text:
Vengeance Born
Paperback(Mass Market Paperback)
There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born…
Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na'Reish leader, longs for more than her tormented life among her father's people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she's gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy…
Kalan is a Light Blade warrior who knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na'Reish horde have increased. As Chosen, leader of his people, he faces the task of stopping the demons.
When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father's dungeon, she agrees to free him in exchange for his protection. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they journey to the border and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into a civil war…
Product Details
|Penguin Publishing Group
|Publication date:
|A Novel of the Light Blade Series , #1
|Product dimensions:
|4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 0.90(d)
|Age Range:
|18 Years
About the Author
Kylie Griffin's obsession with all things paranormal/fantasy started at an early age, when she would imagine the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship used to defend the world from invading enemies. Writing stories seemed a natural extension of her childhood adventures.
Today, she's a primary school teacher sharing her love for the written word with young children. In her spare time, she writes and reads all things paranormal.
Kylie lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia, and is involved in a number of volunteer emergency organizations, helping during fires, storms, search and rescue efforts, and road accidents.
Read an Excerpt
Chapter 1
Annika hated visiting the dungeons. The dank cells reeked of pain and fear as well as blood. Anyone unfortunate enough to be imprisoned here risked dying of exposure if the torture inflicted by the Na'Reish guards didn't claim them first.
"This had better be worth it, Hesia," she muttered and tugged the skirts of her dress away from slime-covered walls.
The furious squeaking she heard coming from a shadowed corner made her glad she was wearing her knee-high boots. Bare feet—or any naked skin, for that matter—were fair game to the scurriers scavenging down here. She'd treated many prisoners for bites and wounds caused by the vicious, little carnivores. A draft of air brought with it the stench of unwashed bodies, which almost overpowered her. She coughed and lifted a sleeve to cover her nose.
"You know none of the others will come down here." The old healer's tone held censure for her surliness.
If Annika were honest, the physical conditions of the dungeon weren't the real reason for her reluctance. It was the mumbling voices of prisoners: some babbled, driven mad by circumstance, some cried piteously, others wailed in despair. The sound of their helplessness was heartbreaking and she could do little but try to ease their pain.
Hesia shot her an arch look. "'Sides, you're the only one the demons will let into the Pit."
Her face heated. Her half-blood status was a boon and a curse. While even the lowest caste of the Na'Reish outranked her, their fear of her father was the only thing stopping the guards from refusing her access.
"Who's imprisoned there now?" she asked.
"Rumor has it that Na'Hord scouts captured a warrior during a slave raid in the Outer Provinces." A thread of excitement colored the old woman's voice. "He refuses even to give his name."
Hope fired deep inside her and she glanced sharply at Hesia. "A Light Blade?"
Annika bit her lip as hope surged from deep within her. Lady's Blessing, this could be the opportunity she'd been waiting for, the chance to escape.
Hesia's wrinkled face peered up at her, her blue eyes somber. "There was the only survivor. You know what the Na'Hord do with any warriors they capture."
Annika clenched her fists, empathy quickly replacing her hope. As a child she'd been forced to watch the Na'Hord kill human warriors many, many times. Her heart went out to the survivor.
Hesia's steps slowed then faltered as they neared the Pit. She turned and gripped her forearm with gnarled fingers. "Be careful, Annika, Na'Reisha Tal is on duty."
Despite the flash of anger that warmed her cheeks, the warning sent a shiver of fear along her spine. "I thought that lower caste scum had been relieved," she whispered.
The last time she'd treated prisoners in the dungeon, he'd locked her in a cell without Hesia, then told the prisoners who she was. If it hadn't been for another guard interceding she'd have suffered far worse than a few bruises and a head wound.
"Your father's inspecting a new wagonload of female slaves that arrived this morning." Hesia kept her voice quiet. "You know once his attention is diverted elsewhere, things go back to the way they were."
Glancing ahead, Annika saw Tal's burly form and another guarding the top of the stairway leading down into the Pit. The small cobblestoned chamber reminded her of a sunken arena: The demons tortured slaves or prisoners within it while others watched from the raised ledge above.
"Tal suffered the brunt of your father's displeasure for his error." Hesia gripped her arm tighter. "He's looking for any excuse to exact revenge."
Standing nearly seven feet in height, Tal was an imposing figure: all muscle and brawn, renowned among the Na'Reish for his great physical strength, but the full suit of leather armor tempered his physical dominance. Slave prisoners just weren't dangerous enough to warrant such caution but a Light Blade warrior possessed the kinetic power to kill through any weapon, the skill a Gift from theLady, their human deity. Having faced such warriors in battle before, Tal's precaution was warranted.
Had the prisoner made an attempt on his life? The idea brought a small smile to Annika's lips. She hoped the Light Blade had given the Na'Reisha a lot of trouble.
Tal turned at the sound of their footsteps, his violet eyes glowing in the ambient light of the smoking braziers. His gaze met hers, his narrow-eyed stare colder than the icy prison. Annika schooled herself not to react, not to hesitate in her stride, not to give him the satisfaction of knowing she feared him. It was bad enough he thought her existence an abomination without inflaming his need to dominate by appearing weak.
The shadows darkened the spotted pattern of demon markings running down the sides of his face. No matter how many times she'd listened to Na'Reish females of all castes whisper behind their hands about how handsome his markings were, to her, and in this light, they compounded his ruthlessness.
The smile he gave her revealed pointed teeth sharp enough to puncture human skin. Hers crawled at the thought of him touching her—not that he'd be attracted to one such as her, thank the Lady. There were few benefits to being a half-breed, but this was surely one of them.
"What do you want, Na'Chi?" His usual derogatory drawl accompanied the name.
"I'm here to heal the prisoner, my lord."
"You waste precious resources on this human. He lives only until he tells us who he is and about the leader of his people. Another session spent under my lash should see to that."
His attitude made Annika even more determined. The human warrior represented the chance of a new life free from her father and other tormentors, if she could help him escape. "Has he been condemned to death?"
The other guard shifted from one foot to the other, his boots scraping on the stone floor. "There's been no such order given."
"If he dies without revealing that information, our leader, Na'Rei Savyr, will want to know who refused the human access to a healer. You must allow me to treat him."
The leather of Tal's gloves creaked as he curled his hands into fists. "You don't give the orders down here." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "I do." His violet eyes flashed and darkened. "Do you want to find yourself in a cell again? Alone with humans? You remember what happened last time, don't you?"
She shuddered, the memory too near, too fresh to control her reaction. Tal's lips curled. She wished she could control her reactions more successfully, hating that he took pleasure in provoking her fear.
Swallowing hard, she met his gaze. "You'd risk the wrath of my father a second time?"
Tal's eyelid flickered. He gripped her upper arm in a hold so tight she knew her skin would yield bruises by morning. She held still, unwilling to give him further reason to hurt her.
"The blood in your veins barely gives you the right to breathe! Why the Na'Reicontinues to let you live is a mystery," he hissed. "The entertainment value of watching you cower and suffer under his belt must provide him with more amusement than it would me."
He released her suddenly, as if he couldn't bear to touch her a second longer, and she stumbled back toward Hesia. The elderly woman caught her before she fell.
"One day the Na'Rei will die and the leadership will pass to someone who believes purity of the bloodlines should take precedence over petty revenge." He stabbed a gloved finger at her. "You'd do well to remember that, Na'Chi."
Annika dropped her gaze. Pushing Tal too far would destroy her chances of meeting the human warrior who might be able to save her from that fate. Showing him submission grated, but if it meant he'd give her permission to enter the Pit she'd do it.
"Tal, let her treat the human with her herbal remedies." The second guard wore an uneasy frown. "I don't fancy being the scapegoat of the Na'Rei if the Light Blade dies while under your command. Besides, if she enters the Pit to heal him, who says he won't try to kill her? He's tried often enough with us."
After several tense heartbeats, Tal grunted then began to chuckle. The sound wasn't pleasant. He motioned toward the Pit. "You have half an hour, Na'Chi."
With a soft sigh of relief, Annika descended the steps and glanced toward the center of the Pit, eager to see the prisoner. She winced at the silent pain the human male was surely forced to endure as a part of his captivity.
Chains suspended from the ceiling spread his arms wide, while more shackled him to the floor in a kneeling position. There was no leeway to sit or stand; the chains pulling at his arms were taut. Raw, chafe marks encircled his wrists, undeniable signs of a struggle to escape torment.
She murmured a soft entreaty to the Lady for help. Her whisper must have carried, for the male lifted his head, his long, jet-black hair parting to reveal a battered face. Her breath caught.
Lady of Mercy, she had not expected him to be so comely.
The bruises, cuts, and dried blood did little to hide an attractive face. Strong, fierce, captivating, yet his eyes commanded most of her attention. They were an intense, dark green that almost seemed to glow, bright with intelligence and power. His gaze reached deep into her, sparking an unfamiliar excitement that made her stomach flutter. A feeling so alien to her she almost forgot why she was there.
"I never expected him to be so handsome." Hesia's hushed comment turned her head. The old healer stood close behind her.
"Handsome? If he had the markings, he'd pass as one of the Na'Reishi."
Did he possess the same arrogance and air of superiority the lordlings exhibited, the same traits that she despised because of their belief that it gave them the right to flaunt it over others?
The older woman raised an eyebrow. "You do realize the upper-caste lords would be insulted to be compared to a human? But I wholeheartedly agree with you." Hesia's comment steered Annika's thoughts in an entirely new direction. Annika blushed as her friend chuckled. "What? I may be old but I'm not blind."
"We're here to heal him. Not stare at him."
"Then go heal him."
The Lady of Light has finally granted me a peaceful death, Kalan Tayn thought. He wasn't afraid but he'd expected to die at the end of some demon's sword in battle, a death more honorable than having his life cut short in the depths of a dungeon.
He listened to the Handmaiden speaking nearby. Closing his eyes, he shut out the less-than-ideal surroundings and concentrated on her voice. It was soft, sensual, well suited for the task of easing a man into the Light. It wound its way deep inside him, touching his soul, fortifying the ragged remnants of his strength. He recognized the Lady's power emanating from her; warm, gentle, and soothing. Her touch would ease the abuse his body had suffered in the last sennight.
He parted battered lips and sighed in relief. "Handmaiden, the Lady is truly merciful. I welcome your guidance as I pass over."
His one regret was leaving his sister, Kymora, the unenviable task of taking up his position on the Blade Council. His death would bring chaos at a time they could least afford turmoil; there were too few Light Blade warriors left to defend their territory from the growing demon horde.
"What?" The second voice was older. "What's he saying?"
Light-hearted laughter teased his ears. "You're mistaken, warrior. You don't stand at death's door." The alluring voice whispered to another. "He thinks we're Handmaidens from the Lady."
"Then who are you?" Although his eyelids were heavy and reluctant to obey, the temptation to see the woman with the captivating voice was too strong to resist.
"My name is Annika."
In the flickering torchlight, long, thick, honey-colored hair fell to her waist, acting as a veil over her face and shoulders, shielding her from his gaze as she knelt to one side of him. A pale, flowing dress clothed her slender form but she was all woman: rounded breasts, a narrow waist and curved hips. She was everything he'd imagined a Handmaiden of the Lady to be.
A wry smile twisted his lips at the heat stirring in his gut. Deriving enjoyment from looking at her was strange considering his predicament, but it was better than the memories of the last few days. He'd take pleasure over pain any day.
Delicate, graceful hands untied a pouch and removed several jars and pots. They gave no clue as to the identity of the woman but the clean, fresh scent of herbs and oils told him she was a healer.
"You waste your time." His voice was hoarse. Kalan tried to swallow but his mouth was dry. "I thank you for your concern but there's little you can do for me that won't be undone by 'morrow-eve. Save your salves and potions for another who would benefit from them more."
The woman raised her head, a gentle smile curving her lips. All pleasure fled as his gaze met hers.
Lady's Breath, she had demon eyes.
Adrenaline burned through him. He sucked in a shocked breath. They weren't quite the same shade of violet as the Na'Reish but lighter, flecked with pale yellow highlights.
She wasn't human.
He jerked back from her, hissing at the pain that shot through his manacled wrists. "Keep your hands off me!"
She flinched at the anger in his voice and turned away. A cold shiver worked its way along his spine. Perhaps the flickering torchlight affected his sight, or maybe there'd been one too many blows to his head. He scanned her face again. The swirling design on her skin, the pigment paler than any he'd seen on the Na'Reish, trailed down the side of her face and neck then disappeared beneath the neckline of her dress.
The enemy in the guise of a healer? Shame pricked and burned beneath his skin at his body's earlier response and the attraction he'd felt for her. How could he have felt anything but horror and disgust for a cold-blooded killer? Lady's Breath, he'd need every shred of strength to resist whatever torture this demon was here to inflict.
An old woman knelt on the other side of him. She was human. The small pale blue tattoo on her wrinkled cheek, a crescent moon in design, was the mark of a slave. Snow-white hair was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her neck. "You have nothing to fear from Annika. She's a healer. Let her help you."
"I want no help from the Na'Reish!"
Her brown eyes narrowed and flashed with anger. "She's no more Na'Reish than you or I. Surely you can feel the Lady's Gift burning within her?"
"Hesia, it's all right." The younger woman's rebuke was soft.
"No, Annika, he's judged you too quickly. Perhaps I was wrong in my assessment. A Light Blade would never do that. They're more intelligent."
The old woman was insulting him? Kalan glanced between the two of them, temped to laugh but the heat of anger curling tight inside his stomach stayed the impulse. Was he dreaming? Had he passed out during the last beating and now drifted in some sort of surreal world?
"His intolerance is unacceptable." The old woman leaned in close, her gaze burning. "Warrior, listen carefully. Do you want your freedom?"
Of course he did. What warrior wouldn't wish for escape from the torment inflicted by the Na'Reish? He resented the flash of hope her question sparked. Was this another of their tricks?
"I don't know either of you. Are you blood-slaves?"
The old woman snorted. "You're a fool!"
The Na'Reisha placed a gentle hand on the old woman's arm. "He's cautious, Hesia, as I would be if I were in his place. Roll up your sleeves and show him your wrists."
Her skin was unmarked, scarless. Neither was enthralled to a master or mistress. The younger woman's eerie gaze linked with his. "We're not blood-slaves."
"Why would you help me?"
The demon woman glanced toward the guards and lowered her voice to a whisper. "I can get you out of here, but I'll need your assistance."
"You need my help to escape?"
"No, I've already planned our escape. It's afterward . . ."
Her words made no sense but the offer of freedom burned in his heart. Kalan glanced to the guards standing on the lip of the Pit, gut seething with renewed anger. Was this a new tactic to get him to talk? The Na'Reisha commander couldn't be the mastermind behind this plan. The hulking leather-clad bastard enjoyed inflicting pain too much. Fourteen days of torment and not once had he answered their questions.
And a Na'Reisha healer treating a human prisoner? No demon would condescend to aiding an enemy. Her story about wanting her freedom had to be false.
But Lady's Breath, if she could help him he'd be a fool not to take her up on her endeavor. Even overlooking the fact she wasn't human, the odds of escaping the demon's realm were slim. But could he trust her? A demon?
"I don't understand why you'd want this."
Frustration colored her voice. "What is there to understand? You want to escape. I want my freedom. We need each other."
He snorted. "Why should I trust you?"
"You should." The old woman's whisper was fierce.
How could a Na'Reisha earn such loyalty from a human without forming a blood-bond? "I'm sworn to kill you."
The younger woman's abrupt laugh was bitter. "My death would be a cause for celebration among the Na'Reish, Light Blade. Do you think they welcome one such as myself among their ranks?"
The power of her Gift nudged his senses, warm and strong. The heavy, cloying evil he usually associated with the demons was noticeably absent.
"How can that be?" He frowned, recalling something he'd heard earlier. "The guard called you Na'Chi. What's that mean?"
For the briefest moment, vulnerability flashed in her gaze, the colored flecks in her eyes changed to orange, and then she glanced away. Her reply was barely audible. "Half-blood." He sucked in a shocked breath. "Now do you understand why I want to help you escape from here?"
"Demons pride themselves on the purity of their bloodlines. How did you survive beyond birth?"
"Does it really matter? All you need to decide is whether you can trust me enough to help you escape."
He peered more closely at the markings on her face more closely. They weren't as dark or as prominent as the Na'Reisha commanders, and the violet coloring of her eyes was lighter. Her stature didn't seem as heavily boned, either. He couldn't refute what he was seeing but a half-human, half- demon hybrid?
Mother of Mercy, stories of their existence had been around for centuries, figments of the imagination used as campfire tales to scare children. Evidence to refute that belief knelt beside him. Considering the Na'Reish's intolerance for bloodline contamination, how had this woman survived into adulthood?
"What do you want in return?" he asked.
For the barest heartbeat, excitement flickered across her face. "I can get you out of the fortress, make sure we aren't recaptured within Na'Reish territory but after that I need your help. I have very little knowledge of your land or your people."
"You want to leave Na'Reish territory? And you want my protection?"
"I know it's a lot to ask . . ." Her voice shook as it trailed off and she glanced toward the old woman, biting her lip.
She was scared. The revelation burned through him. Did she fear him or her own plan?
Her head lifted and her shoulders straightened. The flecks in her eyes went from yellow to a dark green color. "I doubt I'd survive long outside the valley. I have no way of hiding what I am."
"Annika . . ." There was a wealth of love and pain in the old woman's voice.
"They won't know me like you do, Hesia. The warrior's reaction proved that."
Her fingers pleated the material of her dress. When she realized he was watching her, she met his gaze, proud and unflinching, but her anxious action didn't stop. Unusual. Vulnerability was considered a weakness among theNa'Reish.
Was it another ploy?
"Kalan," he said.
A startled expression flitted across her face. "What?"
He'd go along with her plan, for the moment. If she could unshackle him, he could fight. Even bare-handed, he stood a better chance at escape than he did now. Should he fail . . . well, he'd make certain he wasn't recaptured alive.
"My name is Kalan. If we're going to escape together, then you need to know my name."
And by the Lady of Light, if she were deceiving him, he'd make sure she never drew breath again either.
What People are Saying About This
"Kylie Griffin has me hooked."—Jean Johnson
"A compelling and fascinating world."—Joss Ware, award-winning author of Night Resurrected
"Solid world-building…and a twisty story line." —Robin D. Owens, national bestselling author of Enchanted Ever After
"In the world of paranormal romances…this one was unique."—All About Romance
Customer Reviews
Average Review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
I was immediately drawn to this book because of the absolutely gorgeous cover art *takes a moment to admire* As I have stated in the past, I am a total cover whore and will buy books based on the covers alone! Shallow perhaps but I am who I am! However, after following the authors blog and getting caught up in all the snippets and insights into this story, I was gagging to get my hands on it. Once it finally arrived I went into book hibernation and didn't come out again until I was finished. Vengeance Born did not disappoint. Vengeance Born was everything I was expecting and more. Vengeance Born is a keeper! Vengeance Born is a fantasy romance wrapped in mystery, intrigue, conflict between races, and mystical powers. Oh and hot, sexy (and naked) Kalan. Annika is pretty awesome too (hello the cover) but I'm concentrating on my Kalan crush! The creative world building and attention to detail that has been put into this story is extensive and made it a pleasure to read. The writing is smooth, the relationships between characters is real and unforced and well worth the 5 hour non stop read. Not only will Vengeance Born be sitting on my keeper shelf but author Kylie Griffin will be added to my list of favourites along side the likes of Nalini Singh and Jeaniene Frost.
Annika is Na'Chi, a half-demon/half-human, and the daughter of the king of the demon world. She has been horribly abused and raised to believe that she is worthless. When Kalen, a Light Blade warrior, is captured and injured by her father's warriors she sees her only opportunity to escape. So, after healing Kalen, she offers to free him in exchange for his promise to lead her to the human world. Most of the book takes place during their journey to the human world and it is here that Annika and Kalen learn to trust one another and begin to fall in love. I clicked with Annika immediately. Her plight touched my heart and I wanted desperately for her to escape her father and make it to the human world AND for Kalen to fall deeply in love with her. I loved Kalen instantly as well. He is my favorite type of hero: strong, noble, kind, funny. And their relationship developed slowly enough for me to enjoy the transition from tentative trust to love. If I had a complaint at all, it would be regarding the point of view transition. The story is told from three different perspectives: Annika, Kalen, and another Na'Chi named Varian. Varian's narrative was usually condensed into his own chapter or section but the POV changes between Annika and Kalen would take place mid-scene. It was a little hard to get used to at first, but once I realized the pattern it was easier to follow along. This is of course just my personal preference. Other than that, I really liked Vengeance Born. Kylie Griffin has created compelling characters and put them in a world that is protected by ultra-powerful Light Blade warriors and is on the brink of war with blood-sucking demons. It's a truly unique blend of paranormal romance and pure fantasy with enough elements of each to delight fans of either genre. I'm definitely hooked and can't wait for the next installment, Alliance Forged, which is due out in July. Recommended to fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.
Love this book-- which is why I bought it! I am always a very picky buyer, and this book was definitely one of the ones I bought. The purity of the characters is amazing- I wish I could just jump into their world and meet them! I recommend this book to anyone who likes a little science fiction with some good old romance thrown in. Its not a very suspenseful book, as it is very clear about where it is going. But the characters are just such good ppl!! Can't wait to read the next book!
Light fun read. I enjoyed it, kept me entertained for a couple of hours.
"Vengeance Born" is an excellent fantasy romance. The plot is well-paced, the world well-built, and the characters sympathetic. Annika and Kalan are fully developed, and their romance actually makes sense; even better, Griffin gives them time to fall in love, rather than rushing them into a relationship. The existence of plenty secondary characters -- such as Kalan's sister Kymora -- promise future volumes. Additionally, "Vengeance Born" is unusual it that it has a fully realized thealogy. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a good fantasy romance, or a Goddess-oriented fantasy.
Annika is Na'Chi, a half-demon/half-human, and the daughter of the king of the demon world. She has been horribly abused and raised to believe that she is worthless. When Kalen, a Light Blade warrior, is captured and injured by her father's warriors she sees her only opportunity to escape. So, after healing Kalen, she offers to free him in exchange for his promise to lead her to the human world. Most of the book takes place during their journey to the human world and it is here that Annika and Kalen learn to trust one another and begin to fall in love. I clicked with Annika immediately. Her plight touched my heart and I wanted desperately for her to escape her father and make it to the human world AND for Kalen to fall deeply in love with her. I loved Kalen instantly as well. He is my favorite type of hero: strong, noble, kind, funny. And their relationship developed slowly enough for me to enjoy the transition from tentative trust to love. If I had a complaint at all, it would be regarding the point of view transition. The story is told from three different perspectives: Annika, Kalen, and another Na'Chi named Varian. Varian's narrative was usually condensed into his own chapter or section but the POV changes between Annika and Kalen would take place mid-scene. It was a little hard to get used to at first, but once I realized the pattern it was easier to follow along. This is of course just my personal preference. Other than that, I really liked Vengeance Born. Kylie Griffin has created compelling characters and put them in a world that is protected by ultra-powerful Light Blade warriors and is on the brink of war with blood-sucking demons. It's a truly unique blend of paranormal romance and pure fantasy with enough elements of each to delight fans of either genre. I'm definitely hooked and can't wait for the next installment, Alliance Forged, which is due out in July.Recommended to fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.
This is one of the best series I have read in a LONG time!!!! Cannot wait to see what else Ms. Griffin writes next :)
Great new fantasy paranormal romance series. The author had her work cut out for her to make these two love each other. No insta-love in this series. So much more than a love story though. This is the start of an epic saga. Off to book 2!
Good story, with enough of a difference from other books in this genre to set it apart. Enjoyed enough to read the following books in the series. I would recommend.
Great read! Would recommend for anyone that like fantasy/paranormal romance
I'm so glad i gave this author a chance on Nalini Singh's recommendation. Such a great story that keeps you reading until the wee hours. Excellent story!
I loved the story. The author did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. Look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
I really enjoyed the book. I am already looking forward to the next one.
This was a very good book I have already put the second book on my wish list
This book was awesome. I have read many paranormal text and this blew my mind. The story line was incredible and the emotional highs and lows of the protagonist had me laughing and then crying. I truly enjoyed this book.


text:
Find the best remote administrative jobs today at PajamaJobsNow.com. There are many remote job openings for administrative professionals. Administrative personnel perform a variety of duties that are important for the effective running of an organization. Popular remote administrative job titles are receptionist, assistant, associate, and coordinator. Admin duties can vary widely from position to position and company to company. The average salary for an administrative professional is $15.61 per hour. Full-time, part-time, and freelance remote jobs are available.
Total Jobs Found: 51.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Pinterest, Dropbox, Google+ and Twitter win Crunchies Awards
Social networks Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter were among the big winners of this year's Crunchies Awards announced Tuesday.india Updated: Feb 01, 2012 18:56 IST
Social networks Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter were among the big winners of this year's Crunchies Awards announced Tuesday.
The annual awards show is hosted by influential technology blogs TechCrunch, GigaOm and Venturebeat and rewards the most compelling startups, internet innovations and technology products of the year.
File hosting startup Dropbox was awarded the coveted award for "Best Overall Startup," while Apple's intelligent voice recognition service Siri beat the innovative light field camera Lytro in the category of "Best Technology Achievement."
The Nest smartphone-controlled thermostat was deemed the "Best New Device" in a category that included the Galaxy Nexus, the iPad 2, the iPhone 4S and the Kindle Fire.
Note-taking app Evernote won the award for "Best Mobile Application" and Google's social network Google+ picked up the award for "Best Social Application."
You can view the entire awards ceremony on TechCrunch's Crunchies live feed:
The full list of Crunchies Awards winners and runners up:
Best Technology Achievement
Siri (Winner)
Lytro (Runner Up)
Best Social Application
Google+ (Winner)
Instagram (Runner Up)
Best Shopping Application
Evernote (Winner)
Flipboard (Runner Up)
Best Location Application
Grindr (Winner)
RunKeeper (Runner Up)
Best Tablet Application
Fotopedia (Winner)
Netflix (Runner Up)
Best Design
Path 2.0 (Winner)
Pinterest (Runner Up)
Best Bootstrapped Startup
Imgur (Winner)
Github (Runner Up)
Best Cloud Service
Dropbox (Winner)
Box (Runner Up)
Best International Startup
Peixe Urbano (Winner)
Klarna (Runner Up)
Best Clean Tech Startup
EcoATM (Winner)
Array Power (Runner Up)
Best New Device
Nest (Winner)
Kindle Fire (Runner Up)
Best Time Sink
Words With Friends (Winner)
Skyrim (Runner Up)
Biggest Social Impact
Twitter (Winner)
Charity: Water (Runner Up)
Angel of the Year
Reid Hoffman (Winner)
Naval Ravikant and Babak Nivi (Runner Up)
VC of the Year
Marc Andreessen & Ben Horowitz (Winner)
Matt Cohler (Runner Up)
Founder of the Year
Jack Dorsey (Square, Twitter) (Winner)
Drew Houston (Dropbox) (Runner Up)
CEO of the Year
Jeff Weiner (LinkedIn) (Winner)
Daniel Ek (Spotify) (Runner Up)
Best New Startup of 2011
Pinterest (Winner)
Codecademy (Runner Up)
Best Overall Startup of 2011
Dropbox (Winner)
Square (Runner Up)
First Published: Feb 01, 2012 18:36 IST


text:
Thrush Symptoms
Thrush is an infection of the mouth. It is caused by Candida albicans which is a fungus. Candida infection can also occur in other places causing infant diaper rash or vaginal yeast infections. Thrush is mostly found in babies, toddlers, older people or people wit a weak immune system.
Causes of Thrush
Candida fungi in small amounts occur naturally in a normal healthy body. Their habitat is the mouth, digestive tract and the skin. Bacteria and other microorganisms help balance the growth of the fungi in the body. Using some medications and certain illnesses can cause the balance to be disturbed thus causing an overgrowth and results in infection or thrush. Medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics and birth control upset the balance of the microorganisms. Conditions like diabetes, HIV infection, cancer, dry mouth or pregnancy can upset the balance of microorganisms. People who smoke or wear ill-fitting dentures are also at risk. Breast fed babies have also been known to pass the infection during their feedings.
Thrush can be mild and cause no symptoms at all. If symptoms do develop they will look like this:
Symptoms of Thrush
In infants
· White patches inside the mouth and tongue that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. It is sometime mistaken for milk or formula, but it can not be wiped off easily and will tend to bleed.
· Sore mouth or tongue often accompanied by swallowing difficulty.
· A poor appetite from sore mouth or throat. Infant may act fussy and refuse to eat. Sometimes mistaken for lack of hunger or poor milk supply.
· A diaper rash may occur because the fungus could be the baby's stool.
In adults
· At the start of the thrush infection some have complained of a burning feeling in the mouth or throat.
· White patches that are attached to the mouth and tongue that could be red, raw and painful. These patches may bleed easily when rubbed even when doing something simple like brushing teeth.
· Hard to taste foods and also a bad taste in the mouth. Many feel like there is cotton in the mouth.
· Sore, red nipples in a mother that is breast feeding. Burning pain in nipples might occur as well during and after feedings. The baby may or may not show any symptoms of thrush.
Thrush Diagnosis
Going to the dentist will help determine if there is an infection. The dentist will look for distinct white lesions on the mouth, tongue and cheek. Examining a small tissue from the legion will help determine if there is an infection present. Thrush could also extend into the esophagus so that would require a swab test to take a throat culture, and an endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach lining and small intestine or taking x-rays of the esophagus. An endoscopy is when the lining of the body area chosen is examined with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a tube.
Thrush Treatment
People with a weak immune system have a more difficult journey in trying to combat the symptoms of thrush. Healthy children and adults can be treated effectively. Usually an antifungal medication is prescribed for 10 to 14 days. The medication can be in the form of tablets, lozenges or liquid. The treatment approach will be specific based on age and cause of infection. If a dentist diagnosed the thrush, they may recommend going to a doctor because the presence of Candida infection can be an underlying symptom for other illnesses that may have to be treated.
Thrush Prevention
These things can be done to help minimize the chances of getting thrush:
1. Have good oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day can help stop yeast overgrowth.
2. Try not to use mouthwashes or sprays. These products could upset the balance of the microorganisms in the mouth.
3. Go to the dentist regularly. This practice is a must for those who wear dentures or have diabetes.
4. Try not to eat a lot of sugar and yeast containing foods. Foods like bread, beer and wine help stimulate Candida growth.
5. Stop smoking if you smoke. Doctors and dentists help with ways to kick the habit.


text:
Information Sessions: ADA 101's
Who is invited to come through your front door? Is hospitality ever a radical act? How does an organization go above and beyond architectural legislation? How can accessibility be affordable?
These information sessions introduce the responsibilities of the cultural institution under the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and encourage the development of accessible programs. Primary, secondary, and tertiary steps toward compliance will be introduced and discussed. Don't let fears of litigation keep you from moving forward. Join the equity and inclusion discussion of the Mass Cultural Council's Universal Participation Initiative.
Presentation is approximately 1 hour and is followed by Q&A.
Essex Art Center
Thursday, Oct 12 10-11:30am
Historic Deerfield
Monday, Oct 16 3:30-5pm
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Wednesday, Oct 18 3-4:30pm
South Shore Conservatory
Duxbury Campus
Tuesday, Oct 24 9:30-11am


text:
Our Apartments
At La Vina Apartments, we go out of our way to provide you with the modern conveniences you need to live the life you desire. Our two and three bedroom apartments for rent in Livermore, California, are crafted to exceed your expectations. These floor plans offer generous square footage, a full-size washer and dryer, and well-equipped kitchens so you'll have the space and amenities you need to live comfortably. Plus, with spacious walk-in closets and a private balcony or patio, you'll have everything you need to organize your life and relax in style.
- In-Home Washer and Dryer
- Two Spacious Floor Plans
- Private Balcony or Patio
- Ceiling Fans in Select Units
- Central Heating & Air Conditioning
- Dishwasher
- Vaulted Ceilings*
- Walk-In Closets*
- Pets Welcome
- Cable Ready
*In select apartments


text:
Vincent Van Gogh wanted to found a whole new movement of artists. He wanted to begin a kind of artists' collective in Arles along the lines of the PreRaphaelite Brotherhood or the Nazarenes, only perhaps not quite so specifically religious or sectarian. He wanted to continue that project to reintegrate individual spirituality that began with the Romantic movements of the early 19th century. In the words of the German Romantic poet, Novalis, he wanted to re-enchant a disenchanted world. Van Gogh sent out dozens of letters to various artists that he admired inviting them to join him in this project in Arles. Only one artist answered his letter and agreed to join him in the south of France, Paul Gauguin. He arrived in Arles and moved in with Van Gogh in October of 1888.
Paul Gauguin was already a rising success as an artist. Van Gogh at this time was an unknown nobody who had yet to sell a single picture. Gauguin was as worldly as Van Gogh was ascetic, and the 2 began to clash almost immediately.
As high minded as he was, Vincent Van Gogh was a deeply flawed man. He could be focused on a project to the point of being oblivious to all around him. He could be self-absorbed and cruelly demanding on members of his family, especially upon his devoted brother Theo who went through much hardship to support Vincent and to promote his pictures. Vincent Van Gogh did not handle disappointments well, especially in matters of love. He never quite recovered from a disappointed passion for a cousin of his in his youth. He had obsessed over her, and she spurned him. He drank heavily and frequented prostitutes, probably to self-medicate as much as anything. By the autumn of 1888, he was beginning to show signs of the mental illness that would be his undoing.
The Night Cafe shown above is a painting made from his own self-destructiveness. It was an establishment on the Rue Lamartine in Arles owned by a Madame Ginoux (Gauguin, another regular of the same establishment, painted her portrait in the bar; his vision of the same bar is far more benign than Van Gogh's). It is like any all night establishment of the time, or at any time. It shows the oil lamps burning late at night while drinkers linger around the tables. The clock reads 12:14 AM. It is a painting full of menace and foreboding. Van Gogh described this establishment as "a place where one could ruin one's self, where one could go mad and commit crimes." The painting is dominated by the flat lurid red of the walls, probably based on the actual garish decor of the bar (that same red appears in Gauguin's portrait of Madame Ginoux). The oil lamps glare ominously. The floor glows with the same bright yellow of the lamps. The pool table is painted with so much anxious energy that it looks like it could spring up and leap out of the picture like a wild animal.
What really gives the picture its anxiety is the odd viewpoint, and original use of perspective. We view the bar as though floating about 6 feet off the floor. The man in the white coat by the pool table appears to be looking up at us. The orthogonal lines of the perspective of the room lead to a vanishing point through the parted curtain in the door in the back, apparently into another room as menacing, or worse, than this one. Traditionally, perspective is used to focus our attention and to create a kind of dramatic climax to a picture. Here, it ends inconclusively. The focus is simply the back wall of the bar and the kitchen door. There is also a kind of conflict between the insistent 3 dimensionality of the perspective, and the flat unshaded red of the walls that brings us right back to the surface of the painting. The feeling we get is one of entrapment and claustrophobia.
This ordinary late night bar becomes hellish, seen through Van Gogh's anxieties about his disintegrating self. Van Gogh remakes the world in terms of his anxieties, something that later expressionist artists would also do, but arguably less successfully.


text:
DJ Packages
Lighting Packages
Speaker Systems
Studio Packages
Audio Accessories
Assistive Listening
Communication Systems
ENG/EFP & Broadcast
Installed Sound
Personal Monitors
Portable PA Systems
Power Distribution
Signal Processors
Replacement Parts
Audio Interfaces
CD Players
DJ Controllers
DJ Mixers
DJ Software
DJ Turntables
Laptop Stands
Turntable Accessories
Acoustic Treatment
CD Recorders
Digital Recorders
DSP Accelerators
MIDI Interfaces
Recording Software
Samplers & Synths
Studio Monitoring
USB Microphones
WordClock & Syncronization
Clamps & Safety Cables
Controllers / Dimmers
Effect Lighting
Fog, Snow & Bubble
Gobos & Gobo Projectors
Lamps & Bulbs
Lighting Stands
Mirror Balls & Motors
Moving Head Lights
Scanner Lights
Strobe Lights
Wash Lights & Par-Cans
Broadcast Routing & Dist'n
Camera Accessories
Carts, Stands & Mounts
Computer Video Hardware
Digital Signage Controller
Distribution Amps & Extenders
Format Converters
Lighting For Video
Multiviewer Processors
Scopes and Test Equipment
Storage Media
Video Players / Recorders
Video Software & Controllers
12inch Box Truss
12inch Triangle Truss
16inch Box Truss
4inch Box Truss
8.5inch Box Truss
8.5inch Mini Triangle Truss
Pipes & Hardware
Portable Stage Systems
Portable Staging
Rigging & Clamps
Truss Packages
Truss Furniture
Truss Crank Stands
Drape & Curtain
Combo Cases
Computer Cases
DJ Cases
Dollys & Carts
Freestanding Racks
Guitar Stands
Keyboard Cases & Stands
Lighting Cases
Mic Cases
Mixer Cases
Music Stands
Photo Booths
Rack Cases
Speaker & Stand Bags
TV Cases
Utility Case
Video Cases
Wall Racks
Rack Accessories
Audio Cables
DMX Cables
Power Cables
Video Cables
Data Cables
Bulk Wire
Adaptors (Hard)
Adaptors (Wire)
Wall Plates
Floor & Table Solutions
Cable Management
Paint & Coatings
Tie Line
Home Audio
Home Theatre Power
iOS Mics & Interfaces
Portable Audio Players
Speaker Docks
Free shipping on most orders over $199!*
The SM137 is a versatile, flat-response cardioid condenser probe microphone with an ultra-thin diaphragm for a frequency response that combines a smooth high-end with a tight, controlled low-end and a 15db pad for natural sound reproduction in both acoustic and high volume performance applications
Cartridge Type
Permanently Biased Condenser
Frequency Response
20 to 20,000 Hz
Directional Polar Pattern
Output Impedance
150 ohms (actual)
Attenuation Switch
0 dB or 15 dB attenuation
Phantom Power
48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc (IEC26815/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3
Current Drain
5.2 mA typical at 48 Vdc
Common Mode Rejection
>50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3
Dimensions and Weight
24 mm (0.950 in.) diameter
162 mm (6.375 in.) long
195 grams (6.9 oz.)
Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz; 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
-41 dBV/Pa
Selfnoise (typical, equivalent SPL; A-weighted (IEC 651))
19 dB
Maximum SPL@ 1000 Hz
5000 ohms load (Attenuator on): 150 (165 dB)
2500 ohms load (Attenuator on): 144 (159) dB
1000 ohms load (Attenuator on): 139 (154 dB)
Output Clipping Level*
5000 ohms load: 15 dBV
2500 ohms load: 9 dBV
1000 ohms load: 3 dBV
Dynamic Range (Attenuator On)
5000 ohms load: 133 (136) dB
2500 ohms load: 128 (130 dB)
1000 ohms load: 122 (125) dB
Signal to Noise Ratio**
75 dB
*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL.
**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.
30 Days
2-year limited
For a limited time, AVShop.ca is pleased to offer FREE SHIPPING on most orders over $199.
Terms of the Free Shipping offer:


text:
French Pastels: Treasures from the Vault offers a chance to view some 40 late-19th-century masterworks that are rarely exhibited due to their fragility. The high concentration of pure pigment powder that lends pastels their distinctive velvety texture and luminous, blendable colors has a downside: the particles remain loose on the surface, leaving the work vulnerable to smudging without the application of a fixative (which has an undesirable dulling effect).
Yet what better medium with which to capture, as the Impressionists sought to, the ever-changing effects of weather, dancing light and shadow, and fleeting facial expressions? Degas, Renoir, Monet, Pissarro, and friends aren't the only ones represented here, however; Realist Jean-François Millet, Symbolist Odilon Redon, and others further illustrate the versatility of pastel.


text:
As I posted earlier, I was unable to attend the Heartland Presidential Forum due to the winter weather that is hitting the area. So I am sitting comfortably at home and will be blogging from my couch.
It is Chris Dodd's turn. He says it is more than just standing on stage and saying the right things, it is about what have you done in the past. He discusses his past volunteering in the Peace Corps (and throws in some Spanish while talking about his work in the Peace Corps), being elected to Congress, and passing the Family and Medical Leave Act.
The first question comes from a woman from Los Angeles who came to the US from Vietnam and was denied political asylum. Her family's home was raided two months ago by immigration raided and she has been separated from her family. The next person is an immigrant from Kansas. She says she has followed the laws of this country, paid taxes, and contributed to the nation and finally became a citizen after nearly 20 years and $15,000. Dodd says he is the strong candidate for the Dream Act, but that is the easy part. Rhetoric is cheap. As a Senator, he has introduced separate legislation that keep families together. He says immigration reform has to be a priority of the next president.
The next question concerns the high cost of higher education and what Sen. Dodd will do to make sure younger Americans aren't put into debt to provide basic needs such as education, housing, and health care. Dodd says he can give a good speech on this, but will tell what he has done on this issue. He fought the horrible Bankruptcy bill for 6 years when some who spoke at this forum voted for the bill. He has introduced a bill that says you can't declare bankruptcy due to health care reasons and banks shouldn't be getting rich off of student loans.
Dodd is asked about the growing income inequality. Dodd answers with a swipe at Edwards...
I have been fighting tooth and nail. I am no Johnny come lately on these issues.He says there is a direct correlation in the decline in union households and the rise in income inequality.
Dodd didn't give as a rousing speech as Edwards and Kucinich, but he really highlighted his experience and the fact that actions speaks louder than words.
Here is more information on Dodd's appearance.


text:
The former Interim National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has again reiterated hiscall for parliamentary democracy if Nigeria would succeed.
He asserted that if the country continues with the present system of government, Nigeria would not succeed.
Akande who is also a former Governor of Osun State, stated this in his country home, Ila-Orangun, at a press conference to mark his 79 birthday yesterday.
Expressing his view about the Muhammadu Buhari's administration, the elder statesman insisted that there is no how Buhari would succeed with the present system of government.
He said: "Buhari is my personal friend, he is running a very difficult system of government. Even if Angel should come to run the system of government he's running, he cannot succeed.
"Nigeria democracy is the military democracy of sharing. The longer you practice American democracy, the poorer you become in Nigeria.
"The system is unworkable. Any law under any unworkable constitution is a bad law. They are doing a difficult thing under a very bad system. So long we continue with this form of system, Nigeria will not succeed."
Akande who also faulted centralisation of power at the federal, insisted that police must be decentralised.
Listing countries like Isreal, UK, India and others that have succeeded with the parliamentary system, he said: "Up to the present age, evidence-based analyses has proved parliamentary democracy to be the most accountably transparent form of government in the whole world.
"Considering that, apart from being transparent and very accountable, parliamentary democracy is absolutely inclusive. Therefore, it appears to be the best form of governmental structure for Nigeria now.
"The American democracy of multi-party presidentialism is too complicated and costly for a country of poor people with large illiteracy rate like Nigeria.
"Multi-party parliamentary democracy is the best form of government that is left available for Nigeria, if it wants to catch up with the rest of the civilised and rapidly developing world in the next decades before oil revenues will no longer be in vogue," he submitted.READ MORE ON:


text:
In this Third episode of my #AndroidForEnterprise series, I'll zoom in on Android and Mobility. This may sound pretty weird. Why a separate blog on Android mobility? Isn't Android all about mobility?
Well, yes, and:
- There's mobility in terms of a device you can carry
- and there's mobility in terms of embedded devices
I'd like to clearly seperate both, which is why I'll only discuss the Carry-along devices in this episode and write a separate blog on embedded devices. So in this episode, I'll talk about Smartphones, Tablets and Rugged devices.
Initially, Android was intended as an operating system for smartphones. It essentialy went head to head with iOS and Meego/Maemo.Google, who wanted to compete on the mobile market and essentially saw a great opportunity to extend it's advertising work, bought Android and further developed it to what we know today.
From its first launch in 2008 on the G1 to the Samsung Nexus today, Android has undergone a huge evolution and conquered the mobile market by storm. There's hundreds of smartphone models out there and 100,000's of new phone activations daily! Prices range from less than 100$ for a basic feature phone to 600$ or more, for the high-end models.
This broad range of devices is very interesting to consumers, but also to enterprises. Not every employee may require a GPS module or NFC module or high amounts of storage. So depending on the type of work an employee does, the enterprise can supply him with a phone or a budget. (Buy Your Own Device)
This Buy Your Own Device trend is touching ground in many enterprises that think about mobility. Where Bring Your Own Device may force the enterprise to support a lot of different mobile operating systems, the Buy YOD strategy allows the enterprise to limit the list of possible devices. Enterprises can supply employees with a list to choose from and a budget to spend. In this list they can include the devices which they want to support, based on minimum requirements.
The device is yours to keep, and you may increase your budget with your own money. As the enterprise co-sponsors your phone, they can also install the device management tools in there, so that you can also use the phone for business tasks.
After the succesful release of the first iPad, many android phone manufacturers wanted to have a piece of the tablet market and launched tablets featuring the Android phone OS. Google Acknowledged the need to introduce more tablet features in their smartphone OS.
Many saw this as a branching of the Android Operating system, but it's actually still very much the same operating system. Especially in terms of virtual machine, the tablet version is still perfectly compatible with the phone versions. Just try any smartphone app on a tablet and it will work. The only branching that happened, was on kernel/Driver level, and that is not something where a developer should worry about. This is a concern for the manufacturers. The VM itself just underwent an evolution.
With the latest version (IceCream Sandwich) Google has merged the tablet kernel and the smartphone kernel back into a single version, containing yet a new version of the virtual machine as well.
The Android tablets are picking up speed in terms of market adoption, but they are still lagging behind quite far on the iPads. However, they are already outnumbering all other Tablet OS' like RIM's QNX or HP's WebOS.
With the introduction of the Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble's Nook, the number of Android Tablets is expected to skyrocket. This may trigger a pull effect in enterprises. As more employees have cheap(er) tablet devices, the demand can rise to use them internally (for training material, documentation, business tasks).
Rugged Devices
In a previous blog, where I highlighted rugged devices, I briefly mentioned the rise of Android in this section as well. This isn't really a surprise. Most rugged devices run on Windows Mobile 6 or 6.5, which does not offer a finger happy interaction. instead, you must work with a stylo, need two hands to operate the device and it does require some training.
Android offers a much nicer interface with more intuitive input and it's finger happy. Many iOS users have had their hands on my Android devices and they all admitted that it worked pretty much the same as iOS and provided a very user friendly interface. Having a rugged device which is finger happy and intuitive can increase productivity of those who work with it.
As a plus, when opting for Android, you get to profit of the vast community of developers out there. How many people, as a professional, do you know that develop, or want to develop for Windows Mobile? Compare that to the number of people you know that are willing to do, or doing, the same for Android.
Don't cheat! Don't include Windows Phone. Because that one is not available on rugged devices and will never be supported by MS for rugged devices. Instead, Microsoft will continue to develop its WinMob 6.5 platform and rebrand it as Windows Embedded.
Despite the many efforts of using the fragmentation of the operating system as a reason to not promote the use of Android in enterprises, we see that there is very little reason (if not, none) to worry about this. Business apps will rarely have code that runs directly in the base OS' environment. Instead, they'll practically all be running on the level of the virtual machine. As there is backwards compatibility in the virtual machine, any app developed for Android 1.6, will still run on 4.0.
The abundance of choice in Android devices makes it interesting for companies where employees want to have a choice in which functionalities on their device they have. Also, instead of having to equip everyone with an expensive uniform device, the enterprise can offer many different devices, ranging from rather cheap to expensive, which may reduce costs.
Not only can you satisfy the office workers at all levels with Android devices, but even employees that use their phone in extreme conditions have a growing choice of rugged devices to suit his needs.
Instead of a risk, Android clearly offers an opportunity in terms of carry-along devices.
This article is a part in the #AndroidForEnterprise 1: Management Overview series


text:
Dr. Wendy Agar, an expert in the field of relationships, answers your questions about love, romance and intimacy.
Dear Dr. Wendy: I have fallen madly, passionately in love with French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin. My friends tell me that I shouldn't trust the French, especially after the way they've backstabbed us in the Security Council. But once I get a load of Dominique's dreamy eyes and his sexy French accent, I completely forget that he's about to veto our resolution. Should I listen to my friends or my heart?
Conflicted in Tulsa
Dear Conflicted: Your friends are completely justified in saying that the French are a bunch of sneaky ingrates who have given the U.S. the shaft. I feel, however, that they should vilify Jacques Chirac and not De Villepin. Why? Because De Villepin is, without question, the hottest hottie in NATO. Go to him, Conflicted. Go to him.
Dear Dr. Wendy: What do you do when you're crazy about a guy but can't get him to commit? The guy I'm talking about, just so you know, is French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin. I'm so desperate for an answer from him, I've started showing up at the U.N. after the Security Council lets out, hoping to get some "alone time" with him, but he's always whisked away by a Lincoln Town Car with diplomatic plates.


text:
General Information
Do you want lots of space around you? Do you want to guarantee your privacy? Then look into buying a very large piece of acreage where you can spread out and enjoy plenty of peace and quiet. This land is 37 acres in size which is big enough to keep the whole world at arm's length. If that isn't enough, this land also offers clean, fresh air, a flat terrain and gorgeous mountain views.
- Property Number: 9561
- Size: 37.00 Acres
- Dimensions: 2700' x 600'
- County: Costilla
- State: Colorado
- Annual Taxes: $166.64
Suggested Property Use
- Homesite
- Recreational
- Camping Nearby


text:
When Mohit's cousin bought a house in London, his lender charged just 2% interest on the home loan. Meanwhile, Mohit was paying a whopping 9% here in India. This seemed like a big disadvantage that Mohit could do little about. There are many other such benefits that foreign homeowners enjoy. Hopefully, we will get all these in India soon!
Here is a list of benefits overseas homeowners get that we don't:
- Lower interest rate
Compared to countries like United Kingdom (2%) and Australia (4%), Indian home loan rates are quite high (9%). This pushes up the costs of the loan, and makes the property more expensive for the owner. A lower home loan interest rate is a benefit that Indian homebuyers would welcome. This, however, depends on the Reserve Bank of India. Only if the RBI cuts its lending rates can banks afford to cut loan rates.
- Tax benefits
Home loans in India do offer tax benefits. But the advantages are greater in countries like the United States. For instance, when you buy a house there, you get the following benefits:
- A mortgage interest benefit: The entire amount paid as interest on the mortgage is tax-free. This is a huge amount and, therefore, a huge benefit.
- Real estate tax benefit: The property tax paid by the homeowner is tax-deductible as well.
- Tax credits
When Mohit's friend bought a house in California, he received a tax credit certificate. He used this to get a discount on the tax he owed the government. Indian home buyers get this too. However, Mohit's friend also got a certificate for installing a small solar power plant in his backyard. The American government provides wonderful tax credit benefits to homeowners as rewards for being environment-friendly. India can easily get this too to go the eco-friendly way.
- Property tax waiver
In some countries like the United Arab Emirates, there is no property tax to pay. If you buy a house in Dubai, you just pay the registration fee for the property to the Dubai land department. The government will not charge you a penny extra. Now this would be a great benefit for Indian homeowners.
- Capped variable-rate mortgage
In many countries, including France and Holland, home buyers can get a capped variable-rate mortgage. This is nothing but a home loan with a floating interest rate. But there is a fixed level up to which the rate can rise. While some banks in India offer this benefit, most do not. If you opt for a floating rate plan, you could end up paying very high rates at certain times. So, the need for regulation is highly desirable here in India.
The bottom line
While buying property in India has become convenient nowadays, there is still a long way to go. If Indian homebuyers could get a few of the above benefits, their home-buying experience would improve drastically. All we can do is hope for a change to restructure the real estate market in a positive manner.


text:
Getting the Best Basement Remodeling
The easiest means to complete your basement you should have each one of the skills is to employ a basement remodeling contractor. Finishing or remodeling a basement is a great way to make extra living space for your family members. If you are thinking about remodeling your basement it is possible to use our basement calculator to ascertain how much it's possible to spend.
Basement Remodeling
As you consider how you want to utilize your basement now, think about precisely how you might would like it to function later on. If you're planning on using your basement during winter, you'll need to put money into insulation also. Basement finishing can offer your family with a lot of additional space. Your basement is only going to be as sound as your present foundation. Quite simply, most basements are underused.
A Secret Weapon for Basement Remodeling
Remodeling provides you with broad array of choices, from structural changes to a new decorative appearance. Identifying what you would like to get to your interior remodeling early helps to protect against wasting money and time to finish the plan. Basement remodeling or finishing is among the quickest methods to put in a new room to your house without the greater expense of constructing a room addition. It can provide you with the extra living space that you deserve. If you prefer basement remodeling done first you have to decide on a budget.
The Appeal of Basement Remodeling
Basements tend toward flooding. The basement needs to be treated the exact same like it were leaky. Now remodeling basement is currently often done by men and women for a lot of reasons.
There are lots of things to take into account when remodeling a basement. Basements offer several unique possibilities for you to broaden your living space. Now, your basement is going to be made more beautiful and useful whether you design it like a storage space, a living space at down stairs, or perhaps a cozy garage. Remodeling a basement is among the most essential things a homeowner is able to do in order to enhance the look, value and function of their home. If you've been searching for remodeling basement, than this website will surely help you.
In regards to basement finishing, there are a number of measures which ought to be accomplished. Your basement offers an extra space. These hints will help you maintain your basement remodel within budget. Finished basements add value to your house while you reside there and raise the value of your house when you sell!
Whether you anticipate renting out your basement or developing a good family space, do yourself a favor and take a while to review basement remodeling images. Finishing a basement is similar to installing a completely new addition to your residence. It can also be converted into a space dedicated to household tasks. As an additional bonus, a properly finished basement may be used for nearly any goal.
Basements already have the basis for a good remodel. Finishing a basement is an ideal DIY undertaking. It is a great way to add extra room to your home. When you have a wet or damp basement, you must handle the problem before getting started.


text:
Increase Your Efficiency with Quick Text
- In Lightning Experience, press Ctrl+. on Windows and Cmd+. on macOS.
- In Salesforce Classic, use ;; on both Windows and macOS.
If you used quick text in Salesforce Classic, your messages work in Lightning Experience. To keep things easy for you, we made sure that Lightning Experience inherits the permissions you gave to users in Salesforce Classic to create, read, update, and delete quick text. If you've never used quick text before, give your users create, update, and delete permission on quick text.
We recommend that you add the Quick Text item to your app so that your users can track and manage all their quick text in one place. To add it to your app, use the App Manager in Setup.
To create quick text, click New on the quick text list view.
When you create quick text you give it a name, specify the text you want to reuse, and choose a category and channel. The category groups common quick text and the channel determines where you can use it. For example, if you create a greeting for emails, select the Greetings category and the Email channel.
- When merge fields don't apply to the record you're working with, the merge field resolves blank. For example, quick text with the Case.CaseNumber merge field resolves correctly in a case's Log a Call action. However, that same merge field resolves blank when inserting quick text on a work order's Log a Call action.
- In Live Agent chats, you can only use merge fields for the following objects: account, case, contact, and lead.
To preview what a message with merge fields looks like, click Preview on the New Quick Text page or the record page for existing messages. Then select your specific records.
So are you ready to use quick text? Press Ctrl+. on Windows and Cmd+. on macOS. Then select the quick text you want to insert.
You can search your quick text to find exactly what you need. If your search results only find one item, simply press Enter to insert the message.


text:
Author: VNC | 05 July 2018 | : 0
Geometric GeomCaliper 2.5 SP4 for Creo 1.0-5.0
OS: Windows 64bit | Language: English | Size: 48 MB
GeomCaliper is an innovative wall thickness analysis tool that facilitates measurement and checking of wall thickness on 3D models. GeomCaliper enables acceleration of the design review process for manufacturability. Unlike traditional measurement tools, GeomCaliper is fast and easy to use. Once you start using GeomCaliper, you'll realize that checking thickness can be made really easy as well as quick.


text:
FIFA President hopes to bring in new transfer rules
FIFA's president said he hopes to bring in a fresh set of rules and regulations around the transfer process ''by next year''
SHOWS: ISTANBUL, TURKEY (NOVEMBER 23, 2017) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1. FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO AND PRESIDENT OF TURKISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION YILDIRIM DEMIROREN ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE 2. MEDIA AT NEWS CONFERENCE 3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FIFA PRESIDENT, GIANNI INFANTINO, SAYING: "We need to have some regulations which are more transparent, more clear. If you're a club, you want to transfer a player, you have the money, you can do it. You don't have the money, you don't do it. We need to be clear because otherwise we live above our means and for this reason we are now opening this debate and this discussion and I think and I hope that by next year we will be able to present a new set of rules which will put a bit more order and credibility in the transfer system around the world because it is also about the image of football that we are speaking here." 4. MEDIA AT NEWS CONFERENCE 5. INFANTINO AND DEMIROREN LEAVING NEWS CONFERENCE STORY: FIFA's president wants to bring in new rules around the transfer system "by next year", he said at a news conference in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday (November 23). Gianni Infantino said there needs to be more transparency around the transfer process to ensure it has more credibility. Infantino said he wants to focus on the regulations around players' agents, as well as the size of squads. He said agents need to be more regulated to preserve the image of football around the world.


text:
10 Best Multitools Tested and Fully Reviewed
What is compact, portable, and can provide you with scissors, knives, and tweezers all-in-one? This description may sound to be good to be true for all of you outdoors enthusiasts out there, but it describes a multitool. So what is a multitool? This very useful device is a handheld device that comes with many features so that when you head out into the wilderness, you have full, easy access to a myriad of tools. They often include blades, screwdrivers, can openers, and pliers. But, truly, the list of extensions and options goes on and on, depending on which tool you choose.
This multitool comes in great use when you are needing something that is small, lightweight, and easily stored. Backpackers, campers, and hikers don't want to lug around a bag of heavy tools, so it is worth having a look over at our following list below to find out which multitools will best suit your needs.
- Leatherman Wave
Our rating
- Durable & Compact
- Price: See Here
- Gerber Center-Drive
Our rating
- Magnetic Bit
- Price: See Here
- Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
Our rating
- Small & Lightweight
- Price: See Here
The 10 Best Multitools
Leatherman Wave
This is a multitool handymen (and women) can't live without. That's become the pliers are stronger and the blades are bigger. Think of it as the juiced up version of a multitool, being more robust and rugged, while still being sleek and compact. Although its slender, it's packed with 17 tools including two 420HC knives, one being serrated. It has regular pliers, needlenose pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, a wire stripper, saw, scissors, and a ruler. And there's more. Great for camping, backpacking, fishing, hunter, or traveling, there is a can opener and bottle opener. There is also a wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, a large bit driver, large bit driver and a medium screwdriver.
With it's crab-like design, this multitool real opens up to have just about every tool needed for home improvement, survival and every day small fixes. It is made of stainless steel, and overall is made extremely well. It has outside-accessible blades that only calls for one hand, making is functional and easy to use.
Despite being packed with features, it's compact and folds up nicely. It's also comfortable in the hand. This multitool weighs in at 8.5 ounces, and measures 4-inches long and 2-inches thick. It has a lanyard attachment and a leather/nylon sheath, making it portable.
- Big blades
- Strong construction and tools that perform
- Durable and compact
- Can be hard to close pilers once open
Gerber Center-Drive
Unlike other more compact and smaller multitools, the Gerber Center-Drive is equipped with full size tools. This includes its full-size outboard knife and a full-size driver on the center axis. This makes it feel more like a real tool then just a pocket-size alternative to use when on hand. It also includes a serrated blade, pry bar with nail puller, bottle opener, awl, and magnetic flathead. There is also spring-loaded needle nose pliers, standard pliers, and fine and coarse-sided file, rotatable carbide wire cutters, and a ruler.
Made in the U.S., this multitool is made unlike others. That's because of its center axis design that allows the driver and knife to function full-size. This Provides more torque and rotation. With just a flick of the thumb, the consumer can access these tools. The pliers too are designed better than the competition because they can fold up for a better grip.
This option weighs in at just under a pound, and is 2.25 x 9.5 x 1 in. It looks rugged and study is extremely durable and reliable to get the job done. It packs into itself really well in the driver and knife feature, and folds up nicely all together. It has a lanyard hole, but also comes with a fabric sheath.
- Great design for driver and blade use
- Durable and made to last
- Has all the tools needed to get a job done
- Magnetic bit easy to use and interchangeable
- Made in the U.S.
- Hard to use pilers when gloves are on
- Pilers not has effective eat cutting than other options
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
Made from the company known for their knives and switch blades, this multitool has 7 different tools. It is a Swiss pocket knife first and foremost, and also has a nail file, screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, key ring and toothpick.
Sleek, yet functional, the this small pocket knife is made with Swiss precision. It has a stainless steel construction that is encased and polished, available in multiple colors like the popular fire truck red.
It's name says it all. The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife is designed to fit into a pocket. Tiny, compact, and only 0.8 oz light, it also comes with a key ring to attach to house and car keys or to a belt loop attachment. That means removing splinter when hiking or snipping a fishing line is possible whenever needed.
- Super small, light and can fit into a pocket
- Has the main tools needed for camping or hiking
- Lifetime warranty
- Affordable
- Can be too small for some
Swiss+Tech 19-in-1 Micro
This is one of the most versatile multitools because of how many different kinds of tools are in one easy to use option. It includes 19 tools in total, with three flat and Phillips screwdrivers each. It has a hand drill, an impressive feature for its compactness, as well as a ruler, ruler extension, wire cutter, stripper and crimper, and more. And don't worry it also has a bottle opener for cracking open that beer after a hard day of work.
The Micro Pocket has a stainless steel construction, and has a patented quick-release mechanism that fold out the tools, as well as a self-locking mechanism.
This is the best compact and portable option on this list. It weights only 3.2 oz and has the product size of 1-7/8" x 1-5/16" x 1/4". That is pretty impressive considering how many tools it has. It is equipped with a key ring attachment so that the consumer always has all the tools them need at hand. Because of its size, it's great to use when outdoors hiking, walking, running, hunting and more.
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Has 2 hex wrenches and a hand drill
- Lifetime warranty
- Affordable
- No blades
- Doesn't function as great as larger sized options
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
This option has two different knife options: a straight blade or serrated blade. It also has needle nose and regular pilers, a wire cutter, large and small flathead, cross driver, saw, can opener and bottle opener. This make it a great option to a tackle box when fishing, a home tool box, or for camping. The needle nose pilers are spring assisted for a pinch free opening, and are designed to get those tight spots.
Opposed to have an one-hand opening style, the Suspension Multi-Plier has a butterfly design. It is made from stainless steel that is durable and tough for those construction jobs, with an aluminum opening handle The handle is designed tomorrow a suspension bridge, and the boss itself is comfortable in the hand. It has a locking system for all the tools to make sure they are safely opened and closed. It also comes with a nylon sheath.
Weighing 9 oz and with a closed length of 4-inches, this option has a lanyard ring to take it on-the-go. It is a sturdy option that won't let the user done, perfect for keeping in the glove compartment or taking with to the backcountry.
Leatherman Charge TTI
With a better blade than the Wave, this other option from Leatherman as a total of 19 tools. Most impressively is its S30V steel blade and 420HC serrated blade. It also features cutting hook, crimper, wire cutters, scissors, wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, a ruler, medium screwdriver, and a large and small bit driver.
This is one good looking multi-tool. It is extremely functional since it includes the most popular tools used in one package with a titanium handle that is comfortable in the hand. All the the tools lock into place besides the pliers, and all can be opened and used with one hand.
The Charge TTi has a pocket clip as well as a lanyard ring that makes it great for attaching to keys or a belt loop. It weighs 1 lbs., which is heavier than others, but still light to have on hand to get any job done.
- Impressive quality blades
- Has all popularly used tools
- Great for small home repairs
- Heavy
- Not as high quality as other Leatherman models
SOG PowerAssist
This option has 16 different tools, including fully serrated and straight edge blade. There is a bolt grip channel, three different sized flat screwdrivers, a crimper, file, pliers, ruler and more. This multi-tool has just about all the main tools needed for on the job or at home.
With a black oxide finish and stainless steel handle, this multi-tool is loaded with different features. It can close up completely to be concise, flip to open up to create pliers, become a knife, and continue to unfold other tools.
The PowerAssistant features two blades that has SOG Assisted Technology. This means the user just needs to start to open the blade feature when the entire tool is closed and the tech will take over to pop it open without any effort. The blades also have a patent pending side release lock.
With a closed length of 4.6-inches and weighing 9.60 oz, this multi-tool might be a tad too heavy to carrying around for a lightweight hike. However, it does have a lanyard hole and sheath options like a hook and loop closure and belt through loop.
- Not one, but two easy to open blades
- Plenty of tools
- Sleek and stylish body
- Doesn't include scissors
Hoffman Richter HR-100 13-in-1 Multitool
There are 13 features in this one amazing tool! The functions of this multi-tool include small knife blade, needle nose spring-loaded pliers, large slotted screwdriver, wire cutters, bottle opener, can opener, medium slotted screwdriver, metal file, a saw, mini slotted screwdriver, ultra-safe locking mechanism, Philips head screwdriver, and a large knife blade.
The HR-100 is sturdy, functional, and comes with a bonus case and lifetime guarantee. Made from ultra-tough all-440 stainless steel, you won't have to worry about undue wear and tear do the use (and sometimes abuse) associated with using it for your tough jobs.
The HR-100 comes with a tough nylon belt case (including a belt loop) so that you can make sure your tools are always by your side.
- Lifetime warranty
- Made from stainless steel
- Comes with a belt case
- Some found it heavy and bulky
- Tends to be difficult to open
- Knife is slightly dull
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
The Victorinox SwissTool is equipped with more than 20 different tools, being one of the most functional multi-tools on this list. These include the basics like needlenose pliers, scissors, metal saw, and a wire cutter that will snap through a wire with up to 40 hrs hardness. It also features other handy tools like can opener, bottle opener, and chisel/scraper. This makes it a great option for camping. It has 2mm, 3mm, and 6mm screwdriver options, which make it great alternative to a tool belt.
This multi-tool is made from stainless steel, so it won't rust. It has a lockable blade, with the tools located on the outside and pilers on the inside, when the other tools are folded it. This makes it have a more ergonomic design that is comfortable and use to use.
It weighs a little on the heavier size at 8.2 oz, but still portable—especially since it has a leather pouch. It can also be hung around the neck using its lanyard hole.
- Well crafted tools, that includes a wide variety
- Ergonomic design
- Compact and comes with leather pouch
- More expensive than other options
- Slightly hefty for taking when hiking or climbing
- Almost too many tools since some are redundant
Leatherman Skeletool
Sleek and ultra-compact, this multi-tool features 7 different tools that cover all of the main bases. This includes a stainless steel blade, needlenose and regular pilers, a large exchangeable bit driver, wire cutters, hard wire cutters, and a carabiner/bottle opener. There is also an extra bit that is stored in the handle.
Made from stainless steel, this multitool is stylish. Rugged and well-made, the consumer doesn't have to worry about the tools performance. The consumer only needs one hand to access and use the tools. The knife can be accessed while the Skeletal is closed, and it locked in place so cutting is made easy.
At just 5 ounces and 4-inches long (or 10 cm when closed), this is a lightweight options that is perfect for carrying around. Because it can fold up into itself, it can be placed into a pant or jacket pocket. There is also a removable pocket clip for attaching to a belt loop.
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Stylish, yet durable
- Has practical tools without featuring too many
- 25-year limited warranty
- Only 7 tools
- Many have issues with broken pilers
The Criteria Used For Our Evaluation
From everyday carrying for outdoor and industrial use, buying a good multitool is a necessity for those who want to be prepared for anything. But being named the best multitool means a lot more than the amount and kinds of tools it has. We used the set criteria detailed below to determine which are the best.
Functions: A multitool must deliver when it comes to what tools it includes. The basics needed are a knife, pliers, and screwdriver, although many options come with other tools that are needed to get a job done or when faced with a situation outdoors.
Usability: Along with what it can do, it's important that these tools are easy to access so they can actually be used. Does this multitool feature spring assist pliers that are ready to use with a touch? Can the tools be used with just one hand? Do the tools safely lock in place and a way to avoid injury?
Portability: Is this multitool more for storing in the car or toolbox, or is it portable? Hikers and climbers might want an option that attaches to their belt or on a key ring. Is it lightweight and compact enough to carry in a pocket?
Value: Many multitool options can cost a decent amount of money, so it's important that its made with quality tools. No one wants a blade that won't cut through anything. Is this multi-tool worth its price tag?
Other Important Factors To Consider
Being made from a reputable company is important, but not a quality factor as to what makes a multitool worthy to buy. While all the factors above play the biggest role, consumers need to keep in mind some other things before buying.
Some multitools can cost a consumer a pretty penny. Most of the high-quality options can range anywhere from $80 to $100 and more. Of course, there are exceptions. There are some that cost less and outperform expensive options. And there are others well into the hundred dollar mark that could be everything a consumer is looking for and more.
Consider how much you are willing to spend on a multitool. It can be a great investment, especially for those who do lots of handy work around the house or love the outdoors. This could also run a consumer a lot less than if they purchased all the tools separately.
With that said, there are some multitools that look great and are known for their performance, but also include tools some might not ever use. Think about why you are buying a multitool. Those who need one for preparedness when hiking or hunting will want an option that is extremely packable with the proper tools needed.
Also, think about how the multitool is going to be carried. Will it be worn on a belt, or in the pocket? Is a keychain multitool best? These needs and wants vary with each consumer.
Steel and Titanium
Many quality multitools are constructed with stainless steel. This is the best material to use because it is hard, durable and won't rust or break easily. It's especially important that the blade is made of steel for those who are most excited about this feature.
The handles on many options are typically made of titanium. This provides a good and comfortable grip while looking sleek.
This combo is the best materials for a multitool, although there are exceptions.
Q: Where is this multitool made?
A: Manufacturing sites varies among companies. Many opt to make their products in China. However, Leatherman is an example of a company that makes their multitools in the U.S., specifically Portland, Oregon.
Q: What multitool does the military use?
A: The standard issued knife of the United States Navy SEALs is the Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife. However, keep in mind that it is just a blade. Greer has also designed its multitools for the military with the "eFECT" Military Maintenance Tool.
Q: Why should I buy a multitool?
A: Multitools are a great buy because it allows the consumer to be prepared to fix or solve any problem from unscrewing something to open a bottle. They are convenient and portable.
Q: Does this tool come with a sheath?
A: This varies among products. Read the product description to see what is included.
Q: What size multitool do I need?
A: This depends on why the consumer is using the tools for. For a toolbox or glove compartment, larger multitools will be fine. Those climbing or backpacking should buy a more lightweight, compact and travel-sized option that can fit into a pocket.
Q: Does the blade lock?
A: This varies among the products, but most do include a locking feature.
- 8 Multi-tool Hacks While Camping , Company website, Aug 01, 2017 ,
- 10 Knives Special Forces Around The World Use, Informational Website, Aug 06, 2015 ,
- How To Find the Perfect Multitool In Six Easy Steps, Informational Tech Website, May 19, 2014 ,
- How to Choose the Best Multi-Tool, Outdoor Website, Jun 23, 2017 ,


text:
Writing has always been a release for me. A way for me to de-stress, to cope, to celebrate and to express. I have filled journal upon journal with my scribbles since my bushy eyebrow days of Jr. High. Words are so powerful and as cheesy as it sounds...I have always found myself caught up by and enticed with words. Written words. Thick books filled with creamy paper. Thoughtful hand written notes. To Do lists scribbled on notebook paper. Tear stained journal pages. The underlined, highlighted print in my Bible. All these, some may say, are merely words, and yet....are they? Just words? I say, no. You decide for yourself.
In honor of my love of words, I am starting this blog. Its a simple place where I can share nuances from the mundane activities of everyday life to the seemingly glorious occurrences. In other words, I will be filling this blog with things as simple as my new favorite lip gloss to as meaningful as the finalization of the adoption of our 2 precious kiddos.
Join me. Will you?


text:
Welcome to the Haiti Africa and Relief Team site. We're so glad that you took the time to pay us a visit. Our organization, founded in 2009, by concerned members of the Christian Faith and Fr. Muma have been reaching out to the poor and downtrodden of Haiti and Africa with hopes that we can alleviate some of their pain and suffering and bring the light of Jesus to their communities. We are dedicated to medical and humanitarian aid and look forward to sharing our story.
Our Mission: In the Catholic tradition, providing spiritual, medical and humanitarian aid as we walk in fellowship with Haitians and Africans, in Jesus's name.
You can learn more about our organization and our mission by clicking on the "Mission" and "Videos" links. God bless you and your family.


text:
Our products are produced in strict quality control system and the defective rate will be less than 0.2%. during the guarantee period, we will send new lights with new order for small quantity. For defective batch products, we will repair them and resend them to you or we can discuss the solution including re-call according to real situation.
1, Water-proofing
2, Weathering resistance
3, Excellent strength due to the aluminum structure
4, Eco-friendly, no harmful chemical elements included and bad smell ejected
5, Natural appearance.
6, Easy to install. We can pack it as a kit form for you.
7, Wide application range and can be a good complement of different designs.
8, Easy clean and low maintenance.
9, Insect resistance
With high precision, professional service, we have built up long and stable business relationship with customers from all over the world.
If you have any inquiry of casting parts, please feel free to contact us.
Your inquiry of casting, will be highly appreciated.


text:
Rose throated Parrot
Thanks to Janet Franklin for this guest post on their recent paper! Really interesting to think back through these historical changes.
During the last Ice Age, the islands of the Bahamas were cooler, drier, and much larger than today because sea level was over 100 m lower. The Bahamas also were much closer to the Greater Antillean islands of Cuba and Hispaniola. Thousands of beautifully preserved bird fossils from dry and water-filled caves on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas have allowed us to reconstruct the bird community found there during the last Ice Age (10,000 or more years ago) and compare it with the birdlife on Abaco today.
Read more >>


text:
Utility Menu
Museums of Tolerance
Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles
Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem
Regional Offices
Los Angeles
New York
Midwest US
Southern US
Buenos Aires
Main Menu
Donate Now
Become a Monthly Sustainer
Planned Giving
Donor Opportunities
Guardians of the Flame
International Leadership Council
Memorial And Tribute eCard
Memorial And Tribute via US Mail
About Simon Wiesenthal
About the Simon Wiesenthal Center
Offices Worldwide
Library and Archives
2017 News Releases
Enews Sign-up
Illinois Mobilizes Against Hate: Wiesenthal Center Press Briefing With Government and Community Leaders on Recently Passed Landmark Anti-Hate Crimes Bills
Global human rights and anti-hate organization the Simon Wiesenthal Center invites press and community leaders to join as legislators, government legal experts and representatives of the Muslim, Jewish, African-American, Latino and LGBT communities describe the importance and expected impact of the recently passed anti-hate crimes bill (HB2390) sponsored by State Representative Stephanie Kifowit.
The bill, crafted in response to an alarming rise in hate crimes in the past year, allows for civil suits by victims against those who have committed hate crimes, enabling them to seek additional damages. It requires those who have committed hate crimes to perform community service and enroll in intensive educational programs involving the particular community group impacted by their crime. The legislation, which will be detailed for press at the event, will help law enforcement and community groups around Illinois combat the rise in hate crimes impacting multiple groups. Companion newly passed hate crimes legislation (HB3711) will also be outlined by the Illinois Attorney General's office.
11:30 AM Thursday, June 15th
Simon Wiesenthal Center Midwest Office, 180 N. Lasalle St, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL.
Leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Latino, African-American and LGBT communities will briefly share information and perspective on hate crimes against their own communities and explain why the newly passed legislation is important to reducing hate crimes in Illinois. Interviews available with participants and those victimized by hate crimes.
Karyn Bass Ehler,
Chief of the Civil Rights Bureau, Illinois Attorney General's Office
Caitlyn McEllis,
Public Interest Counsel, Illinois Attorney General's Office
State Representative Stephanie Kifowit: House Sponsor of HB2390
Sadia Covert,
Attorney and activist with Islamic Center of Naperville – Sadia helped conceive legislation following the recent rise in hate crimes locally and nationally
Alison Slovin,
Midwest Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center
LaShawn Ford
, State Representative
Lisa Hernandez,
State Representative
Luis Arroyo,
Assistant Majority Leader State Representative
Sam Yingling,
State Representative
Herald "Chip" Johnson, Jr.
, Chief of Schools, Chicago Public Schools
Emma Lozano,
the Pastor of Lincoln United Methodist Church, which was defaced with violent and racist graffiti. The perpetrator of that attack, also committed similar crimes against the Chicago Loop Synagogue.
Souad Ajjan
, a Muslim Syrian Refugee who lives in Chicago and has experienced hate filled language and discrimination because of her background. She notes how women in particular can be targets of violent hate speech.
For more information contact:
Sean Tenner /
/ (312) 576-8822
Alison Slovin /
/ (708) 714-0749
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).
Regional Offices
Los Angeles
New York
Midwest US
Southern US
Buenos Aires


text:
Also, late lunch and late update mean that when I first read the word of the day I decided that I would rather work with "peckish" than "puckish". I'm glad I just ate a burrito and came back to it instead.
He came out of the shadows.
Later, you would remember how he had never quite looked trustworthy, how the hairs on the back of your neck had prickled up to tell you something was wrong about him. You would insist that you had never trusted him, not really, not the way you trusted your brother or your best friend. That part of you knew.
But all that would be later, after the – there was no better word for it – seduction, and the betrayal, and the inevitable collapse. After everything.
Right now, he came out of the shadows, and he smiled.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Day 8: Puckish
I'm going for eerie, and vaguely dark. Hopefully it works, and maintains some semblance of subtlety.
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Legal news for New York aviation accident attorneys.
Caspian Airlines plane crash suspected to be caused by technical problems.
New York, NY–The Caspian Airline commercial plane which crashed on Wednesday, is speculated to have gone down due to technical problems rather than piloting error, according to BBC News.
The Russian-built Tupolev airliner, which crashed into farmlands in the Qazvin province, killed all 153 passengers and 15 crew members on board. The commercial plane was flying from Tehran, Iran to Yerevan, Armenia when it nose-dived just 16 minutes after take-off with its tail on fire. According to the Deputy Transport Minister, the pilot flying the commercial jet was highly experienced and the crash was "likely due to technical problems." Officials reported the flight data recorders, or otherwise known as "black boxes", were recovered but are severely damaged. The data recorders were found among the wreckage, which was scattered over a large area. The black boxes may be sent to Russia, where they were manufactured, for help with the analysis. On Thursday, Family members, and friends of the victims of the Caspian crash joined together at the crash site for a religious ceremony honoring the fallen passengers and crew members. The charred and badly damaged remains of the deceased have been transported to Tehran for identification. The relatives of the victims are reportedly collecting at least $45,216 in compensation. Memorial attendees were reportedly seen throwing flowers into the crater created by the plane when it plummeted to the ground.
Since 1979, trade embargos imposed by the Western nations have forced Iran to purchase Russian-built planes to compensate for an existing fleet of Boeings and various other American and European airline models. The sanctions have made it very difficult to acquire spare parts to repair their European planes, and the parts for the Russian planes are even harder to get since the fall of the Soviet Union.
News Contributor: Nicole Howley- Legal news for aviation accident attorneys
Heather L. Ryan, R.N., C.L.N.C- Heather Ryan is a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant with 15 years of experience in the health care industry. Her expertise in reviewing medical records and assisting lawyers with the determination as to whether legal action should be taken provides an invaluable asset to the newsroom. Medical-malpractice, products liability, personal injury and workers' compensation are some of the recent areas of litigation Ms. Ryan has focused her efforts on. A member of the Florida Justice Association, Heather maintains a long list of certifications and credentials to support her areas of expertise and stays up-to-date with her clinical knowledge working as an emergency room/trauma nurse, at a Level 1, Adult/Pediatric trauma and teaching institution in South Florida.