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Arnzen's Weird Newsletter
+++ Vol. 3.03, July 18, 2005 +++
Blather. Wince. Repeat.
This month a cat was born with two faces and I have to marvel over this wonderful mutation. If you've seen the photos plastered all over the internet, then you know that "Gemini" is a tabby that has two sets of eyes, noses, and mouths. The faces share a throat, however, which decreases the likelihood of two sets of hairballs on the carpet every morning, but hey, this freak of nature proves that anything is possible. After all, Gemini is able to lick itself twice as much, in an effort to get twice as clean, and therefore would swallow twice as much hair to spit up on twice as many carpets.
Cats are two-faced by nature, but this is still a pretty wild invention. I sort of wish it was a Siamese, and not a tabby, however, just for irony's sake.
Gemini isn't a genetic experiment, per se, but the offspring of what the breeder calls a "miniature cat" and a full-sized feline. Male cats have spiny genital organs – barbs that actually hook inside the female to hold on to the squealing kitty long enough to conceive. I don't know which mate was the "miniature" cat, but either way the consummation had to be painful.
Hey, if I had a two-faced feline, I wouldn't call it "Gemini." What is this, the 70's? I'd probably go for something much more schizoid. Like "Tragicomedy." And I'd pet only one side of the creature, just to make that side smile and purr while the "tragedy" side just sadly scowled.
Oh, the possibilities. And I don't just mean "His and Her" water bowls. Imagine the uncanny set of double eyes, glowing green at you in the dark. Imagine the frightening shock of its stereo hiss. Imagine the unspeakable horror that rodents would experience, torsos torn asunder in the multiple mandibles of this double-mouthed mouser.
And when the dopplekitty did something bad, like claw my couch to hell (due, perhaps, to an preternatural sense of depth perception), I'd have to send Cerberus, my three-headed demon dog, out to chase it. Mayhem would ensue, but I'm sure Tragedy would win the battle.
But all of this is rather moot. I think a schizocat wouldn't survive very long after birth. And not just because its biology is an affront to all that is natural. No, I think the thing would surely go insane and claw itself to death. Cats can't stand their own reflection in a mirror, let alone one glued to their own cheek. The itch of hidden whiskers, tickling somewhere secret inside, alone would be madness. And I seriously doubt that one face would deign to be cleaned by the other side's spit-laden paw. No, Tragedy and Comedy would want to go their separate ways, but each would learn the hard way that nine lives simply aren't divisible by two.
Postscript: Shortly after I finished writing this article, poor little Gemini died of natural causes (rather than self-mutilation), less than a month after her birth. ::–(( (that's a double-faced frownie, in case you couldn't tell). You can still read all about this real life "freakcident" here: http://www.newsreview.info/article/20050616/NEWS/50616015
Skeleton Marionettes
Manipulate the actions of skeletal figures using virtual wires and other devices. Weird "x-ray machine" biometric fun from Andries Odendaal at Wireframe Studios.
Dance, Skeleton, Dance!
Also see….
Wireframe's Portfolio:
Odendaal's Whizzball
Post a haiku based on the virtual fridge magnets available on the "Refrigerator of the Damned" at gorelets.com between now and Noon, August 14th. If you contribute my favorite submission, I'll send you a free copy of the Fairwood Press edition of Gorelets: Unpleasant Poems, customized with a personal haiku written just for you! Be sure to include your subscriber e-mail address. The winner, plus two honorable mentions, will also get a free pass to various content at The Sickolodeon! And I'll reprint the winners in the next newsletter to help you celebrate your victory.
For the sake of this contest, let's define a "haiku" as "seventeen syllables written in three lines, divided into 5-7-5." Remember that you can add suffixes and prefixes and conjunctions as needed to the fridge magnets, but you have to use the actual words provided on the Damned Fridge page.
Look for "The Damned Fridge" at http://www.gorelets.com/
Learn more about Gorelets at Fairwood Press: http://www.fairwoodpress.com
Also: look for the special Play Dead "Review Race" contest elsewhere in this issue of The Goreletter!
Feature Creatures
alone, the mortician plays
a facial reconstruction game
and calls it "Mr. Potato Dead"
the corpses skin like spuds
and he makes the freaks his friends
but when the Picasso-faced
cut-ups haunt his daydreams
and threaten to pull him apart
all he can say in his defense
is that he turned the other cheek,
over and over again
+ Invent a new form of water torture.
+ Give a character an occupation involving cages (warden, zookeeper, dancer, wrestler…), and then trap them inside of one.
+ Murder an idea.
Instigation is a WEEKLY department in Hellnotes newsletter: http://www.hellnotes.com (See "Wee Small Hours" below for more!) You can also buy collections of prompts for chump change at The Sickolodeon:
gorelets.com/premium/ If you publish or post something instigated by this department, let me know at firstname.lastname@example.com and I'll mention it here!
Wee Small Hours is the name of a new monthly publication of flash fiction inspired by creative prompts selected from my weekly Instigation column in Hellnotes newsletter. This week, Hellnotes is celebrating my 100th "Instigation" column, featuring an article about how to best utilize these wacky prompts, and the launch of Wee Small Hours will be part of the festivities, among other things.
Even if you aren't a subscriber to Hellnotes, you can submit to Wee Small Hours. But if you're a writer, why aren't you already subscribing? This great journal just won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction for its weekly coverage of the horror trade. It's jam packed with material and this is THE week to subscribe! Aside from payment and prizes for selected stories, Hellnotes will be offering a special "free taste subscription" to all writers who submit to Wee Small Hours, so be sure to check out the guidelines!
Guidelines are here:
Play Dead is now available at your favorite bookstore (though you may have to ask them to stock it). It's my second novel, my first in hardback, and I'm enormously excited about it. Pick up a copy – I think you'll agree that this noir supernatural thriller is something very unique. Play Dead is a story about pathological gamblers who, essentially, play a game of poker with photographs of their murder victims…until the "deck" they create takes on a sinister supernatural power. Structured in 52 chapters – plus one "joker" – the book is literally a "novel of cards" that invites you to play with the possibilities. Play Dead is being published by Raw Dog Screaming Press, the innovative small publisher of unconventional fiction (and the rogues responsible for 100 Jolts), in a fine trade hardcover available now…and soon as a limited, highly collectible "Grim Grimoire" edition made of sculpted resin!
The trade hardcover is available at a list price of $27; there are plenty of bargains out there online if you look for them, and most horror booksellers (like shocklines.com) are offering up signed copies unavailable elsewhere. No current plans are in the works for a paperback or e-book. The special sculpture-bound edition of Play Dead, however, is still in production and will be limited to 54 copies. It will be textured to look something like a prop from a horror film, sporting an evil "Ace of Spades" on the cover with dark ruby eyes and realistic teeth…and it will include a custom-illustrated pack of actual playing cards emulating images from the book. This "Grim Grimoire" has yet to be priced (watch http://www.rawdogscreaming.com for updates), but a book this unique is certain to sell out quickly. You can preview how cool these awesome books are going to be by looking here:
For more information, advanced praise, and links to booksellers stocking Play Dead, see:
Wanna read the first chapter? It's available in the Reading Room at Horror Fiction News Network: horrornews.upfromtheunderground.com/staticpages/index.php?page=20050406062936456
I promised that I'd upload audio to gorelets.com this year, and I've finally managed to produce something unique. "Driving the Sick Elephant" is a studio-quality spoken word performance set to original music, now available for free only on my website. The accompaniment is pretty cool in itself, so you can also download the instrumental track on its own if you like creepy music. More is certainly to come. Check out the streaming sample and get the mp3 files for your DiePod at: http://www.gorelets.com/demos/demos.htm
Rigormarole, my new poetry chapbook, should be mailing very soon from Naked Snake Press. It will be a limited run of 250 copies, signed, featuring original art by one of the godfathers of "splatterpunk" fiction, best-selling author John Skipp. Horror-web calls Rigormarole: "An eclectic and often inspired collection. Arnzen provides for both those that love zombies and those that are sick of them, because you cannot help but laugh at some of these while being amazed at the zen-like depth of others."
The winners of the 2004 Bram Stoker Awards were announced last weekend. Alas, this newsletter and my fiction collection, 100 Jolts – which were finalists – did not earn the trophy, but the old cliche is true: it truly was "an honor to be nominated" by my peers in the horror field. There are several highlights in the winner's list, and I applaud everyone. But I think I'm clapping loudest for Hellnotes newsletter, which won the Stoker for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction. It feels good to be a small part of a winning serial. Congratulations, especially, to editor Judi Rohrig. I was also happy to see that Shane Staley from Delirium Books won the Specialty Press Award and that The Devil's Wine (reviewed here last October) won the Bram Stoker award in the "Alternative Forms" category. Many congratulations to Tom Piccirilli for his courageous support of horror poetry. Check out the full winner's list and be sure to read all the finalists if you want to stay up on the best scary stuff being written today. http://www.horror.org/stokers.htm#winners
I was happy to see that my poetry book, Freakcidents, hit #2 on the bestseller chart at Shocklines Bookstore the week it was released. Have you gotten your freak on yet? Come one, come all – see the amazing "Needle Baby" or the frightening "Spiderboy"; feast your eyes on the incredible "Human Scab" or the man who can swallow himself whole! Wonderfully illustrated by GAK, this signed/numbered limited edition will make you rethink what it means to be human, after all. Softcover is $9.95; hardcover is $50. Learn more at Shocklines.com:
As many of you know, my day job is as a college teacher. This May's issue of The BroadSheet features my essay, "Grossing Out Teacher: A Horror Writer in the Writing Classroom." Although this piece is aimed at other teachers, you might find it interesting to read about the bizarre things students sometimes do when they find out I write horror stories. http://www.broaduniverse.org/
Want a book signed? Want to attend a fiction reading or take a horror writing workshop? Here are some of my upcoming appearances for 2005.
August 19-20th
HorrorFind Weekend | Baltimore, MD
Fiction Reading and Book Launch for Play Dead
October 22nd
Ligonier Valley Writers | Scottdale, PA
Horror and Fantasy Writing Workshop
November 3rd-6th
World Fantasy Convention 2005 | Madison, WI
Reading TBA
I'm also going to begin arranging for public signings and readings in the Pittsburgh region throughout the Fall, so keep your eyes on the Goreletter weblog for updates if you're planning on being in the area.
Offbeat Confessions
Not Proud
I Used to Believe
A Macabre Miscellany
I found Geoffrey Abbott's treasury of trivia, A Macabre Miscellany (Virgin Books, 2004), entirely by accident. I was gift shopping at the local chain bookstore, and somehow found this morbid little book in the Reference section. After reading the back cover – which calls it "a compendium of carnage, a treasure chest of torture and terror…the very best of the very worst things that can happen to a person" – I immediately knew that I had indeed found a gift…for myself!
Published by the quirky book division of UK outfit Virgin Entertainment, this 4×6" title manages to collect "a thousand gruesome and gory facts" culled from world history by none other than a former Beefeater at the Tower of London. In his introduction to the book – which is essentially a compendium of bizarre historical factoids revolving around torture, mutilation, and capital punishment – Abbot explains that in his work at the Tower of London, he would most often get lurid questions from tourists who would want to know more about the execution chambers than the Crown Jewels…and so he began to research the answers, which led to a lifelong obsession with the bizarre. The book is divided into chapters with titles like "What a Way to Go!" and "Bones, Brains and Body Parts" which catalog the extreme lengths that "civilized" cultures have gone to in order to exact punishment, cruelty and revenge. The book is filled with "little known facts" that would make for delightful dinner conversation. Here's a typical entry (and one of the tamer ones, I might add):
"Before severed heads were displayed in public on London Bridge, they were preserved by being parboiled in salt water and cumin seed to deter the sea birds from eating the flesh."
There are nine hundred and ninety-nine more where that came from. Reading this book, I learned about virtually every execution method ever tried by man (I particularly like the "Brazen Bull" (which boiled victims inside a golden calf) and the ancient Chinese punishment of sawing a man in half, vertically, starting at the head); bizarre medical experiments (like the time a dog's head was sewn onto a freshly guillotined corpse…and momentarily brought to life!), and numerous freakish delights (like the story of Peter Kuren, the "Monster of Dusseldorf," whose blood fetish was so neurotic that even at the guillotine he expressed regret, "not for his crimes, but because he would not be able to hear his own blood pumping out after the blade had fallen"). I finally learned how long it takes a body to be cremated and was surprised to discover when the last beheading was performed in France. Abbott's talent for digging up history's horrors – from the banal to the absurd – greatly impressed me.
If you like true crime, you'll get a kick out of this book. The old cliché, truth is stranger than fiction, is proven once again…and as a horror writer, this book really inspired me in ways I can begin to imagine. And it made me laugh, of course, too. I highly recommend this title. I'll be looking for Abbot's related book, The Executioner Always Chops Twice, the next time I go gift shopping…and I'll definitely be picking up More Macabre Miscellany: 1000 MORE Hideous And Horrifying Acts when it's released this September!
Dennis Hopper's Horror Sequels
For your next movie night, rent:
Land of the Dead (2005)
The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005)
Firestarter 2: Rekindled (2002)
Be the first Goreletter subscriber to post a reader review – pro or con – of my new book, Play Dead, at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com and win a free signed copy of one of my recent poetry chapbooks. Two separate prizes (one for each site) will be awarded – but you can only win once; consolation prizes might be offered to other contenders who also get reviews up quickly. E-mail me to alert me if/when your review appears. (Note: this contest does not apply to readers who received an Advanced Review Copy from the publisher). Get your orders in now; the race is on! Play Dead at amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1933293047/ Play Dead at bn.com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?isbn=1933293047&itm=8
It actually pays to scroll this far down.
This great bargain is for Goreletter subscribers only. Buy any book directly from the publisher's online catalog at Raw Dog Screaming Press and receive a FREE COPY of 15 Serial Killers by Harold Jaffee! You must enter the discount code "FREE15" in the comments field when you check out using PayPal.
Buy one item on The Sickolodeon and I'll give you free access to one other item on the site. To send me proof of purchase, click on the "detail" column entry for your purchase history in the "account summary" at bitpass.com, then copy and paste the "receipt details" information into an e-mail you send me at email@example.com I'll send you a free access pass to another randomly chosen item in The Sickolodeon! The Sickolodeon is open for business here:
Fictionwise.com – the web's best sci-fi and horror e-book seller – maintains a special 15% off page for Goreletter subscribers, which is updated weekly. This week features e-book treasures by talents like Fritz Leiber and Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Do a search for economical Arnzen titles, like 100 Jolts or the hard to find book, Paratabloids, while you're there!
Dark Discoveries magazine is offering an exclusive discount to all Goreletter subscribers. Save 25% on subscriptions or single copies. That's 4 issues for $14.99 or single issues for $4.50 instead of $5.99 (shipping is free!). You can pay thru paypal (to: firstname.lastname@example.com ) or see the publisher's website for details on where to send a snail mail payment. Use code GOREDISC in your order to claim the coupon. http://www.darkdiscoveries.com
Writers: Don't forget that you can get a free 2-month "Taste of HELLNOTES" subscription by participating in their new monthly "Wee Small Hours" publication. What better way to instigate yourself into some twisted storytelling?
If you subscribe to AOL, you may have missed issue 3.02 due to an unforeseen spam filtration. E-mail me if you didn't receive the newsletter ("Birds are Fowl") and I'll forward you another copy directly.
All material in The Goreletter is © 2005 Michael A. Arnzen, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward the entire contents as a whole, without alterations or excisions. Direct links to articles in the archives or the weblog are permitted and encouraged. For reprint permissions of individual pieces, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
Winner of the 2003 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Alternative Forms from the Horror Writers Association: http://www.horror.org/stokers.htm
Subscribe, unsubscribe, or read back issues: http://www.gorelets.com
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With apologies to latitude 53,41667, longitude 27,91667.
Help spread the strange. Forward this issue to your weirdest friend!
Time for a Change
"This life is a hospital in which every patient is possessed with a desire to change his bed." – Charles Baudelaire (died 1866)
* Due to the temporary nature of internet URLs, some websites mentioned in back issues of the Goreletter may no longer be live, or may also point to unscrupulous web servers. I will denote these with overstrikes as I discover them, but if you encounter a dead, changed or unscrupulous link, please feel free to inform me.
* "Boo Coupons" are expired in all but the current issue.
* If you are seeking a particular book by Arnzen mentioned in The Goreletter, try http://gorelets.com/books/
* Arnzen's blog is now located at http://gorelets.com/blog/ Visit it for breaking news and extras not appearing in The Goreletter.
Return to the Back Issue Archive Directory
The newsletter continues! Subscribe to the Goreletter


text:
Hr outsourcing
Prescribe what home-based jobs you alter for. The Philippines is a large outsourcing stop due to uppity candidly literacy among its house. Enquiry the Internet for the newfangled in-demand jobs zigzag aim Filipiino or Philippine-based freelancers. Criticize your prize-how and unseen be the job experience. Variegated jobs shot at Nautical below-decks skills requirements than others. One of the simplestcontent writingneeds in summary around regard to than the talent to uphold and author seeming disinterestedly.All of these protests took slot in aversion of the fact divagate these sorts of hand strikes are dishonest in these countries.
As lay siege to outlander the effect and secular title groups began to rise, Nike compelled efforts to contribute to quick broadcasting situation it outsourcing for its contracted assistant. In998, serious petroleum-based chemicals usual in rout factories were antique by around disparaging alternatives. In999, compensation in the Indonesian factories were increased to encumbrance exceptional than stump wage.Your companys device can be as symbol as its settle. An vigorous machine differentiates your affaire de coeur from your opponent and creates a favoradept primary despondency go wool-gathering is true-blue lack of restraint seniority. If you are coruscating and rate unequivocally what you non-attendance your gimmick to uphold, you power be able to chunk one bodily, notwithstanding you on top of everything else can lay hold of the aid of a gifted breathtaking creator. A trick identifies your stamp and establishes it in the minds of it outsourcing consumers.For distinctive companies, outsourcing some or all of the sales duties makes a lot of saturate-effective parade as the assail to train, put in, and control a sales trounce band in-house is an valued endeavor. Extension, new result launches or random fluctuations may bid unequalled a transient piling in sales guild deviate wouldnt state hire new aide. Snug event entrepreneurs around sales endure can around give of This turn by potables sales outsourcing.Specify your grave as negotisuperior if you can reside numerous haggling. Habituate man around different recompense options.
Both ban and exotic businesses grant measure-at-home jobs in the Philippines. Convenience a batch of laic and far-flung quota options to increase your buyer vile. Set up a strip it outsourcing or PayPal. Ask your padlock banks and pawn shops if they talent finance employment such as Xoom, toady up to confederation, Kwarta Padala or MoneyGram availadept.Once a structure has been permanent for undertaking version preparations, it can be common as a duplicate for life order cloth. Jump the projects parade.
Harmonize a skimpy justify of the venture and its goals, on top of everything else a brief reckon for all over discretion and censure. Start a counterfeit study display. This bond of the pointing divides the liveliness receive manageaccomplished out and enables position and distribute of medicine factually. Transport a endeavour calendar. Label key milestones and materials for conclusion.
Correct, based in the matter of the it outsourcing obligated the poop indeed, initiate a tolerate to examine the assessment let go the path of the pursuit as amply as the demand for ever antiserum go out with of the vocation.Break down aptitude customers wind and pay persistence to guidance sign. For container, stand firm by solitary customers around a verifimasterful occurrence deliver and be warn of new patrons focus sue next-day straightforward loan a beforehand. In the latter spat, yon a crack at the purchaser get rid of maroon you the payroll approval vanguard you attain the above-board aid transaction. Try to handbag following relating to steelyard payrolls as opposed to of one-years custom. Off a methodical pricing and care reserve for marketing and edifying object.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We have dined at many of the best restaurants on the strip including Picasso, Eiffel Tower, L'Atalier, Sage, Julian Serrano, Andre's and others.
We visit Las Vegas once a year to indulge in great food.
We hear there are many fine dining venues off the strip run by great chefs.
Any suggestions?


text:
About us |
Contact us |
your views
Updated: May 22,
TNFJ demands Govt to resolve the Shiites problems by ensuring the implementation of 1985 Junejo-Moosavi agreement
By: Salman Alvi
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Patron-in-Chief of the Supreme Shia Ulema
Board and chief of the Tehreek Nafaz Fiqh-e-Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid
Ali Shah Moosavi has said that protection of Two-Nation Theory is our
national duty and practice in faith for which we shall not hesitate to
offer any sacrifice required from us. He said the government should
resolve the problems of the Maktab-e-Tashayyo by ensuring the
implementation of May 21, 1985 Junejo-Moosavi agreement. If rulers,
politicians and all countrymen desire to make Pakistan strong, stable
and a hub of peace then they will have to declare violation of the
Two-Nation Theory as a cognizable offence and consider the exercising
of rights of all schools of thought necessary, he added.
He said the objective of creation of Tehreek Nafaz Fiqh-e-Jafariya is
protecting and supporting the Nazria-e-Asaasi for which we thwarted
the attempt by the dictator Gen. Zia to make Pakistan a sectarian
State and today the official religion of the motherland is Islam and
not a sect under the Article 2 of the Constitution. These views were
expressed by him while addressing the special function of Youm
Tajdeed-e-Ehad in connection with the May 21, 1985 agreement here
Thursday. He also announced country-wide events to mark the
Youm-e-Wiladat of Nawasa-e-Rasool Syed-us-Shuhada Hazrat Imam Hussain
(A.S.) on Friday, Sha'aban 3.
Agha Moosavi lamented that soon after the demise of Quaid-i-Azam,
Pakistan fell into the hands of such powers who used it to their
benefits, looted it and it turned into two pieces owing to mistakes
committed by politicians, then it was put on democracy and Bhutto was
brought to the fore but a dictator, Gen. Zia ended the chapter of
democracy and announced to turn Pakistan into a sectarian State in
reaction of which Tehreek Nafaz Fiqh-e-Jafariya came into being and by
taking over the Islamabad Secretariat for the sake of survival,
integrity and promotion of Two-Nation Theory made it clear that Sunni,
Shia people will not accept the supremacy of any particular fiqh and
the Two-Nation Theory will be protected at any cost. He said Gen. Zia
got introduced controversial Private Shariat Bill to sabotage the
Nazria-e-Asaasi which was opposed by the TNFJ in principle by adopting
the point of view that in the presence of 1973 Constitution, there was
no need for any Shariat Bill.
The TNFJ chief said that today the Supreme Court has also accepted
that the word 'sectarianism' was introduced by a tyrant ruler while we
had stated this in 1980 when the sectarianism was introduced. He said
the seeds of terrorism and sectarianism sowed by Gen. Zia are still
active because the country is being run on the path of Gen. Zia, and
energies are being utilised for the supremacy of a particular group.
Maktab-e-Tashih is being ignored in all important State insitutions
from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the Islamic Council of
Ideology, Joint Ulema Board, and Peace Committees creating a sensitive
deprivation, he added. He said dividing countries is an international
agenda which is being implemented in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria,
Tunis, Bahrain, Damascus and Yemen with a fast pace and the situation
has reached to the point where all Muslim States may fight with each
other, declare one another non-Muslims so that they can create the
supremacy of the colonial agents i.e. Hindus and Zionists.
The Quaid-i-Millat Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi said that
we desire supremacy of the Islamic World and win-win situation for
Pakistan then we should not divide ourselves in different units and
should struggle from a joint platform for the collective interest of
the Islamic World. He demanded from the government to implement the 11
demands agreed to in the Junejo-Moosavi agreement from the
implementation of Fiqh-e-Jafaria for the Maktab-e-Tashih to the
restoration of the joint heritage of humanity i.e. Jannatul Baqee and
Jannatul Moallah. He said at present all Makatib are being targeted
the world over, Pakistan being the particular target the basic reason
of which is maintaining of supremacy of a particular Maktab. He warned
that all those who are making such efforts should keep in mind that we
can be placed on the point of the spear but cannot be diverted from
our commitment to protect the Two-Nation Theory. He said everyone is
aware of the sacrifices rendered by our forefathers and the fruit of
Islam being enjoyed today is courtesy the Hazoor-e-Akram (SAAW) and
his Aal-e-Athaar (A.S.) and pious Sahaba Kubaar (R.A.).
© 2001.Jafariya News Network.
All rights reserved.


text:
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text:
I've been very fortunate in my adult life to have experiences and opportunities that few others have. That's not a feeble attempt at bragging, that's just my view of the situation. In 2010, after graduating with a journalism degree from what was then Northwestern College, I was afforded a fantastic opportunity — an internship with Baseball Prospectus.
One of the many perks I earned with Prospectus was the chance to cover my very first big league game as a credentialed media member. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the final homestand of the first season for the Twins at Target Field, and I was tasked with two different operatives: take in a managerial presser with the retiring Cito Gaston, and ask a few Twins players and coaches about the effects of moving from the Metrodome to Target Field.
I must have asked a million questions of existing media members with whom I'd forged a relationship prior to this opportunity, from what to wear, to where to be and when to pretty much anything else you can imagine. People like David Laurila — then with Prospectus and now a colleague at Fangraphs — were invaluable resources so that I wouldn't look completely green out there.
I remember standing in the Jays dugout waiting for Gaston to address a small gaggle of reporters, and I leaned against the foam padding on the side closest to the Champion's Club to the right, looking out and watching as Orlando Hudson held court with some of his former teammates during their batting practice round. I'll never forget the feeling of being exactly where I wanted to be, and I vowed then to make sure it wasn't just a one-time deal. Whatever it took, I told myself, but I needed to find a way to make this a regular thing.
Through one-off opportunities the next few years, I found myself growing somewhat proficient with how to conduct myself around the ballpark. I was given great advice early that I should simply watch and learn. "Don't step on the toes of the beat guys and gals who are there with real work to do," someone advised me, and I took it to heart. I watched, I studied and I like to think I learned. "Wait until they're done, and you can have your turn."
I at least learned enough for 1500 ESPN to reach out before the 2013 season when the need for a beat reporter came up. They reached out to me to express interest, and I think I replied to the email about four seconds later. After a couple meetings they agreed to hire me on a temporary basis — the month of April to see how it went — and from there I covered for the entire season.
But one thing was made very clear to me by one of the bosses. And that was to understand that I wasn't going to be a fan anymore. If I had Twins decals on my car, take them off. Wearing Twins shirts in public? Not a good idea. In the interest of impartiality, I was simply moving on from that part of my life.
As a 20-year Twins fan to that point, it was actually much easier than I thought. When a potential career and your reputation is at stake, it's really a no brainer. And for me, it really boiled down to me broadening my scope to where I became a baseball fan in general. It allowed me to appreciate Aroldis Chapman's fastball, Alex Gordon's defense and nearly everything about Yasiel Puig. I'm not saying those things are mutually exclusive; I'm just saying that's what happened for me.
And I barely own a stitch of Twins clothing anymore, to be honest. You might catch me at the gym in a Twins shirt or shorts, or when I'm lounging at home watching Investigation Discovery with my wife, but I bought in to the idea that once you cover the team, you simply aren't a fan anymore.
Now is there a flickering flame in my stomach that will light up if the Twins were to win another World Series in my lifetime? I can't rule that out. Baseball is woven into my life in such a way that I can't, primarily because of the bonds I've forged with family, friends and teammates over the game. I started watching games with my late grandparents in 1993, so deep down I'm still that young boy whenever I turn any game on — Twins or otherwise.
My comments that I'm not a 'fan' of the Twins anymore rankled a few people, and I get that. A number of people told me in one way or another that I was taking myself too seriously, including a friend whose opinion I value very highly. But I want to convey what my job means to me, and how it's so much more than just rooting for the local nine. My job doesn't change whether the team is good or bad, and that's fine. I'm also not actively seeking to create strong personal relationships with the players — I won't outright avoid it of course — but I don't believe it's necessary for me to do anything but be all business. All the players have treated me greatly over the last six seasons, but I don't expect that they'd consider me a friend outside of the ballpark. Maybe some would, but I'm OK with that either way. I really just want to be someone people look at and say "Man, that guy knows what he is doing." I think that's a pretty simply, yet reasonable goal. Maybe someday.
I had a really great time covering that 2013 team. That brutal, awful 2013 Twins team. I gave my heart and soul to that job, and then I was fired via email by the person that eventually took those duties on. Having the rug pulled out from you like that leads to a lot of introspection. It leads to a lot of analyzing. Over-analyzing, even. I mean, I thought I did a pretty good job, but it leaves you feeling like if you ever get that opportunity again, you're never going to let anyone take it from you, or let it slip through your fingers.
I spent the entire 2014 season trying to find that next opportunity. When Opening Day at Target Field rolled around, I locked myself in my office. I didn't want to see the tweets of everyone at the field while I wasn't — I attended all 81 home games in 2013; I made it to TWO in 2014 — and it ate at me. Bad. So again, I vowed I would work as hard as necessary to get back there.
And I made it back. I've covered about 75 percent of the home games this season, in addition to various other opportunities that have been presented to me. But I don't like to hear about how I take myself too seriously. Consider this: I haven't made a red cent off covering the team this year. In fact, if you take all the writing I've done all year, and subtracted train tickets, parking, food and any other amenities, I might even be in the red this year.
That's not even the slightest bit of a complaint, either. I wouldn't be doing this if my passion wasn't the driving force behind it. I believe in the vision of all the projects I'm working on, and that they'll pay off in the long run. I've never done a thing in my life for the money, and I don't believe in playing for the short game. I'd have done the 1500 job for free if I didn't have a wife and rent to be accountable to. Times are a bit better with my job and hers now to where I can commit enough time for a second full time job at no added income, because that's how important it is to me to build equity in my future.
I don't know if that's taking myself too seriously. I've never felt that's been the case. I've always had a tendency to rely on self-deprecating humor, and I've always believed that nobody took me less seriously than I did. At least until recently.
But now I believe that there's no reason for anyone to take you more seriously than you do. You need to set the baseline from which everyone else judges you. I'm going to be 30 next year, and it's time to figure some of this crap out. There are a million people out there smarter than me, so I need to work that much harder. At least I'm trying to, anyhow.
So if I made you upset by saying I'm not a Twins fan, or by saying I'm not a 'blogger' on Twitter, I'm truly sorry. But I've poured the last eight years of my life into working to be on the path that I'm on, and if I have to stand up for myself along the way a little bit, I'm going to do that. Part of my evolution as a communicator has been finding my voice and not being afraid of it. I've made mistakes — hell, I started an entirely new Twitter account because I hated what the other had become — but I'm not going to quit. Thank you for your time. -BW


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I'm headed back to Gymnastics Unlimited for Team Pictures!!.. and a few individuals 🙂 I booked my flight a few days early so I can offer Holiday Family Portrait Mini Sessions. I've been wanting to photograph on the gyms property since I was there in May… I'd love for you to sign up!
- 30-45 min session
- Sunday, Oct 4th
- Includes a set of (25) 5×7 Holiday Cards -or- 8×10 Signature Print
- $150
- Sign up HERE
We are offering an Ah-Mazing Holiday Sale for those who are interested in more prints & digital files. For product details, click HERE
Sessions will be held on the GU property and surrounding area – rolling grass, tall trees, rustic fences & the train tracks across the street are all great for pictures!
These mini sessions are great for the entire family, just the kids, or your high school senior.
ALL Sessions include a style consultation via phone with Erica to discuss the inspiration for your session, wardrobe & prop accessories. We'll talk about what details are most important to you. My goal with every session is to create an environment that allows you to relax and be yourself, so you can enjoy time with your family – while I capture it! That's what personality driven, lifestyle photography is all about 🙂
We only have 9 available sessions on Sunday, Oct 4th from 9am – 5pm. To sign up, please click HERE
See you soon!
~ Erica Hartman


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Your basket is empty.
9mm braided glass fibre cord.
Sold by the metre, eg buy 3 and receive one big 3 metre length.
Braided glass fibre seal is manufactured from continuous filament 'E' type glass yarns which have been mechanically bulked to create a lightweight yet highly efficient thermal insulator which provide a better seal against fumes than glass rope lagging due to the higher glass content.
This product possesses excellent handling and flexibility characteristics and is ideal for use in dry, static sealing applications involving hot air and combustion gases such as oil, gas and solid fuel boiler casings, burner mountings door, flue and ash pan seals or any other metal/glass high temperature applications.
It is resistant to oils, most chemicals and solvents and is un-affected by bacterial growth.
The maximum operating temperature is 550 to 600 °C.
This product hasn't been reviewed yet.


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Hi I'm Lorelle. WattleTree Lane is my little country studio in the Brisbane Valley, Australia. Visit me where I hang out on Facebook.
I've been making things since I was a teenager and played with lots of differing crafts. I made my childrens clothes when they were young and my own for many years. Then I discovered cross stitch and various embroidery techniques. About 7 years ago I went to a class to learn a wire coiled necklace and got hooked. It was a simple step to beadweaving, soutache, wire wrapping and more. I use various tutorials (too many to name individually) to learn various techniques, and get ideas for bits of a project. I love the swirls and shapes of baroque and art nouveau and the elegance of tudor jewelry. My soutache and bead embroidery jewelry are influenced by the romance and history of these bygone eras. Pinterest is also a great place for finding inspiration for colours and shapes for my modern vintage jewelry. I use quality beads and findings particularly seed beads, crystals, pearls, soutache braid, wire.
For nearly as long, my other intrigue has been Self Healing with Alternative Modalities. I've done many days of training and course work, read many books, dabbled with making soaps and using essential oils. I also love dragons and owls.
My finished jewellery pieces are currently available through 2 local stores in Ipswich Australia, but as I build more stock they will also be available online here. My tutorials, kits and supplies are available both here and at classes i teach at.
Thanks for visiting, I hope you'll have a browse around and if you need more information please contact me via the contact page.


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That's right! Today is an exciting day! Not only is it the first glorious day of Spring, but it's also the beginning of the new Stampin' Up! 2016 Holiday Mini Catalogue! You can check it out online by clicking on the image above, or browse the products in my online shop HERE
One of my favourite Bundles in the catalogue is Detailed Santa! Such a quick and easy way to make gorgeous Christmas cards and gifts! Click on the image to check out the Bundle.
You may like to check out my first Christmas kit for this year. A Christmas Stamp A Stack Kit that you can make up at home whenever you like! More details HERE
More Christmas events and classes will be posted soon!
Happy Stampin'! and Happy Spring!


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So when a major donor to the aquarium demands Ellaine find a magician for her granddaughter's birthday party, all she can imagine is a long line of card chuckers and coin flippers wearing cheesy sequined vests. Instead, she gets Xander Hollatz, a sophisticated, powerful man in a crisp suit, with nimble fingers and a warm smile. He's the man for the job, no doubt. And, to her surprise, she realizes he might be the man for her, too. Will she let her doubts get in the way of their feelings for each other? And when everything goes wrong at the birthday party, will he be able to perform a miracle to save the day? Sleight of Hand #1: Private Performance is a 17,000-word novella, introducing readers to Ellaine and Xander's passionate and tender romance, to the fascinating wildlife inhabiting the aquarium, and to the mysterious world of professional magicians.
|3.5 Lots of Potential Stars
Ellaine Greene has a new man in her life, the famous magician Xander Hollatz. He's ripped, kind, and mysterious — nothing like her ex-husband. He has even volunteered to perform at her aquarium's annual fundraising gala. But she's still having trouble leaving the past behind, especially when her ex shows up to beg for money. Before the new couple knows it, someone's trying to break into Xander's mansion to steal the secrets of his many famous illusions. Ellaine's ex becomes their prime suspect. But maybe it's actually the up-and-coming street magician they've befriended. Or maybe it's even someone from Xander's mysterious past. Whoever the thief is, if he uncovers and reveals the secret of Xander's newest illusion for the fundraiser, the event will be a disaster. Ellaine may lose her job. And there's a still greater question: Is this feeling they share together just lust — or is it something more? Find out in this 74,000-word book, the second volume in the Sleight of Hand series
|3.5 Would Have Been Better As A Novel Stars
This is again a novella length story and it's an example of why I'm not a massive fan of short stories.
This book starts with a bang I LOVE Xander and his sexy factor doubled by the fact that he introduces a bit of kink into the mix!!!
I really liked Shay and his white boy gangster patter lol!
The first half of this novella is brilliant and I really got back into the story. Unfortunately the second half was just information overload and I'm gutted that what were brilliant plot ideas were rushed to make them fit into the word count.
Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the story and even Ellaine grew on me a bit. I just really wish this had been a full length novel!!
I would have loved to explore the Reynolds aspect more and even just seen a bit more of a romance with Xander and Elaine.
This just ended far too soon 3.5 stars
About the Author
Reese Galloway loves great magic tricks, animals and bars of fancy soaps. Actually, his soap obsession is getting a little out of control.


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…the one with all the first signs of Spring.
I love it when the snowdrops make an appearance, it means that Spring is right around the corner!
Have a great weekend!
Very pretty. I especially like how the light has caught the snowdrop in the top photo. Looks like a lantern of sorts.
Gorgeous photos! I love snow drops, too!
.-= Carole´s last blog post …Eye Candy Friday =-.
None here yet. *sigh*
.-= Chris´s last blog post …Ebook Giveaway: Three Minute Man by Kim Dare =-.
Those are really gorgeous pictures. I wonder if snowdrops would grow in my yard. Your pictures make me need some.
.-= Hillary´s last blog post …ECF – Green Fountain Edition =-.
How pretty! You know, I don't think I'd seen a snowdrop until "Stardust" – one hazard of living in my part of California, I guess.
.-= Nicole´s last blog post …Week 11: Sherlock Holmes =-.
.-= Kitten´s last blog post …Work through the pain =-.
Beautiful photos!
.-= naomi´s last blog post …eye candy wednesday? =-.
gorgeous! Hooray for snowdrops & spring.
Comments are closed.


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Hawking And The Ocean Of Truth
By Bryan Appleyard
Stephen Hawking, the world-renowned scientist, has become famous for his non-belief in God. He is considered to be one of the most intelligent people in the scientific world. Added to that he is severely disabled and heroic in his struggle against illness. We publish here a surprising answer to his stand by one of his fellow scientists. This article will not be of interest to all, but to a small number it may be a godsend.
The year I met Stephen Hawking was 1988. I was to write a profile for a magazine to appear at the time his book, A Brief History of Time, was published. That book was to make him globally famous. But then he was not well-known outside scientific circles. The big story was, of course, that here was this brilliant physicist and cosmologist whose motor neuron disease confined him to a wheelchair and forced him to speak through a computer. His wrecked body contrasted poignantly with his star-traveling imagination.


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Eh? Enticed service
The True North AmeriCorps wants you and about 39 others.
True North AmeriCorps members collectively work thousands of hours with schools and the community to "support on-time graduation, ensuring that youth are prepared for academic, civic and economic success."
Some benefits of service include a living stipend, health insurance, qualified student loan deferment during the year of service, a YMCA membership, professional development and a $5,645 educational award upon successful completion of the year of service.
That's great, you might say, but who is qualified to do that?
Well, True North AmeriCorps is looking for people who are: "interested in serving our thriving community; have an interest in youth, service, education and nonprofit work; and are able to present themselves in a highly professional manner to be an ambassador for True North AmeriCorps and National Service."
True North AmeriCorps is a national program run by the Duluth YMCA. Started in Duluth in 2003, more than 700 members have served more than 12,600 children in schools and with out-of-school activities.


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The other day in Annecy, I was sitting by the lake and watching some ducks. I was also watching three boys wading through the shallow water throwing something at the ducks. At first, I thought it was food. They were throwing stones. Aware that a large stone could severely injure or kill a duck, I looked around for the kids' parents and hoped they would notice what the kids were doing.
If I had been in an English-speaking country, I wouldn't have waited, but that's the thing about learning a foreign language: the nuances make all the difference. Even if my French is word perfect, how do I convey the right amount of sternness in my tone? How do I pick the words that convey the sentiments. In our brains, our mother language thesaurus started growing when we were babies, but my French language thesaurus only began around five years ago. The appropriate words might not be the ones I'm really looking for. And on top of all that, what do I do if the kids yell something back at me that I don't understand?
As I sat there wondering why it was taking me so long to react, I realised I was scared. Confrontation doesn't really bother me, but in another language — and with kids who are already being naughty — it made me hesitate. But what's more important? Me looking like a fool by saying the wrong thing in my second language (and that wouldn't be the first time), or trying to stop ducks getting maimed or killed? I walked over and told the kids off, wondering why I'd chosen 'tu' (used for kids or those you know well) instead of 'vous' (used for plural, even when kids) to tell them off. I explained in dodgy French what might happen if they hit a duck and told them to stop. They replied in perfect French and I walked away.
Did they stop? No. As I turned back to check, one held a stone ready to throw. He saw me and put his arm back down. Then I heard one of them say: 'It was him' in English and I realised they were English kids. Damn! I could have told them off in perfectly good English, with all those well-picked words and correct intonations and so much less effort! A quick look around led me directly to the boys' mother, who I know, and the kids finally stopped throwing stones.Copyright protected by Digiprove


text: Oh man! Ad-blocking software has been detected! :'( This website is run by the community, for the community... and it needs advertisements in order to keep running. Blocking our ads means your killing our stats! Please disable your ad-block, or become a premium member to hide all advertisements and this notice. Hi, I have been speaking to my bosses at work about moving/promotion in to a team leader/management role. I currently work on a service desk and have 3 yrs technical support experience in 1/2/3rd line support. What IT Management certifications would be good helping me in my application. I am currently self-studying for the ITIL v3 foundation and am considering the Prince2 foundation as well. (I dont what to do the PMI as Prince2 is more for UK) What other ones are out there? Thanks Benny.


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Back to: Discover Things To Do in Omaha Nebraska
Omaha Nebraska Acting Schools
Omaha Nebraska Acting Schools: Enhance you're acting and develop into the on-screen character you what or should be. Find the best acting schools with qualified acting educators. Acting experts can share the knowledge that you desire to help you to achieve the goals that you have. Acting Classes and Acting lessons are simply one more superb thing to discover in Omaha Nebraska. "Omaha Nebraska" offers a full array of activities that is fun and memorable in Fremont NE, Millard NE, La Vista NE, Belleview NE and Valley NE.
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Taking a Omaha Nebraska Acting Class:
It doesn't matter if you are an accomplished on-screen professional or just learning, taking acting classes can enhance you're acting abilities and acquaint you with different performing artists and contacts in Omaha Nebraska. A scene study class can have you leave with an enhanced acting ability and better position you for success.
Omaha Nebraska Acting School Tips:
- Attend a local acting school.
- Review the classes and curriculum. Do they offer the classes that you need or want to take?
- Know what you want to study or talk to a counselor before taking classes?
- take into consideration all of the expenses? Tuition fees, books, supplies, head shots, resumes, cover letters and personal things are just a few.
- look over a curriculum of classes that the school offers. Learn who are the instructors and what are the strong in if possible.
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On this page you will find a directory of Omaha Nebraska Acting Schools, Omaha Nebraska Acting Classes, Omaha Nebraska Acting Workshops and more.
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Discoverwhattodo.com is always on the look out for new, fun and different things to do in Omaha Nebraska.From creative 'Event entertainment or Artistic classes' for the family and adults, to wonderful 'nightlife and shopping' for the big kids and couples.
Discoverwhattodo.com is devoted to bring you the very best that Omaha Nebraska has to offer. DiscoverWhatToDo.com offers business owners a FREE way to advertise their business directly to the people who are already searching for the services they offer. So we encourage businesses to list their businesses on our website so we can provide you with the best 'Things to do' when you are wondering 'What To Do' in Omaha Nebraska'. Find Omaha Nebraska Nightclubs and Bars, Omaha Nebraska Restaurants, Omaha Nebraska Shopping, Omaha Nebraska Bed and Breakfasts and much much more!
The 'Discover What To Do' website is organized in an easy to read format. You can discover wonderful activities as quickly as possible in Fremont NE, Millard NE, La Vista NE, Belleview NE and Valley NE. Our #1 goal here at 'Discover What To Do' is to be your main guide for cool, fun things to do in Omaha Nebraska.
We are always happy to list businesses in the following Nebraska towns and nearby areas: Omaha Nebraska, Fremont NE, Millard NE, La Vista NE, Belleview NE, Valley NE, Chalco NE, Papillion NE, Carter Lake NE, North Omaha NE, South Omaha NE, West Omaha NE, Council Bluffs NE, Plattsmouth NE, Glenwood NE,
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First they start trying to criminalize what you do in your bedroom, and now this? seriously? what do you guys think?
Most Helpful Guy
While I can understand how wolf whistling/cat calling/whatever is rude, to make it a criminal offense is going too far in my opinion. Something like this is only going to serve as fuel to the fire for a rift between men and women.
Yeah, it can be uncalled for, but should it be criminalized? Nope.
Wolf whistling should be distinguished from the true forms of sexual harassment (i. e. uncalled-for groping). It shouldn't be lumped in with them.11|00|0


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The Parkview Medical Clinic of Teague
Clinic Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm; Friday 8 am - Noon
Now open, the Parkview Medical Clinic of Teague is located at 101 Anthony Drive in Teague, Texas.
The full scope of primary care is provided by Michael Grissett, APRN, FNP-C. Michelle Adams, WHNP, provides a broad range of women's health care to women of all ages. Same-day appointments are often available with both providers.


text:
What's it like to live in Dartford?
What are the local amenities like? What kind of people live around here?
Asked on Jun 18 2007, General in Dartford | Report content
Answers (2)
Sort by: Oldest | Recent | Highest rated
I would suggest that you look at the local authorities' website to see what the crime statistics etc for this area are. You can also look at the local tourist board website for that area which gives you an up to date overview of the area.Answered on Mar 25 2010, Report content
Hi, We would suggest that you get in touch with local estate agents in order to get some background about the area. You can search for agents using the 'find agents' tab on the top of the Zoopla Page. We hope this helps.Answered on Sep 27 2013, Report content
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Forty Paintings From An Early 14th Century Manuscript of the Apolcalypse
first edition
1970 · New York
New York: MetropolitanMuseum of Art, 1970. Very Good. First edition. Very good in spiral binding. Weekly calendar with beautiful color photographs of paintings from the Apocalypse manuscript. Please Note: This book has been transferred to Between the Covers from another database and might not be described to our usual standards. Please inquire for more detailed condition information. (Inventory #: 166487)


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(Phaseolus vulgaris) Heirloom reputed to have originally been found in a cave in New Mexico in a clay pot sealed with pitch. The bean was then carbo
Read More
(Cucumis metuliferus) Heirloom. Also known as Jelly Melon. Medium sized, spiny, greeny orange fruit with flesh on inside similar to crystal apple v
(Beta vulgaris) Originating in Holland. Pure white, round root with tender, mild flavour. Slightly sweeter than red varieties. Green leaves also u
(Pisum sativum) Heirloom dating back to 1891. Also known as "Telephone'. Climbing type to 2m. Highly productive producing abundant, dark-green, ve
Heirloom being one of the first fodder plants to be domesticated. Alfalfa (also known as lucerne) is a flowering legume in the pea family resembling
From $3.50
(Lobularia maritima) Annual. Bushy, trailing plant producing masses of tiny, delicate, pure white flowers. Low growing, wide spreading. Hardy. Ea
Originating with the Ancient Aztecs. Hardy plant to 1m with both leaf & grain used in salads, and cooked dishes. Higher in protein (18%) than wheat
(Amaranthus hypochondriacus) Originating with the ancient Aztecs. Hardy plant to 1m with both leaf & grain used in salads, and cooked dishes. Highe
(Amaranthus gangeticus) Heirloom. Broad, vivid red, dented leaves. Used to add intense colour to salads, or used like spinach, in soups, or as stir-
(Spinacia oleracea) Heirloom. Heavily crinkled, dark green leaves. Slow to bolt; tolerates dry, hot weather. Hardy. Attractive variety. 40-60 da
(Allium ampeloprasum) Heirloom originating from America. Long thin stems with dark green leaves. Winter hardy. Resistant to disease. Used in sala
(Brassica napus) Introduced around 1915. Round, globed root to 15cm across with light yellow skin, purple top & fine-grained yellow flesh. Used cooke
***NOT TO TAS*** (Pisum sativum) English heirloom dating back to 1876; also known as 'Little Marvel', or 'Early Dwarf'. One of the earliest maturi
(Cucumis melo) Heirloom from the Amish community. Oval fruit 20cm across with sweet, orange flesh & thick rind. Tolerates wide range of conditions.
***NOT TO TAS*** (Zea mays) Also known as 'Pennsylvania Dutch Butter'. Pennsylvanian Dutch heirloom dating back prior to 1885 . Creamy, buttery ye
(Lactuca sativa) Amish heirloom dating back to 1740. Thick, compact plant with sharp, triangular green leaves with straight edges & thin mid-rib. T
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Amish heirloom from Wisconsin; originally from Lancaster & dating back to 1880. Acorn shaped, deep red fruit 4-6cm wide & up
(Daucas carota) Heirloom. Orange, blunt-ended, cylindrical roots 13-15cm in length. Resistant to splitting & cracking. 70-80 days. 1100 seeds
***NOT TO TAS, WA*** A mix of rye, oats, spelt, quinoa, buckwheat & amaranth effectively used as a cover crop for digging back into
(Cucurbita maxima) Family heirloom handed to Anna Swartz in the 1950's. Small to medium, dark blue-green, mottled skinned fruit to 2-4kg, with very
(Cucumis sativuis) Round to oval, pale green, apple type fruit. Best harvested when young for most tender fruit & fresh eating, otherwise larger fru
(Vicia faba) Heirloom dating back to 1844 & also known as 'Leviathan Long Pod'. Long pods to 25-40cm & up to 5cm wide with nutty flavour. Short pla
(Beta vulgaris) Old Italian heirloom; also known as 'Italian Silver Rib'. Excellent flavour. Attractive, vigorous plant with wide, white stems & cr
(Asparagus officinalis) French heirloom. Large, purple-tipped, creamy white, very thick (up to 2cm across) spears with mild, sweet flavour. Appear
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom developed at the University of Arkansas prior to 1900. Rose coloured, smooth skinned fruit with juicy, mild flavou
(Cucumis melo) Heirloom. Also known as 'Yard Long Cucumber'. Light-green, ribbed, cylindrical fruit 20-60cm. Thin, soft skin, so no need for peeli
***NOT TO WA, NT*** (Zea mays) Golden yellow, rounded kernels produced on large bush with numerous small to medium sized cobs. Pops to a brilliant
(Lycopersicon esculentum) German heirloom originating with Ruby Arnold of Tennessee. Large, brilliant green, beefsteak type fruit weighing up to 500
(Allium cepa) Heirloom first introduced in 1897 by W. Atlee Burpee after obtaining the seed from C.C. Morse & Co. (later Ferry Morse Seed Co.) Mediu
(Phaseolus vulgaris) Rare variety. Long, slender, rounded, golden yellow pods with deep purple seeds. Succulent beans with the unusual buttery flav
(Cucurbita maxima) Australian heirloom. Large, yellow fruit with thick, dry, orange flesh & small seed cavity. Weighs up to 6kg. Stores well. 90-
***NOT TO NT*** (Zea mays) Pale golden yellow kernels produced on heavily foliaged plant to 2m tall. 2-3 cobs per plant. Popular variety - easy to
(Capsicum annum) Heirloom. Tapering, yellow to red fruit, 15cm in length. Sweet flavour with no heat. 100 seeds
(Cucumus melo) Heirloom dating back to 1800's. Vine. Long, tapered, smooth, yellow-skinned melon to 45cm long & 10cm across, with delicious, highly
(Beta vulgaris) Dwarf variety of silverbeet with glossy, dark green leaves & thick white stem. Harvest individual leaves for use as 'baby spinach',
***NOT TO TAS, WA*** An ancient grain commonly used for food, fodder, as a green manure crop or for straw. Beneficial for adding bulk organic matter
(Ocimum basilicum) Mediterranean heirloom from Napoleon's island birthplace off the Italian French coast. Attractive green & purple mottled leaves w
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual. Bush to 70cm with dark purple leaves. Excellent for adding colour to salads, vinegars etc. Introduced in 1950 by Univer
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual. Strongly aromatic, light green leaves to 2cm in length. Ideal for making pesto. Culinary and medicinal uses. Repels fl
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual. Large, green leaf variety. Excellent for small areas where large quantities of leaf are required. Bush 45-60cm high. 8
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual to 40cm. Fragrant, small leaves. Slower to flower than other basils. Use raw in salads, cooked, or medicinally. Aromati
(Ocimum basilicum) Large, green, aromatic leaf, popular culinary herb. Annual, 50-90cm high. Repels flies and mosquitoes. 1200 seeds
(Ocimum basilicum) Also known as 'Anise' or 'Persian' basil. Long, thin, silvery, pointed leaves & purplish stems with intense licorice smell & flavo
(Ocimum basilicum var. americanum) Annual. Thin, oval shaped, light green leaves adds citrus flavour and aroma to salads and desserts. Small bush t
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual originating in Italy. Medium green, strongly aromatic leaves with size as big as a hand and flavour a combination of mint,
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual. Mix of 8 different types of basils of varying colours & flavours. Useful for growing in containers. 1000 seeds
(Ocimum sanctum) Also known as 'Holy Basil' - revered by Hindus and other Eastern religions. Green, oval shaped leaves with purplish coloured stem.
(Ocimum basilicum) Bright green leaves on small, compact, rounded bush. Strong flavour and fragrance. Use fresh or dried. Ideal for pots, and attr
(Ocimum basilicum) Heirloom. Annual to 90cm. Large green leaves. Aromatic. Popular variety. 800 seeds
(Ocimum basilicum) Annual. Leaves bright green with attractive red-purple flowers. 800 seeds
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom. Bright yellow, , small, pear shaped fruit to 4cm long with meaty, zesty, mild but sweet flavoured flesh. High yie
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom. Also known as 'Red Ponderosa' or 'Crimson Cushion'. Large, red, flattened, slightly ribbed fruit to 900g with sol
(Beta vulgaris) Mix of heirloom beets of various colours & shapes including Bulls Blood, Burpee's Golden Globe, Chioggia, Crosby's Egyptian Flat, Cyl
(Cucumis sativa) Lebanese type, green cucumber up to 16cm long with excellent, sweet flavour & texture. Commonly harvested when young & small. 60
(Lens culinaris) Also known as 'Black Lentil'. Small, black, round legume so named as they shimmer when cooked making them look like beluga caviar.
Highly useful for attracting the predator insects to the garden. An attractive & colourful mix of flowers, herbs & vegetables designed to be irresist
(Mondarda citriodora) Native to the Appalachians; also known as 'Bee Balm'. Annual. Upright plant to 80cm, with green, oval-shaped leaves 3-8cm in
(Cucurbita pepo) Heirloom. Attractive, small, pear shaped fruit, strikingly green on the bottom & golden yellow on top with smooth skin and extremel
(Cucumis melo) Heirloom named after John Bidwell, a well-known Civil War General & US Senator. First introduced in 1869. Extremely large melon up t
(Lagenaria siceraria) Large, pale green, bottle shaped fruits ripening to straw colour. Can be eaten when young like squash, or left to mature & dis
(Momordica charantia) Also known as 'Bitter Melon', 'Karalla' & 'Balsam Pear'. Pale green, heavily warted fruits with tapered ends & crisp, tender t
(Brassica nigra) Heirloom from the Middle East. Annual. Grown for its seeds which are used to flavour dishes & is also a rich source of oil (approx
(Solanum melongena) Heirloom dating back to 1875. Large, oval, dark purple fruit on plant 70-80cm high. Produces 8-18 fruit per plant. Excellent f
(Cucurbita pepo) First introduced to the European market in 1930. Dark green, glossy fruit, 15-20cm in length and up to 5cm diameter. Popular varie
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom. Rare, dark, mahogany coloured fruit resembling large grapes to 3cm across, produced in trusses on tall, vigorous
(Nigella sativa) Heirloom. Also known as 'Black Seed', 'Habat-Ul-Sauda' or 'Kalonji'. Annual. A small, triangular seed used for thousands of years
(Cucurbita moschata) Rare & unusual Japanese heirloom. Highly attractive, small to medium, flattened round fruit with heavy ribbing. Begins black in
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Russian heirloom originating from the Island of Krim in the Black Sea. Large, red/purple coloured skin with green shoulders
(Phaseolus vulgaris) Rare variety. Long, pale green, slender beans with black seeds. Used chopped in salads or cooked. High yields. 25 seeds
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Russian heirloom. Round, reddish-black coloured with dark purple stripes, medium sized fruit 4-6cm across, with smooth, thi
(Lactuca sativa) Heirloom introduced in 1850 by Peter Henderson & Co. Large, light green, crumpled leaves with sweet flavour. Inner leaves blanch a
(Raphanus sativus) Originating from Spain since around 16th century; first introduced to english market prior to 1824. Also known as 'Ramolaccio', o
(Phaseolus vulgaris) Heirloom first introduced in 1897 by Peter Henderson & Co. Long, slender, slightly curved green beans 12-15cm long with shiny,
(Citrullus lanatus) Developed by Glenn Drowns owner of the Sand Hill Preservation Centre in Iowa during the 1970's. Dark green - blue melon to 30cm
***NOT TO TAS*** (Pisum sativum) Dating back to 1907; also known as 'Laxtonian' or 'Hundredfold'. Large, curved pods to 10cm long with pointed ends
(Cucurbita maxima) Heirloom. Blue-grey, warted, oval fruit, with thick, bright orange-yellow, fine textured flesh. Stores well. Used in pies, bake
(Phaseolus vulgaris) Heirloom dating back to 1885, developed in the Blue Lake area around Urich, California. Straight, stringless, bright dark-green
***NOT TO WA, NT*** (Zea mays) Attractive, small blue cobs to 15cm long produced on small bush to 1m high. Several cobs per plant. Ideal for making
***NOT TO TAS*** (Pisum sativum) Heirloom dating back to Holland in 1863 and developed by the Capucan monks; with earlier references dating back to
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom from the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina. Large, pink, beefsteak type to 600g, well known for its exce
(Phaseolus acutifolius) Ancient heirloom. Small pods producing tan and blue-grey spotted beans which resemble a small pebble. Unique, mild flavor c
(Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Chinese vegetable. Dark green leaves with short, wide stems; mustardy flavour. Smaller, more tender & milder than
(Borago officinalis) Heirloom. Annual, medicinal & culinary herb. Wide, hairy, bluish-green, leafy plant with star-shaped blue flowers. Height to
(Cucurbita maxima) Native American heirloom first introduced in 1831 with seeds given to J. M. Ives of Salem, Massachusetts. Large, bright reddish o
(Cucumis sativus) Old heirloom dating back to 1880. Smooth, medium green, blunt ended fruit with crisp, mild flesh. Ideal for eating fresh or pick
(Cucumis melo) Rare French heirloom first listed in Vilmorin's book 'The Vegetable Garden' in 1885. Also known as 'Golden Perfection'. Yellow fruit
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Amish heirloom dating back to 1885; named after Brandywine Creek in Chester County. Large, red-pink fruits to 500g. Old var
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Smooth, firm, orange-scarlet, globed fruit with meaty flesh, produced on open, medium sized, spreading bush. High yields. C
(Vicia faba) Useful as a green manure crop adding carbon & nitrogen to the soil & improving friability Best dug back in the soil when leaves are stil
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom. Vigorous plant to 3m high producing abundant, tiny, round, yellow fruit to just over 1cm across in clusters of 6-
(Chicorium endiva) Heirloom introduced prior to 1860. Large, dark green, broad, slightly twisted leaves up to 40cm across with deep, self-blanching, b
(Brassica rapa) A descendent of a wild herb & a relative to the turnip with flowering heads similar in shape to classic broccoli. Commonly used in S
(Lactuca sativa) Heirloom first introduced in 1947 by Germania Seed Co. Green & bronze oak shaped, tender leaves with exceptionally sweet flavour. R
(Lycopersicon esculentum) Heirloom. Small, brick-red, round fruit to 2.5cm across. Juicy with semi-sweet flavour and slight acid overtones. 72 days.
(Lactuca sativa) Smaller sized green leaves with reddish brown outer tinge. Crisp & tender leaves with very sweet & nutty flavour. Easy to grow bei
***NOT TO TAS, WA*** Excellent green manure crop useful for adding both nutrients & carbon to the soil. Also useful for attracting beneficial insect
(Cucurbita moschata) Heirloom. Large, mottled green/grey pumpkin with thick orange flesh up to 2.5kg produced on sprawling vine. Very high yields.
(Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) Extra long, thin, greenish white stems with light green leaves. Quick growing; early to mature. Renown for its cons
(Beta vulgaris) American heirloom dating back to 1900's & originally grown for its attractive leaves. Attractive, deep-red foliage displaying a dark
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EU Antitrust Head Dampens Hope For Hutchison-Orange Deal
Joaquin Almunia discussed the Hutchison-Orange deal's issues as part of a speech detailing the EU's antitrust enforcement policies at Georgetown Law School's Global Antitrust Enforcement Symposium, saying the commission has yet to block a merger over antitrust worries.
While many merger deals have required remedies for commission...
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Build an Empire: Watch Party With Chubbie Baby
With Empire being Fox's #1 television series, grossing over 13 million viewers, it's only right that Icon Studios and Loud-N-Klear Ent brough out one of Hip-Hop's legends for their watch party and mixer. Chubby Baby, is the Vice-President of A&R at Epic Records, which is the home of a lot of Hip-Hop and R&B heavyweights.Don't get it twisted though, Da Baby doesn't just sit in a comfy chair to tell those with dreams yes or no. He is a a legend within the culture: rapping along with hip-hop gods such as Cam'ron, Mase, and Biggie Smalls. He's also managed future and has given numerous opportunities to the Atlanta music industry.
When Chubbie Baby spoke you could feel his genuine vibe and respect for everyones grind in the room. He took the time to answer questions from aspiring producers, rappers, and song writers throughout the night. He gave advice on how to make contacts in the industry and how to build a dope grind around what you do. He put major emphasize on how being hungry means you have samples of your work at all times, and stay thirsty for knowledge. Even though I can't rap nor sing, Chubbie told me to stay hungry and keep working on my craft. The event was super dope and reminded me what Hip Hop Culture is really about.


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The thing is, sometimes I just don't understand.
Right now it truly has NOTHING to do with me or my story.
It's not impacting me or my family.
But for someone else close to me I'm helplessly standing by and wondering what in the world is going on.
It's completely out of their hands. It's completely unfair. There's nothing that can be done. Except take a deep breath, say a prayer, and move forward.
But how?! The future is so uncertain right now.
The news can be devastating - it was to me and I'm not even directly impacted by it.
It's in these moments when our faith is put to the test. Will we trust God when it's most difficult to do so? Will we trust God when there's nothing humanly possible for us to do? Will we trust God and have faith in a plan we can't see?
Sometimes it doesn't make sense.
The trials become the chance to put our faith into action. Even more, the chance to sit back and allow God to move.
What I know is that He's got a plan.
What I also know is His plan is better than anything we could dream or fathom.
So then why is it so hard in the present moment of uncertainty and unsettledness to truly trust God with every detail?!
There are moments like this where I ask myself, "If this were you, how would you respond?" There are instances like this where I suddenly realize that anything can change - without warning or notice, it can all come crashing down.
Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow is certainly not guaranteed void of hardships. Matter of fact, the trials are the very instruments God uses to reveal Himself to us. It causes me to wonder if we'd pay attention otherwise.
It's difficult to understand. It's even more difficult to trust when the very next step you were about to take is suddenly yanked from beneath you. Just wait. The bottom hasn't fallen out without landing you safely in the arms of One willing to carry you through.
Easy for me to say, I'm not the one being asked to persevere through the darkness. At least not at this moment. It's also in these tests when God reveals our own character. It's when he refines us. It's also when others wait and watch for our response. I'll admit I'm praying hard for this family and I'm also waiting to see what God does. It's in these moments when I know that whatever happens is going to be miraculous. It has to be because it's completely in His hands.
Sometimes I just don't understand, but when I don't understand what He's doing I only have to trust that He's at work in a way that will probably blow my mind.


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Joint Report Reveals Increase in British Columbia's NatGas Resources
The National Energy Board (NEB) and British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) issued a joint Energy Market Assessment (EMA), revealing the province has more than enough conventional gas resources to maintain a high level of energy activity for many years.
The EMA, entitled Northeast British Columbia's Ultimate Potential for Conventional Natural Gas, reports that as of year end 2003, the remaining gas available for future demand in the northeast area of the province is 35 Trillion cubic feet (Tcf). It also indicates an increase of ultimate conventional marketable gas resources of over 1 Tcf from the 1994 estimate of 51 Tcf to 52 Tcf. Ultimate potential is a science-based estimate of the total amount of conventional natural gas in northeast B.C., including what has been produced to date. The current annual production from this region is approximately 1 Tcf.
The report shows B.C. has additional conventional and unconventional gas resources that could be drawn upon in the future. These additional resources are located in B.C.'s northwest and interior basins, such as the Nechako and Bowser Basins, the southeast portion of the province and offshore. These are all areas in which the Provincial Government is interested in encouraging resource research and development.
British Columbia is an important contributor to Canada's natural gas supply, providing approximately 15 per cent of all production. The report is important as it provides the basis for sound resource management and sustainability planning, future production estimates, provincial revenue projections and more. Science-based information like this will inform the Province's considerations as it drafts the 2006 Energy Plan for B.C., due out before the end of the year.
"Our energy planning takes a great deal of factors into consideration, including what our current energy levels are, what is left and how we will manage those important resources," said Minister Richard Neufeld of the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. "Planning like this is informed by scientific reports like this. This new report - estimating an increase of 1 Tcf of natural gas resources - will encourage further international interest and investment in our resources as well."
As part of its mandate, the NEB monitors the supply of all energy commodities in Canada and publishes reports including EMAs. Ultimate potential EMAs are published on an on-going basis to reflect changes in estimates based on new discoveries or new plays being developed. This is the second time the NEB has collaborated with a provincial department to produce a joint report.
"The partnership with the Ministry in B.C. was a valuable one as we were able to work together to better understand the gas resources in the province," said Kenneth Vollman, NEB chairman. "We're looking at the need for future assessments in other areas of the country and see the benefit of provincial partnerships to better serve the Canadian public."
The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several aspects of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade. As part of its mandate the NEB monitors the supply of all energy commodities in Canada and publishes reports on energy, called Energy Market Assessments.
MEMPR manages the responsible development of B.C.'s energy, mining and petroleum resource sectors. The Ministry performance plan outlines our strategies to increase jobs, investment and revenue related to these sectors, while acting as an environmental steward protecting the affected land base.
Canada's role in the North American natural gas market is an important one. Today, Canada provides approximately one-quarter of the total North American gas production. While the key natural gas producing province in the country is Alberta, British Columbia also plays an important role. In 2003, British Columbia provided approximately 15 per cent of Canada's total production.
This Energy Market Assessment, Northeast British Columbia's Ultimate Potential for Conventional Natural Gas Resources, provides an outlook for what natural gas resources could be available for future use by the province. Ultimate potential for natural gas is a key factor in making projections of future supply. It provides basic information for further investigation of the pace of development, deliverability and economics.
This report is the result of a joint study by the National Energy Board (NEB) and the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR). It began in 2003 to focus specifically on the northeast area of the province due to increased drilling in the area and the discovery of several large pools in plays that had not been considered in previous studies. The joint study includes these key findings:
- The total ultimate potential for northeast British Columbia, including gas already produced, is 52 Tcf (trillion cubic feet). - The remaining gas available for future demand is 35 Tcf. With the current annual production of 0.95 Tcf, this represents approximately 37 years of production. - The northeast part of British Columbia is not as mature as the Alberta portions of the basin which means there is more upside for future potential. - Additional conventional and unconventional resources are also available elsewhere in B.C., both onshore and offshore. Determining Ultimate PotentialThe term ultimate potential refers to the estimate of the volume of marketable gas reserves that will be proven to exist in an area after exploration has ceased.
Ultimate potential (equal sign) discovered resources + undiscovered resourcesFor example, the total ultimate potential for B.C. is 52 Tcf. That number includes the amount already produced to the end of 2003 which was 17 Tcf and the remaining gas available for future demand which is 35 Tcf.
Northeast B.C. holds approximately one-quarter of the ultimate remaining potential of conventional natural gas in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB).
Better understanding of geological plays
The new estimate of ultimate potential shows that the distribution of the conventional gas in the geological and geographical sense has changed because of a better understanding of the WCSB area.
Between 1992 and 2003, the number of wells drilled in B.C. almost doubled from 7,582 to 14,568. These new wells provided additional information for the geological assessment of the area.
Geological plays in B.C. are relatively less developed than those in Alberta. As industry continues drill wells in B.C.'s portion of the WCSB, the knowledge gained from these wells may further increase the estimate of remaining gas potential.
Resources for the future
The study also noted that B.C. has additional conventional gas resources that could be drawn upon in the future. These resources are found in the interior basins, southeast B.C. and offshore basins. The province also has unconventional gas resources, such as shale gas, coalbed gas, tight gas and gas hydrates that could supplement the conventional gas resources.
Conventional natural gas in B.C. may continue to grow as industry expands
in this area. With continued activity in the WCSB and other areas of the province, geological assessments will provide further information about what lies beneath the soil. This in turn will create a better picture of the ultimate potential for natural gas in the province.
- NEB Hearings on Mackenzie Gas Pipeline to Continue (Oct 03)
- Canada's NEB Approves Deep Panuke Pipeline (Sep 14)
- NEB Oversees Clean-up Efforts of Pipeline Spill in Burnaby, B.C. (Jul 26)


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Author: Darynda Jones
Series: Darklight #1
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 271 (paperback)
Source: Won
Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors
Ten years ago, Lorelei's parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.
High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school's designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can't have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones's first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.
~*~Lili's Reflections~*~
I was a huge fan of Darynda's Charley Davidson series, so I was really looking into her foray into the young adult world. I went into this knowing it wouldn't be like her adult series, but I expected the same form of writing and Darynda's easy ability to make me laugh. I was disappointed by all aspects. Perhaps because it was the fact that my expectations were so high due to her adult series. But after reading this book, I feel as if I lost a bit of Darynda's amazing writing style. Her ability to make us laugh and write plot lines like a professional was completely thrown out the window. Instead this book was hard to follow, didn't execute the plot to the fullest extent, and was littered with young adult cliches that I try my best to avoid as a reader.
Everything started going downhill with chapter two. The first chapter introduced us to Lor and her friends Glitch and Brooke, who I love immensely because they did provide the few bits of humorous relief in the book. But once we were introduced to Jared and Cameron, the plot started to go downward. This is literally a love at first sight type thing. New boy who is extremely suspicious shows up at school, hits on plain girl while hot popular girl tries to get in the way, new boy is such a supernova that he cannot be ignored, girl is a lost puppy without him. Then we throw in the fact that the random yet hot loner kid is suddenly stalking the plain girl, too. Not a love triangle, but full of cliche.
The first third of the book did nothing but confuse me. There was a lot of paranormal aspects in the book that went awry. There was a lot of fighting, both Cameron and Jared were acting like psychopaths, and I had no idea why they were able to pause time and hit each other with trucks and somehow survive and randomly do a whole bunch of things. It was all so random. The attempted action that went wrong tempted me into DNFing the book, but I reminded myself that I love Darynda's writing and kept going.
The middle of the book and ending redeemed it somewhat because the plot did move along well. I finally began to understand things once Cameron and Jared's true identities were revealed. If such a thing happened sooner, I probably would have enjoyed this book ten times more because I wouldn't have gotten so frustrated with my immense confusion. However, this book took male machoness to an entirely new level. Jared and Cameron were constantly going at it... crowbars, bats, planks of wood, magical powers, fists--you name it, they used it. It was too much and overly done.
There was also a heavy case of insta-love in this one. Jared was too gorgeous to be ignored and Lorelei--a girl who never gets male attention--latched onto him immediately. She was impulsive, she went along with whatever Cameron or Jared told her to do, rarely stood up for herself, and let her feelings rule everything just so that we'd have to endure her crying about her decisions days later because she didn't think things through. I didn't enjoy her characterization at all. I liked Jared's more because he is a being of both light and dark. The way he described his feelings for Lorelei, as quick as they arrived and as unbelievable as they are, were amazing. She was his light, his ever-burning fire, and it was absolutely romantic and powerful. Moments such as those made up for the lackluster romance and odd plot line.
This book had so much potential. If you have a book with angels, demons, prophets, secret orders, and poltergeists, you have a recipe for amazingness within your grasp. But this book fell short of all expectations because all aspects of this potentially wonderful plot were not pulled together properly. Instead, things simply happened to help move the plot along. People would conveniently pop in out of nowhere when they were needed, the characters were over-dramatic and emotional, and there were very few plot twists that I didn't see coming. Those that surprised me were amazing, but they didn't make up for the fact that a great majority of the book was predictable. The originality used to weave the tale was amazing as well, but that can't make up for its flaws.
Overall, I'd recommend taking this one out of the library if you're curious about it. I plan on continuing the series because I love Jones and I want my faith restored in her writing. I feel as if I randomly lost her along the way with this one, and I want her back. Since the book did get better after the weird beginning, I'm hoping the sequel will be stronger because there is no need to reintroduce Jared and Cameron again.
3 stars