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The fried shrimp in these coleslaw-topped rolls get tossed with crushed rice cereal so they're both gluten-free and extra crisp. Slideshow: Gluten-Free Recipes
How to Make It
In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice and celery seeds. Add the slaw, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 15 minutes.
In a pie plate, whisk the crushed cereal with the brown sugar, celery salt, garlic salt, thyme and 1 teaspoon of pepper. In another pie plate, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Dust the shrimp in the crumbs, tapping off the excess.
Dip the dusted shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge again in the crumbs and transfer to a baking sheet.
In a large saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of canola oil to 350°. Add half the shrimp to the oil and fry until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. Fill the rolls with the fried shrimp and coleslaw and serve right away.


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Reference. Schroeders, U., & Wilhelm, O. (2011). Computer usage questionnaire: Structure, correlates, and gender differences. Computers in Human Behavior, 27, 899–904. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2010.11.015
**Abstract.**Computer usage, computer experience, computer familiarity, and computer anxiety are often discussed as constructs potentially compromising computer-based ability assessment. After presenting and discussing these constructs and associated measures we introduce a brief new questionnaire assessing computer usage. The self-report measure consists of 18 questions asking for the frequency of different computer activities and software usage. Participants were N = 976 high school students who completed the questionnaire and several covariates. Based on theoretical considerations and data driven adjustments a model with a general computer usage factor and three nested content factors (Office, Internet, and Games) is established for a subsample (n = 379) and cross-validated with the remaining sample (n = 597). Weak measurement invariance across gender groups could be established using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Differential relations between the questionnaire factors and self-report scales of computer usage, self-concept, and evaluation are reported separately for females and males. It is concluded that computer usage is distinct from other behavior oriented measurement approaches and that it shows a diverging, gender-specific pattern of relations with fluid and crystallized intelligence.

subset: commoncrawl


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Raymond Bolton
Raymond Bolton lives near Portland, Oregon with his wife, Toni, and their three cats, Georgie, Sophia & Courtney. Reviewers have been generous with praise, offering such comments as, "Eschewing the more commonly overt manifestations of alien technology and the well toted elements of fanciful magic, Bolton breathes originality into the genre with his singular focus on telepathy."
His goal is to craft gripping stories about the human condition, whether they are set here or another world. He has written award-winning poetry and four novels. Two are explorations in fantasy: Awakening, an epic, released in January, 2014, and Thought Gazer, an adventure and first volume of a prequel trilogy, which was released on January 1, 2015. Awakening has just been translated into Spanish and was released as El despertar – La saga de Ydron on July 1, 2015. Amazon has already listed El despertar as the Number One New Release in Ciencia Ficción.


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Senior Graphic Designer Cover Letter
Senior Graphic Designers are experienced advertising and marketing professionals responsible for making design decisions. They are involved in the creation of various materials, such as books, advertisements, magazines, websites, computer games, and so on. Typical job duties of a Senior Graphic Designer include coordinating junior designers, following client briefs, discussing job requirements, producing original ideas, using computer-aided design software, and commissioning photographers and illustrators.
Those looking to develop a career as Senior Graphic Designers should showcase in their cover letters the following qualifications:
- Creativity and artistic talent
- Drawing skills
- Innovation and being able to think out of the box
- Deadline orientation and time management
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Leadership and coaching skills
- Computer proficiency
- Being able to handle constructive criticism
An example cover letter for Senior Graphic Designer displaying similar skills and experience is provided below.
For help with your resume, check out our extensive Senior Graphic Designer Resume Samples.
Don't send your resume without a cover letter. Find out how to create a professional cover letter in our guide.
Dear Mr. Callaway:
Conceptual innovation, a robust work ethic, and productive team collaboration are all essential components to success in creative design. As a skilled senior graphic designer and art director with more than 14 years of experience developing and executing a wide variety of successful print, multimedia, and e-marketing design projects, I am positioned to make a significant impact as Jitterbug's next Senior Graphic Designer.
My background includes designing and implementing on-message, effective creative projects and services from concept through completion for a variety of high-profile clients. With expertise in a broad range of design software applications—along with my ability to collaborate effectively with clients, peers, and senior management teams—I am confident that my talents and abilities will significantly benefit Jitterbug.
Highlights of my experience include…
- Leading top-performing design teams through all facets of creative design projects from concept through execution for a sophisticated client roster, including Zippy, SpringSing Systems, Rogue Concept, and Blue Olio.
- Evaluating and applying RFP requirements, translating complex concepts into effective designs, visually reinforcing client message through keen design considerations, and creating a polished package design for deliverable presentation in most recent position as a Senior Graphic Designer for Green Trigger, Inc.
- Significantly increasing the bottom line by presenting creative concepts that surpass clients' expectations and delivering on-target, cutting-edge design themes to meet client goals.
- Receiving numerous awards and honors for superior talents in graphic design and creative direction.
- Demonstrating proficiency in comprehensive Adobe programs as well as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; at ease on both Mac and PC platforms.
With my keen ability to direct the evolution and execution of conceptual design projects, combined with my steadfast commitment to top-notch design quality and production, I am prepared to excel in providing outstanding graphic design services and artistic direction to your company. I look forward to discussing the position, and my qualifications, in further detail. Thank you for your consideration.
Frank H. Johnson


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Are your septic tank emptying prices going through the roof in Uxbridge? SepticTanksAndCesspits.com is one of the leading waste water collection companies in Hillingdon. So if you are looking for cheaper cesspit emtying prices in Uxbridge, we will be able to offer you great competitive rates.
Please use the form below to find cheaper domestic and commercial waste water collection rates in the Uxbridge area. If you're located in another part of Hillingdon please feel free to navigate to other locations such as Cowley, Eastcote, Harefield, Harlington, Harmondsworth, Hatton, Hayes, Heathrow, Ickenham, Longford. See below for even more locations.
* Required field


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Sr Program Manager, Government Relations
Vanderbilt Health
Sr. Program Manager
Government Relations
Role Summary:
The State Government Relations Manager works alongside the Senior Director of Government and Community Relations in advising senior leadership of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) on matters related to city, county and state government relations. S/he assists in maintaining effective communications with local officials, community groups and state organizations focused on research and health care. S/he is responsible for executing political engagement strategies regarding state officials to benefit the mission and objectives of VUMC. Excellent writing and marketing skills are helpful in this role.
Department Summary:
The Office of Government and Community Affairs maintains effective communications with local, county and state elected officials, community groups and state organizations focused on research and healthcare.
Click Here To View The VUMC Promise of Discovery
Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity -- of culture, thinking, learning and leading -- is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
VUMC Recent Accomplishments
Because we are committed to providing the best in patient care, education and research, we are proud of our recent accomplishments:
* US News & World Report: #1 Adult Hospital in Tennessee and metropolitan Nashville, named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of the top 20 adult hospitals, 10 nationally ranked adult specialty programs, with 3 specialties rated in the top 10 nationally, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt named as one of the Best Children's Hospital in the nation, with 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties nationally ranked.
* Healthcare's Most Wired: Among the nation's 100 "most-wired" hospitals and health systems for its efforts in innovative medical technology.
* Becker's Hospital Review: named as one of the "100 Great Hospitals in America", in the roster of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs and to its list of the 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs.
* The Leapfrog Group: One of only 10 children's hospitals in the to be named at Leapfrog Top Hospital.
* American Association for the Advancement of Science: The School of Medicine has 112 elected fellows
* Magnet Recognition Program: Received our third consecutive Magnet designations.
* National Academy of Medicine: 22 members, elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement
* Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index: 6 th year in a row that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.
|Sr Project Manager - Diabetes/Endocrinology Research
|Nashville, Tennessee
|Vanderbilt Health
|1 Week Ago
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Some Of The Different Types of Massage
Getting a massage is something your body will thank you for later. Once you start you won't be able to stop. Massages are meant to help a person relax, yet they also serve as a way to ease physical tension and stress that may be building up in the body. For this reason, not only are they great for your mental mood, but also for your physical self. With this being said, there are many different types of massages a person can get, with each one having something about it that is directed towards certain problems within the body.
The Swedish massage is the most common massage requested. This is a basic technique that works out the kinks and tension in the body. For those who are just starting to get interested in getting massages, this is a great one to start with.
Most people don't think of aromatherapy as a massage, but when the simple massage techniques are combined with scented oils, it becomes a type of massage that many people absolutely love. The masseuse is going to combine the massage with certain oils in order to elicit a certain response. For example, lavender is often used to relax the body, while eucalyptus oils can help with stress. This is a massage that is all about what you want your body's response to be.
This type of massage, the masseuse places heated stones on certain points of the body in order to loosen muscles with the heat. There is little hands-on approach in this type of massage, which is perfect for someone who may not be comfortable with another person touching their bodies.
This type of massage is really only recommended for those who have had massages before and know what they're in for, this is not recommended for someone who is just starting in the world of massage. The therapist is going to rub the muscles and get out all kinks in the body. Those who do this often feel sore for a couple of days following their session, but no pain, no gain.
Shiatsu in Japanese means "finger pressure", it's a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches and other massage techniques. Shiatsu is an implausible medical intervention. However, like all massage techniques it may generate relaxation and a sense of well-being. Shiatsu practitioners promote it as a way to help people relax and cope with issues such as stress, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety, and depression.
So there are a few different types of massages available today. To book in for an unforgettable massage, call Massage One today on (07) 55 200 357. You won't regret it!


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Convinced!Guest Speaker Dr. Jack Nasher
Sue Bethanis hosts Dr. Jack Nasher a negotiation advisor, management-professor, and an international bestselling author. He is a professor at Munich Business School and has previously taught at Oxford University, his alma mater. He has earned his stripes at the European Court of Justices, at the United Nations in New York City, and at Wall Street's leading law firm Skadden.
Dr. Nasher explores the dynamics of the negotiation process, utilizing psychological insights to read and influence people. He has helped car manufacturers, private equity firms, professional service firms, and many other companies and individuals improve their negotiation processes. Articles from Dr. Nasher appear in leading publications, such as Harvard Business Manager and The Huffington Post. He is the author of several national bestsellers, including CONVINCED! How to Prove Your Competence and Win People Over.
Jack and Sue discuss:
- How to discern the difference between actual and perceived competence
- How to shape people's expectations of your skills
- How to get heard as an expert
- How to elevate your status in everyday interactions


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NOSORH Members: Browse by State
NOSORH Members: Browse by People's Names
Regional Representatives
All 50 states have a SORH. These offices vary in size, scope, organization, and in services and resources they provide. Most are organized within the state health departments, but some are located in universities or not-for-profit organizations. The general purpose of each SORH is to help their individual rural communities build healthcare delivery systems. While funding levels and sources also vary, every state receives a portion of their funding from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy through the SORH Grant program, begun in 1991. With this grant, a SORH is expected to:


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The Bleyer Balboa has a really vintage feel. It's a brown and beige lace-up shoe. The beige canvas uppers stand out distinctively against the cleanly cut brown leather giving them a unique look. The Bleyer sole offers excellent sure-footedness for dancers, whilst other sole options are available as a custom option.
The Bleyer Balboa is a high quality, lace-up shoe with matt brown leather and beige canvas uppers on the standard product.
Customise the Bleyer Balboa with an alternative colour by picking an alternative to the brown! Note that the canvas section can only be selected as beige.
The Bleyer Balboa is produced with the Classic Moulded Arch Sole as standard, although this sole type has limited availability and will become unavailable soon. The White EVA Sole with a heel will be used as standard whenever the Classic Mouded Arch Sole is not available. If you prefer a different sole, then consider making a custom order.
The Classic Moulded Arch Sole
The Classic soles are made from cell rubber with a molded heel for great arch support. The material used is a high-tech innovation that gives you the ideal combination of light yet hardwearing soles for dancing. The look and feel of this sole type is at odds with most people's idea of a rubber sole, it seems like hard plastic. Dancing on this sole offers slightly more grip and a more sure-footed feel than the other Bleyer composite soles (except the non-slip sole) or leather soles. This sole will tolerate being worn outdoors, and can be wiped down ready for dancing. These soles are Vegan friendly.
Bleyer Balboa are available as standard in Bleyer size 39 to 48 (covering UK 5 to 11.5). The shoes themselves are fitted on the Mens last and so they are one of the wider fitting Bleyer shoes, but not as wide as the Bleyer Gents Casual Shoe, which are approximately 5mm wider at the widest point. The Balboa fit is similar to the Bleyer Hepcat and Bleyer Charleston and wider than shoes produced on unisex lasts such as the Bleyer Rock'n'Roll and Bleyer Boogie Woogie.
Bleyer shoes are marked with European sizes and they tend to fit approximately one size small compared to typical European sizes. So, for example if you normally wear a European 42 you would probably want a Bleyer 43.
As we are a UK based site, UK sizes are listed first in our drop-down options. We have used our experience to translate the Bleyer sizes to UK sizes. This means that there are half sizes in some, but not all, UK sizes. This is simply as a result of the translations, so if your feet are a half size that is not listed, we would normally suggest that you select the next half size up. If you're still not sure which size to select please call or email for advice. Although we are confident that these translations work for most people, this information is not a guarantee and should be used as a guide only.
Standard Items:
Exchanges will be accepted on the condition that items have only been worn to test for good fit and they are in a perfect condition. Shoes should only be tried on a clean carpeted surface for long enough to determine whether they are a good fit. All returns must be in an identical condition to which they were supplied by us and a completed returns document enclosed.
All returns must be sent back to us within 10 days of receipt. We do not pay for return post and cannot be held responsible for any goods that may be mislaid during return. There will be no additional postage charge for sending out a replacement.
Special Arrangements For Xmas Period Returns:
We understand that many items purchased during December are Xmas presents and the recipient won't know whether the items fit until Christmas Day. Purchase your gifts with confidence! Standard products purchased between 1st December and Monday 23rd December can be returned with normal terms and conditions at any time up to 10th Jan the following year.
Wherever any customizations are offered, these items are classes as a "special order". These shoes are produced on the strength of that order and based on the exact specification supplied at the time the order is placed. Special Order items cannot be returned, so it is essential that you are satisfied that all details such as size, colour, finish and sole selection have been agreed prior to order. Special Orders are normally subject to an additional charge and a delay of up 2-8 weeks.


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Hahn Brewery out of Australia (responsible for one of the best beer commercials of all time) has followed that campaign up with a new marketing campaign called Hahn Academy, to help with their goal of "pioneering beering".
It's a place where the dusty, traditional rulebooks of brewing are torn up and recycled into beer coasters upon which a cold one will stand. Where we invite you to think, imagine and even create bold new beer ideas.
Anyone can submit a new idea to the Hahn Academy, and they'll then bring the best ideas to life through a series of commercials that solves beer-related problems in… unusual ways.
For example, here's their solution to spill-proof beer for dancing in the clubs:
And for non-stick beer coasters:
I've never tried Hahn, so I can't speak to the quality of their beer, but when it comes to marketing, their work is top notch.


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A MUM and four young children died after a suspected arson attack destroyed
their Essex home today.
Two sons Sohaib, 11, Rayan, six, daughter Hira, 13, and their doctor mother
Sabah Usmani were declared dead after being pulled from the inferno.
Third son Muneeb, nine, died later in hospital; his three-year-old sister
Maheen remains in a critical condition.
Mrs Usmani's doctor husband Abdul Shakour survived the blaze in Barn Mead,
Harlow with minor injuries.
Cops said Dr Shakour battled hard to save his family "in appalling
conditions" and was today in "severe shock" following the
tragic deaths.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "In the history of Essex
Police, seldom has there been an incident of this gravity, in which five
people, four of them children, have lost their lives.
"I would like to stress that the father of these children was in the property
at the time and fought hard to save his family in appalling conditions.
"Our work with Mr Shakour to establish some of the facts of this case will,
inevitably, take time because of the emotional trauma he has suffered at the
loss of his family. His condition is described as stable."
ACC Beautridge, head of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, said the
father was being treated for severe smoke inhalation in the intensive care
unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow.
Chief fire officer David Johnson said the fire, which started downstairs while
the family were asleep upstairs, had developed rapidly – suggesting some
kind of fuel may have been used.
It is understood Dr Shakour was inside the house when the blaze started but
had escaped by the time firefighters arrived.He is not currently being
treated as a suspect, police said.
Mr Johnson added: "Firefighters arrived to find harrowing scenes and did
everything they could to save the family."
Dr Shakour's friend Parvez Hamid, 43, visited the scene this morning to lay
flowers and pay tribute to the "model family".
He said: "The family were amazing. They had only been living here for a while
but in that time our two families became very close.
"Our kids used to play together and I always used to say how well-behaved and
polite they were. They were the model family.
"Abdul is a doctor and very academic. I've heard he jumped from a top storey
to raise the alarm which sounds like him as he is that sort of person.
"He is very heroic – he and his wife adored their children and would do
anything for them.
"What has happened is terrible. My wife has been in tears all morning as she
was best friends with her. The family are in our prayers."
Police said a car was also found alight a short distance from the house; that
fire is also being treated as arson. Fire crews were called out at 1.45am.
Neighbour Amanda Chadwick, 34, says she was awoken in the early hours by "horrible
screaming" in the house.
She said: "I woke up about half one this morning to the sound of a woman
screaming 'Help'. There was a man, also, he sounded like he was calling out
to find someone but I couldn't make out the names.
"It was absolutely horrible – before I knew it there were blue lights flashing
and an ambulance arrived. vIt's an absolute tragedy."
Firefighters found the house "100 per cent well alight", with flames erupting
from the front and back doors.
Assistant divisional officer Steve Foster, incident commander, said: "Crews
arriving at the scene did everything they could. They were faced with a
rapidly-developed fire and went straight into the burning building wearing
breathing apparatus to bring people out as quickly as possible.
"Once casualties were out, they worked alongside ambulance teams to do all
they could.
"Fire investigation teams are now working with police to establish how this
tragedy happened and our thoughts are with those the family left behind."
A spokeswoman for the service said: "We understand that firefighters brought
them out of the house and were doing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
outside, and that they were confirmed dead at the scene.
"The incident is now in the hands of Essex Police."
A police statement said: "The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Detectives are looking at the circumstances leading up to the fire, and ask
that anyone who was in the area of Barn Mead in the early hours of Monday
and has any information contacts Harlow police station on 101."
A joint police and fire service investigation will be carried out to establish
the cause of the blaze.
Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said:
"First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and friends of all
involved in this tragic incident this morning.
"Following a rapid scene assessment by the first clinician on scene, our trust
declared a major incident due to the severity of the incident.
"Ambulance crews worked extremely hard alongside the fire service to treat a
total of seven casualties – two adults and five children – who were all
conveyed to Princess Alexandra Hospital."


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I have always loved the Baroque dance suite form, and my love of slow music drew me in particular to the sarabandes. In university, I played harpsichord, and worked on many such suites by Louis and Francois Couperin, Lully and Rameau among others. I also took a course in Baroque dance, which gave me an understanding of the rhythmic life of the suites. While there is no specific reference to Baroque style in my piece, I explored the feeling of a sarabande, its particular lilt in 3/4 time (with departures into 3/8 and 4/4); in the end, the work became its ownkind of slow dance.
Linda Catlin Smith grew up in New York and lives in Toronto. She studied music in NY, and at the University of Victoria. Her music has been performed and/or recorded by: Tafelmusik, Other Minds Festival, Trio Arbos (Madrid), Victoria, Kitchener-Waterloo and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras, Arraymusic, Tapestry New Opera, Via Salzburg, Evergreen Club Gamelan, and the Del Sol, Penderecki, and Bozzini string quartets, among many others. In 2005 her work Garland (for Tafelmusik) was awarded Canada's prestigious Jules Léger Prize. Recently two solo discs of her music have been released: Thought and Desire, with Eve Egoyan, and Dirt Road on the Another Timbre label. A new CD, Drifter, will be released by Another Timbre in February 2017.
For more information about Linda C. Smith, click here.


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- COMFORTABLE, COZY, SOPHISTICATED: Our polar fleece poncho features an inviting pleated pattern and a stylish, 2 button shawl collar that looks great at all times of the day. It's like a fleece blanket you can wear outside the house. A fantastic pairing with leather boots and leggings
- A PERENNIAL WINNER: Pack away your bulky parkas and say hello to chic wraps and capes that flatter any shape. Our company has provided fine outerwear for women ahead of the trend for over 65 years, and our pleated poncho is no exception to this rule. This design offers innovation and style and is a fine option whenever a ruana, pashmina, vest, or scarf is called for.
- POLISHED AND CONFIDENT: The attractive texture of our plated fleece poncho wrap encourages you to be at ease no matter what your unique style is. It's classy yet unpretentious – and it works great as a leg blanket for those cold days in the office or at home.
- ONE SIZE FITS ALL: No guesswork required. 100% Polyester Polar Fleece. Machine washable (cold water recommended; dry flat or on a rack) – so you can wrap yourself in another layer of warmth without having to worry about yet another chore when you get home.
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About Us
Writing at the Ledges, founded in July 2005 by Rosalie Sanara Petrouske and Candy-Ann Little, is a group of enthusiastic, creative writers dedicated to supporting one another in their individual journeys. Friendship and feedback are our two main goals.
We consist of poets, novelists, children's writers, historians and more!
The group has proven to be an astounding success. It has helped our members to improve and expand their writing; many of whom have gone on to publish one or more works.
In October 2008, the group published its first anthology, Small Towns: A Map in Words. Our second anthology, Seasons of Life, came out in January 2011, and our third anthology, Voices from the Ledges, was launched in 2013.
A fourth anthology, Promptly Speaking, was published in 2018 by Jade Dragonfly Press and can be purchased on Amazon.
Our Members
Rosalie Sanara Petrouske
Rosalie is the Co-founder of Writing at the Ledges. She says that "poetry saved her." When she was sixteen years old, she lost her father, who spent many hours walking through the woods with her, teaching her about the natural world. She began writing about her loss and the improbability of life mingled with images of sky, forest, and the big lakes, Michigan and Superior, where she has lived on both shores during different seasons. Since then, her publications include Passages North, the Southern Poetry Review, Red Rock Review, American Nature Writing, and numerous others. In 2015, the Michigan Poet featured her poem, "New Year's Day," in a broadside. She has two poetry chapbooks, the most recent What We Keep from Finishing Line Press in 2016.
You can find Rosalie online here:
April Allison
As a journalist, April's greatest joy was in discovering and sharing the unrecognized stories of her community. While an editor/writer at the MSU College of Human Medicine, she researched and wrote The Conscience of Medicine, a book-length history of family physicians in Michigan. Continuing to work independently as a writer and editor, her creative focus has more recently turned toward poetry and fiction. She describes herself as contemplative by nature and justice seeking by conviction, and has a lifelong commitment to progressive social change movements.
Karen Marie Duquette
Karen Marie Duquette is a poet, writer, and a retired state employee. She has a BSW in Social Work from Western Michigan University. After surviving traumas, Karen found relief within creative writing, as well as reading and writing poetry—always with the unquenchable need to tell. She began substitute teaching in an effort to share these palliative measures she found from carving the written word onto white spaces. She can't help but teach others to find their voice, the voice each and every one of us has, whether we know it or not. As a result, she created Youth Mentoring Poetry Programs for middle-school students.
Mary Fox
Mary Fox is a Detroit-born writer, raised in Warren, Michigan. She attended Lincoln High School, graduated, and enrolled in Michigan State University as an English major. Later, she earned a Masters with a concentration in writing from Central Michigan University. After 43 years of teaching English classes, she turned her interests toward her own writing and joined Writing at the Ledges. Finishing Line Press published her first book of poems Waiting for Rain in 2016 and Reading Lessons in 2019. Mary enjoys working with various political and charity groups, playing golf, swimming, spending days with family and friends, and, of course, writing. Her inspiration comes from family memories, classroom experiences, and everyday life. Currently, she is working on short stories and poetry. Her second book of poems Currently, she serves as the Coordinator for the Ritzenhein Emerging Poet Award contest, co-sponsored by the Lansing Poetry Club and Finishing Line Press.
You can find Mary online here:
Mary Fry
Mary Fry is a native of Michigan, a wife and the mother of three grown children. She balances her time between work and family and has been a member of Writing at the Ledges for approximately four years. Mary enjoys writing poetry, prose and short stories.
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler is the Voice of the Lansing Lugnuts, completing his fourth season in Lansing and his eighth season in minor league baseball in 2012. A native of Greenbelt, MD, and a graduate of Ithaca College, Jesse has received notice as Runner-Up or Honorable Mention for Ballpark Digest's "Broadcaster of the Year" in 2008, 2011 and 2012. In between handling baseball and football play-by-play on Big Country 92.1 FM, Jesse serves as a baseball columnist for BallparkDigest.com and TheGoodPoint.com and has previously been published in Writing at the Ledges' "Seasons of Life" and in Spot Literary Magazine. He has published two books – The Baseball Thesaurus and The Football Thesaurus.
You can find Jesse online here:
Sarah Hauck
Sarah Hauck started writing plays as a child. Her love of theatre continues to this day, and she has been a little bit of everything—playwright, actor, director, and producer. This plasticity of roles has informed her writing, as she sees how a play might be practically done. The poem the editors chose represents Sarah's other favorite genre; she believes plays and poems both have an intimate, immediate tone. Her playwriting professor OyamO once said, "Don't write a part for a specific actor. Write it for a good actor."
Loraine Hudson (Judith Wade)
Loraine Hudson lives and writes in Eagle, Michigan. She enjoys creating "tween" chapter books under her pen name, Judith Wade, especially stories with a little bit of fantasy—mermaids, ghosts, dragons and whatever else her imagination uncovers. She has written a variety of short stories (many for the Writing at the Ledges anthologies) and has even dabbled in poetry.
Her adult works are published under her real name. Her latest work is a cozy mystery
Lori loves oldies rock, stained glass, playing in her garden, snuggling with her dogs, horseback riding and, of course, writing. The next fun project is always just around the corner! She also relishes nature, and is often at her most creative when taking her ex-racehorse out for an amble through the woods
You can find Lori online here:
Sue Kaminga
Susan L. Kaminga is an author and editor. She is published in A Marry, Merry Christmas by Bradley Publishing; Trip of a Lifetime by Sleeping Cat Books; Pets Across America: A Collection of Pet Poems, Prayers and Proverbs and Pets Across America Volume 3, and in Patchwork Path: Treasure Box. She is a co-editor and a contributing author for Seasons of Life, a collection of stories written by her writing group; Writing at the Ledges. She is a co-editor for Driving Crazy, a hilarious road adventure written by Randy Pearson. Susan also edited the book Answering the Central Question, which was endorsed by Stephen R. Covey and written by Harvey Schoof and Peter Demarest. Susan shares her children's stories, songs, and short fiction, as well as her writing workshops, at local schools and libraries. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Troy, and their two daughters.
Abe Khan
In Abe's own words:
My writings focus on the messages to be conveyed, unconstrained by linguistic or literary technicalities. Consequently, they tend to be rather imperfect. But then, so am I—imperfect. I specially enjoy writing about political, economic, and social issues facing the nation. Now retired, I devote my time to writing, gardening, and doing voluntary work for the elderly.
Phil Kline
When Phil Kline was asked to teach a class in Sales at Lansing Community College thirty years ago, he discovered that professors who had never made a sale had written all of the textbooks and the average cost to students was $130.00. He complained to the Assistant Dean of the Business Department, who told him, "Write your own." Because he had forty years of training salespeople, he started the job and wrote his own text, Customer Driven Sales, which was published nationally. Listed as the favorite speaker of Sales and Marketing International in "Who's Who of National Speakers," Phil is the author of several books including, One Helluva Soldier, Curse of the Kitsune, Floaters of Irma, and Growing Old, Ungracefully. He won a national contest with his play Hey Dick, and had two other plays performed in staged readings at the Riverwalk Theatre in Lansing.
Mary Anna Kruch
Mary Anna Kruch is a former middle school and university educator who has revived the joy of a daily creative writing routine. Inspiration flows from communication with former students, her Italian family near Rome, and the family farm in Northern Michigan. Morning writing and nature photography satisfy her need to share stories and the joy of varied landscapes with others. She leads a monthly writing workshop, Williamston Community Writers, in her hometown and is currently working on her first collection of poetry. Mary Anna has previously published a textbook, Tend Your Garden: Nurturing Motivation in Young Adolescent Writers (Sheffield, UK: Equinox Publishing Ltd., 2012), along with several professional papers.
You can find Mary Anna online here:
K L Marsh
K. L. Marsh grew up on the Straits of Mackinac with charming relatives who knew first-hand of the Great Depression and WWII, whose lives and loves ran the gamut from comedy to poetry and who taught her to love a turn of phrase descriptive of both. Since following her interests hither and yon, she resides in Lansing, Michigan, and returns often to scenes of her youth.
Colleen Nye
Colleen has been with the group since 2007. She not only has short stories in both Seasons of Life as well as Voices from the Ledges, but she's a bestselling author and has been nominated for various awards. With seven solo novels out on her own, having written the biography of Alonzo "Chacho" Gomez as well as being the lead author of The Lunch Time Anthologies and co-leader of The Debut Collective, she has credited Writing at the Ledges as a major asset in motivation and a valuable resource.
You can find Colleen online here:
Randy Pearson
Randy D Pearson has been displaying his creativity for as long as he can remember. Starting at an early age drawing comic strips and cartoon books, he quickly realized he enjoyed writing stories more than he did sketching.
When he discovered his other childhood passion, the Atari computer, everything came together. He spent many late nights typing stories, winning several writing contests in the process.
His debut novel, Driving Crazy, was published nationally in 2015. It received rave reviews, both locally and internationally. In 2016, his short story collection, Tell Me a Story, was released. His latest, Trac Brothers, will be released in 2018.
You can find Randy online here:
Kristina Pierson
Kristina Pierson grew up balancing on the backs of couches, bare feet wearing the upholstery while her mom typed the girl's rambling narratives on the family computer. Now, Kristina is a poet and fiction writer. She is also the author of Girl Meets Fiction, a blog featuring book reviews and writing tips. Promptly Speaking is her first formal publication. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys volunteering, painting, and pestering her cats.
You can find Kristina online here:
Shelby Pontius
Shelby Pontius was first published when she was 17 in Writing at the Ledges' anthology, Seasons of Life. This debut story was a remake of one she had written in the fifth grade. She began writing in elementary school, and has continued ever since. Her second work appears in the anthology Voices from the Ledges and she published her first book, The Little Pumpkin, in 2014. Shelby graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, and dreams of writing more children's books about the environment. She also enjoys writing rhyming poetry and young adult fiction. You can usually find her in the woods of northern Michigan, where she spends her time learning the ways of backpacking with her boyfriend, Ken.
Lanet Sawyer
Lanet Sawyer is an emerging poet and short story author. Her inspiration comes through travel experiences and observation. She also draws from many years of memories, including several years of commercial fishing in Alaska. A retiree from the State of Michigan, she continues her career as an Assistant in her daughter's law firm. Hobbies include painting, watercolors, reading, fishing, and mushrooming.
Ms. Sawyer is a board member of Keys to Creativity, a community art gallery and event center, member of Writing at the Ledges, a Grand Ledge, Michigan, writers group, and founder of Seven Islands Art Guild in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
G.S. Scott
G. S. Scott is the author of Cleansed, and Sorrow's Heart, from the series The Chronicles of the True Tree, published through Blue Deco Publishing. He spent his youth sitting in a basement playing tabletop role-playing games. It got his creative juices flowing. Characters of all types banged around in his head, demanding to be let loose into the world. And he obliged them.
G. S. Scott is active in local writing groups and is an avid gamer, with the Fallout series topping the list. He enjoys local theater with his playwright domestic partner, Sarah. He knew she was the one when she quoted Monty Python on their third date.
You can find G.S. Scott online here:
Brigette LeValley Thornes
Brigette's fondest childhood memories involve writing "epic" novels in dollar store journals, jotting down tidbits while watching Nickelodeon or floating in the pool. Brigette still has too many plot ideas for her own good, and consuming stories remains a compulsion–whether it be an engrossing book or television series, she is easily obsessed.
Brigette is a graduate of Albion College and New Mexico Highlands University, where she received her M.A. in English. Currently, she teaches English courses at Lansing Community College. Last summer, Brigette was very excited to debut The Closing Prophecy, the first book in her speculative fiction Layna series. She continues to explore fiction and nonfiction, and loves to help others make their own writing the best that it can be.
You can find Brigette online here:
Kerry Tietsort
Greetings from Kerry. I'm a "thirty-something" (37 actually) self professed recreational, non-professional poet/writer. I'm one of the few or only male in the Writing at the Ledges group. I'm also the true out-of-towner coming all the way from Mason. I have attended the third Saturday gatherings since the inception in 7/05. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, friendship and fun. I began writing in early elementary school and mostly focused on short stories of mysteries or science fiction until high school. Since then, it's been almost exclusively poetry and journal entries. Perhaps like many people with busy lifestyles and a young family I struggle to set aside time and make writing a priority. I have resolved to do more and I believe I am moving in the right/write direction.
C J Tody
Overall, creative… C.J. is a multimedia artist, personal and professional performance consultant, human resource development professional and 'DreamSculpting Interactive' faculty. She embraces experiential 'excursions' into creative discovery to guide the serial reinvention we often need to navigate a focused transition, which is the substance of some of her nonfiction and fiction.


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AMHERST, Mass. - Athletes taking the controversial performance enhancer known as "andro" may be affecting their moods as well as their muscles, suggests a study published by University of Massachusetts researchers in the July issue of the journal Endocrinology. The study was conducted by doctoral students Constanza Villalba and Catherine Auger under the direction of professor Geert de Vries. Auger is now a postdoctoral researcher at Johns Hopkins University. Although the study was conducted on rats, the implications for humans are important, according to the scientists.
"Andro," or androstenedione, is a steroid; a hormone that is produced in the body by males and females. It is sometimes sold as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement. Andro garnered attention last year when St. Louis Cardinals star hitter Mark McGwire acknowledged using it to help him train. Since then, scientists, doctors, and ethicists have been working to understand the effects of andro on the body. But while many researchers have been concentrating on how andro affects muscles and athletic performance, the UMass group of scientists has focused on what andro does to the brain. The study was conducted through the University''s Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, the Neuroscience and Behavior Program, and the department of psychology.
"Steroids like andro and its more potent counterpart, testosterone, affect more than just muscle mass and home-run ability," said Villalba. "They can also affect the brain by changing the levels of neurotransmitters and consequently stimulating libido and aggression." Steroids, she explains, are critically important hormones produced in the body, in both males and females. While steroids are responsible for puberty, they also have a role in growth, behaviors, and brain development.
"Humans taking andro could potentially be susceptible to steroid-induced rage, or increased aggression as a result of the extra source of hormone," said Villalba.
Specifically, researchers studied andro''s effect on a neurotransmitter called vasopressin. Vasopressin plays several roles in the brain: it governs thirst, wake-sleep cycles, and "the focus of the research" aggression. The scientists determined that, like testosterone, andro enables males to maintain high levels of vasopressin. This held true even in rats that lacked the ability to make their own male hormones.


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Not sure on this, but this might be the first time I've put up a game theme. I don't play many games so I would remember if I put up a game theme before. Reason I'm choosing this as my SOTW is because I got the game 2 weeks ago and am rather enjoying it. I bought two games, Lost Kingdoms, which was for Gamecube, loved the game shame it only lasted me 9 hours, and Rorona, wasn't that fond of it at first but then grew into it. So yeah, here's the theme for Atelier Rorona, Falling, The Star Light, sang by Mineko Yamamoto and composed by Ken Nakagawa.
Quite a nice song with a beautiful music box tune in the middle. Quite a catchy tune too that was matched with a simple backing later in the song making it seem like taking a break of sorts after a long journey. Though that said, the song never gets 'serious', there were interludes that seems as if the song's building to a climax, but never reaches it and comes back down to a carefree calm feel. I like the peacefulness of song, in that it kinda reminds me of life a little, no matter what difficult situation you get to, there's always a solution and you'll be back to relaxing again soon.


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Dear All
You are familiar with the old saying that 'buses come in three's'?
It seems that the elected odious SNP MP Natalie McGarry has been having a bad time of late, firstly, named in a criminal witness statement by me for linking my blog to a hate account setup by her friend Tommy Ball who pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court in October 2015.
Next up, Natalie McGarry is reported to Police Scotland by her comrades in Women for Independence after a huge sum of money cannot be located from a paypal account controlled by McGarry and linked to her personal bank account.
McGarry denies any wrongdoing.
Now, we have the third 'bus' or busted up leading to Natalie McGarry yet again locking her twitter account up after JK Rowling threatened legal action against her for accusing the author of supporting a "misogynist Twitter troll". One of the standby accusations that McGarry likes to throw about is the label 'misogynist' at people, her friend Tommy Ball, he likes to use the word 'paedophile'.
Rather than taking McGarry's crap, the Harry Potter author repeatedly challenged the MP to explain how she has "defended misogyny and abuse" in a twitter row most of yesterday. One wonders how someone like Natalie McGarry managed to pass SNP selection, but when you understand her mother is an SNP Cllr, her auntie is the Presiding Officer at Holyrood, and McGarry is a personal friend of Nicola Sturgeon, it might become clearer.
Nicola Sturgeon personally backed Natalie McGarry who is part of Sturgeon's nasty vicious southside clique in Glasgow.
JK Rowling sent a "good man" message to a Tweeter called Brian Spanner who had said he had contributed to children's charity Lumos. 'Brian' is a unionist tweeter known for his use of biting comedy aimed at the Nationalists. I am a follower of him on twitter, he is generally very witty and pointed but he does sometimes use bad language for dramatic effect.
Ms McGarry accused apparently Ms Rowling of allegedly "bullying her" after the author demanded that McGarry provide the evidence of supporting misogyny and abuse but it seems that McGarry couldn't find any to hand.
Instead McGarry decided to apologise by saying:
"On reflection, I shouldn't have accused Joanne Rowling of anything based on folk she tweets or retweets, and sends supportive tweets to."
And to some, how much of a bad choice the SNP made by the selection of Nicola Sturgeon's pal, McGarry came back to do a traditional SNP 'cut and paste' job. You may remember that I once said that if the photocopiers in the SNP ever breakdown the SNP would run out of other people's ideas.
She repeated the accusation with another screen grab of the donor's foul tweet with Ms Rowling "good man" tweet tacked on.
Rowling retorted:
"*sighs* OK, Natalie, that's cut and pasted to suggest I said 'good man' to that tweet, not to fundraising for charity. This 'proof' is cut and pasted. I assume you want to retract the apology you made 3 mins ago?"
Oh, good question by JK Rowling, it seems that social justice campaigner rather than keeping her trap shut decided to do a Perry Mason and present smoking gun evidence which rather backfired on her.
In the interests of fairness, I decided to contact JK Rowling and offer help to her legal team if the author wishes to sue SNP MP Natalie McGarry.
I kept the tweet by Natalie McGarry linking my blog to the hate account setup by Tommy Ball, if Rowling seeks damages, this tweet will show Natalie McGarry as she actually is an odious nasty vile little individual.
By doing so, JK Rowling's legal team will be able to demonstrate what McGarry's twitter history is like, I am not in it for the money, but to highlight what passes as an SNP MP in Westminster.
It appears that Natalie McGarry far from being part of the 'best of the best' is rather stupid, as her constant opening and locking of her twitter account shows.
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University


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Multi-platinum recording artist Janet Jackson has long been known for her dazzling smile. And yet, Jackson admitted to InStyle Magazine that her trademark smile was once a major source of insecurity. The entertainer said, "To me, I looked like the Joker!" It was only after age 30 that the pop icon came to accept her unique look.
Jackson is not alone. A study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists found that more than one third of U.S. adults are dissatisfied with their smile. But there's good news—modern dentistry can correct many flaws that can keep you from loving your smile, whether you're unhappy with the color, size, or shape of your teeth. Here are some popular treatments:
Professional teeth whitening: Sometimes a professional teeth whitening will give you the boost you need. In-office whitening can dramatically brighten your smile in just one visit.
Tooth-colored fillings: If you have silver-colored fillings on teeth that show when you smile, consider replacing them with unnoticeable tooth-colored fillings.
Dental bonding: If you have chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth, cosmetic bonding may be the fix you're looking for. In this procedure, tooth colored material is applied to the tooth's surface, sculpted into the desired shape, hardened with a special light, and polished for a smooth finish.
Porcelain veneers: Dental veneers provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution to many dental problems. These very thin shells fit over your teeth, essentially replacing your tooth enamel to give you the smile you desire.
Replacement teeth: Is a missing tooth affecting your self-confidence? There are several options for replacing missing teeth, from a removable partial denture to a traditional fixed bridge to a state-of-the-art implant-supported replacement tooth. Removable partial dentures are an inexpensive way to replace one or more missing teeth, but they are less stable than non-removable options. Dental bridges, as the name implies, span the gap where a tooth is missing by attaching an artificial tooth to the teeth on either side of the space. In this procedure, the teeth on both sides of the gap must be filed down in order to support the bridgework. Dental implants, considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology, anchor long-lasting, lifelike replacements that function like natural teeth.
After coming to embrace her smile, Jackson asserted, "Beautiful comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors." If you don't feel that your smile expresses the beauty you have inside, call our office to schedule a consultation. It's possible to love your smile. We can help.
For more information, read Dear Doctor magazine article "How Your Dentist Can Help You Look Younger."


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© 2017 Ocean Cruising Club. All Rights Reserved.
Back to list of all awards
Introduced at the suggestion of then Rear Commodore Mark Holbrook and first presented in 2008, this award is made to an OCC Port Officer or Port Officer Representative who has provided outstanding service to both local and visiting members, as well as to the wider sailing community.


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Okay guys – we've got this! The confusion seems to grow every year with how to pick a safe, mineral based sunscreen for your family. I've realized it's easier to explain what ingredients you want IN the sunscreen rather than explain which ones you don't want in the sunscreen. I could tell you for another year to avoid oxybenzone, Vitamin A (called retinyl palmitate or retinol) and all these ingredients you can't pronounce but instead it's going to get really easy. If you want the safest sunscreen (in my opinion) look for one ingredient in the active ingredient list: Zinc Oxide. What does that mean? You'll get the whitish tinge to your skin but for me, I don't mind this trade-off because having only Zinc Oxide listed in the active ingredients mean that UVA/B rays are effectively blocked at the skin's surface.
With the explosion in so many new mineral (organic) based sunscreens on the market, there are actually very few that only have the Zinc Oxide as the only active ingredient. That is why this little tip is going to save you hours of time and research. Do you have a fussy teen or husband that doesn't like the whitened look of Zinc? Hold tight there is a solution for them too!
So for little kids, in order of importance for sun care the preference would be to cover up – stay in the shade and wear protective clothing to block UVA/B rays. This was pretty effective when my kids were younger but now we spend our days at pools, water slides and my oldest is going to camp and all of my kids are refusing to wear sun shirts this year. My girls want to show off their bathing suits and my sons are self conscience of wearing sun shirts this year. So while this was a great form of defense against the sun in previous years, this year it's not working. Thankfully for this summer, they are so happy to not have to wear the protective clothing, they aren't complaining about the whitening sunscreen they've been wearing. I use Badger sunscreen. But I can see the whitening issue becoming a problem with my pre-teen next summer so I'm sensitive to this problem if you've got family members that don't like the look of only having a zinc based sunscreen. Your loophole around this is using a sunscreen that has both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in the active ingredients. The Titanium Dioxide mineral soaks through the skin to deliver sun protection for UVA/B rays through the skin (not all UVA rays unless Zinc Oxide is also an ingredient). It's important to mention you need both the Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide minerals because Titanium on it's own won't block all UVA/B rays. But this is a good alternative for anyone who still wants solid sun protection, without the whitened look on the skin.
So this is easier right? And for me, I just like what Badger does with education and transparency. They also re-formulated and produced non-nano sunscreens last year so they get my vote. Check out My Little Green Shop if you need sunscreen to finish up this hot summer! They always have great shipping deals & are a trusted sponsor of Mommy Footprint.


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Plaintiff Brittany Hickman alleged that she was nearly paralyzed in 2012 when DJ Steve Aoki leapt from above the stage onto an inflatable raft held up by fans in the audience, trapping her underneath...
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The Story of Space Station Mir
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Part of the Springer Praxis Books book series (PRAXIS)
Part of the Springer Praxis Books book series (PRAXIS)
This successor edition picks up the story where the first edition left off in 1997, and runs through to Mir's de-orbiting in March 2001, providing the definitive account of the Mir Space Station. The book reviews the origins of the Soviet space station programme, in particular the highly successful Salyuts 6 and 7, describes Mir's structure, environment, power supply and maneuvering systems, and provides a comprehensive account of how it was assembled and how it operated in orbit.
Tells how the Soviet Union's experience with a succession of Salyut space stations led to the development of Mir, which was assembled in space, piece by piece, between 1982 and 1996 and became an international research laboratory whose technology went on to form the 'core modules' of the International Space Station.


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WUFU, China — Angry parents whose children were crushed to death in schools that collapsed in China's mighty earthquake are no longer being allowed to march, wave banners and vent their rage in public.
Officials are now using a variety of tactics — threats, money, promises of justice, police muscle — to intimidate, appease or hush up the grieving mothers and fathers who believe that nearly 7,000 classrooms crumbled so easily because corrupt and incompetent officials didn't build them properly.
Two months after the quake, seething anger runs through the town of Wufu, with its green rice fields and concrete farm houses. Wufu became a hotbed of quake protests after the town's Fuxin No. 2 Primary School caved in, killing 127 students.
"Police from Deyang came to our town and warned us not to gather," said Pi Kaijian, a 43-year-old farmer who wore pointy Italian-style loafers and polyester pants rolled up past his calves as he endured the afternoon heat in the courtyard of his house.
"The police met with our parent leaders and said if we gathered, it would be a criminal act and we'd be arrested," said the farmer, whose 11-year-old son died in the school.
Police warnings
In the weeks after the quake, parents in Wufu vented their rage over buildings they say were shoddily constructed by grabbing pictures of their dead children and marching to the government headquarters in Deyang, the nearest big city.
Such protests were tolerated for a time after the 7.9-magnitude quake, but then came the police warnings to stay off the streets.
After winning global praise for acting like an open society and allowing the parents to protest after the disaster, China is reverting to the tactics of a communist police state ready to crush any dissent.
The Deyang police spokesman, who declined to give his name, doubted Pi's account. "This probably isn't true," he told The Associated Press before declining to answer more questions.
The deputy director of the propaganda office of the Deyang police said he was unaware of the alleged threats. "We police haven't been in touch with those parents. We have allowed them to raise their case," the official, who would only give his surname, Luo, told The Associated Press before hanging up the phone after refusing to say more.
The alleged police threats didn't scare the parents, Pi said. But they decided to cool it after officials promised to wrap up an investigation of the school's collapse before July 15, he said.
"They said we would be satisfied with the probe's results, so we decided to be patient and give them some time. But I seriously doubt we'll be satisfied and we'll continue protesting," he said.
Crews continue to clear rubble
Elsewhere in Sichuan's quake zone, crews were busy clearing away rubble left by the quake that killed nearly 70,000 people and left 5 million homeless. Shops were reopening and street markets were bustling as life began returning to normal. Huge developments of temporary homes were springing up in fields covered in a freshly poured layer of concrete.
As they tried to cope with their losses, some parents seemed to be driven by a deep sense of nihilism, a feeling they could challenge the government because they had nothing more to lose now that their only child was gone. They were poor farmers or workers who obeyed China's one-child policy. Many were too old or impoverished to try to have another child.
Without children, their lives seemed to lack the hopes that made the drudgery of rural Chinese life bearable.
Zhou Lekang, a poor farmer in bare feet caked with dried rice paddy mud, beamed with pride when he talked about how his 16-year-old son wanted to be a diplomat and spent his evenings studying English or classical Chinese literature. The man had just saved up enough money to buy his son a computer when the boy started high school.
But his son was among 270 others who died when the school collapsed in the town of Juyuan, about a 45-minute drive from the provincial capital, Chengdu.
'I fear nothing'
Zhou said the government paid him $3,495 in insurance and consolation payments, and officials promised to pay $2,912 more later. As China's economy continues to boom, the government has more money in its coffers to defuse protests with cash.
But Zhou said what he wanted most was justice, and he pledged to keep protesting if he had to. "Now that I've lost my child, I fear nothing," he said.
China's leadership is particularly sensitive about the school collapses because they touch a nerve with people across the country and the government fears sympathy for the parents could inspire protests in other parts of China ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August.
Last month, police began blocking the parents from going to the collapsed middle school. Zhou also said the most active parents had become silent. "All we know is that officials went to talk to them, and after that, they stopped being active. We don't hear from them anymore," he said.
It's common in China for officials to break up a protest group by threatening the leaders or buying them off. This renders the movement directionless or riven with suspicion or resentment.
But often, China just favors a big show of police force. In the city of Dujiangyan, police shut down a block-long section of road in front of the Xinjian Elementary School, where hundreds of students died. Six police were posted on each end of the block, discouraging protesters from coming near. A cluster of police guarded the school's main gate.
One parent, who asked not to be named because he feared reprisals, said officials were tapping phones and monitoring the parents' movements.
"Parents who work for state-owned companies are being kept really busy at work," he said, counting himself among the targeted. "They're being given a little extra salary and no time to do anything else. Some are being talked to individually. They're being threatened."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Search_Warrant, on 05 August 2014 - 07:52 PM, said:
They were exposing soft armor or were noobs. Maybe the T54 wasnt. Or maybe you got lucky RNG.
Sooooo light tank penetrates same tier and higher tier heavies with no problem, therefore the light tank is OP and ilunbalanced and i want it to be nerfed.


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Over the years, I've discovered that there seems to be a lot of confusion about the difference between forgiving and forgetting. Naturally, there are times when they go together, especially when we have a minor disagreement with someone and it's not worth it to remember what happened. But what about when there's a major betrayal or trauma? What does it mean under those circumstances to "forget"?
As with many circumstances, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Every situation is different and no one can tell you what's right for you. But are there times when it would be beneficial not to "forget" what happened? Given the confusion that this topic seems to elicit, I think this question is worth exploring.
What Does it Mean to Forgive Someone?
First of all, let's discuss what it means to forgive someone. Forgiveness doesn't always happen all at once. Forgiveness often happens in stages. We must first have the willingness to forgive, even before we actually forgive. From that willingness usually comes the ability to forgive.
Why Forgive?
But why forgive at all? First and foremost, in my opinion, we forgive to let go of toxic feelings that only serve to eat away at us inside. Depending upon the circumstances, it might take a long time to let go of anger and resentment. When the problem involves abuse or other forms of trauma, it's not unusual for it to be a long process. This is normal, and we shouldn't feel ashamed because we or others think it should take less time.
|Forgiving: Letting Go of Toxic Feelings that Eat Away at Us
Now, I understand that people do change and turn their lives around. Someone who has been abusive could change and stop their abusive behavior. But it's often a long, difficult road, and often this behavior doesn't change. So, you have to evaluate your situation in as an objective way as possible before you decide to forget about the abusive behavior, especially if it's been an ongoing pattern.
Does this mean that this person isn't really sorry at the point when he or she says so? Not at all. There is often genuine remorse. The problem is that remorse alone, while important, isn't enough to change a person's behavior, especially where there are ingrained behaviors.
When Forgetting Means Putting Yourself in Harm's Way
When forgetting means keeping you in harm's way, it's a form of self destructive behavior. To get back to our original question about forgiving and forgetting, under circumstances when abusive behavior (of any kind) is likely to continue, forgiving is definitely different from forgetting. To forget what has been an ongoing pattern would lull us into a false sense of security--to our detriment.
Knowing When to Forget and When Not to Forget
Knowing when to forget as well as forgive can be tricky, especially when it involves people that we love. Our own loving feelings towards this person can cloud our judgment so that we only see what we want to see. Under those circumstances, it's usually better to seek the advice of a trusted and impartial friend or family member.
Striving to Heal and Find Meaning in Life
One thing I'd like to clarify is that by "not forgetting" I don't mean that we strive to keep our emotional wounds open and foremost in our minds. What I DO mean is that, while we don't turn a blind eye to what has happened and what might continue to occur, we strive to heal and find whatever meaning there is to find in our circumstances, and we continue to develop and grow.
|Strive to Heal and Find Meaning in Life
I am a licensed NYC psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR therapist, and Somatic Experiencing therapist.
To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist
To set up a consultation, call me at (212) 726-1006.
1st photo credit: Preconscious Eye via photopin cc
2nd photo credit: Preconscious Eye via photopin cc
3rd photo credit: AlicePopkorn via photopin cc


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A glimpse of our new year's day- spent outside, despite the freezing temperature. A mere hour outdoors can really uplift the spirits, I tell you!
These photos are my sister and nephew, my husband and daughter enjoy the ride down a hill behind our home.
We spent the rest of the day helping (I use the term very, very loosely) Daddy do some chores on the farm. Molly and I rather skipped around visiting with the cows. I'm hoping to bring the farm around here more often. Not only because I need to start taking my camera there more, but because I want to share the beauty of that place. And you don't even have to experience its scent ;)
That first farm shot was at dusk- that's Bulldozer, the trusty farm dog. And those cows are freshly milked and headed out of the milking barn into the next barn in search of dinner. I love this shot. It's completely unstaged- Molly wanted to see the cows and that farm dog is always there, protecting his cows and his family.
The next images are "young stock" - no longer bottle fed calves, but not quite ready for breeding. And some are steers - I'll save the details of their purpose.
It's the life of the farm, and there is so much to learn out here.
I'm thinking of keeping this part of our family a regular addition around here. After all, cows are so curious. And that makes the be best subjects for photography. A single snap of the camera and more come, staring (hence the progression of those photos).
Have a wonderful weekend!
We're just grateful to be in the 'teens around here, brrrr.


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VEF - Venezuelan Bolívar
The Venezuelan Bolívar is the currency of Venezuela. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Venezuela Bolívar exchange rate is the VEF to USD rate. The currency code for Bolívares is VEF, and the currency symbol is Bs.. Below, you'll find Venezuelan Bolívar rates and a currency converter. You can also subscribe to our currency newsletters with daily rates and analysis, read the XE Currency Blog, or take VEF rates on the go with our XE Currency Apps and website.
Notice: The Bolivar Fuerte has two official rates. More info ►
Top VEF Exchange Rates
Currency Facts
Name: Venezuelan Bolívar
Symbol: Bs. céntimo: ¢
Minor Unit:
1/100 = céntimo
Top VEF Conversion:
Top VEF Chart:
VEF/USD Chart
Inflation: 62.20%
Nicknames: bolo(s), luca(s)
Freq Used: Bs.1, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢
Rarely Used: 5¢, 1¢, 12¢
Freq Used: Bs.2, Bs.5, Bs.10, Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100
Central Bank:
Banco Central de Venezuela
Website: http://www.bcv.org.ve
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Venezuelan Bolívar History
On May 2017, the government of Venezuela changed their multi-tier Venezuelan official exchange rate system, as announced by the government on March 2016.
"Essential" goods are exchanged at a fixed mid-market rate of 9.9875 VEF/USD. This rate is called the "DIPRO". The Venezuelan government decides what "essential" goods qualify for this rate. They include imports for sectors related to food and medicine but also some oil sector companies.
Imports designated by the government as "non-essential" are subjected to a new system called "DICOM", where the rate is intended to vary over time. On November 7th, 2017, the mid-market rate of the DICOM system was 3,340.819 VEF/USD. DICOM rates are published by the Venezuelan central bank under TIPO DE CAMBIO here: http://www.bcv.org.ve/ or here: https://www.dicom.gob.ve/
Due to the high rate of inflation in Venezuela over the last few years, there is a high demand in the market for US Dollars (USD). However, official access to US Dollars in Venezuela is limited, which has resulted in a third (unofficial) black market exchange rate valued at around 40,000 VEF/USD (November 2017). The black-market rate has increased rapidly over the last year (January 2016: 833, June 2016: 997, January 2017: 3164, June 2017: 6112).
The situation in Venezuela is evolving rapidly, and XE only carries the DIPRO rate on the website and in our apps.


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Happy Tuesday, everyone. Thank you for checking back in. Guess "later this week" will have to include a full seven-day cycle for this post. Life gets REALLY busy sometimes, and the best one can do is make the necessary adjustments.
Last time we discussed issues that messed with the morning routine I'd gotten into during my kids' elementary school days. (This included early-AM exercise.) Once they got older, their schedule changed and this mom-who-works-outside-the-house had to adapt. Here are some of the ways I did.
One: I moved my ankle, wrist and small dumbbell weights from the basement to my bedroom. I exercised in my room—or between their beds—while calling them between counting out reps. (These days, my gear hides in a basket near the TV in the living room, just within reach of the exercise ball.)
Two: I shortened and/or broke up the routines (about 10 minutes each): do arms in the morning; legs in the afternoon–often while catching a Law & Order SVU re-run. I get in full-body routines during Dancing with the Stars, too 😉 ).
Three: I learned to multi-task exercises (i.e., combine lunges with arm work, arm work with abdominal work while on the exercise ball, etc). Translation: More muscle groups addressed per move.
Four: I make walking outdoors a priority—15-25 minutes, usually 5 days a week. (I abhor treadmills and exercise machines—I'm far too restless to stay in one spot that long. Reading and/or watching TV while I'm on one just doesn't cut it for me.)
Dancing: I'll cue up my favorite YouTube videos of songs I like and just move to them. So many out there—all age groups covered.
Five: YouTube videos: Long and short workouts galore to be discovered—some as short as FIVE (!) minutes. I pick, choose and vary them. Try two or three 5-minute ones and cover a full-body workout in 15 minutes. (This barre workout and Popsugar fitness are (still) favorites. If you can past the English girl's voice in the former, you'll be just fine.)
Six: Sneak some exercise at work: take stairs, squeeze your back end while in your chair. My little guys at school are doing wall push-ups or jogging—often with me right alongside, often in red heels—by kindergarten.
Disclaimer: CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, AND USE YOUR JUDGMENT WHEN USING ON-DEMAND AND YouTube VIDEOS (and if running in shoes with a heel). I have a background in anatomy and physiology. I'm no expert, but I am familiar with the directions that individual muscles move, what key muscle groups do, etc, so I can tailor my routines.
I also have physical therapist friends—this is among their areas of expertise. I ask; they help. Even so, I wound up doing something to my hip during a zumba/soca video I pulled up. (Within 2-3 months, I was having serious trouble getting off the floor. I started by chucking the rocker-sneakers, which I still miss. A trip to an orthopedist, my regular practitioner and athletic taping of my knee followed. 18+ months later, I still swear by my tape.)
Disclaimer #2: WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE and DON'T PUSH YOURSELF TO THE POINT OF INJURY. If a workout calls for jumping or running and you can't–modify (i.e., walk in place, etc). An injury will side-line you big-time and totally get in the way of your purpose.
Having stated that, it's a mind-shift, my dear parents and caregivers. And it can be done. All you need is a little flexibility in your thinking and a desire to make it work within the parameters of your particular circumstance.
How do you adapt? All ideas and thoughts welcome—leave yours in the comments or email me privately.
Have a wonderful day,
©Joanne C Timpano, content and images. All rights reserved.


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Bangkok Fastfood Editions: Mcdonads and KFCIn the land of sawakadeeka, apart from shopping and pad thai, I look forward to the localised editions at fast food chains - many a time, I would be able to find something new! How right was I!
Corn and Tuna Pie (29 THB)
Mcdonalds Thailand joined Japan to release savoury pies - remember the bacon potato pie that was sold out in Japan? Here comes corn and tuna in Bangkok. I love the pie pastry - a kind of its own, crispy, crusty and doughy all at once and the filling is enough to make a hearty dessert or meal out of it. Tuna and corn actually go hand in hand - loved it so much to finish it till the last crumb.
Banana Caramel Tart (22 THB)
This tart required a squirt of caramel sauce and sprinkling of chocolate chips to complete the purchase. Piping hot, the flaky layers and custard were made awesome by the addition of banana and caramel. I'm completely loving this new creation - not too sweet too!
Chomp therapy.
Is anyone else like me?


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What Happened To Cuil and Why Do They Care About Bing?
I don't know if many people remember this, but there was some drama a year ago with the launch of a new search engine called Cuil (pronounced cool… like cool beans!). The search engine was created by a former employee of Google, Anna Patterson and her husband, Tom Costello. When I used Cuil for the first time, I really didn't think it was all that cool. To me, it seemed like a dark color spin off version of Google. (Go figure, right?)
Many years ago when Google took search by storm, I believe that they too also recognized the fact that "search" really isn't the most important thing to people who use the Internet. Personalization and communication were vital too. While indeed there was a huge buzz about Google, many people just couldn't make that official "switch" from setting their home page set from places such as Yahoo over to them. Reason being, Google didn't provide everything an Internet user needed in order to be called home.
Google didn't have email, they didn't have forums and groups and they didn't have news. Over the years Google has been quick to recognize this and has made efforts towards providing Internet users with these personalized features so that they indeed can called "Home". Many people now set Google to their browsers home page. Granted, I don't think Google does a very good job letting people know about their services, but at least they try. Cuil.com right now is what I would a black sheep duplicate of Google five years ago. Cuil.com's home page is black with a search bar, while Google's home page was — five years ago — white with a search bar.
So here we are, one year later, and what has Cuil done since then? I haven't really heard any news about them other than the celebration of their first year anniversary and some more recent news that have rubbed a few people the wrong way. As it seems, Cuil decided to write a review and provide their opinion about Bing. In their post, they explained about how they performed various tests such as query tests and spam tests and issued out some fancy numbers that apparently is supposed to make Cuil look "Cool." I am not really buying into it. But, most importantly… their review isn't going to make me change my homepage from Google to Cuil. Nor would it make me change from Yahoo! or MSN or BING to Cuil. Nor would it even make feel compelled to actually use their search engine.
I have to admit, I'd bet the farm that Bing will find success quicker than Cuil (Actually, they already have.) I mean, really… why would anyone try to duplicate Google. Or, for that matter, why would anyone try to create a new search engine? I have to admire Cuil for trying, but things really don't look very bright in their future. Perhaps, that is why they decided to use a black background on their site. Maybe Cuil would have a chance if they provided useful things to users. On the surface of things – and I am sure there is plenty below – it seems like Cuil is nothing more than a lower quality copy of Google. Seriously, what does Cuil have that Google, Bing, and Yahoo! don't? If there is something I am missing, please… I would love to know.


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Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal
Ferrying children to various sporting endeavours is pretty much my weekend. I am a dad taxi. That is my life.
It's unpaid, to flag up an obvious downside, but on the upside there is marginally less vomiting and haggling to deal with, and they never ask me to go south of the river, which is a blessed relief.
Anyway, there I was at midday shuttling Child One hither, while lugging Child Two thither, knowing full well that a 12.45pm kick-off was problematic in the watching department. So between the three of us we decided to lock down the gadgets, switch off the radio and watch as-live later in the day.
It was working well. There I was in the supermarket, snatching an hour mid child-gathering to do some shopping, with my phone buzzing like a furious wasp in my pocket. I left it untouched.
(I do realise that for you young folk of the world, this snapshot of the mundanity of middle age is terrifying to envisage, and I can only apologise, but steel yourselves for the future).
And the plan was still working well at 1-1, some hours later, watching as-live, as I wondered whether Arsenal had blown the three points and whether Sunderland's equaliser would mark their ascendancy.
Until Child One, who had momentarily disappeared for biscuits, re-emerged wide-eyed and said, "I've seen the final score Dad, and I'm not going to tell you what it was but IT'S ACTUALLY AMAZING."
Noted, thanks pal. So we don't lose then 😉
And then, as if on cue, Giroud swept his first and Arsenal's second in, and the world was calmer. Then again, then again, and before you could say 'Next time don't give the score away' it was 4-1. Game, set and match and onwards we march.
Sanchez, talking of furious wasps, was outstandingly good, but Giroud's cameo was hardly any worse – a gentle reminder, as if it were needed, that when there's sweeping in crosses to be done, or looping headers to dispatch, Olivier's your man. Perfect timing with the bad news about Lucas Perez, too.
Coquelin was his aggressive self, Elneny was tidy AF, and Gibbs gave Wenger a pleasant headache with a performance of attacking verve.
We have a squad, ladies and gentlemen, that can be rotated. We have strength in depth. We have players out but it wasn't a calamity – and By George, it's handy.


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Associated Press
A medieval astronomical clock that is a major tourist attraction in Prague is working again after more than eight months of repairs.
Thousands of people gathered in the Czech capital on Friday evening to watch as the Twelve Apostles and other figures appeared on the clock for the first time since Jan. 8.
The timepiece was installed on a town government building in 1410. For its most significant repair job since World War II, the clock was disassembled so the parts could be restored.
A fire badly damaged the clock near the end of the war. Some of the postwar repairs were not done properly and needed to be fixed.


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Eddie Allcorn: Let's find our early-season mojo
Monday 28th August 2017
Ultimately Kent's T20 campaign will be filed quietly away under "could have done better". It looked done and dusted after defeat at home to Hampshire at the end of Canterbury Cricket Week but then Kent beat Somerset at Taunton.
Other results in a congested group then meant Kent would therefore still qualify IF they could win their last two games, at Chelmsford and at home to Surrey, an enticing but difficult proposition.
I was particularly pleased with this possibility because I had a ticket for the sell-out game at Essex on the Thursday night and it was no longer a dead-rubber. My first ever visit into the lion's den, a first visit to the HQ of our bitter rivals.
I've got to say other Kent fans warned me "there be monsters" but in the end, I had a fabulous time.
It was always a bit of an anomaly that I had never been to Chelmsford given I have been to every other county to watch cricket except Leicestershire.
The High Speed train connection via Stratford certainly helped, 49 minutes to Stratford International, ten minutes over to Stratford Mainline and 26 minutes to Chelmsford. It can take longer to get to Tunbridge Wells!
It wasn't far to walk to the ground once I'd realized you could enter the ground in an unexpected fashion way via a riverside park and unlikely looking underpass through to the backdoor "River Gate". My ticket was for the lower tier of the double decker Tom Pearce Stand, a great view in the second row behind the bowler's arm.
Now I have to admit I wanted to hate it all, the place, the ground, the locals, the members, but instead I absolutely loved it except for having to drink my beer out of a Graham Napier cup!
For big Test grounds, the Oval and Lord's take some beating, but for a county ground, Chelmsford ticked plenty of boxes. It is tight, hemmed in, atmospheric.
It is a wonderful jumble of Dickensian old stands, a plethora or oddities, quirkiness and general eccentricity. Echoes of the old Southampton ground, but more so. I even preferred it to Hove.
The stewards were cheery and polite, the place well-signposted and they had squeezed something into every spare inch of the place. I did three circuits of the ground exploring whilst we awaited the departure of the Air Ambulance that was dealing with a serious incident at the ground.
The Essex hierarchy (Chairman John Faragher) then charmed me with a splendid three-page article in the match programme explaining their fundamental opposition to the 2020 plans for a city franchise based T20 competition.
I was further discombobulated by the Essex Members I sat amongst. They were polite, chatty, knowledgeable and fair. What was going on?!? What's more they watched every ball, didn't get up in the middle of the overs, didn't get drunk and, whisper it quietly, even gave a certain Mr Denly a genuine standing ovation…
Ah yes, the match. Wow! Just wow! If I'd hoped for a perfect introduction to Chelmsford this would have been it. A sell-out crowd and Kent batting like a dream. The opening partnership began quietly, but then started to accelerate, the ball began to disappear to all quarters and then out of the ground. Thumped over my stand into the river, walloped over the pavilion, smashed high and handsomely into the new flats, a steady stream of new balls were required.
In the end Denly was caught by Foster off Amir for a stupendous 127 (66 balls, 11×4's, 7×6's), Bell-Drummond finished unbeaten on 80. Their opening partnership of 207 was a T20 World Record and stunned the locals. They finished on a sensational 221-2 off 20 overs and Walter's final bowling analysis of 1-65 off 4 overs was eyewatering.
We might have made it look easy, but our own bowling attack has often leaked too many runs, so there was always a chance for Essex to cut loose too. The 6 over power-play brought annihilation for the Kent attack. The previously subdued locals were suddenly in full voice, the belligerence of Chopra mangled poor Claydon's second over (6-6-6-4-4-4) to make it 94-0! Suddenly Essex looked like the favourites, only 128 more to win off 14, but then the fielding restrictions relaxed and Kent regained their composure.
At half way Essex only needed another 96 with nine wickets in hand but the squeeze was on. Each dot ball upped the run-rate required, but still each time Kent looked to be getting their noses in front the ball would exit the ground aerially. The defining moment saw Qayyam take another blinding catch to dismiss Chopra for 116 (59 balls, 6×4's, 9×6's) and Essex lost their momentum and stumbled. The remaining players couldn't maintain the required rate and Kent pounced.
In the end Kent triumphed by 11 runs with Essex stranded on 210-5. Aware I was the only person in the Tom Pearce Stand wearing a Gillingham football shirt and grinning like a lunatic I clapped enthusiastically rather than whooping it up. Inside though I was absolutely thrilled to bits. Roll on Surrey!
Well you all know what happened next, with a quarter-final place in our hands we failed to perform at home to Surrey. On a low scoring wicket (we do much better on belters!) we did well to keep Surrey down to 154-9, Roy their saviour, but our reply was scratchy and nervous and we fell short by ten runs having been well on course at half-way.
A fifth loss in six at Canterbury was hard to stomach for us all. Some reactions on social media were a bit too personal and spiteful though. I know it shows we all care passionately and indifference would be much worse, but people also have to remember that this is not football and that vilifying individual players won't change the result. Shredding their confidence won't help in the promotion run-in either.
We can all debate the state of Darren Stevens' heel, the quality of the one-day strips at home, some seemingly curious team selections, batting orders, bowling changes and our inability to perform consistently in the T20 again, but amid it all I will remember three games with great fondness.
The last ball tie in the rain at Hove, the perfect run chase at the Oval and of course the win at Chelmsford… yes, all away from home.
Back to the matter at hand now though and the race for the second promotion place in Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship. Assumming Nottinghamshire continue on their merry way, it will be between Worcestershire, Northamptonshire, Sussex and Kent for the runners-up berth.
Kent start with a crunch home game against Leicestershire at Canterbury before hitting the road to Chester-le-Street, Bristol and Chesterfield before finishing back at home with Glamorgan.
Kent's final five fixtures are against the bottom five sides who look unlikely to join the race. Weather will no doubt play a part, but so too will Kent regaining some of their early season mojo if this is not all going to end in anticlimax once more.


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The presents kept trickling in too! His friend Izze got him this rad trucker hat and Auntie Ann got him a black leather jacket and sunglasses...and this is what he has worn every day since!
August is flying by and we are enjoying the last few lazy days of summer before we start 3rd grade, 1st grade and pre-school!
I always giggle when I find these little snapchat gems on my phone :)
Oh hey Blue Angels!
Amy and Hersson's sister Alex was also visiting in Seattle...Alex introduced us to her friend from Texas that lives here in Seattle now. It's a small world after all! We were fast friends and there is definitely going to be some Bachelor watching in the near future :)
Olli and Livi...long distance besties!


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