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Building on our obvious love for music and meat from down under, there aren't enough bands out there like Australia's Karnivool. Delivering monumentally thunderous riffs that still sound beautiful, catchy hooks that don't get cheesy, and extended songs that avoid sounding forced is no small undertaking. But Karnivool, with their first U.S. release Sound Awake, pulls it off, starting huge and staying that way, bringing serious weight to even the record's quietest moments. If we have to go here, let's say modern, Porcupine Tree-style rock, with every great thing that implies.
Photo by Bradford Schmidt Karnivool (L-R): guitarist Andrew Goddard, singer Ian Kenny, guitarist Mark Hosking
At SXSW, they proved that the skills aren't just studio-based, playing a series of shows, including a couple of acoustic sets at the Belmont, that let made it clear why they deserve to sell more than a couple copies of Sound Awake on American shores.
With the rhythm section off elsewhere (perhaps getting steaks?), guitarists Andrew Goddard and Mark Hosking, along with singer Ian Kenny, sat down to talk about their record, their tour, and meat of course.
Perhaps they come by their musicianship naturally, but meat eaters, as
well at least one member of the band might attribute their skills to
their choice of proteins. "We're avid meat eaters," says Kenny. "You know, one theory has the
ascent of man as a result of beginning to eat meat." Are talking meat as a major evolutionary trigger? "Well, it's one theory," he says with a smile. "Expansion of the brain
and all that."
And what sort of meats are the band mates into? Every one of the three
chose steak, fillet to be specific, as a favorite. When challenged on
the relative value of that cut versus, say, a nice fatty son of a bitch,
they attributed it to Aussie advertising. "It's constant at home, this whole 'eat lean meat' thing," says
Hosking. "Yeah, it really is - I suppose that's where it comes from," adds
As for meat experiences that stuck out particularly during the recent
tour, there were a few.
"We had reindeer steaks at one point, but the meal on the ice breaker
ferry on the way to Finland was cool; we had the opportunity to try
antelope," Hosking says. "Kudu was it? And springbok I think." Goddard agrees. "It really was great. And ostrich - we had ostrich on tour too," Kenny adds. "Though it wasn't as good."
The conversation meandered to a discussion of lousy restaurants, and
Kenny remembered a story from a dinner they had at an Outback Steakhouse in
Germany. "It's shit, of course, Outback, but it was funny," he says. "We
stopped in for something to eat, and the waitress kept calling us
'mate,' but in a German accent. It was really odd."
meat-fueled album Sound Awake is out now. Grab it.
--Bradford Schmidt


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I find myself a wee bit obsessed with the state of Christchurch East roads.
One glimpse at these photos and it's easy to see why I think.
The good news is, that I've never seen so many orange-coated road works looking so genuinely busy and the main traffic thoroughfares are being quickly repaired - or at least made passable.
Manholes have popped up in the middle of roads.
Giant puddles of liquefaction swirl around roadsides.
Mini craters punctuate the asphalt.
And bumps and hollows make most journeys on this side of town a cross country event.
It's part of our new post-earthquake landscape
And It's all a wee bit exciting.

subset: commoncrawl


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Second Post for the day
Hello everyone! I'm back again today with a different type of post! I'm excited about this post because I'm participating in a Swap that is amazing!!
Its the Annual Mug Swap!! I found this awesome project on Instagram. This year's theme is Blessing Others!! Isn't that amazing!!
Here is how it works:
Give a mug. Get a mug. You sign up with Kim over on her website and she assigns you partner to swap a mug with. What I love is that its a total surprise. You don't know who has you or what part of the world they are from. I LOVE THINGS LIKE THIS!!
So Kim, creates a form and you fill it out with some information about yourself so that the person who gets your name can get you a mug based on what you say. How much fun is this!!
The funny thing is I missed the first round and was down about that. The spots go sooooo fast. Then Kim opened 30 more slots and I rushed to get my form in. I made it by the skin of my teeth. I think I was the last spot. I was so excited when I saw that my form was accepted. Yayyyyy!!
So with that said, next year I'm going to be the first in line. You should too!
Now on to my mug swap:
I wasn't given a lot of info about the person I have to send my mug too. I check all of her social media platforms but unless you friend her you can't get any info. All I know is that she is moving and is a new mom wanting to get to know other moms. She lives in the States. Wow, that is a lot to go with!! Not really!
So, I decided to stick with what I know and that is I'm a mom too. So I searched for a mug that represented that. I look high and low.
I thought living in NY, we had all kinds of stores. I went searching for mug stores. Can you believe that we don't have any!! I search Manhattan, high and low, and none.
I did find a small shop that sold all sorts of knick-knacks and I found this mug:
I knew right away that this was the mug I wanted to get!! As a mom, I know I have superpowers and I want her to know that she has them too. Being a mom is such an important job that we will have for the rest of our life's!
I hope she likes her new mug and uses it often! It's going in the mail today and should get to her by Wednesday of next week. I can't wait. I will also include a really nice card, the one I made today and some other stuff I think she will like.
Here is the card just in case you haven't seen it:
I hope I make a new friend.
I will keep you updated on this mug swap journey!!
Thank you for stopping by!


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Naroda Patiya: quantum of sentence to be announced on Aug 31
The special trial court will pronounce the quantum of punishment for 32 convicts in the 2002 post-Godhra Naroda Patiya riots case on August 31.
The special trial court will pronounce the quantum of punishment for 32 convicts in the 2002 post-Godhra Naroda Patiya riots case on August 31.
After hearing all the sides, special court judge Jyotsna Yagnik reserved the order on quantum of punishment for August 31, a lawyer said.
The prosecution has demanded death sentence for all the accused convicted in the Naroda Patiya case.
Earlier in the day, the court convicted 32, including former Gujarat minister and BJP MLA Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, and acquitted 29 others.
Former Gujarat minister Kodnani and Bajrangi have been convicted under sections 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, amongst others.
Special public prosecutor Akhil Desai sought capital punishment for the convicts, during the hearing for quantum of punishment.
Desai argued that as this court has upheld the aspect of murder and criminal conspiracy, this is a fit case to be termed as "rarest of rare" and court should award capital punishment to the convicts.
If the court wants to be lenient then at least it should award minimum of 20 years of imprisonment to each of the convicts, he argued.
Opposing his contention, defense advocate Niranjan Tikani appealed to the court to show leniency towards the convicts, keeping in mind their family background and financial condition.
Tikani also opposed the demand of capital punishment for Kodnani and submitted that her husband has been operated upon recently and is not keeping good health, while her son is studying in the US, so the court should consider this aspect as well.
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Sometimes new appointments show up, meetings go long, kids need to be taken here and there, and getting yourself to the gym seems impossible. But when you have fitness equipment at home, you can save time, money spent on memberships you don't use, have privacy within your own home, and customize your own workout. Check out these top fitness products which are great for creating an at-home gym.
Photo Credit: www.workoutyourdiet.com
1. Resistance Band ($5-$15): This is such a great and simple tool to use. A band can be used for a full body resistance training workout. From upper body to lower body to core, bands challenge the muscles to not only contract but also lengthen in the negative part of the movement (for instance the eccentric (down) movement of a bicep curl). Each color band represents a different resistance. Starting with the least to heaviest resistance the colors go: yellow, green, red, blue, purple, and black. This is also a wonderful tool to use while traveling as well. Weighs almost nothing and can be folded up to fit in any small space of your suitcase.
Photo Credit: www.racerxvt.com
2. TRX-Suspension Trainer ($125-$185): Similar to a resistance band, however allows for more range of motion and a better use of supported body weight. A TRX strap can be used for a full body weight training workout. The TRX leverages gravity and your bodyweight, providing greater performance and functionality over using large exercise machines (which costs hundreds and hundreds of dollars). You're in control of how much you want to challenge yourself because you can simply adjust your body position to add or decrease resistance. Also the TRX is great for travelling because of its foldable and light qualities.
Photo Credit: www.everythingyoga.com
3. Mat ($10-$25): A mat is a very simple product that can be used for many exercises. A mat provides support for your knees, hands, and back when doing floor exercises and also assists you doing Pilates and Yoga at home as well. Consider the thickness of your mat; a mat that's too thick can make you unstable, but one too thin can leave you sore post-workout.
Photo Credit: www.exrx.net
4. Fitball ($8-$10) and Dumbbells (Varies based on weight):A fitball is a favorite because the ball can be used to facilitate resistance training by acting as a bench or chair. Seated on the ball you can use dumbbells on your arms or lying down on the ball you use it to execute a bench press or chest fly with dumbbells. Additionally, the ball is perfect for abdominal and lower back strengthening exercises. Fitballs have different sizes (55, 65, 75mm), therefore the taller you are the bigger the ball you will want to get. The traditional size is a 65mm for anyone between 5'4" and 6'.
Photo Credit: www.drugstore.com
5. Balance Disc ($12-$18): An awesome tool to not only practice balance on, but also a wonderful way to strengthen your ankle muscles and balance. Balancing one
foot on each or both feet on the same disc, this creates air displacement and an unstable platform for your feet. The unstable platform strengthens the ankles and improves balance and flexibility. Incorporate this into your weight training, by standing on top and adding bicep curls, shoulder presses, or tricep kickbacks—getting an upper body and balance workout in one!
Photo Credit: www.academy.com
6. Foam Roller ($15-$50): Exercise can leave our body feeling sore and tight. Having a foam roller at home can help reduce soreness and release some muscle tension. Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release which is used to inhibit overactive muscles. Using the foam roller is a form of stretching that improves soft tissue extensibility by relaxing the muscle and allowing activation of the antagonist muscle. Foam rolling can sometimes be uncomfortable, but releasing this tension 1-2X/week will make the rolling more and more comfortable and improve full range of motion for the whole body.
Photo Credit: www.yogaaccessories.com
7. Yoga Strap ($10-$15): Using a yoga strap is a great way to help assist and progress stretching. Using a strap delivers the benefits of assisted stretching with a partner. Having multiple loops permit deep, gradual stretching of major muscle groups with greater safety, control and effectiveness than is possible unaided. The strap is a simple tool that also can be brought with while travelling. Stretching our muscles help to improve range of motion and improve the body's elasticity. We want to not only be strong, but functional and mobile as well and using a strap like this can assist in making stretching less forced and improve flexibility.


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In 1972, Gordon Sinclair Jr. ("Gord") received CRTC approval to sell CFOX Montreal (Pointe Claire) to Allan Slaight, who immediately (July 24th) switched format to Country, to match Slaight's CFGM Toronto (Richmond Hill). Prior to that, CFOX under Sinclair's management was one of Canada's best Top 40 stations ever. DJ Charles P. Rodney Chandler broadcast his daily show from John & Yoko's hotel room, and can be heard playing coffee table on "Give Peace a Chance", which was recorded there. Chuck spent most of his career in Edmonton. The late Gord Robson, also from CFOX, was CHQT's PM Drive and Music Director until the end of the Cool 8-80 period; Capital-FM's AM Drive host Rob Christie is also back in Edmonton, but got his start doing all nights at CFOX in 1970. And the late John Sykes moved from CFOX to CKVN (CFUN) just after they went "All News" in the summer of 1969. Marc Denis has started an excellent CFOX tribute site at http://www.marcdenis.com/cfox.
The son of Gordon Sinclair, Sr., Gord co-founded CFOX-1470 on March 15, 1960 with 1000 watts. He passed away on July 12, 2002. Allan Slaight sold CFOX in 1977 and it became All News CKO, abandoning the CFOX call letters, picked up by CKLG-FM Vancouver on January 6, 1979. The 1470 frequency went forever silent in 1989, and the license was revoked in 1990.
Also in 1972, the federal government finally clarified the ownership of broadcast licenses by provincial governments, allowing them to be held by an independent corporation not directly controlled by a provincial government, so long as the station met a strict definition of "educational programming". In 1948, Federal Minister C.D. Howe stated that no province could own a radio station. Quebec's radio plans were scrapped, Manitoba Government Telephones sold its radio stations, but CKUA Edmonton was somehow ignored. In 1970, the federal government suddenly issued a directive to the CRTC demanding adherence to that 22 year old statement, expanding it to television. In the years that followed, several provinces began educational television services. For example, the Alberta government created a new Crown Corporation in 1973, the Alberta Education Communications Corporation, which, in turn, created a subsidiary, ACCESS Alberta, to which the licenses of CKUA AM & FM could be transferred from the University of Alberta. ACCESS also gained control of the government's educational radio and television production operations, and would later expand CKUA to 16 FM transmitters across the province and create ACCESS TV accessible by cable and satellite across the province, with terrestrial transmitters in Calgary and Edmonton. The CKUA broadcast licenses were actually transferred on March 31, 1974.


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Front Page Images
Fiber Optics
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Complete services for design, placement and testing of structured cabling.
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CAD workstations, servers, printers plotters.
Services for manufacturing, processing, production in all types of industrial environments.
Financial, health care, real estate, retail, wholesale, educational.
We have been in business in the same location in Brookhaven, Mississippi since 1999. With over 35 years experience in communications and technology Sleek Communications, Inc. professional staff is well equipped to provide quality professional technology services for your business. We take great pride in our work and delivering to the customer solutions that fit any size project and budget. At Sleekcom we make technology work for you; not you work for technology.
Janurary 31, 2020
New Services Offered
Fiber Optic Cable Fusion Splicing and Testing
Sleek Communications is excited to announce we are now fully equipped to perform fiber optic cable fusion splicing. Fusion splicing eliminates the need for mechanical terminations providing percision, reliable low-loss connections. Fusion splicing is more cost effective eliminating the need for costly mechanical connectors. Fusion splicing also allows for repair of fiber optic cable as well as economical extension and relocates compared to replacing an entire cable run.
Our precision equipment allows us to fusion splice nearly every type of fiber optic cable; SM, MM, DS and NZDS with minimal loss for each type. Our equipment also provides for a splice loss report to be delivered for each splice completed.
Once all fiber fusion splicing is complete our N.I.S.T. tracable test equipment can test and certify each fiber connection and provide a detailed report of each run.
March 4, 2016
Encryption Virus
Phone Scam
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be with Windows or Microsoft stating they have recorded unusual activity from your computer, hang up. These scammers will request access to your computer by getting you to visit a website and download remote access software. Of course the prices they quote for "cleaning" your computer range anywhere from $90 to $400. Once you give them access to your computer, within seconds they have access to any personal or private information you many have stored on your computer. We had a customer come in recently that had their identity, medical records and personal information stolen in this manner. Unless you know the person or company you are dealing with NEVER, under any circumstances, download software they request you to or give them any information.
Sleek Communications services all brands and types of computers. Give us a call and let us help you get your machine back running smoothly, safely and speedy.


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Panama Wedding
Panama Wedding
- Instrument
- Electric Guitar, Bass, Acoustic Guitar
- Genre
- Alternative
- Strings
- GBL Guitar Boomers, GBM Guitar Boomers, BB10U Bright Bronze, M3045 Bass Boomers
Panama Wedding has quickly established itself as one of the most promising indie artists of the year with "All Of The People," a deliriously joyful pop single that has been hailed by music outlets around the globe and has earned over 400,000 plays on Soundcloud. But Peter Kirk, the New York-based mastermind behind Panama Wedding, is not dwelling upon the buzz garnered from his musical outfit's breakthrough track; instead, Kirk is preparing a rich career full of expertly crafted songs that defy categorization, and a live show that grows more muscular as his audiences swell. "All Of The People" is an enduring anthem and envious first act, but Kirk -- newly signed to Glassnote Records and readying his debut EP -- has much more up his sleeve.
"There's a generally hopeful tone to 'All Of The People' -- it was written in the wintertime, and I wanted to reflect that feeling of spring turning into summer," says Kirk of the song, which is built on a foundation of effervescent vocals and opulent synths. "But 'All Of The People' is just one song, and there's this whole other body of songs I've written that I want to focus on and share."
Kirk's success as Panama Wedding comes after a lifetime of tinkering with different sounds: as a classically trained pianist growing up in Long Island's Oyster Bay, Kirk made a habit of recording songs in his bedroom with his friends. When he moved to New York City as an adult a few years ago, Kirk rented a studio in midtown Manhattan to continue exploring writing and recording music, if only as a hobby at the time.
Holding down a full-time job, Kirk would plow through 11-hour workdays before heading to his studio and honing a concoction of pop, adult-contemporary and electronic music. "For about two years, I went there every night after work, and would just try to write and record and put together something," recalls Kirk. "At this point, I was just sending music to my friends under my name, rather sheepishly wondering whether or not they would like it. Over time, the responses went from, 'Hey, this isn't bad,' to 'Wow, this is really good!' Then, random friends of friends started reaching out to me independently, asking, 'Who are you? What is this?' They wanted to find out more."
Kirk decided to take his music on the road, and stayed patient while looking for local opportunities. His first gig, at a DIY east Brooklyn venue, was viewed by just one of friend in the audience, but Kirk's crowds started growing as he became more comfortable under the bright stage lights. His live setup also evolved from a one-man show with a laptop and keyboard construction into a proper band setup, with a bassist and drummer supporting his expansive vision.
Eventually, Kirk got noticed by Seth Kallen, a Brooklyn-based manager, who suggested that Kirk produce a new version of "All Of The People" and release the polished track as Panama Wedding's debut single. Kallen gave the mixing duties to budding producer Andrew Maury, formerly of RAC, who has worked with bands such as Ra Ra Riot, Givers, Tegan & Sara, and High Highs. Maury "knocked it out of the park," says Kirk. The new version of "All Of The People" was released online in July 2013 and exploded on impact: the single reached No. 1 on Hype Machine in a week's time, earned raves on tastemaker sites like Indie Shuffle, Neon Gold, and Crack In The Road while earning thousands of streams in a matter of hours.
After a string of acclaimed sold-out performances during the CMJ Music Marathon in fall 2013, Panama Wedding finalized a deal with Glassnote Records, aligning Kirk's project with the company behind best-selling artists like Mumford & Sons, Phoenix and CHVRCHES, among many others. Kirk has previewed Panama Wedding's debut EP, due out in spring 2014, during sold-out performances opening for artists like St. Lucia and HAERTS -- a far cry from Kirk's one-person audience at his first show just a few years ago. More music fans will get their Panama Wedding curiosities piqued at South By Southwest, full U.S. spring tour with RAC & Dan Croll, and then at multiple festivals this summer.


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A Poem for Memorial Day:
From Jason Poudrier, a former Army sergeant who was wounded in Iraq in 2003, "Red Fields":
My feet sink
into the Barnestilled soil
of my father-in-law's
Oklahoma land,
reminding me of times
before I met his daughter.
When I drove along
in a tank convoy
towards Baghdad
at the same
pace as a tractor
over an unplowed field,
we dug foxholes
in the sand
with every stop we made.
My driver and I would have
fifteen minutes to dig
two foxholes,
with e-tools
better designed for
digging 1'x1' cat-holes.
When the sand was soft
like the overworked
edges of the short-rows
of my father-in-law's fields,
it was a blessing.
We'd dig our holes deep,
safe, to plant ourselves into
if we came under fire,
so we could rise out
when the lead rain ended.
When the sand was as hard
as the unworked
ground hiding under
the buffalo grass,
our e-tools would chink
at the surface with every hit;
our holes would be shallow,
and we'd push the sand up around
the perimeter, making
a false reservoir of safety,
knowing bullets would penetrate
the powdered walls if we were ambushed,
and our bodies would lie
half-exposed in shallow graves,
in pools coloring the sand
Oklahoma clay.
When his daughter was only
a pin-up girl in my mind,
the sandstorms would erase
the foxholes after we left;
now I drive my father-in-law's tractor
and set the plow into the soil
to cultivate his land.


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The death of Jeffrey Epstein in his New York jail cell is not going to stop authorities from further examining his alleged sex trafficking crimes – and may see the investigation widening and targeting new suspects.
In the wake of the billionaire's apparent suicide on Saturday morning, his accusers voiced anger and regret that Epstein would no longer face them in court – and called for authorities to continue their investigation into others who might have been involved in a trafficking ring that targeted young girls for sexual abuse.
That call looks to have been taken up. Statements from authorities after Epstein's death indicated potential co-conspirators were not off the hook.
William Barr, the US attorney general, said Monday: "Let me assure you that case will continue on against anyone who was complicit with Epstein." He added: "Any co-conspirators should not rest easy. Victims deserve justice and will get it."
New York authorities have echoed that sentiment.
"To those brave young women who have already come forward and to the many others who have yet to do so, let me reiterate that we remain committed to standing for you, and our investigation of the conduct charged in the indictment – which included a conspiracy count – remains ongoing," Geoffrey Berman, the Manhattan US attorney, said in a statement.
Veteran attorneys interviewed by the Guardian said Epstein's death would not impede federal prosecutors from pursuing conspiracy cases against others. They also said a controversial non-prosecution agreement agreed with Epstein's legal team during a previous case was unlikely to now shield any co-conspirators from prosecution.
"The main fact that the head of the conspiracy has been lopped off or died does not negate the fact that [others] can be charged," said the longtime criminal defense lawyer Murray Richman.
"Conspiracy is a secret agreement between two or more persons. They can focus on one person being the ringleader of that conspiracy but nevertheless, the other persons are involved in that conspiracy," Richman explained.
"They're all persons involved in the conspiracy and they're all persons that can be charged – each and every one of them," he added.
Rebecca Roiphe, a professor of law at New York Law School and former assistant district attorney in Manhattan, voiced similar sentiments.
"The fact that they brought a conspiracy charge indicates to me that they have other people in mind," she said.
Indeed, numerous court documents point to others' potential involvement in Epstein's alleged crimes.
The Manhattan US attorney's case against Epstein for alleged sexual abuse of minor girls as young as 14 includes charges of sex trafficking and sex trafficking conspiracy. Language in the indictment alleges Epstein "worked and conspired with others, including employees and associates who facilitated his conduct" in luring girls to his Manhattan and Palm Beach homes between 2002 and 2005.
Epstein's controversial non-prosecution agreement with the former Miami US attorney Alexander Acosta – under which he pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges rather than more serious federal crimes for allegations involving dozens of minor girls – also said "the United States also agrees that it will not institute any criminal charges against any potential co-conspirators of Epstein … ".
The paragraph then lists the names of four women and says its agreement is "not limited to" these named parties.
Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite and media heiress romantically linked to Epstein, has also been accused in civil litigation of recruiting Epstein's young victims – an allegation she has denied.
Exactly how these others would fit into the investigation is unclear. Some may involve witnesses who were cooperating with investigators against Epstein – and whose cooperation is thus no longer valuable after his death – or they could be separate cases.
"What we don't know is whether or not these third parties who were involved in the conspiracy were already working with the government, or whether they are indictments that were going to be brought later," Roiphe said.
David Weinstein, a white-collar criminal defense attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson and a former federal prosecutor in Miami, said Epstein's death would not affect prosecutors' attempts to prove others participated in a conspiracy.
"It's the same evidence, the same witnesses," Weinstein said.
Epstein's death could actually lessen potential issues with evidence.
"The evidence that they've seized from him directly – the only person who can contest the seizure [as unlawful] could be Epstein, or somebody who lived with him," Weinstein said.
"Now that he's dead, he can't challenge that. All of that becomes fair game."
As for Epstein's plea deal in south Florida 12 years ago, those interviewed were skeptical it would protect others from prosecution, since they weren't direct participants in this deal.
"Him being dead, the agreement is meaningless because the other parties are not party to the agreement," Richman said. "They're the third-party beneficiary."
Possible co-conspirators' defense lawyers could still try using this deal to their clients' advantage, arguing that the protections agreed in the deal still exist and extend beyond Florida. But the success of such an argument is not guaranteed to succeed.
"In a way, it's an interpretation of document. The thing is that, I don't know how these particular individuals would enforce an agreement they were not signatories on," Roiphe said.
Possible co-conspirators' lawyers could make an argument that "under contract law, that the government is breaching a promise that it's made and that you have an interest".
"I think that's a stretch," Roiphe said, "but it's not an impossible argument to make."
Accusers can also pursue civil cases against Epstein despite his death. In the US, litigants can sue deceased persons' estates in order to win compensation.
The lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents some of Epstein's accusers, told the Guardian: "We'll file an action to vindicate their rights within the next 10 days."


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Shar Pi'ee, co-writer for GRIND, facilitates our entry to the Blackbox via the backdoor. (Someone chuckles.) We pass a few graffitied debris on the way to the Blackbox. But, unfortunately, we do not have time to dwell on these static installations, and none were too conspicuous. We enter a dark enclave, not looking unlike an underground cult. Topless dudes perch atop pillar-like platforms, repeatedly chanting scripted lines.
The set, designed by Chris Chua, appropriates an uneasy air. What looked like stalactites at first glance, turns out to be giant milky-white globules. These viscous drops of semen-like residue suspend in mid-air, evoking a post-sex pensiveness. They cluster above the respective platforms, drawing attention to the four protagonists. There seems to exist an interesting power play between the audience and the protagonists. The boys look like prized trophies placed on pedestals to be gazed at by us. On the other hand, the audience stands awkwardly throughout the show, not knowing where to place our hands. And at all times, forced to look up at the boys (although technically, we are free to move about on the floor). I cannot quite decide who has the upper hand.
In contrast to the intimidating set, the monologues are easy to swallow. The four performers take turns to confess their life issues. Surprisingly, these issues are not at all unique to the LGBT circle. Although the play is touted as a 'contemporary gay play', most of the issues discussed are rather universal: yearn for a blessing from a beloved sibling that may never arrive; physical insecurity coupled with an unhealthy obsession with the social media; tormenting conflict between religion and self-identity.
Perhaps, this is how the playwright wants us to think about the concept of prejudice. On hindsight, I may have entered the theatre space holding certain 'prejudices' about the gay community, resulting in false expectations of a 'gay issue'. The play seems to be trying to close the gap between 'them' and 'us'. Ultimately, we are all dealing with the humanistic struggle with love, identity and bullying. We are not so much different after all.
Of course, the play does raise some agonising issues unique to the gay predicament, such as the denial of government housing, adoption of children, differential treatment in the army. But mostly, these controversial issues stem from fighting against the 'system'. The play does not – and is unable to – shed new light on these issues. But there is progress.
A pseudo-Pink Dot party rounds up the play at the end, signalling that the activist protagonist, Long, has succeeded in his pursuit. It is also interesting to note that this event is approved by the same 'system' that denied the above privileges. The protagonists finally came down from their stands, to be on the same ground as the audience, reconciling the disparity of power in the theatre space. Then, they disappear into the crowd, silently declaring that we are now on equal footing. Are we..?
What I also see is an attempt to establish the root of the gay identity. At one point, the playwright inserts biblical references to the word 'sodomy', alluding to the impenitent sins that wrecked the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. There is also a short history of the 'gay scene' in Singapore being told. And the only protagonist who gives in to the struggle with faith, and ultimately himself, dies. The play seems to suggest there is no compromise in the eyes of god. But dig deeper, it is he who cannot accept his own identity.
My only gripe, which amounted to my disappointment for the show, is the pre-show pep-talk. The facilitator preempted us to expect much crudeness, vulgarity or nudity. But for the most part, GRIND is simply a very serious (emo) show, with one exception of a split-second nudity. And I have already forgotten why he needed to get naked.
Presented by: Toy Factory Productions Ltd
Date: 26 Mar 2016, Sat
Time: 8:00pm
Venue: Drama Centre, Black Box


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Nearly all the choir's engagements support charitable fundraising, with venues ranging from village halls, churches and day-care centres to theatres, rugby clubs and cathedrals. The choir also travels outside its home ground, mainly within Hertfordshire, and in recent years has performed in North Yorkshire, the Netherlands and northern France.
Established in 1935 by expatriate Welsh miners who had moved to the WGC area for work, the choir has continued to maintain high standards of choral singing whilst holding on to its roots. It still includes a number of Welsh language songs in its repertoire. However no new recruit need be deterred by concerns about linguistic ability or technical musicianship. The vast majority of the choir's repertoire is songs sung in English, and range through spirituals, traditional pieces, songs from the shows and arrangements of modern numbers.
There is no requirement for choir members to read music (although an ability to do so is not a disadvantage!) and members of all levels of ability cope easily with new songs in languages other than English.
The choir currently has around 35 singing members and is always looking for new recruits. We sing in four part harmony, and whilst potential new members are welcome in any section of the choir, tenor voices are particularly sought. Rehearsals are held every Thursday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Ludwick Way Methodist Church, WGC, AL7 3PN. There is no religious affiliation. The choir functions in a sociable and convivial atmosphere and is supported by active 'Friends of the Choir'.
A very special, sell-out Jubilee concert marked the choir's 80th anniversary year in 2015. It took place at the Campus West Theatre, WGC on Saturday 14th November of that year.
Are you interested in joining, or do you know someone who may be? Contact one of the names listed on our website. Alternatively call in soon at a Thursday rehearsal - you will be warmly welcomed.
For more information Click Here to visit their website.


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Null Hypothesis and Formulas: A Definition With Examples
Leah is a biochemist, mother, and writer who has been publishing articles online for years. She enjoys researching historical topics.
A Problem of Probability: A Null Hypothesis Example
Two little league teams decide to flip a coin to determine which team gets to bat first. The best out of ten flips wins the coin toss: the red team chooses heads, and the blue team chooses tails. The coin is flipped ten times, and tails come up all ten times. The red team cries foul and declares the coin must be unfair.
The red team has developed the hypothesis that the coin is biased for tails. What is the probability that a fair coin would show up as "tails" in ten out of ten flips?
Since the coin should have a 50% chance of landing as heads or tails on each flip, we can test the likelihood of getting tails in ten out of ten flips using the binomial distribution equation.
In the case of the coin toss, the probability would be:
(0.5)10 = 0.0009766
In other words, the likelihood of a fair coin coming up as tails ten times out of ten is less than 1/1000. Statistically, we would say that the P<0.001 for ten tails occurs in ten coin tosses. So, was the coin fair?
Null Hypothesis: Determining the Likelihood of a Measurable Event.
We have two options: either the coin toss was fair, and we observed a rare event or the coin toss was unfair. We have to make a decision as to which option we believe – the basic statistical equation cannot determine which of the two scenarios is correct.
Most of us, however, would choose to believe that the coin was unfair. We would reject the hypothesis that the coin was fair (i.e. had a ½ chance of flipping tails vs heads), and we would reject that hypothesis at the 0.001 level of significance. Most people would believe the coin was unfair rather than believe they had witnessed an event that occurred less than 1/1000 times.
The Null Hypothesis: Determining Bias
What if we wanted to test our theory that the coin was unfair? To study whether the "unfair coin" theory is true, we must first examine the theory that the coin is fair. We will examine whether the coin is fair first because we know what to expect with a fair coin: the probability will be ½ of the tosses will result in heads, and ½ of the tosses will result in tails. We cannot examine the possibility that the coin was unfair because the probability of getting heads or tails is unknown for a biased coin.
The null hypothesis is the theory we can test directly. In the case of the coin toss, the null hypothesis would be that the coin is fair and has a 50% chance of landing as heads or tails for each toss of the coin. The null hypothesis is usually abbreviated as H0.
The alternative hypothesis is the theory we can't test directly. In the coin toss case, the alternative hypothesis would be that the coin is biased. The alternative hypothesis is usually abbreviated as H1.
In the little league coin toss example above, we know that the probability of getting 10/10 tails in a coin toss is very unlikely: the chance that such a thing would happen is less than 1/1000. This is a rare event: we would reject the null hypothesis (that the coin is fair) at the P<0.001 level of significance. By rejecting the null hypothesis, we accept the alternative hypothesis (i.e. the coin is unfair). Essentially, the acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis is determined by the significance level: the determination of the rarity of an event.
Understanding Hypothesis Tests
A Second Example: The Null Hypothesis at Work
Consider another scenario: the little league team has another coin toss with a different coin, and flips 8 tails out of 10 coin tosses. Is the coin biased in this case?
Read More From Owlcation
Using the binomial distribution equation, we find that the likelihood of getting 2 heads out of 10 tosses is 0.044. Do we reject the null hypothesis that the coin is fair at the 0.05 level (a 5% significance level)?
The answer is no, for the following reasons:
(1) If we consider the likelihood of getting 2/10 coin tosses as heads rare, then we must also consider the possibility of getting 1/10 and 0/10 coin tosses as heads rare. We must consider the aggregate probability of (0 out of 10) + (1 out of 10) + (2 out of 10). The three probabilities are 0.0009766 + 0.0097656 + 0.0439450. When added together, the probability of getting 2 (or fewer) coin tosses as heads in ten tries is 0.0547. We cannot reject this scenario at a 0.05 confidence level, because 0.0547 > 0.05.
(2) Since we are considering the likelihood of getting 2/10 coin tosses as heads, we must also consider the likelihood of getting 8/10 heads instead. This is just as likely as getting 2/10 heads. We are examining the Null Hypothesis that the coin is fair, so we must examine the probability of getting 8 out of ten tosses as heads, 9 out of ten tosses as heads, and 10 out of ten tosses as heads. Because we must examine this two sided alternative, the probability of getting 8 out of 10 heads is also 0.0547. The "whole picture" is that the likelihood of this event is 2(0.0547), which equals 11%.
Getting 2 heads out of 10 coin tosses could not possibly be described as a "rare" event, unless we call something that happens 11% of the time as "rare." In this case, we would accept the Null Hypothesis that the coin is fair.
Levels of Significance
There are many levels of significance in statistics – usually, the level of significance is simplified to one of a few levels. The typical levels of significance are P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.10. If the actual level of significance is 0.024, for example, we would say P<0.05 for the purposes of calculation. It is possible to use the actual level (0.024), but most statisticians would use the next largest significance level for ease of calculation. Instead of calculating the probability of 0.0009766 for the coin toss, the 0.001 level would be used.
Most of the time, a significance level of 0.05 is used for testing hypotheses.
Defining Rare: Significance Levels for the Null Hypothesis
The levels of significance used for determining whether the Null Hypothesis is true or false are essentially levels of determining how rare an event might be. What is rare? Is 5% an acceptable level of error? Is 1% an acceptable level of error?
The acceptability of error will vary depending on the application. If you are manufacturing toy tops, for example, 5% might be an acceptable level of error. If less than 5% of the toy tops wobble during testing, the toy company may declare that as acceptable and send out the product.
A 5% confidence level, however, would be completely unacceptable for medical devices. If a cardiac pacemaker failed 5% of the time, for example, the device would be pulled from the market immediately. No one would accept a 5% failure rate for an implantable medical device. The confidence level for this sort of device would have to be much, much higher: a confidence level of 0.001 would be a better cut-off for this type of device.
One and Two Tailed Tests
One-Tailed vs. Two Tailed Tests
A hospital wants to determine if the trauma team's average response time is appropriate. The emergency room claims they respond to a reported trauma with an average response time of 5 minutes or less.
If the hospital wants to determine the critical cut-off for only one parameter (response time must be faster than x seconds), then we call this a one tailed test. We might use this test if we didn't care how fast the team was responding in a best-case scenario, but only cared about whether they were responding slower than the five minute claim. The emergency room merely wants to determine if the response time is worse than the claim. A one tailed test essentially evaluates whether the data shows something is "better" vs. "worse."
If the hospital wants to determine the whether the response time is faster or slower than the stated time of 5 minutes, we would use a two tailed test. In this circumstance, we would values that are too large or too small. This eliminates the outliers of response time on both ends of the bell curve, and allows us to evaluate whether the average time is statistically similar to the claimed 5 minute time. A two-tailed test essentially evaluates whether something is "different" vs. "not different."
The critical value for a one-tailed test is 1.645 for a normal distribution at the 5% level: you must reject the Null Hypothesis if z > 1.645.
The critical value for a two-tailed test is + 1.96: you must reject the Null Hypothesis if z > 1.96 or if z < -1.96.
Calculating z-score
The z-score is a number that tells you how many standard deviations your data is from the mean. In order to use a z-table, you must first calculate your z-score. The equation for calculating a z score is:
(x-μ)/σ = z
x = the sample
μ = the mean
σ = the standard deviation
Another formula for calculating the z-score is:
z= (x-μ)/s/√n
x = the observed mean
μ = the expected mean
s= standard deviation
n = the sample size
A One Tailed Test Example
Using the emergency room example above, the hospital observed 40 traumas. In the first scenario, the average response time was 5.8 minutes for the observed traumas. The sample variance was 3 minutes for all traumas recorded. The null hypothesis is that the response time is five minutes or better. For the purposes of this test, we are using a significance level of 5% (0.05). First, we must compute a z-score:
Z = 5.8 min – 5.0 min = 1.69
3 (√40)
The Z-score is -1.69: using a z-score table, we obtain the number 0.9545. The probability of the sample mean being 5 minutes is 0.0455, or 4.55%. Since 0.0455<0.05, we reject that the mean response time is 5 minutes (the null hypothesis). The 5.8 minute response time is statistically significant: the average response time is worse than the claim.
The Null Hypothesis is that the response team has an average response time of five minutes or less. In this one-tailed test, we found that the response time was worse than the claimed time. The Null hypothesis is false.
If, however, the team had a 5.6 minute response time on average, the following would be observed:
Z = 5.6 min – 5.0 min = 1.27
3 (√40)
The z-score is 1.27, which correlates to 0.8980 on the z-table. The probability of the sample mean being 5 minutes or less is 0.102, or 10.2 percent. Since 0.102>0.05, the null hypothesis is true. The average response time is, statistically speaking, five minutes or less.
Since this example uses a normal distribution, one can also simply look at the "critical number" of 1.645 for a one-tailed test and determine immediately that the z-score resulting from the 5.8 minute response time is statistically worse than the claimed mean, while the z-score from the 5.6 minute average response time is acceptable (statistically speaking).
One vs. Two Tailed Tests
A Two Tailed Test Example
We will use the emergency room example above and determine if the response times are statistically different than the stated mean.
With the 5.8 minute response time (calculated above), we have a z-score of 1.69. Using a normal distribution, we can see that 1.69 is not greater than 1.96. Thus, there is no reason to doubt the emergency department's claim that their response time is five minutes. The null hypothesis in this case is true: the emergency department responds with a mean time of five minutes.
The same is true for the 5.6 minute response time. With a z-score of 1.27, the null hypothesis remains true. The emergency department's claim of a 5 minute response time is not statistically different than the observed response time.
In a two-tailed test, we are observing whether the data is statistically different or statistically the same. In this case, a two-tailed test shows that both a 5.8 minute response time and a 5.6 minute response time are not statistically different from the 5 minute claim.
Abuses of Hypothesis Testing
All tests are subject to error. A few of the most common mistakes in experiments (to falsely yield a significant result) include:
- Publishing the tests which support your conclusion,and hiding the data which does not support your conclusion.
- Conducting only one or two tests with a large sample size.
- Designing the experiment to yield the data you desire.
Sometimes researchers want to show no significant effect, and may:
- Publish only the data that supports a claim of "no effect."
- Conduct many tests with a very small sample size.
- Design the experiment to have few limits.
Experimenters may alter the chosen significance level, ignore or include outliers, or replace a two-tailed test with a one-tailed test to get the results they desire. Statistics can be manipulated, which is why experiments must be repeatable, peer-reviewed, and consist of a sufficient sample size with adequate repetition.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on May 03, 2012:
The question, Gus, is whether it was random luck or someone stacked the deck so that you would find it! ;-) I hope you found it useful!
Gustave Kilthau from USA on May 03, 2012:
Howdy Leah - I had been awaiting this kind of article for a long time, so I really thank you for posting it where I could find it. The odds, as it was, were far less than 1 in 1,000 for the occurrence !
Gus :-)))
Leah Lefler (author) from Western New York on May 01, 2012:
Thanks, brackenb - I remember the idea of a null hypothesis throwing me for a loop in college (when I was first exposed to basic stats). I hope the article helps someone!
brackenb on May 01, 2012:
Well written and understandable even to me, a dullard at anything mathmatical! Interesting hub.


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كبس كبش كبعث
1. ⇒ كبش
كَبَشَهُ, [aor. ـِ
كَبْشٌ A ram, or male sheep, whatever be his age: (M, TA:) or a male sheep [that has entered his third year,] when he has cast his central incisors: or when his tooth that is next to the central pair of incisors has come forth: (Lth, Ḳ:) [also applied in the present day to the wild sheep of the Arabian and Egyptian deserts and mountains; ovis tragelaphus:] pl. [of pauc.] أَكْبُشٌ and أَكْبَاشٌ (Ḳ) and [of mult.] كِبَاشٌ (Ṣ, A, Ḳ) [and app. كُبُوشٌ] and كُبُوشَةٌ, like صُقُورَةٌ from صَقْرٌ. (TA.) The female is not called كَبْشَةٌ, but نَعْجَةٌ. (IJ. [See رَاجِلَةٌ.])
[Hence,] ‡ The chief, or lord, of a people, or company of men; (Ṣ, Ḳ;) their leader: (Ḳ:) or their strenuous defender, or protector, and the one of them to whom others look. (TA.) You say, هُوَ كَبْشُ الكَتِيبَةِ (A, TA) ‡ He is the leader of the army, or troop: (TA:) and هُمْ كِبَاشُ الكَتَائِبِ ‡ [They are the leaders of the armies, or troops]. (A, TA.) And كِبَاشٌ also signifies ‡ Heroes, or brave men. (TA.) And † Aged and learned persons. (TA in art. خرف.)
[Hence also, ‡ A buttress: and a corbel which juts out from a wall to support a superstructure: so in the present day: pl. كُبُوشٌ.] You say, بَنَوْا سُورًا حَصِينًا وَوَثَّقُوهُ بِالكُبُوشِ ‡ [They built a strong town-wall, and made it firm with the buttresses]. (A, TA.) [See also another ex. voce فَصِيلٌ.]
كَبْشَةٌ [A handful: a heap: so applied in the the present day.]
[And hence, † A gang, or crew: thus, also, applied in the present day. Whence the sayings,] بَنُو فُلَانٍ كَبْشَةُ رُذَلَآءَ † [The sons of such a one are a gang of vile persons]: and كَبْشَةُ دُنَسَآءَ † [a gang of dirty, or filthy, persons]: thus they use this word to intimate dispraise: but [SM adds,] I know not how this is. (TA.) [Perhaps SM means that he doubts whether the word thus used be classical or not: for as to its signification, it is well known.]
كَبَّاشٌ An owner, [or a tender] of كِبَاش [or rams]. (TA.)


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Once you are gone with the bank balance and spend more with the credit card, you are in a situation of the credit card debt. In this condition, you have to get rid of this debt in order to decrease the interest that is piling up on you. In this case, it's better to find the ways to get rid of the credit card debts. Here are the ways in which you can do it.
- Make a strategy
Your first step is to make a strategy to get rid of these debts. These debts are the ones which can put you in a bad financial condition. So you would have to make a strategy for your money flow. The strategy has to be flexible so that it can be implemented in a way that it provides you with the maximum returns. You have to see your money flow and decide the strategy accordingly. Whether it is stopping yourself from going into your favorite restaurant or cooking all by yourself, you have to find a way in which you can save money and do a better money management.
- Do overtime jobs
During the time of the debt, the interest rate of the credit card keeps on increasing and this rate has to be stopped by paying the debt. You would have to do that as soon as possible as your peace of mind will be becoming lesser in proportional to the increasing interest. In this case, you would have to find a part-time job and do the overtime to earn more. If you are not able to save and cut on your expenditure this is the only way to escape from the debts. Don't worry you can leave the job as soon as you are free from the debts.
- Earn Online
There are a lot of means to earn online which you can do in your free time. There are web browsers that even pay you for surfing on them and there are review sites that pay you for your reviews on stuff. Catch them up and start to earn when you get free time. There is a difference between the job and the free time earning. In part-time job and the full-time job, you would have to be working regularly. But what if you get lunchtime and you are already full, at that time you can do these activities to earn more.
- Emergency Funds
Though it's good that you want to come out of the debt but it's essential to save some of the money for the time of the emergency. Emergencies can hit anytime and you should have some money for those needs. If you don't save this, you would be stuck for your basic needs and that would make you frustrated.
So to do a better money management and save more, you should choose a strategy that is not harsh on you and change your regular lifestyle to a greater extent.


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These cute kitty cats have some purr-fect messages for National Preparedness Month and year-round. Our thanks to APHA Get Ready campaign organizers for coming up with such creative ways to encourage preparedness and participation in their annual photo contests.
See more pics on APHA's 2012 Get Ready Cat Preparedness photo contest page (or cheezburger.com), and visit their 2014 Get Ready Tips from Tots photo gallery and 2013 Pup-Preparedness gallery for more cuteness.
Learn more about the American Public Health Association and their upcoming Sep. 16th Get Ready Day at www.APHAGetReady.org or follow them on Twitter @GetReady
Also learn more about National Preparedness Month and our Disaster book … and take action to get prepared for emergencies and life disruptions. Stay safe, j & B


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Top Mandy Moore Search Queries
Nearly 47,839 searches in August for search engine Goto.com (Soon to be renamed to Overture.com) were for the term 'Mandy Moore'. Despite her current age of 17, again 'Mandy Moore nude' is #2 on the list with 10,701 searches as is typical with the young female teen pop stars. "Mandy Moore lyrics" received 7,363, while 'Crush' was her most searched for song.
Mandy Moore Sounds Off On Children Being Taught Terror
September 20, 2001 – Mandy was asked on her message board, 'How should you react to those children been raised from Middle-Eastern countries by their parents to become suicidal fighters, I mean they grow up and believe that one day they can die for their country proudly, do you feel anger, hate, sympathy, sadness?'
Mandy responded saying:
I don't know how to react to anything about this situation but through anger and mostly sadness. how can you stop parents from raising their children in a way that they think brings them closer to god by putting the emphasis on killing and torturing??
People are always gonna have their opinions on what is right and what is wrong. heck, we still have people in our very country discriminating against race or sexual preference. and that is what has happened to our country, they have such hatred, such jealously towards that US that in their minds, killing is a way of showing honor to their country and to god. how sick is that? but sadly, it is how people are raised and who can stop that? it will always be present….
Mandy Moore To Co-Host MTV Asia Awards
September 16, 2001 – Mandy Moore has been confirmed as a co-host for the first ever MTV Asia Awards on Feb 2 2002 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Mandy responded to the news by posting on her message board, "I am soooooo excited!!! yeah!!!"


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Zoe captured Ben's heart, the way no other person could. She tamed his anger and eased his sorrow over the loss of his brother. He'd do anything to be with her, but he can't get through the walls around her heart.
Ben is the perfect man—hotter than a fresh-out-of-the-oven loaf of bread and sweeter than a pumpkin pie. For two years he's been her mainstay, giving her solace and a sense of safety. And although they are online-gaming buddies only, she wishes he could make her nightmares go away.
Scared to leave the confines of her home, she wants to be with Ben, but only if her violent past stays away from her doorstep and out of her head.
Of all days to invade this sector of the world, they chose her birthday.
Darned aliens messed up Sonya's plans to sit atop her brand-new lighthouse and flirt with Soljer. It took weeks to work up the courage to ask him to couple. Now with them descending from the sky, she wouldn't get the chance.
Zoe Kearny tightened her grip on the Xbox controller. She breathed in deep through her nose, puckered her lips, and then exhaled slowly. No need to get angry. Couldn't stop an inevitable war to celebrate a day they had no use for. Preventing aliens from taking over the world was, after all, part of the video game.
"Why now?" she whispered into her headset.
Ben chuckled. "Of all days to attack, huh?"
No doubt about it, great minds thought alike. Or at least, similar minds wishing they weren't spending their days five hundred miles apart.
Zoe focused on the picture on the bottom right corner of her TV screen. Yummy Benjamin Jeremiah Solmer was Soljer in games and in the band he played guitar in on weekends. Everyone called him Ben.
Ben was her rock—a cool rock with deep green eyes and bangs sticking up in tufts. Enviable lashes matched short midnight hair perfectly groomed around the sexiest ears she'd ever seen.
The man was hot—melt-to-the-floor kind of hot. So hot she often wondered why he spent his spare time playing video games with her, a woman he'd never met before, when he could be with anyone he wanted.
"Want me to make quick work of this?" he asked.
"No, I got this."
As tempting as it was to let him take over the fight, this was her moment to show off. She was so much better at this game than when they'd met outside the training grounds.
He'd invited her to his chat session two Christmases ago to scold her for carelessly, albeit accidentally, setting his virtual house on fire. She'd cried. He apologized for being a jerk and then invited her to be his acolyte.
"Just don't burn down your lighthouse with a rogue fireball."
She scoffed. "You'll never let me forget that. Will you?"
"Never. It wasn't just my house you burned down. The entire village went up in flames. I had to deal with a lot of pissed-off gamers that day."
"Ah. Poor homeless gamers. You really are a hero."
"Was that sarcasm?" He snickered. "It took two days to reconstruct twenty-five houses and relocate them to another town. Including my own house."
"Five more levels, then I can move there too. I think I'll buy the house next door to yours."
He cleared his throat. "The community's already banned you from the town."
"Are you serious?" She rolled her eyes. "I haven't set anything on fire in months. It'll probably be another year until I'm ready to move anyways. By then, I should be a high level priestess. If I live through this."
Fireballs she could handle. Her problem was taking on too many aliens at a time. Too often she found herself staring up into a pixilated blue sky that turned gray as she died. Dying made for slow character leveling.
"I won't let you die," he said. "But it should be easy for you to take them out wearing the new robe I gave you."
With +50 willpower, +35 endurance, and +15 fire magic, it was the best robe in the game at this level. The dark green garment went well with Sonya's long blonde hair and huge green eyes. Golden streaks woven into the skirt and along the low-cut neckline sparkled in the sun.
If Sonya wore a tiara, she'd look like a queen instead of a fire sorceress. If the dress was pink and this was a fantasy game with dragons and castles and a handsome prince to kiss, then maybe she'd be a princess instead. Defeating aliens, battling to save the world with a big-boobed cartoony character—this was sci-fi meets fantasy at its best.
"I hope you're right," she muttered.
"You'll be fine. I'm right here if you need me."
Zoe screamed inside. Stupid aliens. Birthday confessions ruined, Soljer's creator would remain oblivious to how she really felt. Today anyway. No cuddling or coupling would commence. The only fun she'd have was stopping the bad guys from taking over their virtual world.
Clear bubble-shaped spaceships landed on white sands along the endless coastline. Some hovered over the azure sea. Others slowly descended to the car-lined parking lots. Fifteen ships and counting. Twenty by the time they stopped appearing in the blue sky. Red skulls with blinking eyes rotated around each ship, adding a nice touch to the battle theme.
Purple blobs with long, gangling limbs and sharp, pointy teeth emerged from the crafts. Zoe puckered her nose. Disgusting creatures. Oddly cute. She'd keep one as a virtual pet if they were nice, but they were evil, destructive monsters that left trails of purple goo in their wake.
The aliens demolished the lifeguard station on the beach, the kiddie pool near the bathrooms, and the bathrooms too. They'd leveled the ice-cream stand to the ground, which meant no more cotton-candy cones during the summer. When the little monsters headed for the lighthouse, the beloved place she'd bought last week with all her in-game money, Zoe moved Sonya in position.
"Here they come," she sang.
She held down the B button. A giant orange fireball appeared between Sonya's palms. Zoe released the button, sending the ball hurling across the sand. The first wave of aliens charred like purple marshmallows over a bonfire.
"Burn, baby, burn." She released smaller but faster flaming balls. Wicked laughter spilled from Zoe's open mouth as the plum bodies blazed.
They were no match for her kick-ass sorceress. Two more big attacks and she'd rule the beach. Birthday saved. Maybe there was time for coupling after all.
Zoe shoved her thumb down on the B button again. Nothing happened. She tapped the button faster. The flames wouldn't come. Her gaze slunk to the empty magic meter on the side of the screen.
"Darn it."
"Use a potion," Ben suggested calmly.
"I don't have any more potions."
"What happened to the vials I gave you last weekend?"
She cringed. Drinking a magic-renewal potion created a pretty blue aura around the user. She hadn't the nerve to tell him she'd used them just to watch Sonya glow.
Soljer's tall, muscular frame stepped forward, long black hair waving in the breeze. An arsenal of weapons hung on his back and at his side beneath a dark brown gunslinger's jacket. He was so badass, all decked out in the highest-level legendary gear. Way overpowered for this battle.
"I'll take care of them."
Zoe moved Sonya between Soljer and the approaching aliens. "There's only a few more, babe. I can still do this."
"You don't have any magic left."
"Maybe I can beat them to death with my glowy-stick."
Ben laughed. "You're the only one I know who can make glowy-stick sound cute."
If he were sitting beside her now, she was sure he'd see her cheeks turn the same color as her pink pajamas. "Just be quiet. I'm concentrating."
Lips pursed, frazzled, Zoe backed Sonya up the sandy beach toward the lighthouse. Scary aliens followed, laughing, taunting, knowing she'd run out of the good stuff. Her tall, crooked wooden stick with a glowing green ball near the top wouldn't be strong enough to beat them down. But dang it, she'd give it a try.
"Wait a sec," Ben said, raising his voice. "Did you call me babe?"
Zoe lifted her hand to her mouth and gasped. With her finger off the trigger, she couldn't block the hopping purple globs. One leaped onto the hem of Sonya's new robe. Another jumped on her arm. If she didn't do something now, her character would lose her clothes and dignity at best. She'd die a horrific, blood-draining death, and then have to run a million miles back to resurrect her naked body.
"Okay, help me." She swallowed hard as Sonya's life meter inched downward. "I'm dying here." In more ways than one.
Lump in her throat, she watched her rock coolly unsheathe his gun and sword. Boom Boom! The blobs on Sonya's body fell dead to the ground. Slash! Purple blood splattered over the sand at her feet. Ten of them gone in seconds, and he hadn't even suffered a scratch.
He was good—too good to be hanging with an epic failure such as her. Even with the pretty new half-eaten robe, she wasn't worthy.
"Thanks, Ben," Zoe sighed.
"Say it, Zoe."
"Thanks, Ben…Soljer. Okay, I'll say it. I suck at this game."
"You called me babe."
She slapped her forehead. Great. He'd always remember her setting his house on fire. Now he'd never let her live this one down. She didn't mind. It'd been a long time since she was comfortable enough to use a pet name on a guy she liked.
Her stomach growled. She glanced at the clock. 8:30 p.m. Way past dinner time. Time always slipped by so fast when she hung out with Ben. Voicing with him was the highlight of her day, even when he gave her a hard time—especially when he gave her a hard time.
She rose from the couch and headed for the kitchen, controller in hand. "Well, you must have heard me wrong."
"Oh, I didn't hear you wrong."
She stuck a frozen dinner in the microwave. "Heat of the moment?"
She punched in two minutes on the timer then pressed start. "Okay, I said it. Did I offend you?"
"You can call me babe anytime you like…honey."
Twenty-seven years old today and she laughed like a schoolgirl with a crush. Maybe her birthday wasn't ruined after all.
"Honey is a bit old-fashioned, isn't it?"
His deep hmm sent a wonderful chill through her body. "I'll call you pumpkin, then."
"I'm flattered." Her face warmed. This talk was way better than playing the game. "Pumpkins are edible in anything," her voice wavered as she continued. "Muffins, breads, soups. Pumpkin pie is tasty."
"Do you taste like pumpkin pie?"
Not knowing how to respond, she swallowed hard. Elbows on the counter, chin against her fists, she watched the numbers count down on the microwave.
"Zoe, did I lose you?"
"Sorry, did you say something? The microwave's blaring loud tonight." She pursed her lips. Such a golden opportunity to flirt with him, and she'd chickened out. Chicken.
"What meal are you making for dinner tonight?"
"My favorite."
"Mine too."
Thunder growled in the distance. Rain pelted the side of the apartment. These were the woes of living on the end unit. Goosebumps crawled over her skin at the thought of a tornado passing through, or worse, the electricity going out. She hated being alone in the dark.
The microwave beeped. The bamboo chimes hanging from the patio rafters out back chattered as if they'd blow away at any moment. Lightning flashed. Thunder shook the walls. The glassware in the kitchen cabinets rattled.
Zoe shuddered as she lifted her long golden strands off her shoulders. She tied them back with her favorite white tie. She pulled the plastic back from the tray of lasagna, then closed her eyes and breathed in. Sweet basil and tomato sauce.
She set her meal down on the coffee table in her tiny cream-colored living room. Her corduroy love seat wouldn't win awards for the prettiest chair in the world, but it was comfy. Sinking down in the cushions was the best feeling in the world, besides eating a hot meal and talking to Ben.
The lights flickered. Another crack of thunder jangled knickknacks on the shelf beside the front window. She stuck a forkful of noodles in her mouth and watched Sonya stand beside Soljer on the TV screen. If the electricity went out, she was going to be livid.
"Hey, Zoe?"
Her skin tingled. The way he'd said her name, it sounded like he had something important to ask. She hoped this would be the big question, the one she'd waited over a year for, the one where they'd meet for real in a coffee shop, fall desperately in love, get married, and live happily ever after.
Her heart beat a mile a second. "Yes, Ben?"
"I need to head out to the gig."
Blah. Not what she wanted to hear.
It was Friday night. Bars hopped with hot women in skimpy dresses. Gorgeous guitar man Ben could have any woman he wanted. All he had to do was point, and they'd be on him like leeches in a Louisiana swamp. The image ruined the whole pumpkin-babe flirt.
Ben had a life in Denver, an exciting, busy life. He probably had a girlfriend or ten, ruining the happily-ever-after thought and making her feel like the dead alien lying in the sand at Sonya's feet.
Ben searched his room for his wallet. He'd be late if he didn't wrap up the session. As much as he loved being an active musician, he hated missing another game night with Zoe.
Never one for posting selfies, he'd given Zoe one at her request. She'd complained about the slight blur. The picture was six years old and mostly showed the side of his head. The past six months she'd badgered him to send her a new photo. He'd finally caved in and turned his smartphone's camera on himself.
"I sent you a new photo this morning," he said, finding his wallet in the tan cargo pants he'd worn to work today. He stuffed it in the back pocket of his jeans, and then turned his attention to Zoe's picture on the bottom right-hand corner of his TV screen.
Zoe was a breath of fresh air, an angel compared to the vampires at the bar. Long blonde hair curved around her face. Loose curls hung past her shoulders to her elbows. Bright blue eyes. Perfect smile. She was without a doubt the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.
Her profile pic was a kick in the pants. She'd posed with a plate of chocolate-chip cookies at a middle-school bake sale. The kids had pinned a ribbon to the collar of her pink button-up shirt for winning best-tasting cookie.
Meeting Zoe in person had zipped to the top of his bucket list. Even if his roommate Sheron had told him to "get it through his thick skull" Zoe wasn't the right one.
"Zoe's an innocent bakery manager from a one-horse town," she'd said. "You're a tortured, guilt-laden city boy who rarely smiles."
Maybe Sheron was right. His brother's motorcycle accident was his fault. Guilt hung over him like a rain cloud. He shouldn't pursue more than a passing fling, but he couldn't get Zoe out of his head. She made life worth living again.
To think he could get seriously caught up in her scared the hell out of him. He didn't want to admit it, but he kind of already had.
"Make sure your picture's clear this time," Zoe said in her soft, angelic voice.
He chuckled. "I promise, pumpkin."
"Where will I find it?"
"It's the birthday present at the top of the lighthouse. I'd planned on springing it on you late tonight after we talked about…something I've been meaning to talk to you about, but I don't know when I'll be home. We'll have to chat about it later. I'll shoot you a text if I catch a break tonight."
Sheron stood in his bedroom doorway in a tight leather dress, impatiently waiting for him to finish the call. By the way she dug the sharp end of her heeled shoe into the short Berber carpet, she was eager to leave for the bar.
Relentless woman. She was like an evil possessive older sister with horns on her head and a tail to smite him down whenever he got out of line. If she hadn't been married to his late brother, Chase, he would've already kicked her out of his house.
"End the session with doughnut girl," Sheron said.
He covered the microphone with his hand. "Get out of my room, Hateful."
Sheron flipped her long black hair over her petite tanned shoulders. "Jackass."
"Devil woman."
She batted her long lashes once. "Baker's man." One side of her lilac-colored lips curved upward.
"Dammit, Sheron." Ben pursed his lips. "I'll be there in a minute."
"Hope your gig goes well tonight." The sulk worked back into Zoe's voice.
He removed his hand from the microphone, and then sighed. "I'll make it up to you later, okay?"
"Happy birthday, Zoe," he said and then took off his headset.
He ran his fingers through his hair as Zoe's picture disappeared from the TV screen. Would've been a perfect night to ask her if she wanted to meet and pursue some sort of…relationship-type thing if their meeting worked out. Not sure how it'd work since she lived five hundred miles away, but he was ambitious.
It seemed too good to be true that she'd met someone like him at a dating service. He didn't belong here like the others.
The second installment in the Betrayal series. Available now on Kindle in paperback and e-book.


text:
JNSH focuses on building solid growth for our investors and shareholders through our expansion of our core principal businesses. We will be securing future contracts and implementing a savvy strategy to recognize companies with impressive growth potential to bring in additional assets through acquisitions which will translate into increased shareholder value.
Ticker Symbol: JNSH
Authorized Shares - 500,000,000
Common Shares Outstanding - 317,239,161 a/o 3/31/2022
Restricted - 22,674,917 a/o 8/7/2020
Float - 294,564,244 a/o 8/7/2020
Preferred - 5,000,000. Not convertible to common, supervoting (100-1) only.
Key Links (click on the icons):
Corporate Office Address
Company Officers
President & CEO: Brian Howe
Official Twitter account:
For a list of some current large clients, click here
SETTLEMENT Confirmed!!!
From CCGI/BLINK S1
On February 2, 2018, the Company and JNS entered into an asset purchase agreement whereby the parties agreed that the Company will: (i) on the date of closing of the Company's public offering ("Closing Date"), issue to JNS shares of common stock with an aggregate value of $600,000 at a price per share equal to price of common stock sold in the public offering; (ii) pay $50,000 in cash to JNS within ten (10) days following the Closing Date; and (iii) pay $100,000 in cash to JNS within six (6) months following the Closing Date (which will be secured by depositing common stock with equal value with an escrow agent), all of which is the ("Purchase Price"). On the Closing Date, in consideration for the Purchase Price, JNS shall sell, transfer and deliver certain car chargers and related assets to the Company. Within three (3) business days following the payment by the Company to JNS of $50,000 cash, JNS shall file a motion to dismiss without prejudice any and all lawsuits related to the Company and 350 Green including, but not limited to the JNS Litigation. Within three (3) business days following the payment by the Company to JNS of $100,000 cash, JNS shall file a motion to convert the said dismissal from "without prejudice" to dismissal "with prejudice". In the event the Company fails to timely pay the $100,000 cash payment, the Company agrees to the immediate entry of a judgement against it in an amount equal to 125% of the unpaid amount. In the event that the public offering is not consummated by March 31, 2018, the asset purchase agreement will terminate.
Transfer Agent
Action Stock Transfer Corp
2469 Fort Union Blvd Suite 214
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
Company Overview
We offer a full range of electrical services to the Chicago area. We specialize in temperature control installations. JNS Power & Control Systems, Inc. was founded in 2001 and has grown to become one of the most respected temperature control companies in the area.
One of our largest completed projects has been the Trump International Hotel and Tower, also known as the Trump Tower www.trumpchicago.com , it is a skyscraper condo-hotel in downtown Chicago, Illinois. The building is a 96-story structure wth 2,600,000 square feet of floor area, which reached a height of 1,362 feet including its spire, construction costs were $847 million dollars. Topping out in 2009 it became the second-tallest building in the United States after Chicago's Willis Tower (formally called the Sears Tower). We completed all of the temperature control installation for the entire building with Johnson Controls and also worked direct with Bovis Lend Lease for additional electrical tenant build-out projects.
JNS Power & Control Systems, Inc is located in Wheeling, Illinois which serves the Chicago area. JNS Power & Control Systems, Inc has been in business since 2001 and specializes in building automation, fire alarm installations and design build electrical services.
Our Mission
We are striving to become the leader in the temperature control industry serving Illinois. Our goal is to create demand for our services through the quality of our work.
We offer a fair trade of honest and dependable service for a reasonable price and will continue to serve our customers with the highest quality of excellence we can provide.
Our foundation is built upon repeat business from our customers. Therefore, we should continue to grow in the manner to which we are accustomed.
Licenses, Affiliations and Memberships
* IBEW Local #134 - Inside Electrical Agreement * IBEW Local #701 - Inside Electrical Agreement * IBEW Local #150 - Inside Electrical Agreement
* IBEW Local #117 - International Speciality Agreement * IBEW Local #364 - International Speciality Agreement * IBEW Local #176 - International Speciality Agreement
* IBEW, AFL-CIO, Washington D.C - International Speciality Agreement * Department of Central Management Services - certified small business under the Illinois Procurement Code, Section 45-45
Current Projects
Electric Car Charging Stations:
This is the First Electric Car Charging Station Video
Installed Electric Car Charging Stations
Wind Turbines
High Rises
ComEd Substations
Data Centers
Other Projects
Press Releases (JNSH):
CEO issued a shareholder update explaining silence and that MORE NEWS IS COMING
I am sure everyone was aware last February JNS and Blink announced that both parties have entered into a settlement agreement. The settlement had several terms and conditions and I am happy to announce as of February 25, 2019 all terms and conditions listed in the settlement agreement have been met. I understand some may be upset that we followed our legal counsel's advice to remain quiet, but the results tell me it was the correct decision. I would like to thank our shareholders for showing tremendous patience as this case worked its way through the courts. (almost 6 YEARS) Now that all litigation is behind us, we will be able to share once again using our social media accounts and press releases. Thanks again Brian Howe
TERMS OF USE REMINDER: The rules on this board are that you simply comply with the Terms of Use for I-hub. Simply talk about the stock and not attack users and your message will not be deleted regardless of whether it's positive or negative. Remember, everyone here may have some position with the stock and people's motives are not allowed to be discussed. People want to make money trading the stock, flipping the stock, shorting the stock, pumping the stock, bashing the stock, etc. The moderators may have positions in the stock as well. But discussing the people who post and their reasons for doing so are off limits.


text:
Last month, the County Council unanimously approved my bill that will create a clean-energy jobs apprenticeship readiness program through Worksource Montgomery, which provides jobtraining and other employment services around the county.
This program will help meet two critical needs in our county:
- It will give our jobless and underemployed residents a great opportunity to train for a well-paying career and climb up the economic ladder.
- It will help provide the skilled workers that our construction companies need, as the industry increasingly incorporates greener technologies. And the need for these workers will only grow, with significant development scheduled in County buildings, schools, neighborhoods near the Purple Line, downtown Wheaton and White Oak, all of which will have a major focus on using renewable-energy sources.
On top of that, promoting more green building technologies is good for the environment and will help the County meet its goal of zero carbon emissions by 2035.
The program will focus on training unemployed and underemployed youth and transitioning adults. The goal is to set them up for success in apprenticeship programs registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship Training Council and for eventual long-term employment in the cleanenergy construction industry.
The program will help prepare participants to work in jobs related to solar systems, green roofs, geothermal systems, rainwater catchments, pervious pavement, thermal walls, wind, natural gas, sewage treatment and other environmental technologies.
The program is not expected to cost taxpayers anything, according to a fiscal analysis by the County's Office of Management and Budget. The program is anticipated to cost from $10,000 to $17,500 annually, with Worksource Montgomery seeking grants or sponsorships to cover expenses. More information on the bill is here: https://bit.ly/2K81CXO.


text:
Everyone Hates Your Brilliant Idea
By Jeffrey Baumgartner
Everyone hates your brilliant idea. Not at first of course. At first they loved it, when it popped into your mind, inspired by your second (or was it the third?) gin and tonic at the pub round the corner where you fled with your colleague friends for a de-stressing end of the day drink or two or three. Then, they loved your idea as they laughed and they toasted you and said, "you should do that!" never thinking you'd be daft enough actually to do it. No way.
In the sobering light of the next morning's sun, you still glow with the compliments of your tipsy colleagues. As you shower, your brilliant idea takes further form. It could really make a difference you believe with no false modesty. It will lead to changes, of course, but changes for the good, you are sure.
When you share the idea at the next staff meeting, your drinking buddies look on in horror. They vaguely recall your saying something along those lines at the pub the evening before, but they did not -- no not at all -- think you'd really take such an idea seriously. Good grief, no!
Meanwhile, your other colleagues in the meeting laugh, but not in a good way. They say:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
"Our customers would never like it."
"It would never work."
"Not here, no way!"
You are discouraged, but not quite enough to kill the idea in your own heart. Not yet. Let us hope, not ever.
Later, a mature colleague, who has been with the firm probably since the fall of the Roman Empire, invites you into his office. "I just wanted to warn you," he says ominously as you look around for assassins hidden in his office or on the roof of the building next door, "That you should be very careful with that idea of yours. That's not the way we do things around here. It could get you in trouble. Drop it. It's for the best," he says.
You do not like to be pushed around and somehow, each rejection gives you further strength and determination. You won't let them kill your motivation. You persevere and push forward. Finding spare moments to put the idea together; to develop it; to build a prototype as your colleagues pretend you are doing other things. If you're lucky, they think you're a bit eccentric, but not dangerously so, and leave you be. Fortunately, for you and your idea, they'd rather not believe that you continue to have the audacity to want to shake up the company with that ridiculous idea of yours. And they leave you and your idea in peace.
Understand them. Your idea would force change and new ways of working. It would disrupt processes and make old ideas, ideas that have kept the company going for years, obsolete. Frankly, your colleagues just don't want to think that way, which just now is good for you. They close their minds to your brilliant idea and get on with their tasks for the day -- each and every day that your idea simmers in your mind.
With all this negative energy, you might be discouraged. Why persevere when everyone hates your idea, you may wonder. Why not just get on with business as usual? But it's too late. The seed is planted, the idea is growing.
"Thank goodness for that," I say. "Thank goodness for that! So, please, please keep it going!"
Because, over time, your colleagues may soften. Your prototype will impress them. Your determination overwhelms their apathy. "We could give it a try," a manager cautiously says one day.
And you do.
At first, the results disappoint you. You expected better.
But be patient, my friend. You've fought tooth and nail to get your idea to this stage. Yours is not some trivial suggestion for moderate improvement, but a grand, brilliant and bold idea. An idea that will change your world and your company for the better. Give it time.
And with time, results get better and better. The idea takes off. With time, it becomes more spectacular than you ever expected. It is written up in Forbes, Financial Times, The Economist and a dozen other business journals. Your brilliant idea is a winner. It changes things. It makes the world a slightly better place.
As for your colleagues who hated your brilliant idea: "No, we didn't. We've always loved it!" they say. "It was others who were against it," they insist.
But you and I both know that the only reason your idea ever succeeded is because you believed in it relentlessly. You persevered when everyone hated your idea and warned you against taking it seriously. In spite of the hatred and discouragement, you pushed forward and made it happen -- the only way bold, brilliant ideas ever happen. Because, you see, everyone hates a brilliant idea until it is proven and then they love it.
But, you ignored the nay-sayers. You persevered. You made it happen.
And thank goodness you did!
© 2014 Jeffrey Baumgartner
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text:
Lisa Freiman, executive director for Virginia Commonwealth University's Institute for Contemporary Art, is no longer in her position.
According to a news release sent out to news media today, Freiman decided to "return to her scholarly roots," just before the major new museum is scheduled to open on April 21, with its inaugural exhibition, Declaration (co-curated by Freiman).
Involved since the beginning in 2013, Freiman is no longer listed as staff on the ICA's website.
"We at the ICA want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Freiman for her passion, her guidance, and her leadership throughout these last five years," read the release. "We wish her the very best of luck in her adventures to come."
When Freiman began, she was able to virtually handpick her staff, according to some close to the organization. Since then, there has been significant turnover in the staff employees she hired, including the loss of inaugural curator, Lauren Ross, who left "not by choice," she told Style last month.
When asked about the turnover last month, Freiman told Style by email: "The ICA team is firing on all cylinders as we prepare for our opening on April 21, 2018, and we will soon be announcing some exciting new appointments. As with all organizations, we are nothing without our people."
Pamela DiSalvo Lepley, vice president for university relations, notes that the ICA was scheduled to open last fall, and that Freiman put a number of projects on hold that she planned to complete after the original opening.
"She now feels all is in place for a successful opening with the completion of the capital campaign, launch of the endowment campaign, a dynamic roster of exhibitions and programs set for the opening and beyond," Lepley says via e-mail. "And, as she says in the statement, she has assembled a great curatorial and administrative team that leaves the ICA in good hands and enables her to focus on her scholarly work at VCU."
Style wrote a cover feature about the build-up of the museum in August of 2016. The institute has completed its initial capital campaign of $37 million and launched an endowment campaign with a $12 million goal.


text:
In the summer we went to Edinburgh to see a screening of The Killing II, the Danish thriller I was obsessed with all year. They were screening the first episode of series two at the Filmhouse as part of the Television Festival. As a very special bonus Sarah Lund herself was present for a Q & A! Well, Sofie Gråbøl, the actress behind the woolly jumpers.
Season Two Episode One was as thrilling and intriguing as we'd all hoped. Then finally Sofie was introduced and the crowd went mental. I wondered if it would she was be bemused or slightly creeped out that hundreds of British people had turned up to watch a screening of a television programme that had aired in Denmark years earlier?
She was so very, very classy. How do European women do that? You know, look elegantly put-together yet slightly dishevelled like you've just had a good tumble? She was wearing slim-legged trousers and one of those big floaty jumpers that would make me look like a lumpen potato but on her was the height of casual sophistication. She answered the audience questions with wit, patience and perfect English. I was consumed by teenage yearning… how cool would it be to be like that? Understated style, wry and witty, sexy and aloof all the same time. I couldn't get a toe into her jeans, let alone any of the other stuff. Wah wah wah.
Afterwards, we emerged from the theatre and back into reality. Except it was not quite reality, as we were still in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is a lot different from Dunfermline. I moved to Dunfermline after I got married. Edinburgh and Dunfermline are separated by a bit of water and linked by the Forth Rail Bridge, the Greatest Feat of Victorian Engineering™ (and a nondescript road bridge), but the two towns are worlds apart. Edinburgh has galleries and festivals and cinemas that show films other than ones that require 3D glasses. There are places to eat foods that are not doused in cheese and/or batter.
Dunfermline is located in the region of Fife, which is known as the KINGDOM of Fife because in the ye olde days Dunfermline was the capital city of Scotland. But that's going back a long way now. The thrones have long been replaced by kebab shoppes.
Fife has been my home for seven years now and I love it. I dig the coast, our village, my friends, my tiny commute, the veggie patch and the secluded woods to wander in. It's a great life. But every now and then I need a fix of fancy dinner or entertainment so I hop back over the water.
Being in Edinburgh feels like a different world. There's a Castle, for crying out loud. On this particular summer's evening the castle was bathed in that weird metalicky post-rain sunlight. We had a bus to catch back to Fife, but I didn't want to break the Edinburgh spell. We'd been to see The Amazing Sofie, we'd had a drink and I wasn't wearing tracky dacks.
"Let's come here more often," I rambled to Gareth, "And see more movies without 3D glasses? Catch some bands? Or a play. We never go to plays. I mean, look at that castle! Why don't we just move here? There must be a shoebox for sale…"
I swooned at the Edinburgh sunset as we waited at the bus stop.
And waited and waited.
Then waited some bloody more.
Bus after bus after bus flew by, full to the brim with Fife-bound festival-goers. The drivers would shrug their shoulders helplessly as if to say, Sorry love. Nae room.
And with that, the Edinburgh love affair was over.
With every bus that passed I could feel the futile rage boil in my veins. I wanted to be home. Now! Home in good old Fife with a cup of tea. Why did we leave Fife? Whose ridiculous idea was this? I bet it was Gareth's idea.
Soon it was dark and I didn't have a warm jacket, coz I thought we'd have been home ages by then. Stupid Edinburgh.
After approximately seven years and many murderous thoughts, a bus finally stopped.
"We are getting on this bloody bus if it's the last thing we ever do," I said to Gareth. "So get your elbows oot!"
"I've not many seats left!" warned the driver.
Normally in this country there is a definite queue etiquette but this time everyone just surged violently, like seagulls on a hot chip. Luckily we'd been waiting so long we were right at the front, so we managed to get on. I had to stop myself from screaming "IN YOUR FACE!" to those left on the pavement. A family with about six children made it too, but a quartet of revellers who'd been waiting on the steps of a pub - not actually in the queue let me point out – missed out.
Pub Man was very unhappy.
"I want your name and the name of your supervisor!" he bellowed at the driver, "This is an outrage!"
"I'm sorry sir," said the driver, "The bus is full and I can't let anyone else on."
"But how are we meant to get home? Give me the name of your supervisor!"
"The bus is full!"
"Give me the name of your supervisor!"
The bus driver politely explained the situation again, hit the button to close the doors and started to pull away. But Pub Man was having none of it. He leaped onto the bus and somehow managed to wedge himself in the gap of the semi-closed door as we moved down the street.
"I'm not getting off until you give me the name of your supervisor! How the hell are we supposed to get home!?"
The passengers rumbled with disapproving tut-tuts and "for fook's sake"s and "have ya no' heard of the train pal"s. But Gareth and I looked at each other with an uneasy, "that could have been us" expression.
I mean, how close are we all to coming undone? We're oh so civilised watching Danish thrillers in the cinema and standing politely in queues, but push our buttons a wee bit and we begin to fizz. And there's nothing quite like that special brand of impotent rage that comes with public transport delays, when it's really late and you just want to fucking get HOME to your bed. Another half hour and maybe we would have cracked up too?
The driver stopped at the end of the street, opened the door again and Pub Man reluctantly stepped down. He was still ranting as we drove away. I wonder if those poor buggers made it to the train station in time for the last one over the Bridge.


text:
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