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Hey guys. I don't know if everyone a) does a build thread b)if it is encouraged to do a build thread or c) discouraged. If C, please delete this one if needed.
First of all, we tore out that 24' round money pit that hasn't been used for 2 seasons and hasn't been functioning for 1.
So I have a pretty blank slate where I'll be setting up a Q area in the back yard:
sorry for the big pic, re-sized in photobucket, .....hmmm
Where the deck is, I'm going to reclaim the wood and create a 3 walled cooking area, leaving room if needed for additional smoker/smokers. The area under the deck is river rock, so I will move some of that and add some patio blocks as needed to place the UDS upon. I'm also going to make some benches out of the 4x4's and some mason blocks.
My neighbor is an auto mechanic, hooked me up with this antifreeze 55g closed lid drum. Cost: $0
my biggest concern is the flammability of antifreeze!
I also got hooked up with a Weber kettle lid: $0
I have a few questions down the road but need to get to work. But my biggest question is for the seasoned UDS users:
What would you do differently today if you made another one and why?


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Remodeling Sarasota Is Necessary For Homes Over 10 Years Old
The heart of the house is regularly the kitchen. Remodeling ventures that make the space all the more welcoming and practical can pay off monetarily as far as value. They can likewise pay off candidly for the individuals who live there. Cooks can make nutritious and scrumptious dinners when they have adequate storage room, the right design, and utilitarian machines. At the point when people, couples, and families are searching for new homes to buy, the nourishment arrangement zone in a potential house could be an arrangement creator or major issue.
Luckily, Remodeling Sarasota experts are not elusive nowadays. What's more by procuring a heading, built and accomplished proficient you can give your room a facelift. These experts represent considerable authority in their work and present you with tweaked answers for suit your needs, necessities and budgetary levels. They recommend you some truly imaginative and inventive results that build the utility of your room while making it look more open and comfortable.
The administrations are moderate and budgetary and relies on upon what all you need to be carried out in your room. Kitchen Remodeling Sarasota undertakings, on unobtrusive or great scales, can improve the decency for the occupants and consider a higher resale cost not far off. At the point when the heart of the house is practical and excellent, it draws cooks into the space and unites the family for dinners. At the point when these homes are recorded available to be purchased, they draw purchasers who pay top dollar.

subset: commoncrawl


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Last year, fans of the Crash Bandicoot series were delighted when their favorite Bandicoot made his return in all his remastered glory on PS4, thanks to Vicarious Visions. Now that we've had a chance to replay all of the levels, using tech from the modern era, Vicarious Visions is set to debut a brand new level, something that hasn't happened in decades. We were invited to check it out…
On the second day before E3 2018 opened, Activision held a private viewing to show off the brand new level being added to Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, a sentence many thought never would be uttered a few years ago. We entered the demo room, located within the confines of the priciest hotel I never dreamed I could afford. Inside this room were three representatives from Vicarious Visions: Studio Head Jennifer Oneal, Producer Kyle Martin, and Activision Producer Lou Studdert, all eager to show off the new additions they've spent so much time on.
With controller in hand, Martin recalled the innovations they made when the remaster released and then introduced us to the brand new level, titled Future Tense. He then announced this level would be included when Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy releases on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and wouldn't need to be unlocked. Once the initial shock wore off, Martin & co. took us on a tour of the first level developed in 2 decades.
Future Tense is a level that features a mixture of obstacles from past games and ones never-before-seen, like a water wheel that even Martin had a moment of failure against. Martin & co. said that they designed the level with the thought of keeping the integrity of the previous Crash games in mind. Hence, why they've imported obstacles from all three games.
However, that's not the only thing they had in mind. According to Martin and Oneal, Future Tense took inspiration from both the casual gamers and the competitive community of gamers that fight tooth and nail to be the fastest to beat these levels, "Speed Runners" or "Try-Hards". Future Tense will feature tons of hidden hallways and compartments, that even we couldn't find when we demoed, that add a ton of intrigue to the exciting new level. If you do happen to explore enough to find and beat these areas, a prize in the form of a gem awaits you. They've also included time trials so gamers can compare and compete for the best time on the leaderboard. So, whether you're a slower, exploratory gamer or a speedrunner, Vicarious Visions has you covered with Future Tense.
In terms of graphics, you may notice that this new level is quite bright and that's by design. Vicarious Visions looked at each level that was made 20 years ago and realized that there weren't many brightly lit levels. With that in mind, they went to work on creating a gorgeous, fluorescent, futuristic world to wow the gaming community.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy was shown and demoed using an Xbox One X, and I have to say it was BEAUTIFUL. In fact, I'd even say it was better on Xbox than PS4. PS4 faithful may take umbrage with that statement but the proof is in the gameplay. Crash has never been more vibrant and well-lit as it was when I played it on Xbox, and that's coming from a person who doesn't own an Xbox.
Gamers can be the judge when Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy arrives on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC on June 29, 2018, with full 4K capability. Oh, and if you thought Activision and Vicarious forgot about PS4 owners who already own the game, they haven't. Future Tense will be available to download for free. The Stormy Ascent DLC will be available on PS4 on June 15, 2018. A physical copy of the game that includes it will also be available.
Vicarious Visions wants the community to know that Future Tense is a huge thank you to the fans who have played the game and are excited to play it. They hope this is a challenging and rewarding experience for everyone. After playing it, I'd say Mission Accomplished.


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Barcode Solution for bussiness
0938 670 949/ 625 73 590 (mã vùng: 028)
Barcode labels: I need a barcode? How do I get a barcode?
Barcode labels: I need a barcode? How do I get a barcode?
Are you a business owner about to launch a new product and ask if you need a barcode on your label? Or maybe you are a business owner who has a product and you're considering adding a barcode to your label. You can not be sure about whether or not you really need a barcode or not. Well, we are here to save you from headaches and stress. let's analyze the demand and use of barcode!
How to get a barcode on your retail product
Although the law is not required to have a bar code, most of the retailers and distributors will require you to have a purpose for inventory and sales records.
If you are planning to sell their products in a retail market, you should register your product with GS1. GS1 global bar code. You will be assigned and registered own unique barcode you define your company as the manufacturer of the product. GS1 will provide you with a unique 12-digit UPC (Universal Product Code) or EAN code that you will enter a UPC-A or EAN-13 barcode and label your products. By having a bar code registration, your retail products can be scanned and the information embedded in the code in the system will be ready to go.
Of course, the bar code is just one component of a retail brand. If you have a small business in the US, you may be interested to read these tips on exemptions for FDA label food products.
Keep better inventory and reduce errors with bar code label
Barcodes can also help you keep a better inventory of your own products, especially if your product line is large and diverse. You can create a special bar code best suited to your numbers and inventory systems. By printing a label with a bar code on it, you can only scan your bar code rather than relying on someone to join an inventory. This not only saves time and money, but it also greatly reduces the risk of human error.
Having the wrong information in the business chain operating your supply can be devastating. These errors can account for lost business and higher operational costs. Your information is one of the most valuable assets and you want to make sure it is taken care of in a reliable way - this is the place to shine barcode labeling.
A great example of this is the labeling of medical devices or pharmaceutical products labeled with a bar code. Many times these products are have many different variations. Or even if you're a coffee roaster, if you have 50 barbecue or different flavors, it can be difficult to keep them all straight. A bar code label can be attached to the finished product when it is in the inventory, so when the time comes for the selected items to transport, the barcode can be scanned. This will help you to ensure that inventory is properly selected and correctly delivered to customers.
Avoid fraud with barcode labels
Piracy and counterfeiting have become increasingly popular in the world, and such scams can affect the business or economic industry. Most often counterfeited wine labels, fashion brands and labels of pharmaceutical drugs.
Counterfeit goods are growing so fast that it is difficult to control. In 2007 alone, 750,000 US jobs were lost due to counterfeiting. Counterfeit goods are becoming very clever about what they are doing and one of the best solutions to prevent counterfeit goods from making their way into the retail environment we are using barcode labels.
You can use the label and packaging of you to fight against counterfeiting. If you have a high-risk products are the same, you can create your own bar code that contains specific information so it can be scanned to ensure that it is a genuine product. There is a bar code to scan retailers ensure your products are legal and safe. These codes can prevent counterfeit pharmaceutical products, liquor, baby formula, and the software is not safe from fraud even go into the hands of consumers.
Create traffic on social platforms: The QR code
The QR Code is a newer type of barcode that has become popular in recent years. The QR code is a 2D code that can hold large amounts of information than 1D barcodes like UPC simple. The marketers have taken advantage of the ability to print labels with QR codes and now use QR codes to link consumers to the site as their brand websites, social media pages, and even the contest page. With the development of mobile phones, consumers can scan the code with their mobile device and browse the site from their phone.
The QR Code makes a seamless connection between the brand and consumers because it keeps us constantly connected. You will find companies of beverage and food companies print QR codes on their labels to entice consumers with recipes, coupons, and deals. Print labels with QR codes are a great tool to take into consideration!
How do I start creating barcode labels
If you want to start printing your own barcode labels, Barcodevtn have a few options for you. To print black and white bar code simple, we BIXOLON barcode printers, argox ... These printers are perfect for a table or desktop in office room or your transportation. Barcode printers capable of printing barcodes even the smallest size (as small as the size 4 pt. Type) with crisp, clear resolution, also makes graphics quality barcode labels printing with consistent, solid fill and clean lines and curves.
If you want color barcode labels! Please contact Barcodevtn, we can carry color barcode labels according to your requirements. Color label printer capable of color digital label printing with the color code at the same time as it prints text, barcodes, graphics, colors, batch codes, lot codes, date codes, expiration dates, and estate Any other label content.
For more information on our line of label printers, stop by our website for more information or ask us for a label printer demonstration site!


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- 2 Courses
- 2479 Students
- Private Institution Type
Since it was founded as Central Christian College in 1950, Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City has maintained strong ties with the Churches of Christ as a higher learning community. We are a Church of Christ university that transforms lives for Christian faith, leadership, and service.
Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community that transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.
The Career Services department is available for students who need assistance in finding employment during school and after graduation. Career Services also provides assistance in interviews and help with marketing yourself to employers.
Residence Life works to facilitate thriving communities that help students to learn and grow. We offer students a distinctive 4-year residential experience, providing safe facilities with modern amenities-- everything you need to thrive at OC. Here, there is room for all. While at OC we encourage students to engage deeply in their community; students here are living, learning, and growing together.
OC is very technologically savvy and equipped with Apple. Informational Technology Services is available to students who need assistance with their computers and/or Apple handheld devices.
Oklahoma Christian University is a comprehensive Christian university with an enrollment of almost 2,200 students. Oklahoma Christian is affiliated with the churches of Christ and provides an outstanding education for many interests that prospective students might have while incorporating spirituality into the academic environment.
Oklahoma Christian University is involved in many sports, which provides great opportunity for students who love to play and represent their school, and is great for students who enjoy watching a good game of basketball, baseball, soccer and much more.
Many OC students join and participate in social service clubs. The clubs' mission is to have a positive impact upon club members, the student body and campus community, and the Oklahoma City metro area.
OC's social service clubs participate in activities throughout the year, including Homecoming events and the annual Spring Sing variety show.


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FOX has announced a live musical production of the Tony, Grammy,- and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT. Acclaimed film, television and theater producer Marc Platt (GREASE: LIVE, "La La Land," "Wicked"), along with the estate of writer/composer Jonathan Larson, will executive-produce the event. Additional details and auspices to be announced. FOX also recently announced a musical-version of "A Christmas Story".
"We are so honored to partner with the estate of the brilliant Jonathan Larson and producer Marc Platt on one of the great musicals of our time," said Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group. "The title is so iconic, the music is so beloved, and the themes are as meaningful today as they were when the show first premiered on Broadway. With Marc overseeing this project, we are sure it will have a profound impact on the legions of fans who know and love this musical."
"'Rent' was Jonathan's dream of sharing the theater and the passion he had for it with a whole new generation," said Julie and Al Larson. "None of us could have imagined the massive impact that the messages and themes in 'Rent' would have on the theater community or the world…except for Jonathan. We are absolutely thrilled to be continuing Jonathan's legacy and the still-relevant themes of the show in this way."
A re-imagining of Puccini's "La Bohème," and set in New York City's gritty East Village, "Rent" tells the unforgettable story of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams during a time of great social and political turmoil. After winning four Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, writer/composer Jonathan Larson's tour de force celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, as it continues to offer an inspiring message of hope and friendship.
"Rent" originally was produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop.
RENT will be executive-produced by Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Julie Larson, Al Larson and Revolution Studios' Vince Totino, Scott Hemming and Marla Levine.


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- This event has passed.
January 9, 2019 @ 9:45 am - 11:00 am
Event Navigation
- « Free Memory Screen
- Free Memory Screening »
Monthly Parkinson's Support Group
For Those With Parkinson's Disease, Parkinsonian Syndrome, & Their Caregivers
Join us at the Brentwood for an hour of compassion & learning, and you can ASK THE EXPERT all your questions about Parkinson's. Keep up-to-date about new medications and treatments, and receive the encouragement and motivation needed to live well with Parkinson's disease.
Moderated by Dr. Diana Apetauerova,
a Neurologist who serves at Director of the Movement Disorders Center at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center and is associate clinical professor at Tufts University and visiting associate clinical professor at Charles University, Czech Republic. Dr. Apetauerova evaluates and plans treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. She is also involved in surgical therapy for Parkinson's patients and actively engaged in research.
January 9- Caregiver Support Group, Massage Gloves Giveaway!
February 13– The Love of Art: Artists for Parkinson's
March 13– PSP
April 10– Topic to Be Determined
RSVP to Leah Kirkpatrick at 978-777-2700 or
Marlene Sheehy at firstname.lastname@example.com
Pancakes for Parkinson's Breakfast


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bsetroot is a command line wallpaper changer that might be interesting for some as it offers a lot more than Rainmeter's own !SetWallpaper bang.
with it you can not only switch the wallpaper, but also apply different types of gradients and most importantly combine gradients with images.
for example:
one scenario would be applying different gradients to wallpaper depending on the time of the day.
Code: Select all
"C:\Program Files (x86)\bsetroot-2.1\bsetroot.exe" -full "D:\pictures\wallpapers\wave.jpg" -hue 80 -sat 0 -gradient pipecrossinterlacedgradient -from steelblue -to limegreen
it's available here: http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/bblean/bbsr.htm
docs: http://bb4win.sourceforge.net/bblean/docs/bsetroot.htm
and i would love gradient types like "crossdiagonal", "pipecross", "elliptic", "rectangle", or "pyramid" in Rainmeter.


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Wine and Food Pairing Guide Magnet
Here is a great wine advertising product for wine tastings or wineries – Ad copy or logo appears at the bottom.
This simple guide suggests what types of food might go with each kind of wine. This is a great item to giveaway at wine events or tradeshows, and can serve a number of different advertising event efforts.
The magnet guide size is 4″x7″ and offers full imprint colors in: Black, Brown, Dark Green, Dark Red, Fuchsia, Gold, Light Blue, Light Green, Maroon, Orange, Pink, PMS Color Match, Purple, Red, Royal Blue, Silver, Teal, White, Yellow
Fantastic pricing on this affordable wine giveaway that people will be sure to look at time and again. 250 min. 75 cents ea, 500 70 cents ea, 1K 65 cents ea. 40.00 set up. Item CPN-6799645
Contact Us today for Ordering 1-877-351-2627
Tags: Advertise a Wine Tasting, How to Market a Wine Tasting, Market your Wine Tasting, What Food to Eat with What Wine, Wine Ad, Wine Advertising Opporutinity, Wine and Food Guide, Wine and Food Pairing, Wine Food, Wine Food Advertising, Wine Food Card, wine pairing magnet, Wine Tasting Ad, Wine Tasting Event Marketing, Wine Tasting Marketing, Wine with Food Guide, Winery Ad, Winery Ad Product


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An evening of campfire, crafts, treats — and a luminary-lit trail with human-sized creatures who share stories about their lives. What could be more "enchanting"?
All those experiences await you and the special young people in your life at the Audubon Nature Center's Enchanted Forest on Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 2 and 3.
The adventure begins with stories and songs at a backyard campfire. Then participants are escorted around a luminary trail by volunteer "fireflies" that light the way with lanterns. Human-sized animals tell about their lives, sharing fascinating, fun and educational information through dramatic and entertaining stories.
The creatures along the trail this year will be Praying Mantis, Lightning Bug, Bat, Garter Snake, Monarch Butterfly, and Possum. They offer children and accompanying adults an opportunity to have a fun – but not scary – experience during the Halloween season. After about a 45-minute walk, there are refreshments and crafts inside, as well as a large animals cut-out photo op..
You can see a series of pictures from previous Enchanted Forests at www.audubonenchantedforest.wordpress.com. Click on "School Field Trips" there to watch a short video.
School groups, including day care and home schoolers, are invited to learn from Enchanted Forest creatures during Discovery Walks that can be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29-Thursday, Oct. 1, and then again the week of Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 27-Friday, Oct. 30. For more information on these one-and-a-half-hour Walks, to which you can add extra time for a building visit and lunch, go to www.audubonprograms.com/fieldtrips. If your school participates in BOCES Co-Ser 438.010, as many Chautauqua County schools do, your field trip may already be in the budget.
Participants are reminded to dress for the weather. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, close-toed shoes and insect repellent are recommended. The program takes place rain or shine, and there are no refunds.
Prepaid reservations are required to reserve a specific time slot from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m., with tours beginning every 10 minutes. Preferred time slots fill up quickly, and there are no ticket sales at the door, so make your reservations today. The fee is $12, $8 for Friends of the Nature Center, $6 for children 3-15, and free for children two and under.
To make reservations, call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or print and mail the online form at www.audubonenchantedforest.wordpress.com.
Forecon is a major sponsor of the Enchanted Forest, as well as Michaels. Additional sponsors are Kings' Heating, Carroll Rod & Gun Club, The Johanson Agency Inc., Stanton's Garage, Daryl Huber/Huber Blacktop LLC, and Busti Cider Mill.
This event would not be possible without the dedication of many volunteers, some of whom are registered with RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Enchanted Forest is funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Regrant Program with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administered by the Cattaraugus County Arts Council.
To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit www.jamestownaudubon.org.


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by Adriane Dorr
The staff of Lutheran Family Service of Iowa (LFS) takes Christs Word seriously: As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me (Matt. 25:40). This understanding guides their work and gives shape to the care they give to those in need.
Since 1901, LFS has served as a uniquely Lutheran human-care agency, providing adoption services, marriage counseling, crisis-pregnancy help and spiritual care. One of the Synods Recognized Service Organizations (RSO), LFS fosters and extends the mission and ministry of the Synods Office of National Mission (Life Together).
First called Lutheranish Kinderfreundgesellschaft (Lutheran Childrens Friend Society), LFS was established by concerned, compassionate Lutheran pastors and laymen. Their desire to show Christs mercy to the suffering remains unchanged more than 100 years later and causes us to be who we are: a ministry of the LCMS church to the people here in Iowa, explained Wanda Pritzel, acting executive director.
In 1930, the society opened a Lutheran orphanage, and by the 1950s, at least 1,000 children had passed through its doors. In the 1960s, the orphanage morphed into a home for pregnant, unmarried young women, and in the 1970s, LFS expanded again to meet the growing need for counseling services.
Two of those services include pregnancy counseling and adoption. According to Pritzel, approximately 115,000 children in the U.S. are in foster care and awaiting permanent, legal adoption. Additionally, more than 1 million infants are aborted nationwide each year, making the need for Christian families to adopt even more important.
The story of our salvation is consistent in every way with the story of adoption, noted Pritzel. God builds His family through adoption.
The organization offers assistance in other areas as well. Counseling is available for pastors. Couples struggling in their marriages can receive guidance as well. Support groups are also offered for people suffering from grief as a result of death or divorce, HIV or AIDS and sexual addiction.
The organizations dedication to Scripture and to serving the least of these continues to make LFS a shining example of the Churchs work of witness, mercy, life together, said Deaconess Dorothy Krans, director of the LCMS social-ministry organizations.
Reflecting Christs love in tangible, transparent ways sets LFS apart from secular agencies. Its uniqueness, Krans noted, is a result of its steadfast confession of the faith. Here is a Lutheran agency grounded in the witness of Christ, making the faithful confession in word and deed for the life of the world, she said. The Church is blessed to have such partners who engage the Church and community with the Gospel.
> To learn more about Lutheran Family Service of Iowa, visit www.lfsiowa.org
About the Author: Adriane Dorr is managing editor of The Lutheran Witness.
November 2011


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A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver(1973)
A novel by E L Konigsburg
Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, has been waiting in Heaven a long time -- eight centuries, more or less -- to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. Their reminiscences do far more than help distract Eleanor -- they also paint a rich portrait of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages.
Genre: Children's Fiction
Genre: Children's Fiction
Similar books by other authors
Used availability for E L Konigsburg's A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
Hardback Editions
August 2008 : USA Library Binding
January 2007 : USA Library Binding
October 2001 : USA Library Binding
October 2001 : USA Library Binding
February 1985 : USA Library Binding
July 1989 : USA Library Binding
December 1974 : UK Hardback
July 1973 : USA Hardback
1973 : USA Hardback
Title: A Proud Tasted for Scarlet and Miniver
Author(s): E L Konigsburg
ISBN: 0-670-10014-5 / 978-0-670-10014-9 (USA edition)
Publisher: Atheneum
Availability: Amazon
Paperback Editions
October 2001 : USA Paperback
October 2001 : USA Paperback
February 1985 : USA Paperback
December 1977 : USA Paperback
March 1973 : USA Paperback
Kindle Editions
June 2011 : USA, Australia, Canada Kindle edition
June 2011 : UK Kindle edition
Title: A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
Author(s): E L Konigsburg
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Availability: Amazon UK


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David Reviews
Former agency producer Rachel Hough has taken her Midas touch to sound studio String and Tins.
Greatcoat Films say their new signing, Shan Phearon, brings "an encyclopedic knowledge of film" to 29 Wadeson Street.
Object & Animal have completed the signing of German filmmaker Francisco Sendino for UK and US representation.
Academy have signed dancer-turned-director Remi Laudat to their roster for representation.
RSA have signed acclaimed director and photographer Meji Alabi to their roster for US and UK commercial representation.
Alabi's reel reflects the diverse cultures of his upbringing - having spent his formative years between London, Lagos, and Texas - and these influences shine through his use of vibrant imagery and distinctive storytelling style.
Not content to be constrained by any medium or genre, Alabi's work spans music promos, ad campaigns, and magazine editorials. His use of colour and appreciation for quirky street style has made him a unique point of contact between the African and Western markets - someone whose talent is very much found in translation.
He's an extraordinary young talent and I know a lot of people have been keeping tabs on his work.
Alabi is signed to RSA's sister company Black Dog for his music promo work, and the RSA team are enthusiastic to meet the director's commercial goals with the same verve.
"We've been discussing commercial representation with Meji for a while," says RSA MD Kai Hsiung. "He's an extraordinary young talent and I know a lot of people have been keeping tabs on his work with Black Dog. We can't wait to help him match his commercial ambition at RSA."
With upcoming projects which include work on Beyoncé's visual album 'Black is King', Alabi is sure to hit the ground running at RSA. His strong visual identity remains intact regardless of a shoot's scale - something which should make his shift into the commercial scene one to watch.
For more information about Meji Alabi, get in touch with RSA's Damiano Vukotic at firstname.lastname@example.com or on 020 7437 7426.
US animation studio Psyop have joined Riff Raff Films for representation in the UK and the Netherlands.
Anonymous Content have signed director Jovan Todorovic to their roster for representation.
Filmmaker Simon Hunter will now direct commercials and branded content under the 76 Ltd banner.
Paris-based production company Henry have completed the signing of director Martin Scali.
OKAY STUDIO have added colourist Ruth Wardell to their growing team.
BAFTA-winning comedy director Keri Collins has joined Presence and expanded their already impressive roster.
Partizan Studio have signed award-winning Dutch filmmaker Marlies van der Wel to their roster for representation.
Director and football fanatic Axelle Courlander has joined Dark Energy for commercial representation.
Hello Love are eager to see what Utahs Ed McCulloch can achieve on these shores after signing him for representation.
Work have appointed New York-based editor Dan de Winter to their global roster.
Story-driven content studio Third Channel have joined Agent Elson's stable for representation.
Visual content studio Coffee & TV have confirmed Martin Allan and Steve Waugh as their new creative directors.
Park Village have signed 'That Jam' - a directorial partnership comprising Joe Beverley and Sam Hurlock.
London-based director Coral Brown is the latest to join OB Management's roster of independent filmmakers.
Directing duo Canister have joined Common People Films for representation.
Merman have completed the signing of Czech director Martin Krejci for commercial representation in the UK.
Covid-19 has changed almost everything about the way we live it seems
and that includes how we eat a bucket of fried chicken.
RadicalMedia have completed the signing of commercials director Bethan Seller for global representation.
Dark Energy have added London-born director Ruth Sewell to their roster.
The Sweetshop have signed filmmaker Kate Halpin for commercial representation in Australia.
Hungry Man alumnus John O'Hagan has rejoined the company for global representation.


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Historical Wonders Italian Arch Bookends
|Not only do bookends fill a need to hold your books in place, they also serve to make your bookshelves more interesting. This fabulous pair of bookends depict an Italian arch in Italy. Cast in resin and beautifully finished to look like stone. From The Historical Wonders collection.
The common ingredient throughout Europe was man's increased awareness of himself and the physical world, and his ability to shape it and create in it. Architecture style in Italy progressed greatly during the Renaissance. Architects studied Roman buildings and building techniques, decorative motifs were borrowed directly from Roman sarcophagi and architecture itself.
Measures 7" high, 4.5" wide and 3.5" deep.


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Maldives government confers 'Rule of Nishan Izzudheen' on PM Modi
New Delhi: The Maldives government on Saturday conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi its highest honour for foreign dignitaries — 'Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen'. Modi received the award at a ceremony held at the President's office in Male.
According to a statement, the award was a recognition of the many services Prime Minister Modi has performed to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between India and the Maldives, and for the assistance the Indian government continues to provide to the Maldives under Modi's stewardship.
The award has earlier been given to Duke of Edinburgh Earl Mountbatten in 1972, President of South Korea Chun Doo Hwan in 1984, Commonwealth secretary general Shridath Ramphal in 1989, Prince of Saudi Arabia Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2009
and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas in 2013 among others.
Modi arrived in Maldives earlier in the day, for his first foreign visit after his re-election.


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The Orlando area continues to lead the state in job creation, adding 42,700 new private-sector jobs over the year in March. The unemployment rate in Orlando was 3.9 percent, down 0.5 percentage point from one year ago. In the last year, Florida businesses created 233,800 new jobs, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,353,000.
"This growth sends a message across the entire country that Florida is the best place for businesses to invest and for families to find opportunities to succeed," said Gov. Rick Scott in a prepared statement.
The industries with the largest job gains over the year in the Orlando area were:
- Leisure and hospitality, 12,000 new jobs
- Trade, transportation and utilities, 8,200 new jobs
- Professional and business services, 7,100 new jobs
In March, Orlando remained second for state metro areas in job demand with 34,402 job openings. Orlando also had the second-highest demand for high-skill, high-wage STEM (science, tech, engineering and math) occupations with 9,679 openings.
Here's a county breakdown of the Central Florida unemployment rate for March:
- Orange: 3.8 percent
- Seminole: 3.8 percent
- Lake: 4.2 percent
- Osceola: 4.4 percent
- Brevard: 4.5 percent
- Volusia: 4.5 percent
And here's a breakdown by metropolitan statistical area in Central Florida for the unemployment rate in March:
- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford:3.9 percent
- Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach: 4.5 percent
- Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: 4.5 percent
Statewide, Florida businesses created 60,600 new jobs in first-quarter 2017 and the unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent. For the fifth consecutive year, Florida's annual job growth rate of 3.2 percent is exceeding the nation's rate of 1.7 percent. More than 26,844 Floridians were placed in jobs by CareerSource Central Florida and the state's other 23 regional workforce boards.
Credit: (http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2017/04/21…)


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There are two big but bloody obvious issues at stake as the nations of the world meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the third International Conference on Financing for Development this week: finding the money then monitoring that money.
The first issue, of course, focuses on the shape and structure of the trillions of dollars in financing from all partners — south and north, public and private — that will be delivered over the course of the 15-year life span of the new global goals for sustainable development, but without good data, the dollars don't go so far or always where they are intended. That's where the Addis accord must chart a new path.
If the accord properly combines the money with the data-based monitoring, it could herald a positively disruptive breakthrough that upends the sometime complacent way too much development policy is currently conducted. This would accelerate dramatic improvements in the lives of the poorest people on the planet and, in time, everyone else too.
Addis #FFD3 is trying hard not to bill itself as a pledging conference, but even if you accept that, it still must set the structure for how at least $2 trillion in existing aid alone will be spent over the next 15 years. Multiplied many times by domestic public finance to fight poverty, and then leverage in private investment on top of that, and we are talking serious money for sustainable development. The sums at stake dwarf those being discussed when it comes to the vexed issues of Greece's exit (or not) from the eurozone.
So a most basic, obvious aim of Addis is to ensure that enough of these huge sums are spent in the most effective way to help the poorest countries end extreme poverty and beat climate change by 2030 — a core aim of the new global goals.
There is a simple, powerful and persuasive proposal on the table to do just that: a basic-needs social compact extending to every citizen on the planet, to ensure that any citizen living under or close to the $1.25 threshold is reached and empowered with a package of basic social services. This would be financed through a reallocation of existing aid toward the poorest countries (currently only a third goes to the poorest countries — those with least access to nonaid forms of finance — and that must rise to a half), but the least-developed countries must also increase their own domestic anti-poverty allocations, by boosting tax takes and revenues raised domestically.
This would set nations on a path to finance their own development. They will need targeted, smart aid to build that capacity, plus improved transparency and global cooperation on tax. But above all, the delivery of this compact must be underpinned with far better data about and for the poorest it is intended to reach. The funds will fail them without it, which, frankly, happens more often than most in development want to admit.
In fact, to all development policy practitioners a plea: Let's admit that we have a data crisis.
A few months ago, I visited a village in rural Tanzania where some services were being partially provided — especially in health — but many others were shoddily delivered (if at all). This was because the village's executive officer didn't know how many people lived in his village, nor their gender and ethnic breakdown, nor the budgets for health, agriculture and education. All of this data was, in fact, on a poster that I spotted behind his desk — but this poster had peeled off the wall in a most depressing fashion. When we investigated further, we found that the data was all out of date.
I've visited these local offices many times in the past, but too often as part of some VIP's entourage. On these occasions, the posters are pristine and brimming with up-to-date data, but on this occasion, I went alone and saw a different truth.
This local incompetence crushes central governments' best-laid plans and slows the fight against extreme poverty. Only 10 percent of Africans live in countries where citizens can scrutinize national budgets and expenditures, according to the Open Budget Index.
The inert data on that peeling poster was dead — and killing both progress and actual people. Better data would help central governments identify and remedy such a lack of local capacity, sheer incompetence or — worse — corruption, and help local citizens hold their public officials accountable.
Furthermore, the facts about far too many development projects are siloed into separate boutique data subsets that chase funders' fashionable pet projects and shafts of academic light that cover specific sectoral subissues, but which are set amid national statistical systems starved of cash and lacking political prioritization.
It's hard to target funds efficiently when the people whom they are intended to help aren't even accounted for. A quarter of countries where the poorest people live are using data on extreme poverty that is at least a decade old.
It's also hard to target funds efficiently when you don't even know where the poorest live, whether they are alive, or how they died. One-third of births aren't registered, two-thirds of deaths and their causes aren't registered, and, broadly, the quality and quantity of available data declines the closer we get to the poorest people whom global development policy is most supposed to serve.
The ultimate aim of the Addis accord must be to turn this on its head and enable governments, citizens and the media to follow financial information flows in the public interest through interoperable data sets through the entire system — from aid, tax and extractives revenue payments into the government budgets of developing countries, onward into local budgets, and down to the grassroots delivery of vital services. The system must then provide feedback on whether the money and services provided are achieving the results intended.
This is why a new partnership for open data will be announced in Addis, marshalling innovations and investments to support better open statistics and calling for the recruitment of a worldwide movement of evidence-based activists — "factivists" — connected tech-savvy citizens armed with mobile phones. They can help fill data gaps where necessary and follow these money flows — south, north and through the whole system — holding global and national promises accountable for delivering local results where the most left behind and currently uncounted actually live.
The global partnership for development has made massive progress since 2000, but this new partnership for better data is now mission-critical if we are to help citizens determine their own destiny and drive extreme poverty down to zero.
Devex is in Addis to give you the inside track on #Fin4Dev. Follow @Devex, @richard_devex and @AlterIgoe to get the latest news and developments from #FFD3.


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Admission Procedure
Admission open July - 2018 for Nursery class
Admission open July - 2018 for Nursery class
The Amity Global School nurtures socially responsible individuals that, although rooted in Indian values, are also aware of and respectful towards all cultures.
Provides extensive and excellent quality extracurricular programs. It has an award-winning robotics team with a state of the art facility and recently renovated technology center.


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okay boomers what's good
Please allow me to introduce your heart to day five of the daily delish: okay boomers what's good. I was recently introduced to the #adviceforboomers and had an interesting conversation with my son about it. Today, I talk about this in the context of the creative process and transformation. EnJOY!
Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? Every Tuesday, I put forth interestingness and a free gift. It's the best way to stay connected to my work in these digitally shifting times.
I happily accept and invite donations to support my work if you are so moved. 💖
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The Truro School 2014 South Africa Rugby/Football Tour Film was finally premiered to a packed Burrell Theatre on Friday 3rd October. Everything went like clockwork and the film was well received by the parents, pupils and teachers, much to my relief.
I must admit, I was nervous beforehand. I have shown films to audiences in the past and the technology has occasionally let me down. But that was a long time ago. The school theatre is well equipped with a new top of the range Blueray HD video projector with 5.1 Dolby surround sound. I was worried that the film projected from a standard definition DVD onto a large screen would lack definition and image quality. Nothing could be further from the truth. The opposite was the case. It looked like a feature film and the shots of the South African landscape and the sports action were truly stunning. I was blown away with the images.
I was also more than a tad concerned that the film, at 55 minutes in length, would be far too long for the YouTube generation if not for their parents as well. But I needn't have worried. I decided in South Africa that the film would consist of two main sections with an ad. break in the middle. The first leg was of Durban and its hinterland and Cape town was the setting for the second leg. In each half there were a mix of sport and sight seeing – each dove-tailing in and out with the other. I lay a music bed, comprised largely of the AKM CD "Africa" and downloads from Audioblocks. One of our Drama students-cum-rugby players, James Stevenson, co-narrated with Glynn Hooper, Truro School's Director of Football.
I sat in the back row of the theatre sandwiched between "Tank" our physio and Jayne Grigg, the Headmaster's secretary and parent of one of the members of the pack. I couldn't have wished for a better reaction from the audience. They laughed at the jokes, applauded the last minute tries and goals and generally marvelled at the South African landscape. To watch the film again, after completing the edit a month ago – and on the big screen, gave me a real buzz. It was just a wonderful feeling observing an appreciative audience.
The parents were given a free copy of the DVD as a keepsake and were invited to donate to a charitable concern that I will be setting up officially next week. We raised £185 towards my £1000 target.
The film was shot on a Sony PMWEX1, (internal microphone only) and a Manfrotto monopod. I used Premier Pro for editing and colour correction.
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GV Mobile+ – the most popular Google Voice iPhone app has finally hit the App store.
Yesterday, we had reported that GV Connect was available on the App Store making it the first Google Voice app to be approved by Apple after making changes to its App Developer agreement and were expecting GV Mobile+ to be approved soon.
GV Mobile developed by Sean Kovacs was one of several third party apps that were built on Google Voice to offer better call management services to users. Apple had rejected GV Mobile along with several other apps last year citing duplicity of features.
But last week we had reported that Apple had contacted Sean Kovacs and had indicated that his application will be accepted if it was resubmitted to the App Store for review.
Sean has just announced that GV Mobile+ has just been approved to the App Store:
After a long year and a half of being home sick, GV Mobile (+) makes an epic return to the App Store.
GV Mobile is available on the App Store for $2.99 and you can download it using this iTunes link. (Note: The app is still propagating to all the servers, so it may take a bit before it shows up)
Unfortunately, Kovacs had deleted the Google Voice iPhone app after it was rejected from the App Store so he had to release it with a new name, which means that users who owned the original GV Mobile iPhone will have to still pay for GV Mobile+.
It will be interesting to see when Apple will approve Google's official Google Voice iPhone app.
As always, don't forget to drop us a line to give us your feedback.
[via Sean Kovacs's blog]


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Web designing can be tough and if you are not cut out for it, you have really come to the right place today as we are going to be looking at some of the wonderful things you can get when you hire a web designer. When it comes to web designers, they really know how to design and to come up with beautiful and classy websites which you might really want and really need for those things that you are going to be using them for. There are actually a lot of people who are on the internet who are doing really great jobs and if you really wish to sell products and sell services online, you should really first come up with a good website and you can not really get a good website without having someone design a web for you. Today, we are going to be looking at getting a web designer to help you with your websites so if you are curious to find out more about these kinds of services, just stick around and continue reading down below.
When it comes to these web designers, they can really help you with your web design because they are very experienced and they really have a lot of knowledge about web designs. When it comes to web designing, this can really be tough and if you are not cut out for it, you are really not going to do a very good job because it can really require skills and knowledge. We hope that you will really not hesitate to go and get a great web designer to help you get those websites that you are really hoping to have to help you with your business or with your market. There are those people who really just go and hire a web designer right away because they know that they will really not do good at this web designing feat. There are so many really great web designers out there that you can go and hire so you are not going to have a hard time trying to find them.
Another really great thing about these web designers is that they are going to help you with everything so this is so convenient indeed. If you had to do your own web design, this can be very hard for you and it can be a big inconvenience for you because this can really take time and you might not have all the time to do these things. We hope that you will really not hesitate to go and hire these wonderful web designer services out there as they can really give you what you want and they can really make you very happy indeed.
What No One Knows About Businesses


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Clinical Biostatistics (PVL 100777):
The Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, a vibrant and collaborative basic science department in the School of Medicine & Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks applicants for a tenure-track assistant or associate professor whose research focuses on clinical biostatistics and clinical trials. The successful applicant for this position will join a department with a long history of research, training, and collaborative activity in clinical trials. We are looking for someone to contribute to new biostatistical approaches, techniques, and strategies for the design, monitoring, and analysis of clinical trials.
This is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in clinical trials and clinical biostatistics.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit the UW Jobs website https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/503314/professor-of-clinical-biostatistics to submit your application.
The assured consideration date is December 15, 2019, although late applications may be considered.


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Time through Human Eyes
Chapter 1
This simple moment could be one of the happiest of my life. I'm standing out front of a deserted convenience store, picking through post cards I don't plan on buying, and he's standing across from me, looking through post cards that I know he hasn't thought about buying, smiling.
Another warm and sunny December day casually passes by. It's always nice, the feeling of being a million miles away from home, not thinking on any of the everyday things you think about in your everyday life. There is no cooking, no washing or cleaning, no mail to collect, no alarms to set and best of all no job to attend, no responsibilities of any kind.
I met James just over a year ago, in a city a few thousand miles from here, in an altogether different country. He joined the company I was working for, and there seemed to be an instant interest between us. Within weeks, we had started secretly dating. In less than six months, we were out in the open and engaged.
For someone else it might seem hurried, for us, it was perfect timing.
As I look at him I realise, he could quite possibly be the most handsome man I have met. He styles his short, dark blonde hair combed neatly back away from his face, his eyes are the colour of the clear blue sky, and he stands just shy of six feet tall, a couple of inches taller than I do. He wears a suit most days due to his work, but I like it best when he dresses down, as he has today, in dark blue jeans and light blue t-shirt.
I could literally spend hours looking at him, and having married exactly seventy-eight hours ago, I am certain he's feeling the same.
We married on a cool summer's day, amongst draping flowering trees, followed by a marquee reception within the same landscaped gardens. Decorated the marquee was with a variety of flowers, all in an array of different colours, and crystal led lighting chandeliers throughout. It was a small affair with our closest friends and family being invited, having decided to keep the wedding small for two reasons. One, we honestly only wanted to have the ones we cared for most share in this special day, and two, by keeping the wedding small there would be more money to spend on the most important thing, the honeymoon.
Now here we are, in sunny Florida, and the room service is definitely great. We are staying in an exclusive small hotel, with direct access to the hotel's own private beach; it's where we've happily spent most of our time.
"Come on," James says taking my hand and we walk. The air is warm, it feels as if a blanket is brushing up against my skin, and the chatter of strangers talking sounds musical, mixing in with the different songs playing from one store to the other.
As we walk to nowhere, I snuggle into him that bit closer.
"I love you," he whispers into my hair. I think of all the ways I love him back, but I don't reply. He looks down at his watch. I feel him instantly tense. "We're going to be late," he says at an incredible speed.
"Late for what?" He doesn't answer instead pulls me to run with him. I should have known he was planning something when he asked me to wear his favourite dress. Regardless, I put on the cherry print dress, and matched it with my new, beige, wooden wedge heels, coincidently a bad choice for running.
"Late for what?" I yell, as we hurry down a quiet street, with banana trees overgrowing in residential front yards. At its end, the street meets with the warm coastal waters, of the Gulf of Mexico.
"I've made a reservation for a dinner cruise. They have the best seafood in town. We're not missing it, so run," and so we keep running.
As we near the pier, we see a large boat with multi coloured light bulbs hung across its railings, and three tall masts. It's a beautiful black and gold historical tall ship. The kind you can picture men slaving on a hundred years ago. Along the side of the boat, in large, fancy, white script, reads its name, 'New Beginnings.'
Crewmembers are busy packing the detachable bridge from the pier, pulling at ropes leading to the boat. We run faster, passing a flustered, elderly couple on the way that appear to be racing at snail speed, trying to reach the same boat. James sprints ahead reaching the crew first. He waves his hands in my direction, trying to convince them to wait. "Just a few more minutes," he finishes saying, as I reach his side.
One of the crewmembers agrees to let us on board, so then we make them wait for the elderly couple. Guided by various workers we pass along the way, we dash up a short flight of stairs. The stairs lead to a finely decorated, wooden-trimmed dining area. It stretches all the way out to the back of the boat.
An attractive blonde woman, dressed in the crew's uniform of red shirts, navy pants, and matching silk floral scarfs, greets us. She collects a couple of menus and then shows us to our table by one of the windows. Placing our drinks order before we have seated, we tell her to bring us cocktails, leaving it to her to decide which type. We set ourselves a challenge at the beginning of our holiday that we would try every available cocktail.
Slumping into our booth seats, we smile at each other in triumph, as the boat begins to coast across the calm turquoise water. James explains how he had planned this dinner for the last two days. He talks about how the boat is renowned for its amazing food. It is one of the rare places you can get a piece of truly authentic Key lime pie. Not the greenie custard variety sometimes sold over the counter. Booked out for weeks in advance, he was able to convince the receptionist to prioritise our booking in the event of a cancellation. By a stroke of luck or sheer persistence, here we are.
"It's a beautiful boat," I tell him.
"You're beautiful," he replies in an instant. Leaving me lost for words, I laugh, as the waitress sets down a couple of obscure named, orange coloured cocktails.
Nothing quite compares to a Key West sunset.
We sip the fruity drinks watching out the small window as the sun begins to set across the ocean in a glorious golden-red glow, another day brilliantly welcoming its night. A subtle warm breeze flows through the boat, making the various coloured light bulbs tinker against the railings.
"There is nowhere I would rather be," James says. I return his comment with a smile. "Seriously, I love you so much."
He waits a moment, waiting to hear those words, the ones he has been trying to get out of me for the past two hours. Losing patience, he begins to try to tickle the words out of me, but I refuse. I refuse to say, 'I love you.'
I know that if I don't say those three words he will continue to say them over and over again, and I want to hear him say them, over and over and over again.
I change the subject to the Caribbean delights on the menu. It works well in distracting him. When the waitress returns for the second time, having given us adequate time to review the menu and collaborate orders, we ask for fish soup entrees, curried coconut lobster mains, a side of fresh oysters, plus another two cocktails of a different variety, completely forgetting the pies.
"Say it," he says, but I won't. "Why?"
The frustration starting to show on his face through the wrinkles between is eyes.
"Because I want you to keep saying it," I tell him, and he laughs. He laughs loud enough that the couple at the table next to us turn and stare. I smile at the large, round man and his skinny, sunburnt date, but they return my smile with looks that remind me of the way my parents looked at me, when I misbehaved as a child. Fighting back the urge to stick my tongue out at them, I instead look over the rest of the room.
Every table is set with decorative China, and silverware on royal blue tablecloths, each chair with its matching royal blue ribbon tie. The majority of diners are couples, probably newlyweds too. The Florida Keys appears to be a popular honeymoon destination. There are a few families with young children, and scattered small groups.
At the opposite far side windows, is the elderly couple we helped get on the boat.
"Look, there's that couple who were running late," I point in their direction, before whispering to James, "How cute, they're holding hands." The couple shares the same shade of silvery hair. It reflects a golden colour in the glow of the slow-moving sunset. Holding each other's frail, wrinkled hands, they talk, oblivious to everyone else in the room. The look in their eyes is one of nothing less, than blissful content. "Will you hold my hand when I'm that old?"
"That's the plan." Without missing a beat, he always finds the words, to make me feel secure and safe.
The air starts to fill with the smells of traditional island cooking, as various diners begin to receive their meals. My stomach grumbles in anticipation, while a flurry of birds of indigenous breeds race across the sky, trying to make it home before dark. The sun completes its graceful farewell, and the night slowly begins to move, inviting colourful district lights to illuminate the coast.
When our meals arrive, we feast on perfectly seasoned soups, followed by the freshest lobsters on earth. We both agree we should order more oysters. The good reviews about the food on this boat have proven true. We find that by the time, we've finished eating our meals, we're already on our fourth cocktail each, and the thick, warm night air begins to engulf us.
Cuban music plays through large black and chrome speakers, sending the sound bouncing across the darkened waters. The rhythm attests enticing to various patrons, who start to move to the small open-air dance floor. I move to James' side of the booth, the closer to him the better. He welcomes me into his arms, as he orders two more cocktails. There are three more drinks on the menu we haven't yet tried.
"Should I go blonde?" I ask, not out of insecurity, but that I actually consider it as I watch the waitress return to the bar for our drinks, her long, wavy, blonde hair in a trailing ponytail behind her.
"Alice, you know I love your brown hair, and I love your sexy new haircut." He pulls me closer with one arm, runs his free hand through my newly layered hair. I'm still getting used to the new length. It reaches mid-way down my back, short considering I've always had long, waist length hair. Now it falls into a V-shape at the back, with a short fringe that sits above my eyebrows, and flicked to one side.
I move my legs over his lap, my arms around his neck, just to be closer still.
"And I love your chocolate brown eyes," he adds as he kisses my lips. Then as his eyes look over my body he continues, "And I love your –"
"Okay, I get it." I kiss him, only harder this time.
We talk between kisses, planning things we will do over the next few days. Things such as snorkelling and hiring a sea kayak to further explore these beautiful waters. We get excited again, about the four-night cruise, we are taking through the Bahamas, then continue going over plans for the next few weeks. Plans of staying with friends we haven't seen in ages who now live in England, the same two friends who convinced us to move there for the next eighteen months.
After the honeymoon, we will be having our first white Christmas.
As excited as we are about the move, it was a difficult decision. We both love our island home of Australia. We've left everyone we care for, jobs we actually liked, and then there was the hassle of moving our belongings into storage. In the end, we couldn't resist the opportunity to live abroad for a while. Besides, we'll be back home soon enough and better off for it, considering the wages are higher in London.
Before getting started on our fifth fruity cocktails that arrive right-on queue with our second serving of oysters, we decide to go for a dance. Making our way, we manoeuvre around dining tables, as stars float above us, through small, rounded windows. Reaching the dance floor, we stay for a while, occasionally bumping into other dancers, but doing a good interpretation of salsa dancing in my opinion.
The dance floor extends to the exterior of the boat, where the multi-coloured light bulbs hang from the railings. We start to tire, so we head to the railings for a rest. Sprinkles of water fill the fresh, sea air having bounced off the waves.
"New Beginnings," I mumble as I lean over the side of the boat, considering the significance of the words, with all the new beginnings for us – a new home, in a new country, and with this move, new jobs, and new friends. Playing with the antique, diamond ring James gave me for our engagement, I roll it around my finger. It sits below my new wedding band. They sparkle against the light coming from the moon.
These rings usher a new name for me. We are now, Mr and Mrs Whyte.
"New Beginnings," James mumbles back. He stands behind me, running his fingers through my hair. He then wraps his arms around my waist, leans over me, so that he too can look over the side, at the lightly illuminated water below. The breeze created by the moving boat cools our skin. He smiles, then breaks our peaceful silence, "Let's go inside, we have oysters to finish remember."
He leads me through the dim dance floor, breaking into a dance here and there. We once again manoeuvre past dining tables, until we are back at our own private booth. We start on our drinks straightaway, pineapple ones this time. We eat the oysters at super speed, until there is one oyster left on the plate. Finishing our drinks, we order a pair of creamy cocktails, leaving only two still to taste.
The waitress returns with our drinks. I check with her how much longer we have left on the cruise. She tells me we have about an hour before docking, plenty of time for two more drinks, but I have to admit to feeling somewhat tipsy already.
All the sounds around us seem to have become progressively louder, from the conversations and laughter to the music streaming from the speakers. Even the sound of plates and cutlery clattering in the nearby kitchen seem all the more chaotic. There are a number of drunken dancers, strutting their stuff on the dance floor, and there are tired children, sitting on tired parent's laps. The grumpy couple seated next to our table, share the last remnants of a cheesy marinated tuna steak.
We start to debate which one of us should get the last oyster, when the large, round man begins choking on the piece of tuna steak he was chewing. With an unexpected heave, he violently spits out the tuna piece. It goes flying out of his mouth, and tumbles down our table, landing smack bang in the middle of the last oyster on our plate. We break out in laughter, but the screams from the skinny, sunburnt woman seated next to him, tame our amusement.
The large man is bleeding from the mouth. As crewmembers rush to his aid, he stands up, and they stop short, having realised there is nothing they can do. There is a gaping hole in his chest, where his heart should be. Face first he falls on the dining table. Behind him, stands a peculiar man, holding his heart in one hand.
Other than the screaming woman and the music still playing through the speakers, there is no other sound in the room. Even the most intoxicated dancers on the dance floor are still. No one seems capable of moving, including James and myself.
"Get down on the floor, get on the floor now," one of the crewmembers yells at the man holding the heart, who has been scanning the room, his long, white-blonde hair, serenely floating behind him. Anxious workers move to surround him. He continues to stand, almost smiling. He watches the crewmembers scattering around him.
I turn to James trying to gain some perspective. In a blur of movement, an enormous scuffle breaks out on the dance floor. Screams begin bellowing from every direction, as further fights start, including one between the white-blonde haired man, and several now terrified crewmembers.
"Get under the table." I think it is James yelling. I have lost my focus. The room starts to spin in my head. "Alice, get under the table," James shouts, grabbing a hold of my arm. I crawl to ground. We huddle holding onto each other.
"Did you see what he's wearing? Who dresses like that?" I say, trying to make sense of things. He is wearing obviously old Victorian styled clothing. James tries to calm me, but I can't stop myself from rambling. "It's his skin, it's whiter than anyone's I've ever seen. His blue eyes are more a misty, bluey shade of white."
The screaming subsides to outbursts of an eerie intensity. It is hard to keep track of what is happening, other than everyone is fighting or hiding. From our viewpoint from under the table, we can see several concurrent, violent, bloody brawls, each leading to several bodies falling to the floor. I realise there are tears streaming down my face. I don't make a sound in case someone somewhere notices. As I huddle into James, partly hidden behind his arms, something amongst all the chaos in the opposite corner catches my eye. Its stillness is what makes it obvious.
Crouched on the floor holding a small child, at first, I mistake it for one of the parents. I focus, and the scene unfolds, making every hair on my arms stand upright. Resembling a wild animal that has conquered its prey, its teeth locked on the child's neck. Pale, translucent skin exposing the throbbing, blue veins beneath, as the blood pulses through them. Its arms a firm weave around the child's limp body. Its pallid, lime green eyes, stare at us. A lost droplet of blood escapes, devoured is the rest. All the while, those lime eyes stare with an undeniable intention directed, entirely at us.
It can't end this way. The words run circles in my head. Followed by another single, unimaginable word, vampire.
Everything changes with an immense crashing sound. The boat has run aground. With an incredible force, both James and I go flying in opposite directions, along with booth seats and tables, as the boat's foundations crumble. I land head first into the opposite wall shielded only by my hands. Water starts filling through a giant hole in the front of the room. By the time I regain a complete standing position, I am chest deep submerged, my vision blurring from the massive hit to the head. I feel for damage, turning my hands bloody.
James – I try to focus and search what is left of the room. The water level starts to reach my face. I take one final, massive breath before I am deep in water, dragged deeper by the pull of the sinking boat. Falling into the depths of its darkness, the ocean's silence is serene, in some way safe after the chaos floating above it. For a moment, I linger in this quietude. A flash of movement, something shooting past, sends water rippling in my direction, startling me back into action.
I fight against the drag, trying with all my strength to swim back to the surface. My throat burns for air. If it were possible, there would be tears still streaming down my face. I struggle harder. There is sky somewhere above. I need to find James.
Almost resigned, my face breaks through the water's surface. I take the longest breath, my lungs strain to contain it. There are desperate sounds of crying, calls for help. In the darkness, it's impossible to make out any faces. I call for James, but there's no reply. Debris and faceless bodies trying to keep afloat, riddle the water.
My heart only keeps sinking.
A larger piece of wood floats by, I grab at it with both hands, pulling my body on top of it. It is a piece containing part of the boat's name. Worlds away from the mindset I held earlier, looking down at this name, I now lie on it, struggling against the darkness. The words I never said left sitting on my lips.
The cover really captured my attention, it is beautiful and the story, well let's just say that I can't wait to read some more.
Chapter 2
The first thing I notice is the coolness against my skin. For a short moment, a feeling of being safe, as if waking up in your own bed in the morning, rushes over me. Then, actual recognition of not being in any bed at all seeps into my mind. The cold, hard surface beneath me, triggers memories of the last moments of despair before the darkness, these memories creep through every part of my body, willing me to be still.
Flashbacks of the night before run through my head. Images of everyone fighting, scurrying as though bewildered animals, or hiding beneath tables. It is the thoughts of James that come to mind, cause the hardest struggle against the urge to leap to my feet, in search of him. I clear my mind. Hold my eyes closed in an attempt to conceal my waking, feel my surroundings first. I listen.
It is quiet. The only sound is an internal thud; it accompanies a blunt, pulsing pain coming from the side of my head. My hair is wet and matted, pressed up against my face. I can see light in that warm shade you see it in, when you close your eyes against the sun. Several futile minutes pass.
I open my eyes, using my eyelids to shield myself from an unwelcomed reality, brought about, by a resolute feeling of being watched. In large squares of white and black, a marble floor begins to sprawl outward from my narrow vision, beneath my matted hair. The marble shines against the light in this currently infinite room.
I pick myself up, and with every small ascent, as though a cold, silent breeze, their faces appear. Encircling me, they fill every end of the room. Observing with severe fascination, through striking, deviant faces, they share an evil perfection within their features. A look of carved statutes made of the same substance that they stand on. I am the only human among them. There are at least one hundred of them.
My waking brings smiles to some observer's faces, revealing the sharp teeth hiding beneath their lips, others snicker at each other, share whispers too faint to decipher.
I mask emotions trying to contain the fear rising within me. This unnatural world becomes all that there is. Held in voiceless stillness, a reflection of my watchers, there is no tangible escape. I am a feeble lamb led to the slaughter. All the while, they watch, most of them stand, some lean against decorative columns. Dressed in fine formal attire, they congregate, stare, and whisper.
Across from me, beneath savage, painted depictions of war, staging numerous men losing limbs and lives is an area furnished with armchairs and lounges of a French Provisional style. Black and white striped lounges that currently comfort several lazing vampires, sprawled as royalty, beckoning to be served. Slim silhouettes of bone and muscle, they are reminiscent of well-bred greyhounds, which share in the same flawless, dusty skin, transcending human races, creating a new collective one.
Every so often, I catch one of their iniquitous eyes, and one after another, they sneer, exposing longer-than-normal human canine teeth. One particularly vicious female with straight, jet-black hair, and an assortment of large gold jewellery, glares at me with her yellow eyes from the centre armchair.
Leaning forward, she is poised as though ready to pounce.
"What a sad, little mouse, did you get caught out in the rain little one?" she asks – the amused, lazing vampires laugh. Groomed as if attending a formal dinner, they casually share in social chatter, as droplets of blood splatter on the marble floor, having rolled off the length of my hair.
"A cat got her tongue, perchance," says a female in a light-gold layered dress.
"I thought a dog would be fun?" says a male standing behind her. They share extended glances between one another. They come to an unspoken agreement.
The murmurings from the rest of the room of vampires intensify. Dread finds me as I regard the cruelty these powerful creatures can inflict, but rather than allow them the satisfaction of a fearful display, I glare back at them. The yellow-eyed vampire waves her hand. The attention in the room turns to the left doors where an extremely tall, bald male in a midnight blue tuxedo stands.
"Let the game begin," he bellows with a deep rasping voice that echoes through the hall, as he slams down on the floor, three consecutive times, with a thick, wooden walking stick. The hall waits in silence, before movement begins amongst the standing vampires to my right. They disperse enough to make way for a male vampire, with piercing grey eyes, and long, dark brown hair.
He comes to stand a few steps ahead of the rest.
For an extended time he simply stares with eyes that command attention, his inner intentions unclear. Pulling a blade from the inside of his long, dark-grey jacket, he leans down. In a palpable gesture to arm not harm, he slides the blade across the marble floor. Perfect precision, the blade stops a few inches from my bare feet. He disappears back into the crowd.
I stare down at the knife. An embellished handle with glistening stones of red and white, rubies and diamonds, sparkles under the bright lights. The blade sits slightly curved upward at the tip. I look away, avoiding ideas, why a blade curves this way. Through the hum of murmurs, I catch scattered words here and there.
"You will lose," is the most common phrase.
A resounding further three slams of the walking stick, and the distinct sound of heavy, animal paws tapping along the marble start at the doors to the left, and come to stop behind me. I consider my options, with nowhere to run, no one to help if I scream, no one to care if I plead, one option remains. In a continuous motion, I lower myself, picking up the knife. I turn to face what stalks behind me.
Soundlessly, two enormous, vampiric dogs stand, hairless, with black and dark-blue skin. They break their noiseless stance the second I complete my turn – ferocious snarls, savage growling, saliva drips off their extended teeth. A muscular, female vampire stands between them. Electric blue coloured streaks through her short, light brown hair. She shares her sinister smile with everyone in the room, while tapping a short, wooden whip against her long, pencil skirt.
"One by one or all at once?" says the female with the jet-black hair. I turn to my side to watch her as various by-standing vampires yell, "All at once."
Their response invites a sadistic smile to her small, sharp face. She rises from her comfortable chair, walking closer to the centre of the hall, opening the palm of her right hand as she moves, to reveal a large, golden coin.
"All at once or one by one?" she says.
"Only one," says a smooth male voice, in an English accent. His comment sends sniggers rippling through the entire vampire ensemble. The female with the jet-black hair and yellow eyes, surveys the room, seemingly pondering the suggestion. After a moment, she smiles, appearing satisfied with an internal decision.
"Only one or both at once, who will second?" she commands.
"I will second," says a velvety, female voice. A splash of her dark red hair is visible from where she stands at the back of the crowd of vampires. Imperceptibly, she holds the power to bargain with my destiny.
"Then choose a side," says the yellow-eyed vampire.
"Heads," calls the male with the English accent.
The hall fills with the sounds of vampire whispers.
She plays with the golden coin in her hand, flicking it down along her red, manicured fingers. She takes her time. Then, with a soft, high throw, the coin tumbles through the air, past carvings of tangled snakes, arranged around black, crystal chandeliers, before falling to ground. It rolls for a length of time, and then stops.
My fate is sealed.
The yellow-eyed vampire walks over to the idle coin, her long, tan, organza gown floating across the room. After slightly lowering her fiendish yellow eyes, she turns, making her way back to her chair. About to retake her seat and with her back still turned to the crowd she proclaims, "Heads it is."
I turn to face the dogs, with a subtle instruction from its guardian vampire, one lurches in my direction – unsure what drives me, in a state somewhere beyond fear; I harden my stance, aim the curved tip of the blade toward the ground, and prepare for the attack. The dog charges, as it gets within arm's length, I begin to swing down with the knife – we meet at a point, where we are face-to-face, its putrid breath has swept across the space between us.
I plunge the blade deep into its skull.
A discordant yell escapes the mouth of the blue haired vampire. She is ready to attack in the hound's defence, but it has ended in less than a second. The dog's momentum pushes its limp body sliding past me, across the marble floor, all the way to the lazing vampires. It comes to a stop at the feet, of the vampire with the jet-black hair. The hall buzzes with an excited anticipation. My hands covered in blood, I have escaped, unharmed.
The vampire with the jet-black hair bursts out in laughter. The rest of room joins her, all except for the guardian vampire who leaves, her remaining dog, following closely behind her. In time, the laughter subsides. The yellow-eyed vampire digs her stiletto heel into the dead dog's shoulder. She wrenches the blade out from its scull. Throwing the knife at the standing vampires, it is caught by the grey-eyed one.
"Nice selection, John. I am – entertained," she says. The grey-eyed vampire offers her a small bow. She motions with a sweeping wave of her hand. A large vampire, whose appearance reflects a biker gang member, dressed in three-piece suit, appears by my side. Another wave of her hand, she concludes, "Remove it from the Court."
At once, the large vampire is pulling me by the arm, in the direction of the large, black doors to the right. I allow the vampire to lead me. We pass the grey-eyed vampire. He is watching us, as the rest of the room of vampires, has already forgotten us. I try not to imagine what he has gained in supplying the knife.
A strange calmness runs through my body as we pass him by.
We make our way through the open doors. Two determined vampires march down the long, plain corridor, delivering the next unwilling contestant. A vampire at each arm, screaming, and trying to get free from their explicit hold, is the blonde waitress from the boat. Her beautiful long, wavy hair in curtains of firm knots. Her torn navy pants exposing dried blood across her deeply scraped knees. They drag her past. As recognition crosses her desperate face, she begins to plead for me to help her, but there is nothing, I can do for her.
Chapter 3
The metal bar door slams shut against the concrete wall. The suited, biker vampire has disappeared back up the high staircase that leads to the long, plain corridor of the hall. Leaning my back against these bars, I look across the dim, ice-cold room, filled with strangers, huddling together for warmth. Some of them are hurt – bleeding or crying, others seem less harmed. All are lost in a shared misery, quietly freezing.
The first thing I did was look over every face in search of James, now I stand here, watching my feet turn various shades of blue. There are three small, metal barred windows, high up along each of the three tall walls, other than these, nothing else, but bare concrete and metal doors. Along parts of the back walls, there are scribbled messages. I will read them once the light in the room improves.
"You should sit with us, it's close to freezing. Body heat is all we have to keep warm," says a skinny, brown haired man. For a moment, I consider if freezing to death is the better option. Without reply, I join them. He covers my shoulders with a wispy summer shirt that he and an older woman are sharing. We share in what warmth there is between us without any conversation.
For an extended time, no one speaks, creating a thick self-absorbed silence. I can hear the chatter of teeth and strained breathing all around me. Others take turns walking the cell, desperate attempts at keeping warm. Their exhaled breaths form white mists, resembling halos around their heads.
"Were you on the boat?" the woman sharing the summer shirt asks. I nod my head.
"I think we were all on the boat. I'm Michael," says the brown haired man. He extends his hand in defeated welcome, but retracts it, noticing the blood on mine.
"I'm Judy," says the woman, pretending not to see the blood. I hide my hands beneath the yellow, cotton shirt.
"I don't remember seeing either of you on the boat. How did we get here?" I'm surprised not to remember anyone. I guess there would have been about eighty of us on the boat. I guess they wouldn't be looking the way they do now.
"This is where we woke up. No one remembers how we got here. The last thing I remember is being dragged under water," Michael says.
"I remember being hit on the back of my head, then waking up here. This is where we've been all night," Judy says. She pauses for a moment as though collating her words, and then continues, "Every so often, they'll come, you know, those creatures. They collect someone. They don't bring them back. You're the first to return."
"What do you mean return?" I ask.
"You were here with us. We couldn't wake you," Michael says. His words hang in the air. I try in vain to recall anything before my waking in the hall.
"Alice, my name's Alice," I tell them with another nod of my head. "Was my husband here? His name's James, he has blonde hair – blue eyes. He was wearing jeans and a light blue t-shirt, have you see him?"
"I'm sorry," Michael says.
"It's probably a good thing love, maybe he swam to shore," Judy adds with a compassionate frown on her face. Maybe he swam to shore. I know James is a good swimmer. It's possible he could have made it if he tried. I run through the moments before the sinking. I don't recall seeing him after the boat's foundations crumbled.
I push further thinking aside for another time. He's fine. I know he is.
"Why is it so cold in here? I know it is winter but we're in Florida, seriously. Have you tried having a look out the windows?" I ask. Frustration kicks in as the relentless chill begins to seep deeper into my bones.
"The windows are too high," Michael says. It prompts me to stand, try to revaluate the height of the windows for myself. Anything is better than sitting here, wallowing in despair. I pace the room with deliberation, and decide although tall, I'm not that heavy. I'm sure that if someone would lift me, I could see over the window's ledge.
"How tall are you Michael?" I ask and he tells me he's six feet tall. "If you lift me on your shoulders, I may be able to reach the window to take a look, will you try?"
He considers my request for half a second then jumps to his feet, "Okay, let's try it."
We stumble a couple of times, find I can't reach the window on his shoulders alone. We coax Judy and a couple of the other men to help. Together, they manage to lift me, two of them at each foot, raising me to a point where I can reach the window's ledge with my fingers. I strain to pull myself up. An icy cold wind blows through the small barred window causing me to shiver. I grab at the bars, pulling myself up higher, until my eyes peak over the ledge.
"It's coming dawn." The glow of the rising sun is starting to light the sky outside. I look over the ledge trying to see more. A flake of snow falls on my cheek. "What –"
"What? What is it?" various voices ask.
"It's snowing. Can you lift me higher? I can't see anything but the sky."
They struggle below me, lifting me higher, over the height of the ledge. I wrap my arms through and around the bars, lifting further still, until finally, I have a clear view out of the small window. There is a forest, snow cosseted and dense, encircled by a myriad of mountains. A labyrinth of landscaped hedging creates an extensive maze, which leads to a vast, in parts, frozen lake. Ravens fly across the clouded sky as more snowflakes start to fall. How long was I sleeping not to have realised at the least crossing state lines? Morning is just breaking. How far could we have travelled?
"What can you see?" someone yells. Before I can answer, I'm falling back to the ground. Various hands try to catch me.
"There's a forest, and it's covered with snow, and an iced up lake, there's no way we're in Florida." I stumble trying to regain my balance. They stare at me with confused expressions. I point up at the small window. "Take a look for yourselves. Why do you think it's so cold in here? There is snow coming in through the window."
Michael begins to reply, but is distracted by the sound of heeled footsteps, coming down the stairs. Everyone who isn't already standing jumps to his or her feet. They rush to press their backs against the furthest wall from the bars. Michael pulls at my arm, and so I join them.
Four vampires, two females dressed in elaborate ball gowns of light orange and green, accompanied by the biker vampire, and a male dressed in antique suiting, stroll torpidly past the door. They peer through the gaps in the bars, akin to humans looking for animals in a pet store, trying to decide which one to take home. Between smiles and amused looks, they speak in an ancient sounding language, unlike any dialect I've heard before. They take their time looking over us before turning to the large vampire with their request. He opens the metal bar door, walks toward a large, muscular man standing in the opposite corner from us. He grabs him by the arm.
The man struggles, kicking and punching at the vampire, but without much effort on the part of the vampire, the man is held in a headlock, then forcibly walked through the door. The biker vampire locks the door behind him, making his way back up the high staircase, the man still restrained in a headlock. Resembling excited children, the three accompanying vampires laugh, as they follow behind him.
"That's it, I'm not waiting around to be collected by one of those freaks," a man yells. He walks toward the door, hits the lock with his hand.
"It's pointless, if you could get past the door, the stairs lead straight to a hall full of them." The shattered look on his face makes me regret saying anything at all.
"This has been going on for hours. There were about forty of us at the start, we're down to fifteen – fourteen now. Tell us what is going on out there," says a chubby woman with short-cropped hair. They stare at me wordlessly demanding answers – I explain what happened. I explain waking up to one hundred deviant faces. I explain the lazing vampires, the dogs, the knife, and the blood on my hands. I continue explaining until every question is satisfied, every detail exhausted, and every person resigned, back into their communal misery.
Time passes. Daylight shines through the small barred windows. Snow continues to fall, collecting in piles on the floor around us. No vampires come to visit us. The shared despair in the room deepens as the cold persists, encouraged by regular icy winds. They begin to fall asleep, some stop moving, including Judy who lies rigid against Michael's shoulder. I can hear Michael's teeth rattling beside me as he tries to speak, the words taking considerable time to leave his mouth.
"How long have you been married?" he asks.
"Four days."
"I have a daughter, she's five." I smile at him with grit, chattering teeth. I don't want to ask if his daughter was on the boat. "Where do you think we are?"
"I don't know – the Southwest – I've been there before – it looks similar," my words come out in bits. I remember a road trip to the Grand Canyon a few years back, the glossy black ravens for some reason reminding me of that trip.
"Like cats playing with mice, purely for entertainment," he says.
"It seems a lot of effort just to play games – still, why move us, why not kill us then and there." I whisper the last few words. Michael whispers back.
"They can take their time this way. What else have they got to do, but hide in the shadows, playing with humans like us?"
"I have no idea – I can't believe they exist." Michael turns, nudging Judy to wake. Her body falls, propping up against the adjacent wall.
Hours pass. We fall in and out of sleep. The light from the windows begins to dim; night will shortly come creeping through the growing dungeon shadows.
"Alice, stay awake." Michael's voice prods my closed eyes open.
"I thought I was awake. I was dreaming of this dungeon." We share in a laugh. Then panic sets in. Night is coming. I haven't read the messages on the walls. James might have been here. He might have left me a message. I try to make myself stand. I'm too cold to move. The room falls back into darkness, the only remaining light oozing from the high staircase. Everyone who had taken turns moving about the cell has become ever still. We are still.
I notice a shadow from the corner of my eye. There is a figure crouched on the floor on the other side of the bars. He has come down the stairs without a sound. Who knows for how long he has been watching. He doesn't flinch at being discovered. No one but Michael has noticed him. Michael's grip around my shoulders tightens.
We wait while the vampire examines us.
When satisfied to his content he rises out from his crouched position, makes his way back toward the stairs, his light grey eyes watching no one, but us.
"What the hell?" Michael says, once the vampire is out of sight.
"He's the vampire that gave me the knife." Michael starts to say something, but holds it back, whatever it is he is thinking he chooses not to share it with me. We retreat into a pensive silence.
Time continues to pass. Falling in and out of slumber, we allow ourselves longer periods of sleep. A constant numbness remains of what was a piercing cold against my skin. Laughter, the sound of heels along the stairs, this time two unaccompanied females, laughing as if socialising at a party, come to the door with key in hand. They peer through the bars with incisive eyes. This time no one stands. Most don't open their eyes. The brunette vampire with wild, curly hair sweeps her eyes across the room. She stops when she sees Michael.
"That is the one," she says to the blonde female alongside her. She nudges her face in our direction. We are unable to respond, although aware.
She opens the door. They flow into the dungeon in a deluge of colour, lace, and satin. Dark reds and navy blues on soft, shiny fabric colour the insipid space between us. I look at Michael. He gives my shoulders one final squeeze before letting go of the shirt. Not long after, the vampires drag him across the icy floor. The door slams shut. I can hear them drag him up the staircase, through the corridor of the hall, then silence. I stare at the bars for an endless amount of time.
I no longer know when I am sleeping, awake, or how much time is lost. The dreams start, recurring dreams of falling, never reaching solid ground. Snowflakes float through the air, reminding me of glitter, sprinkling down to the piles mounting on the floor. I follow their flight with my eyes from the windows all the way to the ground, and he stands behind the bars, having once again returned.
He opens the door, makes his way to where I sit, pinned up against the wall, unmoving. When by my side, he crouches so that his face is level with mine. He looks me over, reminiscent of a doctor studying a patient.
"You are going to die. If you come with me, you might live," he says, in an English accent. "Come with me."
I should stay; death would have to be near. All this will be over – my mind falls on James, falls on all the ones I love, and then I want to live. I want to take every chance I have to live. Unable to speak, I lower my head while holding his gaze. He picks me up off the floor, cradling my body in his arms.
He carries me out of the frozen dungeon.


text:
Mindful Matters Counselling is a private practice, located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Providing support in a confidential and compassionate manner
to couples, families, and individuals facing personal challenges.
For information call: 250-219-4779
Located at 816 103 ave, Dawson Creek, BC.
Casey Haney holds the professional designation of Master Therapeutic Counselor and Registered Therapeutic Counselor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada.
She has worked in private practice since 2015 and completed her professional counselor training in 2013. Casey enjoys continued learning in many different therapeutic modalities with a special interest in trauma treatment and research.
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For more information call 250-219-4779
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Just behind these leaders are 60 pictures with 7 views, many with 6, and 5, etc. It was a very good statistical day at Flickr [over 2,450 of all my pictures looked at yesterday {stat day ended @ 7:00 pm EST} and so far today] and the blog [with 1,192 views of all my articles today {stat day ended @ midnight EST}. That's currently about 10X a normal day] . Thanks to the many of you who looked at the photographs I took and read the words I wrote. I appreciate you! –jaa
Event ~ Candlelight Loft Tour, Fayetteville, North Carolina–Flickr Leaders, 12/12
After a day of viewing, the featured image has 9 views and the others 8.


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Kevin Zeoli
February 23, 2019 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm$15 – $30
Comedian/Entertainer and all around Funny Guy
One of the most Dynamic Act's to come out of the Midwest in quite some time. Hailing from Detroit, this comedian has been successfully entertaining audiences throughout the coutnry for nearly 20 years strong.
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Featuring: Justin Sullivan