, of course. What was the Headmaster thinking? She shook her head and waited for her two rushing friends to join her.
In the Gryffindor common room:
James ruffled his hair, blinking sleepily, his glasses at a weird angle. Remus was bent over a piece of parchment and a book, Sirius was busy daydreaming, and Peter rushed through his home work. The air around them was sober and quiet, sleepy and relaxed.
"I'm bored Prongs," sighed Sirius finally. Remus looked up.
"You wouldn't be if you started doing your homework, Padfoot," the boy said, pointing his almost blunt quill at Sirius. He looked at Remus as if he was crazy.
"When have I ever done my homework, Remus? I don't need to. All the information's up in here." He tapped his forehead. "Right, Prongs?" James laughed.
"Yes. In your air sac,"
"I thought you were the one that had an air sac," pointed out Sirius. "You certainly act like you do," They both heard the portrait open and looked in that direction. A very haggled and pissed off girl was walking through it, her hands gripping on her bag until her knuckles turned white.
"Hey, Evans! What's wrong with you? You look worse than usual!" stated James before his three friends could stop him. The redhead's right eye twitched as she turned around slowly, as if it came out of some horror movie. It was obvious her nerves were on end.
"Potter, if you can't say anything smart, keep your mouth shut. Oh, I'm sorry! That would mean that your mouth would be clamped together forever," snapped Lilly, basically shouting.
"Doesn't that apply to you instead?" James said.
"If you're not blind, you should be able to see that I'm in a very foul mood-,"
"As usual," James cut in. Lilly continued as if she hadn't heard him.
"So, for once, do the smart thing and leave me alone." The three other boys watched this intently as if it was a movie. They had no intention of stopping Lilly and James now their quarreling match had started.
"Lilly or James?" Sirius asked Remus in a hushed tone, his eyes still glued onto the scene. Remus thought for a second, before pointing to Lilly. "Thought so."
"Aw, are you in PMS mode, Evans? Do you need a warm hug?" said James nastily. Lilly felt like hopping on the spot and tearing the conceited jerk in to shreds there and then. But she contained her anger in one exaggerated and forced smile.
"Never from you," said Lilly, "I'd rather die first," James looked at her intently then shrugged.
"Most girls would jump at that opportunity to hug me, you know?"
"I said I'd rather die," snapped Lilly, her wand extracted.
"You're very welcome to try you know?" James said. Lilly stuffed her wand in her back, whipped around and stamped upstairs, fires flaming out of her green eyes. Once she had slammed the door, Sirius smacked him on the head with his book. "What!" James said, rubbing his head.
"That was going a bit too far," said Remus. Peter nodded in agreement. "Even Sirius agrees,"
"Well, I can't help it if she's like that," said James rather pathetically.
"Like what?" Remus asked.
"Like, you know like-oh, come on! For god's sake! She's the one that started the fight!" whined James like a little boy. "Come on, Padfoot, help your buddy out here!"
"Sorry Prongs, no can do – eating," he pointed to the nuts that lay on his lap. "You know nothing gets between me and my food,"
"Apart from Quidditch," piped up Peter. Sirius shrugged.
"Yeah, whatever."
"Padfoot! Look at Mooney! He's going to kill me!" whimpered James. Remus slapped his forehead.
"I am not going to kill you, stupid," Remus sighed. "Forget about it. You're a hopeless case."
"Yes, but I'm a hot hopeless case," said James seriously, making both Sirius and Remus burst out laughing, spilling the nuts.
Lilly Evans' subconscious mind;
I don't know what other people see in him. He's just this conceited little…idiot. I don't know if I can stand it any longer, ignoring how good he looks. It's like every time I see him, I melt – but once he opens that mouth of his, I just want to kick him…will anything ever get sorted out?
Hey guys, hope you like it and please review…if I don't get any reviews I don't get motivated to post anything. Thx!


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Tuesday, 9 May 2017
Chalkboard technique with a twist
12 comments:
Wow.. Mirella.. the HI card is just.. fabulous..chalk board technique is new to me.. Thankyou for sharingReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks so much! It's a new technique to me, too, and it's a lot of fun, surprisingly!Delete
Love these ideas Mirella!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks so much, Linda!Delete
Beautiful cards and nice ideas Mirella!!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you very much! :-)Delete
That "Hi" card is just WOW! it looks so classy.. Lovely Mirella!ReplyDeleteReplies
I'm glad you like the idea :-) Thanks so much!Delete
Beautiful projects dear! I loved the last shimmery card!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you so much, Ria! I think I am better at colour than I am at black&white, but I do try ;-)Delete
Gorgeous cards, Mirella!! Love that fab idea of "Hi" sentiment and the caje card is so perfect for this technique, love the gorgeous butterfly card too. :-)ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you so much, Kanan, appreciate your great feedback! :-)Delete


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Negativity can be a killer. I once resigned from a job more because of the negative environment than any management or job changes. The company was making changes, but I consider myself to be fairly adaptable and generally work to accept change. The atmosphere around me was something more. It was a disease that infected everything.
I would come in every morning, after having fluffed myself back up the evening before, only to be greeted by the same grumbles, the same complaints and the same negativity and low employee morale.
It was not only breaking me down emotionally, but it had physical consequences, as well. I had two major surgeries in one year, and the doctors both indicated the primary cause of the medical problems was due to stress. The stress was primarily coming from my co-workers and not my employer. If you'veworked for any length of time, you realize change is just a part of any job. It was how the people around me were reacting to the changes that I just couldn't handle anymore.
I forgot I could be the master of my own emotions. I forgot to believe in myself and soon succumbed to the same negativity disease as my co-workers. When I think of this job, it is difficult to remember any happy moments even though I worked with some very nice people. The negativity disease was just too invasive and prevalent to even take some time to feel you put in a good day's work. Even worse, I brought that negativity home with me and shared the disease with my family and friends.
Conquer excess negativity by being practical
Nobody always pessimistic or always optimistic. Everyone experiences challenges in their lives. Everyone has been around a person who is so animatedly happy all the time, that they are like too much sugar. You've also likely been around people who are such whiners and complainers, you avoid them, as well.
Strike a balance with yourself. Ask yourself how you feel at the end of the workday, and why. Are you stressed, angry, depressed and exhausted? Are you truly at your wit's end? Ask yourself why. For example, are you stressed because you had to move out of your cubicle to another, or afraid of learning a new software installed for your job? What you may be feeling is the stress of temporarily not having the familiarity and control you had prior to the changes. Tell yourself this is perfectly normal. Get rid of the negative self-speak in your brain and open your mind to the potential benefits of these changes. Most importantly, make practical decisions for yourself, and don't get drawn into the gloomy atmosphere which will quickly become worse than the changes. Give yourself a chance to adapt, and if you are still having problems with the changes, talk to your supervisor our human resources.
Use opportunities to express your opinions
I'm not talking about turning a departmental meeting into a gripe session. You need to professionally, and positively, address your concerns. For example, if you believe learning a new software program may have an effect on your production, ask if the company is taking the training time into account when looking at the production for each employee. As your are learning, ask questions about the software and its functions. Be practical enough to believe the company had a reason and a plan when they decided to convert. You may feel better if you ask what the company believes will be the long-term benefits. Most importantly, don't close in on yourself and keep your fears inside. Take a positive approach and show a willingness to learn, adapt, and find out the overall goals.
Don't give into the negativity of others
If you encounter group people who have caught the pervasive negativity disease, don't blindly follow their path. Show empathy for their concerns and acknowledge that you heard them, but make an attempt to change the subject to something more positive, or at least more neutral. For instance, "I know how you feel Fred. Hey, my anniversary is this weekend. I'm tired of the places my wife and I usually eat, anyone try any good restaurants lately?" You feelings and decisions do not need to be complicated by the opinions of others. Change the mood and emotional environment around you, or excuse yourself from your normal workplace group. Trying humor is another good way to change the mood. Bring up something humorous a friend sent you over the internet, or bring up a happy thing you recently experienced. People in pain tend to want to share the pain with others. Try to elevate the mood or at least temporarily provide yourself with a more pleasant experience.
Avoid contributing the the negativity problem
No matter what challenges you are attempting to face, a negative attitude, negative speech and negative internal dialogue will make everything worse. Be sure to seek out the facts and understand them before you go into panic mode. Maintain a positive inner dialogue, positive thoughts go a long way to helping you cope with a negative environment. Don't be so quick to lose your self-confidence and continue to believe in yourself. Make sure to allow friends and family to help divert you from yourworkplace issues. Sometimes getting away from that daily grind and daily thought pattern is just the cure for negativity.
Make sure you are thinking the problem through using a positive and practical thought pattern.
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Fri, 30 March 2007
Any Iowa connection to the tainted pet food scare? Then, a judge says an Iowa jury will decide the fate of those defunct touch play machines. Wanna taint the jury?
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-30.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:21am CDT
Thu, 29 March 2007
Walid Phares writes about the "War of Ideas: Jihadism Against Democracy". Powerful. Then, Chris Hedges with a polemic about "American Facists" Who? The Christian right.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-29.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:07am CDT
Wed, 28 March 2007
Clive finally gets busted for their camera based stop sign fines. Now what? Iowa is about to approve of same date voter registration. Now what?
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-28.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:09am CDT
Tue, 27 March 2007
Dr. Jerome Corsi reports on a horrendous sex scandal within the Texas juvenile justice system. Who does he hold responsible? Dan Gainor takes aim at Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth" ...lotsa open-line time too. And here's the sound-bite of the Hardball interview of the Vilsacks.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-27.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:00am CDT
Mon, 26 March 2007
A Monday stream o' semi-consciousness. Then District 41 Iowa Senator David Hartsuch is resisting the Democratic party expansion of gay civil rights. Senate debate Monday afternoon.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-26.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:34am CDT
Fri, 23 March 2007
Chad Thompson, "Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would" a Fresh Christian Approach. Congressman Tom Tancredo with a quick visit.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-23.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:38am CDT
Thu, 22 March 2007
Professor David Eisenbach a historian of "Gay Power, an American Revolution" Spirited conversation. Governor Mitt Romney wants to be President. Iowa's Deer Population and the DNR win out over property rights. Discussion
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-22.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:35am CDT
Wed, 21 March 2007
Iowa war protestors, tobacco tax avoiders, deer killers and other fine Amercians... Lotsa great openline.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-21.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:31am CDT
Tue, 20 March 2007
A Des Moines woman defends her apartment in the middle of the night with deadly force. The 911 call and Iowan's respond. Not everyone agrees.
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-20.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:31am CDT
Mon, 19 March 2007
Monday open-line potluck. And do we now have a poster boy example for renewing Iowa's death penalty?
Direct download: mickelson-2007-03-19.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:20am CDT


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High opioid users more satisfied with care
In patients with musculoskeletal conditions, opioid prescriptions result in better patient satisfaction, a recent cross-sectional study has found.
The researchers evaluated satisfaction with care of 19,566 adult patients with musculoskeletal problems and found that opioid use resulted in a 32-percent increase in the odds of high care satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95 percent CI, 1.18–1.49). The rate of opioid prescription was 13.1 percent, with 2,564 users reported.
Compared with nonusers, opioid users tended to have poorer overall health. Scores in the physical (33.3 vs 46.0) and mental (44.4 vs 49.9) component summaries of the 12-item Short Form health survey were significantly lower in users than in nonusers (p<0.001 for both). There was also a significantly greater proportion of users that rated their health as fair or poor (p<0.001).
When the participants were stratified according to levels of opioid use, the unadjusted models showed that moderate users (28.9 percent) reported significantly better satisfaction.
However, after complete adjustments for covariates, both moderate (adjusted OR, 1.55; 1.29–1.86) and heavy (41.9 percent; adjusted OR, 1.43; 1.20–1.70) users reported significantly higher satisfaction.
Moreover, each increase in the categories of opioid use level (none, low, moderate and heavy) resulted in a significant 15-percent increase in the likelihood of being in the highest quartile of satisfaction scores (p<0.001 for trend).
To measure satisfaction, the researchers accessed the participants' responses in the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey, which the participants accomplished once a year. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between satisfaction with care and opioid use.


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Unleash all your fury in the tennis court, beat the opponents and advance in the ultimate tournament by scoring more than the others. Choose a quick match for a faster game, in case fame, glory and trophies aren't your goals today. The important is to strike the tennis ball with fury.
Home » Sports » Tennis Fury


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American Ballet Theatre
London Tour
by Ana Abad-Carles
February 14-15, 2007 -- Sadler's Wells, London, UK
It has taken seventeen years for American Ballet Theatre to return to London and the occasion finally happened in February at Sadler's Wells Theatre. Seventeen years is a very long time in the life of a dance company, and it is difficult to assess the effect of such a span of time in a five day visit. Personally, the biggest criticism the company could receive at this return would be a lack of adventurousness in the choice of repertoire, as most of the works they brought on this occasion had already been seen here in 1990.
The company in general looks strong and, especially the corps the ballet, improved with every performance I attended. There are very good principal dancers, though perhaps there is a lack of more versatile dancers in the middle ranks of the company.
For their return to the London stage, ABT chose to open with "Symphonie Concertante" by George Balanchine (in their previous visit the chosen ballet was "Theme and Variations"). The ballet is a beautiful visual orchestration of Mozart's musical dialogue for violin and viola. On opening night, the two main roles were taken up by Veronika Part and Michele Wiles, and the role of the cavalier was danced by Maxim Beloserkovsky. Though Part was very good in all static poses, her sense of drama did not transcend into her movements and, at times, especially in the allegro sections, she seemed too conscious of her own effort. Wiles was more responsive to the musical phrases, though I have to admit that the best performance I saw was the one led by Stella Abrera on the closing night.
Following this piece there were the usual pas de deux associated with the display of ABT's star dancers. The first was the White Swan pas de deux from "Swan Lake", wonderfully performed by Julie Kent and Marcelo Gomes. Next came Tharp's "Sinatra Suite", with Angel Corella and Misty Copeland. Corella's dancing is faultless, but I find his stage persona lacking in emotional depth and this did no favours to Tharp's choreography. The last piece d'occasion was "Le Corsaire Pas de Deux" danced by Xiomara Reyes and José Manuel Carreño. Carreño's dancing was beautiful. Not only did he have the technical mastery but also the sense of style and presence required by this role. Reyes was adequate, but not outstanding and thus, Carreño got – deservedly – the big ovation at the end of their performance.
Finally, the company presented Twyla Tharp's "In the Upper Room". This work brought the Coliseum down seventeen years ago, and I was hoping that this performance would live up to the memories I had kept for all these years. It did. If only for that performance, I will be grateful to ABT for their return to London. Tharp's ballet has passed the test of time and it now seems enhanced by it. When it was first presented in London on opening night in 1990, the audience did not know what to make of the work and it definitely took me a second viewing to get used to Tharp's chaotic and yet perfectly framed style. On this occasion, Paloma Herrera, David Hallberg and Ethan Stiefel led the company in what was for me the highlight of the season.
On the second evening, ABT made the same mistake they made seventeen years ago and presented "The Kingdom of the Shades". It has to be said that unless you are the Kirov (Mariinsky) there seems to be little point in presenting this work as part of a guest appearance, especially as the work is now staged by most ballet companies in the world. Though seventeen years ago the performance nearly ended with poor Alessandra Ferri being strangled by the shawl featured in her solo, on this occasion there were no major incidents, and yet there were no major ovations either for any of the performers. The corps looked correct, though not outstanding. Maxim Beloserkovsky as Solor was good and so was Irina Dvorovenko as Nikya. The same cannot be said of the three shades, however, who seemed to be ironing out all the difficulties of their different variations in an almost scandalous way. Can somebody remind dancers performing the First Shade variation that the ballerina needs to travel the whole stage when hopping in arabesque and not perform the arabesques on the spot?
Next came "Drink to me only with thine eyes", Mark Morris's great ballet. Just as it did seventeen years ago, it took some performances for the audience to understand its tongue-in-cheek mood and tone. Hernan Cornejo was outstanding in one of the main roles, but, as with Tharp's piece, praise must be given to the whole company for having been able to maintain such wonderful standards and sense of style in both works. It was a pleasure to see this work danced so well again.
Last in the evening came Jerome Robbins's "Fancy Free" and it was undoubtedly a great choice. Paloma Herrera and Julie Kent as the two girls were fantastic in their comic timing and interpretations, but real ovations were given to the three sailors, especially to Sascha Radetsky and Marcelo Gomes, who in the final variation managed to have the whole auditorium in genuine laughter thanks to their sense of comedy and fun.
The company is a different one than the ABT we saw seventeen years ago. It is difficult to say whether it is better or worse. I think the company we saw in 1990 was more rounded in terms of having more dancers (and especially female dancers) who could take on a variety of roles within the repertoire. Unfortunately, it seems to be true that ABT is not the creative hub that it was years ago, when the highlights of the season were those Morris and Tharp works just created or staged for the company. Companies go through different creative periods, so let's just hope ABT can regain momentum and come back with more daring works, though personally, I will appreciate seeing "In the Upper Room" and "Drink to me only with thine eyes" as part of their visits whenever they come.
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Happy New Year! 2016 is here, lets hope it is better than 2015. On to more happy things. I'm looking forward to changes for the better.
One of the things I enjoy most about blogging and reading blogs are all the trips I can make around the world without ever leaving my keyboard. The pictures that accompany the posts are wonderful bits of shared … vision … knowledge … and in cases, emotion. I've enjoyed Holland, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Italy, England and many more destinations. That doesn't include all the fascinating places that I've been transported to in the States. Yosemite. Zion National Park. New York City. San Francisco. The Grand Tetons. Seattle. Kansas City. The North Carolina Mountains. And, hundreds more!
Since I've enjoyed so many of these mini-journeys, I've decided to show you what my area is all about in pictures. Here's a sampling of what I see and do with the Geezer and Mrs. G in our area.
Above are some of my bird buddies. Below are some critters we share space with.
The Geezer, Mrs. G, and I like to:
When we do those things here's what we see.
If you'd like to visit with the Geezer and me, go to his blog at http://www.dlhavlin.wordpress.com for his schedule. I'll be accompanying him on outdoor events!
Don't know about you, but … I'm tired of the negativity, the group think, the political correctness, and the division of everything into two opposing forces. Let's hope a huge broom sweeps away a lot of our problems AND the people causing them this year.
Again HAPPY NEW YEAR!
# # # # #


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As an adjunct, I read this book a year ago & this fellow makes logical sense although his title likely is a put off."The Coming Economic Collapse" subtitled - How you can thrive when oil costs 200. / barrel.by Stephen Leeb PHDI mention this only because within the chapters are some pretty good investment ideas when it comes to my own self designed basket of stocks within the alternative energy industry.I take in as many opposing views as I can in order to form my own investment strategy. Investment wise, I monitor my own investments, with between 20 -30 companies at any one time.I do my own homework daily & in past 10 years have beaten the SP 500 handily.Certainly not everyones cup of tea, but most certainly works for me.
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Ask Captain Chris
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If you'd like to read more about their trip click here.
Chris & Alyse,
......We both want to extend a sincere thanks for your "above and beyond" hospitality you provided to Debbie and I. You both are true professionals as evidenced by your calm demeanor while we maneuvered Sandy Hook in what we thought were gale force winds.
We had a great time on Marco with our daughter, and she laughed with us as we viewed the pictures and provided insight as to what was really happening! We were just commenting about our week on your vessel, when Debbie found our picture on Catherine and Bob's blog from our visit with them. Debbie is going to keep track of their journey, and perhaps we'll travel down and say hello as they pass by on the Erie Canal.
Take care and I'm sure we'll "cross wakes" again.
Dennis & Debbie


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We handcraft our Woodland Series of log furniture to the highest standards. The cabinets all feature solid cedar raised panel doors and drawers which are inset into the frames. Choose 100 lb. Epoxy Euro drawer glides or optional Full Extension ball bearing glides and our Eco Friendly Laquer Finish. Choose two adjustable shelves or a closet rod for the upper cabinet. This is made to order and normally ships within 6-8 weeks.
01 Northwood's 3 Drawer Dresser
02 Timberline 6 Drawer Dresser
03 Timberline Small 4 Drawer Chest
04 Hickory Log Chests
05 Northwood's 4 Drawer Chest
06 Northwood's Gentleman's Chest


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The 33rd edition of the meet is scheduled for May 31, 2018. More than 45 schools from around Oakland County featuring over 1,000 athletes participate in one of the largest middle school meets in the country. See the future stars of Oakland County make their mark for the first time in their school career.
Event Date:
Thursday May 31, 2018
Entries Deadline:
24 May 2018 8:59 pm


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FUSED/ENCASED Collection
*Cremated Ash needed*
Send the ashes of your pet to us and we will create a bespoke Fused or Encased Glass piece of jewelry just for you. No two pieces are ever the same, it will be as unique as your Pet was.
PERSONAL Collection
*Cremated Ash/Hair option*
Choose to put your loved ones' fur or ashes into a beautiful vessel in the privacy and comfort of your own home. We provide everything you need.
MEMORIAL Collection
Did you bury a pet?
Own a precious piece of jewelry that symbolizes you or a friends loss of their pet. No ash or hair needed.
A great gift for a grieving friend or family member.
Taking a dog into your home is a major commitment, one not to be entered into lightly. There are many factors to take into consideration before bringing home an animal for which you'll be responsible for a long time. Think of him as a member of the family because that's how you'll need to treat him if he's to enjoy a long, happy life. In that context, think carefully about how a dog will fit in with your family. Is he too big or too small? Is he a breed that tends to be too frenetic and hyper or too aggressive and unpredictable? Does he fit within your lifestyle? Remember, the criteria you use to select a dog should be based on how you live.
Tips On Finding the Right Home For Your Canine
DO ensure that pets always have identification.DON'T keep pets outdoors during Halloween and the weeks running up to it as people start letting off fireworks earlier than Halloween night.DO talk to your vet if your pet gets very scared from fireworks as there is a variety of treatments and medications that can help. DON'T dress animals up in costumes as many pets find this uncomfortable and stressful.DON'T take pets trick-or-treating.DON'T let animals near bonfires, candles or other dangerous items.DO make sure that rabbits and other caged animals are safely secured in a garage or outbuilding.DO keep pets away from Halloween decorations and tell children not to share any sweets and chocolate with their pets.DO take a pet suspected of ingesting...


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The ruggedness of passive components is a topic of frequent discussion, and takes on many meanings depending on the application, as discussed in our recent blog "'Rugged component' has many meanings; what's yours?" The question then becomes how do you obtain the required performance n basic passives such as power resistors and not have to worry that these normally "modest" components will become weak links in your design.
One of the options which designers and component engineers consider when looking for a rugged power resistor is a ceramic substrate-based unit. These resistors are capable of providing reasonably rugged performance for some situations, but not the harshest ones or those with additional design-in constraints. The extreme combination of heat and vibration which these resistors must tolerate means that they are subject to latent cracks and thus fracturing, resulting in an unacceptable open-circuit failure.
Fortunately, there is an alternative which offers superior ruggedness for military, aerospace, and even surprisingly harsh applications such as hybrid and electric vehicles (EV/HEV). Steel-based power resistors can tolerate the thermal cycles and vibration-induced fracturing, for greater long-term reliability. (Note that the term "steel-based" means that the substrate is steel, not the resistive material itself, of course.
While many of the military applications are off-limits to further details, the automotive ones are not. In a Formula Student Germany motor-racing event for electric vehicles, Figure 1, the Elbflorace team from TU Dresden needed to find suitable pre-charge and discharge resistors for the DC link capacitors.
Figure 1: High-power, low-mass, low-profile resistors for pre-charge and discharge of the DC link capacitors were used in the all-electric race car from the Elbflorace team from TU Dresden, running in the Formula Student Germany event.
Both functions are essential to the safe operation of the vehicle: the pre-charge resistors limit the charging current for the capacitors and thus also the load on the battery; the discharge resistors ensure that the DC-link capacitors are discharged within a few seconds of the drive being shut down thus rendering them safe. The component selection is further complicated by the challenge of fitting high-power resistors into a very limited space in an application which is also highly sensitive to mass, as any extra mass degrades vehicle performance and handling.
The team chose the resistors from the TT Electronics WDBR series, because they offered minimal mass in an ultralow-profile solution, along with needed ruggedness. Despite their small size – from about 28 × 32 mm × 0.9 mm thick for the smallest unit up to 100 × 150 × 1.5 mm for the largest – these thick-film on steel components can handle significant power. With a 0.53 °C/W heatsink and no forced-air cooling, they are rated from 500 W (smallest size) to 7 kW (largest size) peak power and 160 to 280 W (continuous). With the addition of modest forced-air cooling at 5 m/s and the same heatsink rating, their power ratings increase to 300 W for the smallest size and to 1500 W for the largest.
What makes the dissipation rating possible for these resistors is their construction and associated low thermal resistance, with a dielectric layer is applied to a machined stainless-steel substrate, Figure 2. the thick-film conductor and resistor patterns are printed and fired, and then protected with a high-temperature overglaze.
Figure 2: Key to the performance of the WDBR resistor series is its multilayer construction, built on a stainless-steel substrate which is highly immune to cracks and fracturing which result from thermal extremes and vibration.
Available resistance values of 12 to 150 Ω and light weight of 6 to 189 grams (depending on size and associated power rating of selected device) makes then a good fit for dynamic braking, inrush-current limiting, and snubber circuits in space and mass-challenged applications which require the extreme in resistor ruggedness. For example, the WDBR2 can dissipate 1 kW for 10 seconds yet weighs just 17 grams. The next time you have the need for ruggedness and low mass in a power-handling resistor, look beyond ceramic substrates and consider steel, as there is a substantial difference.
For more information visit www.ttelectronics/resistors or contact email@example.com.


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Hey all, we are in dire need of a gas tank from a Pacer top tank. Any condition is okay. Rusty, dented, whatever! No gas cap or petcock needed, just the tank.
Shoot me an e-mail at email@example.com if you can help us out.
Thank you!
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"Eva Martin's teachings have helped me a lot from the time I first started taking lessons with her five years ago. She has helped me get as far as I am today. I learned so much about the history of the piano, how to do theory correctly, how to play scales correctly, how to play arpeggios correctly, and even how to memorize songs. The reason I say "correctly" when referring to scales, arpeggios, and theory is because there are wrong ways in which to do and play them. Eva has coached me from playing scales and arpeggios very fast and sloppy to playing scales at a steady pace and immaculate. Eva has taught me that the basics are the most important thing when it comes to playing piano. When learning how to memorize a song, Eva guided me to practice one section at a time. Before I knew it, I was memorizing ten songs in a very short time.
During a class one day, Eva taught me about the history behind the piano and its players. (Such as Bach, Beethoven, and other famous composers)"... "The next week I decided I would write a song in b minor. To make it sound like it was written a long time ago, I decided to make it a waltz. This actually helped inspire me to write the song "Life Cycle". Eva is the best teacher I have had because she pushes me to do even more than I thought I could do and she devotes so much time to her students each day." - Justin Markowitz
Justins' proud dad is sharing these links with us:
Hi All,
I wanted to follow up with you on Justin's performance...a smash hit if I do say so myself. The kid's a born performer. If you'd like to see some pix feel free to go to:
You can also go to YouTube to view and listen to both songs: (THANKS to brother Alan!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE4oeJ1RmmA Here's to many more performances from Justin...bravo! Cheers,Todd
As always, I wish Justin the very best and the greatest time exploring music and his fabulous gift and the sincerest thank you to his parents for getting him this far. Eva


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The Perfect Time to Renew Your Skin
Hello spring! Among all the changes that come with this season, it's often hard to remember to focus on yourself, and prioritize what it is that you might need to change, to allow your inner beauty to blossom like a flower.
Spring is the time of renewal; everything changes. The icy cold winds pass on and the frozen plant buds blossom into beautiful spectacles of nature. The tradition of spring cleaning, throwing out old or unnecessary items, makes room for new space, new thoughts, and new ideas.
Here's our big idea and a guiding belief: We believe that your beauty comes from within; it's not dictated by the beauty industry or Hollywood. You can glow naturally from the inside out.
As the air becomes hotter, more humid, and filled with allergens, the products we used during the winter no longer work as effectively to nourish and protect our skin! This is because our skin reacts differently as new elements are exposed to it- the air becomes moist, the sun becomes intense, and heavy winter moisturizers just aren't necessary. Often a change in our skincare routine is just what we need to say goodbye to winter, and say hello to fresh, dewy spring skin!
Your 4-Step Spring Skincare Renewal
Step 1: It's Spring Cleaning Time!
Spring clean your products and your pores by updating your cleansing routine! Since the air contains more moisture during the spring months, your skin naturally does too, making it more susceptible to bacteria and dirt exposure. Try using a cleanser that will lock in moisture, but will also keep your face unclogged and clear from breakouts. Our Refreshing Cleansing Gel is perfect to add to your spring collection, leaving oily skin feeling fresh, purified, and conditioned. Wash your face in the AM and PM for optimal results.
Step 2: Moisturize
During the cold winter months, you probably needed a thicker moisturizer with extra hydration due to the dry, bitter air. In the spring, your moisturizer shouldn't be as heavy! Start fresh with a moisturizer that works to hydrate and protect your skin, but also one that won't get cakey and oily when you sweat in the warmer weather. If you wear makeup, it also is important to find a moisturizer that will keep everything in place all day long. For day time, try our Essential Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15. This light textured formula is quickly absorbed into your skin and also provides daily UV protection. After cleansing, apply a small amount to your entire face and neck.
For night time, try our Night Replenisher cream for normal to dry skin. This product is perfect for the spring, containing almond oil, hyaluronic acid and amino acid to lock in your skin's natural moisture and replenish your skin all night.
Step 3: Diminish Dark Circles and Fine Lines
Spring is the perfect time to open your eyes to new opportunities! Freshen up your eyes from those pesky dark circles and puffiness. To give your eyes a spring boost of radiance, youthful feel, and to reduce wrinkles, try Extreme Firming Eye Cream daily and nightly to the area surrounding your eyes. Powered by the Extreme™ Complex, and containing red algae extract, it envelops the skin with a smoothing active shield improving your skin's elasticity and providing a glowing youthful and lifted appearance. In an independent study conducted by a research institute, 92% of women saw an improvement in their skin's radiance after just 4 weeks!
AHAVA Pro Tip: From our beauty expert Idit Gandelman - In addition to using the Extreme Firming eye cream on your eyes, try a little on your lips as well! You should do this because "the eyes and the lips have a lot of things in common. They are both very delicate, are used a lot during the day, and react to the environment that they are put in. Since the Extreme eye cream has anti-aging ingredients, you should use it on both on the eyes and the lips to hydrate and keep them soft."
Step 4: Go Glow!
The final addition to your beauty routine to guarantee a successful spring renewal is AHAVA's Age Control Brightening and Renewal Serum, the ultimate key to a glowing complexion. This product contains a VF BrighteningTM Accelerator Complex to promote a brighter, smoother complexion, all while inhibiting the production of dark spots. Apply two drops on your face and neck nightly before moisturizing to wake up fresh and revitalized.
It doesn't take much effort to switch up your beauty routine, but the smallest change can reap the biggest benefits for your skin. Have any other favorite AHAVA products or beauty routines that are perfect for the changing weather? Let us know what works for you!
Essential Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15
Age Control Brightening and Renewal Serum