text:
Writing Compelling Characters
No matter what genre a reader prefers to read--some want fast-paced action, others want a slower paced voyage, perhaps even a love story--but EVERY reader wants to care about the main character(s).
Compelling characters, I believe, are THE most important part of any story. Without rich, intriguing, believable characters, it doesn't matter what stunning plot or adventure the book may have in store for us. We won't be reading it.
I'm a very character driven writer (and reader) and as such I work hard to bring my characters to life. I want my readers to believe my characters are so real they could smell them, reach out and touch them. I want them to think about them and care about them long after the last page.
So how do I (try to) do this?
I know this may be unusual, (or not?) but my main characters usually come to me out of nowhere, fully formed. It is then up to me to get to know them and understand their journey and motivations. (A lot of my first draft is spent doing exactly that.)
Here is my basic process before starting a novel:
*First, I won't bother starting any process until a character has bugged/niggled/begged me to listen. If I find I can't get him/her/them out of my head and I'm genuinely interested in knowing more...then I know it's time to hang out with them.
*I sit with my notepad (yellow legal pad or spiral notebook) and we chat. I take notes. I ask them about their past and their favorite foods and movies. I ask them about their fears and regrets, their hopes and dreams. But, usually, they tell me to shut up and urge me to get to the story...they have a lot more important things to tell me and show me. Usually they grab me by the arm and say "hurry up, slowpoke, let's roll!".
*This is when I KNOW I'll have to learn the basics about them and their character flaws and favorite movies etc., during the journey. Because now my laptop is open, a new document is open and I'm typing furiously, trying to keep up with their story.
This goes on until I come to the end and have completed a first draft: a beginning, middle and end.
During this rough draft I have come to know my characters quite well and have the basics of what their story is about. I know how they dress and why. I know what they like to eat, and where they live and if they're tidy or a slob or somewhere in between. I know their friends. I know if they have any pets. I know their jobs, economic status and spending habits. In fact, I know most of their habits, good and bad, by the end of my first draft.
Then comes the HARD part... *sigh*...
*The second draft (the first round of revisions) is where my work really begins. This is where I hack at the cliches, the plot holes and, most importantly, fine tune the character's emotional arc.
Before I start on the second draft, I interview ALL the characters, get to know them better, deeper. I get invasive in the extreme. And I don't let them talk me out of it.
I go back to that notebook and do a thorough bio on EVERY character in the book. (which I can also use to make sure my story is consistent in future drafts) I want to know everything that makes them tick...their mommy/daddy-issues, what their childhood was like, do they have nightmares, did they ever wet their bed...everything. Deep stuff. Stuff that pisses them off. Stuff that they often try and lie to me about or at least underplay it. But, this too tells me a lot. Most of this won't make it into the book, but it helps me know how a characters would react in a given situation, what choices they would make. This Deep Bio helps me know why and how they came to be the person I have spent time with, their deep, dirty secrets. (which I may get to exploit later! He he!)
* Regarding names: I find this to be one of the most important components to my character. I cannot write the first word until I know, am sure of, my MCs names. There's a lot at stake with a name. We can tell a lot about a person by their name and any nicknames they go by. I work hard to get names right.
*Just because you now know every detail about a character and her surrounding, doesn't mean you have to bore your reader with every little detail. Less is more. The point of you taking the time to learn every detail about your character is to know their motivations, what makes them tick.
*I love unique (but believable) characters with quirks and depth. These are the characters that I remember for years to come.
*Flat, cliched characters stop me from reading no matter the promise of a fantastical plot. The hard-boiled, heavy drinking detective? Really? *yawn* The clumsy, shy, smart, high school student? *yawn*
*When writing your character's emotions, make sure you SHOW us, not tell us. As readers, we want to feel them with your characters.
These are some of the ways I work to make my characters believable and memorable. (I didn't get into antagonists, but to be sure, the process is the same)
Want to read everyone else's take on writing Compelling Characters? (YES!) Link here.
What do YOU do to make your characters compelling, believable?
Edited to add: I'm sorry for all the typos! I wrote this post quick and hit 'publish', because I'd forgotten about the 'experiment'/non-blogfest. *blushes* *sigh* *hangs head in shame*
108 comments:
- iZombie said...
Solid Advice... great post!
- September 24, 2010 at 9:37 AM
- Mara Nash said...
I love quirky characters with unexpected characteristics. You're right...cliched characters are *yawn* inducing!
- September 24, 2010 at 9:39 AM
- clp3333 said...
Love the Grosse Pointe Blank reference.
- September 24, 2010 at 9:40 AM
- Kerri C at CK Farm said...
Lola GREAT post! I think a great character propells the story! If I don't care about a character by the end of the first chapter--ba bye book. I will keep reading if I like a character even if the plot is not interesting to me. Bottom line I'm a sucker for great characters lol!
Thanks for sharing! Ten blogs read and not one the same so far.
- September 24, 2010 at 9:41 AM
- Jen said...
Loved this post! Very different from the others I've read but all the same it's still true! This blogging experiment has been a huge success, even though I have 130 more to visit. Oh well it was all worth setting up and joining forces with Elana & Alex!
- September 24, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Alex J. Cavanaugh said...
I work out all the details about my characters first as well. The main characters need names before I write, but I confess, secondary characters don't come until much later.
- September 24, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Julie said...
Great post! Ah, Martin. **sighs** Now, you've done it. Gross Pointe Blank just went on the "What to Watch While I Make Fresh Cinnamon Rolls this Weekend" List.
Marty: I'm a professional killer.
Paul: Do you have to do postgraduate work for that?
- September 24, 2010 at 9:52 AM
- Old Kitty said...
Great post, fab Lola!! Knowing your characters inside out, upside down and any which way but loose is a definite plus to writing in a less is more way - as you say, compelling characters!!
Oh and getting the names right - that's enough to give me a headache - but it must be the right name for the right character!
John Cusack - yum.
take care
- September 24, 2010 at 10:12 AM
- Laurel said...
Great stuff here, Lola, especially tuning in to the deep stuff of character beyond the surface details. Like you, I also do tons upfront in developing the story people before I can delve into the story events.
- September 24, 2010 at 10:12 AM
- Crystal Cook said...
Awesome post Lola! I love how you describe how you get to know your characters. I found out that that's a lot of what my first draft is, just getting to know my character. So your advice for the second draft was very helpful for me, cuz that's coming up for me :)
- September 24, 2010 at 10:22 AM
- Shallee said...
Thanks for sharing your process! I find out a lot about my characters in a first draft, too. It's a lot of fun that way!
- September 24, 2010 at 10:25 AM
- Tere Kirkland said...
LOL, love how you don't let your characters boss you around.
Thanks for telling us a little about how you roll. ;)
- September 24, 2010 at 10:33 AM
- Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...
I agree with you that the compelling characters are the ones that force you to write their stories!
- September 24, 2010 at 10:35 AM
- Jaydee Morgan said...
Great post. I love the way you learn everything you can about your characters to truly bring them to life :)
- September 24, 2010 at 10:39 AM
- Quinn said...
I'm right there with you in regards to names. I can't start writing until I have the character's name. A name is so much a part of a character. Great post!
- September 24, 2010 at 10:40 AM
- C. N. Nevets said...
My brain works backwards of most people's. Most people are inductive. They pull the pieces together in order to understand (or create) the whole. For some reason, I'm deductive. I get an encompassing picture of the whole and then work through that to get at the pieces.
It wasn't really until I read your post here that I thought about how different that makes my approach to characters. If I started like you do, I would go absolutely nowhere. I have to start with the *snap of the fingers* big picture of the character and then work out all those other details through the story.
As a matter of fact, now that I think about it, that may very well be the entire point of my books. Hmm...
Thou hast provoked much great thought, Lola.
- September 24, 2010 at 10:54 AM
- Meredith said...
Such good advice! I try to do character bios before my first draft, but they always change as I write, so doing the bio after that first draft as well is a good idea. I love digging into their pasts and discovering their secrets! Thanks!
- September 24, 2010 at 11:03 AM
- Michelle McLean said...
Excellent post! And yes, the real work starts after the first draft doesn't it LOL I never realized that until I sat down and actually wrote a novel. Typing "The End" is really just the beginning :D
- September 24, 2010 at 11:03 AM
- melissa said...
Great Advice. I sort of do the same thing, only instead of a notebook I use a spreadsheet because I'm a huge nerd like that.
I agree you need to know your character inside and out before anyone reading about him/her will be able to care.
- September 24, 2010 at 11:06 AM
- Dawn said...
Awesome post. Thanks! My character resumes are fairly padded. I may not always know where my plot is going, but my characters are alive long before I put pen to paper.
- September 24, 2010 at 11:26 AM
- Elana Johnson said...
Awesome process! I don't do this, like at all. In fact, it gives me hives to think this hard about my characters. Mine don't come fully formed, and I have no idea who they really are -- until that first draft is written. Then I can go back and during the second messy-clean-up second draft, really get my story and character down.
- September 24, 2010 at 11:32 AM
- Hannah Kincade said...
I love that you took us through the entire process. From conception to revisions! So so helpful. This experiment is turning out fantastic! By the end of today by brain is going to explode but I will know how to create a damn compelling character or 50. ;P
- September 24, 2010 at 11:32 AM
- Nicki Elson said...
Hi Lola L-O-L-A Lola! Thanks for sharing your character process. I can take some good queues from your discipline.
Excellent point about not needing to share all the details with readers. Too much detail is a sure way to kill reader interest, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the time to get to know our characters that in depth. Thanks for the post. I'm loving this experiment!
- September 24, 2010 at 11:47 AM
- Faith said...
I find it really interesting that you don't write down a character bio until after the first draft is done... and that you write a really, really detailed one at that time!
I usually have an outlined sketch before I get into the first draft and fill it out as I go, then cross-check for consistency during revisions.
Love that you outlined your basic process! Great insight.
Also, I LOVE THE SQUIRREL.
Thanks for stopping by today :D
- September 24, 2010 at 11:48 AM
- Carolina Valdez Miller said...
Oh man, you wait to write up bios until after the first draft? Whoa. Although I bet it comes more easily then, though, since you've already been hanging with them so much. Don't you just love it when they practically write the story for you though?
- September 24, 2010 at 12:02 PM
- Jen Chandler said...
Great post! And thanks for the reminder that I signed up for this! LOL!
I love it when I'm slapped in the face by a quirky character. Sure, we all love to cheer for the underdog, the nerd, but when a character hits you with a trait so unique, so bizarre, I sit up, take notice, and (love them or hate them) I am pulled into the story until the end.
Thanks for the follow!
- September 24, 2010 at 12:21 PM
- PK Hrezo said...
Interesting that you don't interview your characters til after the first draft. You may be on to something there. :)
I'm your follower number 499 ... really wanted to be 500, but I'll be the stepping stone to get you to 50. :) Happy writing! And thanks for visiting my blog.
- September 24, 2010 at 12:27 PM
- Colene Murphy said...
Great advice and so very true! Love your process too.
- September 24, 2010 at 12:46 PM
- Anonymous said...
Thanks for taking us through your process! I love the idea of interviewing characters. They can take you places you never imagined they would go.
- September 24, 2010 at 12:53 PM
- Lisa Potts said...
It's fascinating to see the process of another writer. Thanks for sharing yours.
- September 24, 2010 at 12:56 PM
- Susan Tiner said...
Lola, thanks for sharing these ideas about characters. I am not a fiction writer but would imagine that characters come from real life -- people you already know -- then are adorned and modified to claim them as your own. But it sounds like your characters are born in your head. Very cool.
- September 24, 2010 at 1:00 PM
- Sharon K. Mayhew said...
Wow...outstanding post, Lola! I'm really enjoying learning how other writers delve into their characters. :)
Have a lovely weekend!
- September 24, 2010 at 1:15 PM
- Nicole Zoltack said...
Interviewing your characters sounds like a great idea! Plus you could then post some of it on your blog to get readers interested in your story. Win-win!
- September 24, 2010 at 1:19 PM
- Shannon O'Donnell said...
Yes, yes, and yes! This is a wonderful post - so much good stuff there, Lola! :-)
- September 24, 2010 at 1:42 PM
- Ishta Mercurio said...
Wow - you take the same approach to your characters as me! (Except for the names - I`m picky about names, too, but I go ahead and start writing without them and figure them out once the story is well under way.) I like the way you presented this post. Thanks for the tips!
- September 24, 2010 at 2:09 PM
- Mary said...
Bios worked best for me if done first. I think it's great all these different routes to the same point.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:13 PM
- Susan R. Mills said...
Thanks for sharing your process. Oh, and I love your profile pic! :)
- September 24, 2010 at 2:16 PM
- Susan R. Mills said...
Oh, and I tried to follow, but the follow button is working. I'll be back to try again later.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:17 PM
- Carolyn V. said...
Awesome! I totally agree with the show not tell! It's so hard to love a character when you can't feel what they are feeling, too. Great post Lola!
- September 24, 2010 at 2:19 PM
- Elena Solodow said...
I like how you interview your characters. They should have to prove your worth before you guys hang out.
Nice post.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:20 PM
- Fran said...
Good advice, Lola.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:24 PM
- Jennifer Hoffine said...
Great post! Thanks for sharing your process. I get to know my characters during the first draft also.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:25 PM
- Tricia J. O'Brien said...
I'm in awe of your second-draft process. Interviewing every character. I've interviewed MCs and found that amazing but never tackled the whole cast. I can see how it would add great depth and eliminate any cardboard-character situations.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:27 PM
- Solvang Sherrie said...
Wow -- you do a LOT to get to know your characters. That's awesome advice.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM
- JEM said...
Dude, I am super intimidated by your character approach. I am a plot driven kind of girl, and as such have sometimes left my characters to flounder in the squalor of undefinition. Yeah, that's a word. Maybe. But I am learning (painfully) that compelling characters are really what drive a story forward. Siiiiiiiiiigh, soooooo much work.
- September 24, 2010 at 2:44 PM
- Karen Lange said...
Great post, thanks for the info. I agree, a bio is important, otherwise, how do we really know who our characters are? I have a standard bio sheet I use, and keep adding things when new ideas come along.
Happy weekend,
- September 24, 2010 at 2:47 PM
- The Golden Eagle said...
I love writing bios of my characters--it just makes them so much more real if there's something more to them than words. Excellent post!
- September 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
- Danyelle said...
Names are very important, I think. And I agree--the characters are the most important part of the story which is why it's so important that readers can connect to them. :)
- September 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
- Pam Torres said...
I have had a hard time with the name of one of my characters. It was good to know that I am not wrong to be concerned about getting it right. Great post! Thanks!
- September 24, 2010 at 3:10 PM
- welcome to my world of poetry said...
Hello Lola, I am Yvonne. I thoroughly enjoyed your post.It was interesting what makes a writer write and what you expect of the characters you create.
I decided to sign up fir this blogfest on the spur of the moment today, I write poetry and most poems consists of my life's expereiences, I have one book to my credit called Negative V. Positive, called because I started out as a negative person and ended up positive.
Good luck with your writing,
- September 24, 2010 at 3:13 PM
- Hart Johnson said...
My characters ALSO seem to come mostly formed but MAN do you do a lot more work than I do to get them down! I guess I need to see them in action to know all the details, so I put them in a couple scenes to get to know them.
- September 24, 2010 at 3:28 PM
- Eric said...
I'm glad this exercise has exposed me to your blog, because I've obviously been missing out. This is a great post on the subject.
- September 24, 2010 at 3:31 PM
- Red Boot Pearl said...
Great post, I really like your idea of a second round of interviews, that's a fantastic idea. It's hard to know everyone super well before you write the story.
- September 24, 2010 at 3:39 PM
- Lyla said...
Names--yes, I completely understand. I hate not knowing a character's name. I made the fatal mistake of writing a whole novel with temporary names, just to get it done, and now I have a cast of characters with the *wrong* names, but I can't figure out what to replace them with... I associate the bad ones with the characters too much, you know?
- September 24, 2010 at 3:49 PM
- lettucehead said...
I liked this, Lola. I can tell you are very loving towards your characters and most importantly you appreciate them! Thanks for sharing your view :)
- September 24, 2010 at 3:50 PM
- Vicki Rocho said...
Excellent advice! (And I loved that hitman movie, though I can't remember the name of it)
- September 24, 2010 at 4:27 PM
- Bish Denham said...
Nice job Lola! A great example of how to use one my tools.
- September 24, 2010 at 4:34 PM
- Misha said...
Very good advice!
I also start stories when characters walk into my head.
Today, on the advice of a blog I decided to interview Darrion, the first one that walked into my mind. It went something like this.
"Tell me about your childhood..."
*frowns* "No."
"Come on. Give me something to work with..."
*tilts head* "Did I stutter?"
Trust me to get stuck with the difficult ones...
- September 24, 2010 at 4:46 PM
- Elaine AM Smith said...
Thank you for taking my hand and guiding me through your writing process. It reminds me of mine, a lot.
I do have to "see" the character whole before I can start the whole process.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:00 PM
- Summer Ross said...
It sounds like you really really thrive on characters, which is an amazing talent- I've just learned about interviewing my characters and getting to know them better.
I agree that showing is seriously important, the reading gets old fashioned and my eyes get tired after too much "telling"
Thanks for posting
- September 24, 2010 at 5:02 PM
- Jeff King said...
My characters jump from my mind to the page, their whole range of emotions, dialog, talents, quirks, demeaning qualities and the rest come with them.
All I have to do is convey what come across to best I can… if I had to think it up on my own I wouldn't know where to begin.
Like all writer I assume we bring or characters to life with true and unique dialog with the appropriate actions.
Great post, keep it up.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:05 PM
- Melissa said...
YES! I am so incredibly happy that someone else is as unusual as I am!!! I always fret about everyone always talking about needing to discover their characters, shaping them, creating them, making character sheets so they know all of this stuff about them. I always felt like I was a fraud or something because I never had to do any of that. My characters all came to me fully formed, bugging and harassing me and never shutting up. But I never made them, they just were. I got to know them by spending time with them, hanging out - like normal people.
Great post Lola.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:20 PM
- RaShelle said...
That's a fun way to get to way to get to know your characters. Yes, cliche' can be boring- I agree.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:21 PM
- Kittie Howard said...
Great post, great advice. I work out the characters in my head until they are so real we're walking side by side. Enjoy your weekend.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:30 PM
- Elizabeth Briggs said...
I love your process. I wish the characters came to me that easily!
P.S. I am totally in love with Martin. Grosse Pointe Blank is one of my all time favorite movies.
- September 24, 2010 at 5:46 PM
- DLCurran said...
You've a great system there! My characters don't come fully formed, sadly, but I do keep notes on anything and everything I think of to flesh them out. Fantastic advice Lola!
- September 24, 2010 at 5:49 PM
- Kelly said...
Great advice and I loved seeing your process. I have notes on my main characters, but good idea to have the info on all of them!
- September 24, 2010 at 6:11 PM
- Anonymous said...
Thanks for sharing your process. It sounds very thorough!! I write my characters backstory--a few pages--before starting my first draft. Good luck with your writing!
- September 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM
- Anonymous said...
GREAT POST! Sounds like you really take the time to get to know your characters--I"m sure they come across as very lifelike as a result. Thanks for sharing! :D
- September 24, 2010 at 8:05 PM
- Lola Sharp said...
Vicki--Grosse Pointe Blank is the name of the movie...one of my favorites. (even the soundtrack is awesome)
Elizabeth--One of my favorites, too. :)
Misha--You crack me up. ;)
EVERYONE--Thanks for stopping by. I'm trying to make it around to visit everyone.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, friends!! ☼
- September 24, 2010 at 8:19 PM
- Lola Sharp said...
Oh, and Julie...Mmm... cinnamon buns and Martin! I don't think life could get much better. :)
- September 24, 2010 at 8:21 PM
- DaniSue said...
Thanks for following and commenting me! Great post, I love reading about the writing process others use, always gives me ideas :)
- September 24, 2010 at 8:39 PM
- Lisa said...
Thank you for sharing your process with us. As I start to sketch out my ideas for NaWriMo, I can see that I must sit down and spend some time with my characters.
- September 24, 2010 at 10:46 PM
- Jemi Fraser said...
Love your process! I don't write much outside of the actual novel itself, but I let the characters walk around inside my head for weeks before I even attempt to write about them :)
- September 24, 2010 at 11:01 PM
- Lenny Lee! said...
hi miss lola! wow you sure do a lot to get your characters just right. i been reading lots of what people wrote on it and you got it down to a bunch of neat steps.
...hugs from lenny
- September 24, 2010 at 11:09 PM
- Annette Lyon said...
Yes! I have characters show up in my head fully formed too! People think I'm crazy. Only other writers get it.
- September 24, 2010 at 11:48 PM
- Elizabeth Mueller said...
Hi Lola! Great post. I love how your heart shines through your words. You and I are similar on a lot of the character developing process.
I believe that a character is compelling when they can make the reader fear for them. Make the reader cry, or angry.
I just love being a writer!
Come and visit me!
- September 24, 2010 at 11:57 PM
- L'Aussie said...
I love it when a 'cliched' character breaks out of the mould. Good post..:)
- September 25, 2010 at 1:32 AM
- Jai Joshi said...
Interesting post, Lola. I write my character profiles for every character in my story before I begin writing. That way I already have a strong foundation of knowledge about my characters as I start to write them. The words come easier to me then.
- September 25, 2010 at 1:35 AM
- Anonymous said...
I have the same hangup about names. If I start a story without the right name for the character I feel uncomfortable until I set it right!
- September 25, 2010 at 3:05 AM
- Len said...
Hi Lola! I love that you talk to you characters, too! I do! :) I like 'deep stuff' too and that you interview the characters just before you start writing! Great idea! Great post! :)
- September 25, 2010 at 4:28 AM
- Jessica Carmen Bell said...
Really? You find the second draft the hard part? I LOVE the second draft. The first draft is always the hardest for me. I work much better and can get much more creative once I got the base written. Great post!
- September 25, 2010 at 5:52 AM
- Tyrean Martinson said...
Great post!
Although my process might be a bit different - I have a tendency to jump into the story, then take notes about my character along the way - I agree with knowing the characters inside and out, knowing their backstories, and then just giving the reader tidbits through action, dialogue, and the way each character sees their world.
I love your examples too!
- September 25, 2010 at 9:39 AM
- Cinette said...
Quirks make characters more 'approachable', more understandable. Great post!
- September 25, 2010 at 10:20 AM
- Eleven Eleven said...
I think the best authors are a little schizophrenic and actually talk to their characters like they are real people. If they're real to you, they'll feel real to the reader.
Great post!
- September 25, 2010 at 1:44 PM
- cindy said...
I love talking and listening to my characters, as well. Something only another writer (or your psychiatrist) would understand.
Thanks for a great post.
- September 25, 2010 at 5:18 PM
- Janet Johnson said...
I'm just like you with the first two drafts. First is all about a character I've met. 2nd is the hard stuff. I don't write my deep bios down though. Perhaps I should . . .
Great post!
- September 25, 2010 at 5:45 PM
- @llison said...
Sometimes my characters come to me fully formed, but not as often as I'd like! Sometimes it seems harder to fit them to a story than create a character for a story already in mind, though. I definitely agree with your take on a name - it often seems to be the most important thing, as a wrong name can make the character seem to be a person you don't want them to be.
- September 25, 2010 at 5:50 PM
- Heather Spiva said...
Wow, I liked hearing about your writing process and creating characters. Very interesting.
- September 25, 2010 at 9:39 PM
- Lola Sharp said...
I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Thank you for taking time out of yours to stop by here. :)
And, Lenny-- I hope you're feeling better. You are pure sunshine. ☼
- September 26, 2010 at 8:41 AM
- Sarah said...
Hello! Yes, all very good points. I meet my characters in th first draft,then really get to know them in subsequent drafts. I think that's my favorite part of writing--getting to know the characters that inhabit my story. I interview them too!
- September 26, 2010 at 11:12 AM
- DL Hammons said...
I love taking a peek inside your mind to see how your characters come to life. That's worth the price of admission right there! :)
- September 26, 2010 at 11:41 AM
- Heather said...
Excellent experiment. Great entry! I love that you do a bio on each of your characters.
- September 26, 2010 at 12:04 PM
- Rachael Harrie said...
What a fantastic post Lola. I love how you go into detail about your technique, and interviewing your characters is a great idea!!! Have taken on board all you said and I know it will make my own characters so much more real to me and my readers :)
- September 26, 2010 at 7:41 PM
- Alleged Author said...
This is a great post! I love seeing how other authors work!
- September 26, 2010 at 9:22 PM
- Botanist said...
Hi Lola, glad I found your post amongst the long list at Elena's blog.
That is one heck of a process. I haven't yet learned to be anywhere near as thorough with my characters, but all the advice is sound. You are lucky that your characters are so eager to tell their stories that you have to scramble to keep up.
I'm glad you mentioned character interviews, that has helped me out in the past. And I am so with you on needing to know their names before going any further. I blogged about both of those aspects earlier on this year. Glad to hear someone else feels that way too.
- September 26, 2010 at 10:45 PM
- Stephanie Thornton said...
I love that squirrel picture- so cute!
Quirky characters are definitely fun- they're some of my favorite!
- September 26, 2010 at 10:57 PM
- Jennie Bailey said...
Lola, I ADORE you! This was such an excellent post, but I expect nothing less of you. You always have the best posts!!
- September 27, 2010 at 12:51 AM
- Tara said...
Er, other than the interview stuff, are you sure I didn't write this? Seriously scary, L ;) Really. The only difference is that I let them tell me all those personal things during the draft - they just don't get left in.
- September 27, 2010 at 9:10 AM
- Lola Sharp said...
Jenni--I adore you too. :)
I adore all of you. Thank you so much for being smart and funny and thoughtful writers.
And, Tara--we do have a scary twin-ness. :) Scary in the best way.
- September 27, 2010 at 9:39 AM
- Eric W. Trant said...
* Regarding names: I find this to be one of the most important components to my character. I cannot write the first word until I know, am sure of, my MCs names. There's a lot at stake with a name. We can tell a lot about a person by their name and any nicknames they go by. I work hard to get names right.
BEAUTY! I was just thinking on this today.
I do much the same with my characters. My current piece I stopped and let it settle after about 10kw.
Why is that?
Because I didn't love my character. My last words on that draft were these: Conrad, I do not love you.
Then I quit.
I don't take compulsive notes like you, but I do store it in my noggin. I figure if I can remember it, it's important, and if I have to write it down to remember it, it's not important.
I forget a lot, you know, but just the stuff that's no important.
- Eric
- September 27, 2010 at 1:16 PM
- Patricia A. Timms said...
Thank you for taking me into your process. I always wonder how everyone else is doing it. I found a lot of similaries between the way you start and the way I start and I picked up a few new things in the way you approach the second draft.
I truly believe your character are extremely compelling and memorable. Great job!
Thank you for coming to my site and becoming my 46th follower!
- September 27, 2010 at 2:23 PM
- Patricia A. Timms said...
Oh yeah and how could I forget a little bit of comment about Martin Blanke? Ahhh. Love him.
Still laugh when I think about when he said, "I guess you can never go home again."
- September 27, 2010 at 2:24 PM
- Deni Krueger said...
Strong advice and in depth process toward character discovery.
- September 27, 2010 at 2:36 PM
- Tamara Narayan said...
Well said, er, posted.
- September 27, 2010 at 2:44 PM
- Dayana Stockdale said...
Nice to meet you too Lola! I really like what you have to say about the second draft. A lot of character devo really does happen there, because its after you've let the character unfold on their own.
- September 27, 2010 at 3:41 PM
- Kirsty said...
Great! I love how you tell us exactly how you go about your bios and writing! I generally am all cool with characters yet totally suck when it comes to opening the laptop and getting stuck into the he said she said crap. Blah! :P
- September 27, 2010 at 9:21 PM
- Dominique said...
Solid advice.
I found your post intriguing, because you're one of the few writers I've ever come across in actual reality (read: the blogosphere) who says their characters from to them as full people. Others I've met assemble their characters.
- September 28, 2010 at 6:48 PM
About Me
- Lola Sharp
- My name is Lola. (I'm not a showgirl) Yes, L-O-L-A Lola. It's the least of my worries. Let's move on, shall we? This blog is mostly about my misadventures on the journey to publication and beyond. My passion for lush prose, quirky characters, art, music, literature, performing arts and anything creative will be a major theme here. This journey of mine will not always be pretty. Much like rubbernecking a train wreck, I know sometimes you just can't help but look at the carnage that is often my life. So strap on your neck brace, helmet and 5-point harness and come along for the ride! Licentia poetica.
Blog Archive
- ► 2011 (25)
- ▼ September (6)


text:
It was a crazy day today (not bad, just crazy), so blogging wasn't happening. At points, I was so busy, I had to remind myself to breathe. Friends still sent me emails, though, including this one, which Zhombre forwarded to me. I have no idea whether the facts are true, although I can tell that the Illinois part was written not long after Rahm Emanuel became Chicago's mayor. Without having fact-checked it, I offer it to you as is:
Part 1—Illinois
Some interesting data on the State of Illinois … There are more people on welfare in Illinois than there are people working. Chicago pays the highest wages to teachers than anywhere else in the U.S., averaging $110,000/year. Their pensions average 80-90% of their income. Wow, are Illinois and Chicago great or what? Be sure to read till the end. I've never heard it explained better. Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago? Body count: In the last six months, 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago. 221 killed in Iraq; AND Chicago has one of the strictest gun laws in the entire US.
Here's the Chicago chain of command:
President: Barack Obama
Senator: Dick Durbin
House Representative: Jesse Jackson Jr.
Governor: Pat Quinn
House leader: Mike Madigan
Atty. Gen.: Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike)
Mayor: Rohm Emanuel
The leadership in Illinois – all Democrats.
Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago. Of course, they're all blaming each other. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any! Chicago school system rated one of the worst in the country. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!
State pension fund $78 Billion in debt, worst in country. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!
Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% highest in country. Can't blame Republicans; there aren't any!
This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois. And he is going to 'fix' Washington politics for us?
George Ryan is no longer Governor, he is in prison. He was replaced by Rob Blagoyavic who is, that's right, also in prison. And Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned a couple of weeks ago, because he is fighting to not be sent to… that's right, prison.
The Land of Lincoln, where our governors make our license plates. What?
As long as they keep providing entitlements to the population of Chicago, nothing is going to change, except the state will go broke before the country does.
"Anybody who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian."
Don't forget Detroit, another good example…
PART 2—Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the only state that Obama did not win even one county in the last election… While veryone is focusing on Arizona's new law, look what Oklahoma has been doing!!!
An update from Oklahoma:
Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9 an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Hey this is a conservative state, based on Christian values… HB 1330
Guess what… Oklahoma did it anyway.
Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB 1804. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake.
Guess what… Oklahoma did it anyway.
Recently we passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegal's to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Madam Pelosi said it was unconstitutional SB 1102
Guess what… Oklahoma did it anyway.
Several weeks ago, we passed a law, declaring Oklahoma as a Sovereign state, not under the Federal Government directives. Joining Texas, Montana and Utah as the only states to do so. More states are likely to follow: Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Carolina's, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, West Virginia, Mississippi and Florida. Save your confederate money, it appears the South is about to rise up once again. HJR 1003
The federal Government has made bold steps to take away our guns. Oklahoma, a week ago, passed a law confirming people in this state have the right to bear arms and transport them in their vehicles. I'm sure that was a setback for the criminals. The Liberals didn't like it — But….
Guess what… Oklahoma did it anyway.
Just this month, the state has voted and passed a law that ALL drivers' license exams will be printed in English, and only English, and no other language. They have been called racist for doing this, but the fact is that ALL of the road signs are in English only. If you want to drive in Oklahoma, you must read and write English. Really simple. By the way, the Liberals don't like any of this either
Guess what… who cares… Oklahoma is doing it anyway.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
STOCKTON - If you're reading this, chances are good you're among a slim number of Stockton residents who will cast a vote next month deciding whether the city raises its sales tax rate.
STOCKTON - If you're reading this, chances are good you're among a slim number of Stockton residents who will cast a vote next month deciding whether the city raises its sales tax rate.
The turnout for the Nov. 5 special election in an odd-numbered year doesn't carry the buzz of a national presidential race energized by party-politics or large organizations pouring money into advertisements.
Instead, you're deciding measures A and B, which ask Stockton residents to raise their sales tax rate by 3/4 of a cent to 9 percent.
The turnout in this hyper-local, one-issue election is expected to be low - 30 percent or less - but voters will be highly educated and have likely followed coverage closely, including in The Record, sources said.
And the measures are expected to pass, said Bob Benedetti, adjunct professor at the California State University, Sacramento, Center for California Studies and a professor emeritus at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.
"The people who will tend to turn out will be people who support it," he said. "The people who might have opposed it might have some difficulty getting their troops out."
Each vote will count.
The measures ask voters to give Stockton an additional $28 million a year. Two-thirds of it will be used to hire police and fight crime. The remaining one-third will go toward paying Stockton's debts. Its passage arms the city with cash needed to exit bankruptcy.
The opposition is led by former state Assemblyman Dean Andal and the San Joaquin County Taxpayers Association, who, based on past experiences, don't trust Stockton leaders to follow through with their promise.
The voters will ultimately decide who they believe. Thirty percent or fewer of Stockton's 120,416 registered voters, or just over 36,000 people, are expected to cast a ballot.
That's far from the historic 79 percent turnout of San Joaquin County voters in the 2008 race between then-presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.
Nearly 71 percent county-wide voted Nov. 6, 2012, returning Obama to the White House and making Anthony Silva mayor of Stockton, ousting incumbent Ann Johnston.
The low number of Stockton voters expected next month will predominantly be made up of city employees, members of the business community and upper-middle class, Benedetti said.
Endorsements have come from the Stockton City Employees Association, Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456, Friends of the Stockton Public Library, San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and Business Council of San Joaquin.
The Stockton Police Officers Association's board of directors registered a neutral position.
N. Allen Sawyer, a Stockton-based political consultant, said he believes the single-issue ballot will contribute to an educated electorate. Long ballots with multiple candidates and measures tend to be confusing for voters, he said.
"I think we're all guilty of going up there and saying 'What was Proposition 30 again?' " Sawyer said. "People will come here because there's only one issue. There's a good chance they'll be really knowledgeable."
The city estimated in June that the special election would cost $750,000, but San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters Austin Erdman, said it could be as low as $500,000.
Erdman wasn't ready to estimate voter turnout just yet, leaving that to the political pundits. But he urged those casting absentee ballots to drop them in the mail on or before Halloween to ensure their vote gets counted.
Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or email@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/smithblog.


text:
Bernard Hunt, longtime Ryder Cup figure, dies at 83
Bernard Hunt, who made history as both a player and a captain for Great Britain and Ireland in the Ryder Cup, died over the weekend at age 83.
Hunt served as either a player or captain in every Ryder Cup but one between 1953 and 1969, including the 1957 match in which Britain famously upset the United States at Lindrick. He managed only a 6-16-6 overall record as a player, but was an impressive 4-3-3 in singles.
Hunt didn't play a foursomes match in the 1957 Ryder Cup, but his 6&5 thumping of Doug Ford in singles helped propel Britain to a 7 1/2 - 4 1/2 victory – giving Britain the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1933. In 1963 Hunt and his brother Geoff became the first brothers to play on the same Ryder Cup team.
Hunt went on to serve as captain in the 1973 and 1975 Ryder Cups. The United States won in 1973, but for the first time the British squad was officially referred to as Great Britain-Ireland (even though Northern Irish players had played as far back as 1947 and Irish players had participated since 1953). Hunt's 1975 team was the last before the inclusion of players from continental Europe.
Hunt turned professional in 1946, and assembled a prominent career on the European circuit in the 1950s and 1960s. He won the Order of Merit in 1958, 1960 and 1965, compiling 30 victories. He was a founding member of the European Senior Tour in the early 1990s, even though he was in his early 60s at the time.
Hunt played out of Hartsbourne Country Club in southeast England, eventually following in his father John's footsteps as head professional there, and its 9-hole course is known as "the Hunt Course." He later became the first head professional at Foxhills Golf Club near London, where he served for 25 years. One of the courses there is named "the Bernard Hunt Course."
"Bernard Hunt was one of Britain's truly great champions and has been a steadfast ally to all of us involved in the growth of the European Tour," said European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady. "He was enormously respected by all of his fellow players, as was evidenced when he was appointed Ryder Cup captain in 1973 and 1975 and captain of the PGA in 1966 and again from 1995 to 1997."
Hunt was born in Atherstone, Warwickshire, England, on Feb. 2, 1930. He is survived by his wife, Meg Hunt, and three children.
The Latest
PGA of America Championships
Bethpage State Park, Black Course
Farmingdale, New York
Oak Hill Country Club
Rochester, New York
Hazeltine National Golf Club
Chaska, Minnesota
Whistling Straits
Kohler, Wisconsin


text:
If the synonym for unwavering are wrong, please inform the site editors by writing a comment.
You can search for unwavering synonym and other synonyms at psgroove.com
Do you think it is a different synonym for the following except for unwavering synonyms? Comment to add other unwavering synonym.
Unwavering synonym for adj consistent, unchanging
The people who studied "unwavering synonyms" studied the following subjects:
Synonym for Unwavering Page Statistics
This page is prepared for unwavering synonyms. The creation of this page took 0.000298976898193 seconds and the size of page is only 105Kb.


text: Latin American pharmaceutical sales in 2011 were at $62.9 billion, registering 8.9% growth in 2012. This is particularly significant when considered within the context of global sales of $995 billion in 2011. The diversity of the region, however, presents some challenges. In addition to the fact that guidelines from PAHO and Mercosur are just beginning to be implemented, it's also worth noting that what exists are just guidelines, subject to regional and country specific variations. Other differences (e.g., economic differences, population differences, political differences) have profound implications for the pharmaceutical marketplace in Latin America.


text:
SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000 support indexed views, which are also known as materialized views. When a unique clustered index is added to a view, the resulting indexed view materializes and persists the data in physical storage. Unlike regular views, which are virtual and take up only temporary storage space at runtime, indexed views are permanent and require permanent disk storage.
You can read more about indexed views in the SQL Server 2005 Books Online (BOL) documentation at www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2005/impprfiv.mspx.
Main article: T-SQL 101: Views
Hide comments


text:
AL Homes for Sale
Real Estate Listings: Homes for Sale in Alabama
Lot 13 CREEK TRL 13
Wedowee, AL 36278
Special Offer
For SaleEstimate Mortgage » Check Your Credit Score »
Type:Lots and Land
Source ID:611150
Listed:1477 days ago
Lot 13 CREEK TRL 13
Wedowee, AL 36278
Type:Lots and Land
Source ID:611150
Listed:1477 days ago
Published with The Greater Alabama MLS, Inc. on 10/03.
Updated 10/19.
Related listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Eugene Crouch
Keller Williams Realty Group
Keller Williams Realty Group
P. O. Box 641
Anniston, Alabama 36202
Phone: 256-241-1500
Eugene Crouch
Keller Williams Realty Group
Home Description
Home Description
Creek Crossing, Lake Wedowee's exclusive community featuring prime lake properties nestled in a wooded, pristine setting on the southern portion of the lake once known as the Mitchell family farm. This property consists of 50 waterfront lots surrounded by deep, big water on one side and by lands set aside as natural habitat on the other. These lots have been hand cleared to preserve their natural beauty and towering hardwoods as well as the birds and wildlife in the area. Creek Crossing features some of Lake Wedowee's most beautiful properties with wide water views. A covenant protected community providing city water , underground utilities, community septic system, lighted paved streets, and community boat ramp, Creek Crossing offers some of the most stunning wide water views on the lake! Lot 13 has 198.5 feet of year round water and is approx. 075 acre in size
Click on toggles to move map in desired direction.
This map is informational only. No representation is made or warranty given as to its accuracy or content. User assumes all risk of use.
AL.com, MapQuest and their suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use.
Real Estate Tools
Published with The Greater Alabama MLS, Inc. on 10/03.
Updated 10/19.
Related listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Wedowee, AL Real Estate
More Real Estate Listings for sale
- Single Family Homes & Houses in Wedowee, AL
- Condos & Condominiums in Wedowee, AL
- Townhomes & Townhouses in Wedowee, AL
- Apartments in Wedowee, AL
- Senior Communities in Wedowee, AL
- Studios in Wedowee, AL
- Farms in Wedowee, AL
- Land and Lots in Wedowee, AL
- Multi Family Homes & Houses in Wedowee, AL
- Vacation Rentals & Timeshares in Wedowee, AL


text:
UAB Guest User Accounts (XIAS accounts)
Persons who are formally affiliated with UAB gain access to university-managed electronic resources by means of an officially recognized credential called a "BlazerID." A non-UAB person who needs access to these resources is not eligible to create a BlazerID, and is thus required to obtain a guest username and password. Guest accounts (also referred to as "XIAS" accounts) must be sponsored by a UAB employee, and are subject to an approval and setup process.
Who is a guest?
Guest accounts can be used for many purposes at UAB. Guests can fall into a number of categories, including but not limited to:
- A researcher accessing data stored on a UAB SharePoint site
- A colleague from another institution who needs to access a UAB file share
- A vendor that is remotely supporting a UAB-owned system via VPN
- A site visitor conducting an accreditation review who needs local network access
- A consultant who needs system access to conduct on-site installation or maintenance
- A high school guidance counselor who needs access to Banner
As a Sponsor, use the links below to begin the process of setting up a guest account. Once you have completed the underlying form(s), the sponsored user or users will receive automated emails that will guide them through the process of completing the setup. Once the setup is complete, you will receive an email confirmation and information on next steps.
I would like to…
Give a guest access to hardware or software that they support in your area
Give a guest access to the UAB VPN
Give a guest access to a SharePoint site or other Windows-based resource
Give a guest external access to the Admin Systems
As a guest, you will receive an automated email that with instructions on how to complete the setup of your sponsored account. You can use the link below to manage certain aspects of your account, such as a forgotten password. Please note that as a guest you are not able to initiate the account creation process; this must be done by a valid UAB-affiliated sponsor.
VPN Access
VPN Connection Dropping Issue With Windws XP SP2
In some cases when using a VPN over a network connection with a Windows XP computer, the VPN Session will disconnect after a period of inactivity (typically 10 to 20 minutes). This problem is caused by the Windows Service Pack 2 Firewall settings.
To fix the problem, the Windows Firewall needs to have the Cisco VPN Client program specified as an Exception:
Click on the START tab, and select:
Control Panel -> Windows Firewall
The following screen will be displayed. Click On (recommended) if not already on.
Click the Exceptions Tab which will bring up the following screen:
Click Add Programs which will bring up the following screen:
Click Browse and set the directory to look in to C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client.
Highlight the cvpnd program (single click), and then click Open .
Click OK as necessary.
At this stage the cvpnd program should have an entry as above. Click on OK to finish.
These settings for the Windows Firewall will stop the VPN session being terminated after 10 to 20 minutes of inactivity.


text:
What to do, see, and visit:
- DEALERS 50+ - - of all things beads, rock, gem, mineral, fossil, lapidary, and jewelry related items. See and patronize our 50+ dealers.
- Kids can earn a patch and get a beginning
rock collection by visiting this area.
Special programs and fliers for:
- Cub Scouts and Webelos
- Girl Scouts
- DEMONSTRATORS - watch experts work on lapidary and rock-related arts. See how a piece of rock becomes a piece of jewelry or a sculpture. Learn how rock specimens are identified.
- GUEST SPEAKERS - presenting a variety of topics throughout the festival.
- DISPLAYS - explore competitive and non-competitive displays of specimen collections and lapidary craftsmanship from special guests, dealers, and club members.
- SCHOLARSHIP BOOTH - a collection of fund raising activities with 100% of its proceeds supporting scholarships awarded to selected earth science majors at local universities.
- DOOR PRIZES - Tickets for 2 prizes of $100 and $50 to be drawn at 4:30pm on Sunday. Need not be present to win.
|Current Date and Time
|Days Until Festival opening: Saturday April 16, 2016 10:00am
Count down script provided by JavaScript Kit


text:
By Larry Fine
NEW ORLEANS, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Ray Lewis, the only charter member of the Baltimore Ravens and only remaining player from their 2001 Super Bowl triumph, is retiring after Sunday's Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are some reflections on his impact from current and former members of the Ravens family.
- -
John Harbaugh, Ravens head coach
"He can coach; he can do whatever he wants. I think Ray's got big plans. Ray's that kind of guy and when he's done playing he's always a guy trying to affect people and change the way that people think and make an impact on the world. I've got a feeling he's going to do that in some big ways."
- -
Bernard Pollard, Ravens safety
"Ray Lewis is a guy who has been here since the beginning of this franchise. He's a guy who is 'The Raven.' We all respect him. When he speaks, everybody stops, everybody hears him. He's kept the team together. He's kept this organization together in so many ways."
- -
Brian Billick, former Ravens coach
"In the Super Bowl year when we were getting all those shutouts (four), we were playing Cleveland and they sucked. Guys were feeling it all week long, this was going to be another shutout.
"Cleveland comes out and goes 86 yards with the opening drive so I'm walking down the sideline, and Ray and Rod (Woodson) are coming off the field first.
"Ray looks at me and says, 'don't say a thing. I've got it.' So I go left to the Gatorade to get out of the way. They had 112 yards total for the day after giving up 86 on that drive. I said, 'okay, anytime you wanted to go do that, you go right ahead, Ray. I learned right then, to just stay out of the way."
- -
Vonta Leach, Ravens fullback
"Ray teaches you not only football, but sitting around talking to Ray teaches you something about life in general, about how we are here just for this moment, just relish the moment that you're in because you never know when you're going to get another chance or opportunity."
- -
Sean Considine, Ravens defensive back
"The leadership we get from Ray Lewis is above anything I've ever seen in my life. His ability to get others to follow him is unbelievable. When he huddles our team up, gets us all circled around him, he has the ability to look every man in the eye and just ask you to do what4ever it takes to help this team win. It's just been really impressive to be around a guy like him.
- -
James Ihedigbo, safety
"The thing stuck out to me when I first met Ray was his love, his unlimited love for his team mates and his love for God, his faith. The type of words that come out of his mouth that almost give you goosebumps. And just that impact and knowledge is one of a kind. I have never seen anyone command that attention.
Ed Reed, Ravens safety
My first year here, I'm by his house and we just talk and talk and talk. I'm about to walk out the door and he wouldn't let me. And we talk for another hour about doing the little things right, and if you do the little things right as an individual, Ed, people are going to follow you and you're going to be a leader here. You're going to make plays and we'll be in the Super Bowl. And here we are." (Reporting by Larry Fine in New Orleans; Editing by Frank Pingue)


text:
Leslie Maurice Kurr, 78, of Newton, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2012) at Asbury Park.
He was born on May 22, 1934, in Newton, the son of Ira and Gladys Reffner Kurr. Les graduated from Newton High School in 1952. He married Ruby Regier on April 21, 1956, in Elbing.
Les was lifelong resident of rural Newton and had been a farmer and cattleman in Harvey County all his life. While serving in the U.S. Navy, he was stationed on Midway Island.
Les and Ruby were members for many years of Meridian Baptist Church and also attended the Newton Bible Church. He loved to study the Bible and enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes. Les loved the Lord, and he was a faithful husband and a loving father.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby of the home; his six children, Gary Kurr and wife, Cindy of Newton, Joni Isaac and husband, Mark of Ft. Worth, Texas, Lori Knowles and husband, Joe of Baltimore, Md., David Kurr and wife, Stacy of Wichita, Kathy Rhodes and husband, Jeffrey of Jackson, Miss., and Jim Kurr and wife, Lynn of Overland Park; his sister, Doris Zimmerman of Dodge City; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Les was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Buford and Wilbur.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 17, 2012) at the Newton Bible Church. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 8 p.m. today, where the family will receive friends between 6 and 8 p.m.
Memorials have been established with the Newton Bible Christian School and Norm & Mij Busenitz Romanian Missionary Fund. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
Obituary: Leslie Maurice Kurr
Leslie Maurice Kurr, 78, of Newton, died Wednesday (Nov. 14, 2012) at Asbury Park.


text:
Kit Fisto
Kit Fisto is a striking example of an alien Jedi, a Nautolan with large eyes, and a gathered tangle of flexible tentacle-tresses extending from his head. He is at home in the waters of aquatic planets, like his native Glee Anselm. As a Jedi Master, Fisto has an intense focus, particularly in combat. He is also much more laid back and capable of enjoying a hearty chuckle than some of his humorless colleagues.
- Glee Anselm,
- Male,
- Height: 1.96m ,
- Jedi Starfighter,
Soundboard //
Quotes //
A Nautolan Jedi Knight, Kit Fisto traded his traditional role as a negotiator and peacekeeper for a generalship leading Republic troops. As part of a Jedi rescue mission to Geonosis, he fought Separatist droids and saw the first shots fired in the Clone Wars.
Kit was a capable fighter on land, but as a water-breathing Nautolan he particularly excelled at underwater combat. He led clone troopers into battle on Mon Cala, helping keep Prince Lee-Char safe from Separatist troops hunting him.
Kit survived the Clone Wars, but met his end when the Jedi tried to take Supreme Chancellor Palpatine into custody. He wasn't prepared for the ferocity of Palpatine's assault on the Jedi, and a lightsaber slash ended his life.
Related //
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
Scheming, powerful, and evil to the core, Darth Sidious restored the Sith and destroyed the Jedi Order. Living a double life, Sidious was in fact Palpatine, a Naboo Senator and phantom menace. He slowly manipulated the political system of the Galactic Republic until he was named Supreme Chancellor -- and eventually Emperor -- ruling the galaxy through fear and tyranny.
General Grievous
General Grievous was a brilliant Separatist military strategist and a feared Jedi hunter, known for his ruthlessness and hacking cough. His body itself was a weapon, allowing him lightning quick strikes and devastating blows. But he was also quick to run from a fight, a tactic that worked until one final meeting with Obi-Wan Kenobi.
A harsh rocky world less than a parsec away from Tatooine, Geonosis is a ringed planet beyond the borders of the Galactic Republic. Its uninviting surface is made up of harsh, rocky desert, and the creatures that evolved on Geonosis are well equipped to survive in the brutal environment. The most advanced lifeform are the Geonosians, sentient insectoids that inhabit towering spire-hives. The Geonosians maintain large factories for the production of droids and weapons for the Separatist cause in the Clone Wars. After the Clone Wars, the Empire chose Geonosis as the construction site of the first Death Star, restricting travel to the system and sterilizing the planet's surface.
C-3PO (See-Threepio)
C-3PO is a droid programmed for etiquette and protocol, built by the heroic Jedi Anakin Skywalker, and a constant companion to astromech R2-D2. Over the years, he was involved in some of the galaxy's most defining moments and thrilling battles -- and is fluent in more than seven million forms of communication. In the years after the Empire's defeat C-3PO served Leia Organa, becoming the head of a Resistance spy ring aimed at undermining the First Order.
Mace Windu
A grim Jedi Master with an amethyst-bladed lightsaber, Mace Windu was the champion of the Jedi Order, with little tolerance for the failings of the Senate, the arguments of politicians, or the opinions of rebellious Jedi. As the Clone Wars intensified, Mace sensed the dark side of the Force at work, and knew the Jedi's enemies were plotting to destroy the Order and end its stewardship of the galaxy.


text:
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., July 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wellness Center USA, Inc. (OTCQB:WCUI), today announced that wholly-owned subsidiary StealthCo, Inc. has completed an annual agreement with Aveda, a division of Estée Lauder (NYSE:EL), for the use of Stealth Mark's integrated security products and services within Aveda's supply chain.
Aveda produces an extensive variety of high-end, environmentally friendly personal care products, marketed and sold on a global scale. The integration of Stealth Mark's detection technologies within Aveda's supply chain has proven to be highly effective for Aveda in identifying unauthorized diversion activities, assuring Aveda products are available only through Aveda authorized salons and outlets. Stealth Mark's state-of-the-art anti-diversion technology protects over seventy Aveda personal care products from possible illicit sales into unauthorized outlets.
"We're delighted to have Aveda as our customer for their brand protection needs. It's a great relationship as both Aveda and our parent company WCUI share the basic philosophies about the 'well-being of the body and mind', making the world a better place to live," states Rick Howard, CEO of Stealth Mark. "Our company looks forward to the continued delivery of quality services and products to Aveda," added Howard.
The annual agreement with Aveda became effective on July 1, 2014. Product will be shipped throughout the year on an as-needed basis requested by Aveda, with initial shipments having already commenced.
All information pertaining to Aveda's application, use, methodologies, etc. of the Stealth Mark technology shall remain confidential per client's request.
About Wellness Center USA, Inc.
Wellness Center USA, Inc. (www.wellnesscenterusa.com) is a hybrid healthcare company that combines best in class technologies, software, devices, providers, protocols, goods, and services. It was created to address important healthcare and wellness needs via breakthrough solutions, all centered around the "well-being of the body and mind". Wellness Center USA, Inc.'s four business units are:
Stealth Mark (www.stealthmark.com) is a leader in global anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, and product authentication that offers the most advanced product security technologies available today within the security and supply chain management sectors. Stealth Mark provides customers true brand protection from counterfeiting and diversion while maintaining the integrity of product authentication. Offering complete security solutions, it utilizes the most comprehensive authentication technology available that is simple to deploy, cost effective, and virtually impossible to compromise. Stealth Mark's intellectual property portfolio is inclusive of numerous patents issued and pending in software, hardware, and manufacturing.
National Pain Centers, Inc. (NPC) (www.nationalpaincenters.com) is an Illinois based company that focuses on diagnosis, treatment, research, advocacy, education, and setting standards and protocols within interventional and multi-modal pain management. Pain management is the most common and most unknown medical condition in the United States, and costs Americans over $635 billion a year. NPC manages Interventional Spine and Pain procedures that include Epidural Steroid Injections, Selective Nerve Root Blocks, Facet Joint Medial Branch Injections, Radiofrequency Ablation, Sympathetic Blocks, Spinal Cord Stimulators, Percutaneous Discectomy, and Discograms. NPC is also involved in research and progressive treatment options such as Ketamine Infusions and Stem Cell Therapy. These services and procedures are overseen by its well respected physician, Dr. Jay Joshi. Through proper interventional and non-interventional protocols, ethical practices, and innovative treatment options, patients from all over the U.S. have seen relief from their pain.
Psoria-Shield Inc. (www.psoria-shield.com) is a Tampa, FL based company specializing in design, manufacturing, and distribution of medical devices to domestic and international markets. PSI employs full-time engineering, production, sales staff, and manufactures within an ISO 13485 certified quality system. PSI's flagship product, Psoria-Light®, is FDA-cleared and CE marked and delivers targeted UV phototherapy for the treatment of certain skin disorders. Psoria-Shield Inc., was acquired by Wellness Center USA Inc. ("WCUI") in August 2012, and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary.
AminoFactory (www.aminofactory.com), a division of Wellness Center USA, Inc., is an online supplement store that markets and sells a wide range of high-quality nutritional vitamins and supplements. By utilizing AminoFactory's online catalog, bodybuilders, athletes, and health conscious consumers can choose and purchase the highest quality nutritional products from a wide array of offerings in just a few clicks.
Safe Harbor Statement:
Certain statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include statements regarding the proposed exchange transaction, the anticipated closing date of the transaction and anticipated future results following a closing of the transaction. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." While it is not possible to identify all factors, risks and uncertainties that might relate to, affect or arise from the proposed transaction, and which might cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, such factors, risks and uncertainties include delays in completing the transaction, difficulties in integrating operations following the transaction, difficulties in manufacturing and delivering products, potential market rejection of products or services, increased competitive pressures, changes in general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes that adversely affect the business in which the parties are engaged, changes in the securities markets and other factors, risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that the Company files with the SEC.
CONTACT: At Wellness Center USA, Inc. Tel: (847) 925-1885 www.wellnesscenterusa.com Investor Relations Contact: Arthur Douglas & Associates, Inc. Arthur Batson Phone: 407-478-1120 www.arthurdouglasinc.comSource:Wellness Center USA, Inc.


text:
25 U.S. Code § 284 - Omitted
Section, act July 13, 1892, ch. 164, § 1, 27 Stat. 143, which related to issuance and enforcement of regulations by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to secure attendance of Indian children at school, was omitted as obsolete in view of the enactment of section 282 of this title, which provides that the Secretary of the Interior now issue and enforce such regulations. See section 282 of this title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text:
NHIAA Soccer: Central boys surge past SalemBy HARRY KOZLOWSKI
Special to the Union Leader
October 05. 2013 10:41PM
SALEM - The Manchester Central boys' soccer team won its eighth game in a row by topping Salem 3-0 on Saturday.
For the Blue Devils, it was the fourth loss in the last five games after a 5-0 start.
The Little Green controlled the play throughout with a fast, attacking style led by Samuel Binigono.
"He's dangerous" said LaBerge. "He draws a lot of attention and that frees up other players."
Anuj Khadka got the Little Green on the scoreboard with an unassisted goal in the 20th minute.
Nine minutes later, Justin Reno took a pass from Blaise Mesumbuko. Salem goalie Colton Burnham mishandled Reno's shot for goal number two.
At the 61-minute mark Binigono scored with an assist from Khadka.
In the first half, Keegan LaBerge received a yellow card for a play the official deemed excessive. His father, coach Chris LaBerge also received a yellow card for arguing the call. This is Keegan LaBerge's second yellow card. A third this season would cause him to miss a game.


text:
NH College Sports Roundup: Southern Conn. rallies past SNHU
January 30. 2013 12:14AM
Southern New Hampshire University blew a 23-point first half lead and eventually lost 62-56 to Southern Connecticut State University in a Northeast-10 men's basketball contest at the Fieldhouse in Manchester Tuesday.
SNHU fell to 11-7 overall and 7-7 in conference play. The Owls improved to 12-6 overall and 9-5 in the NE-10.
Greg Langston led the Owls with 15 points followed by 11 each from Rashamell Vereen and Trevon Hamlet. The Owls, held to just 13 first half points, out-scored the Penmen 49-24 in the second half.
Aleksandar Dobrovic had 16 points to lead the Penmen followed by Mike Stys with 11. SNHU was 8 for 25 from the field in the second half while the Owls were 14 of 29 from the field.
The Penmen got off to a fast start, leading 16-3 just six minutes into the game. Dobrovic had two lay-ups and two three-point shots during that run. The lead swelled to 27-4 with 7:35 left in the first half after Stys canned a three-pointer. The Penmen eventually took a 32-13 halftime advantage.
Southern Connecticut opened the second half with an 11-2 run, forcing SNHU to call time with 15:08 left to play. Down by 10 at that point, the Owls cut their deficit to 34-27 on a three-point shot by DeShawn Murphy. The Owls closed the gap to 40-35 with 10:25 left after a three-pointer from Stefon Williams and a jumper from Greg Langston.
The Owls eventually took the lead (44-43) when Vereen converted a conventional three-point play with 6:13 left and built a 53-46 lead on two free throws from Luke Houston with 2:56 to play.
St. Anselm 72, New Haven 52: In Manchester, Roy Mabrey netted 21 points while Chris Santo had 16 off the bench for the Hawks who led 37-19 at halftime. Mike McCahey scored eight points and contributed seven rebounds in the win. The Hawks were 13 of 22 from the field for 59-percent shooting in the first half.
Plymouth State 78, Colby Sawyer 66; In Plymouth, Alex Burt of Dover had career-highs with seven three-pointers and 34 points. Burt made 12-of-19 shots including 7-of-12 from beyond the three-point arc. He collected six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Kevin Eisenberg of Moultonborough added 19 points, converting five-of-eight three-pointers. Junior Petey Skevas posted his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 assists.
Middlebury 81, Keene State 53: In Middlebury, Vt., Anthony Mariano was the only Owl to finish in double-figures, scoring 10 points. Rashad Wright pulled down 10 rebounds to go with eight points.
Elms College 98, Daniel Webster College 86: In Chicopee, Mass., Elms College senior Andre French scored a game-high 26 points on the strength of five three-pointers. Daniel Webster falls to 8-11 overall, 4-6 in conference.
Franklin Pierce 70, AIC 61: In Rindge, the Ravens improved to 13-5 overall and 10-4 in the Northeast-10. Three Ravens scored in double-figures, including sophomore forward Ryen Vilmont, who had 18 points and five rebounds. Ellis Cooper and Adrianos Vourliotakis Perdikaris missed double-doubles. Cooper went for 12 points and nine rebounds, while Vourliotakis added 10 points and nine boards.
Women's basketball
SNHU 67, S. Conn. State 53: In Manchester, the win was career No. 100 for eighth-year Southern New Hampshire head coach Karen Pinkos. Victoria Wiseman registered a career-high 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Penmen, who have won four of five. SNHU improves to 10-8 and 7-7 in the Northeast-10.
Colby-Sawyer 67, New England College 44: In New London, the Colby-Sawyer ran its win streak to 12 games, improving to 15-4 overall and 12-0 in the NAC. Taylor DeSanty led Colby-Sawyer with 18 points. Sammi Lehr had 11 points and eight rebounds in the win. .
Franklin Pierce 50, AIC 41: In Rindge, American International College was held scoreless for a span of 7:29 in the second half. The Ravens improved to 13-5 overall and 10-4 in the NE-10 with their eighth win in nine games. The Yellow Jackets fell to 10-8 overall and 7-7 in conference play.
UNH 61, Maine 54: In Durham, Kaylee Kilpatrick and Cari Reed scored 16 points apiece. UNH won its sixth consecutive game against Maine to improve to 8-12, 3-5 in America East. Kilpatrick tallied four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a career-high four blocks.
Daniel Webster 79, Lesley 39: In Cambridge, Mass., Vanessa Bosques scored 19 of her 23 points in the first half. The win was Daniel Webster's fourth consecutive as they improve to 8-10 and 8-3 in NECC play.
Franklin Pierce: Freshman Mike Abrams of the men's track and field team was named Northeast-10 Conference rookie of the week.
SNHU: Tyler Holske of the ice hockey team earned Northeast-10 goalkeeper of the week honors. The junior goalie led the Penmen to two conference wins.
UNH: Jenn Gilligan of the women's hockey team was honored as the Hockey East goaltender of the month for January. She was 3-2 in the month, posting three consecutive wins to start the second half of the schedule. Austyn Fobes has been named the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) co-gymnast of the week.


text:
Two-alarm fire destroys Alexandria homeBy DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
April 30. 2013 11:36AM
ALEXANDRIA - A two-alarm fire destroyed a weekend home late Monday night.
Fire Chief Mark Chavalier said a passerby reported fire from a home at 1106 Cass Mill Road at about 10:45 p.m.
Firefighters could not stop the fire from burning down the 1½-story home, which was unoccupied at the time.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal's Office were called to investigate the cause of the fire, which was unknown Tuesday morning, Chevalier said.


text:
Have any questions? Call us.
Sat, Oct 26, 2013
"You'll find the blues in any culture that has music, and so the blues is heartbeat music. It is human music." Henry Rollins shares some deep thoughts on how to listen to, create, play, and relate to the blues. Form your own opinions when you see Blues for Smoke, on view now through December 29.
Video from MOCAtv.


text:
Hosting Ratings
Price Value
Control Panel
Customer Support
User Feedback
Overall Score
Disclosure: As is the case with many other industry/topic specific magazines, websites and trade publications, we do receive compensation from some of the companies whose products we review within and outside of the web hosting industry, including, but not limited to, paid advertising placements, referral fees, contextual advertising links and sponsorship packages.
myhosting.com has been in the web hosting business since 1997 and the years of solid experience shows. Although myhosting.com web hosting is a large company – with over 50,000 customers in 170 countries – they always maintain a high level of personal service and available support. With brand-name partners you'll recognize, myhosting.com is a profitable, stable, secure company you can count on.
The basic myhosting.com hosting plan is filled with everything you need to start a site, whether you're looking to start a gallery, blog, forum, e-commerce store or simply store files. Although the options and features are extensive, myhosting.com's basic plan can also be easily upgraded to "premium" level, if your site truly takes off.
Call their around-the-clock support line, and you'll be talking to a representative within two minutes. Email, and you'll have your response within an hour. Don't like what you get? We'd have a hard time believing it! But the 30-day money back guarantee is an added bonus for all.
Price Value
myhosting.com's basic hosting package is currently under $5 a month and includes unlimited hosting, file transfer and domains. It's a bargain price from a company that offers top (and always available) support, and a full range of hosting benefits and features. The basic plan includes everything needed to build and grow a fully functional site quickly and easily.
The Premium myhosting.com plan, myhosting.com's most popular offering, goes for only $9.34/month for either Linux or Windows hosting. This is a real benefit, especially to Windows users, who are all too often dinged with extra charges!
myhosting.com's 13 years of experience in the web hosting business certainly show here. Myhosting.com hosting has developed strategic partnerships and network/hosting infrastructure that is available and highly redundant. With the latest Dell servers, Cisco network equipment and Network Applicance storage units, myhosting.com sets itself apart with its best of breed providers.
All myhosting.com hosting plans are backed by both its 100% service level agreement and 30-day money back guarantee.
Control Panel
myhosting.com has developed a control panel to specifically compliment the features of the myhosting.com hosting plans. All the tools you need to make the most of your myhosting.com account are neatly organized and at your fingertips.
The myhosting.com control panel – developed in partnership with Parallels – allows you to manage all aspects of your hosting account, domain name registrations, billing details, support, email and more from one interface. Most users describe the control panel as easy-to-learn and enjoy the high functionality.
Customer Support
myhosting.com sets some pretty high standards: if you contact myhosting.com support, you can expect an email query to be answered within an hour. A phone call will be answered in a remarkable two minutes. Myhosting.com web hosting offers around the clock support via live chat, phone and e-mail.
myhosting.com also boasts a fully featured self-help center, with extensive FAQs, a status blog, active forums and more.


text:
Surrogate's Court
Guardianship of an Infant:
SCPA Article 17 governs the appointment, duties and authority of a guardian of an infant (any child under the age of 18). A guardian may be appointed of the person and property, of the person only, or of the property only of an infant. The proceeding is brought in the Surrogate's Court of the County where the infant is domiciled or if he/she is a non-domiciliary but has property situate in that County. If an infant is to receive monies over the amount of $10,000.00 pursuant to the terms of a will, by the laws of intestacy, or by a wrongful death proceeding, a petition for guardianship is required by the Court. See FORMS for petition and supporting documents.
SCPA Article 17-A governs the appointment, duties and authority of a guardian of mentally retarded and/or developmentally disabled persons. Mental retardation means sub-average intellectual functioning which originates during the developmental period and is associated with impairment in adaptive behavior. (See Mental Hygiene Law Section 1.03 (21)). For purposes of Article 17-A, it is a person who has been certified by one licensed physician and one licensed psychologist (or by two licensed physicians, at least one of whom has professional knowledge in the care and treatment of persons with mental retardation) as being incapable to manage himself/herself and his/her affairs by reason of mental retardation or developmental disability and that such condition is permanent in nature or likely to continue indefinitely. See FORMS for petition and supporting documents.
A developmentally disabled person (DDP) is a person whose disability:
1. is attributable to cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological
impairment, autism or traumatic head injury;
2. is attributable to any other condition of a person found to be closely related to mental retardation, because such condition results in similar impairment of general intellectual functioning or adoptive behavior to that of mentally retarded persons; or
3. is attributable to dyslexia from a disability described in subdivisions one or two (above) or mental retardation; and
4. originates before such person attains age twenty-two, provided, however, that no such age of origination shall apply (for the purpose of Article 17-A) to a person with traumatic head injury. (See Mental Hygiene Law Section 1.03 (22) and SCPA Section 1750-a)
Article 17-A applies to the appointment of a guardian of the person and property, the person only, or the property only of either a mentally retarded infant or a mentally retarded adult (MR) and/or a developmentally disabled person (DDP). If a guardian is appointed for a mentally retarded and/or developmentally disabled infant, the guardianship does not terminate upon the infant reaching majority.
Guardianship of Adults Who Become Incapacitated:
Supreme Courts and County Courts have jurisdiction over the person and property of an mentally incapacitated adult. (See Mental Hygiene Law Article 81) A proceeding under this article shall be brought in the Supreme Court within the judicial district, or in the County Court of the county in which the person alleged to be incapacitated resides, or is physically present. Please contact the Supreme or County Court in the appropriate county for additional information.
Surrogate's Court Home Page


text:
AMERICUS - It had been four years since the Georgia Southwestern softball team swept UNC Pembroke in a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader, until Sunday, when GSW won 7-1 and 4-3 at Lady 'Canes Field.
It was the third conference sweep overall since GSW joined the PBC in 2006-07. The Lady 'Canes took two from North Georgia in 2008.
The Lady Hurricanes scored three runs in the second and three more in the third inning to open a 6-0 lead en route to the 7-1 victory.
Lyndi Duff had an RBI-single in the second and Heather Hodge drove in two with a single down the left-field line to open the scoring for GSW.
Gabby Buck opened the third inning with a solo blast to center, her third home run of 2011, to give GSW a 4-0 lead. After Nichole Griffin singled, Robyn Butler belted her second home run of the season, a two-run shot to left-center field to give the Lady 'Canes a commanding 6-0 advantage.
After the Braves got on the board with a run in the sixth, Mason Moreland drove in the Hodge for the final run of the game. Hodge dropped a ball in front of a diving Schanique Barrett from UNCP that rolled to wall for a triple prior to Moreland's trip to the plate.
Casey Burns (2-1) picked up the complete-game win for GSW, scattering seven hits, walking five and striking out one.
UNCP starter Starr Gilley (4-2) took the loss for the Braves after pitching two innings and allowing four runs on six hits. She struck out one batter.
Hodge was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate and Butler finished 3-for-3 to lead GSW hitters. Nichole Griffin added two hits.
The Lady Hurricanes had to rally from three runs down in the nightcap to earn the sweep.
UNC Pembroke scored three in the first, but was shut down by GSW starter Katie Maddox the rest of the way. Maddox retired 11-consecutive batters and did not allow a hit after the first inning.
After leaving the bases loaded in the third, GSW got on the board in the fourth behind RBI-singles from Jessica Chewning and Mason Moreland.
The Lady 'Canes left the bases loaded in the fourth inning, as well.
Robyn Butler tied the game in the fifth when she led off the inning with her third home run of the season, a mammoth shot to left field.
After UNCP left three runners on in the top of the sixth, the game-winning score came in the bottom half of the inning when Katie Wooten roped a single to left to score Gabby Buck from third.
Moreland finished 3-for-4 in Game 2 to lead GSW. Wooten added two hits.
Southwestern travels to Thomas (Ga.) on Tuesday for a 2 p.m. doubleheader.


text:
Text Version
Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
Home Page
About Dukes County
County Services & Departments
County Commissioners
Associate Commissioners
County Manager
For Employees
Employment Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Charter Study Commission
Meeting Calendar
Social Security Administration services available on Martha's Vineyard
Printer-Friendly Version
Social Security Administration Service on MV
– the SSA installed a terminal at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging building to provide Video Service Delivery (via Skype) to island residents. This service is available last (business) Monday of each month 9:00AM to 12:00PM on a fist come first served basis. You should call Rose Cogliano at the COA office at 508-693-4509 ext. 3 ahead of time to make sure you will be able to conduct your business. You can also call the North Falmouth office at 1-855-881-0212. No J-1 student visa issues or name changes are being processed remotely.
Residents who wish to conduct business with SSA by other means still have several alternate service delivery options. These include:
Agency website:
Toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213
Visiting other SSA office in the State of Massachusetts. The closest SSA office is in North Falmouth – tel. 1-855-881-0212
The County of Dukes County
PO Box 190, Edgartown, MA 02539
Hours Vary by Department
Virtual Towns & Schools Website


text:
Can innovation improve people's lives? You bet
Today UNDP is operating in an environment that is more complex, fast-changing, interconnected and more diverse than ever before. Exponential growth and connectivity and the use of mobile technologies are making possible unprecedented access to real-time news, information and ideas, enabling people to express their views through many new channels and to mobilize for change.
Opening the UNDP Global Innovation Meeting, held in October 2013 in Montenegro, UNDP chief Helen Clark emphasized: "For us at UNDP to stay relevant and be considered a reliable and responsive development partner we must be flexible and adopt new ways of doing our work. We need to discover, incorporate and demonstrate truly innovative solutions to development challenges and we need to apply them at every stage from the inception and design, to incubation and implementation."
Drive for innovation has long been the focus of the UNDP Ukraine development agenda. Through a number of hackathons, innovation labs, and Social Good Summit meet-ups, the United Nations development agency brings together on a regular basis leading thinkers and practitioners, social innovation champions, students, academia, business representatives, innovators, and trend-setters to find solutions to the challenges that Ukraine faces.
UNDP has initiated and supported a number of innovative projects that resulted in practical tools and solutions that improve services and tackle problems effectively and efficiently. Several apilot projects tested new and out-of-the-box approaches to solving developmental problems in the areas of municipal solid waste management, e-governance, administrative services provision, anti-corruption, access to public information, and citizen engagement with policy-making.
For example, our Crowdsourcing project (http://oon-rozvytok.com.ua) was instrumental in engaging tens of thousands of Ukrainians from all walks of life in identifying a topic for our next Human Development Report. The project's goal was to obtain public feedback on key development tasks, the implementation of whichare aimed at improving the quality of life of the people of Ukraine. The platform also fulfilled an important social role – motivating people to be more actively engaged in policy- and decision-making.
The UNDP-supported "Ecomisto" (http://ecomisto.if.ua/) online platform is aimed at improving municipal solid waste management and allows citizens to report problems with the waste containers, container sites, and illegal dumping to responsible local government entities. It also offers local residents accurate information about the nearest waste container sites, waste removal routes and their schedules, and helps raise the local population's awareness of environmental protection.
The "OpenIdeas4UA" Hackathon brought together civil society activists who have first-hand knowledge of important social issues (corruption, access to information, e-governance) and IT-practitioners. The participants generated 16 technical solutions, three of which were supported though micro-grants.
Two of the ideas generated at the hackathon were successfully developed and became popular. One of them, the web-based application "POIZDka" (TRAINride), allows train passengers to report a problem and file a complaint if it is not addressed.
Another one called "I Gave A Bribe" (later merged into CorruptUA) allows people to report and map the instances when they were asked to pay a bribe.
SmartCity: Municipal Innovation Lab: In partnership with the Association "E-Governance Cities of Ukraine", business, and civic partners, UNDP brought together seven mixed teams from Ukrainian municipalities to jointly design e-solutions to current challenges their citizens face.
Reducing Alcohol Consumption among the Youth in Lviv City is being implemented in close collaboration with the Behavioural Insights Team (Nudge Unit, UK) and Lviv City State Administration. It focuses on "nudging" the choices made by young Ukrainians by studying and interpreting the motives underlying their decision-making. It will apply behavioural insights to design and determine the effectiveness of certain communication tools and products meant to discourage Ukrainian teenagers from consuming alcohol, alcopops in particular.
Hyperlocal Social Network in Vinnytsya: From Complaint Forums to the Solution Development Platform, designed as a discussion platform between citizens and local authorities, accumulates information localized in accordance with existing neighbourhoods (districts), integrating local blogger sites, information services, photo galleries, existing social networks, and existing resources. The web platform aims to create a culture of dialogue, include active social network users in the discussion on local development, identify new community leaders, and encourage new local initiatives.
Ambient Accountability of the One-Stop-Shop Centre for Administrative Service Provision in Novograd-Volynskiy Municipality aims to develop the environment and physical space of the Administrative Services Provision Center in a way that helps citizens to orient themselves in the process of the provision of the five most popular but complicated services: permits for urban construction; permits for outdoor advertising; assignment of the state social assistance to poor families; permits for cutting and trimming greenery; and permits for the organization of touring events in the city.
Technological progress can be an effective means of improving people's lives, in particular those who are excluded from society due to disability, poverty, race, gender, or disease. It is amazing and admirable to hear that now space robots can reach Mars and bring back fantastic pictures and valuable information. It is equally amazing to see examples of how new technologies can give voice to people with hearing disabilities, provide knowledge and information to those who otherwise cannot afford them, cure previously incurable diseases, empower the marginalized, and thus improve the lives of millions of people.


text:
Rocky Athletic Mobility Level 3 Snake Boot
This Product Is Sold Out
Click Here To View Similar Products
Rocky Athletic Mobility Level 3 Snake Boot
This Product Is Sold Out
Click Here To View Similar Products
Product Warranty | Returns & Exchanges
Additional Information
These Rocky® Athletic Mobility Level 3 men's snake boots are ideal for hunting and outdoor activities.
These entire 16-inch boot resists snake bites for optimal protection. Scent IQ Atomic™ prevents human scent from being emitted so you don't give away your location on the hunt. Having a GORE-TEX® membrane makes these hunting boots waterproof, breathable and windproof.
A gusseted side-zipper closure allows you to get these R.A.M. boots on and off quickly. The padded ripstop nylon collar is durable, resists abrasions and is lightweight. Realtree Xtra® Green camouflage helps disguise your appearance outdoors.
On the bottom, the flexible, multi-directional outsole has an aggressive tread that makes it easy to move across rugged terrain. Toe and heel guards provide abrasion resistance.
These Rocky Athletic Mobility Level 3 Snake Boots keep you safe from snakes, keep your feet dry and do this with an athletic fit. Before you go on the hunt, make sure you're wearing these R.A.M. boots.
- Abrasion-resistant toe and heel guards
- Maxprotect Level 3 for harsher, cooler, and inclement environments, or sedentary physical activities
- Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® construction
- Leather and nylon combination uppers
- Weight - 1 lb 9 Oz (weight is per boot size 10)
- 16 Inches in height


text:
Click here to see important news regarding the aCar App
Real Name: dm1333 Joined: December 2007
No vehicles yet.
Regular tuneups for older cars
Older cars can benefit from a conversion from points to elec... ...
by TorkLugnutz
Read more tips
© 2018 Fuelly.com - All Rights Reserved. Oct 16, 2018 10:22 AM CDT
A simple & effecive way to track fuel consumption
Easy to understand the real cost of your vehicle


text:
Slow Food Maumee Valley
Saturday, June 4, 2011
SFMV Goes to the Market
June 4th was the first Slow Food demo of the market season. Amelia Contreras chose a simple and delicious recipe for shaved asparagus salad. Market visits allow us to talk to dozens of people and spread the word about Slow Food as we encourage shoppers to try new recipes with seasonal ingredients. Plus it's fun!
We'll be back at the Market on July 23rd and August 20th. Please let us know if you'd like to join us: firstname.lastname@example.com
Posted by
What We're About
No comments:
Newer Posts
Older Posts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


text:
Saccharin organic compound molecule
F017/0019 Royalty Free
Please login to use the price calculator
Credit: LAGUNA DESIGN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Release details: Model release not required. Property release not required.
Keywords: artwork, atomic, ball and stick, ball-and-stick, chemical compound, chemistry, compound, digitally generated, illustration, matter, medicine, molecular model, molecular structure, molecule, no-one, nobody, saccharin, shape, sodium salt, substance, sweetener, white background
Licence fees: A licence fee will be charged for any media (low or high resolution) used in your project.