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Scoutmaster Musings
2020 - Apr Mar Feb
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Starting From Scratch
The BSA membership resolution has passed today. See the BSA statement for details.
Over the next 6 months, I expect we'll see changes to logistics policies and training, especially Youth Protection. As those changes are being planned, designed, and implemented, all of us Scouting volunteers can continue the program we've promised boys in our communities.
For myself, my plan includes starting a new troop in town. We have 5 scouts and adults signed up and will start meeting in a couple weeks. Now that the membership policy is in place, I will be contacting families of scouts that have dropped after Webelos or first year in Boy Scouts to see if they'd like to give a small troop a try.
I'm excited to help a friend with a 6th grade son introduce him and his buddies to Scouting. I look forward to starting with a small group and helping the scouts grow into leaders able to run their own troop and add more boys that they want to hang out with. And, most of all, I'm ready to get back to silly skits, off-key singing, and nearly edible meals.
Starting from scratch will be a new experience for me. Helping boys with no scouting experience become a troop and understand that they really are in charge should be a lot of fun. I'll tell you more about the troop as we move ahead with open doors and high hopes.
Scout On
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Posted: 18:42 05-23-2013 960
Hundreds of Pen Pals
Since the Scouting Pen Pals feature was added to Boy Scout Trail last summer, there have been 218 units sign up! Messages are flying back and forth from USA to UK, and Canada to Africa. There's lots of room for more scouts to find pen pals.
You can see the most recent units to sign up, and add your own unit. Dens around the country have been exchanging emails, letters, and packages with new friends around the world. It's an easy and safe way to get connected with other scouts, and learn more about scouting where they live.
Check out the Scouting Pen Pals area.
Scout On
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Posted: 13:19 03-19-2013 959
Double Prizes
Hey, a funny thing happened to my on the way to celebrating the 1,000 Likes of Boy Scout Trail on Facebook.
I used random.org to select a number between 1 and 29 which is how many people commented on the 1,000 Likes blog post. The lucky winner was Cory W. so I checked over on Facebook.com to see if he liked Boy Scout Trail. Yep, looks good. So, I sent him an email letting him know he had a week to reply with his address. Wait, wait, wait,... no reply.
I sent him another email saying another winner would be chosen. Then I went through the random number, find winner, check Facebook, send email.
Bingo! Right away, Melissa B. replied - at the same time I got an email from Cory including a message he had sent me a week ago with his mailing address!
Sometimes I just hate the Internet. :-(
So, the double prize winners of the 1,000 Likes on Facebook celebration are Cory W. from Ohio and Mellisa B. from Kentucky. Their $25 Scout Shop gift cards went out in the mail today.
Thanks for playing, using Boy Scout Trail, and letting others know about this resource.
I think we should try again at 2,000 Likes. The more people that use the site, the more fun things we can do, so please consider telling your online friends.
Scout On
PS: If you run into a lost email message out there from Cory to me, please send it on its way. It's out there somewhere!
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Posted: 18:03 03-13-2013 958
Cub Scout Knife Use
A revision to the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting is out this month, with one very important clarification for Cub Scout dens. Cubmasters and den leaders make note of this!
Tigers and Wolfs may not use knives during Scouting activities. Bear scouts and Webelos are allowed to use knives, but should be given proper and thorough training before receiving that privilege. The Whittling Chip is a good start for knife training.
So, if your Pack has been letting Tigers or Wolfs whittle away, it's time to stop. I'm sure many first and second grade boys you know can handle a knife just fine - I had my own when I was that age. But, while Scouting, follow the Scouting guidelines and keep everyone safe. Review Age-appropriate Activities on scouting.org for a chart of what's cool to do at each level of Scouting.
It's the unit leader's responsibility to know, understand, and follow the BSA safety guidelines. Give copies of the BSA Commitment to Safety to all your unit volunteers, get them trained, and enjoy Scouting.
Scout On
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Posted: 6:29 03-12-2013 957
Fire Fails
How does a Boy Scout make a fire with two sticks:
Make sure one is a match.
We are supposed to be good at many outdoor skills, one of which is fire starting. It is just a Scouting thing.
In reality, I have not met many scouts that can start a fire readily - in good weather, let alone rain or dampness. Even when training with Scouters, it is rare that one will volunteer to lay and light the fire, prefering to give someone else the opportunity to show off.
This is one of those very few things that I have learned in Scouting that totally confuses me. I LOVE fire - making fires, lighting fires, and burning stuff. I like tossing armfuls of leafs on a fire to make a huge cloud of smoke. I like making fire with bow drills, fire pistons, magnifying glass, flint-n-steel, and any other primitive way I hear about. I like flicking a Bic just as well. I enjoy keeping the smallest of flames alive, as well as a roaring bonfire. I get a kick out of bringing seemingly dead ash back to life. But, I'm afraid, I'm a minority - maybe that's a good thing.
When I became a scoutmaster, I was surprised by the lack of skill and interest in firecraft. Sure, the scouts like to poke fires with sticks and play around, but few were capable of, or interested in, getting a fire going.
Observing scouts for years, I've discovered these fire fails. Keep them in mind and maybe your scouts will be more successful in their flamboyant conflagrations:
- Fire is a Mystery - When someone does not understand how a fire works, he can't make one. The Fire Triangle describes what is necessary for a fire.
- Fuel - wood, gas, wax, any flammable material is fuel, but we use wood.
- Air - a fire needs to breath. Without air reaching the fuel, the fire smothers.
- Heat - the fuel and air combust with heat. The initial heat to start the fire usually comes from friction but could be solar or pressure instead.
- Two Big Sticks - A fire needs to start small and grow. Start with tiny slivers of fuel and add gradually larger pieces.
Often, a scout will make a small pile of big sticks and go through a box of matches trying to make one catch. Air is missing - there is not enough fuel exposed to air.
- The Plateau Lay - Yes, I know you've not heard of the plateau fire lay. That's because it doesn't work very well. But, sticks laid on the ground - even nice, dry, slivers of fuel - do not make a fire.
Many times, I've seen a scout light a twig and watch it burn out, wondering why it did not catch those twigs around it. Then, he'll light the next twig, and so on until he's out of matches. There's fuel and air, but no heat - all the heat went up into the sky rather than into the fuel laying around it.
- Poof - The scout shaves some slivers, makes a nice pile, and lights it. Success! Then, he drops a large piece of wood on and smothers it.
- ReDo - Flames quickly leap from the prepared fuel and the scout admires his work. When the flames begin to ebb, he realizes he needs more wood. While he's off gathering more twigs, it goes out and he's back to square one.
Fire making certainly is a mixture of art and science. It's a skill that, once mastered, can serve a scout his entire life. In any situation, he may very well be the only one knowledgeable and comfortable with quickly, safely, and consistently creating fire for heat, cooking, or just entertainment.
Fortunately, a couple years ago, a scout joined the troop with a spark in his eye. He kindled that spark into many a fire - campfire in dry summer, fire for hobo dinners in wet spring, and early morning breakfast fire in 18 inches of snow in dead of winter. Matthew made fires himself. He gathered and prepped the wood, laid the fire, and brought it to life with no help. He renewed my faith that there is still hope for a fire-cooked meal, s'mores, and campfire stories.
For lots more fire starting info, visit Campfire Dude.
Scout On
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Posted: 13:36 03-07-2013 956
Creme or Crunch?
Hey, there's a lot going on today, but this is much more important and I just had to share.
I love Physics.
I love Oreos.
I love Portland, Oregon.
I love inventors.
I love dry humor.
And, this video has it all!
I ALWAYS unscrew my oreos, but I like both the creme and the crunch. How about you? What's the proper way to eat an oreo?
This project could be an idea for lots of merit badges - Art, Electronics, Engineering, Inventing, Metalwork, Robotics, and Welding at least.
Today is your last chance to enter this month's give-away on Contest page.
And, don't forget to comment on the 1,000 Likes post for a chance to win a $25 Scout Shop card.
Scout On
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Posted: 9:59 02-28-2013 955
Food Protection
It's not so bad when you're right by the cars on a weekend campout, but if your food is lost while deep in the backcountry on a high adventure, you can be in big trouble. With a couple days hiking between your crew and the nearest trailhead, running out of food probably won't kill you, but it's a big step in that direction.
What? How can a group LOSE their food? - you might ask.
- Water - Rain and crackers don't mix well. Dropping a food bag into a lake or stream can ruin unprotected items. Fortunately, this is easy and light to prevent. Repackage everything into zip-loc bags. This reduces packaging weight and keeps everything safe from moisture. Putting multiple small bags into a larger 2.5 gallon zip-loc increases the protection. It also provides easy garbage storage.
- Dirt - When you drop your ritz cracker with honey on it, you know which side will hit the ground! You can blow dirt off many items, but not all. Being careful when opening packages, passing bowls, and stirring pots is the best protection against dropping and spilling food. No one's going to want those ramen noodles after you tip the cookpot over, are they?
There's not much concern about dirt getting into food while hiking, but spilling food at camp is a common problem.
- Stupidity - The food is forgotten in the car, along the trail, or at the previous campsite. By just not paying attention and double-checking yourself, you can forget your food. Yes, I have seen it happen!
- Animals - Critters are opportunists. Anything that smells interesting gets investigated. And, they can find the smallest bits hidden far out of sight so sleeping with your food isn't a great idea. The most common stealers are mice, chipmunks, raccoons, other rodents and birds. Bears generally stay away from people, unless they've been habituated - learned to associate people with easy food. In those popular locations with problem bears, special regulations are in place for visitors which often includes use of bear-proof cannisters.
Whether it's bears or mini-bears (rodents) that are the concern, protecting food is handled in a similar manner. Storing it in a smell-resistant bag and hanging it out of reach keeps it safe.
If bears aren't a concern, as when I hiked the Arizona Trail, there are wire mesh food bags available that mini-bears can't chew through, like OutSak.
For those times when you need to hang, I've found the PCT Method (just google it) to be the best if there are large trees around. Along the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota, I could often only find small trees and came up with my own way of hanging so the food is high enough and away from the tree.
- Throw rope with carabiner on end over high branch.
- Clip food bag to carabiner. Lift carabiner and food bag as high up the rope as possible and loop rope through carabiner so it doesn't slide.Walk the other end of the rope away from the tree to move the bag out from the tree.
- Tie rope to another tree as high up as I can reach.
This puts the food bag well over 10 feet up since I can reach up 8 feet. Well, at least I didn't lose any food!
But, here's something new and interesting...
A couple guys at University of Wisconsin in Stout, WI have designed a new product for hanging food bags. It's supposed to be simple to use and secure from pesky food stealers.
They made this video demonstrating how to use it. Unforatunately, there aren't any close-ups of the device or explanation on how it works.
So, take a look and let us all know what you think - innovation or not?
Scout On
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Posted: 14:54 02-26-2013 954
1,000 Likes
Win $25 because Boy Scout Trail hit 1,000 likes on Facebook this week! That means for every person that likes Boy Scout Trail, about 41,000 people like Sponge Bob Square Pants. :-)
But, hey, it's a start.
To celebrate, I'm giving a $25 Scout Shop gift card to a random one of those Likers.
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post AND be in the list of people that like Boy Scout Trail on FB before the end of February. That's a week to give folks a chance to enter. One will be randomly chosen and I'll contact you at the email address you leave in your comment.
So, if you already LIKE Boy Scout Trail, just leave a comment below. If you're not sure, then Click Here to go to FB and LIKE away, and leave a comment below.
Scout On, and thanks for the LIKEs
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Posted: 22:32 02-21-2013 952
One of the things I like about Scouting is how the entire program from Tigers (or Lions now) to Eagles gradually provides age-appropriate opportunities for growth in the areas of character, citizenship, and fitness. One of the many tightropes a scout volunteer leader, such as den leader, cubmaster, and scoutmaster, needs to walk is balancing the appropriateness of activities and tasks.
For example, camping at the Cub Scout level happens in frontcountry settings and includes a parent or guardian for each scout while Boy Scouts have just a couple leaders and can explore into the wilderness as scout skills progress. Earlier experiences are small and manageable, and lay a foundation for more challenging later adventures.
Leadership is a core part of the scouting experience and all scouts should be offered opportunity to lead at all levels of scouting. The Denner role is a wonderful means by which individual scouts experience small doses of leadership, and the power, responsibility, and frustration that can come from it.
Every den should use the Denner position. The denner is a den member that has been selected to the position for a short time. This is usually a month or two so he can participate in this role multiple times. It's important that the den participate in the choosing of the denner, but selections can be handled different ways based on the age of scouts. Tiger and Wolf scouts may choose which scout will be the denner to fill a list of months. Bears may elect the next denner with a show of hands. Webelos could have a secret ballot election. If the den leader just assigns the job, it takes ownership away from the scouts.
To ensure all scouts get a time as denner, den leaders should stipulate that no scout can be selected twice until all scouts have been denner once.
The denner wears the gold double-cord denner braid looped over his left shoulder while in the position. Many dens pass this braid on to the next denner. Past denners sometimes keep the gold tab portion to wear on their blue Cub Scout uniform to signify they have been a denner.
The denner duties are defined by the den leader. They should be appropriate for the age of the den and should be supplemental to the duties of the den chief, if one is used. The den chief and denner may work closely together which makes both jobs more rewarding.
Some typical denner duties include:
- Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to den meetings and stay 10 minutes after to help set up and clean up.
- Wear the denner braid.
- Bring a den snack.
- Welcome scouts to the meeting.
- Call den meeting to order using the sign.
- Lead the den in a n opening ceremony.
- Lead a song.
- Help den leader with passing out supplies.
- Take attendance.
- Prepare a joke or story to tell.
- Prepare a game to play.
- Help with uniform inspections.
- Select teams or groups for activities and games.
- Help den leader keep order as asked.
Asking a Tiger scout to do all these things is probably too much. As scouts become accustomed to doing small bits of leading, more responsibility is given to them. By the time a scout has advanced to Webelos rank, he may take on even more leadership such as leading ceremonies and organizing a den hike.
By using the denner role, a den leader helps prepare scouts for Boy Scout positions of responsibility, such as Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. Both of these positions build on the rsponsibility of leadership they were introduced to in Cub Scouts.
Scout On
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Posted: 10:48 02-19-2013 951
Animal Tracks
What do fresh snow, mud, and dirt have in common?
They're perfect for finding animal tracks on your next hike!
But, once you've found the tracks, you need to figure out what animal made them. That can be a challenge, especially for people just starting their outdoors adventures.
These Animal Track ID Cards are great for identifying 16 animals you might find on your travels, from the tiny mouse to the huge bear. It's a great resource to print and keep in your pocket for quick reference.
What should you do if a young one asks you, "Hey, what's that print?"
Hand him the sheet so he can figure it out himself instead of impressing him with your infinite wisdom and simply saying, "Oh, that's a wolf." Discovery is the best teacher!
Scout On
(If that link above doesn't work, see the backup.)
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Posted: 13:36 02-13-2013 947
First Campout
After their Blue Gold banquets and cross-over ceremonies, many Webelos will be joining troops over the next month. A new adventure for young boys full of excitement and apprehension about camping without parents, cooking their own food, and hanging out with older guys. These Webelos have been top dog for the past year and they're now being thrown back to the bottom of the heap. Making this transition fun and accepting is a key first step for a long Boy Scout experience. Ensuring their first campout is successful and rewarding is a great way to start their time with your troop.
Joining in March gives new scouts a few camping opportunities with the troop before their big Summer Camp experience. Be sure your troop has planned campouts in April and May geared towards the new guys. As you can see in the photo, at least around here, a March campout can be just plain miserable with cold, wet weather and not a great first experience for new scouts - while an April campout is usually beautiful. I'd recommend having the new scouts spend March getting ready for camping by practicing camping skills and patrol teamwork at troop and patrol meetings, then take it to the field in April. Those tents and stoves that are old hat to you do take some practice to master.
These first campouts should provide an abundance of opportunity for scouts to learn, practice, and demonstrate skills for Tenderfoot rank. Scouts should be able to complete half the requirements on their first campout. The Patrol Leader Council members, when planning these spring campouts, have the perfect opportunity to introduce new scouts to their troop. It's a time to show how we camp, how we help each other, how we accept new people, how we live the Scout Law.
The first campout certainly doesn't need to be a big deal - just being out with the guys IS a big deal! Here are some things to consider in planning early campouts for new scouts:
- Hold the campout as close to home as you can, in case someone is just not ready for the challenge of being away from parents.
- Schedule lots of time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - cooking those first meals is a real challenge.
- Have a Troop Guide help each New Scout patrol - actually helping them the entire weekend, not just listed on paper.
- Raise the American flag Saturday morning and take it down in the evening. You could do this Friday evening and Sunday morning as well.
- Have time Saturday morning to fix some frayed rope and put up some clothes lines - to whip and fuse rope and practice two half-hitches and tautline hitch.
- Go on a hike in the afternoon and discuss hiking safety and buddy system along the way.
- Plan a short campfire program for Saturday night with 3 or 4 skits, a song or two, and a couple stories. Not too long, or too late, since the new guys will most likely be wiped out from the day.
By introducing new scouts to camping in a setting that's easy for your experienced scouts, and geared to the new guys, you begin a solid foundation of their sense of belonging in their troop.
Scout On
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Posted: 11:18 02-12-2013 946
Postponing Membership Decision
The Boy Scouts of America have postponed decision on membership policy changes until the May, 2013 national meeting. Here's the news release:
For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, providing it's youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the past two weeks, Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public. It reinforces how deeply people care about Scouting and how passionate they are about the organization.
After careful consideration and extensive dialogue within the Scouting family, along with comments from those outside the organization, the volunteer officers of the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board concluded that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy.
To that end, the executive board directed its committees to further engage representatives of Scouting's membership and listen to their perspectives and concerns. This will assist the officers' work on a resolution on membership standards. The approximately 1,400 voting members of the national council will take action on the resolution at the national meeting in May 2013.
Scout On
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Posted: 10:01 02-06-2013 945Previous Posts
Other Scouting Blogs
Melrose Scoutmaster
Scouting Magazine
Scouter Jeff
Melrose Scoutmaster
Scouting Magazine
Scouter Jeff
Contest - Ask a Question - Add Content
This site is not officially associated with the Boy Scouts of America
Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com


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You may perhaps remember that racing/platforming/puzzleish XBLA game Trials HD about injuring yourself on a motocross bike. Its sequel, Trials Evolution seems to be even more genre defying.
Not satisfied with only meshing three unlikely genres together, RedLynx—the developer behind Trials—has thrown in first person shooting, arcade shooting, and pinball (that's a genre, right?) as you can see in this video. Fresh from Microsoft's Spring Showcase, these screenshots also show off the new 4 player multiplayer—both local and online— in depth level editor, and character customization.
Don't worry, you won't have to wait too long to smash your head against a cliff face with some buddies. Trials Evolution is slated for a spring release.

subset: commoncrawl


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Towing Safely - Tips and Tricks
Getting To The Track And Back
The frantic thrash to get ready for racing always focuses on the race car. It is, after all, the star of the show, the center of attention, and the vehicle that holds the key to fame and fulfillment. In a typical case, the trailer used to haul the car to and from the track is an afterthought. It sat through the off-season, perhaps in the weather, but likely without attention. When it's time to load and go, only then is there some attention to detail.
Trailers need maintenance, too, and failure to do so could bring an undesired outcome. Fortunately, today's equipment doesn't require a lot of maintenance, so here are some simple steps to get started on the right path to safe towing:
* Check the tire pressure on all the tires, including a spare, if any. Do a visual inspection of the tread and look for trouble spots such as bulges in the sidewall.
* Tighten the lug nuts. If the trailer sat out in the elements, you may want to take off the lug nuts and eliminate the rust buildup on the studs.
* Be sure all the connection equipment (hitch, coupler, etc.) secures properly and adjusts properly.
* Visually inspect the wiring for cracks or fraying and poor connections. Wire repair is relatively simple.
* Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc. are in working order. This is one element that will draw the attention of law enforcement when you're on the road.
* If your rig is required to have them, make sure you have the proper permits. Keep any paperwork in an easily accessible place.
* Check the brakes to make sure they are operating properly.
These are basic tips, but easily overlooked in the rush to get ready. Remember, the trailer is a vital aspect of the team. A little time will prevent a lot of aggravation.


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Passion. It is one of the key ingredients to being successful in the fitness business. I don't know anyone who is successful in this industry that doesn't really, passionately and fervently believe that leading a healthy lifestyle is key to a long, happy and healthy life.
That's why it shocks me (and probably most of you) when I meet someone that doesn't think along the same lines. These are the people that ask such questions as, "Smoking only a few cigarettes a day can't be that bad for me, can it?" Or, "I only grab lunch at the fast food place down the street a few times a week, how much damage can that do?"
Everyone knows how bad these actions are, don't they? Well, there I go asking my own dopey question. The answer is no, of course not. In fact, I meet people who can't distinguish between a carb and a protein food, not to mention a biceps curl and a triceps push down.
Unfortunately, many people feel that they don't need to understand what is truly healthy for them. They count on the government to help steer them in the right direction. And, while the government tries (see "Club Industry Exchange" on page 56 for an in-depth interview with Lisa E. Oliphant, executive director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport), it is really up to us, as people passionate about fitness to do our best to educate the masses. I mean if we are only getting 20 percent of people to exercise, there are still masses to be converted about what they need to do to help themselves feel, look and live better.
According to a Newsweek article (Aug. 5, 2002) there are more than 100 lawyers meeting to see how they can attack fast- and junk-food companies with class action law suits stating that "deceptive marketing practices encourage obesity." Well while lawsuits, government regulations and improving the choices of foods offered in schools (where some of the worst food choices are available) are good steps, maybe…I'm not sure anything good comes out of too many lawyers and politicians coming around an issue. What it really takes is people or an industry with passion to get the point across to those not as aware of the health risks they are taking when they overdo fast food and junk food, while often underdoing exercise.
Therein lies the key. We need to reach people and teach them that they don't have to sacrifice, but they need to think about and learn what impact everything they put in their body (and that goes for food, alcohol, drugs, supplements and prescriptions) has and allow them to make educated and informed decisions. We need to let them know that some McDonald's once in a while or Ben and Jerry's ice cream on occasion isn't terrible — in fact, both are quite delicious if you ask me — it just should not be the main source of nutrition.
Perhaps if more fitness professionals and organizations would work together to help educate without preaching (nothing gets someone to tune out faster than a condescending "I can't believe…" tone) to the masses we could not only boost our bottom lines but actually help the country as a whole share our passion and desire to lead healthy lives.


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Download the Sculpture Catalog 2010-2011
weight 24MB
SUMMER HOLIDAYSWe inform our customers that the Roma store will be closed from August 3rd to 30 and Carrara store from August 15 to 23.The web shop will always be open, but the orders received will be processed from September 1st.
Parli Italiano? clicca sulla bandierina!
Skype User? Call us for free !
To find your local distributor click here


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Hello there beautiful stranger, welcome to skycrown.org, a simple personal domain belonging to Mishiro that serves to house her online creations since 2008. Most of the sites hosted here are dedicated to my OTPs and favourite female characters from the various animanga/books/games/series that I indulge unhealthily in. Quick updates about my sites can be found at the network Twitter account @triorbs. Thanks for dropping by and have a nice day! ♥
Mishiro ♕ 25th March 2017
Patron :: Guan Yin
Digital Love :: [Pokémon]
I'm owned by Steven Stone!
Ishida Yamato ♥ Takenouchi Sora
Just Can't Get Enough » Mushrooms


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After almost a decade in Iraq, after losing thousands of soldiers and spending hundreds of billions of dollars, the United States' request to maintain even a minimal troop presence in Iraq after the end of 2011 was categorically rejected, in the end, effectively vetoed by close Iranian ally and long time U.S. nemesis, with plenty of U.S. blood on his hands, Muqtada al-Sadr. We got kicked out by Mooky, how absolutely humiliating is that?
Iraq's Sadr calls for full US withdrawal
Head of Iraq's Sadr movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, has called for the complete withdrawal of all American troops from the country by the end of the year.
Speaking in the holy city of Najaf on Wednesday, the cleric rejected any form of US presence in the country, as Washington and Baghdad are discussing keeping a limited number of US troops as military trainers in Iraq.
Sadr said the presence of US military trainers in Iraq beyond the Dec. 31 deadline is an "organized occupation".
He also dismissed any negotiation with the US before the full withdrawal of all foreign soldiers and the payment of compensation to the families of Iraqis killed by US troops.
Washington has been pressing Baghdad to agree to keep thousands of its troops beyond the 2011 deadline. It also wants the remaining troops to be granted immunity from prosecution.
See also:
Sadr rejects presence of US Military trainers in Iraq
Sadr bloc warns over keeping US military
Iraq's move to revoke immunity for troops adds to US problems
After Nearly Nine Years of War and Occupation, America to Withdraw All Troops From Iraq
The U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq
U.S. role in Iraq comes to unsatisfying end
Timid leadership on US forces by Iraq's politicians
As U.S.-Iraq troop talks faltered, Obama didn't pick up the phone
With troops pulling out at year's end, close U.S. Embassy in Iraq for diplomats' safety
Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory
Risk Key US Gen calls Iraq pullout 'disaster'
Overheard on CNN.com: Iraq not ours to 'win'
Soldiers, Pundits Debate Whether Iraq War Was Worth It
If anyone tries to tell you that the U.S. pullout from Iraq, without a trace, after begging to stay and being curtly rebuffed, isn't a huge victory for Iran, they're either naive, confused, or lying. Iran will dominate Iraq, economically, militarily, politically, and socially after we're gone. The majority of Iraq's government is already aligned with Iran.
Does anyone seriously believe that a U.S. embassy, with less than 200 troops, has any chance of checking Iran's influence in Iraq? Hell, we'll be lucky if our embassy isn't overrun. Iraq could very well become another Iranian satellite state, like Lebanon. And hey, you thought taking military action against Iran's nuclear program was already difficult at best? Try it without any leverage over or military footprint in Iraq.
/Obama's Iran/Iraq policy, "not with a bang, but a whimper"
Filed under: Blog Entry | Tagged: 2011, 2011 Deadline, Ally, American Troops, Baghdad, Compensation, Complete, Complete Withdrawal, Country, Deadline, Discussing, Dismissed, End, Families, Foreign, Foreign Soldiers, Full U.S. Withdrawal, Full Withdrawal, Granted, Holy City, Humiliating, Immunity, Iran, Iranian, Iranian Ally, Iraq, Iraqis, Kicked Out, Killed, Lebanon, Limited, Limited Number, Military, Military Trainers, Mooky, Movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, Najaf, Negotiation, Nemesis, Number, Occupation, Organized, Organized Occupation, Payment, Presence, Pressing, Prosecution, Rejected, Remaining, Remaining Troops, Sadr, Sadr Movement, Soldiers, Speaking, Trainers, Troop Presence, Troops, U.S Troops, U.S., U.S. Military Trainers, U.S. Presence, U.S. Withdrawal, United States, Vetoed, Washington, Withdrawal, Year | Leave a comment »


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Doctors are taking an inside track to treat liver cancer. For more than a year, three Peoria doctors have been performing selective internal radiation therapy at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Doctors are taking an inside track to treat liver cancer. For more than a year, three Peoria doctors have been performing selective internal radiation therapy at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. SIRT is a cutting-edge treatment that attacks tumors from the inside of the liver. It allows higher doses of radiation to be concentrated on small areas of the organ. "It gives a very high dose of radiation into the tumor," said Dr. Bob Smouse, an interventional radiologist with Central Illinois Radiological Associates. "The dose that's given to the tumor is so great that if you tried to do it with external beam radiation, it would just fry the body. You couldn't get enough radiation into the tumor without killing the liver. "By going into the tumor and injecting these (radioactive) beads, the radiation distance is only about half an inch. We inject between 20 and 60 million beads. It's sucked up by the tumor and the tumor gets an inordinately high dose of radiation while the surrounding liver gets a very small amount of radiation." Candidates are chosen by Dr. James McGee, a radiation oncologist at St. Francis. He also sets the radiation dosage. The catheterization procedure is performed by Smouse and Dr. James Swischuk, another interventional radiologist at CIRA. SIRT is not a cure for cancer, but it appears to improve quality of life. Because of the liver's crucial role in detoxifying the blood, tumors there can dramatically shorten a patient's life. For patients with cancer in multiple organs, this treatment can extend life expectancy by months or even years. "If we think the liver is what's going to kill them, we'll go ahead and treat the patient even if (tumors) have spread elsewhere in the body," Smouse said. "We're not curing it. We're just trying to slow it down from taking over the liver." McGee became aware of SIRT while helping a good friend research possible treatments for primary liver cancer. His friend, a neurosurgeon, died after it was discovered his cancer was too advanced for SIRT. But McGee later brought medical experts to Peoria to conduct training. The closest city offering SIRT is believed to be Chicago. McGee said approximately 25 patients have been treated in Peoria since SIRT was introduced here, with about 75 percent seeing positive results. SIRT was first developed in Australia in the 1980s. After years of refinement, its use began in the United States about five years ago. Candidates for SIRT are patients with several tumors throughout the liver but who maintain liver function. "When you talk about many liver tumors such as multiple metastases to the liver and even primary cancers to the liver, usually these are fairly diffuse throughout much of at least one lobe of the liver," McGee said. "If you tried to treat that with external radiation, you would do as much harm as good." SIRT is a two-hour procedure that requires the patient to remain hospitalized overnight. If pre-testing indicates acceptable liver function, McGee sets a dosage of radioactive material, which is attached to the polymer beads – and refers the patient to a radiologist. The radiologist inserts a catheter into the femoral artery near the groin. Using fluoroscopy, basically a real-time X-ray, the radiologist guides the catheter into the artery that feeds the tumors. The liver is a unique organ in that it receives a blood supply from both arteries and veins. That allows the injected arteries to be blocked off after 20 to 60 million radioactive beads, or SIR-Spheres, enter the tumor. "When we inject this into it, we tend to block off the arteries that we're injecting into," Smouse said. "So we need an organ that has two blood supplies so we can block off one and not the other." The microspheres, each one-third the diameter of a strand of hair, attach themselves to tumors. With a half-life of 64 hours, the SIR-spheres put off intense radiation only in and immediately around the tumors. Each bead sends out radiation extending less than half an inch. "Once they're lodged in those blood vessels, they're in approximation to the cancer cells and they give the radiation off very locally," McGee said. "They can damage the cancer cells, but they don't throw radiation far enough to really affect the normal liver tissue." The microscopic beads remain permanently in the body. SIRT side effects, such as nausea and malaise, usually are relatively minor compared with other forms of treatment. Ryan Ori can be reached at email@example.com.


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We need action. Shelter Animals Count exists to create an effective infrastructure for complete and accurate shelter reporting to truly understand the risk factors, use this data to implement effective strategies and positively impact all lifesaving efforts.
Shelter Animals Count is a collaborative initiative formed by a diverse group of stakeholders to create and share the national database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts, and enabling insights that will save lives. But we can't do it alone. We need your help.
Our goal is to enable data-driven decisions to promote saving companion animals' lives and preventing homelessness.
Data drives the decisions that can help save companion animals' lives and prevent homelessness. Fortunately, many shelters already collect and report important data. But the time has come for all shelters to collect and report critical data on a national level.
Our ultimate goal is 100 percent shelter participation. Even if you have never shared data before, now is the perfect time to begin.
Shelter Animals Count offers many benefits to individual organizations, including:
Your shelter can make a difference by joining this effort today.


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Hosted by Michael Schulder
Follow Michael at: www.wavemaker.me
Editor's Note: Listen to the full interview in our player above, and join the conversation in our comments section below.
(CNN) - Which of the following musicians does not belong with the others?
Janis Joplin. Bob Dylan. Whitney Houston. Barry Manilow.
Carlos Santana. The Grateful Dead, Miles Davis, Alicia Keys, Patti Smith, Notorious B.I.G.
Answer: they all belong together. They have been together - under the same umbrella - because of the man featured in this edition of CNN Profiles.
Clive Davis is that man.
Nobody would ever have pegged a young Clive Davis as destined for a career in the music industry.
Although he enjoyed singing and was a member of the glee club in college, he had no particular musical training. And his tastes as a young man were, as he describes them, quite conventional. This man, who is now in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame did not like rock when it first came out.
As a boy, Clive Davis loved school. So much so that his mother would urge him to study a little less get out more to play and socialize. People skills were just as important as book smarts she'd tell him.
Davis tells us he did not dream big. But he had drive. He had to. Both his parents died when he was a freshman in college. Davis had no money. But those book smarts got him full scholarships to NYU and then Harvard Law School.
And the academic diligence combined with the people skills encouraged by his mother, would eventually make for a powerful combination.
In the 1960s, one job well done led to another, until Davis found himself running Columbia Records, which was in pretty bad financial shape.
And then, a moment of serendipity that changed his life.
Clive Davis heard an unknown singer named Janis Joplin.
He found her "mesmerizing" and set out to sign her.
He was prepared to pay 25,000 dollars - more than double the going rate to sign new artists.
In the end he had to lay out ten times that amount to get Joplin and her band – 250,000 dollars. Small change now. A big risk then.
And with that bold move, which he describes in his new book "The Soundtrack of My Life," began the ascent of Clive Davis – from the helm of Columbia Records – to founding his own label, Arista – to making waves in the world of hip-hop by financing a confident young producer named Sean Puffy Combs who dreamed of getting hip-hop onto the Top 40 charts.
By clicking the play icon above on this edition of CNN Profiles, you can hear Clive Davis explain in colorful detail the approach that has made him such a force in American music.
"From the very beginning," Davis tells us, "I didn't specialize. From the very beginning, I approached music just being open to what moved me."
As he turns 81, Clive Davis still has his ears open for the next thing that moves him.
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. And listen to CNN Profiles on our SoundCloud page.
What moves Clive Davis...? His bowels.
he does not even play an instrument! he is the king of exploitation, the ultimate con man. he has ruined american music with his pention for rap music. he heard it and saw money! i think john hammond truly loved music!
I wonder is he "helped" Jimmy Savile & Kevin Clash ??
"if he helped"
most of the women who worked with davis ended up committing suicide..all of the artist he worked with were addicted to drugs, and most of the makes davis worked with die young....i'd stay away from him if i were an artist, there blood on clive davis's hands.
He was just recently a guest on "Bill Maher"....Bill crawled right up the stink bags rectum and tickled his bladder.
The jealous wanna-bees on these boards are hysterical. Gotta love the internet.
Clive Davis is just upper management he's a old gay man. No more no less
He failed with most. People who knew him said he far more failures than successes. He just rolled the dice with other people's money and took a percentage if it clicked. Big woop. He's also a fag and probably a low life.
Hey listen up, MOJOBUTTHEAD–you're just a pissant MF haterator who's probably never worked a day in your miserable eff'd up life. Shut the hell up.
Another gay Hollywood yiddle who mostly promoted other yiddles. ugh.
i wonder how many of his artists he had a hand in contributing to their downfalls and even deaths.
Guy is a dirtbag
Seems like alot of people around him die young.
BHAHAHAHA..... I never comment on these articles but I couldnt keep my mouth shut. Pete is just looking for attention that we are all giving him. He obviously knows nothing about what good music is.
Ha ha! Good one Pete!
P Diddy is suckAsshole.
I never liked Janis Joplin, there were plenty of other talented singers at that time that didn't have to scream bloody blue murder.
I didn't care for Jimi Hendricks either and, at best, he as a good guitar player. I was in a garage band in the 1950's which was better than the Rolling Stones ever were doing their best performance in their lifetime. There were tons of great musicians and singers during the 60's and 70's, the above mentioned weren't any part of that.
How'd that garage band work out for ya, Pete?
you are not too smart are you pete?
Wow Carlos Santana, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan weren't any part of good music? No Wonder you were only in a garage band!
You missed out on some really great music. I admire your appreciation for yourself and your garage band but better than the Stones? If that were true, YOU'D be Mick Jagger. And maybe you were listening to the wrong Jimi since you spelled his last name, Hendricks.
Hey Pete.....YOUR A FRIGGIN TOOL!!!.....Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin werent as good as your garage band...OMG YOU ARE THE REASON WHY ANIMALS EAT THERE YOUNG!!


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(CNN) -- With the threat of the flu spreading across 47 states, every cough or sneeze within hearing range echoes like a warning shot and feels like a threat.
It's not uncommon to see people leave the room, try to shield their faces, wash their hands or even stay home to avoid catching the flu.
Although the CDC believes that the spread of the flu has slowed in some areas, numerous states are still reporting high levels of symptoms and activity.
Because flu season is so unpredictable, officials won't know for another week or two if the outbreak has peaked.
Here on CNN.com, we've reported what to do if you have the flu, discussed the effectiveness of the vaccine, answered your top questions, addressed top flu vaccine myths and 3 things we still don't know about influenza, provided tips for avoiding the flu, offered ways to protect your children and how to protect others from your coughing or sneezing.
Did you get vaccinated? Tell us why, or why not, in the comments below.


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Wild midwest weather settles down
Winds remain high through Monday afternoon
Strong storms have moved east with a potent storm system. Temperatures have been falling the last few hours on gusty west winds. Winds will push to 30-35mph gusts this morning. Temperatures will hold nearly steady in the mid 30s before falling to low 30s by late afternoon. Skies will be partly sunny.
A typical November day on deck for Tuesday with partly sunny skies and highs in the mid 40s. Somewhat warmer air will approach for Wednesday increasing our clouds and bringing a chance for a few showers. Highs will be in the upper 40s before falling back to mid 40s for Thursday. Showers will linger into Thursday as well.
Much colder air arrives Friday with highs only in the mid 30s on gusty northwest winds. Weekend highs look to be only near 30 with overnight lows in the teens.
Thanks for sending your Sunday storm pics! You can always send your photos to us on Ulocal at wisn.com, @seversonsall on Twitter or our Wisconsin Weather Updates Facebook page.


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Northern African Python, African Rock Python [NON-NATIVE]
Scientific name: Python sebae (GMELIN 1789)
* Currently accepted name
* scientific names used through time
- Coluber sebae – GMELIN 1789
- Coluber speciosus – BONNATERRE 1789
- Boa hieroglyphica – SCHNEIDER 1801
- Python houttuyni – DAUDIN 1803
- Python natalensis – SMITH 1840
- Heleionomus variegatus – GRAY 1842
- Python sebae – DUMÉRIL & BIBRON 1844
- Python liberiensis – HALLOWELL 1845
- Python jubalis – PITMAN 1936
- Python sebae sebae – BROADLEY & HOWELL 1991
Description: Average adult size is 139 inches (353 cm), Florida record is 192 inches (490 cm). In its native range it is reported to reach 240 inches (610 cm). A stout-bodied snake with dark dorsal blotches and lateral markings, both usually edged in black. Dorsal blotches are variable in size and shape and may be connected laterally by a complete or nearly complete dark paravertebral stripe on each side. Dorsal blotches are dark posteriorly and light colored anteriorly, and rarely extend laterally as they mostly terminate when contacting the dark lateral stripe. Anterior dark lateral markings are "C" shaped (open end facing anteriorly) and usually edged in white or yellow, whereas these markings form vertical bars posteriorly. The tail has a mid-dorsal light stripe that never extends laterally. The belly pattern is entirely speckled. The top of the head is dark with a light stripe on both sides of the head from the temporal region, through the eye, and to the nose. The scales are smooth. The pupil is elliptical, a cat-like vertical slit. There are deep facial pits between along the upper lip. Juvenile pattern is similar to that of adults, except that coloration is lighter.
Range: In Florida, although this snake has been introduced in a few areas, it is currently known to be established only in a small localized area on the southeastern side of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and SR 997 (Krome Avenue) in Miami, Miami-Dade County. Outside Florida, this species occurs from Kenya and Tanzania across much of central Africa to Mali and Mauritania, and north to Ethiopia.
Habitat: In Florida, this species has been found in and around undeveloped seasonally flooded wetlands, high density Melaleuca trees, agricultural areas, small man-made canals and lakes, and housing developments.
Comments: HARMLESS (Non-Venomous).
Since 2002, >10 Northern African Pythons have been found in Miami, including multiple adults up to 174 inches (14.5 feet; 442 cm), a gravid female with 36 eggs, and two babies, suggesting evidence of reproduction.
Northern African Pythons are powerful constrictors, and their bites and sharp teeth can cause severe lacerations.
Comparison with other species: The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) has bold dark dorsal blotches separated by thin light-colored bars that always extend laterally to the belly, and a belly that is dark spotted along the sides and uniform light-colored in the center.


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One hot June day this summer when I was in Haiti, my sister and I were driving with my step mother to her sister's house in the mountains. I enjoyed those trips. The downtown areas of Petionville and Port-au-Prince were claustrophobic and overwhelming; with the intense heat and sluggish pace of the traffic due to the condition of the roads (to describe them as 'weathered' would be the understatement of the year) car rides through the city were, at times, near unbearable for me. Eventually, the city would release its magnetic grip, allowing the car to go faster and a breeze to rush in through the windows. Then it was green, jungle, shade, and a calmer vibe all-around. The mountains were, literally, a breath of fresh air. The elevation of the roads increased quickly, exposing the entirety of the densely-clustered city in the valley below.
I was pretty excited about taking pictures of things in Haiti, and this day in particular I was preoccupied with taking pictures out of the car window, trying to find a setting that would make them turn out non-blurry. I was idly chatting with my stepmother while doing this, when she asked me: "Arikia, what do you think about the mountains?"
"They're huge, I've never seen anything like them."
"Do you notice anything about them?"
I looked over the LCD display at the mountains that I had been staring at for the past half hour. "They're really pretty," I offered.
"You think so? Do you notice anything strange about them?"
At this point, I was knew she was getting at something but I didn't know what. I just smiled at her and shrugged. They were mountains! What was there to notice besides the fact that they were huge?
Finally, she sighed, exasperated with me. "There are no trees on them, Arikia."
And sure enough, there were not. "Are there supposed to be?" I asked, snapping another picture:
It turns out, yes, mountains are supposed to have trees on them. I don't know why this didn't occur to me immediately, as I've driven through the Appalachian mountains enough times to remember what the snow-covered pine tree tops looked like. But I guess it's just one of those things* where if you don't know what you're looking for, you can't see it.
So where did Haiti's trees go? Around 1954 logging companies went totally out-of-control, cutting down trees left and right to make charcoal, the demand for which grew with Haiti's population. According to the U.S. Library of Congress, "Haiti was once a lush tropical island, replete with pines and broad leaf trees; however, by 1988 only about 2 percent of the country had tree cover." The trees were cut down but not replanted, leading to soil erosion that rendered most of Haiti's land useless for growing the agricultural products Haiti's growing population depended on. In 2000, USAID projected Haiti would become the first country in the Western hemisphere to be considered an "eco-catastrophe." I don't know what the exact classification for that is but I would say the term probably already applies. In 1997, Kristen Picariello wrote in a case study of deforestation in Haiti: "If one were to fly over the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the border appears like it was drawn by an 'acetylene torch' owing to massive deforestation in Haiti."
The rest of the car ride, all I could think about was The Lorax, the title character in that Dr. Seuss book we all read as children. Everyone poo-poos the Lorax for spouting science and warning people what would happen if they consumed without consideration for what it would take to replenish the resources that were depleted. In the end everyone is miserable and desperate, "like fish out of water," as their society ceases to be able to sustain their population.
There have been some replanting efforts in Haiti in the past, one major round in the '80s through Projè Pyebwa, and initiatives over the past 10 years by USAID. But with present lives hanging in the balance, the reforestation process is viewed as a secondary, long-term need compared with the immediate needs of providing for people in Haiti. If someone needs to cook for their family, of course they're going to cut down a tree to make some charcoal. They're not going to keep starving based on the idea that in 10 years or so, some other random people might have more than them. In Projè Pyebwa, Haitians planted over 20 million trees, "but as many as seven trees were cut for each new tree planted.
So like the Lorax, who would have completely flipped his lid if he saw what was going on in Haiti over the past 50 years, the message here is "Unless." In addition to food scarcity from the desertification of land, deforestation in Haiti also damages "other productive infrastructure such as dams, irrigation systems, roads, and coastal marine ecosystems." It made the climate harsher for people by reducing shade cover and removing protection from Haiti's heavy torrential downpour-style rains that are just beginning for the year. And when it does start to rain, Haitians are now at a much larger risk of harm from landslides as a direct result of the recent earthquakes.
*My Cognitive Psychology teacher played this video in a lecture of about 250 people, asking the class to count how many times the ball was passed back and forth. Only about five people noticed the gorilla after watching it the first time, myself not included. Mind fuck!


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Police are investigating the death of a man who was shot and killed in West Philadelphia after allegedly arguing with a patrolman over double parking.
Police say the unidentified victim was driving on the 100 block of North Dewey Street shortly before 3 a.m. while a block party was going on. He then pulled up behind another car that was double parked, according to investigators.
Police say the man inside the double parked car, described by officials as a private patrolman with a license from Pennsylvania, then left the vehicle leading to a confrontation between the two men.
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.
Investigators say the patrolman had on a bulletproof vest, a badge and was licensed to carry a weapon. According to police, during the argument the man told the patrolman he was "not a real cop." Police say both men then began firing shots at each other, though they have not yet revealed who fired first.
"I didn't know it happened at first. I saw everybody rush out of the house. So when I saw people rush in the house, I knew it was gunfire," said Nathaniel Tardy, neighbor.
The first man was struck in the chest and died at the scene. The patrolman was also struck but survived the shooting.
Police say they found at least 9 shell casings at the scene.
Renee Brooks, the aunt of the victim, says the man was dropping off his girlfriend before the incident. Brooks also says she doesn't believe her nephew fired any shots despite what police reported.
"A young man is dead!" Brooks said. "He's dead, over a parking spot. Because he said he wasn't a real cop? That's why he's dead? That doesn't make sense to me. None of this makes sense to me."
According to Brooks, the victim was the father of a child and had another on the way.
Police have not yet identified the victim or the patrolman. The patrolman was interviewed by homicide detectives following the incident.


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Walkers along the 170-mile long Pembrokeshire Coast National Park coastal footpath a mile south of St Davids will encounter some ancient buildings which command attention .
One is the 6th century chapel of St Non and nearby a holy well which is said to have curative powers. Non was the mother of St David, Patron Saint of Wales, and it is said a miracle occurred at this spot overlooking St Non's Bay when St David was born there around 500 AD.
The birth came during a violent gale, with thunder and lightning, say the chronicals of Welsh history. At the moment the saint came into the world, lightning struck the cell in which confinement was taking place and water gushed from the rock, forming the well which still exists, and which is visited by many tourists. Its waters are supposed to cure all kinds of ailments.
Non was reputedly a nun who was ravished by the Welsh prince Sandde or Sant, son of Ceredig, the founder of Ceredigion, whose father Cunedda Wledig led his tribe to North Wales from Gododdin in Scotland. Non was also of noble blood, being the daughter of Cynyr of Caer Gawch, who was descended from Brychan Brycheiniog, the legendary father of a brood of saints called the Children of Brychan.
Brychan's mother was the legendary Marchell who sailed for Ireland from Porthmawr. The story of St Non, also known as Nonnita of Nonna, has been written by the 11th century Norman cleric and chronicler Rhigyfarch who said that she was "unhappily seized and exposed to the sacreligious violence of one of the princes of the country." He cited Sanctus (aka Sandde), the King of Ceredigion, as the rapist and recorded that the rape occurred when Sanctus happened upon Non while travelling through Dyfed. She was celibate before and after the violation and living on bread and water alone. The legend goes that, when a preacher found himself unable to preach in the presence of the unborn child, it was a sign that the child would be a great preacher.
A local ruler, fearing the presaged power of the unborn child, plotted to kill David upon birth. But the great storm which erupted at the birth of the future saint, made it impossible for anyone to travel outdoors, and only the place where Nonita gave birth on the cifftop near St Davids, was bathed in light. The legend states that so intense was the pain of Non's labour that she left her finger marks on the rock on which her son was born, and the stone split in two. A church was built on the spot and the pieces of stone with the marks remain buried under the altar foundations to this day.
The remains of the church are there still, and pilgrims to the spot often leave coins in the well and say a prayer. In the south-west corner of the chapel is a cross which may well date from David's time.


text: The highly-anticipated finale to the New York Times bestselling 5th Wave series.Includes an exclusive diary entry from Cassie!The enemy is Other. The enemy is us. They're down here, they're up there, they're nowhere. They want the Earth, they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out, they came to save us. But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves.In these last days, Earth's remaining survivors will need to decide what's more important: saving themselves . . . or saving what makes us human.Praise for The Last Star"Yancey's prose remains achingly precise, and this grows heavier, tighter, and more impossible to put down as the clock runs out...this blistering finale proves the truth of the first two volumes: it was never about the aliens."—Booklist, starred review "A haunting, unforgettable finale."—Kirkus Reviews "Yancey doesn't hit the breaks for one moment, and the action is intense, but the language always stays lyrical and lovely. It's a satisfying end to an impressive trilogy, true to the characters and the world Yancey created."—Entertainment Weekly "Yancey has capped off his riveting series with a perfect ending."—TeenReads.com "[T]he ending provides both satisfaction and heartbreak."—Publishers Weekly "Yancey's writing is just as solid and descriptive as in the first two books....What Yancey does beautifully is reveal the human condition."—Examiner.com"Rick Yancey sticks the (alien) landing in the action-packed finale to his The 5th Wave invasion saga . . . . And the author gives us a major dose of girl power as well, pairing Cassie and Ringer for an uneasy alliance that provides the best moments in this fantastic series' thought-provoking and satisfying conclusion."—USA TodayPraise for The 5th Wave Now a major motion picture starring Chloë Grace Moretz "Remarkable, not-to-be-missed-under-any-circumstances."—Entertainment Weekly "A modern sci-fi masterpiece . . ."—USAToday.com "Wildly entertaining . . . I couldn't turn the pages fast enough."—Justin Cronin, The New York Times Book Review Praise for The Infinite Sea "Heart-pounding pacing, lyrical prose and mind-bending twists . . ."—The New York Times Book Review "Impressively improves on the excellent beginning of the trilogy."—USA Today "An epic sci-fi novel with all the romance, action, and suspense you could ever want."—Seventeen.com Books in the series: The 5th Wave (The First Book of The 5th Wave) The Infinite Sea (The Second Book of The 5th Wave) The Last Star (The Third Book of the The 5th Wave)


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Water is the essential resource in FarmVille 2, that is needed to grow Seeds or Trees.
Hi players. We want to gift you with some Water Links, remembers that these links come from other Accounts and not are Zynga Rewards so only faster users can get them.
Click on the images below to obtain them! ^_^
To take a look at all the Gifts published today on our 2 sites you can click here
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Bluestem's Crostini with Prosciutto and Hot and Sweet Cipollini
As always with our Cook the Book feature, we have five (5) copies of Bluestem: The Cookbook to give away this week.
At Kansas City's Bluestem, these hearty Crostini with Prosciutto and Hot and Sweet Cipollini are served as a first course but we're liking them as a lunch. Adapted from Bluestem fennel and sweet cipollini onions are cooked down with white wine, orange juice, and sherry vinegar to make a tart, savory jam that's perfect for spooning on slices of crusty grilled bread.
Topping the crostini with salty slices of prosciutto gives these crostini a sandwich-like feel making them a great option for an inspired midday meal.
Why you should make this: The slow-cooked cipollini and fennel jam is downright addictive on its own. We could easily see it as everything from a sandwich spread to a sauce for seafood.
Next time we might think about: Swapping out the prosciutto for a creamy, mild cheese. We have a sneaking suspicion that burrata would be right at home on these crostini.
Adapted from Bluestem by Colby Garrelts and Megan Garrelts. Copyright © 2011. Published by Andrews McMeel. Available wherever books are sold. All Rights Reserved.
Read more: Cook the Book: 'Bluestem: The Cookbook'
What's New On Serious Eats
- Yield:Serves 4
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time:30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 8 cipollini onions, peeled
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 12 drops mustard essence
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 thick slices rustic bread
- 4 ounces sliced prosciutto
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the fennel and onions and sauté until browned, stirring to get an even coloring, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, wine, juice, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer and reduce for 5 minutes, just to soften the onions. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the mustard essence. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Brush the extra-virgin olive oil over both sides of each slice of bread. Toast the bread in a skillet over mediumhigh heat until just golden brown. Season with a bit of salt.
To serve, put a slice of toasted bread on each of 4 plates. Top each slice with some prosciutto and the fennel and cipollini mixture. Serve immediately.
This Recipe Appears InCook the Book: 'Bluestem: The Cookbook'
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Home>Exhibitions & Events>Exhibitions> Living Rooms
Exhibition Living Rooms
Contemporary Art
from November 14, 2013 to February 17, 2014
Robert Wilson,
© 2011 Lucie Jansch
Robert Wilson chose the title "Living Rooms" for his exhibition at the Louvre, because it is a transposition to the museum of his living and working space at the Watermill Center in the United States, where he also stores a personal art collection that he shares with other artists and the public.
American artist Robert Wilson took over an old Western Union building near New York and transformed it into a place reflecting his personality, in which he stores his art collection and archives, and experiments freely, also providing residencies for young artists. The items in "The Robert Wilson Archives" offer fascinating insight into his creative process. They include artworks from Oceania, ancient Chinese ceramics, contemporary photographs, chairs from all periods and things he has found. This mixed bag of a collection seems to be the raw material from which the artist draws his inspiration. Reminiscent of the Surrealist collections—especially that of André Breton—this one tells us less about the objects themselves than about the eye of the artist who chose and assembled them.
Robert Wilson designed the exhibition layout to reflect his daily surroundings and the way they constantly inspire him.
Organized by:
Robert Wilson and Philippe Malgouyres, curator at the Department of Decorative Arts, Musée du Louvre,
With the contribution of Noah Khoshbin, curator of The Watermill Collection.
Executive producer: Change Performing Arts.
Practical information
From November 14, 2013 to February 17, 2014
Salle de la Chapelle
Opening hours:
Every day except Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Late opening on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9.45 p.m.
Admission with museum entrance ticket: € 12
Further information:
01 40 20 53 17


text:
I've had this LMDE for, oh, several years now and the only thing I haven't been able to make work so far is Chrome browser. I tried to install it from Package Manager and official Google site and while the app icon appears, when I click on it, nothing happens. I use Firefox as my browser but occasionally need Chrome to test my web apps I am developing, since it's better for developer to test in different browsers. BTW Opera installed just fine.
So the problem when I try to run chrome, from shell for example, is this:
Edit: and when I try to execute last line I get this:
Code: Select all
me@localhost:/usr/bin$ cd /opt/google/chrome/
me@localhost:/opt/google/chrome$ ./google-chrome
[29001:29001:0202/162050:ERROR:master_preferences.cc(104)] Failed to read master_preferences file at /opt/google/chrome/master_preferences. Falling back to default preferences.
[29001:29001:0202/162052:ERROR:shared_memory_posix.cc(171)] Creating shared memory in /dev/shm/.com.google.Chrome.OyUVlM failed: No such file or directory
[29001:29001:0202/162052:ERROR:shared_memory_posix.cc(174)] Unable to access(W_OK|X_OK) /dev/shm: No such file or directory
[29001:29001:0202/162052:FATAL:shared_memory_posix.cc(176)] This is frequently caused by incorrect permissions on /dev/shm. Try 'sudo chmod 1777 /dev/shm' to fix.
me@localhost:/opt/google/chrome$ sudo chmod 1777 /dev/shm
Same error when I try to run it from this location: 'me@localhost:/opt/google/chrome$ ./google-chrome'
Code: Select all
chmod: cannot operate on dangling symlink `/dev/shm'
I really have ran out of options on what to do. I considered compiling Chrome from source but Chrome source files I saw were like 2GB or 400MB, which didn't seem right, and I doubt that would work anyways.
Does anybody know what could the problem be and how I could solve it?


text:
The 345 XSF showcases unmatched performance with our Scout Dual Stepped Hull Technology, and utilization of Epoxy-Infusion for unmatched strength and stability.But high performance is just one attribute of this incredible model. Notable accessories: Dual Garmin MFD's Bow Thruster, Dual VHF's Dual Yamaha 350s. Call John now to schedule a private viewing!
John Parker
Southpaw Yacht Sales, LLC
Point View Marina
43 Perrywinkle Road Wakefield, RI 02879
Office: (401) 212-0690
E-mail: email@example.com
A picture's worth a thousand words…but this one will leave you speechless. Eighteen months of research and design are behind creating and perfecting our flagship center console – the 345XSF. This forward seating Sportfish, in a category all by itself, boasts our Scout Stepped Hull Technology as well as numerous amenities normally found only on luxury sportfishers. Step aboard and see for yourself what makes this boat a Scout. And yes…it's as fast as it looks, too.
• Dual Swim Platforms w/ Center Walk Thru
• Hydraulic Steering w/ Power Assist
• Armstrong Dive Swim Ladder
• Transom Door
• 60 Gallon Transom Fish Box / Storage
• 10" Pull Up Stern / Bow Cleats
• (2) Spring Line 8" Cleats
• (6) SS Flush Mount Gunnel Rod Holders
• (4) Horizontal Under Gunnel Rod Storage
• Aft Under Deck Systems Station w/ Storage
• 30 Amp Shore Power w/ 50' Cord
• 50 Amp Battery Charger
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• Microwave
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Discharge w/ 10 Gallon Holding Tank
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• Port & Stbd Windows
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• Stbd Console Storage Closet for
Brush, Gaff, Lines, Line Hooks, etc.
• 360 Degree Bolster Cushions
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w/ Cushions, Armrests & Underside Storage
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w/ Bow Foot Controls & Helm Controls
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7 River Road
Suite 7B
Greenwich, CT 06807
United States


text:
My totem, medicine and shield
nature politics
the mantis knows how I feel…
My totem, medicine and shield
nature politics
the mantis knows how I feel…
Posted in Nature Politics, The Praying Mantis
Tagged Alternative music, animals, Art, beauty, Esoteric, Feelling Good, Hudley Flipside, mantis, medicine, nature, Nina Simone, Oral Tradition, poems, poetry, Praying Mantis, spirituality, Women
Welcome to The Seminary Of Praying Mantis. Praying mantis shows me her story of life, death, and rebirth. For me she is an image or symbol of the divine in all things. I watch the praying mantis in my garden and have taken her image as my logo. She is an amazing little creature, and I relate to her connection to nature. We are both wild and part of this strange world. She is a part of my mythology as I am part of hers.
Stop thinking about art works as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences. (Roy Ascott's phrase.) That solves a lot of problems: we don't have to argue whether photographs are art, or whether performances are art, or whether Carl Andre's bricks or Andrew Serranos's piss or Little Richard's 'Long Tall Sally' are art, because we say, 'Art is something that happens, a process, not a quality, and all sorts of things can make it happen.' … [W]hat makes a work of art 'good' for you is not something that is already 'inside' it, but something that happens inside you — so the value of the work lies in the degree to which it can help you have the kind of experience that you call art.
~ Brian Eno
Agathos Daimon, the Good or Rich Spirit".[7][8] His numinous presence could be represented in art as a serpent or more concretely as a young man bearing a cornucopia and a bowl in one hand, and a poppy and an ear of grain in the other.[7] The agathodaemon was later adapted into a general daemon of fortuna, particularly of the continued abundance of a family's good food and drink.[citation needed]
"Scientists know that electromagnetic waves carry information. Radio waves are a common example of how information is sent out via electromagnetic waves. The waves that your heart and brain generate carry information that is sent through your body and out into the space around you, just like a radio transmitter. Yet the heart's signals have much more power." – The HeartMath Story, as Told by Founder Doc Childre
I've heard it said that the soul doesn't live inside our body but that it is more like a womb in which we are contained.
Turner, Toko-pa. Belonging: Remembering Ourselves home (Kindle Locations 2739-2740). Her Own Room Press. Kindle Edition.
"This disco guy wanted funk in our sound with 10,000 backing vocals, the guy laughed at Tony when he tried to sing, they treated us like shit. Casey wanted to hit that engineer dick…Posh Boy told us not to play games with him, he'd play games with us. That engineer was a real dick."
~ Steve Soto ADOLESCENTS
In our over psychological culture, psychological testing substitutes for this seasoned eye and prevents its development. Instead of looking, we test; instead of imaginative insight, we read write-ups; instead of interviews, inventories; instead of stories, scores. Psychology assumes it can get at character by probing motivations, reaction responses, choices, and projections. It uses concepts and numbers to access the soul, rather than relying on the anomalous eye of a practiced observer.
Hillman, James. The Force of Character: And the Lasting Life (Kindle Locations 844-847). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
It is the prime task of a truly modern mind to endure both the spiritual and the practical as the framework for her life.
Johnson, Robert A.. She: Understanding Feminine Psychology (p. 80). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. __________________________________
Mysterious in day's broad light,
Nature retains her veil, despite our imprecations,
and what she won't reveal to human mind or sight
levers, screws or hammers
cannot wrench from her. ~ Goethe
Faust part 1
Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.
~Truman Capote
"And just as the soul that is inside your dust."
~ Pg 8 The Divine Comedy ~ Dante
"I always liked the intensity of the recording."
~ Chris Bailey from the band The Saints
"Sometimes people try and tell me what is and isn't punk, or that GBH do or don't fit in, but they're generally no older than my socks, and they know about as much. I've lived my life doing what I want the way I want to ever since I got expelled from school. Ever since 1977….That's punk rock"
~ Ross Lomas: From his Book City Baby.
"As I was walking among the fires of Hell,
delighted with the enjoyments of Genius;
which to Angels look like torment and insanity.
I collected some of their Proverbs. "
~ William Blake, "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell", 1790
Please if you take anything from this site please tag hudleyflipside.com as the source of this material. NOTICE this is all copyright material Hudley Flipside (aka Hud) and Hudley Mantis…. most importantly 'Hudley' is the pen name and pseudonym created by (me) Holly Duval Cornell.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.


text:
Missing All-Star Game a real pain in the adductor
Man, this really hurts. And I'm not just talking about the adductor strain, which I'm learning all about from our medical staff. The timing of it really hurts. There's no good time to get injured, of course, but I was really looking forward to playing in the All-Star Game in St. Louis. Nobody would have had a better time than me and my family and friends.
Where I grew up, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the Cardinals were everybody's team. I learned the game from my granddad, who watched baseball every day. I had family and friends coming to St. Louis to enjoy the whole show with me, and now I can't play. It's disappointing. Very disappointing. I still have the tickets, and they can go to all the functions if they want, but it won't be the same.
I really wanted to be in my first All-Star Game representing the Angels, representing Arkansas, and I'm on the DL. That was not my plan at all. I'm just very sorry this happened the way it did. I appreciate all the votes, all the fans who wanted me to play in the game. That means a lot to me.
I knew I had a problem on Tuesday night when I couldn't beat out a throw on a double play ball. I just couldn't get a burst down the line. I came in after the game and was feeling bad, and finally told the trainers. It's been bothering me for a while. Remember a while back, when we were in Arizona, and I sat at my locker for the longest time after the game, kind of daydreaming? My leg was killing me that day.
On Wednesday they wanted to put me on the DL right away, but I was fighting it. I was hoping it would come around quickly, but this morning it was still pretty sore. Every time the trainers touch it, it's sore.
That's just not in my DNA, going on the DL. It took a broken ankle in 2005 to get me on it with the Twins. We haven't talked yet about the rehab plan, but I might have to stay here during the break and have it worked on. We'll see how that goes. The big thing, the most important thing, is being healthy for the final two months. I don't want to miss a game, an inning, down the stretch. We're in a race for this division, and that's what matters most to all of us.
The timeline for coming back is two to three weeks. Hopefully, it's not that long.
I know I have to be smarter sometimes about going after balls and running into walls, but it's in my blood. I'm a competitor. I've run into a wall in a 10-zero game. The one in San Francisco on June 15, when we were leading 8-zero, I probably should have played that one off the wall. But the one at Dodger Stadium on May 22, I had no regrets about that one. I caught that ball, and we won a close game. It goes with the turf. Besides, I know how to protect myself, how to cushion the blow. I've gone into enough walls by now.
It will be tough watching us play, along with big Vladimir Guerrero, who's also out for a while with the muscle strain behind his left knee. But this team has a lot of heart. We battle. Most of the time, no matter how far down we are, we're going to come back. We've had a lot of late-inning comebacks, rallies. That's one thing about this club — we're going to keep battling, keep banging.
Once again, before I sign off, I want to thank all the people out there who voted for me for the All-Star Game. I've been blessed to play for some great fans, and I value that relationship tremendously.
I'll be back, ready to go. There's still a lot of season left, and we plan to make it memorable.
19 Comments
Torii, you are a class act. We loved you when you were in Minnesota (even as Angel fans) – and we love you more, now that you are in Anaheim! You are going to be missed on the field, especially at the All-Star game. Keep smiling!!
Mr Hunter
Though I too am disappointed that you won't be starting in this all star game in St louis.. you're health is way more important! So i say take a looooong rest because you deserve it! Whether you play or not you're still an all star to me every single year and every single day! And I'm pretty sure (trrrruuuust me i'm good with these kinda things) that many many people feel the same way. Angel fan or non angel fan. You're THAT awesome! We really are going to miss you man (same with Vladdy) what are the angels gonna do without the heart of the lineup? I'm sure we'll survive somehow like we always do. All i know is that as hard as we get hit these guys always seem to bounce back up.. This is the most resilient team I ever passionately rooter for! Heck this is the ONLY team I passionately rooted for 😀 So in closing i THANK YOU for being the best center fielder/person you can possibly be for us fans. Boy are we lucky to have you. Take it easy so we can push to get ourselves another Al west division crown because October baseball is the best baseball don't you think?
much love
To call Mr. Hunter a class act is an understatement, he is the very definition of a classy ballplayer, and he makes me proud to call myself an Angels fan. Torii, our hearts and prayers go out for your speedy recovery.
Thank You for ALL you do. Get some rest; we get you back sooner if you do. You are still my All Star.
Missing the All Star Game must suck, but just get back out there and keep doing what you've been doing when you are healthy.
Get well soon Torii. I'm sorry you had to miss the All-Star game but keep in mind you're already an all-star for all of us Angel fans!
I was at the game Tuesday, sitting on the right field line and saw Guerrero go down. It looked bad and I was worried about him. But then on Wednesday when I heard you would be out too, I was really surprised and I immediately realized you wouldn't be able to play in St. Louis. I can't even imagine how that must feel.
But I'd still vote for you again and I hope you make a speedy recovery so you can help the Angels get back to the play offs.
Dear Torii,
Sorry about your untimely injury. I know you'll come back 100% though. I have a question for you…I am a young ballplayer who constantly struggles at the plate with fear of being hit by the pitch. I think that its really affecting my hitting ability and my progress…I was wondering if you had any tips or wisdom you could share with me about beating this. I know that your schedule is extremely busy, but maybe you could find a minute to post something on your blog or send me an email…my address is: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thanks Torii!
Sam from PA
Dear Torii,
Sorry about your untimely injury. I know you'll come back 100% though. I have a question for you…I am a young ballplayer who constantly struggles at the plate with fear of being hit by the pitch. I think that its really affecting my hitting ability and my progress…I was wondering if you had any tips or wisdom you could share with me about beating this. I know that your schedule is extremely busy, but maybe you could find a minute to post something on your blog or send me an email…my address is: firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thanks Torii!
Sam from PA
I found this blog while trying to find out why you were on the DL. I hope it's not inside of your thigh or groin strain as this is painful and takes time to fully heal. All of us will pray for your speedy recovery.
I've never sent a professional athlete a letter or email however I believe it's important for you "Torii Hunter" to know how you've been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball (especially for those here in Southern CA). Keep up the good work in all you do. You?re a testament to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.
Best Reagrds,
PS. I've visited Pine Bluff as I have family in Hot Springs Villiage.
I can't belive I'm sending you a message however I belive it's important for you to know how you've been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball esppecially for those here in Southern CA. Keep up the good work in all you do. Your a testement to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.
I can't belive I'm sending you a message however I belive it's important for you to know how you've been an inspiration to so many young ball players who dream to play professional ball esppecially for those here in Southern CA. Keep up the good work in all you do. Your a testement to baseball through the dedication you show on and off the field.
Torii, Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a quick recovery.
Your skills will be missed on the field, but your spirit and work ethic are an inspiration to all, everyday. Rest up, take care of yourself and know that we all will make sure you get to the all star game next year. J and P
You are truly the best player any fan could admire and i do that. You inspired me at a very young age and you still do ecspecially now that i am entering my second year of american legion baseball for my high school. You are truly a class act and my idol. Torii, please don't change thing, ecspecially running into walls because that show great courage and bravery, and that what inspires me the most.
Well no one deserves to be on the All Star team than Torii Hunter. No question about it. And while I think it sucks that an injury is keeping him out of the game, I am greatful that he is gonna get some rest and enough time to recover.
This is a minor setback…nothing to worry about.
Randy – ExposurePerfect.com
Although it sucks that you won't be in the All-Star game, I'm sure we'll be voting for you next year too… and next year we get to host it in Anaheim. As an Angels fan, it sure makes it tough to get excited about the game when we've only got one guy on the roster.
Do try to admit when you're hurt sooner, though… trying to tough it out can only make the healing take longer.
Torii this must be a complete heart ache for you. Just when you were voted in to play at the All Star game and to have your family and friends there to cheer you on. You must also know that this was a very big accomplishment and that you have to be so proud that you worked so hard to be the best you can be. You must know how very proud all of your fans are of your hard work and how very important you are to your team. They say, every thing happens for a reason. Rest, take care of your injury. The fans need to see you out on the field, healthy and fighting you hardest. Take the time to take good care of your body. Take the time to prepare for the hardest part of this season. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
I can only imagine how tough this is for you, we would have loved to see you on the field last night even if it was just for the opening ceremonies but you need to rest and take care of yourself!!! We love you and can't wait to see you back in action as we press on to the playoffs and beyond ; ) I know you were proud of Figgins getting there even if it was the last minute and he didn't get to play he still made it as you hoped would have loved to have seen the Ozzie flip but I think we need to keep him healthy that's why he was called last minute no time to flip :).
Take Care of yourself Mr. Torii Hunter~you are a 1 in a million and my family and I are glad the Angels have you!!!
Love the Overturf family from Whittier, California
Torii – Get well and hurry back. Your fans love you and miss you! Big time!!


text:
So on Thursday night I headed off to movies with Luke, Duncan, Dave and Athena. Bearing in mind that this is the first movie I've been to since Batman (I fell asleep in the car-chase scene - maybe narcolepsy was beginning a long time before I noticed it?) I was pretty excited, but ended up screeching into the centre exhausted having rushed home, rushed off to collect Elvis, rushed to return diving gear and then rushed to go and meet Luke to grab dinner before the movie. In my defence I managed to only be about 45 minutes alter than I'd planned and I managed to sneak food into the movie-house so all was not lost (so for all guys out there, THAT is why we have bags. That and the fact that we feel an instinctive need to be prepared enough to survive on a desert island should it ever happen. More about this later).
We saw Madagascar 2 and I laughed the whole way through, but not enough to draw too many strange looks. Moderation and so on you know? When I got home at around 11pm or so I found myself nearly having a fainting fit in my bedroom. I sat down and had some water (it couldn't have been blood sugar as I'd had a massive blue slushie in the movie house) and decided that I had to take it easy for the next few days. All those good intentions...
To avoid being sucked into long long conversations with the other student in my lab, when I eventually dragged myself out of bed, dropped off Christmas presents and then stumbled into university I hid out in Luke's lab for the afternoon, and managed to get a lot of work done in not much time as well as helping him to write his first macro in visual basic. From there I went home and watched an episode of the x-files before heading off to my ex-work for the Christmas party. No, I wasn't going to egg them or anything, I just resigned over a year ago but still work there so I was invited to the party, and as they have a secret Santa I was kind of obliged to at least make an appearance.
I didn't anticipate staggering home well after midnight having laughed so hard I'm sure I tore a few stomach muscles. Lara was there and as usual the two of us went off on our own wavelength and ended up ripping everyone around us to shreds without them even noticing. The 'in my pants' game also made a glorious comeback, which was hilarious particularly (at the time) because we ended up running (literally) into a random restaurant at 11pm and settled down at a table next to a couple who were very obviously on their first date. It was fun to be completely immature for an evening!
The next morning I was totally exhausted and sat semi-comatose at the vet. Fortunately it seemed pretty quiet and I was able to help the few people who came in without needing to wake up too much. Then at about 10:30 6 separate clients walked in at exactly the same time. so I had to wake up to handle the chaos of dogs chasing cats, puppies escaping, crying people, people yelling and the phone ringing incessantly.
We only closed about an hour after closing time as people kept arriving and I haven't got the heart to turn away people who need dogfood or medication for their pets. Finally I managed to grab the phone between calls and switch it to answering machine mode and then cash up (for the third time) and sprint out the door with only an hour to spare before I had to meet Lara to go to her friend Storm's house. Storm is a huge One Republic and Maroon 5 fan, and as they were having a concert that night her friends had bought her a ticket and were surprising her with it that afternoon. Needless to say I arrived an hour and a half late and missed the surprise, as well as running off to the bathroom during dinner to put on makeup as according to Laurin (of the spastic colon) I looked 'totally worn out' (i.e. terrible).
The concert was awesome! I am not a maroon 5 or a one republic fan, but they had two of my favourite bands playing first as well as three little bands doing a battle of the bands type thing. The group that one definitely had the best bad, but their lead singer should be shot. One of the bands that I really wanted to see was really incredible. They aren't as much a band as two guys who DJ while playing about 5 different instruments each at various stages. It was amazing! Admittedly I was the only one in my immediate vicinity who even knew their music (and went ballistic, to many strange looks from the people around me) but by the end of their set everyone was going ballistic. at one point one of the guys was playing a little saxophone riff and we all started singing along, to the point where he was able to stop playing while we sang it back to him, over and over and over. His smile just got bigger and bigger and we got louder and louder. It must be amazing to have a huge arena with a good 20 thousand people in it singing your music back at you!
Once we got to the main acts I got through mostly on the strength that La and I have been to so many concerts together that we know when the other wants to dance like a moron/sing along/make snide comments or just be left alone to listen (that's usually more me than her). We also totally filled in Timbaland's part in Apologise (Eh! Eh!) which was awesome although we were nearly lynched a few times. Some of my students came to say hi, but I think I scared them a bit... We finished up at around 1am (having been standing/jumping around for a good 7 hours) and I headed over to Lara's house where she made me a huge mug of coffee and we ended up staying late talking crap. Like how that Bear guy said if you want to be rescued on a desert island and you have red lipstick you can write HELP with it. Of course that has its problems as (according to Lara) only sluts wear red lipstick therefore only sluts would be rescued, unless we were to start carrying it around as a precaution in case we were ever to end up stuck on a desert island. And that is how out bags get fuller and fuller!
Eventually she managed to shut me up long enough for her to go off to bed and I passed out in her room for about 5n hours until we got up and had breakfast with her mom. It was really awesome, sitting around eating snack-witches in out pyjamas while her mom recounted every episode she'd ever seen on national geographic (this is a relatively common reflex for most people when they find out that they've just met a zoologist). I felt like I was 15 again and it was awesome!
So after all that I went home and lay down for a nap before I had to get up and get some work done. I woke up about 7 hours later and had to rush off to church before rushing off to the ex-work to protect Lara from Laurin and get a movie. And then I settled in bed with my laptop (around 11ish) when Duncan decided that he's had enough to drink and that it would be a good time to call me. It was very entertaining but after about 40 minutes my mother started screaming at the computer so I had to help her. Turns out she was trying to talk to my aunt in the UK over Skype, but my aunt couldn't hear her. After I plugged the microphone in it was all fine though and I went off to bed.
So, to the title of this post, once again ti is morning, I am at university and I'm exhausted. Why do I keep doing this to myself? And why do my friends have to be so much fun that I can never go for 'an hour or so' as I promise myself every time so that I can go home and sleep? I am a lucky lucky person! Darn it.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Once again... why do I do this to myself?
So on Thursday night I headed off to movies with Luke, Duncan, Dave and Athena. Bearing in mind that this is the first movie I've been to since Batman (I fell asleep in the car-chase scene - maybe narcolepsy was beginning a long time before I noticed it?) I was pretty excited, but ended up screeching into the centre exhausted having rushed home, rushed off to collect Elvis, rushed to return diving gear and then rushed to go and meet Luke to grab dinner before the movie. In my defence I managed to only be about 45 minutes alter than I'd planned and I managed to sneak food into the movie-house so all was not lost (so for all guys out there, THAT is why we have bags. That and the fact that we feel an instinctive need to be prepared enough to survive on a desert island should it ever happen. More about this later).
1 comments:
- sarah said...
oooh madagascar 2! sigh. a sucky thing about living in japan is that movies come out here SO LATE because they have to write japanese subtitles and that takes like 2 months-ish.
yeah hels, i feel you. i always end up staying waaaay too long ... and then the next day, i am like, why the hell dont i go to bed early?
- 2:42 am


text:
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