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Who we are & What we do
Executive Director of CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS is BARBARA SUNDSTROM, professional playwright, director and screenwriter. Her adaptation of THE HUNDRED PENNY BOX, a Newbery Honor Book, premiered off-Broadway in the 1998 Ensemble Studio Theatre's "Marathon of One Act Plays," alongside those by David Mamet, Joyce Carol Oates and Shel Silverstein. Ms. Sundstrom's adaptation was published by Smith & Kraus, Publishers, in EST Marathon 1998: The One Act Plays.
Ms. Sundstrom studied screenwriting in UCLA's online professional writing program where she developed her screenplays, MODEL HOME, winner of the Platinum Remi Award at Worldfest Houston International Film Festival, and MISS AMERICA IN INDIA, a "Second-Rounder" in the Austin Film Festival and in the top 25% at the EXPO5 Screenwriting Competition in Los Angeles. Her screenplay, KENTUCKY INFIDEL, was one of 30 semi-finalists for the 2006 KAIROS PRIZE in Screenwriting from The John Templeton Foundation from MOVIEGUIDE in Los Angeles.
She is the author and director of Cross Wind Productions' movies: HOLLY'S STORY, THE SABER, IN THE MIRROR DIMLY, ON THE EDGE, ADRIFT, FOSTER CARE and THE CHRISTMAS BEAUTY PAGEANT. The movies have won numerous awards including the Adam Award from Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan, Italy; Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards from Worldfest Houston International Film Festival; Silver and Bronze Crown Awards from the International Christian Visual Media Association and two Bronze Telly Awards.
Ms. Sundstrom's other past experience includes Director of Promotion, playwright and actress with professional theatre company, A.D. Players, Houston, Texas, where her stage plays, GIDEON and JOSEPH & THE MADRAS PLAID JACKET were produced. As Director of Promotion, she was a recipient of the ADDY Certificate of Excellence presented by the Houston Federation of Advertisers.
Ms. Sundstrom received her Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, and her M.A. in Communication from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas. She taught English, speech and theater in Junior and Senior High Schools.
Associate Director, ROZANNE DAMONE CURTIS, "Rozie," is a professional actress, director, choreographer and author. She choreographed two major motion pictures: PARADISE TEXAS and Cross Wind Productions' THE SABER. Her many talents make her a regular for film, commercials, TV work, and voice-over contracts for ADV Films, an Anime Film Company. She was nominated as best actress in anime for her work on the series, Pani Poni Dash. She has completed 10 animated series where she had the lead or supporting role.
Ms. Curtis grew up and began her career in Las Vegas as a theatrical performer and dancer. Stage credits include over 50 productions in children, youth, and adult theatre across the country. In addition she tours her one-woman show which she wrote entitled, THE REAL ONE IS BOOKED, and the gospel play, BEFORE THE MASK. She is the published author of five full-length plays and two children's books. She has scripted pieces for classes, local theatres, TV and independent films. The play, GUILTY BY REASON OF INNOCENCE, (written by Ms. Curtis and her husband) premiered at the famed prison in Angola, LA. nicknamed, "The Farm." They are in pre-production for converting the stage play, GUILTY BY REASON OF INNOCENCE into a major motion picture. She wrote and directed Cross Wind Productions' LAST CHANCE SCHOOL and was producer/director for THE GUARDIAN.
Ms. Curtis runs a full time drama ministry at her home church, The Fountain of Praise, in Houston, Texas. She is a sought-after acting coach and teaches workshops in acting, writing and teaching. Her private students are almost all signed with theatrical agents and have gone on to star in National and International Stage Tours and have had film and commercial success. She has also directed and choreographed several music videos.
This Emmy Award winning cinematographer began his visual arts career over thirty-five years ago as a still photographer and through the years evolved into the world of cinema. Early in his career, his expertise in setting moods and manipulating emotions through lighting and composition led him to serve as technical lighting advisor on shoots for National Geographic Magazine. Recently however, he has used the motion in television, film and video as his medium of choice. Mr. McKee possesses an intense awareness of the impact that camera angles and the subtleties of camera movement place on the final image produced during a shoot. Additionally, he understands the tools that technology of today offers to the world of cinematic and visual expression. His ability to combine all of the aspects of this medium sets him apart as a more than effective communicator.
Past projects have taken him from the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood to the most remote regions of Russia. Mr. McKee is no stranger to talent as he has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Antonio Bandaras, three U.S. Presidents and many others. Several credits include PBS, the Discovery Channel, TNN, and The Outlaw Music Channel. He has lensed dozens of nationally broadcast TV commercials, a number of documentaries, including one on Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., and many short films. He has also served as Director of Photography and Producer on a dozen feature films and is a guiding light and focus to any project he takes on. (Bio by Trey Huguley)
Elizabeth Byrd Shipsey holds a B.A. in Music and Musical Theatre with a minor in Piano and Dance from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA and a M.A. in Dramatic Communications from Regent University in VA. Beach, VA. In addition, she interned under the direction of Executive Director, Carolyn Rossi-Copeland at the Lamb's Theatre in New York City, NY. She currently serves as Assistant Director Of Vocal and Choral Studies at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.
As a performer, Ms. Shipsey toured extensively with the National Broadway touring company of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and was a company member with the AD Players in Houston, TX. She has been seen on the stages of; The Palace Theatre in NH, The Wortham Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, Stages Repertory Theatre, Unity Theatre, TheatreLab Houston and Main Street Theatre.
She has choreographed for the Houston Children's Chorus, Unity Theatre, Interactive Theatre, Applause Theatre, AD Players, Regent University, Fort Bend Baptist Schools, St. Anne's Catholic School, and many others.
Ms. Shipsey also has extensive training in On-Camera and Voiceover performance and has numerous TV/Film, Commercials, Industrials and Voiceovers to her credit.
She is proud to have served CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS in the areas of Actor, Assistant Director, Production Manager and Acting Coach.
Tom Hickman began his career as a project recording musician/keyboardist and recording engineer/mixer before combining his love of music with studies in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Business from Texas A & M. He worked for a number of years in the corporate world in IT and software development before the call to active ministry at Mars Hill Productions. While at Mars Hill, Mr. Hickman worked in a variety of positions including production/post production sound, original sound track composition, sound effects creation, foley recording, recording and ADR engineering, audio mixing, video editing and support for Avid editing systems. While at Mars Hill Productions, he learned of the ministry of CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS. Mr. Hickman has combined all these skills and more in serving the ministry of CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS. He is actively involved in all areas of production and post production sound, ADR recording, video editing and computer technology as well as training the teen crew in areas of production and sound.
CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS is giving teens of today hope for tomorrow!
- To produce quality films that speak to youth with hope for their future.
- To train competent future leaders in a faith-based, constructive environment.
- To bring glory to God who called us and equips us.
"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done." (Psalm 78:4 NIV)
- Broadcasting around the world via TBN/JCTV and Parables (US and worldwide), Alfa Omega TV (Europe, Middle East, Northern Africa & Romania), Family 7 (Netherlands), and United Christian Broadcasters (Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia).
- Distributing worldwide via www.ChristianCinema.com and Jax Distribution.
- YOU! It is through your prayers, referrals and financial support that we continue. Proceeds from sales and broadcast licenses make up approximately 10% of the cost of producing quality films & mentoring the next generation. YOU are the reason the message of God's love and hope in Christ reach so many.
CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meets the needs of the teen generation through offering hope-filled dramatic media productions and by mentoring young artists in a Christian faith-based environment that supports and encourages the expression of their God-given talents.
CROSS WIND PRODUCTIONS wants to show teenagers that
- there are positive, healthy ways to deal with issues that concern them
- they have the ability to make wise decisions
- they have opportunities to make a difference in their generation and generations of the future
- there is an avenue where their talents are celebrated and expressed, and
- there is hope for their future in salvation through Jesus Christ.
The teenagers in Cross Wind Productions' internship program are not only actors but also vital members of the production crew, working under the guidance of industry professionals in a Christian faith-based environment.
For more information on the internship program, go to the TEEN page.


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A set of 5 cutters ranging from 0.75" or 2 cms to 1.50" or 4 cms. Suitable to make decorations around the cake in the colors of your choice or painted in pearl or glitter for a side decoration for Christmas cake.
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subset: commoncrawl


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ABOUT AUTHOR DAPHENE JONES - Daphene tells the story about her life as the twin sister of Deborah Hall of "Same Kind of Different as Me." At the Anaheim Vineyard Conference in 1990, God promised to send a southern breezeover Deborah and Daphene. Neither of them could have imagined what that would look like or how many other people would eventually be touched by it. This is their story of overcoming even the darkest times of life through redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.
ABOUT BOOK: In Our Southern Breeze, Daphene Jones tells the story about her life as the twin sister of Deborah Hall of "Same Kind of Different as Me". She knew Deborah like no one else could. And the story she tells is like no other story. At the Anaheim Vineyard conference in 1990, God promised to send a southern breeze over Deborah and Daphene. Neither of them could have imagined what that would look like or how many other people would eventually be touched by the promised breeze. This is their story of overcoming even the darkest times of life through redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.
As she shares her heart through this story, her prayer is that God will heal the deep hurts that many are carrying. What she kept hearing as she worked on this book is that God is a God of Second Chances.
1)In "Our Southern Breeze" Daphene tells the story of her adjustment from a country girl to a city girl. Many hilarious things happen in Manhattan as she learns to be a real New Yorker. Can you share a funny story about being in a new place or situation?
2)When Daphene was 58 she found romance and marriage through an internet dating site. Have you ever tried using an online dating service? Tell us your feelings either pro or con on meeting someone like this.
********DISCLAIMER: Entering the give away is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the entered in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. Void where prohibited; odds of winning depend on number of entrants.
This giveaway event is open to USA & Canada Residents Only!! This giveaway is no way affiliated with Facebook or Twitter.
Winners will have 3 days to respond to UP-DATE YOUR PROFILE with your mailing information- If we haven't heard from you another winner will be picked. If you have ALREADY UP-DATED your PROFILE to include your mailing information!! You are all SET!! Do nothing!
LAST DAY TO ENTER DRAWING August 30th*** WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF TBCN by Sept 3rd
Views: 881
Jane - not sure meeting my sweet husband was from wisdom or a God thing! When John and I joined e-Harmony we never expected "meeting" on the internet would end up in marriage. We will be celebrating 9 years of marriage October 11th. Our journey from meeting on the internet though marriage will be my next book.
Question 2: No, I have never used an internet dating site. I know of many that have. some have had good experiences and others have had bad experiences. Therefore, I'm not really sure. I don't know if I would use it or not.
Lisa - I certainly would NEVER have met my wonderful husband if it hadn't been for e-Harmony. I had chosen not to date while I lived in Manhattan and John, who was from NJ had been divorced for 33 years. After making mistakes we are close to celebrating our 9th anniversary. Because we are older and won't be able to celebrate as many years together as some people, we celebrate monthly. At first I tried sending him e-cards but he said NO. These need to be monthly celebrations of the time God gives us as husband and wife. I attached a picture of the beautiful roses John sent me for our '106' month anniversary!
I am a little leary about trying to find romance on a website. Personally, I'm a very picky person. I wouldn't be able to settle for something that didn't believe exactly as I do.
Melinda - what helped me decide was knowing that Focus-on-the-Family recommended it for Christians. That was nearly 11 years ago so I have no idea what is being said now. John Angelo Pisiona was God's man for me when I was healed from a very difficult life and ready for marriage. I attached the email we sent to friends when we got engaged. I am honored that John chose me to be his wife after he had been divorced for 33 years!!!
I tried an internet dating site a couple of years ago. Talked to a man in Illinois and thought he was very nice. After talking a few weeks, he wanted me to come visit. Before I could decide, he told me he was a widower. the next and final talk was when he told me I didn't have to bring anything. he had all his late wife's clothing and I could just move right in and use her things, (if her dog approved of me,anyway). Needless to say, I have been a wee bit more careful since then
Susan - I think the man you mentioned was more than WEIRD! Not sure what website you were on but I felt safe with e-Harmony since the site encourages couples to learn to communicate way before you meet. John and I knew each other well before we even talked on the phone. One thing he did before our first date was pray with me before we hung up after chatting in the evening. He would always say, "I'm ready to tuck you in bed", which meant its time to pray. What a blessing this man has been to me. I would suggest websites that say they help Christian couples meet. God has many ways to open doors!
2)When Daphene was 58 she found romance and marriage through an internet dating site. Have you ever tried using an online dating service? Tell us your feelings either pro or con on meeting someone like this.
I have a few friends who have tried dating with online services. But personally I have never tried and I think that I would be to afraid of someone lieing to me about who or what they are really like. I have a co worker who connect over the internet with a friend who lives in New York and she is in Alabama. She has become great friends with this person and they are in a relationship. He has come here to visit her and now she is planning to go there and visit him. I think that too much happens in the world to be to trusting like that.
John and I were fortunate that we only had a river separating us...he was in NJ and I was in Manhattan. After we finally had our first date we let Wednesday's be our special date day. Sometimes we enjoyed the city and other times he knew how much I missed large grocery stores and malls so he would take me. I only put less than 50 miles as my radius which made me feel a little safer. At first I was apprehensive but decided to take a chance! If I hadn't responded to my second match I would never have met this wonderful Godly man!
"Have you ever tried using an online dating service? Tell us your feelings either pro or con on meeting someone like this."
No, I haven't, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it. I have found some of best friends online because we talk about things that matter. In real life, I find that conversations are mostly just gossip or bragging. When I talk with people online, it's usually because we are on the same site due to common interests, and the ice is automatically broken and we have something interesting to talk about..........
Dana - you certainly have the right take on communicating online! I never really had blind dates but I think both people would be putting their best foot forward and getting to know each other would be difficult. John and I sent many emails back and forth through e-Harmony before we ever talked. In fact I kept each email until we married and my next book will be more about our journey as we fell in love. Some of our love story is in chapter 7 which is the epilogue. I purposely didn't tell all of the story and saved much of it for a later book!
No, I have not used the online dating service. You can never know for sure who you are talking to. They can use whichever photo they want to. And you don't know if they are truthful or not. I know some who soon found this the case. But, I know some who seem to be very happy.
One funny thing abut moving was to Jackson Hole, Wyo. from the Houston area back in the 60's. We left 100 plus degrees weather, and there it was in high 60's and low 70's. One day down on the square, I heard some of the oldtimers talking about the heat wave. So I stayed where I was because I wanted to know what they were talking about, for I thought the weather very nice. Well, it turned out they had had four 75 degree days in a row and to them that was a heat wave. I walked away laughing.
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Part of the "Thanos War" event
Previous Issue
Next Issue
(Story) Avengers #125,
(Series) Captain Marvel #32
- Hear me, Thanos! Titan or God, I shall yet obliterate you!
Appearing in "The God Himself!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Other Characters:
- Avengers
- Mentor
- Death
- Thing (Recap)
- Controller (Recap)
- Super Skrull (Recap)
- Kronos (Recap)
- Eon (Recap)
Races and Species:
- Sol
- Earth
- Jupiter (Main story and recap)
- Titan (Main story and recap)
- Kree-Lar (Invoked)
- Nega-Bands
- Captain Marvel's Suit
- Cosmic Cube
- Panther Habit
- Iron Man Armor MK IV
- Captain America's Uniform
- Captain America's Shield
- Mjolnir
- Scarlet Witch's Suit
Synopsis for "The God Himself!"
Story continues following the events of Avengers #125, Captain Marvel is defeated in battle against the Cosmic Cube empowered Thanos. Following his defeat, Mar-Vell is saved by Isaac who reminds Mar-Vell what is at stake if Thanos is left to his own devices.
Meanwhile, Thanos has made the entire population of Earth disappear and has assumed a god-like form. Mar-Vell with the help of Drax the destroyer and Mantis of the Avengers work together to battle the cube-empowered Thanos. In a struggle over the cube, Mar-Vell risks his life to destroy it, reversing all of the chaos wrought by Thanos, and making the demi-god's life forfeit to Death itself.
- Plot by Starlin, script by Englehart.
- This is the end of the Thanos War which has entailed many months of this title (beginning in Captain Marvel #25.
- This issue also contains a letters page, Mail it to Mar-Vell. Letters are published frrom K.J. Robbins, Jana C. Hollingsorth, Brett Kaplan, and Scott S. Gallery.
- This issue also contains a Series "A" Marvel Value Stamp #6: Thor.
See Also
- Write your own review of this comic!
- Discuss Captain Marvel Vol 1 33 on the forums
- 1 Images from Captain Marvel Vol 1 33
- 5 Reprints of Captain Marvel Vol 1 33
Links and References
|Like this? Let us know!


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Fujitsu today announced today that it recalled approximately 287,000 notebook computers equipped with Sony-built batteries. The total number of recalled notebooks with Sony batteries has now topped 7.5 million.
Last week, Fujitsu said that their computers were affected by the defective Sony batteries, but did not announce how many would be recalled.
With 287,000 affected computers, Fujitsu is just a blip on the radar. Other, larger scale companies have had to recall millions. Dell remains the hardest hit from the massive battery recall, accounting for more than half of the 7.5 million affected laptops. Apple, Lenovo, IBM, and Toshiba have also announced large-scale recalls of their notebook computers.
Problems that have occured as a result of the affected computers range from minimal overheating to spontaneous combustion.
Related articles:
"I heard a small poof:" The story of a Dell on fire
Dell recalls suspect notebook batteries made by Sony, including XPS M1710
Apple recalls Macbook Pro batteries
Toshiba recalls 340,000 notebook batteries
Lenovo, IBM recall 526,000 Thinkpad batteries
Dell recalls another 100,000 notebook batteries


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The Motley Fool Discussion Boards
|Previous Page
Financial Planning / Tax Strategies
|Subject: Re: 529 withdrawals
|Date: 6/6/2009 8:11 PM
|Author: TMFPMarti
|Number: 106224 of 129783
So, since my state only allowed deductions starting in 2006, I believe I need to dig out my 2006, 2007 and 2008 state tax returns, find the amounts deducted on each of these, then add all of those amounts together, then add the total to my federal AGI when I file 2009 taxes. Does that sound correct?
That sounds about right. The only thing to double check: It's weird, but on the Federal return any taxable distributions go to the beneficiary, not the donor. Make sure that the income goes on the right state return.
|Copyright 1996-2019 trademark and the "Fool" logo is a trademark of The Motley Fool, Inc. Contact Us


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Black Hair Care
Body & Skin Care
Clippers & Trimmers
Conditioners & Treatments
Curling Irons
Curling Tools
Flat Irons
Hair Brushes & Combs
Hair Care Accessories
Hair Color & Protectives
Hair Dryers
Hair Growth & Vitamins
Hair Styling
Hair Serums
Hair Styling Cream
Hair Styling Gels
Hair Styling Spray
Hair Styling Wax
Manicure & Pedicure & Nail Care
Scissors / Razors / Shapers
Shampoos & Cleansers
Waxing & Hair Removal
Hair Styling Spray
Hair Styling
SOFT SHEEN Carson Lets Jam Oil Free Shine 4.23 oz/125 ml
SOFT SHEEN Carson Lets Jam Oil Free Shine 4.23 oz/125 ml
Soft Sheen Carson
List Price: $6.19
Sale Price:
Lets Jam Oil Free Shine is a laminating shine mist that a healthy, natural- looking sheen to dry, dull, chemically-damaged hair in seconds! It contains no alcohol.
Apply to wet or dry hair, before or after styling. Hold the bottle 8 or 10 inches from hair. Press atomizer with quick, even strokes for desired shine.
Soft Sheen Sportin Waves Gel Pomade 4.1 oz
Soft Sheen Weightless Weave Care Styling Foam 8 oz / 236 ml
SOFT SHEEN Carson Anti Breakage Revitalizing Deep Conditioner 6.8oz
Copyright 2009-2019 All Hair Care Products.


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A few simple math function for other Oxford Nanopore processing scripts
Project description
This module provides a few simple math and statistics functions for other scripts processing Oxford Nanopore sequencing data
- Calculate read N50 from a set of lengths get_N50(readlenghts)
- Remove extreme length outliers from a dataset remove_length_outliers(dataframe, columname)
- Calculate the average Phred quality of a read ave_qual(qualscores)
- Write out the statistics report after calling readstats function write_stats(dataframe, outputname)
- Compute a number of statistics, return a dictionary calc_read_stats(dataframe)
Project details
Release history Release notifications
Download files
Download the file for your platform. If you're not sure which to choose, learn more about installing packages.
|Filename, size
|File type
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|Filename, size nanomath-0.15.2.tar.gz (3.8 kB)
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|Python version None
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Skype gets pulled from Nokia's Ovi store in the U.S.
Just a couple of days ago, Nokia's Ovi Store introduced Skype for all locations and then pulled the app from the U.S. version of the store. Sravanthi Agrawal, a member of Skype's corporate communications team, said, "Skype has made a decision in the United States to not promote theSkype for Symbian app through the Ovi Store. We did this so that wecould drive more attention to the recently announced Skype and VerizonWireless agreement. This was a marketing decision — plain and simple." Agarwal added, "Skype users in the U.S can still download Symbian by going directly to Skype.com." The Skype-Verizon offering is expected to launch sometime later this month, and while there are still ways for customers of other carriers besides Verizon to download Skype on their phone, it probably would be best to so so soon. After all, if Skype is doing all these things now before the deal with Big Red starts, what will happen when the contract kicks in?
source: VentureBeat via BGR


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Triumph Stag Wind Deflector
Our high quality German made wind deflector which provides the best wind protection using a mesh grid.
The wind deflector is built extra wide and covers the rear area completely. It extends horizontally above the rear seats and it is fastened to the rollover-bar by push buttons. The counterpart of the push buttons is fastened to metal clamps which are tightened to the rollover-bar. When the push buttons are open, the vertical part of the wind deflector glides downward. However, the horizontal part remains in position over the rear seats. Thus you can still use the rear section as storage space.
The roof can be closed with the wind deflector in place. Detailed fitting instructions as well as fastening material are provided for the initial assembly.


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|TI News
|Subscribe TI News Archive
TI News: An information service from the National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO)
January 21, 2015
Webinar: International Travel & Tourism Markets - Nordic Travel to the United States
The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO) and the Commercial Service Travel & Tourism Team are pleased to present an opportunity to learn about the fourth largest European market - the Nordic countries to the United States (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland). This program will be offered on February 3, 2015 at 11am EST.
The Nordic region generated over 1,158,000 travelers to the United States in 2013, up 5% over 2012. Since 2004, arrivals from India are up 89% compared to 2013. The four countries combined generated the fourth largest number of visitors from Europe in 2013. Learn more about how each of the four markets from the Nordic region have changed over time for arrivals to the U.S. and also what we know about the key traveler characteristics of visitors from the Nordic region over time and how to use this information to tailor your promotions, marketing and communications approach to this country. Representatives from each of the Commercial Service countries will also provide an update on their market and a Brand USA representative will also provide information on working in these markets.
To register for this event and for more details, please go to: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=5Q3U
February 3, 2015 at 11am - 12:00pm EDT (U.S.)
For questions, please contact Anastasia Xenias, PhD, at 212-482-1856 or firstname.lastname@example.com or Mark Brown at 202-482-4754 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
To learn more about the visitors from Swedish visitors in 2013, go to: https://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/2013_Sweden_Market_Profile.pdf
During the webinar, 2013 data on the combined Nordic country profile will be provided.
For other information on international arrivals, spending, forecasts, and other market research on international travel to the United States, go to: https://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/inbound.general_information.inbound_overview.html
To learn more about the Commercial Service Offices in Denmark: http://www.export.gov/denmark/
Finland: http://www.export.gov/finland/
Norway: http://www.export.gov/norway/
Sweden: http://www.export.gov/sweden/
Commercial Service Background
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO), 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Mail Stop 10003, Washington, DC 20230; Phone:(202) 482-0140; Fax: (202) 482-2887; Email: email@example.com


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If you click on this link to the Potentially Unwanted Application 'test' file, your system will attempt to download a simulated AMTSO Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) APK-testfile. This file is NOT actually malicious, but by an industry wide agreement this file is detected as if it were malicious when the option to Block Potentially Unwanted Applications is enabled. This is done so that people may verify that their Anti-Malware product's Potentially Unwanted Applications settings are configured correctly. (N.B., some products refer to this type of threat by a slightly different name such as Possibly Unwanted Program.)
Download the AMTSO Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) APK-Testfile
If you are able to download this file successfully, your Anti-Malware solution is NOT configured correctly to detect Potentially Unwanted Applications, or does not conform to industry best practice.
If your vendor's name appears below, your Anti-Malware product does support this Feature Settings Check page. If your system nevertheless failed the test, click on the name of the vendor for instructions explaining how to enable the feature in your product. If your vendor does not have a logo or no hyperlink is present, please contact your vendor's support department


text:
Aura-Off-the-shoulder embroidered Venise lace appliqu�, tulle and organza over satin trumpet gown with illusion lace cap sleeves, deep sweetheart neckline, illusion lace low back bodice with crystal button closures, dropped waist, scalloped hemline, chapel length train.
In Stock:
- Ivory: 2, 16 , 20W
- Ivory/gardenia: 2, 4, 8, 10
Items available in store
*A style on our web site listed as in-stock can usually be shipped today or next day for immediate delivery or quick delivery. An item listed as "Ships Today" can be sent the same business day as long as the order is placed before the cutoff time.


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A 2-Part Single Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of E2006
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01463098
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : November 1, 2011
Last Update Posted : May 22, 2013
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Part A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single oral doses of E2006 administered in the morning to healthy male and female subjects.
Part B: The purpose of this study is to evaluate selected pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters (e.g., polysomnographically defined sleep measures) with regard to dose response in subjects with primary insomnia following single oral dosing of E2006 in the evening approximately 30 minutes prior to the sleep period, compared with 10 mg zolpidem and placebo.
|Condition or disease
|Drug: E2006 1.0 mg Drug: E2006 2.5 mg Drug: E2006 5.0 mg Drug: E2006 10.0 mg Drug: E2006 25.0 mg Drug: E2006 50.0 mg Drug: E2006 100 mg Drug: E2006 200 mg Drug: zolpidem 10 mg Drug: zolpidem - matched placebo Drug: E2006 - matched placebo
|Phase 1
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|122 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|A 2-Part, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo- and Active- Controlled, Single Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of E2006 in Healthy Subjects and Otherwise Healthy Subjects With Primary Insomnia
|Study Start Date :
|October 2011
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|August 2012
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|September 2012
|Experimental: E2006 1.0 mg
Drug: E2006 1.0 mg
1.0 mg, or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 2.5 mg
Drug: E2006 2.5 mg
2.5 mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 5.0 mg
Drug: E2006 5.0 mg
5.0 mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 10.0 mg
Drug: E2006 10.0 mg
10.0 mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 25.0 mg
Drug: E2006 25.0 mg
25.0 mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 50.0 mg
Drug: E2006 50.0 mg
50.0 mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 100 mg
Drug: E2006 100 mg
100mg or placebo
|Experimental: E2006 200 mg
Drug: E2006 200 mg
200 mg or placebo
|Experimental: zolpidem 10 mg
Drug: zolpidem 10 mg
10 mg
Experimental: zolpidem matched placebo
zolpidem - matched placebo (Part B Only)
Drug: zolpidem - matched placebo
Part B only
Experimental: E2006 - matched placebo
(Part A and Part B)
Drug: E2006 - matched placebo
(Part A and Part B)
- Safety and tolerability by monitoring the number of subjects with adverse events [ Time Frame: 4 days ]
- Part A: plasma concentrations of E2006 [ Time Frame: up to 72 hours postdose ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 64 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Key Inclusion Criteria:
Healthy Subjects:
- With habitual time in bed > 7 hours, with lights out 2200 to 2400 and lights on 0600 to 0800
- Who report typical sleep latency of </= 30 minutes
- With typical total sleep time (TST) >/= 420 minutes
Primary Insomnia Subjects:
- Otherwise healthy adult male and female subjects with a diagnosis of primary insomnia (as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-Text Revision [DSM-IV-TR]) present at the time of Screening for at least 3 months
- With a score of > 15 on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at Screening
- Who report taking >/= 30 minutes to fall asleep on at least 3 nights per week for the past month
- Who report 6.5 hours sleep or less on at least 3 nights per week for the past month
- With mean latency to persistent sleep (LPS) on both baseline nights of >/= 20 minutes with neither night < 15 minutes
- With mean wake after sleep onset (WASO) >/= 20 minutes on both baseline nights, with neither night < 15 minutes or mean TST > 420 minutes
Key Exclusion Criteria:
- With a current history of sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome [RLS], narcolepsy, or circadian rhythm disorder) other than primary insomnia (for Part B)
- Subjects with any clinically abnormal symptom or organ impairment found in medical history, symptoms/signs, vital signs, ECG finding, or laboratory test results which require medical treatment
- All females must be of non-childbearing potential
- With a known history of significant neurological or serious psychiatric illness
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01463098
|United States, New York
|Clinilabs, Inc.
|New York,, New York, United States, 10019
|Principal Investigator:
|Mardik Donikyan, MD
|Clinilabs, Inc. 423 West 55th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10019
|Responsible Party:
|Eisai Inc.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01463098 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|November 1, 2011 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|May 22, 2013
|Last Verified:
|March 2013
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic
Sleep Wake Disorders
Nervous System Diseases
Mental Disorders
Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical
Hypnotics and Sedatives
Central Nervous System Depressants
Physiological Effects of Drugs
GABA-A Receptor Agonists
GABA Agonists
GABA Agents
Neurotransmitter Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action


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Outreach activites
The team each year contributes to the "Fête de la science" scientific event in Rennes for the presentation of our works relative to muscle linked genetic diseases (click the image to see presentation movie).
The experience acquired on these events led us to propose an innovative scientific mediation tool with the Espace de Sciences de Rennes and the Polymorph company with the release of the DocMolecules Serious Game.
DocMolecules was presented at several conferences dedicated to numeric innovation and videogames.
We were co-organisers of the local committee for all events of "The year of crystallography 2014". The SIM team scientific results were also presented at the "Lumières" event, part of "The year of ligth 2015".
Members of the team regularly are involved in science discovering research sessions in schools and high schools.
Olivier DELALANDE was invited to give a talk to a TEDx session in Rennes in 2014 (click the image to see the whole conference).
We have been asked by the US "Cure Duchenne Foundation" to provide scientific information to patient's families. Our e-dystrophin database tool has proven particularly efficient for that purpose. We
regularly are able to explain to patients families what exactly are the consequences of the mutation their boys are suffering from. This partnership led "Cure Duchenne" to fund a post-doc for one of our research
projects in 2013.
We present every year our results to the Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM) events such as "1000 chercheurs dans les écoles".
The SIM team actively participated to the Telethon opening reception held at the Rennes Health Campus in october 2015.


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Hi there dear Kimono enthusiasts!
As the title of my new blog post implies, I was working on a small project. At first I had the idea to create some 'winter/early spring' coords but in the end I took out only one Kimono and created 3 styles by changing the Obi (and a few accessories).
Of course I wanted to follow the seasonality, therefore I chose the almost salmon pink Tsukesage I got for Christmas 2 years ago, which has primarily ume (plum) as motif. Since the plum blossoms are still blooming, I thought this Kimono would be perfect for this post ♡ Further, there aren't any proper 'Kimono coords' pics with this Kimono yet.
Let´s start with style No.1 (as always, click on the pics to enlarge them)
|Pinkish Tsukesage paired with a silver-gold Fukuro Obi which has senmen (paper centres of folding fans),
manju-giku (stylised, rounded chrysanthemum), kasamatsu (dense pine branch, 'mushroom' shaped) and eda-ume
(plum on the branch) as motif
|Detail shot of the lovely eda-ume on the sleeves
|Detail shot of the Obi, Obiage and Obijime. The Obiage & Obijime are a set
|Front part of the Kimono´s design.
You can see the plums on the branch, fans (senmen), peonies and kumihimo (cords)
|Chose also a pink bag and silver-pink Zori
Now let´s continue with style No.2
|Here I paired the Tsukesage with my sasa (bamboo) Fukuro Obi
|Detail shot of the Obi ~ The bamboo comes in silver, light pink and of course green
I used the same Obiage as before but changed the Obijime
|The silver of the Obijime also can be found in the Obi
Last but not least - style No.3
|Detail shot of the Obi ~ As for the Obiage, I used a light lavender one.
The gold and silver of the Obijime can be found in the Obi as well
|Details of the lovely Kimono design ♥
So, which one do you like the most? Would be nice to hear what you think about the different styles.
Thank you (*^_^*)


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സീയോനെ മശിഹായെ ക്രൂശിച്ചോളേ ......
Woe to you Zi-on - who cru-ci-fied Christ
Woe to you Zi-on - who cru-ci-fied Christ
How pity you extolled
au-spicious Church
1. Innocent was questioned at tribunal
Silently He accepted your beatings
You told Judge – He had abused you
Son of Jo-seph be hanged on Cross
You refused your Healer – Creations all trembled.
2. Legion tremble - d when His Lord was beaten
When he saw his Lord was be-ing abused
Spread his wings – To burn all wicked
Lords word had - Pacified Angels
Lord rece-ived abuses - Fiery men contended.
3. Pilate Judge you – Review your book of law
No righteous one – Was ever put to death
Eye for eye – Is your Jewish Law
Jesus gave eye to – Your blind men
Be kind to give Justice – Why is this injustice ?
4. Jesus raised up - dead amongst your People
How could you treat - him as a Criminal
Lazerus - Son of the widow
Come forward - Daughter of the King
All of you who were raised - Reject these wicked men.
5. One who sinned was – Adam the perfect made
Lord stood at tri - bunal for his servant
He took beat - for my redemption
Thy servants - All are free at last
To save all wicked men – Righteous Lord met Passion.
6. Cru-cifiers, you are she-dding pure blood
Be trembled that your city will not stay
Strongest Fort – That of
's Jerusalem
Existence - will come to an end
His Cross will destroy you – Since you judged him wrongly.
7. You show your Lord - Justice and respect now
Righteous one was - caught like a thief at night
Cain's sons - All those wicked men
Thirsted for - blood of Holy Lamb
Lord of Justice Thyself - gave to those wicked men.
8. O Lord these tongues - Thy saved for Thy Kingdom
Mouth and Body extol Thy - graciousness
Praise to Thee - Who took birth for us
Praise to Thee - Went on Cross for us
Praise to Thee who rose up – Saved us and
. Holy Church


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Use Trailforks to find your way
Trails may be weather effected - take care.
Junior Development SCUM Academy
We're now on Instagram #scum_mtb
Tag your photos with #scummtb or send them in to us! Share your recent ride, race or MTB adventure...
Social Rides are a great way to introduce yourself & others to Mountainbiking. Anyone can organise a social ride, whether it be using one or more of the SCUM trails or any other trail in the local area. Social Rides are usually free with people just turning up to ride & have fun. You'll either find some new tracks or become better accustomed to the SCUM trails. One thing for sure is that you'll have loads of fun and you'll have met some other MTB riders that are keen to ride again (pic - some of the Husky Christmas riders).
One that we're aware of include a Friday Night Social Ride at Cabbage Tree Lane - this is a great family affair and usually occurs during dailight saving times - it often moves to a Saturday arvo in Winter (the location can change too).
Where's Cabbage Tree Lane? This is the easiest trail to get to, click here for a google map link to the trail head. Cabbage Tree Lane is a great all abilities trail, it's quite flat and has multiple trail length options (i.e. 2.5km, 6km, 9.5km) ... if you want to be challenged more you can simply go faster ...
Many members also use another Facebook page, the South Coast Pedalers. This group offers social ride options for MTB (and other bike types). You can join this group, post details of a ride that you're planning so that others can join you.
Occasionally SCUM will organise a specific Social Event; members will be able to ride for free but non members will have to pay a small participation fee. These will be advertised on the Event Info page from time to time and the SCUM Facebook page. Having said that every SCUM event has a social aspect with most being followed by a BBQ and a chance for riders to share tails and tell stories.
Some Not So Fine Print:
Participants of all Social Rides do so at their own risk. SCUM members are afforded insurance coverage through MTBA. SCUM recommends that participants consider insurance coverage for any 'cycling mishaps' and advise participants that they can join MTBA* or Bicycle NSW. Both organisations provide riders with 24/7 cover, including Personal Accident; Public Liability & Loss of Income benefits.
*MTBA cover has multiple options and is preferred as it includes SCUM Club Membership & covers riders for races; Bicycle NSW does not. See the Membership Page for more details.


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Auē Tēnei Wiki: The Dangerousness of The Donald
A new national poll came out from Fox News last week. Though it's within the margin of error (+/- 4%), for the first time it shows Donald Trump beating Hillary Clinton in a head to head match up 45% to 42%. It also shows, again for the first time, that Clinton has a higher unfavourable and lower favourable rating than Trump.
This may be a result of the state of the primary race in their two parties. Trump has become the GOP's presumptive nominee and the party is starting to rally around him. On the other hand, Sanders is continuing to act as if there's a chance he could be the Democratic nominee and that is likely driving up Clinton's unfavourables. At the time Obama became the Democratic Party nominee in 2008, 40% of Clinton's followers said they would never vote for him. She worked hard to change that and soon had most of them enthusiastically supporting Obama. She is expecting Sanders to do the same for her. He has said he will, but in the meantime there are still many Democrats opposed to Clinton.
This poll makes the possibility that Trump will become US president slightly higher. A combination of demographics and the way the electoral college works means I still don't think it likely but as I've said before, it would be very dangerous to consider Trump an easy-beat.
And Dangerous is the word that comes to mind most often when thinking about the possibility of a Trump presidency. Clinton calls him a "loose cannon," but sometimes there's a certain amount of slap-stick comedy people associate with that phrase and President Trump would have charge of the world's biggest nuclear and conventional weapons arsenal. That is a genuinely dangerous proposition.
The New Yorker published an article by Adam Gopnik on Friday: The Dangerous Acceptance of Donald Trump. There's that word again. Gopnik points out that out that despite their reservations, the GOP are falling into line behind Trump and thinking they'll be able to control him. But that's not going to happen:
Columnists and magazines that a month ago were saying #NeverTrump are now vibrating with the frisson of his audacity, fawning over him or at least thrilling to his rising poll numbers and telling one another, "We can control him.'
No, you can't. One can argue about whether to call him a fascist or an authoritarian populist or a grotesque joke made in a nightmare shared between Philip K. Dick and Tom Wolfe, but under any label Trump is a declared enemy of the liberal constitutional order of the United States—the order that has made it, in fact, the great and plural country that it already is. He announces his enmity to America by word and action every day. It is articulated in his insistence on the rightness of torture and the acceptable murder of noncombatants. It is self-evident in the threats he makes daily to destroy his political enemies, made only worse by the frivolity and transience of the tone of those threats. He makes his enmity to American values clear when he suggests that the Presidency holds absolute power, through which he will be able to end opposition—whether by questioning the ownership of newspapers or talking about changing libel laws or threatening to take away F.C.C. licenses. To say "Well, he would not really have the power to accomplish that" is to misunderstand the nature of thin-skinned authoritarians in power. They do not arrive in office and discover, as constitutionalists do, that their capabilities are more limited than they imagined. They arrive, and then make their power as large as they can.
USians are constantly told, and many therefore believe, that they're the greatest democracy in the history of the world. They think that their system of checks and balances can stop Trump from becoming the type of president many are warning about. But it won't. In an analysis of New Zealand's political system, Vox had this to say about the US system:
We in the US tend to assume that — however awful we might think our politicians are — our political system is excellent. The Constitution is held in high esteem across the political spectrum, and Democrats and Republicans alike pay lip service to the "genius" of the Founders. But our system, combining two powerful legislative bodies with a strong executive, is pretty rare internationally. Indeed, it appears to be a weaker model than most; the US is the just about the only country to sustain a presidential system for a long period without descending into dictatorship.
Republicans are constantly complaining about President Obama's use of executive orders at the same time they're thrilling at the idea of a President Trump taking control of Washington. They're excited at the idea of him getting in there and creating a New Order with him in charge that destroys the current system. As Gopnik pointed out:
He's not Hitler, as his wife recently said? Well, of course he isn't. But then Hitler wasn't Hitler—until he was. At each step of the way, the shock was tempered by acceptance. It depended on conservatives pretending he wasn't so bad, compared with the Communists, while at the same time the militant left decided that their real enemies were the moderate leftists, who were really indistinguishable from the Nazis. The radical progressives decided that there was no difference between the democratic left and the totalitarian right and that an explosion of institutions was exactly the most thrilling thing imaginable.
He continues:
The American Republic stands threatened by the first overtly anti-democratic leader of a large party in its modern history—an authoritarian with no grasp of history, no impulse control, and no apparent barriers on his will to power. The right thing to do, for everyone who believes in liberal democracy, is to gather around and work to defeat him on Election Day. Instead, we seem to be either engaged in parochial feuding or caught by habits of tribal hatred so ingrained that they have become impossible to escape even at moments of maximum danger. Bernie Sanders wouldn't mind bringing down the Democratic Party to prevent it from surrendering to corporate forces—and yet he may be increasing the possibility of rule-by-billionaire.
Gopnik's is an excellent analysis of what's going on. The extreme bi-partisanship in the US, partly created by their system of government, has allowed a character like Trump to hijack one of the major political parties. With his lack of a core and ever-changing values, it could almost as easily have been the Democratic Party he took over. When John F Kennedy won the presidency, it was put down to how much better he appeared in the first ever televised presidential debate. (See here.) Now we have a candidate who has no policies behind his positions, which is difficult when they frequently changed anyway, but has almost universal recognition. Trump's ability to brand himself as a success despite his lack of substance may be the key to his increasing popularity. He seems to be made from Teflon as the most appalling behaviour, which would see any other candidate destroyed, is shrugged off by his followers as, "telling it like it is."
Like most of us, when USians vote, they vote their pockets. We New Zealanders watching the US election are at least as concerned about what it means for the rest of the world. The idea of the most powerful country on the planet being led by Donald Trump is simply horrendous. Republicans think their country's reputation has diminished under Obama's presidency (the opposite is actually true). If they elect Donald Trump, that will be true.
12 Responses to "Auē Tēnei Wiki: The Dangerousness of The Donald"
Interesting post Heather. From so far away is is hard for us to understand why Hillary has such a high level of unpopularity especially as it has not come through in our national press. People who have recently traveled overseas and talked to travelling Americans about this say that some Americans express the view that they would rather not vote for anyone rather than than vote for Trump or Clinton. I guess that this affects the polls.
However, let's hope that the appalling spectre of a Trump presidency will sway the vote at the end of the day.
Heather, you are quite right to raise the issues you have researched including the possibility of important issues being dealt with by under executive orders by order of Trump. Frightening!
Thank you for your informative and thought-provoking post.
Martin, basically the Clintons are fake progressives. I don't know where you are, but think third way Tony Blair, only far worse. The charge that both are pathological lairs would appear to have a lot going for it. Christopher Hitchens wrote a book called "No One Left to Lie To" in 1999 laying out the evidence quite convincingly.
They are what used to be called blue-dog Democrats, from the right wing of the party, and were enabled by the conscious rightward move of the party in response to Reagan, so much so that the blue dogs took over and the term doesn't hold much meaning any longer. Before that they probably would have become moderate Republicans, which is where Hillary started.
Hillary has particularly pissed off progressives, because she is even more neocon in her foreign policy than Bill was, completely pandering to Israel and the military-industrial complex that fund her. One of the Koch brothers recently said he could probably live with Hillary as president and this is the reason why. Because she and Bill have spent their careers triangulating, she has never shown on just what principles she would make a stand. There appear to be none, hence her trustworthiness is near zero.
There are two ironies of a Clinton/Trump contest. One is that Trump is the one Republican Hillary might easily beat. The other is that Hillary might be the only Democrat that Trump might propel Trump into the White House.
Sanders is attempting to return the party somewhat to it's roots and unfortunately for Hillary, he's chosen a time to do it when people seem to be most receptive, while she got into the race promising more of the same. Here's an article that puts the Democrat's dilemma pretty well.
Should be "…the only Democrat that might propel Trump…"
"Sanders is attempting to return the party somewhat to it's [sic] roots"
With respect, LOL. Poor Andy Jackson is spinning in his grave. He couldn't imagine a weasel like Sanders.
Modern roots, obviously.
The Kochs are mostly libertarians. They're no neocons by any stretch. Charles Koch was clear about the rationale for his comment that Bill Clinton was "in some ways" better than George W. Bush: "As far as the growth of government, the increase in spending, it was 2½ times under Bush that it was under Clinton," he said.
The blue dogs (formerly known as yellow dogs) did not take over anything; they went extinct as the national party lurched leftward.
I'm afraid I have to agree here; the Blue Dogs have been nearly extinct since the 2010 "wave" when most of them were voted out and replaced by Tea Partiers.
Fair enough about Koch. Doesn't change the thrust of the comment though. Same for blue dogs. I didn't realise the term was only coined in '94. I seem to remember it being used earlier than that.
But yellow dog Dems are voters so loyal to the party, it was said they would vote for a yellow dog if it ran as a Democrat. The term dates from the 19th century. It may have inspired the blue dog term, but isn't otherwise related to it.
I don't know that these things are precisely defined, but both expressions usually refer to Southerners. "Yellow dog" refers to the era of iron-fisted one-party rule. "Blue dog" refers primarily to Southern politicians who tried to stay in the Democrat party after they had to compete for votes and were saddled with an unrecognizable national party led by the likes of McGovern — weak on defense, soft on communism, crime, drugs, pornography, etc. and of course pro-abortion. The party went downhill from there and the blue dogs met their fate. I would suggest that is the association.
Thanks Martin. Fox News has been piling it on Clinton for almost two years now, presumably because they assume she would be the nominee. After a while the constant pressure starts to work I think. Also, Sanders supporters are often pretty anti-Clinton – there's a lot of vitriol there too. Most people don't think for themselves – they let other people tell them what to think. If Sanders starts telling his supporters Clinton's fine, I suspect they'll change their minds.
I want to do an analysis of Trump's foreign policy based on that speech of his. His pronouncements on NATO are especially frightening. The former deputy-commander of NATO was on Q & A this morning talking about his new book which predicts war with Russia, starting in the Baltic states, unless some stuff can he sorted out. It's actually something I've thought was possible too and I've mentioned in comments on another post, and a Trump presidency would make it more likely. So it was really interesting to see this. I suspect there'll be a clip from the interview on One News tonight as he said some pretty thought-provoking stuff.
Thanks for your perspective on our election. I hope more persons here read it.


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And so the journey begins...
A Letter Left on the Table
William's heavy footsteps echoed as he walked across the cabin's porch. Iris sat at the table her hands shaking, not knowing how he would react to the news that was written on the paper in her hand. She felt every year of her fifty years at this moment. "Why do you task me with this? God, why?" her eyes raised to the ceiling, a tear escaped.
She could hear the fatigue in his gait, tired from working in the fields all day no doubt. Maybe she shouldn't give it to him, she argued with herself. She knew he couldn't read it. It would save him heartache. No, her daughter deserved this. He deserved to know.
There was no knock when the door swung open. He would expect dinner to be on the table, but it was only her sitting there waiting to deliver contraband, a hand-written note. This small piece of paper was worth fifty lashes at least from the overseer if not a week in jail in town. The master preferred to handle things properly on the plantation though so if she were caught, there would be no mercy. Sweat beaded on her upper lip.
"William, I have a message for you." The paper crinkled in her hand. She couldn't believe that Selah had been so careless to leave it sitting on the table. She wouldn't have noticed it if a breeze hadn't caught it blowing it towards the corner of the cabin where she was working. That girl hadn't learned much in her 17 years. She would give her what for when… her thoughts paused, and sadness filled her. Selah wouldn't be coming back.
"what? Do they need me in the barn or something?" His eyes were wrinkled from working outside all day in the sun and the smell of fresh cut tobacco filled the room with its pungent odor. His hand paused on the door handle waiting for the answer.
"No, it's not the Master. It's this." She held up the note so he could see it.
He let the door slam and rushed across the room, "Lord, woman, you want to get whipped. Put that away and just give me the message."
Iris gripped the paper as if it was her own Freeman papers and hid it in the folds of her cotton dress. William looked over his broad shoulders as if he was expecting someone behind him. "There is only the note. I haven't read it," she whispered. "I haven't opened it yet." Iris pulled the paper back out and looked at it again.
"who is it from?" he whispered.
Iris looked into his light golden eyes, "You know who it's from. She has finally left."
William snatched the paper from the old woman and looked at it. He turned it over and saw the sunflower drawn on the outside fold. "Read it to me." He handed it back to Iris. "Go ahead."
Iris nodded and unfolded the paper slowly. "I will read it only once, and then we will burn it. It's what she would have wanted."
William watched her closely as she smoothed out the paper her hands had creased haphazardly moments before. "William, you will have to stand behind me, so I have the sun to read by."
He nodded and stepped around the chairs so that he was standing over her shoulder. "thank you, Ms. Iris." He set his large callused hands on her shoulder.
She padded his hand and leaned over to focus her eyes.
"My dearest William,
I wish that I could talk to you at this moment, but only the thought of writing this letter has brought me to tears. I was told today that I must leave. The overseer says I am a threat and they will never let me marry you because I am free and you are not. When you get this letter, I will be half way to Wilmington and on my way north. I have left the money we saved to buy your freedom in our secret place and only taken what I need for the journey. I will send word with the remainder so you can meet me. Follow the bird path and watch for sunflowers. "
Iris could feel moisture dripping on her back. She didn't turn around. She wouldn't. Let him grieve in peace, she thought to herself.
"One day we will walk together in the fields as man and wife, and they will not be able to stop us. The final order of quilts is stowed under the bed. Make sure that Aunt Clarissa gets them for me. She knows who needs them. The small one is for Lizzy and the new baby. Take care of her for me. She needs a strong man beside her."
Iris' tears fell to the paper splashing on the ink creating holes in the lettering. There were other splashes in the writing. The lettering was uncharacteristically uneven. She knew that Selah was upset as she wrote this. How could she not be? William had been her whole world since her daughter was little, always being the tagalong until she was old enough to be considered differently. Now she was running to keep him safe.
"I will love you for the rest of our lives. Stay safe for me. Hold your temper. I know you well."
William started to laugh loudly, interrupting her reading. He grabbed the back of the chair, "She knows me so well."
"Do your best and give them no excuse to punish you. I need to know you are there, waiting, waiting for our future together. It will keep me from going mad without you. I will send word when I arrive at my destination.
With all my heart,
Your Alizeti"
Iris refolded the paper and handed it to William, blindly. She didn't turn and face him, "better burn it now."
"I will not. It's mine. She left it for me," his voice filled the small cabin with a force like she had never heard.
"William." She turned to face him. His face was soaked, and she could tell he was not in his right mind. "William, you know what has to be done." She grabbed his arm.
There was a knock on the door. Iris stopped. "Ms. Iris, open the door." The voice on the other side sent a shiver through her body.
Iris whispered, "burn it now."
William only shook his head.
The door opened, and Iris could only close her eyes as Williams sealed his own fate.
A Water Street Christmas Miracle
Wrapped in Hope
A Water Street Christmas
For as long as I can remember, quilts have been part of my life. The Christmas of 1860 was no different. This year they will give hope to those on their way to freedom.
Selah Brown
A bell rang on the wall signaling the beginning of the workday, but Selah had already been working for hours. The sun beams highlighted the dust angels floating in the air as it shone through the small window of Selah's attic window. The shelves of neatly arranged colorized fabric created the décor of the room. She rocked in a chair in the corner, sewing her tiny signature stitches working a block of blue and green. The fabric was collected from the servants of other houses in town when the other black ladies were doing laundry. There were always shirts and dresses that were past their prime just waiting for the trash. Selah had slowly made friends here in Washington and they were all willing to give her scraps for her fabric collection. She had been blessed with a full pallet of colors to design with. The bell rang again distracting her and she pricked her finger.
"Ouch." She stood up smoothing her long full dress. Her mistress insisted on starch petticoats for the staff even though it took longer to do the house laundry. She placed her sewing in the seat of the rocker and then rewrapped the bun at the base of her head. Selah bit her lip. Her hair was not staying in place today. She went to her dresser and retrieved a scarf. The crisp ironed cotton would hide the unruliness, she thought. She carefully wrapped and tucked it so that it covered her head. She looked at the basket beside her rocker. Twenty more blocks and the top would be ready to piece together. It was her signature design but this one was for the mayor's wife and had to be perfect. It was two weeks till Christmas and she was working around the clock to finish all the town ladies' orders. The reputation of a Selah quilts had grown quickly and soon the ladies were ordering them for distant relatives in the South. Her quilts were hanging on clothes lines of the largest plantations in the South as well as on walls of the homes as art work. She was honored for the business, but it was the secret that pushed her to finish as many as she could. They were roadmaps for the railroad to freedom and only those who knew the code could decipher the map.
The bell rang for a third time and she knew that she would get a scolding when she arrived in the kitchen from the cook. She hurried down the steep stairs pausing in the well to peer out the window facing the harbor. The sky looked so bright today. Such a beautiful North Carolina December day. She continued to head to the kitchen. As she descended, she prayed the sea would be calm and keep her love, Abram, safe. He was on the water constantly with only biweekly trips into town to sell his catch. Sometimes, she saw him unloading in the harbor, working hard for his master. She knew his dream of owning his own boat one day but his freedom would have to come first. His price was a high one because of his knowledge of the Shoals and experience as a boat Captain. She would have to sell many quilts to raise that much. The extra work was worth it. If she had to work day and night, she would raise the money. Then they could start their family. He wouldn't jump the brooms with her until he had his freedom. They would be free together.
"Selah, what are you doing? Don't doddle girl. We don't have time for that. Today is the ladies Christmas tea and you are to serve," the cook shouted up the stairwell. Her large frame filled the whole space at the entrance into the kitchen. "Come on. Breakfast is ready to go up. Then, I need you right back."
"Yes, mam," Selah quickly responded, grabbing the tray and heading out to the main stair case. The house was not as grand as some of the others in town, but it was a respectable size for a merchant's residence. Mrs. Willis spent her husband's income wisely and decorated the house in rich velvets and wallpapers. Selah wondered how many ladies were coming for the tea. This was the big private event of the season. Only the most prominent ladies received an invitation. The mistress loved showing off Selah's quilts. There was one hanging on the wall in the main room. In front of the quilt was the 7-foot-tall Christmas tree. Selah had no idea why they would have such a large tree. There would be no room for the ladies, she thought as she knocked on the bedroom door.
"Come in," a voice inside shouted in a thick Southern drawl.
Selah slowly opened the door as she balanced the tray in one hand. She stepped into the dark room. Her mistress laid in bed with her head covered with a bed cap and the covers pulled up to her nose. "Selah light that fire girl. It is cold in here." She said with her muffled voice not bothering to remove the quilt.
"Yes mam." Selah moved over to the fire and organized the contents of the fireplace so that it would light faster. Working efficiently with the matches, the fire was soon crackling and Mrs. Willis stuck her chin out from under the covers.
"Do you have your quilts ready? I know there were a lot of orders for Christmas."
"It was no trouble mam. I got the ones that ordered ahead."
"Did you make more? The ladies will want more when they see them." Mrs. Willis asked anxious to make a good impression on her friends.
"Yes mam. Twenty total." Selah smiled at her accomplishment. She had 40 quilts to sell. Of course, her fingers were black and blue from the needle pricks but she knew that they were the best she had ever made. She laid out her mistress' clothes, while the older woman ate her breakfast.
"Get Jacob to help you bring them down to the drawing room."
"Yes, mam." Selah backed out of the room and slowly closed the door so it wouldn't make any noise to disturb her. It was going to be a long morning she thought to herself. How much will the Mistress charge for her quilts? She wondered. She better get down to the kitchen to help with the preparation.
Selah headed down the main staircase taking two steps at a time. Cook shook her head as she rounded the corner. "How is the Mistress this morning?"
"She's cold. I lit the fire for her."
"Here girl. Start cutting the bread for the sandwiches. The master is not going to like that. Heat in the morning. He will be fussing about the cost of wood for burning. It is not cold in this house especially with all the baking I have been doing this morning." She stirred some concoction in a bowl carrying it with her as she walked around the kitchen. She poked her head up the back stairwell again. "Jacob I need you to go down in the cellar for me. Jacob, Come down here please."
"Comin." A tall slender black man dressed in a suit came rushing into the kitchen. "what do you need?"
"I need you to get me a jar of lemon curd and one of blueberry jam. I don't know why they don't build cellars for real cooks." She shook her head again. "There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to go and get my own ingredients.
"Yes mam." Selah smiled to herself thinking that if the cook did not taste as much as her own cooking, she would probably be able to fit in the cellar even with the extra petticoats she was so fond of wearing. Usually the three of them did not fit in the kitchen together because of the skirts.
"We will be using the good china today. Make sure we don't have any accidents."
"No mam. I'll be careful."
"There will be fifteen ladies. It will be a tight fit in the drawing room. We may have to serve in the formal living room as well."
"Yes mam. I think these are done. Is there anything else you need me to do? Jacob has to bring all the quilts down."
As if on cue, Jacob popped his head through the floor. "Are these the ones? I have to do what?"
"Yes, those are the ones," the cook agreed.
"the Mistress wanted you to bring all the quilts down now before the guests arrive."
"right, how many?"
"Forty," Jacob exclaimed, "Where am I going to put all those?"
"We will stack them out of the way for right now." Selah explained meeting Jacob's doubtful gaze. "they are neatly folded."
Cook interrupted, "I need you to make the sandwiches then you can see to the quilts. Jacob, you put the china out on the sideboard so it will be ready for the ladies." Jacob nodded and left. "Selah, I need you to make half lemon and half blueberry. Be generous with the filling. The mistress is making a show of it today. You know this is for your benefit, don't you?"
"Yes mam." Selah was thankful for the Mistress' help with selling her quilts. She probably would not be as helpful if she knew that they were going to pay for Abram's freedom and their trip North. But she wouldn't need to know that right now. It was taking longer than Selah thought to raise the money though. Last year when she arrived, she thought six months would be long enough and it had been a year. She bit her lip in frustration. She couldn't stand another year. Being away from Abram was so hard. She survived on sightings and letters. Letters of Love from the sea as Abram called them. He worked just as hard as she did to save the money they would need. The dream of that future was all she had.
Cook cleared her throat, "Daydreaming again? You have to stop that or you are going to get punished. You are doing way too much of that these days."
"I was just thinking of my next quilt," Selah lied. "There is not enough time to do everything and have time to sew. So, I will have to do two things at once."
"Just don't slop that jam, girl." Cook turned back to the petit-fours she was decorating.
Selah had designed quilts for many different areas of North Carolina. But now she had an order from Savannah. How would she get a map of that area for the code? Maybe Abram could help with the waterways. She could not steer someone wrong by using the wrong information. She would complete it but needed it done by Christmas. That would take a miracle. She said a silent prayer and continued her sandwich building. The cook began to hum a Christmas carol and Selah knew today would go well.
Selah watched as the elegant ladies arrived carriage by carriage and the horses were led to the back of the house for water and rest. There were a few more than expected but to Mrs. Willis' delight a few of the ladies had brought their Christmas guests from down South. All the better for quilt sales, Selah thought to herself. She readied herself and headed to the drawing room to start serving tea. Many of the ladies wore Christmas silk scarves around their necks. Their dresses rustled as they brushed past each other and the Christmas tree. Selah looked envious at the fabric. She would love to have just a piece of that for a quilt. She walked through the group silently moving between the ladies pouring tea and listening to the conversations. Some of the ladies sat and enjoyed the cakes and sandwiches. Small talk and gossip was all that was discussed and Selah bored quickly of the light conversation that was going on. There was much more interesting conversation down at the market on Saturday morning.
She was invisible to these women which was fine with her. She needed to be sewing or drawing her next quilt. After an hour, Mrs. Willis asked Jacob to help her with the quilts and they were given to each of their new owners. Each of the quilts was built around a huge compass with a sunflower center. The borders varied along with the colors. The visiting women snatched up the extra ones that were available. It was a frenzy as they fought over their favorite colors.
Mrs. Willis ignored the unladylike behavior, "Selah can you tell us about your design?"
"I call this design, Alizeti Compass. Each of them are different. I hope you enjoy them, they are made to be used and seen. Thank you all for your interest." Selah quickly bowed and started to remove the dirty dishes.
"Thank you, Selah, for your hard work. Okay ladies not to mention the distasteful subject of payment but if you could settle your bill before you leave." The ladies quickly moved toward their purses and handed Mrs. Willis the bills.
Selah continued to clear the room. She took the extra food and headed to the back door. She motioned to some of the men that were waiting with the carriages. Each of them grabbed a handful of the small sandwiches and nodded at her appreciatively. A small boy stepped through the crowd and tugged at Selah's skirt. She looked down and handed him a sandwich. He shook his head no and handed her a small note. She smiled down at him, handed him some food anyway and took the paper from him. He quickly disappeared around the hydrangea bush at the corner of the house as quickly as he had appeared. The plates of food were emptied quickly and Selah headed inside to finish up. The linen napkins went to the basket to wash later and she busied herself with washing the dishes. When they were all washed, Selah made one more sweep through the drawing and living room to check for any strays that she might have missed. When she returned to the hall, she caught movement in the library out of the corner of her eye. It was Mrs. Willis counting money into two separate stacks. She took the second stack and put it into the small drawer of her secretary and folded the first in her hand. Selah quickly continued down the hall so that she would not get caught.
"Selah," Mrs. Willis called. "Selah, can you come here please?"
"Coming," Selah yelled from the kitchen. She turned and recovered her steps that she had made just moments before. She stepped into the library and crossed the room. Mrs. Willis held out her hand and placed the bills into Selah's hand.
"A very respectable sum. You are quite talented. The ladies were quite pleased. I do appreciate you working here. You have done an admirable job for Mr. Willis and I."
"Thank you, mam." Selah turned and returned to the kitchen. There was no time to count the money at the time and she knew that it was not as much as she was supposed to receive. Why would the Mistress take a share? She carefully packed away the dishes and went upstairs to her room.
She laid the money on her bed and stared at them. Slowly, she counted four hundred dollars. She had never seen that much money in her life, but still it was not enough. The women liked the quilts and they were taking the maps made of fabric back to their plantations. She put the money away in the coffee tin under her bed and reached in her pocket for the note that had arrived. Her heart started to pound when she saw her name, Alizeti in his unsure handwriting. Abram was getting better, but his hand was still shaking forming the letters. She quickly unsealed the paper and unfolded it. As she read his words, tears ran down her cheeks.
Dear Alizeti,
I am writing to tell you I am headed south. My master is sending me to warmer water to better fishing during the cold months. Do not worry. I have a strong crew and the boat is sure. I have thoughts of you and our love to keep me warm. Our love will survive this. I will return next year as we planned. This voyage will bring higher prices and will bring us closer to our true North. I will miss you my love.
You have my heart forever,
The note had been written quickly on a scrap of paper. Selah held it in her hands as she went numb. The sea would have him again and she had no choice but to share him. It fell to the floor and her eyes no longer saw the room. How would she survive the next year without seeing him at all? He told her not to worry. Their love is strong; it can survive this. It can survive anything. She wiped her face and reached down for his note. Her eyes focused on the outside and could not believe what they saw. He had brought her what she needed. It was a navigation chart of Charleston, South Carolina. The very chart she needed for her next quilt.
Her Christmas miracle.
She slurped on a cherry flavored Icee and a brain freeze blinded her just as the pot hole sent her cup flying in the air. In slow motion, a super-sized red arch of slush flew up, hit the ceiling of the car and covered her lap and new yellow top she had saved a month for. Urma Ray pulled into the Piggly Wiggly parking lot at a quarter till three on the sixth of the month. Circling the lot, she tried to regain her sight, dodging cars and sitting uncomfortably in a pile of cold slush. Maybe she should just turn around and go home. Everyone in the world will be in the store this afternoon and she looks like hell now. The time she spent getting ready to come shopping was completely wasted. She circled around one more time in search of a spot. The heat was rising off the asphalt making the wait for a space seem even longer. She had to get something for dinner. If she didn't shop now, she wouldn't have it ready for Bill when he got home from work. There wasn't time for her to go home, change and come back. Finally she found a spot all the way at the top of the lot. Well, I need the exercise anyway.
As she opened the door and swung her legs out of her old Cutlass, ice fell onto the pavement melting in the summer heat. She stood up and gave herself a shake hoping the slushy stains would magically disappear like the ice on the black top. She checked herself in the car side mirror and laughed at the sticker "Objects are closer than they appear." Too bad her butt wasn't that small. It was a nice thought though. No stains on the back side. Front wasn't too bad. Kind of looked like tie dye. Well here goes nothing. She grabbed her purse and pulled out the list. Hopefully her food money was on the card this week. The lady at the agency had promised there wouldn't be a mix-up this month. It was so embarrassing last trip. Now there was no food in the house and she needed groceries. She had never been in this situation before. They had always survived but this year the price of shrimp had bottomed out and it had been slim pickin's.
She made the trek to the front of the store, grabbing one of the old, rusty shopping carts. I should have checked the tires before I came in just in case. That was a huge pot hole. What if it damaged a tire? Oh man it would be just my luck today. All she could picture was her groceries melting as she waited for AAA to arrive and change her tire. She turned around leaving the cart parked by the front door. She walked back up to the car. A car slowly stalked her as she headed to the place where she had parked. She turned and waved "Sorry, I'm not leaving. Just forgot something." The driver mouthed an expletive that she would never repeat and zoomed passed her. Wow. It's a jungle out here. She carefully checked each of the tires and breathed a sigh of relief. Bald but no damage from their run in with the pit. She headed back to the entrance dodging the cars circling for their spot to park in, trying not to get hit.
Just as she grabbed her buggy and threw her purse in the top basket, Samantha Rutheridge came out of the market. Urma Ray cringed, this is a nightmare.
"Urma Ray, how are you? My goodness girl, what happened to you?"
"There is a pothole at the entrance and I hit it just right. It's just been one of those mornings."
"Oh my. Bless your heart. It looks like you ran into a snow cone salesman. A little seltzer water will fix that right up. We missed you at the Altar Guild meeting on Wednesday. You know those are not optional."
"I know. I had to work. I have a new part time job and I didn't want to miss a day in my first month. They don't like that sort of thing you know." Urma looked over at Samantha's basket filled to the brim with stuffed sacks. Can you suffer from basket envy? No doubt the steak section will be empty; not that steaks were on her list.
"Oh, I didn't realize you were working now. Maybe you can schedule to have the evening off next month for the meeting."
"Maybe. So how is Howard? I was happy for y'all when he won re-election. It was a close one."
"It sure was. Thank you so much for supporting us. He is doing really well. Always going to the capital and I only see him on the weekends. I miss him but it's a lot quieter at home, that's for sure. Can you believe that Mr. Fitz would try to run while he was sleeping with that girl? Like people wouldn't find out. We are good Christians around here. We don't put up with that. But Howard did win on the issues, not mudslinging. No one wants to listen to gossip."
"We were happy to support him. He said he was going to work on some stuff for the local fishermen and I know he will keep his promise. If he can just do something about the prices, the foreign raised stuff is killing us. Oh, I better let you go. You don't want your groceries to spoil in this heat."
"I'll see you soon. I'll let Howard know that you guys were thinking of him. He will appreciate that. Altar Guild remember. Oh, a little hint," she lowered her voice like she had a national secret to share. "They have bags of frozen shrimp on sale today. Two for four. A super deal. I loaded up." She pointed to two bags.
Urma Ray watched the slim, bottle-blond woman head out to the BMW that was parked in the very first spot. "Thanks for the tip." As if she could afford to stock up. She pushed the cart through the door and pulled out her shopping list. Just the basics. There was no money for extras. She would start with the meat and work her way from there.
The cool air blowing from the meat cooler was heavenly, such a relief from outside. She had to hurry if she was going to cook. She spotted a big pork shoulder that was reduced. Oh, that will make a couple of meals and a ham will be perfect for dinner and Bill's lunches. Leg quarters on sale, jackpot! Ok, that will be good for meat. Now to the veggies. She was bent over picking out some super large cans of green beans when all of the sudden:
"Urma Ray! Samantha said she saw you in here. How are you girl?" It was her best friend Beth. Urma Ray threw the cans in the basket and gave Beth a huge hug. The middle-aged lady looked like she was on her way to work dressed in her waitress uniform.
"Hey! Where have you been? How are you?"
"I'm good. Lord have mercy girl, what happened to your shirt?"
Awesome. If one more person saw her in her stained shirt, she will be in tears. She just ignored the comment. "I got a new job and things are going good, but it's keeping me busy. How are you? Bill doesn't tell me anything. He spends all day on the boat with Tom and I don't hear a thing."
"A job? Tom didn't tell me. I guess I'm out of the loop too. I've missed you at the diner. You guys don't come and eat anymore. I miss you."
"Yeah I'm working down at the Quickmart. Just part-time but it's a help with the bills. We haven't been able to eat out much. You know how it's been. I've never had to work before."
"Yeah I had to beg for some more hours at the diner. But I'm getting good tips. That helps. Maybe you should come and work with me."
"I would love that but Bill likes his dinner on the table when he gets home. I wouldn't be able to do the dinner rush and that's when y'all are busiest."
"You're right about that. Ok, well I'll let you finish so you can go cook. I'm gonna go check out this shrimp Samantha told me about." Beth gave Urma another hug and ran off to the frozen department.
Maybe I should look at the shrimp. It is their local specialty. Maybe the store got a deal. Urma Ray pushed her cart down the aisle gathering the other things on her list. Nope, she was sticking to her list. That's the first rule of a thrifty shopper. She was almost done and it was a good thing because her running total that she was adding in her head was very close to her limit.
She turned to the front of the store and stood in what felt like an infinite line. Oh, there's the new People magazine. Let's see who's sleeping with who. She grabbed the new issue and started to flip through the pages. I can't believe Blake and Miranda are divorcing. What could have gone wrong there? She flipped a few more and started at the latest fashion trends. Leopard skin leggings, oh yeah, that would look good on a stick! She sighed, envious of the model's figure. $5000 sunglasses. Do not judge, do not judge. People are so wasteful. I guess if you have it, spend it. Someone cleared their throat behind her and she looked up. The line moved two people and there was a gap between her and the person in front of her. She moved her cart and turned to the man behind her "Sorry." She gave him her biggest smile. She tried to be more attentive, moving with the line.
She noticed that the girl in front of her had a bunch of the frozen shrimp. "Is that the shrimp that's on sale?"
"Yep, did you get some? It's a super deal."
"Nah. I stuck to my list like a good girl. Do you mind if I check it out?"
Handing her a bag, the girl smiled, "Good for you. Here you go."
Urma Ray looked down at the packaging. Nice size shrimp too. That is a bargain and then it caught her eye. Raised in China. Can you believe that? Here in shrimp country. Ahh, she was so tired of it. Today frustrated her to no end. This was why she couldn't pay her bills. The reason the prices were so low. She handed the bag back to the girl waiting in front of her.
"You sure you don't want some. You have some time."
"No thanks. I will get some from the dock when I'm in the mood." The young girl loaded her groceries quickly on the belt. She threw things out of the cart as quick as the cashier could ring them. The cashier was frustrated as the pile got larger and larger until things started to fall on the floor. She was trying to be pleasant but Urma Ray could tell that the dinner rush was wearing on the older lady's nerves. The customer pulled her cart through and Urma Ray jumped in helping her pick up the items.
"Thanks for the help."
"No problem. I know it was a long wait."
"No kidding."
When it was her turn, she loaded her groceries on the belt carefully. Organizing her items so the young man at the end of the lane would bag them correctly. She nervously watched the total rise quickly, too quickly. She handed the cashier her coupons and the grunter behind her let out a huge exasperated groan. She turned, smiled, and apologized again.
"Can you page Mark please?"
The cashier looked worried as she punched in the coupons and Urma Ray watched the total fall below her limit.
"Sure, but can I help you with something?"
"Nope, I need the manager for this one." She pulled out her EBT card. Her face flushed remembering last month's embarrassment when the card was rejected. That was an hour ordeal and Mark the manager was a saint letting her use his phone while she straightened it out. Oh God, what if it happened again? The cashier paged Mark overhead and he appeared quickly.
"Ma'am, how are you today? Can I help you with something?"
"Yep, give me one minute and I'll finish up here. You are very quick."
Urma Ray ran the card and for one tense moment she thought it would happen again. The register spit out the receipt and the cashier smiled. "Have good night and come and see us again."
"You too. Thanks." She gathered the last of her sacks and moved the cart. Mr. Grumpy, as Urma had nick named him, could now buy his suitcase of Bud Light. Mark helped her with the cart and they stepped over to the newspaper stand by the front entrance.
"Mark first I wanted to thank you for being so understanding last month. I was so embarrassed and had no idea what to do. You made me feel like a person and I appreciate that."
"No problem ma'am, it happens all the time I'm afraid. Computers don't always act right."
"I need you to take care of two things for me. One is the pothole as you come into the parking lot." She did her best Vanna White impression; modeling her new blouse and gracefully waving her arms. "This is the result of that."
"Oh, I am so sorry. I will let Upper Management know. Is there anything we can do about that, the cleaning bill maybe?"
"I'll see what I can do at home and get back with you on that. It might come clean. The next thing is the shrimp special. You realize that you are in shrimp country, right?" Mark raised one of his thick bushy eyebrows. "My husband works on a shrimp trawler every morning. How much local shrimp do you sell? Do you advertise it? It's shameful. People are buying buggy-fulls of Chinese shrimp and don't even realize it. It's putting us out of business. I apologize for the exaggeration but it's upsetting. I know people would buy local if they knew what was what. It would probably boost sales."
"Excellent suggestion. I'll work on some signing. Sorry about the special. It's a corporate thing every store received. I'm sure someone should have considered the regional preferences. I'll get with someone."
"Thanks Mark. You're great. Now go see what Mr. Grumpy wants." Urma Ray motioned toward the register where the man was standing with his arms crossed, stomping his foot, and yelling at the cashier. Mark smiled at her.
"Have a great day."
"Good Luck," Urma Ray chuckled as she rolled her cart out the door into the impossibly busy lot. The steep parking lot made the trek back up to the car with a full cart difficult. She put her back into it, pushing as hard as she could. A young couple passed her on their way into the store. "We have to get some of the shrimp that's on special. A super good deal I heard." Urma Ray wished she had not overheard them. She pushed harder to get to the car. She loaded her groceries in the trunk. Glancing up she saw a black BMW that matched Samantha's. No doubt it's Howard. She peered into the car as he passed at the younger slimmer blond in the passenger seat. He must be making a wine run for the night. "Bless her heart," she said when she realized it was Abigail from the dry cleaners.
Her driver's side seat had a huge red stain where the remainder of her Icee melted and dried. Great, another stain, just what the old car needed. She jumped in, gave the gas a couple of pumps and started the car. Squaring her shoulders and sitting up straight, she knew what her priority was. It was not feeling sorry for herself. At least she had a loving husband waiting at home. She pulled out onto the main road and headed that direction to feed her favorite fisherman chicken for dinner. Content with her life, she felt smug. Wham! Her car fell into a pothole and she watched in her rearview mirror as her hubcap rolls into the bushes on the side of the road.


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Science Rendezvous Kingston attracts more than 4,300 people to the Rogers K-Rock Centre for a day of fun and learning.
Science Rendezvous Kingston continues to be a massive draw as more than 4,300 people attended the scientific celebration at the Rogers K-Rock Centre on Saturday, May 12.
It was a day of learning and family fun as attendees of all ages were able to speak with researchers, watch demonstrations and take part in experiments, while celebrating the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).
The annual event offered up dozens of family-oriented activities. Special presentations included the Chemistry Magic Show, watched by more than 700 people, while 560 spectators took in a performance and special meet-and-greet with worldwide YouTube sensation AsapSCIENCE.
The Kingston event was one of 300 Science Rendezvous celebrations hosted in 30 cities across Canada on Saturday, under the theme of 'Full STEAM ahead!'
For more information visit the Science Rendezvous website. You can also follow Kingston's Science Rendezvous on Twitter and Instagram.