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Maya really thought that once home, she would have all the time she needed to think through this situation. But she was barely inside that the caring and worrying look of her friend was trapping her. She started by asking about the details of her performance after the premiere of Isadora. When Maya told her about her complicity with Masumi Hayami, her friend's lips parted lightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't do so. Maya knew exactly what this was all about: the very fact that Masumi Hayami, vice-president of the biggest Japanese entertainment company, would actually endanger his own image only to publicize her; was indeed very surprising. But Maya knew the reason of this strange kindness. Kind of, like a farewell gift.
Rei talked during the rest of the evening about this boy she met at the coffee shop she waitressed at. The funny part was that, like most the Petit Prince's customers, Kei, twenty-four years old, firstly thought the waitress was truly a waiter. Moreover, Rei's behaviour didn't help, for using impersonal or masculine ways of talking at work in order to get generous and hopeful tips from the female customers. Anyway, the two of them talked and after a moment, they became friends. It was only this evening, after two entire weeks of friendly chat, that Kei finally opened his eyes. And this discovery, so it seemed, only get them closer. Maya laughed to the sight of her friend blushing while telling her all about the moment when the handsome young man took her hand. Half-joking, Maya made her bet she would take him to the Forgotten Wilderness, so she could get to meet him.
When at last, Rei said and yawn that it was getting late and that she should go to sleep if she wanted not to be late next day morning, Maya's seeming cheerfulness vanished and she put her forehead on her crossed arms.
"Come on Maya, wake up: He killed your mother!"
A tear fell on the table wood. Knowing that Mr Purple Rose was responsible of her mother's death turned her stomach. She was rejecting this thought with her soul. But it was a fact. Acknowledging Masumi Hayami as Mr Purple Rose, her beloved fan, was putting her benefactor as the culprit of the accident. He locked her up. If he hadn't done it, she might still be alive by now. She knew that for some times already, yet now this fact took a complete other kind of significance. A brand new horror.
Yet, as strange as it might seem, she couldn't bring herself to hate him. How many times did she try already? How many times did she swear she would despise him for ever? And how long did it take before he would eventually fill her heart with warmth, energy and curiosity again?
"Hayami-san..."she whispered.
Even now, even knowing he lied to her about so many things, just speaking his name out loud was making her longing to see him again, to hear his voice. She smiled at her own simplicity.
She blushed in spite of herself. Silly, to call his first name so casually, even alone, was making her feel she was giving her an impression of privacy with him. She sighed. Her heart was forgiving him everything, all the crimes, all the lies, all the deceptions. Of all the wounding things he told her once, none mattered now. If she could see him again, talk to him, like before, she would certainly be happy. She bitterly desired to go back. Please, that someone take her back! Take her back to this rowing boat on the lake with him, or at the planetarium, or at this table of restaurant in front of him! Take her back to this blessed moment when he held her hand! She had been so often in his company, so often alone with him, she hadn't even realized how precious those privileged moments were; and that she should have used them to get to know him better. She should have treasured those moments with him! Now she wanted to see him again, she wanted it so badly! But now nothing would ever be the same.
"You should answer that"
He showed himself very clear in his way of saying that. He knew the man on the phone was Kirino Takumi, and yet he looked into her eyes and asked her to pick it up. This moment made everything crystal clear. He staged this farce to get rid of her. He didn't want to be Mr Purple Rose anymore. He had enough of this. All those years he took care of her, but now he had enough. He wanted to move on. He had fallen in love with this beautiful woman he was about to marry, and couldn't afford to send roses to a petty actress like her anymore. This marriage was going to make him happy.
That was why he chose to entrust her to Takumi. This man swearing to love her, and that she liked. Kirino-san was a good person; she was feeling safe with him. He was a friend to her, and for a while, she was happy that Mr Purple Rose was someone like him.
This marriage between Shiori and Masumi was also an alliance between two great groups. This was a huge benefit for Daito, and that might also be why Masumi left her. A horrifying doubt took her. Maybe all those years meant nothing to him. She was just an actress, a product he could use and throw away anytime. And this time just came. This thought tightened her heart even more.
He didn't love her. She had every reason in the world to hate him. Yet, she knew she would never feel hatred toward this man ever again. This enmity had long hidden her true feelings, and now they were revealed there was no going back: She loved him.
And because she loved him, because she always did, she would agree to act along this role play. He made her happy all those years, and it would be selfish not to do the same now. She would let Hayami-san marry the woman he loved. And she would let Kirino-san pretend to admire her since the very first day. Yes, things were better this way. This was what her sense was telling her to do, but her moaning heart was begging her not to give up.
The worst part was that she liked Kirino-san a lot! Hayami-san entrusted her to him, certainly because he was trustworthy. This was a charming, sweet, friendly man! She was feeling safe with him, like with a good friend. Things might be tensed since he confessed his love to her, but she could vividly remember the moments of joy and complicity they exchanged the evenings in his apartment. If his feeling toward her were sincere, and if it was what Masumi wanted, she would make two beloved persons happy by doing it. Why wouldn't she then?
While Maya was resigned herself to ever confess her love, Shiori Takamiya, for other reasons, couldn't manage to find sleep as well. Back home, after having slammed the front door, demanded a cup of tea to her household, yelled it was too hot, then too cold, fired one of her housemaids, throw with all her strength a vase on the floor, which shattered with a loud noise of broken china, and yelled some more; she isolated herself in her bedroom. Yet, while she was pacing around her magnificent canopied bed, she wasn't feeling the slightest better. No, she would only find peace when she would have make sure Maya Kitajima would never make a step closer to her husband-to-be. After long and painful thoughts, she decided the best way was to prevent her from winning the Award that was supposed to fling her up at the top of the competition and give her access to the part of the Crimson Goddess. She was convinced that, Maya away from the object of Masumi's obsession, she would certainly loose a lot of interest in his eyes.
She needed a plan. Something that would help her getting Maya off the course. Shiori got an idea.
The next day, during the afternoon, Shiori went to the gym where the students of Ondine were usually practicing. There she found Ayumi Himekawa, in the dance room, doing barre training. Her body was covered with sweat, and Shiori asked herself how long the beautiful young lady was there. She rapidly noticed her presence, in this room full of mirrors. The young woman first seemed stunned to see her, and then bowed respectfully, although a bit too lightly for a formal greeting.
"Takamiya-san" She said while grabbing a towel to dry her neck. "Why do we have the honour to have you here?"
Shiori slowly and silently walked toward the young lady to make her feel the weight of her superiority, but Ayumi seemed not the slightest impressed and was still wearing the same smile of polite interest when Shiori finally said:
"I just came to see how nervous you were"
"Nervous?" Ayumi repeated while frowning with perplexity.
"Indeed: nervous." Shiori went on, calm. "I've heard that the play that would start tomorrow evening would be quite decisive for you career."
"Are you referring to the Forgotten Wilderness?"
"Indeed I am." Shiori smiled knowingly "If the play is a success, and that Kitajima-san get an Award for her performance, you would have to fight for months. That's why I came to see how nervous you were. "
And, ending her last sentence, she intensely and intelligently gazed at Ayumi who felt her hair on her neck stand. She swallowed.
"You think I hope she'll fail?"
"It's," Shiori answered "what every person in your situation would hope. Her failure would get you the great part of the Crimson Goddess on a silver plate."
Ayumi didn't answer to that. Indeed, she knew all that. But she also knew that she would be incapable to act the Crimson Goddess correctly of the competition of Maya doesn't push her far enough. She wanted Maya to win this Festival. Many were the outsiders who thought like Takamiya-san. Yet, there was something in the tone of her voice; that she didn't like. Shiori went on.
"However," she smiled at her "I like to think women as important as us don't base their success on vain hopes."
"What do you mean?" Ayumi asked, with the feeling that she already knew the answer.
"In the current state of the situation, if Maya get to act as she planed to, she will be rewarded at the Festival. It's a fact that no naïve hope will change. But, like I said, women like us don't hope for victory: they simply get victory."
Ayumi couldn't believe her ears. Shiori Takamiya finally revealed her true face. This viper meant she would be capable of anything to get Maya down. Why? The answer was crystal clear: she was at the Premiere of Isadora too; she saw the complicity between Maya and Hayami-san. Ayumi chinned up.
"Absolutely. I will definitely win."
Believing she got her on her side, Shiori widened her cold grin. But Ayumi hurried to add:
"When Maya will officially a candidate for the part of the Crimson Goddess, I'll win, thanks to my acting talent."
The venomous smile of Shiori froze. She realized her mistake. Ayumi was more loyal that she thought she would be. She took a deep breathe and tried to covered it.
"Absolutely." She said. "Of course, that's what I meant."
"Of course." Ayumi said with a mocking smile.
"You understood me well."
"Then it's perfect!" Ayumi laughed.
"Yes, isn't it?" Shiori laughed back nervously.
"Well, if you have nothing else to say." Ayumi said cheerfully "I'm going to get back on my training."
"Sure! Be my guest!"
"It was surely delightful, Miss."
"Indeed. Goodbye."
And Shiori hurried to leave with the little of dignity she had left. Once the door was closed, Ayumi sat on the floor, distraught. It was bad. She would never get over it if her one and only rival was evinced because of a stupid jealousy issue. She would not allow it. She had to do something! Outside, the night was already on the street, and Ayumi thought sighing that if she didn't react now, twenty four hours from now, Maya might not be in the right disposition to act out the miracle everybody was expecting.
Big day. Everybody had to be inside the walls of the theatre by seven in the morning to rehearse all day. They had worked without a break all morning, and now Maya was throwing herself on her sandwich. Sakurakoji was looking at her tenderly.
He had spent the entire day before trying to understand what Ayumi told him during the reception for the Premiere of Isadora. She told him that Maya was more that just an actress to the Vice-President Hayami. At first he thought he was betting everything on her future performance of the Crimson Goddess, but that would have been forgetting Ayumi. Finally, a frightening doubt took his mind: that the Vice-President, this man told cold and stranger to all forms of empathy, could have weaved emotional bonds with Maya, to actually fall in love with her. Ever how absurd this idea seemed to him, Ayumi seemed to believe it to be true. He knew Masumi Hayami was a desired and coveted man, and that he had an irrefutable charisma that got him to set his authority in the entertainment world despite his very young age. He also knew that Hayami-san was dating the beautiful Shiori Takamiya, but that their engagement, even announced, didn't happen yet. If it was true that he had feelings for Maya, and if he succeeded in charming her with his natural presence, it would not be difficult to him to end his relationship with the heiress and to date Maya officially and that, that was what Yuu feared most.
So, he decided to gather his courage and tell Maya:
"It's amazing how many phone calls from journalists we've got since your performance. Thanks to you, it's going to be a full house every night!"
"Thanks to Hayami-san, actually." She said. "He decided to make that show for me."
"I see..."
Here were his doubts confirmed. Maya was already feeling grateful to the Vice-President. He was going to eat her alive very soon. He should warn her. But when he was about to say something, her phone rang. Now expert in the handling of a touch screen, Maya had no problem answering it. She started speaking with a cheerful a loud voice when she recognized her friend Rei that promised to call to check on her. When she finally ended the discussion, it was time to get back to work, and Maya just told him "Rei told me they say a storm is coming tonight."
Bad news over bad news.
On the stroke of one, Masumi's lunch time was over and he headed to his office like he used to. However, before he could open the door, Mizuki, who had been briefing him about this afternoon schedule, warned him that someone was waiting for him in there. To his stunned eyes she only responded by a sceptical pout telling the guest didn't wish to pronounce herself about the reason of her visit. So, it was with circumspection that Masumi came into his own office.
Ayumi Himekawa stood to his arrival and bow as she should before sitting on the sofa when invited by Masumi that sat in front of her.
"It's always a pleasure to receive you, Miss. What can I do for you?"
Ayumi smiled. She hadn't got so many occasion to talk with the young producer in private, but he had often be invited to her home by her parents, so that he knew her since childhood. Yet, he always showed a cold politeness to her, calling her "Miss" even when she was a little girl. It was hard to her imagining him being friendly to anyone. The only exception was whenever he was in a certain young actress company; then he could loose his cold and condescension manners to a warmer behaviour, anger or laughter. Being a fine observer, this detail didn't escape Ayumi, who quickly did the right parallels.
Her speech was ready.
"Hayami Sama" she said slowly "I'm afraid the subject that brings me here is one of the most delicate. It deals with your privacy, which I couldn't interfere in if it wasn't for a professional matter, concerning the career of someone I respect very much, and my own."
She had now his all his attention, and when Hayami-san, who wasn't hiding his surprise, encouraged her to go on, she tried to stay calm and still.
"Are you sure you know Takamiya-san?"
"Excuse me?" He exclaimed, widening his eyes.
"I wanted to know if you were sure you knew the person you are keeping company to."
"And how, exactly, could it matter for your career?"
The producer's voice was now icy and abrupt, as anyone's that asked a report of his privacy. Ayumi took a deep breathe, to be sure she was calm, before going on.
"It matters if Takamiya-san a doubts about your...implication in Maya's life."
There was a silent moment. Ayumi took advantage of it and asked.
"Does she know you are the one sending her roses regularly? Or does she just know your attachment to her is beyond professional interest?"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Hayami-san said and he crossed his arm on his chest. "I had been Kitajima-san employer for some times, but it doesn't go any further."
"No offense, sir, but I think that what happened during the reception for the premiere of Isadora doesn't show us that. It actually shows that you care for her success enough to use your own image to publicize her. You wanted to help her."
Ayumi breathed again. He had to stay calm if she wanted her speech to have power. But she was feeling the Vice-President gaze on her and dared look in his eyes. That's when he said:
"Is that jealousy, Himekawa-san? Are you jealous I wanted to help her?"
"Sir, I'm begging you: do not insult me." She answered firmly.
He raised his eyebrows to this direct answer to his guess. He was about to say something but Ayumi spoke first.
"Having said that, you do well going on that subject, because it's actually what brings me here."
Masumi leaned forward, feeling they were now going somewhere. He saw the young lady straighten herself, swallow and look into his eyes.
"I'm acting since I'm a child, and the past ten years my celebrity kept growing. Many were the young actress that wished they would be my rivals, and all were jealous of me. Then I was protected by my connections and my family, but I still got to see what a jealous girl is capable of. I also know that when this jealousy is motivated by love, some people can be really cruel. So, I'm asking you again: Takamiya-san does she know you are in love with Maya?"
"Now I see where this is going to."
An entire minute ran off without another word. Ayumi felt she has to stay quiet and wait for him to talk. And he finally did.
"What brings you to believe Takamiya-san could ever want to hurt Maya? Aside from the fact that you are imagining I have views of her?"
"Being given that you just called her by her fist name, I seriously doubt I'm imagining anything, sir."
He bit his lips. He gave himself. Just for a moment, he was distracted by the memory of his conversation in the parking lot with his fiancée, and neglected his words. Ayumi gazed at him knowingly and went on.
"Your fiancée came to see me yesterday evening, during my dance training at the gym. She was vague, but I have the clear feeling she wanted me to make Maya fail during the premiere of her show, tonight."
"What do you mean?"
"She might have kept her speech vague, but I'm no stupid girl."
Hayami-san sighed.
"Look, I admire the loyalty you have to your rival – I really do," he added gazing intensely at her with warm and honest eyes and Ayumi realized the enchanting charisma this man under an icy coat could have. "But I think this is a misunderstanding. I don't think a woman as delicate as Shiori Takamiya could be capable of this sort of things."
"Many are the rich girls that are being taught since childhood how to behave like the ideal spouse: obliging, docile, seemingly fragile. Delicate, like you said, sir. But in this education of traditional Japanese women, those girls are also being taught how to hide their true feelings." She added tensing her gaze.
Between them the silent was deep and tensed, and Ayumi feared to have offended her employer not purposely. She smiled with honesty and said:
"This being said, I'm sure you already know all that."
They gazed at each other for a moment, then, as Ayumi was about to look down by respect, Mizuki came inside to warn Hayami-san his one thirty rendezvous was there. Relieved, Ayumi stood up and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for letting me come in your office."
"That's nothing! Beside, I didn't."
Ayumi glanced at Hayami-san just one second and bowed again even deeper to apologize; and left.
Maya couldn't stop staring at the theatre's first floor window. It was five o'clock and the storm started fifteen minutes ago. Since then, the rain couldn't stop pouring like a waterfall. The show started four hours from now and the media were already advising the locals to stay home tonight. A premiere without audience: that surely wasn't a good sign. She was about to go join the other when something caught her eye. The lights of a car lightened the flooded street. She immediately recognized that car and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Takumi going out of there, his coat above his head to keep himself dry.
She ran down the stairs and announced his arrival to the others, and everyone hurried to the entrance hall. The translator was welcomed by a wave of rain and applause. An actress got over-zealous and took and hung his drenched coat. Kirino-san was wearing a cocktail suit, which made him look particularly classy. Maya's stomach tightened. This outfit wasn't without reminding her someone. The only difference was that Takumi mixed elegance with warmth. Kuronuma was over the moon and he said humorously.
"Welcome Kirino-san! At least now, we know we have an audience!"
The team laughed joyfully, even Maya who for a second had forgotten her worries. However, when she met the eyes she was searching, Maya blushed and her seriousness was back.
They isolated themselves in her dressing room. Her heart was beating so hard and loud she was convinced he could hear them. She feared she had offended him the last couple of days. Since they fought in his car, they never saw or talked to each other. Maya never answered his calls, too troubled by the events. Now she feared he would not talk to her. She turn round and stared at him. He looked strange, even a bit afraid.
"I'm so sorry." She stammered, and Takumi widen his eye with surprise. "I didn't answer your calls, it was rude. It's just—you see, I—I was busy with my rehearsals and, to be honest—I—"
"Maya," he interrupted her. "You don't have to be sorry. I should be the one apologizing."
"No, not at all! Kirino-san, you didn't do..."
"Please, Maya, let me finish."
He sat with her on a couch and his eyes full of intense emotion looked into hers. Maya swallowed.
"The other night...my behaviour was everything but correct. You were upset, and I didn't listened. Instead, I got angry, that was so immature! Please, forgive me."
Hypnotized, Maya just nodded slowly. Takumi sighed with relief and the smile he gave her relaxed the atmosphere like magic.
"I know that in the theatre world wishing good luck is actually bad luck, but..."
From his jacket's inside pocket, he pulled a magnificent white rose, and gave it to her. Maya took it very carefully and breathe its scent with pleasure.
"A white rose?" She said without hiding her surprise.
She knew well that the man in front of her wasn't her admirer, but giving her a rose of a different colour before the premiere of her show had to mean something. Takumi looked down, shameful, and the glances he gave her feverishly now and then clearly showed his helplessness and doubt.
"What happened the other night, disconcerted me, you know. I've been thinking...about the last couple of months, about the things I told you, and the moment we spent together and I realized that...I have no idea of how you feel about me!"
He was almost on the verge of tears now, and Maya could see how hard this confession was to him. He sighed to calm down and went on with a little bit evener voice.
"Maya, can I ask you something?"
Speechless, Maya just nodded again.
"If...if we had met a different way, if I had never seen Little Women, if...if I had never sent you roses" he said, breathless. "Do you think you would like me still?"
His angst was palpable. Maya stared wide-eyed, her heart burning with empathy. Was he about to tell her the truth? Why would he do that? Anyway, his honesty was obvious; he would never be capable of pretending such an emotion; and this moved her way more that she imagined.
"What I really want to know is," Takumi went on while flooding her eyes with his unbearable distress. "It's whether you like me because you feel obligated to me, or...if there is really something, between us."
Then, Maya knew she had her answer. Since she knew the true identity of Mr Purple Rose, she hadn't stop asking herself if the feelings Takumi confessed to her were real, or if it was nothing but a part of the role Hayami-san asked him to act. Now that she knew, there could be no doubt. He loved her, it wasn't all an act. It was a true love that was making him suffer for weeks, or months. And this thought was touching her deeply. Overwhelmed by tenderness, she took his hand.
"Kirino-san....I like you very much! I like you, because you are...kind and funny and...because you play violin!" She added laughing. "Not because you are Mr Purple Rose. Well, I mean," she stammered, trying not to uncover her knowledge, "It matter, of course, but it's not..."
But she didn't get to end her sentence. Two sweet, warm lips had shut hers and she didn't dare breathing.
Everything seemed to be completely out of her control. Her veins brutally responded to this attack and a fiery, ardent desire was terrifying her. She wished she could escape but her febrile body wasn't obeying her, and Takumi's hand on her back trapped her and squeezed her dangerously tight against his body. Her hand on his was also trapped, and their fingers entwined together. She raised her free hand, with the intention of rejecting him, too scared by all those new sensations that loaded her body with electricity, but she caught herself grabbing his neck to kiss him back. Her fingers rummaged through Takumi's hair and her befuddled mind was forbidding any thought.
They parted in a fraction of second. Maya opened her eyes, asking herself when she closed them and look up to Sakurakoji who just came in the dressing room.
"Kuronuma Sensei...sent me to tell you that...you need the start focusing on Jane." He stammered, extremely embarrassed.
But Maya was just half-listening. She was feeling dizzy and was not realizing what just happened yet. Kirino-san stood almost immediately, and after a last smile toward her, he left. As soon as he was out, Yuu said, without coming any closer.
"Maya, you have to promise me something."
The young woman raised her heard, intrigued by the grave tone of her partner. He sighed.
"Promise me that this is going to be forgotten once you'll be on stage. "
"I promise. » She lied.
Barely relieved, Yuu stepped back and was about to leave when he remembered something and added "Kuronuma Sensei think you should try to sleep for an hour or two. It's barely five thirty, and the show start at eight o'clock. You'll be up in time, so try to rest, okay?"
Maya nodded.
Once Yuu out, Maya had plenty of time to relive what just happened. By the way, what, exactly, did happen? He kissed her. And she kissed him back. At first, Maya had felt exalted by the brusque change in her relationship with Takumi but then, she felt overwhelmed by a wave of consternation and shame that put her at the verge of tears. She just kissed Takumi. No, it was way worse than that, she desired that kiss. Yet, she wasn't in love with him! If that kiss has happened a month sooner, she might have believed to be in love, but now that she knew what real love felt like, she couldn't lie.
She had the feeling she had done soothing terrible and shameful. As if she had betrayed Masumi. But she also felt an attraction toward Takumi that prevented her from rejecting him. Those opposing feelings were rushing inside her. She thought she accepted to be with Kirino-san! It was what Hayami-san wanted, it was what would make his friend happy, and she even felt pleasure doing it. Yet, now that she was alone, she was feeling unclean and unhappy.
This was beyond betraying Hayami-san. Truly if he happened to hear about that kiss, he would certainly not feel betrayed. No, she just kissed someone though her heart was someone else's, and by doing that, she betrayed herself.
She was feeling exhausted. This intensive rehearsal day and the emotions she felt drained her strength. She lied on the couch and closed her eyes.
The clock was showing six thirty. Hijiri was feeling everyone's tense backstage, and was listening to the actor's feverish whisper with a remarkable peace of mind from his seat, in the middle of the empty stage room. He had still his head in his little cloud since he kissed Maya. The way she reassured him had completely freed him. One day, he kept telling himself, one day he would tell her the truth; when she would be ready. Maybe she would stay with him. His hopeful heart was making him imagine the best scenarios. Was she thinking of him, right now? He was eager to see her again, but he knew he had to wait until the end of the show. The shadow of her kiss was still drifting on his lips, and he seemed that her hand was actually tattooed on his neck. He longed to kiss her again.
Suddenly the door creaked open and Hijiri sighed before turning his head to see who could possibly go and defy a storm to see Maya's play. Of course, here Masumi came. He had hung his coat in the entrance hall, but his hair was drenched with rain. Hijiri couldn't help but laugh.
"Sir, no offence, but you are actually reminding me of Sneezy."
"I don't see how I could possibly be mistaken for a dwarf."
"No" Hijiri laughed "Not the dwarf, my puppy! He had this same look and hair when I found him."
"Hopefully, this poor creature died years ago."
"Don't rub salt on it" he said cheerfully "That's just cruel."
"What are you doing here this soon? It's not even seven o'clock."
Hijiri gave him a wide triumphing grin.
"Keeping an eye on my girlfriend. What are you doing here?"
"Surprisingly," he answered pensively, "quite the same thing..."
Hijiri was about to ask for more details, but Masumi was already going backstage, pretending to have some unfinished conversation with Kuronuma. Masumi strode through the actors that were revising their line a last time and stared at him with shock. In the dressing rooms corridor, he stopped in front of a door marked with the name "Jane".
The young girl opened her eyes immediately, perfectly awake and sat on the couch. Her teacher was before her, smiling. Maya felt something warm and thick sliding from her back to the floor and noticed a blanket had been put on her.
"Did you do that?"
"No, it was already there when I came in." He said before adding laughing "Kitajima: I like you, but taking care that the lady would not catch a cold isn't my first business tonight. We are trying to see if the generating set would be capable of taking over if the storm cut the power."
"I see."
"Come on, I let you and Sakurakoji sleep the more I could, but now you've got to get ready, the show start half and hour from now."
Maya was already on her feet. She was feeling right and on form. Kuronuma left to let her get dressed and Maya put her skin-like coloured leotard that will be her first costume. Then she tied her hair and trapped them in an old-pantyhose-made hat and started to put her make up. Once ready, she fixed her long, tangled up, dirty wig on her head. Then, she closed her eyes
She focused on her breathe, calm, even. Slowly, she relaxed one by one every muscles of her body. Her mind unwound, and opened. She remembered the forest, the hunger, the wandering, the cave, the hunt, the mother wolf, and her wide eyes hypnotizing her. She remembered everything the felt then. Her face in the water came up. Everything, all the details of her days and nights alone in the wild, she brought them all back to the surface, as if they happened the day before.
Then she remembered the training, the scenes. She remembered Jane. She pictured her, running naked with her sisters, playing in the plains, watched by their caring mother. She absorbed her feelings, they became her own. She made her chained heart vanish to let Jane's exist, free. Then, only then, she was ready. When she opened her eyes: Maya was gone.
Jane came backstage. In the audience room, the darkness was waiting for the curtain to rise. The few noises we could only hear backstage were overexcited whispers. Yuu put his hand on her shoulder, but Jane went on stage to place herself on the top of the hill, and when silence was complete and that the curtain began to rise, she started howling.


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Tips When Picking Promotional Gift For New BusinesseMany business owners arrive at the conclusion that finding a promotional gift for their next marketing endeavor is the way to go. However, they may not know where to turn. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of companies across the internet that offer custom promotional items. While it takes time to sift through the actual items, it's less fun to scour the internet for a company with a proven track record of good customer service, fast shipping and corporate bulk order discounts. Here are a few places to check out. Are you on a shoe-string budget? Don't fret. There are cheap and effective ways of promoting your business, even utilizing the promo gift model! A site like "Poor Richards Promos" may be your best resource because they have a number of promotional gifts and logo products for less than $1. For instance, you can get promotional merchandise with your brand on it like 32-cent calendar magnets, 33-cent imprinted pens,
How Does China Produce Wholesale Products?Environmental Laws are More Lax in China Heavy industry has, in general, moved away from manufacturing products in the United States. This exodus is largely due to stringent environmental laws enacted in the last half of the 20th century. Because these laws require expensive environmental protection actions, processes and equipment, businesses can have products manufactured cheaper in countries with fewer and more lax environmental regulation---such as China. Chinese Workers Cost Less Money While modern American workers are subject to a minimum wage law, no such regulation exists in China. For this reason, American workers can be replaced by Chinese workers who may cost a lot less. Cheaper Manufacturing Costs Mean More Profit Because the less expensive environmental regulations and less expensive labor combine to result in on overall cheaper product, items manufactured in China can be obtained
How to Find a Supplier in ChinaSuppose you come up with a product idea or think you have market channels for certain products, and you want to find a supplier in China because of the low product development cost and low production cost there. If you Google the product name or concept, you will find tons of China suppliers/manufacturers. However, you still think you have not got one, because you want to find a capable and reliable one that would satisfy your specific needs and have a strong desire to do business with you. Many people get frustrated because they have been communicating with suppliers in China for months, but fail to move forward. The reason, most likely, is that they did not find the suitable one at the beginning. To successfully find a suitable China supplier, you need a strategy. This strategy will consist of awareness, knowledge and a good amount of homework. Below are some practical steps to find a suitable Chinese supplier for you. Step
Greener Water Bottles - Aluminum and Stainless Bottles Are a Safe BetWe all know that drinking bottled water leads to the creation of vast amounts of waste. Americans alone are adding 30 million PET water bottles to landfills every single day! Much of the plastic that results from recycling pet bottles ends up going unused. Even the manufacturing and transportation of the bottles takes a toll in the form of millions of barrels of fossil fuels being consumed. Fact is, using a reusable water bottle is good for the environment. But all reusable bottles are not created equally. So what are the choices? Plastic Bottles. There are many kinds of plastics used in water bottles, and there is a lively debate on which ones are safe and which ones can leach harmful toxins. For the sake of this article I am going to leave plastic off the list for the simple reason that I don't like the taste of water that has been sitting in a plastic bottle for over a day. I like my water to taste like water. Glass Bottles.
Is Your Plastic Water Bottle Poisoning You?You may not know for 20 years if your plastic water bottle is poisoning you. Right now the FDA says only that it will keep monitoring data to see if the agency needs to take regulatory action. It could be 20 or 30 years before they truly know the effects on the human body from the toxins leached from plastic water bottles. For now no serious action is being taken regarding the very serious health hazards presented by plastic water bottles, plastic food storage containers, and more. Here's why your plastic water bottle may be unsafe: Most bottled water comes in polyethylene terephthalate bottles, indicated by a number 1, PET, or PETE on the bottle's bottom. While some scientists believe that these bottles are generally safe at room temperature, when they are stored at warm temperatures, the story changes. When the bottles are warmed, they begin to quickly leach chemicals into the water. It doesn't matter if the bottles ar

subset: commoncrawl


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Keito Aoyama (青山 恵都)Keito Aoyama was a child actress whose career ended after she froze on stage for 15 minutes. Even though she is now 16, the incident between her and Nako and that fateful day on stage remain in her head and she is unable to move forward. But her life changes when she meets the principal of the "free school" where students can come and go as they wish. Keito begins to attend the school and befriends 3 of its students.
Voice ActorsNo voice actors have been added to this character. Help improve our database by searching for a voice actor, and adding this character to their roles here.


text: Though its ghoul and demon quotient is comparatively low, this lavishly campy creeper has a legitimate claim to the title of Weirdest Book Yet by the accomplished author of such genre classics as The Books of Blood (1988) and The Damnation Game (1987). John O'Hara, William Faulkner, and Barbara Cartland might have spent a lost weekend collaborating on this feverish tale of two feuding families whose destinies are catastrophically intertwined. Its narrator--who will attempt a book about his blighted polyglot clan—is Edmund Barbarossa, the crippled stepson of a mysteriously ageless beautiful black woman, Cesaria (who has the power to "raise stones" and "send her image wherever she wants to"), for whom a smitten Thomas Jefferson built a magnificent mansion on the North Carolina coast. Edmund's quest for information (which often takes the forms of dreams and fantasies) uncovers a wildly melodramatic history begun in presumably biblical times in the vicinity of the Middle Eastern city of Samarkand; an old wrong that dates from the Civil War and must of course be avenged; and a most unwise misalliance between the Barbarossas ("something more than human stock") and the Gearys, an agreeably malicious cross between the Kennedys of Massachusetts and the Compsons of Yoknapatawpha County. The Gearys are plagued by every sexual and conjugal problem known to man and woman, but what really ticks them off is the irresistible (to their women) animal magnetism of Cesaria's Heathcliff-like son Galilee, a brooding sex machine whose services to womankind are subsumed in--believe this or not--what appears to be a Christ parallel. Barker's tongue pokes visibly out of his cheek now and then, in a black comedy of miscegenation and its discontents that has to be a sendup of both the Harlequin romance and the American Southern Gothic novel. Overheated and intermittently risible, but the thing is entertaining: the kind of book for which hammocks were invented--not to mention double boilermakers. ($150,000 ad/promo; author tour; TV satellite tour)


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Mozilla Firefox 58.0.1 latest version Offline Full free download
☑ Latest Version: Mozilla Firefox 58.0.1 LATEST
☑ Requirements: Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10
☑ Author / Product: www.mozilla.com/firefox
❇ Other Version : Mozilla Firefox 57.0.2 LATEST
Features of Firefox
Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser & includes pop-up blocking, tab-browsing, integrated Google, Yahoo and Bing search, simplified privacy controls, a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online.
Firefox 57 is now in the stable channel. Improvements/changes include:
– NEW. Completely new browsing engine, designed to take full advantage of the processing power in modern devices
– NEW. Redesigned interface with a clean, modern appearance, consistent visual elements, and responsive gestures
– NEW. An enhanced address bar that integrates navigation and search functionality, including suggested history, search suggestions, and one-click search
– NEW. Revamped new tab page that includes top visited sites, recently visited pages, and recommendations from Pocket (in the US, Canada, and Germany)
– NEW. An updated product tour to orient new and returning Firefox users
– NEW. AMD VP9 hardware video decoder support for improved video playback with lower power consumption
– NEW. An expanded section in preferences to manage all website permissions
– Plus, lots of fixes and changes!
Whats new in 58.0.1 –
- Security fix
- When using certain non-default security policies on Windows (for example with Windows Defender Exploit Protection or Webroot security products), Firefox 58.0 would fail to load pages (bug 1433065).
Download 32 bit (34 MB) : Direct Link
Download 64 bit (37 MB) : Direct Link
[IF You don't have Internet Download Manager ( IDM ) – Download IDM for PC]


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What the manual and the rest of the package comprises, who it is for, and how to use it
What is it?
A 240-page manual for trainers, and an accompanying workshop video of 15 five-minute clips (though the manual can be used without the video).There is also a supplementary manual Stepping Stones PLUS, and a video, Stepping Stones Revisited, on the experiences of a Ugandan village 12 years after holding a Stepping Stones workshop.
The original manual contains full, closely-guided instructions on how to run around 60 hours of workshop sessions, divided into 18 sessions over 10 to 12 weeks. Stepping Stones Plus builds on the original manual, with extra sessions and exercises.
Designed to enable women and men of all ages to explore their social, sexual and psychological needs, to analyse the communication blocks they face, and to practise different ways of behaving in their relationships.
The workshop aims to enable individuals, their peers and their communities to change their behaviour - individually and together - through the 'stepping stones' which the various sessions provide.
As from 2016, all Stepping Stones materials are available from the Salamander Trust, and not from Strategies for Hope.
The English language edition of Stepping Stones and Stepping Stones PLUS, wholly revised and updated, is now published as one volume by Practical Action Publishing.
For whom?
Designed for use in existing HIV/AIDS projects, and in general development projects which plan to introduce an on-going AIDS component. Designed for use by a team of skilled people - ideally two male, two female - who work with peer groups of community members.
Experienced trainers should be able to use the material straight away. Less experienced trainers may need a training course to help them start
to use it.
With whom?
Originally for use in communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa. However, it is also being successfully adapted for use in Asia, North and Latin America and Europe. Most sessions are designed for people in small groups of 10-20, of their own gender and age. Occasional sessions bring everyone together.
The ABC of AIDS (Abstain! Be faithful! use Condoms!) on its own does not work. Lectures on AIDS are too simplistic. Stepping Stones grew out of the need to address the vulnerability of women and young people in decision-making about sexual behaviour.
The materials enable people to explore the huge range of issues which affect our sexual health - including gender roles, money,
alcohol use, traditional practices, attitudes to sex, attitudes to death and our own personalities.
All sessions use a participatory approach of adult learning through shared discussions. The exercises are all based on people's own experiences, and role play and drawing exercises enable everyone to take part. No literacy is needed.
Participants discuss their experiences, act them out, analyse them, consider alternative outcomes, and then rehearse these together in a safe, supportive group.
People feel safe because most sessions take place in groups of their own gender and age.
Though designed with HIV/AIDS in mind, the package covers many related topics such as gender violence and alcohol
Translations and adaptations
Strategies for Hope has produced the Stepping Stones manual in English and French and the workshop video in English, French, Swahili and Luganda. The Stepping Stones PLUS manual has been translated into French.
Many organisations have translated and adapted the Stepping Stones manual to make it relevant and useful in a wide variety of cultures in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. In some cases the Stepping Stones workshop video has also been translated and adapted. We have not been able to keep track of all these different adaptations and language versions of the Stepping Stones package. However, for further information please see the Salamander Trust's website.
For more information, on Stepping Stones activities and implementation, please visit the Salamander Trust's website.
All Stepping Stones manuals and DVDs are now available from the Salamander Trust. (They are no longer available from Strategies for Hope, although we still carry information about these materials on our website.)
Please contact the Salamander Trust with your order, as follows:
Email: Please click here
By post: Salamander Trust, c/o Positively UK, 345 City Road, London EC1V 1LR, UK.
Please also contact Practical Action Publishing for the English language editions of the manuals.
By: Alice Welbourn
Manual: 240 pages; published 1995; ISBN 978-0-9549051-7-0. DVD: total duration of clips 70 minutes; produced 1995.


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Here are 10 of the most popular Lean Six Sigma Templates which you, our learners, and our team of Master Black Belts also find the most valuable.
You can download all of these useful templates on each of their respective pages below. We hope you find them as useful as we do! Please note that these templates are listed in no particular order.
1. Project Charter
The Project Charter is an official, basic document that outlines a process improvement project. It is the first step in a Lean Six Sigma project, and therefore takes place in the Define phase of DMAIC. However, it can be periodically reviewed, refined, and revised throughout the project. Learn more about the Project Charter.
2. Gemba Walk Interview Sheet
The Gemba Walk Interview Sheet is a simple data collection form, designed for transactional processes. It is used to ask pertinent questions during a Gemba Walk. Learn more about the Gemba Walk Interview Sheet.
3. Stakeholder Analysis
A Stakeholder Analysis enables you to outline who has a vested interest in how a process performs. Remember that stakeholders do not receive the product or service. It helps you determine how and when to reach out and communicate with stakeholders to build buy-in, which is critical to a project's success. Learn more about the Stakeholder Analysis.
4. RACI Matrix
A RACI Matrix is a powerful tool that helps increase accountability for a project. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. It provides structure and clarity to projects by listing action items, responsible people and follow-up items. Learn more about the RACI Matrix.
5. Data Collection Plan
This is a well thought out approach to data collection that includes information around where to collect data, how to collect it, when to collect it and who is responsible. This plan is prepared for each measure and includes helpful details such as the operational definition of the measure as well as any sampling plans. Learn more about the Data Collection Plan.
6. Value and Cycle Time Analysis
Cycle Time is the total time elapsed from the beginning of a process to its end. In Lean Six Sigma, analyzing and reducing Cycle Time can not only speed up process completion, but it can reduce defects and costs by allowing time to be used more wisely and efficiently. Learn more about Value and Cycle Time Analysis.
7. Impact/Effort Matrix
The Impact/Effort Matrix is a 2 x 2 grid that helps you assess solutions for their relative impact given the effort required. It provides a quick way to filter out solutions that might not be worth the effort. The best solutions are in the upper right quadrant, easy to implement but with substantial impact. Learn more about the Impact/Effort Matrix.
8. Weighted Criteria Matrix
The Weighted Criteria Matrix helps you decide between competing solution ideas that are mutually exclusive. It helps you understand the solutions' expense and impact on others by driving discussion. It's a great communication tool. Learn more about the Weighted Criteria Matrix.
Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a risk management tool that identifies and quantifies the influence of potential failures in a system. Learn more about FMEA.
10. New Procedure Audit
The New Procedure Audit provides an easy way to check for adaptation to the new way of doing things once a project is successfully completed. It serves as a remind for both you and the process participants. Learn more about the New Procedure Audit.
To view and download the rest of our Lean Six Sigma Templates, you can visit our Free Templates area.


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Friday, July 3, 2015
Red, White And Blue
6 comments:
- Leslie said...
These bears are too cute! I hope you have a great weekend!
- July 3, 2015 at 7:44 PM
- betty said...
Thanks Veronica!! The cookies are so cute and patriotic!
- July 3, 2015 at 9:27 PM
- Jessica Groesbeck said...
Thank you! Wish we could have celebrated by enjoying those ADORABLE cookies! :)
- July 5, 2015 at 8:47 AM
- Made In a Day said...
Happy Belated 4th! Thank you so much for linking up to Merry Monday this week! I am sharing your post today on our Merry Monday Pinterest Board! We hope to see you next week for another great party! Have a great week!
- July 6, 2015 at 12:18 PM
- Rosemary Nickerson said...
Veronica! When is your country's special day? It was a cool to very cold day here on the fourth. Our beach cook out was cancelled and we huddled around the fire in the cottage for dinner time.
- July 8, 2015 at 1:20 PM
- Kimberly Lewis said...
Oh Yum! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because it's always AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we can party!!!! Lou Lou Girls
- July 11, 2015 at 10:54 AM


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Ever feel pain or swelling on the side of your foot? These symptoms may be due to a condition called Cuboid Syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation or lateral plantar neuritis. In addition to pain in the lateral mid-foot, redness and a restricted range of motion in the ankle may be present. This syndrome is typically associated with an inversion sprain of the ankle. This is when the foot is forced inwards causing the cuboid bone to sublux, or partially dislocate. The cuboid bone is located near the mid-point of the outer side of the foot and is one of the seven tarsal bones that make up the arch of the foot. It connects the foot and ankle as well as provides stability to the foot.
The peroneus longus muscle is a muscle that runs along the outer side of the lower leg and attaches to the lateral side of the foot. Repetitive strain of this muscle due to activities such as ballet, jumping, or running, may place tension on the cuboid bone. Commonly found in athletes, Cuboid Syndrome may also occur in sports such basketball, football, or soccer. Weight-bearing, uneven pavement, or quick changes in direction that occur in sports may aggravate symptoms. A third cause of this syndrome may be an individual's altered foot biomechanics. Athletes who have over-pronated feet, also known as flat feet, may be more prone to cuboid subluxation.
Imaging such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can be used to rule out other causes of pain. However, a cuboid subluxation can be difficult to diagnose and therefore, must be carefully assessed by a general physician or other health care professional.
Daily strengthening and mobility exercises should be performed on a pain-free basis to prevent the foot and ankle from becoming weak or stiff. Watch the videos below on how to properly perform strengthening exercises:
Other treatment options include foot support such as padding, taping, or orthotics to help stabilize the bones of the midfoot or correct for over-pronation. Rest from repetitive, weight-bearing actions such as jumping or running may help alleviate pain. Ice affected area for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and inflammation. Consult your family physician, physical therapist, or podiatrist to perform a manipulation if the cuboid bone is suspected to be dislocated.


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A Few Helpful Links
Homepage and website for Medicare and Medicaid.
C.D.C Homepage
Homepage and website for the CDC. (Informational Source)
PECOS Registry
Home of the PECOS registry physician database.
Home of the Healthgrades medical database of physicians and hospitals.
Medical Archives
Home of the Alan Mason Chesney medical archives of the Johnson Hopkins Institute.


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Okay, now. Imagine you are Ken Lewis, who yesterday announced his decision to take early retirement from his position at Bank of America. No, go ahead. Take a deep breath and put yourself in his shoes. Nice shoes, huh? Sure. That comes with the job. Hey. Get your mind off your wing-tips and pay attention. You want to understand why Ken walked? Look at it this way:
Choice #1: Everybody is on your butt. They don't like the merger you arranged with Merrill Lynch. They certainly don't like the billions of dollars in bonuses you paid to your new colleagues. They don't like you. That means pretty much everybody, including a bunch of politicians who came to the party very, very late and now are in a professional public swivet that's honing in on you.
You've been at the place since 1969. Ah, those were the days! There was nowhere to go but up. The future looked bright and clear. Now, all you can think about is who and what is going to be on the other end of the line when the phone rings again. You walk around mad all the time. Mad and, yeah, if you had to admit it, scared, too. Conversations with your Board and your legal team are horrendous. Nobody says, "Hi, Ken!" when they see you in the hall.
Worst of all, your friends, the ones who haven't abandoned you, ask you "How are you doing?" all the time, with a concerned expression. You hate that concerned expression. And as you look forward to the days and years ahead, all you see is incessant labor, never-ending rationalizing of what you've done to friends, enemies, lawyers and legislators, endless hours in featureless conference rooms soaking up the acid in your stomach with muffins from the credenza in the corner.
Choice #2: You go home. Sure, you still have to appear in public show-trials for the next few years. You will no longer have the power to make grown men cry, except perhaps waiters. But the hell with all that.
Although you're not entitled to the massive severance package you might have enjoyed under normal circumstances, you do have all that dough you've socked away over the years. In addition, there are pension benefits reportedly worth $53.2 million and about $82 million in stock and other compensation that you've received over the course of your career. The government watchdogs can't touch anything that was legally binding as of last February, although they'll be sure to try.
Let 'em. You'll be long gone. Any way you slice it, you're not going to be shopping at the local mall for your sans-a-belts. First thing you'll do, maybe, is get a couple of days away someplace with the family. Paris, maybe. Or Cabo. Except Cabo is so crowded these days. Maybe Kiawah, for some golf. Yeah. And if they want to find you, well, they can call your cell. It's possible you'll be going into a tunnel when they do, too.
That's it. That's your choice. I don't think it sounds like a tough one, do you?


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Friday, May 27, 2011
5 comments:
- BiWuBär said...
No doubt - we both share this addiction! Congratulations to this two new family members...
Have a nice weekend!
P.S.: I wouldn't trust the little chap either - must be a reason why he had to go in jail... ;O)
- May 27, 2011 at 11:59 PM
- Daydreamer said...
OOHH, Margriet! They are adorable! I can understand your new addiction..... I will have to admit that I want some dragons too..... the one in the cage is just AMAZING! You will have to be careful or you will need to build an extra Dragon Kennel just for the little monsters!
- May 28, 2011 at 1:48 AM
ochgossie, nooit gedacht dat ik dragons nog eens drolletjes zou noemen :)
- May 28, 2011 at 2:54 PM
- LJ said...
Hey, no fair! I saw the little guy on the ladder and thought he'd be perfect for my castle, but someone had already bought him. Now I know who to blame! At least he's gone to a good home. I have to admit, Nicky's dragons have become an addiction with me too. I check her store almost everyday to see if there's anything new.
- May 29, 2011 at 3:20 AM
Leuk die draakjes, het popje is erg mooi gekleed zo, ook met schort en het haar met clipje ook prachtig.
De deur in de toren vindt ik erg mooi,dat het boven los kan en onder dicht,mmm leuk idee voor mijn cabin??
geen zin om in te loggen, even zo, gr Gonda.
- June 1, 2011 at 8:18 PM


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Hear & Now Media have a review of the late show in Phoenix last night:
"Raphaelle Standell-Preston greeted the crowd and was given a very warm response. She timidly explained that they had discussed what they did wrong in the first show, and that they will try and fix it for us. The show consisted of mostly (if not all) new material played a little looser than the recordings, which gave a nice twist to the songs after listening to their album on repeat for the last two months. She expressed her gratitude and excitement for finally playing back in Arizona, as they had spent time here when recording Deep in the Iris. After about twenty-five minutes, she announced that they would be playing their last song, which was their latest single "Miniskirt." Executed with perfection, it fit well as the tail end of their set, although I was not ready for it to be over."


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Friday, January 17, 2014
Vinehout announces she won't run
Dem state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout announced this morning she will not run for guv in 2014, citing the severity of the injuries she suffered in a car crash last month.
Vinehout, D-Alma, said she splintered the bone in her upper right arm, and "the time required to recover and rehabilitate make it impossible for me to run the intense, grassroots campaign that I want to run and would be necessary to win."
Vinehout's decision leaves former Trek executive Mary Burke with a clear path to the Dem guv nomination this fall.
The lawmaker thanked those who had encouraged her to run and promised to continue working for the "grassroots efforts of so many."
"I wish success to Mary Burke and others who may offer their time and talents in leading our state," Vinehout said.
The announcement did not mention whether she will run this fall to retain her Senate seat.
-- By JR Ross


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Miniature stirring device (battery powered) that can be mounted on top of the PHYTO-PAM-II COMPACT version. It is equipped with disposable perspex stirring paddles. A potentiometer allows the adjustment of the stirring rate. The part is shipped with a set of ten Stirring Paddles WATER-R.
Spare stirring paddles (10 pieces) for the Miniature Stirring Device WATER-S. Already included in the WATER-S scope of delivery.
15 mm diameter round quartz glass cuvette for the PHYTO-PAM-II COMPACT version. (Two cuvettes are part of the purchased parts package of PHYTO-PAM-II COMPACT version.)


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iStock/SanyaSMWhether or not to let baby CIO (cry it out) is a question many moms struggle with. Learn the sleep-training solutions that work for other moms to find one that's right for you and your baby.
Wait Until Baby's at Least 4 to 6 Months
"Newborns up to 4 months often wake during the night to feed, especially if they are breastfeeding and need to be attended to. After four months, parents can start training babies to self-soothe and return to sleep when they wake during the night, although some breastfeeding moms will continue to feed their babies during the night. At six months and older, all babies should be able to make it through the night without a feeding." -- Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, Morristown Medical Center and Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, NJ


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Brokers and Consultants Ltd
was incorporated in September 1983 and was the first company to obtain the licence of an Insurance Broker from the Ministry of Finance and rank among the leading insurance brokers in Mauritius. The practice of insurance in Mauritius is governed by the Insurance Act 2005 and both Insurance and Insurance broking are regulated by the Financial Services Commission.
With the development and changing environment of the insurance/ reinsurance industry worldwide and in order to secure our Corporate clients whilst at the same time consolidating our Independence, we concluded in 2004 a shareholding arrangement with
Gras Savoye s.a
Gras Savoye s.a
is the number one in Insurance Broking in France. Through this shareholding with
Gras Savoye s.a
we have access to the expertise of our partner and to the international insurance/reinsurance markets enhanced by the Willis shareholding into
Gras Savoye s.a
As a result of the major shareholding of
Gras Savoye s.a.
in Brokers and Consultants Ltd, we have changed our name into
Gras Savoye Brokers and Consultants Ltd.
since October 2008.
Copyright © 2008 - 2019 Brokers & Consultants Ltd. Designed by
Our People
Contact Us


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We thank you for your interest in the 2012 scholarship presented by the Acadiana Alumnae Panhellenic. The requirements necessary for submission may be found here. Please complete each section of the application to the best of your ability. Upon receiving all applications the members of the AAP will determine the scholarship winner.
Finalists may be called for interviews and will be asked to attend the Sorority Informational Session held Sunday, April 22, 2012.
Please submit this application with a wallet size photo and return to the address listed below, postmarked no later than March 16, 2012.Acadiana Alumnae Panhellenic PO Box 53422 Lafayette, LA 70505
AAP represents the 26 sororities recognized by the National Panhellenic Conference. If you do not plan to attend recruitment for one of these sororities, your application will not be accepted. Any concerns or questions may be directed to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Or doesn't, more accurately. Murphy has lost another tooth. I'm telling you, the tooth fairy is in danger of bankruptcy. So for those keeping count; he now has three empty spaces, the remaining top incisor is quite loose, and several other teeth are slightly loose. He'll soon be living on applesauce, ice cream and pudding!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Another One Bites The Dust
Friday, April 20, 2007
Looks Like Surgery
Saw my orthopedist to discuss the results of my MRI. Not a good sign when he walks in the room and says "Well, you really ruined your knee, didn't you?"
So it's arthroscopy for me, as soon as the insurance approves it. I can be awake and watch the surgery, which should be fun. At least, I think so; my husband gets the willies just thinking about it. I just want it OVER so I can get back to life!
I asked him about spinning; he said if it hurts, don't do it; if not, should be fine as long as there's no weight bearing. So I plied some lovely turquoise wool I won at the last Guild meeting. It was nice to get back to it, but it was painful, so I don't think I'll be spinning much, unfortunately. I really miss it. The knitting has been fun, but I'm starting to ache for a change. I can spindle for a while, but I'm supposed to keep the knee elevated. Have you ever tried spindling whilst reclining? I have... but man, your arm gets tired fast!
And me with all this breed swap fiber to start spinning....
Thursday, April 19, 2007
It's a Miracle!
No, not that I'm posting twice in one day, after having laid dormant for three months. Four? Whatever...
The miracle is that I finally got my approval for my MRI, which I then scheduled for 12 noon today, so it's DONE; and tomorrow I go back to the ortho to find out the results! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! Oh please, PLEASE let there be a solution to this knee pain! Today was agony; I just got home after the MRI and am falling into my chair with a Vicodin, praying for tomorrow.
Just had to share!
Still Alive!
Ok, so it's been a while. This has been a rough winter with sickness and other medical issues; luckily it's really all been annoyances rather than anything truly serious. Still, wearing and depressing and frustrating at times. I finally got over the respiratory plague I had for December and January, only to have my very old knee injury flare up in a major way. So I'm hobbling about with a cane in fair to middlin' pain, awaiting the old insurance company's approval of an MRI, to be followed (we assume) by arthroscopy surgery.
Meanwhile, Murphy has now lost a total of four teeth, and currently has two gaping holes in his mouth, having lost one of the top front teeth. He reports that six others are loose too; he may end up eating nothing but applesauce!
Eric is in a new play, to debut tomorrow night. He plays a corpse. Apparently he has more lines than you'd think.
Peru is up for sainthood. I mean, truly! It's been one thing after another and he's had to take care of me, the kids, the house, the shopping, everything. By himself, for the most part. And he's not complained once; never groused, never resentful, just does what needs to be done. Have I mentioned this man is amazing? And on April 1st (Yes, April Fools Day!) we celebrated our seventh anniversary. Yikes! I can't believe it's been that long! But very much the best years of my life.
In fibery news, I've finally got the Breed Swap under control. About twelve boxes have gone out, most of the rest are packed and ready to go. Again, poor Peru has to deal with this, as I'm not able to carry many boxes holding a cane! I hope to get the rest out this weekend.
Monumental to me is that I've finally conquered knitting socks! I tried several times before and got frustrated. Finally, it dawned on me that if I started small I might have better luck, so I made a pair of baby socks; and now I get it! I understand the construction, and that helps. So I made two pair of that pattern, then another pattern of baby socks, and then I tried some boot socks. They were going to be for my BBF Barbara but unfortunately, they fit Murphy.... so I tried one more time and I DID IT! Ok, so far, only one is knitted, but I did cast on for the second sock last night. It's the knitpicks twisted cable pattern, and I'm doing it in Regia bamboo yarn; very interesting! But the first sock is done, kitchenered, and it fits! The next challenge is to try the two circ method...


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FUNkyFRIdayz: Afro Koboko
Ready to get lost in the rhythm?
Ready to get lost in the rhythm?
J-Che brings you a mix to drop it low.
Resurrection of hip hop Muhammed Ali memorial party this Sat night.
Beat it. Trap it. Lite it. Play it. It's Friday.
Pablo Gunzales, Uproot Andy, Washa Umkhukhu bring some much needed heat.
Throw that stone to an old skool underground mix from DJ D-Fekt.


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"Audit of Costs Claimed for the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System in California, Sacramento County, January 1, 1999, Through June 30, 2003," (A-09-05-00060)
March 14, 2007Complete Text of Report is available in PDF format (1.22 mb). Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Office of Public Affairs at 202-619-1343.
Our objective was to determine whether Child Welfare Services Case Management System (CWS/CMS)-related operating costs that Sacramento County (Sacramento) claimed for Title IV-E reimbursement were allowable under Federal and State regulations.
During the period January 1, 1999, through June 30, 2003, Sacramento claimed $11,181,417 as CWS/CMS-related operating costs for reimbursement under Title IV-E. We found that $3,984,138 was not allowable under Federal and State regulations, and we could not determine the allowability of the remaining $7,197,279.
We recommended that California: (1) refund the $1,992,069 Federal share of the $3,984,138 of unallowable costs claimed, (2) work with the Administration for Children and Families to determine what portion of the $7,197,279 ($3,598,640 Federal share) is allowable for reimbursement under Title IV-E and refund the Federal share of any unallowable costs identified, (3) review costs that Sacramento claimed for reimbursement under Title IV-E subsequent to the audit period for issues similar to those identified and refund the Federal share of any unallowable costs identified, and (4) instruct Sacramento to strengthen its internal controls.
California partly agreed and partly disagreed with our first two recommendations and did not directly comment on our final two recommendations.


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Hello. I've subbed Keroro Gunsou 285, and it's out! Titles: Aki, Earth's First Line of Defense! De Arimasu! / Natsumi, Emergency! Parent-Visiting Conference.
Zurara and Gururu are the bullies from Keroro's childhood. Now they are bandits invaders.
Kuru, Kitokuru! Be careful, Kururu will catch you, and do some shots on his tape to make a DVD and sell it.
Next up is probably Keroro 308 HD episode. So how's that? Ke-Kero!


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blogging on the blogFebruary 9, 2009 at 11:08 AM | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: columbine, Denver, Jeff Kass, Michael Roberts, Westword
The media writer for our alternative Denver weekly, Westword, has blogged on my book and another forthcoming book on Columbine. It was nice that Michael Roberts used the Ralph Steadman drawing from my book. (And a much better cover, of course.)
Roberts argues that the other book has a bigger publisher behind it, which is true, but I'm not sure that means it will do better. Or that it's a better book.
Roberts also implies that the coming wave of media coverage for the 10th anniversary will be ugly. Well, some of it may be. But there's also a place for new and compelling information, and that's what I aim to bring out. Read the blog here: http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/02/forthcoming_books_prefigure_me.php
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It looks like a tough winter and dropping affordability have finally hit home prices in Las Vegas, according to data released Tuesday morning.
Home prices in Sin City fell 0.1% in February, making it one of 13 cities that saw monthly drops in the S&P/Case-Shiller gauge that tracks 20 cities. Local housing markets are expected to slow during the winter, and many did. Remarkably, though, February was the first period in two years that monthly home prices fell in Las Vegas. After seasonal adjustments, home prices in Las Vegas rose 0.6%.
"Some of it is probably just seasonality, but there likely has also been some slowing in the underlying trend, consistent with some genuine cooling related to higher mortgage rates and prices," said Jim O'Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.
The local housing market was hammered when the bubble burst, and prices in Las Vegas still remain 45% off a 2006 peak, while the 20-city gauge is down just 20%. Meanwhile, home prices in Denver and Dallas recently reached fresh peaks.
It's worth noting that other cities had worse home-price results in February. Cleveland and Tampa, for example, posted monthly drops of 1.6% and 0.7%, respectively. By contrast, after rising steadily for two years, Las Vegas's decline was modest.
"The slip there may have simply been a modest correction," said Gennadiy Goldberg, U.S. strategist at TD Securities.
–Ruth Mantell
Follow Ruth on Twitter @RuthMantell.
Follow the Capitol Report blog on Twitter @CapitolReport.
Check out these Capitol Report posts:
Obama's job approval rating hits new low, and more must-reads


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Tagged with "uk"
OggCamp 12
18.Aug.2012 - 19.Aug.2012 at Art & Design Academy, Liverpool John Moores University
OggCamp is the biggest community organised Linux event in the UK. Now in its fourth year, this annual unconference focuses…tagged free, freedom, opensource, uk
24 attended | 12 comments | I attended
05.Oct.2012 - 07.Oct.2012 at Mecure Manchester Piccadilly
Come to Manchester and join in this year's fabulous PHPNW conference. Building on the success of previous years, we have…tagged manchester, php, phpnw, phpnw12, uk
145 attended | 25 comments | I attended
02.Oct.2015 - 04.Oct.2015 at Manchester Conference Centre
Following seven successful PHP conferences, the team supporting the North West UK Conference are well practiced and have already sprung…tagged manchester, php, phpnw, phpnw15, uk
126 attended | 8 comments | I attended
PHP North West 2016
30.Sep.2016 - 02.Oct.2016 at Manchester Conference Centre
For its ninth year running, the community run PHPNW Conference will be ready to welcome over 500 delegates to the…tagged england, manchester, october, php, phpnw, phpnw16, uk, united kingdom
74 attended | 6 comments | I attended
PHP UK Conference 2017
16.Feb.2017 - 17.Feb.2017 at The Brewery, London
PHP UK is pleased to announce the 12th Annual PHP UK conference; a 2-day event with 3 great tracks held…tagged europe, london, php, uk
65 attended | 6 comments | I attended
PHP UK Conference 2018
14.Feb.2018 - 16.Feb.2018 at The Brewery, London
PHP UK is pleased to announce the 13th Annual PHP UK conference; a 2-day event with 3 great tracks held…tagged london, mysql, php, uk, web
43 attended | 2 comments | I attended
DigiMarCon Europe 2018 - Digital Marketing Conference
05.Sep.2018 - 06.Sep.2018 at Sofitel Hotel
DigiMarCon Europe 2018 is your chance to ...
- Hear from the most audacious and provocative speakers in the digital…
1 attended | 0 comments | I attended
PHP East Midlands Unconference 2018
24.Nov.2018 - 24.Nov.2018 at Queens Building, DMU
It's that time of the year again when a monthly meetup is just not enough geekery, the time of year…tagged east midlands, leicester, php, uk, unconference
10 attended | 0 comments | I attended
DigiMarCon UK 2019 - Digital Marketing Conference & Exhibition
04.Sep.2019 - 05.Sep.2019 at Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel
DigiMarCon UK 2019 is your chance to ...
- Hear from some of the most audacious and thought provoking speakers…
1 attending | 0 comments | I'm attending


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In the Tunis for the night formed a unique lake
In Tunis, the desert night formed a unique freshwater lake to a depth of 18 meters.
The exact explanation of the phenomenon, scientists are not yet able to give, presumably, the reason was the seismic activity in the region.
Some planetary scientists commented that sometimes due to the collision of the inner layers of soil water comes to the surface after a particularly strong aftershocks.
Due to the high density of soil, according to this version, the back water is not able to enter and remain on the surface layer of a thickness of 18 m.
On the waterfront locals had staged a kind of beach, but scientists warn that the water may be dissolved toxic substances. Now experts are waiting for the results of sample analysis to determine whether the water is safe for humans.


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Video: Kendrick Lamar Performs In Downtown L.A.
October 22, 2012 · Posted in Videos · 2 Comments
Kendrick Lamar is m.A.A.d. cool. Last night everyone's favorite good kid hit the streets of downtown Los Angeles and unexpectedly gave fans a free performance. Lamar performed "Swimming Pools" and "ADHD" before cops showed up and shut down the show. As you can probably guess, the crowd got very m.A.A.d. More footage after the break. Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City now in stores!
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Video: Kendrick Lamar Freestyles On Big Boy's Neighborhood : KillerHipHop.com on October 22nd, 2012 5:32 pm
[…] free shows to free rhymes, Kendrick is a man of the people. Here he is freestyling on Big Boy's […]
Listen To Charlie on October 25th, 2012 2:53 am
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2017 Subaru Forester Redesign
The Subaru Forester is currently in its third iteration and the company intends to give this model a mid-cycle update for the 2017 model year. More precisely, the 2017 Subaru Forester is scheduled to make its debut on October 6th, 2015 in Japan. Actually, the revised Forester aimed at the Japanese market will be sold as the 2016 model. The rest of the world markets will have to wait a bit longer until the 2017 Forester hits the showrooms.
This dependable SUV received an overhaul for the 2014 MY when it came with a slightly revised exterior design as well as minor technological enhancements. In the meantime, Subaru has launched the sporty STI version of the Forester. Unfortunately, this model is currently available only on the Japanese market. Rumor has it that the updated 2017 Subaru Forester might add the STI version available in the rest of the world.
2017 Subaru Forester Changes
The upcoming visual changes have only recently been revealed thanks to a few official images that have leaked to the public. According to available photos, these changes will be only subtle. Namely, the new model will feature reshaped front and rear light clusters, a new front bumper and a restyled grille. On top of that, the 2017 Subaru Forester will be available with brand new alloy wheels and several new exterior colors.
As for the interior, the new model features several evolutionary changes. The 2017 Forester gets a new three-spoke steering wheel, revised dashboard as well as a number of new styling details. Thus far, only the Touring trim level has been offered with EyeSight Driver Assist System as standard. However, this system is expected to be the part of standard equipment on all of the 2017 models. The system itself comprises a large number of features such as Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Sway Warning and Lane Departure Stereo cameras.
2017 Forester Specs
The Japanese version of the updated Forester will be offered with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine. This unit will be matched to a Lineatronic CVT transmission and all-wheel drive. The available models will include the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight and S-Limited. It's interesting to note that the engine has been tweaked in order to provide a significantly improved fuel economy. When it comes to the global markets, the model is expected to be offered with an extended engine range. Some of the likeliest candidates are the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit making 170 hp, as well as the turbocharged 2.0-liter with direct injection that generates 250 hp.
2017 Subaru Forester STI
Compared to the standard model, the 2017 Subaru Forester STI will feature improved performance, more horsepower under its hood and a more athletic design. The model announced as a high-performance vehicle will be available with sports exhaust, powerful body kit, front spoiler, special WR Blue Pearl body paint as well as larger alloy wheels. The Forester STI will be motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that churns out 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It will be paired with CVT and AWD.


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Structues and Functions
:: Big Index :: C/C++ Programming Tutorials ::
- Basic knowledge of structure
- Programming knowledge
- Compiler
Function decomposes any complex program into several manageable modules. Each module is referred as function. Functions are compiled separately. So, they can be tested separately. At last, all the functions are invoked to the main program.
Structure can be passed to the function as a single variable.
In this page, one program is implemented using functions and structue.
Write a program which can collects several information such as employee id, sex, age etc. and can display the entered information to the standard display by using functions and structures.
Program for functions and structure
// definition of structure struct company{ long int employee_id; char sex; int age ; };
// object defination of the structure company employee;
int main(){ company employee;
// function definition void information(company employee); void display(company employee); cout << "A program for collecting information form" cout << "the employee using functions and structuer"; //function calling information(employee); display(employee); cin.get(); return 0; }
void information(company employee){ cout << "Enter the following information:" << endl; cout << endl; cout << "Employee ID:"; cin >> employee.employee_id; cout << "Sex :"; cin >> employee.sex; cout << "Age :"; cin >> employee.age; cout << endl; }
void display(company employee){ cout << "Recorded information of the employees:"; cout << endl; cout << "ID Sex Age" << endl; cout << employee.employee_id << "\t"; cout << employee.sex << "\t"; cout << employee.age << endl; }
Output of the program
Short discussion of the program
For this program, the structure is defined as follows:
struct company{ long int employee_id; char sex; int age ; };
The structure object is defined by the following code line:
company employee;
This program has two functions. They are:
void information(company employee); void display(company employee);
"Information(company employee)" is used to collect data form the user. And "display(company employee)" is used to display the entered information to the screen.
By using the functions, the program is modularized and easily to understand.
More about "Structuers"
- Write a C/C++ program for displaying today's date by...
Programming Tutorials : C/C++ Programming It's a simple program to start learning structure in C/C++. This program will display today's date. Suppose today's date is 30.10.2008. So, the output of the program...
- Structures and arrays
Programming Tutorials : C/C++ Programming Structure and array can be implemented together. An array is a group of identical data items. All array elements are sorted consecutive memory location under a...
- Nested Structures : Structures within Structures
Programming Tutorials : C/C++ Programming Structures can be implemented with functions and arrays. Moreover, structures can be implemented as the member of other structure. This is termed as structure within...
- Structues and Functions
Programming Tutorials : C/C++ Programming Function decomposes any complex program into several manageable modules. Each module is referred as function. Functions are compiled separately. So, they can be...
Give your opinion.
Is the tutorial helpful?
No comments yet.


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During closing arguments on the final day of the biggest antitrust case in years, Apple's lawyer maintained that the company did not engage in e-book price-fixing as federal regulators claim.
"Apple did not conspire with a single publisher to fix prices in the e-book industry," Apple's attorney Orin Snyder said Thursday at the beginning of his closing argument for the tech giant.
The government will make its closing argument after the lunch break.
The trial in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, which is now in its third week, grew out of Apple's splashy entrance into the e-book market in 2010.
As the company prepared to introduce the first iPad, it also wanted to launch a new iBookstore to disrupt the e-book market dominated by Amazon.com. Apple persuaded five major publishers — Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan and Hachette Book Group — to sign onto its new iBookstore using a different pricing model than the $9.99 flat rate charged by Amazon.


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Queer Rocket Talks Punk, Politics, and Being Out in the Richmond Music Scene
March 20, 2014
Read More: gender nonconforming, gender theory, heteronormative, queer core, queer music, queer rocket, riot qurrr, rva punk music
A couple years ago, I wondered where the queer punk bands were in Richmond. There were vestiges of queer punk bands of Richmond's past still cached on Google, but I couldn't find a current local outfit anywhere to see live. That changed in 2013 with the formation of Queer Rocket and Leatherdaddy who are actually very different but who both arrive at an anti-establishment pro-queer political destination.
I met up with Anton and Jasper of Queer Rocket to talk about their experiences so far in the Richmond scene. Queer Rocket's full lineup includes Anton (they, them) on guitar and vox, Jasper (they, them) on guitar and vox, Claire (she, her) on bass, and Cal (he, him) on drums.
How do you identify?
Anton: My name's Anton, I identify as agender and genderqueer… I'm thinking about using "trans lady" but… I'm not really sure about that. And I'm a Russian immigrant, naturalized American citizen.
Jasper: I'm Jasper, I'm genderqueer, gender fluid, transgender… there's a lot more words, I don't know how many you want? Pansexual, polyamorous, I'm a Southerner but I've lived in places that aren't in the South some… white, with a usually-invisible disability. As a band? Oh, queer! I forgot to say "queer."
Anton and Jasper simultaneously: We're both queer.
So, how did you choose the name "Queer Rocket"?
Jasper: At the University of Richmond, where I went to college, I was hanging out with some of my friends, and one of them, Lydia, had these foam letters that were leftover from some event. She was just arranging them on the table, and spelled out "QUEER ROCKET," and my friend Yaz was like "That would be a great band name" and kind of did this little Bikini Kill-inspired "We're Queer Rocket – 1,2,3,4!" and I was like "Yeah that is a great band name… we should make a band." I was living with Anton at the time, and I came home and was like "Yaz and I are gonna make this band, Queer Rocket" and Anton was for it.
So how did everyone get together?
Anton: Our drummer Cal is a friend of a friend that was recommended to us as a cool drummer, and I knew Claire, our bassist, from before back when I lived in DC, we used to be volunteers for this organization called Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive, or HIPS. I knew that she played guitar, I didn't know that she played bass and drums, so we invited her over, and she stuck.
Jasper: We formed with Cal a little earlier, when we were having some trouble finding a bassist –
So what genre do you think best describes your band?
Anton: We're trying to pioneer the genre of "riot qurrr," which is like riot grrrl but for queers… I feel like "queercore" isn't that fun of a word to describe our music.
Jasper: I'm not really into the word "queercore" for reasons I can't really place.
Anton: I guess if we're gonna be more general, we're punk, I'd say.
Jasper: We're punk, we have influences from riot grrrl, some 80s hardcore, 90s grunge, some math rock, from Screaming Females.
Anton: I'm not sure how much the rest of the band draws from this, but there was this one obscure keyboard punk band in DC called Babykiller Estelle, like the Sartre play? The character from the Sartre play No Exit. That was a sure huge influence for me.
Jasper: I definitely pull from some… I guess indie rock, if you wanna call it that, I don't know if that even means anything… from like Modest Mouse… sometimes I can only tell after I've written a song I think "oh it sounds like this." And I have a lot of history in bluegrass music, and folk music, and I'm sure that creeps in, but I'm not sure how much.
Do you feel like your experience as an out queer band in the Richmond music scene has been any different than a non-out, or non-queer, or non-out queer band in the Richmond music scene?
Jasper: I feel like I don't really know the Richmond music scene, I wonder if being so clearly out helps other musicians that are queer but maybe not completely out, maybe not everyone in the band is queer, I feel like there are some members of bands that are really excited about playing with us… maybe before they've heard our music? (laughing) And I wonder if that has to do with building queer musician connections or what.
Anton: I've never really been in a non-queer non-out band in Richmond, this is my first band in Richmond.
Jasper: Yeah, it's my first band. It feels good to not have to always be coming out, a lot of people experience an ongoing process of having to say "Hey, by the way, you assume my pronouns and you assume the wrong pronouns." Or "Hey, you assumed I was partnered with this type of person and actually it's more complicated than that." So with "Queer Rocket," it's out there, you don't have to put forth the extra energy to say "By the way, we're a queer band." People kind of get that.
Anton: I didn't realize this but we also probably have some weird "sex sells" factor to it because a lot of people are like "Queer Rocket? You mean like a DILDO?" and I'm like "Noooo… I never thought of it like that"
When I've spoken to a couple other queer musicians, they've said that they feel like there isn't really a queer music scene in Richmond, but that there are just a bunch of different bands with queer members. By having "queer" in your band name, would you say that it's a priority as a band to bring out more queer visibility in the Richmond or Virginia music scene?
Jasper: I wanted more queer punk in my life, and the best way to get that is to make it yourself, so that was part of my inspiration "I really wish there was a band like this… Oh, let's make it and then there will be a band like this." I feel like the Richmond queer scene is really awesome. I'm a big fan. And a lot of us are musicians so it only makes sense that music would be part of that.
Anton: I guess I have a different answer… so, before there was Queer Rocket, I was doing this solo project called Genderqueer Deathsquad, where my explicit purpose was to travel from town to town and recruit people Nicaraguan-rebel style into a giant deathsquad of genderqueer people that could revolt at a moment's notice because they're all part of this large cooperative that has no leadership. So that was my little cutesy idea of being an acoustic folk punk thing. Right now, we have a super long list of queer people of color bands on our website that Susie X made, and I just feel like that history took me 8 years of being a punk fan to find, so now I'd rather just be super visible and super out there like "Hey, we're a fucking queer band, we're here, and if you go to our website you can see more queer bands," or hopefully kids will start their own. Because I've definitely heard people are really sad that there aren't queer bands or musicians like that making music that they want.
Jasper: I feel like sometimes it's just hard to find. Especially if you're like me and you don't actually know how to look for new music, it just comes to me when it does, and then I enjoy that experience.
Anton: Punk is kinda hella whitewashed and heteronormative in terms of its official histories, because they're like "Punk: first there was the Stooges, then it went over to England and there were 3 bands, and then it came to America, and there were 10 bands." As opposed to, "Holy fucking shit, there's a bunch of people randomly making music together, and there's queer people of color in San Francisco making music together and there's queer people in New York making music together," that history's not really ever told.
Jasper: And then sometimes people get the feeling that since the history they're used to hearing about punk is so male-dominated, and white, that if they don't fit that then they won't make it, it's gonna be too hard as a punk band.
What does "queer" mean to you personally?
Anton: So the Wikipedia definition for queer is "people who are gender non-conforming, outside the gender binary, or not heterosexual" which I'm not sure if that's how every queer person defines it, but for me, queer is just like… I don't even know if I should be talking about this for this interview, but there's this weird binary between normal and queer and queers are like "We need to crush the binary" but then they set up this other weird binary, so to me, "queer" is like this huge affinity group and no one really knows what it means but we all feel good being part of it because we're all kind of weird.
Jasper: I'm okay with that being how it is, I feel like "queer" to me kind of means like "Fuck you for trying to define my sexuality so rigidly or my gender so rigidly that like, we can like connect about being different than "the norm," but that doesn't mean that my experience of my queer identity is the same as someone else's experience of their queer identity, or it could be like sexuality is really fucking complicated and that's beautiful and I love learning more about my own sexuality and my own gender identity and expression, every day, and that might be fluid, for some people it might not be fluid, and I kind of just think it's like this beautiful vomit of color.
How have members of your own communities responded to you, and how does it compare to Richmond or Virginia at large?
Anton: There's a lot of people who are really stoked about playing with us, so we weren't really sure how people were responding to us… within our communities there's been really positive super awesome support, and it seems like that positive support's also outside of them which is really nice.
Jasper: I feel like I'm not in touch with non-queer Richmond, so I don't know how they respond to us, they probably – I don't know if the know about – I don't know. I wanted to give a shout-out to Paisley who asked for all of our autographs at our first show and said they wanted to be our biggest fan.
My mom was like "You're putting out an album? I wanna buy copies and give them to all the family members for Christmas" and I was like "Um, oh, really? (laughing) I don't think they would like it" and she said "Oh well, they don't have to like it, but they would like to have it, because it's yours, you made it" and I said "Okay, that's really sweet, but you might wanna listen to it online first" and then I'm like "Um, I swear a lot, is that gonna be a problem?" and she's like "Oh," and she listened to it and called me back another time and said "I didn't realize you were gonna use so much profanity, maybe we shouldn't share it with the family" and I agreed. But I played it for my brother and sister and they were so excited. They really loved it.
Anton: My mom turned on the garbage disposal once and said "See, it's like your music."
You can catch Queer Rocket on their website and at a free show at Balliceaux, April 30, Doors at 9:30 pm
Wes McWillen is a videographer, photographer, writer, and community volunteer and advocate who supports the Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton, RVA Transformers, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and other progressive organizations around Richmond. He's an out gay trans guy who loves Vietnamese food, dance parties, and summers at the river. You can reach him at wesmnewmedia.tumblr.com
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text: Still having this issue with no spark on no6 cylinder. So far I swapped the switch boxes same problem same cylinder. Next swapped the wiresame from the no4 coil and no6 coil at the switch box the problem went to no4. Swapped the wires back the Swapped the coils still no fire on no6. Also new stator. Trigger issue? Sn a199697


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As you may have seen in earlier posts, I designed a line of Sesame characters that were called Sesame Zombies. Yes, the name was not where the creativity was focused... it was sort of a working... Aaanyway, as I've mentioned before, its always a battle to get more stylized art out beyond the walls of Sesame. Most of the time the art makes it into the international market, but domestic never sees my work. But, this time, my Zombies made it. They caught the eyes of our friends at MightyFine. Their Sesame Zombie shirts dropped this past week. Check em out!
The first is using the Big Bird, Oscar, and Elmo. They altered the original designs for their uses, but that's what happens. Check out this shirt here.
Here's Bert and Ernie. These were the closest to my original designs. They swapped out the pupils I originally used. They preferred a light blue tiny pupil. I originally had larger black pupils. Check this shirt out here.
Here is the Count. The Count was actually my favorite design to work on. He lent himself well to the theme. Check this shirt out here.
So far, this is the first product to be released with the Zombies. There are rumblings of more products to come. Stay tuned!