text:
It was a nice day today in Primp town, very sunny with the only clouds rolling overhead being the ones that had rained much earlier in the day. In other words, it was a nice day for gardening. The weeds were easy to pull out and the plants didn't need any water.
It would be perfect conditions for any garden, especially for my best friend's garden.
I looked over to my dad; he was trying to set up a pretty birdbath that he had made. It had little waves curved into the ceramic to make it ether look like waves or wind. He was kind of artistic like that, always making a new sculpture or painting.
At the moment he was digging into the middle of the cleared area that Tarutaru said he was going to turn into a new garden, specifically for tomatoes, sugar snap peas and other climbing plants. Dad was sure that once he saw the birdbath he wouldn't mind that his future garden had been changed. I was sure about that too. He liked birds a lot.
I looked back at what I was doing: weeding the garden for when he returns home. After all, it would be kind to make sure that when he gets back, he can just enjoy the party and not have to worry about having to clean or garden.
I grabbed some that must have escaped my eyes on the sweeps looking for them. I had already got rid of most of them by throwing them into a nearby bag after they had been pulled out. These ones were soon in the bag as well. I was glad that I was nearly finished, even with the gloves on I still felt as if insects were crawling on my hands.
I continued with the task until I was nearly sure I was finished, then stood up and looked around one more time, just to make sure no more had slipped past my inspection. None had. I walked around knowing that they could be hiding, still none.
It looked to be my lucky day: I was free to look around or take a break while others were still working.
Okay, that wouldn't be really nice. I'm sure if mum, dad and Ms Accord had finished first they'd help me out.
I looked over to dad; he was just putting the birdbath into the ground.
'Hey dad, umm…do you need any help with anything?' I asked him. Even though he was my dad, it was hard to break old habits of speech.
He didn't look up at me. I knew that meant he was concentrating a lot, but I still thought it was a bit rude; after all, I was looking at him. Why couldn't he return that courtesy?
'Yeah, I guess you could grab the hose in a moment.' He said. 'Bring it back here; I'll put it in the birdbath when this is secure in the ground. Make sure to go to the taps and turn it on and off when I say so, that way this'll be up and running when your friend gets back.'
'Okay then.' I said to him, but he was already concentrating back on the birdbath.
I took off the gloves and put them on the table under the gazebo. They were dirty, so they would need to be washed under the hose later, too. Then I went over towards the house. The house was a pretty red brick house, yet it was a fairly large one too, with many windows and enlarged doorways to allow anyone to enter the house, as long as they had the keys anyway.
I walked over to the tap, which was on the same side of the house as the gardens and pergola. There was a hose connected to it. I found the end of it and took it back towards dad, dragging the middle part on the ground.
'Okay, you've got it have you?' He said and finally looked at me while speaking. 'Well I think I've got this as level as it will ever be, so can you go back to the tap?'
'Okay, I'll go back and turn it on soon.' I said to him then turned around to go back to the tap. Soon the birdbath was filled up, though dad had to stand it more straight so the water wouldn't tip out due to crookedness.
After that I couldn't find anything else outside that needed to be done or fixed. A few days ago we'd tidied up Tarutarus' bedroom so it wouldn't be dusty and cleaned up the pergola, because due to recent rain and wind storms the dirt from the uncultivated patch had been blown onto the tiles, making them look the colour of dirt instead of the pretty salmon colour they usually were.
There was no reason for me to stay outside, so I went inside the house, though the back entrance and into the laundry area. It also was a place for people to put their shoes so that the dirt wouldn't wander into the main living areas from the back yard. I decided to put my shoes near the washtub, sitting down to untie the laces without falling over. Then I walked up the small two-step staircase into the main living area. It was a dining room, or was it a lounge room? Maybe it was a mixture of the two? I never could tell. It contained characteristics of both rooms, a dining table, chairs and a archway leading into the kitchen, yet it had lounge chairs as well as a small television and cupboard full of board games for when the television cut out.
Sitting at the table with her pet puppet cat, Popoi, was Ms Accord. She had glue; scissors and other craft related objects spread around the table. Popoi was trying to clean it all to one part of the table, grumbling about it all the while.
'You know, as an adult, you really should be able to take care of your own mess!' he hissed at Ms Accord whilst trying to move a large piece of cardboard paper that was bending all over the place.
Ms Accord didn't respond in any way. She just continued adding glitter and sparkles to the "Welcome home!" banner.
Popoi rolled his eyes- or tried to at least. It would be kind of hard for a puppet to roll their eyes. He mostly just rolled his head to mimic it.
I walked away from the doorway after shutting the door. 'Do any of you need any help?' I asked, trying to be louder than usual.
At first I thought they hadn't heard me, Accord was humming to herself and looking down as she added some more glitter to corners of the banner. Then Popoi turned around and said. 'Hello Ms Rider, you do realise that spying on people is rude, don't you?'
I guess he hadn't heard me after all. I shook my head, meaning that I wasn't spying on them.
'Is there any thing you need help with?' I asked again after getting closer to the table.
At this point Accord did look up, but she always appears to have her eyes closed, so I wasn't sure if she was looking at all. In fact, I'm not sure if she looks at anything. No one is. People like Amitie have asked her, but she always changes the subject.
But I shouldn't think about that, none of his "friends" are here, especially not Amitie…
'Well I don't need any help Rider. I'm nearly done. I also don't think you should go into the kitchen, not unless you want to hear some really colourful words from your Ms Lucy.'
Colourful words? I couldn't hear anything at all.
'Yup, you'd think that with her son coming home she'd be happy, not really upset.' Finished Popoi after he got tired of holding the cardboard paper.
'Um, what do you mean by colourful words?' I asked them.
I still couldn't hear anything rude; In fact I couldn't hear anything from the kitchen, shouldn't there be more cooking related sounds? Are they on a break?
'Well, by colourful words, I meant they were saying some words I didn't like, so I put up a magical barrier.' Explained Ms Accord. She gestured to the archway. 'The barrier keeps all the sound from the kitchen in the kitchen instead of it coming though the open archway.' She finished.
Well that explained why I couldn't hear anything.
'Okay, then what should I do now?' I asked her. I was still trying to figure out why his mother, Lucy would be upset? She loves him and hadn't seen him nearly a year.
It didn't make sense.
Ms Accord turned towards Popoi, who was looking at me. After a second he noticed and turned towards her.
'You could take Popoi outside for a bit, maybe then he won't complain about having to clean up after me.' She said whilst scooping Popoi up in her hands.
She wanted me to take him but he just glared at me for a second, then pulled a funny face, which I didn't know he could do. I still had lots to learn about him.
I went outside back the way I came, making sure to put my shoes back on.
I walked past Dad, who was sitting at the table under the pergola. He'd brought a book about sculpting techniques with him to read, so he was fine.
After getting away from the tiles, which Mum wouldn't want me running over, I ran over to one of the nice old trees near the road. This tree was one where the branches were close to the ground for climbing, yet also had lots of leaves at the top for shade. Not only that, but also most of the branches were solid enough to step on and not worry about them breaking underfoot.
It was one of my favourite places to be when visiting Tarutaru's house, assuming he was there too.
I climbed up the tree whilst Popoi complained. He could be a bit weird about being carried around, especially up trees for some reason.
Soon I was sitting on a solid branch, one that had a variety of things to fiddle or play with like strings for cats-cradle, some old stuffed animals that were too old to stay in my room anymore and a old sculpture of a bird hanging from a overhead branch. Most of the stuff Tarutaru had hoarded here was on the ground- he wasn't able to climb the tree.
Popoi looked up at the bird, he wasn't here very much, except for the times Ms Accord let me baby-sit him and take him other places.
Popoi jumped away onto the overhead branch. He pawed at the bird. It was a good thing it was attached securely enough to not fall. 'It's blue all over, shouldn't there be some variation?' He asked, turning from the bird to me.
'Umm…' Thinking for a jiffy, I wasn't sure about that question at all. Birds do normally have more colours on them, but what if this one was a bluebird? 'I'm not really sure, I think it's a bluebird but I don't know.' I answered Popoi.
For a while I just sat there. Popoi bounded up into the very top of the tree, trying to catch birds. I was trying to think up new ways to perform cats-cradle for a while, and then my mum and Tarutaru's mum came outside to the pergola carrying plates of food and bottles of drink. They were talking about something to each other but I don't know what about due to being far away.
Dad looked up at mum and started talking to them too. Even with other people he wouldn't look at them, except mum. He always looked at her.
They slowly set up the tables with different food and drinks for he welcoming party, returning back and forwards through the house many times.
The tree rustled when Popoi leaped to catch a bird. He fell of his branch and fell onto the over hanging branch, nearly knocking the bird sculpture off it's wire and hook.
I decided to grab Popoi and jump down to help them out while I could. Maybe then we could all sit down and wait together.
So that was what happened, at least until Tarutaru arrived.
I was sitting down under the pergola next to dad and mum, Mrs Accord was adding the finishing touches to the banner with Popoi and Tarutaru's mother was waiting near the road. I looked through the kitchen windows at the clock. It was nearly lunchtime.
I had been told a bus would bring him here from a far away city, but I didn't know the cities name or how far away it was. This made it difficult to know when he would be here.
I sat forward, leaning on the table a bit. I was bored, there was nothing left to do but wait. I wished I had brought down my Cats cradle string with me, even though I knew it like the back of my hand, playing with it would be better than nothing.
I could see mum out of the corner of my eye, she looked disapproving, but didn't comment. She knew what it was like, waiting ages for something.
After ages, where Mrs Accord had sat down on the edge of the tiles when finished with her banner, I saw Lucy straighten up- she must have saw something. In a few seconds, a bus pulled up outside on the road. In less than ten seconds I was by the edges of the road as well. I'd forgotten, and then remembered, what mum had said earlier.
"Let his mother greet him first because she hasn't seen him for a long time."
Never mind that I hadn't seen him for a long time too…
I waited as he departed the bus. Waited for his mother to hug him. Wait for her to say how much she missed him. Waited for him to notice I was there.
Then he turned to me. I just stood there- I hadn't seen him for a while. What if he'd changed and didn't want to be friends with me anymore? What if something bad happened and I convinced him that I was different now?
He smiled. It should have reassured me, but it didn't reach his eyes. Then I thought- He'd been sick for a long time. Weren't glassy-eyes associated with sickness?
Maybe I shouldn't worry so much. His smile faltered a bit as he waited for me to speak.
'I-I thought I'd never see you again…' I said quietly.
The next thing I knew I was being crushed by a bear hug. I wasn't sure if I had been crying before or if I'd just started. I guess it didn't really matter.
'Don't be upset.' He said to me. "You knew I was aright, didn't you?'
I shook my head. I had been sent letters, as well as been told little amounts of information as to how he was going. But I hadn't been told that he would be all right. Maybe they didn't want to get my hopes up only to have them shattered?
I didn't even know why he had been sent away for a nearly a year, I had always been told that he was just absent. I only found out later that he was sick.
I looked up; Lucy was standing by him. 'This is supposed to be a happy day, isn't it.' She looked disapprovingly.
I jumped back, trying to dry my eyes on my sleeves. I really shouldn't be crying today. She was right. He had enough to go through without me adding more problems. I turned away, only able to hear them now.
'Tarutaru, why don't you go under the pergola? Your teacher is there, I'm sure she would like to talk to you about your studies.'
'Okay then, mum.' I heard him say as he trudged towards the house.
I waited a moment to stop crying. I could hear his mother behind me, but I didn't want to face her just yet. Not until I was presentable.
'Now Rider, I know that you are better than that.' She said, stepping between the house and me, letting me both see her and blocking me if I ran. 'He has been really worried about you, saying in the letters how he was concerned about who would be you friends at school. He did worry a lot, how could he not?'
She was misunderstanding the problem- I wasn't upset about that. I knew that.
'I wasn't upset about that, miss. I was just surprised. He still looked sick. I was scared, that's all.' I said, trying not to sound too upset.
To be honest, I didn't even know why I was sad. There just seemed to be many things that worried me, or confused me. I knew what she said wasn't it, but that was all.
'Well I hope you're able to compose yourself now. If he worries too much…' She must have been thinking how to end that. '…I'm not sure, but it can't be good for him. Remember how, when you have the flu, you have to rest and not worry about anything. I think it's the same here.' She finished. She didn't ask why I was scared, which was nice of her. I wasn't sure how to answer that question anyway.
'Okay then.' I said to her, I thought that I'd be okay now. If I remembered the better times I'd be good.
She clapped her hands once in front of her. ' Alright, we ought to go see how everyone is, shouldn't we?' She said then she turned away to return to the pergola. I followed her, running to keep up with her as she was in a hurry. At the same time, I was ashamed of how I had reacted before. I told myself that she was right; because she was about everything- I was better than that. I also told myself that I wouldn't cause any more problems today or make the party turn sad.
In a short while we were back under the pergola. Tarutaru was talking to Ms Accord about his studies.
'Well, at least you have been studying while you were absent, it's nice to hear about students taking their responsibilities seriously.'
'Yes, it's is' Mother cut in. 'Though I think that even with studying, he will have to catch up a fair bit at school.' She looked around and spotted me. 'Dear, you and Tarutaru are in the same class, maybe you could help him?' She didn't comment on my red eyes, it was all too common to warrant mention from her.
'Umm, yeah I guess I can.' I wasn't really sure I could be qualified to be a tutor, no matter how much I'd learnt.
The conversation kind of ended then, with everyone taking a seat at the table. Everyone except Accord, who decided to stand next to the table, catching Tarutaru up on everything he'd missed.
'…And you missed the lessons about magical creatures of past eras, it's pretty major. I think Klug knows a lot about it, maybe he'll share a book with you? And also, you missed the Primp Town Magical School Puyo Tournament. But it's okay we'll have another one soon.' She finished while smiling at him.
She looked around for Popoi.
'Where is he?' He had vanished apparently.
I looked down when I felt something poking at left elbow.
'I did tell you eavesdropping was bad, right?' Said Popoi after climbing upon my shoulder.
'I wasn't eavesdropping or spying.' I whispered to him. I wasn't feeling too good, or at least good enough to listen to Popoi scolding me. Everyone looked at us. I wished they wouldn't.
'Mrs Accord, am I still going to be in Goody Goods class?' He asked as if to distract from Popoi's scolding.
'Oh, you mean Ms Goods class? I guess you will be, though its still better to get notes off Klug. I know for certain he took them.' She said. 'If you would like you could move into the regular class after catching up.' She finished.
'Oh no, I'm fine in Goodies class. She's a nice teacher and my friends are in her class.'
I'll say this for Tarutaru: He knew how to cheer me up. I wasn't feeling so bad now. I'll definitely be able to act happier now.
'And I think everyone will be glad to see you back.' I said, and then regretted it. To close to a bad issue that could stop the party right there and then…
He didn't know this but I think everyone else did, their body language said so as they tensed up.
'So where is everyone?' He asked, looking over the yard. ' I thought they were going to jump out and say "Surprise" but I guess not.' He said searching around for what could have been an honest answer among us.
Everyone was silent. I could see why. What could you say to that without hurting his feelings? How could you say, "They don't like you enough to be here with you", even if you sugarcoated it, and still have a heart?
Eventually Accord spoke up.
'They're absent, Tarutaru. That's all it is.'
I don't know why, but I was really angry with that. They were absent, but absent just isn't a word strong enough for what they were doing. They were acting as if a friend who comes back from the hospital isn't something to celebrate. They were acting as if they didn't care that he was back. I hate them sometimes! Even Amitie hasn't shown up today.
What word was strong enough for this?
'They don't care that's why they're absent.' I murmured, not loudly but loudly enough for people to hear near me. The next second I regretted it, like most of everything today. Maybe there was another reason for them not being here?
Ether way, I shouldn't be worrying Tarutaru so much…that's the worst bit. Because he was sitting across from me he'd heard what I said in anger. Now he was looking so upset. The party was becoming very bad and all thanks to me. Of all days not to be silent…
The group just sat there in silence for a second, as if waiting for a miracle to make this party turn good again.
'I'm sorry, I didn't mean that.' I said, trying to make sure my voice was loud so everyone could hear it. 'It's just weird; they promised they'd be here when I asked them about it.'
'Well Rider, maybe something else popped up that they needed to take care of.' Said Lucy quietly. 'I'm sure they would be here if they could.'
Everyone nodded in agreement. Even Popoi did.
The next second, I could hear shouting from near the edge of the road. I wasn't sure if anyone else had heard it for a jiffy. I turned around in the seat and looked towards the road. A blonde lady was beginning to run over the yard, waving her arms around like she wanted to take wing. I stood up after pushing the seat out, by this time others were noticing her and standing up too. She rushed over, nearly tripping over the edge of the tiles. She continued yelling, though I couldn't tell what she was saying.
'Ma'am, you've got to calm down. Please tell us why you're here and who you are? Asked Accord, looking composed even when others were confused and panicky. I knew for sure I was confused, I hoped she would be able to answer Accords question between sobs.
'I-I I need to know where my daughter is, please tell me!' She chocked out then continued sobbing.
I could see others moving around me. Mother rushed forwards to talk to her, as did Ms Accord. Tarutaru and the others stayed back. I went around to where Tarutaru was, trying to not make myself to noticeable.
I knew one thing- this woman scared me. Most people don't just run up screeching and ruining parties even more so than they were. For all I know, she could be bringing the apocalypse with her.
'Oh, it's okay. I think I remember you ma'am. Aren't you Amities mother, Clarissa? I've heard some very fond words in the town. You organise events and you're always composed even in strife. Is that you?' Asked my mother, whilst simultaneously giving out compliments. That was the good thing about her really.
I wanted to point out that she wasn't composed at the moment, but don't throw stones in glass houses is what they say.
'Uh-huh, that's me.' Clarissa said quietly almost to herself. 'I'm looking for her, she isn't home and no one has seen her around anywhere. I have no clues, I hope, I hope…'She didn't really need to finish the sentence.
'Well, has anyone here seen her this morning? Asked Accord, looking around at the group.
I looked too; no one was moving to indicate they had.
The only thing I realised was Tarutaru's mother looking as if she had seen death itself. As Clarissa broke down and was surrounded by Mother and Accord, The phones started ringing in the house.
Because no one else would, I rushed inside, not bothering to take off my shoes to get the telephone. I wasn't sure what I was thinking, except that maybe I'd have an answer to all the questions that needed answering. Like Where is Amitie? Why has she disappeared? Has everyone vanished? Is that why we're the only ones here?
The phone that was ringing wasn't the house phone, as I had thought, but Accords mobile. Without thinking I picked it up and spoke into the receiver.
'Uh, hello, why are you calling today?'
'Who are you and where's Accord?' Said the voice on the other end.
'I'm Rider and she's out, do you want me to get her.' I asked quickly, the temperature was growing colder by the minute, or so it seemed. I started shivering.
'No, just tell her this. Lots of people have been reported missing. She needs to report to the police station now. Tell her this. Most of the missing ether worked for her or were her students. Goodbye.' He hanged up.
For a second I just stood in silence. I had the answer to some of my questions, but didn't like it at all.
I went outside to tell Accord the news from the phone. Hoping she wouldn't mind me answering it. Hoping Tarutarus mum wouldn't mind the dirty floor.
Hoping I was just dreaming.
Whoa, took a while to make this. Hopefully the next chapter won't take half as long. Anyway, thank you for reading this far. Otherwise I'm not really sure what to say, except that I know that the grammar could be better, but I don't know how to fix it yet. Anyway, comments and criticisms are especially needed, as this is my first fic that I've posted here/ had anyone look at. (All the other fics I've started are dead before first chapter ends. orz.)
I also hoped I've kept characters mostly in character, though I have wondered how Rider would behave when she's angry? My guess is most of the time she would be silent and just turn the anger towards herself, which might explain why she has no self confidence- she's her own worst enemy in that regard.
(Notice how I said "Most"- some times she would slip and say something nasty. :P)
Oh and yes, Puyo does not belong to me, or the characters even though I wish they did…
Except for OC's, they belong to me I guess. * Shrugs *
Oh, and sorry about the italics, won't be any in the next chapter. I just wanted to emphasize that this was a strange start and that the rest of the story would be in more present tones? (I really don't know. :/)
So anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.


text:
I guess it is funny, but the "Weis is fat" joke is getting old. Also....Yes, I really want a Tacopants shirt!
MGoShirt Alert - Day 4
This is the fourth entry of the 2009 MGoShirt Alert , a design project that will enable MgoBlog readers to vote for upcoming designs in the brand spankin' new MGoBlogStore. To reach the store, click here. To read more about exactly what MGoShirt Alert is and will be about, click here.
Alright, enough of you guys already-- take your big fat Charlie Weis shirt and be happy! So yesterday's shirt, clearly not a hit. No problem-- I take criticism well and you can all rest better knowing that I didn't go home and cut off my ear last night and send it off in a box. (Speaking of which, Brodie-- keep an eye on your mailbox j/k). Honestly, everyone's got the right to say what they feel around here, and I'm cool with that. I did switch up my running order today, because it just felt like something on the lighter side was in order. So maybe I'll run today's original shirt tomorrow, haven't decided yet.
So, time to vote! What do you guys think?
|pollcode.com free polls
|What do you think of MgoShirt #4?
|Five Stars Four Stars Three Stars Two Stars One Star
***** Five Stars: Charlie Weis-- 734 lbs. GET IN MY BELLY!
**** Four Stars: No, he can't weigh more than 650...
*** Three Stars: Are you kidding me? Half a ton, no more.
** Two Stars: Leave him alone, he's a svelt 425!
* One Star: Actually, he's a comparable to my own 300 lbs.
I've also tried to keep all shirts as a single side tee, just to keep costs down. There are some two-sided shirts in the mix, including tomorrow's, but as I said, most of the shirts will be one front image, maize ink on a blue background. If there was a back side to today's shirt, I'd probably just have it say "SHUT UP YOU BIG FAT IRISH SLOB."
One of the things that keeps coming up is the idea of "MGoBlog" listed somewhere on the shirt. The big reservation here is that Brian has pretty much his entire life invested in this site, and although he hasn't personally said it, the potential fear is that of one of us goons might drag his blog's good name through the mud after one too many cases of beer and/or a run-in with a.) hardcore drugs, b.) various farm animals, or c.) a damn Buckeye co-ed fatter than Weis. BUT I will say that yes, an MGoBlog shirt is among my designs. As is Tacopants. And Barwis. Twice.
So enough is enough...place your votes, ladies and gentlemen, and feel free to love to hate below! See you tomorrow for another exciting round of – MGoShirt Alert!!
He is fat, but so is half of America. Also, this is a Michigan shirt, do we need to make fun of the Irish? I like the "Returning to Glory since 1993" more.
Plus, the shirt might soon be irrelevant if he gets axed. Good effort though!
Actually, that shirt was making fun of North Dakota due to some questionable licensing practices.
Tacopants is humerous, but it's way more insider than Slot Ninja even is.
when i was in college and single i used to be a slot ninja...
You mean you were in and out without even being noticed? Not really something to brag about...
Just once per year would this be worn VS ND.
Dude, that guy is SUPER fat.
but overall I think it is a good shirt. I'd say it's worth at the least a 3 start. I don't know who gave it a 1, but that seems really harsh.
Is that a shredded labia taco?
The shirt says "To Hell with Michigan" on it.
I actually like Michigan though...
I laughed out loud, but the beer-gut contingent of MGoBlog might not find it as funny
I like it. It made me laugh, but agree with the getting old and unclassy sentiments.
I love the design! Concerns that the shirt might be a waste joke soon are silly. T-shirts are like... $15 bucks. You buy four or five a year probably, at least.
Good deal! I'll give it a 4. It's very board centric.
why hasn't Brian's Facebook picture been turned into a 60 design yet? that would be wearable for hockey AND football
(the nasty Irish lord of the rings shirt, not, you know, a picture of brian)
a la Obama hope style, but in Maize and Blue?
If I was going to get a shirt making fun of ND it would be a "Rudy Sucks" shirt with Sean Astin's picture on it.
are you just inflating your ego with these stupid threads? please stop now!
the point is for the community to pick a shirt to add to the sales area.
i think the only problem will be that there has yet to be a home run shirt so it won't exactly be "the pick."
You don't pay any attention at all, do you?
are you just inflating your points with this stupid reply?
America is a fat country but im cool with the fact that I may alienate fat people I know if I wear this. Saying "irish slob" without any explicit iND imagery may be misconstrued as an ethnic insult so its good you kept it out. Overall a big improvement from day 2 and 3.
I don't want to be rude; I respect the time and effort required by Six Zero to come up with all of these designs. But I just can't escape the fact that I hate all of these shirts. I think they're ugly and have little to do with the University of Michigan or the mgoblog community. Just epinion.
I agree that all the shirts so far have pretty much sucked (and I'm sorry that I have to say that out loud, Six Zero, but there you go).
But I doubt that creative products are concocted right from the start. We must go through many iterations of crappy ideas before we hit on the winner, I guess.
As much as it might pain Six Zero, it might be helpful to describe what about these shirts you don't like. For me, it's the non-traditional/overjazzed graphics and fonts and shit, combined with very 'meh' humor and content. Tone down the graphics, and jack up the humor, plzthx.
For me, it's the non-traditional/overjazzed graphics and fonts and shit, combined with very 'meh' humor and content.
Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Yea, Six Zero, clearly you're very talented and have an eye for design..but I haven't been blown away yet either... I myself prefer a more subtle/traditional style of tshirt...I don't think I'd wear any of these...I get the humor and its okay but I don't wear "loud" or "cartoonesque" shirts...these all seem to be that.
have the same physique.
Could we have him saying something like, "Bring the cookie...er...wookie to me"
I genuinely appreciate the time and effort that SixZero has put into these designs, but I think that for this to be a meaningful "contest" it needs to be an open competition...IMHO SixZero is missing the point of an "MGoBlog" shirt...and this design...I would be embarased to wear it...there is just too much potential to offend for the wrong reasons.
Ideas that seem to be resonating in the comment threads:
+1, Up/Down Arrow grouping
My Fake 40 Time: 4.33
OMG Shirtless
If I were to see one of these on a T-Shirt, I would likely introduce myself as a fellow MGoBlogger...even better would be if you could personalize them with your loggin name...wouldn't that be fun...
You would be embarrassed to wear this shirt, but not at all about wearing an "OMG Shirtless" tee with your internet blog login name personalized on it?
No...my sister-in-law struggles with her weight...its just not that funny to pick on someone for being fat...whereas...
OMG Shirtless!
Who does that offend? Its and MGoBlog insider thing plain and simple...others likely won't even get it...that is the point of an MGoBlog shirt...
Why the hell would I not want my loggin name on the shirt...unless I comment in a way that I would never speak to people in real life...which I don't do...so I am all good...
Yeah I realize that this design in particular might not sit well everyone, but the Charlie Weis Is Fat meme has always been a part of the MGoBlog community. Remember when ShockFX made that Thanksgiving flash game about Charlie Weis's cholesterol? That was brilliant and hilarious. I would say that kind of thing is more snarky than offensive, and maybe that goes for mgoblog as a whole.
Siz Zero has been putting a lot of work into making designs for us, and even if you might not dig some of them, I think saying explicitly you'd be embarrassed to wear them might be a little harsh. If you would rather create your own t-shirt, there are a lot of options through a quick Google search.
Also, about the whole login-name-on-shirt thing: when I was like 14, I put my Xbox Live gamertag on the back of my soccer sweatshirt. It was cool for a few seconds, and then I was immediately embarrassed. Luckily my gamertag wasn't TitSucka6969 or anything, but it did show me that screennames should be kept to the Internet.
*sigh* I still have that flash game bookmarked for rainy days...
Maybe so about the whole login name thing...but it seems these threads are becoming a bit of a brainstorming session...so it is..."Run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes!" time...
Actually the one I really want is "My Fake 40 Time: 4.33"
That plus my login name = a very MGoBlog shirt
To Six Zero:
I have really enjoyed all of your designs. I think they're awesome, but I also think they're best enjoyed on this board or posted on various Michigan websites or on Facebook pictures or something.
If I wore that in public, a) I think a lot of people would get confused and b) I think Notre Dame fans would think I'm an asshole.
I think opposing fans/players/coaches should hate us not only for being better than them at football (hopefully that happens soon), but also for our sportsmanship.
that is exactly what I am doing.
Not only are you a complete assface to sixzero but also can't comprehend the use of the reply button.
Sorry, not usually a stickler about it but your other comment just really pissed me off. Sixzero has put in a lot of time and effort into this and you just go and be a schmuck about it.
Are you 12?
What's next? "Butthead"
Needs more creativity.
My post was supposed to be more focused on standing up for a fellow community member who is contributing to the blog rather than coining new insults. Regardless, I'll take your criticism to mind and raise my name calling to a new level. (jk jk)
I am a larger fella and I am wondering if I were to wear this shirt would the fat Charlie Weis on the front make me look skinnier?
Anyway not bad but like others have said it will only be good to wear once a year when the ND game comes around.
I'd buy it.
i think you should get rid of the "chomp, chomp"
or make it NOM NOM NOM
Six Zero - mgoblog inside jokes are all well and good, but I would be more interested in a sweet Michigan shirt than just a graphic representation of a catch-phrase from my favorite blog.
Off the top of my head: something like you-know-who doing the Heisman pose? Or a Michigan player doing the Heisman pose with no number or name and a tag line like "Who's got next?" I am pumped to see some Barwis shirts, but don't be afraid to invoke some old school Michigan icons, too.
I feel like this shirt should keep the scale of the drawing and be printed only in XXXL and larger.
I would definitely buy and wear this shirt. I could care less if Notre Dame fans think I'm an asshole.
However, why just blue shirts? I think I'd rather wear a maize shirt on gameday.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This website uses cookies. For more information please contact us or consult our privacy policy.
Your binder contains too many pages, the maximum is 40.
We are unable to add this page to your binder, please try again later.
This page has been added to your binder.
- Home
- News and Insights
- News
- Covington Advises Altice on 9 1 Billion Suddenlink Acquisition
Covington Advises Altice on $9.1 Billion Suddenlink Acquisition
May 22, 2015
NEW YORK, May 22, 2015 — Covington advised European telecommunications company Altice S.A. (Euronext ATC) in a $9.1 billion deal to acquire a controlling stake in Suddenlink, the seventh largest cable operator in the U.S.
Under the terms of the agreement, Altice will enter the U.S. cable television and broadband market by acquiring 70 percent of the share capital in Suddenlink from existing shareholders BC Partners, CPP Investment Board and Suddenlink management. BC Partners and CPP Investment Board will retain a 30 percent stake in Suddenlink. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2015 and is subject to regulatory approval.
The Covington team was led by Mace Rosenstein and Peter Laveran-Stiebar, and included Yaron Dori, Jim O'Connell, Mark Plotkin, David Fagan, Scott Naturman and Michael Beder. Covington acted alongside Franklin Law Firm as legal advisor to Altice.


text:
Black Keys - Heavy Soul
Heavy Soul(Difficulty: undetermined)
Heavy Soul The Black Keys This main riff in this song is simple and relatively easy to play. The guitar that Dan plays on this song is his vintage Gibson Les Paul Special (the SG style) with 3 PAF pickups. Not sure what amp he uses for thi (guitaretab.com)


text:
Current Username: HyperLugia
New Username: Rhonder
Current Username: HyperLugia
New Username: Rhonder
"Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites." -Karen
Spoiler:- CG Stuff:
Current Username: Souhaku
New Username: Sonikku za Hejjihoggu
Last edited by Arsène; 2nd October 2012 at 10:12 PM.
Current Username: xX ZeR0 Xx
New Username: [ACE] Zero
Last edited by [ACE] Zero; 30th October 2012 at 5:53 PM.
Avid Pokemon Event Collector!!
Add me 4098-5518-0449!
Current Username: Absolute Zero
New Username: -Xen-
Warning! Boring Sig ahead.
Current Username: Lucario01
New Username: ★ Lucario ★
Current Username: TutorX
New Username: YDT
Current Username: octopusG44
New Username: WhyHelloThere
Current Username: Charizard_007
New Username: BLUES.
Last edited by RaZoR LeAf; 11th November 2012 at 6:25 PM.
Credits for the Gengar banner to Turpoo
Credit for the Maga Gengar Userbar goes to myself.
Current Username: PocketMonstre
New Username: Cup of Tea
Last edited by Floette; 6th October 2012 at 7:43 PM.
Fire Safari: Ponyta, Pyroar, Braixen - 1478-3803-9332
Kalos Team: Delphox, Florges, Aegislash, Heliolisk, Hawlucha, Avalugg
Latest Shiny: Helioptile
I have claimed #671, Florges
*credit to Equal-To-Heaven for the clock
Current Username: Duranteater
New Username: your boss
Last edited by Dragalge; 8th October 2012 at 9:39 PM.
Current Username: XatuGamer
New Username: tsumigi-chan
Last edited by sanae; 13th October 2012 at 3:02 AM.
Current Username: Pikachu Masta
New Username: Sir Marly
Current Username: extroph
New Username: Extroph
Extroph's Tiny Art Shack
Trainer Level 3
C Grade Referee
Current Username: Falcario97
New Username: Specter Vyle
Last edited by Primal Crusader V; 3rd October 2012 at 11:21 PM.
Ardent user of anything Rock, Steel, Ground, or Fire
Current Username: YokoKurama
New Username: Demon Kitsune Yoko Kurama
Last edited by Tuskie Tyrant Yoko Kurama; 31st October 2012 at 9:44 PM.
Current Username: Lbsweet96
New Username: Okonkwo
It's a long story, but I can't access that account and coincidentally need the account name changed. IP should be the same, so I'd appreciate it if you would go ahead and change it for me. Thanks!
Current Username: Playful Nightmare
New Username: Locked In My Asylum
EDIT: I decided to go by a username I use on other forums.
Last edited by Kurloz Makara; 3rd October 2012 at 3:33 AM. Reason: Realized my original choice was lame. :(
Current Username: Pokémon beast
New username: Da_bomb.com
Sig under construction
Current Username: Mister_SGG
New Username: Ignika
Last edited by Mister_SGG; 29th October 2012 at 8:18 PM.
Current Username: lodestar
New Username: tokyo/seven
Spoiler:- Credits:
Banner made by Sworn Metalhead (´∀`)
Current Username: Terra Branford
New Username: Vern
Last edited by Vernikova; 26th October 2012 at 11:40 AM.
Fighting for real American turtles everywhere. Pro-Turtle since 6/30/13
Current Username: Swampert is my homeboy
New Username: Bobby Soxer
Last edited by Swampert is my Homeboy; 1st November 2012 at 5:51 AM.
Current Username: HatenaCAMERON
New Username: HetaOni
Last edited by HetaOni; 26th October 2012 at 5:12 PM.
Current Username: darkdragontamer
New Username: SugarPesticide
FF.Net profile | Project Valentine | Hexachromalurgy | Fizzy Bubbles
Latest PV pair: Ben/Summer - When you're a hero, you don't get many vacation hours.


text:
|Reviews for At 11PM
| hey maria chapter 1 . 10/1/2005
Love the 'at 11PM' repetition. Repetition is awesome.
I didn't really expect the ending. I kinda wondered if she was high or drunk or something but I thought she really was going crazy..
| Lead-Me-No-Man chapter 1 . 1/15/2005
I hand't ecpected that ending at all! It was amazing!Vibrant,discriptive, poetry in prose! _ It was beautiful and powerful, if you don't mind me saying.
| Cymoril Avalon chapter 1 . 9/28/2004
That story gave me chills. Seriously, I can't convey how powerful that was. The ending wasn't expected. Lovely, very lovely. *applauds*
| child's play chapter 1 . 9/27/2004
Hello. I found this piece of work quite good, I liked the different points of view portrayed and how you worked with those to reveal different aspects of the girl's character. I especially liked the part 'The dark night, the smell of the grasshoppers, formed the set and soundtrack of her climactic movie scene.'. It made quite a big impact on me.
Anyway, keep it up.
Do read and review some of my work too, (if you have time), especially the latest (Gamine), I really need some feedback on that. Thanks )


text:
SEATTLE — It's not a word coaches often use first to describe a linebacker.
Usually adjectives such as tough, nasty, relentless, athletic or physical are uttered.
And while Washington sophomore John Timu is all those things, the first word Huskies defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox used to describe his middle linebacker and captain might be a little surprising.
"John is a very cerebral guy," Wilcox said.
It's a surprising sentiment to those unfamiliar with Timu. But around Montlake, people know it's fitting. Timu is an outstanding student, who has a grade-point average above 3.5.
So instead of solely focusing on cracking heads on the field, he uses his head to make himself a better and more productive player.
"He really understands the concepts of what we were doing and what the offense is trying to do to us," Wilcox said. "He understands that as well as anybody."
Some of that understanding comes from natural instincts, but Timu is maniacal when it comes to preparation. He watches hours of film, but it's more than just watching — he studies it.
He uses the analytical skills that make him a great student to embrace Wilcox's gameplan. He takes the information provided by Wilcox and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon and embeds the opponent's formations and personnel groups and tendencies into his mind.
"I want to know my opponent more than they know themselves," Timu said. "I put in the extra time."
That level of commitment is a reason why his play has elevated.
"He wants to do well," Wilcox said. "It matters to him. Football is very important to him."
His two interceptions this season show Timu's dedication. Both times Timu was in the right place at the right time, but not by accident. He was there because that was where he was supposed to be. Timu read the formation and knew exactly where Utah quarterback Travis Wilson wanted to throw the ball. He anticipated the play and got the interception. A lesser-prepared player might've just dropped into normal coverage and given up the completion.
"You aren't just running to a spot in that situation," Wilcox said. "You are playing routes; you know what your responsibility is in that defense and exactly what the offense is trying to do to you."
Not all players are capable or prepared enough to do that.
"Good players cheat at times," Wilcox said. "They cheat off of backfield sets, cheat off splits in the pass game. He is getting better and better at that recognition. That's a credit for Pete for preparing him and John taking that coaching and applying it on the field."
Timu's success in pass coverage — four pass breakups and six passes defensed — is also aided from his experience as a high school quarterback.
"I think it gives him a better understanding," Wilcox said.
It's not just in coverage where Timu has excelled. He leads the team in tackles with 61 to go with two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
He's nothing like the hesitant, undersized outside linebacker he was last season. He's bulked up to 235 pounds. He knows how the game is played. He understands preparation.
"I wasn't experienced; I hadn't seen it before and I didn't trust myself," Timu said after the 20-17 win over then-No. 7 Oregon State on Oct. 27, when asked about the player he was last season. "It's preparation. It's a belief in that preparation. I have confidence that I will make those plays."
Ducre ready
Greg Ducre didn't panic when his name was called. The junior cornerback stepped into a pass-happy fray at the end of Saturday's win and the Huskies' defense didn't lose a beat.
With standout cornerback Desmond Trufant battling a sore hamstring the past few weeks, Ducre stepped in and showed some of the potential that made him a candidate for the other starting cornerback spot during fall camp. He may have to do it again Saturday at Colorado if Trufant isn't able to play.
"Every day I go hard in practice and listen to what the coaches say and work on my technique, so when my name is called, I'm ready," Ducre said.
Ducre, Marcus Peters and Tre Watson were battling for the spot opposite Trufant. Watson won the job coming out of camp, Peters took the job a few weeks ago and Ducre still hasn't got his chance to start. Most of his playing time has come in certain passing situations and special teams.
"It was disappointing," Ducre said. "Those are my guys. We are a family. And I just kept working and waited for my chance."


text:
Integrative Medicine
School of Medicine > Integrative Medicine > Faculty and Staff > Jody Krukowski, ND
School of Medicine > Integrative Medicine > Faculty and Staff > Jody Krukowski, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
KU Integrative Medicine
BS, Psychology, with Chemistry Minor, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
NMD, Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, AZ
Dr. Jody Krukowski is a licensed Naturopath and a graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Dr. Krukowski is the owner of the Avena Naturopathic Center for Well-being, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri. She also sees patients at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Integrative Medicine. Dr Krukowski practices holistic family medicine with an extensive background in mental health disorders and cardiology. She has been an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians since 2002 as well as a member of the Kansas Naturopathic Physicians Association. She is dedicated to advancing the future of naturopathic medicine and the education of future naturopathic physicians as evidenced by being awarded for her contributions to the Field Observation Program at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine for Summer 2014.
Post Graduate Education
Professional Affiliations
Jody Krukowski, ND
Naturopathic Doctor


text:
Asserting that France has been one of India's oldest, closest and most reliable partners, President Pranab Mukherjee has said both countries agreed on the need to work bilaterally and multilaterally to shape a new global agenda for inclusive growth and revitalise global governance, including the reform of its principal organs.
President Mukherjee, who hosted a banquet in honour of French President Francois Hollande at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, said his visit is yet another occasion to celebrate the high level of understanding between India and France.
"Both countries have long nurtured a close and substantive relationship based on shared principles and values and convergences on regional and global issues of common concern. The relationship has thrived on mutual respect, regular dialogue and constructive exchanges," he added.
President Mukherjee said the enduring friendship, marked by bilateral co-operation in diverse sectors has had rewarding outcomes to mutual benefit.
"As a result, today, more than 700 French enterprises have invested in India; and Indian companies are increasingly exploring opportunities in France. Bilateral trade has grown to almost none billion US Dollars in 2011-12 and France is today the 9th largest foreign investor in India," said President Mukherjee.
"Joint initiatives which include technology transfer and collaborative development in the strategic areas of space, defence production and civil nuclear co-operation have been particularly successful," he added.
Reiterating that India appreciates the support consistently extended by France to India's rightful claim to a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, President Mukherjee expressed hope that under the French President's leadership, India-France strategic partnership will continue to progress and mature in the years to come. (ANI)


text:
In Doctor Dweeb, I Presume, when Janine goes to the local hospital, Slimer accompanies her, but Professor Dweeb is intent on capturing the green ghost. [1]
In the waiting room of the Metropolitan Hospital, the Head Nurse summoned Janine but mispronounced her last name. Janine corrected her but she didn't care. Janine told Slimer to wait, her check up shouldn't take too long. Slimer flipped through an issue of Ghost Stories and shrieked at every turn. The nurse repeatedly told him to be quiet. Slimer threw down the magazine and cracked his knuckles. The nurse told him to be quiet again. Professor Dweeb pulled up to the hospital when a new detection device, the Ghost Detector. As they entered the hospital, Slimer wandered off in search of food. Dweeb's device turned into a clamp with sharp teeth and grabbed the chair Slimer sat in. Not pleased with the noise, the nurse tossed Dweeb back into his van.
As Slimer dined on a dish, a patient found Slimer and was reminded of how bad hospital food was getting. He tossed the dish and Slimer out of his room. After he blew a razz berry at the patient, Slimer found himself in the maternity ward. He soothed the crying babies with a lullaby. Meanwhile, Dweeb sneaked into the hospital disguised as a doctor. The Head Nurse arrived for feeding time, prompting Slimer to disguise himself as a baby. When the nurse's back was turned, Slimer took a bunch of bottles and belched. The nurse chalked it up to working too much and left. As Slimer turned a corner, he bumped into Dweeb. Dweeb pretended to give him a physical examination. Dweeb readied a Ghost Trap from Elizabeth but it snapped on his hand instead. Dweeb ran off into a room and screamed in agony. He sent out his remote controlled food cart to trap Slimer once and for all. Before Slimer could check it out, the Head Nurse found it. Mistaking the nurse for Slimer, Dweeb triggered the trap. The cart returned to Dweeb and he soon realized his big mistake. The nurse stomped on the remote control and the cart roared into action. It carried Dweeb and Elizabeth off into a laundry chute. Slimer returned to the waiting room just in time and left the hospital with Janine. Professor Dweeb declared science would ultimately prevail but Elizabeth bit his left hand.
|Head Nurse: Yo, the doctor will see you now Miss Melnutz.
Janine: That's Melnitz.
- Cree Summer voices the Head Nurse, later revealed to be named Mrs. Stone. [2]
- In the 5/10/88 revised script:
- Slimer and Janine were in the waiting room with a whole family with the hiccups hopping up and down unevenly and an injured football player with a football crammed up his mouth. [3]
- Slimer noticed a similarity between the Head Nurse and the monster on the cover of the Ghost Stories magazine he read then hide in a flower pot. [4]
- A different, kinder nurse administered milk bottles to the babies. [5]
Animation ErrorsEdit
- When Slimer takes all the bottles, the nurse is standing in front of the cart. But when she says, "Oh my!", she is standing behind it.
- The color of the hallway changes constantly.
- ↑ Eatock, James & Mangels, Andy (2008). The Real Ghostbusters Complete Collection booklet, p. 43. CPT Holdings, Inc.
- ↑ Spook Central Doctor Dweeb, I Presume"
- ↑ Marino, Tony (2009). The Real Ghostbusters Complete Collection Volume Five Disc Two, "Doctor Dweeb, I Presume" Script p. 2. CPT Holdings, Inc.
- ↑ Marino, Tony (2009). The Real Ghostbusters Complete Collection Volume Five Disc Two, "Doctor Dweeb, I Presume" Script p. 2. CPT Holdings, Inc.
- ↑ Marino, Tony (2009). The Real Ghostbusters Complete Collection Volume Five Disc Two, "Doctor Dweeb, I Presume" Script p. 10. CPT Holdings, Inc.
Episode Screen CapsEdit
Collages and EditsEdit
RGB DVD Boxset FeaturesEdit
|Previous Episode
|Based on
|Next Episode
|Air Date
|Nothing to Sneeze At
|Cash or Slime
|DVD Order
|Quickslimer Messenger Service


text:
International Theatre Program – "I came into school thinking I was going to be pre-med," Andrew Polec, KEY '12, said when asked about his interest in pursuing an MFA in acting. After his short-lived science kick, he became interested in business. It wasn't until his sophomore year that he fully realized his passions for English, theatre, and music. Since then, Polec has finished two clusters in biology and psychology, doubled majored in music and English with a concentration in theatre, and completed an honors thesis on families in American drama. He also sang for four years in the dreamy, all-male a cappella group, the Midnight Ramblers. But these days he's known on campus for his roles in nine UR International Theatre Program (URITP) productions, and as the lead singer in the popular band, Khat House. No longer looking forward to a career in medicine, Polec is finishing up a fifth year as a KEY Scholar, and performing in the final play of his undergraduate career, Adding Machine: A Musical, at Todd Theatre.
Polec has been busy this year. In October, he starred in URITP's production of An Absolute Turkey just as his Kauffman Entrepreneurial Year was getting underway. His project: starting a student-run record label at the University of Rochester, signing a band, recording an album, and releasing the record. Polec and his colleagues were successful in all of these aims. The label is called "yoUR Record Label," and they signed Polec's own band, Khat House. They released their EP, "Welcome to Khat House," at a sold-out concert on April 14. They also performed on April 27 as part of Dandelion Day's performance line-up. They have sold a lot of albums, Polec said, and they hope to sell many more. "The life lessons that I've learned while being with that band have been nothing short of tremendous," Polec said, reflecting on his time with Khat House.
The future of the band is currently up in the air as this coming fall Polec will pursue an MFA in acting at Brown University. Unsure of the extent to which the program will prepare him for dealing with the business of being an actor, Polec expressed his gratitude for all he has learned at UR about the arts industry. "Learning the process of how to get gigs, how to fund recording and album and all the nit-picky stuff in between has showed me that business managers are really important. And agents. No matter who you are as an artist, you better know the business, or you better have a friend who knows that business cold."
Having had a good deal of experience learning the nitty-gritty about show business as a Key Scholar, Polec is eager to start learning the artist trade this fall. The undisputed star of URITP, he'll be entering into a group of peers that will undoubtedly be made up of 15 other college theatre program stars. "It's good to be with a bunch of talented people, because then you can see how you are able to improve and grow," he said.
"Andrew is a born performer and he's also a wonderful singer. I've watched him grow over the years as his range has expanded," said Nigel Maister, artistic director of URITP, who has been working with Polec since his freshman year. "I think that an MFA program will be able to hone—on a technical level—his skills as a general performer and deepen his understanding of the process and needs of acting and character development."
Polec's undergraduate acting career has come full circle in the past few months. He performed in URITP's first musical production, Hello Again, his freshman year and he ends his tenure here starring in its second. He leads a focused ensemble of remarkably mature and talented performers in what is a visually alarming, intellectually challenging, and genuinely entertaining production. Maister said of Polec's performance as Mr. Zero in Adding Machine, "[He] shows a more controlled and dramatically focused side of his abilities."
Polec said that the role has "been a great final note to go out on" as he looks forward to working towards his dream of performing on Broadway. The future of this soon-to-be-UR-graduate, it would seem, promises to "add up" to quite a lot.
Article written by Leah Barish '12, a public relations intern with the International Theatre Program and a member of theater troupe, The Opposite of People.
In The Photos: Jacob Goritski '14 (back) and Andrew Polec appear in Adding Machine: The Musical. Photos courtesy of J. Adam Fenster, University Photographer.


text:
Master of a thousand voices, Cathy Jones is a Canadian television icon and an audience favourite for an unprecedented 25 years. She's a founding member of the award-winning comedy troupe CODCO, past member of the Wonderful Grand Band, and has starred in every season of This Hour Has 22 Minutes. A brilliant stage actress, her one-woman shows have included Wedding in Texas, and Me, Dad and the Hundred Boyfriends. Cathy's film career includes the lead role in the Mike Jones classic, Secret Nation, and the highly-acclaimed feature film, The Grand Seduction, with Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch. Cathy is as popular with her peers as she is with fans, winning an incredible 18 Gemini Awards for her work as a writer and performer. Cathy is a passionate advocate for the environment, a Buddhist, a mother, and a proud grandmother who works and writes from her eco-home on the East Coast.
Meticulously crafted… A blistering 70 minutes, Jones covers a multitude of topics, unapologetic and resplendent in her skintight leather pants and Kirk Cobain t-shirt….From Facebook and relationships, to Tindr and Newfoundlanders, there is something that almost everyone in the audience can relate. …A combination of personal insights and characters, Stranger to Hard Work is funny and smart.
– Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents
the Newfoundland born-and-raised comic slips in and out of character, sings, and reads from an unfinished project, all the while delivering pithy asides and rapid-fire digressions.
– Michael Grills, Vancouver Sun
Written & Performed by Cathy Jones
Directed by Ann-Marie Kerr
Canadian cultural icon, comedienne and one of the funniest women on television, Cathy Jones, returns to the stage with her third one woman show, Stranger To Hard Work. In this new show Cathy shares her unique perspective on a variety of topics from food to money and the troublesome people in her life. It's a funny, thought provoking look at what she's learned in life so far. (80 mins)
"Jones' show is a 75 minute bombardment of energy, high spirits and wit" – Stephen Pederson, The Chronicle Herald
"people came to world stage theatre to see the best of CODCO but they are going away amazed at the best of Cathy Jones" – Ray Conologue, The Globe and Mail
Running Time: Approx. 80 min,
No Intermission
Size of Company: 2
Adult Content
Aug. 11 / 17 – The Fork (2017 Canada Summer Games) – Winnipeg, MB
Oct. 20 / 17 – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Burlington, ON
Oct. 24 / 17 – The Rose Theatre – Brampton, ON
Oct. 25 / 17 – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre – St. Catharines, ON
Oct. 26 / 17 – Capitol Centre – North Bay, ON


text:
Az álláshirdetés lejárt.Aktuális állást talál az aktív állásajánlatok között: új keresés indítása itt
LPP S.A. is a leading Poland-based fashion retailer operating in the design, manufacturing and distribution of clothing. It owns a chain of retail stores with more than 1000 showrooms covering five brands: RESERVED, MOHITO, CROPP, HOUSE and SINSAY which can be found in prime locations throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
The company's strategic objective is to expand its business to new markets. LPP SA has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2001.
We are currently recruiting for the
Store Manager
in SINSAY brand
We are committed to finding passionate and motivated individuals to contribute to our team.
Main responsibilities on this position:
- Maximize the sales opportunities and the profitability of store, and to follow up on the results;
- Effective management team;
- Ensure the highest level of customer service;
- Taking care of VM at store;
- Manage recruitment, training and development for the Sales Advisors and the Store Management team.
Our expectations:
- Experience in team management, preferred textile industry;
- Interest in fashion and VM;
- Excellent leadership and communication skills;
- Creativity and dynamism in action;
- Higher education (preferred);
- Good level of English;
- Computer skills (MS Office).
We offer:
- Stable position within a well-established company in textile industry;
- Extensive new starter training system ;
- Competitive salary;
- Performance-based bonuses, leaning on business results;
- Dynamic working environment.
Your CV (preferred in English) in electronic form send on e-mail address.
Értékesítés / Kereskedelem
Szervezés / Menedzsment / Cégvezetés
|Minimális tapasztalat
|3 és 5 év között
|Munkaidő tipusa
|Teljes munkaidő
|Elvárt nyelvtudás
|Aktiválás időpontja


text:
I have this in my lecture notes:
Let G be a group and let P and Q be p-subgroups. Suppose that Q normalizes
P. Then PQ is also a p-subgroup.
However it doesnt say anywhere what normalizes means, I know what the normaliser is
$\displaystyle N_G (Q) = \{ g \in G : gQ = Qg \}$, $\displaystyle N_G (P) = \{ g \in G : gP = Pg \}$.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me what Q normalises P means? Thanks very much


text:
Maddie's Pet Adoption Days lets shelters offer pets for free
Updated 4:13 pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2014
One morning last June, the Perelman family went to Oakland Animal Services to find a buddy for their lonely boxer who had recently lost his cattle dog companion. When Nicole Perelman heard about Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, the nation's largest free pet adoption event, she figured that weekend was a good time to check out their local shelter. What she wasn't prepared for was the overwhelming emotion she experienced upon arrival at the shelter.
We pulled into the parking lot and saw hundreds of people in line. Single people, children and families of every kind were gleefully lined up, just waiting to get inside and find their new family member.
- Visionary Journey, Laurie Green San Francisco Chronicle
- Visionary Journey, Laurie Green San Francisco Chronicle
- Visionary Leader, Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca San Francisco Chronicle
- Visionary Journey, Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca San Francisco Chronicle
- Map shows an Oakland that's no longer there East Bay Yesterday/Front Group Design
- Elementary school in Oakland opens time capsule from 1927 San Francisco Chronicle
- Brides of March walk through San Francisco San Francisco Chronicle
- WildCare rescues Western scrub jay from rodent glue trap WildCare
- The Regulars: The Carpenter Jessica Christian
- Massive fire in San Francisco's North Beach David Essling
We were greeted by a volunteer who told us about Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, an event observed by hundreds of shelters across America. The event is financed and organized by Maddie's Fund, a family foundation inspired by a miniature schnauzer named Maddie, a little dog who made a big impact on her family. Maddie's Fund generously provides a stipend to participating shelters for each animal adopted during this special time. Little did I know, we were about to meet our own Maddie.
As we waited in line surrounded by balloons and cheerful volunteers, the girl in front of us told us she had her eye on an orange kitten she'd seen on the shelter's website - she had already picked out a name. The hipster couple behind us was looking for a burly dog, the older couple behind them, an older cat. As we entered the doors to the shelter, greeted by the sound of barking dogs, and mewing cats, I whispered to no one in particular, "Don't worry guys; everyone here is going to find a home today." I knew it was true. I had tears in my eyes.
My husband immediately eyed a female bullmastiff (picture a lion mixed with a bulldog). Ten minutes later we were in the outside pen, being licked to death by a slobbering, 120-pound butterball of love. Thirty minutes later, we went home and returned to the shelter with our boxer. He met Ms. Mastiff and they got along famously. Obviously, this dog was coming home with us.
We moved to the adoption day command center, a room bustling with shelter staff, volunteers, and excited families clutching new collars and leashes, and filling out adoption paperwork. In short time, we made our new family member official. We named her Molly.
Our home was Molly's third chance in life. Picked up as a stray, she had spent months at a shelter, only to be adopted and then brought to Oakland because her owner couldn't handle her size. Over the past 11 months, Molly has changed our lives. She's filled our hearts with sheer joy with her hilarious antics and constant good nature (my husband returns the favor by mixing in steak with her dog food). When our boxer passed away from cancer this spring, we returned to Oakland Animal Services to find and fall in love with Samson, a mastiff mix. Now he's Molly's new best friend.
I believe in my heart there is a Maddie, that special four-legged someone, who will forever bring love and joy to a human family, for every family. With almost 3 million companion animals ending up in shelters in this country every year, the annual Maddie's Pet Adoption Days Weekend is an absolute win for people and animals alike. It certainly was for us.
Adopt a pet
Dog and cat adoptions are free during Maddie's Pet Adoption Days on Saturday and Sunday. For hours, locations and a preview of pets, go to http://adopt.maddiesfund.org.
E-mail Pet Tales at firstname.lastname@example.com. Want more pet and people tales? Go to www.eileenmitchell.blogspot.com.


text:
Making Candles
Fumigation Candle
In common with other candles made from beeswax, the wax is
melted in a double boiler as illustrated at right or if larger
quantities are required a thermostatically controlled heating cabinet
can be used.
Both beeswax and sulphur (Sulfur)are flammable, so care must be taken to ensure that there is adequate water in the bottom pan.
Fumigation Candles are made by melting a small quantity of
clean beeswax in a double pan and gradually stirring in 'flowers of
sulphur' until the liquid is quite thick, but will still just be able
to be poured.
Pour this mixture into a pre-wicked and pre-warmed candle mould (a metal one will work best) allow to cool slowly and when it has reached room temperature (about 6 hrs) place the mould and candle in the freezer, then after a further 12 - 24 hrs the candle will come out of the mould.
The wick is of such a size that matches the diameter about halfway down the tapered portion. As the intent was fumigating a greenhouse the initial state at lighting is that of no fumigant gas in a relatively large volume that is 'leaky', so fast burning at the top of the candle is unhindered by any pooling of molten wax. As the candle is consumed and the burning has progressed about halfway down the taper, the green house has filled with sulphur dioxide and there is less need to generate it at the original rate and so the rate automatically becomes less as the larger diameter surface allows a small amount of liquid (wax/sulphur) to form which makes the flame smaller and reduces the rate at which gas is produced to that required to keep pace with losses to the atmosphere through cracks and vents. The reduction in burning rate continues until the parallel portion near the base is reached. An amount of time still remains for this small rate of 'top up' gas production until the candle expires as it's wick falls over when the supporting candle material is consumed/melted.
Another form of sulphur candle is illustrated at right.
It takes the form of a lever lid tin can that is filled with pellets of 'plastic' sulphur. There is a cylindrical waxed paper wick that stands in the loose pellets of sulphur. The sulphur pellets are dome shaped rather like lentils, although they are generally only about 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter.
The label on the tin carries the following text and this is
provided verbatim, no implied warranty or fitness for purpose is
intended, the information is provided as a matter of public record.
Originated... April/May 2000, Re-Written... 15 October 2003,


text:
Sorry, no definitions found. You may find more data at erstwhile.
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Learning the meaning of "Erstwhile," which many comics writers still, apparently, haven't.
Erstwhile liberal tutors have given birth to another illiberal Left.
Erstwhile History Boy Russell Tovey is popping up all over the place these days: on TV in the latest series of Sherlock, and in the BBC3 shows Being Human and Him & Her.
Erstwhile worth-while fun and stunts seemed no longer worth while; and it was a torment to listen to the insipidities and stupidities of women, to the pompous, arrogant sayings of the little half-baked men.
Erstwhile Portlander Janna Orkney, daughter of the founder of G.I. Joe's, blogged about that experience for a while.
Erstwhile winsome star of 60s folk pop Donovan performs the 1966 album Sunshine Superman that saw him shift into psych, plus other hits with the London Contemporary Orchestra and special guests 3 Jun, Royal Albert Hall, SW7 ...
Erstwhile political candidate and longtime LGBT/neighborhood activist Glendon Hyde -- known as "Anna Conda" in his drag queen persona -- is headed to a seat on the Entertainment Commission, after six members of the Board of Supervisors -- with Board of Supervisors President David Chiu providing the swing vote -- voted to forward Hyde's name over sitting Entertainment Commissioner D.
Erstwhile D.C. punks whining about how Washington needs a new rock critic?
Erstwhile cable show host Jesse James, who betrayed cute-as-a-button Oscar winner Sandra Bullock with at least one buxom tattoo model, considers himself the "most hated man in the world."
Celebritology Weekend: Jesse James surfaces on 'Nightline'; Bono undergoes emergency surgery
Erstwhile teen heartthrob and "Partridge Family" star David Cassidy is vowing to fight DUI charges after he was arrested in Fort Pierce, Fla., on Wednesday night.


text:
Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'guide'.
Found 5 results
Wyattagum posted a topic in Platform PotluckLINK: https://www.technicpack.net/modpack/not-enough-farming.1198900 First Modpack Uploaded on My Account A Simple Collection of Fine and Top Rated Agriculture Mods Combined to Make Farming, and by Farming I mean ALL of the Farm, more Realistic! Mods in this ModPack Pam's HarvestCraft credit Pamela Collins (MatrexsVigil) and Rhodox of the Painterly Pack Fast Leaf Decay AgriCraft [SBM] Wooden Shears Terraqueous Roost ExpandedBonemeal LINK: https://www.technicpack.net/modpack/not-enough-farming.1198900 LINK: https://www.technicpack.net/modpack/not-enough-farming.1198900 LINK: https://www.technicpack.net/modpack/not-enough-farming.1198900
creeperingreen posted a question in Technic Launcheri've got the latest java 1.5.1 and been getting this for 2-3 months now edit-it has been fixed
SXScarecrow posted a topic in Platform PagodaA few people have been asking about this, so I thought I'd do a basic, step by step tutorial on how to build a server for you custom modpack. To make it even easier, I have done the tricky stuff for you! Step One Grab the base server files from here which correspond to your Minecraft version: MC Version - Cauldron Version *Links removed* Unzip the file, create a new folder called 'MyServerNameHere'. Copy the unzipped files into the new folder. Minecraft Forge now requires the minecraft_server.jar as well. This has been included in the zips above but don't get freaked out because it doesn't appear in the screenshots below! Step Two So you got your pack right? What you need from it are the mods, coremods and config folders. If you have Flan's mod, you need the Flans folder as well. Copy them over into the 'MyServerNameHere' folder. It should now look like this: Reminder! In 1.6+ NO mods go in the coremods folder! Everything goes in the mods folder! For this, I have used the example of my pack, Yogcraft Extreme. Step Three This is an important step. You MUST delete all client side mods from the coremods and mods folders. This includes any NEI plugins from mods, any Voxel mods and Inventory Tweaks. This also includes Dynamic Lights, Custom LAN Ports, Optifine, any minimap mods and GUI API. Only mods that actually add content to the game need to be included. Otherwise, bin it! Step Four The pack is now done! Just run the launch.bat file and hey presto, it all works! Errors Most errors when running the server or playing the server can be fixed with a simple update. A common problem with Voxel Mods is if another mod is out of date, it will crash upon disconnecting from the server. Whatever that mod is, update it to its latest version for the version of MC you are using. I intend to update this as necessary, so if you have any other bugs/errors, post them below and I will endeavour to help you.
---:--- posted a topic in Platform PagodaCould someone tell how the seperate modpacks get the login info, when you first log inn? i understands how the launcher is launching the modpacks, but how does it get the login info. since modpacks have seperated minecraft.jar files. It would be awesome if somebody could tell me how, and maybe send code:D regards: ---:--- (loster31345)


text:
I was given this in 2006. First opened it in 2009. Always kept away from day light and in great condition. Smells as good as day one !
I know the Bottle is a "lalique" design. its 3/5ths full .
Now i know this is rare, i cannot find a single web related post about this "Edition"
Now.... the question? ! What could it be worth to either a bottle collector or for someone who also wants to try such a rare Parfum ?


text:
Buyout Funds Revive Woori Stake Sale After Withdrawal of South Korea Banks
South Korean buyouts firms made preliminary bids for a stake in Woori Finance Holdings Co., reviving a $5.9 billion sale that faced collapse after banking groups withdrew.
Private-equity funds Vogo Investment, MBK Partners Ltd. and TStone Corp. submitted letters of intent, according to a person with direct knowledge of the sale who declined to be identified as the matter is confidential. Grace Han, director of finance and operations of Seoul-based Vogo, declined to comment, as did officials at MBK Partners and TStone.
President Lee Myung Bak's plan to privatize South Korean banks rescued during the Asian financial crisis lost momentum after an earlier attempt to sell Woori failed. The latest effort comes as U.S. private-equity firm Lone Star Funds struggles to offload its stake in Korea Exchange Bank (004940) and analysts ask whether local funds have the financial firepower to buy Woori.
"There remains the question of how successful the private- equity funds could be in raising funds for the acquisition," said Koo Kyung Hwe, a banking analyst at Seoul-based Hyundai Securities Co. "An acquisition by a fund will come under close scrutiny by the regulators."
Korea Deposit Insurance Corp. didn't disclose names of the bidders in its e-mailed statement yesterday. Bidders were asked to submit letters of intent for a minimum 30 percent stake by then, the Public Fund Oversight Committee said on May 17.
Sold in Package
Woori, whose initial sale collapsed for lack of investor interest in December, will be sold in a package with affiliates including Woori Investment & Securities Co. and provincial bank units, the committee said in May.
Woori rose 0.4 percent to 13,850 won as of 11:04 a.m. in Seoul trading. The 61-member Korea Financial Industry index was unchanged. The 57 percent stake is valued at 6.3 trillion won ($5.9 billion) based on yesterday's share price.
The sale process hit a fresh snag last week after the Financial Services Commission dropped a proposal to ease rules that would have allowed financial holding firms to own less than 95 percent of a rival after acquiring a stake. The FSC had sought to allow holding companies to own as little as 50 percent of rivals that have been bailed out by taxpayers.
Woori was created in 2001 as a holding company for banks that the government rescued following the Asian financial crisis in 1997 to 1998, as part of a push to make the financial industry more competitive. The government spent 12.8 trillion won to aid Woori and has recouped 5.3 trillion won so far through block sales of shares.
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Samsung Securities Co. and Daewoo Securities Co. were hired in September to help Korea Deposit sell its stake.
To contact the reporter on this story: Bomi Lim in Seoul at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chitra Somayaji at firstname.lastname@example.com


text: I quit World of Warcraft along time ago. I quit frankly because I didn't agree with the path the designers started going down. I stopped playing at the end of Wrath of the Lich King. The game just started handing out rewards for meaningless reasons. However I have been thinking about coming back, mainly due to old friends. I was wondering how the game is doing (honestly). I hear a lot about servers emptying out and how terrible MoP is. I have heard from friends about features like CRZ as well....not a fan. Bascilly I just don't want my money wasted. So I'd like to hear from you all to help make my mind up...so to speak.


text:
A secure portal allowing our customers and vendors 24/7 access to their operational and financial information.
Earlier this year we launched a new-look msc.com. Since then, we have continued to invest in its development based on your feedback. Today, we are pleased to announce some changes which will further improve your online experience with us.
Check the price application date of your invoice, by tracking your container or Bill of Lading. Try it now by visiting our 'Tracking' tool.
On our tools such as 'Search Schedules' and 'Arrivals and Departures'.
Visit msc.com and choose from English, Español, Français, Italiano, Português, 中文, TÜRKÇE, 한국어, Pусский, 日本語, Deutsch.
With MSC.com there is no need to download any apps. You can simply visit MSC.com through your internet browser and experience the full website from your mobile device.
New Seville-Sines rail service starts 4 April 2018
Join us at Casa Piedra learn more about our services
Join us at stand 238 in Hall A of Fairizmir to talk about the best solutions in natural stone transportation.
By continuing to use the website, you will be agreeing to our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions and Use of cookies.
Please enter your email address below and we will send you an email containing a link which will allow you to edit your preferences.


text:
DiverseCity 2014 Charlottetown
June 29, 2014 at Victoria Row, Charlotteown, Prince Edward Island.
DiverseCity Festival celebrates Canadian multiculturalism – it is the largest, family-friendly, free, outdoor street festival on Prince Edward Island
DiverseCity 2014 Montague
July 12, 2014 at Waterfront Park, Montague, Prince Edward Island.
DiverseCity 2014 Summerside
July 19, 2014 at Water Street, Summerside, Prince Edward Island.


text: Module Name: pkgsrc Committed By: wiz Date: Mon Feb 28 17:23:07 UTC 2011 Update of /cvsroot/pkgsrc/www/p5-Mojolicious In directory ivanova.netbsd.org:/tmp/cvs-serv19803 Log Message: Initial import of p5-Mojolicous-1.11, successor of p5-Mojo. Back in the early days of the web there was this wonderful Perl library called CGI, many people only learned Perl because of it. It was simple enough to get started without knowing much about the language and powerful enough to keep you going, learning by doing was much fun. While most of the techniques used are outdated now, the idea behind it is not. Mojolicious is a new attempt at implementing this idea using state of the art technology. Features: * An amazing MVC web framework supporting a simplified single file mode through Mojolicious::Lite. Powerful out of the box with RESTful routes, plugins, Perl-ish templates, session management, signed cookies, testing framework, static file server, I18N, first class unicode support and much more for you to discover. * Very clean, portable and Object Oriented pure Perl API without any hidden magic and no requirements besides Perl 5.8.7. * Full stack HTTP 1.1 and WebSocket client/server implementation with IPv6, TLS, Bonjour, IDNA, Comet (long polling), chunking and multipart support. * Builtin async IO web server supporting epoll, kqueue, UNIX domain sockets and hot deployment, perfect for embedding. * Automatic CGI, FastCGI and PSGI detection. * JSON and XML/HTML5 parser with CSS3 selector support. * Fresh code based upon years of experience developing Catalyst. Status: Vendor Tag: TNF Release Tags: pkgsrc-20110228 N pkgsrc/www/p5-Mojolicious/Makefile N pkgsrc/www/p5-Mojolicious/DESCR N pkgsrc/www/p5-Mojolicious/distinfo No conflicts created by this import


text:
Frequent flyer miles: As a full-time traveler, I take a lot of flights. And since my travels are financially sustainable between my writing income and creative attempts at accommodation, I won't pay the big bucks to fly business class (or – gasp – first class).
So unless I am lucky enough to get a free upgrade to first class, I am relegated to the ranks of economy – cattle class – with so many others.
But after reading Chris Guillebeau's Frequent Flyer Master and getting one of his email updates about a US Airways promotion that promised some big bonus miles, I decided to take a financial leap of faith with the payoff of some big rewards.
My leap of faith came in the form of $1,200 in purchases, some of which could double as Christmas presents, and the bulk of which came in the form of identity tracking stickers (that proved to be considerably more valuable to me than I expected). Die-hard frequent flyer mile accumulators were making similar purchases (except some were spending up to four times as much as I), and almost nobody was actually interested in the stickers – it was solely for the frequent flyer miles.
This being my first frequent flyer mile "sting", I was but dipping a toe in the waters of such operations, still nervous that US Airways wouldn't credit the miles, or that I'd somehow screw up the purchases without recourse, or that the airline would devalue the miles.
Luckily none of that happened. 150,000 frequent flyer miles posted themselves neatly to my account three months later, US Airways didn't devalue the miles, and I could use them for any Star Alliance airline flight.
I also followed some of Guillebeau's techniques in his e-book for tracking and accumulating miles, as well as his redemption techniques. (One of his tips is that to get the most bang for your frequent flyer mile/buck, it is best to use them to book long-haul business class travel).
So when it came to plan out the next year of travel, my frequent flyer miles came in quite handy; my $1,200 purchase resulted in two long-haul business class flights (between New Zealand and Europe), as well as one return economy flight between New Zealand and Australia. I had to pay booking fees and taxes on both sets of tickets, which amounted to a total of $300, increasing my total out-of-pocket expenditure to $1,500. To have purchased the same flights at full price would have been over $5,800.
Having made the case for frequent flyer mile travel (I heartily endorse Chris Guillebeau's Frequent Flyer Master e-book), I thought I'd let you in on the luxuries of my recent business class adventures….all 45 hours of them.
Leg One: New Zealand to Bangkok
It hadn't occurred to me that the business class experience starts long before you get on the plane. From surpassing the long check-in lineups with special business class ticket counters, to circumventing passport control and security lineups with dedicated lanes, to special airport lounges with all you can eat and drink (and usually a good free WiFi connection), I was in airport bliss long before I set foot on the first of three flights.
The Air New Zealand lounge in Auckland was lovely, and set the stage beautifully for my business class travels. Although my flights were booked with Thai Airways (another Star Alliance carrier), I had use of the Air NZ lounge since there wasn't a Thai Airways lounge in Auckland.
My flight to Bangkok was on a 777, and the business class seats (and service) was about as luxurious as I had hoped. The massive pod-like seats reclined to an almost flat position, which made sleep quite easy. If I were to be picky, I would say that the fully reclined position was actually a tad uncomfortable because I felt I was constantly sliding out of the seat if I didn't brace myself with my feet on the footrest. But remembering what it's like to catch fitful naps in cramped economy, I also realize I'm grasping at straws. Give me an inch, and I'll take a mile, I guess!
Entertainment on demand was delivered through the large screens in front of each seat, and there was never any worry about the seat in front reclining into my lap, since the seat backs were fixed; instead each entire chair slid forward to recline.
The meals were spectacular. A menu revealed one 5-course meal and one 3-course meal, served on linen "tablecloths" with real cutlery and silver service. And of course, all the alcohol I could drink (which wasn't very much). The service was attentive and the attendants spectacularly dressed in customary Thai silk garb.
Layover in Bangkok
As I indicated in a previous post, I was a touch nervous about the recent violent turmoil in Thailand, and so I decided to endure my 15 hour layover in the airport. However it wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected it would be.
I passed the first few hours at a restaurant, enjoying some sticky rice and mango with coconut milk (one of my favourite Thai desserts) while charging my computer and reading. By this time it was 11:30pm, and I was so tired from my 15 hours of travel thus far that I felt nauseated. I was pleasantly surprised to find a quiet corner of the airport however, where I could lay out a blanket in relative peace (along with what accumulated to at least a dozen other travelers with the same motive) and get some fitful sleep for almost six hours. It was a strange contrast to my business class adventures, but one I wasn't uncomfortable with.
By 5:30am, I couldn't stand tossing and turning on the floor any longer, so I got up and thought I'd see if I could check in for my next flight – due to leave at 12:45pm. I was told the night prior that I couldn't check in until 2.5 hours prior to boarding, but I had hoped that my question was lost in translation, and instead I was given the recommended check-in time, not the earliest one.
Bingo! I checked my bag and was given a pass to the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge. I spent the next six hours in relative bliss, surfing the WiFi madly, enjoying free Thai cuisine and beverages, and even receiving a complimentary Thai foot and leg massage at the Royal Orchid Spa. Heaven!
Leg Two: Bangkok to Frankfurt
My second flight (also almost 12 hours) was on a 747, and for the first time, I got to see what happens on the second floor of a 747! I was slightly disappointed to discover there was no dance party, spa, or swimming pool, but equally pleased to find a relatively intimate collection of business class seats.
Again the service was wonderful, the seats reclined, the entertainment selection was great, and the multi multi-course meals made me thankful for the long walks I took in the airport and enroute to the gate.
Leg Three: Frankfurt to Madrid
By the time I landed in Frankfurt, I had been flying (or laying over) for almost 40 hours. Although I caught some sleep on each flight and in the airport, I was starting to feel some deep fatigue, and the increase in temperature and daylight (not to mention the time changes) was disorienting.
I hurried to the Lufthansa Lounge, hoping to enjoy some of the relaxing space and quiet solitude I had found in my previous two lounge experiences. Unfortunately though, this lounge was packed to the hilt, and (gasp) didn't even offer free WiFi. I did, however, manage to sweet talk the shower attendant into squeezing me in front of the cue for a quick shower before my next flight, which made a world of difference.
I had been looking forward to experiencing Lufthansa's business class services, but was mildly disappointed. Thankfully I had some prior notice that Lufthansa's business class short-haul flights weren't worth the accompanying price tag, so I was even more thankful I hadn't actually paid the accompanying price.
So although the service was lovely (attentive in an almost over-compensating manner), the food appeared to be the same as that served to other passengers (except with real cutlery), the seats weren't any roomier (except the middle seat in every row of three was free), and the offer of free alcohol was lost on my tired body.
What I Learned
After experiencing long-haul business class travel, I'm not sure I can go back to economy! I am even more committed to using my frequent flyer miles for upgrades to business class for future long-haul flights, seeing the value in arriving refreshed and well-fed. And the perks make you feel like royalty.
I also see the value in buying a pass to the first class lounges – in most cases. Instead of losing the will to live as I did in the Los Angeles airport last year, I could have purchased access to the airport lounge for only $35. When flying economy and enduring a long layover (or early arrival to the airport), I think it's worth it.
I had previously reserved my frequent flyer miles to cover the entire cost of an economy seat, and now instead I'm committed to finding more ways to use my miles for upgrades. In fact, every time I purchase an economy ticket, I can use existing miles to pay for my upgrade, as well as earn many more miles (and coveted status points) with my purchase.
With the help of the e-book Frequent Flyer Master and the regular updates that come with it, I expect to keep the miles flowing, and the business class flights coming.
Editor's note: I received a free copy of Frequent Flyer Master for review purposes and there are affiliate links in this post. However I can't say enough how much I endorse this product…if you fly, it's worthwhile to get this book. The author even guarantees that with the application of the book's tips, you will earn at least one free flight in your first year. So…what have you got to lose?


text:
The science of mobile lighting has sat at the heart of the Allight brand for more than 20 years. From worldwide headquarters in Perth, Western Australia, design, engineering, procurement and assembly teams produce almost 3,000 lighting towers a year.
Powered by either a CAT or Perkins engine, each tower features the world's most reliable components as well as a unique mast design and light assembly which makes sure the maximum output reaches your work platform for optimum productivity and safety.


text:
LIVE CHAT: Crisis in Syria
Join Kent State University's assistant professor of political science Joshua Stacher and share your thoughts on the crisis in Syria.
It is not clear re the economic effects. But of course, the single biggest drain on the economy in teh 2000s was the Iraq war. At its peak it cost the US $2.5Billon a week. The US is a long way from that type of involvement in Syria but military action is a slippery slope.
This is classified as a civil war. The US gets involved in civil wars if it coincides with our national interests. The US national security interests dominate thinking about the Middle East. Syria has been a playground for lots of regional and international powers - US is playing vis-a-vis those players much more than an outright concern over the lives of ordinary Syrians.
The US has not done much of any lasting value in the ME short of supporting autocratic governments and selling lots and lots of military hardware (generating billions in profits for the US arms industry). Religion has little to do with this. Conflicts are politically constructed. The overall rule in the Middle East is that coexistence among different religious groups is the norm rather than conflict. Yet, when the state weakens and conflict ensures, entrepreneurs
play on religion to generate more and more conflict.
Well. Those types of bombers have not been that prevalent in the Syrian civil war. This is not to say it cannot happen. But if you are worried about jihadis then you more or less end up supporting the regime of al-Asad. The problem is there are no good options in Syria.
It's not clear to me which side we should be on. The rebels are infiltrated win AlQada and Muslim extremists. As far as I can tell they are the bigger threat to us. Up til now Assad hes protected the Christians. Looked at what has happened to the Christians/Colts in Egypt
How much longer are we going to keep deluding everyone. After all the resources we have put in to those countries, why can't we learn that THEY do not want to change, THEY do not want nor need out help (?). If they did they would be doing the right things and treating their people humanely. I cannot understand how they can run around like crazies, stoning, beating, killing each other and then fall all over the dead sobbing and moaning over the deaths.
I am not sure we need to view Syria like a football match. Perhaps, there is no side to support. The fact that there are over 1000 militias should alert us to complexity of the situation. I would actually argue for a resolution to the conflict diplomatically and intervening to ease the plight of the internal and externally displaced population (3million people). Military force is the last resort we should be considering.
The Middle East is not a primitive place. It is a place that has been produced by the forces of globalization since the days of colonialism. We cannot separate the world into boxes. The world is interconnected and so there is no WE and THEY. The solution is figuring out how to end the conflict before more people die. As a example, Saddam Hussein killed around 250K people in 25 years in power. After the US-led invasion, over a million people died because of the violence introduced by military intervention. While 100K have died in Syria, this number could escalate dramatically if new actors are introduced.
We can intellectualize this conflict and debate its unknown consequences until we are blue in the face but let me ask a question or two before forming an opinion. Have you watched the video's with an open mind that perhaps they might be authentic? Did you see the babies convulsing and foaming at the mouth? Do you honestly think the US would engage or even entertain the idea of militaristic intervention if they thought for one second that the videos were not in fact 'real'? What if your mother was trapped in Syria? Your brother? What if you were there? Would you not pray to whatever God, that someone with a "moral compass" would come to your aid by whatever means necessary? Those people need our help, just as so many other victims of atrocities needed our help in the past. What if we never stepped foot in Europe during WWII? What then? Perhaps we should have asked for even more proof before believing that millions of Jews and others were being slaughtered by a monster? The people of Syria are just that 'people', just like you and I are. The only difference, they were not so fortunate to have been born in a free nation. Please consider the people. Trust me, the common person wants nothing more than to have peace and feel safe. Right now, they need our help.
My hope was that President Obama would have admitted sticking his foot in his mouth with his red line comment and not allowing the nation to be drawn in to a civil war from which the US cannot come out well. I cannot understand why a foreign government is to become involved with a civil war of another nation. Lastly, I may not be as familiar with bible prophecy as Lickster, but I do believe the bible is a resource that should not be ignored
That is a thoughtful comment Peace. I appreciate it. I lived in Syria and have many friends trapped in that country. They have labored under autocracy for decades and many people in free countries could have cared less. What happene
d to those victims is unspeakable. But we have to think carefully about how to respond. It is always moments like this when people say that "something needs done". A military strike is dramatic and will look like something. However it will only be a brief break in that conflict. It will not end it and it will not change it. Military interventions aren't humanitarian. They only change the dynamic of the conflict. The war will continue. If we care about the population, press your politicians to ease the humanitarian crises of refugees that has been going on since march 2011