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Return To The Theatre Chapter 4
Return To The Theatre
As the train slowly pulled into the station Alexandra remembered how nervous she was when she first came here more than thirty years ago and how Ludwig waited for her on the platform walking up and down the train every time she returned to the theatre it was so peaceful then she thought smiling. She looked at it now and seen scared people rushing everywhere and Nazis all over the place she grabbed Johns hand looking him in the eye and said "If we don't make it, I want you to know something." John interrupted " Its been a pleasure," he said to her shaking her hand and smiling "my god she thought, I was going to tell him everything." John said to her "Are you ready?" Alexandra took a deep breath as the train stopped and said " Yes Edward, lets go and visit our cousins." He smiled and opened the carriage door they climbed out onto the platform and set off in the direction of the other passengers as they walked Alexandra noticed a boy selling newspapers she looked at the bill board next to him and it said " Our glorious fuhrer has announced that our triumphant army today has invaded the polish border." Alexandra nudged John quickly and pointed to the board John whispered in her ear " We had better be quick then, looks like war imminent." Alexandra trembled at the thought of it, she thought of Andrina and her grandchildren and if they got back alive she would no longer be afraid of meeting her after so many years. John and Alexandra walked on they joined the queue of people waiting at the checkpoint, the germans had checkpoints on every platform in the station and there was no way of avoiding them. Alexandra watched as a man stood checking the papers he was a tall man with blonde hair and blue eyes he would only be about the same age as Lawrence she thought he was wearing a black uniform with a red swastika arm band he had a black hat with a white skull and crossbones above the visor "he is SS" said John. Behind him were two guards holding rifles they were in grey uniforms and tin helmets, their very presence intimidated people and put fear into their hearts where peace and freedom had once lay. As the queue began to get smaller and the man in the black uniform began to get closer and closer until the lady in front of Alexandra and John was allowed through the checkpoint suddenly a voice came from the SS man " may I see your papers please" he asked they handed him their passports he looked at them and saluted
"my dear countess, can I have your address please." Alexandra calm as can be smiled and said
" Certainly young man, its Herengracht in Amsterdam." He smiled " very good, all is in order. Are you here on business?" he asked as he handed her papers back to her. "No, I'm here with my son Edward to visit my cousins Baron and Baroness Von Gottard in the Graben." The SS man smiled and replied " We hope you both will enjoy your stay here in Vienna." and he saluted them and they walked through the checkpoint and into the main hallway of the station, they still were in danger if the SS man suspected there could be a gestapo man on their tale so they calmly walked out of main doors onto the street John looked at her and smiled he whispered in her ear "you were marvelous back there, a brilliant performance even had me fooled." he said Alexandra laughed as the tension slowly wore off and said " thank you Edward, but I want lie to you I was scared, I don't want to end up like the young woman in the town." John instantly replied " me neither." John looked behind him through the main doors he could just see the officer that had questioned Alexandra on the telephone "calling gestapo head quarters" he expected they slowly walked down the street a man was behind them John thought they were being followed, a sudden surge of horror over took him, Alexandra spotted the tram heading to a stop she said "that is the one we need Edward lets cross quickly before we miss it." they crossed the road Alexandra looked at all the buildings each with a giant red flag with a black swastika stamped on it suddenly John upped the pace as they headed towards the queue. The tram stopped and they climbed on board finding a seat they both sat down "what is it Edward" whispered Alexandra to John he then smiled " I think we have a tail." he whispered back Alexandra was about to turn round but John stopped her "that would be a stupid mistake," he said "If we don't notice him and go straight to our cousins then we will be safe." John said. Alexandra looked out of the window the presence of Nazi uniforms were everywhere on the streets as the tram clinked and clanked along the tracks.
"He is probably just checking up", he thought to himself, John turned his head quickly noticing the man yet not making eye contact, It was a gestapo man alright following them, he was sat at the back of the tram holding his newspaper trying to mingle into the crowd but his very presence made many on the tram uneasy nobody spoke.
John and Alexandra sat in their seats motionless and trying to act calmly they looked behind them carefully to make sure the gestapo man was still behind them, the tram pinged and rocked from side to side down the rails along the old cobbled streets of Vienna, making the passengers rock with it as if it was an orchestra playing music and enticing the audience with its tune.
Alexandra gazed out of the window of the moving tram and stared at the quaint surroundings and reminiscing on old happy times and staring at the harsh reality of the new dark times infront of her. The tram approached a stop, the driver began to slow the tram down, now was their chance to get away thought john, as it pulled to halt grinding on the rails the awaiting passengers began to get ready to disembark as they all pushed forward into the aisle a crowd had gathered john instantly sprung into action he grabbed Alexandra and pulled her into the crowd pushing forward towards the doors of the tram desperately trying to get away from their tale.
Within moments the tram doors sprung open and they jumped off they began to calmly proceed down the street, neither spoke as they were both aware something was wrong, with their arms linked they continued to walk on, when they had lost sight of the tram john turned around slightly to see if they were still being followed, he could not be sure but he thought they had lost him.
Alexandra started the conversation as they continued down the street "has he gone?" she asked
quietly, John still watching behind said " I think so, but we best be on our guard, something is definitely wrong with this." he said cautiously. Unknown to them that a few foot steps behind them a man was following he was a young man dressed in plain clothes, he was tall and handsome with his smart blonde hair combed to the side his piercing blue eyes that stared straight through you and unnerved any one who came in to contact with him. He was eager to please his superiors at the gestapo head quarters a little unsure of these two people he continued to tail them hiding behind the civilians ahead of him, he knew they were not what they made out but he needed proof. John and alexandra continued to walk on they turned a corner onto a busy street as they continued in the distance an old grey bridge appeared and then the beautiful blue danube in all its glory glistened and flowed calmly underneath the bridge on its journey through Austria and beyond alexandra and john were awestruck by the beauty of the river as they continued to walk towards the bridge as if the river was calling them.
On the bridge the street lamps lined it with the swastikas hanging down from each one flowing in the cool breeze, the flag of fear thought alexandra how it made her heart race just to glare at it.
John and her began to walk on then suddenly in the distance they seen a group of young men marching towards them all dressed in brown, " brown shirts" said john as they neared the marching men Alexandra noticed one of the men had a tin, he was collecting money for the cause and hurling abuse at those who refused to give any. The people on the bridge could only watch these young men with fear and they reached into their pockets and gave a few marks to them in the hope they would not be hurt.
John told Alexandra to put some money into the box when the men walk passed Alexandra refused to but john made her by saying " if were are being followed it might look good." Alexandra relented and reached into her bag she took out some money and had it ready for when the brown shirts passed. As they approached alexandra leaned forwards and placed the money into the boys box he smiled and said " Your kindness shall be rewarded fraulein." then he saluted with a heil hitler alexandra smiled and nodded to the young man and turned away she said quietly " heil, you german bastard heil" and they walked away. John laughed at her outburst as they carried on over the bridge the sound of music greeted them, serenading them with the sound of `Strauss`s blue danube` being played to perfection. "A cafe" said Alexandra with excitement John turned " the strauss cafe, would be a good place to loose our tail if we have one." In agreement the headed towards the cafe when they were at the end of the bridge on the other side of the river they came to the main road and crossed before two clinking trams passed them heading in different directions "that's the tram we will need to get to the theatre." said John a smile came over alexandra and feeling of excitement at the thought of seeing her beloved theatre again but at the same time a fear came into her heart that they may be caught at any moment.
They approached the cafe its white courtyard looked towards them with beautiful white tables and chairs making the place resemble a scene from a postcard or a scrap-book , it was so stunning and it was breathtaking. At the door of the cafe John and Alexandra entered the old bell that hung above it began to ring, the gestapo man that was following them on the bridge was already inside it seemed that when they were giving the brown shirt the money he had passed them.
He sat in wait of their arrival, a smile came onto his face when they entered the cafe, Alexandra and John stood in the entrance of the cafe waiting to be seated by the waitress who came and showed them to a table. The walls were full of nostalgic pictures of past and present then alexandra seen the picture above her table it was herself when she was a lot younger and the toast of European society. The memories all came flooding back to her of the days when she was singing and acting in the theatres and Ludwig, how she missed his arms she longed for those days again. The waitress returned to the table and took their order for two coffees and returned instantly with it, from a booth further back in the cafe a lady sat dressed in a black fur coat and matching cloches hat with a white feather that sprung from the side of her hat, her dark brown hair and green eyes staring toward John and Alexandra with fear.
She stood up out of her chair and began to leave as she walked passed Alexandra she dropped her purse on the floor, the clasp sprung open and all her make up and things fell out, John instantly got to the floor to help the lady, as he got down she whispered " your being watched, the man in the corner, I will meet you outside in ten minutes" John nodded and helped the lady to her feet she thanked him and left. John told alexandra as the drank their coffee they john noticed the gentleman in question carefully turning so as not to give the game away. John waited then the gestapo man went to the toilet he headed to the door next to the counter when it was closed john and alexandra sprung into action they left some money on the table and left watching
carefully in case the man came out, he did not.
Outside the woman in waited she waved to them and they followed her to the alley at the side of the cafe "quickly down here" she said and leaded them both away out of sight further down the alley way as they walked the woman spoke "my name is Marlena" John asked " how did you know he was watching us?" "The same man arrested one of my friends two days ago the same way."she replied.
Marlena smiled and continued to say " I will take you to a safe house for now, until we are sure he has gone." John was a little unsure of this woman who risked herself to help them but accepted her help and they carried on down the alley onto a quiet street.
In the cafe the gestapo man came out from the toilet opening the door he noticed that his two suspects had gone, he rushed out of the cafe to the street but they had gone.
He went back into the cafe and demanded to use their telephone the waitress refused then he showed the gestapo badge to her, afraid and fearful for her life she handed him the telephone, he called headquarters and informed them that they had vanished, he was ordered back to headquarters immediately to make a report.
Meanwhile Marlena showed John and alexandra to her apartment a few streets away they entered the white building and climbed up the old grey staircase, a brown door appeared then Marlena opened it and they went inside.
Upon closing the door John grabbed Marlena by the arm and pushed her into the door he pulled out his gun and cocked it placing it to her head and pushing her arm behind her back, she sighed in pain "who are you working for, your gestapo?" shouted John. Alexandra tried to intervene but john ordered her to be silent Marlena began to cry in pain as John pushed her arm further up her back torturing her "who are you?" he asked again. She remained silent John slapped her across the face then he pushed her into the sideboard knocking all the ornaments to the floor and crashing as they shattered. Marlena fell to the floor as she stood up John held the gun at her "tell me now or I will shoot you." he demanded. Marlena nodded and holding her arm which was giving her great pain said " my name is Louise Deauchamps, I am french intelligence, she took out her identity card and showed him, John apologized to her and Marlena accepted telling him she would have done the same, they sat down and began to talk.
Louise spoke first " your probably wondering what french intelligence is doing here in Vienna?"
John answered " the thought had crossed my mind?" he said sarcastically to which Marlena replied "Bizou" John looked at her "who?" "A code name for one of our agents here in Vienna he worked in gestapo headquarters and smuggled out documents to us, one document in particular was the diamond. He was a spy in Paris working for the germans, we caught him two days ago and dealt with him, I sent Bizou a message to meet me here in Vienna but he has disappeared, I was following his footsteps which led me to Helena." John sprung forwards "nightingale"
he said. Marlena nodded "I saw what happened to her and Ludwig, he was helping me with Bizou when he was caught, I now know what happened to Bizou as a few moments before you entered the cafe, the man that tailed you was the one who caught Bizou, The waitress told me and then you both arrived I did not want a repeat of my friend you understand." she said tearfully.
Alexandra comforted her as she cried and asked " what will you do now?"
Marlena composed herself " I must return to Paris, now tell me why are you here?" she asked.
Alexandra and John told her about their mission and that they must succeed, Marlena smiled
"Von ostbruk is no fool, when he finds out you are here he will come after you both, it wont be easy for you either." John looked at his watch they had to go now to the `Von Gottard`s' before they ran out of time in case the officer did check up.
They both got ready and thanked Louise for her help and wished her a safe journey back to Paris then they departed. Once outside of the building they followed the tram lines to the stop around the corner that leaded to the Graben.
Meanwhile at gestapo headquarters in Vienna there was a lot of shouting going on from Von Ostbruk`s office which echoed down the long corridor and even the guard outside the office was trembling with fear for the person getting the lecture.
Inside the office from behind his desk Von Ostbruk stood shouting at the young gestapo officer infront of him, "you lost them!!" he yelled "how the hell did you loose them Legerhoff, you incompetent idiot, a young man and an older woman and you lost them, I will have you shot for this." Legerhoff stood to attention in front of Von Ostbruk pale and white with a cold sweat pouring down his brow "I am sorry Herr Colonel but.." before he could finish von ostbruk immediately interrupted " Your sorry!, do you know what you have done? I will tell you, you have made a laughing stock out of the gestapo , I can hear them now in England laughing and saying that their agents can come and go as they like in Vienna because their gestapo is not able to follow flies." He paused the officer was almost tearful hoping that the colonel was finished but then it started again. " I warned you that failure was no option, and now you have let two enemy agents free to roam the city, you idiot!" At that the colonel picked up the phone leaving the officer to stand at attention holding the telephone to his ear he said " send Reinecker to my office now!" The colonel slammed the phone down and began again at the young officer who was trembling with fear " You have made a fool out of me and the fuhrer." said Von Ostbruk pointing to the painting of Hitler above the very grand fireplace. "Your penalty is death." said the colonel. The door to the office opened and Major Reinecker entered in his black ss uniform holding his black hat under his arm " you wish to see me herr colonel?" asked reinecker.
"Ah Reinecker take this incompetent idiot to the courtyard and shoot him he has made a laughing stock of the gestapo and the fuhrer." said colonel von ostbruk.
Suddenly Legerhoff ran to the desk and pleaded with the colonel begging him for his life, the colonel ignored him and shouted for the gaurds who dragged Legerhoff away Major reinecker saluted the colonel and followed he closed the door.
Legerhoff was screaming and pleading all the way down the corridor even when they took him into the courtyard, Von ostbruk watched from the balcony of his office as Legerhoff was shot in the courtyard by firing squad.
Shortly after the colonel returned to his desk and then Reinecker returned to the office he entered to find the colonel completely unfazed by what had happened "sir, was that absolutely necessary?" asked the major. Von ostbruk stood up in a rage and clenching his fist said " Yes! I have warned you all that failure is not an option with me especially when you loose to enemy agents so stupidly!" answered the colonel slamming his fist on the desk like a spoilt child who could not get their own way in a temper.
Then the telephone began to ring von ostbruk answered it immediately, "sorry to bother you colonel, Its captain Schmidt from the radio room here, we are just getting a message from our agent in London now, would you like to come down?" asked Schmidt.
The Colonel smiled " I am on my way now captain." he said and then he put down the telephone major reinecker was still stood in the office "come major, we have news from our contact in London, at least this one does not fail!" said the colonel. They left the office and proceeded down the corridor the guard outside stood to attention as the colonel walked passed .
Alexandra and John stood waiting in a queue of people for the tram to arrive that would take them to the theatre a few minutes later and the tram arrived they boarded and sat down waiting for the tram to set off, "I hope our cousins have coffee" said Alexandra
John nodded , when the last person boarded the doors closed and the tram began to drive away down the rails Alexandra began to think of Louise, she hoped she would get back to Paris in one piece. In the radio room Schmidt was stood holding a decoded message he handed it to Von Ostbruk who began to read it "Baron and Baroness Von Gottard british agents, arrest immediately, the two other agents are to go to the theatre to locate documents there........"
Quick to the mark von ostbruk ordered the arrest of the Von Gottards he climbed into his car and followed the truck of soldiers and headed off to the von gottards.
In his car Reinecker and Von Ostbruk read the message again reinecker said " we searched that theatre top to bottom and found nothing and our document is supposed to be there!" Von Ostbruk smiled "Patience, Reinecker we shall let the two others lead us to the document, I want that theatre watched and if they spot anyone going near I want them to inform us immediately."said the colonel smugly as he was about to arrest the aristocracy.
Before long they arrived in the Graben the tram was pulling towards the theatre slowly it slowed down as it was about to stop Alexandra had not noticed the theatre, John and Alexandra stood as they were getting off here they walked towards the doors and got off they waited as the tram pulled away then Alexandra turned round to face her beloved theatre, it was all boarded up and looked almost derelict as if her past was all a dream. She could not hold back the tears as she remembered the bright lights and the full seats it once had and how it had been the most famous theatre in all of Austria. "Come on the apartment is not far, its on the other side of the park" said John. Alexandra looked suddenly she spotted the statue " look theres Jurgen" she said all excited as if it were the first time she had seen it and hoping that Ludwig would meet her there. It was a picturesque statue next to a fountain so beautifully sculpted set in white marble and was so elegant it made you respect the person who had taken the time to make this masterpiece. Alexandra remembered her rendezvous with Ludwig here all those years ago how she missed him and wished she could have turned back time but she could not.
John observed the gardens from where they stood noticing children playing with their parents and german officers with their girlfriends but thankfully no gestapo. They walked to the entrance of the park a sign met them it read ' It is forbidden for Jews to enter the park' she looked around to some of the shops which had the star of david painted on their windows and the people desperately avoiding the shops for fear of being seen. Alexandra hated what she was seeing and the germans for their treatment towards the jewish people, "god help them" she thought.
They walked into the park and headed for the statue luckily her bench was still there so she knew now what to do "Edward sit there and keep watch." she said John was quite shocked at her taking charge but he did as she asked and watched for anyone coming Alexandra walked over to the statue and began to observe it walking round it thinking to herself "oh Ludwig where have you hidden it." she then observed the base of the statue where it was engraved, she noticed a mark on it she looked a little closer the engraved piece was new but made to look old , she moved her hand across it she found a grove as she placed her fingers into the grove John spoke " someone is coming." she stood up and observed the statue a german officer and his girlfriend appeared they walked right passed Aleaxandra and John and headed off along the path into the distance.
When they were out of sight Alexandra reached into the grove and pulled, suddenly the piece opened and a file appeared she quickly picked up the file and hid it into her bag she looked down again there was a letter addressed to her in Ludwig`s handwriting, she recognized it instantly stuffing it into her bag. She closed the fake door and then walked back to the bench where John was waiting, he stood up and said "we can't look at it here, we need to get to the apartment now!" They linked arms and walked through the park to the opposite side they came to another gate, with the apartment in full sight they were about to cross the road when suddenly those sirens began the ones Lawrence had mentioned Alexandra froze then a car and two trucks appeared rushing down the road towards the apartment building they pulled over in front of the building the german guards jumped out of the trucks and swarmed into the building John and Alexandra stood still all they could do was watch. Suddenly the car that had lead the trucks opened one of its doors and a tall man stepped out he was middle aged very tall he had blue eyes and white hair he stood and watched. Alexandra gasped she instantly recognized him from the picture the colonel showed "Von Ostbruk" she whispered to John. They heard screams from a woman and then they saw two people brought out of the building and thrown into the trucks, "my god, they have the baron, we must go now, and warn the others" John linked his arm through Alexandra`s
and they walked through the crowd that had gathered " where are we going?" asked Alexandra John who was very worried kept his cool and said " we have another contact, incase something like this happened, he will put the word out and warn the others." They walked calmly trying desperately not to cause attention they headed up the street and came to another building they went inside and climbed the stairs all the way up to the third floor. John leaded Alexandra into a hallway and at the end was a door. John rang the bell suddenly the door opened and a young woman answered she a young girl about seventeen she wore a white shirt and blue woollen jumper she had long blue trousers to match. Her black hair was hanging down on her shoulders and her white apron was covered in dust she had just finished polishing the furniture when they had arrived. "Hello" she said John smiled and asked " Is your kettle on?" The girl smiled and nodded she let them in fast and closed the door she knew that was the code word. " What`s happened"she asked "I need to speak to your father urgently" John said she nodded and walked them down the hall to his study. She opened the door "Father there are two people her to see you." she said out of the shadows an old man appeared in a wheel chair, he could not walk now for age caught up with him and he had lost the use of his legs, he was in his pyjamas and smoking jacket for warmth " Herr Professor, Colonel graham sends his compliments" said John. The professor looked up and smiled " why John what a pleasant surprise, its been a while." he said and then turning to Alexandra he smiled again " I know who you are, Marta Hari, I remember watching you perform on the stage its a pleasure my dear" he said " Gretal, bring some coffee for our guests wont you." he said "Yes papa" she replied.
John spoke " Now professor we have trouble, Von Ostbruk has just arrested the Baron and his wife." The professor looked with horror "Jesus we must warn the others now." he said Gretal walked in with the coffee. "Do they know you?" asked John to which the professor replied "No, they don't know anyone in this circuit, we knew they would possibly get caught so we had all their messages posted to them, after all even we must be careful." The professor smiled and then frowned " god! they do know one person John, Karl Von beck, if they get him were in deep trouble." said the professor "he knows everyone in the Vienna circuits" John sat down then the professor had an idea "Gretal" "yes papa" she replied "I need you to do something for me, I need you to go to Karl Von Becks cafe now and say this too him immediately 'Birds fly south for winter" he said Gretal nodded hugging her father and headed out the door.
John looked at the professor and asked "may we borrow your table?" the professor smiled
"certainly" he replied Alexandra opened her bag and pulled out the file she handed it to John who placed it on the table the professor wheeled himself closer and they began to read it. Alexandra then pulled out her letter from Ludwig. Suddenly John looked up "my god" he said "the snake! Stage is none other than George Leswood from the ministry"
As gretal left the apartment building she headed out on to the street the sound of children laughing and playing filled the air coming from the park opposite, she smiled remembering how she had played there when she was a child. She walked along the street passing the old buildings and the mass of swastikas that swayed in the breeze, at the end of the street she turned the corner she walked a little further and the cafe came into view. Unknown to gretal, inside the cafe the gestapo were waiting having already arrested von beck and his wife they were well on their way to gestapo headquarters, von ostbruk had placed a group of gestapo men inside the cafe dressed in civilian clothes so as not to rouse suspicion to any resistance contact who unsuspectingly entered the place. Gretal continued to walk towards the cafe she was trying to remember what to say to the man over and over in her head, a few paces further and she was at the door, she opened it the waitresses busy serving the customers and things going on as usual inside. A man stood behind the counter, gretal had never met von beck so she decided to take chance she looked round but he was the only man working, she walked towards him a waitress came rushing over "would you like a table madam?" she asked, gretal shook her head and said " I need to speak to mr von beck please." the waitress looked at her and nodded her head she was afraid to tell her the truth and she pointed to the gestapo man behind the counter and said "there he is." Gretal smiled and walked toward the counter the man smiled to her as she approached "birds fly south for the winter." she said. The man behind the counter nodded and grabbed her arm and slapped her face, she fell to the floor "saboteur" he shouted. Within seconds the gestapo had her by the throat and dragged her out of the cafe a gestapo car pulled up outside and she was thrown in the back seat next to von ostbruk, she began to cry and her lip began bleeding where the gestapo man had struck her, the red hand print still fixed to her face. As the car drove away in the direction of gestapo headquarters von ostbruk spoke " I'm afraid my dear, you have fallen for an old trick, one that has now proven to be quite useful." He then opened her jacket and took out her identity papers, she did not struggle as she was trembling with fear, von ostbruk looked at her card and said "Gretal buler, your the professor buler`s daughter aren't you?" He had a commanding tone in his voice that made gretal nervous she nodded "very good, now I have you both." said von ostbruk laughing smugly at his prize. Gretal trembled she felt stupid walking in to a trap "what will happen to me?" she asked shaking nervously with fear "In a few minutes you will be my guest at headquarters, I will bring your father to you and then we shall decide what to do with you?" said the colonel still laughing. As the car came to a stop the door opened and gretal was taken inside of the building, the colonel stayed outside and had the car drive to gretal`s apartment with the truck of gestapo men following behind the deadly sirens sounding striking fear in to those who heard them, thinking it was there time to be taken. The car continued along the street at great speed, time was of the essence he needed to get the professor and the two evading agents that had made a laughing stock of the gestapo.
Gretal was lead to a desk her fingerprints were forcefully taken like a criminal then she was handcuffed to one of the soldiers and leaded down some stairs into the basement along a corridor that was cold, the strip of lights that lined the passage made it unnerving for any one who walked along it. The officer walked at a fast pace gretal still trembling with fear had to keep up with him as he beat her when she slowed down, they came to a black cell door, the soldier opened it he then uncuffed her and she was thrown in to the room, the door slammed shut behind her. She seen her dark surroundings with the barred window in the corner that provided a little light. She began to cry she walked to the bed that lay under the window and lay down, she wished she would just die in that spot and be spared any thing that was to come, hoping John and Alexandra would get away and take her father with them so that von ostbruk would have that smug smile slapped off his face.
In a cold and damp cell a man lay face down on the floor unconscious, his body riddled with bruises from the brutal interrogation he had received, he had told them nothing outside of the cell a guard stood smoking a cigarette hoping it would help take away the image of what he had just heard done to the prisoner that lay on the cold floor. As he began to come round the man started to sweat he was in absolute agony as if every bone in his body was broken, he manages to open his eyes and notices he is on the floor, he crawls toward the bed and begins to lift himself up using the metal frame as a prop. Suddenly a sharp pain shoots through his body making him call out in pain it was as if a thousand knives were stabbing him at once, each time he felt the pain it was like the blade was penetrating deep into his body constantly. As he stands up a thought appears "Louise, I must get to her." he staggers toward the cell door by now the pain was being replaced by the adrenalin rushing through him and giving him the extra strength he needed, he clenches his fist and bangs on the cell door alerting the smoking guard outside of the cell.
The guard warns him to cease but the man refuses too the guard becomes most annoyed by the prisoners defiance and opens the cell door, he tries to restrain the prisoner only to have his rifle removed and his head struck by the butt of it rendering him dead instantly.
After killing his captor the prisoner begins to make a run for it one thing driving him Louise he must warn her before he breaks and the gestapo catch her, he heads into the corridor nothing is going to stop him he rushes towards a staircase, unknown to him in the cell adjacent to his von ostbruk waited peering from the door that was slightly a jar eagerly he begins to follow the man he knows he will lead him to his accomplice. The man bruised and beaten holds his back for the pain is returning he climbs the staircase and the door to the courtyard faces him he gently opens it and peers through noticing two patrolling guards about to pass it, quickly he closes it silently and awaits, he hears the two men pass and their footsteps fade away, its now or never he thought he opened the door and ran into the courtyard taking cover behind the black gestapo car that was parked in front of him. Von ostbruk follows up the stairs to the door he hides in the shadow and watches as the prisoner climbs into the car, alerting the two patrolling guards when he shut the car door as it made a terrible thud. The keys were in the ignition he turned them and put his foot down on the accelerator the car raced forwards directly at the two guards who instantly dived out of the way as he made his escape. Von ostbruk rushed out of the shadows his car was parked on the other side of the courtyard he ran to it desperately trying to catch up with the escapee, the prisoner kept his foot firmly down on the pedal speeding towards the barrier only yards from him, the two sentries order him to stop as the car races right at them they open fire on the car making the windscreen shatter into a million pieces but the man is not hit he just keeps on going his determination is his driving force, nothing will stop him. Von ostbruk`s car speeds out of the courtyard in hot pursuit of the man a truck of soldiers follow they pass the barrier and out onto the street. The prisoner is driving like a mad man he dodges the other vehicles on the road in and out weaving passed them then he crosses the tram lines and heads on, behind him von ostbruk chases him in his car maintaining the speed of his assailant as he comes to the tram line he notices the tram coming from his left forcing him to break dangerously swerving to the side bringing him to a halt, the tram passes quickly the driver with a look of horror as he was almost killed in the collision. Up ahead the prisoner keeps his speed completely unaware that he is been followed and the whole thing is a trap, he turns a corner the another corner and onto the main road suddenly he gets a sharp pain from his back making him push the break in pain, the car heads straight on and crashes into a tree. A piece of the steering wheel shears off and traps his leg he manages to break free and from the wreckage he climbs out of the car and begins to stagger away blood dripping from his leg.
A few minutes later the car exploded, von ostbruk still giving chase from his car, turns the corner with the truck of soldiers following behind, he notices the burning car up ahead and pulls over, he climbs out of his car and runs towards the wreckage a crowd of people had formed watching the car burn, an old woman dressed in rags points in the direction the man had gone, he looks down on the street and notices the blood droplets, the man must be injured he thought he runs back to his car and follows slowly the blood.
The prisoner continues on his quest to warn louise, he begins to cross the danube bridge staggering and limping, his leg in agony spilling blood on the street he notices the strauss cafe and then the alley way unaware that von ostbruk is only a street behind him using the blood like a trail. He limps down the alley way he begins to pass out but he fights it, he must get to louise, he must warn her now. He heads out of the alley way and on to the street the apartment building in his sights he manages to get to the doorway and into the foyer, he notices the staircase, he can't climb it he thought, he noticed a chair to the side of the staircase quickly he gets to it and sits down. Louise was still in her apartment she had watched from her window as Alexandra and John disappeared out of view towards the tram stop, she had made some coffee that sat cold on the sideboard as she tried to clean up the mess made by the crashing ornaments from earlier.
Her arm was still aching with pain but not as bad as it had been before, her hat had fallen on the floor with the white feather bent to one side that had stood so profoundly to the side complimenting her coat, she walked towards the sideboard again and opened one of the drawers that creaked as it opened making a sharp noise. As she pulled it back gently to reveal its contents she collected her swiss passport and pistol she placed them on top of the sideboard then went into the bedroom, another handbag was hanging off the door handle of the wardrobe, she collected it and returned into the lounge, picking up the pistol and passport and placing them into the bag quickly. She then put on her fur coat, leaving the damaged hat on the chair and walked to the mirror. She smartened her hair and brushed her jacket down to look normal and not like she had been in a street fight. She smiled thinking of John and Alexandra and hoped they would succeed then she left the apartment holding her hand bag in her hands, she closed the door and locked it then she walked to the staircase and began to descend to the ground floor.
Unknown to her that in the foyer of the building a man was hiding behind the staircase watching for her, Louise continued to come down the stairs, she heard the noise "psst" come from beneath her she ignored it at first but then "psst, don't look down, carry on walking" said the voice.
Louise did as she was asked and continued , the voice was familiar to her, as she reached the last stair the man that had been hiding came out of the shadows, he was bruised and beaten, he looked awful like a corpse he had suffered at the hands of the gestapo. "Bizou" said Louise as she noticed him he collapsed in to her arms unconscious, she lay him down gently to the floor "Bizou, Bizou," she said slapping his face gently trying to resuscitate him, he started to come round from his unconscious state "what has happened to you?" she said anxiously tears filling in her eyes he held her to his mouth " Run!! the gestapo are coming here, you must go now." he said then he kissed her, he went cold and motionless, Louise laid his head down on the floor, he had died. "Bizou, Bizou!" said Louise. It was hopeless he was dead, she quickly stood up and began to run out of the building, outside in the distance she heard sirens approaching her but not in view, she noticed the alley that she had leaded Alexandra and John down earlier, she risked it and ran towards it, a knot in her stomach and a fearful grey colouring came over her face aware that any moment she could be caught. As she ran down the alleyway the sirens got louder and then at the other end of the alley way she noticed the trucks and gestapo car pass, she hid in the shadow waiting for them to pass, then she made a run for it out onto the street and back at the cafe, the bridge came into view and she ran, her tears for Bizou poured down her face but she could not stop, she had to get away, nothing was going to stop her she kept running and running.
In the distance she heard a band playing and a street parade with crowds of people cheering as the brown shirts marched celebrating their fuhrer suddenly from behind her a gun shot the bullet passed her and the gestapo gave chase, she had to make the crowd she knew she could loose them there. Her heart racing and the guns still going off she opened her bag and pulled out her pistol she returned a shot from the gun killing one of the gestapo men on her tail, she crossed the bridge and ran up the street in front of her at the top it was cordoned off by the germans for the street parade she noticed the barrier and climbed over it, still the bullets came towards but missed her she was well ahead of her pursuers. She ran into the crowds of people all cheering and giving the nazi salute to the marching men in brown.
In the crowds she noticed the trams had been stopped across the road a thought occurred in her head and she chanced it looking for a clearing in the crowds of people then she ran across the road in front of the brown shirts with the gestapo men behind her.
She made the tram which was starting to pull away and she jumped on just as the doors closed and it began to pull away. the gestapo men banged on the side of the tram but the driver did not see them and speeded up leaving them stood in the parade of brown shirts.
Louise waved to them as it pulled away they began to run away towards a car but she knew she would get away before they caught up with her, she sat down in a seat her heart racing and sweat pouring down her face. As she tried to steady her breathing, tears began to pour down her face for Bizou, she could not work out how he had got away to warn her they were after her, but she was thankful he had.
Back at the professor`s apartment unaware of what had just happened on the other side of Vienna with Louise and Bizou,... Alexandra stood up and said " I knew it, it was him, it makes perfect sense as all those years ago here at the theatre, I hid behind a column whilst he argued with Ludwig all I could see was a beard he was wrapped in rags on the run Ludwig would not help him, the swine killed Ludwig." John spoke " Von Ostbruk knows where here, but not who we are no wonder security is tight he is playing cat and mouse."
The professor looked at them both and said " your in grave danger, if the baron talks your cover will be blown and the germans will pick you up." He then reached down and opened a drawer he asked for their passports and then revealed two new ones from the door he swapped the passport pictures over and gave them two new Austrian ones. "You did right to come to me" said the professor. Alexandra left the room and waited outside she was worried for Gretal in case Von Ostbruk had her John joined her for a second "Will she be alright" asked Alexandra concerned for Gretal John then spoke " She will be fine, she knows what to do." John went back into the room and joined the professor Alexandra waited in the lobby she opened the letter from Ludwig she began to read.
Dearest Lilly
"When you get this my life will be over but my love for you will keep going.
Why did you leave me? In the column you will find something I have left you I wanted to give you it all those years ago but you vanished and left me without a good-bye.
My darling I forgive you but I hope you forgive me I have to go now but I will always love you and be with you."
Yours Ludwig
Alexandra cried a little gathering herself together she stood up John returned with her passport "here you go frau schuler" Alexandra smiled and the John read aloud his identity "max velts" we are mother and son here in Vienna sight seeing.
John then took charge and said " we must go to the theatre now, we can't keep fire fly waiting" they then said good-bye to the professor who wished them both luck and they left the apartment Alexandra had hidden the file and letter back in her bag they headed down the hall and went down the stairs they left the building and began to walk down the street hoping to see Gretal walking back but instead they heard the sirens and then the trucks appeared and stopped outside the building luckily John and Alexandra were a good distance away John held her arm " there is nothing we can do Alexandra" he said as she wanted to run back to warn the professor, she started to cry and said " Gretal must have been" John interrupted and said "don`t say it Alexandra" and then the sound of glass smashing echoed from the apartment and they then watched as the germans brought the professor outside in his wheelchair, he had blood all over his face the german had hit him with a rifle butt when they found the dutch passports, they lifted him into the truck, and drove away the sounds of the sirens began to disappear in the distance.
John and Alexandra took a deep breath their arms linked together as they reentered the park they walked through it and out of the other side they then crossed the road Alexandra noticed a car parked at the corner of the park " Look Gestapo" she said John peered and thought for a second "their watching the front" he said Alexandra smiled "they don't know about the back then."
Meanwhile outside the train station in Vienna the tram began to pull away and Louise began to cross the road breathing a little easier and wiping her tears for Bizou away from her face.
As she came to the steps she looked around carefully in case the gestapo were approaching but there was nothing but a peaceful calm breeze flowing making the hanging swastikas sway back and forward. "I must be ahead of them" she thought as she descended the staircase and entered the station, she took out her swiss passport from her bag and held it in her hand she walked into the busy foyer towards the ticket office joining the small queue of people who were waiting to be served. She did not have to wait long before it was her turn to get her ticket, she bought a single ticket for the Switzerland train and walked onto the platform she continued towards the barrier and showed her passport to the officer who was checking the papers of the passengers trying to prevent any criminals from leaving. The officer smiled and said "swiss," she nodded to him "we hope you have enjoyed your stay here." he said. "I have, thankyou, it was delightful." she replied. and she walked toward the train, she opened the carriage door and boarded the train and sat down on the seat, Unaware to her, outside the station the gestapo arrived with the trucks they swarmed into the station and out onto the platform, Louise spotted them and quickly thought fast.
Directly adjacent to the train was another train slowly leaving the station on its journey for Paris she went out into the corridor of the carriage on the opposite side of the train and opened the door gently climbing down onto the rails and running towards the moving train she opened the door. Two gestapo men had boarded the swiss train through her carriage they ran into the corridor but she had vanished, then one of the men turned and seen her waving to them as she was heading away from the station on the Paris train, the angry gestapo man shot his gun toward the window she was waving from, she took cover under the window as the glass shattered and the bullet entered the wooden partition wall behind her.
She stood up again waving and smiling as the train pulled away disappearing into the distance
the two gestapo men returned to their commanding officer and reported that she had escaped on the other train. The Officer walked towards the ticket office and demanded to know where the next stop of the train would be?,
The lady behind the desk shaking with fear answered "I`m sorry sir but it is the direct train to Paris and only stops at Paris and I am afraid there is no way it can be stopped the driver is under strict instructions sir." This made the officer extremely annoyed he placed his revolver in the face of the lady and said "you will make it stop or I will blow your head off, you useless bitch!" The woman suddenly began to cry and nervously picked up the telephone in front of her, then she called the signal box to try to stop the train but it was too late the train had passed the signal box and was well under way to the border. She apologized to the officer who was even more angry by this time and he struck the woman a cross the face with the pistol he then ordered her arrest "for helping an enemy agent escape." he said.
She was man-handled and forcefully brought out from behind the desk by the same two gestapo men and thrown in to the truck, blood dripping down from her nose that had been broken by the force of the gun hitting her, and spilling all over her white blouse.
She screamed and screamed as they dragged away but the people in the station could only watch with horror and were powerless to help her for they would receive the same treatment if they dared to interfere, some women waiting quietly in the queue began to weep,
but what could they do, the germans had made it quite clear just who was in charge in Austria?
They were the law and the executioner now and the Austrian people had to obey for to oppose the germans was to sign ones own death warrant! When the gestapo returned to the headquarters with their prisoner who was still bleeding and crying with fear, the officer had her brought into the interrogation room and beaten further until she lay dead in a pool of her own blood in the cold and damp room, her screams had been heard all through the chamber into the other cells striking fear into the other prisoners awaiting their interrogation, until her screams became a deathly silence and the screams were no more.
As the train slowly approached Paris Louise sat on the seat, as the train rocked from side to side forcing her to rock with it, for now her part was over in this dark chapter she thought of Bizou lying dead in the apartment building, and she thought of Alexandra and John how she hoped they would get away safely to for Von ostbruk was no fool and would be on their tale regardless, his reputation for never failing was known throughout the intelligence bureaus in Europe and those who came into contact with him had to be smarter than him, for he knew all the tricks of the trade, a knot came into her stomach as she thought of them both, still in Vienna and she was safely away.

subset: commoncrawl


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Charitable charging comes under scrutiny
Some call for credit card issuers to waive transaction fees for donations permanently
Shortly after the earthquake in Haiti, credit card processors Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express all agreed to waive their interchange fee -- a charge ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent of each transaction -- on donations to some charities so that all money would be directed to Haitians in need. (See Haiti disaster brings out charity scams)
Bank of America followed suit shortly thereafter. While the action satisfied some lawmakers who were urging the change, a number of charity officials and political action groups are calling for credit card issuers to waive fees on charitable donations permanently.
"In this economy, giving was down last year over 5 percent -- the biggest drop in 50-something years of trending the data," says Sandra Miniutti, a spokeswoman for Mahwah, N.J.-based Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates charities. "So if there's something that can be done in the recession to help boost giving to charity, and it's not having to come out of the donors' pockets, that would be tremendous."
Charitable giving is big business. The GivingUSA Foundation, a philanthropic research and education association based in Glenview, Ill., found that charitable giving in the United States had reached $307.65 billion in 2008, the last year for which final numbers are available. But when that number was adjusted for inflation, the amount Americans doled out to charities had actually declined by 5.7 percent in 2008 -- the largest drop The GivingUSA Foundation had recorded since it started tracking the data in 1968. In an independent analysis, Huffington Post, a news website, estimated that credit card companies make approximately $250 million a year from charged donations. Obviously, charities would instantly benefit from that money if it was made available.
Political action group MoveOn.org agrees. After protesting the transaction fees taken from donations to Haiti, the organization took its efforts a step further, urging its 5 million members to sign a petition to ask card issuers to waive fees on all charitable donations in the future. The organization plans to collect the signatures and forward them to the chief executive officers of Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Representatives of Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Bank of America all said there were no plans at this time to waive fees for charitable donations permanently.
Following a precedent
The move by credit card issuers to cut transaction fees on charitable donations isn't a novel one. In her push to get credit card issuers to waive fees for Haiti donations, Democratic Rep. Betsy Markey of Colorado pointed out that major credit card companies waived fees in 2004 following the tsunami that killed more than 200,000 people in Southeast Asia.
But not every credit card company has taken a reactive approach to waiving fees in light of disaster. McLean, Va.-based Capital One has been waiving the transaction fees for charitable donations consistently since the fall of 2008.
Capital One partnered with Bethesda, Md.-based philanthropy website Network for Good to give cardholders a forum for researching, selecting and donating to charities. Under the agreement, Network for Good makes sure the money gets to the charity of a cardholder's choice, while Capital One takes care of all transaction fees on donations made through its No Hassle Giving website.
"This wasn't set up in any kind of reaction to a crisis," says Pam Girardo, a spokeswoman for Capital One. "This has been around, and it will continue."
Also, unlike other credit card companies who are waiving fees for a select number of organizations providing aid to Haiti, Capital One lets cardholders choose from 1.2 million charities from the database of GuideStar, an organization based in Williamsburg, Va., that gathers information on nonprofit organizations across the nation. Since the No Hassle Giving site was launched, it's generated more than $1 million in donations. Not surprisingly, that number has soared since the Haiti crisis. "We've now seen an 850 percent increase in donations year-over-year, comparing January 2009 to January 2010, with one week yet to go in January 2010," says Girardo.
Though Capital One has had other programs in the past that benefited nonprofit organizations, including affinity card relationships in which a percentage of transactions made with a card are donated to a particular cause or organization, the No Hassle Giving site is the company's greatest effort by far, Girardo says.
"We cover the transaction cost for every donation so that 100 percent of the donation can be delivered to the charity or nonprofit," Girardo says.
As good as that deal may sound for charities, credit card companies do end up leaving money on the table when they eliminate transaction fees. But Capital One looks at it as a benefit to its cardholders that separates it from other credit card issuers.
"There are real hard costs associated with making an online credit card donation or an electronic payment and we are pleased that we can cover that for our cardholders," says Girardo. "We believe this will generate greater loyalty so we become the card of choice for our customers."
See related: Haiti disaster brings out charity scams, Giving charity gift cards? Mind the fine print, Give more with less through charity gift cards, Idol Gives Back nets big credit card payout
- Credit freezes are now free – but do you need one? – Credit freezes, which keep lenders and other companies from viewing your credit, are now free. We compared them to other credit protection tools, including locks and monitoring services. Here's how to use them all to protect yourself ...
- Employer credit checks: Who does them, how they work and what laws apply – If you're applying for a new job, a credit check could determine your fate, depending on the position and where it's based. Here's how they work and what to expect ...
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French, English, Spanish and Italian
LuxAfrica Investments (2014): Co-founder and Vice-President. Member of the committee;
Lecturer: Lecturer at Paris VIII University in Paris(France);
Lecturer: Lecturer at Institution De la Salle in Metz (France).
Bertrand is a founding partner of Themis Lex
He is active in M&A practice, corporate, investment fund, financing transaction, with a focus on venture capital, private equity and real estate with over 16 years of practice. He has also developed a strong expertise relating to intellectual property and communication technologies.
Regarding IP/ICT his experience encompasses the drafting of the new rules relating to the French domain names on behalf of French regulation authority, participation in the legal advice on the French digital TV implementation, legal assistance of start-ups focused on innovation technologies.
He has been a member of the Paris bar since 2000 and has been admitted by the Luxembourg bar to practice under his French professional title.
A Master's degree in international business law and management (HEC, France in partnership with ESCP, France) – 2000;
Paris Bar Exam (certificat d'aptitude à la profession d'avocat) –1998 ;
A Master in Business Law (University of Paris XII) – 1995
Bertrand has written :
Legimag : La rédaction d'un logiciel conforme aux besoins du client impose la rédaction d'un cahier des charges (April 2016);
TRUST, SGG Magazine: An upcoming challenge for the Luxembourg AIFS Industry? (2013);
IT One.lu : Outsourcing (December 2012);
Fiscalité des revenus de la propriété intellectuelle: Luxembourg, terre d'accueil de l'innovation, Les cahiers du droit luxembourgeois, Co-Author (February 2010);
Sécurisez la propriété intellectuelle au sein des contrats, IT Nation, (November 2009);
Luxembourg an attractive new tax regime for income deriving from IP rights, IP Value, Co-Author (2009);
PLC Cross-border IP in Business Transactions Handbook - Luxembourg Chapter, Practical Law Company, Co-Author (2008)
French, English, Italian, German, Spanish
Pascale Sicurani is graduated in law from University of La Sorbonne and from HEC Paris (International Management and Law MS), Pascale has been a tax and legal adviser for over 16 years and is involved in international tax, corporate law, UCIs, venture capital and private equity transactions. Pascale is regularly requested to provide professional training sessions on specific tax matters.
Main areas of practice:
Private equity: tax advice and structuring for regulated / non regulated Luxembourg vehicles investing (directly or indirectly) into foreign business (hotels, mall centers, transportation infrastructures, green energy, health, education, etc, located in the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia), assistance to organize the Luxembourg tax optimal exit;
Real estate: tax advice and structuring for regulated / non regulated Luxembourg vehicles investing (directly or indirectly) into foreign real estate assets (final assets being located in the USA or in Europe);
Financial industry: tax advice and structuring for Luxembourg investment vehicles (such as SIFs, SICARs, securitization vehicles, master/feeder funds structures, etc), organization of the issuance of Islamic finance products by Luxembourg investment vehicles;
Operating international groups (pharmaceutical industry, fashion industry, food and beverage franchises, financial institutions etc): tax advice and setting-up of Luxembourg financing and / or holding structures in the scope of international restructurings / M&A, acquisitions of companies;
Intellectual property: tax advice and structuring for Luxembourg companies holding intellectual property assets;
FATCA/CRS: Analysis of Luxembourg entities' FATCA / CRS status, assistance to fill out self-certification forms, review and amendments to template of self-certification forms to be used by Luxembourg financial institutions.
Pascale has written :
"An upcoming challenge for the Luxembourg AIFs Industry?", TRUST, SGG Magazine (2013);
"Fiscalité des revenus de la propriété intellectuelle: Luxembourg, terre d'accueil de l'innovation", Les cahiers du droit luxembourgeois, Co-Author (February 2010);
"Advantageous Tax Rules for Share Transactions in Luxembourg", Tax Notes International, Co-Author (December 2003)


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Leading up to Saskatchewan's hunting season, new hunting regulations come into effect Wednesday.
The Wildlife Amendment Act, 2015 will have harsher penalties for those who break existing hunting laws. For example, serious offences will come with an automatic two-year suspension, and those convicted of three separate offences will be banned for life.
More than 70,000 people hunt in Saskatchewan each year. Under the new act, people with hunting bans in other jurisdictions will not be allowed to purchase a hunting license in the province. This also extends to anyone with outstanding fines.
"This new legislation enhances wildlife protection and shows greater respect for our natural resources by increasing the severity of penalties for those who commit hunting violations," said Environment Minister Herb Cox.
He added, "Saskatchewan's valuable wildlife resource needs to be protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy."
Follow on Twitter: @AlecJSalloum


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Let's chat about mobile devices, and how they can help your business connect with customers nearby.
We'll show how mobile phone technology—from maps to apps to paid advertising that targets people nearby—can help bring more customers to your door.
Today, many people walk around with a smartphone in their pocket. As a business, you can take advantage of this to reach nearby customers.
First, let's take a look at how local and mobile work together.
We've all used our mobile to find, say, the closest shop to where we happen to be. Say you're riding your bike around town when suddenly your chain breaks. If you've got your mobile on you, you're probably about to do a search for a bike shop that's really close.
So if you own that bike shop, or any other kind of business, what can you do to improve your chances of showing up when people need you?
Of course you'll want to make sure your business is listed in local directories, review sites and search engines, and you might want to take advantage of some local advertising opportunities, but let's talk about how you can harness the power of mobile devices for local customers.
The first thing you need to do is make sure your site looks good on mobile devices and includes contact information.
Next, you can take advantage of some things that only mobile devices tend to have. For example, many people allow websites and mobile apps to use a GPS function that can detect where they are and direct them to where they want to go (like that bike shop).
Or, if the bike shop has an app that people install on their smartphones, it could use that GPS functionality to send messages—like sales alerts—when potential customers are within a certain distance of the shop.
Depending on the capabilities of the app, it could allow customers to schedule appointments for repairs, find answers to common questions or even order accessories. The app could also send reminders of cool events taking place at the shop, like a monthly group ride or free tune-up clinic.
Another common way GPS-enabled devices work with mobile is in local advertising. Paid advertising programs help you target the right customer, at the right time, and now, in the right place.
Say someone who doesn't know you exist happens to be nearby searching for bicycles on her mobile. With local search, your ad could appear high in the search results because your shop is nearby, and a relevant result for what she's looking for. Your ad could include a click to call button or even what's known as location extensions to guide her right to your shop.
Think about your business. How well are you serving mobile and local customers?
To get started, make sure your customers can find you online, using any device, and have a good experience whether they're on a laptop, desktop, smartphone or tablet.
Then, think about leveraging the unique capabilities of mobiles to reach and engage customers.
And finally, if you're advertising locally, you can target people nearby and on the go with your campaigns.
Key learnings
- the importance of being found in local search results
- making the most of mobile features, like calls, GPS navigation and applications (apps)
- using paid advertising to reach a local audience on the go.


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When I was a kid, baseball was very important to me. It was very important to most of the boys growing up in my neighborhood. Almost all of the boys (and a handful of the girls) at my school signed up for Little League most years. The season started with a parade - and what kid doesn't like to be in a parade - and ended with everyone getting a trophy. It was great.
The only problem was that I wasn't very good at baseball. That wasn't much of a handicap the first couple of years, but as games got more competitive I found myself spending less time playing, and more time sitting. And sitting takes a lot of the fun out of the game. Little league went from being something I loved to something I didn't care about. But then I wound up on Mr. Preda's team.
Mr. Preda coached Little League in the Bronx for quite a while, usually for the 10-and-under age group. He volunteered his time year after year even though he didn't have a kid of his own in the league - or, for that matter, a grandkid. I remember hearing that he had a grown-up daughter, and I know he was old enough to be retired when he was coaching, but aside from that I don't really know a lot about him. What I do know is that I learned a lot that one baseball season.
Mr. Preda wasn't one of the coaches who tried to make every kid, no matter how clumsy and inept, feel like a valued member of the team. Every kid on his team was an equally valued member of the team. In an age group where winning was starting to matter, Mr. Preda cared more about making sure that we were all learning than about winning. All of us got to play, and all of us spent time on the bench. The less-coordinated kids (like me) weren't always banished to right field. We got to be awkward and slow at a wide range of positions, and we got to learn a lot more baseball.
In a classic story (especially a coming of age story), the year with Mr. Preda would be one of those Moments that changes everything. The team would go from the cellar to first, and I'd learn to excel at the sport and go on to fame, glory, and possibly the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, life often forgets to follow the script. I got better after my year on the team, to be sure, but I never had the drive to practice that you need to get really good at the sport, and my baseball-playing days wound down within a year or two. I can remember a few moments from some of the games, but nothing that really stands out. I can't even remember whether we finally wound up winning more than we lost that season.
I don't remember a lot of the details from that season, but I do remember the fundamentals. I remember learning the fundamentals - how to throw, how to run, how to resist the overpowering urge to slide into second about 50 feet too early. I remember Mr. Preda spending a lot of time throwing ground balls at me, helping me get over my fear of the ball, and helping me learn to get my body in front of the ball.
We all learned teamwork that year. We learned how lose a game with dignity, and how to win gracefully. We learned that the team is what's important, and that it's better to throw the ball to the cut-off man than to try for the big play by ourselves. We learned baseball.
I've gone wandering down memory lane for a reason. I'd almost forgotten what an effect Mr. Preda had on me in that short time, and how much of a difference he made in the way I saw and enjoyed the game. I remembered all of it on Thursday night, and all at once. I was sitting on a bench at the parents' meeting for the fall baseball league my son is in, and the head of the league announced that they still needed volunteers to fill the head coach slots for a few teams.
So, watch this space in the coming weeks for updates on the exploits of the (as yet unnamed) Team #5 in the League City Coach-Pitch Baseball League. I've got no idea how we're going to do, but I can tell you this much: all of the kids are going to practice the fundamentals, all of them are going to play every game, all of them are going to play different positions during the season, and all of them are going to spend time sitting on the bench.
It's not much, but it's a first payment on what I owe Mr. Preda.


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Taking care of your rental needs for over 30 years, Antigonish Rent-All is pleased to service large and small Contractors, and the DIY homeowner. We supply a wide selection of top quality rental equipment from excavators to tractors, concrete equipment, generators, pumps, hoses and fittings. We help get the job done right. Our mission statement is simple: "Everything you need to do the job."
In our Powersports division we are pleased to offer Princecraft Aluminum Boats and Seabreeze fiberglass boats. Made in Newfoundland and sold around the world, these hand made vessels take in the roughest seas, spit them out and leave you dry, comfortable and ready to go. Check out our selection of Mercury outboards, as well as a fine lineup of chandlry supplies as we are a distributor for both Stright-Mackay and Mermaid Marine, offering products for both the recreational and commercial boater.
We carry an extensive line of quality Trailers for boats, as well as Heavy Equipment, Dump trailers, Lawn and Garden equipment, ATV's, snowmobiles and more. The trailer depot from Antigonish Rent-All handles all shapes, sizes and configurations. If you need to tow – you're good to go. Echo, Shindaiwa, Tsurumi and other fine power equipment help round out our Lawn and Garden division.
When the customer is satisfied, our job is done!


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Outdoor Furniture is an important type of furniture to be used in Gardens, Park, Street road sides, along Swimming pools, Terraces etc.
Choosing Outdoor Furniture can be a daunting task. However, it does not have to be if you keep three things in mind while choosing alongwith resistivity towards weather and wear and tear.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying furniture for the outdoors is comfort. You want to make sure that the size of the chairs is comfortable. Watch for chairs that do not fit with the table and arm rest that are not the correct height. Test the furniture before you buy it.
There are many different styles of outdoor furniture to choose from. Deciding how you intend to use the furniture and the space that you have can help you choose the right style for you. If you are limited on space or only have a couple of people using the furniture at a time a Bistro style table and chairs might be the right choice for you. If you have a large family, then look for the larger patio tables with many chairs. Or maybe you are looking for an outdoor living area, then choose sofas and chairs with end tables to complete your look.
Your choices are endless when it comes to materials that are used to construct outdoor furniture. When deciding what material you want, think about maintenance and care of the furniture. Teak furniture has to be oiled annually of it will turn a silver-gray. Steel and Wrought Iron furniture will require a coat of paint periodically to prevent rusting.
Choosing the right outdoor furniture does not have to be a major headache, just remember to think of comfort, style, and material.
Cast iron furniture has a very elegant and almost Victorian look that seems so classy. In addition, it is one of the most refined styles of furniture around today. Cast iron furniture has a very unique look that is sure to capture the eye of many admirers. Cast iron furniture will withstand the years because of its durability. And it
is much easier to maintain than you might think.
So, many wonder why buy cast iron outdoor furniture? Is there more to it than meets the eye? Cast-iron furniture suits just about any decor or house style. Think of an elegant Tudor or small Cape Cod style home. Both would look quite elegant and stylish with a set of cast iron outdoor furniture decorating a porch or deck area. In fact this style of furniture would match any modern to antique decor. Many prefer the cast iron outdoor furniture because of its durability and it is virtually indestructible. Why pay good money for flimsy furniture that does not hold up under everyday use when for a bit extra money you can purchase cast iron outdoor furniture?Learn to maintain your cast iron outdoor furniture and it might just last you a life time. Remember that the cast iron must be treated so that it can withstand all the different weather elements. Treated iron furniture does not rust as easily and can be left out in just about any type of weather. And forget about those harmful caustic cleansers. Simply cleanse your new cast iron outdoor furniture with soap and water.


text: Catalog product photography with people can become visually boring if you are not extremely careful. Too many times you end up with models that look out of context or stiff. When directing models for still photography, I try to operate more like a video shoot. I try to come up with something for the talent to do, a simple scenario, and let them go through it at normal speed. More like acting than modeling. It seems to make them more comfortable and hopefully gives a more natural and realistic look.


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Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Web Meetings and other Web Conferencing topics.
There are many ways a company can benefit from purchasing Web meeting software. One of these benefits is the ability for employees to connect and talk to one another from remote locations using their computers, PDAs and televisions. This allows them to work effectively together to ensure the timely and successful delivery of a project, whether they are 2 miles apart or 2000 miles apart.
Have an exciting acquisition announce? Or, is your company going through a restructuring that effects all employees? Just because the boss is based in Boston doesn't mean the employees in Madrid should have to wait for the news. If your company is stretched out across the seas, hold your meeting on the Web so all business departments can log in and listen. This is also a cost-effective way to have a company-wide meeting. A simple Internet connection will allow anyone to watch the live Web meeting and remain up to date on company initiatives and developments.
|Guru Spotlight
|Byron White


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Essential Job Functions
For a range of pension clients:
- Carry out audits using a bespoke risk based audit approach
- Act as the senior on audits reporting directly to manager. The individual will be responsible for the planning of the audit file right through to the completion sections including drafting the financial statements, the management letter and the letter of representation
- Supervise and effectively delegate work to less experienced members of the audit team
- Appraise other members of the team following completion of the jobs worked on
- Perform 'accounts preparation' jobs either from the client's trial balance or from their original accounting records
- An average of 4 to 6 weeks per year will be spent on 'away jobs'
Worked Based Competencies
- ACA or ACCA qualified
- Proficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
- Experience of an electronic audit programme
- Experience of CaseWare and Sage would be an advantage
- Experience in the audit and accounts preparation of occupational pension schemes;
- Good report writing skills
- Knowledge of pension scheme administration or regulatory environment would be an advantage.
You will have had experience of leading audits from the planning stage right through to the completion stage including supervision of staff within your audit team.
You will be familiar with and have an awareness of the laws and regulations that apply to accounting and audit and are required to ensure compliance. You will need to be client facing, show willingness to work as part of a team and be able to meet deadlines.
If you feel that the above matches your skill set and plans for the future contact Callum MacRae on 0207 269 6369 or email email@example.com with a copy of your cv.
The Pro-Recruitment Group consists of four distinct brands: ProTax, ProLegal, ProFinance and ProHR


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In recent years we have held Endurance training events and participated in team competitions.
The entries for the team are paid by the club, but we would asked that if the team qualifies, you are able to make the Final.
The riding club teams / squads need to consist of three to six riders. Each squad can then enter a team of three or four combinations accompanied by one or two individual combinations (making up to six in total) into a qualifying ride of 30 to 35km (about 20 miles). The qualifying ride can be at any EnduranceGB ride that has a suitable class in its schedule. Potential riders do not need any special equipment, particular breed or type of horse to get started. For both the rider and their horse, normal riding tack is required. Riders do not have to be members of Endurance GB in order to compete, but they must be current members of their affiliated Riding Club.
A team who completes a qualifying ride successfully will have its team score entered into a League Table for the Region in which the Club is based. A squad can then, if it chooses, enter a second or subsequent qualifying ride. The team score achieved at the second or subsequent qualifier will replace the existing score in the League Table if it is higher than the existing score. The team scores are calculated from the speed achieved over the course and the horse's pulse at the final veterinary inspection.
The top squad in each League Table for the ten Regions and the top ten squads on a national basis excluding the top ten from the League Tables will be offered a place in the Team Endurance Final at The British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance in October. Some wild card places may also be offered at the discretion of the national organisers. Stabling, corralling, camping, lorry parking and refreshments will be available at the venue. Up-to-date Influenza Vaccination Certificates will be required for the final, as specified by British Riding Club rules.


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Tim Holtz Distress Inks Colour Chart – Including Season Colours
January 29, 2013
I love Tim Holtz Distress inks and use them on a daily basis, I am a bit of an neat freak in the sense I like to see everything in front of me, rather than looking at 10 things before I can decide which colours work best with my project. So I have on my wall a colour chart for most things, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Cosmic Shimmers, Stickles, Promarkers. But my Wall was getting a tad messy as Tim Holtz distress inks had two charts 1 for his regular ink pads and 1 for his seasonal, so I took to making my own chart having all the current 48 colours on one page. I have then cut out small strips from Cardstock 1cm by 4cm which then fit perfectly on to my chart, I then colour the whole strip using one of the ink pads and let it dry, once it has dried I use my embossing pad (I use VersaMark Dazzle) and on the coloured strip stamp 2cm's with the pad, and then add clear embossing powder and heat till the powder has glossed half your strip. Then using either a tape runner or glue dots stick it on your chart. Follow the above steps for all your ink pads. I once I finished my chart laminated it, as it means it will stay clean and it will last much longer and no chance of it getting grubby or torn. Hope the chart helps you too x Blank Copy My Copy once it had been done and laminated above is a jpeg of the chart and below is the PDF format Tim Holtz Distress Inks Colour Chart Including Seasonal Colours Happy Crafting xx
Comments on: "Tim Holtz Distress Inks Colour Chart – Including Season Colours" (8)
Very cool, thank you for Sharing it!
Greetings from Germany
When you colored the strip did you just run the stamp pad over the strip or did you use some kind of applicator to apply the ink to the paper? I find that these two methods results in different intensities of the ink and I rather like the way yours looks.
Thank you so much for sharing this Karen! I have just done a new Oxide ink table and added yours underneath so I have both on one page now, maybe I'll add it to my blog in case someone wants to use it too. XOX Lucy


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The Pittsburgh Pirates are not going to win the National League Central Division with sacrifice fly balls.
And unless it brings in a big hitter, the team will sacrifice its shot for the division crown.
This is a turnaround from a position argued online on "The Kazmer Report" July 7 — when Matt Diaz, Andrew McCutchen and Alex Presley were scoring runs. The competition has gotten better now, as demonstrated during the series against the Cardinals. Fluky base running and a sacrifice fly got the Pirates one of three games. Those feats won't do it against the Braves and Phillies — who cover the upcoming schedule.
Yes, after nearly 20 years it appears that Pittsburgh management has aligned enough young talent to break the .500 mark. But like any good fan base — Pirate faithful want more. They want to raise the Jolly Roger in the playoffs. To do that the team needs to win the division.
Calling up Pedro Alvarez was a good move. He is hitting .365 in AAA. But success in the majors is never a guaranteed thing. And Pittsburgh doesn't seem to be in the talks for big names like Carlos Beltran anymore.
Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Milwaukee are neck and neck for the division lead. Cincinnati is not far behind.
The Pirates are No. 25 in the league in runs scored. St. Louis and Cincinnati are in the top 10. Milwaukee was No. 11 as of Monday afternoon.
The Buccos need help at the plate.
(City Editor Rick Kazmer can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. Read his blog "The Kazmer Report" at dailyamerican.com.)


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[Note from Jodi: I am overwhelmed at how many people offered up ideas for things I should try to cook. I am grateful! Every single recipe that was sent to me has been printed out, and will be tried. Thank you so much to all who took the time to send me your favorites. And thanks to Pat J. for my husband's new favorite slogan, ""Everything's better with butter and bacon!"]
So, Your Skill Set Is….?
I've been getting more emails than normal, due to my nomination for the Bloggies 2009 Best-Kept Secret Weblog (Vote now please, and I promise I'll stop talking about it after next Monday, when voting closes). A lot of people want to know if I can fix the raffle that Fatty's holding over at his place, and Yes I Can, for the right price. No no no I jest. I've had a lot of people wondering about my job list over there under my ugly mug on the side. (That picture is up because Roan took it not too long ago, and he really liked it. His words, "Mom you should give that picture to the internet." So Internet, there you go. Sorry, no returns or exchanges.) A few people asked if I've had problems holding a job. That's funny because yes I have. Though I'm really good at a lot of things, let's just say that I've figured out that I have to be the boss, applesauce. I have a hard time working with people, and an even harder time working for people. It's actually a flaw that sucks because there have been good opportunities in my life that I've had to throw away because of my inclination to eh…. not thrive…. in a partnership setting. Still, this proclivity has resulted in a rich variety of experiences that I wouldn't trade for any one steady profession.
More Soju, Ajima!
A few people wanted to know how I got involved in teaching English in Korea. That was easy. I was in a relationship for years that finally ended. I looked at the map and found the point on Earth that was the very furthest away from where the relationship was taking place, and went there.
Seoul, Korea as it turns out. I lived in a Yogwan called the Moon Hwa with about 20 other people and shared an outdoor kitchen and common shower/bathroom. I slept on the floor and ate a lot of cereal called Jolly Pong, and drank a lot of Soju. The days I spent there are a little blurry but I recall being happy almost every moment. Life was stripped down and simple. I had no possessions and it was then that I realized that it was ok to live like that. That feeling has not left me, and I still prefer experiences to things.
I Could Now Win Any Karaoke Contest, Anywhere.
From there I went to Japan when my friend Steve told me about an opportunity to be a bartender in Nagano. Truly, I only had to know one drink, Whiskey and Water. That's just how they do. Unforseen though, was the expectation that I could and would sing Karaoke songs at my customer's request. As luck would have it, Steve and I could do an absolutely wildly pitch-bending and off-key (me) version of "You're the One That I Want" from Grease. Oh man if my friends could have seen me then….
So the Moral is: "Don't Think Things Through." Don't Tell my Son.
My relationship detox ended, and I had to return to my real life back in the States. It has been about ten (eleven?) years since I was in Asia. My time there was life changing and I made friends who I will think about for the rest of my life (Hi Ben, Steve, Jamie, Mika, and Melissa!) I feel like I had the best kind of luck to be able to get up and just go there, without realizing that realistically I probably shouldn't. If I had thought it through I never would have gone. But that is the benefit of having this tenacity that doesn't allow me to collaborate – I think I've got all the right answers and sometimes it works out that I actually do.


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Light Up the Night: Art Gallery of St. Albert's 28th annual fundraiser
Light Up the Night with the Art Gallery of St. Albert
Saturday, February 24, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert
Light up the Night with the Art Gallery of St. Albert at its 28th annual fundraiser and bring art into the lives of children and adults throughout the year!
Join us for a night that promises fun and creative experiences for everyone! Your ticket includes hands-on art-making, (art techniques inspired by light). Enjoy the music and food in addition to the art, and visit the cash bar. Take home something special from the silent auction with fabulous works of art, concert tickets and more.
Help us keep Gallery exhibitions and programs alive and thriving!
So, you really like making things? Join us for the VIP Champagne & Clay program!
A special art experience with the Art Gallery of St. Albert! Sip champagne and make a beautiful tall clay lantern led by our expert instructors in a private area in the pottery studio. This exclusive opportunity is available for a maximum of 8 guests in a separate area of the pottery studio. The VIP experience is from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and allows you a unique art experience with a behind-the-scenes look at the pottery studio, and time to enjoy the rest of the event following this session. Please note: General admission ticket and VIP Champagne & Clay ticket required for admission to this program.
General Admission Entry Ticket - $50 (tickets purchased after Nov 5)
VIP Champagne & Clay Entry Ticket - $50* (limited availability)
* General Admission & VIP Ticket required for admission to VIP program
Tickets at the door: $60 each
AHF Members receive 10% off regular priced tickets.


text: If you are Think about buy and sell real estate in south of England Commercial Area and London then it should be necessary to get help in property transactions. Instructions of right lawyer and solicitors can help to processes buy and sell property as on your demand. Our Lawyers protect Client property legally. Our solicitors resolve big challenges like estate administrator problems. We have first priorities is client understanding. We are residential and commercial base conveyancing to our Clients in kent. In residential area so affordable houses we have for sale and in Commercial area offices we have for sale. Our Purpose is legally help to our clients.


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State Supreme Court hears case of lockouts by Nationstar Mortgage
Opening statements in the class action lawsuit against Nationstar Mortgage began this afternoon. In question is the lender's actions when a lender becomes delinquent by as few as two payments. It's a case we've been following more than a year. Jesse Jones will have the latest on today's statements at 5:15. Click the video for a previous story about the case.
Often when there's a home break-in, victims have no idea who's behind the crime. Imagine learning it's your mortgage lender. I found it's happening to thousands of people in Washington state but with the help of an attorney, they're fighting back.
It's difficult enough to sort through your deceased parents memories. John Bund is doing that and fighting the mortgage lender for their home.
"I'm really angry about it," said Bund.
Bund was locked out of the home after he told the bank he would miss two payments. He caught up and was still locked out.
"There's a lot of things they've not done that really are in violation of Washington state law," said Bund.
The case is now being heard in front of the state Supreme Court. The accused lender is Nationstar Mortgage and court documents show Bund isn't the only one fighting the lender. As many as 3,600 people in Washington state have been locked out of their home for being less than two months late on their payments.
Clay Gatens is the lawyer taking on Nationstar. He said the lender is illegally taking possession of a property without a foreclosure and sale first. State law states home owners have every right to the possession of their property until the bank actually forecloses.
"In a lot of cases, what is so frustrating is the bank is actively in communication with the borrower about a short sale or a deed in lieu. And they're talking to them daily or every other day and they're sending them letters and proposals and at the same time, the next day they're out there changing the locks," said Gatens.
Buddy Pitts, the son of 74-year-old Deanna Jones, said his mother was confused and fell victim to an aggressive contractor hired by Nationstar who locked her out. Pitts believes the situation played a part in his mother's death.
"They think they're above the law," exclaimed Pitts.
Attorney Gatens argues that the lock-outs are systematic and illegal because they haven't foreclosed on the home yet, separating owners from their possessions.
"It's not that they've gotten some kind of report that says their collateral is in jeopardy. They have an internal system that says, once you're 30 days late, we kick off the process," explained Gatens.
Nationstar argues that changing the locks is just temporary. The bank says it leaves a phone number for homeowner to call to get access so it's not taking full possession.
"It's very much a David and Goliath situation because you have a small homeowner who is faced with the actions of a bank that is more or less a process and not a human and they can't get any action or dialog," explained Gatens.
In the case of Laura Jordan, court documents show after being two months late, she was locked out and called the number left on the door. Instead of giving her the code, the representative said, "put your home on the market. See if it's able to be sold." Nationstar eventually let Laura enter the home and a few months later she met Gatens and he began working on class action lawsuit against the lender.


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Tips on Creating Viral Videos
A new viral video [produced by Will Ferrell, with Mad Men's John Hamm and other Hollywood celebs] uses satire quite effectively to skewer the health insurance companies. All for the cost of the video! I'm surprised more organizations aren't using viral videos online to support their campaigns. You can see this by googling it and search it on MSN and YouTube, among other sites.
If you're thinking of creating a viral video, here are some tips:
1. Satire and humor are the best ways to ensure the video goes 'viral'. Not too heavy, but people have to laugh.
2. Make sure the target is clear and the message flows naturally. If it's too obscure, it won't work.
3. Give the viewer a website or a clear 'action' to take. Otherwise, it's fun, but no real measurable output.
4. Using a celebrity can enormously increase the initial impact, but it's not essential. If the characters are well-honed and it's well-scripted, it can take off on its own merits.
5. Don't be too heavy-handed. You're evoking a visceral response. This isn't the time for hectoring or lecturing.
6. Limit it to 3 minutes. If you can't make the point in that time, you probably don't have a clear point to make!
Until next time.....
Celebrities Selling Health Care Reform
1 comment:
I'm always surprised when people sell themselves as being able to "create viral videos". While there are certain ingredients, as you have identified, viral is more about timing, relevance and audiences being able to relate. Sure, you can fake or even cook some of that stuff, though much of what viral is comes largely from chance.ReplyDelete
A great case study is the United Breaks Guitars video.
One final thought... if everything is viral, everything becomes marginal.
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Added to Shopping Bag
Everly Silver Short Casual Dress Size 8 (M)
Listed by Current Boutique
Size: US 8 (M)
Price: $63.00
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Everly Silver Short Casual Dress
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Stand out from the crowd in this dazzling disco dress. The ruffled hem, metallic print, and flattering fit of this fab frock will have you dancing the night away.
94% polyester 6% spandex
Slips on
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Textured metallic fabric
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