text:
Its official, Kuzak's Closet has been voted "Best Blog in Silicon Valley" for a third year in a row, as well as proven to be the who's who of social media with its Facebook and Twitter page!
Continue Reading »
Entries Tagged as 'Press'
2014 Best In Silicon Valley Blog
Jun 22, 2014
Organizing with Smead Organomics
Mar 5, 2014
You'll have to wait for the reveal of my latest painted project until tomorrow because today I have something a little more exciting to share! My first Podcast with Smead Organomics is live and I can't wait for you to watch!
Smead is offering a wonderful Podcast series on their website called Keeping You Organized. They are featuring Professional Organizers from around the country and asked me if I would like to participate. My episode was filmed in December. I was really nervous about the interview but once the cameras started rolling I forgot that I was on film. My episode focuses on my life as a Professional Organizer in Silicon Valley, my Blog, the books I have been apart of, and Kuzak's Closet Estale Sales. I hope you press play!
My 6 Step Organizing Process & Upcoming 8 Week Home Organization Series
Jan 2, 2014
Happy New Year! If your resolution is to become more organized than this post is for you. I am launching an 8 week home organization series on the blog next week. My goal for 2014 is to become a go-to organizing expert. I have been getting outside my comfort zone and talking to local groups and putting my processes on paper. The photo above is of my speaking to the local Peninsula chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) last month.
Talking to the girls was a great experience and a reminder that passing on my knowledge of organizing is a true service. I wanted to give the girls something to take home with him so I developed a handout featuring my 6 step organizing process. (Please feel free to print the steps for yourself as a reminder!) Continue Reading »
Meet the Kuzak's Closet Team
Dec 17, 2013
I really can't believe it is already past the half-way point of December! Over the last year, Kuzak's Closet has grown at such a rapid pace that the company has become a "we" instead of a "me", and before we all start hurriedly wrapping gifts and attempting to recharge for a busy 2014, I wanted to take a moment to formally introduce my dedicated team.
Whether they are assisting with an organizing project or staging an estate sale, everyone at Kuzak's Closet brings a special talent, vision and enthusiasm to the company – and I am grateful that they all keep coming back for more! I hope you will take a moment to check out our new Meet the Team Page and be sure to say "Hi" to Taylor, Al, Sutzi, Jennalynn and Noelani the next time you see them at an organizing session or while digging for treasures at an upcoming estate sale.
The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style
Nov 13, 2013
About a year and a half ago I was asked to be a guest contributor for the book The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style: Secrets to Shopping Cheap and Looking Chic by Lilliana Vazquez – and, the book was just released last week! Lilliana has been featured on The TODAY Show, Access Hollywood and The Rachel Ray Show and the book, inspired by her website Cheap Chica's is a collection of her personal style tips, organization ideas and shopping finds for every budget.
The book is broken into segments: helping you find your personal style (there is a quiz!), how to stay organized, shopping for styles that flatter your body-type and wallet, and where to find the best deals. She even knows the best days to shop for the biggest discounts. I really enjoyed the book because her tips are honest, realistic and I want to highly recommend it. So treat yourself to a copy and give it as a gift to your girlfriends! You can order a copy of the book here.
I was asked to take part in the chapter "Making Cents of Your Closet" and below is a small excerpt from my submission. Enjoy!
Kuzak's Closet is Hiring!
Oct 6, 2013
How would you like to work for Kuzak's Closet, Silicon Valley's premier professional organizing/estate sale company? www.kuzakscloset.com. This is an outstanding opportunity for a Social Media/Marketing Assistant based in our Mountain View office.
Job Responsibilities will Include:
Manage Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other pages
Research, develop and execute marketing projects/plans
Organize and publish 4-8 blog posts per month
Write the Kuzak's Closet monthly newsletter
List items on eBay, manage the listings and ship the items including pickups and dropoffs
Expand the marketing reach of the blog by connecting with other blogs and companies
Coordinate events and speaking engagements
Participate in organizing sessions as an assistant
Organize and merchandise estate sales. Perform sales/cashier duties on the day of the sale
Develop advertising campaign to grow estate sale and estate liquidation business
Develop a scheduling system for employees and contractors to utilize for estate sales
Run errands
Car to get to office and appointments
Self –starter who is able to suggest ideas and different venues for publicity, events, and projects
Must be detail oriented, have the ability to listen to client needs and work quickly
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Previous retail and writing experience
Must be able to carry folding tables for sales, lift garbage bags, help move furniture.
Interest in organizing, vintage merchandise, antiques and furniture
- Someone who is available on Mondays and Fridays for estate and organizing projects (on-site)
This is a 15-20 hours per week , contract position. Please submit your resume and writing sample to Sutzi McGovern at email@example.com. Deadline to respond is 10/14/13.
San Jose Mercury News Best Blog of 2013
Jul 2, 2013
Thank you so much for voting Kuzak's Closet the Best Blog of Silicon Valley for 2013. I am so lucky to have such wonderful, supportive readers! It's hard to believe that it has been 3.5 years since I started sharing my life and my business with all of you! Here are 10 facts that you might not know about Kuzak's Closet…
- I've been blogging since December 5, 2009
- There are 891 original posts
- Since I started blogging I've been sponsored by some great companies like Sterilite, Swiffer, Command, Fresh Produce, and BlogHer!
- Pinterest is the #1 referral site to my blog, sending hundreds of readers per day.
- These 5 cities are the most popular for readership…#1 San Jose CA, #2 Mountain View CA, #3 San Francisco CA, #4 Bad Axe MI, #5 New York, NY
- On Average you spend 6 minutes and 40 seconds on my blog each time you visit
- The Before and After page has the most visits per month, 68 Before and After projects have been shared
- My DIY Picture Frame is the most popular post ever
- There have been 82 guest bloggers (thank you) not counting my sister's visits during Sister Sister Sunday and Hot or Not?!
- People always ask me where I get the photos for my blog and I will assure you that I have taken all of them, I love using my camera!
Bookmark my site or follow me through BlogLovin to insure you don't miss a post! Your comments keep me going so please stay in touch!


text:
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a therapy for treating angina and congestive heart failure. It offers hope to those with advanced coronary artery disease who can't undergo bypass surgery. Here's how it works...
The physiology of EECP is similar to that of the intra-aortic balloon pump and mast pants, more familiar emergency medical devices that have been in use for many years. The balloon pump is an invasive device that inflates inside the aorta during the diastolic phase of the heartbeat to increase circulation back to the struggling heart in intensive care situations. Paramedics use mast pants on patients to control bleeding and raise blood pressure after trauma-shock situations.
EECP Sort of Combines the Two
Also a noninvasive procedure, EECP involves a pair of inflatable pants that surround your lower extremities and are covered in rigid steel cylinders. When the heart is relaxing in the phase that physicians call diastole, a cuff inflates, which increases the pressure in your aorta, encouraging more blood to back fill your coronary arteries, stretching them as they fill. [Your arteries actually originate right off of your aorta as it emerges from the left ventricle.]
The machine includes three pressure bladders sewn inside five cuffs that are timed to inflate in synch with your heartbeat. Two cuffs surround each calf, two on each thigh, and the last set on the buttocks.
There are sensors to detect your heart rhythm and your blood oxygen level, and the machine makes a thumping, sort of rushed-air sound as the cycle starts from your calves up toward your heart. As the computer senses an oncoming heartbeat, the cuffs are deflated, acting as a vacuum to make it easier for your heart to pump out the next contraction.
Mechanically, as more blood flow is milked back into coronary circulation, oxygen-rich blood is distributed to vital heart muscle, decreasing what cardiologists call "afterload," or the work assumed by the heart during the relaxation stage in between heartbeats. When this happens, there is temporarily better oxygen utilization in the heart muscle.
According to physicians who use EECP, the arteries are gently stretched, just like squeezing a long balloon, and this process promotes the development of collateral circulation.
(It was noted during angiography that some people develop collateral circulation—their own new blood vessels that grew around an area of blockage to get the blood through to the heart muscle. So, EECP is a way to help a person's body to perform its own "bypass" to restore blood flow to areas in need.)
For more on EECP, including a site locator, visit www.vasomedical.com. For you smartphone techies, Vasomedical even has an iPhone application where you can check out patient selection information, clinical guidelines, and treatment tools.
The protocol is five days a week for seven weeks, and the sessions last three to four hours.
Now it's your turn: Have you, or someone you know, been helped by EECP?
You May Also Be Interested In

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Leading eBooks Store Online
for Kindle Fire, Apple, Android, Nook, Kobo, PC, Mac, BlackBerry...
New to eBooks.com?Learn more
- Bestsellers - This Week
- Foreign Language Study
- Pets
- Bestsellers - Last 6 months
- Games
- Philosophy
- Archaeology
- Gardening
- Photography
- Architecture
- Graphic Books
- Poetry
- Art
- Health & Fitness
- Political Science
- Biography & Autobiography
- History
- Psychology & Psychiatry
- Body Mind & Spirit
- House & Home
- Reference
- Business & Economics
- Humor
- Religion
- Children's & Young Adult Fiction
- Juvenile Nonfiction
- Romance
- Computers
- Language Arts & Disciplines
- Science
- Crafts & Hobbies
- Law
- Science Fiction
- Current Events
- Literary Collections
- Self-Help
- Drama
- Literary Criticism
- Sex
- Education
- Literary Fiction
- Social Science
- The Environment
- Mathematics
- Sports & Recreation
- Family & Relationships
- Media
- Study Aids
- Fantasy
- Medical
- Technology
- Fiction
- Music
- Transportation
- Folklore & Mythology
- Nature
- Travel
- Food and Wine
- Performing Arts
- True Crime
- Foreign Language Books
Most popular at the top
When to Really WorryPenguin Books Ltd 2010; Not Available
When does normal teenage behaviour become something you really need to worry about? When to Really Worry by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg will help you find out. In this insightful book, one of Australia's leading authorities on adolescent mental health, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, offers practical information on the symptoms, causes and treatment for everything... more...
No Sex with Your ExPenguin Books Ltd 2009; Not Available
Here is all the advice you don't want to hear from your parents, and if you're a parent, you don't want to have to tell your kids.� Stuff such as: - Why you should think twice about a threesome - Who gets rid of the condom after sex - How to avoid an attack (and how to fight back) - Why you should never eat nuts in a public bar - How to play... more...
No Tattoos Before You're ThirtyPenguin Books Ltd 2006; Not Available
'You won't find a singsong entry in this book that says, 'Magic happens' or 'Climb a tree with a child.' There are no pictures of cuddly animals . . . It's the stuff I wish somebody, anybody, had told me twenty years ago.' No tattoos before you're thirty is a collection of witty, modern truths aimed more towards the realities of everyday life than... more...
Parenting Your Emerging AdultNew Horizon Press 2013; US$ 14.95
They?re back or maybe they never left, your eighteen- to thirty-year-old emerging adults. They have been called narcissistic and self-absorbed. These Millenials, Generation Y or Boomerang Kids, face higher costs of living, higher college debt loads and a sense of material entitlement and they are clinging to the parental nest. Some 56 percent of... more...
The Road to WhateverHenry Holt and Co. 2005; US$ 18.99
From the Pulitzer Prize finalist, a sharp and compassionate investigation of the root causes of the epidemic of drug abuse, violence, and despair among "mainstream" American teenagers In the past few years, it has become painfully clear that all is not well with the children of middle-class America. Beyond the shootings at Columbine, hardly a... more...
Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers, Third EditionTen Speed Press 2012; US$ 14.99
This perennial bestseller (with more than 100,000 copies sold) has been completely revised and updated for a new generation of teenagers and their parents. Since its initial publication in 1995, Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers has ushered countless families through the trying years of adolescence. In this fully revised and updated... more...
Raising Boys, Third EditionTen Speed Press 2014; US$ 14.99
A revised edition of the bestselling and practical guide to the issues parents face in raising sons--including sex, violence, homework, sports, the Internet, and more--and how to best aid boys' development from birth to manhood. From award-winning psychologist Steve Biddulph comes this new edition of Raising Boys , his international best seller... more...
Girl LandLittle, Brown and Company 2012; US$ 27.07
The physical, emotional, and social milestones of every girl's life: what we've lost and gained in the 21st century. Caitlin Flanagan's essays about marriage, sex, and families have sparked national debates. Now she turns her attention to girls: the biological and cultural milestones for girls today, and how they shape a girl's sense of herself.... more...
Girl LandLittle, Brown and Company 2012; Not Available
The physical, emotional, and social milestones of every girl's life: what we've lost and gained in the 21st century. Caitlin Flanagan's essays about marriage, sex, and families have sparked national debates. Now she turns her attention to girls: the biological and cultural milestones for girls today, and how they shape a girl's sense of herself.... more...
Parenting a Teen or Young Adult with Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder)Jessica Kingsley Publishers 2013; US$ 19.95
325 astute and practical ideas, insights, tips and strategies address how to maintain an open and healthy relationship with your child as they become independent adults, designed to foster understanding between family members and help the young person with issues such as social vulnerability and peer relationships, self-esteem, anxiety and change. more...


text:
how to be smooth as hell with your crush
*takes notes*
"the beatles were the best band to ever live"
lol …. ok….the jonas brothers though?
*mentioning internet friends to parents*
we went to school together before they moved away a couple years ago.. did i never mention them.. weird.. totally went to school together..
Imagine having braces during the apocalypse. no one can take your braces off. And you just have to accept that you'll have braces forever.
i want a novel focused around a character with braces during the apocalypse and the entire plot of the story revolves around their search for an orthodontist who is still alive and they sort of accidentally save the world in the process
Titled: Brace for It.
i love conspiracy theories bc at first you think they're utter bullshit but then you start reading these crackpot articles and suddenly you're convinced Obama is actually a reptilian overlord and the moon landing was faked
Get to know me meme → [4/5] current celebrity crushes → Chris Pratt
Just be yourself and forget all of the stuff you read in 'GQ' magazine.
You know who else is underrated? Owl City. This introverted guy who wrote a bunch of songs on his computer in his parents basement. With lyrics like "reality is a lovely place, but I wouldn't wanna live there" and "please take a long hard look through your textbook, cause I'm history" and he tweets stuff like "got groceries. Enough social interaction for the week" and "girl I ain't no astronaut, but I need a little space" and I love owl city
adult: "do u know what college you want to go to yet?"
me: [sweats nervously] MONSTERS UNIVERSITY
not being at comic con like
oh my god
dear board of education,
i am too
hell yeah i'm a catholic i've been addicted to cats my whole life
What if the 4th of July was on Friday the 13th D:
Whose the fucking idiot who said this? How can u have two dates together?


text:
1947 Cadillac Series 62 ConvertibleTo be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Auction' Hershey event, October 9-10, 2014. Click here to view this listing on... More
1946 Cadillac model 62 in GREAT condition. Restored by professionals, electrical system completely redone by two NASCAR mechanics in the off season, EVERYTHING WORKS... More
For sale in our St. Louis showroom is an iconic 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible. You wont come across too many of these. This... More
1960 Cadillac 62 Coupe, I am forced to give up my climate controlled garage space and must sell my beautiful 1960 Pelhem blue Cadillac... More
1947 Cadillac Convertible Coupe, an excellent complete and authentic ground up restoration of an absolutely rust free car! Very correct French Gray with correct... More
1941 Cadillac 62 convertible, There is no need for me to go into the general history of the 1941 Cadillac convertible. Some would call... More
1964 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe - 500 V8, automatic, power steering , power windows, power seat, AM radio, AM/FM CD stereo glove box mounted,... More
YOU ARE VIEWING POSSIBLY ONE OF THE NICEST AND RAREST 1946 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CONVERTIBLES AVAILABLE FOR SALE. AT THE CONCLUSION OF WWII CADILLAC... More
THE 1949 CADILLAC SEEN HERE IS A OLDER RESTORATION THAT HAS BEEN IN A PRIVATE COLLECTION FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS . IT IS FINISHED... More
1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 - 2 DOOR COUPE , GORGEOUS OKLAHOMA CAR! 390 V-8 STRONG AS A HORSE WITH ONLY 48K MILES! NO RUST OR PARTS REPLACED, IT... More
newer paint, very reliable, runs and drives great, will need some TLC on the interior-... More
1948 Cadillac 62 Convertible The 1948-49 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible and Sedanet were one of the most beautiful and elegant Cadillacs ever produced. Part of... More
This is a well presevered older restoration. Leather interior. Engine rebuilt with hardened valve seates. Stainless brake and gas lines. Petronix igintion. Electric fuel... More
1960 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible For Sale or Trade. California car, exceptionally well maintained by longtime owner. Finished in Olympic White with Red and... More
1960 CADILLAC 62 SERIES CONVERTIBLE,,"" EXCELLENT ORIGINAL 31,000 MILE CAR IN SHOW CONDITION"" A TRUE SURVIVOR !! RUNS & DRIVES AS NEW,, YOU SEE... More
1941 CADILLAC SERIES 62 DELUXE COUPE, A STUNNING EXCELLENT "NO RUST" CALIFORNIA CAR IN 1ST PLACE SHOW CONDITION// ""AS GOOD AS IT GET'S"" !!... More
This beautiful 4th generation 1958 Cadillac Series 62 is for sale in our Chicago Showroom has approximately 86470 actual miles. Powered by the... More
OVER $35,000 JUST SPENT ON RESTORATION BY A CADILLAC COLLECTOR. PAGES OF ITEMIZED INVOICES. MECHANICALS THOROUGHLY GONE THROUGH. MOTOR TRANS & REAR INSPECTED, NEW... More
Sale Pending... More
This vehicle will be offered by Rubber City Classic Car Auction on Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 10am EST at 2501 Ley Dr., Akron,... More
This vehicle will be offered by Rubber City Classic Car Auction on Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 10am EST at 2501 Ley Dr., Akron,... More
1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. Finished in beautiful Red paint with a clean 2 tone Red and White interior. Powered by an original 390CI... More
1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille 2 Door Convertible i work on the car for 4 years; frame off restoration, new paint, dashbord, muffler, chrome, rebuilt engine... More
The 1941 Series 62 is among the most affordable CCCA approved full classics available today. Most aspiring Pre-War collectors are often daunted by the... More
CADILLAC 1960 62 Series convertible, ALL ORIGINAL, runs great. Perfect for cruising. All mechanical work done over the years to keep car in great... More
1949 CADILLAC 62 CONVERTIBLE Original California car, 44,000 original miles, No expenses spared during restoration. Needs absolutely nothing! Runs excellent! $97,000.00 216/531-7730 or email: [contact seller] ... More
In 1949 Cadillac introduced its first overhead valve V-8 engine and with a 331 cubic inch displacement and 160 horsepower the Cadillac V-8 set... More
Approximately 30,000 miles on the motor New Differential Transmission checked out New Brakes New Brake Booster Alternator Dual Carburetors and Manifold off Eldorado Stainless and Chrome are good Upholstery very nice New Solenoid... More
1941 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible 4 year high point restoration just completed. Gorgeous restoration of a rare classic 346 cubic in. Flathead Engine - Whisper quiet New XYZ... More
1941 was the last full model year before civilian automobile production ended for the duration as Americas manufacturing capacity yielded to the war effort.... More


text:
Pokemon Forum - Pokemon Elite 2000
Interactive Boards
Creative Writing
Strangers in a Strange Land
User Name
Remember Me?
Members List
Social Groups
Mark Forums Read
Creative Writing
Share your fan fiction, stories, poems, essays, editorials, song lyrics, or any other related written work. All written must be your creation. Start a new thread, and keep replying to that thread as you add on more chapters. Anyone can join in at anytime.
Page 3 of 3
Thread Tools
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Sorry I haven't been posting any chapters, my sinuses are killing me and I think I'm developing a cold.
I'll try to have Chapter 11 done by Friday or Saturday.
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 11: Doom and Gloom
Blaze quietly pocketed his pokenav moving out of the small pokemon transfer room at the Celadon Gym. Gary busy reading the latest issue of Pokemon Now set the magazine on his lap.
So are they coming? He asked
Yeah, Blaze sighed, Somethings up with Erik.
Gary raised an eyebrow and brushed it off a little and shrugged, He gets discouraged easily, thats why Im around someone has to assure him
But hes with Lee
Hell be fine. Gary said, Trust me.
Blaze sat down and tapped his fingers impatiently on his knee caps. Gary unclipped a pokeball from his belt and rolled it.
Who are you going to use against Erika?
Unclipping the fourth pokeball from his belt, a great ball Blaze threw it upward and caught it. He then replied, My sceptile Razorclaw, he may be a bit excitable. But you know me Gary, got have a type disadvantage.
Gary nodded. Blaze then asked back, So who are ya going to use to beat Erika?
Rolling a pokeball in his palm Gary replied, Screamin Meemie.
Blaze looked back at him confused, Who?
Screamin Meemie.
Screamin Meemie.
After a minute of Who? and Screamin Meemie. Blaze was showing obvious of frustration by rubbing his temples with his index fingers. Meanwhile Gary was taking spiteful pleasure out of aggravating his friend.
Please Rayquaza give me enough strength not to rearrange his face He growled to himself, then asked one last time, One last time. Which Pokemon of yours is Screamin Meemie?
Oh, Gary snickered, Hes my Glalie just renamed him too.
Restraining his anger Blaze growled again and hissed, Sometimes I wanna strangle you like a chicken.
Gary smirked, I know.
Turning his attention to the time Blaze complained, Cripes when will she arrive?!
Meanwhile at Giovannis offices, the big man himself was signing some contracts when his secretary came him.
Mr. Giovanni?
You told me to watch that pokemon trainer that defeated Butch and Cassidy in Viridian?
Well Janice told him, Hes at the Celadon City gym.
Now this peaked Giovannis attention, Really, do I have any appointments this afternoon.
Janice looked at his day timer and flipped through his appointments, nothing was there so she replied, Youre free for the whole day Mr. Giovanni.
Giovanni got up from his seat and told her, Excellent. Im going to the gym to see how this trainer fights myself.
As he was walking out Janice turned to him and asked, Why do you find this trainer interesting?
To give him an offer few would ever receive from me. Giovanni slyly replied.
After around two hours of waiting Blaze and Gary were awarded for their patience by a visit from Marty and his girlfriend Courtney.
Erika will battle you now. She softly said
Blaze grunted and groaned stretching his muscles that were half-asleep. He then nudged Gary yawned and stretched.
Took long enough, Blaze muttered under his breath. Then loudly cracked his knuckles and followed them with Gary along in tow.
Courtney ran through both of their trainer profiles and made a couple oral notes, Received all eight required badges for five different leagues? Not bad Blaze
Wait, Gary said, I thought Blaze only participated in four leagues.
I did, Blaze replied, I never bothered to enter the Silver Conference.
Why not?
Blaze looked at Marty, That was the year Marty and I split up. I didnt feel like competing that year.
Marty bit his lip as he didnt was to say any cruel words to Blaze in the presence of his girlfriend. You will never let that go wont you wont you Blaze. He quietly thought to himself.
Despite his better judgement he caught up to his brother and gave Blaze something that looked like a potion bottle.
Whats this? he asked
Its a Full Restore. Marty replied, Trust me, Erika will use her absolute best Pokemon against yours.
Blaze pocketed it but still maintained his smugness, With Razorclaw I dont think I dont have to worry about her.
Youll be surprised Blaze. Marty snickered.
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 11 continued...
Courtney then stopped at a door and motioned for the others to as well, Erikas waiting behind these doors. If you want to withdraw your challenge now is the time to do it.
Gary scoffed, We waited 2 hours later, we aint backing off now.
Heh, Courtney snickered, Just kidding. In you go
And so the doors swung open to the main part of the gym, this battlefield was surrounds by rich and exotic flora and some Grass-type pokemon like Bellsprout, Oddish even a Sunflora were basking in the foliage. On the other side of the field was Erika in her battle kimono. See peered at the two trainers and asked.
Acting as referee Courtney took her positing and announced to those watching, Trainer Blaze St. Helens with a Sceptile challenge Gym Leader Erika with Bellossom! One on One Battle! Start!
Go Razorclaw! Blaze called out.
Scept! Razorclaw hissed hyperactively slashing around and bouncing off the trees. Blaze groaned and told him, Eyes on the target Razorclaw!
Amusing, Erika smirked throwing he Pokemon, Go Bellossom!
Bellossom danced a little, waiting for the sceptile to make its move. Blaze ordered, Use your Fury Cutter!
Tile! Razorclaw screamed as it rushed the bellossom, but Erika quickly told it, Sunny Day!
The gym flooded with intense sunlight temporarily blinding Blaze, Razor Claw and Gary.
Wait a sec, Blaze growled, Bellossoms speed doubles in intense sunlight. He then called to Razorclaw, Raz! The bellossom is as fast as you are!
Okay Bellosom! Erika pointed to the staggering sceptile, Sludge Bomb!
Hurry! Blaze yelled, Detect and evade!
Razorclaw braced itself and took the hit and protected itself from the sludge bomb. The sceptile took no damage but still Blaze knew he couldnt stay on the defensive. Then a though came to him as he quietly though, Bellossom may be able to keep up with him, but I bet its not faster than his claws. After all the hand er claw is faster than the eye.
Blaze ordered from Razorclaw, Hyper Cutter attack Razorclaw!
With increased fury Razorclaw slashed at Bellosom, with each connecting hit his power growing stronger. Even so much that on the fifth strike his slash threw Bellosom backwards at Erikas feet.
Bell, it groaned as it struggled to get back up almost out of energy.
Hold in the Bellosom, Erika coaxed, Nail it with Solarbeam!
The Bellosom nodded as it collected the sunlight and fired ray of unimaginable power at Razorclaw sending him flying into the foliage and kicking up all the dust in the gym. Blaze looked around for a moment, Razorclaw?
Razorclaw crawled from the bushed bruised but not beaten, his grass-type save him from what would be heavy punishment for other pokemon.
You underestimated me Blaze, Erika called out, Now our pokemon are even.
Yeah, Blaze quietly snickered to Gary, One more Fury Cutter and the bellossoms history.
I know, Gary whispered back, But if the hit doesnt connect the next attack looses its punch.
Bellosom! Erik dictated, Double Team!
Bellossom darted around Razorclaw leaving afterimages behind, the sceptile grew confused and hissed, Sceptile
Listen! Blaze called to him, Just focus and relax and watch Bellossoms closely.
One last time, Erik said, Solarbeam!
Sceptile shot a glance and made a nearly blind slash. There was a odd silence as everyone looked to the battlefield. No solarbeam was fired thus it was logical to find Bellosom laying down fainted beside a triumphant Razorclaw who yelled, SCEPTILE! then hopped around like a hyperactive 6 year old.
Blaze sweatdropped and recalled Razorclaw, Okay okay, dont to excited Razorclaw. Great job by the way.
Erika knelt next to her bellossom, Its okay Bellossom, you tried your hardest.
Courtney announced, Erikas Bellossom is unable to battle! Blaze wins!
Giovanni was watching intently from the bleachers with his Persian looking down on Blazes victory.
Hmmm he is skilled as they say, He said to Persian, But his friend, maybe we have another potential recruit.
Great job Blaze that rainbow badge is yours now. Gary said to Blaze as he stepped back from the battlefield.
Yeah and it should be yours.
Heh heh heh, Gary snickered, With Screamin Meemie thisll be a piece of cake.
Then Courtney announced, Trainer Gary Frost with a Glalie challenges Gym Leader Erika with Cradily! One on One Battle! Start!
Gary didnt immediately notice Erikas pokemon as he called out throwing a pokeball, Go Screamin Meemie!
Blaze however his jaw dropped, Did Courtney just say Cradily?!
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 11 continued...
Gary looked back, Whats a Cradily?
Blaze pointed to Erika who threw up her next pokeball unleashing the long-extinct pokemon Cradily, Blaze took out his Pokedex and Gary took a look as well.
[ Cradily "The Barnacle Pokemon"- "Cradily's body serves as an anchor, preventing it from being washed away in rough seas. This pokemon secretes a strong digestive fluid from its tentacles.
Additional Note: This Pokemon has been extinct for thousands, if not millions of years. However through fossil revival technology this Pokemon as been used by trainer lucky enough to obtain a fossil]-
How did she get a pokemon like this?! Blaze asked out loud passed the Pokedex to Gary.
Oh I acquired a fossil while lecturing in Rustboro City, Erika explained, I took it to Devon Corp. and had it revived, since then Ive been training it.
Blaze groaned.
According to this its a Rock and Grass type, Gary read, Cradily should fall easily to Meemies Ice Beam.
Gary then handed back the pokedex back to Blaze who warn him, Gary, remember Rock also crushes Ice. Be careful.
Turning to Screamin Meemie; Gary ordered the glalie pointing at Cradily, Nail it with Ice Beam attack!
Shield yourself Cradily! Protect!
Lee! Meemie yelled as it shot a frigid beam at Cradily who blocked with a protective barrier. Gary cursed under his breath, knowing he needed to whittle down Cradilys energy should Erika
use Protect again.
Change of plans Meems, Gary instructed his pokemon, Use Toxic!
Lee, Meemie his spiting out its toxic attack. The poison didnt hurt Cradily off the bat but at least it was crippled.
Ancient Power Cradily! Erika countered
Cradilys eye glowed as it summoned the ancient force into a wave of crackling-white energy nailing Meemie who cried in pain as the glalie had type-disadvantage. Then a white aura crackled around Cradily as its power increased. With the augmented speed it received Cradily was able to attack first.
Rock Slide! She ordered, knowing that attack could defeat Screamin Meemie.
Craaaaaaaid, Cradily shrieked summoning a landslide over Meemie chipping of pieces his ice armor, then the cascade of rocks buried him and Gary ran to save him by unearthing him.
Dont worry, He said tossing off the rocks, Well beat her just you wait
When he finally uncovered Screamin Meemie he saw the pokemon was nearly fainted, barely hanging onto consciousness.
Come on, Gary pleaded, You cant give up now.
Blaze looked on, Garys getting creamed. He thought to himself before remembering the Full Restore Marty gave him. Blaze didnt need it because he had already defeated Erika and Gary could really use it now. Digging it out of his pocket he called to Gary, Hey Gary!
Yeah? he called back.
Blaze threw the Full Restore and told him, Catch!
Catching it in his hands Gary saw it was the thing Marty gave Blaze knowing he needed it desperate he untwisted the cap and fed it the Screamin Meemie.
The glalies face lit up and Gary told him, Get back in there and use Double Team!
Do it again Cradily! Rock Slide!
Too late Meemie already split into a dozen after images and evaded the attack. Cradily cringed as Toxics effects really started to sink in.
Walking up to Gary; Blaze asked, So whats next? An attack with Ice Beam? Blizzard?
Gary smirked, Sheer Cold.
Are you nuts Gary?! Blaze yelled, That attacks too inaccurate!
Blaze, Blaze, Blaze, Blaze, Blaze. Ye have little faith? Gary teased, then shot an order at Meemie, Finish this quickly! Sheer Cold!
Lee, Meemie nodded, building up it energy. Leering at Cradily it summoned the bitter arctic winds inside it and blew a chilling gust of wind that nearly ripped Cradily off its suction cups. Frozen into place, Cradily was frozen solid and devoid of any more energy to fight on. Courtney paused for a moment before reported her verdict.
Erikas Cradily is unable to battle Gary and his Glalie win!
Gary jumped in the air whooping, I WON!
Giovanni looked on Gary before. Even he had to admit that Gary was a trainer of high caliber. Should he join the ranks of Team Rocket Mr. Frost would become an administrator in no time at all. No, he should give him the same offer as his ally and friend Mr. St. Helens. Rising from his seat his told his Persian.
Come now, theyll do quite nicely
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 11 continued...
Both looked proudly at their badge cases, Gary with his five badges and Blaze with his three. Having just won Gary was in a bragging mood.
I am the greatest! Five badges!
Dont get too cocky Gary, Blaze warned, I only went to four gyms and couldnt bother with Mistys challenge.
Is that jealousy I hear? Gary taunted.
Blaze growled, pulling back his fist. However before he could even think of giving Gary a socking, Giovanni sneaked up behind them.
Mr. Winter and Mr. St. Helens.
Gary and Blaze turned, Blaze lowered his fist. Hinting some familiarity with Giovannis face Blaze asked.
You look familiar. Do I know you.
No, not in person, Giovanni replied, Im Giovanni, head of Team Rocket and Ive come to made you two an offer.
Gary used his turn to ask, Offer?
Yes, I watched your battles with the gym leader and quite frankly Im impressed, Giovanni commented, So much Im willing to give you rather generous offers, both of you can be administrators should you accept. And dont take it lightly, Im giving you a chance of a life
Then his cell phone rang and he pardoned himself. Both Blaze and Gary considered it for a second but they knew they couldnt accept.
As much as I hate Team Aqua, Blaze whispered, I think we should refuse this offer.
Yeah, Gary replied in the same hushed tone, These guys steal pokemon and I have no interest in being a criminal.
Giovanni growled as he hung up, There is some trouble at the office so I have to insist for an answer no.
As tempting as it sounds, Blaze replied, World Domination is not our thing, so we respectfully decline your offer.
Nodding as he passed by, Giovanni looked a little disappointed walking between to the two with his loyal persian behind him. He stopped and gave the two a warning, A word to the wise Mr. St. Helens, Mr. Winters. Do not interfere in the operations of Team Rocket or the consequences will be grave.
A chill ran up Garys spine as well as Blazes as they watched Giovanni and the persian walk into the limo parked out front.
When it drove off and was lost to Celadons traffic Gary stuck out his tongue and spat, Yeah and well be ready for ya!
Let him go. Blaze growled,, I think Giovanni as bigger problems on his plate. Namely two teams starting with m and a and both ending in a.
Whatever, Gary shrugged, You think Erik and Lee made it to the pokecenter?
Blaze looked up to the sky and replied, I doubt it.
What makes you say that? Gary asked
Blaze pointed to the sky and circled around You see the sky?
Gary looked around and saw gray of varying contrasts, Yeah so?
Thats smoke and its surrounding Celadon so that means theres a huge forest fire circling the city.
Explains the smell. So what do we do?
Blaze looked to the street, We go back to the pokecenter and see whats going on.
Read Strangers in a Strange Land
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Intermission 4: Inferno
A few hours ago
In the thickest forests between Celadon and Saffron at a rarely used back road a van with the Team Magma logo stops. Its occupants clear out and spread across the forest. On of the grunts snorts at the lush foliage and the carpet of dead leaves and pine needles on the forest floors.
Those morons, trying to stop forest fires so much they made these forests giant tinderboxes.
His partner smirked at him, Then lets help mother nature along shall we? Go Slugma! Torkoal!
Go Vulpix! Go Combusken!
The fire pokemon lined up in front of their trainers.
They both yelled, Flamethrower!
The fire pokemon spat out a jet stream of fire and did so repeated until the forest pokemon started to flee. Taking a cue from them the Team Magma grunts recalled their pokemon and fled to the van as the fire gained strength with every passing second. Swiftly they got in as the other two grunts came back. The driver hit the pedal and the van went speeding off as the flames started to engulf them.
The driver grabbed the radio microphone, This is subgroup Vesuvius reporting. Operation Firestarter is a success at checkpoint Charlie.
A voice crackled over the radio, Acknowledged subgroup Vesuvius, return to base. Those trainers are going nowhere.
Only within an hour of those fires being set Lee and Erik, flew over the forests after their adventure in Saffron.
Lee took a deep breath and sighed, Beautiful day isnt it?
Yeah, Erik muttered, Beautiful.
Having less and less patience for dealing with it, When you knock off the listlessness? Since when did you care about that creep Dumont says?
Its those people Dumont made me look like a monster.
For the love of, Lee groaned, They were only 15 people!
The subject is closed. Erik growled, Im going to Celadon, gonna tell Gary and Blaze Im leaving and then Im gone
Two dots in the sky were coming in and fast, two park rangers on pidegots were bee-lining it towards the skarmory and the salamance carrying Erik and Lee. Running parallel to the two the female one warned.
You have to turn back now!
Lee looked at her, I thought this was public airspace.
It is, She replied, However due to multiple forest fires, all routes and low-altitude airspace westbound to Celadon City are closed.
Lee nodded and told his skarmory, Turn back, were going back.
Erik gave the salamance a light kick and it turned around following Lee on his skarmory, the two forest rangers broke off and went to search for more trainers trying to fly to Celadon.
Looks like well have to go back to the pokecenter in Saffron, Lee said.
Yeah the sooner we get there, the sooner I can tell them Im leaving.
Youre not going anywhere Erik. Lee told him sternly, Ill give you, three guesses who started those fires.
Giovanni was looking over his office with papers scattered everywhere, books knocked their shelves and the wastebasket kicked over.
Do you know who did this? he growled.
We dont know, the security tapes when it happened were blanked out. The security chief replied.
What was taken?
Nothing valuable, The chief explained, Just a technical machine.
Giovanni paused. Then he said, Thats it?
Thats it.
He then turned to his security chief, Fail me again Mr. Laurio and Ill make sure you will never find a job in Kanto. Got it?
Mr. Laurio nodded nervously, Yes sir, it wont happen again sir.
Now get out of my sight. Giovanni ordered. The security chief briskly walked out of the office to avoid incurring his employers wrath. Giovanni walked up to his desk turned the wastebasket right side up and sat down in his chair.
There was no doubt who dared come into his office to steal his property, but why they wanted his rare TM Fissure was a mystery. He then picked up the phone, Janice, call in the Team Rocket executives and have them come to my office by 10:40 tomorrow morning.
Back at the pokecenter in Celadon City, Blaze had his laptop open and was writing an e-mail to his parents. Gary was sitting across from him playing on his gameboy advance and by the moment of cursing the other trainers could assume it was a final boss or something.
Nurse Joys voice came over the intercom, Will Blaze St. Helens and Gary Winter come to the front desk, again its Blaze St. Helens and Gary Winter come to the front desk.
Looks like that call weve been expecting has come in Blaze sighed, saving the e-mail and shutting down his laptop.
Gary was still snarling and cursing. Blaze put the laptop in his backpack and then looked at Gary, You kiss your mother with that mouth?
Gary didnt even respond. Blaze groaned and snatched the GBA and shut it off.
Hey! Gary yelled, I was playing that
Did you save the game before that boss?
Of course. Gary replied.
Good, Blaze said tossing the GBA onto Garys lap, Weve been called to the front desk.
When the two came to the front desk, Blaze looked to Nurse Joy.
Im Blaze St. Helens and hes Gary Winter. We were called here a minute ago?
Oh yes, Nurse joy said, You have a call off videophone three.
She pointed to the videophones, Blaze thanked her and he and Gary sat down in front of it. As anticipated it was Lee, Blaze greeted with a cheerful look.
Lee, whats up?
You heard about the forest fires Blaze? Lee asked
Yeah. Many of the trainers here are stuck because the wanted to challenge Erika before they challenged Sabrina. Blaze replied.
So you know why Erik and I couldnt make it.
Blaze looked to Gary, Should we tell them?
Tell us what?
He can meet up in Fuchsia City, Blaze explained, Routes 16 through 18 are still open so Gary and I can go that way.
Wheres Erik? Gary asked.
Lees looked turned to a somber one, There was an incident with Jake Dumont and now Erik wants to leave.
What? Gary gasped, He cant leave now!
Blaze nodded in agreement.
I am, Erik came up to the videophone Lee was sitting at and replied, Ive had enough of Kanto. Im going home.
Youre going nowhere Erik. Blaze told him.
Yeah! Gary agreed, Were gonna kick Team Magma and Team Aquas butts back to Hoenn!
Blaze saddled up his backpack and told Lee, Make sure he goes nowhere. If Gary and I hurry we can make it to Route 17 by sunset. Ready Gary?
Always. Gary nodded.
Well no time to waste see you in Fuchsia Lee Erik
But but Erik protested.
Lee waved, See you there Gary, Blaze.
Adios amigos Gary said before the two hung up.
At the Saffron pokecenter Erik was speechless, they never even gave him a say in edgewise, Did you hear that?
Lee replied, Yup.
I am not going. Erik snorted.
Lee gave a devious grin and snickered, Well if you want me to pry into your mind and read your darkest secrets
Defensively Erik growled, You wouldnt dare!
Would I? I (unofficially) made a promise to them that Id take you along. Lee told him, And Ill do by any means.
Erik grumbled for a bit before muttering, Fine Ill go.
Great, Lee replied, Next stop, Lavender Town.
Read Strangers in a Strange Land
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 12: Encounters with Ken
The routes from Celadon City to Fuchsia City in the south are a series of bridges and islands full of unique pokemon and trainers (though many are biker gangs.) Such a path comes with many adventures for the trainers Blaze St. Helens and Gary Frost. About to find themselves in a big mess coming to the next bridge.
"Welp Blaze, turns out we may have some excitement on this route..." Gary said turning to Blaze with a wicked smile.
Blaze was somewhat concerned about what David told him about their father, and then he sighed
Gary noted the sigh but best thought to leave the thought to Blaze. "Ken told me there was a trainer on this route...a really good one who challenged whomever walked this way." He said looking ahead
"Think he was talking about himself?"
"I hope not...I suppose if we run into this person, we'll find out eh?" Gary sighed in confusion, "We could use a challenge for a change..." Gary said under his breath
"Indeed," Blaze smirked, "You know why David is hell-bent on beating me right?"
Gary thought for a bit remembering one of David's old rants about their father losing to a wannabe Fire Trainer. "Yeah...he wants to beat you cause you defeated our dad in a honorable, and fair fight." Gary said shining his glasses. "That's how he uses his brain. If he or dad loses, it's automatically the winners fault."
"And your dad? Was he shattered by his defeat like David said?"
Gary sighed. "After his defeat, my dad retired, but not happily. He said he was to old to continue battling. He put his trust in David. To carry out his work. Continue the blood line. Hell, he even gave him his Flareon." Gary took a breath. "David is pretty much fighting for both of them now." He concluded
"And apparently wants to settle old blood debts."
"Yup." Gary said plainly and simply.
Finally coming to the end of the bridge connecting Celadon to the Indigo Archipelago was the trainer Gary spoke of earlier. Looking familiar Ben cried out.
"Sweet Jebus it's him!"
Gary didn't believe his eyes. It "WAS" Ken....but soon another figure appeared behind him. Ken approached the two and spoke. "This is the guy...he beat me again! For the 8th time today!" Gary laughed to himself on how even Jesse and James could beat him. With just Meowth in their bags.
Gary then looked at the other Trainer. He didn't look familiar. "You know this guy Blaze?" Gary whispered to him.
"A-Nope." Ben replied "How many times were you trying to beat this guy again Ken?
The trainer in question approached with short spiky purple hair. He wore a plain black shirt, along with blue stylish jeans. He brushed his purple hair with his fingers and posed a stature. "I'm Luke..." He said looking to the others with his brown eyes. "I'm the best trainer in Fuchsia City, and you're walking on my route." He said with a vile smile
Ken only mouthed off. "Eight or so..."
Gary whispered. "Well, he shouldn't be to hard...he's only tried to beat you about 1000." Gary joked softly
Last time I checked moron," Blaze snarled at Luke, "It was a public route and my friend and I can use it any time we desire. Now get out of my way!"
Luke snarled a bit at Blaze's outburst but quickly regained his posture. "You're right...it 'was' a public route. That is until I took over by defeating all the trainers who came by here." He walked towards the three. "You should back track now. Like I told your friend. You're not welcome on this path." He said turning away. "But...I'll let you pass. If you beat me in a battle." He concluded
Blaze pulled out the Ultra Ball that contained his Dragonair, "How about this? If I beat you, you never show up on this route again."
Then Blaze taunted, "Unless you're a coward which is fine with me."
Luke was impressed on how Blaze challenged him so, but he knew like all the others. The outcome will be the same, and he'll be the victor. "Deal." Luke pulled out his first Pokeball. "Heh...Me a coward! I never back down from a fight! Three on three!" He commanded in a battle position. Gary was a bit nervous but was anxious to see a real fight
"Ladies first Luke."
"Grrrr..." Luke growled as he threw out his first pokeball. "Go Dusclops!" He yelled as the Ghost-type Pokemon appeared in front of Blaze with red eye glowing.
Dussss...clops! The ghost pokemon growled
"Get him Imperium!" Ben ordered as he threw the ultra ball in the ring.
The Dragonair unwrapped and looked upon the Dusclops. One would have to be impressed Blaze found one of the rarest pokemon on the planet.
"Use Dragon Rage!"
Luke was quite shocked to see such a rare find, but he quickly yelled out "Dusclops! Evade quickly!" Dusclops was swift enough to breeze away from the powerful projectile in time!
Gary was shocked. He had a Duskull of his own, and he knew the evolution was slow. He'd never seen a Dusclops move so fast! "You can still get him Blaze!" He shouted for his friend.
"Change of plans! Use Twister!" Blaze yelled
"Nair!" Imperium nodded and sent a tiny (but powerful) vortex of blue flame at the Dusclops.
Dusclops wasn't fast enough to react this time as the tiny blue flame hit home. Dusclops closed its eye and flew backwards into the trunk of a tree. "Dusclops no!" Luke shouted. "It's not over yet friend!" Dusclops red eye again opened and he stood back up.
Ken sat back and watched lazily. "Thing's got spunk..."
Blaze knew that Dusclops was particularly very resilient of special attack. Maybe I should use Outrage it's a powerful attack but will leave Imperium confused and vulnerable. Otherwise Dusclops does have very little stamina.
Luke grinned. "You've got a strong pokemon there...I admit that. But now it's time to show off Dusclops power." He said magnificently. "Dusclops! Double Team!"
Dussssssss! Dusclops closes his eye and soon several more clones of the creature appear around Dragonair.
Luke then called out again before Blaze could use another attack. "Dusclops! Use Shadow Punch!" The ghost pokemon rose a fist and charged straight for Dragonair with fist hurling with incredible strength.
"Nair" Imperium cried as the attack connected, but Dusclops was a pretty weak attacker.
"Not that it'll help you Luke!" Blaze counter, "Imperium! Use Outrage!"
The orbs on Imperium started to shine bright as blue energy surrounded it. It exploded in an attack that hit Dusclops and all its clones with a dragon's ferocity.
Luke's eyes grew large as he witnessed his Dusclops getting hit by the straight Dragon fury.
Dusssss...clops! And that was it. The Ghost Pokemon had fallen with a large thud to the ground.
"Dusclops! No!" Luke shouted out. "You got lucky cause you have a Dragon Pokemon."
Looks like some has a case of sour grapes. Blaze shot back
Luke grumbled as he called back his first pokemon. Gary grew with excitement while Ken brushed off a wave. "I would of beaten him too if he didn't use Double Team..."
"I'm just getting warmed up Luke," Blaze told him recalling Imperium, "Now bring out your next pokemon!"
Blaze took his next pokeball and called out, "Go Deluge!"
Read Strangers in a Strange Land
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Amateur Trainer
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Lavaridge, Hoenn
Posts: 57
Re: Strangers in a Strange Land
Chapter 12 continued
"Rai!" The legendary Raichu cried out, he had started to gain a reputation as one of the fastest pokemon alive.
Gary mumbled. "He could of just had him sit there...and you still would of lost." He said to himself as he turned his attention back to the match
Luke grit his teeth as he threw out his next pokeball. "Go Golem! We'll teach this guy!" Luke said enjoying that this match he had the upper advantage! The large rock-type Pokemon clashed onto the ground with a loud boom.
GOOOLEEEMM! It shouted with massive strength.
"Deluge! Peel some rubber! Use Agility!" Blaze yelled.
Deluge started to dart around at extreme speed matching that of a European sports car. Confusing the Golem very much.
Luke was impressed to see such a speedy pokemon, but refused to let Blaze get a 1 up on him. "Golem! Use Roll out and roll yourself all over the field!" Golem tucked himself into a ball and began spinning madly as he rolled all over the area. In hoping to clash into the speedy Raichu.
Deluge quickly sidestepped the Golem and Blaze decided to show Luke something surprising, "Deluge! Use Surf!"
Luke couldn't believe it! The Water smashed into the grounded Golem and threw him back to roughly. He was already knocked out from the blast.
"What the!?" Luke was speechless.
"You never heard of a Surfing Pikachu that evolved into a Raichu?"
Gary was laughing. "What happened Luke? Your mouth got stuck from running to much?" Gary laughed. Ken however didn't take it so lightly.
Luke grunted. He couldn't believe he was losing. And so easily too. This guy was a far better trainer than he thought. "Hah! I saved the best for last!
"I won two out of three Luke." Blaze sneered, "Even a puny little Metapod gave me a harder time than you did!"
Luke didn't respond as he held out his third pokeball.
Gary was anxious to see what he'd throw out. But Ken already knew. He sat back full of jealousy. "I could of won two out of three rounds..."
Blaze was waiting too, "What's the matter Luke? You're having a change of heart?"
Luke grinned as he spun out his third and final pokemon. "Go Sudowoodo!" The Tree-like Pokemon landed abruptly with a loud wooden thump as it stared at Deluge with nasty intentions.
"Deluge combine Agility with Double Team!"
Deluge ran again filling the battle field with a staggering 32 doubles. But Luke probably had something up his sleeve.
Luke Shouted out with "Sudowoodo Use Earthquake Now!" The Tree-Rock Creature implanted its weight into the ground causing a massive tremor. The ground started shaking violently beneath the feet of the quick and agile Raichu and its doubles.
Blaze recalled Deluge as he fainted from the tremendous shock and took another ultra ball and call out. "Razorclaw go get him!"
Then the Sceptile hissed at the Sudowoodo and started showing off its leaves like a swordsman.
Luckily Razorclaw was very quick and agile much like Deluge. One look at the Sceptile only made one thing clear... Sudowoodo was toast. From Blaze's point of view.
"Leaf Blade, Razorclaw!"
Razorclaw sprinted at the Sudowoodo and slashed it elegantly with its razor-sharp leaf. For the finale it slashed at Sudowoodo with it's claws in an 'X' pattern.
The branches began to break apart from SudoWoodo's stance and it looked like it took massive damage. Luke shouted out again. "Oh no you don't! SudoWoodo! Use Slam attack!" He wasn't about to throw in the towel, even at his slight disadvantage. Razorclaw was just to fast for his pokemon to keep up.
"Suck it dry Razorclaw! Giga Drain!"
"Ile" Razorclaw hissed as it evaded Sudowoodo's attack. Glowing and yellow-green aura it and sapped the Sudowoodo dry of its energy.
Sudowoodo's eyes crossed out and it fell to the ground defeated. Along with its owner who also was defeated. He stood motionless with pokeball in hand. Gary cheered loudly as he knew Blaze would pull through in the end. "You won...." Luke looked towards Blaze with slight fear, aggression, and respect.
Razorclaw cheered "Scep! Ile!" then started to bound like a 5 year-old jumped off on coffee and sugar.
"You weren't so bad yourself. Now can we pass?"
Luke looked disappointed, but he figured he would lose sometime. "Yeah...the paths all yours. With a trainer like you around, I don't think anyone would dare try to take over a route. Good battle." The Purple haired clad slung his backpack over his shoulder as he called back his pokemon. "Maybe I'll see you guys again some day..." He said nodding to the three as he walked off and vanished out of sight.
Gary ran up to Ben and his hyper Razorclaw. "That was intense..."
Ken however remained seated under the tree pouting with a nose rose in the air.
"I knew I would win, Luke was like all the other trainers I beat in the past. Too sure of themselves."
Gary nodded. "Reminds me of a certain short man." Gary ushered to Ken who finally joined the duo. "Don't you have anywhere else you can go?" Gary remarked at Ken who followed shortly behind.
"I doubt it." Blaze quietly remarked
Ken ignored Gary's comment and followed along. "You guys know I could of beaten him easily. Just an off day for me! That's all!" Ken said grinning full of himself. Gary mumbled "Sure..." As he stepped up to keep up with Blaze.
"Reallllly big off day." Ben added, Come one, let go cross this bridge and set up camp.
Read Strangers in a Strange Land
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Pyrochu
Find all posts by Pyrochu
Page 3 of 3
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Thread Tools
Show Printable Version
Email this Page
Posting Rules
may not
post new threads
may not
post replies
may not
post attachments
may not
edit your posts
BB code
code is
HTML code is
Forum Rules
Forum Jump
User Control Panel
Private Messages
Who's Online
Search Forums
Forums Home
Intro Boards
Pokemon News
PE2K Front Desk
New Member Introductions
Pokemon Main Boards
Pokemon: General Board
Pokemon: X and Y
Pokemon: Black/White 2
Pokemon: Black/White
Pokemon: Games
First & Second Generations
Third Generation
Fourth Generation
Other Pokemon Games
Pokemon: Interactive Center
Pokemon Battling Center
Pokemon Wi-Fi Trading Center
Competitive Battling
Rate My Team
PE2K Wi-Fi League
Wi-Fi League Journey
Wi-Fi League Official Gyms
Wi-Fi League Trainer Records
Pokemon: Anime/Movies/Manga
Interactive Boards
Role Play
Role Play Sign Ups & Discussion
Creative Writing
Author's Corner
Art Boards
Sprite Art
Interactive Projects
Creative Dex Project
Other Boards
Other Chat
Pokemon RPG's
Pokemon Ultra RPG
Ultra Worlds RP
Trainer's Court
Trainer's Stats
Forum Battles
National Park
Ranger Logs
Main Pokémon RP
Individual Pokemon RP
Mission Event Pokemon RP
Forum Contests
Contest Results
Art Gallery
Anime-Style Battling League
ASB: Headquarters
ASB: Trainer Stats
ASB: Downtown Market
ASB: Battles
ASB: Gym Battles & Tournaments
Battle Archive
ASB: Safari Zone
Adventure Archive
ASB: Contests
All times are GMT. The time now is
-- vBulletin Style
-- Pokemon Post-Apocalyptic
-- Eon Twins
-- Lake Trios
-- Pokemon Urban Street
-- Version Reshiram
-- Your Adventure Awaits
-- Christmas 2010
-- SmoothBlue
-- SmoothBlack
-- SmoothRed
-- SmoothLilac
-- SmoothRose
-- SmoothGreen
-- SmoothOrange
-- SilentGhost
-- AlienSkin
-- ASDial-Up
-- BlueCommune
-- GreenLeaf
-- Intiview
-- I-Bulletin
-- I-Bulletin Blue
-- I-Bulletin Green
-- I-Bulletin Purple
-- Fancy Grey
-- Firaun
-- Future Vision
-- Future Vision III
-- Girl Talk
-- Kirsch
-- PS3 Style
-- Sosumi
Contact Us
Pokemon Elite 2000 Forum
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2014, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Style Design


text:
The Washington Capitals began 2013 as one of the worst teams in the league. With first-year head coach Adam Oates attempting to implement a new system in an abbreviated training camp, results were not immediate for the Capitals. In addition, questions swirled about captain Alexander Ovechkin and his status as an elite player. However, by the end of the campaign, some wondered if Ovechkin could win the Hart Trophy.
Following a comprehensive turnaround, the club enters the quarterfinal round still being questioned --albeit by a familiar quandary-- of whether success in the regular season will translate to postseason glory.
The New York Rangers were picked by many to win the Stanley Cup. With the addition of Rick Nash, the club compiled a murderer's row of elite forwards with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. However, the team proved to be too top-heavy and Gaborik was ultimately moved at the trade deadline to bring in pieces to round out the roster.
With expectations tempered but still present, the Rangers will attempt to repeat their success in last year's semifinal victory over the Capitals.
During the season series, New York won two regulation games while Washington earned a victory via shootout. The Rangers outscored the Capitals, 8-5, while converting on 33.3 percent of power plays and killing off 90 percent of their penalties.
1. Will Derek Stepan continue his success against the Capitals?
The 22-year-old forward has recorded three goals in three games against Washington this season (one in each meeting). He acted as the Rangers' leading scorer against the Capitals this season. Will that carry over to Game 1?
2. How will Rick Nash perform in his first playoff game as a Ranger?
Nash has only played in four career NHL playoff games but record three points over that span (goal, two assists). On Thursday night, he will play in his fifth playoff game. Will he do anything to celebrate the appearance?
3. Will Washington improve on the power play?
The Capitals ended the regular season with the No. 1 ranked man advantage unit (26.8 percent success rate). Obviously, the Rangers didn't have much trouble with it. New York ended the regular season averaging 9.2 penalty minutes per game, which was tied for the league lead. In addition, the club took the fourth-most minor penalties over the course of the entire season (156). Will the Capitals find a way to exploit this?
More in the NHL:
• Complete Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage
• Bet on these hot playoff teams


text:
Sabathia Struggles in Yanks Loss
Sunday Spring Training Roundup
What Sporting Event Signifies That It's Spring [POLL]
Long Ball Dooms Yanks in Loss to Rays
Rivera Lends Helping Hand
Robertson Throws Scoreless Inning in Win
David Robertson pitched a scoreless fourth inning Monday in his first appearance as the Yankees' new closer in New York's 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Robertson hit his first batter, Danny Espinosa, then induced a double-play grounder by Tyler Moore to shortstop Derek Jeter, who fielded a tough-hop grounder
Beltran Homers as Yanks Drop Jays
Jameis Winston Poses With Yankee Greats
The Florida State Seminoles are currently taking on the New York Yankees in a spring training exhibition. Heisman winner Jameis Winston is a relief pitcher and outfielder for the Seminoles. There's no guarantees that he will get in as a pitcher today, but will see time at Left Field
Yankees Notes: Extending Gardner is a Smart Move
Strawberry on Which Team he Claims: Mets or Yankees?
Right fielder Darryl Strawberry spent eight seasons with the Mets at the beginning of his career and only five years with the Yankees at the end. So, which team does he identify himself with?
"I identify myself with New York," said Strawberry, when he called into Armen Williams' show on 104.5 The Team on Fr


text:
NORTH Tamworth started slowly but overcame a mistake-riddled West Lions 48-18 in their opening round Group 4 Cup first grade grand final replay at Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday.
After beating the Lions in the Wests Knockout the Bears repeated the dose Saturday after trailing 12-10 20 minutes in.
However, the Bears overcame some early errors to score three tries in the final 15 minutes of the first half to go to the break 26-12 ahead and then take control in the second half as the Lions coughed up possession and wasted some good opportunities.
The Bears finished with nine tries.
Hooker Brock Wadwell scored two tries while all the backs, bar halfback Kieran Fisher, scored tries as well.
However it was the forward pack that impressed coach Brad McManus most with big prop Bill Jeffery, lock Nic Dobson, Shane Wadwell, Marshall Barker and James Cooper all excelling.
"We started poorly," Brad McManus admitted to The Leader after the game.
"Once we got back to doing what we do best we were right and we started to score a few points.
"It was good controlled win in the end. I was pretty happy with that especially with the way the pack went. They were all pretty good today."
Marshall Barker and Shane Wadwell led the way but none were better than live wire lock Dobson.
"Nic was outstanding," McManus said.
"He worked hard over the off season and its paid off for him.
"Having Fergo (Shaun Ferguson) back is a bonus. He's still getting things organised but it will be good to have him back full time soon."
He said his side is heading in the right direction especially with its new halves combination of Kieran Fisher and Abel Carney.
West captain-coach Chris Hunt said the Lions "made it hard on ourselves".
"We gave away a lot of ball, sill penalties and errors. "Not taking anything away from Norths, they played well but we helped them do it.
"We started well and were right in it after 20 minutes but then the wheels fell off.
"A lot of that might be to do with our fitness but we also need a lot more discipline. We've been used to playing a lot more structured (under former coach Ton La Chiusa) but we didn't have any today."
Hunt admitted to becoming frustrated at times and gave away some penalties himself.
However there is plenty of potential in the side.
Lock Phil Beaton was one of the Lions best with a strong display and some smart runs. Tom Hine, Shane Salvador and Chris Hunt all worked hard and young fullback Mitch Doring was in everything in attack and defence.
Teenage winger Dylan lake also had some good moments.


text:
The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-class research environment that excels in teaching, and is seeking to appoint an exceptional academic candidate in the area of Experimental Quantum Spintronics with an interest in the development of novel Quantum Technologies.
As pointed out recently by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), utilising properties beyond the classical limit will transform metrology, communication, imaging, the simulation of complex systems, and ultimately computing. Success in this area of research requires a deeper understanding of quantum physics.
You will have a PhD in experimental Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related discipline, with experience in Spintronics, in particular working towards the quantum limit as in, for example, single electron physics. An excellent research track record in experimental quantum physics, and a strong commitment to teaching in a research environment are essential. We are looking for candidates who can complement the existing experimental work on Spintronics in the Condensed Matter group and strengthen our connection to the Quantum Information group in Leeds.
The University of Leeds' commitment to women in science has been recognised with a national accolade, receiving the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our success in recruiting, retaining and developing/promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). We are proud of our commitment to equality and inclusiveness, and offer generous terms and conditions of employment, a wide range of benefits, services, facilities and family friendly policies.
Full details are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible at www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/index.htm.
Applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area, will be particularly welcome; however, the final recruitment decision will be based solely on merit.
University Grade 8 (£38,511 - £45,954 p.a, includes pay increase effective from 1 August 2014)
Informal enquiries to Professor Bryan Hickey (Condensed Matter), tel +44 (0)113 343 3836, email firstname.lastname@example.com or Dr Almut Beige (Quantum Information), tel +44 (0)113 343 3899, email firstname.lastname@example.com
Closing Date: 4 September 2014
Ref: MAPPA0055
Click here for further information about working at the University of Leeds www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20025/university_jobs
Specialism: Condensed matter theory, Electronics & semiconductors
More jobs in this specialism
Job type: Academic - faculty
More jobs of this type
Location: North East England
More jobs in this location


text:
John Dodson
UFC On Fox 6 adds Rampage vs. Teixeira
Rampage Jackson and Glover Teixeira will battle at UFC On Fox.
November 8, 2012
Johnson vs. Dodson & Pettis vs. Cerrone land on UFC on Fox 6 in Chicago
The newly minted UFC flyweight champion will have his first defense on January 26 when he faces John Dodson.
November 6, 2012
UFC on FX 5 Results: Bigfoot downs an injured Browne, Dodson earns a title shot
UFC on FX 5 is in the books and with it comes another night of very exciting fights on cable TV, proving that not always...
October 5, 2012
UFC on FX 5 Weigh-In Video and Results: Heated staredown between Browne and SIlva
UFC on FX 5 combatants stepped on the scale at Target Center in Minneapolis, California, as part of the official weigh-in...
October 4, 2012
New flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson will face winner of Formiga vs. Dodson
The UFC's first flyweight champion will be watching UFC on FX to see whether he will make his first title defense against...
October 3, 2012
UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot Pre-Fight Quotes
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organization returns to Minneapolis this Friday for...
October 2, 2012


text:
Sign up for Yardbarker's daily Top 10 newsletter, the Morning Bark! Customize to get news on your favorite sports and teams.
Found August 12, 2013 on Fox Sports:
PLAYERS: Wesley Wright
TEAMS: Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays
TEAMS: Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have bolstered their bullpen, claiming durable lefty Wesley Wright off waivers from the Houston Astros. The Rays made the move Monday. Tampa Bay is in the thick of the races for the AL East and the wild-card spots. Wright is expected to join the Rays for Tuesday night's home game against Seattle. The 28-year-old Wright is 0-4 with a 3.92 ERA and leads AL relievers with 54 appearances. He has struck out 40 in 41 1-3 innings with 16 walks. Wright pitched in 77 games last year. He has spent six seasons in the majors, all with Houston, and was the longest-tenured player on the last-place Astros.
Original Story: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Ra...
Comments are closed.
What do you think?To leave a comment, you can:
Rays claim lefty reliever Wesley Wright off waivers
New reliever Wesley Wright eager to contribute to Rays
Road To The Show: 2013 Draft Picks Progress Report
'Inside the Rays: Wil Myers' debuts Aug. 13 on Sun Sports
Tampa Bay Rays Do It Little League Style With Hidden Ball Trick
Veteran Farnsworth released by Rays
Yunel Escobar lightens mood for Rays with pregame sign
Rays RHP Cobb back on the mound
Voters to decide on 217M plan to revamp Astrodome
Astros 5, Athletics 4
Video: Tampa Bay Rays pull off hidden ball trick against Dodgers
A's Return Home To Take On Astros
2013 AL ROY: Wil Myers or Jose Iglesias?
MLB News
Delivered to your inbox
You'll also receive Yardbarker's daily Top 10, featuring the best sports stories from around the web. Customize your newsletter to get articles on your favorite sports and teams. And the best part? It's free!
Follow us on Twitter
|Latest Rumors
|Best of Yardbarker
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers
Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
What is Yardbarker?
Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Business
- Entertainment
- Lifestyles
- Opinion
- Driveway
Connect with Us
New 'Dogs score big
A Port Alberni Black Sheep player passes the ball just before a Velox member tackles him midway through the second half of their Times Cup game, Saturday afternoon. The Black Sheep routed Velox 38-5 in a storm, wet contest at the rugby club. The two teams will face off again this Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. in a friendly match. The Black Sheep had organized a mini-tourney, however, the other three teams backed out.
Two of the newest Alberni Valley Bulldogs got a taste of how Port Alberni's hometown crowd can buoy a game when they scored their first goals with the team at home last weekend.
Mitch Owsley scored the winner in the 4–2 contest on the power play in the third period, and Jake Kauppila scored the empty-netter at 19:29.
The Bulldogs play two away games this weekend. On Friday, they play the Silverbacks in Salmon Arm, and on Saturday the play the Vernon Vipers.
We encourage an open exchange of ideas on this story's topic, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, and off-topic comments may be removed, and comment privileges revoked, per our Terms of Use. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.


text:
jon bentley
VideosSee all
News StoriesSee all
Top 50 Gadgets 2012: 10-1
In the final part of our Top 50 Gadgets of 2012 Jon runs down the top 10! Enjoy! ...
The spy(ware) who didn't love me
There's nothing worse than all your computer programs being slowed down by some irritating spyware – with the possible exception of having to live with Joe Pasquale and Timmy Mallett, but other…


text:
Spectrami Enables its Channel Partners to Grow Faster
Dubai based, leading value added distributor Spectrami conducts a series of technical training for its partners spread across Middle East
March 21, 2013 12:15 by sanjeev kant
Dubai based, leading value added distributor Spectrami conducts a series of technical training for its partners spread across Middle East
Spectrami, the leading value added distributor in the MENA region conducted a series of technical training workshop called 'Spectrami Tech Workshop' for its partners spread all across the Middle East region.
Spectrami recently held Tech Workshop's focusing on world class, award winning technologies that it carries in its portfolio like SIEM, Advanced Threat Protection, Real Time Threat Intelligence and Vulnerability Management among others.
Spectrami provided technical training to its channel partners on key products and solutions from LogRhythm, General Dynamics Fidelis, Invincea, Tenable and Verdasys to further enhance their knowledge, skill sets, technical capabilities empower and update them about the latest trends in both regional as well as global market place.
Experts from both Spectrami and its respective vendors gave presentation and training to enhance the understanding of both technology and product. This will enable its channel partners to engage more proficiently with their customers and help them close deals much faster pace.
Anand Choudha, Managing Director, Spectrami, said, "We are extremely happy with the response from our channel partners to attend these Tech Workshops. This overwhelming support from our partners reflects their commitment and faith in these world class technologies. It has been our mission to empower our partners to open up new avenues for their growth."
Fueled by the overwhelming success of Tech Workshop's, Spectrami intends to conduct few more technical workshops for channel partners. The immediate next Tech Workshop is schedule for 25th March 2013, to be held in Dubai on Copy Data Management, where it will train partners on Actifio products and solutions.
And, on 16th April 2013, Spectrami in association with Verdasys will offer a technical training session for channel partners on Data Loss Prevention (DLP) in Dubai, UAE.
Channel partners from outside UAE can also participate in the Tech Workshop via Webinar. To attend this Tech Workshop on Copy Data Management, channel partners can contact Spectrami at [email protected] or call at +971 4 4357209
About Spectrami
Spectrami is a Dubai based vibrant, value added distribution house in the Middle East region which is armed with the innovative approach to channel empowerment through knowledge sharing and skill building. Spectrami brings niche technologies and solutions in the realm of Information Security, Data Centre Infrastructure, and Data Communication Networks. Based out of Dubai, we serve the channel in Middle East and Africa. For details please visit us http://www.spectrami.com
More on Press Release
Design technology continues to evolve to enhance graphic artists' experience
Eid Escape to the Shores of the Indian Ocean
'Smart Construction' will Usher in 'Smart City' Era for Middle East
The Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise: Experience of a Lifetime!
Dubai Duty Free Donates Dhs3 Million to UAE Water Aid Campaign
GCC Power and Water Forum: Bringing Policy Makers and Field Experts Together
Talabat.com – Contest
Naru Capital breaks records in Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi Volvo Ocean Race – Make the Most out of with Nuzhath Ideas
Nuzhath Ideas Evaluates Why Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi is more Expensive Than in Dubai
Summer Set to Bring Host of Cyber Threats for Middle East Users, Warns Security Expert
Digital advertising
LeSoie Cosmetics among the Top5 products at BeautyWorld Middle East 2014
800PIZZA, a subsidiary of Belhasa hospitality, awarded Superbrands Status for 2014
Nuzhath Ideas Tour Packages Are Worth Considering When Visiting UAE
Among them "the App Company of the Year award" Startappz takes home 9 trophies
Dubai Duty Free Rises Up to The High Atlas Challenge Dubai Duty Free Employees Join Gulf for Good 'The High Atlas Challenge in Morocco'
Selling unwanted household items made easy, The Auction House Dubai is launching after Eid – with auctions every weekend
BE Summits launches the most exclusive power and water forum in the region
Lately on Kipp
Crazy development projects in Dubai
Who let the dogs out?
Mall of the Emirates: Version 2.0
Four hidden taxes that we pay in the UAE
Five games to play at the office
Why sales must be everybody's business in insurance


text:
Make Time for an Old Fashioned Summer
Related Articles
- Stress Free Summer Schedules
- Outdoor Summer Play
- 5 Sensational Summer Festivals
- Great Ideas for Surviving Summer Vacation
- Throw a Homemade Summer Book Festival
- 3 Berry Recipes to Kick Off the Summer
Related Topics
Every year, parents rush to prepare breakfast and pack lunch, hustle their kids out the door, race to school, and hurry from work to after-school activities, play-dates and classes. Summer presents a golden opportunity to slow down, and what do most of us do? More of the same! This summer, give your kids a wonderful gift: an old-fashioned summer.
When you're tempted to sign your kids up for another extracurricular activity, stop yourself; is it something they'll really love, or just another "to do?" Many busy parents dread hearing "I'm bored," but boredom often precedes a burst of creativity. Kids whose days are fully booked don't have to develop self-reliance or learn to entertain themselves.
Years ago, summer camp was a luxury for the few and summer classes meant the occasional tennis lesson. With more families reliant upon two incomes and college admissions increasingly competitive, long summer days lazing in the backyard have become the luxury. You may not be able to supervise an entire summer of freedom, but do take as much time as you can to:
- Catch fireflies.
- Spend an entire day lolling by the pool while the kids play "Marco Polo".
- Cut huge wedges of ice-cold watermelon and spit the seeds as far as they'll go.
- Build sand castles on the beach.
- Seek out an old-fashioned general store and give your kids a dollar each for penny candy.
- Spend a hot afternoon lounging on the porch reading comic books and drinking lemonade.
- Have a camp-out in the backyard; roast hot dogs over the fire, bake potatoes wrapped in tin foil in the ashes, and make s'mores. Finish with the scariest ghost stories you know.
- Invite the neighborhood kids over for a water balloon fight and a game of kickball.
- Take everyone to the nearest boardwalk or carnival.
- Find a pro or little league baseball game, pack a picnic, and stand for the National Anthem.
- Run through the sprinkler.
- Make homemade ice cream or popsicles.
- Turn your air-conditioning off. Lie around reading with fans blowing and open windows.
- When a thunderstorm hits, take refuge inside. Play board games by candlelight, stage a puppet show, and tell stories.
So toss that calendar in the trash-- at least until September. None of the above will round out your child's resume, but you'll savor the memories long after summer ends.
Ask a QuestionHave questions about this article or topic? Ask
Related Questions
Parent Guides by Grade
Popular Articles
- Kindergarten Sight Words List
- First Grade Sight Words List
- 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
- Signs Your Child Might Have Asperger's Syndrome
- Definitions of Social Studies
- A Teacher's Guide to Differentiating Instruction
- Curriculum Definition
- Theories of Learning
- What Makes a School Effective?
- Child Development Theories


text: Remote Management Somali context Partner Conference 18 October 2011 – Bruxelles General features People in crisis: 4 million (50% of total population). 750,000 famine affected. IDPs: 1.46 million. Somali refugees in the region: over 900,000 Worse humanitarian indicators: GAM <5 above 30%, high child mortality (U5MR) Multifaceted causes of the crises: Conflict, lack of Governance, External interferences, Extremism – Djihad, Piracy, recurrent climate shocks (drought), inflation, insecurity, eroded coping mechanism, market failure. Several actors involved Major Challenges Limited access in AOG (Al Shebaab) controlled areas: Population acceptance remained good but there was a change in local perception by de facto administration (al Shebaab). Occidental aid workers were targeted for what they represented, not for what they were doing. Various INGOs evicted since 2008 and humanitarian workers seen as legitimate targets. Looting of humanitarian assets, taxation requests, extortion.. Insecurity, transport. Counterterrorism: domestic legislations (US..). Accountability (Reports / allegations on aid diversion). The risk of "blurring" of the lines and respect of the humanitarian principles. Expats presence not accepted in Central South: Remote control & Remote management Limited access: limited coverage Remote management "Stay and deliver paradigm" Different definitions leading to a common element: A modality that responds to an insecure environment and enables existing programmes and projects to continue. Withdrawing presence of International staff. Authority (decision making) delegated to national staff requiring skills transfer and capacity building. Remote control, management, support & partnership. Suggested ECHO definition: « An approach allowing a humanitarian agency to deliver aid to people in crisis zones when access for its staff is hindered or blocked ». What were the main reasons for applying remote management? 2008, 33 humanitarian workers killed making Somalia the most dangerous places in the world. High risk of kidnapping of international staff. ECHO/EC flight stoppage. Heightened political tensions and conflicts in the area operations. Appropriate approach to maintain live-saving activities for the most vulnerable. Main identified risks/concerns: an accountability issue Misuse of project resources and risk of diversion; Assistance not reaching intended beneficiaries. Interventions not implemented effectively; Limited technical capacities of national staff and interaction with international experts. Limited supervision and monitoring. Politicisation of aid created additional constraints and pressure for humanitarian agencies on the ground. Perception of aid agencies by local authorities: Adherence to the HP have facilitated community-protected humanitarian staff and assets. Reputational risk. How to cope: a Risk mitigation approach PARTNERS Remote management is an option to the complete suspension of programs. Need for good risk assessment before implementation. Rules of engagement: IASC Somalia ground rules + Somalia NGO Consortium red lines Improve monitoring practices: Community-based (i.e. involve beneficiary monitoring through mobile phones), third party monitoring, opportunistic visits by senior national or international staff. Develop local staff capacities: daily contact with key staff for planning and reporting purposes, training, capacity building. Information analysis: counter checking of information and data with other actors (triangulation), pre and post implementation technical surveys and analysis. Use of new technologies: visual reporting through video, photos and GIS mapping (satellite imagery). Others: Diaspora, internal complain system, minimize local cash handling, ex-post evaluation.. How to cope: a Risk mitigation approach DG ECHO Remote management: part of the tool box or last resort? Strict criteria for partner selection (experience, local knowledge, acceptance, perception…) Life saving, "KISS" Actions; Detailed reporting (compensate lack of monitoring) Need for remote management policy Ex post evaluation, audit. Now let's debate! Outstanding questions How to balance the dilemma between humanitarian imperative and life saving (90% of funded operations carried out in CSZ Somalia). Should we define clear set of criteria/benchmarks (or red lines) and policies/guidance or go for a more flexible approach? (ad hoc decision on whether a remote management project should be supported) Do you support the idea of having a DG ECHO policy on remote management? Do you have similar plans within your respective agencies Where to fix limits / conditions, on which ground? Against which principles, guidelines or regulations? Can we compare different contexts, draw and apply lessons learnt? Mutual trust eroding over years Suggestion for follow up Develop guidelines / policy on remote management – Donors and international agencies Develop an exit strategy to remote management with a longer term planning for insecure and hard to access areas – Donors and agencies Flexibility in allowing additional funds to leverage the use of technology for improved monitoring such as Google, GPS, etc. Donors Document lessons learnt in remote management in Somalia – donors and agencies Develop minimum operating standards that will guide agencies before engaging in remote management – Each individual agency Documentations of the M&E techniques in remote management – individual agencies


text:
|Iran says Bahrain suppresses its citizens
TEHRAN – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza Sarmadi has accused the Bahraini government of torturing and imprisoning its critics and suppressing freedom of peaceful assembly.
Addressing a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday, Sarmadi said, "It is unfortunate that the Bahraini government is misusing this august body to make unfounded allegations against others, rather than providing necessary information on the improvement of the situation of human rights in his country."
On Thursday, Bahrain accused Iran of fomenting deadly violence in the kingdom.
On Monday, three policemen were killed by a bomb at a demonstration in Daih, west of the capital Manama, during a procession of mourners for a Shia Muslim who died in custody last week, according to Reuters.
The attack has raised concerns about the possibility of more violence breaking out in the kingdom, where opposition groups have staged demonstrations for three years demanding political reform and an end to discrimination.
The Saraya al-Ashtar organization claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on social media.
"The violence we see in Bahrain is directly supported by elements of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said at the meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Iran denies having links to Bahrain's opposition.
Khalifa called on Iran to "respect the principles of non-intervention, peaceful coexistence, and good neighborliness enshrined in the UN Charter."
He said that Bahrain had always sought friendship with the Islamic Republic and continues to act in good faith, adding, "But we will not tolerate any foreign actor compromising our security and stability."
Subscribe to our RSS feed to stay in touch and receive all of TT updates right in your feed reader


text:
Traveler shocked by Tweet from US Airways
PHOENIX - US Airways on Monday posted a message on Twitter that contained a very graphic image in response to a passenger.
It all started when Twitter user Elle (@ElleRafter) tweeted @USAirways about a flight delay forcing an extended wait on the tarmac.
US Airways responded with: "We welcome feedback, Elle. If your travel is complete, you can detail it for review and follow-up."
That tweet included a picture that showed a model airplane inappropriately positioned between a woman's legs.
The photo was online for about one hour before being deleted by US Airways. US Airways later removed the tweet and issued the following apology:
We apologize for an inappropriate image recently shared as a link in one of our responses. We've removed the tweet and are investigating.— US Airways (@USAirways) April 14, 2014
No further details about how the photo made it onto Twitter have been released and US Airways has not yet sent a statement regarding the incident.


text:
Health News
Mom of boys with Lyme disease fights for chickens
Mom of boys with Lyme disease fights for approval to keep chickens in New Jersey to eat ticks
Livestrong $50M gift biggest since Armstrong exit
Livestrong $50M gift to Texas cancer center largest ever, biggest splash since Armstrong exit
Sierra Leone makes hiding Ebola patients illegal
New Sierra Leone law makes it illegal to hide Ebola patients
Ice bucket challenge may change nonprofit world
Ice bucket challenge may be a game changer for nonprofit world
4 Kochs took genes, money in different directions
Meet the Kochs: 4 brothers who took the family genes and money in way different directions
Dentist at center of hepatitis scare cedes license
Dentist whose dirty clinics led to testing of thousands for HIV, hepatitis surrenders license
Study: Combining vaccines boosts polio immunity
Study suggests where polio remains a threat, 2 kinds of vaccine protect children better than 1
Correction: Ebola story
Correction: Ebola story
New Obama birth control fixes for religious groups
Obama offers new birth control fixes to religious nonprofits, some for-profits companies
CDC director to visit Ebola outbreak countries
CDC director to visit health officials, hospitals in West Africa nations hit by Ebola outbreak
Democrats reframe debate on health care
A vulnerable Democrat embracing health care law? Signs the issue losing its political punch
American Ebola doc urges help fighting outbreak
US Ebola survivor thanks God, asks for prayers and aid for African countries fighting outbreak
Ebola: Care and recovery of 2 American aid workers
Questions and answers about the care and recovery of 2 American Ebola patients
US diplomats barred from ice bucket challenge
State Department bars high-ranking US diplomats from taking ice bucket challenge for charity
Big Apple doctor-in-chief seeks community approach
No more nanny state? NYC doctor-in-chief seeks a more community-focused approach
Ebola outbreak revives interest in 'The Hot Zone'
Ebola outbreak revives interest in Richard Preston's 1994 best-seller, 'The Hot Zone'
Oregon sues Oracle over failed health care website
Oregon sues Oracle over state's troubled Cover Oregon health insurance exchange website
Fitbit: We don't sell personal data
Fitbit: We don't sell personal data to advertisers and never have
Ex-Virginia governor talks about troubled marriage
Former Virginia governor testifies he tried to save marriage in 2011: 'You are my soulmate'
Cancer-stricken Cooper leads Dream into playoffs
Back after cancer diagnosis, 'Showtime' star Michael Cooper leads Dream into WNBA playoffs
Hi: 77 °F | Lo: 65 °F


text:
About the AuthorLarry Hayden
ldhayden Irvine, CA
I'm originally from Kentucky, currently residing in Southern California. If I could I'd bring home stray dogs I would, but since I can't, I bring home stray cameras in need of a good home. I prefer black and white film, manual cameras and a real newspaper.
Publish Date August 27, 2011
Dimensions Small Square 74 pgs Standard Paper
Comments (0)
Comment posted.
Sign in or create an account to post a comment.


text:
5 (0) 4 (0) 3 (0) 2 (2) 1 (0)
2.5 stars 2.5/5 Stars Average score of 2 user reviews
More Gangsters 0
Okay, this one wasn't too bad. At least the Green Goblin was here to give Spiderman a run for his money. Although I do not see Spiderman spending panels much less page after page of fighting with common gangsters. Still the art is strong, and the writing is getting better., even though the side characters remain caricatures, the stories are better and he ( Stan Lee ) is handeling Peter Parker a lot better. I'm just waiting for the issue that gives our hero a proper challenge, instead of what...0 out of 1 found this review helpful.
A Standard Spider-Man vs. The Green Goblin Story 0
Even though he's considered to be the preeminent Spider-Man villain, I never much cared for the Green Goblin. For one thing, far from being scary, his big eared purple and green suit looks comical. For another, while I can accept a god-like being like the Silver Surfer maintaining balance standing on a fast moving flying object, it's a little harder to take when it's a guy in a suit standing on a rocket.But 'The Goblin and the Gangsters' is actually one of the better early appearances of the Gre...1 out of 1 found this review helpful.
This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.
Comment and Save
Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.


text:
We created Pandora to put the Music Genome Project directly in your hands
It's a new kind of radio –
stations that play only music you like
Selected Discography
Track List: Starfall
Similar Artists
I seeded my Spiral Architect radio with this band and it started to play Stratovarius . I think I killed it.
It sounds like ultra-cheezy 80's synth-pop mixed with power metal. It's not quite as generic as you're accusing either.
the dragonforce and dragonland bands are awesome!!! i think they had the same guitar ideas!!!!!!
"Dragonland is a symphonic power metal musical group from Sweden. The group is most notable for basing their two first albums upon the self-produce d The Dragonland Chronicles fantasy saga and for the original symphonic/el e c t r o n i c parts by Elias Holmlid. Nightrage's Marios Iliopoulos and Jimmie Strimell have provided guest appearances on their latest album, Astronomy."
Where's the annoying person slayer when you need one


text:
Foshan Nanhai Fly Cases & Bags Factory
|Business Type:
|Main Products:
|Guangdong, China (Mainland)
|Year Established:
|Year start exporting:
|Number of Employees:
|11 - 50 People
|Total Revenue:
|Main Markets:
|Main Customers:
|Product Certifications:
|Average Lead Time:
|25 Day(s)
aluminum case and bags factory...
aluminum case and bags factory
A Supplier Assessment Report provides verified information about a company's production and trade capabilities. This includes factors such as company legal status, human resources, export records, production capacity, quality assurance, customer service, production process management, R&D, certifications and more. View sample.
Company Capability
Trade Capacity
North America : 50.00%
South America : 20.00%
Production Capacity
Factory Size : 1,000-3,000 square meters
No. of Production Lines : 2
Quality Control
Test Equipment and Facilities : drop
R&D Capacity
No. of R&D Staff : Less than 5 People
Email to this supplier