text:
How often do we really want to be comfy? I know that for me the answer is ALL THE TIME! I started making these fun sweaters and shirts so I could wear something CUTE & COMFY sometimes!
Don't get me wrong- I love my dresses and cute skirts, but some days I don't feel like wearing them cause it's SO cold!... Well, I loved the idea and look of these sweaters I was making, but I still wanted to find a way to jazz them up! Well, then my new collar from MAGNUS came, and I immediately put it on, and I am in LOVE! I have always loved wearing bibs and collars, but this is the best I have ever had... Before they would slide around sometimes, and it was so frustrating. When I opened this one up it had adjustable straps under the arms that help keep it in place! I already have my eye on some of her other ones! Go check MAGNUS out to find the perfect collar for you! You can dress it up or dress it down like I did here!
Also! If you like my sweater I am selling them on my Instagram. Check out the highlights on my profile and DM me for questions and ordering!
I have my other designs I have done on there, but I will do a custom one as well! So if you have a certain quote in mind let me know and I can make it work! Sweaters- $30, Long sleeve shirt- $25, Short Sleeve- $18. Plus S+H!
Sweater made by me- Collar- Levi's- Converse
Pictures by Alan Hicks Photography- Edited by Me


text:
I can't tell you how excited I am to see this project nearing completion! I've been working on making restaurant ware for Tart, a new coffee shop and pâtisserie since the fall. Seeing the dishes all in the kitchen, ready to go, made my heart just sing!
Small plates!
I love seeing everything stacked up and ready to go- and I love the vintage snack trays with the modern and minimalist pottery we designed. It's very different from my usual work, but I'm pleased with how it works in this space.
And all those cups! I made hundreds of cups!
Gary and I just got back from their lunchtime soft opening. Everything was SO GOOD, so fresh, so french! The space is really lovely- bright and airy and full of contemporary art and vintage or repurposed furnishings:
We had superb salads- a hangar steak salad with a ranch-meets-horseradish dressing, and a superb salade nicoise for me. The pastries are divine (we had a french cherry tart and pain au chocolat, both delicious and fresh), served with cafe las flores coffee, a Nicaraguan company with marketing headquarters in Memphis. I think that even if I didn't have ties to Tart, it would be on my short list of restaurants to take out of town guests - it is comfortable and delicious!
I'm so proud to be a part of Tart- and congratulations Heather and Abby!
If you'd like to visit, Tart will be open for business Friday, May 16, 820 So. Cooper, Memphis, 38104.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Job Information
Solarwinds Inc. Sales Manager in North Sydney, Australia
The Sales Manager leads a team of sales representatives who are responsible for selling SolarWinds Software services that address customer needs of varying complexity.
A proven leader who demonstrates knowledge in how to build and motivate inside sales professionals with diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, passionate and organized individual who displays the core values of SolarWinds. The focus will be selling to Managed Service Providers who would benefit from SolarWinds Software Solutions We're looking for an individual that consistently demonstrates the following characteristics:
Enthusiasm: Motivate and engage inside sales reps to achieve revenue targets.
Leadership: Grow & develop a team of inside sales reps, guiding team on best practices, performance management, and sales execution.
Metrics-driven: Measure and analyze key performance indicators to drive improved performance and accountability.
High Velocity: Implement selling strategies to drive consistency and velocity throughout the sales process.
Problem Solver: Able to solve complex problems by primarily leveraging the systems and tools currently available to the organization.
Consistent attainment of sales targets and growth goals for managed territories
Consistent attainment of key KPI's (measured daily/weekly/monthly)
Ensure customer satisfaction by coordinating resources for team to utilize throughout sales cycle
Develop strategic plan for territories to drive pipeline and exceed business targets
Proactively identifies issues before they become issues, and driving their business to strong results
Evaluated on the effectiveness and performance level of the team they lead as well as the ability to attract, develop, retain, and grow top talent
Identifies and address challenges / opportunities beyond the scope of their current role, reaching across the sales organization and driving enhanced business results
Leads people management decisions including, but not limited to: talent management, performance management, corrective action.
Stay current on competitors, industry trends and buyer needs through ongoing market research
2+ years experience Inside Sales Management
4 year college degree or equivalent industry experience
Preferably worked in SaaS sales
Ability to influence v control others
Ability to deliver difficult messages while emphasizing a positive, future-oriented perspective.
Can adapt to changes in business direction, products, and needs both from a direct sales/partner sales perspective and SolarWinds perspective.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
Understands SaaS technology and market trends
Leads and implements process improvements beyond the scope of the current role
SolarWinds is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. SolarWinds will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job ID 2019-12808
# Positions 1
Category (Candidate Search) Sales
Position Type Regular
Business Group MSP


text:
Bus driver pulls off miracle emergency stop as hatchback loses control
Almost 50 passengers on board a bus bound for London are thanking the lightning-quick reflexes of their driver after he narrowly avoided colliding with a hatchback that had lost control.
A dashcam on board the bus captured a silver Volkswagen polo accelerating up the right-hand lane before locking its brakes and careering sideways down the English highway.
As passengers on the bus held their breath the coach driver was able to pull off a near-miracle emergency stop, braking to a standstill just millimetres away from the hatchback.
After the narrow miss passengers can be heard clapping for the skill shown by their driver.
The driver of the silver polo escaped the ordeal with little more than burnt brakes and a seriously dented ego.Click through to see more narrow misses captured on dashcam.


text:
Ageless Phil Mickelson gets back on winning track
The reports of Phil Mickelson's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
His confidence, however, is not.
Approaching five years without a win in 101 starts since lifting the claret jug at the 2013 British Open, the 47-year-old Mickelson took down world No. 2 Justin Thomas in a playoff at the WGC event in Mexico in early March.
"I knew that that wasn't going to be my last one, no," he said of the previous win. "And this isn't either."
In fact, Mickelson has no doubt he's got at least seven more wins in him to reach 50 for his career.
"Oh, I will – I'll get there," he said.
Getting No. 43, however, was a much needed validation boost after nearly five years of falters and close calls, including runner-up finishes at the PGA (2014), Masters (2015) and British Open (2016).
"I can't really put it into words given the tough times over the last four years and the struggle to get back here and knowing that I was able to compete at this level but not doing it and the frustration that that led to," he said. "To finally break through and to have this validation means a lot to me."
The timing of it a month before the Masters was ideal. A three-time winner at Augusta who more often than not seems to elevate his game when he drives down Magnolia Lane, Mickelson would dearly love to match Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods with a fourth green jacket.
He believed he was trending toward victory after tying for fifth, second and sixth in consecutive weeks in Phoenix, Pebble Beach and Riviera.
"I had confidence it was going to happen, and it means a lot to me to do it now, especially before Augusta," he said. "I needed to get a win before Augusta so I wasn't trying to win for the first time in four-and-a-half, five years at that event. This certainly boosts my confidence and gives me a lot of encouragement on the things I've been working on."
Mickelson attributes his inconsistency over the longest winless streak of his career to some technical flaws that he believes he's ironed out and has led to his showing up every week in the hunt.
"I will play consistently well each week with an occasional off week as opposed to playing poorly every week with an occasional on week," he said. "I'm very optimistic and believe that this is just a stepping stone of some more good things to come. I feel like I'm starting to play some of my best golf again."
Mickelson isn't ceding any ground to the young players he's been mentoring through the years, relishing the opportunities to compete with Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy the same way he went head-on against Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.
That he's already a year older than Jack Nicklaus was when he set the bar as the oldest Masters winner in 1986 doesn't faze Mickelson at all.
"I don't feel that age," he said. "My body feels great. I'm starting to play some of my best golf. I'm actually hitting some shots better than I ever have in my career. I'm starting to putt better than I ever have in my career. And I'm actually starting to drive it better than I ever have in my career, which is not great but it's average and that's all I need."


text:
Hello and Welcome to the Online Alliance team site.
My name is Drew Innes and I am the Founder of DrewInnes.com, TTI Coaching, the Online Alliance, 7 Figure Mentors and Like Minded Leaders.
I am also a professional online marketer, business coach, seminar speaker and natural selling sales trainer.
Above all else. I'm an adoring Husband to my wife Lulu, Father of two amazing kids (Levi and Avalon) and I work from home in my Sales & Marketing business (Sovereign Media Group Limited). We assist small business owners and entrepreneurs to develop their online business with a focus on increasing their traffic, conversions and sales performance.
I have one real passion and that is for snow skiing. When I'm not working I prefer just hanging out with my family or doing anything outdoors and active. We ski every year as a family and for me the steeper, deeper and more challenging the better.
My day-to-day is spent Business Coaching and Sales Training in Top Tier Direct Sales with a high ticket offer (educational products from $2k to $30k). The companies I represent have goals to be the No.1 Online eduction companies for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Our marketing system and sales system addresses the key failure points of most 'Online Affiliate Marketing' businesses.
I am one of six head coaches in the world, with a team of coaches and phone sale people accountable to me. I am also one of the very top phone sales people in the world having sold millions of dollars in product sales for the companies that have collectively sold over $200 million dollars in digital downloaded training products, coaching programs and world class mastermind events.
In addition to to my Coaching and Sales responsibilities I am an experienced Seminar Speaker having represented the companies with numerous speaking engagements that are designed to educate, inspire and sell from the front or back of the room.
How did it all start?
In 2009 I stepped into the world of Internet Marketing selecting a Top Tier Direct Sales business model as the smartest choice to replace an executive income. Life threw me a curve ball when my mother was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and I stepped away from my executive role to share home care responsibilities with my sister Lisa. I won't tell you some 'rags to riches' story because there isn't one. I jumped in without hesitation because I needed a vehicle to leverage my time and money and I had to have the flexibility to work from home around my mother Janette.
The decision made financial sense because I understood the compensation structure and could see the leverage in the business model. Also when compared to the start up costs of a 'bricks and mortar' business or a franchise business it was significantly less (and infinitely more powerful). Whilst I new nothing about Direct Sales, Internet Marketing or the new knowledge and skill I would have to develop (you don't know what you don't know… right?) I believed in myself and my ability to 'figure it out'.
In those next two years, despite what I call "the good, the bad and the ugly" I became an industry leader, coach, speaker and marketing trainer… "first you learn, then you do, then you teach!" In my primary business towards the end of 2011, I became the VP of Sales & Marketing for the US based company.
So can anyone have success in this business model? The answer is MAYBE… and for one reason only. You need to do whatever you need to do to achieve the goals that are meaningful to you. That is what all successful people do in any business (or personal endeavour).
My Background
For the past two decades, Drew has served the needs of clients, business associates and employees in the Construction, IT, Finance and Online Marketing industries. As a practitioner, literally someone who has walked the talk, Drew is a recognised leader, organisational manager, coach and speaker.
Drew's defining moment came at around age thirteen when his parents were divorced and there was a personal realisation that; "If it is to be, it is up to me". The realisation that there was no 'safety net' or silver spoon, having grown up in very humble surroundings created the 'hunger' for what began as a young person's desire to help himself and other individuals to transform the quality of their lives.
Drew has spent the past 25 years studying, practicing and applying personal development and peak performance strategies initially in a corporate role in construction and more recently in private enterprise and has managed four businesses in four different industries.
Drew has served as Director of seven privately held companies in industries as diverse as construction, information technology, finance, business services, and business development. While diverse in characterisation, all the businesses served Drew's desire for contribution and service to his clients, business associates and employees.
Drew lives and works from home in Sydney Australia with his wife Lulu and two young children. His commitment to creating an enduring legacy that will impact future generations is surpassed only by his passion for family as a dedicated father and husband.
With thanks,
Drew Innes
Founder - the Online Alliance
Ethically STEAL my Online Profits Blueprint HERE Now
Skype | drew.innes (Manly, Australia)
Ph | +1 619 798 6719 (call after 4pm EST from the USA)
Ph | +61 2 8007 4077 in Australia


text:
by Jaime-Paul Falcon
These were originally supposed to be longer pieces going in depth on who to see at what times, but it being a down year for the fest (the nightly closers are pretty terrible), combined with the fact that none of us are going we decided to just giving you highlights from each day.
Who to catch:
The Low Anthem
My love for this band is well known, so all I can say is they play an early slot, and would be a wonderful way to start your day.
The Low Anthem- To Ohio
School of Seven Bells
You're going to read over and over about how Ben Curtis was once in another band, and how his new project isn't so much a departure from the band, as a reinvigoration of the sound. Truth be told the new direction pays off as SoSB attacks you with lush walls of sound that are both all-consuming, and endearing.


text:
"Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. The power of healthy cyclic activity cannot be over-emphasized. His parents did the same thing every year! Passing on a legacy has its foundation in doing the same thing, not once, not twice, but again and again. All of creation is based on cyclic activity, without it, the sun wouldn't show up or set on your horizon everyday. The beauty of healthy tradition is that even though sunrises and sunsets are constant, each one has its own look, based on the season and the weather conditions, not to mention the air pollution. Parents and leaders that provide healthy rhythms in homes and churches help establish the faith of the younger generation. In J12 Local Church, we like to do the same kinds of things over and over again, such as the "Value Tags", which are a vital part of the J12 culture. I'll never forget hearing a nugget of insight for effective ministry when I was younger - it went like this - 'repetition with variety is the key to learning.'"
- Excerpt from J12 Starter Pak
Gregg Johnson


text:
Sister Act Casting
We're pleased to announce the following casting for our upcoming production:
Deloris – Kirsty McLaren
Mother Superior – Elise McLean
Sister Mary Roberts – Isla McAlpine
Sister Mary Lazarus – Megan Gall
Sister Mary Patrick – Roz Philips
Sister Mary Martin of Tours – May Connelly
Sister Mary Theresa – Pauline Forrest
Tina – Emily McGillivray
Michelle – Jo Doyle
Eddie – Kenny McLean
Monsignor – Graham Philips
Curtis – Michael Doyle
Ernie – Mark Trick
Pablo – Jacob Chown
Joey – Brian Sayer
TJ – Jordan Sharkey
Featured Chorus Nuns – Jessica Muscatt, Emily Macgillivray, Kate McGuigan, Sara Jayne Rettie
Sister Act will run from the 1st-4th November 2017 at the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh. Direction by Claire Love & Musical Direction by Pamela Frew.
Tickets available in October.
Spring Concert 2017
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the club for our two successful Spring Concert performances at the end of May.


text:
The SwayPay Privacy Policy describes how we handle your personal information when you use SwayPay's products and services. This document details how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information. Your privacy and information is important, so please take the time to read it carefully.
Your use of SwayPay is subject to this Privacy Policy and the Terms of Service, which describes in detail and defines the "Services" covered by this Privacy Policy.
You accept this Privacy Policy when you interact with SwayPay in any capacity, including signing up for our service, downloading the mobile app, accessing and using our products, Services and/or website.
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to its conflict of laws rules and governs the use of SwayPay Services by all users. We may amend this Privacy Policy at any time by posting a revised version on our website and in our app. The modified version of this agreement will always be effective as of the published effective date.
In order for SwayPay to provide and improve its personalized user experience, you allow SwayPay to collect some data from you.
Collected data– When you use SwayPay's Services, we collect information sent to us by your computer, mobile phone or other device. The information sent to us includes, but is not limited to, the following: data about the pages you access, computer IP address, device ID or unique identifier, device type, geo-location information, computer and connection information, mobile network information, statistics on page views, traffic to and from websites, referral URL, advertising data, standard web log data and other information.
Information collected with cookies – We also collect anonymous information using small data files called cookies and web beacons. These cookies allow us to recognize you as a SwayPay customer when you shop online, protect the security of your account, and prevent fraud. We may also use these data files to customize your SwayPay experience while using the Services, including providing you with personalized shopping insights or advertising.
Information you provide us – When you use SwayPay's Services, we may collect and store any information you provide us, including information added to our mobile app, web forms, or any conversations you have with our help and support teams.
Registration information – When you use SwayPay's Services, you may be asked to provide basic contact information, including your name, address, phone number, email address, and other similar data.
Information for completing payment and shipping forms – So that SwayPay can provide you with quick, secure payments and complete billing and shipping forms on merchants' websites or commerce applications or on your behalf, we may collect the following information: credit or debit card number and card expiration date, billing and shipping address, and date of birth. In some cases, we may ask you to send us additional information or to answer additional questions to help verify your information.
Specific Information for sellers or businesses (also called "Merchants") – So that SwayPay can provide you with personalized Merchant services, we may collect the following information related to you or your business: your social security number or taxpayer identification number, your business category and certain information about your sales or transaction volume. So that fees for using SwayPay's Merchant services can be paid, we may also collect full bank account and routing numbers and credit or debit card numbers. In some cases, we may ask that you provide additional information or answer more questions to help verify your business details.
Merchants must comply with applicable law regarding their approach to collecting, storing, and protecting user data of customers in Europe.
Information from in-app feedback and SwayPay support – We may collect information from you in relation to your engagement with support and feedback teams, including your responses to surveys, as well as emails, chat messages, and phone calls conducted with SwayPay's support team. You accept that any of your communications with SwayPay may be recorded by members of SwayPay's support teams or monitored for quality assurance purposes.
Transaction information – When you use SwayPay's Services to conduct a transaction, we may collect information about the transaction, including: date, time and amount of the transaction, the merchant's location, a description provided by the merchant of the goods or services purchased, the names and email addresses of the seller and buyer (or sender and recipient), the type of payment method used, your description of the reason for the transaction, and the offer associated with the transaction, if any. Biometric data, including fingerprint, iris and facial data is used for verification purposes only. This information is stored on your mobile device and is never stored by SwayPay. However, we may collect information about the devices used to make purchases with SwayPay. This includes details of the location and unique identifiers of your device, among other information.
Information obtained from third parties – We may obtain information about you from third parties, including third party verification services. This includes information arising from SwayPay transactions with Merchants, including by not limited to: the identity of your card issuer or financial institution, payment methods used, your accounts issued by Digital Wallets, and other third parties connected to the SwayPay app.
For Merchants specifically: information related to billing and details from consumer reports and credit bureaus may be obtained.
If you connect the SwayPay app to your social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, then we may collect information received from these platforms. Note that information received by these social media platforms is governed by each site's respective privacy policy.
Any information you provide directly to a third party Merchant, website or application is not covered by this privacy policy. SwayPay is not responsible for the privacy or security practices of Merchants or other third parties with whom you choose to share your personal information directly. To learn more about the information that third party sites may share about you, consult each site's specific privacy policy.
International Privacy Laws. If you are visiting the website or using the mobile app from outside the United States, please be aware that you are sending information (including your personal data) to the United States where our servers are located. That information may then be transferred within the United States or back out of the United States to other countries outside of your country of residence, depending on the type of information and how it is stored by us. These countries (including the United States) may not necessarily have data protection laws as comprehensive or protective as those in your country of residence; however, our collection, storage and use of your personal data will at all times continue to be governed by this Privacy Policy.
Children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of thirteen (13). If you are under the age of thirteen (13), please do not submit any personal data through the mobile app or any SwayPay Services. We encourage parents and legal guardians to monitor their children's Internet usage and to help enforce our privacy policy by instructing their children never to provide personal data through the mobile app or any SwayPay Services without their permission. If you have reason to believe that a child under the age of 13 has provided personal data to us through the mobile app, please contact SwapPay, and we will endeavor to delete that information from our databases.
In order for SwayPay to provide digital payment Services through the SwayPay app, you permit SwayPay to disclose to apps that you have set up SwayPay and to share your device, payment location and other account information, including billing and shipping addresses, to Merchants, card issuers, digital wallets, your payment networks, and other third parties.
Marketing –. We may use your information to provide you with personalized, insightful, and relevant advertising. Where it is in accordance with your marketing preferences, SwayPay may send you electronic marketing or advertising communications. If you wish to opt out of our personalized shopping insights program, go to the settings screen in the SwayPay app, and turn off the switch that says "Get Personalized Shopping Insights."
Transactions and shipping of products/services – When completing checkout transactions on your behalf, we may provide the Merchant with the necessary information to complete your purchase and ship your products and or services. This excludes sensitive payment details, but may include your name, account ID, contact details, shipping address, and any other details needed to verify the security of the transaction, prevent fraud, and complete the purchase.
Limit of liability with third party Merchants – SwayPay only discloses your credit card number, bank account information, or any other financial account information to Merchants when it is absolutely necessary to complete your payment with SwayPay. When possible, SwayPay will use virtual account numbers to represent your payment details when completing transactions so as to protect your sensitive payment information as much as possible. SwayPay may also need to share information with Merchants such as the shipping address or email address, so that your order can be successfully completed. SwayPay's Terms of Service prevents Merchants from applying your personal information to any use other than completing a purchase and shipping a product or service. Regardless, SwayPay cannot be held responsible for any other unwanted dissemination of your personal details from these third parties.
Customer service – We may use information you share with us to assist our support teams in helping you resolve any problems that may arise related to our Services, and later, for training and/or user experience improvement. We may also use your information to assist you in resolving any disputes that may arise from the use of our Services.
Service providers – In order to provide our users and Merchants with a great experience, we use third-party service providers and contractors to support our technology Services and other business operations, including bill collection, marketing, and customer service. There may be times when we need to share your personal information with these third parties. Our service provider agreements prevent third parties from using your personal information in any capacity outside the scope of executing SwayPay Services.
Law enforcement purposes – If required by a subpoena or court order, SwayPay will share personal information to law enforcement agencies in order to comply with legal requirements. SwayPay may disclose your personal information to the appropriate legal authorities should we deem it necessary to prevent and/or report physical harm, violations of our Terms of Service, fraud and/or illegal activities. This include complying with regulations to prevent money laundering and terrorist activities.
While certain information may be deleted by request, select records must be retained for this purpose. SwayPay is committed to ensuring your information's security. We do not share, rent, or sell any of your personal data to third parties for their own purposes without your consent.
If you would like to have your information deleted where possible, go to "Remove my Account." Confirming will initiate the deletion of all personal and payment information.
How we protect your personal information – SwayPay uses a network of computers, cloud-based servers, and other network and information technology to provide our Services and store your personal information. We protect your information using the latest technology, including our own tokenization, and best practices for technical and administrative security. These best practices include firewalls, data encryption, and controlled employee and third-party access to our information databases.
All personal information will be kept exclusively within severs, only accessible by those with proper rights, never to third parties.
Certain information will also be stored on merchants' devices.
SwayPay and Merchants are each controllers in the processing of personal data. Both SwayPay and the Merchant agree to comply to applicable data protection laws in respect to this agreement. Both SwayPay, and the Merchant, are required to each have their own independent privacy policies, and determine individual methods of notifications and procedures. Each are separate data controllers, not joint data controllers.
To properly comply with data protection laws, both SwayPay and respective Merchants shall implement and maintain security measures to actively protect processed personal data at all times; keep accurate and comprehensive record of all processing activities; and not do or permit anything that could jeopardize the security of personal data.
Your responsibility to protect your personal information – The security of your account information on SwayPay depends on you keeping your account password(s), PINs, and other accessible information private. If you tell someone your SwayPay account details, then this third party may be able to access SwayPay and make payments using your SwayPay account without your consent. You should also use password(s) and/or a PIN to keep devices that you use to access SwayPay safe from unwanted, third-party access.
You and your personal information is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or SwayPay Services generally, please contact us.


text:
Life ban for repeat driving offenders
This petition had 302 supporters
On boxing day this year the Falkholt family were killed on the south coast of NSW, mum, dad and two daughters, by a driver who had a long criminal history and had been previously jailed for driving while disqualified.
At the time of the crash, he was on methadone, legally allowed to drive with it in his system, driving with P-plates having only recently got his licence back.
The driver was well-known to police in his hometown of Ulladulla and had more than 60 offences on his record as well as a number of aliases.
Fast forward to Saturday 17 February and two NSW police officers have been run over while operating a breath testing site, one of the officers has had his lower leg amputated, he is married with young kids.
The driver of the car that hit them has admitted to not seeing them as he was looking at his phone, the driver is 25years old, has had he licence suspended four times in his short driving career.
The NSW state government are currently running a road safety program called "Towards Zero" and the member for the south coast. Shelley Hancock has proposed to install wire ropes at the site of the Falkholt family deaths, the road is in great condition, the environment did not contribute to the circumstances.
Meanwhile in response to the two police officers being crushed between two cars, the Opposition Leader Luke Foley is calling on the NSW Government to introduce "slow down move over laws" near emergency service vehicles.
The police commissioner, Mick Fuller, said "We talk ad nauseum about traffic safety and some days you have to wonder what we have to do."
Good question Mick.
Both Hancock and Foley are missing the point on the Towards Zero program, people are being killed and disabled as a direct result of the NSW governments softly softly approach, neither of the two drivers who caused these circumstances to prevail should have been allowed to hold a licence, both of them have previously shown their contempt for the law, road rules and those who share the roads with them yet they are repeatedly reissued licences with our governments blessing.
If you Shelley Hancock MP and your government want to help stop people dying on our roads play your part and change the law so repeat offenders are banned from driving for life, give them a free bus and train pass.
Towards Zero does not stand a chance while the government who promote it and fund it won't back it with policies that will save lives.
By allowing repeat offenders to hold drivers licences in my opinion makes the government complicit.
Until the government change the law, the ink that flows from their pens may as well be the victims blood.
Trending petitions
Today: Greg is counting on you
Greg Peterson needs your help with "Melinda Pavey: Life ban for driving repeat offenders". Join Greg and 301 supporters today.
Today: Greg is counting on you
Greg Peterson needs your help with "Melinda Pavey: Life ban for driving repeat offenders". Join Greg and 301 supporters today.


text:
- The National Trails
- Cleveland Way
- Cotswold Way
- England Coast Path
- Glyndŵr's Way
- Hadrian's Wall Path
- North Downs Way
- Offa's Dyke Path
- Peddars Way / Norfolk Coast Path
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- Pennine Bridleway
- Pennine Way
- South Downs Way
- South West Coast Path
- Thames Path
- The Ridgeway
- Yorkshire Wolds Way
- Shop
- News
- Blog
- Contact
The Powis Arms
Accommodation type: Bed and breakfastPool Quay, Welshpool, Powys SY21, UK
Contact:Andy Durkin
Telephone:01938 590255
The Powis Arms is a Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast situated between the river severn and the montgomeryshire canal path.
The pub is dated back to the 1600's and is typical of a building built in this century, with inglenook fire places, and a charm of a typical country public house B&B.
All rooms are accompanied with en-suite shower rooms and are decorated in keeping in with the typical country pub feel.
Breakfast is included in with the price and if you dont fancy a breakfast, then you can change this for a packed lunch in readiness for your day ahead.
Rooms:3 (En suite facilities available)
Prices from:£35pp
- Wheelchair access: No
- Adapted Toilets: No
- Dogs welcome: No
- Evening Meals: Yes
- WiFi Available: Yes
Additional Services
- Packed lunches: Yes
- Laundry service: Yes
- Luggage transfer service: Yes
- Pickup service: Yes
Entry last updated: 23/05/2018


text:
Rolling 1s and Botching
One of the systems that varies the most across iterations of the White Wolf system is what happens with dice that roll a 1. Off the top of my head, permutations include:
- Every 1 counts as -1 success. If total successes are negative, the roll counts as a Botch.
- Every 1 counts as -1 success. However, if any successes were rolled, a negative result is just a normal failure.
- Rolling 1s does not subtract successes, but if a result has no successes, any 1s indicate a Botch.
- Rolling 1s doesn't mean anything.
Botches are expected to generally screw the character and be worse than failures in all ways.
If each 1 subtracts a success, the system normalizes much more towards a binary state, in that it is more likely to have outright failure at all difficulties. This does, however, tend to make calculating probabilities much harder.
The interesting thing about all the variations of botching and 1s (save for ignoring them all together) is that they have odd effects with larger dice pools. Each of them means that a higher dice pool makes a higher percentage of your failure a botch (because you fail less often, and have more dice that can be 1). At certain difficulties, they may even mean that higher skill makes you more likely to botch, overall, than lower skill, at certain difficulties (again, because you have more dice that might roll a 1). This is generally considered dissonant by all system-minded players, and nobody ever much seemed to like having their dice betray them, so botching became progressively less important over the editions. I don't believe the new WoD games feature it.
Rolling 10s
In most versions of the original White Wolf systems, rolling a 10 might allow you to roll an additional die. While the feature itself was little changed until the new WoD, the trigger for it varied significantly across revisions. Effectively, 10s worked similarly to games like Deadlands or Earthdawn that featured exploding dice, but only if you had an applicable specialty (later, quality) that fit the situation at hand. A character with Melee (Swords) would not explode 10s when wielding an axe, for example.
Like 1s, the special rule for 10s played merry hell with calculating dice probabilities. Essentially, it meant that, under variable circumstances, each die a character rolled had a (100% – ((difficulty – 1) x 10) ) chance of rolling at least 1 success, the same chance divided by 10 of rolling at least 2 successes, that chance divided by 10 of rolling at least three successes, and so on. Exploding dice quickly make probability calculation very complicated.
Exploding 10s generally 0nly happened on rolls where the player had at least 4 dice (because you needed a 4 attribute or ability to trigger the explosion), so the permutations of possible results were always quite complicated.
Unlike 1s, players really loved having something special happen on a 10, even if it really only amounted to a 10% chance for an extra die on a roll you already succeeded at, so the system has remained in place in some form or another throughout the system's lifespan. It's interesting to note that just rolling an extra die for a specialty was mechanically superior in many ways up to 10 dice, and, once you're over 10 dice, exploding 10s becomes time consuming, so, of course, Exalted (which invented the standard of a double fistful of dice) was the first White Wolf system to switch specialties away from exploding 10s.
White Wolf's use of 1s and 10s as special cases seems to have inspired a lot of later systems, or at least evolved in parallel. The new Warhammer Fantasy RPG uses a lot of dice where the special cases are hard-coded as symbols on the custom dice, but which could be easily represented by a die where each number was special based on a table. The new Smallville RPG triggers special complications on every die that rolls a 1. Ultimately, though, in White Wolf, these special cases were fairly time consuming to adjudicate, made the probabilities much harder to determine, and added very little overall. The use of 1s got dropped gradually all together, and the use of 10s has increasingly changed to happen only in very special cases. Even the designers at White Wolf seem to agree that the core of the system is more interesting with a cleaner mechanic.


text:
Love Happening 我爱你,这是最好的安排 is a new youth idol drama about romance. We've already mentioned that Vin Zhang is not playing the hotelier in this drama but a lowly hotel employee, Xia Yuxing (probably!) while Zheng He Hui Zi will be playing Ma Keai, the lady who happens to inherit a hotel after the three founders found themselves dead, dying or without an heir.
Living abroad, Ma Keai received word that she was to inherit the hotel but soon after got in an accident. She figures that her "accident" was not really an accident so she accepts the challenge of managing the hotel in hopes of investigating the truth. What dark secrets will she be able to uncover?
This is a promising show which I will definitely be watching. It's a welcome break from the usual trope of Chinese or Taiwanese dramas where the men are usually the rich and powerful roles while the women are usually left to play the timid and clumsy characters. It also stars Gao Yang, Kee Kong Shuhang, Gina Zhang Yingying and John Wu Junchao.
Release Date: TBD
Vote for your favorite Chinese dramas in 2018.
Source: 1


text:
I just learned that three of my short plays have been chosen for production as part of the upcoming West Virginia Playwrights Festival in Clarksburg, May 20-22. Perhaps ironically, that's the same weekend as the Opera House PlayFest, a play festival I'm directing at the Pocahontas County Opera House on May 20-21. In fact one of those plays, "…to a Flame," will appear in both festivals, potentially competing with itself.
I'm thrilled my plays (also including "A Game of Twenty…" and "Fargo 3D") will be a part of this first inaugural event honoring playwrights of the Mountain State. We're not a state that's known for its drama, and yet an awful lot of it is produced throughout the state, and has been historically. Time to change some perceptions.
And I'm doing my part with the Opera House PlayFest, which will feature three WV playwrights, including myself, as well as playwrights from Mississippi, Ohio and Virginia, too.
More information will soon be posted here.
1 Comment
That's great news, Eric! For both towns and for you. Congratulations.↓


text:
CAPE TOWN - The public enterprises committee's inquiry into state capture at Eskom resumed on Tuesday.
The Gupta brothers allegedly told Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown not to suspend Eskom executive Matshela Koko.
Brown has been allegedly captured and reports to the Guptas. Acting Eskom chairperson Zethembe Khoza told this of Brown to Khulani Qoma, the Eskom board spokesperson.
Qoma also said that suspended CFO Anoj Singh and suspended acting CEO Matshela Koko were protected by the minister because they were also in the aligned to the Guptas.
Qoma said Khoza called one of the "G-brothers" and informed him that former Eskom chair Ben Ngubane was about to suspend Koko.
The Guptas apparently then telephoned Brown and ordered her to inform Ngubane that he could not suspended Koko.
Koko was then allowed to remain in his position.
Last week the suspended legal head at Eskom, Suzanne Daniels told members of the inquiry some shocking allegations.
Daniels informed members that Ajay Gupta and Gupta-associate Salim Essa had on a number of occasions tried to influence decisions related to executives at Eskom.
One of the meetings Daniels mentioned was at the Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on July 29, 2017.
Daniels said, "The purpose of the discussion was around the process of the [former Eskom CEO Brian] Molefe court proceedings. Mr Gupta wanted to know how far they were."
Molefe's wanted to have the Labour Court disavow Eskom's decision to terminate his reappointment. Daniels told Ajay Gupta the Deputy Judge President and Eskom would meet to discuss the matter.
Opposition parties at the time had also joined the suit.
"We went into one of those apartments. As we walked into the lounge area there were four people, of which I was introduced to Ajay Gupta, Duduzane Zuma, Deputy Minister [of Public enterprises] Ben Martins and a Chinese lady whose name I could not remember," she said.
What was shocking was that Ajay Gupta said that he would speak to someone at the Deputy Judge President's office so that the meeting could be moved, Daniels said.
Minister Martins then came before the commission and said he never met with Duduzane Zuma, Suzanne Daniels and Ajay Gupta at an apartment in Johannesburg in 2017.
"I am perplexed by Ms Suzanne Daniels' testimony to the parliamentary inquiry into Eskom".
"She falsely claimed that I had attended a tea party in Johannesburg with her, Mr Ajay Gupta, Mr Salim Essa and Mr Duduzane Zuma.
"As the head of Eskom's legal department Ms Daniels should account to Parliament for what happened under her watch rather than seek to use the occasion to reinvent herself as clueless ignoramus."


text:
Boudreaux's came to life in 1980 in a turn of the century building in Mid City that had housed a well-known predecessor – Bob and Jakes Restaurant, for many years. Through careful restoration, Irvin Boudreaux brought to the community a much needed catering facility spacious enough to house large events but garnering those special, intimate, areas that makes the host and guest feel as if they are in their own, very special living room. With the ideals of providing exceptional food and service, this family owned and operated company continues to meet and exceed the expectations of their clients through the hands on service of Mr. Boudreaux's daughters and several long time employees. Although Irvin Boudreaux is not in the office on a daily basis he is still the heart and soul of the company and lends his expertise on many occasions.
Through creative forward thinking, Boudreaux's plans to be part of the Baton Rouge community for many years to come. We will always strive to excel and provide the best food and service possible whether your event is large, small, in-house or off-site. Boudreaux's will be there for you!
Please Like us Today!Follow @BoudreauxCaters


text:
Got something to say? we would love to hear from you.
Feel free to give us a call at either one of our offices or send a message using the form below
Saskatoon, SK : (306) 934.1056
824A Broadway Ave, S7N 1B6
Regina, SK : (306) 347.1056
#200 1939 Scarth Street, S4P 2H1


text:
Drugstore Holiday & Christmas Makeup Tutorial
Christmas is only a few days away and I have created the perfect makeup look for all the dinners and events you will be going to. In this video, I use drugstore products that are great and easy for anyone to use and buy! This make-up look is also very simple and easy to do. I give you a step by step tutorial in creating an easy but great look for Christmas.
The video is down below! Have a watch and let me know what you think!!
Are you going to try this makeup look? Also, what are your plans this holiday season? Comment below, I love to hear what you think!!!
Stay connect with me here!


text:
Today's episode of Little Miss Know-it-All: Propaganda.
There's been a lot of talk in the northern blogosphere lately about PETA's disingenuous efforts to take down the sealing industry. I've been pretty clear that I think they're in the wrong. But I have to say that they definitely know what they're doing.
PETA's annual campaigns are not about saving baby seals. They haven't been for years. Their annual campaigns are about raising money, and they're pretty successful.
You see, it's illegal to kill whitecoat pups. The video footage PETA provides to news agencies makes it look like sealers are clubbing pups right now, but the footage was shot decades ago. Most seals aren't clubbed, either; they're killed with a single bullet. They are, however, often dragged across the ice with a large hook after they are killed, and that doesn't look very nice on TV.
Seals are not skinned alive. This one doesn't even make sense. A sealer who's just after an animal's skin would not risk damage to the skin by trying to take it off a living animal if a whack on the head would stop the flailing. (See, PETA doesn't have a monopoly on gruesome discussions.)
But this is not and never was about the facts. That baby seal on a pristine ice floe is a pretty amazing image, and blood shows up really well on ice. All of the killing takes place in a few weeks, so the corpses pile up quickly. The sealers never had a chance once PETA figured out they could use whitecoats to raise money.
You see, there are many, many animals that are treated worse than seals. They live terrible lives and die terrible deaths. I'm thinking specifically of chickens, but any animal that lives on a large farm will do. Chickens don't bring in donations. City people eat chickens. They don't want to hear about their sweat-shop eggs. It's much easier to ask Newfoundlanders to give up their livelihood than to stop eating eggs.
Did you know that live male baby chicks are thrown into grinders and turned into food for other animals? Did you know that chickens will literally peck each other to death? Did you know that they live in horrendous conditions and that blood pours all over the slaughterhouse floor? Yeah, that's pretty horrible, and it all really happens. It's too bad they're not pretty on TV, and it's too bad that you could actually do something about it by just refusing to eat chicken or eggs instead of giving money to an animal-rights organization. Obviously, chickens can't be the face of a fundraising campaign.
PETA is not trying to be fair. They never are. They are trying to get you to donate money, so they can hire more staff to convince you to donate even more money. It's all about self-interest, and I don't blame them for wanting more money. I want more money, too. I only blame them for lying to you.
PETA has some good ads. I especially like the ones that are obviously supposed to be funny, like this series. They're well-written and make you think. The sealing ads, on the other hand, are not about making you think. If you actually thought about the sealing hunt, you would realise that PETA's been lying to you for years, and you would stop giving them money. They can't have that.
New posts on snowcoveredhills.com:
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
"Tell Gucci to stop clubbing baby seals"
Today's episode of Little Miss Know-it-All: Propaganda.
4 comments:
- Way Way Up said...
I can understand why PETA would want people to adopt animals. According to petakillsanimals.com, PETA has a horrendous track record with animal adoption out of their organization.
- Jackie S said...
Your chicken analogy reminds me of Fast Food Nation.
Harsh movie. Very harsh.
- Ben Holsapple said...
Wow...am I the only one who, after following that PETA link, is waiting for the mocking version where a doctor walks in on a new mother while she's taking her first look at her newborn child, and plops a dead orphan on her lap?
Anyone? No? OK.
- Megan said...
I think that ad series is supposed to be satire. It's clearly ridiculous, and doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's not the same as the sustained propaganda campaign they're running about seals.


text: Brett and Heather created an amazing celebration of their union in Love. His family is from Ohio, hers from Australia so they decided on the mid point, beautiful Kauai : ) The St. Regis on Kauai provided an amazing venue for this amazing couple. We also went on an incredible photo safari in and around Hanalei, the green fields of the taro patches, and the historic Hanalei Pier provided incredible backdrops on this special day.


text:
In the world of e-mail, there's BG and AG. BG is, of course, Before Gmail. And AG is the happy epoch after a certain search company decided to launch its version of an e-mail service.
Five years ago this week, e-mail changed forever. Gmail is right up there with the iPod, Wikipedia and YouTube as examples of newcomers who built on the work of existing products and made life more exciting for all of us. And in its success, there's a lot to be learned not merely about how to make consumers happy, but to make them also your biggest marketers and evangelists.
If you can think back to BG, you'll remember that Web-based e-mail services like Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail provided the convenience of checking your e-mail from anywhere on the planet. But you didn't log on to just read your messages. You logged on to delete them. If you didn't delete fast enough, your 2- or 4- or 6-megabytes of storage space would get clogged. One unwanted set of photos from your cousin's vacation and you were over your inbox quota. E-mail, which has plenty of pitfalls and wastes enough of your time as it is, had the added problem of turning you into a habitual e-mail deleter, a junkie desperate to log on and delete.
Gmail was launched on April Fool's Day 2004 because its premise, a gigabyte--more than 1,000 megabytes--of storage for everyone, was ridiculous. When I first read about it, I dismissed it as prank by a playful company.
When I tried it a few days later, more silliness: There was no obvious delete button. After all, with 1 GB of space, why delete anything? There was also no way to sort e-mail by sender, date received or size of message. The service wasn't open to all comers at first--you had to be invited by a friend. And most silly of all: Gmail bundled together all messages with the same subject line into what it called a "conversation" instead of letting them stay in the order received.
But the aspect of Gmail that got the most attention initially was the placement of contextual ads right next to individual messages. If my wife wrote, "Please buy some milk on your way home," I could expect to find an ad for a grocery chain in my message. This freaked everyone out, leading a California state senator to threaten to introduce legislation banning Gmail for invasion of privacy.
From such inauspicious beginnings, it's hard to imagine that Gmail would become not just a big hit but a way of life, and acquire tens of millions of converts.
The uproar over the ads died down because, as people have proved again and again, given a choice between convenience and privacy, most everyone chooses convenience. Turns out other e-mail services scanned your messages too, but Google happened to monetize that ability. Like other Web advertising, we all just learned to ignore those ads.
As with all game-changers, Gmail's success has depended only partly on superior features. More important has been its ability to listen to customers and to continuously innovate. By responding to requests for everything from a button that says "delete" to increasing storage capacity (over 7 GB now) to introducing new features almost every month, Gmail is alive in a way few products are.
Users know if a particular feature isn't available today, there's a good chance it will show up soon. You can see some of the experimental features, from the quirky to the serious, in the "labs" section under the "settings" tab.
I use Gmail as a giant archive. After running out of space on six accounts, I became the first person in my nerdy circles to pay Google $75 a year for extra storage. Most smarter people just open a new account each time they run out. Thanks to the extra capacity, I have access to virtually every message I have received over the last five years--except for tens of thousands of spam messages. Even here, Gmail has proved more effective at shielding users from spam than other e-mail services. It shouldn't be surprising that the Google engineers who help us find the best search results can also help identify and block the worst of the African scams and the American body-part enhancers.
Friends who know of my vast, cached archive of e-mails will, on occasion, write to me for copies of messages they'd sent me weeks or months--or sometimes years--earlier. Just recently, a friend asked for an Excel file from January 2007. I was able to send over the file in about 60 seconds by using the "from:james has:attachment" search command
Gmail may be the best e-mail program out there now, but is it also the future of e-mail? To make a prediction about that would be foolish. I do think that Gmail--thanks to Google's resources, efforts like Gmail Labs and the new video chatting feature--is best positioned to stay relevant. It will have to do a better job of integrating with the needs of business and getting skeptics to try it.
In the meantime, a Facebook friend got it right. Commenting on my surprising disclosure that I actually pay for Gmail, he wrote: "Somewhere in the Googleplex is a spreadsheet with a revenue line that reads 'extra storage (sree)' and totals out at $75."
Sree Sreenivasan is the dean of student affairs and a professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. His tips on technology and more can be found on his Twitter feed.


text: {Words to live by} by Lana 2 December Illustration, Weekly Words to live by 486 Views Love this illustration by Steve Simpson, " Have a dream and believe". NO COMMENT Add Comment Click here to cancel the reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.


text:
Annie - Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre
IN the programme notes, Natalia Jacques, who plays musical theatre's most famous female orphan, reveals her dream of one day playing on the West End stage.
On the evidence of this bright, engaging and thoroughly entertaining performance, that dream is destined to come true. The voice, the timing, the ability to melt the audience's hearts, it's all here.
The chemistry between her and Peter Birch, who plays the kindly billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, a man with more bucks to his name than he knows what to do with, builds beautifully. Despite his billions, there's something missing in his life.
Annie is basically Oliver! with girls and there are some genuinely moving and laugh out loud funny scenes in this establishment, presided over, and I use the word in its loosest possible sense, by the harridan Miss Hannigan. This is a gift of a role for Philippa Shellard, a tyrant in the dormitory one minute and a tottering drunk dreaming of romance the next. The girls who played the orphans were equally outstanding, even the smallest putting in performances that were mature way beyond their years.
A tribute, no doubt, to the production team, led by director Nick Angus who used every inch of the Waterside Arts Centre auditorium to stunning effect. No disrespect intended, but the WAC isn't the biggest venue in the world but on opening night I didn't notice this.
Annie is a great show to take children to if you're on a mission to introduce them to the theatre. On the tram station on the way home a girl was singing the most famous numbers to her mum. I bet she wasn't the only one.
I've been reviewing SAMT shows for the best part of 25 years and this production is the best yet. Top class entertainment, right on your doorstep.
* Until November 12. The box office is on 0161 912 5616 or visit www.watersideartscentre.co.uk.
Star rating - ****


text:
Eco Slim Review
The weight and good health are a problem for everyone.
Age is no different from my friends, which she almost suffered distress, so I called Rie well as providing advice on health and beauty. Most of my friends named Ariya Although, like 30 years old.
Ariya and I had known each other since we were friends for a long time. She was a good-looking Her parents were both great shape. She was overweight, she even grew even fatter and more because she never merger control what you eat. Until she weighs 114 kilos and senseless Center Mall.
Doctors say she is obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. Need to lose weight fast because it may be fatal.
Her parents stressed She herself suffering the most Stressed and do not know what to do. She used to eating whole foods, sweets and junk food such as French fries, fried chicken, hamburgers lot. He has no interest in eating healthy food at all.
She stressed, unhappy and depressed. I consulted with my phone, what to do to lose weight.
Fast without dieting she likes and does not require much exercise. Since I have been attending seminars on beauty products Eco Slim , a product that is highly effective in reducing weight.
Fast, which I have recommended to friends and acquaintances in many cases. And the result is
Although impressive, but you must have strictly followed the instructions regularly, which she agreed. I recommend that you drink Eco Slim because Eco Slim enriched with L – carnitine. This improves the process of pulling down fat. Caffeine boosts metabolism. Detoxify the body and is a substance free radicals , chitosan has the ability to trap fat. And can absorb water well. Extracts of Guo Na. Fresh boost Fight fatigue, increase stamina. Extracts of hermit mix Stimulate metabolism of body fat.
Including vitamin В2, В5, В6, В8, В12 , which is important for the body, especially the B vitamins help break down fat Eco Slim contains.
Within the first week, I advised her to drink the Eco Slim by dissolving tablets, effervescent tablets, the Eco Slim 1 glass of water and drink between meals or after a meal once a day. And the junk food that she likes it. Within the first week, she lost weight 5 kg fast speed, which makes her a surprise and cheer up, and within a week of two of her weight dropped another 6 kg and week 3, allowed her to eat. she likes junk without.
Control, and within one month, dropped to 20 kilograms that she eats what she likes. And do not exercise at all , she was very happy.
Now she drinks Eco Slim joined 3 months ago, and when the doctor examined her appointment again.
He even surprised that she was going to do so. Weight decreased Moreover, her cholesterol down to normal. Diabetes decreases incredible. She is proud of her new look. She told me that she had to run out and buy new clothes to feel comfortable.
Clothes are very easy And she does not worry about anything else. She continued to eat French fries. Fried chicken and hamburgers on a regular basis, but she said she would not return to the same weight, drank Eco Slim continues. She assured that no side effect and definitely. She now weighs 58 kilograms, she is very proud.
She has asked me to write her story to cheer on those.
Also experiencing the same way, not by asking me the link of this product by anyone to be genuine.
No fake results, and just like her.
I must say that I Her parents drank Eco Slim as well as reduced weight and both my father and mother, reduced to 17 KB or 20 KB reduce it.
The researchers comment
Dr. Eden
The most important thing in the weight loss process is not to destroy the body's own system. How to lose weight gained popularity largely to that. It is not impossible that we will control at any time. In addition, for many people, dieting is quite difficult ever. I do not see results, they often turn to pills. But these drugs are just the system it causes hormonal disorders and may have spread to the liver and immune system damage as well. Weight loss should be natural and not attack systems within your body at all. Today, ECO SLIM. The formula is the only one who can do it. Eco Slim micro nutrients action of this system accelerates metabolism, absorption and metabolism of fat mass. I am sure that this recipe has nutritional science at its best at the moment. The product has already been certified. Can rely on my performance.


text:
Renea Westlyn is also Tonya VanWinkle, a fact she does not hide and apologizes for any confusion on that. Her middle name is actually Renea. Her maiden name was West. The "Lyn" was added in memory of her mother-in-law Marilyn.
Renea has always wanted to be an author but has allowed fear to stand in the way of her dreams for far too long. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and has a collection of work in her office that would make a writing mentor cringe. For years, it has been suggested that she write books. This year, she's going for it and her Grandfather's words continue to push her forward.
"You should have mailed that letter. It would have brought her great comfort, quit hiding the gift the Lord blessed you with."
Renea spent many years being transplanted from one state to another, and even another country, while her husband served in the Air Force. After twenty-four years, he retired, and they planted their roots in the beautiful state of Virginia, with their two nearly-grown children, dog, and cat.
Renea can usually be found near her computer with scattered notes, a pen collection out of this world and a steaming cup of coffee as she chases down the muses rattling around in her head. When not trying to pen them to paper, she can be found enjoying time with her family, and almost always napping.
January 29, 2017: Twenty-Nine Years and Counting…
A million pages written. A thousand chances lost. Stories yearning to breathe.
"The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live; a live thing, a story." – Ursula K Le Guin
If the unread story could speak – then those I've written are crying; for they are all unread.
I reached for my journals and blew the dust off, watching it swirl and fall upon my trembling hands. "Just Breathe, Renea" – I reminded myself as I attempted to draw a full breath – just breathe. The ever-present rattle of my lungs hissed as the air escaped from within. I could do this. I could not worry. I could not panic. I could not…fear. I could just…
Just Breathe… Just Breathe… Just Breathe…
Perhaps, I should try again tomorrow. Slumping against the shelf I place my heart back inside the wooden box with the faux book front; where it is safe once again.
Tomorrow, I'll be brave. Tomorrow, I'll lay my heart before you.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
~ 2 Timothy 1:7 ~


text:
Kapolei HS Alumni List
Last names starting with "O"
Select letter of last name to filter the alumni list
Registered Alumni
All Alumni
Looking for Kapolei High School alumni not listed? If so, check out Classmates.com® - hundreds of more KHS alumni have posted their profiles.
About the Kapolei High School Alumni Directory
Check out all of the names of the Kapolei High School alumni that attended high school in Kapolei that are listed above. Registering will allow you to join the directory. For former KHS students from HI, you can view the class reunion information that has been posted by other site visitors. In addition, we encourage you to post your profile in the alumni directory, share information about the school activities you were involved with and reconnect with Kapolei High School alumni.


text:
For real. How could they not rock the beach. Isn't Surfers just one big beach? Well, not quite, but it is very much associated with all things beachy, including rocking and rolling. That's where Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise comes in. Recently, the city put on a "month-long celebration of Gold Coast art, culture, music and food," and Hard Rock was a big part of the music part of said celebration, sponsoring and hosting the main music stage for a little soiree we called "Hard Rock Rocks The Beach". Pretty catchy, isn't it? With sets by Hoodoo Gurus and Sneaky Sound System tearing up the stage, thousand upon thousands of people extolled the virtues of awesomeness that is Surfers Paradise. We just wanted to share some photos and show everyone who wasn't there what they were missing. Consider yourself jealous.
07.03: On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones founding member and guitarist, Brian Jones, was found dead in his swimming pool not even a month after having departed the Stones for "musical reasons," whatever that means. His death was labeled "death by misadventure" by the coroner, but there are still people, to this day, who claim that he was murdered. We may never know exactly how he died. What we do know, however, is that Brian's role in the Stones lineup had gone from frontman and lead guitar in the early days to second fiddle next to Mick and Keith, whose songwriting skills greatly outweighed Brian's swagger. Next to them, he really didn't have much to offer, so he left. For "musical reasons." 07.03: On this day in 1971, The Doors frontman Jim Morrison died in a Paris bathtub. His official cause of death was heart failure, but many fans speculated it was the result of a covered-up drug overdose. Their theory can never be proven, however, because French law did not require an autopsy. The third of three '60s talents to die in less than a year, following Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, Morrison had retreated to Paris to gather himself after the chaos of the previous years, during the rise of The Doors and his subsequent run-ins with the law and Ed Sullivan. With these deaths, many people considered the '60s truly and officially over, in spirit and in music. We could speculate all day and night about what kind of music Jim, Jimi, and Janis would've made had they survived themselves, but that kind of thought experiment is fairly fruitless. Instead, we just like to enjoy what was left behind. Long live The Lizard King!


text:
If you've seen our Pro Series CajonTabs® before, you know that they are our top-shelf solid wood drums. This drum is perhaps our most exotic and unique to date.
Made from solid Bocote, an intriguing hardwood with striking eye patterns and contrasts, this drum will delight the wood aficionado and percussionist alike.
To enhance the Bocote, we added a woodland pattern tapa bed and matching snare frame. This drum includes a black guitar strap.


text:
Meares: I did not say Great Britain are cheats
Anna Meares has clarified comments she made about Great Britain's success at the Olympics, stressing she has no suspicions that they have been guilty of cheating.
MORE: 15 sports we want to see in the Olympics
Australian track cyclist Meares was accused of being a sore loser after saying "we're all scratching our heads" as to how Team GB have been so successful in Rio after also racking up the medals in London four years ago.
Meares, who could only add one bronze medal to her Olympic tally in Brazil, on Tuesday stated that her comments were misinterpreted.
I would like to clarify that I never said or insinuated that #TeamGB are cheating or doing anything suspicious! pic.twitter.com/CjIa7vvWjd- Anna Meares (@AnnaMeares) August 16, 2016
She tweeted: "I would like to clarify that I never said or insinuated that #TeamGB are cheating or doing anything suspicious!"
Six-time Olympic medallist Meares added: "What I said was it makes me scratch my head to think how we can better competitive [sic] with them at the Olympics.
"That's what great rivals, champions and teams like GBR do. They're an amazing team and their athletes and staff deserve the success that's come their way."
Great Britain were second on the medals table behind the United States at the start of day 11.


text:
Canyonlands is so big, it was difficult choosing a hike to do. It was ridiculously hot outside, so the ranger suggested Chesler Park/Joint Trail for some great views of the Needles, plus it is a short hike minimizing the amount of sun exposure. Warning - this hike is mostly on exposed slick rock the entire time, so be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and definitely a hat!
Hike Info
Dates: 6/25 - 6/26
Miles: 6 roundtrip
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trailhead: Google Maps
The Hike
We parked at the Elephant Hill parking lot. We saw the 4WD trail, and were boggled by just the first 20 feet of it. It was VERY steep, and the road was just boulders and dirt. My Honda Accord barely made it through Utah, but having a Jeep in Utah would open up so many more trail opportunities! It was blistering hot as we suited up, Clark didn't even wear hiking boots because it was so hot.
The trail is marked by cairns and easy to follow, and it passed lots of unique rock formations that the Needles district is known for. We passed a ranger hiking out on our way in. The
The trail then descended down some steps into a very narrow section.
We decided to stop in the shade of the Needles to have a snack, and we encountered 2 other hikers also enjoying relief from the sun. Continuing on, the trail began to climb up and up. After some switchbacks, we emerged on top, overlooking Chesler Park. Since this was quite high up and a valley between the Needles, the wind up here was STRONG.
It was beautiful and refreshing up here, and Chesler Park looked intriguing. We decided to venture down into Chesler Park, and after reaching the sign we turned around and hiked back out. Not used to this heat, we just wanted to get back to the car.
If we were to go back to Needles, the Chesler Park/Joint Trail loop looks like a great backpacking route, as long as it wouldn't be too hot, I can't imagine backpacking in this weather. Although it was a short hike, it was great to get a taste of this part of Canyonlands.
Other useful sites:


text:
How could you make life better for your senior dog?
Like it or not, we can't cheat time, which means our canine companions age all too quickly. Before we know it, the years have passed and that once mischievous pup has changed into a dignified senior.
When we get a puppy, their needs are obvious. We think nothing of getting a crate, dog bed, toys, bowls, and all the other paraphernalia that comes with a new dog in the house. However, with the passing of the years somehow we become less focussed on the needs of this later lifestage.
Let's redress this now by looking at those essential supplies which could make your senior's life that little bit easier.
#1: Comfortable Canine
The older dog spends more time asleep or resting. They are also prone to arthritis and liable to have stiff joints that seize up with inactivity. Believe it or not, you can make a big difference to their quality of life by making changes to their bed.
Orthopedic mattress: There's a buzz about memory foam dog mattresses at the moment. The reason being, it's efficient at spreading the dog's weight and cushioning sore joints. This means improved comfort and quality of sleep. These mattresses are expensive but consider it an investment that could ease discomfort without drugs.
Heat mats: On a similar theme, arthritic joints do better when kept warm. Look for a pet-safe heat mat that your dog can rest on in cold weather. Alternatively, an inexpensive alternative is to purchase a microwaveable heat pack which you can rest on the stiffest joints to give them some ease.
Vetbed rugs: If your dog 'crashes' in a favorite spot and sleeps there, then consider some Vetbed rugs. These are a type of synthetic sheepskin, which cushion the body, hold heat round the joints, and wick away moisture (such as if your dog leaks in their sleep.) They are much better than sleeping on a hard floor, and your dog will thank you for it.
#2: Access All Areas
That stiff senior isn't as nimble on their paws any more. Take a look at your dog's daily life from their viewpoint and troubleshoot areas where access is a struggle, such as those steep steps to get to their toilet spot.
Here are some suggestions to help:
Ramps: A lightweight folding ramp is invaluable in the trunk of the car. This allows the large dog to get in and out with dignity and is kinder to their joints. Don't forget to look for other spots where a ramp could be helpful, such as a high front step or steep terracing in the yard.
Non-slip flooring: Laminate flooring is the senior dog equivalent of a skating rink. Give their paws some purchase by laying down runners with a grippy surface to help their footing.
Mobility aids: Believe it or not, there are mobility aids for dogs! These range from easy-to-use slings to support a dog with a weak back end, to doggy pushcarts for the dog who enjoys fresh air but struggles to walk.
#3: Thoughtful Touches
Consider any disabilities your senior dog may have. For example, how is their hearing and their vision? Take a look at these suggestions which could make the world a less confusing place for the older fur friend.
Wind chime: OK, this may sound bizarre, but how about hanging a wind chime by the back door? This gives the dog with failing vision, a sound marker to head for after they've finished toileting.
Night lights: Likewise, providing a low light at night can reassure the older dog who doesn't see so well.
Raised food bowls: Consider a raised feeding station, which makes it easier and more comfortable for a stiff dog to eat and drink
A Dog's Eye-View
It's good to take a step back and see things afresh….just like when you got that new puppy all those years ago. Consider how and where your older dog may struggle and put provision in place to make life that little bit easier.
This might mean sourcing some essential supplies such as a memory foam mattress or a raised feeding station. These are every bit as important to the senior as buying all those toys was to a pup, it's just that sometimes these essential are less obvious.


text:
Employer: Wetton Cleaning Services Ltd Salary: Meets Nat Min Wage
Duration: Permanent Hours: 20 per week, Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm.
Vacancy Description
Experience is preferred but not essential as training will be given. Must have good basic communication skills. Duties are general cleaning that involves cleaning toilets, public and other areas. Identification is required for example, full birth certificate or passport, proof of NI number. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the. UK. Successful applicant will be subject to a CRB check for which the employer will meet the expense. Call Marcello on 0790
You can apply for this job by telephoning 0790 4734755 and asking for Marcello.
Location: London, SW14 SW14
Phone: 0790 4734755


text:
Advisers might specialize in particular merchandise, depending on their clients, equivalent to promoting employee pension schemes to corporations or providing mortgage, pension or funding recommendation to private purchasers. Others are generalists, providing recommendation to purchasers in all of those areas, as well as saving plans and insurance. We gauge our value by the private and business successes of our clients. We can help your business establish areas negatively affecting profitability and development and develop solutions which can be practical and technically sound. Along with acting as a sounding board for administration, we provide complete, versatile strategies that tackle the problems affecting your corporation.
Beneath B.I.C.E. the agency could obtain further compensation from the advice of explicit merchandise, but the firm must adopt policies and procedures to make sure that individual advisors don't obtain differential compensation, bonuses, or awards to the extent they're meant to or would fairly be expected to trigger Advisers to make suggestions that are not within the Best Interest of the Retirement Investor." 22 In other phrases, whereas firms can receive extra compensation for the advice of certain merchandise, the advisor should not obtain any portion of such extra compensation. The excellence between compensation received by the agency, versus these obtained by the advisor, ends in a significant disconnect between the pursuits of the firm and the interests of the advisor.
You will examine the insurance coverage business from a dealer's and agent's perspective. Your research will deal with the needs of private traces shoppers and small commercial dangers. The course introduces the ideas of the broker as an insurance coverage intermediary, follows the progress of threat from initial dealer-consumer contract, continues by way of the evaluation and software, and ends with the binding and issuing of a coverage. Your studies also embrace main insurance coverage product … Read More...Read More


text:
Shared the risks, shifts, and sacrifices I paid in pursuit of my purpose (excerpt)
Making the shift took me more than I anticipated
Ken was curious to know my experience. With a friendly and playful manner, Ken asked: "Do you mind to share with me your story of migration?" I briefly narrated my story. "My journey began in the early 90's back home in Ethiopia. Though I didn't know the word purpose back then, I was convinced that my assignment in life is empowering others. Without wasting any time, I quickly began taking leadership initiatives, first a youth leader, and then became the president of the largest university students' union. I continued to take leadership initiatives, which I thought aligned with my purpose. I made so many personality changes. I also made many shifts including my professions in order to lead a purpose-oriented lifestyle."
I paused to see if Ken had any questions and whether what I was saying made sense to him. It looked like he was immersed in my story. I then acknowledged, "Though I had a sense of what my purpose look likes, discovering my unique purpose took me years. Back then, I didn't know anyone close to me who was on his/her purpose. For that matter, I never heard anyone talking about it. I couldn't find books on the subject. If I knew what I know now, it wouldn't have taken me so long. However, more than the discovery, making the shifts in the pursuit of my purpose required lots of efforts, energy, risk-taking, and sacrifices. It also took me more time than what I anticipated initially."
I have the scars as proof…
Ken asked some follow up questions. He was interested in the prices I paid and what I felt while I was passing through those uncertain moments. He was also wondering whether I was sure I'd make the shifts successfully and arrive where I had wanted to be and able to pursue my purpose beforehand.
He observed: "AZ, it doesn't seem you passed through these troubles to discover and pursue your purpose." It was visible on his face. He felt sorry for me, but at the same time, it gave him more reasons to listen to me. He realized that I wasn't talking theoretically or from what I learned from reading. I walked the talk, and I have the scars to proof it.
Finally, Ken remarked, "I didn't know you've paid these sacrifices in search of your purpose. You changed professions, left promising jobs, trimmed unproductive relationships, and refrained from taking luring leadership opportunities in order to pursue your purpose. It takes courage and endurance. My hat is off to you."
He then pointed out, "I see now that discovering our purpose and making the shift from where we're now to where we belong- our dream place, requires a considerable amount of effort and time but worth doing." Ken then asked me to briefly elaborate what I mean by purpose-oriented:
- Life
- Relationships
- Organization (s)
- Leadership
I was glad to explain these concepts to Ken. I defined the terms and gave him some examples. Let me quickly recap what I shared with Ken…
Taken from the book 'The Highest Level of Greatness', page 70 – 72. You can read more about the book by click here…
To read the press release, click here…
If you would like to check out the Table of Content, click here…
You can order the Kindle and Print versions of the book from Amazon.
Contact the author if you're interested him to speak at one of your future events, contact us. Tel: 703-895-4551 or email us @ firstname.lastname@example.com
In order to get updates, future excerpts, and related events, follow us on social media by going to the top right corner of this page. You may also subscribe to our YouTube channel to get alerts when we upload video clips. You may also subscribe to our newsletter for free:


text:
We all know .mp3 and .avi, but have you heard of .mkv?
I checked Mininova this morning to find a torrent of the first episode of the brand new (and final?) season of Smallville. To my surprise, one of the search results had "720p HDTV" in the title, so I decided to download it. It was a little over a gigabyte in size (compared to roughly 350 megabytes for most normal episode torrents), so I let the download sit all day, and it was finished by the time I got home from work.
When I tried to play the file, though, I realized that it had an .mkv extension that I had not encountered before. It didn't take long to find AfterDawn.com's guide to .mkv files, which explained that .mkv files are "Matroska files" and pointed me to the Combined Community Codec Pack, a pack of media codecs that would allow me to watch .mkv files in Windows Media Player.
After installing the codec pack, the .mkv file was immediately associated with WMP and I was able to play it. What I saw was what I expected and hoped for: the first episode of the new season of Smallville in glorious, crystal clear HD.
Long live BitTorrent and long live technology!
No one has added any comments.
Post Comments
If you feel like commenting on the above item, use the form below. Your email address will be used for personal contact reasons only, and will not be shown on this website.


text:
How To Get Your Clinical Research Medical Equipment Calibrated and Other Potential Roadblocks/
Any equipment used to collect data in a clinical trial need to be calibrated. Having a difficult time finding out just how to calibrate your equipment? In this video I discuss some strategies for this as well as other potential roadblocks you may face as a research clinic director.


text:
I Was Vermeer by Frank Wynne is a biography of Han Van Meegeren, the ingenious Dutch art forger who managed to install, albeit unintentionally, one of his fake Vermeers into the private collection of Hermann Göring. Arrested for treason in 1945 – selling national treasures to the Nazis being highly illegal – he was vilified as a traitor by the press. However, once it was proven that he had painted it himself, he became a national hero; the humble painter who duped one of Hitler's right-hand men. Van Meegeren's own work is quite collectable now and he has somewhat of a cult following.
The book starts off with an account of Van Meegeren's arrest in July 1945, then goes back to his childhood. Born in 1889 in Deventer, Holland to an overbearing father who made him study architecture instead of fine art, it's easy to see where Van Meegeren's resentments started. He was a talented painter and very sure of his own abilities. Once finished with his architectural training, he painted full-time and exhibited. He wasn't able to make much of a living from it though as his subject matter and style didn't fit what was going on in the art world in the 1910s. Dealers and collectors considered his work out-of-date. Van Meegeren and his family (by now he had a wife and two children to support) were constantly in debt. It was a combination of his association with some dodgy characters and their nefarious art world dealings, his own overblown view of his talent and the festering resentment he nurtured against the Dutch art world for not recognising such that gave him the idea of painting a Vermeer himself.
And this is the focus of the book. Wynne gives a very detailed account of how, familiar with the X-ray and chemical analysis techniques the experts used to authenticate works of art, Van Meegeren painstakingly researched Vermeer's pigments and painting structures to produce a work which would fool the art world. It took him ten years of very dedicated work to achieve this – and all his efforts paid off with The Supper at Emmaus. He had cleverly created a new Vermeer which conveniently fitted into a recognised gap in the painter's oeuvre. It was heralded as a masterpiece, perhaps Vermeer's greatest, by Abraham Bredius one of the foremost Dutch art critics of the time and sold to one of the country's top galleries.
Frank Wynne is a journalist, not an art critic; I find it hard to describe quite in what style the book is written. Wynne recreates conversations and makes assumptions about what Van Meegeren was feeling and thinking and presents these as fact, blurring truth with fiction. He uses the present tense at times to build tension and atmosphere. These elements make the book a quick and easy read; no impenetrable art theory here. It doesn't even read like a biography really, more a tale of true life crime, particularly as Wynne tries to build a psychological profile of the painter. Even the title is a bit cheesy! This isn't really what I look for in a biography but I enjoyed it nonetheless. If you're interested in art forgery and after an enjoyable, light read, give it a go.


text:
Editor's Note:
Because he wishes to replicate the sensation of trying to coax a recalcitrant toddler into an uncooperative cagoule, computer game writing-man Owen Grieve has set himself the challenge of trying to encourage me, a handsome and noted ludological sceptic, through Pokemon Red/Blue, a computer game aimed at 10-year-olds. He's having more success than I'd have imagined, delays notwithstanding.
We're a week late because of extenuating circumstances I feel disinclined to explain, which may include – but not be limited to – my neglect to save my game at the end of the last chapter, and also I hate this fucking game. Nevertheless we will try to be on time from now on! Let's see how long that promise stands up.
I bet I'm not even halfway through yet, am I?
This week: Celadon City!
Dear Owen,
I've labelled this week's update Celadon City, but it seems like I spent more time faffing about in caves and other gloomy environs. I guess you're right that I should take a little more notice of the friendly and innocent people around me, if only to get some inkling of where I should go next. But every conversation in this game is like standing on the wrong side of a locked door, trying to read an entire novel by peering through the letter slot, even though only one single sentence is relevant or interesting (and I use both of those words advisedly). So I just blindly stumbled about, fought a shitload of people, and then I got waylaid in… well, you'll see.
Perhaps after last episode's admission that I now understand the conceptual appeal of Pokémon, you anticipated a more engaged and interested partner in our quest. I regret to inform you this is not the case. But I hope you are pleased that I am at least grappling with the 'RP' aspect of the 'JRPG', in directing my character as if he were Clint Eastwood with a great deal on his mind. It makes the simple world and the easy battles much more palatable if one remains deliberately aloof. Keep things small and in perspective, you see.
I've run out of pithy and jocular opening remarks, so let's crack this week's pokétome and see what took me so long.
With Captain America down, I ensure that our victory is immortalised, chiselling ♂COBRA♂'s signature into a pillar with one of WINTERBORN's discarded hatchling-fangs.
I can't remember where or why this takes place, nor who that guy is, but I do recall something about a guy who'll critique your Pokémon nicknames. He can try, is all I'll say.
I think it's on the east of Vermilion we run into a little problem. I don't get why I can't just set fire to it, and USELESSBOB'S cut is equally impotent. My screenshots folder indicates that we went all the way back to Pewter City which, in an uncharacteristic moment of attention-paying, I realise was where we began. This suggests a degree of freedom to explore, and I'm a bit unimpressed. I'd rather just be funnelled ever onward, to be honest. It's not that I can't orienteer my way around an imaginary island full of weird animals, it's just that I can't be arsed.
I guess we made our way here. I honestly can't remember the details. The process of cutting a shrub down is significantly more convoluted than the above screenshot triptych would have you believe.
I think myself very clever, as we cut through another shrub and sneak past a young lady who looks as if she is spoiling for a fight. I don't need the hassle. I didn't ask for any of this you know.
Augurs badly for the overall progress of this update that I apparently forgot to screenshot the brilliant joke I thought up for this bit. To light our way through the darkened caverns of wherever, we must first capture an electronical Pokémon and then bestow the gift of flash upon him. So we get a Voltorb and nickname him SCOTTSTAPP, in memory of our beloved brown-cowhide betrousered saviour who will forever have his arms wide open. He flashes. Everyone goes blind.
There's quite of lot of cavern to cover, but it's really drab to look at, and nothing of any real interest happens, besides a ton of fights, a couple of faints and some sneaking.
Ah, I now recognise this as the place where this week's episode got shunted into a siding while I concentrated on other things like… shut up. Due to hitting the end of the usual travel-city-gym progression, I figure we're where we need to be, so we mindlessly plunge through this door, and find ourselves in a weird place indeed – a Pokémon mausoleum.
Maybe you should get a grip.
Jesus Christ. You people are sick.
We head upstairs or downstairs or somewhere, I dunno, and look who it is.
I actually recognised AVIRGIN before the game even told me who he was. See, Owen? I am interested.
If anything, the battle is even more trivial than last time.
Somewhere along the way he's picked up this monstrosity. I've taken quite a few unused screenshots of Pokémon I thought looked funny or stupid or just really fucking shitty, and they'll remain unused because none of them look as half-arsed as this thing. Half a dozen eggs in a cluster, and it's called EXEGGCUTE. Wow, where do Nintendo get their crazy ideas?!
Hopefully by next week, you'll accomplish the task of leaving me alone.
To cut a dull story short, I ended up wandering around lost in here for a fairly long time, not sure what I was doing or why. Every couple of steps I would suffer a spooky moment with a g-g-g-ghost – that I couldn't do anything but run from – and a bunch of irritating battles with creepy nuns; all of which eventually triggered my gag reflex and left me no choice but to quit and refuse to play the game for a whole week and then be unpleasant and vague about it on Twitter.
Still, we got there eventually.
A mysterious benefactor possesses the mortal form of OWENGRIEVE and gives us a boon of knowledge. We abruptly realise that we're burning down the wrong tree by hanging around in Lavender. One simple, hasty detour, and the entire chapter slips beautifully into gear. Welcome to Celadon.
Almost immediately, I spot the gym. Knowing that success here will buy me a day or two of freedom from this game, I decide we might be in with a shot.
I respect your honest enthusiasm, four-eyes.
He wasn't lying either, it totally is. Although these sound more like teenagers.
Oh boy.
♂COBRA♂'s got a catch in his throat, and his mouth is too dry to swallow. He doesn't want to fight her, he wants to love her. And at the same time, he wants to impress her with his prowess. He couldn't care less about the Pokémon league. He knows that now. It was all leading him here, every trainer battle, every badge, every poké ball; to a mere fragment of time between the boy and the man, one plane and the next. If anywhere in all this crazy world there's a woman to crack ♂COBRA♂'s granite heart on the basis of her name alone, then COOLTRAINER♀ is surely she.
It can never be, he realises, crushing the life from the ember before it can even begin to smoulder. His destiny is locked, as if on rails. They clash as rivals, not as lovers, not even as friends. The Pokémon League covers ♂COBRA♂'s life like a blanket of poisonous fumes, exacting its toll on every single corner of his mind as if it were a starving god. Nothing is sacred. Nothing is special. ♂COBRA♂ knows he must find the will to feed even this, the fragile bloom of his emerging love, into his strange god's unfathomable maw.
Fortunately for our league hopes, COOLTRAINER♀ doesn't stand a fucking chance.
This is Erika, who seems like a nice lady. But she's standing in my way. Which means she's dragon food.
That tiny chip off WINTERBORN's health is the sum total of the damage she was able to deal. But it's hard to feel cocky when she's being so polite about it.
And with that, we turn our back on the ladies of Celadon Gym – and one in particular – leaving them to their fate, whatever it may be. And as we pass the pillars: