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The stories featured here could have happened during the same decades as the Albin and the Jouster series. Many are outtakes from the books. I am adding notes showing where each book begins. That will not only help you navigate but provide spoiler alerts as needed.
Faithful Turncoats
1459 Near Ludlow
Anthony Woodville lay awake in the mid-October darkness, holding his hand over his cold nose. He prayed King Henry's army would win. He prayed that he would prove brave in battle. This would be a step toward becoming a knight. He had dreamed of that for most of his nineteen years. It was growing light outside his tent. He wondered why no horns had sounded. Wrapping up in his great cloak and taking his sword, Anthony ventured out into the frosty light.
At first he saw no one. A few steps around a tent revealed the light of a cooking fire. Anthony smiled to himself, This is an odd way to begin a day of battle.
By the fire, he found an old man heating a kettle of water. 'Is this not late to be rising for battle?' Anthony asked him.
The fellow gave him a toothless laugh and explained. 'There will be no battle today. Captain Trollope came to us in the night with his men from Calais. They had agreed to help the Duke of York but refused to fight against King Henry. When they saw the royal banner, they knew York meant to fight against the king's troops. They came to us seeking forgiveness and offering aid.'
Anthony looked around with a strange, hollow feeling. 'No battle?' he repeated. He thought, Why did I sharpen my sword and pray so long?
There was no battle. The Duke of York and his kinsmen fled from England. His nephew, the Earl of Warwick could not even return to Sandwich for the fleet he had gathered by piracy.
Grafton 1460
A Homecoming
The rebel earls have come from Calais and captured Henry VI. Claiming to be his faithful subjects, they have no excuse to hold the Duchess of Bedford's second husband and their son.
Puffy clouds frolicked on deep blue sky. Their shadows lay almost directly below them when Lady Bedford and the younger children arrived. Lionel, nine, came at full gallop on his gray with Martha close behind on her brown horse. Soon little Jacquetta, Mary, and Catherine came trotting along. Their governess watched them carefully. Anne and Joan rode behind their nurses. Edward, who was only two, rode before her mother, the duchess of Bedford. Behind them pikemen, servants, and carts clogged the road.
Anthony and Margaret hurried out to meet them in the courtyard. Soon Anthony was swarmed by a brother and five little sisters asking questions all at once. 'Were they mean to you?' 'Did they hurt you?' 'Is Father here?'
With a smile that lit up her face, Duchess Jacquetta dismounted. The way opened for her through the press. ''Tis the answer to many prayers to see you here.'
'Including mine.' Anthony knelt to receive her blessing.
'May Our Lord grant you your heart's desires.' She hugged him as he rose.
'Most of them, I have here,' he said enjoying the warmth.
Jacquetta brushed the hair back from his forehead and gazed at him with sparkling eyes. Her lavender veil rippled back over her shoulders. "Is your father here?'
'Yes, Mother. We came straight from Greenwich.'
She looked around for Lord Rivers, her beloved husband. "'Where is your father?"
"He is dressing up to meet a duchess."
Duchess Jacquetta laughed. "He was not so formal, in Sandwich, when he was stolen from my bed."
book #1 Stealthy Waters
House Chickens
Middleton, November 1460
Because of the flood, the chickens had started roosting in the rafters above the Haywards' heads.
Is our cottage still standing? Albin wondered. Through sprinkling rain, Albin and Garvin, his father, walked back to their cottage.
Garvin asked, "What can we do for the chickens?"
Albin rubbed his earlobe. "Can they care for themselves?" Do chickens have a patron saint? "'Tis sad they will not come if we call them."
They found the cottage standing in nearly a foot of water. The wattle showed in more places than before. They stepped over the threshold. Albin looked up into the dimness. He saw movement. As his eyes adjusted he counted. "I see the rooster and six hens," he reported.
His father frowned. "We cannot go up after them. What can we do?"
Albin rubbed his earlobe vigorously. "The cottage will come down soon. We need to make a hole in the roof so the chickens can escape."
"With what?"
"We need a billhook."
Garvin frowned. "My Uncle Sedgley has one from the war in France."
The old man couldn't hear them very well. Albin picked up the rusty billhook and tried to demonstrate the plan.
Uncle Sedgley suddenly had energy enough to grab the billhook. "You could break my roof!"
Albin nodded and bellowed, "We need to break our roof." Then he grabbed the weapon and whisked out the door with it.
The old man tottered after them, shouting something.
Albin stabbed at the roof. He managed to frighten the chickens. By breaking a stick, he pulled down a wad of thatch.
With a frightened cackle, one hen swooped down and out the door. I wish they would all do that.
"Here," Garvin took the billhook and pulled down a little more thatch.
Uncle Sedgley waded in and shook his head. "This cottage is about to come down," he shouted.
After Albin and Garvin each took another turn, the hole was bigger than any of the chickens. "I think we should leave them now to get used to their new door," Garvin said.
Garvin returned the billhook. "Thank you, Uncle Sedgley." Using it for a walking stick, the old man started shuffling home, muttering.
Albin looked back at the cottage roof and saw the rooster standing on it. The cottage shuddered. I hope the chickens find a roost that will not fall.
book #2 Battle in Spring Sleet
Breaking a Bridge
River Aire, March 1461
[I took this fiction out of the book because I feel sure that Lord Scales's men were not the ones who broke the bridge. They probably used it to get to what became the battlefield.]
Lord Scales bellowed to his army, "We can keep the Duke of Norfolk and his army from crossing the river here." The baron held aloft the small keg. "We will destroy the bridge."
That solid, stone bridge! Albin felt like laughing. He had admired how the rockwork held without mortar tighter than a leg joint.
The baron pointed at the bridge. "We will lower strong men over the sides of the bridge to open spaces between the stones and fill them with this black powder."
Albin shaded his eyes and gazed at the swift-flowing river.
Six volunteers stepped forward. Albin made a face. George would be one of them.
They helped George and the others over the edge of the bridge and gave them large iron picks and hammers.
"Men!" The baron's voice was tiring. "We also need six fast runners to light the fuses."
This I can do. Albin stepped forward. George would be too slow for this job.
Lord Scales chose other young men and then looked at Albin.
Albin nodded. "I am fast, my lord."
Lord Scales pressed his lips together thinking, and then nodded.
Albin, the baron, and the other runners climbed up the arching bridge. The picks rang a rhythm on the keystones of the bridge. Albin and the other runners watched Lord Scales pour black powder from the keg onto six rags. The baron tied each rag full of powder into a bundle and added a long fuse. "These are your wicks. At my signal, light them and run to join us on the bank."
When the holes were ready, the baron gave the bundles to the men below to shove into the gaps they had made. Others helped the workers back onto the bridge. Albin grinned as George and the others walked away. The baron gave the runners each a burning rush light and left.
Albin sheltering his flame behind the bridge side. He reached over the side of the bridge and grasped the fuse.
Lord Scales called, "Now!" Albin lighted the fuse and stepped back. It went out. He tried again. Men were hollering, "Run! Run!" The others were running. Did mine go out again? The other runners were off the bridge. Albin started to take another look.
"Run! Run!"
It must be burning. He ran to the others. Seeing men with their hands over their ears, he turned and covered his ears too. Suddenly there was a roar. Bridge stones and dust flew into the air. Then, like beads slipping off a string, stones splashed into the river to both ends. The waves slid downstream. Only the supports showed where the bridge had been.
book #3 The Enemy's Embrace
The Fate of Grafton
Late Spring1461
This story, seen from Albin's point of view, continues in The Enemy's Embrace.
Agatha found Hannah cleaning a stained-glass window in Grafton's great hall. Hannah was muttering to herself. Agatha raised one minimal eyebrow. I think I can learn her latest complaint. "How are you this sunny, spring morning?" Agatha asked.
"Stuck doing this stupid job." Hannah turned and waved the little stick she was using. "What is the point of all this scrubbing ? The manor will be seized by that …"
"Don't say it, Hannah. If you mean the Duke of York, be careful. He is huge—over six feet tall—and not far away. Besides, our duchess needs to negotiate with him." She blinked back tears. Oh that her first son could come back!
Hannah made a face. "But I shall not proclaim that giant …"
Agatha raised her hand in warning. "He became king by winning a huge battle."
Agatha looked at the window. It pictured Jesus calling fishermen to be his disciples. The June sun shone through much blue glass representing water and sky. Agatha looked at Jesus's face with sunshine streaming through it. Just so I saw the joys of life through Anthony's face. Now he has gone to heaven and we are without any joys. I am sure he went straight to heaven. I cannot imagine a finer knight.
Then she realized Hannah was speaking. "Whatever he is, that duke will drive us out of our home."
Agatha sighed. "Have you any idea where you will go? Might you stay and serve the new owner?"
"No! I will not serve a friend of that –"
"I might be expected go to Burgundy with our duchess." Agatha's minimal eyebrows drew together. I may have to choose between my own parents, brothers, and sisters and this big, kindly Woodville family.
Hannah snorted. "How would you fare in Burgundy?"
"Not well outside of the household. I have never worked on learning French." And I am not likely to learn much now. My mind barely works at all. She sighed and rubbed her forehead.
Servants in black hurried quietly around the hall, clearing away breakfast. At least my hero died honorably in battle.
The steward came into the room and Hannah returned to work. "It seems stupid to clean a house we are going to lose."
Agatha took a step closer. "Have you not heard? That duke you like so little—our duchess has invited him to dinner."
"What!" Hannah spoke too loudly and whirled around to face Agatha. "That –is coming here!"
Agatha motioned for quiet. The Steward walked over. "What is the trouble here?" he demanded.
Hannah hung her head. "I seem to remember our enemies too well."
"This is a difficult time," he agreed. "We must bury our feelings and remember peaceful times when the lords were friends." He raised an instructive finger. "Let us remember that King Edward IV is no foreign invader. He is descended from King Edward III through both his father and his mother."
"Will he be coming here?" Agatha asked.
"Yes, in only three days." He gestured across the room. "We must make this place shine and serve the best food his grace ever tasted. Flavor may help the duchess's negotiations for her husband. The duchess and her daughters can charm him with kind words, sweet music, and playful glances. 'They might even save Grafton for us all."
Both women gasped. "Does he hold Lord Rivers?" Agatha asked. No wonder the workers have sped up.
The Steward nodded. "Yes, our baron was captured in the battle and brought down to London. Our duchess needs to convince King Edward that the baron will serve him well."
"Is that possible?" Agatha asked.
The steward smiled hopefully. "She is the king's godmother." He moved on.
As Hannah returned to her scrubbing, she muttered, "That is worth scrubbing for."
That afternoon Agatha was ironing elegant gowns. All of them were black. In spite of her best efforts, she sprinkled them with some tears. Tears seem frivolous. The loss of Lord Anthony does not call for drops of water but for rolling boulders.
Katherine Woodville, age eleven, came bounding in. "Is my gown ready? I need to try it on."
"Which one is it, my lady?" Agatha returned the iron to the stove. "Would it serve your ladyship to try it on as it is and then bring it back to be pressed?"
"I suppose." The girl looked through the stack of satin gowns and sighed. "'Tis as hard to find as a certain raven." They spread the gowns out so she could recognize one with a narrow ruffle across where her breasts were beginning to swell.
Katherine started to leave and turned back. From pouting lips, she said. "We might not be going to Burgundy at all."
Agatha's eyes widened. "Surely you desire to keep your home."
"I suppose, but I do not want to be stuck here all my life."
Agatha smiled at the pretty girl. "You shall marry a great lord and live in half a dozen castles."
Katherine shrugged. "I suppose. But I would hate to wait here seven years."
Agatha watched her storm out of the room with her arms full of black satin. She can have little idea of the world, living here in a family of fifteen who love one another. No, only fourteen. The finest of them all is gone. But his father may return. 'Tis no surprise that the Duchess of Bedford eloped with Sir Richard. Few love with such grandeur and grace. I shall not. Perhaps I belong in a convent. My heart died in the Palm Sunday snow. Agatha labored on.
The next day, she found herself hanging white table cloths out to dry. A youth with the use of only one arm helped her. It was good to tell about the Woodvilles to someone who knew very few of the stories.
She glanced at is dangling arm. "You have suffered a loss too."
"Yes, indeed. Middleton Manor has lost a fine baron. We can never do so well again."
"His widow is here, you know," she said.
The youth nodded. "Might your duchess marry again?"
Agatha was shocked. "How could she—ever. " How could I marry either.
Much later, she fell exhausted on her pallet and wept for an hour and more.
While the Woodvilles entertained the king and the kitchen staff ran steadily turning out excellent food, the clothing makers had very little to do.
"Are you still at that window!" an older woman asked Agatha.
She shrugged. "I have seen a cat, a dog, and four squirrels."
The woman chuckled. "Has it come to this?" She and Agatha sat down on the window seats. "Would you like to go to Burgundy?" she asked.
"It matter little to me. It would be sad to leave this family—or my family."
"Then you are over half way to accepting whichever comes."
My feelings are so near dead—. She mended her own best dress. Other women were talking about the Woodvilles. "Lord Rivers would be able to teach jousting."
Another nodded. "He certainly has done well with his sons."
At least I saw Anthony practicing his jousting. I am even more thankful I saw him at prayer. Surely he is in heaven even now.
Late in the evening, Agatha heard cheerful sounds. She made her way to the solar and found the duchess, three daughters, and Lady Scales. "Come with me to the chapel," the duchess was saying. "Let us return thanks for this joy."
The ladies trooped out leaving Hannah and another worker behind. "What is it?" Agatha asked.
"Edward is holding both barons. They are in the Tower of London."
"Both—?" Agatha rubbed her forehead. I am making no sense of this.
Hannah gave her a humiliating look. "Lord Scales."
Agatha's world tilted and everything looked strange. "Lord Scales lives?" She could hear others chattering and laughing. What a frivolous way to greet the return of life.
book #4 Entering the Castle
Visiting a Child
[I seriously doubt Anthony Woodville was anywhere near Cardiff in 1463.]
Sir Anthony Woodville knocked at a thatched farm cottage near Cowbridge, Wales. A woman with full lips and luminous green eyes answered the door. She held a baby in her arms. "Tony!" She stepped back in astonishment.
Gwentlian and her husband have a child. "I congratulate you. What is the baby's name?"
She looked at him archly. "He is Adam. I am starting afresh."
Anthony nodded. "Congratulations to both of you." He took another step into the firelit room. The shadow of a string of onions danced on the ceiling. "I have less than half an hour," he said. "But I do want to see Margaret."
From behind a sturdy table, a girl stood and looked at him. Thick brown hair framed her pale face. Sir Anthony smiled. "Margaret."
Margaret came toward him very sedately for a six-year-old. She did not stare long at her visitor. Long lashes veiled her dark eyes as she looked down at the ladle she was carrying. Playfully, she asked, "What would you like in your stew?"
"Do you remember Anthony Woodville?" Gwentlian asked her. "He came last May."
She nodded.
"Does she truly cook?" he asked Gwentlian.
"Nay. 'Tis all pretend. She has served me many a dish of apricot leaves and pits."
Margaret raised her chin and announced, "I will learn to bake."
Anthony squatted down near her. "What do you wish to bake?"
She looked squarely up at him. "Chicken pie."
Anthony smiled. "A very good choice. I am sure I would like it." So close to her gaze, Anthony suddenly realized he was empty handed. How could I have come to my daughter without a gift? What have I that a little girl might like? "Can you draw?" he asked.
Gwenlian scoffed. "What has she to draw with besides a stick in the dust?"
"Find her some charcoal." Anthony started digging through his pack and brought out a roll of paper. He gave his daughter five sheets. "You will find a way to make beautiful pictures on this."
"I need paint," Margaret said.
Anthony glanced at Gwentlian who shook her head. "When you are older," he promised. "Maybe someone can show you how to fold paper flowers."
"Lilies but no white roses," Gwentlian said slyly. "Show him what you are making, Margaret."
The girl went to a wall hung with clothes and brought back a small, tan item from a peg. She spread out an apron.
Anthony lifted a corner and admired the stitches that staggered across it. "When you are ready to make your own kirtle, I will send you the material. What color do you like?"
"Purple," Margaret said.
Anthony's arching eyebrows shot up. She has the tastes of an empress. "I will see what I can do," Anthony promised. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he departed. As he rode back to town, he wondered. Does she see herself as the granddaughter of a royal duchess? Are others jealous? I try to give her only things that her neighbors have.
She is as beautiful as her mother.
book #5 A Hollow Vow
[In A Hollow Vow, Albin must ride across the site of the Battle of Towton by himself.]
A Hollow Vow
The Killing Field
January 1463
In York, Albin shivered. I expect to be able to sleep so near the killing field? He frowned. Of course, I did before the battle. But then, I expected our army to win.
At a monastery, he did sleep and then eat a hearty breakfast. As he rode on, he talked to his horse. "Smokey, I know we are crossing the battlefield, but—in less than two years—nothing looks the way I remember." He gazed across the waves of fields stretching into the distance. He told Smokey, "Our great army stretched for a mile across one of these. Another huge army came up the hill attacking us. The wind carried their arrows into our ranks before we could get one near theirs. Then it started to snow." He patted Smokey's neck. "You are glad you were not here. I barely dodged a crazed horse with an arrow in its neck."
When they reached the River Aire, Albin drew rein. "They have done a good job of rebuilding the bridge. It was frightening to cross it half destroyed." He looked at the patches of mushy old ice along the bank. The water looks calm now. England looks calm too, but there are unseen currents.
A Kitchen for News
February 1463
The news I learn from Mistress Hays always seem to be right. Albin headed for her kitchen.
There, a bright-eyed, birdlike woman looked around from watching a man pound dough. Although she was well over sixty, she was in charge. She wore a big, leather apron and had a wreath of gray hair wrapped around her head. "You are late for dinner, Albin," she said in a cracking voice. Two men looked up from their work.
Mistress Hays pointed to Albin's useless arm. "Are you better than when we served dinner to the king?"
Albin smiled. "My arm is still like an overcooked bean. But my job is better. I just carried a message from Middleton."
The queen of the kitchen smiled between her wrinkles. "You like being a messenger."
"Indeed I do. 'Tis such a free feeling to ride mile after mile. And I seem to get along well with the horses." He swallowed some of the beer she handed him and wiped foam off his lip. "What news here?"
She gave him a teasing look. "The dead are making the news."
Albin started. "Ghosts?"
Grinning, she shook her head. "King Edward and his cousin of Warwick have been reburying their fathers and the king's brother."
"Then his grace must not be expecting an invasion from Scotland after all."
Mistress Hays laughed. "Who would lead it. Somerset is with the king."
Cousin Birdface in 1463
As soon as Albin arrived at his parents' new cottage in Middleton's village, Birdface bounded in the door. A soft and wavy beard made his huge nose less extreme and hid his receding chin.
Albin stroked his cousin's beard. "That is nice! It does make you look much better."
Birdface smiled. "Maybe that is why people call me Edmond now. Better, I played the hero."
Albin's eyes widened. "How?"
"Rosamond called for help. A squire was trying to steal a kiss."
"Little wonder, Genovefa's sister is a lovely girl." The image of Genovefa and her great fan of hair came clearly to Albin's mind.
"I went to her aid." Edmond grinned broadly.
"Birdface the hero! I hope you did not lose a fight to the squire."
Edmond tossed his head. "No, I think he decided Rosamond was beneath him. Since then, she has danced with me three times. He held up three fingers. She makes me feel I am all right."
Albin clapped him on the back. "You have always been better than 'all right.'"
"And—Thomas decided to go in with me on the wagon. We almost have enough money for all four wheels. He has a tree we can use to make the box."
Albin clapped his cousin on the shoulder. "Good for you, Birdface.
"Rosamond always calls me Edmond."
Albin made a silly, smiling face. "Bir—um, Edmond, Rosamond is a lovely girl. Do you…"
"I love her, Albin." He flung out his arms. "It would be the greatest possible joy to spend my life making her happy."
Albin smiled. "Why not? You are a kind and steady fellow. You could make her happy." He clapped his cousin on the arm. "Yes, I will speak for you to her and her parents."
Birdface sees London
Birdface got to go with Albin on an errand to London. Birdface's beard seemed like a fringe on his grin as he tried to see everything in the city. He saw a duke on horseback followed by a score of armed men. Birdface watched children throwing filth at a man locked in the stocks. "I wonder what he did to them."
Albin shrugged his good shoulder. "Maybe nothing. Some people just like to throw filth."
They turned a corner and entered yet another dim street overhung with upper floors. "Can you really find your way through these streets?" Birdface asked.
Albin nodded. "Use buildings as landmarks, Birdface. A street vender may not be in his place."
Birdface's jaw dropped when he saw a dwarf dancing for pennies. What fun it is to watch Birdface gawk at everything!
The cousins hurried on past a woman with pies to sell. Suddenly Albin turned around.
"What?" Birdface asked.
"Do you see those men down by the knife shop?"
Birdface looked and nodded. "Two big men. Oh! Are those the men who are after you?!"
Albin nodded. "Have they moved on?"
"They are coming this way."
Albin walking through the nearest door.
"A bath, gentlemen?" a broad man greeted them with a broad smile.
"How much?" Albin asked. "Is the water hot?"
Birdface turned from watching out the door. "Okay, they have passed." The cousins continued walked on down the street. "I think we need archers. We can hardly take them alive."
"Did you see their clothes?" Albin asked. "Were they wearing a badge?"
Birdface wore a puzzled frown. "What?"
"The picture that their lord puts on everything. I am proud to wear Lord Scales's scallop shell."
Birdface frowned. "Except when it makes you target of huge men."
As they walked on, Albin kept trying to help Birdface remember. "The cloth was blue. Was there a picture, an animal maybe?"
They were back at the Scales home when Albin asked, "Did the picture have chains on it?"
Suddenly, Birdface grinned. "Yes! It had chains on each side of a square things with bars."
"Yes!" Albin slapped him on the back. "'Tis the Beaufort portcullis!" He took Birdface by the shoulders and whispered. "They are Somerset's men. When they captured me, one of them called Margaret a queen. Somerset is a traitor to King Edward!"
A Name to Drop
Leicester, England, March 5, 1463
"What?" Albin roused from sleep and looked at the shadow that was Squire Baldwin.
"Plato," Baldwin repeated. "The Wydevilles talked about Plato over their books."
Albin tried to clear the fog of sleep. "A food?"
"A person." Baldwin chuckled. "I think he was a wise man who told how governments work."
"He would have been wise enough not to wake his bunkmate." Albin frowned and turned on his other side. Traveling with Baldwin, who was still in his teens, could be fun—in the daytime.
"Oh, sorry. But I do think we could use his name to sound more like students."
"I think I would like a good snore about now." But now he was awake. "Yes" he thought. "We can name some wise men and say we like or dislike their ideas. Just as long as we meet no real students."
Two Giant Brothers
Summer 1463
Albin was resting in the common room when two huge men came in. He gasped and covered his mouth. Those are the men who captured me. The iron was hot. I barely escaped branding. Bending down, Albin began scratching a tiny crumb off the tail of his tunic. Saint somebody, you defended me then. But now I am in town, I can learn who you are.
He watched through his eyelashes until the men were talking with the waiter. Carefully, he got up and slipped out the door. He hurried to the nearest church. Inside, he found—no one. With a sigh of disappointment, he dropped to his knees and settled into prayer. Who are you, the saint who answered my prayers when those giants captured me?
Before Albin had finished two 'Pater Nosters,' a friar came in with a wax-board.
He may be a teacher. Albin strode over to the friar and bowed to him. "Please, father, I have a question."
The friar smiled. "I am no priest, but I will help you if I can."
"Thank you. I am a messenger for a baron. Who is the patron saint of messengers?"
The friar scowled in thought. "Saint Joseph aids travelers." Then he straightened and smiled. "You have a powerful patron. Archangel Gabriel is the patron of messengers. He is one of the seven who stand always before the throne of God." The friar took a step closer and lowered his voice. "Is there someone you fear?"
Albin nodded. "Two giant brothers who captured me last spring. Gabriel must have helped me because I was able to talk my way free."
"Do these men serve some lord?"
"Somerset," Albin said.
"The duke?" The monk's eyebrows rose in surprise.
Albin nodded.
"What are they doing here? King Edward sent the duke to his castle in Wales."
I know. I helped encourage that move. Images from the riot in Northampton flitted through his mind.
"Where are they now?" the friar asked.
"At the inn. I think they were ordering dinner."
"Then, if you are ready to ride, this could be the best moment to do so."
Albin thanked him and headed for the stable.
Monica and Daphne
Thetford 1463
Monica laid a hand in her brow. "Daphne, you are twenty—already an old maid."
"Mother, there is not a bachelor in Thetford worth a second look. Besides, how can I think of marrying when my spirit died on the Palm Sunday Field?"
Monica frowned into a pan with greasy water in the bottom. "For a girl with a dead spirit, you seem awfully lively."
"All our neighbors know I lost my one love. I can name two women, even older than I am, who lost their intended husbands. 'Tis not our fault, 'tis York's."
Monica put a finger over her mouth. "Shhh! Edward of York is our king now." She looked around for a place to set the pan she was holding, but found none. "I know what you truly want. You want to see the world—all of it. That is not the purpose of life—and it cannot be done anyway. You might get to London—but be sure you know how to escape it again."
She dumped a bone off a platter. A spotted dog snapped it up and took it under the table. Monica looked back to her daughter. "Riston is nice boy. He helps his crippled uncle. Besides, he likes you."
Daphne held her temples. "We have been over this many times. He is clever as a post. I would be mothering him all my life. He would probably beget stupid children—a herd of them." She huffed. "My father has offered to take me along with the troop. The costumes do need my care. Do you think my father cannot protect me?"
Monica sighed and stacked the pan on the platter. They had been over this many times. "Strong as he is, your father cannot protect you from the world."
Daphne chopped the air in frustration. "Do you want to lock me in a convent?" She returned to reason. "Thetford is not safe either. My father can only protect me if I am with him. The plays have taught me much about how to defend myself."
Monica turned and looked straight at her. She realized she was looking up into her daughter's troubled brown eyes. She wants this badly. I no longer need help with her little brothers. She might meet a man she would like to marry. We will have this argument every day she is here. I can no more tie her to the land than I could her father. They are travelers. She gave her daughter a kiss. "Let us go to the priest and ask his blessing for protection on your adventure."
King's Beloved
book #6 The King's Beloved
"You saw a poor sample of London, Edmond," Albin said. "I think I can show you even a bit of some palaces." Albin pointed toward the south.
Edmond leaned on his rake handle and gazed toward the horizon. "I would love to see these things, Albin," he admitted to his cousin.
"Oh, you must!" Albin answered. "London is a feast to be savored by the young."
Edmond sighed. "Must? I am a married man now. I must care for my wife and my home."
"I am happy for you in that." Albin twirled an orange maple leaf. "But this may be your last chance to go. Look, Rosamond will be just fine with her mother and sisters so near. After you have children, you could be trapped here."
Edmond frowned. "I like not to think I am trapped. Rosamond and I love each other. I may not see a lot of earth, but I enjoy a bit of heaven."
Help is on the Way [During A Winter Bride]
Westminster 1464
Albin watched boats large and small, sail boats and galleys coming to Westminster. The royal court was moving to Westminster palace. That one is coming down the Thames. The king and queen must want things from Sheen and Windsor.
A man was shouting in the Scales courtyard behind him. Turning, Albin saw a workman lifting a chair into a cart. Why? Surely Lord and Lady Scales are not moving.
Earl Rivers was there directing the loading of a cart. Albin climbed down from the wall to learn more. He asked the carter, "What is happening here?"
The man frowned. "Some of Warwick's people attacked Earl Rivers's home near Maidstone. They stole a number of things. I hear they made a big mess." He sighed. "Some of us are going with the earl to help clean up." He waved at the cart. "Lord and Lady Scales are loaning us a few things to brighten the place up."
"Do you think Warwick is behind this?"
"Yes. His uncle, the bishop of Salisbury, did not get a cardinal's hat. Did you know that Warwick refused to come when the king summoned him in January?
Albin worried his ear. "That has nothing to do with the Woodvilles."
"The fact that neither of Warwick's daughters has married a duke has everything to do with the Woodvilles."
'Tis true that Katherine married the Duke of Buckingham. But Margaret and Mary married the heirs of earls. "It is really about the queen, is it not?"
The carter glowered. "Probably." He pulled on his gloves and climbed onto his cart. Slapping the horses with the reins, he set off behind Earl Rivers, Edward Woodville, and five other men.
book #7 A Winter Bride
Jacquetta's 1465 Christmas Letter
Dear Friends, I greet thee well,
Elizabeth's coronation dominated 1465 for us—and many others. Our Anne married Henry Bourchier and Joan married Anthony Grey. I believe they will get along quite well.
John and Catherine seem to be enjoying themselves—on horseback of course. (She is amazing for being nearly seventy.) I wish I could say the same for Katherine and Henry, Duke of Buckingham. Much of their problem is youth. I pray they will outgrow their unfriendliness and become comfortable adults together.
Our Lionel does well with his Latin. I can imagine him becoming a bishop.
I have a wonderful colt who I expect to grow up into a fine horse for travel. That is important now many of my children are scattered across England.
One unfinished story involves the emprise the queen gave to Anthony last spring. He has invited the bastard of Burgundy to fight him for it. It cannot happen soon enough for Anthon y, but Burgundy has gone to war with the King Louis of France. (I encouraged King Edward to side with our long-term friends in Burgundy. I do not trust that slippery French king.)
May your herds and crops thrive. May God and Our Lady shower you with blessings through 1466.
Jacquetta of Luxemburg
Strange Presents
"What is in there?" Baron Rivers demanded. He pointed at a covered object Baldwin Green had his arms around. Tall as Baldwin was, it almost came up to his eyebrows.
Lord Anthony smiled, "That, dear father, is a wedding present for Margaret." He whisked the linen cover off of a basket shaped like a bird cage.
Lord Rivers peered between the willow wands. He moved around and took another look. "What are those lizards doing in there?"
Anthony chuckled. "At least you didn't ask where the bird went."
Lord Rivers sniffed. "Neither do I suppose birds turned magically into these creatures."
Baron Anthony flung out an arm toward them. "These are imported chameleons"
Baldwin set the basket under a tree as directed. "Stand back a little and watch," Lord Anthony told his father. As they did, the blue chameleon turned yellow.
"Amazing," Lord Rivers said. "But it hardly seems like a wedding present."
Anthony frowned in frustration. "You have a better idea? If not this—what would they like?"
Baron Rivers smiled. "It so happens that Lord and Lady Maltravers need a change of horses."
"Horses!? Surely they have many."
"They could visit Grafton in three days. But that would take another change of horses. Your mother and I are giving them a pair of horses. Your brothers are arranging for the horses to be kept at a good stable in Leighton Buzzard. I think they would like some help."
Baron Anthony rested his chin on a crooked finger in thought.
His father raised an eyebrow and waited. "I know 'tis not showy—certainly not like these lizards, but it will be useful and appreciated."
Lord Anthony stiffened. "I need not be 'showy.'"
"Talk to John and Richard about it," his father advised. "Oh, and find a place to hide these lizards. I think they will make an excellent Christmas present. Most likely, we will all be at Sheen Palace. Now, there is a place to be showy."
Baron Anthony laughed. "Before our king and new queen." He looked down at the chameleons. "Can you two put on a royal show?"
A Winter Bride
The Magic Disk
Aha, I shall show her my magic disk. He brought a bulging metal disk out of his pocket.
"What is that?" Daphne asked.
Albin opened the cover. A needle lay across the middle of the space. Albin turned the disk and Daphne watched as the needle adjusted to point the same direction. "Do you know which way 'tis pointing?" Albin asked. Daphne squinted up the road the had just covered. "North," she said. "Does it always do that?"
He handed it to her and she turned it clear around. "That is wonderful! We could use something like that for our travels."
Albin nodded. "I needed this compass so much that Lord Scales bought it for me."
Daphne gave a dismissive wave. "I don't believe you get lost."
Albin told her about a time when he did.
A Gift of Peril #8
Setting the Record Straight
Bruges, April 24, 1465
The guard challenged Master Walter and Albin at the door of the finest home in Bruge.
Albin grinned. I understood the guard's French!
"We come from King Edward of England seeking Count du la Roche, the grand bastard of Burgundy," Master Walter answered. The guard motioned the captain over and the herald repeated it.
"He is not here," the captain said.
"Do you know where he is?"
"Not I." The captain pinched his lips together. "Can you tell us, in French, about King Edward's marriage?"
"Oui," the herald said.
"Come in. A good story is likely to get you supper and a bed for the night."
"We accept," Master Walter said.
They spent hours drifting around the courtyard. Albin helped ask the whereabouts of the count du la Roche. Inside, Albin gazed about the hall. A display of swords made him shuddered, so he studied the tapestries. These pictures are not like what I see in England—even in palaces. I must look closer. He saw deep landscapes and round figures. How do they do that?
The travelers enjoyed a fine supper. The lord of the hall called to Master Walter. "Give us the news from England."
In his rich, deep voice, Master Walter told how King Edward married secretly on May Day and did not tell his council until late September.
Albin smiled. I saw him on May Day looking oh so pleased!
"Who is she?" the lord of the house asked. "I have heard that she is a commoner."
"Not so." Master Walters held up his hand. "She is the niece of the Count du St. Pol."
The man combed is fingers through his beard. "Then she is the daughter of Jacquetta of Luxembourg?"
"Exactly. She is the oldest child of that lady. We are here on behalf of Jacquetta of Luxembourg's oldest son."
The man nodded. "To buy?"
"No, sir, we have a challenge to joust with the Count du la Roche. That is why we seek him."
"Ah," He wore a longing look. "That would be fine sport to see."
-Outtake from A Gift of Peril
Meeting a Veteran
Albin saw the ferry crossing the Great Ouse. It was going away from him. Albin sighed. I am likely to wait half an hour for the ferry. He looked around for something to explore.
A man with a long, white beard peered at him from under bushy, white eyebrows. He motioned Albin to join him on a bench.
"Were you ever in battle?" the man asked.
"Yes," Albin said. "I was at the Palm Sunday field. Now I have but one good arm." He stroked the useless one a bit.
The man looked at him intently. "Were you an archer?"
Albin nodded. He felt a grinding bitterness. I was an archer, now I am nothing.
"May Saint Sebastian keep you," he said. "Remember, 'tis a proud thing to be an archer." He nodded his head so his beard flapped. "We destroyed the French on Saint Crispin's Day."
Albin turned toward the man with the white beard. "You were at Agincourt? I have longed to meet such a man."
"I was there, indeed. The French far outnumbered us. Worse, we were cold, hungry, and worn out from coughing. No one expected to see England again." He nodded a dozen times. "King Henry was with us every step. He must have prayed us up a miracle.
"The field was muddy and the French horses often slipped and struggled. But..." He laid a withered hand on Albin's arm. "It was our arrows that won the day. I put one through some count's breastplate myself. He fell with a splash of mud. We tore up those fancy Frenchmen, we archers."
Albin nodded but felt a chill of sadness. "Our baron told us of King Henry, his chivalry, and his valor." His son may also be a King Henry but he seems best at praying. And yet he did not 'pray us up a miracle' on Palm Sunday. Nor was he with us. He stayed in York with his queen while others led the battle.
All too soon the ferry arrived. Albin thanked the old archer and wished him well. Clucking to his horse, he led it onto the ferry.
outtake from Gift of Peril
A Fish Tale
"Yesterday, a merchant angered Lord Scales." Daphne gasped and Albin made a calming motion. "I know that is unusual."
Daphne grinned. "And a great blessing for you." She leaned closer. "What happened?"
Albin wore a puzzled frown. "The man said something about a mermaid. Do you know about that?"
"You do not know!" Daphne drew Albin farther into their quiet corner. "One of my duchess's ladies is from Burgundy. She told me a legend. Folks say that one of the Duchess of Bedford's ancestors was a mermaid. She married a man after he promised not to look at her—I forget—it may have been at certain times. Anyway, he broke his promise and saw her with her fish tail. She flew away."
Albin laughed. "'Tis a strange move for a fish."
Daphne flapped her hands in frustration. "Oh dear, there is more to the story than I remember. I doubt if it has been written in English, but they know it in Burgundy."
Albin looked worried and Daphne patted his arm. "I do remember that this 'mermaid' was not mean. In fact, her magic did good things."
Albin eyes had been growing wider and wider. "This is told of the family of Luxembourg? No wonder the poor duchess is accused of witchcraft! Clearly Lord Scales wants no one to tell this at all."
Castle construction
In London, Albin and Baldwin came to Baynard's Castle. Baldwin pointed. "King Edward's mother lives here. Duchess Cecily is beautiful and folks call her the rose of Rabe."
A gray-haired man was sitting on the ground near by. He was leaning against the castle wall. "I built it," he said.
Baldwin laughed.
But Albin asked the man, "This castle?"
The man nodded with a grin.
Albin asked, "What did you do? How many men were working on it? Were you using a crane?"
Baldwin laughed.
The man ignored the big squire and answered Albin. "The crane brought stones up to us on the walls. I have no idea how many men worked on it. There were over a hundred of us."
Albin talked about it on the way home.
Baldwin shook his great head. "I could learn much traveling with you."
Book 9 Woodvilles Rising
London 1465
The little man and his assistant cut the mold open. Albin half expected Lord Scales to tumble onto the floor. But he stepped away and turned to look at the mold. The little man was explaining how they would use it to form the body cast. "My assistant can deliver it to the ship," the little man assured the baron.
Lord Scales signaled stop. "I have not settled this with the captain. When should I come for the casting?" He turned to Albin. "I wish you could speak Italian and go to Milan with it.
Two hours and a dinner later, they arrived at the wharves. The Saint Nicholas rocked gently on the River Thames. Albin gazed up into the rigging and pictured the ship under full sail. Ships are beautiful to see and miserable to ride.
Lord Scales talked to the captain and hired space for the casting and for the two men to accompany it.
Two men?
The baron turned to Albin. "You can find me a trustworthy Italian. Many Italians live around here."
Albin was back the next day. He bought a beer and sipped at it for an hour. He learned where the bartender came from and who some of his Italian customers were. The man did not respect Stephano. "He needs to dry his eyes and go to work. He needs to be like Aroldo Ponte. He will do any job to keep a home for his family." The barkeeper spread his hands. "And they are both from Milan."
"Where can I find Aro--?"
"Aroldo Ponte. He often works in the stables at The Sun Dial."
Asking three more people brought Albin to Aroldo. He was moving barrels into a wine cellar. "Aroldo," he called.
The man wiped his hands on his tunic and walked over. He looked Albin up and down. "And whom may you be?"
"A servant looking for someone from Milan," Albin answered.
"You found one. My beloved and I fled that city four years ago. Our fathers refused to let us marry. Now we have love, two children..." He sighed. "..and little else."
Albin nodded. "Do you know of Antonio Marketti in Milan?"
Aroldo laughed. "He is married to my cousin Sophia." His smile brightened. "Are you looking for armor? He makes the best. Do you serve a jouster?"
"Lord Anthony Woodville," Albin proudly announced.
"Ahh! London awaits a great tournament. My kinsman can make him a fine suit of armor etched with any pattern your lord desires. "
Before sunset, Albin introduced Aroldo Ponte to the baron.
"I have a translator," Lord Scales explained, "Do you have any experience with armor?"
The man shrugged. "I can polish it without naming any parts."
The baron grinned and shifted forward. "Can you find this Antonio Marketti?"
"Si, he is married to my cousin."
"Your English seems good, but that may not be important if you are with Nicolo."
Aroldo met Nicolo the next day. They do not seem friendly, but that is not necessary.
The baron and Albin accompanied the casting from the shop to the ship. Nicolo and Aroldo both watched to see where it was stored. The baron nodded. "It should be safe there." He looked at the Italians. "And I will pray for your safety and the ship's."
"The great ladies have both broken contracts for the children's marriages. " Daphne grinned and her eyes sparkled with mischief. "You will remember that Thomas Grey was promised to a daughter of Lord and Lady Hastings. She is still unborn."
Albin sucked in his breath. "I will not forget how Lord Scales received that news. He supposed Hastings was disposing of some love-child got on a miller's daughter. He was ready to slay the man."
Daphne laughed. "Who could have guessed that she would become our queen? Now she can break that promise without risk. So the ladies have contracted to marry their children together."
Albin whistled. "This is going to infuriate somebody."
"Lord Hastings is such a close and loyal follower of King Edward that I think he will not fuss. But his lady is a Nevil."
Albin swung out his hand. "Anyone who is not a Nevil is married to one. 'Tis a wonder the king escaped marrying one of these cousins of his." He laughed. "He had to do it in the dark. I probably told you about seeing the king riding to and from her home on May Day."
In April 1465, Albin visited Brussels with a lot of time to admire the art.
He studied a tapestry picture with the swan boat. An armed knight in a white surcoat stood in the boat. Albin grinned. Did no one tell him to sit down in a boat? And he is weighed down with armor too!
An old woman came along, pointed at the tapestry and asked something.
Albin smiled and spread his hand. "I want to hear the story, but I have not the French."
The woman smiled. "I English little. See the lady? Men say she kill her brother. The knight come to save her. See? He win the trial by fight. The knight say she must never ask his name. She marry him." The woman pointed to the picture of the knight. "He leaving. She ask. He tell her. Then he must go away."
"Thank you, um—merci Madame."
Book in progress: #12 Hide Me on Stage
Spring 1469
The King's Vacati on
In the spring of 1469, King Edward must have felt like a winner. He had a queen he loved and three daughters who were growing beautiful like their mother. He had a satisfactory treaty with the powerful Duke of Burgundy—who was now his brother-in-law. In fact, he had several in-laws married to great lords of England—and even Wales.
In the North, John Nevil dispersed Robin of Redesdale's rebels. In the West, Courtney and Hungerford could never trouble him again. Warwick was in Calais where, hopefully, he would mind the fleet and the English Channel and stay out of trouble. If that wasn't enough, Edward also gave him responsibilities in the north: Westmoreland, Cumberland, and York.
Edward felt free to take a trip. He was thankful for many things and would enjoy returning thanks at a shrine or two. East Anglia could use some attention, especially given the quarrel over Caister Castle. Then he had an inspiration: he would take the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk with him and mediate their quarrel. He could even demonstrate to his youngest brother, Richard of Gloucester, how it was done.
He chose the shrines at: Bury Saint Edmonds and Walsingham. The latter specialized in babies. He had certainly been blessed with daughters. Now if St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary would just explain to God how badly he needed an heir…


text: Abstract Metal complexes of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) with Schiff base ligand (HL) derived from condensation of propionaldehyde with ethylenediamine were synthesized in alcoholic medium. The complexes were characterized on the basis of melting point, conductivity, solubility, IR and UV/Visible spectral studies. The in-vitro antibacterial activities of the complexes were tested against different strains of bacteria which includes Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes), Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi) and fungus Candida albicans. The complexes were formed in moderate yields (30-87%) and they were of various colours and had sharp melting points. The complexes were either soluble or slightly soluble in most of the polar solvents used. The IR spectra revealed that the complexes coordinated through azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen of the ligands. Further conclusive evidence of the coordination of the Schiff bases with the metal ions was shown by the appearance of new bands due to v(M-N) and v(M-O) in the metal complexes. The UV/visible electronic spectra further revealed that the Mn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes are octahedral. Measured molar conductance (12.10 x 10-3– 36.00 x 10-3) showed that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The results of the anti-microbial study showed that the complexes had more potent activities than their free ligands.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bowmasters Review – iOS
Bowmasters features a cartoon like design and is rather reminiscent of 'Dumb Ways to Die' with its imagery of happy characters dying gruesome deaths
Bowmasters, as the title reveals, is about mastering the mighty bow and arrow in order to take down your enemies. The mechanics of the game are fairly simple. They will be extremely familiar to those who have played Pocket Tanks. One touch controls allow you to regulate the angle and power of your shot. Using multiple shots, you can eventually figure out exactly where to point and how much power to use. Thus, Bowmasters boils down to some clever estimation and trial and error. Obviously, figuring out the angle before your body is riddled with arrows is highly desirable.
Now, coming to how Bowmasters looks, the graphics are simply outstanding. The game features a cartoon like design and is rather reminiscent of 'Dumb Ways to Die' with its imagery of happy characters dying gruesome deaths. This game however, features a more diverse set of characters ranging from Deadhood ( a mentally unstable mercenary) to a Storm Trooper and from Fernando (who looks suspiciously like a certain Italian guy with a moustache that we all know) to Walter Black ( the one who cooks). What is interesting about the character design is that each of these also has a unique weapon. For example, Walter throws a bottle of acid whereas Dr. Mick, a mad scientist, uses a syringe.
Bowmasters has several modes which allow you to play against the computer or pass and play. Two of the other modes are one where you hunt birds and one where you shoot a fruit perched atop someone's head and hope you don't kill them. There is a system of coins that you win in each game and that you can use to unlock special characters in the daily roulette spin. The interface, like everything else in this game, is undeniably slick. Keep an eye out for the death animations which are especially amusing.
Be the first to leave a review.
Anusha "Trillian" Sinha
Anusha Sinha was a harmless little Clefairy before she read Crime and Punishment. Now she thinks she is some sort of extraterrestrial ninja. She is an expert in the arts of mosquito-racquet wielding, being a silent grammar Nazi and karate. She spends her time contemplating the greatness of Miniatur Wunderland and the transient nature of human life, in equal measure.


text:
Assessing Talent® is a combination of proven executive assessment tools and methods that deliver unparalleled insights into executives' capabilities and readiness for critical business priorities. DDI's executive assessments combine robust, day-in-the-life simulation experiences with personality and interview assessments to yield critical talent insights.
The assessment design and configuration process begins by considering both the business context and the profiles of the targeted roles or levels within your organization. With our approach to competency management, we will work closely with you to align your existing competency model with our measurement framework, assuring that the assessment is targeted and focused on what your business needs.
I consent to DDI emailing me, collecting my personal data, and processing that information in the provision of services and for the purposes of marketing and research. I am aware of my rights and the ways in which my data will be used as referenced in DDI's Data Privacy Policy. I am aware I have the right to revoke this consent at any time.
To revoke your consent, please submit a data request form.


text:
Many therapists are successful at local networking. Building local relationships with advocates and referral sources is paramount for a thriving practice. In our line of work, we must have word-of-mouth referrals for a large portion of prospective clients to gain interest and trust we can help them.
But there's a catch! Even though these prospective clients received a direct referral, they will almost always go online to find learn more about you and find your contact information.
This means if you aren't easily found online you're losing a ton of potential clients that you don't even know are interested in you. If clients have to work hard in order to find out about you and how to contact you, it immediately leaves a poor impression. They will often move on to the next practitioner on their list.
So, how do you ensure clients can find you easily? Follow these methods to increase your online visibility, accessibility and information.
- Join at least one online directory specific for therapists. Google often indexes your name in a strong niche directory high in it's ranks. An example of this is psychologytoday.com
- Make sure that online directory has excellent information about you, your services, and how you're different. Some prospective clients will never get to your website so make it count.
- Have a stellar website! Modern design, great layout, easily navigable. Make sure you have great content on it. Your website also needs to be fully optimized for Search Engine Optimization so you get ranked and hopefully on page one in your area for your specialties. This is a much more in depth discussion, but just know it's very important.
- If your website URL isn't your name, try and have a URL with your name that redirects to your website. You want prospective clients to be able to search for you with your name only.
- List yourself in the top 50 local online directories in your region. This can increase your website's rank, as well as provide alternative listings that will appear when someone searches for you by name. www.whitespark.ca is one of the industry leader's in local listing directory services.
- Have business pages, appropriate personal feeds and current activity on the major social networks relevant to marketing your practice. These can include but are not limited to: Facebook, LinkedIn, Google +, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Vimeo and Pinterest. By linking back to your website you may increase backlink stats which helps your website's visibility on site's like google. You also get the benefit of social network users finding you via their preferred network.
- Utilize google adwords. Yes, it costs money, but I know many therapists who've built a large portion of their practice just with google adwords. This is a way to get noticed fast.
- Have a google local business listing. You will know you are listed correctly if you go to google maps and you search for your business name. There is a verification process. Having a google local business listing increases the way people can find you online, as well as having a proper google map integration on your website.
If you follow these methods you will greatly increase your visibility online, making it simpler for your prospective clients to find you. There's no reason to have unnecessary obstacles for prospective clients when they are reaching out to you for help. The easier it is to find you, the more clients you will get to serve!
Keith Kurlander
Latest posts by Keith Kurlander (see all)
- Therapists Sell More Than a Used Car Salesperson - October 5, 2017
- What's the Difference Between a Guru and a Therapist? - September 21, 2017
- 7 Attributes of a Mindful Marketer and Why It's Essential In Private Practice - June 14, 2017
- Why Therapists Lose Thousands Every Year on Prospective Clients - May 24, 2017


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He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the death of year-old Greywind, who was eight months pregnant when she was killed in August I am at a loss and want to be in the best environment for our baby but will he ever change or is this how put relationship will always be? But when Jackson turned two, Rosie said she noticed endless payments to different dating sites on his bank statements.
Interestingly, one Chinese nurse found a unique way to communicate with an international student. Casey was eventually found near from where he disappeared after community search crews received a tip. At first, he's really excited and cheer me up.
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We did it!
Jodie Smethers raised £250 from 15 supporters
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 31/10/2018
We've raised £250 to Buy fans for Cardiology Ward
- Oxford, UK
- Funded on Wednesday, 31st October 2018
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered nonprofit.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Currently on our 41 bedded ward we have limited fans! I would like to try and raise money in order to make both the patients stay and the staff's day a lot more comfortable, especially during this hot weather!
So I (stupidly) am pledging to go a whole month without caffiene in order to help raise some money! Some of you know me very well, but those who don't I have a confession to make! I am addicted to caffiene! So in order to help raise money for my ward I am giving up my weakness. Any donations would be welcome so please give as little or as much as you can and thank you!
Updates appear here
Jodie Smethers started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Aug 17, 2018
Well done Jodie!!!
Mum and Dad xxx
Aug 16, 2018
Well done darling, proud of what you achieved and the reason behind it xx
Francesca Calzari
Aug 9, 2018
Come on Jodie nearly there!!! Xx
Nicola Richardson
Aug 9, 2018
Well done Jodie, almost there! Xxx
Margaret Milnes
Aug 4, 2018
Lovely to see you the other evening - Well Done with your challenge so far 😊 keep going x
Sally Moriarty
Aug 2, 2018
Good luck!! I'm sure you will find the strength to do it 👍
Aug 2, 2018
Good luck!
Crowdfunding stories like this
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and don't let that cause go unfunded!About Crowdfunding
About the fundraiser
Jodie Smethers
Oxford, UK
25 year old Cardiology Nurse with a slight addiction to coffee and Coke Zero


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LiceDoctors offers all natural, in-the-home head lice treatments that are safe, effective, and fully guaranteed. LiceDoctors is the only lice removal service in El Paso with its own on-staff medical director, Dr. Stephen Beck. Same day service – 7 days a week – 20 years experience! Lice technician, Maria, treating her client An experienced lice professional comes to your home and eradicates the problem at the source so that you don't have to drive to us and fit in your appointment between 9 and 5. We offer service from early morning to night time, 365 days a year. Your technician has all the tools and experience needed to effectively treat head lice. She will educate you while treating the heads and give you tips on how to prevent future cases of lice. Don't waste your time and money on treatments that don't work. Call LiceDoctors today at 915-257-6221 for our fully guaranteed lice treatment. LiceDoctors has an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau. LiceDoctors technicians have successfully treated over 250,000 clients! Prices are among the lowest in the El Paso area. Call LiceDoctors today at 915-257-6221 for same day service.
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text: Tattoos are fun and look great on your skin. But before you get your skin marred forever, choose the sensible design that you never regret in future. The above are some really great ideas for your tiny tattoos that you can ask your artist to modify too. So go get a great ink!


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Regular price $55.00
Bring a little shimmer and shine to your everyday with the Metallic Leather Big O Key Ring. Chic and neutral, metallic leather plays nice with your signature stack of bracelets. Ready to get the arm party started?
- Genuine leather circle key ring
- 4-inch diameter
- Oversized bracelet key ring fits over your wrist or above your elbow
- Signature locking clasp secures keys with a click
- The original, patented O key ring design
** Create a matching set with the Big Ossential Wallet in Quicksilver.


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Phone: (425) 366- 5700
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelors of Science Physical Education/Health Education (WSU) Masters in Education (GCU)
Michelle Marklund
I have been teaching at Mariner High School for the past 15 years and this is my 25th year in the Mukilteo School District. I graduated from Washington State University. Go Cougs! I currently also coach Varsity Girls and C Team Boys Soccer at Mariner. When I am not at work I spend time hiking, exploring with my dog, Bender, and working on my tiny house. My philosophy on teaching Physical Education stems from meeting students where they are on their health and fitness journey and helping them work each day toward improvement and being their best.
P.E. classes I teach:
Aerobic Walking
Team Sports


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Personal Pension Plan
A Personal Pension Plan is exactly what it sounds like. It's a pension owned by you and taken out in your name. It is a pension that only you can make contributions towards.
A Personal Pension Plan has many benefits such as:
• The flexibility within the plan allows you to increase or decrease your contribution level as you see fit.
• If you change employment you don't have to move the plan.
• You decide how much you contribute towards your plan.
• All the pension providers we work with offer a vast range of funds out of which you can choose where your contributions are invested.
• You have the option to retire from 60.
• You do not have to give up work to encash your fund.
As with other pension products you are limited by revenue rules as to how much you can contribute towards a Personal Pension Plan. As part of your free consultation with DW Financial we will work out what you can contribute and what's affordable for you to contribute and base your plan on these figures.
Is a Personal Pension Plan the correct Pension for me?
A personal pension plan is suitable for anyone who is saving for retirement if they meet the following criteria;
• You are self-employed and want to contribute to a pension plan.
• You are an employee and not currently contributing towards a company pension plan.
At DW Financial as part of your free consultation during we will talk you through all aspects of a personal pension plan and see if it is the right option for you.
At Retirement
When saving for retirement it is important to know how you can access your Personal Pension Plan at your chosen retirement age. With a personal pension plan you can do the following;
• Take 25% of your fund as a tax free lumpsum (subject to a maximum of €200,000)
• Invest the balance of your fund in either:
A. An Annuity
B. An ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) / AMRF (Approved Minimum Retirement Fund)
• Take a taxable lump sum
At DW Financial we will help you in every aspect of planning for your retirement, when considering your options such as how much to contribute, what provider to use and which fund to select we find that examples can help you in your decision.
Pension Contributions:
When saving for retirement there is a very defined was of seeing how much revenue say you can contribute towards your retirement in order to avail of tax relief. Below is a chart to show how much you can contribute towards your retirement.
|Maximum Contribution
|29 or under
* These are percentages of your net relevant earnings up to €115,000
Tax Relief:
As with all pension contributions you can avail of tax relief on your contributions based on the level of tax you currently pay.
I.E. if you contribute €200 per month towards your retirement and pay the lower rate of tax which is currently 20% it has the following affect
|Gross Contribution
|€200 per month
|Tax Relief @ 20%
|€40 per month
|Net Cost of Contribution
|€160 per month
If, however you pay the higher rate of tax, which is currently 40%
|Gross Contribution
|€200 per month
|Tax Relief @ 20%
|€80 per month
|Net Cost of Contribution
|€120 per month


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Keen to spend the school holidays in Switzerland? Visit Lower Engadin with the whole family and discover the national park region's historical villages and spectacular landscapes. There are all kinds of fun and exciting activities for children and adults that are sure to keep everyone entertained. After an action-packed day in the fresh mountain air, head to the mineral water pools of the Bogn Engiadina bathhouse to relax and unwind. Bainvgnü! Welcome to the home of Schellen-Ursli, the quintessential Swiss children's book.
Selected themed walking trails for families
Seilpark Engadin
At this rope adventure park families can make their way through a variety of exciting ropes courses under expert supervision. Seilpark Engadin combines exercise and coordination with a healthy dose of fun.Mehr erfahren
"High up in the mountains, far from here, there lives a little boy just like you. In this tiny village, poor and small, his home all alone below." Welcome to the home of Schellen-Ursli! Head for the hills and follow in the footsteps of this adventurous boy with the messy black hair, too-short trousers, pointy hat and beaming smile.Find out more
Bogn Engiadina mineral bathhouse
Immerse yourself in pure luxury. After an action-packed day in the fresh mountain air, head to the mineral water pools of Bogn Engiadina Scuol to relax and unwind.Find out more


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Office Automation Elevates the Employee Experience
With companies clamoring to attract and retain top talent in the market, they must make sure that they can meet their demands. What have employees come to expect you ask? A smart office that provides them with the flexibility and functionality they need to do their job efficiently and comfortably. From conferencing, networking, security and application access, everything should be a breeze to setup and use. With a cloud-based access control system that uses mobile access, you can check one more box on the automated office list!
How Cloud-Based Access Control Sets the Stage for an Automated Office
A cloud-based access control system provides employees with the flexibility and accessibility they want because and frees them up from the constraints of a traditional systems. For example, credentials can be automatically provisioned to a mobile device. This eliminates the need for your employees to carry (and remember) separate key cards or fobs. Your company gets the peace of mind of not having to deprovision access across multiple locations when an employee leaves or paying for replacement cards when they inevitably get lost.
Enhances Security and Compliance
As we become more interconnected, the need for security is only going to increase. An access control system helps you remain compliant and ensures the safety of your building and employees is at the forefront of future planning. Cloud-based access control systems enhance security by providing easy to access insight into how your office space is being used.
It also allows you to easily manage who has access to what spaces in the office based on roles within the company or seniority levels. In Sequr you can create designated access groups to get more granular on the levels of access needed to different doors. Any additional security benefit is being able to quickly pull access logs that are often needed during compliance audits. Information such as time, space, date, and incidents are all stored in one system and can be quickly downloaded.
Streamlines Workflows and Integrations
With technology advancing at the speed of light, companies need an access control system that can keep up with the pace of change. That means a solution that can provide a single view of all access activity, while also providing them with the ability to scale as they grow their business and operations to new locations.
With a cloud-based access control system like Sequr, you can streamline access control workflows and processes by integrating with identity management systems like Okta and Active Directory. This allows you to provision and deprovision access from one system as opposed to logging into several.
Reduces Cost and Increases Productivity
Not only does having a cloud-based access control system make it easier for people to move in and out of your office spaces, but it also saves time and money. As with other business systems, the software-as-a-service approach can help reduce overhead and the ongoing operations costs of on-premises access control systems. It also ensures that all of your systems are all current on software updates, without the need for manual intervention.
Cloud-based access control systems can also help you save by:
- Increasing productivity through the centralization and automating of workflows from one central hub
- Reducing the maintenance cost of managing a legacy system
- Decreasing the printing costs of key cards and fobs when using mobile device credentials
Added Control and Insight
If you're a company with multiple locations, or a startup with aspirational growth plans, having an access control system that allows you to scale your access control, security, and compliance is extremely important. A cloud-based access control system helps you manage all your office locations remotely and ensure continuity in the employee experience across office buildings. This not only gives companies more control on who has access to their space, it also provides more information on how to better design their workspaces to fit the needs of their organization and employees.
Implementing a cloud-based access control system to your office automation plans just makes sense. Every day, more and more processes are moving into a cloud and it should start with access.
Are you ready to transform your access control system?
Request a quote below to get started.


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As a Health and Wellness Coach, my goal is to help you live a healthier, happier life.
I offer a safe place for you to be heard without judgement. As women we tend to put everyone else's needs ahead of our own. We need to care for ourselves so we can take care of everyone else. We can't be our best for anyone until we become our best. I will offer you the support, motivation, and tools you need for your personal transformation.
Please check out the coaching section of this site for more details, and sign up for a free introduction call below to see if we're a match.


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When I first looked at Vibram FiveFingers, I laughed. I thought they are aqua shoes or shoes tailored made for Spiderman or probably for Ninja? They look so weird that I keep asking my friend, "Can you run in those shoes?" I really could not imagine myself in that shoes. Vibram FiveFingers are indeed shoes. […]
Entries from November 2013
If You Ever Want To Run Barefoot, You Should Try Vibram FiveFingers
November 30th, 2013 · No Comments
Tags: Fitness Gadget/Equipment
Review of Ab Coaster – The So Called "Ab-Solutely Amazing" Abs Machine
November 23rd, 2013 · No Comments
Crunch is the most popular abdominal exercise. It is easy and all you need is a mat. Alternatively, for people who has strong arms, hanging leg lift is recommended as intense abdominal exercise. However, not every one can do that with perfect form because it is indeed hard to hang like like a gymnast.
Tags: Fitness Gadget/Equipment
Top 5 Weight Training Tips For Women
November 16th, 2013 · No Comments
After reading women's weight lifting myths, I hope that most female readers will be receptive to the idea of training with weights. If you are one of them, do read on to find out more to learn about the weight lifting tips. These tips will ensure you will gain the best result out from it. […]
Tags: Weight Training
Should Pregnant Woman Swim?
November 9th, 2013 · 1 Comment
For ladies, if you are pregnant and wonder you should continue your swimming routine, this article is for you. For guys, if you are a husband, read on also. Some people have been believing the myth that the baby may drown if pregnant woman swim. No, baby will not drown this way. The baby is […]
Tags: Health
Should You Train When Your Muscles Are Sore?
November 2nd, 2013 · No Comments
After training hard, your muscle is sore. I actually like the feeling of sore muscles because it indicates my workout is actually working – a sense of accomplishment. The training has actually "broken" the muscle fibers so that they can grow. However, on those days, I often feel like skipping gym session until the soreness […]
Tags: Weight Training


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I'm not a big gamer and the games I do play have to be pretty darn good. I have been playing World of Warcraft since it was in open beta and can't get enough of that. It runs on Windows and Mac. I was impressed that they released a Mac version. It's about time OSX starts getting some popular ports so those guys and gals can spend some money as well. :)
I have never owned a Mac and with the change to x86 I am leary to go out and buy a new one right now. But I do run Linux. Not because I hate Windows or anything but because for a developer Linux has everything I need and more. And it is free after all. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems paying for good software. Espeically good games like WoW. But the linux world is really hurting I think. There are a lot of reasons why games just won't work on Linux. The most obvious is most games written today are written for Windows and therefor use DirectX which Linux doesn't really have. And for some reason not a lot of people are developing commercial games in pure opengl. But I am not real sure why.
Ok, where does Java fit into all this rambling? I see Java as a good future gaming platform. Right now there are some pretty good API's like LWJGL and JOGL along with some Scenegraphs like Xith and jME which use JOGL and/or LWJGL. They are still pretty young in the grand scheme of things but I think in a few years we could see a shift in what language major games are being developed in. I know all you die hard C++ fanatics out there will disagree. In fact one of my best friends will argue till the day we die about how C++ is better than Java. But that's not really what this blog is about.
I think portability is going to be a major attraction to the gaming industry in the coming years. WIth OSX on the rise (maybe) in popularity and with Linux distros like Ubuntu getting better and better, more people are going to want to run their favorite apps on the OS of thier choice instead of running the OS because the app requires it. This is where Java fits perfectly. Yes, there are some good C/C++ multiplatform tools out there. QT, SDL, Ogre to name just a few. I've used all 3 and they are good. But you still have to be really careful when developing in these as to what OS you are really working on. Java on different platforms, so long as there is a VM, just works. Plain and simple. C++ works, most of the time. Compilers really differ. And that is the big difference. The compiler. You still have to compile source code for the various platforms. And that isn't always fun.
WIth the opengl wrappers for Java like JOGL and LWJGL there is still compiling for various supported platforms for the native libraries. But these are compiled and tested and done. You just use them and all you care about is Java.
I don't think Java is quite there in terms of what API's are provided for gaming. But it's getting better. Puzzle Pirates is a recent success story. A MMORPG written in Java and was picked up by a commerical distributor. And there are a few Java games on the shelves at Best Buy if you look really carefully.
True platform independency, ease of distribution via Java WebStart, a great community; all these things could make Java the new gaming language in the near future. I wouldn't mind that so much.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Java Gaming on the Desktop Could Be A Good Thing
I'm not a big gamer and the games I do play have to be pretty darn good. I have been playing World of Warcraft since it was in open beta and can't get enough of that. It runs on Windows and Mac. I was impressed that they released a Mac version. It's about time OSX starts getting some popular ports so those guys and gals can spend some money as well. :)
Posted by Gregg Bolinger at 10:31 AM


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Chrissy Lampkin of VH1's 'Love & Hip Hop' is headed back to the small screen this Fall, not with long locks like seasons-past, but with short finger waves. Do you think this is a style you'd ever wear or should ever be worn? I want to hear from you so please vote![tds-divider invisible thickness=20] [polldaddy poll=6596780] [tds-divider invisible thickness=20]
Join the conversation right now on Twitter and use #HueKnewIt #BeautyWars #FingerWavesHairstyles
Got a beauty question? Tweet me @HueKnewIt with the hashtag #AskGregorie


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When is St. Patrick's Day 2019?
Since its opening, The main objective of the St. Patrick Festival was to organize an annual international festival on the National Day celebrated by the Irish.
On Saint Patrick's Day, a national day celebrated in many countries of the world, on Saint Patrick's Day, everyone wants to be an Irish day.
St. Paul's Church We began to take this opportunity to completely change the national and international perception of Patrick's Day. This land is full of creative energy, ideas and enthusiasm to do its job. Our mission was to use them and make our national holidays unforgettable for everyone.
Why Did It Start?
Present the national festival held among the largest festivals in the world.
Creating energy and enthusiasm in Ireland through innovation, creativity, community participation and marketing.
People of Irish descent (and, sometimes, those who want to be Irish) have the opportunity to participate in fictitious and meaningful celebrations.
Present an image with international precision of Ireland as a creative, professional and highly developed state.
First street Patrick's festival was on March 17, 1996, and since then it has become a 4-5 day celebration.
Today, the country celebrates Saint Patrick's Day with holidays and shows. The festival takes place in Dublin for a few days. Patrick's footsteps include activities such as street shows and Irish beer.
A special meal is not recommended on St. Patrick's Day, but the main choice is lamb stew, patina cake, bacon, beans (mashed potatoes and cabbage) and soda bread.
In general, during the holidays and generally drink a lot, especially the bush and includes green beer (beer was added to the traditional colour of St. Patrick). It is the traditional colour of St. Patrick of the seventeenth century, when he replaced the green and blue square.
See also Native Americans Day and St. Patricks Day.
Dates for St. Patricks Day from 2019 to 2025
- St. Patricks Day 2020 - March 17, 2020 - Tuesday
- St. Patricks Day 2021 - March 17, 2021 - Wednesday
- St. Patricks Day 2022 - March 17, 2022 - Thursday
- St. Patricks Day 2023 - March 17, 2023 - Friday
- St. Patricks Day 2024 - March 17, 2024 - Sunday
- St. Patricks Day 2025 - March 17, 2025 - Monday


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Ed Charvet appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Logicalis Europe
Logicalis Europe has appointed Ed Charvet to the role of Chief Strategy Officer.
Charvet worked for the global IT services provider as a business analyst between 2003 and 2006 before leaving to found Trovus, an analytics solutions firm.
Trovus was acquired by Logicalis UK in 2015, leading to Charvet taking on the position of Director of Information Insights on his return to the company, a role he has held up to now.
See also:
- Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel to merge European steel operations
- Profile: the new CEO of GKN, Kevin Cummings
- Read September's issue of the Business Review Europe magazine
"Ed's experience of working closely with customers to capitalise on technology trends and monetise the value of these offers to their businesses will give us a significant advantage as we help customers on their digital transformation journey," said Ruediger Rath, CEO Logicalis Europe.
"Ed will further enhance relationships with key vendors and new partners, as well as support the senior management team, to identify appropriate acquisition targets."
The Logicalis Group, which specialises in the provision of digital enablement services to a range of industries, has annual revenues totalling €1.5bn and globally employs 4,000 workers.
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I have not shared much about my having epilepsy in the past. In fact, I may not have mentioned it at all. Usually it is something I keep close to my chest and do not discuss with most people, not because I am ashamed of it, but rather because I feel like once I do I have a scarlet 'E' emblazoned upon my breast. When you have an illness people treat you differently, so I prefer to keep it to myself.
I first had a seizure at age 26, while sitting in my boyfriend's (now husband) car at Sonic waiting for the carhop to deliver our food. All I remember is having a conversation and then the odd sensation of feeling my head turn to the right all on its own, as if someone pushed it, and not being able to make the words I was trying to speak come out of my mouth. My husband says that I shook for a little bit and was unresponsive and he called 911. A while later I remember an EMT at my side asking me questions but being unable to move or respond.
I would have at least three more seizures similar to that, although at home. One happened while I was lying in bed taking a nap. When I woke I had a feeling that something was not right. I tried to move and could not; I tried to speak and I could not. I attempted to yell to the next room where my boyfriend was playing his Xbox 360, but I could not make a sound. Finally I was able to pull myself up out of bed and drag myself to the kitchen where he could see me through the doorway. The feeling of not being able to move or speak but be fully aware of it is so incredibly frightening. It is what I imagine a patient under anesthesia who wakes up during surgery must feel.
My seizures have largely been under control for several years with a combination of medication and a vagus nerve stimulator implant (VNS), although I sometimes have a seizure aura- a warning feeling that warns me before a seizure occurs (similar to an aura a someone might experience before a migraine). My auras cause me to say something that doesn't make sense, make me unable to read or write, or sometimes cause me to not understand what others tell me. When this happens I can take extra medication and use a magnet to trigger my VNS to give me a shock to prevent a seizure.
Unfortunately, recently I have had two seizures at work. These were different than ones I have experienced before. One was a little over a month ago. I had gone to a clinic to speak to someone and, so they tell me, I started to trail off what I was saying, turned my head to look at the wall, and would not respond. Unsure whether or not to take me to ER next door, somehow they were able to get me to unlock my phone and they called my husband who works at the same facility. A provider sat with me until my husband arrived and took me home. I slept it off and was fine. The next seizure happened like the previous one. I went to a clinic and was working with a CNA when she says I quit talking, stared at the wall, and would not respond. She found a doctor, they wheeled me to ER, and someone eventually called my husband.
I saw my neurologist, who prescribed another medication and so far so good- except that I cannot drive for at least six months. She told me that I need more sleep (ha! Tell that to my teething fourteen month old), I need less stress (ha!), and that I need to finish weaning my son due to the hormone prolactin and how it affects the brain (we have been weaning but still hadn't been able to break the nighttime feeding).
There is an emotional toll to my illness. I get angry that my brain can misfire on me with no notice. I get frustrated that I can't drive and do things alone. I worry that I will have a seizure and accidentally harm someone else, or harm myself and not be able to be there for my children. I worry that I will pass this on to my children. I hate that I must depend on mediation and an implant to be "normal." I dislike that my husband worries about me. I don't think many people realize how frightening it can be if you have seizures or Epilepsy. I am often afraid that I will have a seizure around my kids, or a seizure in the bath, or while driving, or while out for a walk. I have been so worried that I would have one at work and now it has finally happened, twice. It is expensive- not only do I have to pay for two daily medications but I also must have regular visits to a specialist and must have surgery to replace the battery for my VNS. I worry that something will happen to my job or my husband's job that will make my medical expenses unaffordable, plus I now have to pay for an $800.00 ER visit where nothing was done for me except drawing my blood and giving me Tylenol for my headache.
Yesterday I happened to go back to the clinic where my last seizure occurred because I was scheduled to train someone. Everyone had to stop and talk to me, ask what had happened, try to hug me or pat my back and say, "Oh, you poor thing." I am grateful for their help and thankful for some of their genuine concern, but now they will always know me as the lady with seizures. When I first had seizures my coworkers, friends, and family treated me with kid gloves. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, trying to act as normal as possible so everyone would treat me normal and being so angry when they didn't.
Now I am used to sometimes having to explain my illness or smiling and thanking someone for their concern. I don't get as upset when I inevitably get questions like, "But surely you can't…"
At times it makes my husband upset when I try to do everything for myself and do not ask for help or not let him take care of me. But that is just me and the way I am. I don't let my seizures hold me back and I refuse to be defined by them. I will live as full and untethered life as I possibly can.


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Velvet Buzzsaw
Watch Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) : Full Movie Online Free Big money artists and mega-collectors pay a high price when art collides with commerce. After a series of paintings by an unknown artist are discovered, a supernatural force enacts revenge on those who have allowed their greed to get in the way of art.
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Horror
Production Company: Dease Pictures, Jennifer Fox Productions
Release: Feb 01, 2019
Production Countries: United States of America
Quality: HD
Rating: 5.3
Casts: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton, Tom Sturridge, Toni Collette, Natalia Dyer, Daveed Diggs, Billy Magnussen, John Malkovich, Mig Macario, Nitya Vidyasagar
American Psycho
28 Weeks Later
Shaun of the Dead
Get Out
This Is the End


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My wife and I sincerely appreciate your effort on Wednesday. Your effort in court and your experience and ability were very evident to both of us. PW was acquitted at trial of burglary charges.
Mr Hofmann,
Thank you once again for your hard work in bringing about a very favorable resolution of my case. I will be sure to retain your card. In the unfortunate event any acquaintances ever have the misfortunate of needing counsel, I will be sure to refer them in your direction. You listened when others would not and fought hard to succeed when my previous lawyer told me I had no chance CS was acquitted of deprivation of liberty following a four day jury trial.
Dear Curt,
Firstly, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me out with my case throughout the whole period of time and all the work that you have done for me regards to my case. On behalf of my parents, we would say you handled my case professionally and we could live on with our life peacefully without any trauma because we are confidence with your expertise and abilities. Lastly, once again thank you for the hard work and effort that you and your staff have put into and resulting a very favourable resolution to
Charges Dropped
North Beach man faced charges of aggravated sexual penetration, assault and deprivation of liberty, all charges dropped.
Katanning Man Acquitted
Katanning man acquitted of aggravated firearms offences.
Perth Man Acquitted
Perth man acquitted of all charges of raping mother and daughter.
Acquitted Over Attempted Armed Robbery
Man acquitted over attempted armed robbery after five day trial.
Acquitted of Unlawful Grievous Bodily Harm
Man acquitted of unlawful grievous bodily harm for stabbing his brother.
Mandurah Man Acquitted
Mandurah man acquitted of sexual penetration and indecent dealing with his niece, a child under 13 years before Judge and Jury in the District Court
Charges Dropped
Charges dropped against man alleged to have been in a sexual relationship with a girl under 16 years of age.
International Student Acquitted
International student acquitted of importation of child pornography found external hard drive by Customs Officials upon arrival in Australia.
Perth man acquitted of all 5 counts of indecent dealings with a child under 16 before Judge and Jury in the Perth District Court.
Compensation and Damaged Property Fully Recovered
Triathlete hit whilst cycling by dangerous driver and compensation for his injuries and damaged bicycle were fully recovered.
Sex Assault Charges Discontinued
Four sex assault charges discontinued against Langford man.
Byford Man Acquitted
Byford man acquitted of abduction and deprivation of liberty following 4 day trial in the District Court.
Dear Mr Hofmann,
"I wish to extend my thanks & gratitude for all you have done for me in regards to my trial. With the short amount of time that you had, I appreciate the time that you & your staff took to prepare for my trial. Your effort in court & your experience & ability were very evident, I now understand how a lawyer such as yourself can derive great satisfaction from their work. I will be sure to retain your card in the unfortunate event any acquaintances ever have a misfortunate of needing counsel, I will be sure to refer them
Dear Curt,
"On behalf of my family, I would like to express my deepest thanks for the way you handled our son's case. It was a very traumatic year for us, but after we hired you, we were all able to relax and get on with our lives, as we were extremely confident in your expertise and abilities." DB's four charges of sexual penetration of his cousin were discontinued.
To the staff at Curt Hofmann
"I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude for all you have done for me in regards to my case. The other day you called me with great news letting me know that I was free of all charges. I cannot thank you and your staff enough for the support and hard work, which you all did, on my behalf. JD's charges of possessing child exploitation material on his computer were discontinued following negotiations with the DPP.
Dear Gretta,
"Every once in a while, one meets a professional who supersedes the stereotypes and expectations of others. You are one of the rare few who combine compassion, wisdom and expertise within your profession. Thank you for the magnificent job you did for me." VB's charges were discontinued following negotiations with state prosecutors.
Dear Curt,
"I'm not sure if you can appreciate the peace you have given my family. Your professionalism, experience and work ethic were amazing. I will always speak highly of this "great defense lawyer I know". Thank you" PJ was acquitted following trial in the District Court of grievous bodily harm of a stabbing during a domestic incident.
North Beach man faced charges of aggravated sexual penetration, assault and deprivation of liberty – CHARGES DROPPED
Kattanning man charged with aggravated firearms offences – ACQUITTED.
ACQUITTED on all counts
Perth man charged with raping mother and daughter – ACQUITTED on all counts
ACQUITTED after five day trial
Westminster man charged with attempted armed robbery – ACQUITTED after five day trial.


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Customer Reviews
The print is vibrant, the black is luxurious, and it feels like a lightweight hug. Beautiful clothes from an amazing brand.
the hoodie feels really good and it looks awesome. they make really good designs. so I'm really looking forward to purchasing more products from here. BTW the hoodies are really high quality unlike redbubble.
Very nice. good quality and very comfy
Im so impressed with this hoodie, high cuality and so comfortable. 11/10
Awesome hoody and design was printed very well!


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Thor's Workbench: Chaos Warpsmith Conversion (WIP #2)
If you saw my first WIP then you'll notice in these WIP shots that I ditched the Techmarine backpack. I liked it but with the huge arm on it I had limited space to work in the tentacles. Plus, with it being metal it just wanting to flop around despite some strong magnets. I just didn't want to deal with it so I started over on the backpack.
This backpack I modeled a bit after the Warpsmith kit, namely the heads on the exhaust ports. The mouths in those heads will each have a tentacle coming out of them, same as the Warpsmith kit. I just need to make some more tentacles for that.
So, he has some tentacles, a new backpack and more tentacles inbound soon. I also need to add cabling to the model. I created a bunch of cables but I need to make more. Maybe in the next update I'll have some progress there.
Overall, I'm happy with the progress on this model. Even at this point he's recognizable for what he is, which is great because I need to use him next game.
Update: The Warpsmith is all painted now, so check out the painting showcase.
11 Join the Discussion!
So do you like the Tentacle maker?
Why magnetize the backpack on the Warpsmith? Storage? He doesn't get any other otpions that would warrant it.
Looks good overall though. Where's the cirrently handless arm from?
That's looking great so far! As you said, he's already easily identifiable. At the same time he'll stand out at unique.