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MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on the signing of Monaco right-back Djibril Sidibe.
Talks are scheduled between the two clubs over a deal which will see the French move to Old Trafford.
According to the experts it is simply a matter of time until Sidibe, 25, become a United player. United manager Jose Mourinho is said to have begun negotiations over this particular transfer in April.
Sidibe joined Ligue 1 side Monaco from Lille in 2016 for repotedly £13million. Right back Djibril Sidibe has been named in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the Russia world cup 2018.
Antonio Valencia is Manchester United's No.1 right-back right now. But the French club will likely to charge a hefty fee for the versatile full-back. He has played on both wings this season. After selling defender Ben Mendy was sold to Manchester City for £52m.
United have identified both full-back positions as areas of their weakness. Antonio Valencia has been Mourinho's No.1 pick at right-back but at 32 he probably needs a change as well. Backup Matteo Darmian looks set to leave as Juventus is keen to sign him.
It is believed the French club will demand more than £52million, what Manchester City paid for Benjamin Mendy last summer.
Defence remains a priority for Mourinho in the summer as Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw are all expected to leave and at almost 33, Antonio Valencia is nearing the end of his career.
ALSO READ| Manchester City eye sensational double £120million Serie A signings
In other defender-related transfer news Celtic defender Kieran Tierney, who has been scouted by United, has refused to rule out a potential move in the future.
The 20-year-old has won three Scottish Premier League titles, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup since breaking into the first team and insists he is happy at the club.
Sportstalk24 makes sure the users gets the best information about Live Cricket Score, Live football score, Sports Schedule and their favourite Sports Blog Posts.


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Dear males associated with my 18-year old self.Posted: 08/27/2012 Filed under: Bitching, Men | Tags: blackmail, men, vancouver men 2 Comments
It's really time to grow up. Do you really think I haven't matured enough in the past 5 years to see what your intentions really are and that you are all fully-grown, manipulative, pieces of shit? Yes, I would like you to stop contacting me. From now on. Forever. And no, I will not provide you with my number anymore.
But no, you're just not getting it. And call me big-headed, but I am sure you read my blog. Goodbye to the users, abusers, exes, and exotic male dancers. I'm disinterested.
Don't make me upload your texts, emails and messages to show off your desperation. And oh yes, if provoked, I will go there. But I'm holding back because I'm much classier than that now.
Do me just one favour.Posted: 08/22/2012 Filed under: Men, Personal, Relationships | Tags: love, men, relationships Leave a comment
Someone pull me out when I start to get too deep, okay? Feels like I'm starting to lose a bit of reality, a bit of myself.
Time for a vacation.
Boyfriend holding you back?Posted: 08/14/2012 Filed under: Personal, Relationships | Tags: boyfriend, goals, motivation, reaching potential, relationship 3 Comments
This is what I've been thinking for the past couple of weeks. I really thought about it hard. Again, with this whole struggling transition into the real world combined with thoughts of moving out, buying a car, personal finances, the option of traveling, and studying (which I've conveniently forgotten), I've been stuck in a rut. I feel like I've been trapped. But what's trapping me? My mistake was to blame it on being in a relationship. The mere thought of maybe, just maybe, my boyfriend may be holding me back from realizing my potential and reaching my goals, clouded my future. And it upset him. I mean, I was practically saying I was unhappy with him and the relationship and that clearly is far from how I feel. What I was doing was just finding excuses as to why I can't reach my goals or, more accurately, why I can't reach my goals with somebody.
Right now, I'm just lacking motivation. That, and I have a severe way of devaluing myself and my efforts whether it is my education, my business, or my career aspirations. I'm confident but not. I constantly need reassurance in order to succeed or to realize that yes, maybe I can do this. It's something that I personally need to overcome any work on. Any advice?
Anyways, this blog is in major need of constant updates and new posts. So much has been going on but no time to blog and/or no access to my laptop and/or iPad (I've tried blogging from my iPhone but it's just too much work! And I always have too much to say). Until next time…
Warrior Dash.Posted: 08/04/2012 Filed under: Events, FML | Tags: fuck, Warrior dash Leave a comment
In 4.5 hours. Who's fucked? Me. Let's hope I survive the race…and after.

subset: commoncrawl


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We frequently have questions from users about the creation and authorization of spectacle Rx's. This is the most efficient and accurate way to create and utilize spectacle Rx's:
At the conclusion of every "comprehensive" encounter that includes a refraction, efficiently creating and reviewing the Rx as well as making recommendations for the fabrication of the Rx is critical. Our system allows you to streamline the process by using data that is already in the medical record as the basis for the Rx, preventing transcription or data entry errors.
Once the refraction data is entered into the medical record, typically in the "final refraction" test, or sometimes via the "Distance Refraction" or "Cycloplegic Refraction Test", creating an Rx from any of the refraction data from that day's encounter is quick and easy. In most cases, a staff member can create the Rx, making it available for doctor review. Once any modifications are made, the doctor then authorizes the final Rx.
This screen shot shows the screen for selecting which refraction data the Rx is based from. Once it is chosen, create a Pending Rx.
As you can see from the screen shot, it is useful to set up the "Optical Review" workflow step to be at the end of encounters. Opening the Pending Rx enables the Rx to be completed as documentation is completed for this encounter. The Rx can then be printed for the patient.


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- Economy
- Diversity
- Mobility
- Innovation
- Stewardship
- Community
Though most motorists driving by probably don't notice, sod, shrubs and trees are nearly as important to an ODOT project as concrete and asphalt. Like a conscientious camper, the agency tries to leave a work site better than it was before construction.
The bridge program's environmental performance standards call for restoring project sites with a diverse array of native species, which are better for an ecosystem and easier to care for.
An Interstate 5 project in Salem widened both the freeway and seven replacement bridges. As construction drew to a close, work crews planted 35,000 trees, shrubs and ground covering to replace greenery removed to make way for construction. Many of the plants are native to the state, such as Oregon white oak, big leaf maple, snowberry and Oregon ash.
The trees and plants do more than just look nice on the side of the highway: They also provide a noise and visual buffer for the surrounding properties as well as help stop erosion.
Locally appropriate plant selection is a key consideration. Two Ashland-area interchanges benefited from ODOT's partnership with a local landscape architect who ensured that mass plantings of flowering bulbs, pear and evergreen trees, and shrubs were selected both for visual appeal and for their ability to thrive in Jackson County's challenging climate.
By taking into account hydrology, wetlands, wildlife, vegetation, soils, erosion control, grading and storm water management, then carefully selecting trees and plants suitable for soil and climate conditions, and finally monitoring plantings for as long as five years, ODOT's bridge program has, at project sites across the state, left a truly green legacy for passing motorists.


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Alpha Data recently announced that it has received the 'Middle East Partner of the Year Award' from VMware.
The ceremony was recently held during the Middle East Partner Summit at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. The company was recognised for generating the highest consistent revenue and year-on-year growth for VMware's business across the MENA region and across all market segments, including Enterprise and General Business.
Over the last 12 months, Alpha Data demonstrated planned investments in the different VMware emerging technologies. In addition, it has dedicated teams that are responsible for the growth acceleration and customer adoption of VMware. VMware celebrated their leading partners during a gala award ceremony by handing out 10 different awards to its top performing partners, including companies and individuals, over the last year.
Amar Singh, Head of Enterprise Department, Alpha Data, said, "We are truly humbled by this recognition from VMware which reflects the strong partnership between the two companies. The award also demonstrates our shared commitment in providing our customers with world-class cloud and virtualisation solutions. This honor will serve as an inspiration for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to develop and sell excellent, fully efficient and dependable software and services that can help our clients move to a more integrated IT systems."
"We consider the achievements of our Middle East Partners as vital to our success and progress in the region and look forward to their continued collaboration," said Reeman Ansari, Regional Channel Manager MENA, VMware. This award is recognition of the team's continued investment in the different VMware emerging technologies and the creation of a dedicated team responsible for the acceleration and customer adoption of VMware. We congratulate Alpha Data for their exceptional accomplishment and wish them great success in the future."


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Such lists can be obtained at http://lesiteayvon.com/listesoncoman.html
Examples of available lists: NEng 2,000 footers; ME500 most prominent peaks; NH 1,850 footers
Info is in French but self explanatory (e.g. élévation = elevation; culminance = prominence; fichiers = files)
The files are grouped in 3 parts:
1) Elevation lists by descending order of elevation
2) Elevation lists by QUAD
3) Prominence lists
To access files one clicks on red titles (LIEN vers les fichiers)
These lists are unique, going beyond NEng 3K's, NEng1000, NH 2K's and NH500
Criteria for establishing Oncoman mountain lists
1. Despite potential inaccuracies due to limited resolution, only the National Geographic (2002 edition) on line digital data using official USGS topographic maps (7,5 minute that is 1 :24,000 scale) were used, even if other sources quoted more accurate data; so as to ensure internal consistency between the various lists.
2. Unless otherwise specifically stated on maps, values for elevations & key saddles are interpolated.
3. All values are given in imperial units. If conversion from metric units is required, units are rounded to nearest unit (eg 2745.49' = 2745' ; 2745.50 = 2746').
4. All peaks must have a minimal prominence of 200', interpolated if peak and/or saddle values are not officially stated on maps. However peaks with a prominence less than 300' are clearly identified, thus making it easy to convert lists to minimal 300' interpolated prominence ones.
5. No minimal distance between peaks is required.
6. If 2 peaks have the same elevation according to maps, as well as the same proximate parent and the same key saddle, they are nonetheless considered as 2 separate peaks provided that the col between them is 200' or more interpolated. Otherwise such peaks are considered as a single peak, irrespective of the distance between them, but with multiple twin peaks; and these must all be climbed. This situation of twin peaks, or expressed differently, of a peak with multiple nearby equivalent contour lines is fairly frequent. However note that occasionally twin peaks can be more than 1 mile apart and may have distinct official names and be located in different QUADs or even different states or country. Also twin peaks may have slightly different elevations if one has an officially stated elevation value and the other(s) only interpolated values. Theoretically the higher one, be it the interpolated one or the one with an officially stated elevation value, should be considered as the true peak; but I chose to require that all such twin peaks be climbed.
7. Mountain shoulders, also called false peaks, on state borders or country borders, are excluded.
8. Disqualified peaks due to above criteria but on other official or unofficial lists must also be climbed, by respect to former peakbaggers. Note that peaks with less than 200' of interpolated prominence, but whose prominence is 196' or more, are also included in the excluded but to do list. Also peaks missing the elevation threshold of qualification for a given list by 4 feet or less are also included in the disqualified but to do list.
9. Peaks that do not qualify due to officially stated insufficient values of elevation and/or col, are nonetheless included on the qualified or excluded lists if the values for their interpolated elevation and/or col shifts them over the threshold of qualification for those lists.
Nomenclature for Oncoman lists
Identification of list by state & elev. or prominence goal seeked (# pks on list + # disqualified pks)
e.g. NH1850' (536 + 47) ; NH100p (100)


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Back in the beginning of September I had started work on taking a prototype shield (these) and soldering the circuits on the back using standard hook up wire and converting it into a guidance shield for easier demonstration purposes and to minimize the rats nest of loose wires hanging out all over the place. This increased the durability of the entire system but hit a major hardware snag when it did not work as it did on the breadboard. The issue was it started moving the servos a single tiny skip then shutting the whole system down. What was happening is that the servos were drawing far too much current for the 5V pin and the Arduino shut down to protect itself as it thought it was short circuiting, not an I2C bus issue as I first surmised. I figured it out at last earlier this week, when I used an additional power supply for the servos (lots of power required to move 4 of them simultaneously). This fixed the biggest hardware problems I was having with a minimal amount of changes required to my circuitry (will need only an additional regulator) and no major changes to the code (will be moving the servo pins to PWM next revision). When you encounter an issue, first thing to check is for shorts, then to see if something else has gone wrong such as a misplaced connection or a solderblob jumped terminal that should not be connected.
|Shield top, not so great wire layout


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The Federal Government on Wednesday at an auction raised N110 billion worth of bonds to mature in 2021, 2027 and 2037, the Debt Management Office, DMO, said in Abuja.
According to DMO's auction result obtained from its website on Thursday, fewer bonds were sold at the auction than the N140 billion anticipated.
It also said DMO sold N10 billion of 2021 paper at 16.30 per cent, N35 billion of 2027 re-opened paper at 16.29 per cent and N65 billion of re-opened 2037 paper at 16.29 per cent.
The website stated that subscriptions from investors for the July 2021 bond, stood at N17.29 billion, while that of March 2027, which was reopened, stood at N52.5 billion.
Also, subscriptions for the April 2037 bond, which was also re-opened stood at N91.67 billion.


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Picture this: it's March 17, 2017 and the weekend was upon us. As many people did over the weekend, I binged watched Marvel's Iron Fist; the last of the individual origin stories leading up to the epic team up The Defenders. Despite critics scathing and bias early reviews of the show, I went into the show with optimism and fervor as I had with the first three shows. Unfortunately, the story that was told was less than stellar in execution. And I think that's putting it nicely.
Danny Bland is really boring
These kind of stories so far have placed a spotlight on lesser known (but important) Marvel superheroes like Jessica Jones, Daredevil (redux) and Luke Cage. Each one of them had personality and charm. Jessica's sarcastic whit, Luke's kindhearted bravado and Daredevil's charisma translated well on screen. Danny Bland unfortunately was about as charming as a dried up potato. His personality was so one-dimensional and stagnant that it made for very boring and cringe-worthy dialogue. Even if he lived in a monastery all his life, I found Shen from Wendy Wu's Homecoming Warrior to be far more likable than Danny. Even his fellow K'un-Lun bestie Davos had more personality in his gruff exterior. We can either attribute this to the lackluster writing or Finn Jones' paper thin on-screen performance. Nevertheless, Danny Bland was not the star of his own show.
The corporate melodrama was distracting
The first three episodes are more or less a drama about corporate politics, legality and office strife. Danny's quest to regain his family's business which is worth billions was slow and painful. Watching the Meachum siblings' daddy issues and power struggles took away from the main focus. The entire first quarter of the season can be summed up as #RichPeopleProblems. Having to suffer through rich people's tug-o-war of a company that didn't belong to them in the first place is both asinine and reductive. Even if we are to be subjected to such matters on screen, there should have been interesting characters and dialogue to pull you into the drama and shenanigans. I don't know where things went wrong in the writing but it was blatant that this particular series suffered a lot.
The Supporting characters stole the show
Just about every single supporting character in the show was miles ahead of Danny in terms of characterization. Colleen Wing was essentially one of the well-developed characters in the show aside from the returning veterans. Colleen's internal struggle, moral dilemma and budding love for Danny was intriguing. Her personal narrative was definitely a highlight. It brought to mind Knives Chau from Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Even though she wasn't the star of the show, she still managed to be a fully realized character.
It goes without saying that Claire Temple (Night Nurse) portrayed by the incomparable Rosario Dawson was a scene stealer. Claire's moxie, tenacity and mettle coupled with her charming personality was a much needed addition to the show's lukewarm cast. Claire's plotlines that ran deep from both Luke Cage and Daredevil were plastered all over Iron Fist. Her previous encounters with the Hand and other enhanced heroes allow for her to say the things that we the viewers were thinking the whole time. No matter how absurd her DIY surgery miracles got, we as the viewer still believed in her abilities. Rosario was a delight and much needed to get through this entire season. I would also like to highlight Jeri Hogarth who was also a delicious treat. In Jessica Jones, Jeri Hogarth was a scrupulous and bitchy character that was never without a witty retort. Carrie-Anne Moss delivered that same New York power lesbian lawyer to this show. I wished she was introduced a lot sooner during the first three episodes. You know when they were doing all the legal beagle stuff.
The Fight scenes were lackluster
For a show based around a character who is supposed to be one of the greatest martial artist in the Marvel Universe, we sure didn't get any memorable fight sequences. The fighting in this show was a huge letdown. I could have excused his bland character if he shined in the fight sequences. I was expecting epic and intricate fight sequences that would eclipse all the previous shows. He is the Iron Fist and he fought like the Aluminum Handful. Seeing Danny get beat up by regular henchmen and untrained foot solders was an insult to my intelligence. Danny Bland was able to best a dragon to gain the power of the Iron Fist yet a couple henchmen gave him so much trouble. I was turned off by Finn Jones' execution in the scenes too. He looked like he had just learned how to fight a few days before shooting. Nothing about his movements, stances and attacks had any intensity behind them. It was like watching an episode of Power Rangers.
The Hand also were lackluster in this series. Daredevil had problems taking on one ninja from the Hand and in Iron Fist, they seemed less lethal. A still-in-training Claire and an inexperienced Colleen were able to best them easily. Probably the worst offense of this was the final showdown between Danny and Harold Meachum. I could not fathom why Danny was struggling to defeat Harold. Even if he was shot in the hand, Harold had very limited training in martial arts so even with an injury, Danny should have been able to take him out without any trouble. The only highlight in terms of fight choreography was Lewis Tan's masterful portrayal of the lethal Zhou Cheng. It was clear just from that fight sequence that Lewis should have been hired to choreograph all the fight sequences in the show at the very least (or you know casted him as Iron Fist.) His drunken boxing was mesmerizing and left me wanting more.
Colleen and Danny had no on-screen chemistry
I didn't feel any sexual tension or chemistry between them. On-screen it was lacking. Their "supposed" love affair looked awkward and forced. Their "love scene" was not very good in any sense. I don't know what the intention behind that scene was but showing any kind of intimacy on-screen lends itself to the idea that the two would be enthralled in a passionate sex sequence. I've seen better sex scenes on The CW.
There's no clear or distinct villain
Trying to figure out who the villain was in the series made for a very confusing experience. Was it the Meachums blocking Danny from his family company? Was it old Madame Gao? Was it Kabuto? I think the real villains were the writers of this show. The consistent team switching and alliance shifting made my head spin. The problem that arose was the switching wasn't clever. It was the very generic "We side with those who help us reach our goals" shtick and it happened so often and out of the blue that it lost its effect after the second time it happened. None of the supposed villains had any real impact on the story aside from their assigned reveals to push the story. Madame Gao seemed to be the only villain with any real intention. Her goals were laid out from the start and she remained a crazy old lady till the very end. I think one of the reasons that made the plot and overall story suffer was due to its overinflated villain roster.
Ultimately, Iron Fist fell flat. To give this show another season over Luke Cage or Jessica Jones would be criminal. This show felt like a filler show while the popular shows were in between seasons. Hopefully with the combined awesomeness of the other three Defenders, Danny won't feel so bland. Maybe he needs to be around such colorful and diverse characters that can help develop his character more. Three out of four great shows isn't bad. Despite this mediocre finish, I think the Defenders will be an amazing show once it airs. Until then, let's never speak of Iron Fist again.


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Cupcake #2
- 2 shots Vanilla Vodka
- 1 shot Triple Sec
- Fill with Pineapple Juice
Of course feel free to modify to taste - this is just how we were taught. We have done shooters, or had a cocktail and just added more of the ingredients accordingly. You DEFINITELY want this cold, so make sure your Vodka and your Triple Sec is in that freezer for at least a couple of hours! Sip, and enjoy!
Nothing has ever tasted so much like a cupcake until I tried this! The first time it was made for me, I liked it so much that I ended up doing another two, and they were all double shots. That was one interesting night!


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Did you know that 98% of SMS messages are read within five minutes of them being received? Pretty powerful, huh? If you're looking to create your own SMS campaigns, you're in the right place!
Creating an SMS campaign
Designing a great SMS campaign is critical to engaging your contacts. You can start by following these steps:
- Click on Campaigns in the main navigation bar to go to the 'My campaigns' page
- Click on New campaign
- Give the SMS campaign a name and click Save
- Enter the content of the message in the SMS campaign editor.
A single SMS message can be a maximum of 160 characters, or 70 characters if you're using a non-Latin alphabet/character set. You can exceed this amount, meaning your message will flow into a second SMS, as indicated by the counter at the foot of the message.
- Click Save when you're happy.
If you're adding personalisation that causes a message to exceed 160 characters (or 70 characters when using a non-Latin alphabet/character set), then the message will run into a second SMS message.
Please be aware - each extra SMS message equals another SMS credit deducted from your balance.
Personalising your SMS campaign
You can add personalisation by clicking on the personalisation icon to the right of the message box icon and selecting any one of the five fields. For instance, clicking Field 1 will add @FIELD1@ to your message and the value held against your contact for this field will be added to your message when it's sent. Please note that there's a 128 character limit for a personalisation field.
Link shortening and tracking
To ensure you use as few characters as possible and can track engagement with your SMS campaigns, you can turn on link shortening and tracking. To start saving on your character limit:
- In the SMS editor, create and name a new SMS campaign
- Drop in the link you want to shorten. Please ensure this link begins with either https:// or http://. Links that don't begin with a protocol will not be shortened or tracked.
- Click the Turn on link shortening prompt that appears or click on the link shortening icon on the right-hand side of the SMS editor
- Click Shorten, and either select for 'This and all future campaigns' or 'This campaign only'. If you click on 'This and all future campaigns', link shortening and tracking will remain on until you open the sidebar again and turn it off.
- Once you've made your selection, click Save
When you turn on link shortening, you'll notice that the link in the message editor stays the same length. The reason for this is because we generate unique shortened links behind the scenes after you click the send button – this is how we track who's clicking.
We calculate every shortened link as exactly twenty-two characters. So even though the link doesn't look shorter in the SMS editor, with link shortening turned on, your character count always shows the length of the final message. It's as if we have already generated the shortened link.
If you'd like to see an example of your shortened link while editing, click preview. But remember, this is just an example and you mustn't copy this demo link into the editor.
UTM tags
If you use Google Analytics, you can add UTM tags to your SMS links to help you better understand your customers. It's also more convenient, as you won't have to create a new UTM tag each time you send a new link. This only works if you have link shortening and tracking turned on.
To enable UTM tags for your SMS message links:
- Go to the SMS area.
- Go to Campaigns > Advanced features.
- Go to Google Analytics tracking > Continue.
To change any default values, click the pencil icon under the Edit heading.
To disable UTM tags for your SMS message links:
- Go to the SMS area.
- Go to Campaigns > Advanced features.
- Click Disable Google Analytics tracking.


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Dian Tauriana Siahaan is a senior lecturer in innovation and entrepreneurship. She received her Ph.D. title from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia. Her study in innovation capability of ICT SMEs was fully supported by Australia Awards and had inspired research collaborations among ICT clusters and incubators in Indonesia. After completion of her study, Dian is highly engaged with incubator management at the regional level, and serve as a Balanced-Score Card consultant for both the public and private sectors.
Dian has research interests in the field of innovation clusters and milieux, entrepreneurial ecosystem, new venture creation, and small business management.
She has obtained research grants at the national level and overseas and strongly believes in the efficacy of academic research in advancing a country's competitiveness.


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Also found in: Wikipedia.
bai·dar·kaor bi·dar·ka (bī-där′kə)
A one- or two-hole kayak used by the Aleut and various Alaskan Eskimo groups.
[Russian baĭdarka, diminutive of baĭdara, large boat made of walrus skin over a wooden frame, perhaps akin to Russian baĭdak, rowboat, skiff, piece of wood of a certain thickness, from Old Russian baĭdakŭ.]
a type of narrow hunting boat, similar to a kayak, made of sealskin and used by inhabitants of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands


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How to keep the Spark Alive in your Marriage As you look back on those days when you first met your spouse, you are reminded with feelings of euphoria. You remembered how the thought and sight of your partner gave you butterflies in your stomach. You probably […]Read more →
The Often Ignored Factor for Successful Dating For some people, finding a partner seems to be such an easy task. It is as if they create their wish list of the qualities of partner they would like to have, and suddenly that person would just appear on […]Read more →
How to Make Dating Less Stressful and More Exciting Good news! Dating does not have to be stressful. It can actually be fun and exciting if you take things easy and know what are your preferences. Let John Shepherd Lim, President of Academy of Certified Counsellors and Singapore Counselling […]Read more →
Dating Tips Research has shown that first impressions last and it is therefore essential to form one that counts. Our physical appearance play one of the biggest role in making an impression as it is the one aspect people notice first. Grooming is a necessity. Most women […]Read more →
Dating Tips What to do when you are on the First Date, meeting that potential soul mate for the very first time? The time finally arrives and it all boils down to that very moment when you meet that special person for the first time, the one […]Read more →
Dating Tips – Food to Avoid on a First Date The first date can be rather nerve wrecking with so much running through our minds and that constant need to look perfect. The last thing we'd probably want is to attend to the extra worry of what's […]Read more →


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Clean Energy Alliance: Energy Resource Planner
Energy Resource Planner
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is a new Community Choice Aggregation/Joint Powers Authority formed to provide electricity services to retail customers in Southern California. With 31 member agencies, CPA will be the largest CCA in California and 5th largest electric utility in the State, serving over three million residents and businesses though more than one million customer accounts.
CPA uses its market power to advance clean energy goals in a way that adheres to the local priorities of its member agencies. To further this mission, CPA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented team member to provide resource planning and project management support to CPA staff, under the supervision of the Director of Power Planning and Procurement.
This is a challenging opportunity to play a key role in restructuring Southern California's energy market to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide local choice in energy supply and services. To be successful you must:
• Have high attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Have strong project management skills
• Handle multiple priorities to meet deadlines and escalate key issues
• Work accurately and swiftly under pressure
• Demonstrate good judgement and integrity
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing and have the ability to translate complex technical
information into non-technical language
• Have a high tolerance for uncertainty but know how to bring things to resolution
• Have a strong work ethic befitting a start-up environment
The Resource Planner will be responsible for providing support to CPA's resource planning and energy supply portfolio and procurement efforts. Key duties include:
• Resource Planning: Build and maintain long-term resource planning tool for the development of internal and regulatory-mandated integrated resource plans.
• Price Forecasting: Analyze trends in electric and natural gas markets. Maintain long-term price forecasts for energy, resource adequacy, environmental products, inflation, and other key planning assumptions.
• Load Forecasting: Support quantitative assessment of local programs and key inputs for load forecasting, including developing and maintaining assumptions and assumptions for behind-the- meter generation, energy efficiency, demand response, and transportation and building electrification. Coordinate with CPA's third-party load forecast provider to validate CPA load forecasts and scenarios.
• Compliance and regulatory support: Serve as subject matter expert for key compliance and planning regulatory proceedings related to energy market planning.
• Contract Valuation: Assist with the administration of long-term RFO processes, including intake, evaluation, and QC of proposals. Build and maintain long-term valuation tool for renewable and storage offers, including RFO and unsolicited proposals.
• Procurement Systems Management: Work with IT consultants and software vendors to select, build, and maintain critical procurement functions, including deal capture, portfolio risk analysis, load management, and contract management systems.
• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience in CAISO and North American electrical and gas markets
• Demonstrated experience with financial and/or quantitative analysis, including forecasting and
performing cost/benefit and trend analyses
• Demonstrated experience with production simulation and statistical forecasting modeling, trading
software, and other procurement software and systems
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel and ability to build reports and work with large volumes of
Start Date: May 1, 2019
Salary and Benefits: CPA offers competitive salaries benchmarked against other CCAs and public agencies. Benefits include health care, a 401(k)-type match program for retirement, and progressive paid vacation/sick leave policies. This is not a civil service position.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles.
Culture: CPA fosters a culture of open communication, responsibility, and intellectual curiosity. As a small team seeking to build the largest CCA in California, high levels of trust and mission alignment will be key to individual and team success.
Commitment to Diversity: CPA is made up of geographically and socioeconomically diverse members and intends to build a staff reflecting that diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for all positions.
How to Apply: Candidates should send a resume with 3 references to firstname.lastname@example.com


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Winter Bingo Fun,
MHRN Center
January 16, 2011
Each January, on the Sunday afternoon right
before Martin Luther
King School
holiday, for the past 7 years, Anchor hosted
winter bingo fun for the residents of Monument
Hill Rehab and
Nursing Center.
This year was no exception!!
Twelve Anchors were able to conduct the
bingo games and serve some great cookies (baked
by Anchors) and sherbet and ginger ale floats
(provided by MzR).
There were 19 residents who enjoyed the
games as well as several residents who were
quite familiar with the tasty treats always
provided by Anchors.
And, winners received $ .50 per game for
their winning efforts!!
Anchors set up the dining room, pulled out the
equipment, pushed the wheel chair bound
residents from their rooms to the dining area
and just generally had great one on one time
with the elderly and very grateful participants
Several of the residents who have been in the
nursing center since this project began six
years ago, still participate, and were very
happy to share the afternoon with us.
To see
the progression of their illness, dementia, and
Alzheimer's disease is saddening.
However, most still have a very pleasant
disposition and are absolutely thrilled that
Anchor teens have taken the time to be with them
on a Sunday afternoon – not necessarily to play
bingo, but to just visit and share time!
Budget Needed to Underwrite this Anchor Project
Prizes for games of bingo, 2 rolls of quarters .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . $20.00
Anchors provide cookies and Mrs. Rainosek
provides the punch


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Find out more.
You haven't logged in yet. If you have an account already then Log In or, if you are new then Register
for an account now... it's free!
Share a photo of you and your horse with our Facebook page (or e-mail it to firstname.lastname@example.com) and on 31 August we'll randomly choose one to be the star of our September schedule!
N.B. Make sure you are the copyright owner.


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Spring is here!Or certainly appears to be although two months early for most parts of the country. People are outside, mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, cleaning out flowerbeds and cleaning concrete driveways, walkways, entries, and patios. It is amazing how dirty concrete can get – all those open pores soak up dirt as well as water. It is going to be a long summer so clean up now, seal decorative concrete to protect it from harsh summer weather AND if you are creative and want a real lift to your outdoor living spaces – add some color stain and have a "brand-new" patio or entry.
If you are in the Overland Park, KS area, we offer free training classes in how to stain and seal your concrete to add new vibrancy to your outdoor living. Our Training Classes. If you are outside of our area email us or call us to get to get a copy of our free training manual.


text: Dorchester Physiotherapy Service « Back to Hospital » Find the right consultant BMI The Winterbourne Hospital General surgery Imaging Services Ophthalmology services Orthopaedic Services Physiotherapy Spinal Assessment Service Varicose Vein Assessment Clinic Winterbourne Hand Surgery Womens Health Services Physiotherapy services at BMI The Winterbourne Hospital We are a dedicated team of chartered professionals based at the Winterbourne Hospital in Dorchester. Our modern clinic offers access to 18 different specialisms of physiotherapy, and is available to everyone for rapid assessment. Our fast track access to imaging and advanced team of experts ensures our treatments are highly effective and accurate. We take pride in our high quality rehabilitation and look forward to returning you to a happy healthy lifestyle. Services Treatments available: Acupuncture physiotherapy - can be used on its own or in combination with physiotherapy to help treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions. AlterG anti-gravity treadmill - the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® is used to reduce stress on injuries and joints in the lower body. Bracing - you may benefit from bracing if you have been suffering with painful joints, stability issues or have ongoing pain. Braces can also help with rehabilitation and returning to sport. Chronic pain management - if you have had persistent or long standing pain that has failed to respond to previous treatments, then it would be helpful to consult a physiotherapist. This type of physiotherapy has been shown to assist patients with coping strategies that can help improve quality of life. Gait analysis – is the assessment of the lower limb biomechanics, e.g. how you stand, walk or run, to help identify problems in your legs, hips or even your back. It can help prevent painful conditions developing or recurring. Hand therapy - provides assessment and holistic rehabilitation for patients with a hand or upper limb injury or condition. The treatment is tailored to your needs and focuses on helping you get back to the day to day activities that you enjoy. Hydrotherapy - also known as aquatic therapy, is physiotherapy performed in a warm water pool. The effects of the water and warm temperature can help to reduce pain and provide support to aid your rehabilitation. Occupational health - physiotherapists who work in occupational health help to treat work-related problems, as well as educating employers and staff on safe working practices to help avoid injury. Pelvic health physiotherapy - pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to assess and treat a range of conditions that can cause pelvic problems, including anti-natal, women's health, men's health and problems such as incontinence of the bladder or bowel, or pelvic pain. Physiotherapy for sports injuries - the diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint and nerve problems caused by practicing a sport or exercising, including muscle imbalances, joint pain and post-fracture rehabilitation. The aim is to get you back to sport as soon as possible. Pilates - a form of exercise that may improve balance, strength, posture, flexibility and circulation. It focuses on strengthening the core abdominal and back muscles. Shockwave therapy - also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), it is used to treat chronic tendon problems, shoulder pain, painful heel, tennis elbow or pain in the Achilles tendon. Vestibular rehabilitation – the treatment consists of exercises designed to retrain the balance system and to re-programme your brain to tune out the dizzy sensations. The goal is to gradually reduce the severity of your symptoms, by becoming desensitised. Amputee rehabilitation We offer prosthetic rehabilitation and management ideas with our Paralympic level physiotherapist. Disability sport and advanced rehabilitation Posture and seating with wheelchair skills are delivered by our Paralympic level physiotherapist. We also offer spinal injury advanced rehabilitation, disability sports specific problem solving and coaching and calliper training. Integrated care All BMI physiotherapists are registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and work closely as part of our integrated multi-disciplinary teams within our hospitals so that if necessary, you can benefit from fast referrals and access to high quality imaging technology to help accurately diagnose and aid treatment pathway decisions. Gym equipment: The purpose-built physio-gym lets our physiotherapists work with you to provide expert advice and develop an exercise programme which meets your specific needs. Exercise forms an important part of physiotherapy. The aim is to increase mobility, muscle strength, and general fitness, build core stability, and reduce symptoms. Our gym includes: Bike Free weights Cross trainer Rowing Machine COVID-19 Remote Consultations Update - 7/6/20 Our physiotherapy services remain open for business, and we continue to accept new referrals - you do not need to have seen your GP or a Consultant to refer yourself for Physiotherapy. However, the safety of patients and our staff is of paramount importance to us, so we continue to operate a 'Virtual first' approach, as recommended by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). For full details on how BMI is keeping its Physiotherapy patients safe Call us on 0800 404 6660 to arrange your appointment Back to top Facebook Twitter Linked in Pinterest


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Where to Stay in Rohnert Park
Centrally located in Sonoma County, Rohnert Park makes a great vacation base, with a variety of lodgings offering easy access to everything the area has to offer.
It's just a 10- to 40-minute drive to coastal walks along the beach, wine tasting at estate wineries, hiking among towering redwoods at Armstrong Woods, enjoying world class entertainment, and, of course, indulging in fabulous shopping expeditions. Add to that, there's easy in-easy out access on the county's main drag: Highway 101.
Of course, there's also plenty to do within Rohnert Park itself. To learn more, read 48 hours in Rohnert Park and Family Fun Activities in Rohnert Park.
Staying in Rohnert Park definitely has its perks. The only question is, what are your preferences? Here are some suggestions that will help you plan for almost any type of vacation.
Extend Your Stay
Oxford Suites Sonoma County
Oxford Suites Sonoma Countyoffers options for short term or extended stays. Accommodations include luxury suite to family friendly arrangements, and everything in between. Each has an amply furnished kitchenette and dining area that invites you to create your own meals using the wines, fresh produce, and artisan cheese you will no doubt find on your visit and carry back to your room. Add to that, a full hot breakfast awaits you in the morning, and when you return from your day's adventures you'll enjoy an evening reception of appetizers and wine, beer, or soft drinks. You also have the option of dining in their restaurant, which is open from 5 until 10 p.m. every night. Gathering a group? They offer banquet and conference facilities plus in-house catering. Finally, you need not leave one of your cherished four legged friends at home, this is a pet friendly inn.
Easy Access To Everything
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country has it all, including convenience: it's located close to the highway and hosts a stop for the Sonoma County Airport Express buses that operate regularly from the hotel to either the San Francisco or Oakland airports. Once here, you can plan your visit — including answering your wish to just unwind. You can play golf at a PGA Certified championship golf course, take a dip in the pool, enjoy the tennis court and fitness room, or simply stroll the park around Robert's Lake reservoir, which is next to the hotel. Add to that the fact that if you are traveling with someone who is sight impaired or in a wheelchair, this hotel has a wide range of amenities to make their stay more comfortable. The in-house Bacchus Restaurant and Wine Bar offers laid-back elegance with seating by a fireplace or on the patio, plus a menu inspired by local farm offerings.
A Little Local Color
If you're looking for the charm and history of Sonoma County wine country, consider spending time at The Gables Wine Country Inn, a historic bed and breakfast located just outside Rohnert Park … and generations away from the 21st century. This is a classic Victorian Gothic Revival farmhouse, with all the sumptuously appointed amenities you might expect from this Grande Dame of inns. Each guest room features a full-size claw foot tub with shower, goose down comforters, complementary bath products that are made in Sonoma from locally grown lavender, and soft micro-fiber sheets from a specialty bed linen company in Seattle. Looking for a private getaway? The separate guesthouse offers a full kitchen, spa style whirlpool bathtub for two, cozy loft bedroom, wood burning fireplace, and space for a second couple to sleep downstairs. And a word about the breakfast: incredible. Each course is created using fresh, local produce and the kind of cuisine artistry that makes Sonoma County so famous.
Serious Fun
On to a different sort of luxury: the Graton Resort and Casino. Modern, vibrant, and innovative, this is a popular destination in and of itself. The casino, of course, is a hive of activity 24/7, but the resort amenities, including a 200-room hotel, deserve notice as well. You could actually spend an entire day here, just devoted to taking care of yourself, with a full fitness center, super-sized pool, whirlpool bath, and steam room. The spa offers an extensive menu of pampering massage, and facial and body treatments. In the evening, you can relax in either of two stunning bars, or settle into the luxury of the new VIP lounge. Dinner options span every preference, from classic pub grub and all-American burgers to artisan San Francisco pizza, and from steakhouse classics to creative sushi and Southeast Asian fare. At the end of the day, you'll return to a spacious and sleekly designed guest room with all the sumptuous amenities you'd expect from this resort, such as deeply plush down comforters and pillows, with 320 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.
Best Bet for Your Budget
Good Nite Inn
Good Nite Innis affordable, totally comfy, and central to everything you want. A brilliantly mod reception area, thoughtful amenities, and friendly staff await your arrival. For those traveling on business, you'll have wireless access and fax and copying services, plus a spacious workstation in your room. Also included: free tea and coffee in the lobby, access to a pool with lounging area, and a visitor's laundry center. Visiting a 'starving student' at Sonoma State University? The Good Nite Inn is located next to two amazing fast food eateries: California's classic drive-in, the In N Out Burger just down the road or, for those who want to opt for something more vegetarian and organic, Amy's Drive Thru, the first-of-its-kind drive in restaurant serving up organic, local, vegetarian, and non-GMO fare to go or eat in.
So come visit 'Sonoma County Central' — Rohnert Park. In addition to the diversity of experiences available throughout the county, you can also stay close to home and visit the Green Music Center for a concert in a spectacular world-class concert hall that offers indoor and outdoor seating. And for the kids (or the young at heart), check out Driven Raceway or Scandia Fun Center. That said, you might want to consider booking a couple of extra days just for a few spontaneous new plans!


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Part of our Metamorphosis range, this plate features an original illustration of a parrot in top hat, dress shirt and tails, looking decidedly cheeky!
Our collection is available as a full set, but you can also choose your favourite characters to create your own charming dinner parties.
All our fine bone china is made in England, and is designed exclusively by Mrs Moore.
We know how important it is to feel you're choosing something unique, that reflects a little of who you are, and this dining collection will certainly offer something true to you.
Whether a single addition to add a striking talking point or part of the full eccentric collection, this lovely dining plate will bring a smile to your face with every use.
The right hand side and centre of this gorgeous plate features our illustration, and the beautiful script 'Metamorphosis' is written on the top left.
Made in England, all our bone china is the highest quality, and is designed to be used for years to come.


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As we discussed in some of the other articles, both Six Sigma plays a vital role in project management. Today we want to discuss about 4 out of 10 knowledge areas where usage of Six Sigma increases the chances of project success. Knowledge of Six Sigma gives you that extra edge over other project managers and helps you outshine your colleagues. The application of Six Sigma might look difficult but it enables your project to deliver its intended goal with low COPQ. Below are the knowledge area where six sigma plays a vital role:
Scope: Right from requirement analysis to scoping of the project, applying Six Sigma would enforce clarity and rigorous change management.
Time: Six Sigma is very important for time management. Applying Six Sigma would mean better scheduling, rigorous progress monitoring and risk management, immovable deadlines and solid resource management.
Cost: Six Sigma in cost management would mean budget control and early indicator of changing budget with proactive and effective forecasting.
Quality: Six Sigma in quality management enforces measureable and customer aligned quality goals and targets, careful selection of standards, and realistic assessment of capabilities.
Iron triangle is often referred as critical knowledge areas with quality in center and six sigma enables us to manage all these 4 knowledge areas effectively. Hope this clarifies the importance of Six Sigma in project management.


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"If your desire is strong enough, it doesn't matter what your beliefs are. If you have a desire that is strong enough, that desire will be the dominant vibration, and it will over-ride any other vibration that you have." ~Abraham-Hicks
You are a powerful creator with the ability to manifest your dreams and desires. That means you are a Magician! For what is magic other than having an idea and making it real? In the Tarot the Magician shows us how to receive power and then direct it. First we must be aware of the power we have in our life. If we are conscious, we can tap into the infinite energy that always exists all around us.
The second step of the Magician is to establish will-power in our chosen direction. We do this by taking action once we are in alignment with our Self. Now that we have found what inspires us, we allow the momentum of our excitement to carry us into its creation. We must, as Star Trek's Captain Jean-Luc Picard says, "Make it so!"
Tarot scholar and author Rachel Pollack explains:
Many people experience feelings of being powerful so infrequently they try to hold on to them. By doing nothing they hope to preserve their magic moments. But we can really hold on to power in our lives only by constantly discharging it. By releasing creative power we open ourselves up to receive a further flow. However, by trying to hold on to it, we block the channels and the sense of power, which is really life itself, withers within us.
Therefore, the more we liberate our energy into the material world, the more our power increases. After all, the third step of the Magician is the creation itself.
What do you want to bring into your reality this year? What real and valuable creations do you wish to manifest outside of your Self?
Treat yourself this New Year with a Heroic Tarot reading and let us explore these and other questions! Together we will look at your overall opportunities for the year ahead as well as your present crossroads. Let's make magic!
~Storm Arcana (415) 260-2903 / email@example.com


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NYTimes a No-Show on Coverage of Federal Judge's Finding that ACORN Funding Ban is 'Unconstitutional'
From misreporting to no reporting at all, questions keep mounting for the 'paper of record' about
their bizarre record of failure on the ACORN story…
Guest blogged by Ernest A. Canning
On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 The BRAD BLOG posted breaking coverage about U.S. District Court Judge Nina Gershon's finding that day, that the Congressional funding ban on ACORN was an unconstitutional bill of attainder. Her finding included an order to resume federal funding to the community group which has been targeted by a years-long GOP smear campaign.
A March 10 AP story covering Judge Gershon's finding appeared in the March 11 edition of the Washington Post.


text: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is designed to build a multidisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. The program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including the PhD in Psychology. To be considered, you must apply to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and separately apply to the Psychology Department.


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Spring Spikeball Participant Guide
Spring Spikeball Sport Rules
Make sure you know the rules for Spring Spikeball. Also be sure to check out the Important Information page for important sport information.
Sportsmanship is a priority of the Intramural Sports Program at The University of Iowa. More information on Sportsmanship, including the detailed ratings system, can be found in the Intramural Sports Rules and Regulations.
Only University of Iowa students, faculty, staff and affiliates that have purchased an Intramural Sports membership may participate in Spring Spikeball. Team captains must make sure that all members of their teams are eligible for participation according to the Intramural Sports Rules and Regulations eligibility requirements.
ID Policy
All participants must check-in with a University or government-issued photo ID in accordance with our ID policy.
Teams forfeiting games will be charged a Forfeit Fine of $25.00. That fine will be charged to the U-Bill of the team captain. Learn more about our Forfeit policy.
To avoid forfeits, teams may default. Learn more about our Default policy.
Registration, schedules, and roster management all take place through IMLeagues.com. Check out our IMLeagues Registration Instructions for specific instructions on how to register your team, and make sure to pass it along to your teammates so they can join your team roster quickly and easily. Once registration is complete, the tournament bracket will be posted on IMLeagues.com, as well as results.
Roster Management
Participants must follow roster addition and removal policies in order to appropriately add or drop players from the team roster.
Game Location
Games will be played at Hubbard Park near the Iowa Memorial Union. Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted in the facility, or in the parking lot, nor should alcohol be consumed prior to participation in the event.
Friday Night Series
Intramural Sports hosts a Friday Night Series of events throughout the year. You can participate in one or all and have a great Friday night with Intramural Sports!
Intramural Sports Points Championship sponsored by Coach's Corner
Each year, Intramural Sports crowns Points Champions in Men's, Women's, Fraternity, Sorority, and Co-Rec divisions as part of the Intramural Sports Points Championship sponsored by Coach's Corner. To take part, all you have to do to is play multiple Intramural Sports, and keep the same team name throughout all sports!
Registration Requirements
To complete your registration, make sure you have the following done by the registration deadline:
- Name your Team (Team Name Must be Appropriate)
- Get the Required Minimum Number of Players on Your Roster


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New Year, New Venue!
Our first event of 2017 is taking place on 21st January, where we'll be looking at Revamping your makeup for the new year! In the spirit of revamping, the event will be taking place in an extra special brand new venue. We can't wait to show you... More details coming soon...
Leave a Reply.


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In an effort to build our list and retain some page visitors, we're looking at exit popup form solutions. I find them personally to be intrusive and conniving, and don't know if it "cheapens" a brand experience. Thoughts?
We used pop-ups on our ecommerce store and it helped skyrocket the growth of our email list and also our sales. From a sales perspective though, it's possible to trigger the exit popup by accident so it's worth asking whether they helped entice the sale or whether the sale was going to happen on its own anyway.
I don't have much data on this, unfortunately, but based on experience it's a crappy UX. The user has already made up her mind at this point to leave, a popup usually won't change her mind. It's like leaving a store and being asked by the owner not to leave if you get something for free. It has a weird taste to it.
Perhaps a counter-example - what if you are leaving, but you want to sign up for their email list?
If the sign up is at the bottom of the article, and don't make it down to the bottom, then you miss the CTA.
On the other hand, placing opt-ins throughout the article, side-bars, etc also negatively effects UX.
Either way, I'd be curious to hear what you think is a good UX for email collection.
Hi Peter,
I understand why you think exit popups could cheapen your brand experience.
As Internet users, we're bombarded with exit popups, most of them being really bad.
I work for a popup builder myself. Apart from confirming that exit popups work great, I can share a few tips to help you make sure they won't hurt your brand:
* Use high-definition visuals. Your website looks great, why not ask your graphic designer to help you create a good-looking popup? (some inspiration here: https://wisepops.com/2017/12/27/20-brilliant-exit-intent-popup-examples/)
* Reward your subscribers. It will increase your conversion and help your visitors feel better about your popup.
* Use humor. There's no better way to make your popup different.
* Avoid the cheap strategies we've seen everywhere (small hidden closing X, long "NO I DON'T WANT A BETTER LIFE" closing link, Yes/No screen, etc.)
Good luck!
Hi Peter,
Exit popups work, it's as simple as that. If you don't use them, then you are wasting your growth strategy, - expenditure on advertising, content generation, Social Marketing strategy, essentially a good % of your marketing budget is being wasted.
Driving traffic is to your website is expensive, so why waste it when you don't need to? I'd say that onsite retargeting is the best growth hack of all.
The fella above is right about one thing, and that's about the quality of the image overlay, which is why you should consider OptiMonk (the best quality). One more thing to consider when going for a service provider is be sure that option you decide on is fully GDPR compliant. If you have any EU customers you will need to be compliant by the 25th May. Here is an article about it
OptiMonk.com has one of the best features sets out there and is fully GDPR compliant. In fact, we go beyond the EU regulations because where we are based, - the rules are even stricter here.
As for integrations, we integrate with email marketing providers with either direct integrations or via webhook.
Thanks for hearing me out.
Exit intent popups are the least annoying popups you can use, and they convert great.
You can read more how they work and how to use them right (and what you should avoid) here:


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My older sister drove. I sat in the front passenger seat, sometimes cradling my mother, sometimes resting her on the floorboard at my feet. It wasn't a long drive, but it felt forever.
In the fall after Mom's death in August of 2013, we took her ashes to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located between Sacramento and San Francisco along the Interstate 80 corridor. Her ashes would be buried beside her husband's ashes. Dad, who'd voluntarily joined the Army Air Corps before Pearl Harbor, had been in the ground at the military cemetery since mid-2012.
As a young adult I had start-and-stop chats with Dad about cremation. At first, he was against it. He was raised on conservative Christian values, which included a belief that cremation wasn't an acceptable option. When, as the Biblical book of Revelation promised, believers would be raised from their graves, you better have a body available for the divine action. Somewhere along the line, Dad changed his mind. I have no idea when or why. Maybe Mom influenced him. Maybe—since struggling through the "Great Depression" was a lasting influence on all his financial decisions—he realized cremation could save a few bucks (even after death).
What about you?
Will you be buried or cremated? Or have you avoided thinking about that? If you're Muslim, there is no discussion. The Islamic faith, like the Eastern Orthodox (a Christian church) and Orthodox Judaism, doesn't believe in cremation. What do you believe?
Perhaps burial of the body versus cremation doesn't matter to you. Mom, especially later in her life, said variations of, "I don't care what decisions you kids make, since I'll be dead and you can do whatever you want." Mostly, she said that with a smile. But she, like Dad, was influenced by those terrible, lean years of Depression and War, and where you spent money and how you saved money were strong influences. She chose which funeral home would handle her cremation because she liked the guy who came to her home to explain his services. His fees were also, let's be polite, reasonably priced. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. No fuss, no muss. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Mom's cremains rested in a plastic-sided container about the size of two Kleenix tissue boxes. The forms prepared by the funeral home were taped to the sides. I don't recall crying, but I do recall wanting to keep a back-and-forth banter going with my sister as we drove to the cemetery. I didn't want to think; I just wanted it over with. When my sister stopped to buy flowers for Dad's gravesite near the cemetery, I resented—and was impressed by—her thoughtfulness. My resentment was based on desiring to get from Point A (acquiring the container at the funeral home) to Point B (handing the container to the proper authorities at the military cemetery) as quickly as possible. But I'm glad we stopped, and glad that we were able to place flowers at Dad's headstone. Soon enough, it would also be Mom's headstone.
In my work with hospice, I've known those that keep the ashes of their beloved on the mantel, or stored in a closet ("We'll be buried together when I die."), or in the bedroom on the dresser.
There are businesses the help people make "diamonds" from ashes. Sometimes, bits of the ash are nestled in a locket or other jewelry. There are families that divide the ashes among siblings. Ashes are spread in the mountains or on the ocean. Many of the grieving carefully follow legal guidelines as they honor a loved one's wishes while others casually skirt regulations—because they too are honoring final wishes.
According to archeologists, the earliest known ceremonial cremations occurred at Lake Mungo in southeastern Australia about 40,000 years ago (give or take a bunch of centuries). Two discovered bodies—one female, one male—were nicknamed Mungo Woman and Mungo Man.
These early humans also had ritualistic burial practices; Mungo Woman was cremated, the remaining bones smashed, burned again, and then buried. Mungo Man's body had been covered with red ochre prior to burial. Anthropologists consider burying the dead an indicator of a spiritual belief system and a hallmark of modern humans.
Cremation is ancient. But it's also today's decision. I believe we honored Mom and Dad's wishes when we placed their ashes together. While I will never know the reasons Dad changed his views, I do know my parents were intentional with their "final" requests. It was one of the many ways they honored their children. Mom may have joked about not caring what we did, but that was a lovely lie. She—and Dad—helped us every step of the way, in life and in death.
So, I return to my questions: what do you believe and what do you want done with your remains?
A lot of folks, just like me, have driven or will drive toward a cemetery. For all of the sadness that journey held, knowing we were doing what Mom wanted brought just enough comfort.
(Hospice vigorously protects a patient's privacy. I'll take care with how I share my experiences. Any names used are fictitious. Events are combined and/or summarized.)
Image of container for "cremations" from here. The one pictured is fairly close to the one I held. I could never bring myself to take a picture of the one Mom's ashes were in . . .by


text:
Mr Conan, the senior partner of Conan and Connelly, the well-known scholastic agency, was a large, gregarious fellow with a bulbous nose and several chins that wobbled each time he moved his head. His fleshy jowls trembled as he clutched his fountain pen and held it over a lined secretarial pad.
"Your name, sir."
I told him.
"Oxford or Cambridge?"
I had not attended university. "Neither sir. London. By correspondence."
He peered at me doubtfully. "By correspondence. Honours?"
"No, sir," I squirmed in my seat. The office was as small as Mr Conan was large. I shrivelled before him. Mr Conan shook his head. I knew at that moment my chances of gaining gainful employment were zero. Vacancies for teaching posts were few and the number of applicants better qualified than I were many. But, Mr Conan was not despondent.
"I have the very thing," he beamed. "An admirable institution. You will be well suited."
He was not deterred by my dubious expression.
"Yes, indeed young man," his chins and his jowls moved in unison. "You may start tomorrow if you are so inclined."
"The salary is not so generous but there is board, lodging and washing," his smile was infectious. I would have been hooked even if I had not been so desperate. I had not worked in weeks and shortly I would be on the streets, lacking the funds to meet my rent. I was eager to accept, but in my soul I was certain there must be a catch.
"Where is this establishment," asked.
"The delightful town of Brocklehurst," he replied. "One of the finest smaller towns in the land."
I had heard of the name but knew no more about the place. I knew roughly where it was located. It was a journey of an hour of so by train. It was by no means an isolated location. I was sure it is was as amiable place to live as any other. Why then had the vacancy not been filled by a man more qualified and experienced than myself?
"What kind of establishment is this?" I ventured to inquire. I was uncertain that I wanted to hear the reply. It must, I supposed, be a school with some fearful reputation.
Mr Conan, I later concluded, would be able to sell snow to the Eskimo. His face shone brightly as he told me, "It is one of our newer establishments. A specialist college, so to speak."
He had my attention. "Specialist?" I asked dolefully, fearing he was going to tell me it was a college for some fundamentalist religious sect. Perhaps, Mr Conan read my mind. "No, young sir," his face radiated honesty, "It is a small college intending to encourage students towards examination success."
Examination success? Don't all schools promise that. "How so?" I croaked, still not convinced. "Aha!" Mr Conan, had a ready explanation. "It delivers a curriculum for the older boy who, for whatever reason, requires an intensive period of study in a controlled environment in order to acquire the necessary qualifications to go forth and become a successful member of society."
He sounded like he might be quoting from the college's perspective. I suppose I still looked puzzled, so Mr Conan offered a further explanation. "They seek to take examinations by Christmas."
My own face brightened; the penny had dropped. "Oh," I ejaculated, "A crammer!" Mr Conan frowned, for once the jocular veneer had been pierced. "I don't believe young man," he said, "Such institutions like that terminology."
Why not? The college was one of many I supposed existed across the country. They catered for the pupils who failed their school examinations. More truthfully, they existed for the fathers of the failures. It was they who insisted the boys must get qualifications and take up careers thereby freeing the fathers of future financial responsibility for their sons. There was nothing reprehensible about this. The boys were probably dunderheads or just as likely were lazy blighters who did not work with sufficient diligence at their studies. Now, they were to be force-fed enough "learning" over a few number of months to allow them successfully to take the examinations again.
I apologised to Mr Conan, saying I had intended no offence. He accepted and his sunny nature returned. I accepted the offer of employment with alacrity and the following day with my worldly possessions only half-filling my suitcase I set off for Brocklehurst. Mr Conan told me it took a maximum of fifty boys each term and I was expecting to find the "college" consisted only of two rooms above a snooker hall. To my astonishment, the building was a massive pile. Having been recently built it was square and very ugly, standing in its own extensive grounds with a broad driveway curving towards the front entrance.
The door was opened by an elderly lady whom I later discovered fulfilled a combined role of matron, cook and general handywoman. She greeted me warmly as if she was genuinely pleased to meet me. She took my suitcase and showed no sign of noticing that it was much lighter than she had expected. I loved her for this. "Please," she said pointing towards a grand spiral staircase, "Mr Doyle is expecting you. The first door on the right."
Mr Doyle was the principal of the school. By now I already knew there were three members of teaching staff, including himself. All the boys boarded at the school and one of my duties would be to supervise the dormitories at night. I had no qualms about this. They were all eighteen years old and could be expected to take care of themselves.
I mounted the stairs, noticing the expensive carpet beneath my feet. The house, despite its unprepossessing exterior, appeared well furnished and appointed. I reached the landing and saw the door to my left had a shining brass nameplate: Mr A. Doyle, Principal. I had arrived at my destination. The door was made of dark-wood panels; another example that the college did not lack money. I was about to raise my fist to rap on it when I heard voices on the other side. I am not generally an inquisitive person and it would never occur to me to peek through keyholes but for a reason I cannot explain I lowered my hand and waited.
I was rewarded by the sounds of voices. I couldn't hear the words explicitly as the door was too heavy, but it seemed that one person was interrogating another. One voice spoke, there was a moment's pause and the second voice replied. It went on like this for a few seconds. Then, there was silence. I expected the door to open and one of the parties to leave. This did not happen. I stood transfixed. I could not believe my ears. I was sure I must be mistaken, that I was incorrectly interpreting the sounds from within.
I heard a noise that I can only describe as a "thud". It was as if something had been struck by I know not what. It was followed by another thud and this time there was an accompanying sound that I took to be a gasp or a yowl of some kind. My imagination raced. I thought I had recognised the noise. Surely not, I thought. I must be mistaken. I counted six thuds in total. Not each was supplemented by a gasp or yelp, but the final one was accompanied by what I can only described as a cry of pain.
There was a silence during which I moved back from the door. My mind was reeling. I was certain I was not wrong. My conclusion was confirmed when the door edged open and a young man slowly emerged. He was perhaps an inch or two taller than myself. As the door closed behind him his hands ruefully massaged his backside. I saw his eyes were wet and his face pale. Only then did he spot me. He shot me a stare of such intense hatred. His white face turned puce and he hurried down the passageway, turned a corner and was soon out of my sight.
I watched him go. It did not take much imagination to conclude the boy had just received a caning. The six thuds, gasps and yelps I had heard were proof of that. And, how the boy despised me for having been a witness. That he was a pupil at the college there was no doubt. But there was still one puzzle. The boy wore a black woollen blazer, the type any schoolboy up and down the country might wear. There was nothing unusual in that, but in addition this boy wore well-cut grey short trousers along with socks that reached to his knees. He was dressed as if he were eight years old, not eighteen.
Intrigued, I knocked on the door and when invited I entered. Mr Arthur Doyle was sitting behind a large desk. It was completely empty except for a blotter encased in leather. My eyes quickly scanned the room; I was searching for the cane I supposed he had used to beat the boy. All evidence had been removed. I noticed a chest of drawers and at least one cupboard that could at that moment be secreting canes.
"Sit down, please," Mr Doyle indicted a heavy straight-backed chair that was positioned in front of his desk. As I did so I wondered if the boy had moments earlier been draped across this very piece of furniture. From the corner of my eye I saw an armchair that could also have been be used. Then, again the desk I was facing was of a good height to accommodate a prostrate body.
It was difficult to get the image of Mr Doyle caning the boy from my mind. Maybe the boy had been ordered, "Bend over and touch your toes." Had he been required to lower his short trousers for the caning? What about his underwear? Distracted in this way I am afraid I missed much of what Mr Doyle said to me. Possibly that is of no consequence because once he had finished his welcoming chat he sent me to meet Mr Percival Manners who Mr Doyle said was to show me the ropes.
Manners, "Call me Percy when the boys aren't in earshot," was in his mid-thirties. I immediately liked him and it wasn't only because he brought out his gin bottled and poured us both generous measures. After he refiled our glasses I felt the courage to ask him to explain what I had witnessed. "Yes," he sipped at his drink. "Corporal punishment is an important part of the regime here, the fathers expect it. In fact, they are prepared to pay a little extra on the fees for it."
My eyebrow must have shot heavenwards because he hooted a raucous laugh and said, "Stranger things happen at sea." He explained that the boys sent to Brocklehurst were not stupid; in fact they were mostly academically bright. "Just bone-idle, the lot of them," he roared. He loved to laugh, even when sober. "So we have to persuade them to study." His face beamed, "Three feet of whippy rattan applied with some force across the you-know-where makes a mighty-fine inducement for them to work hard."
"Oh," I said weakly, unsure how I was supposed to respond. Of course, corporal punishment was used in schools although not as much as it once was. It was banned in the school I had attended. I couldn't believe colleges were using it on eighteen-year-old boys. But then again that probably explained why Brocklehurst had a devoted clientele prepared to pay a little bit extra. Would I be expected to cane the boys myself?
Percy might have read my mind. "I have a cane here for you to take." He nodded towards a cupboard but made no move otherwise. "There's also a list of written rules. It's not only about studying, it's the whole way of life."
That prompted me to ask about the short trousers. Percy laughed again. "Blooming great brainwave. This isn't a prison, we don't lock the blighters up in their dorms. What's to stop them absconding during the day or going down the pub at night?" He answered his own question. "Short trousers. We take away all their civvy clothes when they arrive. All they have is their school uniform. Short trousers. Which of them is going to be seen dead dressed like that in public."
I nodded my agreement. He was correct, a brainwave indeed. Percy hadn't finished, "And it reminds then that they aren't yet adults. They are still children and should be treated as such. Wearing short trousers keeps them in their place."
We finished our second drink and Percy rose to refill our glasses. While he was on his feet, he opened a closet door and extracted a cane. "Ever use one of these before?" he asked passing it to me. I took it. My eyes popped. "Used one," I said, fearing my voice might be slurred, "I've never seen one before today." I held it in my hand. It felt light as a feather and I told Percy so. "Don't be fooled. That little beauty can do a lot of damage."
I caressed the cane, running my thumb and finger along its length. It was about three-feet long and as thick as a pencil. There were notches every six or eight inches. At one end it had been curved into handle. I held it in my hands and bent it, it flexed easily into an arc. I swished it through the air. "And," I asked incredulously, "the boys let us beat them with this?"
Percy roared, "Let us!" He took his drink back to his seat, "Well, 'let us' might not be the best way to put it. But really they don't have a choice. Remember their fathers are paying for this. What's a boy to do? If he refuses he gets expelled. He could run away. Either way, he's got to face his father's wrath at some point. No, believe me: we say, 'Bend Over' and over they bend."
The room fell silent for a moment. Then Percy piped up once more. "So you've never seen a cane before and obviously never been caned." We let that remark hang in the air. It was a sultry evening and Percy's room was stifling. My head was beginning to ache (I was not much of a drinker in those days). "I thought you might benefit from a little tutorial," Percy's eyes shone. I blustered.
"You don't want to make a darned fool of yourself in front of the boys," he gestured towards the cane that was still in my grasp. "You have no idea how to use that thing." There was nothing to be gained by denial. Until this day it had never occurred to me I might need to develop such a skill.
"Don't worry," Percy beamed, "Percy has it sorted." I think like me he might be getting drunk. "I've asked one of the boys along. You know for a demonstration." I must have looked incredulous. "A guinea pig, like," he said by way of explanation. "Namby's coming," he put his left hand on his hip and flounced his right wrist (his idea of an effeminate man). "I think he likes it, Ha! Ha! Ha!"
As if on cue there was a knock at the door. Namby was dressed in his school uniform, complete with short trousers. He did not appear the least ill at ease as Percy gestured him to come into the room. He introduced us. He called the boy "Namby" and I assumed incorrectly as things transpired that this was a nickname of some sort. Percy and I both affected not to see the boy glance at the gin bottle. Apparently it was permissible to bring a boy into one's room to thrash him, but not to drink alcohol.
"Right then," Percy took immediate control. I wondered at that moment if this was not the first time he had instructed a colleague in the use of the cane. He manoeuvred a sofa so that it was in the middle of the room. Then, he took up the cane and swished it through the air. I could not see Namby's face but by his general demeanour I calculated that he was not troubled by this scenario. Certainly when Percy instructed, "Bend over the sofa," the boy did not hesitate to assume the required position.
The back of the sofa was quite high. Namby rested his stomach on the apex and reached forward with his arms and gripped the seat cushion. He spread his legs and bent his knees. "Well done, lad," Percy encouraged him. Then to me he said, "Always have the head low and the bottom high. See," he touched the tip of the cane against the crown of Namby's buttocks, "Perfect."
He continued speaking as he moved the cane across Namby's buttocks making a sawing motion, "Ideally, you want to get all the strokes to land as close together as possible. Get one to land on top of another. That's really painful." He tapped the cane harder, "Isn't that so Namby."
"Yes sir, Mr Manners, sir," he replied, speaking into the seat cushion.
"Right," Percy stood to the left of his target. "Stand about three feet away. A cane's length, then lay the tip across the crest of the furthest buttock." He demonstrated what he meant. "That way when you whack the cane down it's sure to hit both cheeks evenly and not just the nearest." He wobbled the cane, laid it across the seat of the teenager's short trousers and tapped it with some vigour into Namby's bum." Percy looked across at me, "That's all there is to it really. It's more craft than science. You just need to practice. It's all in the arm and wrist. Bring your am back, bring it forward and then at the last moment reverse the wrist so that the cane snaps into his backside."
I looked on intently as he demonstrated. There was an almighty "Crack!" as the cane whacked into Namby's tight buttocks. The boy gasped. "Felt that didn't you lad." The boy replied, "Yes sir, Mr Manners, sir," but from where I stood he appeared sanguine. Here," Percy handed the cane to me, "You have a go."
My palm was sticky as I received it from him. I held it by the handle and realised immediately this gave me no control over it. "Hold it further down. Here," Percy took my hand and guided it. I wriggled my wrist trying to get the measure of the thing. From the wobble it made I could see that the cane would be a more powerful weapon than I first supposed. I swiped it through the air and the whoosh it made as it flew sent a small shudder through my body. I stood to the boy's left, laid the tip of the cane on his far buttock and lifted my arm as instructed. I took one, then two practice strokes. Unaccountably, my heartbeat raced. I raised the cane and then trying to get the correct wrist action I brought it down across the seat of the short trousers.
I was very pleased that it landed where I had intended. "How was that lad?" Percy sipped on his gin. "Sorry Mr Manners, sir," he said, "I didn't feel that one." Percy put down his glass. "Here," he stood behind me, "Let me help." He instructed me to lay the cane across Namby's bottom. Then, he leaned across my body bringing his mouth so close to my face I could smell the gin on his breath. He held my hand in his and directed the cane so it made an arc. Then he guided my wrist so that it made the final snap. "There," he said. "Try again." He was very patient with me and I could tell he was an excellent teacher. I would bet the boys loved him.
I took my aim once more. This time I put more beef into the final delivery. It landed with more power. "Better Mr Manners, sir," Namby said without being asked. I allowed myself a small smile and tried again. This one elicited a gasp from the boy. I wasn't sure if he truly was in some pain or it was only meant as a gesture of encouragement. Either way, I laid on another and then another. My aim each time was true and each landed with increased force.
"Good," Percy beamed encouragingly. "Right, Namby brace yourself." Percy winked at me and said, "Go on. Give him a real six-of-the-best. Make him feel it." I noticed Namby's body stiffen, his legs straightened a little and he gripped the seat cushion. He at least had the confidence that I could deliver. I took a deep breath. For the first time I noticed the shape of Namby's bottom. It was well rounded when stretched across the sofa. His legs were not muscular. This and the short trousers emphasised the buttocks as a target. Trying to remember my instructions, I put the cane across his bottom, taking a horizontal aim. Satisfied by this, I drew the cane back slowly in an arc and keeping my eye on the target I whipped the forearm and wrist. Bingo! Bang on target. Namby's shoulders stiffened, but he made no sound. I was certain he had felt that one.
I gave myself perhaps twenty seconds to settle and repeated the manoeuvre. The stroke landed about a quarter inch below the first. The third stroke cut between the two. That made Namby gasp. Now, he had three cuts and a throbbing strip of flesh about an inch wide across both cheeks. He wriggled his hips. He was not faking this. My confidence was sky high. I allowed myself to believe I was good at this. A natural even. Whack! Number four landed on top of one (or possible more) of the previous cuts. Namby's legs flinched. Air hissed through his pursed lips.
The next I landed with full force. I hit so hard I might have been beating a carpet. Namby yelped. I heard Percy speak, "Steady on man." His voice seemed to be coming from a long distance. My heartbeat was racing and blood rushed to my ears. The room was hotter than ever. I lay the cane across Namby's bottom. This was to be the final stroke. I wanted it to be memorable. I touched it low down just below where the buttock cheek meets the thigh. It was in fact touching the back of his thigh. The area was still covered by his trousers. I raised the cane, brought it forward, snapped my wrist and left the boy with a red-hot line of fire. His head rose, he let out a yelp, but just in time he managed to prevent his feet from stomping up and down with the agony.
I admired my handiwork. There were thin lines embossed into the tight material of his short trousers where the cane had landed. I was no expert but I presumed his bottom was welted. That's how it should be, I thought. A caning should be awesome, otherwise both Namby and I should be wasting our time. He remained bent over the sofa, bottom still held high and his head low. His breathing was regular, I am sure he felt pain, but he was not in any agony. Next time, I thought, I would lay it on with more vigour. The boys in my charge must learn I am not a man to be trifled with.
"Stand up lad," Percy gave the command. I was too engrossed in my own thoughts. The boy scrambled to his feet. His face was scarlet but I could see his eyes were dry. I should concede that perhaps Namby was a more practised receiver of a caning than I was a giver. I had no way of knowing if a less experienced boy would have reacted differently.
I could feel Percy's eyes burning into me. "You should go now Namby," he said.
"Yes sir, Mr Manners. Thank you sir," he said and he offered me his hand to shake. I, my face burning with confusion, shook it. After the door closed behind him I stood in the middle of the room dumbfounded. I still held the cane in my hand and looked at it as if only now seeing it for the first time. I was light-headed and I blamed this on the gin. "You did very well. You learned a good lesson there," he said. I mumbled some kind of agreement. I hardly heard him, my senses were somewhere else; I was at a place where I had never been.
Percy smiled at me and moved across the room. He held out his hand so I could return the cane to him. As I did so our eyes met. He smiled. "You passed the first test. You know how to deliver a caning." He paused for an exceedingly long time. I felt my throat tighten. My temples throbbed. He glanced at the cane in his hands, then looked at me straight in the eye. "Do you think you should also learn how it feels to take a caning."
"Oh yes please Mr Manners, sir," I wheezed before I stepped forward and dived over the back of the sofa. Then, I wriggled about a bit making certain that my head was low and bottom high.
Picture credit: unknown
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