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Editor's Picks
How 'Suffer SiReyna' highlights LGBTQI suffering
John Ryan Mendoza lambasts Eat Bulaga's 'Suffer SiReyna', a spin-off of the noontime show's transgender beauty pageant 'Super Sireyna', where he says the candidates are "paraded as freaks for the whole country to laugh at." "The 'gay amused' Filipino culture continues to perpetuate that notion we don't deserve the same respect that everyone gets," he says.
Eat Bulaga, a noon-time variety show aired in GMA Network, has been featuring a new (and now-popular) segment called Suffer SiReyna, which is actually a spin-off from its transgender beauty pageant Super Sireyna. "SiReyna", by the way, is a hybrid term that merges two Filipino words – sirena (mermaid) and reyna (queen).
I followed Super SiReyna for its pabonggahan (efforts to outshine another) in beauty, talent, and intelligence among transpinays, and even appreciated it for becoming an entry point to mainstream the experiences of stigma and discrimination among transwomen in the Philippines.
However, and not wanting to play with words, Suffer SiReyna is the barangay perya (village carnival) version.
For those who have been to the perya during town fiestas, this brought us the "freak shows". Think of the babaeng ahas (snake woman), supposedly a woman who was born with a snake for a twin; kapre (some kind of tree demon); taong lobo (human wolf); and the sirena (mermaid). For a 10 peso entrance fee, the perya provided people the chance to be shocked and entertained by these "freaks of nature."
And now, seemingly to keep up with the TV ratings race, Eat Bulaga is delivering this perya spectacle on noon-time TV. This time, it does this at the expense of these impoverished gay men or transwomen, who are paraded as "freaks" for the whole country to laugh at.
Suffer SiReyna has become a noon-time dose of agitation. And the agitation touches on three areas we work on in the struggle for equality and non-discrimination of LGBTQI people in the Philippines.
Firstly, there is the internalization of LGBTQI people of a lot of society's misconceptions and hatred of our sexual and gender identities. I was reminded by this by the experience of Aloha Filipina, a transwoman advocate.
She recalled: "I saw a transpinay once, and there was a man throwing stones at her – I'm not sure if she was in the right state of mind, as she just kept parading herself to be stoned. I approached the offending man, and then I asked him why he was throwing stones at her."
That encounter ended up at the police station, but the police just said "it was just a waste of time."
Similarly, in Suffer SiReyna, the gay men or transwomen contestants are made to suffer (hence the name of segment) through outrageous requests by the hosts, like the ingestion of kapeng barako (Barako coffee) in powder form, the eating of raw ground pork sandwiched in slices of ampalaya (bitter gourd) and stuffed with okra, and other similarly dehumanizing acts. To add insult to injury, the contest's winner receives cash less than P1,000 and in-kind prizes like a bundle of firewood or a big plastic bag of junkfood from a nearby sari-sari (retail) store. For 15 minutes of fame and token prizes, the contestants willingly become pawns to be humiliated and be treated inhumanely.
All the show's hosts and the studio audience all seem very happy and pleased to witness all this. No one seems to bat an eyelash at the degradation that happens right before them. And I am left wondering why Allan K., one of the hosts and an openly gay man, is silent on this, too.
And this now this brings me to my second point – the social class divide within the Filipino LGBTQI community.
In defining bekinal, members of ProGay already noted this in the past. The term bekinals (for "beking kanal" or, literally, gays from the gutters/canals) is not at all politically correct, but it is what some members of the community use to refer to those who are "mahihirap na mga bakla na hindi naman madalas mapansin ng lipunan (impoverished gay men who are often neglected by society)."
The same ProGay members also cited the discrimination they encountered even from other members of the LGBTQI community. "Noong sumali kami sa Pride 2012, napagitnaan kami ng mga mayayamang beki at mayayamang transgender (When we joined Pride 2012, our group was placed in between well-off 'straight-acting/looking' gay men and well-off transgender women)," TonTon of Progay recalled. "Feeling namin, para kaming minaliit; na para kaming tinanong na 'Anong ginagawa n'yo rito?' (We felt belittled; as if we were asked what we were doing there in the first place)."
The social class divide within the community continues to be a challenge in the formation of our community. Upper class LGBTQI people remain less engaged in our struggle for equality and non-discrimination, while LGBTQI from low income groups are tied to hand-to-mouth survival and are desperate for means to earn money even if that means being treated like laughing stocks on national TV.
As a co-host of the show, Allan K. is actually in a position of power to call the failings of Suffer SiReyna. That he doesn't do so seem to highlight that he sides with the commercial gains of the TV ratings race (and its effects on his career, which in turn keeps his current social class), instead of the struggle of the community he openly belongs to.
My third and last point is that the "gay amused" Filipino culture continues to perpetuate that notion we don't deserve the same respect that everyone gets.
Would people still find it funny to give a bundle of firewood to a Mr. Pogi contestant, or a plastic bag of junkfood to a Little Miss Philippines candidate as prizes?
Would people still be amused if they asked a Bb. Pilipinas candidate to ingest kapeng barako in powder form, or kalamansi before answering in the Q & A portion?
Would people still laugh if Pinoy Henyo contestants are made to eat raw ground pork sandwiched in slices of ampalaya and okra before giving their answers?
What makes it okay to do the same to LGBTQI people?
To the Dabarkads, this is how we suffer.
Editor's Picks
Haircut battleground
FACT: A number of trans students fail to complete schooling because of strict implementation of uniform policies that affect their gender identity and expression. School officials claim they're simply implementing (discriminatory) policies; while activists claim human rights violation. And while the discussions happen, the students are caught in the middle, who – in the end – really just want to finish schooling while being true to oneself.
In July 2018, Jenny* (not her real name), a transgender Senior High School (SHS) student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) was allegedly told to report to the principal's office for the first time.
"Pinatawag ako nung principal, tapos she told me that ano… kapag hindi ako nagpagupit until tomorrow morning, ganon, papalabasin niya ako ng PUP (I was told to report to the principal's office, and there, she told me to get a haircut the next day, or risk getting asked to leave PUP)," she recalled to Outrage Magazine.
Jenny got a haircut this January. This had to be done as a prerequisite when she applied for graduation. But she said that she was promised that "after that, (I) won't have to cut my hair again when I process my papers in the future."
Jenny said that the experience affected her psychologically; because of this, she wasn't able to go to school for two days. And with the eventual haircut, Jenny's gender expression was also dictated by another, affecting her sense of self.
But in an interview with Dr. Minna L. Comuyog, PUP-SHS principal, she denied that she threatened any student, and that neither her office nor PUP-SHS's registrar's office denied any student of transaction or that their documents will be held if they won't cut their hair.
Comuyog said that, in fact, PUP-SHS has a "No Discrimination Policy", which is implemented in the entire PUP system (which includes SHS).
"Hindi namin ina-identify 'yung mga estudyante namin na bading 'to, tomboy 'to. Basta when they come here, estudyante namin sila (We don't separately identify students as 'He's gay, she's a lesbian'. For us, when they come here, they're all students)," she said.
Comuyog added: "As a teacher, ang aking training ay students sila (They are students). They have their unique personalit(ies) and we adjust our lessons to their needs. So kahit anong mga bata ang dumating sa amin (So no matter what kind of student they are), we accept them for who they are."
But notwithstanding the "No Discrimination Policy", Comuyog believes that the haircut policy should be implemented and be observed by all students (in this case, particularly those under her care; i.e. PUP-SHS).
Comuyog claimed that she is unaware of the existence of transgender students in PUP-SHS; thus of transgender students being forced to cut their hair due to the school's haircut policy. "It's something na (that is) not known to me," she said.
But Comuyog added that she looks at the students using the gender binary dictated by the assigned sex at birth – i.e. "I look at them as male, female, ganon ang classification nila (that's how I classify them)." And so she believes that even if a student is a transgender woman, this student will still be mandated to get a haircut befitting those assigned male at birth (that is, she still won't be allowed to have long hair, which is deemed socially acceptable only for those assigned female at birth).
On the handling of students who are transgender women (or those assigned male at birth) and with long hair, Comuyog said that she "normally asks" these students "what they needed to change or do." As part of her training as a teacher, she lets the students think. And in this case, it is the students who often end up saying that it is their hair that they should change.
The Department of Education (DepEd) actually has pro-LGBTQIA policies, which – in December 2018 – it reiterated via a statement reminding "all public and private Kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools of the necessity and importance of adopting and enforcing anti-bullying policies in their respective institutions."
Various (specific) policies particularly touch on non-discrimination (including of LGBTQIA students).
DepEd Order No. 40, series 2012, or the "DepEd Child Protection Policy," institutionalized zero tolerance against any form of violence against the child and provided for the establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in all public and private schools.
DepEd Order No. 55, series 2013 (DO 55 s. 2013), or the "Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10627 (R.A. 10627) Otherwise Known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013," requires all public and private schools to submit a copy of their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the Division Office.
Meanwhile, Rule IV of DO 55 s. 2013 underscores that "the bullying prevention program in schools shall be comprehensive and multifaceted, and shall involve all education stakeholders and personnel. Schools shall develop intervention strategies like counseling, life skills training, education and other activities that will enhance the psychological, emotional and psychosocial well-being of victims, bullies, and other parties who may be affected by the bullying incident."
Particularly pertaining the uniform policy (which touches on the haircut policy), DepEd released in 2008 DepEd Order No. 46, s. 2008, guidelines on "proper school attire". It stated that "while the general policy is that the wearing of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools (as embodied in DepEd Order No. 45 s. 2008), it is necessary to provide guidance on what constitutes proper school attire."
The following principles are offered as a guide:
- A student's basic right to go to school, study and learn is of paramount importance and should be respected and promoted at all times.
- A student's attire should reflect respect for the school as an institution for learning.
- A student's attire should not become a cause for discrimination particularly for students belonging to a lower socio-economic status.
- Promoting physical hygiene and proper school decorum is part of the teaching- learning process in schools, thus a student's attire and physical appearance should manifest learnings from this process.
Nowhere in the DepEd Order No. 46, s. 2008 was "proper" haircut discussed.
Having policies and actually implementing them are – however, and also – two different things.
In 2015, for instance, a United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report observed that only 38% of schools submitted child protection or anti-bullying policies in 2013, and the "low rate of submission has been attributed to a low level of awareness of requirements of the Act and weak monitoring of compliance."
Releasing a report in 2017, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) also touched on the uniform policies (including forcing particularly transgender women to get haircuts) and stated that "students who are transgender or do not identify as their sex assigned at birth face especially pervasive discrimination as a result of uniform and hair-length policies and other gendered restrictions." This is made more apparent because "right to free expression of students is violated when schools limit displays of same-sex affection or gender expression solely for LGBTQIA youth" – meaning, the policies are used differently for them to make them tow some lines.
Also, according to Watson Vergara, who heads PUP Kasarianlan, the official student organization for people with diverse SOGIE in PUP, even anti-discriminatory policies (such as DepEd's) fail to take into consideration the power dynamics within educational institutions.
Vergara said that they know of students who asked for help from PUP Kasarianlan, claiming that they feel threatened that if they won't cut their hair, then their names will be taken out of the list of graduating students. Non-compliance may also be seen as insubordination, which means that these students won't be given a good moral certificate (which is needed when enrolling in college/university), or will even be kicked out of PUP.
PUP Kasarianlan also documented other cases like Jenny's – e.g. in one case, a student claimed that she was kept in an office, prohibited to go out unless she signs a statement stipulating her to cut her hair.
"Syempre (Of course), the kid, crying, shaking and afraid, signed the paper. Kasi wala siyang (Because she did not have a) choice, she wants to go out," Vergara said.
Vergara is aware that there are people who may see this as a non-issue – i.e. it's "just hair."
But PUP Kasarianlan also received stories of transgender students who refused to have their graduation photos taken, and of one transgender student who "can't do homework or even eat properly because of this (traumatizing experience)."
For Vergara, this is a form of oppression. "Not only the right of the student to express oneself was trampled, but the student's right to education was put on line."
According to Kate Montecarlo Cordova, founder of the Association of Transgender People in the Philippines (ATP), "One of the identified positive benefits of school uniform is to promote a "sense of community" (which actually refers to classification or clustering). But this can be detrimental to transgender students if not properly managed/implemented for this can deprive their self-expression, their sense of identity, their authenticity."
Cordova added that "the imposition of school uniform with strict observance to the heteronormative gender binary can be an utter threat to transgender students while serving a meaningless purpose to learning."
There are somewhat practical efforts that can be done.
For one, Cordova suggested that if uniform is really needed, then schools should implement gender neutral school uniforms (e.g. gender neutral or unisex design and cut of school uniforms, and no prescribed length of hair for those assigned male at birth). Or, simply, "let the students wear uniforms based on their sense of being," Cordova said.
Secondly, Cordova said that it is important for any educational institution to "undergo extensive trainings, workshops and lectures not just about gender sensitivity but also, specifically, about transgender issues to understand the complexities of transgender human rights and health needs."
And thirdly, Cordova suggests for transgender students to "rightfully assert and claim their rights to exist and learn by standing up to what is just and righteous to their authentic self by: 1. Being knowledgeable of their rights, 2. Being vocal about their identity, and 3. Being brave to socially present their sense of self."
Back in PUP-SHS, the school principal Comuyog thinks that high school students are "confused" because they can see some transgender college students grow their hair, and they may also want to do the same. While she acknowledges how some of the SHS students want to "emulate" the college students, she also said that this isn't necessarily possible because of "certain policies".
Particularly, Comuyog noted PUP-SHS's Code of Conduct that highlights (in Section 3) that "every student shall dress up according to the conventions of decency and proper grooming… dyan nakapaloob ang haircut for male and hairstyle for female."
Section 3 of the Code of Conduct specifically states: "Every PUP student shall dress up according to the conventions of decency and proper grooming.
Also, to wit:
3.1 – Every PUP Senior High student is expected to demonstrate personal grooming standards of cleanliness and to wear the prescribed uniform while inside the school premises, during educational exposures or work immersion, and during official off-campus events.
3.2 – Students must observe the following provisions when wearing the prescribed school uniform:
3.2.1 – Uniforms should be kept buttoned and properly worn;
3.2.2 – School ID must be worn at all times within the school premises;
3.2.3 – The hairstyle for female should be simple and well kept, while the acceptable haircut for male must be off the eyebrows and above the collar line (EMPHASIS OURS);
3.2.4 – Moustache and side beards are not allowed;
3.2.5 – Hair color may be allowed provided that it is not vulgar.
The Code of Conduct does not discuss SOGIE (and implications to the uniform policy), but enforce these requirements based on assigned sex at birth.
Comuyog quipped that it is only now that the said (haircut) policy is becoming an issue. And here, she also holds accountable some educators.
"Yun namang teacher nila, napapabayaan sila kaya if there is a person na mas liable, itong mga teacher kasi ina-allow nila. Kasi may teacher din tayong mahaba ang buhok, may teacher tayong nakatali ang buhok. 'Yun ang nakikita nitong mga bata (There are teachers who just let their students be, so if there's someone liable, it's the teacher who allows this. This may also be because some teachers assigned male at birth grow their hair long. And this is what these students see)," Comuyog said.
But – again – since there aren't any students who talked to her and said that she is a transgender person, Comuyog said that she remains "unaware of this." And that "just in case that she will be aware" of this, then she will have to consider the individual student's situation.
For Professor Earl Guzman, SHS and college professor, and an open member of the LGBTQIA community, forcing the students to cut their hair, especially if they identify as gay or transgender, is abuse. "Kasi itong mga taong 'to, itong mga kabataang ito, yung buhok nila (These kids' hair) and how they present themselves are part of their gender identity," he said.
Guzman added that teaching the students how to be gender sensitive yet confining them in the same heteronormative stereotypes, same heteronormative ways of expressing themselves, "kind of defeats its purpose."
"Tayo as PUPians (Products of PUP), we're so proud of being at the frontier of fighting for sexual equality. Eh eto nga, ginigipit natin ngayon (And now we're pressuring these students to conform). It all makes us look like hypocrites," Guzman said.
For Guzman, the principal should listen to the students as well because what is happening most of the time is that teachers become just enforcers of rules or policies, and teachers owe it to the students to listen to them.
"Anong klaseng lesson kasi 'yung tinuturo natin sa students kapag ganon (What kind of lesson are we teaching the students), when we refuse to hear them out? Are we telling them that we know better than them? May mga pagkakataon na (There are times when) we know better than them pero kasi (but also) we're not the ones living their lives right now, it's them," he said. "Maybe we should take their experiences into account; maybe we should listen to what they have to say. Kasi hindi puwedeng ano (Because the case shouldn't be)… in our desire to enforce obedience, ang nangyayari ay (what happens is we create) blind obedience."
For his part, PUP Kasarianlan head Vergara said that this kind of discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA community also happens in other schools – i.e. this goes beyond PUP-SHS.
In "Being LGBT in Asia: The Philippines Country Report" – written by Michael David C. Tan for USAID and UNDP – it was reported that forcing transgender women to get haircuts before allowing them to access education is one of the common anti-LGBTQIA policies still common in the Philippines, along with: the conduct of "masculinity tests" (where effeminate students had to "prove" they were "man enough" to be allowed to enroll, or stay in school) conducted by some schools, and instances when LGBTQIA students were made to sign "contracts" to ensure they did not express their sexual orientation or gender identity while going to school.
But Watson also acknowledges that – sadly – they can only do what little help they can.
In the end, Guzman hopes that this will be settled, with all parties involved discussing this. "Let's be civilized. Let's add something positive to the discourse. 'Wag nating gawing (Let's not turn the issue into an) excuse para siraan 'yung mga bagay, tao, o policy na hindi naman natin dapat siraan (to destroy people or policies that need not be destroyed). And then, let's come to an agreement. I think we should all try to understand where everyone is coming from," Guzman said.
And while the discussions happen, the likes of Jenny are caught in the middle, who – in the end – really just want to finish schooling while being true to oneself.
Lesbian Lumad
What is it like to be a lesbian and also a part of an indigenous group? For Teng Calimpang, the Tagbawa ethnic group of people at the foot of Mt. Apo accepted her, so she hopes other lesbian Lumads live good lives both as LGBTQIA community members and as Lumads.
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
"Dili lisod mag-lesbian ka diri kay tanan diri murag paryente lang nako, mga pinsan lang (It isn't hard to be a lesbian here because everyone here is just like a relative, just like my cousins)," Teng Calimpang, who is from Meohao at the foot of Mt. Apo, said. "Tanan pud mga tawo nakabalo kung kinsa ko ug unsa ko (People here also know who I am and what I am)."
Teng's family is from the Tagbawa Manobo ethic group of people. Originally from Bansalan, her mother met her father in Meohao, where they decided to eventually settle. Also because of being based here, Teng is fluent in Bagobo Diangan, spoken by another ethnic group of people particularly at the foot of Mt. Apo.
At least in her experience, being a lesbian is a non-issue for her people (Tagbawa Manobo), as well as for her "adopted" Bagobo Diangan family.
Teng was 10 when she recognized her "otherness"; she did not like wearing girls' clothes, and she preferred doing things that boys do. At 15, "diha na nako napansin nga… na-feel na nako nga dili gyud nako ma-love ang boy (I noticed that I was not attracted to members of the opposite sex)." Teng said that "babae ang mugawas sa akoang heart ba (I was attracted also to women)."
Teng told her family about "ang tinuod (the truth)." And "okay lang sa ilaha. Tanggap gyud ko nila (it's fine with them. They accepted me as a lesbian)."
Now 48, Teng works for Dole Phils. (Stanfilco Division). After work, she is also a local healer, giving "hilot (traditional massage)" to those who seek her out for the same.
Teng credits her "lolo (grandfather)" for her gift to heal.
She was 15 when she was "taught" how to "help people"; she dreamt her then-deceased grandfather show her how to do so, serving as a passing-of-the-torch to heal others.
Teng said that there are two kinds of people who help – one who expects to be grandly paid for the effort, and one who doesn't. "Donation, okay lang sa ako-a (I'm okay with just receiving donations)," she said, adding that it already makes her happy that "nakatabang ko sa ilahang kinahanglan sa lawas (at least I've helped people with their needs)."
Teng had a heterosexual-identifying GF in the past; but that relationship didn't last. She noted that there are some women who just want to be financially supported; they leave their partners when they have gotten what they wanted, or if their partner can't offer them what they really want (i.e. wealth). "Pait kaayo ba (This makes being lesbian hard)."
Now single, Teng has other lesbian friends, and not all of them from Lumad communities. But her friends are now based overseas, where they work. She admitted that it can be lonely at times, but that technology (e.g. social networking sites) help alleviate the loneliness since she can at least chat with them even if they're apart.
Teng also has an adopted child, given to her when the child was only a month old. She is now 18.
"Lisud gyud (sa sinugdanan) kay syempre ang acting nimo is as a boy, so nalisdan ko pagpa-dako niya (It was hard for me to raise her at first because I am masculine/not stereotypically motherly)," Teng said. "But I gradually learned how to properly raise her."
To other lesbians who may also belong to Lumad communities, Teng said: "Kung unsa gyud sila sa ilang panginabuhi, ipadayun na nila (Continue living your true selves in living a good life)."
And in the end, "learn from me as I say that you can be good people as lesbians."
All hail the beauty queen
A glimpse into the life of a trans woman beauty pageant enthusiast, Ms Mandy Madrigal of Transpinay of Antipolo Organization.
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
"I feel accepted."
That, said Mandy Madrigal, is the main appeal of joining beauty pageants.
"I feel so loved when I join pageants. Especially when people clap for us, cheer for us. And when you win… it (just) feels different."
Assigned male at birth, Mandy was in primary school when her father asked her if "I was a boy or a girl". That question scared her, she admitted, because – as the only boy among six kids – she thought she did not really have "any choice". "So I answered my father, 'I am a boy'."
But Mandy's father asked her the same question again; and this time, "I said, yes, I am gay."
No, Mandy is NOT gay; she is a transpinay, and a straight one at that. But the misconceptions about the binary remains – i.e. in this case, she is associated with being gay mainly because she did not identify with the sex assigned her at birth.
In a way, Mandy said she's lucky because "I believe he (my father) accepted (me) with his whole heart."
The rest of her family did, too.
Though – speaking realistically – Mandy said this may be abetted by her "contributions" to the family. "Hindi naman aka basta naging bakla lang (I'm not a 'typical' gay person)," she said, "na naglalandi lang o sumasali lang ng pageant (who just flirts, or just joins beauty pageants). Instead, Mandy provides financial support to her family by – among others – selling RTW clothes and beauty products. In fact, some of her winnings also go to the family's coffers. By helping provide them with what they need, "it's easy for them to accept me as a transgender woman."
Growing up, Mandy realized that while "makakapagsinungaling ka sa ibang tao, pero sarili mo, hindi mo maloloko. Kaya mas magandang tanggapin mo ang sarili mo para matanggap ka ng ibang tao (you may be able to lie to others about who you really are, but you can't lie to yourself. So it's better to accept your true self so that others will be able to accept you too)."
Mandy was "introduced" to beauty pageants when she was 13 or 14. At that time, a friend asked her to join a pageant; and "I won first runner up." She never looked backed since, even – at one time – earning as much as P20,000 after winning a title. Like many regular beauconeras (beauty pageant participants), she also heads to distant provinces to compete, largely because – according to her – prizes in provincial competitions tend to be higher. The prize money earned helps one buy more paraphernalia for the next pageants, and – in Mandy's case – also helps support her family.
Beauty pageants are competitions, yes; but for Mandy, pageants also allow the candidates to form bonds as they get close to each other. Pageants, she said, can be a way "na maging close kami, magkaroon ng magagandang bonding… at magkakilala kami (for us to be close, to bond and get to know the others better)."
Pageants can be costly, Mandy admitted – for instance, "you have to invest," she said, adding that a candidate needs to be able to provide for herself (instead of just always renting) costumes, swimsuits, casual wear, gowns, and so on.
In a way, therefore, having people who believe in you helps. In Mandy's case, for instance, a lot of people helped (by providing necessities she needs) because "naniniwala sila na I am a queen inside and out," she smiled.
But this support can also rack the nerves, particularly when people expect one to win (particularly because of the support given).
One will not always win, of course; and this doesn't always give one good feelings. In 2017, for instance, Mandy joined Queen of Antipolo, and – after failing to win a crown – she said many people told her she should have won the title, or at least placed among the runners-up. "naguluhan ang utak ko (That confused me)," she said. "'Bakit ako ang gusto ninyong manalo?' But that's when I realized na marami ako na-i-inspire na tao dahil marami nagtitiwala sa akin (I ask, 'Why do you want me to win?' But that's when I realized that I inspire a lot of people, which is why they count on me)."
This gives her confidence; enough to deal with the nervousness that will also allow her to just enjoy any pageant she joins.
Mandy believes pageants can help LGBTQI people by providing them a platform to showcase to non-LGBTQI people why "hindi tayo dapat husgahan (we should not be judged)."
Generally speaking, Mandy said that "ang tunay na queen ay may malaking puso (a real queen has a big heart)."
And she knows that not every pageant is good for every contestant. There will be pageants where you will be crowned the queen, she said, just as there will be pageants where you will lose. But over and above the winning and losing, note "what's most important: that there's a lot of people who supported you in a (certain) pageant."
At the end of the day, "sa lahat ng patimpalak, pagkatandaan natin na merong nananalo at may natatalo. Depende na lang yan sa araw mo. Kung ikaw ay nakatadhanang manalo ay mananalo ka; kung nakatadhanang matalo ay matatalo ka talaga. Yun lang yun. Isipin mo na lang na meron pang araw na darating na mas maganda para sa iyo (in all competitions, remember that there will always be a winner and a loser. It all depends on your luck for the day. If you are fated to win, you will win; if you are fated to lose, you will lose. That's that. But still remember – even when you lose – that there will always come a day that will be great for you)."
Paolo, naked
Paolo Dumlao, a pansexual Filipino performance artist, uses his naked body as a canvas, believing that art can help the people – both the artist and those who see the artworks. "It makes people think, ask… and feel," he said, all relevant because "we're not robots; we're humans."
This is part of #KaraniwangLGBT, which Outrage Magazine officially launched on July 26, 2015 to offer vignettes of LGBT people/living, particularly in the Philippines, to give so-called "everyday people" – in this case, the common LGBT people – that chance to share their stories.
As Outrage Magazine editor Michael David C. Tan says: "All our stories are valid – not just the stories of the 'big shots'. And it's high time we start telling all our stories."
Four years ago, Paolo Dumlao, a pansexual Filipino, did his first performance art "as mema lang (out of whim)," he said. At that time, he just wanted to "tick off something from my bucket list." But he fell in love with the form, and so stayed with it.
Here's the thing: In his performances, Paolo is always without clothes since he is a nude artist.
There is reason behind this, he said. "It's not because it's something different, or because it's something new since it's been done before… but because for me, the feeling (when one is nude) is very vulnerable, and I think it's my most vulnerable form, and I want to be in that state when I perform so I can emphasize with people."
To be clear, Paolo is not a performing artist; instead, he is a performance artist.
Performance art is different from performing arts. With the latter, "you are portraying a character that is not you. So you're using your body as a canvas to create another character. When it comes to performance art, you yourself are the character, and the message you relay is different outside of the text," he said. "At least that's what I am doing."
Paolo noted that there are people who see performances of nude artists as sexual, and he said that this is not necessarily true.
On the one hand, just because one is naked doesn't mean the piece is sexual, as "it could be pure, it could be wholesome (even if the performer is not clothed). And I am able to show these (through my performances), and that (things aren't) just black and white."
And so, it is worth stressing, "it is not pornography; I am not selling my body, I am just using my body as canvas for my art."
Paolo said that malice needs to be removed when viewing particularly his performances – i.e. "We don't give malice when seeing a naked child, so why give malice when seeing a naked adult?" This is particularly true when "they're not doing anything malicious or anything sexual."
On the other hand, Paolo said with emphasis, even if the piece is also sexual, it's not like there's something wrong with that. "We're all different; sensuality is different for everyone, just as sexuality is different for everyone. You can be modest and that empowers you, and that's fine. You could be very, very promiscuous and very sexual, and that empowers you, and that's fine, too. As long as you're responsible with yourself, you're responsible when dealing with other people, and you know for a fact you're not stepping on other people's toes."
Though Paolo has been inspired by various artists, his main inspiration are the people he deals with while performing. "My interaction creates an experience for me, and from that experience, I get inspired to make more art," he said.
Paolo said he gets two reactions when he performs. For one, there are people who get "the vulnerability," he said. And, secondly, "there are times when (people) get intimidated." But with performance art, "your art is effective when you get a reaction, once it creates discourse." And so for Paolo, the piece still works "even if only one person gets it."
There are members of his family who disapprove of what he does, though Paolo said this is largely due to security/safety issues – e.g. he could get harassed, or he could be accused of harassing and could get in trouble for this. But Paolo said that he is actually cautious when planning performances, making sure that – yes – he does so in a safe space where he won't be harassed, and only in contexts where he won't knowingly end up harassing people.
For those who oversimplify what he's doing as "just getting naked", Paolo said performing is actually very draining, not just mentally but also physically. Which is why "I look after my body," he said, "because I use my body as my canvas and I need to take care of it. I always make sure I am ready for it; it's strenuous."
If there's one lesson his performances taught him, it's that "we share similar stories," Paolo said. "We share similar pain, we share similar happiness or success… The levels may be different on how we deal with these, but they're similar."
And after his performances, if there is one thing he wants those who see him to take away from seeing him, it's the ability to "ask questions," Paolo said. "Never be afraid to ask questions. It's a start of being curious, of interacting with other people. So if possible, ask all the questions you can ask. It's a way to grow as a person."
Editor's Picks
Worsening #ARVshortage in the Phl?
On Jan. 9, the Philippines gained a new HIV and AIDS law that is supposed to better the lives of Filipinos living with HIV. But many in the HIV community mark this day with distress, largely because of the worsening ARV shortage.
In September 2018, Xander (not his real name; anonymity requested), a Filipino living with HIV, claimed that he was told by the person working in the pharmacy of his hub to "consume already-expired medicines (the three-in-one tablet of Lamivudine/Tenofovir/Efavirenz)", and that "it is "still good for three months after the expiration date."
Since dealing with ARV-related issue is not new to him (it happened to him in the last quarter of 2013), he complained and was given newer meds. Noticeably, "those who didn't complain – like I did – ended up using the expired meds," he said.
Xander can only recall how he earlier lamented – again in 2013 – that the ARV shortage will happen again, particularly considering the continuing denial of the Department of Health (DOH) about this issue.
The 9th of January is supposed to be a happy day particularly for Filipinos living with HIV and their advocates. On that day, the newly-signed Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act was released after it was signed into law by Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. By replacing the 20-year-old Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine National AIDS and Control Act of 1998, this new law is supposed to boost the government's response to HIV and AIDS by making health services for HIV and AIDS more accessible to Filipinos.
But many in the HIV community mark this day with distress, largely because of the worsening ARV shortage, which is not helped by the denial of the issue by various heads of offices – including government officials, as well as those helming treatment hubs/facilities and even select non-government organizations (NGOs).
In an unsigned statement (as if so that no one can be "chased" to be held accountable for the same statement), the DOH seemed to belittle the issue by outright claiming that there's an 'alleged' shortage of ARVs; even as it also stated that they take the issue of HIV infection in the country seriously. Part of this is to take "great steps to ensure that access for HIV treatments are available for those who are diagnosed with HIV."
The DOH statement added:
"As of October 2018, we have enrolled 32,224 persons living with HIV for treatment with ARV such as Nevirapine, Lamivudine/Tenofovir. The DOH has been providing free ARV to Filipinos living with HIV through our HIV treatment hubs.
"Based on our records, there are 3,200 registered PLHIV who are on Nevirapine and 1,791 PLHIV on Lamivudine/Tenofovir, as of December last year.
That just about half of the total PLHIVs in the Philippines use ARVs is worth noting, even if it's another issue altogether.
But the mention of these two meds/cocktails is important because the complaints reaching – among others – Outrage Magazine, Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari Center) other and HIV-related community-based organizations/non-government organizations particularly currently mention these.
In Quezon City, for instance, at least eight PLHIVs alleged that they have been given incomplete medications – i.e. they were supplied with either Lamivudine/Tenofovir or Lamivudine/Zidovudine, but they have not been receiving Nevirapine because this is not available. These people are, therefore, taking incomplete meds.
Pinoy Plus's hotline, PRC, has received similar allegations of non-delivery of Nevirapine.
In Cavite (Imus, Bacoor and Dasmariñas), at least three clients surfaced to allege about the same issue. PLHIVs are now "borrowing" each others' Nevirapine supply just so they don't miss their required dosage because their hub does not have supplies from the DOH.
There are similar allegations in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Zamboanga City.
And in Alabang, the pharmacy of a treatment hub even posted on January 8, 2019 an announcement that "due to the shortage and delay of the deliveries at DOH, only one bottle will be dispensed of the following medicines: Nevirapine (200mg tablet); Lamivudine (150mg)/Zidovudine (300mg tablet); and Lamivudine (300mg)/Tenofovir (300mg tablet)." The same hub is telling its clients to "wait for further announcement on stock availability."
Note that the RITM-AIDS Research Group's pharmacy is putting the blame on the DOH.
DOH's CLAIM
The same DOH statement stressed that "the latest data, as of January 4, confirms that Nevirapine has already been delivered to the 16 treatment hubs to meet the requirements for February-April 2019. For Lamivudine/Tenofovir, a month's supply has also been delivered to Regions X, VI and I. The rest of the regions will expect deliveries within this week."
Noticeably, the DOH statement responds to issues only this January, even if this concern has been circulating in the PLHIV community since 2018, and only peaked now.
There are fewer ARV refills now. If, in the past, the usual practice is for hubs to give PLHIVs three bottles of ARV to last them for three months, a growing number are now complaining about the supply being cut to one month in numerous hubs – e.g. there's that post in RITM's pharmacy. Some allege that they are even supplied ARVs just for a week or even just for three days.
Due to the ARV shortage that the DOH is not outright confronting, expired medicines are allegedly being given to PLHIVs – as in the case of Xander.
Also due to the ARV shortage, the medication of a number of PLHIVs are allegedly being changed not because it's medically sound, but because their usual medicines are not readily available. In Mandaluyong City, there are PLHIVs who claimed to have been told to use Lamivudine/Tenofovir/Efavirenz because it's the only available ARV. If they refuse to do so, then they will have to stop taking their usual medications until such time when the delivery of supplies are normalized again.
To allow the DOH to respond to these claims, Outrage Magazine repeatedly reached out to the government body. Upon calling the media relations unit (at +63 2 651-7800 loc. 1126), we were turned over to the office of Dr. Gerard Belimac (+63 2 651-7800 locs. 2355, 2352, 2354). Five attempts were made to speak with Belimac or any other authority in his office, but he has been unavailable at those five times; and even after leaving requests for a statement from him on the ARV shortage, as of press time, the publication has not heard back.
As this is a continuing story, coordination will continue to – eventually hopefully – extensively hear from the DOH on this issue.
The DOH statement also stated that it is "working closely with our suppliers to ensure that there are no gaps in our supply chain. In fact, we are waiting for deliveries of an additional 12,375 bottles of Nevirapine good for another three months and 7,024 bottles of Lamivudine/Tenofovir good for another two months."
The DOH also claimed that it is continuing to explore "for more partners in providing excellent support for Filipinos living with HIV-AIDS and in ending the deadly disease."
As if wanting to pacify the complaining PLHIVs, the DOH statement transferred to responsibility to "HIV doctors to explore possible options", or visit Facebook page (PLHIV Response Center) or email email@example.com. Note the use of a gmail account for a body with millions in budget.
No investigations on where the errors in the supply chain is happening so that these can be fixed is forthcoming. No one being held accountable here.
Incidentally, Article V, Sec. 33 of the newly signed HIV law states: "The DOH shall establish a program that will provide free and accessible ART and medication for opportunistic infections to all PLHIVs who are enrolled in the program… A manual of procedures for management of PLHIV shall be developed by the DOH."
The IRR is not even there yet, but this mandate to provide life-saving meds is now already cast in doubt.
Xander – who only had a refill of his ARVs – said that many like him who posted about this issue online were told to stop doing so "because we are supposedly creating panic among PLHIVs."
He now says that people who cover up this issue are "as worse as those paid to work on this issue. Because if you go to the HIV community, we've long lived with worrying that our meds may not be given us at any moment. If some people think complaining about this is wrong, then they shouldn't be in HIV advocacy, but work as PR people of those failing to do their jobs."
In the end, "this needs to be resolved fast. Enough with discussing semantics on what we're having is a shortage or a stockout; the fact remains that there are PLHIVs not getting their supplies. Lives are at stake. So supply the ARVs; now."
Editor's Picks
PSA tackles in Filipino Sign Language what happens after rapid HIV test
What happens after you get tested for HIV? Particularly to "help simplify the HIV discussion for the Deaf community in the Philippines," a public service announcement was released on getting tested for HIV in the Philippines, and what happens after one gets tested.
One of the biggest confusions re HIV testing in the Philippines is answering the question on "what happens after one gets tested for HIV," said Disney Aguila, board member of Bahaghari Center for SOGIE Research, Education and Advocacy, Inc. (Bahaghari Center) and concurrent president of Pinoy Deaf Rainbow (PDR).
The confusion is not helped by numerous factors – e.g.: various testing facilities are, in a way, "autonomous", so there are varying practices; and information about post-testing remains limited.
No matter the reason/s for the confusion, "the effect is the same: it discourages many people from getting HIV testing and/or screening," Aguila said.
To demystify particularly rapid HIV screening to "help simplify the HIV discussion for the Deaf community in the Philippines," a public service announcement (PSA) was released on getting tested for HIV in the Philippines, and what happens after one gets tested.
The PSA is the third in a series of PSAs produced as part of a Bahaghari Center project backed by a collaboration between Youth LEAD and Y-PEER (Asia Pacific Center), which eyed to address Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) needs of Young Key Populations (YKPs) in Asia and the Pacific.
PSA on HIV basics released in Filipino Sign Language
Particularly pertaining rapid HIV test, "we want to educate particularly Deaf Filipinos about post-testing – that, if you are non-reactive, there are steps you can do to stay non-reactive; and if you're positive, help is available to help you access treatment, care and support (including getting antiretroviral medicines) so you can live a long, healthy life."
PSA on getting tested for HIV released in Filipino Sign Language
Aguila stressed that knowing one's HIV status is important to protect oneself and others around him/her.
If one is HIV-positive, then he/she can start taking antiretroviral medicine (ARV) that will prevent the HIV (virus) from replicating and thereby help him/her stay healthy and live longer/normal lives.
And if one is HIV-negative, then he/she can take steps to stay negative (for example, by practicing safer sexual practices).
"It starts with getting oneself tested," Aguila said, "which is why we encourage people to get tested."
Most hospitals and clinics can give HIV testing.
Social hygiene clinics (SHC) located in select barangays can also give HIV testing and/or HIV screening.
Various non-government organizations also offer HIV testing and/or screening.
There are also people who are certified to give rapid HIV test.
A series of community-based HIV testing trainings are given to select members of the Deaf community in Metro Manila/Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao is to "empower members of the Deaf community to be more proactive in dealing with HIV by allowing the Deaf to help the Deaf." These trainings are provided by The Red Ribbon Project, Inc.
Other supporters of the project include: Outrage Magazine, Fringe Publishing, Pinoy Deaf Rainbow, TransDeaf Philippines, Deaf Dykes United and Pinoy Deaf Queer.
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text: It?s the first day of school at prestigious Solstice High. Seniors Matt, Rochelle, Daphne, and Jonas each have a big surprise waiting for them. When the four friends undergo a freak accident, they begin to develop superhuman abilities and come to realize that all is not as it seems within the bleak walls of their high school. While dealing with the day-to-day challenges of being teenagers, they must also confront their sinister principal, Mr. Devlin, who seems to have more than just education on his agenda.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ROTA Hierarchy
Riders Of The Apocalypse
Click here to edit subtitle
Main Consultant Responsibilities and Rank
Main consultants are ROTA's way of keeping the community fresh and active throughout the different games of PC and 360. Because ROTA has only four leaders, four co-leaders, and nearly twenty different games and rising, it becomes difficult to create new activities for our members. Therefore, each game will have a main consultant to help the leaders keep in touch with their members throughout different games. Main consultants have a rank below co-leader, meaning that they still demand respect, and will be treated as superiors, but we promise that they will not act superior. Please just follow their judgement and their example, and if you need help with training in a certain game, try to contact the main consultant of that game, and they will help you. If you cannot successfully reach them, try asking other members for help, or contact one of the other leaders. Remember, the consultants are here to help you keep up-to-date with the community, so respect what they have to say, and they will lead you to victory.
NOTE TO CONSULTANTS: It is your responsibility to report any changes that you would like to see to your page to ROTAleaderWAR, so that he can make them immediately. It is also your job to report any upcoming clan battles to ROTAleaderWAR so that he can post them on the calendar, that way players who are interested may volunteer to fight. Lastly, consultants may not always recruit members for the same division that they are in, mainly for the fact that not all consultants are in different divisions. If you are recruiting members, please try to vary the different divisions in which you are placing new members, and refer them to the site please.


text:
|2,322 Sq Ft
Description of 305 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019
Amazing opportunity for business owner or investor on Route 44 in Canton. Traffic count is 30,000 cars per day. Frontage on Rt. 44 is 136 feet. Well kept professional office building with many updates features space for 7-8 offices. Occupy the entire building or sublet to 3 tenants. Finished lower level has walk out entrance. (Two rooms are currently set up for bedroms).One full and two half baths. Central air conditioning. Fireplace and kitchen on main level. Paved parking lot in rear with 8 spaces. Must see! Great location!
Property Features of 305 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019
Year Built
Annual Taxes
|Central air
|Forced air heat
|Oil heat
|Off street parking
|Parking spaces: 8
|Brick exterior
|Lot acreage is: 0.8500
|Sloped lot
|Lot on state road
|Lot zoned: SB
|Asphalt roof
|Shingle roof
|Public sewer
|Well water
|Total square feet: 2322
|Tax year: July 2017-June 2018


text:
Search Ebay for Skates and More
Search Ebay for Inline Skates
Search Ebay for Skate Wheels
Search Ebay for 100mm Skate Wheels
Where to buy Inline Skate Speed Wheels?
good experiences with these online stores
I've had at least two good experiences (and no bad) with:
Re: wheels purchased online
I have purchased all of my wheels through ebay. Some from individuals and some from ebay stores. I have always had good service, fast delivery. Prices are good, but sometimes you don't get the selection you would get from a skate store.
I have purchased some skate stuff, a brke and ankle bolsters, from Webber sports. They have free shipping, got the product in a few days. Good communication they never kept me in the dark on any part of the sale. I picked out the merchandise I wanted and phoned in the order, couldn't have been any easier. You can place the order online, but I had a few questions I needed to ask the salesperson. As far as wheels their prices seem as good as anyone elses, and I am sure you would get the same fast service.
Skate Wheel Sources
I have ordered several times over the years, including last week, from http://backstreetinline.com. The site is very simple and the deals are a bit complicated, but good. The guy that runs it, Paul, is a friend of our Roadskater.net pal, Linda C., a New Jersey member of the Empire Skate Club.
When it comes to wheels, most vendors seem to have learned their lesson in the 80mm to 84mm transition. I've overheard conversations among wheel guys who were stuck with tons of 80mm wheels they couldn't sell after 5x84 frames took over quickly one summer. Even I have lots of 80mm wheels around and I was not trying to keep extras. Once that 84mm frame came in I never went back. Many who sell wheels now have them sent out from distributors, I think, instead of keeping inventories around.
The least expensive way to deal with backstreetinline.com is to get a US Postal Service money order (the kind you get at the post office, not anywhere else) and send that via mail. Usually the deal is a bit better if you order two sets, as he charges $5 extra if you just buy one set.
However, I usually just pay a bit more to use my card. It's easy enough just to call them and place the order by phone, but what I usually do is post the order online using their form so it is written instead of by voice), then they call me to get my credit card info. Sounds complicated, but it's pretty easy.
I've always had good luck
I've always had good luck with http://www.adamsinline.com. He has most major brands in stock, fast shipping and reasonable prices. I've bought many sets of wheels and bearings for Adam, always great service. Adam is a skater and supports the sport by sponsoring many marathons around the MN area.
I have also shopped at http://www.nettracing.com. Great service, but farther away (CA). Either company should have your wheels.
Hope to see some 'Roadskaters' in Duluth next month!


text:
"Virtual Assistant"– this term has been buzzing around for quite some time now. Many companies are searching a VA who could help with the accomplishment of certain business tasks. What, exactly, does a virtual assistant do?
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who is skilled in providing administrative, technical and/or creative business support services. They work offsite as well, thus the term "virtual." Virtual assistants provide various types of services, depending on their respective skillsets and on what the companies require and need. We, at 2nd Office, have several VA categories grouped according to specialization:
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Our virtual assistants can help you in many different ways. Make your life a lot easier by partnering with a reliable and competent VA. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to discuss details with you.


text:
Schedule a showing or get more information!
Contact Us
If you have questions about availability or pricing just submit the form above!
Studios to 2 bedrooms
Contact us for floor plans! Get your pick before it's too late. The building is filling up.
Pet Friendly
We know how important your pets are to you! They are welcome here!
We have garage parking, bike spots and not to mention all the shops and necessities within walking distance.
Views, Views, Views
Enjoy the prime Tennyson 44 location with mountain and city views! Many of our units have private balconies!


text:
Amy Stuck in an ENF Story Part 2
Amy Stuck in an ENF Story
Part 2
By Jappio
âHaving me do your work for you?â she thought. âOk Katie. You have to promise to keep this a secret.â Amy said, her friend nodding in agreement. âWell, you see.â
âOn with it.â I whispered.
âNo need to whisper, she canât hear you.â Amy responded to me out loud.
âHuh?â Katie asked, getting a bit lost.
âOh not talking to you, sorry.â Amy tried covering. âNot going to edit that one out I take it?â Amy asked silently this time.
âNot a chance. This is an embarrassed female story after all.â I reasoned back to her.
Continuing on with her discussion with her friend, âWell you see. Iâve been reading some stories. Well just that there are some themes Iâve liked a lot. I read stuff like girls being naked in public, or in some way forced to go naked. Even stories about girls being exposed and embarrassed. Stuff written by certain dirty minded writers,â
âUncalled for,â I said.
âBut yeah, the thoughts of those stories have just been getting to me.â Amy said finally. Katie the whole time had this look of curiosity on her face. For a moment she thought, then smiled.
âOk I get it. Itâs sort of an exhibitionist thing. You like being seen naked and junk, or at least want to.â Katie reasoned.
âYes, by chance Katie somehow already knows stuff about ENF and exhibitionism to come up with that theory. I mean the chances sound low, but hey, as long as it means the two of us eventually ending up-â Amy didnât have time to end her thought, as I wouldnât let her.
âTell you what. Iâll keep your little kink a secret, but you have to let me help you out with it!â Katie said grinning broadly.
âNo, you donât have to do anything. Itâs really nothing.â Amy begged for a moment, not wanting someone to get involved.
âHey, I wouldnât let a friend down. Now letâs go get something to eat.â Katie said as the two exited the bathroom. Amy was nervous at what Katie had meant. Suddenly her little adventure was probably going to take a new turn.
A new turn it did take too. As the two were walking down the hall, Katie suddenly had taken a step behind Amy. Before Amy could notice, Katie had her hands in the waistband of her pants. âWhat are you?â Amy said to Katie, or was she saying it to me? Oh well, regardless Katie only smirked as she pulled the pants down to the ground.
âOh my god!â Amy shouted as she looked around to see the few sparse people still in the hall now looking at her. She was frozen stiff in fear. âIf I were in any control, I wouldnât have loudly gasped like that. I also would be pulling my pants up by now.â She thought to me, but of course she could only stand and stare blankly. âFine sorry, just let me cover already.â The embarrassment was amazing for her.
âOh Amy, I didnât realize you didnât have panties on!â Katie said, probably a little loudly. Katie had only planned on showing off her friendâs panties. Amy finally moved her hands down, both between her legs, cupping her pussy. Blushing profoundly, she didnât know what to do. âLet me guess though. Under my hands, although I am thoroughly embarrassed, I also find that Iâm actually a little bit wet?â
âSee, told you liked this stuff.â I mocked her. She resigned to her fate and eventually got the wit to pull up her pants. She had her bottom on show for such a long time, and even her lips a bit too for so long she just wished the earth would eat her she was so embarrassed.
âCliché line after clichéâ line. I want to know where the originality in this story comes in.â Amy complained. However soon she was at lunch with Katie, finding a quiet table to just enjoy each others company. At first Amy couldnât even look Katie in the eye; Katie was tactfully quiet at first.
âSo, Iâm sorry about the thing in the hall before, but from what I can tell, you must have loved it.â Katie said in a hushed voice.
âOh umm, itâs OK what you did, but I didnâtâ¦â Amy said as her sentence trailed off.
âYou canât lie to me. Look at those nipples of yours. I bet the whole thing has been on your mind since.â Katie said.
Knowing she couldnât keep it a secret, âBecause you would just make me tell it anyways.â Amy knew she had to come clean to her friend. âIâve never felt anything more thrilling.â
âUndo another button.â Katie said as she looked around real quick.
âWhat?â Amy said in confusion.
âUndo another button on your shirt. In fact two more.â Katie said as she again was smiling in her own evil way. âYou know you want to.â
âOh the progressional unbuttoning of a blouse, such an overused way of exposing a girl.â Amy thought to herself as she did as Katie asked, although hesitantly. âHesitantly is a bit too common too.â Amyâs breasts were now barely contained in the shirt. Her nipples begged to pop out, her aerolas on the edge of the shirt. That was all after one button too. Amy was smart and took the next button off from the bottom.
âOf if youâre going to cheat, 2 more buttons.â Katie said giggling. Amy only followed as Katie said. Amy didnât want to back down now and disappoint her friend. She couldnât help but also love the feeling of something so risky. Two more buttons were undone and her shirt hung on from two middle buttons.
âWhat do we have here? Is little Amy giving in to a more flirty side?â said the girl who suddenly sat down next to the two girls. The girlâs name wasâ¦
âLet me do it since I know exactly what itâs probably about. This girl is Brianne, and she is one of those bitchy high school hot girls. She is for no apparent reason really antagonistic towards me. She feigns being friendly to just get in close to me and mock me in some way. Soon she will be the source for much humiliation to me.â
Amy was right in her summary. âYou should probably actually think about writing you know. Youâd probably be able to write one heck of a story.â I complimented her, knowing though she wouldnât enjoy the suggestion.
âSo, whatâs the occasion? Decided youâve been enough of a tease and just want to get in some guys pants as fast as possible before graduation?â Brianne joked with an annoying laugh. âNot even wearing a bra, allowing for easy access, huh?â
Amy only blushed to the girls comments. She didnât know what to say.
âOh, Amy here is just trying something out.â Katie said in her semi-defense.
âWhat, being a slut?â Brianne said with another laugh.
âActually I have a sincere request. The word slut is a tad strong and unfair if you ask me. I know I donât have much say in what little perverted story you write, but Iâd prefer if you werenât too demeaning. Some of the readers probably wonât want to feel bad for me after all.â Amy reasoned.
âGood point I guess actually. Iâll tone it down in that department.â I assured her.
âSo, little shy Amy feels like showing off a little. I can see itâs having quite the effect on you.â Brianne said extending a finger to lightly brush against Amyâs hard nipples. Amy gasped at the touch and bounced back a bit. Her breast bobbled and threatened to pop out. Brianne though still went to flick the other nipple. Katie only smiled as she watched poor Amy getting teased like this.
âYep, look at just little ole me being randomly submissive to this girl. Yep, just sitting here let anyone who happens to look to see this display. Of course why worry about anyone stares, not like a teacher would notice this happening.â The cheeky girl thought to herself.
Amy was saved by the bell eventually as lunch was suddenly over. âWeâll talk later about your new choice of dress Amy.â Brianne said wandering off. Katie could only smile as the two got up.
âI have to get going too. Meet after school at my car. We can hang out and talk about stuff.â Amy said before bursting out in a bit of a giggle. âAlso donât do anything too crazy.â She said as she left Amy by herself with her thoughts.
âI hardly count having your absurd narrations going through my head as being alone.â Now two people knew slightly about her want to be naked. She worried about what her friend Katie was going to help her with and even more afraid of what Brianne had planned. The only thing though that made her not feel horrible about it all was the arousal she was going through. The shirt she had on that was barely hiding her breast, and the roughness of her jeans on her bare bottom reminded her about her lack of panties. The slight nipple play from before she also had to admit she liked. âShutting me up by turning me on, huh?â
Iâd say classes continued on for normal for Amy, but they really didnât. Her lack of clothing kept her on edge. She at one point even considered running to the bathroom to relieve herself, but she didnât dare do so. âOh god, youâre going to keep me on edge for like half this story, arenât you? The usual perpetually aroused girl, right?â Amy guessed, fearing that it would be true.
Soon it was Amyâs last period of the day, gym. She wasnât sure how she was going to change for the class without any underwear on. All the other girls probably would think something if they saw her get fully naked. She did the only thing she could think of, hide in the bathroom till they all left.
Going through gym in just a t-shirt and shorts was something new for Amy too. She couldnât help but notice the loose cotton material around her bottom. She felt so vulnerable with that small layer of clothing being the only thing covering her lips, which only seemed to grow wetter and wetter throughout the day. Her breast swaying below her top unsupported also gave her a similar free but vulnerable feel. She was afraid others might notice, but she felt she didnât have a choice. She just couldnât convince herself to put her underwear on for the rest of the day, it was a personal challenge.
âYou are awfully quiet.â I said to her as the students were doing a bit of wrap up stretching.
âBland stories like this donât deserve comments,â Amy rudely thought. Of course now as she bent forward stretching, she heard some giggling from behind her. A group of boys and girls in her class now noticed that half her butt had slipped out of her puny shorts. Tugging up her shorts, Amy could only blush. She also mentally snarled and said some bad words to me, but I wonât repeat those as I find them biased.
Back in the lockeroom, Amy almost made the mistake of changing amongst everyone. She had her hands in the waistband of her shorts when she realized again she had nothing on underneath. She quickly scurried into the restroom to wait for the girls to leave. She hoped it wouldnât be too long so everyone could go off home.
In the bathroom, Amy was left to only her thoughts. The day so far had been so much for her. She had done so much. Not so much to match some of her crazier fantasies or stories she read, but enough to get a good taste for it all. All day she had been aroused since she had made that stop in the bathroom earlier. âJust keep talking about my arousal. Thatâs a good substitute for story, right?â Amy again said in that irritating and unattractive sarcastic tone of hers. She was lucky for her cute appearance and her role in this story. Had she neither, no one would want to read about her. âI doubt that many people will be reading it anyways. I mean stories like this are dime a dozen. Nothing is going to interest anyone that much.â
The silence in the locker room broke Amy out of her rude mindset. She peeked her head out of the door to verify. Seeing no one around, she knew she could get changed again.
Of course as her shorts were being pulled down, she paused before putting her pants on. She thought about how the original idea and purpose of the locker room was to shower and that supposedly girls were supposed to get fully naked. Yet in this day and age, it seemed people only got down to their underwear during normal school gym. During swimming time, towels were worn to hide naked bodies even. Next Amy took off her shirt before putting on her pants, breaking up her usual routine.
âActually Iâm surprised. I figured with your whole âshyâ routine youâd have thrown in that I never change around the other girls. That I always wait and dawdle to change.â Amy remarked. She probably was just beginning to see how original I can be. "More of a laps of judgment I'd guess."
Sitting on the bench and pulling her socks off, Amy was fully naked for the second time that day at school. This time she was in a room that just moment ago had at least 15 other girls her age. She imagined herself being like this with them around, all of them able to gaze over her body. It took all of her will to keep her hands at her sides instead of between her legs.
She then thought about the showers. She never heard a rule they were off limits. She could probably use them without getting in any kind of trouble. She got up from her bench and walked over. She played with the knobs till a blast of cold water made her jump. A little more knob playing, âIf you were a decent writer, Iâd assume the knob playing thing to be foreshadowing,â the water soon grew to a more tolerable temperature, and Amy was now letting herself relax.
All the dayâs excitement was bubbling up, and she couldnât think of a reason to not to give in. She first lay a hand over one of her breast. Tweaking a hard nipple she sighed in pleasure. Doing the same to the other side, Amy was losing herself now. âOh I get it. My clothes are being stolen right now.â Right or wrong, Mary still continued to do as she was. Her own little world was enveloping her. "I'm going to be doing this as I don't notice the new visitor the room. They'll approach and startle me before I can climax." She traced a hand down her chest, over her flat stomach, and through her pubic hair. Spacing her stance out, her hand was met with a different kind of wetness. Her lips were puffed out, begging to be touched.
Her ensuing moans were interrupted by the sound of shoes against the tile floor. âWhat do we have here? Cleaning up?â came the voice behind her. Amy instantly froze. Who showed up after hours, and who had caught her in her embarrassing act?!
âBrianne I can only assume,â Amy luckily guessed. Indeed a hand reached over to turn the water off and turn Amy around. Brianne stood standing staring at the shocked naked girl. Her dripping body all offered for her eyes.Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 |
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Home of Rhett & Link fans - the Mythical Beasts!
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Finally I have joined. This will be fun.
Aw, thank you!! I hope you have some good ol' fun here on the Kommunity!
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Mohammed Mossadegh
Mohammed Mossadegh (1882-1967) was a member of the Majlis (the Iranian legislature) from its beginning into the 1950s. Mossadegh became Prime Minister of Iran and nationalized the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. He had also good relationships to the Communist Tudeh Party. Many believe that Mossadegh was democratically elected, but in fact during this time Iran was not a democracy, but a monarchy. The Shah had the right to appoint and dismiss the prime minister.[1] Mossadegh even behaved like a dictator himself. He imprisoned thousands of his opponents. Some of Mossadegh´s former allies wrote to the United Nations to end his dictatorship.[2]
In 1953 Mossadegh was overthrown by CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt's grandson. This event was called a "coup", but actually the CIA only reinstated Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, more commonly known as the Shah of Iran, who was the constitutional rightful leader.


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Palau was close to defeat the all-mighty Guam squad in the Micronesian Basketball Tournament in the Northern Marianas Island but the palauans came back home with only the silver medal. This is a promising result anyway for the future FIBA Oceania tournaments.Semifinals:Palau - Marshall Islands: 77-72 Palau was leading the game 64-50 after three quarters but a 13-22 run from the marshalleses in the final one made the coaches sweat in the in final moments. Yutaka Gibbons scored a team-high 24pts 7/17FG 9rbs and Sunshine Soalablai added 13pts 3/15FG 9rbs.Gold medal game:Palau - Guam: 72-77Even with an experimental squad, Guam was the big favourtie of this tournament but this final game was closer than expected and Palau was not that far from the Gold medal. Yutaka Gibbons was the game's leading scorer with 22pts 7/19FG, Sunshine Soalablai added 19pts 6/18FG and Wallace Rikrik posted 13pts 5/11FG.
Recap:Yutaka Gibbons Junior really stepped up in this tournament and was the go-to-guy of this promising squad. He's got a very reliable shot, a very rare quality in this tournament, he can drive to the basket and can score in many ways. He just need to work on an erratic passing game. Sunshine Soalablai and Wallace Rikrik were a good help for him, they both scored some important points. Soalablai is more a free player in Palau system while Rikrik is a great team-player. Michael Williams was the starting PG and the team's floor general, he just need to improve his shooting skills. In the paint, Reid Rikrik grabbed tons of rebounds but he also missed tons of shots and tips. He must stay in shape to improve. There was some good players on the bench too but none of them was playing as the same level as the starters, we can notice the good tournament made by Nik Techemang.Stats:Yutaka Gibbons 17.3pts 43.6%FG 6.5rbs 0.0ast 24min 6gpSunshine Soalablai 11.8pts 25.0%FG 8.8rbs 1.2ast 30min 6gpWallace Rikrik 10.0pts 46.2%FG 6.6rbs 0.8ast 25min 6gpMichael Williams 10.0pts 28.6%FG 5.3rbs 4.3ast 27min 6gpReid Rikrik 9.5pts 31.8%FG 9.3rbs 1.5ast 30min 6gpNik Techemang 3.3pts 30.0%FG 5.3rbs 0.0ast 12min 6gpLyndon Ngiramolau 3.0pts 28.6%FG 3.5rbs 0.2ast 17min 6gpScout Matsutaro 2.5pts 18.2%FG 3.5rbs 1.5ast 14min 6gpMakanani Ichiro 2.3pts 23.1%FG 2.0rbs 0.0ast 7min 6gpBrian Smau 1.3pts 66.7%FG 1.5rbs 0.0ast 7min 6gpSky Koshiba 1.0pts 28.6%FG 0.8rbs 0.0ast 7min 6gpJeffrey tkel 0.0pts 0.0%FG 0.0rbs 0.0ast 1min 3gpFinal Standings:1- Guam2- Palau3- Marshall Isl4- Kosrae5- CNMI6- Chuuk7- Pohnpei8- Yap


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The HALTI All-In-One Lead provides great versatility and comfort for owners out and about with their dog. Designed with a neoprene handle for comfort, this multi-function lead can also double as a tie-out tether; or be extended to use as a belt, ideal for running or hands-free control. The base of the lead has a super-strong elastic shock absorber, protecting both dog and owner from any sudden jolts.
-Comfort: soft neoprene handle lining
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S length: 2.1m, width 1.5cm
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"VIBE is where I started at"
A group led by the private-equity firm InterMedia Partners and InterMedia's luxury magazine publisher, Uptown Media, has reached an agreement to acquire Vibe and its Web site. The new owners say they plan to relaunch Vibe.com in the next few weeks.
They intend to bring out the print edition only at the end of the year and then publish it quarterly rather than monthly, possibly increasing the frequency after 2010.


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Utsource Ic Electronic Components Fdpf51n25 - USAprice: 0.54 Dollar US$
These N-Channel enhancement mode power field effect transistorsare produced using Fairchilds proprietary, planar stripe, DMOS technology.This advanced technology has been especially tailored to minimize on-state resistance, provide superior switching performance, and withstand high energy pulse in the avalanche and commutation mode. These devices are well suited for high efficient switched mode power supplies and active power factor correction.
2. Features
>Fast switching
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>Improved dv/dt capability
Company Contact:
- Posted By: UTSOURCE HOLDING Co., Ltd
- Phone: 6267574001
- Address: 2321 W Norwood Pl, Alhambra, CA, USA
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- Website: http://www.utsource.net
Published date: May 4, 2017 -
- Business Description: UTSOURCE is a professional purchasing B2B & B2C tools in electronic components field.UTSOURCE provides different types such as IC, Modules, RF transistors etc., and various product type's PDF parameter form as well as the related photographs, we also provide satisfying one-stop package service for customers.
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Utsource Electronic Components Rjh3044General Electronics - UTSOURCE HOLDING Co., Ltd - USA - May 4, 2017 - 0.45 Dollar US$
1. Description Collector to Emitter voltage VCES 360 V Gate to Emitter voltage VGES ±30 V Collector current Ic 35 A Collector peak current ic(peak) Note1 250 A Collector to emitter diode Forward peak current iDF(peak) Note1 100 A Collector dissipatio...
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Utsource Electronic Components L9762 BcGeneral Electronics - UTSOURCE HOLDING Co., Ltd - USA - April 28, 2017 - 2.40 Dollar US$
1. Description The L9762-BC represents a high efficiency, constant frequency PWM regulator with integrated boost diode and FET. Designed for use in white LED driving applications, the L9762-BC features efficiencies up to 85%. It operates at1.35MHz sw...
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|Data Parallel Bin-Based Indexing for Answering Queries on Multi-Core Architectures (In Proceedings)
|21st International Conference on Scientific and Statistical Database Management
|Luke Gosink, Kesheng Wu, Wes Bethel, John D. Owens, Ken Joy
|Selection Queries, Database Indexing
|June 2009
|New Orleans, LA
|June 2-4
|Berlin Heidelberg
|The multi-core trend in CPUs and general purpose graphics processing units (GPUs) offers new opportunities for the database community. The increase of cores at exponential rates is likely to affect virtually every server and client in the coming decade, and presents database management systems with a huge, compelling disruption that will radically change how processing is done. This paper presents a new parallel indexing data structure for answering queries that takes full advantage of the increasing thread-level parallelism emerging in multi-core architectures. In our approach, our Data Parallel Bin-based Index Strategy (DP-BIS) first bins the base data, and then partitions and stores the values in each bin as a separate, bin-based data cluster. In answering a query, the procedures for examining the bin numbers and the bin-based data clusters offer the maximum possible level of concurrency; each record is evaluated by a single thread and all threads are processed simultaneously in parallel. We implement and demonstrate the effectiveness of DP-BIS on two multi-core architectures: a multi-core CPU and a GPU. The concurrency afforded by DP-BIS allows us to fully utilize the thread-level parallelism provided by each architecture--for example, our GPU-based DP-BIS implementation simultaneously evaluates over 12,000 records with an equivalent number of concurrently executing threads. In comparing DP-BIS's performance across these architectures, we show that the GPU-based DP-BIS implementation requires significantly less computation time to answer a query than the CPU-based implementation. We also demonstrate in our analysis that DP-BIS provides better overall performance than the commonly utilized CPU and GPU-based projection index. Finally, due to data encoding, we show that DP-BIS accesses significantly smaller amounts of data than index strategies that operate solely on a column's base data; this smaller data footprint is critical for parallel processors that possess limited memory resources (e.g. GPUs).


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1100 13th Street, NW, Suite 750Washington, DC 20005202.887.6400Customer Service: 800.544.0155
All Contents © 2019The Kiplinger Washington Editors
By Wayne Duggan
| February 16, 2017
There's a million different ways to hunt for stocks to buy. But for investors who like to keep things simple, you can't go wrong looking at cheap stocks with big upside.
While a low share price doesn't necessarily mean a good value, quality low-priced stocks can be extremely volatile and deliver major returns in a short amount of time.
When the market tanked back in 2008, investors had the chance to buy all kinds of quality stocks for under $10. Today, some of those same opportunities are still out there. It simply requires a bit more effort.
You don't have to go digging into the micro-cap bargain bin or try scraping the bottom of the OTC market barrel to find cheap stocks. There are plenty of mid-cap stocks with market caps greater than $2 billion and impressive upside potential.
Here's a look at three stocks currently trading under $10 per share with an average analyst price target representing at least 25% upside.
Prices and data are from the original InvestorPlace story published on February 13, 2017. Click on ticker-symbol links in each slide for current prices and more.
There will likely never be a shortage of biotech stocks trading under $10. Unfortunately, many of these drug developers are one-trick ponies with hopes riding on a single drug candidate.
Biotech stocks are inherently risky due to the unpredictable nature of drug testing. But putting your eggs in one basket is never a good idea.
For example, Opko Health Inc. (OPK) investors got some disappointing news in December when the company reported lackluster data from its hGH-CTP Phase III study. Fortunately, the hGH drug is only part of the OPK pipeline.
In addition to the launch of kidney disease drug Rayaldee back in November, OPK already has chemotherapy-induced nausea drug Varubi and prostate cancer test 4Kscore out on the market as well. OPK also has other drugs in various stages of testing and is even exploring other possible applications for Rayaldee as well.
At only $8.27 per share OPK may be one of the best risk/return profiles in the biotech sector. Not only does OPK have the lowest price-to-sales ratio among all mid-cap biotech stocks, the five analysts that currently cover the stock see an average of 81.4% upside.
Urbanative via Wikimedia
Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) is a bet on U.S. natural gas. For a while, it was a bit touchy for CHK stock when natural gas and oil prices were at their lowest point in years. However, at the company's analyst day back in October, management painted a much rosier picture.
"There can be little doubt this is a different Chesapeake, which has navigated the worst of its challenges and substantially improved the balance of risk," Bank of America wrote following the event. Bank of America and Nomura upgraded CHK stock after the analyst day. Similarly, Jefferies and Deutsche Bank raised their price targets for the stock.
Things went from good to better in November when Donald Trump was elected president. Trump repeatedly pledged to make domestic self-reliance the centerpiece of his energy policy. Trump has promised to support the U.S. oil, gas and coal industries and remove much of the environmental regulations that were in place under President Obama.
CHK stock is already well above its 2016 lows. However, at only $6.32, the 29 analysts that cover CHK stock still see an average of 25.6% upside remaining.
M.O. Stevens
Rite Aid Corporation (RAD) is in a unique situation. In October 2015, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) announced a buyout bid to take over RAD. The terms of the buyout offer were amended in late January.
The math on RAD's upside is simple. If the deal goes through and RAD is forced to divest less than 1,000 stores, WBA will pay $7.00 per share. If RAD is forced to divest more than 1,200 stores, WBA will pay as little as $6.50 per share.
With RAD stock currently trading at around $5.61, the $6.50 buyout price represents 15.8% upside. The $7.00 buyout price represents 24.7% upside. The consensus analyst upside of 35.9% suggests Wall Street is optimistic about the deal's prospects. In fact, analysts seem to see upside in RAD stock even beyond the high-end of the buyout price range.
In December, RAD divested 865 Rite Aid stores to rival Fred's, Inc. (FRED) for $950 million cash. If that sale is enough to satisfy antitrust regulators, the deal should go through relatively soon at roughly a 25% premium to RAD's current price.
This article is by Wayne Duggan of InvestorPlace. As of this writing he held none of the aforementioned securities.
7 High-Risk, High-Reward Stocks to Buy Now


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GP Registration (The Swan Practice)
The Swan Practice (formerly North End Surgery) holds a clinic on campus and you must register with them at the beginning of your course. The Practice is open from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. Please telephone 01280 818600 as soon as possible after 08:00 if you are in need of a same day appointment with a GP. Future appointments with a GP can be made anytime.
You will be offered an appointment on campus at the Student Welfare Office. The Swan Practice runs a clinic on campus on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 10.30am and 12pm. Please not that this is NOT a 'drop in' clinic and all appointments must be booked through the main practice telephone number 01280 818600. Please arrive on time for your appointment and remember to cancel it if you no longer need it.
Urgent Problems/Emergencies
- Urgent problems/emergencies will always take priority and will be dealt with the same day wherever possible. Please say if you feel you need an emergency appointment.
- If you need urgent medical advice when the surgery is closed please telephone 111. Your details will be passed on to the Out of Hours doctor who will help you.
- In a life-threatening emergency telephone for an ambulance on 999.
You can make an appointment with a practice nurse for help with any of the following conditions:
- Hypertension Check
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- NHS Health Checks
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- Stop Smoking Clinics
Repeat prescriptions can only be issued once you have undergone an initial consultation with a Doctor. The Doctor will agree your current medication requirements and record this information in your clinical record. You can then get a repeat prescription without having to see a Doctor, by ordering your drugs each month. You can either register online by coming into the surgery and registering for online access, or you can tick the relevant boxes on the white piece of paper attached to your medication bag or write your request and post or deliver to the practice. Please remember requests for prescripions take 2 working days.


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RFID Journal Live! 2014: Update From Kelly Stark
RFID Journal Live! 2014 had a good showing this year, surpassing last years' show in attendance with over 2800 attendees. The booths were packed and we know that some exhibitors walked away with close to 250 leads filled with real opportunities.
There was some interesting RFID marketing and RFID industry news this year, with Zebra buying up Motorola's enterprise mobility business for $3.45 billion. The huge price tag is a good signal that AIDC has a good future. Airbus, Marks & Spencer, and Bechtel all announced expansions of their programs.
Other big news out of RFID Live! was the announcement of RAIN RFID Alliance started by AIM Global, Impinj, Smartrac, Intel and Google. I won't be surprised to see the RAIN logo "raining" over the next year's show as more people replace the mouthful "UHF EPC Class 1 Gen 2" with simply "RAIN".
As part of our marketing efforts, we created some technology explainer videos of our clients' "coolest demos." Below is a demo featuring myself with the new FEIG OBID Blade Reader.


text: This post is totally off topic for OnTheRun but what the heck? It is Saturday and because the weekend means yard work I can't be the only one this appeals to. Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists have reported "success in determining the signalling pathway for steroid hormones that regulates growth and development in plants". That phrase is a mouthful all right but breaking it down for you and me it means they may be able to develop lawn grass that never grows beyond a certain height. Can you say no more mowing the lawn? Hello, sign me up! Seriously there are many wonderful implications for this science but I just can't get past that no-mow lawn. Yowza! (HHMI via Science Blog)