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"Christopher listened and understood my needs and showed homes that fit the specs. He gave lots of information on the market and gave sound advice when it came to making an offer. Very good responsiveness, from skyping at odd hours while I was overseas to immediate email or text communication. Fantastic service with another associate (Jennifer) before, during and after close of escrow."
Claudia S.
"I would not hesitate to recommend Chris to anyone looking to buy, rent or sell a home. He is, hands down, the best resource one could hope to have while navigating such a potentially stressful life event as buying/selling a property. He is kind, patient, knowledgeable and always available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise. He helped me through the process of both buying and selling the condominium I was lucky enough to call home for nearly 6 years. During both processes I felt confident I was in good hands and that he had only my best interests at heart. I was especially pleased with how quickly and efficiently he was able to negotiate both transactions for me. I am a very satisfied customer!"
Lydia W.
"Christopher Oscar is a real estate agent who truly listens to his clients and walks the extra mile to make sure his clients' needs are met. Christopher found the perfect property for us in a matter of days, and worked diligently to ensure a smooth purchase. He also connected us with a selling agent colleague who was equally exceptional in the sale of our prior home (in San Francisco). We look forward to working with Christopher again one day."
Russell and Paul, Sonoma, CA (formerly of San Francisco)
"Chris-- We can't thank you enough for doing so much to make the purchase of our home in Sonoma a completely positive experience. We love the house and love becoming part of such a wonderful community. The people here are as friendly as the countryside is beautiful. We will recommend you to any friend who has an interest in buying a place in Sonoma. We will tell them how you showed us a range of properties while making a real effort to get on our wavelength and understand the kind of home we really wanted (while respecting our financial limits), how you were always generous with your time and made us feel as if we were your only clients, how well you explained all those documents, how you were totally on our side when it came to negotiating with the seller and how you never stepped out of integrity. We also appreciate your sharing insights into the area you know so well and your making so many great recommendations, from mortgage broker to contractor to restaurants and shopping. All of them have been winners. You're the best."
Yours truly, Joe and Larry, Sonoma, CA
"We wanted to move to Sonoma from out-of-state, so we had to be efficient with the time we had in looking at homes. Chris tackled our situation with a relentlessly positive attitude. His excellent knowledge of the area, detailed awareness of each home available on the market, combined with his ability to quickly understand the type of house we were looking for, enabled us to find our home on our second trip. He was also an immense help in the escrow and closing process, given our remote situation. Thanks to Chris' efforts we are now happy residents of Sonoma."
Eileen and Clyde, Sonoma, CA (formerly of Connecticut)
"Christopher made my first experience buying a house a wonderful one. In addition to being a great friend, and an inspiring person, he understands how to make you feel taken care of each step of the way."
Stephan Stubbins co-Executive Director Transcendence Theatre Company
"Christopher Oscar is not only highly knowledgable as a real estate agent he brings a rare quality of heart to his work that makes you feel listened to and supported in all ways during the most stressful process of looking for a home."
Jared and Deena, Sonoma, CA (formerly of Petaluma)
"Wine is very important in my Life. As a professional I have worked in a number of Countries and I have learned that high standards, speed and accuracy , loyalty, true service and customer support are crucial for the long lasting success of any business. Chris Oscar is not just a man of his word, he succeeded any and all of my expectations as a Realtor. For him it is certainly not all about making money, but his first and foremost priority is helping you, as his client, before and after the deal. His tremendous creativity matches your criteria for a new home with the few existing and unique opportunities out in the market."
Marcus Moller-Racke, Frankfurt/Germany
"Christopher Oscar did an excellent job selling my house. Fast and easy, no problems, everything went smooth.
Thanks Chris!" Dave, Sonoma, CA
"Christopher Oscar is an amazing Realtor. He has always found exactly what we are looking for.
Thanks Chris!!" Rebecca, Sonoma, CA
"Christopher is a great Realtor and I would not hesitate to refer him to friends, family, and co-workers. He was excellent with communications when I was looking for a new home and I am thankful he is my agent. The purchase of my first home went very well thanks to him. He was very honest and not pushy to make a sale."
Susie, Sonoma, CA
"This past January marked three years since Chris helped me get the ball rolling in the serious hunt for my very own home! As a longtime renter I was eager to make the transition to owning my own place; being able to put my hard-earned money toward my own future, rather than using it to help pay the landlords' mortgage. Chris did ALL the heavy lifting in guiding me through the odyssey of purchasing my first property! He was available essentially 24/7 to answer questions and assuage any anxiety I was experiencing since the whole buying process was so foreign and new to me. Any time I had a question or concern, Chris was there to provide an answer personally or to supply me with appropriate contact information. The day I moved from my rental to my newly purchased home was, without a doubt, the happiest day of my life...and I could never have gotten there without someone as endlessly patient and helpful as Chris!"
Lydia, Sonoma, CA
"It has been one year, March 1, 2014 since I moved into my new home. Just wanted to let you know, I just love it! I could not have done it without all your help and extra care. Anytime I had questions about anything I didn't understand,. or wanted to see another place, you dropped what you were doing to take care of my problems. You explained every step we took on this journey. And helped me pick out the perfect home within my budget and especially my needs. Best of all, you gave me the confidence to believe I could find a new home and start a new life"
B. Owens, Sonoma, CA
"To the future Clients of Christopher Oscar: Christopher Oscar is my west coast Realtor, and my west coast property manager. As a business man I absolutely choose the right professionals to work with. Chris' research and negotiating prowess has made it possible for me to purchase fairly priced income producing condos and commercial properties. His management skills has kept these units filled with excellent quality tenants and has kept the properties in good order. Chris is currently my advisor on a new mixed use building I have under construction and he will most certainly locate the tenants at the building's completion. Chris possesses the positive approach to life, which is his key to providing his clients with dedicated excellent professional results."
Sincerely, Richard, Essex Fells, New Jersey
"Christopher helped my wife and I buy an adorable property nestled in the redwoods outside Santa Rosa. He was patient and responsive over our long search and a skilled negotiator when it came time to close the deal. We're proud to call him not only our agent but our friend."
Kevin and Tonia, Santa Rosa, CA
"Christopher Oscar has been our Realtor since we bought our first home in Sonoma, and he's proven a talent agent and tireless advocate for both our property sales and our real estate searches ever since. Regardless of price point, value or size, Chris applies an assertive touch and attentive eye to every transaction and makes you feel like you're his most important client."
Peter and Sarah, Sonoma, CA
"I met Chris through my now-fiancé, prior to us looking for a house. My first impression of Chris was that he was a very friendly, genuine guy. I don't even think I knew that Chris was a realtor at the time. A few months later, my fiancé and I decided that we were going to seriously start looking for a house and he suggested that we contact Chris. I was a little apprehensive working with a friend, as sometimes it is difficult to be honest about how you feel and in the case of buying a house, I didn't want to "settle". I was worried for nothing! Chris is AMAZING! I will be the first to admit that I was extremely picky about what I wanted. I had only ever owned one property and it was brand new when I bought it (this was in Canada, and not even built at the time of sale). Going from owning something brand new to something that is not is difficult (those who have been there will understand). I wanted everything to be perfect, though I soon realized that was not likely. Chris took all of my comments and feedback into consideration, and did his absolute best to find us the perfect house. He was very, VERY patient J We saw about a dozen houses, and made an offer on one that needed a little bit of work but "unfortunately" we did not get that one. I put unfortunately in quotations, because it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to us. Those shopping for a home, in Sonoma especially, know that supply is extremely limited particularly for move-in ready homes and ones that are just a regular sale (as opposed to a foreclosure or short sale, etc.). Chris had mentioned a house near the beginning of our search, but at first my fiancé was not keen about the location. After seeing what was out there, we decided to take a look at the house Chris had suggested. It was PERFECT! Gorgeous yard, huge house, a great price, and best of all, a straight-forward, regular sale. It was our first time through this process here, and I can't imagine working with anyone else! He had great suggestions (such as writing a personal letter to the sellers, as our house had another offer on it and we wanted to differentiate ourselves). He took the time to walk us through all of the paperwork, and was there to answer questions for us at any time, via phone, text, or email. We will never be able to thank Chris for the help he gave us in buying our first home together! His advice and his friendship are truly priceless!!"
Erin, Sonoma, CA
"Here is my testimonial, not for only for buying a house, but in gaining a new friend, Chris Oscar. When I embarked on the new adventure as a first time home buyer I was confused as hell! Chris helped guide me through it and was able to answer my questions. That was the smooth part. Then it hit a brick wall when I ran into some family problems. Feeling so comfortable with Chris, I told him my problems. He respectfully gave me some options and always told me to stay positive. He told me to keep positive thoughts. That helped me a lot, as sometimes I felt that I was never going to have the American Dream of owning a home. I kept thinking about what Chris said, stay positive, and I did no matter what the speed bumps were in life. With his friendship, I overcame those speed bumps. There were times when he would see me crushed, and he would tell me, Adrian if you want to back out you can. He would say, I want the best for my client, and I said no, I am going to make it happen. It took a while, as we lost the first house we had an offer on. I remember clearly when we went to see the second house, as soon as we walked in Chris told me with a smile, 'Adrian, this could be your house.' Ten minutes later, we made it happen, and now I am a proud homeowner. I would also like to thank Gary Umholtz and Robbie from RPM Mortgage. I put them through hell with paperwork lol. I am very happy, not only for buying my first home, but making 3 awesome friends. Chris, Gary, Robbie, much love and respect to all."
Adrian, Sonoma, CA


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Local Sightings of Scottish Fugitive Unfounded
(courtesy photo)
By edhat staff
The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office determined the sighting claims of Scottish fugitive "Kim Gordon" in Santa Barbara County were unfounded.
On Monday, the Sheriff's Office received numerous calls reporting possible sightings of Gordon in the Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys.
Gordon is wanted in Scotland for rape and sexual assault. He failed to appear for a March 11 court appearance in Scotland for 24 rape charges. He reportedly went missing in Monterey County earlier this month and Monterey law enforcement believes he may have faked his own death and is still on the Central Coast. It's unknown if Gordon has committed a crime in the United States, and it's unconfirmed if he faked his death.
The Lompoc Police Department reported a Buellton resident said she saw him Friday. The person said she was at home when a man who looked like Gordon knocked on her door and offered to do asphalt work. "Gordon was adamant the resident come out to his truck to get a business card and was upset and angry when she told him no and he left," according to the press release. The man reportedly returned the next day to again offer his services.
San Luis Obispo County received similar "sightings" shortly after Gordon's disappearance only to find the man reported as Kim Gordon was merely a handy-man soliciting work.
On Monday, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Deputies investigated each reported sighting, including reviewing video surveillance, only to determine that the reported sightings were not Kim Gordon. It is possible that the same handy-man soliciting service in San Luis Obispo County is also soliciting work here.
The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office determined there have been no credible sightings of Kim Gordon in the Santa Ynez or Lompoc Valley's, and there is no credible information that fugitive Kim Gordon is soliciting handy-man work door to door.
Gordon is described as 5-feet-11-inches tall. He weighs about 200 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen driving a white Ford F-150.
If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, you are urged to call 911.
The Sheriff's Office wants to remind the public to be diligent and cautious when approached at home or in public by persons soliciting work, or whom you do not know. If you are in need of work, seek assistance from a licensed contractor. The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office takes all reports of suspicious persons seriously and states they will continue to investigate any reported sightings of Gordon or the man soliciting home-repair services.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Like painting a home, painting a car is a complex process divided into multiple phases. Furthermore, the job requires far more supplies than just a paint brush and can of paint. When you understand the full auto painting process, then you'll understand why this isn't a DIY project.
Auto Paint Process #1 – Surface Preparation
The car frame's body must be thoroughly prepped before the surface can be repainted. This may include basic auto repairs, such as applying fillers, fixing dents, straightening panels, and removing rust. The entire surface will also need to be sanded until nothing remains but smooth, bare metal. This is a painstaking process, and each panel typically requires around two hours of sanding using fine-grade wet-and-dry sandpaper.
Auto Paint Process #2 – Primer
Priming provides a layer of protection between the car's outer metal shell and the paint. Primer also improves color consistency and resilience of the finish. For a seamless finish, multiple primer applications are required.
Auto Paint Process #3 – Masking and De-Trimming
Masking consists of taping over the trim to protect the area during the painting process. In de-trimming, the trim is removed during the painting and reinstalled afterwards.
Auto Paint Process #4 – Repainting
It's not until all the aforementioned steps are applied that the auto painting can actually begin. Ideally, the painter should use a base coat/clear paint as opposed to a single stage paint. The former, while a bit pricier, represents the latest in paint technology. The end result is a greater shine and better protection against dust, debris, and dings.
Leave It to the Auto Painting Pros
Unless you have the equipment and extensive know-how, auto repainting is not a DIY endeavor. Northwest Auto Rebuild can repaint your car whether it has been damaged in a collision or you have just grown tired of the current color. Visit our shop tour, and you'll see that our facility is equipped with the latest equipment for tackling any auto paint job.
Edited by Justin Vorhees
Expert Auto Painting Using State-of-the-art Equipment
Expert auto body repair in Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Snohomish, Everett, Lake Stevens, Bothell, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Woodinville & Shoreline


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There are so many keys to Facebook page success. So how did I come up with these 4 Proven Keys to Facebook Page Success?
You know that the powerful advantage of Facebook is the ability to truly target your audience, share with them, and build a community as you get to know your readers' likes, needs, and desires.
So I found that…
100% of successful Facebook businesses use these keys to Facebook page success…
Giving their readers a constant supply of information to be inspired by.
Their content is likable, connected with their readers' challenges, and supports their readers in a next step they can take towards a better life, more money, more freedom, health, greater business results, etc.
How did they do that?
Well as Amy Porterfield said it best…
"I learned…how to be resourceful, how to create content in a way that entertained, inspired, educated, empowered."
Why would you want to model Amy Porterfield and other successful Facebook businesses?
Just like you, they really need to know their audiences, pushing them to be more creative in drawing fans in.
- Who your audience is
- What you need to know about them
- Why your information would be important for them
- How to use Facebook insights to reach and engage…
That's when you'll begin to get a feel for the messaging and content to share with your audience that they'll respond to.
When you give them the type of content that they'll want more of, they'll grow into raving fans.
There will be no doubt about it!
You're building that 'know, like, trust factor' and your reader will benefit from your expertise in sharing.
In order to get your content noticed and have others care about it, you need to know your goals of why you even want to be on Facebook.
This helps you focus on the keys to Facebook page success to meet those goals.
What are those 4 Proven Keys to Facebook Page Success?
Key #1 Tactics
Build that 'know, like, trust factor'.
This is what will help your readers want to engage with you.
– Your Facebook relationships are what will bring your successes.
Here's why…
Consistent and clear communication back and forth communicates values, mutual respect, and shared interests. This is a common trait of friendships.
Now don't stop there!
You can bring that relationship to the next level in your business.
Key #2 Know your audience
Write out a list of questions and ask them.
- Then listen and act.
- Offer to chat via message or phone.
- Put out a survey for them to answer.
Key #3 Engage
What are the best ways?
Attraction Power is you being genuine and friendly, sharing about what interests them, showing support as you answer questions can lead to powerful connections with your readers.
It's also called good communication skills.
- What else helps?
Switching up your posts –
Key #4 Consistency
Look at your Facebook insights to understand what resonates with your readers.
- What times and days are they engaging with your content?
Then post for your readers on those days and times. And, be consistent.
- Post 3-4 times a day – use the Facebook scheduler, not an outside scheduler – Go to "How to schedule a post and manage scheduled posts for my Page?"
- Use short status updates: Use 40-80 words or less when possible and with an image, link, or video – Change it around.
Read more at How to Extend Your Facebook Page Reach
If you're ready to grow your Facebook page attraction power –
Don't feel frustrated or helpless…
Get the tools for more of your own Facebook page success!
Get Involved and Claim Your Place in the Challenge Below
Donna Ward
Certified Business Coach, Intuitive Strategist ~ As a Social Media Manager and Coach, I do the work for you and/or train corporations and small businesses how to set up their blog and a Social Media Marketing Plan around their blog/website as their business hub. As a Social Media Marketing Expert, I teach Relationship Marketing and Social Media Mastery, consulting and speaking services for corporate, business owners, and conscious entrepreneurs around the globe!
Latest posts by Donna Ward (see all)
- How You Can Make Your Facebook Page More Interesting - June 1, 2020
- Want a Successful Marketing Formula? - February 10, 2020
- Introducing10 Steps in How To Set Powerful Goals and Values ⚡ - December 15, 2019


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This article appeared in the local English daily today.
KUCHING: The contribution of bloggers in Sarawak to promote the 1Malaysia concept will be limited should the government continue to restrict their writings.
Blogger Dr John Brian Anthony said he could not see how they can respond positively to the call by the government to promote the (1Malaysia) concept if their contribution were curtailed.
"I fear that many of our comments would be restricted by the authorities if they think we 'go overboard' on the matter," he said yesterday.
Nevertheless, he did not mind promoting the concept as long as it kept to its main aim, said Brian who writes in the style of dayakbaru in the Internet."The concept must also encompass the democratic principle of check-and-balance," he added.
Brian, who is Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) publicity chief, said the concept must take into account the interests of all ethnic groups and not just a few major races otherwise it (concept) would be interpreted as "one-sided".
"I am struggling for social justice and equal opportunities in terms of economic and education in Sarawak," he said.
"If we bloggers write with too much 'passion' — especially on issues deemed by the government as sen-sitive — I am sure they would not be happy with us. We might as well not write about the concept at all," he said.
He said this when asked to respond on the call by Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim to work hand-in-hand with the bloggers on the matter.
On Thursday, Rais had a meeting with bloggers where he told them to use facts rather than rhetoric and incitements in their writings through the Internet.
Brian also pointed out that should the concept deviated from its original intention, which include tolerance and respect, the government would fail in realising 1Malaysia.
"Development and progress should benefit the society at large. The government is entrusted to ensure this. They are not given the mandate to do all things based on what they (government) think," he said.
"Peace, harmony and stability are all meant for the people. People put up the government which can provide all these," he said.
The slogan 'One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now' is the main theme introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when he took the office on April 3.
Najib pointed out the concept demanded that people respect one another and also practise tolerance.
Another blogger Audie Chua said he agreed with Brian.
He said if the government wanted bloggers to help in promoting the 1Malaysia concept, then it must be practical.
"There are all sorts of opinions and comments as there are many bloggers. But if the government acts positively, I am sure the bloggers will be ready to assist them in any issue by writing positive views.
"What is important is that the concept must ensure that no ethnic group is lagging behind others in mainstream development," he said.
On the other hand the people must appreciate the 1Malaysia concept to make its implementation a success, he said.


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Earthbath Shed Control Shampooby Earthbath
Product has been added to cart
- 100% natural, human grade ingredients
- Great for dogs & cats
- Refreshes & rejuvenates skin and coat
- Non toxic, paraben & sulfate free, phthalate free, and phosphate free
- No artificial colours or fragrances
- Contains no harmful soaps
- Net content: 473 mL (16 fl. oz.)
Earthbath has designed their products with the health of your pets in mind. Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo is made with completely natural, human grade ingredients, that are tested on people, not animals.
This soap-free shampoo includes a blend of natural skin moisturizers and antioxidants to create a formula that is gentle yet effective for controlling dander and shedding in pets. Ingredients such as green tea leaf extract, awaphui, ginseng, and organic fair trade shea butter help refresh and rejuvenate the skin and coat and leave your pet smelling clean and feeling soft.
All Earthbath products are non toxic and contain absolutely no artificial colours, fragrances or anything else that might harm your pet or the environment. Net content: 473 mL (16 fl. oz.)
Avoid contact with eyes. Product is solely intended for use on coat and skin. Flush thoroughly with clean water if eye contact occurs. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed (by humans), consult a physician.
Purified Water, Renewable Plant-derived & Coconut-based Cleansers, Organic Shea Butter, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera, Panthenol, D-biotin, Phytic Acid, Glycerin, Allantoin, Extracts of Ginseng & Awapuhi, Natural Preservative.


text:
Why throw out those old moving boxes when you can upcycle them into the best DIY Halloween Costume on the block? Check out some of these super creative (and some even super EASY!) DIY Halloween Costumes using recycled cardboard boxes. Not only are these costumes adorable, they can all be adapted to fit any age and any style. As long as you have some old boxes and a big imagination… the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorites…
10 DIY Halloween Costumes Made From Cardboard Moving Boxes
Author: DIY Playbook
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Category: Seasonal & Holidays
Tags: Tags: boxes, cardboard box fun, cardboard boxes, cardboard projects for kids, diy costumes, diy halloween costumes, DIY Thursday, DIYT, moving boxes, recycle moving boxes


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A Woman's Touch
So where has the White House been hiding her? And why hasn't the person responsible for hiding her been fired?
Since the start of Flytrap, the White House has sent out a parade of white men to plead the president's case (and to counter the parade of white men on the other side). We've seen too much of Greg Craig, Chuck Ruff, David Kendall, Mike McCurry, Joe Lockhart, Lanny Davis … And all this time they have kept their greatest weapon locked in some White House back office: a black woman named Cheryl Mills. In one hypnotizing hour this afternoon, Deputy White House Counsel Mills has ensured the president's acquittal, discredited the House managers, rehabilitated Betty Currie, and perhaps launched a glorious political career of her own.
The second day of Clintonian defense begins with Special Counsel Craig outlining the case against perjury. Craig's presentation can be described most charitably as "long." For nearly three hours, he drags the Senate through a refutation of the first impeachment article. Democrats have been looking for fig leaves to explain their votes against conviction, and Craig does provide some. He repeats Ruff's charge that the article is unconstitutionally vague. He blasts the managers for pushing perjury charges that were never even discussed in the Starr report, the Judiciary Committee, or the full House. (This also serves as a "prebuttal" to the managers' germinating scheme to introduce "Jane Doe" testimony, which wasn't discussed in the House or the Starr documents.) Craig derides the charge that Clinton perjured himself by admitting having relations with Monica Lewinsky "on occasion." Craig notes that 28 incidents in 774 days are nothing if not "occasional," and that Monica herself used that word to describe their encounters. And he cites legal experts to argue that he-said/she-said perjury is never prosecuted.
But Craig is laborious, grinding the Senate with tedious digressions and long videotaped excerpts of Judiciary Committee hearings. The nature of his argument forces him into convoluted phrases such as "never denied saying what he told them that he had said." Such language is hard enough to follow in print. It's impossible to follow in speech.
Then: Epiphany. Mills' assignment is to defend the obstruction of justice charge, specifically the concealment of gifts and the tampering with witness Betty Currie. First, the substance: If Craig gave Democrats a few fig leaves, Mills grows a whole tree. She dissects the House case point by point. Monica gave 10 different versions of her conversation with Clinton over what she should do with the gifts. Mills savages the managers for choosing the account least favorable to Clinton. Then she notes that even this version does not allege that Clinton ordered or suggested that Monica hide the gifts. She points out that Monica herself expressed a desire to dump the gifts before she talked to Clinton, another fact prosecutors have overlooked.
She continues Ruff's assault on the notorious Currie phone call. Not only was the call made 90 minutes after Monica says Currie collected the gifts, it was made from Arlington, Va., where Currie lives. Currie testified that she picked up the gifts on her way home from work at the White House. If she was at work, how could she call from Arlington? She reiterates the critical question of why Clinton would give Monica gifts on the same day he asked her to conceal them. "He wouldn't. No one would."
The arguments are impressive enough, but they are coupled with an utterly mesmerizing presentation. Mills has a stupendous voice: rich, warm, a little breathy. It is the first female voice we've heard, and it's about time.
Though I'm sure she and the White House won't admit it, the fundamental purpose of Mills' presentation is to make senators identify her with the case's star black woman, Betty Currie. Mills becomes Betty Currie, and it is devastatingly effective.
Currie testified five times that Monica, not the president, initiated the gift pickup. Mills reads all five excerpts, then blasts the managers for disregarding her testimony. "[They] are not playing fair by Ms. Currie. … Why is Ms. Currie's testimony distorted and ignored by the House managers? They owe you, they owe the president, they owe the constitution, and they owe Ms. Currie an accurate presentation of the facts."
"Of course, she's loyal," Mills says a few minutes later, "but it is, may I say, an insult to Betty Currie to suggest that loyalty breeds dishonesty. … She is loyal, and she is honest."
Who needs witnesses? By the time Mills finishes, I feel that Currie is in the room and that she's a wronged woman. Senators watch her, mesmerized.
From the sublime to the ridiculous. The trial has, it must be said, run smoothly so far, and senators have certainly spent plenty of time congratulating themselves for procedural comity. Come Monday, however, chaos will engulf the august chamber. John Czwartacki, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott's spokesman, briefs reporters today on what will happen next week. It is so byzantine that it deserves to be documented in its full glory.
Monday, Democrats or the White House will introduce a motion to dismiss, which will be debated by house managers and defense lawyers for two hours. Then Sens. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., will introduce a motion to open Senate deliberations to the public. The Senate will enter closed session to debate the Harkin-Wellstone motion. This will last up to 16 hours. Then the Senate will return to open session and vote on the motion. If it fails, as expected, they will return to closed session, where they will debate the motion to dismiss. This, too, will last up to 16 hours. Then, returning to open session, both sides will introduce motions for witnesses. This will be followed by six hours of open debate by managers and defense lawyers, which will in turn be followed by another closed session where senators will debate the witness motions for another 16 hours. Then the Senate will resume open session and vote on the three motions. If the witnesses are approved, depositions will be taken. Any time a lawyer for a witness objects to a deposition question, the Senate will reconvene to vote on whether to sustain the objection. And, Czwartacki says, Lott expects the trial to end by mid-February.
Photograph of Cheryl Mills on the Table of Contents from Senate TV/Reuters.


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PRICE TRAVEL: from €Nepal, ASIA & PACIFIC
Nice trekking the Langtang Khola by tracing the shadow of towering mountains of over 7000 meters. Charming villages located in a green valley where the cheese is made yala. The rise Tserko Ri allow us marvel at the beautiful mountains of Langtang Himal and its top headline, the Langtang Lirung (7,227 m).
availibilty – 5
7 days
04/07 – 01/08, 2014
In 1971, Langtang became the first National Park of Nepal. The mountains north of the valley form the border with Tibet, whose approach contrasts with the fact that many of the villagers of the upper valley are of Tibetan origin. The first part of the walk passes through an open fields, and then penetrate the pine and rhododendron valley, where if you are lucky you may see monkeys, deer, wild boar and the national bird, the colorful Danphe. From Kyangin Gompa (3,740 m) ascent is made to the panoramic summit Tserko Ri (5,033 m), from where you can see the peaks of over 7000 meters around the place.
Extension: You can return to Kathmandu making the ascent to Ganja La (5,130 m). This increase is somewhat technical and requires that the ground conditions are good. On the descent through the valley of Helambu different ethnic Sherpa villages intersect (although no link with the Solo Khumbu), where it will be interesting to visit their small Buddhist monasteries and observe the lifestyle and customs of the people. The trek will end in Melanchi, from where you can take direct transport to Kathmandu.
Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa - Ngegang Day 7: Ganja-La Pass (5122 m) - Keldang (4300 m) Day 8: Keldang - Dukpu (4080 m) Day 9: Dukpu - Tarke Gyang (2550m) Day 10: Tarke Gyang - Sermathang (2693 m) Day 11: Sermathang - Malamchi (830m) Day 12: Return to Kathmandu Day 13: Flight Kathmandu - Spain
Day 1 - Flight Spain - Kathmandu
Day 2 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 3 - Kathmandu - Sybru Bensi (1462 m)
Day 4 - Sybru Bensi-Lama hotel (2500 m)
Day 5 - Lama Hotel - Langtang (3307 m)
Day 6 - Langtang - Kyanjin Gompa (3798 m)
Day 7 | Hidden Valley - Ascent Tserko Ri (5033m)
Day 8 - Return to Lama Hotel
Day 9 - Return to Sybru Bensi
Day 10 - Back to Kathmandu
Day 11 - Flight Kathmandu - Spain


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Today has been a strange one so far, and comparatively, that is saying something. Earlier Chris and I were smoking at the designated area as a group meeting was called over the PA. Luckily I seemed to have the ability to walk in a straight line, but my relatively well-adjusted mental state wasn't prepared for what was said to me as I was halfway up– Kirk told me in a dead serious voice: 'this meeting doesn't concern you'.
There is no chance that this could be good news. This is a first I was told by Chris, who has been here for months. An unscheduled group meeting with two residents excluded, without a hint of subtlety.
What?? How is this not… Discrimination of some sort? Halfway up those stairs and I'm told that the meeting just happens to not 'concern me?'
Well, colour me paranoid, but this has me staining my jocks. And now Chris and I sit… Awaiting our fate. This is getting beyond weird.
The meeting obviously does concern me, and Chris it would seem. We sit and smoke and chat as the meeting that obviously is about us continues; thirty minutes have gone by and they are still in there, they must be having a blast, and one helluva bitch session. Who knows what these lunatics are saying about us.
Another thirty minutes go by and Chris and I are becoming increasingly paranoid. Chris begins to tell me how he completed his first 'step', an initiation ceremony really. Despite being asked… Well, forced, really- to bare all in front of everybody, including the staff, for ten uninterrupted minutes, without blaming anyone or anything at all bar himself, it seems that his story of attempting to slit his wrists due to his depression instantly alienated him from most of the residents. He is the only one who is starting to see what I think I am seeing – that every person here is thoroughly indoctrinated. There are no religious overtones (apart from the fact that this place is run by a church), but the combination of the horseshit MRT therapy and mandatory group sessions, the obsession with routine and ritual, and all the other insanity, has everyone brainwashed. This really is how religions are born.
Let's be real: This place is some sort of cult disguised as a rehab clinic, run by The Loving Church of Anglicare. My desperation to get clean blinded me, how did I not see this earlier? There may not be a charismatic leader, no, here the desperation and subsequent tunnel vision of an addict wanting to get clean is used to fill their mind with the moral code bullshit that is MRT. Considering the amount it costs us to stay here and the amount of money they must save by feeding us slop that is almost certainly obtained for free, Anglicare is surely making a killing when it comes to the bottom line. And as Anglicare is a church, all this profit is tax free, naturally. And of course, anyone in Australia who knows about Anglicare knows about their disturbing past that they have done everything in their power to bury.
No wonder this place has been described as the Anglicare Money Making Machine. I would love to know what these unqualified 'staff' are paid to essentially act like incredibly judgemental pig-whores who are astoundingly ignorant to the realities of addiction, not to mention mental health, and any person with half their skull occupied knows the two almost always go hand in hand. This is Certainly Not what was advertised when I first read the literature about this place.
Everyone is finally filing out of the building and down those stairs after what must have been one helluva angry, pissed off gossip session that lasted at least an hour. Unsurprisingly, both Chris and I are shunned, barely anyone is willing to look at us, let alone talk, and incredibly, not one person joins us to have a cigarette. Not a soul. That fact more than anything worries me considering everyone here smokes, copiously.
As the rest of the residents go about their business, avoiding us like lepers, our paranoia is now turning into conspiracy theories. Chris has become too close to Alise apparently, and of course a close relationship of any kind is against The Rules. The way he is talking, the staff seem to be acting as if the two are fucking like rabbits hopped up on crack. He is getting kicked out, he is convinced. Given the direction our Paranoia is taking us, I can't help but agree if what he is being accused of is true. Chris understandably wouldn't mind being kicked out, if it weren't for the fact that like me, he promised himself, not to mention his partner and child, that he would stick it out for six months. His problem is that they won't talk to him until he has accomplished this, so if he is booted, he has nothing and no one to go home to. I believe everything he has told me about Alise because I have taken the time to get to know him. His overall behaviour is most certainly acceptable when compared to my apparent actions that have annoyed everyone here. Saintly in fact.
What the hell were they talking about for over an hour? A lecture on the dangers of close relationships in a 'rehab centre'?
The conspiracies grow to near delusional levels, including but not limited to the monitoring and recording of our every conversation, as well as possible visitors; I made the mistake of vividly describing my hallucination from a few days ago, which has triggered increasingly delusional thinking from both of us- unsurprising when two people with bipolar are talking about conspiracy theories while being actively ignored by every person around them. We begin to agree on the reasons for being visited- we have been chosen, for something. Their intentions we do not know, but we will know when we see it. Our speech is rapid and the ideas are coming from all directions.
Another announcement comes over the PA. Another group meeting, barely an hour after the last one finished. Neither of us move, considering we weren't welcome a couple of hours ago. As everyone else files up the stairs like sheep stoned on tranquilizers, Kirk invites us to join the party. I don't think I can handle another session of passive-aggressive idiocy, but it would seem that I don't have a choice.
We hesitantly stand up and make our way to the lounge room. There is no way that this is going to be positive in any form. With everyone already seated, a waiting jury, we enter the room and are greeted by deadpan faces as no one bothers to welcome us, or to even talk. The room is filled with silence thicker than tar. Is Chris right? Are these fuckers conspiring to have us removed? Are they conspiring with the visitors? And if so, why?
The assistant manager Catherine, who I haven't had the need to deal with yet, finally breaks the silence, and it is instantly apparent that this is going to be different from the other group sessions that preceded it. The passive-aggressive approach has been lobbed into the trash from beyond the three point line, as this woman I have met maybe once suddenly launches into an attack directed squarely at me. There isn't going to be any confusion this time 'round, the slurs hurled at me are as direct as possible, coming from what feels like every resident in a rapid-fire fashion. The continuous attacks are thick and fast with a fire rate of insane proportions. It seems nearly everything I do bothers someone. There is no understanding in this pit of garbage, ignorant of my illness combined with withdrawal symptoms from hell. Every move I make is too intense. Or my sense of admittedly dark humour offends someone.
Ugh, fuck this culture where pathetic people have this new-given right to be 'offended'. A step towards censorship as the phenomenon increases. I honestly don't understand the concept of being offended. My brain isn't wired like that. But these sheep sure do, as everything from the way I walk to the way I talk to the way I eat is painting me as a detestable person.
Despite sitting next to Chris, we don't have a chance to talk at all as I'm perpetually chastised, the group making it seem like I am a paranoid schizophrenic who is about to become violently psychotic. But… There is perhaps five percent of truth behind what these insane fuckers are launching at me, and I finally decide it is time to offer my two cents.
"Why are you all exaggerating and lying so much? Almost none of this is true. Why are you all talking to me like this? Who have I hurt? I haven't verbally attacked anyone, I'm doing try my best to be a good person. Everything Kym has said I know for a fact to be false, I barely eat anything at dinner so the notion that I am leaving 'stacks' of dishes for others to clean is FUCKING BONKERS!"
As my final words echo, the room falls into a dead silence. I think this is the first time I have been assertive in any way since I got here. Probably because I am beginning to see what lies behind the curtains. Everyone is looking at me as if they are seeing the devilish transformation I saw in the mirror the other day. I slap my face with my palm inside my mind as I realise that I have just painted a giant, glowing neon target on my back, chest and forehead. Well, in reality I suppose I just made them brighter.
Despite the spontaneity and therefore lack of thought behind my outburst, it is of course true that most of the lies are coming from Kym, my good friend the Hyper-Bitch. She is either more of a bitch than I originally thought, or she is completely delusional. And here I was, just over a week ago, thinking her inane complaints about coffee were a little crazy. The stories she is telling now are worthy of publication within a collection of short stories written by insane alcoholics. Worryingly though she has also managed to coax others into making up stories, one claim from an obese woman in a pregnant-lady floral dress was that she heard Alise moaning in the room next to hers. When this subject came up I became silent. Why a close friendship isn't tolerated here will forever confound me, and I am fairly certain that Chris isn't that stupid. He is a smart guy, he wants to stay for the full six months. Not to mention he has nothing to go home to, and no money as he is paying rent for an empty house as well as 433$ a fortnight here. This is a man who needs rehabilitation more than I do. Yet these bumbling morons are belittling him for forming a friendship?
More accusations are thrown at Chris regarding Alise, and like myself, he has no chance to talk as the 'issues' are piling up quickly, and they all revolve around his friendship with Alise. Did they fuck? Is Chris really that thick? Did they get closer than he was telling me?
Despite having her name thrown around among the allegedly most serious issues, Alise has not uttered a word. The paper planes have stopped flying for the moment, it feels as if everyone is now waiting for her to finally weigh in on the situation.
She looks directly at me before launching into her accusations.
"Two days ago we had agreed to work through our MRT stuff together, but you wouldn't stop drinking coffee even though I said you were worrying me. I eventually became so uncomfortable and tired that I wanted to go to bed, but you didn't listen and kept trying over and over to get me to help you understand it. I tried to leave at least three times, but each time you got all angry and I was scared to do anything but say yes to what you wanted. You eventually passed out and I was able to sneak into my bedroom."
This certainly is at odds with what I recall from that night. But I am forced to admit to myself that my memory can be hit or miss wildly, and that I have no chance of knowing if she is joining in with Kym on the exaggerated lies, or if I did act like that towards her. I certainly drank too much coffee that night, can it cause memory loss of this nature? What I do know is that, even if drunk, I am not the sort of person to ever act like that or to put anyone in such an uncomfortable position. Perhaps I am misjudging, but I am going to back my own internal logic and knowledge of my personality against a story that sounds so unfamiliar I refuse to believe any of it, other than wanting to work with her on our Homework.
The following extended pause leads me to think that I am to offer some sort of rebuttal. But I feel overwhelmed by accusations that simply are not true.. At least, there is a high chance of this.
80/20. Or maybe 70/30. 60/40?…
I'm losing faith in my sanity.
"I know I drank too much coffee that night, as I wanted to be able to focus on the MRT stuff. That's why I wanted to spend that night working on it, but you are talking as if I had an ulterior motive and acted like a semi-rapist! Past those two facts – the coffee and wanting to go through the booklet- everything else you have just said is bullshit. Can anybody here able to say that they saw any of this shit being flung at me?"
More silence.
The obese woman from earlier, whose name I still do not remember, suddenly pipes up as if she just remembered something that she hadn't known a few seconds previous.
"I saw you that night Jordan, you were acting pretty strange, and-
"Strange? STRANGE?! That is against The Rules as well is it? Acting STRAAAANGE? Did you see me talk aggressively to Alise or make demands like she is suggesting? Or is acting strange my only crime? I'd have thought by now most of you fine people would consider strange behaviour to be the 'norm' for me."
I few people snigger quietly, and instantly I see sharp, disapproving looks towards them. It is quiet again. But not for long, as I hear another voice launch into gear. We were right. This is a conspiracy, and it most certainly concerns both of us. I feel so horrible for Chris knowing that I have a loving family and small group of friends waiting for me outside, and despite the promise I made to myself, I am fairly certain that my family isn't happy with this place so far and wouldn't lambast me for wanting to leave. But Chris has so much more to lose if he decides to leave early, and a chance to rekindle his relationship with his family if he succeeds. I can't say I envy his position. I hope my trial is over, its Chris' turn next.
The obese woman in the pregnant-lady floral dress continues: "You might think that is funny Jordan, but the way you act actually bothers a lot of people here, not just Alise. I think I'd be right in saying that most of the women here feel pretty uncomfortable around you, especially if alone."
I see nods of approval from around me and could not be more baffled. I am certainly strange, intense, weird, yes yes and yes. But to the point of making every women here uncomfortable?
I feel as if I am on trial, accused of sexual harassment. I thought that particular accusation was aimed at Chris.
Hold up.
Let's think about this. Was I right the other day? Am I really hearing things that defy what the person is actully saying? Was the conversation with Chris earlier anything like I remember?
I continue to hear how I hit on Alise several times in inappropriate ways, again none of which matches my personality at all, nor my memory.
Then again… Bi-polar does tend to warp one's personality, it essentially flips it 180 degrees during a hypomanic episode. And it does affect the memory quite well. But during my many episodes of hypomania and indeed mania, I was again simply too nice. Too intense maybe, but never to the point of being within a football oval's worth of harassment.
Then again… I know what mania is – a complete separation from reality. Psychotically delusional, believing things that just are not to true, and this is obvious to anyone else. The one episode I had lasted for three months, and I was worrying everyone I knew.. I am told. No sleep for ten day stretches… on no drugs at all. Is this happening again? It did happen last time after an attempt to quit opiates cold turkey. Am I manic right now?
I now really have no idea what to believe and what not to believe, what words to believe, what I see, what I smell, touch, taste. My body is going into seizure mode as my brain goes into sensory overload and I stare at the ceiling for what could have been thirty minutes, smelling and hearing things that I know aren't there. But they sure make one anxious. More so considering this situation. That thirty minutes could have last if not for my minor seizure of becoming absent from reality being interrupted- I am overwhelmed by the sudden influx of sensory input.
More words are thrown at me, but the logic is falling apart and I am losing track of all my alleged misdemeanors. Is this entire session entirely about me?? Did they exclude Chris from their first session purely because they know he is the only friend I have here?
Apparently I am insistent on a friendship that she believes is 'outside the boundaries' of what Archway allows. The goddamned Rules. Okay, I need out of here, this cult-like atmosphere is becoming increasingly apparent, these people are brainwashed, seemingly believing things that aren't real. Or… does that notion describe my current mental state? How the fuck do I tell?
Tying into the last accusation is that I am guilty of the crime of niceness. First this trash-hole tells me I am isolating myself too much from other residents, that I wasn't socialising enough. At least that is what I remember them telling me. I'm pretty certain. Yet now I am being too nice? Is a friendship of any kind between two different genders completely taboo? I am closer to Chris and even Bob than I am to Alise.
"And those weren't moans of joy you heard Marge. I was crying after I managed to sneak away from Jordan while he was making his…. Well, I lost count of how many coffees he made"
The assistant manager interjects. "You're aware that this is considered an attempted overdose, Jordan?"
"Uhh.. I didn't know that was possible with coffee…"
Kym decides to add more to the conversation, "You act like you are still on drugs. You talk about bizarre subjects that make people uncomfortable. We see you walk and you have balance less often than you do. You play music loud, you have bothered everyone with your drumming, and I'll again say that none of us feel comfortable around you.
Alise adds, "You have constantly asked for us to 'hang' and get to know each other. You even asked me to join you back you your cell, and you didn't take no for an answer for ages. What is wrong with you?
Kirk finally pipes up after what felt like a three hour trial. "Okay, I think we have all heard enough for now. Jordan, you can see Stephanie tomorrow. Chris, come have a chat with me when you can."
What in the sweet, sugary fuck has just happened? I take my cue to leave as the rest of the group stays, their eyes slowly following me out the door that leads outside. I need to figure this out somehow. My inability to talk to woman is laughable, but I think back to my many hypomanic outbursts over the years, and the opposite was true. Now that I think more about it, I did try to chat women up, often acting so intense and chatty that at the end of a long conversation involving mostly my incessant yapping, I would never get a phone number. These memories are sounding depressingly familiar to what I was just accused of. I think I need to leave this place as soon as possible and see some sort of psych doctor. No, I think I need to pop into a real rehab facility, one specialising in keeping epileptic aliens disguised as people sane enough to function close enough to humankind as possible.
After the increasingly Kafka-worthy Trial of Archway mercifully finished, it was already past our normal time for dinner. As if breaking any routine was also against The Rules, even for staff, we are quickly herded to the kitchen and dining area for a late and brief 'dinner'. Only Bob is willing to join Chris and I, and he sits down and I apologise profusely for my outburst at him about the drums the other day. He looks at me strangely, cocking his head like a confused dog, asking me what I am talking about. How… What? This isn't… There is no way that was a dream, does he not remember it? Or are these visitors planting memories into my mind?
I want to sleep but I can't. Increasingly paranoid. The conspiracy was real, it was really really real. And the conspiracies were just the beginning; here they are, I am hypomanic. Shit shit shiiiit the music is speeding up and slowing down again. Syd Barret's voice is sounding alien even by his standards, the album sounding truly from another dimension, rather than from another planet. I eat some clonazepam, 15 tablets down the hatch, but I know it won't have any effect, I won't be sleeping tonight. But no matter, they do use sleep deprivation as torture, but in my case it seems to trigger a alteration in consciousness, which I am course a fan of; I bet they'd have a laugh trying to use that kind of torture on me. And it is certain that apart from a few select nights, I have had very little sleep indeed. I need to be taking seroquel regularly but considering my efforts last time i tried that, I am somewhat hesitant to try it again. But I need something to calm my brain down. Please slow, please. The fan is about to fly off the ceiling.
I feel as if in a horribly edited and extremely unsettling film with several important scenes that have been cut out, tasked with retrieving them, for many memories need to be knocked loose like so many diseased teeth.
And then it hits me. As I have been writing I have been pondering, considering this Extremely Strange saga that I've been through. I'm beginning to realise something important. Something of great magnitude that I now realise I was warned about; the hallucinations, the vibrating reality, the incredibly colourful and unreal world that I have plummeted into. Diving through looking glass, flying balls-first into a nightmarish world of Wonderland. This all makes sense now, as I am the son of God, in all his forms. I am some sort of messiah, and this gibbersh, this speed-fueled diary, must be read by everyone. Anglicare is to be exposed and I am the key to it all, to bring the disgusting Church down. Hopefully I can save some poor children from being diddle by a fucked up priest. Wait, a regular priest. My bad.
I need to get out of here, spread the word intended for me, Bill Hicks and his philosophy, his teachings, this is what I need to do according to our conversations through the false barrier of life and death, and this strange journey will amaze the world, it will inspire and lift peoples' spirits higher than ever thought possible, I suddenly want to talk and talk and talk, but no one is awake, not to mention no one can stand the sight of me, so I shall continue my epic story.
It has been decided: I am leaving this place, and I can already tell that cleanliness is now guaranteed! I can already feel it, the cravings are just gone. Why put my mind in a vice with mind altering substances, I am high on LIFE right now! Bill is gently guiding me, and he was never wrong. Why stop this incredible feeling? I am SUPERMAN! I'm on ecstasy, mushrooms with a hint of cocaine all at once, only the incredible feeling of the latter does dissipate, leaving me desperate for more like a true, full-time junkie.
Wait, that was supposed to read as the junkie feeling of the high doesn't dissipate. I don't want this to end, that is certain. Was that a Freudian slip? A line certainly would increase this amazing feeling, but then again, so would a heroic dose of mushrooms. I am in Port Adelaide, but the chance of hopping the fence again and finding a dealer of mushrooms or cocaine on the streets isn't high- they aren't exactly the most popular mind-altering substances sold on the streets. I'd have a better chance scoring some oxys or xanax, but downers are the last thing I want now, I want to go higher, and HIGHER! I want to touch the stars and bring them down from the heavens as gifts for my family and friends.
Perhaps it is worth a shot. I might find something. I'm not going to be sleeping tonight, that is now certain.
It is now close to midnight, perfect for walking through a suburb such as this one. Nothing can go wrong, remember, I am a messiah. I have cheated death many times before, I should be dead. Recounting the numerous times where I should have died or at least ended up in a hospital, I never suffered one injury or illness, only ending up in the Emergency Care unit once, completely unharmed. Morphine and general anesthetic isn't a safe combination it seems. My parents still won't tell me what happened while I was out, making me think it was pretty serious.
Fucking tangents. Back on track. Thinking back on all this behavior from my past has convinced me further that Bill is watching over me, making sure that no ill comes to me until it is my time to depart this realm. A serious car crash involving my plowing into a stationary car at 60 kilometres an hour, a crash that involved three other cars due to the impact being so severe. I remember it distinctly, passing out at, or going on 'the nod', at the wheel of my courier van – where the crumple zone is your legs – and I remember seeing the car I hit at the last second. But Bill was watching, and as I was unconscious, the car drifted slightly to the right. This meant that the impact affected the passenger seat only, I was completely unscathed. If I'd had a passenger, they'd probably be dead. The photo of the van is not a pretty sight. But despite being a full-time junkie, I always stuck to my rule to never to drive anyone while on that stuff.
This all means that nothing out here can possibly harm me, as I have the energy provided by a ten hits of meth, so at the worst I can just run. I'd rather not give my untested, limited martial arts skills a try on the dark streets of this scummy suburb. But I do have the strength to fight five men, not to mention the knowledge that I have a true Saint watching over my every move. Perhaps that could be fun.
Time to move, time to utilise my honed-to-a-point ninja skills. Having noted the creaky spots in the floor, I again slip out unheard and jump the back gate. The fucker is tall but I can fly like Mike at the moment, all it takes is one leap onto a wheelie bin and another to grab the top of the fence, pulling myself up and over, dropping onto my arse on the other side, of course not suffering any sort of injury, and now on the outside of Archway once again, it is time to begin the hunt. How can I enhance this incredible feeling? How can I fly higher? How can this feeling take me further away from the angry hornet's nest that is Archway and into the land of preaching? Into a place where I can change the world's perception of reality, and help them see the light.


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Sunday, January 25, 2015
11 comments:
This kind of thing makes me wish I could time travel, and gender-swap as needed! Oh, to live in a time when farmland was so inexpensive and easy to come by. Now, I'm in the boat of working years in the city to try to scrounge a down payment somewhere rural.ReplyDelete
Family lore has it that my great-grandfather paid a $10 down payment for his ranch in California's Santa Cruz Mountains--an area where even a small house and piece of land now can be over a million.
Unfortunately a lot of children over the years did not have the choice of being sent to Canada, Australia & Rhodesia & I can only hope some did manage to purchase some farm land.ReplyDelete
By the way Happy Australia Day to other Aussies!Replies
I didn't realize that. Yeah, it would be interesting to know more about it, like if they were successful, any descendants today still have the land etc.Delete
And as for Australia Day, I had no idea, Happy Australia Day from us to all our Aussie followers as well!!!
This poster is for boys 14-19! I wonder if there were campaigns for other demographics.ReplyDelete
What an pretty farm scene! The lure of a farm like that with ample acreage would have been appealing for some young men in post-war Britain where options were limited. If it all worked out as stated, that would have been a great opportunity. It would be interesting to know how many went over and succeeded.ReplyDelete
Yes, it was still kinda squishy outside this weekend. I put on my rubber boots, walked around, and picked some vegetables and fruit - but, as you said, too wet to do any garden work.
I know that just getting out of the city and being at your Farm was great - and drawing a line through some items on The List!
And hopefully there were not any unwelcome critters this time - dead or alive!Replies
It was a very appealing picture huh? I will see what I can find out. Perhaps some of our Canadian followers might have the answer too?Delete
Squishy for sure. We have quite a few low spots around the yard and when it's wet it's just a mess to walk around in. No unwelcome critters in either format, ha, so that was good.
Favorite Young Man and I are thinking about applying for political asylum in Canada depending on who is elected president. Assuming we're accepted, where should we live?ReplyDelete
Doesn't show the snow on the ground for six months though does it! I bet I would have been tempted still!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 26, 2015 at 7:13 AM
lol...they forgot to mention our hideous weather 7 months out of 12.ReplyDelete
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Reba & Ruby Working for Access Adventure
I have traveled the world and feasted on many things. Today's experience rivaled them all. I met two females, magnificent by any standards. True treasures. Ruby, a gem beyond measure, works willingly. She focuses on the task, plows ahead and takes all distractions in stride. She is reliably steady and solid, a rock. Reba values aesthetics and notices all. Each nuance is evaluated with care. She often turns to Ruby, as a foundation, before she pronounces judgment on the new encounter. Both ladies are classically clothed in black with a touch of white near their forehead, although Reba, like Michael Jackson, is a thriller with one white glove. True class has no boundaries. Ruby and Reba are two Percheron horses who pulled the carriage that took me through God's beauty, a feast for my soul.Read More
By Charla Emerson, August 25, 2007
By Charla Emerson, August 25, 2007


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Northumberland Drive, Epping
Great for
- Gym & Fitness
- Medical Facilities
- Neighbourly Spirit
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Northumberland Drive
rating details2yrs+
- Neighbourly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Great neighbourly area"
I lived here for over 18 years and found the street to be very friendly and a great place to live... only thing i would recommend is not living on the corner as I did and it did get noisy every now and again... the area has buses at the end of the street and high school right around the corner the shops are within walking distance and there is a park on the street... all in all the population of the area is slowly getting older with what i would say most of the kids are now nearing the end of high school age
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids


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Science In The News 2014
Tremendous-robust ceramic materials could pave the best way for hypersonic aircraft New materials could enable for the construction aircraft able to travelling at three,800 miles per hour (6,200 km/h) or sooner, enabling journeys from London to New York in just two hours. This year on the Fund for Lake George annual assembly on the Sagamore resort, a crowd of roughly a hundred and seventy caught glimpses of the pc modeling being executed from a deep stage of analysis that is helping form a science-based treatment for the lake.
New 3D chip made with carbon nanotubes can store, course of information. We plan to release an ad free model with low subscription price in the future. Scientists, including these of Indian origin, have constructed a new 3D chip using carbon nanotubes that may store and process huge amounts of information, paving the way in which for smaller, faster and extra power-environment friendly gadgets.
What isn't acceptable is sometimes getting three or extra in a row from the exact same ad before I even start reading. Text is offered underneath the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; further phrases could apply. One Native ad is placed after six stories in the listing and one full screen ad per hour is shown after reading full information.
Click right here to view directions on learn how to disable your advert blocker, and help us to keep providing you with free-thinking journalism – totally free. To obtain the free app Science Information Magazine by Society for Science & the Public, get iTunes now.
In 2017 and 2018, three comets will move near the Earth offering the chance to look at and study these icy interlopers. A study has pinpointed how one explicit gene plays a central role – both defending from stress or triggering a downward spiral, depending on its… learn more.


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The Blitz (short for Blitzkrieg, German for "lightning war") began on 7 September 1940, with more than 300 bombers involved. The attacks started on the East End before moving to central London. In total, 430 were killed and 1,600 badly injured that day.
What happened next we know. But life went on.
London continued to be bombed. Coventry was smashed.
The raids killed 43,000 civilians and lasted for eight months, petering out when Hitler began to focus on his plans for Russian invasion in May 1941.
We've not only stuck with the Blitz. These photos show fcses on British people on the Home Front during the Second World War.
It's hard to believe that this was just 70 years ago…
An Air Raid Prevention officer and some nurses try to salvage any vital supplies from the rubble of a hospital in London's East End, that was hit during an air raid.
A city girl worker still smiling after being rescued from a London building just wrecked by a bomb dropped by a daylight German Luftwaffe raid.
East Ham Borough Corporation have issued a pamphlet to encourage the saving of waste materials of all descriptions which are needed for the national war effort.
Mr. and Mrs. Steptow and their two daughters were buried beneath the debris of their house in the London area when a bomb fell at 2.40 a.m. on Wednesday morning. It was believed by wardens that the people had gone to shelter in the underground, until tapping was heard from the imprisoned people. Rescuers at once got to work and at 1.30 p.m. yesterday, Friday. Mrs. Steptow and her two daughters were rescued. Mr. Steptow was killed when the bomb fell. Rescue workers working to free the trapped people, Nov. 9, 1940.
A nurse hand a baby to its mother in an ambulance after, bombs had driven them from a London Hospital, Oct. 27, 1940.
From a choice billboard spot on London?s busy strand, this sign advocates in plain language that the R.A.F. carry out reprisals for German Luftwaffe attacks in London, Oct. 18, 1940. It is one of many erected privately in various parts of London.
Londoners camp out for the night at the tube along the platform and train tracks during heavy bombing by the Germans in London, England, on Oct. 21, 1940 in World War II. Families fled their homes at the sound of the air raid sirens, and will remain here until the air raid wardens notify them of the all-clear signal.
Women knit and talk as they seek shelter in the tube station during heavy bombing by the Germans in London, England, in 1940 during the blitz in World War II.
Londoners sleep on stopped escalators of a tube station for safety and shelter during heavy bombing by the Germans in London, England, in 1940 during the blitz in World War II.
This is typical of the way Londoners had breakfast in England, Sept. 6, 1939, after the air raid warning had sounded. Breakfast was in the family dugout–this one in a garden?with a gasmask hanging ready.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker of southwest London in 1940, don?t have to run out of their house hurriedly, when an air raid siren sounds. They have their own brick shelter in the front room of their home. Here they are enjoying the comforts of home with comparative safety, according to British caption. It has been approved by protection authorities. (AP Photo)
A nurse hand a baby to its mother in an ambulance after, bombs had driven them from a London Hospital, Oct. 27, 1940. If the baby?s a girl, she has a good chance to be named ?Siren?, a favorite since the British capital went under German bombardment.
An air raid warden brings a drink of water for a young girl who has awakened during the night in an air raid shelter at the Aldwych tube station in London, England, Oct. 21, 1940 during the blitz in World War II. Hammocks are slung across the train tracks for sleeping.
An air raid warden passes among Londoners in a subway shelter in London, Oct. 21, 1940, collecting funds to pay for more spitfire pursuit planes to help defend the capital and strike back at England?s enemy. A small child makes a contribution as other air raid wardens look on.
An Anderson shelter fitted with bunks to hold four adults and four children, Oct. 11, 1940.
One of the clergy of St. Paul?s cathedral in London looks at two cherubs standing among the debris and holding their heads as though for protection, Oct. 10, 1940 in London. The destruction was caused by a bomb. St. Paul's cathedral in London, Eng.
Nurses carry cribs containing newly born babies, the maternity section of a southeast London hospital was evacuated,+ Sept. 16, 1940 after being bombed by German raiders the night before.
A London family stretches out on the platform of a subway station in London, Sept. 20, 1940, seeking sleep during a night of air raids. All except the baby have their eyes closed. This air raid shelter, regarded by Londoners as bomb proof because of its depth in the ground, is one of the Not de Luxe havens
Children sleep on the platform of a London Underground station, where they are sheltering with their families during the all night Nazi bombing raids.
Deep underground, thousands of Londoners nightly wait out the danger of German air raids on the capital in London, Oct. 1, 1940. The bomb fugitives break the monotony of a night-long wait with luncheon underground.
A nun at a convent school in the home counties inspects the damage done to one of the classrooms after a Nazi bomb hit the school during a night raid in London, March 21, 1941. Five nuns were injured during the bombing.
Women sleep in a corridor of the Grosvenor house hotel in London, Dec. 17, 1940, their bodies stretched over chairs and deck chairs.
young mother and her child sleep soundly in a London subway shelter, Sept. 28, 1941, according to British sources.
Voluntary workers in the communal kitchen preparing meals, some of which will be eaten by employees in nearby factories in London on Sept. 17, 1941. Others are taken in a mobile canteen to crippled, aged and homeless folk. The canteen normally operates during enemy raids. It is sent around on mercy errands to feed the poor and infirm during the lull in the blitz.
Robert Bunnelle, Chief of the London Bureau of the Associated Press, sets out a young tomato plant in an old butter tub in the roof garden of the apartment house in London on June 10, 1942 where he lived through the 1940-41 German blitz on the city, while Mrs. Bunnelle looks on with critical eye. Tomatoes sell for fifteen cents a pound in wartime London. The Bunnelles' apartment is in the central London District of Kensington.
despite the condition of the structures, damaged by aerial bombs, this London housewife gets her washing up to dry, Monday, May 28, 1941 in London.
A housewife and her baby rings her contribution of pots and pans to Chelsea Town Hall, London, Oct. 7, 1940 after Lord Beaverbrook made an appeal to the women of Britain to give their aluminum pot and pans to be convert to into spitfires and hurricanes.
Young Londoners, in a shelter against Hitler's robot bombs, crowd the canteen for refreshments, deep under the city of London, July 25, 1944. When completed, the shelters will provide sleeping accommodations for 40,000 persons.
Deep in tubes underneath underground railway lines in London shelters provide safety from buzz bombs, July 25, 1944. Shelters prepare for bed.
Five-year-old David Day is prepared for bed in his home is a cave in Dover?s chalk cliffs on the English Channel Coast in Dover, England, April 19, 1944. About 90 of the city?s residents have become permanent residents of caves to evade danger and harm from German shells and bombs. David remembers no other home, having become a cave dweller at five months of age.
The underground factory's night club is a simple affair where some of the workers drink tea while others dance somewhere in England, April 11, 1944.
A row of smiling faces nurses, calm and cheerful; look out, Sept. 9, 1940 in London. Through the broken windows of their damaged home a high explosive bomb fell on their East London Hospital last night but all were safe in their shelter and there were no casualties.
Queen Elizabeth, left, followed by the King, inspected the wreckage of Buckingham Palace caused by the explosion of a German time bomb, Sept. 10, 1940 in London. The bomb, believed to be a 250-pounder, fell near the Belgian suite.
After another night of German bombings in September 1940, three children are sitting next to the remains of what was once their home in East London, in the early days of the Blitz during World War II.
AIR RAID WARDENS 1940: Members of a team of Air Raid Wardens in a London suburb who have been tackling and extinguishing Luftwaffe incendiary bombs. The men are holding stirrup pumps, used to douse fires with water from a bucket. Picture part of PA Second World War Collection : The Blitz
Bread is sold at this bakers, through the remains of the window, whilst repairs are being done on damage caused by a Nazi bombing raid, in London, Aug. 23, 1940.
A morning scene in a London suburb: after most of the night spent in the shelter morning sees this little party of women and children having breakfast, August 3, 1940.
Pancras day nursery for has an A.R.P. bomb-proof nursery tom in London, August 2, 1940 to which the children are trooped daily, singing ?now we go down the steps again? and thinking it a royal game.
Despite the condition of the structures, damaged by aerial bombs, this London housewife gets her washing up to dry, Monday, May 28, 1941 in London.
THE BLITZ 1940: Washing day as usual, using a washboard and tin tub, in the East End of London despite the damage caused by Luftwaffe bombing raids on the British capital.
Faces of The Blitz and England in World War 2 (40 Photos) 1940-1944 Reviewed by STATION GOSSIP on 07:54 Rating:


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The two imposing brownstones on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that are home to Bloomberg Philanthropies give off the aura of a modern-day Medici palace, a fitting setting for Michael R. Bloomberg, media mogul, former mayor of New York and one of the top philanthropists in America.
Last year, he gave $510 million to more than 1,000 organizations in six areas. Over his lifetime, he has given $4.3 billion.
It might seem that an average charitably minded person — or even someone way above average — could learn little from how Mr. Bloomberg gives. Not true.
Mr. Bloomberg, 74, has adopted a strategy of giving to organizations that seek to bring about change on a local level but serve a broader purpose. He reserves a separate fund for projects that are close to his heart, like the more than $1 billion he has given to his alma mater, Johns Hopkins.
Giving money away would appear more straightforward than governing, a role in which Mr. Bloomberg's style was criticized by some as imperious. If anything, though, the endeavor is one in which he is content to let others move first, and to focus on making the right choices.
"I'm a practical person," Mr. Bloomberg said in an interview at Bloomberg Philanthropies ahead of the release of its annual report. "If we've got a problem, let's do something. I want to find one small thing."
Melissa Berman, chief executive and president of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, said the most successful megadonors, like Mr. Bloomberg, learn as much as they can before giving, team up with other groups and take a long-term approach.
And Mr. Bloomberg said he had realized what he could and could not do. "If you try everything all at once, you'll do nothing," he said. "If you look at climate change and say, 'Everyone won't cooperate,' you won't get anything done."
One initiative he has supported is the Sierra Club's campaign to shut coal-fired power plants. So far, his foundation has given $80 million to that initiative, Beyond Coal, which has worked to close 232 coal plants in the United States.
"I'd think being a soloist falls apart," he said. "I think there's a limit to how much you can do on your own."
Mr. Bloomberg acknowledges that he is fortunate to have a large staff of about 120 people at his foundation to carry out his ideas.
He has been involved in seemingly trivial projects, like painting a roof white in Queens with Al Gore. Mr. Bloomberg said he was mocked for doing it, but the white roofs, by reflecting heat rather than absorbing it, immediately reduced electricity bills and have since been replicated throughout the borough.
"We focused on things we could do in America that made a difference and were replicable elsewhere," Mr. Bloomberg said. "It wasn't solving all the problems. It wasn't making India and China carbon-neutral, but it was something."
Chris Addy, a partner at the Bridgespan Group, a philanthropic consultant, said Mr. Bloomberg stood out for his desire to try new things. One of the risks of what Mr. Addy calls "financier philanthropy" is that people with the means to be significant philanthropists wait for what they think will be the perfect organization and miss a lot of opportunities along the way.
"Most can wait for the perfect deal, which means you're not learning," he said. "Unlike an investment, where the floor is you can lose all your money, with philanthropy, the floor is really high. You're giving the money away. A lot of people are going to benefit from those resources, whether it's a home run or a double."
Bloomberg Philanthropies committed $125 million last year to a road safety initiative. Mr. Bloomberg said that he initially thought one of the projects was doomed to failure but that it was now among the foundation's most successful endeavors in this area.
"I would have bet anything against the idea of getting the Vietnamese government to pass a helmet law and that people would obey to have helmets," he said. "They passed it. They did enforce it. They cut the number of traffic deaths by a third overnight."
The project in Vietnam was a case that showed how a philanthropist could take a chance on something that a government might not try until after seeing that it worked.
"The private sector can build demonstration projects, they can lobby, but the big problems are political problems," Mr. Bloomberg said. "You can show how a charter school works. You can't replace the New York City public school system with charter schools."
Mr. Bloomberg has managed through philanthropy to work toward goals that were thwarted when he was mayor. A case in point was his effort to impose a ban on the sale of large soft drinks in New York City and to persuade the New York State Legislature to impose a statewide soda tax. He was defeated on both counts. But he has contributed money to successful campaigns elsewhere to impose a tax on soda sales.
Leslie Lenkowsky, professor of philanthropic studies at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, said that what made a great philanthropist was "a great idea."
But equally important is the ability to change direction or focus.
Mr. Bloomberg said he often thought about how to adapt when a problem changed, even with one of his signature efforts.
"There's a real risk that you keep doing the same things and the effectiveness goes down and the needs of the world change," he said. "We've been supporting smoking cessation and have spent about $600 million doing it for a half-dozen years. Is there another way to go about it?"
He said he believed there might be another way. While better-educated people living in cities have quit smoking or never taken it up, the habit persists in rural areas and the developing world. The strategy may need to be tweaked to shift focus there, he said.
Mr. Addy said that all philanthropists should periodically look at their portfolios and make sure they have been giving money the way they thought they were giving it.
With many large problems in the world, even the wealthiest philanthropists need to work with others. Mr. Bloomberg said his foundation gave $125 million to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's project to eradicate polio, which has cost billions.
"If you want to have a sustainable impact on a complex, wicked kind of problem, you need partners," Ms. Berman said. "Philanthropy is not a competition. It's really an opportunity for collaboration."
Mr. Addy said smaller donors could mirror what larger ones have done. "Most of this stuff is transparent and in their annual reports," he said. "You can piggyback on the people who have done a lot of research and follow in their footsteps."
Mr. Bloomberg stands apart from other donors in one way, though: his willingness to fund those he disagrees with if they are in favor of one of his major initiatives, like gun control. That is the case with Senator Pat Toomey, Republican of Pennsylvania.
"I don't agree with this guy on anything, but he's good on guns," Mr. Bloomberg said. "You can't fight every political battle."
The bigger point may be the necessity of staying focused on a goal.
And for people with less to give, Mr. Lenkowsky suggested looking no farther than their own backyard.
"Big-time philanthropy operates on a Progressive Era notion that there is some sort of big theory that can apply to this or that problem," he said. "There is not a lot of global influence you can have with a few thousand dollars. But you can give locally and be more likely to assess what might work from what doesn't."
And that, after all, is what all donors are trying to do with their money, even if they're not billionaires.


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Do you enjoy walking? Would you like to encourage others to walk more by leading short walks in your community, work place or across the borough?
As a volunteer walk leader, you would be helping people in your community to get active and healthy, providing vital support that they otherwise might not get. As well as ensuring walks are friendly, safe and well run,
The volunteer walk leader training will take place on
September 25th 9.30am – 4.30pm at Elsecar Heritage Centre.
The course will cover everything you need to know about leading health walks including risk assessment, insurance, the benefits of walking and how to make the walks fun and enjoyable.
To book a place contact Rebecca Bibbs on 01226 433 351