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by Annie Watson
High school can be a confusing time. If you need advice, but don't want to ask for it in person, consider dropping a question in the "Ask Annie" bucket which will be stationed outside of the Upper School Office after Thanksgiving Break. I'll write you an article giving my two cents, and hope that you don't file a lawsuit. Without further ado, here is the first installment of Ask Annie:
Dear Annie,
Recently I've found myself craving human flesh. Am I a zombie? Should I tell my family?
My response:
Dear Plzkeepanon,
Don't worry, this is a surprisingly common problem. If your cravings persist, just hit up your local black market deli. Stay away from human brains though, as you could contract kuru, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (aka TSE or Human Mad Cow Disease). While I was researching TSE for you, I found out that the main psychiatric symptoms are anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, but I'm not certain that last one should be counted 'cause it seems like you've gotta be pretty socially withdrawn already before you start eating human brains, but I'm no expert. Also, I sincerely doubt that you are a zombie. The CDC did a thorough job of exterminating all zombies and destroying all evidence from the 2015 outbreak, so you should be good. And lastly, no, you should not tell your family. I can tell you from personal experience that this will backfire. In retrospect, I shouldn't have brought it up while washing the knives, but nobody's perfect. If you need help choosing a quality meat dealer, my guy Kenny is top-notch. Walter's prices are lower, but his gastrocnemii have a nasty formaldehyde aftertaste that doesn't bake out. Also, Plzkeepanon, qualified people like Jason Hayes or Lizette Borreli might tell you that what you're doing is wrong, morally and culinarily disgusting, or seriously not okay, but stay true to yourself. Haters gonna hate.
Kenny's phone number is 605-475-6968. Just don't call him between 6:00 am to 2:00 pm 'cause that's his Walmart shift.


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Your all-in-one free business support hub
The William Cecil St Martins Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2LJ
At this Business Breakfast you have the opportunity to meet new business connections through our popular safari networking. The relaxed but structured format offers guests the opportunity to move around the room and form connections with new business contacts from a wide range of industry sectors.
What is Safari Networking?
You will move around three different tables, taking two minutes at each one to make those initial introductions with everyone and explain what sets your business apart from its competitors. For the tables you don't meet on your circuit, there is time for additional networking over a full English breakfast and tea/coffee.

subset: commoncrawl


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Cowboy Corral
For the hottest selection of western wear, boots and hats in town come to Cowboy Corral. Our prices are smokin' hot!!! We carry Wranglers and clothes/accessories for the whole family. Check out our Sarsaparilla Bar with over 25 different root beers from all over the country! You can also find Grants Pass souvenir t-shirts or order a gift basket with Oregon foods. Need a hat repaired, cleaned or restored? We do that too!
Listed under:Clothing & Accessories, Services, Specialty
421 Southeast 6th Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526, United States
Mon: Closed
Tues-Sat: 9:30am-5:30pm
Sun: Closed


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Media & Education
News Room
General News
A Birthday Gift for Bats
- Published on Friday, 15 November 2013
BCI Outreach Associate Dianne Odegard recently received an unusual email
BCI Expands its Subterranean Survey Capabilities
Flying Foxes, Halloween, & Folklore in the Philippines
Flying Foxes, Halloween, & Folklore in the Philippines
Bat City Video
Florida Bonneted Bat is Officially Endangered
- Published on Thursday, 03 October 2013
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also proposes listing the northern myotis
Protecting Flying Foxes in the Philippines
Bat Detector Training in Europe
More Articles...
Stay up to date with BCI
Sign up and receive timely bat updates
BCI relies on the support of our amazing members around the world.
Our mission is to conserve the world's bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet.
Please join us or donate so our work can continue.


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First she went Into The Woods, now she's ushering in the 20th Century. Joanna Gleason, who won a Tony for her acting in the aforementioned Sondheim musical and also appeared in Nick & Nora, will direct Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Cy Coleman's On The 20th Century for the Pasadena, CA, Musical Theatre Guild, one night only, Apr. 6.
Starring are Lorna Patterson (TV's "Private Benjamin") and Edward Evanko, alongside Bob Amaral, who was the last Pseudolus in the recent Broadway revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Also in the cast are James Gleason, Gordon Goodman, Betty Vaughan, Tony Adelman, Doug Austin, Charles Bergman, Christopher Callen, Ira Denmark, Shelby Grimm, Erin McNally, Danny Michaels, Ali Olmo, Leanne Polk, Larry Raben, Justin Robertson, Laurrinda Robinson, Kathryn Skatula, Michele Spears and Connie Woodson.
Among many other acting credits, Gleason also appeared in Coleman's 1977 musical I Love My Wife.
Produced by Eric Andrist, the show features musical direction by Jeff Rizzo.
For tickets ($20-$25) and information on On The 20th Century, which plays at the Pasadena Playhouse space, 39 South El Molino, call (818) 848-MTG4. -- By David Lefkowitz


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Alta XLd centering unit in association with ALTA Zd edger. You will obtain significant optimisation of your working time and unfailing flexibility for all jobs inclusiv the most extreme ones
Product Description
Dimensions: L 320 x P 600 x H 685 mm
Weight: 36 kg
Voltage: 100 V – 50 Hz / 240 V – 60 Hz
Shape recognition
- Frame tracing, demo lenses, patterns and edged lenses.
- Recognition of the 4 frame dimensions including the frame groove position, giving better fit of the lens in the frame circle.
- Tracing right eye and / or left eye: transfer of one side only or both eyes.
- Measurement of the frame PD and bridge.
- Shape displayed on screen (scale 1, 2).
- Maximum measurable diameter 80 mm (3.15 in).
- PROS optical recognition system by image treatment – significant reduction of tracing time.
- Digiform software package.
- Library of shapes including 384 jobs & 2048 shapes (patterns, drilled shapes etc…), with multiple search functions.
- Automatic data transfer from the blocker to the edger.
- Shapemaker: create new shapes from existing ones.
Centering blocking
- Capture of decentering patient ½ PD and PD, Δ x – Δ y, boxing height or pupil height.
- Decentering: 0.05 mm step.
- Centering cross adjusts to the type of lens: single vision, progressive, bifocal.
- Controlled blocking pressure.
- Magnetic adhesive blocks.
Drilling data
- PROS image treatment, exclusive to Briot: Automatic hole recognition.
- Function for direct modification and displacement of holes using the touch screen.
- Drilling depending on an angle chosen by the operator.
- PBriot Link™ remote servicing module ready.
- OMA connection.
Additional Functions
- Sd (Smart Design) Technology: For detection of complex shapes (in combination with Alta Zd)
Alta range distinctions
- Pont d'Or 2012.
- Guaranteed French Origin.
Key points
- Getting started is very simple
- Automatic tracing in 3D and frame thickness
- Automatic centering without lens meter
- Automatic recognition of lens types
- Automatic recognition of drilling coordinates
- Automatic positionining of lens before blocking
- Integrated Digiform software for shape modification
- Briot Link TM is especially useful in anticipating and managing servicing visits effectively.


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KONA Athletes
KONA Athletes
They applied. They were interviewed. They were selected.
Team In Training has limited highly coveted entries for the IRONMAN® World Championship. This race is normally by-qualification-only, but Team In Training has limited guaranteed entries for those ready to impact the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in a big way.
These athletes have completed an application and interview process and were selected by a committee amongst a number of submissions.
May we introduce our 2020 IRONMAN® World Championship teammates!
Are you our next IRONMAN World Champion Teammate?
This Fall we will be accepting applications for the IRONMAN® World Championship 2021. Fill out this form to be notified when the application process starts. In the meantime, keep an eye on this year's Kona athletes and how they take on this challenge on our Team In Training Instagram feed.


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H1N1 Flu Protection Using Natural Way
H1N1 Flu is a subtype of influenza A virus and was the most common cause of human influenza (flu) in 2009. Some strains of H1N1 Flu are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a small fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 Flu strains caused a small percentage of all human flu infections in the previous years
Here are some natural ways to protect yourself from H1N1 Flu and other forms of flu. As always, check with your doctor before doing anything that affects your body.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 Flu in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 Flu infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu)
H1N1 Flu Protection Using Natural Way Tips:
Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
"Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (except to eat or bathe).
Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 Flu takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected o ne. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water,which protects from H1N1 Flu. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot to clean nasal cavities, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits [e.g. orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit]. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can,which prevents from H1N1 Flu. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
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What do you see?
I love to put cumin in my coffee....I mean, I love to put cinnamon in my coffee.
SEE how amazingly easy that is to mix up!
What to know something else amazing?
Cumin can sort of even smell like cinnamon when you think it is cinnamon.
But, it's not.
No, silly, I did not mix and drink cumin laced coffee. (it was my second cup so I was actually awake enough to catch myself. lucky.)
I just came so darn close to it that I immediately thought "Oh, my! I should warn others. This could really happen! I need to take a photo and blog about this!"
Consider yourself warned.
Your welcome.
footnote: no tastebuds or fresh cups of coffee were injured during the making of this blog.


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What's Worldwide Dream builders?
Worldwide Dream Builders (GDB) is an web promoting and advertising and marketing platform that was primarily based by Adam Wenig. He teaches you learn the way to earn money on-line by creating simple websites that pay $1,000-$5,000 a month. Does his promise sound too good to be true?
Worldwide Dream Builders Evaluation
Worldwide Dream Builders (GDB) is an web website, which is unquestionably a product sales funnel to the merchandise they promote on-line along with to their members and potential prospects. This platform is one different site promising an earnings producing different that is quickly gaining momentum amongst net entrepreneurs, notably the youth. For my part, it seems prefer it's promising an extreme quantity of.
This technique teaches of us learn the way to assemble websites which is likely to be actually funnel pages to advertise merchandise. Funnel pages is not going to be websites. It is very similar to a advertising and marketing marketing campaign. A advertising and marketing marketing campaign on a regular basis have to be modified, just like an advert.
The platform is principally taking these funnel pages and selling them by e-mail or spherical social media. You principally take the funnel pages and create Fb commercials. Fb ads can to get website guests, nonetheless it could be pricey, on account of it would not on a regular basis work.
The good about his program, he does educate you learn the way to assemble funnel pages. However, he would not educate learn the way to assemble an web website. His promise is about creating an web website which will support you generate earnings fast. Actuality proper right here is, he merely teaches you learn the way to assemble a product clickfunnels pricing.
Moreover, good news is you do study to assemble a product sales funnel in 5 minutes from his webinar. However it is not going to earn you 1000's of dollars on-line.
Product sales funnels are created by using a program known as click on on funnels. To put his platform in simple phrases, you make a whole bunch of assorted funnels and add affiliate hyperlinks. This then means that you would be able to earn money as quickly as of us click on on on regardless of you is likely to be selling.
Adam Wenig ensures to indicate you learn the way to earn money on-line by creating simple websites that pay $1,000 – $5,000 a month. This is not true.
The unhealthy, Adam claims to indicate you learn the way to assemble worthwhile websites. However, he solely teaches you learn the way to assemble product sales funnels, interval!
The very very first thing you be taught is learn the way to create product sales funnels using a program known as click on on funnels. As quickly because the product sales funnel net web page is created, Adam then teaches you learn the way to take these product sales funnel pages and create ads on Fb and Instagram.
Fb ads can value 1000's of dollars and finish in no income. It is as a result of it doesn't on a regular basis work and plenty of people are new to Fb ads, so there is no promise.
The Product sales Funnel Platform
The product sales funnel pages could even embody content material materials and flicks referring to Worldwide Dream Builder's system. The flicks is prone to be a testimonial of how properly the system works and the best way it may possibly earn you lots of money.
After the pages are all prepare, you may add affiliate hyperlinks to your whole funnels which will monitor once more to Adam Wenig's Worldwide Dream Builders net web page. Ask your self, why are you creating all these product sales funnel pages that lead once more to Adam's system???
To put this in a single simple sentence of us, you is likely to be Adam's advertiser. You are promoting the stuff for him, on account of you are the one who's making all the ads and talking. This is not a method to assemble your particular person enterprise of us!
To sum all of the items up, you is likely to be selling this technique and lying to others that they're going to get the similar outcomes and earn money fast. That's one factor I'd personally not want to participate in.
The whole thing proper right here is misleading knowledge. Adam says it is a site and genuinely it is solely a bunch of product sales funnels.
While you start using the press funnels, it may value money. This may occasionally in any case finish in a price for Adam when you be part of. There could also be nothing incorrect with this course of. It is web affiliate internet marketing, nonetheless it should not be executed this fashion.


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Thu, 3 February 2011
Sony has "launched" their new portable gaming system. And by "launched" I mean "Let the awesomeness of it's features wash over us for a few weeks" before announcing that it's "going to be powered by a small nuclear battery and cost a billion dollars". Wait, that last part shouldn't have been in quotes. Because that's actually true.
Direct download: 367_-_PSP_NGP_TOGTFO.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:04pm EDT
Thu, 3 February 2011
I have written and re-written what was meant to go in this space at least 5 times now, and I realized. It's just not that important. So this, instead of my ramblings, I present to you the first entry that comes up when you search for "Blowjob Joke" in google: One sperm says to the other: "How far is it to the ovaries?" The other one replies: "Relax. We just passed the tonsils."
Direct download: 366_-_Three_Way_Onramp.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:40pm EDT
Thu, 30 September 2010
The NFL has begun again, and between that and the release of Halo:Reach, we haven't really done a whole lot with our lives lately. Oh wait. Absolutely nothing has changed.
Direct download: 357_-_Halo_Reach_Around.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:37pm EDT


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Infrared Sauna Treatment
What does it do?
Similar to a light jog, sitting in an infrared sauna can raise your heart rate, and cause you to sweat.
Because of the way the sauna omits heat, it warms your core, simulating a fever. Your body starts to sweat, increasing blood circulation.
By using the Infrared Sauna, you release more sweat than in a regular sauna or even a steam room.
Perspiration balances sodium and calcium levels, opens up pores, boosts endorphins.
The Infrared sauna has been said to improve the one's quality of life, and overall wellbeing.
How does it work?
The Infrared sauna uses light in order to help relax and balance the body.
It works by omitting infrared light waves that raises your body's core temperature.
The infrared rays omitted, directly penetrate your skin instead of warming the air around you like most regular saunas.
Your body's temperature will rise quickly, yet the light will have no effect on your surroundings.
The infrared rays work together with colour changing therapy lights in order to help you relax your muscles and your mind.
Benefits of the Infrared Sauna include:
- Muscle Pain Relief
- Anti-Aging Effects
- Immune System Boosts
- Joint Pain or Stiffness Relief
- Stress Relief
- Skin Improvement
Is Infrared Sauna Treatment for You?
Since the Infrared Sauna operates at a lower temperature than most saunas, it can be better tolerated by people who have difficulty with the high level of heat in regular saunas or steam rooms.
This treatment has shown to help people with muscle pain as well as aide them during their injury recovery process.
Using the infrared sauna has also proven to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, as well as boost the immune system.
Infrared Sauna Treatment has had the most success when paired with other treatments such as massage therapy and physiotherapy.
Ready to Try?
Call and Book Your Appointment Today!
30 min…….$20
You can also get one free infrared sauna session with every Colon Hydrotherapy package
6 Sessions(30 min)……………….$99
10 Sessions(30 min)…………….$149
Towels and hot teas are included!


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Dark Chocolate Avocado Pudding is creamy, decadent and delicious…and just happens to be vegan too!
Happy Halloween! Would you like a trick or a treat? How about both in one fantastic dessert?!
The trick?
I'm known for being sneaky on occasion…and, totally getting away with it. Zucchini brownies anyone? {wink}
So trust me when I tell you that I'm pretty darn sure no one can tell that this decadent dark chocolate pudding gets its smooth, silky texture from avocados. You can't taste the avocado. I pinky promise!
Furthermore, since this "trick" (i.e. avocado) is praised for its health benefits, you don't need to feel a bit guilty about the deception!
Oh yeah…and there's dark chocolate and cocoa powder involved too…also on the healthier side of decadence.
Dark Chocolate Avocado Pudding is Definitely a Treat!
This pudding, or mousse in some circles, is a blank canvas waiting to be personalized…
The purist will savor each bite…unadorned.
Kids will be kids. Mine like to scoop it on to pretzel chips. Sweet and salty goodness in each bite.
Raspberries and strawberries…there's nothing quite like fruit and chocolate.
How about a sprinkling of coconut flakes?
Or, just a few more chocolate chips?
Or…googly eyes? Yep!
Well, it is Halloween, and those googly eyes have been staring at me from the pantry at every turn.
So, here it goes…one more time…for the sake of Halloween and all things fun and spooky.
Ha! I hope you get a good laugh at my second try at spooky (Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatball eyeballs were the first attempt!)
Luckily, I'm out of googly eyes…at least until next year. 🙂
Dark Chocolate Avocado Pudding
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips I chopped up 12 Dove Dark Chocolate squares
- 4 Haas avocados, very ripe pitted and skin removed
- 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar for vegan version
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup skim milk rice milk, almond milk or coconut milk will work too
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon sugar - optional
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring at each interval, until melted and smooth.
- Add chocolate and remaining ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth, scraping sides as necessary.
- Refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving.


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Wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ around your property is more than an American tradition. There are countless reasons why homeowners continue to select wooden fences. At Challenger Fence, our installation methods over the past decade have outfitted homes with fencing that is both welcoming and protective against intruding eyes and unwanted guests. Our professional installers use their knowledge and years of experience to promptly install wood fencing and give your home a classic Americana feel right out classic American literature--however our installers don't wear overalls and straw hats.
It's more than just a perpetual habit, a wood fence adds much benefit to the home. We've assembled a list of the top four reasons wooden fence installation in Bergen County NJ can benefit your property below.
Design and Curb Appeal
This is perhaps the top reason why homeowners continue to select wood for their preferred fencing material. Wood looks great around your home, there is no denying that. In our years of experience installing fences, we've seen homes go from worn-out and shabby to fresh and beautiful with just a new wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ. Aside from making your home look great, the added curb appeal will also increase your home's value. Nobody can argue with that.
Stay Private
Nobody wants their entire life to be on display. We may be far from the events in the "Truman Show," but still we are exposed when sitting in our yard or garden. Passersby and neighbors have a full glimpse of you and your family living their lives. Nobody is saying you have something to hide. But we are claiming that privacy will help you live more comfortably.
Be Safe
In line with the idea of privacy mentioned above, there are others who may be sneaking a peak at you besides your neighbors. Threats exist in any neighborhood, and with a simple fence you can deter them and keep them away from your family. Wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ is durable and won't fall down easily. This means the distance between you and harm is increased with a proper fence.
Keep Property Lines in Play
Another reason why homeowners go with a fence around their home is to have a clear distinction between their property and that of their neighbor. In some communities, this line is blurred. Sharing is caring, indeed. But if you're paying for the property, you deserve full use of your yard. With a wooden fence, you can make a plain statement of where your home begins and ends.
At Challenger Fence, we are dedicated to providing high-quality wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ. Our methods create wood fencing that will look great for years to come. For more information about wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ, call Challenger Fence today at (973) 772-2593.
We provide wood fence installation in Bergen County NJ to the following areas:


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Got a question? Try the Empire FAQ or ask in the Electors' Forum.
@GP - chess and then war games- same here. Avalon Hill Bliztkrieg with the pink and blue chits and AH submarine. Believe it or not, I just got rid of them last year except for the submarine board which I keep for Pirates. SPI games by the bucketload and of course a subscription. Learned more about military history in that period than anywhere else. You can still get 3 different versions of strategy and tactics still.
oh wow never heard of these guys
Hey, I could still beat up a woman!If I wanted to.
This one...But yours works better, and looking at it is surely a resculpt of the unit leader?!
023 I know this might be much to ask but can you please tell me about the colours you used on the plumage of the owl griff and how you went about painting it as I love the scheme lots and would like to copy it for a griffon I have...
Owlgryph's seem better than griffons, would they be nocturnal?
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What is Avira Antivirus 2020 for Android?
Avira Antivirus 2020 is a free tools application developed by AVIRA. The latest v6.60, which is packed with tools, avira, antivirus, cleaner features, is stable and working according to our tests. The app has 5.00 / 5 rating from 1 votes and 594 downloads from users on our site. I believe it is a tools software worth checking out. Will you try Avira Antivirus 2020 for yourself?
How to use Avira Antivirus 2020 on Android?
In my experience you can learn a lot from a video. Here is one insightful video about how to use Avira Antivirus 2020.
You can easily extract detailed information about each app from its screenshots. Get a bright idea of its capabilities and what to expect from it.
Avira Antivirus 2020 Specifications
|Require Android 5.0 and up
|tools, avira, antivirus, cleaner,
|Publish Date
|Download options
|APK / Google Play
|User Rating
|5.00 / 5
Is Avira Antivirus 2020 safe?
- The APK is confirmed safe by VirusTotal. No engines detected this file as harmful.
- The latest version is 6.60 and will take 32M of storage on your device.
- Its most recent update is on
How to download Avira Antivirus 2020 for Android?
The best option is to download straight from your browser. Below is helpful illustrated guide how to download APK file.
- Tap on the Download button below.
- Now you will be directed to the download page. There are options to download the APK file or install it from Play Store.
- Tap on Download APK.
- Confirmation window will pop up depending on your browser preferences.
- Tap on Download again and save the file on your device.


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Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
For the SIH devotional on this subject:


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Redbird Rookies, a baseball league for boys and girls age five to thirteen, is sponsored by Cardinals Care, the community foundation of the Louis Cardinals professional baseball team. The program, started in 2004, provides children with uniforms, gloves, bats, balls, and other equipment, as well as extensive off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring, and cultural arts.
The DMH Athletic Trainers provide the health component of the program through screenings, physicals, and health and nutrition information. Decatur Park District helps provide staff resources, as well as baseball diamonds in the local parks for use by the teams.
Redbird Rookies has 20 leagues, serving nearly 4,500 kids in the St. Louis/Metro area, and parts of rural Missouri and Illinois who otherwise might not have had the chance to play. The Decatur league was started in 2008.
On July 25, 2017, DMH, the Decatur Park District, and President of the St. Louis Cardinals Bill DeWitt III unveiled the Dexter Fowler Field in Decatur at Hess Park, home to the Decatur Redbird Rookies.
Rawlings, a major contributor and supporter of Cardinals Care, donates and discounts most of the equipment and uniforms for any child who wants to play in Redbird Rookies. In addition, Cardinals Care provides training so that coaches and organizers can learn innovative coaching/character building techniques that are essential to the program. Parents also take part in workshops that teach the philosophy of the league so that there is support on every level.
Players are encouraged to read over the summer and have opportunities to win individual prizes such as a backpack and school supplies or team prizes such as being in a drawing for a chance to play a game at Busch Stadium or to have a practice with a current Cardinals player.
Central to Redbird Rookies is instructional play. Keeping score and winning are secondary to the life lessons that can be learned as part of a team on the ball field. Redbird Rookies works to instill the values of teamwork, integrity, self-esteem and leadership in the "classroom" of a baseball setting.
St. Louis Cardinals Official Website


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Frugi Prehistoric Pals Kneepatch Dungarees
Frugi Prehistoric Pals Kneepatch Dungarees
These Frugi Kneepatch Dungarees are light blue with a colourful design of woolly mammoths and other extinct creatures and have a contrasting medium blue trim and soft, stretchy cuffs. With padded knees, these organic cotton dungarees are comfy, cosy and practical. These Frugi dungarees have snaps at the shoulders and up the legs for easy dressing an nappy changes. With a comfy, relaxed fit, these Frugi dungarees go over cloth nappies and the padded knees give comfort to little crawlers and toddlers. These Frugi dungarees are made from super-soft organic cotton which is gentle against your child's skin and eczema-friendly. Team up these organic dungarees with a colourful bodysuit for a gorgeous eco outfit from Babipur.
Made with GOTS organic cotton under fair trade conditions - kind on sensitive skin and sustainable. Frugi clothes and accessories are a hit with green parents who want to buy natural, sustainable children's clothing that is a little bit different to what you'll find on the high street. Bright and colourful with super ethics, embrace the ethical fashion revolution with Frugi.
Frugi clothing really is something to get excited about. Fab designs that children and parents love with all kinds of wonderful colours and playful prints. Frugi clothing is made from soft organic cotton that's kind to sensitive skin making it eczema friendly. Fair trade and organic certified Frugi cotton isn't sprayed with any chemical pesticides that can harm the environment, the cotton farmers and your skin so it's super eco-friendly. Everything is made in Fair trade factories in India where employees are given a fair wage as well as access to a free GP for them and their families. Planet Frugi, we care what kids wear!
Fast delivery & great service
We ship our products worldwide using Royal mail and fast courier services. We have lots of regular shoppers from all around the world.


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Today I painted my shoes. Doesn't everyone? Oh...well, I did. Anyway, I love the starry skies. The background of this blog is even galaxy looking. I don't study galaxies or constellations and still consider Pluto a planet, but I love gazing into the night sky. I try to catch meteor showers and other celestial events except when these things happen it's usually cloudy here. I love the stars so much that my husband, the one who makes them shine for me, named one after me for our anniversary one year. Awww, I know, he's a keeper.
I've done my nails to look like a galaxy far far away before with nail polish and was happy with the results so I figured if I can make my nails look cool, why not my shoes? There is a connection there somewhere between fingernails and shoes. HA! I have it, they can both be painted! You didn't think I could come up with a connection did ya? Showed you.. and I'll show you how I made my shoes look like this:
Here is what you will need.
- Shoes! This is pretty much the most important part. If you don't have the shoes I'm not sure you will be able to complete this project. I bought a cheap pair of black canvass shoes for $10.
- Fabric paint in various colors. I chose shades of blues, pink, purple and white. You can use any colors you wish. Google "galaxy pictures" and it will give you some ideas on the different colors you can use. Reds, orange and yellow also look great. It's up to you. I also got some silver glitter paint as well, because everything is better with glitter.
- Painters tape or similar.
- Paint brushes or sponges. I used the sponges.
- Old toothbrush, or a new one, but you wont be brushing your teeth with it after this.
- Paper plate or something to mix paint on.
- Paper towels and some newspaper to protect the poor living room coffee table you keep doing these messy projects on.
Next take your tape and tape around the bottom rubber edge on the shoes. Depending on your shoes you may not have to do this. Some don't have that rubber edge or maybe you want to paint that as well. Again, it's up to you.
This is like, the worst picture ever, but I'm flicking in it.
I don't really have a lot of (read: any) experience with fabric paint so I have no idea how well or if it stands up to water. I don't go around jumping in puddles but there are those times we simply can't avoid walking through one. I don't want my galaxy to turn into a black hole if that happens so I sprayed them with some acrylic sealer. I don't even know if it will work, and there is probably some sort of better sealer, but it's what I used. Will it work? Yo, I don't know, but spray those shoes and let's go! *groan*
I also plan on getting some purple shoe laces because I think they will go better than the white ones they came with. Maybe I will just paint the white shoe laces.. Hmmmmmmm...


text: Cursing as celebration: why and how we swear on the Offbeat Empire #Publishing#offbeat bride#Offbeat Bride: the book#reader complaint Updated Apr 30 2018 (Posted Nov 27 2013) Ariel arielmstallings Photo by Clay Shonkwiler – CC BY 2.0 It came up again last week: After we linked this post, a vendor reader on Facebook flounced, informing us "The f bombs reduce your credibility. I swear too but not on public posts. Bye." This issue has come up for years — does anyone remember "Motherfuckergate" back in 2011? — and our response is generally the same: foul language has been a part of the Offbeat Bride brand since before the website even launched. The copyeditor of my book, Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides, was flagging foul language all the way back in 2006. Ultimately, if you're uncomfortable with swearing, Offbeat Bride just isn't going to be a great fit for you. I also take issue when people say it damages credibility or makes us look unprofessional — Offbeat Bride is a well-established niche publication serving a nontraditional market. Given our success with both readers and advertisers in this market, our credibility and professionalism are doing just fine. The majority of the complaints about our language comes from vendors on Facebook, saying: "I wanted to share this post with my clients, but it contains swearing, so I don't feel comfortable sharing it… which therefore means I think you shouldn't swear." Sweet vendors, just because our content isn't a fit for your market, doesn't mean it's not a fit for our market. (And furthermore, what do you think you're going to get when you follow Offbeat Bride?) There's a larger issue at play here, though: we have a pretty specific way we use swearing on the Empire, and it's almost always celebratory. We very infrequently say things like "Fuck this" or "This is stupid shit" or even "Then I fucked my husband." (Long gone are our contentious "Fuck taffeta" shirts from early 2007 — some people like taffeta!) Our cursing is almost always used as a way to convey enthusiasm — HOLY SHIT! THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME! HERE'S A SHIT-TON OF AMAZINGNESS! For us, using foul language in this way is a celebration. It's a way of conveying just how enthusiastic we are. It's also a branding litmus test: if "fuck yeah, kale bouquets" offends you, then it's a quick indicator that Offbeat Bride might not be a fit for you. If THAT offends you, how are you going to feel about a collaring ceremony? Or a polyamorous triad? Or the fact that we have masturbation on our wedding checklist? Things get more slippery when we've used curse words in a less positive context. We've been called out for using the phrase "making something your bitch," and generally only using "bitch" in a positive way. That said, as someone who 100% identifies as a bitch and sees it as a term of endearment equating to "empowered, outspoken women creating awesomeness in the world," I'm totally comfortable with reclaiming it positively. Heck, sometimes I'm perfectly comfortable with playing with the negatives uses, too — although I absolutely understand why some people aren't, which is why we're cautious when we use it that way on the sites. As with all things language and colloquial, things are always shifting and ultimately this boils down to each reader making the decision for themselves about what they're comfortable with reading. For me as a publisher, I'm totally comfortable with using cursing in a celebratory way. FUCK YEAH! Share this:TwitterFacebook Reporter Name * Reporter Email * Original text Enter the original text here. Edited text* Enter your suggested copyedit here. Notes You can add a note for the editor here. * Required information. Fix Typo Ariel Author of three editions of the Offbeat Bride book and the forthcoming From Shitshow To Afterglow, Ariel Meadow Stallings acts as the publisher of all the Offbeat Empire websites. She lives in Seattle with her son, and if she's not reading or writing books, chances are good that she's dancing or happy-crying. She writes weekly essays for her new publication, The Afterglow. PREVIOUS Is social media sharing the new commenting? NEXT Why I'm not doing a reader survey this year (and what I'm doing instead) Show/Hide comments [ 22 ] Now I kind of want to see the "THIS!" button replaced by a "FUCK YEAH!" button… HEH. I'd also look forward to seeing "FUCK YEAH!ing this" in response to the best comments. For now, I'll settle for "THISing" your comment! Keep doing what you're doing. There are plenty, PLENTY of other very dainty wedding sites that use so-called professional language, and the beauty of this site is it gives a safe space for everyone who does not fit into that world of daintiness and professionalism. You can't be everything for everyone, that's for sure! Better to be the best fit for a small but awesome group of like-minded individuals. I've always felt like it served the Empire (ha) by doing a few things: • stating that "Hey, it's okay to be you here. We are!" • offering a level of frankness that other wedding blogs shy away from • communicating in the language of the people, mannnn. To throw on my ethnographer hat for a moment, subcultures speak in coded (and often subversive) language. One of the biggest and most general subcultures that the Offbeat Empire serves is heavy internet users who tend to be connected to memes–like "Fuck yeah, [x]!" To not use that language is to say "I am not one of you." Not that every heavy internet users curses or considers cursing to be part of the culture, but it's a common theme. Fuck polyester taffeta, for reals! Silk taffeta all the way 🙂 I'm always surprised by how offended a few people can get at a little bit of cursing. I'm a fairly mild person, to the point where people are surprised if I curse, but I just don't get what a few people manage to get so very upset about. They are just words- and it's all about tone and context. For example, there is a facebook page I follow "I fucking love science" whose title I appreciate. I wouldn't endorse hate speech, insults, or rampant cursing, but a few curse words here and there aren't a BFD. Ah Motherfuckergate…. Sigh… I love a good flounce. They're so hard to come by these days. Even that one was really only a B-grade flounce. ( To give the person some credit, it's hard to pull off an A level flounce without swearing.) Oh man, motherfuckergate. The picture for that particular line was from my wedding so every time my friends hear that song they will send me a text and get me giggling. HA! That just made my day. 🙂 I hate cursing but luckily this blog is not in my native language so it doesn't really bother me. If it was my native language no way I would read it. Cursing in English doesn't affect me the same way, even though I still avoid cursing in any language. I am 100% OK with swearing as long as it isn't something that deliberately puts down people (like c**t, n****r, or f*g, for example, now *those* words I'm not OK with at all). But words like fuck, shit, damn, etc. – FUCK YEAH ALL THE WAY! P.S. I've seen some intense cussing on even some of the most mainstream wedding sites. So if you're going to boycott a website just because of language, you might as well boycott some other sites too. Maybe even the whole Internet. The fact is that lots of people swear on a daily basis, sometimes even in the most professional and formal settings. I've been to a job interview where the manager said "shit" while describing the duties of the position I applied for. Even my conservative mom has uttered a few cuss words in her lifetime. There is no getting away from swearing if you're human. My boss just dropped an F-bomb the other day. She doesn't do it often, and she's the first one to correct us if we swear in front of interns. But the circumstances warrented an solid "FUCK", and she didn't hold back. It helped us see that she was just as frustrated as we were. Team-building F-bombs for the win. A whole post on the use of swearing. This is why I love the Offbeat Empire. FUCK YEAH! I think the swearing makes you more relatable. Lots of people swear. It shows us that you're being transparent and honest and not putting on a front or hiding/censoring who you are to us. That builds credibility in my book! Definition 2: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/intensifier?s=t Intensifiers exist in every language and have done for as long as we've got written records. "Fuck" or its equivalent has been used as an intensifier in northern European languages roughly since its inception over 1,000 years ago. Protesting it usually runs hand-in-hand with the notorious "tone argument" leveled on outspoken opinionated women (aka Bitches or "Babe(s) In Total Control of HEr Shit"), which I'm proud is not something often seen here, and quickly addressed if it does come up. If I think someone's dress is fucking gorgeous, I'm going to say it that way, whether I'm typing in public or speaking. If I think something one of my aunts does or says is ri-goddamned-diculous, I'm going to say that too. In short, it's nobody's fucking place to tell you how to speak, especially in your own fucking forum. 🙂 "That said, as someone who 100% identifies as a bitch and sees it as a term of endearment equating to "empowered, outspoken women creating awesomeness in the world,"" Can you make that into a t-shirt? Cuz I'd wear that shit all the time. Or you should make it for yourself and wear it only when doing business/"professional" things, like instead of a suit you wear your bitch shirt. Also, to say something post related, I love that swearing happens here. It's pretty natural for this market and for most people in general. Even my mom who still gets so angry when I say shit around her, not even in conversation with her, has been known to drop an F-bomb or two especially when she's trying to put the lights on the christmas tree….Essentially, haters gonna hate. Apparently, I'm out of line with the cursing thing … because my home state of Washington is the nation's least cursing state? As a native Californian who never swore until I moved to Massachusetts (like, literally never, as a point of pride)… can I just say that this list is fucking absurd? Thank you so much for pointing out how much the context matters! I don't curse myself (mostly), but I don't get offended for the most part when anyone else does. I'll only get upset if it's being used to be mean or degrade someone else. And then again, I'd be just as upset if someone did that without the swear words. And yeah…anyone I know who would be offended by cursing in any context wouldn't read OBB in the first place. I just love it when some one calls me a bitch or the "c" word….neither bothers me in fact I always come back w/ "you say it like its a bad thing!" Ha-FUCKING-Ha….keep 'being who u are & always say what u feel….cuz those who mind don't matter & those who matter don't mind'(~Dr. Suess) oh btw love this fucking blog! Every few months, I refer back to this post and share it with those who chastise me for "language" that is "embarrassing" and "lessens [my] credibility." So, fuck yeah this post! Comments are closed.


text: Zombie Zealots! Fans of The Walking Dead! Adventure Lovers! Have I found a book for you! I've been honored with a first read of Jack Flacco's new novel, Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse and I'm so excited to share with you, but I don't want to spoil it! I've never done a book review before and frankly, I'm a... Continue Reading →


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For art passionate, our limo service in Nice will invite to discover the links between French Riviera & Art. First, we'll introduce the villa Ephrussi de Rotschild and the chapelle Saint Hospice settled in Saint Jean cap Ferrat. All the villa-museum as Rotschild or Kerylos reflects a period full of history and culture. From Nice to Monaco and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Russians have always been there and the trendy has been confirmed during the past years. The Negresco hotel reflects the Russian print, its restaurant and decoration make it a unique institution.
Our limo service in Nice will allow you to discover Cimiez, the Castle, hotel Victoria, Matisse and Chagall museum.
Suggestions for a museum:
Suggestions for a dinner or lunch:
You ought to visit Saint Paul de Vence, this medieval village on the top of the hill which used to be very coveted by Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Alain Delon or Yves Montand. The tourists usually try to get a table at the famous restaurant, la Colombe d'Or. At only 30 mn from Nice, Saint Paul has the most beautiful view and a quiet atmosphere.
Suggestions for a lunch or dinner:
If you have enough time, the driver will recommend to visit Antibes which is a beautiful place, the seaside is absolutely wonderful. You could easily see a limo service at the Hotel Eden Roc for example.
Our limo service in Nice, Saint Paul de Vence or Saint Jean cap Ferrat is available around the clock. To take the time to visit, we advise you a 8 hours package. The drivers will be happy to assist you.
Information: email@example.com or + 33 (0)4 83 73 61 24


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Moving into a new home can be chaotic and frustrating for many people. The problem is usually that the moving company you choose may be unprofessional or inefficient. If you are tired of bad moving experiences, there are good companies around. If you reside or want to move to Newham, your best bet is Pegler Removals. The company is not only reputed but also knowledgeable in the house removals sector.
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If you are moving homes, professional house removals services come in very handy. Some people choose to handle everything on their own or with the help of relatives. However, the challenge is that these people may not be trusted to handle your items with the professional care they deserve. If you are looking for professional services, you are better off with a trusted company like ours. Our team is trained on how to pack various household items, ranging from furniture to kitchen items. You do not have to worry about them breaking your valuable belongings when you move.
When you hire a moving expert, it means that you can sit and relax and have the work done by the professionals. At Pegler Removals, we make sure that you do exactly that. Our team will run around on your behalf, so you do not have to stress about anything. We have helped hundreds of clients to move to or from Newham and we are more than ready to help you settle with as little difficulty as possible. Our team is not only friendly but also available to answer any of your moving questions before and on the moving day.
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What does a snake do? It stings. It eats its own babies. It stings even the one who loves it. The virulent thin creature that has no arms, no legs; looks at the other animals and all it wants to do is sting all of them.
Filled with insecurities and incapabilities of not being able to run or fly or hunt like the lion, it just knows how to sting. Another interesting thing about snakes is they can't dig a hole since they don't have any arms. The only way they can have a home is by injecting the venom into a rat or any rodent that can dig a hole on its own, and then take over their homes. It then makes the seized home, it's own home.
It's a joy of its own. No legs, no arms, no might like the king of the jungle and here it has won and has a home of its own. For this snake in particular things were a little different. It had been living with a snake charmer. It was fed milk and not blood and flesh. It was trained so that it doesn't sting, the charmer didn't remove its venom glands because he trusted the snake. People clapped and awed at the snake's performance, at least that's what the snake thought. Only to find out it was being fooled. It was the charmer who took all the credit of charming the snake, who was the same old same stinging, venomous, horrifying reptile. The truth that nobody knew was that the snake had lived with the charmer as a choice. It loved the charmer, especially when after the performance it was fed milk and trained to feel glorious. It was over. The snake had to leave the charmer. The false glory had to end. The snake left the next night.
No food, no place to go, no one to go to. A lonely poisonous, rancorous snake slithering on the roads, making everyone scream, pull out a gun, attack and kill it. What's the snake left with? Venom. The only one thing to protect its soft flesh and acerbic insecurities. It had to kill the rat and find a new home. Yes, the snake's an evil monster, it just knows survival.
It now needed friends and a mating partner to reproduce and some food after it digests the rat. It found friends. A bunch of lunatic snakes. They were good to hang out and prey with. For some time the snake thought it had found home again: friends, a mate, a home and even food when needed. It seemed perfect. The snake knew that the rest of them were snakes after all. They are nobody's friends but their own. They will sting it one day or another. The difference between them and it was the nurture. At the end they will find out about all its insecurities and weaknesses and will string it to take over, but the snake fooled itself again and didn't bother much because it sounded absurd, they were friends.
However, the day came soon. They bit the snake. Why? Nobody knows. Maybe they didn't like the fact that it was a different snake, maybe the snake was just a bad natured snake, maybe the snake was too selfish and they didn't like it. The snake didn't know the reason. It was poisoned and could only think of ways to recover. A tiger helped the snake. A mind boggling twist. The snake could only question this bizarre occurrence but could never understand it. The instant recovery made it feel hungry. Attack the tiger was only what kept coming in its mind. A confusion. Panic. Hard to decide and go against the instincts.
It didn't sting the tiger, instead it devoured the rat that entered the tiger's den. Nobody understand the snake's world. The confusions, the fight and the struggle in its own head, self-created mostly. Only if the snake could run away from the self-detrimental thoughts of its own making. At the end it's a lonely snake, paving its way to another kill, another prey. A venomous creature, who, in its own head is the king of the jungle.


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Yorktown Trolley
Water Street
Yorktown, VA 23690United States
Park your car and let us do the driving! The Trolley is one of the best ways to see Historic Yorktown. Our friendly drivers will give helpful information about each stop so you can focus on the scenery, the history, and where you want to have your next meal.
This FREE air-conditioned service will take you from the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center all the way to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, making several convenient stops along the way. Each trolley is ADA accessible.
2018 Schedule
March 17 - May 24, daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.May 25 – September 3, daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.September 4 – November 18, daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Nov 23- Dec 30 (Fri, Sat & Sun only) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free. 757.890.3500


text: Similar to her CC 6.5 BR bigger sister the CC 5.5 BR feels spacious and safe. A large wrap around windscreen gives security at the helm. Two cockpits (forward and aft) give plenty of space for all the family to lap up the sun. When the relaxing is done the CC 5.5 BR, rated for up to 120HP outboard engines, is an ideal platform to enjoy all sorts of water sports from skiing and boarding to fishing and cruising. At the end of the day simply load her onto a trailer and move to the next coastal area to explore another day!


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This week I read a story of a boy who showed some qualities I want to have in my life. The story goes like this:
A boy was leaning against the wall outside a barber shop. He dialled his phone and began speaking to a lady on the other end. The barber was listening in.
Boy: Ma'am, I'm wondering if you would hire me to cut your lawn? (Pause)
But I'll cut it for half the price of the person who cuts it now. (Pause)
But Ma'am, I'll even sweep your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm Beach! (A moment later he hung up)
Barber: I couldn't help but overhear…did you get the job?
Boy: No.
Barber: Well I like your attitude, and I'd like to offer you a job.
Boy: No thanks.
Barber: But you were begging for a job on the phone just now, weren't you?
Boy: No Sir, I was just checking my performance at the job I already have. I am the one who currently cuts that lady's lawn.
So what does this boy model that's worth emulating?
- He has a desire to do his work to the best of his ability
- He has the courage to find out how he's really doing
- He loves going the second mile when helping others
- He is creative and resourceful
- He appreciates feedback and finds a way to get it
- He is not afraid to hear the truth so he can keep improving
What is the definition of work being used here?
Work [wurk]
Activity involving mental or physical
effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
The work I'm doing during this season of repair and recovery fits this definition perfectly. I'm engaged in various activities involving mental and physical effort that achieve a purpose or result. Like the boy outside the barber shop, I want how I do what I do to make a difference.
Whether I'm exercising my leg back into usability at the physiotherapy clinic, staying out of the way of the house cleaner, volunteering at church, visiting health care professionals, connecting with neighbors, or helping a friend on his journey – I want to do those activities in a way that matters, has a positive impact and fits in to a higher purpose.
Do I give my best to what I'm doing?
Do I welcome feedback so I can keep improving?
Do I go the second mile in the activities I do?
Do I keep looking for ways to keep growing?
One example of how I'm trying to keep my work working is to keep improving in my exercising, stretching and attempt to get my leg back into useful condition. I regularly ask my physiotherapist, "Is there anything else I should be doing to keep improving?" The answer is often "No, just keep doing what you're doing" but sometimes I'll gain an insight, perspective or idea necessary to keep my work working.
So as you work, may you engage in the activities of your life with purpose and in a way that makes a difference in the lives of people and keeps your work working.
What activities are you involved with requiring mental or physical effort?
What would getting feedback look like for you?
Image source: Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
To receive each new post by email when they come out, enter your email address on the top right at www.camtaylor.net. And I welcome your comments!


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After last year's 40th birthday blow-out. the stated aim of this year's ('annes Film Festival was to return to the serious business of cinema and the quest to discover the major filmmaking talents ofthc next decade. A laudable aim that was never fully realised in a festival where the calibre of the Official selection and the unpredictability of the elements were frequently dispiriting.
Director Ltic Besson had previously staked his claim for consideration with The Last Bull/e and Subway. and amply confirmed his stylish sense of larger-thamlife cinema with The Big Blue. which filled the traditionally maligned slot
, u LIVED 7"." u
the South
The annual gathering ofthe great. the good and the bankable commodity in celluloid terms has just finished in Cannes. Allan Hunter was there.
ofopening night film. Once again featuring a slightly naive hero dreaming impossible dreams. Besson has created a dazzling. globetrotting adventure that is both a paean to the mysteries and beauty of an underwater universe and an assertion of individual liberty as Jacques Mayol chooses between the pull of conventional life and love or the exhilarating sense of release he acquires in the depths of the sea. Personal and political freedom
emerged as one of the central preoccupations in this year's Festival. illustrated in a multiplicity ofsettings— whether it was Fernando Solanas's The South. detailing the repercussions of a worker's militancy in the Argentine ofthc (ienerals. or Robert Redford's' gently humorous and magical fable The ilrIi/ugro Beanfield War in which one man's stand against the greed and destructiveness of big business rouses a small community towards
The Mllagro Beautield War
THE SELLING o CELLULOI I
collective action and the re—discovery of its self-worth. however temporarily.
Redford flew in from Russia ('1 w l\ in the neighbourhood) to introduce the European premiere of his second directorial effort and was one of a starry 1988 cast list that also included ('lint Eastwood. Richard (icrc. Max \'on Sydow. Sting. Nastassja Kinski. Willem Dafoc. Rosanna Arquette. David Lean. Susannah York. Arnold Schwarzenegger. member s of the Monty Python team and variegated Brat Packers. Redford also seemed representative of a continuing trend towards the actor-director. Both \'on Sydow and Eastwood were in ('anncs on the basis of their merit behind the cameras: the former with the loy e story Kalinku and the latter with Bird a multi-faceted biography of the jazz legend ('harlie Parker that features a titanic performance from the tip and coming Forest Whitaker.
Bob llosk'ins' The Raggedy Run-hey proved a generally honourable directorial debut containing a potent anti-war statement. The newest auteur in town. however. was Bob (ieldol. who arrived to inform us of his endeavours as the co-writcr and director of ( 'on-hoys. a fictionalised account of some setni-autobiographical experiences relocated to the week ofthc Pope's visit to Ireland in 197').
With a healthy representation in all sections of the competition and the return of the ever-popular Pavilion. the British presence in ('annes promised tnuch this year. but only really delivered the goods in isolated packages. ('hris Mcnges' much-admired A World Apart is a distinguished additioti to the modest but growing genre of anti-apartheid dramas that had the French falling over themselves to thank him for 'making the film that Mr Attenborough didn't.' ()nc suspects that his film was applauded more for the sentiments it expresses than any particular boldness in its approach.
Set in 1963 and based on real events. it is a powerful and mov ing story ofa daughter coming to terms with the political beliefs of her parents at a time when her father w as forced to flee the country and her truth-seeking journalist mother was
W'I'helfis-t 27 : Z) 1988 9


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Pafos mosque can be used with safety during Ramadan, Ministry says
The Department of Public Works has managed to get the contractor responsible for the project of restoring the mosque in Pafos to complete construction work so that it can be used with safety during Ramadan, a Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works press release says.
The project was part of the general project of the unification of archaeological sites in Kato Pafos and it included the restoration of both the inside and outside area of the site of worship of Pafos Muslims, the press release explains.
Despite delays in the project, the Department of Public Works, respecting the request of the Muslim community to secure a comfortable and safe site in order for them to exercise their religious rights and given that it was not possible to find another site managed "to get the contractor to go ahead with construction work in the mosque so that it may be completed and used with safety during Ramadan," the press release concludes.
Source: Cyprus News Agency


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Earned Value Management – How to Get Started
Earned Value Management (EVM) is simply a project management best practice that evaluates cost and schedule information to gauge the performance of a project or group of projects. If you are interested in managing and executing your projects for SUCCESS, EVM is for you. Not many projects need the rigor of EIA 748 compliance but so many projects can benefit from the basics of the EVM principles. So don't let the myths and folk lore scare you from utilizing a best practice to help you manage scope, schedule, and cost effectively.
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Author's Note, Charlemagne, Historical Fiction, historical novelists, Mike Daisey, public radio program, The Cross and the Dragon, The Song of Roland, This American Life, working conditions in china
Last weekend's episode of This American Life depicts a journalist's worst nightmare: Finding the compelling story you thought was true turn out to have so many falsehoods that the only ethical thing to do is retract it.
In January, the radio program aired part of a monologue by Mike Daisey about terrible working conditions in the Chinese factories that make Apple products. I listened, transfixed, horrified. Problem is, he fabricated many of the anecdotes, and when This American Life directly asked him about facts in his story, he lied. A reporter for another public radio program, Marketplace, exposed the discrepancies.
As a former journalist, I feel This American Life's pain. When you represent a story as true, when you say you saw something or you talked to someone, that means you actually did so. I am also saddened. Working conditions in China are harsh, but knowing that parts of Daisey's story are not true hurts the cause of improving those conditions.
The historical novelist in me see things in more of a nuance. I portray real people fictitiously and even create people to interact with them. In my novel The Cross and the Dragon, I invented a whole family for my hero, Hruodland. With the historical information about Hruodland consisting of part of a sentence in Einhard's biography of Charlemagne, any portrayal of Hruodland is fictitious, including (and especially) "The Song of Roland."
Historical novelists debate on how far to stray from actual events. My own philosophy is that the key word of historical fiction is fiction. I endeavor to accurately portray the characters' times and culture but will take a few liberties for the sake of the story. I also believe in including an author's note, that place where I confess where I made stuff up. It is especially important in a period not well known to a general audience.
Daisey's response to This American Life's retraction includes, "My show is a theatrical piece whose goal is to create a human connection between our gorgeous devices and the brutal circumstances from which they emerge. It uses a combination of fact, memoir, and dramatic license to tell its story, and I believe it does so with integrity."
We who write historical fiction routinely make such admissions. We trust that our readers will be moved by our stories even when they know we speculated, embellished, and invented. I wish Daisey had the same trust in his audience.


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Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." Acts 1:9-11 (Read 1-11).
This Word of God, which was spoken by angels to the disciples who had just witnessed Jesus' ascension into heaven, teaches us that Jesus Christ will return visibly in the clouds of glory on the Last Day. The Bible says: "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen" (Rev. 1:7).
As Jesus ascended into heaven, so He shall also return on the Last Day, the Day of Judgment. He will come again in clouds of glory. Every eye will see Him! His return will be no secret rapture -- both the believer and the unbeliever will see Him coming in glory!
But, are you ready for His return and judgment? Are you prepared to meet Him?
Those who do not trust in Him for salvation will wail in sorrow at His return because they stand condemned for not trusting in the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18; 2 Thess. 1:6-10). But those who do trust in Him as their Savior -- believing that they have pardon for their sins and peace with God for the sake of Christ's innocent sufferings and death in their stead -- will rejoice at His return because He comes to take them to be with Him forever in the mansions of heaven (cf. Luke 21:27-28; Heb. 9:27-28; John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
Do you acknowledge your sins and look to Christ and His cross for mercy and forgiveness? If not, the day of His return will be a day of sorrow and mourning as you face His eternal judgment and condemnation!
If you agree with God about your sins and trust in Christ and the atonement He made for the sins of the world when He died on the cross, that day will be a day of joy and gladness as you receive His mercy, pardon and life eternal in His glorious kingdom!
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, as You have ascended up into heaven to the right hand of God the Father, so come again and take us to be with You forever. Graciously keep us in the true faith so that, on that Day, we may greet You with joy and not with sorrow. Grant this unto us for the sake of Your holy life and bitter sufferings and death upon the cross in our stead. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]Religion on 06/05/2019
Print Headline: Jesus coming on clouds of glory


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Cherry Tree Holding The Moon
The first Paint Night Party, on the 25th April at The Three Trees was a great success. Fourteen people came and painted Cherry Tree Holding The Moon.
The subject painting was Cherry Tree Holding The Moon by Cinnamon Cooney AKA The Art Sherpa. Cherry Tree Holding The Moon is a lovely soft focus photographic illusion painting of the branches, leaves and blossom of a cherry tree hugging the moon gently.
Not everyone followed the artist though and Jude (12) decided to follow his Grandfather's abstract style, and produce his own interpretation. We all thought it the best painting of the lot.


text: Starting on some customization for my two day old car. I'm doing a full chrome delete because I don't think chrome has much contrast with white and it looks way sportier in black. I'll post pictures and details as I go, but it will definitely take way more time than I had planned. Also have been busy this weekend so not much progress yet. I'm doing a few unique things that others may want to try and will show it all in this thread.


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Louis Vuitton 'Jazz Club' Event
What a surprise I got upon coming home from work today!:-) Got an invite from Louis Vuitton for a Jazz Club event at the new Ion Orchard Store. I am not particularly going gaga over the theme of the event, but it's the lavish design of the invite card that took my breath away.
WOW...was my first impression after I open the bronzy-brown envelope. Out came a shiny black cardboard sleeve and then an actual plastic vinyl with the invite slip! The vinyl has a track recorded on it...Charlie Parker's Lover Man, so you can enjoy some jazz to set you in the mood before the event. I need a vinyl player! Me lvoe Jazz:-P
Event will take place on 24th September 2009, 7.30pm at LV Ion Orchard.


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Just watched it, did you like it when Claire put the knife to Jamie's throat during the "make-up" sex and told Jamie that she would rip his heart out if he ever put his "hand" to her again? There might be a bit of 50 shades of …… going on in this show too. Next will you instruct or deconstruct the whole Bonnie Prince Charles and Jacobian aspect of this history too Professor D. – mother of D
Congratulations to all of us, Outlander is back!
My life was a desolate wasteland during the hiatus, but the mid-season premiere has revived me.
Also Jamie hit Claire and feminist internet lost it.
To summarize, Claire did a stupid dangerous thing, it put people's lives at risk, so Jamie had to whip her with his belt in order "to teach her a lesson." He is a sensitive guy, so he was sad about having to do it. But after she struggled and was like "hell no," he got pissed off and was like "I didn't say I wouldn't enjoy it." At which point he enjoyed it. Claire then punished him with death eyes and sleeping on the floor for a long time.
This is, of course, bad. So why did it not feel bad?
The spanking scene was an amazing nod to the audience of modern lady feminists who love this show, and who vicariously feel the primitive eroticism of Claire's non-modern love affair. But you know what you get with non-modern guys? Stupid rules about hitting women who have misbehaved. I love that the show is forcing its audience to reckon with the historical authenticity of their own (and Claire's) desire. You like kilt wearing thugs? Well, they didn't go to Sarah Lawrence.


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Bearded pigs in Borneo are successfully adapting to palm oil expansion but still require significant protected forest areas, finds new research published in Wildlife Research.
The study found that the pigs, renowned for their long facial hair, were consistently found in both degraded forest areas and adjacent palm oil plantations, and were in good physical condition despite the degradation of adjacent forests. The research was co-authored by David Kurz, a PhD candidate in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM), and alumna Alison Ke, PhD '17 ESPM.
In parts of Sumatra and Borneo, the species has been declining quickly in many areas as oil palm agriculture has expanded. The research finds that despite the destruction of their habitat, bearded pigs are finding a way to persist in amongst oil palm expansion, but only with the help of sufficient forests in these fragmented areas.
"The fact that we have well-fed bearded pigs throughout a fragmented forest-oil palm landscape shows that there may be several options for long-term bearded pig management, which is good news for both hunters and conservationists," said Kurz. "However, protected and connected forest habitats remain a critical need for bearded pigs, which have historically migrated hundreds of kilometres and are finding themselves boxed into an increasingly small world."
Read the full story at its source, Cardiff University.


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We have some great things coming back to the original Holy Falafel. Don't be fooled by impostors! Most importantly, don't let people bully you, whether it's in a digital format, online, and especially not in person.
The Original Holy Falafel
May 14, 2019 | Culture
2 Comments
Emily on May 14, 2019 at 12:46 am
Looking forward to seeing some delicious recipes for the best falafel in the world!Log in to Reply
nettie on May 14, 2019 at 7:10 am
Thanks, Emily! While the best falafel ever made are in or near the Old City of Jerusalem, it will be challenging to get their recipe. Your best bet is to take a flight to Tel Aviv and tour the country while eating falafel, hummus, and shawarma! Don't settle for those wannabe falafel places. If they're not from here, they likely don't make it properly.Log in to Reply
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Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey are best friends and founding members of The Baby-sitters Club. Whatever comes up — cranky toddlers, huge dogs, scary neighbors, prank calls — you can count on them to save the day. But baby-sitting isn't always easy, and neither is dealing with strict parents, new families, fashion emergencies, and mysterious secrets. But no matter what, the BSC have what they need most: friendship.
I few weeks back, I received an advanced reading copy of the new FULL COLOUR EDITION of Kristy's Great Idea. Too bad mine (being a proof) was mostly black and white (but hey- I can imagine the awesomeness). It was totally a nostalgic read to re-live these characters' stories. And the best part? All their issues (divorce, diabetes, etc.) are still relevant today.
As one of the most popular series ever published, it makes sense to be re-created as a graphic novel. Raina's illustrations are spot on, and I enjoyed the change up between panel and full page drawings. If you loved the series as a kid, or introducing it for the first time, the author/illustrator combo of Kristy's Great Idea is perfect.


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Donate to BASE Camp & Support Families In-Need!
Thank you for choosing to support BASE Camp! In 2017, we provided nearly $700,000 in tuition assistance. Your gift makes a huge difference to families in need in our community and supports the economic health of Larimer County! We are so grateful for your support!


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Optimal Health Chiropractic and Physical Therapy is proudly serving Atlantic and Cape May counties (Egg Harbor Township, Mays Landing, Galloway, Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield, Ocean City, Dennis Township) with Kiniesiology Tape.
Rock Tape is a form of Kinesiology tape and is designed to help facilitate the body natural healing process by adding support to stabilizing muscles, joints, and ligamentous structures. The major advantage of this style of tape verses traditional athletic taping is the ability of the tape to stretch. This provides supports to the joint being taped throughout its full range of motion rather than restricting it like traditional tape. There are specific protocols when it comes to applying Rock Tape and this is where our doctors can help teach you how to use it properly.
How does it work?
When applied properly, the elasticity of ROCKTAPE lifts the skin away from the muscle, which promotes blood flow. Faster blood flow means more oxygen and more lymph drainage, which helps to remove Lactic Acid, delay muscle fatigue, and promote healing.
How long will it last?
ROCKTAPE can be worn up to 5 days. It is 100% organic cotton and can be worn while exercising, swimming or in the shower.
We have used ROCKTAPE to help treat the following conditions:
– Neck Pain
– Whiplash
– Sciatica
– Low Back Pain
– Sacroiliac Pain
– Disc Problems
– Posture Problems
– Broken Ribs
– Knee Pain
– Quad and/or Hamstring Pain
– IT Band Problems
– Shin Splints
– Shoulder Pain
– Rotator Cuff Problems
– Shoulder Dislocation/Separation
– Achilles Tendon Pain
– Plantar Fasciitis
– Ankle Pain
– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
– Golfers/Tennis Elbow
– Wrist Pain
– Sprains and Strains


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Man gets 9 years in prison for Ansonia baby death
MILFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A West Haven man who prosecutors say shook a baby so violently that the boy died has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Milford Superior Court Judge Frank Iannotti handed down the prison time Wednesday to 37-year-old Angel Santiago, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December.
State's Attorney Kevin Lawlor said evidence in the 2011 death of 5-month-old Kyle Robinson in Ansonia showed he was shaken, but Santiago denied the allegation. Santiago said Kyle was injured in an accidental fall.
Santiago said he would never hurt someone he loved and he was distraught that he failed to keep the boy safe.
Santiago was the boyfriend of Kyle's mother, but wasn't his father. Authorities say he was watching Kyle and two other boys when Kyle was fatally injured.


text: On Dec 25, 2010, at 11:51 AM, Alain Schremmer wrote: > > On Dec 25, 2010, at 10:20 AM, Alan Munn wrote: > >> I feel I'm being attacked for trying to help :-(. > > I really don't think so. What is happening, I think, is nothing > personal but just the usual reaction of the "anointed", something > along "Hey, I had to learn it, why can't you?" I find the same > reaction among mathematicians: By presenting mathematics in less > than all its splendid rigor, you somehow debase it. Witness what > happened to Poincaré. In my experience, though, both in mathematics > and on this list, slowly but surely, people change. Actually, I do know I'm not being attacked. I should have turned the smiley around. But I agree with your analysis of the situation. Alan -- Alan Munn amunn at gmx.com


text: In a college basketball season without any one dominant team, two Big East programs, Villanova and Xavier, have been consistently ranked in the top five. They entered the conference tournament ranked second and third in the Associated Press poll, behind No. 1 Virginia. Both could wind up among the four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament, putting the conference in a position to claim its second national title in three seasons, after the Wildcats' buzzer-beating win over North Carolina in 2016. To put that in perspective, the Big East has had two of its members placed on the bracket's top line in the same year only three times, including in the days of Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh and Louisville:


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Men's Chakal Jacket
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Wind Protection
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- PrimaLoft® Black Insulation 60% recycled polyester: 100 g in body; 80 g in sleeves; 60 g in hood and collar
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- Imported
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- Machine Wash
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PrimaLoft® insulation is the world's best down alternative for wet-weather insulating performance. Each series achieves comfort in any condition by delivering warmth without bulk, water resistance and compressibility that mimics goose down.
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An entrepreneur from New York pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud for a scheme related to CrossFit affiliate gyms.
Joshua Newman admitted executing a more than two-year scheme in which he defrauded multiple victims who believed they were investing in the gyms, according to a media release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of New Jersey. The information filed on March 23 alleges Newman defrauded approximately 30 victims of approximately $3.1 million.
The wire fraud count that Newman pleaded guilty to carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for July 19.
Newman, 36, was arrested by the FBI in May 2015. The man once profiled by the Wall Street Journal as a dorm room venture capitalist at Yale was charged with two counts of wire fraud at the time, which alleged $2 million in losses from his ventures.
In 2011 and 2012, Newman was faced with mounting legal and financial troubles as a result of judgments and liens filed against him and his film production company, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. That film production company, Cyan Pictures, failed to produce and distribute a film about the New York Yankees called "Keeper of the Pinstripes."
Beginning in 2012, Newman made material misrepresentations to solicit investments and loans purportedly for various CrossFit-related ventures he was working on. During that time, his intent was to use the money for his own purposes, including repaying others who had invested in one of his prior projects, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Newman supplied his victims with doctored or bogus documentation in order to obtain the investment capital and loans. He tricked his victims into believing their investments were safe by making additional representations and supplying additional phony documents. Those documents in doctored operating agreements, false statements of ownership percentages held by various individuals and bogus Schedule K-1s purported to show the amount of annual partnership gains or losses reported to the IRS.


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Sometimes, whatever the celebrities do, becomes a point of discussion for the folks. Amidst the adoration and the hatred, we all forget that the celebrities are also human beings like us. They have their own priorities and they chose to live how they want.
Samantha Akkineni who is a top heroine of Telugu cinema posted a super sexy picture of her in a bikini. Though there is no vulgarity in the picture, it sure does draw people's attention. In this frame of context, Samantha was subjected to weird comments after she posted the picture.
Samantha is one of the celebrities who is frank enough to give her opinions, shut the comments in her style. Her bikini picture was followed with a strong quote in which she wrote, "Well.. now I had to go and put up a quote..because my previous post didn't really scream 'I WRITE MY RULES, YOU SHOULD WRITE YOURS!'.


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The Brass Bed
The dim interior illumination displayed with effect the prized collection-as if fish were either art or artifact-of lungless creatures swimming laps. The building's spine was an enormous cylinder, a wraparound tank many fathoms deep into which scuba divers, who wore their gills on their backs, descended several times a day with food enough, one could suppose, to keep the cannibals who lived there from depleting the exhibit. The New England Aquarium was this night the implausible location of a gala.
Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau had come to Boston to make brief appearances in person and give interviews to talk show hosts whose audiences had far longer attention spans than they themselves did, and of course to raise the money-reparations, really—to keep on exploring how great the disaster was. This "Evening Undersea" was a fund-raiser, and the journalists assigned to cover the event were the only people there who hadn't paid a hundred dollars to attend.
Duncan Jones asked the guy behind him in the press of men and women being given name tag passes for the cash bar, "Not that I'm in favor of not saving the environment, but what about, for instance, unemployment as an issue to raise funds for?" He told his name to a woman dressed in sequins like a mermaid. "From the Globe, " he said. He noticed that she wore a choker made of half shells like the one in Botticelli's Birth of Venus, on which she stands looking not exactly newborn. "That's right," he said, glad there was name recognition of a sort, if that's what it was when she said, "I read the Living pages first, although my husband says it's only for the gossip. I say he can have the presidency and the terrorism and the market. At least Living's for the living." She gave Duncan Jones his name tag, adding an encouraging, "So keep it up."
It was a line he'd used himself in arguments with Jessica, his wife—his future ex-wife now—of what would have been fourteen years. "I work," he'd said, "both for the living and a living, in that order." As opposed, he meant, to her, whose clients were all corporations that did things like make tobacco and investments in apartheid. Duncan answered cheerfully, "OK, I will," as if he'd just made up his mind to keep it up.
It would have been good news to Duncan's longtime boss, who'd had to say to him that morning, "Look, pal, I know what you're going through, believe me, but you also see my problem, don't you? I mean, I got space to fill with writing. How long can I keep on using bigger pictures than I should to cover up for what you say your dog ate on your way to school and similar excuses I'm not buying anymore. What I need, Jones, is copy: words, pal, stuck together into sentences and paragraphs. It's what you used to do all day long, isn't it? Christ, not so many years ago, your children-of-the-busing-crisis series had a good shot at the Pulitzer. It should have won, I know, I said so, but we got another problem now, and it's the opposite one. I hate saying this to you, pal, but you've got to get engaged or take a walk."
It was why unemployment seemed a more important issue even than clean water. What he'd done with Jessica, he'd almost said, was get engaged and take a walk (not that he'd done the walking), so it was a choice between two equals only in the sense that he could not do either one. He couldn't seem to get a charge, no matter how he tried, nor would he contemplate that he could be fired from the only job he'd had since graduate school. Wasn't there an insurance policy that covered crises in employees who would get it back together one of these days? He'd asked his boss this to prove his sense of humor was intact, then answered his own question, "With my luck, though, they'd say, 'This is what an act of God is, and an act of God, as we all know, is not insurable.'"
Duncan asked for a beer at the first bar he came to and went up the ramp that was a bridge over the shark pool. Ordinarily he would not want to lean over the rail and look down, but for a wish for a penny he'd look anywhere they wanted. All I ask for is a story, he wished silently, as if it were a secret. Find me something here to write up, he said as he let another penny go in after the first.
"Hey, big spender," was her greeting. As she indicated to the man who held her by the arm that if he went ahead she'd catch up, Jessica presented Duncan with a cheek.
He kissed it and said, "Of all people." It was what he'd said to her sarcastically a hundred times, but now his real surprise required he say it as it was intended to be said, with real surprise. "I didn't know you cared about conserving the earth's most important resource. Or are you here because these sharks are your clients? Eels I knew you represented."
"I'm not working tonight," she said. Jessica was dressed- unlike the women, who resembled the warm-water fish-more like the penguins, as the men were.
He was wearing a seersucker jacket and a plaid tie with a button-down shirt. "I am."
"I see."
"You look nice, though," he said. It was not a dress he'd ever seen, not that they'd ever gone to dances.
"Is it just this light," she asked, "or are you tan?"
"This light is eerie, isn't it?" If she persisted, he would lie to avoid saying where he'd been.
"Your teeth look so white."
"My teeth are white," Duncan answered, showing them off with a bitter little laugh. He also wouldn't say he'd been to Buffalo over the weekend and not told his parents they'd been separated many months already.
"You look better than you have, is all." Her smile was quite affectionate. "And tan, in this light." Now her smile revealed she knew he'd been away.
He'd lie under oath if he were asked in her presence if he'd ever been to Club Med. How humiliating to have been so openly pathetic as to go the whole week without making notes for a piece that could write itself, "Confessions of a Club Med Dropout." He had been so needy, even poor facsimiles of fun and relaxation worked their magic, and for once he'd concentrated on blues other than his own: the sky, the water.
"Nice to see you," she said.
"You too," he responded. This was no day to say anything to Jessica for which he would need self-esteem.
"I'd better catch up," she explained and pointed vaguely up the ramp to where a crowd of people plastered soft white cheeses on white wafers, shouting small talk over a jazz trio loudly improvising.
Duncan felt, as she went off to join her partner for this dance, as if he were their child and had been left home with the babysitter, as if they were blowing kisses to him as they backed out the door. He ought to have mentioned to her that his mother had sent something she said was a pillow she had needlepointed -it was wrapped up and tied with a frizz of ribbon-to see whether Jessica would volunteer to write his mother one of her nice thank-you cards. It somehow wouldn't be enough for him to tell his mother Jess had liked it fine but had been working awfully hard, which also was why she was never home the times his mother called. And whereas he knew he'd be forced to deal with what the truth was someday, what he needed was still more time to recover from the failure of their marriage.
What he'd liked about Club Med was evidence that there were others even worse off. He'd been raised not to profit or take pleasure from the handicaps of others, but once he declared himself in a state of emergency the rules were different. He hoped desperately he wouldn't have to pay by getting herpes, but it had been reassuring in a fundamental way that he was still a candidate for body contact. He had even been someone's initiator into the wide-open world of multiple orgasms—he was as surprised as she was—after multiple rum punches and a moonlit stroll along the beach that was described in the brochure as "mile-long silvery powder sand" but was what he would call instead the color of spermatozoa. So what if an empire had been built on values he abhorred, or that with his participation he was an accomplice to the exploitation? He needed the reassurance, even if it came from strangers whose names he could not recall except perhaps under hypnosis, which explained his having brought the poster home that said, CLUB MED. THE ANTIDOTE FOR CIVILIZATION, featuring a woman who was nearly nude and offering him all she had and a pineapple.
Now he went to find the tanks of tropical fish like those he had seen on the reef. His advice to would-be writers, journalists or otherwise, was always start from what you know. ▣