text:
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This page provides a basic overview of city business and occupation taxes in Washington State, including local tax rates, the AWC model tax ordinance, cities that deviate from the model, tax sharing agreements, and voluntary disclosure programs.
For information on business licenses, see our page City Business Licenses and Fees.
Business and occupation (B&O) taxes are levied at a percentage rate on the gross receipts of the business, less some deductions. Businesses are put in different classes such as manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, and services. Within each class, the rate must be the same, but it may differ among classes.
Effective April 20, 1982, the legislature set the maximum tax rate that can be imposed by a city's legislative body at 0.2 percent (0.002), but grandfathered in any higher rates that existed on January 1, 1982. RCW 35.21.710. All ordinances that impose this tax for the first time or raise rates must provide for a referendum procedure RCW 35.21.706. Any city may levy a rate higher than 0.2 percent, if it is approved by a majority of the voters. RCW 35.21.711. Currently, 40 of Washington's 281 cities levy this tax.
In 2003, the legislature passed a bill that required the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to convene a committee to develop a model ordinance that must be adopted by all cities imposing a B&O tax. The legislature was concerned about the lack of uniformity of the cities' B&O tax ordinances and about allegations that some business income was subject to multiple taxation. Beginning January 1, 2008, cities that levy the B&O tax must allow for allocation and apportionment, as set out in RCW 35.102.130.
RCW 35.102.040(4) provides: Any city that adopts an ordinance that deviates from the nonmandatory provisions of the model ordinance shall make a description of such differences available to the public, in written and electronic form.
The City of Seattle is currently the host of a tax sharing agreement that allows participating cities to share tax data. The purpose of the tax sharing agreement is to provide Washington cities the opportunity to share tax information with each other without breaching the tax confidentiality provision of the municipal tax ordinances. Any city that obtains tax information from another city is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of that information in accordance with the agreement.
Multiple cities within the State of Washington have a Voluntary Disclosure Program which encourages unregistered businesses to comply with that city's tax laws and to voluntarily register and pay prior obligations. If your business has established nexus in any of the cities listed on this page (below), and you are required to report taxes according to that city's tax code, the contacts listed below can assist you in becoming compliant with their respective city.
Businesses can come forward through the Voluntary Disclosure Program offered by first contacting the respective city representative listed below. The representative may request an application, and if so, will provide one to you. Generally, under a city's Voluntary Disclosure Program the "look back" period is generally limited to four years plus the current year. Penalties will be waived and interest will be imposed at the statutory rate. You will be required to complete a business license application and pay applicable license fees.
If you believe you may have nexus with one of the cities below or you have specific questions about that city's voluntary disclosure program, please contact the representative listed for that city.
If your business is discovered through a city's own efforts (e.g. enforcement, investigation, audit), you may be liable for tax, interest, penalties of 39 percent of the tax due, and a "look back" period of 10 years plus the current year.
A city's Voluntary Disclosure Program can offer you the following benefits:
Full statutory interest will still be imposed on all amounts due.
In general, to qualify for full voluntary disclosure benefits a business must have:
You may not know if your business has been previously registered with a city for business license and tax purposes. Before submitting a voluntary disclosure application we recommend that you contact the city representative for the city you are interested in registering under a voluntary disclosure program (see list above).
If a business that is currently registered discovers that it has underreported its tax obligations, it should amend its returns and submit any additional tax and interest due with the respective city.
If a city's records indicate your business was previously contacted in an effort to determine our registration and reporting requirements, or regarding other enforcement issues, you will not qualify for the Voluntary Disclosure Program.
If you would like a city to work with a third party representative, you will be required to provide that city a completed Confidential Tax Information Authorization (CTIA) at the time of disclosure in order for the Department to correspond with them regarding your confidential taxpayer information. A confidential tax information authorization form is available upon request from the applicable city representative.
Generally, a person will be required to submit the following items to begin the Voluntary Disclosure Process:
Once your tax liability has been determined the city will prepare a tax assessment with interest. You will be sent a draft copy of the assessment for review. The assessment will then be submitted for processing and you will receive a billing notice. Full payment must be received according to the payment instructions on your billing notice. Additional interest and late payment penalties will accrue if the billing notice is not paid in full by the due date.
* Please note that some cities will have some variation in their process in how figures will be provided to them. For example, after a business has requested to enter a voluntary disclosure program, the city representative may simply provide the business with tax forms to complete and request the returns be completed and submitted to the city along with payment.
In the event that your application was not approved, you will receive an explanation from the applicable city along with further instructions.
If you would like more information about our Voluntary Disclosure Program, please contact the respective city representative found in the list below. In the event you are engaging in business in a city not listed below, you will need to contact that city for more information. Here is a list of other municipalities in Washington that have a B&O tax.
Cities and Towns Must Update General Business License Ordinances ASAP!
Airbnb: Regulation of Internet-Based Businesses
What is the maximum B&O excise tax rate a city can charge on revenue to a business inside the City?
Does a code city have the authority to require a business license for landlord-tenant activities?
City Business Licenses and Fees
Adult Entertainment Regulation


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A&V Check
All legal business licenses and contact persons of these suppliers are verified by Alibaba.com as well as a third-party verification service provider.
|Business Type:
|Country / Region:
|Sindh, Pakistan
|Main Products:
|Cremation Urns,onyx handicrafts,Onyx Vases,candle holders,Funeral Urns
|Total Employees:
|51 - 100 People
|Total Annual Revenue:
|US$2.5 Million - US$5 Million
|Year Established:
|Top 3 Markets:
|North America 13.00% Eastern Europe 12.00% Western Europe 11.00%
We have 2 marble onyx Sand Artistic wood Urns processing unit we manufacturer and export premium q...
We have 2 marble onyx Sand Artistic wood Urns processing unit we manufacturer and export premium quality of marble and onyx Cremation Urns and Crafts to our clients from long time world wide.
We are leading MARBLE Onyx Salt,Sand and Artistic Wood funeral urns exporter ,manufacturer
We are manufacture, export and supply of Onyx Marble Handicrafts .Nature gifted a unique present to Pakistan, That is Onyx and Marble stones, which are found in mountains of Pakistan. It is a kind of stone but because of its beautiful colors and shades it is used to make beautiful Handicrafts.
We obtain these stones by exploding in mountains, then bring them into factories and cut them into various sizes, there after convert into different kinds of shapes, rubbing and polishing will be applied in the end to bring shining and smoothness to the handicrafts.
We make many kinds of Beautiful Handicrafts and Showpieces such as Flower Vases, Pots, Ash Trays, Table Lamp, Candle, Table Clock, Wall Clock, Bowl, Jars, Writing Table Sets, Eggs, Paper Weights, Pen Stands, Telephone Sets, Jewelry Box, Animal Figures and Birds marble Chess Set, Coffee Table, bowls, sinks, vases, wine cups, carving animals, ashtrays, candle lamps, clocks, telephone sets , Flower Vases & Urns, Candle Holder, Tissue Holder, Candy jars, Clocks, Lamps, Planter, Photo Frame, Animal Figures, Eggs, Spheres, Obelisk, Pyramids, Jars, Jewellry & Trinket Boxes, Coaster Set, Rolling Pin, Chess board, Mortar & Pestals, Fruit Tray, Cherry Cup, Wine Glasses, Cake Plate, Fruit Dish, Fruit Bowls, pedestals, table tops, Onyx Wine Glasses , onyx coffee tables, marble chess sets,Onyx Handicrafts ,Onyx Animals ,Onyx Ashtrays ,Onyx Balls Spheres ,Onyx Beer Tanks ,Onyx BookEnds ,Onyx Bowls ,Onyx Candle Holders ,Onyx Cigarette Box ,Onyx Coaster Sets ,Onyx Chess Sets ,Onyx Clock
Trade Capacity View More >
|Main Markets
|Total Revenue(%)
|North America
|Eastern Europe
|Western Europe
|Mid East
|South America
|Northern Europe
|Central America
|Southern Europe
|Eastern Asia
|South Asia
|Export Percentage:
|61% - 70%
|No. of Employees in Trade Department:
|21-50 People
Email to this supplier
- Company Overview
- Company Introduction
- Company Capability
- Trade Capacity
- Production Capacity
- R&D Capacity
- Business Performance
- Buyer Interactions
- Ratings & Reviews
- Additional Information
- Trade Shows

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Pedal Steel Guitar is most commonly thought of as a purely country
instrument, and whilst it fills this role perfectly, it is worth
noting that it also appears in many other musical genres.
Artists as diverse as Cheryl Crow, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, The Verve, Yes, The Carpenters, Robbie Williams, and Led Zeppelin are great examples…… worth keeping in mind next time you are thinking of a "country twang"………
One of the great things about playing a guitar, (or rather a guitar-like instrument) with a steel tube or bar is that you can slide from one pitch to another, rather like bending strings, but without limits…
The problem with this is that you have to play note combinations that fall in a straight line, i.e. your tuning dictates what chords you can play - a big limitation.
The idea behind Pedal Steel originates from the desire to be able
to move the pitch of one note, without altering any of the other
Effectively it's a means of re-tuning the guitar instantly, and returning it to its original state just as quickly.
To take an example: we are tuned as follows (3 strings only for this)
G B D (a Chord of G) If we have a pedal that lowers the G string to F# then we have a chord of Bm………. If we have a pedal that raises the G string to G# then we have a chord of E7th…
It isn't too much of a surprise therefore that before very long several pedals were being added to what was originally a "Lap Steel guitar", the Pedal Steel had also grown four legs by this time to accommodate the floor pedals.
There is only so much room for floor pedals, so next came another set of devices (with the same functional possibilities as the floor pedals), these are known as "Knee Levers"
With five knee levers, even more possibilities arise, (a knee lever either side of each leg, and one above the left knee).
Added to this we also have two necks to choose from – one tuned to what is commonly known as C6th (the original lap steel tuning), and the other tuned to E9th (Nashville tuning).
With ten strings on each neck, in the region of fifty-four available "pulls" or "pushes", a range from G# above the top E on a standard guitar down to the A string on a Bass guitar, and a twenty –six fret neck (you can play beyond this right up to the pickup), the possibilities are endless…
The use of a solid steel bar gives a rare combination of long sustainable notes with a crystal clear sound, and in combination with a volume pedal under your right foot creates some stunning "violining" sounds.
Playing a Pedal Steel is very similar to driving two cars at once, whilst playing a tune at the same time…but brilliant fun!


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Let me guess, you have been playing New York Times crossword and got stuck on the clue Cigarette lighter fill. Well, you have come to the right place to find the answer to this clue.
While some crosswords are much simpler than others, most require that players have a vast knowledge of the language and possibly even various topics. So while crossword puzzles are seen as a more intelligent game, they can be very frustrating for players to complete and even experienced crossword players need some help occasionally.
When finding the answers to the clues becomes too difficult, there's no shame in looking for them online.
Now you have the answer to your clue. Its time to move on to the next clue. You can browse through the list with all the answers to the New York Times crossword of December 3rd, 2001. Or you can use the search form below to find the answer (no matter if its New York Times Crossword or any other crossword).
|New York Times crossword of December 3rd, 2001 other clues
|Place for a nap
|Poetic paean
|Popular cocktail
|Prefix with medic
|Puts up with
|Realty measure
|Response to an insult
|Restrooms, informally
|Rich dude
|Sign up
|Slanted type: Abbr.
|Sneeze syllable
|Taxpayer's ID
|Tempest in a teapot
|Thumbs-up response
|Word before 'beware!'
|___ the crack of dawn
|'The Ten Commandments,' for one
|'... ___ I'm told'
|'I'm not kidding!'
|'If all ___ fails ...'
|'Masterpiece Theatre' airer
|'Say it ain't so!'
|'Yeah, ___!'
|Agreed silently
|Alias for H. H. Munro
|All-purpose trucks
|Arctic jacket
|B. & O. and others
|Barely makes, with 'out'
|Basic PC program
|Be a boozer
|Bill at the bar
|Broadway star Verdon
|Bullring bull
|Capitol Hill figure
|CB, for one
|Chest muscle
|Chew for Bossy
|Clear, to a photographer
|Cloak-and-dagger org.
|Club with a floor show
|Completely bare
|Completely relaxed
|Completely self-satisfied
|Cook in the microwave
|Cream puff
|Directory listings
|Fraternal org.
|Grand ___ Opry
|Greek vowels
|Hankers (for)
|He earns his pay at Shea
|Hit on the head
|Involuntary twitch
|Itsy-bitsy bits
|Job that's not a chore
|Letters starting a ship's name
|Mom-and-pop org.
|N.Y.C. hrs.
|Neat's opposite
|New Mexico art community
|One of the Baldwins
|Park place?
|Part of a fist
|Pasted in the ring
|Piece of turf
We offer support and help with a wide range of crosswords and are guaranteed to make sure you complete everything; the site is also updated regularly to make sure that all of our answers are correct and to add more crosswords to the ever growing list.__IMAGE__
If there is any problem with the answer, please contact us! We will fix the problem.


text:
7777 Forest Lane (map)
Suite A-94, PMB 136Dallas, TX 75230
Prabhakar P. Kasava, M.D.
Dr. Kasava graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU)-Shreveport
(B.S., Summa Cum Laudae 1985) and from the Louisiana State University
School of Medicine (M.D., 1989) after being elected to the Medical
Honor Society (Alpha Omega Alpha) in 1987. He completed his Surgical
Internship (1990) and Radiology Residency at the University of
Texas-Houston (1994) after which he completed a Fellowship in
Neuroradiology (1994-1996) and a Fellowship in Interventional
Neuroradiology (1996-1997) both at the University of Wisconsin
Hospital and Clinics (Madison, WI). Dr. Kasava was awarded the
Nycomed Diagnostic Imaging Fellowship and later served as Assistant
Professor of Radiology at the University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio, The University of Texas-Houston Medical School
and the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He
entered private practice 2002.
Dr. Kasava is a published author in medical journals and texts on
subjects relating to Neuroradiology. He is a manuscript reviewer for
the American journal of Neuroradiology.
For additional information about Dr. Prabhakar P. Kasava including
his bibliography, please consult:
Dr. Kasava does not have an office at Neurosurgical Consultants.
Please contact Dr. Kasava directly at (972) 566-7866.
This page last edited on 2/19


text:
Water and Sewer Service:
The Town of Stephens City provides water and sewer service within its corporate limits where service is available.
A water deposit of $200.00 and service connections fee of $25.00 are required of all Town residents. The deposit is refundable whenever the customer moves with a final meter reading of total usage. The final bill will be deducted from the deposit. The service fee is non-refundable.
If renting a property, renter is required to have a "Owner Authorization Form". This form must be filled out and signed by the owner of the property prior to starting a new account.
In order to start a new water and sewer account with the Town, all residents on public utilities must have a "Water and Sewer Application" on file with the Town Administration.
Water and Sewer Billing Period:
Water and sewer service is based on a bi-monthly (60 day) billing period (February, April, June, August, October & December). Payment is due within 33 days without a penalty being imposed. There are 7 days to pay with the 10% penalty added to the delinquent bill. After 40 days water and sewer service may be disconnected for nonpayment. The Town will not reconnect water service until the bill is paid in its entirety, nor after regular business hours.
There is a night drop box available for after hour's payments and bills can now be paid online, however do not pay past due payments online.


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Don't Mess with Karma
In Buddhist teaching, the law of karma says only this: `for every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first.' The Karma Gods are very angry, and they are kicking butt at our hospital. The hospital administrator, Mr. Grinch, is telling the staff that the hospital is having financial difficulties related to the hospital's expansion, yet, his office is now decked about in opulent office furniture. I found this out from a housekeeper who couldn't believe her eyes one morning when she went into Mr. Grinch's office to empty his trash. She reported the sudden appearance of butter-soft leather furniture and a large flat-screen plasma television in Mr. Grinch's lair. She also said that his new private office came with other amenities, including a private bathroom that came complete with granite counter tops and a seven-foot window that allows Mr. Grinch to peer at staff and visitors coming and going from the hospital as he sits on the crapper. It's good to be King!
A couple of weeks ago, the Karma Gods took revenge on Mr. Grinch. They obviously have a wicked sense of humor. Somehow a drainage pipe somewhere in the hospital's plumbing system backed up and spewed raw sewage that ended up in front of Mr. Grinch's office door. According to one of my friends who witnessed the eruption, it stank to high heaven, and Grinch ran out of his office like his pants were on fire. Of course he left it to the underlings to clean up the mess.
I wonder what the Karma Gods are planning next. Stay tuned.


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Growing my own business - and helping others do the same - is easily one of the most fulfilling feelings I've experienced in my lifetime. So when I was asked to partner with NYU and E-School for Girls to speak about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur - alongside other leading female innovators - I was in.
The event, powered by Microsoft, took place at NYU's Stern School of Business, and was attended by over 100 guests, including decision-makers, students, educators, and press.
Fellow speakers included E-School for Girls Founder and Program Director Allison Wright, Microsoft Consumer PR Communications Lead Kristina Libby, Council of Economic Education CEO Nan J. Morrison, Motivate Design CEO Mona Patel, and Teaching Garage CEO Janice Chong.
Now approaching its third year as a premier summer program, E-School for Girls provides underserved high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial ideas and skills such as business planning, team building, and personal branding. The girls are also introduced to a network of business professionals and mentors across a range of industries.
"It is my personal mission to ensure that our students get to experience entrepreneurial success, build their skills and confidence and learn how to support themselves and each other no matter their gender or socioeconomic background." - E-School for Girls Director, Allison Wright
Each speaker then gave a five-minute talk, sharing personal career stories, entrepreneurial advice and personal definitions of success. I shared with the audience my personal criteria for success, which I'll now share here.
- Be genuine.
- Do something that no one else is doing. (Or, if you're doing something that other people are doing, do it better. Make sure you find a way to stand out.)
- Use yourself as the barometer for what success is. Figure out what your definition is and hold on to it as strongly as you would your client or employer's definition.
Check out some of my favorite moments and messages from the event.
"The secret to being an entrepreneur is refusing to allow your vision of what's possible be dictated by those around you." -Kristina Libby
"You should be able to say what you do in one sentence." -Nan J. Morrison
"You do you. Really think about what it is that you know, what it is that you can offer, how you can best offer it, and then design the company around that." -Mona Patel
"If you don't have the passion, and you don't know why you're doing what you're doing, it's going to be tough." -Janice Chong


text:
Models pose with bottled and canned "Blue Girl" beers, manufactured by OB, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the products' launch in Hong Kong at the Harbor Grand Hong Kong Hotel, April 4. / Courtesy of OB
This is the third in a series of articles on Korean food companies and restaurants seeking to expand overseas. ― ED.
|OB Beer CEO: Jang In-soo
OB's product, branded "Blue Girl," is distributed by local agent Jebsen Group and priced higher than other beer brands due to the agent's premium marketing scheme. OB has kept the leadership in sales for six consecutive years with a 12 percentage gap in market share with the runner-up brand SKOL imported from Brazil. Blue Girl's market share is 22.4 percent as of September last year.
"The biggest contributor to the strong leadership is flavor," said Lee Eun-ah, a spokeswoman for OB Beer. "Unlike many other Southeast Asian countries, Hong Kong people love to drink beer with high alcohol content and slight bitterness, which is typical flavor of European beer. Out products meet them all without flaw."
Lee said the local distributor has also aggressively pushed forward with promotional campaigns and TV commercials to help increase public awareness of the products.
Blue Girl was first exported to Hong Kong in 1988 under the original development manufacturing (ODM) contract, under which Jebsen holds an exclusive right when it comes to branding.
Its sales records in the first few years were humble. But aggressive marketing campaigns, coupled with efforts to improve flavor, put the products in the first place of the market for the first time in 2007 with a 14 percent market share.
In the first year of the exports, OB shipped 470,000 boxes, each containing 20 500-milliliter-bottles, to the city state. The number jumped to 16.9 million in 1998 and reached 3.15 million in 2008. Last year, the company exported a staggering 4.11 million boxes of Blue Girl to Hong Kong.
Last week, the two companies jointly hosted an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the brand's launch in Hong Kong and their representatives vowed closer cooperation in order to cement the lead.
"Hong Kong's beer market is small but winning first place there is very meaningful in that Hong Kong is a market where nearly 200 beer brands from all around the world wage fierce competition," said Park Chul-soo, an OB Beer executive in charge of overseas sales. "Our achievement in Hong Kong shows that Korean beer is not falling behind those from Europe and the U.S. in terms of quality."
OB is now desperate to extend its international presence with own brands ― CASS and OB Golden Larger. "CASS is selling very well in Mongolia," the OB spokeswoman said. "On top of this, we are seeking to good performance in other Southeast Asian countries and Australia with OB Golden Lager. We have good start."
The combined number of beer boxes OB exported last year was 17.78 million. The target for this year is 18.6 million.


text:
If you're an Apple developer, you can now download the a second developer preview release of OS X 10.7 (Lion). TechCrunch believes it's pretty close to the finished version of the operating system. Aside from sweeping bug and stability fixes, Developer Preview 2 will install on 2011 MacBook Pros and apparently has an updated version of iCal. MacRumors Forums has a running thread of the latest discoveries regarding the release. [TechCrunch and MacRumors]
OS X Lion Dev Preview 2 Is Here


text:
A Story Within and Beyond
In 2013 Aga collaborated with The Endangered Archives Project (EAP) at the British Library. EAP rescues collections that may otherwise have been lost. She has looked specifically at a digitalised photographic archive of southern Siberian indigenous population. The project culminated in the prints being shown in the Encounters between Art and Science exhibition at The British Library in London.
Tamiola investigated the science of photography at the turn of the 19th and 20th century, as well as the character of ethnographic research of that time. The prints are an attempt to keep alive the stories of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic Circle.
A Story Within and Beyond
Photoetching, 2013
30 x 42 cm


text:
OYA Textile is a home & hotel textile exporter certified by Control Union certifications with GOTS and Organic Content Standard (Organic 100 and Organic Blended) and able to produce a wide range of organic cotton, bamboo and Terry fabrics mainly for hotels, SPA and Home. We are in Denizli-Turkey, one of the best regions known for its high-quality organic cotton production.
Saraylar Mah. 464 Sok. No:1 Durmuş Çoban İş Merkezi Kat:7 D:15 20010 Denizli Merkez/Denizli


text:
Phone 816-390-3536 or 919-628-0166
Sell your home TODAY! We handle all of the paperwork and make all of the arrangements. You will get a simple no-hassle closing with no cost to you. Contact us now to get started. It does not matter if your house is in perfect shape, needs repairs, vacant, or neglected, we can buy it fast.
Sometimes, life can put you in a bind that makes you realize "I need to sell my house fast". TOWN & COUNTRY PROPERTIES is here to help you. We are not Realtors nor are we affiliated with any real estate agency.
We are a group of Real Estate Professionals that invest in real estate. We want to help end the worry and the sleepless nights spent wondering how you are going to sell your house fast, especially in this market. To top it all off, we don't charge you any fees for our services. What are you waiting for? Sell your home to us fast and easy! You are under no obligation whatsoever after you Contact Us and it's the only way you can get FREE help!
Are You Going Through Any of These Situations?
We know that bad things happen to good people, and every situation is different.
There are many reasons why you may need to sell your house:
- * Job Transfer or Relocation
- * Death in the Family
- * Divorce
- * Behind on Payments
- * Owe More Than Your Home is Worth
- * No Equity
- * Inherited a House
- * Settle an Estate
- * Bankruptcy
- * Foreclosure
- * Lien Claims
- * Title Problems
- * Vacant House
- * House in Need of Repair
- * Making Double House Payments
- * Tired Landlord
- * Realtor Having Trouble Selling
Whatever your reason, there is only one company with the experience you can depend on, Town & Country Properties, Inc.
What Do We Look For When We Buy A House?
The things we take into consideration when we look to buy a house and make a fair offer are:
- house age and condition
- cost of necessary repairs
- the relative worth of other homes of comparable value
- condition of the area
- how long those homes took to sell given the market conditions
When it comes to the condition of a home, we know that every house could use some work, so we buy houses in any condition.
We buy houses in any condition, and we don't just buy houses! We buy lots or land, apartment buildings, farms and ranches, office buildings, beach property, duplexes, condos, townhouses, single family homes…just about any building with deeded land attached!
What Does Your Service Cost Me?
There are NEVER any fees, commissions or other charges to you.
We have helped home owners, in every conceivable situation, solved their real estate problems. Give us the opportunity and we will help you get rid of the hassle of selling your house so that you can get on with your life.
Our Goal
Is to help everyday people that are experiencing challenges using standard methods when Selling a house. We want to make a difference in the lives of the people that we come into contact with.
Honesty Is Our Policy
Tell everyone the truth and you don't have to remember what you told them.
How Do I Get Started?
To find out more how we buy houses, please click here.
Remember if you do nothing, nothing will change.
Phone 816-390-3536 or 919-628-0166
Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved


text:
Coming from a prolific letter writing family––the single-spaced, two-sided, Underwood typewriter kind––I was interested in seeing just how Bob Rector's "LETTERS FROM THE FRONT" would play out. Was it going to be simply a litany of touching soldiers' letters recited by and staged for various actors?
As it turned out, the play provided much more: It was a multi-layered theater piece that had me chuckling, gasping, 'Oh no!" and more than once, producing a tear or two. Basically, it's about a well-respected journalist paired with a street smart promoter, who together, are trying to write/produce a play that will tell the stories of American soldiers to audiences, by using excerpts from letters dating from the Revolutionary War up to present day. The width and breadth of the letters were wonderful and showed such things as a longing for more communication, courage under fire, a couple of sexual references, loyalty to their families and their country, and my favorite, from a nurse during the Vietnam war, who was holding her patient while writing his mother about her dying son.
It was very interesting to see how Rector intertwined the various acts with action, dialogue, and the letters themselves. In addition, the back and forth bantering of the two lead characters was great fun as they pursued their brainstorming process, and much like the showbiz of today, creative integrity was pitted against a sell-sell-sell attitude.
This unique look at veterans from the various periods of U.S. history is well worth your time. It is a reminder of sacrifice, loyalty, devotion, and something else. To me, it was about the power of letter writing and how emailing and texting will never be its equivalent. With good, clear stage directions it is (and apparently already has been) ideal for stage production. Very recommended.
I read this play twice, this is how much I loved it. It is a complex play, unfolding at various level, hitting different emotional tones, from – to use the phrase of Johnny Chastain, one of the two main characters – both "crassly sensitive and crudely sincere". There are moments where you laugh and moments where you cry.
And it is emphatically not a series of letters from the front that are merely read out (though there is that too in Act II), with soldiers backstage acting out the events recounted in the letters. I have seen that concept used on TV in Europe (on ARTE) to "celebrate" or rather commemorate World War I. The formula works of course, but this play goes well beyond it and is wholly original in its approach.
Act I and Act III are all about the attempts of an established, successful writer-journalist, Katharine Hartgrove, to use a series of letters from the front to construct a play – Katharine is a woman with a heart as big as a house, she is a widow who has lost her husband in World War I, and her only son is presently fighting in Italy, at the end of World War II. To help her, there is Johnny Chastain, an actor and entertainer, temporarily retired or perhaps between two jobs, and the two are clearly in love. The two are also just at the beginning of the relationship and it is clear that it could still go either way, Katharine and Johnny are very different people, she is serious and earnest, he is a bit of a clown. No spoilers, I won't reveal what happens next, but the story is both suspenseful and satisfyingly romantic.
Yet this is not a light romance comedy, even if it looks like one at times. Bob Rector is able to move you, pulling several strings. First, the letters themselves, the stories they tell, the sincerity, the realism – and in this he needs little help, he has used real letters written by American men and women caught in various wars, from the Civil War to the first Persian Gulf war and what he has done is to choose them expertly and lay them out in Act II in an ascending order of emotions. But he doesn't stop there, it's not just a story about war veterans and their letters. Enter Katharine and Johnny. What is profoundly moving is the way the two react to each other and to the letters they read. Their love tryst is like a door opened on the human condition, and along with them, you tremble and cry, as the dialogue between the two throws a deep, probing light in the nature of love and death. As Katharine puts it, "To me, this play isn't about individual wars or the politics behind them or who was right or who was wrong…It's about everyday people who suddenly came face to face with their own mortality, or the prospect of losing a loved one. It's about people reaching out to each other, maybe for the last time."
That sums it up perfectly, it's about "reaching out to each other, maybe for the last time." And when this happens to Katharine herself, you shake and cry with her. So, be ready with your kleenex! I'm not surprised this play was so successful during the 15 years in toured the world, and my only regret is not having seen it on stage, with all the A/V components and the music that go with it. I am sure it makes for an extraordinary theater experience but even the play, as it is here, in printed words, is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
"Letters From The Front – The Play" by Bob Rector tells the stories of several American soldiers from various theatres of war by using excerpts from their real letters, showing the broad spectrum of experiences and viewpoints during war. They range from funny and inspiring to sentimental, emotional and moving in their nature.
The letters are surrounded by the personal stories of essayist Katharine Hartgrove and Johnny Chastain, the two main characters on the 'real' stage.
This was a most rewarding reading experience for me on many levels, mainly for its huge dramatic and emotional impact the stories had but also because it's been a while since I read any script for a play. Rector's stage directions and annotations reflect his background as professional in the business and reminded me how powerful stage plays can be.
The production of a play as theme for a play is a great premise and offers a multitude of perspectives on entertainment ethics while bringing home some truths about human heroism, loss and sacrifice. Back to READ THE PLAY.


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This residential 'retreat' rests on a very narrow promontory with spectacular panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin. The design revolved around three distinct programmatic requirements: 1.) generate a sanctuary-house that addressed the client's desires for privacy, rest and repose; 2.) that the house could also serve as an entertainment venue that would accommodate catered events set within a backdrop of the client's extensive art collection and the magnificent views of LA at night, and 3.) to incorporate a home-office that would service the needs of an international business leader always on the move.
The architectural response was to create a modern acropolis; a series of interconnected buildings each serving a unique purpose, linked by a large central art gallery that would be the hub of the house when the client entertained large numbers of guests at a time.


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Bordering the sea front, between Cannes and St Tropez, the stunning La Villa Mauresque was built in 1860 by the famous Moorish architect, Chapoulard. La Villa Mauresque offers an exclusive location with breath-taking sea views all round and immaculately manicured gardens.
Previously La Villa Mauresque was composed of 2 villas, one with a few exclusive rooms right on the sea front and one with a larger number of rooms, slightly further from the sea front, hence closer to the road. The total capacity was 16 rooms categorised within 6 room-types ranging from Romantique (standard) to Prestige Suite
From September 2012 La Villa Mauresque has decided to only offer the most prestigious and privilege location to a fewer number of guests. All the guests will the welcomed to the sea Front Villa only, which will offer just 7 high-end rooms, 3 Deluxe rooms, 2 Suits and 2 Prestige Suites. All the rooms will have been redecorated and refurnished with ultimate luxury and comfort in mind.
More than ever La Villa Mauresque will be synonymous with exclusivity, luxury and privacy.Name of the hotel: La Villa Mauresque Location (country): France Address (street, city & zip code): 1792 route de la Corniche Boulouris 83700 Saint Raphaël Website of the hotel: http://www.hotelsfrench-riviera.com Price range: 300$ to 1000$


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Fluffy, glazed Cinnamon Roll Bread without a lot of work! is creative inspiration for us. Get more photo about Home Decor related with by looking at photos gallery at the bottom of this page.
We are want to say thanks if you like to share this post to another people via your facebook, pinterest, google plus or twitter account.
Right Click to save picture or tap and hold for seven second if you are using iphone or ipad.
Full size is 600X1998 (Link to full-size image) pixels.


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J. Crew shorts (also love these) // J. Crew blouse // Target shoes // J.Crew + vintage bracelets // bcbg + forever 21 rings
I love the waist on these high-waist shorts. It kind of reminds me of a paper bag. I wore these to dinner last weekend and I see myself wearing these shorts many times throughout the spring and summer. What new piece of clothing are you excited to wear?


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StableBit DrivePool is a low cost software product for Windows that creates a single large filesystem (NTFS or ReFS) from multiple hard drives. You can easily expand the filesystem by adding more drives as you want more space - perfect for DVR use.
DrivePool: https://stablebit.com/
To work with HDHomeRun DVR you need DrivePool version 22.214.171.1246 or newer.
The main download link on the StableBits website is 22.214.171.1244 - to get 220.127.116.116 or newer you will need to download the latest beta release at the bottom of this page: http://dl.covecube.com/DrivePoolWindows/beta/download/
StableBit DrivePool - combine hard drives on Windows
Downloads & Instructions
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Posted by Justine Solomons on November 29, 2012, in Recommendations
Buy this book here.
Review by Tracey Sinclair.
Sarah Hall's latest outing continues to garner plaudits – most recently it won the £10,000 Portico Prize for fiction – and such honours are richly deserved. A haunting, moving collection, these finely crafted short stories showcase the skills of a talented prose stylist at the height of her powers.
Cumbrian-born Hall is at her best when capturing the region of her birth and the first entry in the book, The Butcher's Perfume, is undoubtedly the strongest, an unforgettable tale of young friendship and retribution the Cumbria hills. While it's a collection that works best read in stages – powering through the whole book in short order can make it feel slightly 'samey' – but given breathing space, these stories stylishly evoke the inner lives of their female protagonists, whether contemplating an illicit liaison, distracting from the truth of terminal illness with a love affair or rebuilding a life broken by adultery.
As with most collections, not every piece works perfectly, and none quite capture the soaring, breathless highs of the opening tale, but all are worth reading if only to admire Hall's faultless prose and elegant turn of phrase.


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As you may have noticed, the Google SketchUp blog looks a lot different today. That's because we—along with a few other Google blogs—are trying out a new set of Blogger templates called Dynamic Views.
Launched today, Dynamic Views is a unique browsing experience that makes it easier and faster for readers to explore blogs in interactive ways. We're using the Magazine view, but you can also preview this blog in any of the other six new views by using the view selection bar at the top left of the screen.
We're eager to hear what you think about the new Dynamic Views. You can submit feedback using the "Send feedback" link on the bottom right of this page, or visit our discussion group.
If you like what you see here, and we hope you do, we encourage you to try out the new look(s) on your own blog—read the Blogger Buzz post for more info.
Trying on the new Dynamic Views from Blogger
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 4:10 PM
As you may have noticed, the Google SketchUp blog looks a lot different today. That's because we—along with a few other Google blogs—are trying out a new set of Blogger templates called Dynamic Views.
8 comments :
- Anonymous said...
It looks awesome!
- September 27, 2011 at 8:38 PM
- mohammed glal said...
Awesome blogger
- September 28, 2011 at 2:35 AM
- ginger said...
I can't browse Dynamic Views in iPhone browser!
- September 28, 2011 at 6:18 PM
- P-fridge said...
Works like crap on my ipod in all viewing options, nothing is resized to fit screen. Makes me dizzy, I prefer to see whole page on screen then zoom in to what I want... Not the reverse because you don't even know the page layout.
- September 29, 2011 at 8:02 AM
- bb said...
Not user friendly with iPad
- September 29, 2011 at 9:25 AM
- gipuzkoa3d said...
i saw yesterday in desktop blooger, and then i create a new blog with this style, looks very well ¡¡
- September 30, 2011 at 2:01 AM
- Gaieus said...
Haha. I have also noticed the new look. Interesting experiment - we1ll see how it works out in everyday look (some older, inserted images may need some size or alignment adjustment)
Edit: the iFrame (or whatever) for posting a comment is painfully smaller than the comment page inserted in and there are scroll bars both vertically and horizontally so even to read the captcha, I need to scroll horizontally.
- September 30, 2011 at 8:57 AM
- Gaieus said...
OK, let's try to post another test comment (sorry guys, you need to be patient)
Edit: the same. Scroll bars all over the place. Come on; a 340x150 pixel input field / frame (div/whatever) nowadays? Someone did not take into account that before posting, we are redirected to a captcha input field.
And before entering the captcha but going back to "Edit" and then pressing the "Post submit" button, it says that I did not enter the captcha correctly. Sure I did not: I have not even sent my comment but edited.
- September 30, 2011 at 9:06 AM


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Tap to Read ➤
How to Prepare for College Application Process?
Sailee Kale
Feb 10, 2019
The process of applying for admission into a college can seem both exciting and unnerving at the same time. Here, we provide the details on how to prepare for the college application process.
The prospect of going to college can seem thrilling, as well as nerve-racking. You've waited for the day when you can finally move out and start living independently. But with this excitement, comes a whole bunch of responsibilities. There's the enormous task of filling out and submitting the application forms, for which you might need guidance.
Preparing for the College Application Process
Creating a Resume
Start preparing for this process when you are in the high school. Create a resume which lists your academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, and work experience, if any. The resume should portray you as a confident person and accentuate your high points. Formulate it such that it becomes an important and effective tool in your application process.
Choice of Colleges
You need to make a list of colleges you will be applying to. This may seem baffling at first, as there may be several colleges which offer the courses you want to pursue. Keep things simple by narrowing the list to five or six "most probable" colleges.
Bear in mind that every application will cost you an application fee, which is nonrefundable. Take help from your parents, and also from your friends who are already in college and will guide you in the right direction, or even your school counselor, who is probably the most conversant with your academic records.
Factors that dictate your choice of colleges would be cost, courses offered, location of the college, and facilities offered (recreational, dorm, labs, computing, extracurricular activities, sports, etc.).
Pay a visit to the college(s) of your choice. Take a campus tour, it will give you a feel of the college life you will soon be experiencing yourself. Chat up with students and ask their points of view on the college, including subjects offered, teaching methods, sports and recreational facilities, dorm facilities, etc.
If you get a chance, meet and collect the contact numbers of all important people (professors, career counselors, admission representative, etc.), which you think will be useful to you during the process. Do not hesitate to make inquiries, the college will practically be your home in the coming years.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
The SAT reasoning test is used by colleges as a yardstick when offering scholarships to a student. Scoring high in SAT is very important. A good score will help you get admission into a college of repute, and also better your chances of receiving financial help.
Chalk out a study plan, take expert guidance, and buy good self-study books. You can even enroll yourself in tutoring or online classes which prepare students for SAT exam. Get a lot of practice by solving mock tests. Identify your weak areas so you can work on improving them.
If you are interested in applying for an "early action" or "early decision", take your SAT in October, since these processes require you to submit your applications in November. Make sure to send your SAT and SAT subject test scores to all colleges you wish to apply.
Recommendation Letters
You will also require recommendation letters from your teachers and counselors, and your employers if you have any job experience. Ask for the letters well in advance, and then follow-up with the respective individuals to verify that your letters have been sent on time.
Essay Writing
Essay writing is an important aspect of the application process. Draft your essay very carefully. It's your best chance to showcase your strengths and accomplishments. Make a rough draft before the actual writing. Point out things that are not a part of your resume, or elaborate on the activities and experiences mentioned in it.
Write things about yourself which will highlight your merits, and narrate it in an interesting manner. Or, you could brainstorm and choose from a wide variety of topics to write on. Avoid writing on controversial subjects. Use simple and lucid language. Once you have sketched the draft, it's time to finalize it.
Take a feedback about your own writing from a trusted family or friend, someone who will offer you an unbiased opinion. Proofread it very carefully. Read and reread the essay.
College Admissions
Try to complete the process latest by November or December. Before you mail the application, make copies of every single application for your records. If you need financial assistance, contact the college office and ask for any forms or other paperwork they may require.
Financing is something you should decide upon only after careful consideration and discussion with your parents and elders. A month after you mail out the applications, contact the colleges to verify whether they have actually received your application forms. Typically, colleges announce admission decisions by March or April.
Go through the list of colleges you had applied to, and arrive at a decision. Fill out the enrollment form of the college of your choice, and mail it to them along with the deposit check. The deadline for most colleges to receive the forms is May 1st.
Inform all the other colleges who accepted your application form that you will not be attending them, so you free up the seat for another deserving candidate. If the college of your choice puts you on their waiting list, contact them and notify them that you are still very much keen on joining them. You can mail them your latest semester grades.
While the process is sure to take up a good deal of your time, do not neglect your senior year. Study hard and continue to do well so you get excellent school grades. Colleges expect you to score high in your final school semester. Thank all those who helped you with the application process.
Make sure your final year school transcript reaches your college. You will also need time to make early travel plans so you get cheap airfare deals, and do a whole lot of shopping! Approach the college application process the same way you would prepare for a job interview, with the same determination and sincerity.
Investing in college education paves the way for a secure future ahead. Armed with a college degree and equipped with the necessary skills and qualities means you have better chances of finding a job, earning more money, and becoming financially secure.
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Location: Bungalows
Bed: Two Queen
Private bath type: Walk-in shower
This first floor room has parking directly in front of your entrance. The private patio and stone picnic table to the rear is mere steps away from Critchfield Spring. A wet-bar made of re-claimed antique woods is a charming focal point. The barley twist game table is great for a friendly game of cards. Bungalow One can connect directly with Bungalow Two via a double door, should you be traveling with friends.
Nightly Rate: $200.00 for 2 persons.
Sleeps up to 4 people.
$25.00 per extra person.


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Hot Girl in Shawl Serves LP Officer and gets Fuck and Facial Cumshot
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Skinny and quite adorable, this hot blonde chick enjoyed hard cock in her slit pretty much. Her moans were more than loud.
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She finally allows him to take her virginity and begs him not to cum inside her but he does it anyway.
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On Saturday, I went to see my doctor for my regular 3-month check-up and bloodwork for my diabetes. He said that everything looks really good! I found out he is a runner and was going to run the Chicago Marathon the next day. So we discussed how my running was going, if I was doing enough stretching before and after my runs, etc. He definitely suggested that after my warm-up walk/jog, I should stop and do some stretching before I begin my actual 'run'. Combining that with my usual post-run stretching and foam rolling should help me prevent injury (something I am very interested in avoiding).
My weight is continuing to drop, which has been one of my main goals since May 2010. I am certain that being overweight (obese, actually) was a major contributing factor to my diabetes, and a major drag upon my overall health. With over 110.2 pounds shed thus far, the doctor is overjoyed. My next goal is to lose 20 more before the end of 2011 and to lose a total of 160 pounds by the end of April 2012 (when I plan on running the Illinois Half Marathon).
He and I discussed my medication and whether stopping the Metformin is a possibility now that I have demonstrated continuing success as managing my blood glucose levels over the past 6 months. He said I could stop the meds but that on Monday, when the results of my bloodwork are in, he would 'confirm' that decision if the results came back as we both expected.
Well, the results are IN! And, NO MORE MEDS will be required for me!!!! My HbA1c came back at 5.8% which is a non-diabetic level. My test results for this have been between 5.5 and 5.8 since April -- even as my meds have been slowly reduced over this period -- so he is very pleased with that.
While I could say "I am no longer a diabetic", that would not be entirely honest. Diabetes will always be something I need to keep under control, so that I never have to experience any of its damaging and potentially life-threatening complications. So my job is to continue exercising and eating healthy (and appropriately portioned) meals in order to successfully manage my diabetes and weight. In other words, to stay a 'lean, mean, running machine'.
I will slightly adjust a line from Harry Potter and say "Diabetes Managed!"


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Last Monday, December 14, the Land Use and Transportation Committee held four hours of amendment voting sessions. We had asked our constituents to take action on a series of amendments we believed to undermine the purpose of Transform Baltimore--to create a uniform zoning code that encourages sustainable growth and livable streets.
The voting sessions got through all of the Title 14 amendments and the bulk of Title 15. In our email we had requested opposition to amendments in Title 10, 14, 15 and 16. Voting on the text amendments will continue after the holidays.
Of the six Title 14 amendments we opposed all were either withdrawn or failed to pass.
Withdrawn: T-487, T-488, T-496, T-628
Failed due to no motion to proceed: T-499, T-504
Failed due to lack of votes: T-511
It should be noted that prior to going to a vote, Councilwoman Clark had revised T-499--the amendment that blocked the adoption of neighborhood commercial by creating an elaborate finding of fact to get approved--so that the findings of fact were agreeable to our demands. However, at that point it seemed that no committee member wanted to even be associated with it to move it to a vote.
Title 15 amendments that we opposed were revised to become more amenable to livable streets or withdrawn.
Withdrawn: T-528
Passed with revisions: T-523. T-522
Bikemore didn't plan on becoming so engaged in the discussion on Transform Baltimore, but when it became clear that members of council and outside interests were introducing amendments harmful to the livable streets spirit of an improved form based code, it became important for us to take action.
We will continue to monitor the amendment voting process that will likely stretch on for a few more months. We will continue to keep you apprised of opportunities for action, and ways you can communicate to our city's leaders how important vibrant, safe, bikeable and walkable places are to the future of Baltimore.
Thank you for taking action.


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Osaka has long been one of the major cities in Japan, and the gateway of trade and culture for centuries. As a result, people from this area are regarded to be fast-talking and straight-shooting. This is in complete opposition to those from Tokyo, who tend to be more reserved (they both even stand on different sides of the elevator)!
Rooted in rich history, as well as being launched into modernity by their close connection with trade, Osaka is bright in culture, history, and especially delicious Kansai food!
How to Get to Osaka
Osaka is centrally located in Japan. Situated in the Kansai region, it is a haven for Japanese culture and temperate weather, and is easily accessible from nearly every area of Japan. So, wandering into Osaka is no problem at all!
There are two airports located in Osaka, so flying in from Fukuoka Airport is very easy. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the larger airport as well as the home terminal of the budget airline, Peach. From KIX, there are several direct trains to central Osaka. The fastest is the JR Haruka limited express train which takes only 30 minutes to Tennoji Station. It costs ¥1710 for an unreserved seat, and ¥2200 for a reserved seat. For those headed to Namba, you can take the Nankai Railways "Rap:t" limited express train which costs ¥1430 and takes 35 minutes. A seat reservation is needed. Another option is the airport limousine bus. It takes about 45 minutes to Namba (¥1000), or 60 minutes to Umeda (¥1550).
Most domestic flights will come through the more centrally-located domestic Itami Airport instead. From Itami Airport, you can take the monorail one stop to Hotarugaike Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Umeda Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs ¥420. Alternatively, it takes 25 minutes and costs ¥640 by airport bus to go to either Namba Station or Umeda Station.
With the competitive prices of low cost airlines, sometimes flying is cheaper than taking the shinkansen. However, if you prefer the convenience of trains, a Nozomi Shinkansen train takes only 2 ½ hours from Hakata Station to Shin-Osaka station. You can transfer at Shin-Osaka for your local destination. A one way ticket costs ¥15,110.
Things to do in Osaka
There are countless things to do in Osaka, from futuristic and cutting edge, to historic and full of character, Osaka is one of the major hubs for both old and new Japan. When visiting Osaka, one can never miss out on true Japanese culture.
Osaka Castle: Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, this historic castle is in the center of a large park. Enjoy some street food in the park, or be entertained by the street performers before heading into the castle. The keep is a recent reconstruction, and the interior is concrete. However, the museum inside is one of the more interesting of the castle museums. Just remember there are 8 stories to the top! From the top of the castle you can see not only parts of the old castle wall and moat but also the modern skyscrapers of Osaka. Admission is 600 yen, but that's well worth it just for the view!
Peace Osaka: If you are interested in more modern Japanese history, check out the nearby Peace Osaka Museum. This museum offers a fascinating and critical look into wartime Japan. The top floor is dedicated to the air-raids that destroyed much of Osaka, and the bottom floor is dedicated to Japan's aggressions in Asia. With artifacts, photos, and testimony of the destruction on both sides, will make you consider the price everyone pays in war. Admission is ¥250.
Namba Area: Namba is the place to go for shopping and food. Namba Parks, with a multi-story rooftop garden, represents the high-end of shopping in Osaka while Amerikamura is the place for young people looking for the latest trends. After some shopping, head to Dotonbori for a snack. Dotonbori is an iconic canal street lit up brilliantly with flashing neon lights and advertisements. This is where you can see the famous Glico Running Man, as well as try delicious Osaka specialties of okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Try going there in the evening for drinks and the view.
Sumiyoshi Taisha: This is the head shrine of Sumiyoshi, the god of travelers, fishermen, and sailors. Founded in the 3rd century, it is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Sumiyoshi Taisha uses a unique type of native Japanese architecture called Sumiyoshi-zukuri; straight, rather than curved roofs, and vertical ornamental decorations (chigi) as well as horizontal ornamental poles (katsuogi). There is also a stunning bridge over a pond leading up to the entrance. It is called the Taiko Bridge (Drum Bridge) because of its high arch. Though slightly out of the way from central Osaka, Sumiyoshi Taisha is well worth the trip. Admission is free.
Shitennoji and Shinsekai: During the daytime, stop by Shitennoji. This is one of Japan's oldest temples, built by Prince Shotoku in 593. Though burned down several times, it has been faithfully reconstructed according to the original design. In the inner precinct is a five story pagoda which can actually be entered (because they house sacred relics, it is rare that pagodas can be entered by the general public). The outer grounds are free; admission to the inner grounds is ¥300. At night, check out Shinsekai. Shinsekai was once the "New World" of Osaka. Heavily developed before World War II, it's now run-down and gritty – and full of character. The inspiration for Shinsekai was Paris-meets-Coney Island, and its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower was supposedly modeled off the Eiffel Tower. While perhaps lacking the sophistication of Paris, Shinsekai doesn't lose out in heart – or in delicious food! Shinsekai is the home of kushikatsu, delicious skewers of fried meats and vegetables with a savory sauce. Many of the shops are open 24 hours for whenever your hunger strikes. If you want a taste of the real Osaka spirit, Shinsekai is the place to go.
Hotels in Osaka
Osaka is a huge city, and there are countless places to stay at almost any budget. From palatial suites, to hostels and bottom-rate motels, one never has to sleep on the street while in this port city.
Extremely cheap hotel rooms (as low as ¥2000) can be found in the Shin-Imamiya and Shinsekai area, but keep in mind the rooms will be very basic and the area a bit rough. Otherwise, cheap hostels in Osaka are great options. Not only for an inexpensive price, but also a chance to interact with other travelers and make many memories. 'Tani 9 Backpackers' is a cozy and relaxed hostel within walking distance of Osaka Castle and Namba. A bed in the mixed dormitory is ¥2700 or ¥2800 in the female dorm.
If you are looking for convenience and a little more comfort, Toyoko Inn is a reliable business chain with several hotels around Osaka. A single room costs around ¥7000. Shin Osaka Station Hotel is, as the name suggests, conveniently located near Shin-Osaka Station. It is another business oriented hotel costing around ¥7000 per night.
For those with a little more to spend who want a western-style hotel room, Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi has you covered; double rooms for around ¥11000 per night. With vending machines and a buffet breakfast, it's convenience and comfort all in one.
Osaka is a wonderful place, and too often overlooked by travelers. Look behind the Shadow of the metropolis of Tokyo, and the historical epicenter that is Kyoto, and discover the city that sits comfortably in the middle of both worlds.
Osaka is a wonderful place, and too often overlooked by travelers. Look behind the Shadow of the metropolis of Tokyo, and the historical epicenter that is Kyoto, and discover the city that sits comfortably in the middle of both worlds.


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Policy and procedure
Please use the software menu on the left for more information about the products. If you need support, please find contact details here
I don't sell support or provide a support contract. I don't usually accept payment for enhancements. If you donate or pay for my software, then you're contributing to development and support time, but should not consider it the purchase of any kind of support or warranty over and above what's set out here.
We welcome bug reports and enhancement suggestions. We will acknowledge quickly, treat bugs seriously and try to either answer or fix in a reasonable time. We'll give thought to enhancement / feature requests.
We'll try to make the first acknowledgement (and give an answer or workaround if possible) within an hour or two if possible (within waking hours GMT) or usually within 24hrs.
It will speed up the process if you can tell us the steps that we need to make in order to see the same problem.
- initial contact ->
- acknowledgement / answer question & close if possible ->
- reproduce problem (may require further information from user) ->
- diagnose problem ->
- offer workaround if possible / update user ->
- close if no fix possible
- fix problem and include in next possible release ->
- close
Notes on version numbers
I use the fairly standard system of 3 numbers separated by dots like this: version 5.3.3
The first number means a major release - major new features or look / feel. The second number means new features. The last number is for fixes only. Sometimes I'll add a 'build number' in the About box, this means that the code hasn't changed, just a build setting or some other non-code difference.


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Let's face it, people love to be scared. There is a catharsis in scary stories — they allow us to face our fears but in a safe setting. It's one of the reasons horror movies are popular and profitable.
So, it's no surprise that comics have a long tradition of horror stories. Going back to classic anthology series like Creepy or Eerie, comics readers have always had a fascination with macabre and the terrifying.
Every medium has its own strengths and weaknesses in regards to telling stories in specific genres. Films tell horror stories use the unique combination of picture and sound to create atmosphere and build scares. Comics obviously lack the ability to create terror aurally or with rapid editing. This in no way makes horror comics less terrifying, it simply means they must rely on a different bag of tools to scare the pants off of readers.
Comics are a medium built on turning two-dimensional drawings on a page into fully realized characters and worlds. In reading comics we as readers are asked to bring a lot to a story. We dictate the pace of the panels, the speed of the dialogue, and how long we linger on certain images. Our emotional investment must be extremely high to create a willingness to engage with the comic. To be scared we have to give ourselves over to the horror crafted by the creative team of book.
Horror as the Backdrop for Morality
There's no way to talk about modern horror comics without bringing up The Walking Dead, written by Robert Kirkman and drawn in its first six issues by Tony Moore and subsequently by Charlie Adlard. The Walking Dead is unquestionably one of the most popular and successful comics of the modern era. While being a horror story, this is a book with mass appeal. Just look at the monster success of the television adaptation. One of the big keys to the book's success is that the zombie apocalypse is a backdrop for a moving and deeply tragic morality tale. The Walking Dead is about struggling to survive through hopelessness.
In issue 24 of the comic, our protagonist Rick Grimes ends an epic speech with the line: "We are the Walking Dead." It's true, the characters of this book are doomed their only fate appears to be death or becoming part of the mass of flesh eating zombies. While this may seem incredibly grim, it actually allows Kirkman the opportunity to write a book examining the qualities of humanity that individuals and society hold most dear. While there is certainly dread in the frequent death or zombification of beloved characters, the book's main focus is on the cost of survival. The moral debate at the center of the story is about what's the point of surviving if we lose our humanity in the process.
Real Villains and the Potential for a Happy Ending
The struggle for humanity takes on a much more literal meaning in The Strain. Based on the series of popular novels, writer David Lapham and artist Mike Huddleston bring the story to comics. The Strain is about the apocalyptic spread of a virus that turns people into vampires.
Unlike the faceless cause of zombies in The Walking Dead, The Strain has a tangible villain at the core of its story. The Master is a centuries-old creature of evil with a plot to take over the world. Our heroes are not doomed. The Strain instead takes on more of a war story vibe. This is about humanity's struggle against an oppressor and conceivably this battle can be won. There is a potential happy ending possible in this world.
It's that hope that can actually be terrifying in The Strain. Instead of a world that's already ended for all intents and purposes we see our world slipping into darkness and desperately root for our heroes to return things to normal.
The Setting Amps up the Fear
While The Walking Dead and The Strain are urban nightmares about the dissolution of society, there is also room for more gothic horror in comics. Harrow County by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook is a creepy and wonderfully unsettling piece of Southern Gothic storytelling. Focusing on a small town's fears of a young girl becoming a witch, there is a streak of paranoia that runs throughout the book. Of course, there's the classic (and historical) image of a mob of frightened townsfolk trying to burn a witch. But there's also the paranoia of one's own destiny. If you're told you're going to be evil and do wicked things, does that mean your fate is sealed?
Playing on the classic horror trope of the fear of the matured woman and the power she can wield, Bunn and Crook also bring in plenty of eerie imagery. Images of a skinless boy and of course, his now sentient skin crossed with fiery ghosts and mulit-eyed monsters will stick with readers long after they put the book down. Especially, when they are presented in Crook's dreamy hauntingly beautiful watercolor panels.
Delving into Madness
Playing into it's own disturbing imagery though in a much more stark manner is Pixu from the Eisner winning team of Gabriel Bá, Becky Cloonan, Fábio Moon, and Vasilis Lolos. Pixu delves deep into a Lovecraftian tale of madness and ever-encroaching darkness. The book bounces around a collection of tenants in an apartment complex. The disparate stories start to intertwine as the madness of the characters grows. This book plays on one's fear of losing one's sanity, a potent and always horrific concept especially in the hands of such masters of the medium.
Humans Aren't the Only Heroes
For those looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there is Beasts of Burden from Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson. It's your classic paranormal investigation team story, except all the investigators are dogs and cats. While this may sound like a cute and cuddly kids book, it's straight up horror (with a bit of a wink). These household pets battle with a cannibalistic frog, cat witches, and even team up with Hellboy in one story. For those looking to balance their monsters and supernatural entities with adorable animals here is a book for you.
So, it's clear horror is alive and well in the comics world. There are plenty of stories out there to give you creeps, but hopefully now you might have a greater understanding of why they scare you. Monsters and creepy imagery are a hugely necessary part of a horror story, but the sign of a great one is an emotional resonance that sticks with you long after the story is finished.
What's your favorite horror comic? Join the conversation by posting your comments below!


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The 2015-16 TV season isn't even over yet, but the 2016-17 pilot season is already heating up, and horror television is hotter than ever. Every major cable network has at least one horror or sci-fi based TV show in their potential roster, so the Honeys decided to take a peek at each one, then rate its odds of getting picked up, as well its odds of survival if it does (on a scale of 1-5).
This episode, we're going through the potential genre pick-ups on NBC!
Midnight, Texas ~ Oh, NBC. We love your enthusiasm. We really do. But your attempts at horror television are way more miss (Dracula, Fear Itself) than hit (Hannibal), and when they do hit, you don't commit. So to think that this series based on True Blood author Charlaine Harris' three-book collection is going to even make it to air might be pushing it. It doesn't help that early buzz on the small town supernatural drama has been really negative.
Linnie's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 3
Odds of Survival ~ 1: Sorry, Charlaine. But this just sounds like another version of True Blood, without any of the promise of male nudity that kept me coming back to Bon Temps. I'm not interested, and I don't think anyone else will be either.
Kat's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 3
Odds of Survival ~ 1: I'm highly pessimistic on this one. If you don't have anything unique to hook viewers back into a series that most feel betrayed them in the end? Sorry about it.
UPDATE ~ After we wrote this, NBC picked up Midnight, Texas despite the negative buzz on the pilot. From what Variety said, this show is starting to sound like a soapy Nightbreed, so odds of survival are probably still slim.
|Only one will be returning... surprise surprise.
Linnie's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 5
Odds of Survival ~ 3: This one is really hard to gauge. Personally, I hated the movie, so I don't see myself watching. And the nostalgia boom is currently getting a bit of pushback, so are there enough people in love with the movie to keep this on the air, especially when SMG is the only original in the mix? I'm not seeing it lasting beyond a season, two max. Worst case scenario... this could be the first show cancelled if their nostalgia ploy backfires.
Kat's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 4
Odds of Survival ~ 4: This IS a hard one. I'm in a minority of teens who didn't swoon over Ryan Phillipe, and I honestly have no love for SMG, so I don't know where this will fall. I have a feeling it will get multiple seasons, but it really depends on where they sway their programming focus (teens or their moms) that will determine how it hits.
UPDATE: Well kids, NBC had their upfronts and there was nothing about Cruel Intentions mentioned. According to E! News, the show is still in contention, but they're just trying to figure out how it fits into their fall schedule. To us, that sounds like a big old "adios" to NBC's attempt to tap into a teen audience. Now the question is... will another network pick it up?
|Either/or/both... We're happy.
Linnie's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 5
Odds of Survival ~ 5: NBC knows how to work their spin-offs (The Chicago series dominates the network, with another addition already greenlit for the fall), so there is no question this show would carry fans over and survive, especially for those who SPOILER ALERT are grieving the death of Liz.
Kat's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 5
Odds of Survival ~ 5: The Blacklist is amazing, there's no denying. Famke is in need of somewhat of a more substantial hit, Hemlock Grove was kind of meh in the end and honeybee looked bored the whole way through. Plus, let's not forget that she's been rudely shoved over for X-Men... we're watching, Famke, you fucking show them. Love you.
MORE UPDATE: The Blacklist spin-off, titled The Blacklist: Redemption, has been ordered! ROCK ON, FAMKE!
|NOTE: not an actual shot from Timeless
Linnie's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 5
Odds of Survival ~ 2: Again, without knowing anything, it's hard to say for sure. But NBC and sci-fi aren't great bedfellows, so unless this stars a newly jobless Stana Katic and Chris Evans, I'm not holding out hope.
Kat's Projection:
Odds of Pickup ~ 5
Odds of Survival ~ 2: No hoverboards, no hope. I'm personally not a fan of watching a bunch of idiots make their way through complex situations thanks to luck and better supporting characters than they deserve, which is the only way a storyline like this moves forward... so, without knowing anything... I'm already checked out.
UPDATE: After we wrote this, NBC did, indeed, pick-up Timeless with a straight-to-series order. So now it's just a matter of survival.
In addition to a series based on the Taken films, a DC workplace comedy (yup), and a collection of sitcoms, NBC has a seriously eclectic crop of new shows in contention for the '16-'17 pilot season. But what will actually make it to air? That remains to be seen.
Next Up: Fox!
(Source: Variety)


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Hola! Do you know what today is? It's my birthday! I've completed 27 wonderful and sometimes awkward trips around the sun! 27 doesn't feel too much different than 26. Except last year I distinctly remember that all I wanted to do for my birthday was eat Mac and Cheese all day... and this year all I want to eat all day are vegetables and other green things. I can't really tell if that is a sign of maturity and a stronger awareness of self care or if it's because we just got back from vacation 2 days ago and we each ate a total of 15 tacos in 3 days. Who knows?!
We just got back from a long weekend in Mexico City! It was so lovely. As I already mentioned, we ate a lot of tacos, and so many other delicious things! Literally everything we ate was like the best thing I ever ate. I'm going to share a blog post about our whole trip- everything we saw and ate- and share it soon! Hopefully within the next week, otherwise it's never going to happen. You all should plan your trips to Mexico City now though. Seriously. Such a great place! The colors of the city alone were so inspiring. I'm thinking of making a Mexico City or Luis Barragán inspired cake! I'm imaging blocks of Mexican pink, bold blues, and some creamy neutrals.
I've gotten very into abstract cake decorating lately if you haven't noticed. I love it so much because it doesn't involve painstakingly piping perfect flower (I will attempt that later!) and it's a stress free way of playing around with forms and color. I wanted this year's birthday cake to sort of be a self portrait. Last year's birthday cake was more Reuben focused because was turning the big 30 and had just passed all his architecture licensure exams, so I made the cake look like a concrete column... sort of. But this year the cake is a reflection of me! It has swooshes of warm orange and yellow hues with a little accent of blue. If you want to hyper analyze the design of the cake like we did in college art history, you could say that it's an expression of my big, colorful, and chaotic moves in life, but the blue accents represent Reuben's presence in my life and his ability to balance me out. Our something like that lol.
It pretty much matches the aesthetics of my life which makes me so incredibly happy. The inside of the cake is a classic chocolate. I realized that all my cakes on Eat Cho Food are vanilla based and I felt like I needed to diversify! It's really yummy and moist! I got to enjoy the cake scrapes when I first made the cake a week ago, but we finally got to cut into it last night at dinner. Still yummy and moist! I'll probably have another slice tonight and then another for breakfast tomorrow.
Does anyone want a slice of chocolate cake????
Abstract Painting Chocolate Cake
makes one 3 layer 6" cake
Cake Materials:
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup AP flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk*
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup boiling water
Buttercream Materials:
4 sticks softened unsalted butter (2 pounds)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp milk
gel food coloring
* if you don't have buttermilk and only have milk, you can stir 1 cup of regular milk with 1tbsp of white vinegar and allow to sit for 5 minutes until thick.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease cake pans and line bottom of the pans with rounds of parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix to combine. Stir in boiling water and mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the cake pans. Lift each pan about 3 inches from your work surface and drop a few times to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 28-30 minutes until done. Test for doneness using the toothpick test Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from the pans and allow to completely cool on a wire rack. Place cakes upside down on the rack to help level the cakes.
4. While cakes are cooling make your buttercream. Whisk softened butter with the paddle attachment on your standmixer for 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium low and gradually add in powdered sugar. Add in salt, vanilla, and milk and mix on medium until fluffy. Reserve about 1/4 of your buttercream for mixing in colors. If you need more buttercream for decorating add another stick of butter and 1 cup powdered sugar.
5. Once cakes are completely cool, level off your cake layers. Keep cake scrapes for a snack later! Place a small blob of buttercream on a cake round and place a layer of cake on the cake round. Add buttercream, top with another cake layer, and repeat one more time. Frost the whole cake with a thin layer of buttercream to make your crumb coat. Place cake in the freezer for 15 minutes. When crumb coat is solid, add another layer of buttercream until smooth.
6. To decorate in an abstract painting style, mix your remaining buttercream into various colors. I recommend having at least 3-4 colors. Have 2-3 colors within a similar color range and then one additional color in a contrasting bolder color. Apply dabs of colored buttercream to your cake and smear with an offset spatula in various directions and sizes. Decorate to your liking!


text: Codecademy Codecademy is the easiest way to learn how to code. It's interactive, fun, and you can do it with your friends. Free code camp is where you do things on your own, while codecademy you just change a few lines of cod Guest • Aug 2017 • 7 agrees and 0 disagrees Disagree Agree Freemium Web C++ support Coding ITunes-like user interface Add a feature 195 Like


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Consultations in herbal medicine
In these sessions, we will identify imbalance from a holistic, energetic perspective. Holistic medicine is that which takes the whole living system into account. Energetic medicine refers to the 4 main qualities that are inherent in every living system, from cellular to systemic: hot, cold, wet, and dry. Using tongue, pulse, and facial diagnostics, and somatic based talk therapy, we will come up with a healing plan that is easy for you to implement into your daily life to have a lasting, deep effect on your physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Initial consultations are 1.5 hours of in depth constitutional inquiry designed to give insight into the way that your body systems are working together. For children, we adjust a consultation to meet their attention span, often playing in the garden or making medicine while consulting. Initial consults can only be done in person. Follow up appointments are usually one hour and scheduled in person from one to four weeks after initial session, depending on your personal treatment plan. Follow up appointments can also be arranged via Skype or phone.
Your body is the map, the plants are the path.
Healing plans will focus on personalized herbal formulas for your specific needs. Herbal remedies may be in the forms of tinctures, teas, medicinal baths, and topicals. Complimenting this protocol may be medical chi gong exercises, community support plans, mindfulness practice, and nutritional guidance. If you come with a first aid injury, I'll likely utilize poultices and bodywork to support your healing process.


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I've never thought of us so-called travel writers as forming a comradeship, but in this innovative book, Shapiro brings our motley crew into a single focus by surveying eighteen of us, as writers and as people, through a single pair of perceptive, generous, and imaginative eyes."
-Jan Morris author of A Writer's House in Wales
Shapiro's descriptions of each writer were miniature masterpieces, I felt, every one, in part because each was so different and in every case you evoked the very special and unique atmosphere of Isabel Allende showering her kindness on everyone, Tim Cahill and his open heart, Jan Morris with her wry compassion, Eric and Wanda Newby twinkling together. I know a lot of the people you describe in the book, and I feel you highlighted what is special about them and informs their writing.
-Pico Iyer, author of Sun After Dark
I enjoyed A Sense of Place down to the last drop. This is a wonderful book, full of literary and experiential allusions — a fascinating read.
-Keith Bellows, editor, National Geographic Traveler
Whether it's getting up at 4 a.m. to photograph the sunrise over Jerusalem, or prowling Waikiki Beach's Halloween madness, Michael Shapiro goes beyond the ordinary in his travels — and his writing. He brings a passion to his topics, digging beyond the surface to find deeper meanings and connections. But always with a sense of fun. And in the end, he and his readers are wiser for the effort.
-Larry Bleiberg, travel editor, Dallas Morning News
"Travel writer" is much too claustrophic a label to hang on some of the finest nonfiction writers of our generation, and Michael Shapiro coaxes out fascinating insights into their journeys, their craft and the beloved places they leave behind.
-John Flinn, travel editor, San Francisco Chronicle
Hooray for Michael Shapiro, for bringing us these sweet insightful visits with the great creators of contemporary travel literature. These are the writers who gave so many of us our longing for the road, our passion for place, who informed our own wanderings. I always wondered about their lives, and it took Michael Shapiro to track them down, get them talking, and share with us their perspectives on our world. They've been everywhere on the bluegreen earth, and they've chosen the best places to make their homes.
-Lynn Ferrin, former travel editor, Via magazine
Journalist and travel writer himself, Michael Shapiro convinced the publishers of Travelers' Tales to let him travel to the four corners to interview some of the best writers in his field. As a result of Shapiro's intelligent inquiries, we learn quite a bit about Paul Theroux, Isabel Allende, Bill Bryson, Arthur Frommer, Rick Steves, Jeff Greenwald and others. The book is excellent.
-Mike Cleary, The Contra Costa Times, July 28, 2004
Reviews for Internet Travel Planner
"A leading authority on using the Net for travel, Michael Shapiro shows how to find the best bargains online and how to use the Web to become a more informed traveler." -Arthur Frommer
"Excellent online planning tips and resources."
-Rick Steves, author, Europe Through the Back Door
San Francisco Chronicle, April 9, 2000
Shapiro has collected the latest and best of the Net in this welcoming and well- structured guide. From bargains to bookings, from selecting a tour company to mapping out your route and staying connected online, it should answer all of your questions – and then some. Passports and visas online; worldwide weather and health information; vacation packages; cruise, rail and airline Web sites – these days the world is literally at your fingertips, and this book will show you how to find it. More than just a laundry list of Web sites, it offers plain-English suggestions for getting the most out of your online research.
Chicago Tribune, March 12, 2000
We've seen other books that have tried to pass themselves off as travel Web guides. The reason we haven't mentioned any of them before now is that they were laundry lists. Ah, but this title truly is a guide. It does include the laundry list of sites, but first takes you by the mouse and, click by click, teaches you to use the Internet in general and to conduct travel research in particular…Open the book to almost any of its 280 pages, and you'll see color pictures of actual travel Web pages…The whole is written in easy to understand English – not computerese – and divided by color-coded headlines and other attractive visual elements. (The complete review is available through the Chicago Tribune's paid archive.)


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Ok, it is a little overwhelming to really try to recap my trip. I will probably end up bouncing around, but I gotta just jump in.
I was seated next to a fun and stylish woman on the flight to Portland - turns out she was headed to QM, too. Janet is a stylist for Quilting Treasures. We had a great time talking for the entire 7 plus hours we were on the plane together! Also seated next to me was this lovely older woman. She said she had tried quilting (patchwork) but she couldn't get all of her seams to match up. Her friend who was teaching her ripped out all the seams to re-stitch them together! The woman was so disheartened, as she had really enjoyed it but felt that she hadn't done it "right!" I told her that I never match up my seams that that I like it better that way. I suggested she give it another try and see if she could let go of the need to have it be perfect and just do it for the pleasure of working with her hands. Relieved and excited, she vowed to try it again! What a sweet lady. I hope she does get her hands on some fabric soon.
I was so happy to get out of the plane and into the Portland air, which was downright balmy at 10pm! Just a short hotel shuttle and I was unpacking in my room. The next morning, Thursday, I walked the couple of blocks to the convention center. I had on my new trouser-y jeans (which I hemmed for heel height), my new eggplant suede Danskos and a pretty new dress. Makeup on, hair all messy and bedheaded - in a good way. And man, was I sick. Head foggy, nose stuffy, throat hurt-y. Yuck.
Got to the place, got my name tag and waited in line at the Starbucks for a venti soy latte, which I did each morning after. Made my way into the main space where the first booth I saw was Westminster's, which was more like a block of booths! A neighborhood. And it did feel that way. Lots of energy, people unpacking shipping crates, quilts everywhere. I sought out the office people that I have spoken with and emailed for the last year, finally able to meet them face to face!
Next, I walked around the block and found Anna Maria setting up her gorgeous booth with her gorgeous husband. Seriously, this couple is just beautiful. I told them so, and Jeff ( Anna's husband) said "We never hear that. Our kids never tell us that!" I really enjoyed talking with Jeff - he is a very welcoming and friendly fella who is interested in getting to know other people.
Ok, fine. I'll start showing you the pictures of Anna's award-winning booth! I am pretty sure she won for Most Creative Double Booth.
Anna was just as adorable as you would imagine. Pretty as hell, funnier than I expected and all that talent. Wow, she is a force of nature. I spent quite a bit of time with her that first morning, hanging out on the floor of the booth as she finished some stitching on that quilt hanging up on the right.
One of Anna's new fabrics behind a row of her finished needlepoint pillows (manufactured by Peking Handicraft):
I want a dress like this in my size, chicken sash especially:
The famous chairs and a giant cover of Anna's forthcoming book:
Painting by Anna:
Garden Party:
I know, you want o see pictures of Anna and Jeff. I'm sorry! I hardly took any pictures of people!
Ok, next up: Schoolhouse and Amy Butler.
xo, m