text:
Authoress: Danielle
Pair: Ace x Luffy
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Rating: T
Warnings: Brotherly love, boy love, yaoi
Type: One-Shot
Status: Finished!
A/N: This story was written as a birthday present for a friend of mine who really, really likes Ace x Luffy. Enjoy!
Story Summary: Ace x Luffy. It wasn't just the rain that made Luffy cry.
Disclaimer: If I could really, truly say that I own One Piece, I could die happy.
The day had started off nice enough, but weather in Fushia Village was always unexplainably unpredictable.
It was just about the time that Ace had crawled in bed for the night that he even realized that something was amiss. And when we pulled the covers off his body swiftly and swung his legs over the bed, placing his feet on the ground and hurrying to the window, he noticed the dark patch of clouds rolling in, carrying thunder and lightning with them.
It wasn't long before a strong wind picked up and blew through the village making the winds chimes blare angrily and causing animals to hide for cover.
And as Ace continued to watch this unfold from the comfort of his bedroom, he was suddenly struck with the thought of what kind of night he was going to go through. Now, it wasn't like Ace to be scared of a thunderstorm, quite the contrary; Ace was scared of nothing, be it man or nature. The thing that had Ace worried was his brother, Luffy.
Sure, Luffy put on the act like he was tough, but there were some things that made him run to Ace and cower by his side, whispering, "Help me, Ace." A few of these things included water, which was an obvious choice considering that water could be his downfall should he accidently fall in some, devil fruit or not. Another thing Luffy was afraid of was bees. This was a sourly irrational fear all because Luffy had decided he wanted to climb a tree containing a bee's nest. Ace had tried frivolously to talk him out of that one. But the biggest thing that really got Luffy scared was thunderstorms.
Ace wasn't entirely sure why, either. Usually there was a decent reason for Luffy not liking something whether because it tasted bad or had hurt him in the past. But Ace was stumped on this one. He couldn't recall a time where a thunderstorm had every physically hurt the boy. But all he knew was that every time there was a storm, Luffy would run to him and not say a word until it was all over.
But surely this night would be different. Luffy was getting older, so such a thing as a common thunderstorm shouldn't scare him too much. That's what Ace wanted to believe, anyway.
Placing his head on his hand, Ace watched the storm move in fully over the little town. Rain, which had started off calmly enough, now poured menacingly down the street, turning the dirt to mud in seconds. The wind had calmed down a little, but still splattered the windows violently with thick sheets of water, making the outside word blurry and distorted to Ace's eyes.
And then there was the thunder.
So loud that the world itself seemed to shake, he wondered, idly, if anyone in the village was even asleep after such commotion. But, as he continued to peer out his window, he saw no lights come on in windows, no phones ringing to check on others, nothing.
And then there was the lightning. Bright and sporadic, it clearly illuminated the whole countryside and village itself. It was an intensely awesome sight, Ace had thought, but it was really time for him to be heading off to bed. Best get there before Luffy did and kept him awake indefinitely.
Giving a yawn, Ace turned from the window and seemed to take only one step before … the power went out.
The thunder clap and lightning strike that went with it seemed purely malicious as the whole village was engulfed in darkness. The street lights that had once been shining a weak light on the street and some homes were now dead. Consequently, the small lights of an alarm clock or silent buzz of a radio were now out as well.
"Ah, shit," Ace cursed, trying to find his way around in the deathly dark room. Thankfully, a well timed flash of lightning alerted to him his position just before he walked right into his closet. Sitting down on his bed, Ace listened intently for any noise from Luffy. Surely, if the boy was going to wake up, he'd be awake by now.
"Or," Ace spoke aloud, whispering silently in stark contrast to the chaos outside, "Maybe he really has grown up. Maybe he's finally learned to not be scared of stupid thunderstorms." And as Ace had that thought, he immediately became saddened by it. Sure, he was happy that Luffy was bold enough to take care of himself now, but to think that he didn't need Ace anymore … didn't need him to hold him and tell him everything was going to be all right … it was slightly disheartening. However, this was selfish thinking. Ace shouldn't want Luffy to get frightened, why … that was rather cruel of him.
So, as he slipped back into his bed, heard the little pitter-patter of feet across the wooden floor, and gathered from the silhouette in the doorway that Luffy had crept from his bed … he felt pridefully embarrassed.
"Are you scared, Luffy?"
Luffy hadn't said a word when he rushed into Ace's bed, immediately snuggling tightly against his brother's side.
Ace was shocked by the sudden intrusion, as he had expected Luffy to gently crawl into bed beside him and curl into his usual ball.
But what was even more shocking to Ace was the dampness of Luffy's forehead. "Luffy? You didn't go outside did you?" But of course this wasn't the case, Ace noticed, as the rest of Luffy's body wasn't nearly as soaked. Worried, Ace turned directly to Luffy in the bed and held him out from him.
The young boy kept his head down, hair covering his eyes but showing Ace that his mouth was turned down in an extremely sad frown. And the boy shook violently, making Ace extremely uncomfortable. So much so that when Ace sat up and brought Luffy with him and the shaking only got worse, Ace was scared.
Really scared.
"Luffy!" Ace's voice octave rose ever slightly, still trying to keep his calm, "Luffy, what's the matter?!"
It was then that Ace saw a thin stream of tears flow ever steadily from Luffy's eyes. And when Luffy looked up, sniffling and eyes red only confirming his suspicion, Ace couldn't take the silent treatment anymore.
"Luffy," he questioned his brother wildly, scared that something was seriously wrong, "Why are you crying? Please, tell me!"
Luffy's eyes became small slits as the tears began to escape more freely. His sniffling evolved into sobs, and his body shook even harder. Surely this all couldn't be from a simple thunderstorm?
Ace wasn't sure what to do. Usually, Luffy was such a little chatter box, that you couldn't keep the kid quiet. And his bright eyes, usually so happy and adventurous, were so sad. But Ace couldn't think of anything to do. Pulling the boy closer, hoping to calm him, the sobbing turned into a full blown crying and, almost immediately, Ace's shirt was soaked with tears. Luffy's forehead, Ace noticed, was covered in an extremely cold sweat.
"Please, Luffy," Ace continued, his eyes starting to water for fear that there really was something wrong with his little brother, "Tell me what's wrong. Why are you crying?"
"Ace!" Luffy screamed so violently that it echoed the thunder outside and shook Ace suddenly, "Don't go, Ace!"
"Don't go?" Ace repeated, not really getting it, "Don't go where? Where am I going?"
"Don't go!" Luffy pleaded, grasping Ace's shirt and yanking on it roughly, "Don't leave me alone!"
"Luffy, I'm not gonna leave you!" This was beginning to get really scary. No matter what Ace did to try and calm his brother down, the boy would not stop screaming for Ace to not leave him alone. It was terrifying.
But he knew he had to put a stop to it. If he wanted to get to the bottom of this, he knew he had to calm Luffy down. So, grabbing the boy's face and lining it up with his, Ace said sternly as he could, "Luffy! Calm down and listen to me: Tell me what's wrong. I don't understand what you're talking about."
The boy's eyes were wide and his face was warm from crying so harshly. And after an initial emotion of shock, Luffy's face calmed into a pout as his sniffling increased once more, eyes filling with a fresh batch of tears. Ace immediately caught onto this, however, and held his brother's head more firmly in place.
"No, Luffy," he began visibly angry, but finishing soothing, "Tell big brother what's wrong."
It had taken a couple minutes to get Luffy to settle down enough where he could actually talk to him. Sitting up straight, Ace took the boy into his lap and waited for Luffy's explanation on things. When he got nothing, however, Ace took it upon himself to interject a reason for Luffy's behavior: "Was it the storm?"
Luffy only nodded his head and buried himself deeper into Ace's chest.
"Was it because the power went out?"
Again, Luffy only shook his head.
"Well, little brother, I'm lost then. I have no idea what has got you so riled up."
"I thought you were leaving," Luffy whispered quietly into Ace's body, words almost lost, "and never coming back."
"And where'd you get a silly idea like that?"
"I … I …," Luffy tried, lifting his head up, but not looking at Ace, "I had a nightmare about it."
"A nightmare? Silly, that's all it was."
"No!" Luffy screamed again, pushing himself away from Ace and looking straight into his eyes, anger and fear showing clearly, "I know that you're going to leave me! I've heard your plans to become a pirate and go out to sea!"
Ace had to laugh at this. Luffy simply had to be joking. "Of course I'm going to leave one day," the older boy smiled widely, "But so are you. And, besides, that's one day. It's not like I'm leaving tomorrow."
"Well, I … I know that," Luffy responded, tears drying up, "But … in my dream, you … just left one day and … you didn't say goodbye to me or anyone else in the village, and …."
Luffy paused, obviously wondering what words were appropriate to relate to his brother. And Ace looked on in wonder, hoping to figure out the real reason Luffy was crying. The boy knew he was leaving, so there had to be a greater reason.
"And … I was alone. I mean, really alone. I tried to find Shanks, but he was gone, and I tried to find Makino, but she was gone too. And then you … you said, in my dream, 'Wait here, Luffy. I'll be back before you know it!' And I waited there for a long time, and you left me you … you never came back!"
Ace looked on sadly as Luffy eye's filled with a new batch of tears, this time spilling freely without so much as a warning. "Luffy …"
"And I was alone! There was nobody there anymore! And no matter where I went looking for you, I just kept getting lost!"
It was unexpected, but had the desired effect. When Ace pressed his lips firmly on Luffy's, kissing the boy with everything he had, Luffy's eyes grew wide before settling closed in exhaustion.
Wrapping his arms around the boy and pulling him closer, Ace kept a firm hold on the small frame while prodding the lips open carefully with his tongue. Luffy moaned deeply into this, and Ace could remember tasting what was indefinitely Luffy and salt from the boy's tears.
Lying down while pulling the small boy atop himself, Ace never broke the kiss as he smoothed Luffy's messy hair with hand and caressed and rubbed his back with the other. Luffy easily gave into Ace, collapsing on top of him with no tenseness in his movements and holding his shoulders tightly.
When Ace broke the kiss for air, Luffy immediately ask, "Are you scared too, Ace?"
Ace wasn't sure how to follow this question moreover comprehend why Luffy was asking it in the first place. "Huh?"
"Your heart's beating like mine was when I woke up from the nightmare. That means you're scared, right?"
He didn't want to admit it or, rather, tell Luffy the reason why his heart was beating like it was. Ace already knew that he held an unnatural love for his brother, but he just couldn't help it. This boy, his little brother, stirred emotions up in him that no other person had before. Even when he admitted this to Makino, and she had told him not to tell anyone, especially Luffy, he was torn. He wanted to let Luffy know, he wanted him to feel the same way, but surely that was highly unlikely.
But more than that, he never wanted to lose the relationship he had with his brother. If he told him that he liked him liked him, he wasn't sure what kind of response he'd get. And Luffy was the only person he had left in the world.
So, fake smile covering up his feelings, Ace lied to his brother with a small, "Yes, Luffy. I'm scared too."
Luffy looked into his brother's eyes with sudden concern. "Really?" he asked, pulling himself closer to his brother.
"Yeah," Ace continued, wrapping his hands wearily around the boy, "But you know what? I'll be ok."
"Huh?" Luffy's eye's were full of questioning want, mouth shaped in a small "o" as he cocked his head to one side.
"I'll be ok because," Ace continued, smiling genuinely, "I'll never be alone. Because I've got you, Luffy."
"Ace …"
"You see, no matter how far away I am from you, and no matter how hopelessly lost and alone I feel, I'll always think back to you and remember that I'm never alone. Because, Luffy, you're always here … in my heart."
And Luffy smiled. Happy, for the first time all night.
Jumping on his brother more fully, Luffy squeezed Ace as hard as he could. "You're right, Ace!" And, leaning his head up, kissed his brother on the lips just like he had done to him.
Ace leaned into the kiss opening his mouth once more and prodding around in Luffy's. And just as he was ready to pull away, hoping Luffy wouldn't notice the obvious erection in his pants, Luffy held on to around Ace's neck, "I love you, Ace. More than anyone."
"I love you all the same, little bro," Ace ruffled Luffy's hair, trying to pull the boy off.
"No, I mean, I love you love you."
Ace couldn't believe what he was hearing. Surely, this was his mind playing tricks on him. There was no way Luffy was telling him this. But when Luffy slipped himself under Ace, arms still hooked around his neck, eyes saying something Ace was having a difficult time registering, face flushed a sudden red … there was definitely something there.
"I'll be ok," Luffy's voice was almost inaudible, but confident all the same, "Because I've got you. Forever."
Ace smiled. To think his brother was capable of saying such romantic things? "Hm, you definitely got your sweet talking from me, little brother." And as Ace leaned down for another kiss, and one thing lead to another, the night and it's storm were lost to the two brothers and their activities.
"You were scared of the storm too, weren't you?"
"No I wasn't!"
"Sure, sure. That nightmare wasn't the only reason you came in here, was it?"
"Shut up, Ace!"
"Ahhhh! What was that?!"
"Hahaha! See? I told ya!"
Luffy woke suddenly to the crackling of thunder and lightning bellowing angrily outside the ship's walls. Looking around the men's cabin, he was alerted, quite clearly, to the fact that no one else had been woken up by the storm.
Breathing deeply, he had never told his nakama about his slight, and ever so slight, fear of thunderstorms. But … he was getting better about it. Because every time he was in the middle of one of these storms, Luffy remembered the night long ago in Fushia Village.
So, laying his head back down on his pillow, Luffy pulled the covers tightly around his body and smiled, "Good night, Brother."
The End
A/N: I just can't help it, I can't write anything but fluffy cuteness for these two. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!
- Thunderstorms written by Danielle (aka: ProfessorHojotheGEN-I-US)


text:
Last year I was made aware of the "I'm 1 in 5" campaign by my oldest brother. There is a fellow by the name of Paulie O'Byrne who has made the decision to roller blade from the Pacific ocean in B.C all the way across Canada to Newfoundland in order to raise money for the cause. What is the cause you may ask? What's the purpose? What's the point of all this? Sadly it's something that one in five males will learn about before they are even 18 years old
The "1 in 5" movement is to raise awareness about sexual abuse in our society. 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused before they can even vote. I'm not going to get in to the who's and what's because that's not the point of the post. The post is to raise awareness and let people know about "The Tour" that will be starting July 1st at 9:00 and is gonna go till it ends. In order to raise money and opposed to just soliciting money for donations, lots of of things are available for sale. The eventual total that Paulie is aiming for is $1,000,000. I don't know where they're at and to be honest I don't care. I just want to spread the word.
These are the "Stick stickers" that are available. They have been donated to the London Knights for in game use but I don't know if they've used them as of yet. These are available for $5 a piece
More information after the jump.
This is the "Puck Sticker." Cut to size so it will fit directly over a puck. Available for $3
Now here's the big one. While trying to think of our own way to help out, we looked around. I'm not exactly rolling in the dough but I have acquired some guitars over the years and I had just donated one to my brothers graphic design company. As any guitar playing reader will attest, this was not easy and I was sad to see her go. It was at this point that my brother decided that we would give it to the cause. In order to really spice it up for the cause though my brother decided that she needed a new finish. I was horrified at the thought of seeing my former guitar go through any transformation but seeing as he works in graphic design I deiced to take one for the team and just keep quiet and take one for the team. This was her before she changed
And this was her through the stages of redesign. I never got to see what she looked like all stripped down because my brother refused to send me the pictures (He swore I'd pitch a fit and probably cry.....He's probably right) Now while she was originally black, because I'd gigged with the guitar regularly it had been scratched and dented and I had essentially beat the crap out of it, the whole guitar had to be sanded and stripped down to the bare wood before repainting the black base coat
And then the big news hit. One of the 2064 (as of now) members of the 1 in 5 Facebook page offered to autograph the guitar before she went up for auction
Now mind you that was taken with a cell by brothers mother but that would be Theo Fleury. He became involved with the organization after telling his story in his autobiography and offered to help out. He met with my brother and took pictures before this:
All of the proceeds from all sales are going directly to the 1 in 5 Fund. I don't know when the guitar goes up for auction but for anybody that wants to know, I will be happy to keep them posted. As for the puck and stick stickers they, can be ordered via email from firstname.lastname@example.com. I'm sure that any and all donations can also be made there as well.
The hope is that nobody has to go through at many many many people have had to go through and live with and that raising awareness will bring the numbers down from 1 in 5 to 1 in NEVER. We can make this happen people. I know it.
For more information on the I'm 1 in 5 campaign please visit the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/207215582668209/ . Feel free to join up and feel free to tell your friends. .

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Connect with us
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the #1 Resort on Florida's Emerald Coast, announces its events for 2014. The destination offers a variety of "don't miss" events and deals for guests of all ages.
To find out the latest on special events, sign up for the Special Events e-newsletter.
Baytowne Wharf Art Walk
When: August 29-31, 2014; 5-10 p.m.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf welcomes the fresh fall season under the moonlight with a weekend good for the art and soul with world-class art and live music in the Village Events Plaza. Exceptional artists featured in the area's leading galleries from across the southeast will gather for this three day festival featuring the best of the best in the world of art.
Three Cheers for the Baytowne Beer Festival
When: October 17-18, 2014
Bring together more than 200 domestic and international beers, 40 craft brewers, the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort with beautiful October weather and you have a winning combination for fun in the sun at the Baytowne Beer Festival this October 17th and 18th.
More about the Baytowne Beer Festival
28th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival
When: April 10-13, 2014
Don't miss this very popular event on April 10-13, 2014. The Sandestin Wine Festival at The Village of Baytowne Wharf brings an opportunity for discovery at this Florida vacation resort. Take part in Sandestin wine tastings showcasing more than 800 domestic and international wines.
More about the Sandestin Wine Festival
Easter Explosion
When: April 19, 2014; 12-3 p.m.
Guests can skip, hop or jump your way to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an explosion of fun and enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny.
Activities include:
Memorial Day Weekend Festivities
When: May 24-26, 2014
Kick off your summer at Sandestin for Memorial Day Weekend. Live music begins on Saturday and lasts all weekend long. Enjoy bands on the Events Plaza stage from 7-9 p.m. each night. Children's activities will be featured in the Events Plaza from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday night, and then we will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. On Monday, the Village will host a Memorial Day program right before sunset, presented by Sandestin veterans, including a special brass band performance.
The Ultimate Fishing Tournament
When: June 18-22, 2014
The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic fishing tournament at Sandestin is the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast's premier marlin tournament. This fishing competition gives serious angling teams their shot at winning a huge pay-off while receiving the royal treatment from this Destin, Florida fishing event's hosts and sponsors.
More about the Destin Fishing Tournament
Red, White and Baytowne
When: July 4, 2014
Join Sandestin for its spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, an evening that lights up the sky and family activities. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will have a host of kids activities from 6-10 p.m., including kids' crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Live music by Mama's Blue Dress will be performed from 7-9 p.m. Grab your boogie shoes and join in the fun. We will light up the sky over the lagoon with our 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15 p.m.
Hello Kitty Event
When: July 5, 2014
Hello Kitty herself will be outside Toys & Treasures and Coconut Kids from 4 – 7 pm for a photo shoot. Have your photo taken with this famous feline and enjoy free face painting and 20% off Hello Kitty merchandise
28th Annual Sandestin Triathlon
When: August 23, 2014
The 28th Annual Sandestin Triathlon will lure over 800 participants for a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike along the coast, and a 4-mile run through Sandestin's beach and Bayside community.
A portion of the Sandestin Triathlon proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Last year for the 2013 Sandestin Triathlon, $20,000 was raised for Sacred Heart.
More about the Destin Triathlon
© 2014 Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: The premier resort destination on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.


text:
Article By: Harvey Finkel
Nowhere else in Boston was suitable to meet head winemaker Georgetta Dane for a luncheon-tasting of her Big House Wines than the Liberty Hotel, a brilliant recasting of the notorious and historic Charles Street Jail which contains a bar called Alibi and an eatery known as Clink. I can attest at the outset that tasting the wines in durance vile was no hardship.
Big House, a division of gigantic The Wine Group, purchased the brand and grape sources from Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz in 2OO6. Grahm had named the brand after the large California state prison at Soledad near the vineyards that supplied the grapes for this line of his wines. The winery at Soledad produces an average of about 2OO,OOO cases annually of Big House wines, plus some others for The Wine Group. The grapes are nearly all grown in California's Central Coast, with small contributions from Livermore and the Central Valley.
Dane and her husband, a winemaker elsewhere employed, were educated in their native Romania (they met at university), then won a lottery for a US visa. After teaching food science at a high school, Dane realized she liked vines better than students. She worked for Kendall-Jackson, then Golden State Vintners. When the latter was acquired by The Wine Group, she was set on her current path. She favors Mediterranean grape varieties, and loves to blend for aromatic complexity, particularly by nose – sort of a vinous perfumer. Wines that don't fit are sent down to be used in jug or boxed wines, such as the Group's Franzia line. She uses cool fermentation for the reds, to keep them juicy and soft. Oak is employed with much restraint. Sensibly, closures are screw caps.
Seven wines share the Big House brand, whose labels and website are amusing (the website could be more informative). Big House White and Big House Pink retail for about $9, Big House Red for $10. The wines a company wag calls "the upper cellblock tiers" each costs $12: The Birdman, The Lineup, The Slammer, and The Prodigal Son. All the wines are ready to drink and are decent values. They don't pretend more.
A blend of seven varieties. I detect notes of Sauvignon Blanc and hints of Muscat. Much of the fruit is likely supplied by Chenin Blanc, some of the body by Marsanne. The mix of this and other blends vary from year to year to maintain aromatics. Dry, light, balanced, not intense. Decent finish. Pleasant to drink. I compared a 2OO2 vintage of Big House White made under the Grahm aegis, which I serendipitously stumbled over. It is less light and dry, has more body. I thought it marked by Riesling and Viognier, among others. It is still fresh.
Monterey Pinot Grigio with 22 percent Sauvignon Blanc. Very lively and long. Citrus notes. Very nice.
Made by saignèe and cool fermentation after a full day of skin contact. Blend of 15 varieties. Although fruity, dry, with acidbalance, some complexity, tart fresh finish and none of the dread candy-Jello features – all characteristics that save rosès.
A very Mediterranean red blend of Grenache (5O percent), Syrah (3O) and Mourvëdre (2O). Juicy, with berries, including blueberry, and some spice. Good fruit, moderate body, good finish. Delicious drinking.
Central Coast Syrah with 15 percent Petite Sirah. Deep dark fruit to nose. Lots of acid, which carries into the finish. I'm ambivalent.
THE PRODIGAL SON 2OO5 Paso Robles Petite Sirah. Nose of dark fruit. Juicy and intense. Modest tannin. Good fruity finish. Toothsome.
A blend of many varieties. Ripe with Mediterranean character.
I think I sense the Mourvëdre.


text:
Decatur - Police are investigating a deadly crash that happened this morning, just off of Jasper street in Decatur.
Decatur Police, Illinois State Police, and the coroner were on scene. The Macon County Coroner says, a 70-year-old woman was pronounced dead this morning. The woman was walking near the intersection of Steele Court and Sattley Street in the Woodland Estates Mobile Home Park, just off of Jasper Street. She was struck/passed over by a garbage truck.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:15 a.m., the incident occurred around 6:55 a.m., while the driver was on it's routine pickup. The victim suffered massive destructive head trauma along with severe injuries.
Police continue to investigate this fatal accident.
Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions. More>>
904 South Side Drive
Decatur, IL 62521
Primary Phone: 217-424-2500
Primary Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014, WorldNow and WAND. All
Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms


text:
Choose your preferred language. We speak English and 41 other languages.
Most often used by people in the United States
All languages
Best Western Plus Hotel Fellbach-Stuttgart
This 4-star hotel features underground parking, free Wi-Fi in the business center, and a spa area with a sauna and steam room. Central Stuttgart is just 20 minutes away. The Classic Congress Hotel offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, minibar and Wi-Fi internet. More
Apart-Hotel Fellbach
This apartment hotel is centrally located in the town of Fellbach, just to the northeast of Stuttgart, and offers excellent road and city train services to the Swabian capital. The Apart-Hotel Fellbach offers cozy apartments between 194 ft² and 280 ft² in size. More
City Hotel Fellbach
The private led City Hotel is in the center of Fellbach. You will reach the "Schwabenlandhalle" conference center within walking distance. By car the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer hall and the Gottlieb-Daimler stadium are about 10 minutes away and central Stuttgart is 15 minutes away. More
We've negotiated with thousands of hotels to get the very best deals. We call them Secret Deals and they only last for a limited time.
You can get these deals for free by subscribing to our newsletters. You can even choose your favorite destinations to receive personalized deals.
Get started now by entering your email address. We'll instantly send you a link to our Deal Finder!
Don't worry – your email address is safe with us. We'll never share your private information and you can unsubscribe at any time.


text:
- Dates: June 23-26 & August 4-7
- Location: Orange High School (525 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92867)
- Time: 9am-2pm
- Ages: 5-14
- Price: $250
*Optional Half- Day for Ages 5-9 (9am-12pm): $150
We will provide lunch for an extra $25 per player.
Travel Ball Tournaments are the hub for competitive youth baseball! Especially in Orange County, CA. Thankfully, Kennedy Baseball has travel ball tournaments for 8u, 9u, 10u, 11u, 12u, 13u, & 14u. Kennedy Baseball's goal is to put on fun and competitive tournaments at some of the best fields in Southern California. Our travel ball tournament games are all over Orange County, Riverside, Inland Empire and surrounding areas.
Kennedy Baseball Camps are said to be some of the best baseball camps in the O.C. If you or the future all-star in your household enjoy playing baseball and would like to experience playing in places like Angel Stadium, or learning from MLB pros, Kennedy Baseball Camps are for you! We offer summer camps, indoor camps, and even fall and winter camps. Kennedy Baseball offers one-day and multi-day camps for all ages and skill levels. We simply ask that players have a love for the game and a desire to learn. We will take care of the rest!
Kennedy Baseball Travel Ball Teams are coached by the best and a have a winning past--though we are not all about the win! Kennedy Baseball is dedicated to the development of our players both on and off the field. Having respect and being a team player are our top priorities. Most of our play take place in Orange County, Riverside, San Diego and neighboring counties. We are always open to seeing new talent and adding to our travel ball teams. If you would like to learn more about our travel baseball teams, please don't hesitate to call us today!


text:
This tip is provided by Diane Ebersole with the State Bar of Michigan.If you have a FaceBook account this New York Times article 'The 3 Facebook Settings Every User Should Check Now' is a must read http://tinyurl.com/y9s38ol.
Failure to correct settings in Facebook may make public all of your pictures, status updates, personal information and what information is being indexed by search engines.
Negatively interpreted information about your personal life could have a huge negative impact on your professional success so don't delay - make these changes today!
Comments? Suggestions? Click here to contact us
Paid for by The Missouri Bar Sebrina Barrett, Executive Director PO Box 119 Jefferson City, MO 65102


text:
Required viewing
Sure, we resemble General Lee's Army shortly after Appomattox. Our team is currently more beat up than a Mexican omelette. All that wide receiver depth? That was so early August. We gotta win with what we got. Opportunity is everywhere. We, as a blogbase, gotta rise the "F" up, strap on some attitude and Hunker Down one more time. Or 6. Or however many times it takes. Who's with me?


text:
By KEVIN McCALLUM
Plans to transform a vacant hospital in Bennett Valley into housing for at-risk young adults advanced on a unanimous vote Thursday following an emotional hearing where supporters characterized the effort as a moral obligation to help the needy and detractors denounced it as unfit for and unwelcomed by the neighborhood.
Supporters erupted in applause as the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to grant a permit and zoning change to the Dream Center project proposed for the former Warrack Hospital site at the intersection of Summerfield Road and Hoen Avenue.
Commissioner Curtis Byrd said it was "breaking my heart" to see such an important project pit neighbor against neighbor and for some residents to take a "not in my backyard" stance against it.
"We have a social responsibility. Those that have are supposed to help those that don't," Byrd said, choking up as he spoke. "I'm honestly in tears over that."
The vote sends the Social Advocates for Youth project to Santa Rosa's City Council for final approval.
The nearly six-hour hearing aired starkly different views of the project, with passionate calls for commissioners to support young people in need and some residents of southeast Santa Rosa pleading for the project's impacts on their neighborhood to be studied further.
"We're fighting for the soul of our town," Fred Ptucha said. "Will we be a community that offers compassion, empathy and support for the most vulnerable and needy members of society, or will we let our actions be governed by anxiety, fear and selfish unwillingness to help the most at-risk people in our community?"
Ptucha urged the commissioners to remember that many foster children often become homeless because they lack affordable places to live after they leave foster care at age 18 and need a supportive environment to help them overcome histories of abuse and neglect by their parents.
"I urge you not to abandon our kids," he said. "Give them a place to call home, to heal, to learn, to grown and to dream."
Critics of the project, which proposes to house up to 63 people ages 18-24 in transitional housing units and a smaller emergency homeless shelter, claimed it is too big, creates too many potential public safety risks and ignores the will of neighbors.
"I just hope that SAY's dream doesn't become Bennett Valley's nightmare," said Sherry Nelson, whose parents own land housing a child care center near the project.
An overflow crowd began lining up at City Hall as early as 1:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. hearing, and by 3:45 p.m., several hundred people stood hoping to enter the chambers.
"We're going to be here a long time," Chairwoman Patti Cisco said at the start of the hearing.
Many project supporters wore bright yellow T-shirts reading "Say YES to Dreams," while some residents of Bennett Valley held signs reading "Bennett Valley Citizens — Citizens Unite."
Planner Noah Housh explained that the commission was being asked to rezone eight parcels covering 8.7 acres, approve his conclusion that the project will have no significant environmental impacts, and approve a permit setting several conditions governing the use of the property.
SAY executive director Matt Martin said the organization did significant community outreach that resulted in a number of positive changes to the project since it was first proposed last year.
"The fact is that the project before you is a better project than SAY's original plan due in large part to this year of conversation," Martin said.
Changes include reducing the original number of beds from 100 to 63 and phasing those units in over four years. Several changes have tried to address neighbors' concerns about public safety, including a robust screening program, background checks, 24-7 staffing, and zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use. He added that outdoor activities will end at 9 p.m. and there will never be any amplified music outside.
Project architect Jim Henderson explained that the majority of the upgrades to the hospital, vacant since 2008, involve remodeling the interior. Exterior improvements would include a half-court basketball court, an arts-and-crafts and pottery area, gardens and solar panels.
Housh explained that a report called a negative declaration found that traffic, noise and air quality impacts of the Dream Center on the neighborhood would not be significant and didn't need further study. The limited amount of construction, existing infrastructure, similar land use and consistent surrounding land uses all supported that finding, he said.
But that conclusion enraged and bewildered several speakers, who argued for either a full environmental impact report or a broader, socioeconomic impact assessment.
Bennett Valley resident Ed Bashaw said the city's refusal to require additional study was fueling feelings of mistrust in the community.
"It's not about SAY, it's about having a say!" Bashaw said.
Bruce Kelm, who said he lives about 400 yards from the facility, said he recalled how years ago the city forced a nonprofit group that sought to install lights at Montgomery High school to do an environmental study that cost $43,000.
"The City of Santa Rosa is blowing me away here in not requiring there to be a full-blown EIR for a project of this scope and this magnitude," Kelm said.
Charles Jensen noted that he is a resident of Bennett Valley, "unlike a lot of the people wearing yellow shirts." He urged the commission to require an environmental impact report because, if they didn't, a judge later would.
"So do it now, save the money and save the anger. The people of Santa Rosa deserve it," Jensen said.
Some said SAY officials have misled neighbors with claims that the center primarily would serve young adults aging out of the foster-care system, when in fact people who are homeless or on probation will make up a sizable portion of the population.
Others questioned SAY's financial and organizational ability to undertake such a large project, and others suggested smaller facilities spread throughout the city would make more sense.
But as frustrated and vocal as the critics of the project were, supporters were equally passionate. They argued that the center fills an important community need, as evidenced by the growing homelessness problem in the city and statistics that show 65 percent of foster youth become homeless within two years of leaving the system.
"It seems to me the risk of not doing this is way worse than the risk of doing it," said George Gittleman, rabbi at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Bennett Valley.
Commission members were universal in their support for the project and for SAY's vow to hold quarterly community meetings to keep residents apprised of issues and volunteering opportunities at the center.
Commissioner Valerie Minton noted that she has family in Bennett Valley, spent time there growing up and called it "truly a wonderful community."
"I think this project is a real opportunity to share those wonderful things with people who need it," Minton said.
You can reach Staff Writer Kevin McCallum at 521-5207 or firstname.lastname@example.com. On Twitter @citybeater.
If Chick-Fil-A or CVS wanted to build there, Mockingbird would be screeching for a three-year EIR that counted the toes on every Tiger Salamander. But it fits her agenda, so let's stuff it down everybody's throats faster than a tribal casino.
When will Santa Rosa start to focus on jobs, business development and improving the local economy? Instead they focus on social welfare programs that never solve long term problems or create real employment and a growing economy.
Its always easier to put a bandaid on the problem rather than provide a real fix, a growing capitalist economy with real jobs and real opportunity.
I know this is just a dream of mine, since we are dealing with a group of elected socialists, progressives and communists who believe they know best for us and government can fix everything.
This Bennett Valley resident says, Hurray!! This will be a good thing. I believe the majority of Bennett Valley residents are behind this. It's the right thing to do.
As for doing an environmental study, all that will do is delay the inevitable. Afterall, there was a hospital there, with all the traffic that entailed. People going in and out at all hours of the day and night. Plenty of other businesses there-my vet, my oral surgeon, my eye doctor. I think it's ideal for a SAY home.
Getting tired of people living in fear of everything. Working themselves up over giving a helping hand to children. Not a very Christian thing to do. Jesus would be appalled.


text:
Mel Parnell (1922–2012)
I'm in the midst of pulling a ton of Red Sox historical data in preparation for the first Boston Baseball Hack Day on Saturday. I was saddened to see one of the best pitchers in team history has passed away. Parnell pitched ten seasons for the Red Sox, accumulating impressive traditional numbers (123-75, .621 WPCT, 3.50 ERA, 125 ERA+). He also did well by Baseball-Reference's WAR, posting seasons of 8.0 and 5.6 WAR (and three more seasons over 4.0). RIP, Mel.


text:
With you every step of the way at the top of the Chesapeake Bay!
Buying or Selling in Cecil County Maryland you need a Full time Local Agent for Full time results! I provide Cecil County, Maryland real estate information and resources to homeowners and home buyers through the process of selling and buying a house, condo, town home, land or other Cecil County realty property.You need to be represented by someone that understands your needs, your values and your families needs! Someone that is familiar with the area, that can help you find your perfect place! I live and work in beautiful Cecil County. This County is nestled among 5 rivers and a federal coastal waterway (C & D Canal) there is so much to do and see in Cecil County. Whether your an avid boater, love horses, hiking motorcycles, the Ravens, Eagles, Orioles or Phillies, we have it all here! We are centrally located 45 minutes from Philadelphia and 45 minutes from Baltimore! Also only a 2.5 hour ride to downtown Manhattan, or Washington DC. Close to Amtrak for quick commutes also! So from Cecil you can go places!
You can even cruise in your boat to Fells Point for dinner or the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
Here you will find a wide variety of useful information and resources designed to help you buy or sell a home more effectively. Remember whether you are buying or selling you need to educate yourself to the Market conditions and that means calling a professional. Someone like me! I can explain the buying process so you can make smart decisions. My area of knowledge is here in the Cecil County Communities of Elkton, Chesapeake City, Rising Sun, North East, Perryville, Port Deposit, Earleville, Charlestown, FairHill, Cherry Hill, Conowingo and in Harford County, Havre de Grace and Aberdeen areas. From information on the local community, Waterfront activities, Marina's, Shopping and Aberdeen Proving Grounds (Military Base Transfers)BRAC (Base ReAlignment and Closure). Advice about finding a mortgage or preparing your home to sell, it's all available here on my web site. You can also search for your ideal home anywhere in the U.S. by viewing current listings with detailed descriptions and photos. Or you can get help determining the value of your home by requesting a Comparative Market report that includes the prices of similar homes that recently sold or are currently for sale. So whether you're buying or selling in Cecil County or anywhere in Maryland I can help you! Feel free to contact me and we can discuss your goals and I will gladly help you.
You can contact me for a private and personal tour of Cecil County. I can be reached anytime at email@example.com or you can call/text me at 410-961-8686. I look forward to assisting you with all your Real Estate needs.
Thank you for visiting my website!
I look forward to working with you!


text: May 2, 2014 at 11:45 AM 5 things to do this weekend, on land and water Posted by Lynn Jacobson Food, movies, boats and free stuff — it's shaping up to be a perfect Northwest weekend (rain included, free of charge). Here are a few recommended events to consider, but there are many more. We invite you to share your ideas for weekend fun with other readers via the comments thread. More Comments | More in List, Weekend preview | Topics: Cinerama Sci Fi Film Festival, Farmers Markets, Free Comic Book Day


text:
CASCO TOWNSHIP (WKOW) -- History buffs might be flocking to southeastern Michigan soon. Four men say they have unearthed pieces of a World War II-era fighter plane.
Jim Clary, his brother, Ben, and two men from the Michigan Treasure Hunters used metal detectors to make the find Friday in St. Clair County's Casco Township just east of Richmond.
Jim Clary tells the Times Herald of Port Huron the recovered fragments are from a P-38D Lightning that was piloted by 2nd Lt. Al Voss, a native of Elgin, Illinois, assigned to the 94th Pursuit Squadron stationed at Selfridge air base in Michigan.
Voss died in the October 1941 crash.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2014 WorldNow and WKOW. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service and Mobile Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Anna Engelhart at 608-661-2767. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at email@example.com.


text:
For better or worse, New Jersey can keep the $102 million it collected from CO-2 cap-and-trade auctions as part of its divorce from the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In an written release, RGGI acknowledged its nine remaining states "will each recognize…all New Jersey…allowances in circulation," plus the carbon dioxide permits to be sold in the next auction on June 8. RGGI's statement alleviates concerns that millions of existing New Jersey allowances might become worthless, which would have opened the door for permit purchasers to sue the state. Under the cap-and-trade scheme, utilities must obtain a permit for each ton of CO-2 released by their power plants. The RGGI-New Jersey divorce could still get messy, as other complications lie ahead. New Jersey plans to participate in the next three auctions scheduled for June 8, Sept. 7 and Dec. 7 before it pulls out of the program at the end of the year, according to a letter from Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. NJDEP will continue to require electric generators in the state to have RGGI permits for CO-2 emissions through Dec. 31, 2011. However, RGGI has not decided whether to honor New Jersey permits sold after this month's auction. "Additional information regarding other New Jersey allowances will be issued" before the September auction, according to RGGI. At next week's auction, RGGI will also sell "future" allowances for use in 2014 – but New Jersey will be excluded from that offering. New Jersey's future with RGGI unravelled last week when Gov. Chris Christie announced that the state would be pulling out of the cap-and-trade program. Christie said the "gimmicky" program was an unnecessary tax on electricity and had failed to reduce CO-2 emissions. Most of the $102 million New Jersey received from RGGI auctions has already been spent. Christie used more than $65 million of that money to help plug a deficit in the state's current budget.
Home > New Jersey > NEW JERSEY TO KEEP $102 MILLION IN RGGI DIVORCE SETTLEMENT
Click here to LEARN HOW TO STEAL OUR STUFF!


text: CPSC Report: Chinese Drywall Caused Homes' Woes With "strong association" made, government now will try to determine extent of problem and find possible remedies. By Craig Webb A "strong association" exists between homes where Chinese drywall was installed and where occupants reported smells and corroded metals, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported last week. The finding clears the way for a federal task force to figure out how many houses have this problem and what to do about it.The report released today (see executive summary) lends government-funded scientific support to the notion that Chinese drywall used in homes in recent years is behind complaints of rotten-egg smells, corroded metal connections, tarnished jewelry, and equipment breakdowns in homes across the United States. CPSC says it has received 2,000 reports from 32 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico regarding problem drywall in their homes, and liability lawsuits have been filed. How many homes could be affected remains uncertain, says the CPSC, which recently reached out to the governors of every state and U.S. territory for data. The agency does know that roughly 7 million sheets of Chinese drywall were imported between 2000 and 2009. What it doesn't know is how many of those sheets went into homes and what percentage has problems.Today's conclusions are based on several studies of 51 homes in Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi. An independent testing firm, Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E), was hired to look at all 51, including 41 where there had been complaints. After two weeks of exposure in the homes, copper and silver tests showed "significantly higher rates of corrosion in complaint homes than in the control homes," CPSC said. "... Visual inspection and evaluation of ground wire corrosion also revealed statistically significant greater ground wire corrosion in complaint homes compared to non-complaint homes."EH&E personnel also used X-ray and infrared devices to detect markers that could identify Chinese-made drywall at a sheet-by-sheet level."The EH&E findings are that hydrogen sulfide gas is the essential component that causes copper and silver sulfide corrosion found in the complaint homes," CPSC said. "Other factors, including air exchange rates, formaldehyde and other air contaminants, contribute to the reported problems."In addition, Sandia National Laboratories' (SNL) Materials Science and Engineering Center evaluated metal corrosion believed to have occurred in homes exposed to the problem drywall. "A preliminary visual inspection by CPSC Electrical Engineering staff of all of the harvested electrical components revealed substantial corrosion of copper wiring, but there were no indications of significant overheating of conductors or conductive parts due to the corrosion events," CPSC reported.Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology examined copper natural-gas supply tubing and two air-conditioner heat-exchanger coils. "A thin black corrosion product was found on all of the copper samples examined," CPSC said. "Chemical and structural analysis of this layer indicated that this corrosion product was copper sulfide. ... Corrosion products were also observed on other types of metals in the air conditioning coils in the areas where condensation would frequently make the metals wet."With all this new evidence, CPSC concluded, "We now can show a strong association between homes with the problem drywall and the levels of hydrogen sulfide in those homes and corrosion of metals in those homes."By identifying this association, the Interagency Drywall Task Force can now move forward to develop protocols that will identify homes with this corrosive environment and can determine the effectiveness of remediation methods," CPSC continued. "The task force continues to work with Congressional and White House officials to determine the best approaches to design and fund these identification and remediation efforts to help the families dealing with this issue."Studies to determine long-term safety effects are under way.The Interagency Task Force already has established an Identification and Remediation Protocol team of scientists and engineers. "This team will use the results of the EH&E study and other information to design a cost-effective screening protocol to identify homes with this problem," CPSC said. "Professional air sample testing and destructive testing of drywall can carry high costs. The Protocol Team will develop quick, cost-efficient evaluation methods to identify homes with these problems. The Protocol Team will also look at remediation protocols to see what cost-efficiency improvements to current remediation practices, if any, may be available, and what guidance should be issued on doing the work safely."For more on the government's activities and to download reports, go to the CPSC's special website on drywall.Craig Webb is the editor of ProSales magazine. Advertisement Keywords: SubjectDrywall Legal Issues Building Materials Construction Cost-Effective Design OrganizationConsumer Product Safety Commission National Institute of Standards and Technology View more keywords SubjectDrywall Legal Issues Building Materials Construction Cost-Effective Design MetalStateLOUISIANA FLORIDA ALABAMA VIRGINIA MISSISSIPPIOrganizationConsumer Product Safety Commission National Institute of Standards and TechnologySection / SubsectionWEB ONLYBylineCraig Webb View fewer keywords More from BUILDEREDUCATIONDesign and Specification of Sustainable Custom IronworkBuilding MaterialsUntapped Material: Industrial Hemp's Potent Potential ConstructionJacksonville Market Slowing as...Cost-Effective DesignSerene Homes' Composed EntryDrywallLabor-Saving Products for Labor DayLegal IssuesNAHB Pushes to Protect Nation's Water ResourcesMetalThe Home(made) TeamConsumer Product Safety...The Cost of Counterfeit Products Is Escalating National Institute of...NIST Test House Reports Energy...ALABAMAMungo Moves in to Alabama With Pearson AcquisitionFLORIDAIn Florida, Return of the Condo-Hotel?LOUISIANAGracepoint Brings a Big of Big Easy to Space CityMISSISSIPPIMemphis, TN - May 2014 - New Home Closings Numbers Suggest Market Decline is SlowingVIRGINIATRI Pointe Homes Picks Up 649 lotsCraig WebbUSGBC Floats Plan to Let Wood-Cert Groups Qualify for LEED Join the DiscussionPlease read our Content Guidelines before posting.


text:
Widening Gap in Views of Federal, State and Local Governments
Favorability ratings for different levels of government have diverged over the past decade as public views of the federal government have fallen to new lows.
Majority Views Government as Threat to Personal Rights
For the first time, a majority of the public says that the federal government threatens their personal rights and freedoms.
Obama in Strong Position as He Begins Second Term
More Americans say Obama is trustworthy, a strong leader and someone who stands up for his beliefs; 52% approve of the job he is doing and 59% have a favorable opinion of him.


text:
The good life
Postcard-perfect scenery, gorgeous beaches and cities stacked with big-name sights – long-legged Italy manages to pack a lot into its borders. And no matter which part of the boot you plump for, you'll find fantastic food, fine wines and a healthy dose of la dolce vita.
Explore the boot
In the north, romantic Venice reigns supreme, while nearby Lido di Jesolo supplies the sands. A bit further south lies Campania, home to the dramatic Amalfi Coast and cliff-hugging towns like Sorrento, Ravello and Positano.
Italian islands
Holidays to Italy aren't just confined to the mainland, though. At the toe of Italy's boot is Sicily, which ticks off gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins and friendly resorts. And then there's Sardinia, with its craggy coastline and sun-bleached beaches.
Places To Stay In Italy View all places to stay »
Campania is the second most populous region of Italy. And it's easy to see why everyone wants a piece of the area's pie. Its coastline curves around the sun-soaked bays of Sorrento and Naples on Italy's southwest coast. Inland, meanwhile, you'll find ancient ruins like Pompeii and natural wonders like Mount Vesuvius.
This triangle-shaped island at the bottom of Italy's boot is a constant travel award contender. In fact, Condé Nast Traveller readers voted it 'The World's Favourite Island' in 2009. And it's easy to see why this romantic slice of Italy has clocked up so many devotees over the years.
Venice is the first place most people think of when you mention the region of Veneto. This canal-scored city has a tendency to turn tourists into kids in sweetshops. Except, it's not bonbons they want to binge on, it's gondolas, masque shops, pontes and the mosaics in St Mark's Basilica.
If you've never been to Sardinia before, you might expect the island to be a condensed carbon copy of the Italian mainland. But you'd be wrong. The differences start with the language. Sardinian or Sardo is as commonly spoken as Italian here.
This triangle-shaped island at the bottom of Italy's boot is a constant travel award contender. In fact, Condé Nast Traveller readers voted it 'The World's Favourite Island' in 2009. And it's easy to see why this romantic slice of Italy has clocked up so many devotees over the years.
If you've never been to Sardinia before, you might expect the island to be a condensed carbon copy of the Italian mainland. But you'd be wrong. The differences start with the language. Sardinian or Sardo is as commonly spoken as Italian here.
Things To Do View all »
Blue Cruise Marine Club
If your holiday mantra is 'busy doing nothing' you'll love this lazy day, cruising around the Bay of Naples and Salerno.There…View details »
Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
A real history fest, this tour takes place in Pompeii, the city that lay buried for centuries. It was Millennia back, in79AD,…View details »
Verona and Lake Garda
The land of star-crossed lovers, Verona was the setting for Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. As such, everything aboutthe…View details »
Venice and Islands
From Jesolo, the day starts with a coach ride to Punta Sabbioni and then a transfer across the lagoon to the island of Venice.…View details »
Eat pizza in Naples
As cities go, Naples isn't for the faint-hearted. It's busy, noisy, and chaotic – think beeping scooters veering throughtraffic…View details »
Visit the cathedral at Salerno
Head east from Sorrento and you'll come to the busy coastal city of Salerno. The Villa Communale – an oasis of greenery in…View details »
Drive along the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast runs from Sorrento to Salerno and is so good-looking – with its little Medieval fishing villages clinging…View details »
Indulge your inner diva on Capri
Just off the coast of the Bay of Naples is the jet-set isle of Capri. It's been a hotspot for the glitterati since Romantimes…View details »
Top 5 hotels in Italy
Hotel Conca Park
From £416
Apartments La Casarella
From £418
Hotel La Solara
From £558
Grand Hotel Flora
From £401
Baia di Conte
From £492
Top 5 villas in Italy
Villa Lu Barranch
From £793
Levante Apartment & Nizza Studios
From £427
Villa Giuliano
From £659
Villa San Marco
From £557
Villa Green House
From £642
Where we go in Italy Show on a map »
All prices shown are updated once every morning and therefore could change at any time during the day. All prices shown are per person and are based on 2 adults sharing unless otherwise stated. When selecting an offer you will be asked to enter in the number of adults and children travelling, the applicable price will then be displayed based on your chosen party size.
All offers are subject to availability. Thomson reserves the right to withdraw these offers at any time and without notice. For full booking terms and conditions please click here
Online savings - Refers to an online discount of 10% on August and 9% on September & October on holidays and applies to the basic adult cost before supplements. Available on package holidays booked online departing between 1st May 2014 and 31st October 2014 Online discount only applies to package holidays booked on firstchoice.co.uk and does not apply to flight only, accommodation only and tailor made flight+hotel bookings. Online discount is not combinable with free Child Places.
Save up to £400 per couple on September & October holidays – Saving offer applies to new bookings only on selected Thomson package holidays booked on thomson.co.uk. Offer applies to holidays departing between 01 September & 31 October 2014 and is subject to limited availability. Savings is against brochure price. Excludes flight only, accommodation only, cruise, Thomson Ski and any other bookings. Additional supplements may apply. Saving is based on a minimum of 2 adults travelling. Thomson reserves the right to withdraw or change this offer at any time. We reserve the right to change or withdraw the offers at any time.
Free child places - Free kids offer applies to new bookings only, on selected summer 2014 holidays, subject to limited availability. Only 1 free kids place is available in each selected hotel room or selected apartment type or villa with 2 full paying adults. Other children must pay the full brochure price. Available on First Choice holidays only. Free child places may not be combinable with other discounts.


text:
Map of robbery offenses
DALLAS — The Katy Trail and Uptown districts are popular spots in Dallas, so it is bad news when 14 people have been robbed at gunpoint in those areas.
The trend has city leaders worried.
"It's really unfortunate when things like this happen, especially in a fun and popular place," said Dallas City Council member Pauline Medrano, who heads the Public Safety Committee.
Dallas police believe two robbers have committed all those crimes.
Mark Manley — who jogs on the Katy Trail — reacted to the news this way: "I'm not going to lie; I was a little concerned when I thought about it."
Dallas police said last Friday they knew there was a problem. At that time, police had linked 11 robberies.
Then, over the weekend, the suspects struck three more times.
"It's frightening, because I run a lot by myself out here," said Christine Shirer. "I think I'm safe during the day, but maybe I am not."
The robberies have occurred at all hours of the day and night. Among the victims was a man who jogged around 6:30 a.m. when he came face-to-face with the robbers.
"One of the men turned around and started running with me," he told News 8. "I thought they were joking at first or something, and I looked over and he was pointing a gun sideways at my head."
Dallas police have added extra patrols and undercover officers, but investigators said people also need to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Many, like Scott Smitheman, are getting the message. "It's 2012; you got to kind of think about stuff like that nowadays," he said. "We're not in Mayberry."
Dallas police said they have some strong leads in the robbery spree, but still need the public's help to bring the suspects to justice.
E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com
Dallas police issued this list of recent offenses believed linked to the robbery spree:
- 5/4: 5200 Milam Street
- 5/4: 5600 McCommas Boulevard
- 5/5: 3200 Carlisle Place (near Katy Trail)
- 5/5: 3200 Knox Street (near Katy Trail)
- 5/6: 5700 McCommas Boulevard
- 5/7: 5000 Capitol Avenue
- 5/8: 4600 Sycamore Street
- 5/8: 4500 McKinney Avenue (near Katy Trail)
- 5/10: 3400 McKinney Avenue (near Katy Trail)
- 5/10: 5100 Monarch Street
- 5/10: 5100 Monarch Street
- 5/12: 3700 Travis Street
- 5/13: 3100 Routh Street (on Katy Trail)
- 5/13: 4000 Buena Vista Street (on Katy Trail)
Click here to view this list as a map


text:
City Governments -- Expenditures and Debt for Largest Cities: 2004
The Statistical Abstract files are distributed by the US Census Department as Microsoft Excel files. These files have data mixed with notes and references, multiple tables per sheet, and, worst of all, the table headers are not easily matched to their rows and columns.
A few files had extraneous characters in the title. These were corrected to be consistent. A few files have a sheet of crufty gibberish in the first slot. The sheet order was shuffled but no data were changed.
The tables that were changed (this is table 444):
0166 0257 0362 0429 0445 0446 0459 0461 0462 0464 0465 0466 0467 0469 0479 0480 0481 0482 0483 0484 0485 0486 0487 0559 0628 0629 1144 1227 1231
This dataset consists of a table of 44 rows and 20 columns.
In millions of dollars (74,821 represents $74,821,000,000). year ending in year shown; see headnote, Table 443
- Includes expenditure sources not shown separately.
- Excludes public buildings.
- Includes water, electric, and transit.
- Represents, in effect, city-county consolidated government.
Public Domain (Government Work)
This dataset was prepared by the government and is therefore in the public domain. There are no restrictions upon its use.


text:
The Coca-Cola Foundation is pledging $3.8 million to support statewide initiatives aimed at boosting fitness and health.
Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent announced the gift at an event Wednesday in Atlanta with Gov. Nathan Deal and Mayor Kasim Reed.
The funds will be directed toward programs including Georgia SHAPE and Walk Georgia.
Georgia SHAPE is an initiative by Deal to address childhood obesity. Walk Georgia was created by the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension and focuses on community-oriented physical activity programs.
Coca-Cola on Wednesday also announced a commitment to offering low or no calorie options and a promise not to advertise to children under 12.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press
FOX 13 / WTVT-TV3213 West Kennedy Blvd.Tampa, Florida 33609Main: (813) 876-1313Newsroom: (813) 870-9630Fax: (813) 871-3135


text:
Staining Dishes & Racks
Specimen Chucks with Colored O-ring
Orientation Mark on Chuck!
IHC Control Slides
Now on Superfrost Plus!
Movat-Russell Modified Pentachrome Stain Kit
3 Stains in 1 Kit !
General Purpose Digital Water Baths
Incredible Quality at Amazing Pricing!
Newcomer Supply
Newcomer Supply offers a wide variety of control slides, stains & stain kits, fixatives, chemicals, reagents, antibodies and other supplies for clinical and research histology laboratories. Our products and services are designed and packaged to serve you.
- Many of our products are available either as stand-alone components or kits.
- We provide superior products with a fresh shelf life and convenient packaging at competitive prices.
- Our support staff is available by phone or email to assist you with technical questions about any of our products.


text:
Eau Claire (WQOW) - If you're looking for artwork to match your living room couch, sculptress Susan Sveda-Uncapher is not your go-to source.
Sveda-Uncapher marches to the beat of her own muse – and that muse couldn't care less about interior design. Unless …you're talking about the interior design of the human heart…
Susan's three-dimensional passion is love stories, and love isn't always pretty. Love stories are sometimes secretive, and dark, and blood-stained. Love stories limp along as often as they cavort. Nothing is certain in love or art, but this is; Sveda-Uncapher's creations leap out at you, grab you by the gut pump and the gray matter, and wrestle you to the gallery floor squealing.
What is art? A pretty painting? A lifelike drawing? A decorator vase?
Or is it the expression of our most basic humanity turned loose upon the clichés that hold our lives captive?
In the full interview Susan reflects upon her evolution as an artist, from her days as an illustrator in the military and master's student at the University of Chicago, through next year's retrospective at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center with her artist son Alex. She talks about ideas that are birthed by bouts of daydreaming in the bathtub, and creative outcomes that "shock and awe."
Sveda-Uncapher's works involve you whether you like it or not, but especially if you have either a brain or a heart.
Susan Sveda-Uncapher, In Person. Only on WQOW News 18. Come fall in love with our stories.


text:
(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Secure Communities is on its way to Massachusetts.
The feds decided not to wait until next year. It officially gets started next week. Plymouth County Sherriff Joseph McDonald, Worcester County Sherriff Lew Evangelidis and Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson, all longtime supporters of Secure Communities, recently joined the FOX 25 Morning News.
25 FOX DriveDedham, MA 02026
Phone (781) 467-2525


text:
Of all the TNT shows, PERCEPTION might be their most unique. Mind you, it still looks like all the other "brilliant mind helps the cops solve crimes" show, ala THE MENTALIST, SHERLOCK HOLMES, etc, but it's interesting that they're giving Eric McCormack some seriously mental issues. And oh, get this, McCormack co-stars with Kelly Rowan on the show — the two previously worked together on a little-known Western call LONESOME DOVE: THE OUTLAW YEARS. A lengthy, 5-minute behind-the-scenes featurette and some promo images for Season 1 of PERCEPTION.
Dr. Daniel Pierce is an eccentric neuroscientist who uses his unique outlook to help the federal government solve complex criminal cases.
Featuring Rachael Leigh Cook, Eric McCormack, Arjay Smith, Jonathan Scarfe, Kelly Rowan.
PERCEPTION premieres July 9th, 2012 on Mondays at 10|9c.


text:
Skip Navigation
- Travel Advisory
- Customer Care
- Home
- Sign In
Book online or call:
Insider Tips
Taxi Service
We recommend guests use the hotel cab service, which operates 24 hours a day. The minimum cab fare is 3,900 pesos (US$1.75).
Find your city escape at this Cali hotel with spectacular views of Cali River. Situated in the downtown district, the hotel is well appointed for business or leisure, with 18 meeting rooms and an outdoor pool terrace. Explore the local neighbourhood, full of distinctive Latin colour, from salsa bars to colonial San Antonio, with stunning church summit views. For local designer shopping we recommend Granada neighbourhood. Explore, then revive with a treatment at our tranquil full-service spa.
Guest Reviews
4.1 /5 (78 Reviews)
Rates VIEW ROOMS & RATES
Restaurant & LoungesOur cuisine lets you enjoy casual, gourmet international and fusion menus, pizzas and excellent pastas as well as variety of drinks and colombian c...
Amenities & ServicesAt Intercontinental Cali, Un Hotel Estelar enjoy a complete recreational area with Sauna, Steam Room & Jacuzzi. Our 24 hr Gym is open to all guests...
SPECIAL PACKAGESThere's always something special happening at an InterContinental hotel. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled getaway or a place to host your n...
- Avenida Colombia # 2-72
- Cali
- Colombia
- Front Desk +57-2-8823225
An InterContinental City Hotel |Add to Favourites | Email Hotel | Follow us:
In the Heart of the City
The finest city addresses come courtesy of InterContinental hotels. Vibrant, cosmopolitan destinations offer a sanctuary of luxury, from front-row seats over Times Square, New York to stunning spa pools overlooking Hong Kong Harbour. Prestigious city addresses include Sydney Harbour, Dubai, London Park Lane, Mayfair and Paris. Find your premium location in the heart of the city.
Image Not Available
Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport (CLO)
Distance 20 KM / 12.43 MI NORTH EAST to Hotel
Taxi Charge (one way): 47,000.00 (COP)
Time by taxi: 40 MINUTES
Train Charge (one way): 0.00 (COP)
Ferry Charge (one way): 0.00 (COP)
Leaving the airport take the road to Yumbo City, then the way to Cali through 3rd Avenue to Avenue of Americas, Conservatory of Music, you'll see the Cali River at your left side, go straight to the second bridge, turn left; you'll arrive at the hotel.
Distance 20 KM / 12.43 MI NORTH EAST to Hotel
Taxi Charge (one way): 47,000.00 (COP)
Time by taxi: 40 MINUTES
Train Charge (one way): 0.00 (COP)
Ferry Charge (one way): 0.00 (COP)
Leaving the airport take the road to Yumbo City, then the way to Cali through 3rd Avenue to Avenue of Americas, Conservatory of Music, you'll see the Cali River at your left side, go straight to the second bridge, turn left; you'll arrive at the hotel.
- Parking Available/100 Spaces
- Car Parking Available
- Valet Parking Available: 4.27 (COP)
- Valet Parking Available
- Controlled Access Gates to Parking
- Parking Area Equipped with Lights
Taxis are available from the airport 24 hours a day. The journey to the hotel costs $48,000 pesos ($26 USD). You can also make prior arrangements with the concierge for pick-up.
Languages spoken by staff
English, Spanish
Pet Policy
Just guide dogs allowed upon room reservation and a pet fee must be paid per night.
Local Time2:55 PM
CHECK-OUT1:00 PM Late Check out Available
- Service animals allowed
- 2 Room(s) with Accessibility Standards
- Parking
Guest Reviews
Rated 4.1 out of 5 by 78 reviewers.
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by jaorin un superfin de semana en intercontinental cali tuve la experiencia de estar un puente festivo de agosto en intercontinental cali con ocasion de un congreso de actualizacion de gastroenterologia pediatrica, la cual fue expectacular, por sus comodas instalaciones. el buen servicio al cliente, y por la tranquilidad que ofrece su entorno. volveria cada vez que sea posible al intercontinental. 18 August 2014
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Windsurf Buen habitación En general buen servicio , Hotel con excelente presentación, la habiación tiene las comodidades necesarias y operan adecuadamente. Por mejorar el Check-Out, no debería ser necesario solicitr de Nuevo la Tarjeta de Credito, no fui reconocido como cliente IHG, siempre en mis estadias debo recordarlo. Service room en la habitación puede mejorar en la presentación, cantidad, sabor de la comida. 15 August 2014
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by RENÉ LUIS ALIANZA DEL PACIFICO EN CALI RECIBÍ UN CÁLIDO RECIBIMIENTO, MEHICIERON SENTIR COMO SI ESTUVIERA EN CASA. 14 August 2014


text:
Route Guide - iPhone / Android - Partners - Forum - Photos - Deals - What's New - School of Rock
Routes Sorted
L to R R to L Alpha
Great climb with some nice friction opportunities. Sometimes you can even get in a little chimneying in.
The left side of Leaning tower. If you follow the trail a little to the left you will find big slab and nice spot to lace up. Climb up to the corner and set a belay. The second pitch has a couple of options that are really not very good.
All Gear, standard rack.


text:
Issues, Methods, and Translation to Practice
Daniel S. Blumenthal, MD, MPH (Editor)Ralph J. DiClemente, PhD (Editor)Ronald Braithwaite, PhD (Editor)Selina Smith, PhD, MDiv (Editor)
Pub. Date: 2/2013
296 pp.,
Available: Usually ships within 48 hours.
E-Book Options:
"Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) has become the preferred model for conducting research in communities. Most scientists who conduct such research now recognize that working in partnership with the community is preferable, and more ethical, than conducting research on a community . As Surgeon General of the United States, I direct a number of programs aimed at encouraging Americans to avoid tobacco, engage in physical activity, consume more nutritious diets, and protect their health in other ways. We need more effective methods to persuade, motivate, and enable individuals and communities to adopt these healthier lifestyles, and it is through CBPR that we will be able to discover these methods."
From the Foreword by Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, U.S. Surgeon General
"The editors of this book bring together in one place both a description of epidemiological methods and a discussion of community-level issues. It is a volume that will prove useful to those who wish to conduct contemporary community-based research."
- Praise for the First Edition from the Foreword
David Satcher, Former Surgeon General of the United States
This second edition of a highly regarded textbook on the foundations of and strategies for achieving fertile community-based health care research has been completely revised and updated. It now includes new chapters on translating research into practice, evaluating research, and applying community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to service, education, and evaluation. The book also updates a crucial chapter on the voices of community stakeholders and an important study of the ethical issues surrounding the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Edited by renowned professors of community-based research, the text is distinguished by its how-to approach and focus on practical research methods.
The text discusses the unique challenges of conducting CBPR and addresses ways to build and sustain community partnerships. It explores ethical issues regarding health care research, includes input from community stakeholders, and describes national and international support for CBPR. Research methods covered include qualitative studies, surveys, and intervention trials. Applications of CBPR illustrate how to translate research into practice and community-based participatory approaches to service, education, and evaluation.
Intervention Research,
Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/ PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN
Toward Equity in Health,
Barbara C. Wallace, PhD
Community- Based Health Research,
Daniel S. Blumenthal, MD, MPH
Click here to sign up for new book alerts
Click here for e-book
purchase options
Click here to request examination copy
Click here to contact an editor


text:
I know that Paul Pierce is mostly hated by all basketball fans who aren't fans of the Celtics but its looking more and more like Boston is getting ready to ship him out (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/paul-pierce-reportedly-expects-boston-celtics-either-deal-151417058.html). Now the Celtics would love teams to give them some pieces in exchange for Pierce's $15mill contract but I think the more likely scenario is that they are forced to release him to save themselves $10mill since his contract isn't fully guaranteed.
So my question here is do you think the blazers would be interested in going after Paul Pierce if he is released by the celtics?
I realize Pierce would likely be looking for a team that can contend for a title next season especially if he is going to take a dramatic pay cut but this could be where smooth talking Neil Olshey comes in and convinces him that with him on our roster in addition to the other moves we make will make this team a contender now!
My vision for this happening would be something involving trading Wes and maybe Claver for Gortat. Draft best player available (Shabazz, Dieng, McCollum or whatever) at the #10 pick and grab a PF in the 2nd round. Then we sign JR smith as our 6th man around $5mill then sign Pierce For around $6.5-7mill a year for two years, sign Maynor with remaining cap space. With the mini MLE exception sign Brewer at $3mill or whatever that is. You end up with.....
PG- Dame, Maynor
SG- Pierce, JR, Barton, (maybe Shabazz)
SF- Batum, Brewer, (Maybe Shabazz)
PF- LA, Freeland, (2nd rounder)
C - Gortat, Leonard, (maybe Dieng)
Anyways that lineup is just an Idea (Not my favorite off season move either) and kind of a short term solution as well as not solving our interior defensive problems very well but if we drafted Shabazz then that could make Pierce an attractive trade piece come trade deadline or the next offseason and Doesnt dave always say its about getting as much talent as possible??.... Anyways back to the Question would you be interested in Pierce?? Is there a lineup that you could see happening that would make the short term acquisition of Pierce making us contenders and something the Blazers would be interested in? Answer the Poll and give me your thoughts and ideas and lineups in the comments.


text:
& Deals
& Celebrations
or Login
Join FREE
Log In
Twist refrigerated breadsticks into bone shapes for a hauntingly delicious Halloween snack.
©2013 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our Privacy Policy.
Serve warm "bones" with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, pesto and honey mustard.
Holiday Crescents
Italian Garlic Knots
Italian Appetizer Wedges
Cheddar Twisters
Onion Lover's Twist
Quick and Easy Herb Flatbread


text:
The result is a meeting at 9:30 a.m. today with a trip to the state tournament on the line.
Today's winner will earn the No. 1 qualifier spot at the regional while the loser will have to win an elimination game later in the day to punch its ticket to the state tournament in Montgomery.
No. 1 Sumiton Christian outscored the competition 25-3 in blowout wins over Belgreen and Berry.
No. 3 Lynn defeated Tharptown 11-1 and South Lamar 4-1.
The Eagles and Bears have met three times this season with Sumiton Christian winning two of three, including a rematch for the Area 10 title.
In Class 3A, Cordova went 1-1 on Friday, beating American Christian and falling to Danville.
Sumiton Christian 12, Belgreen 0
Jenna Ergle helped clinch a 12-0 Sumiton Christian win over Belgreen with a three-run homerun to top a 3 for 4, five RBI performance in the five inning victory. Kendall Beth Sides earned the win, giving one hit while striking out seven batters in four shutout innings. Anna Calloway closed the final inning.
Offensively, Kendell Hamm was 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two doubles, while Katlyn Sides was a perfect 3 for 3 with three RBIs and a double. Abbie Brewster, Abbey Bice and Savanah Langston all recorded hits.
Sumiton Christian 13, Berry 3
Berry jumped out to a first-inning lead before the Eagles' offense took over with a seven-run fourth inning to turn a close game into a blowout.
Savanah Langston started the rally with a lead-off walk. Kendall Beth Sides had two hits in the inning. Katlyn Sides and Bice had hits and drove in runs.
Ergle was a perfect 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored. She also got the win in the circle, striking out nine Berry batters.
Lynn 11, Tharptown 1
Tiffany Self surrendered two hits, two walks and a run, while striking out five batters in Lynn's 11-1 five inning win over Tharptown.
Reagan Tittle went a perfect 2 for 2, scoring a run, recording an RBI and two doubles. Kydra Richard went 1 for 3 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while Holly Murray was 1 for 3 with two runs scored.
Brooke Harris, Mac Tidwell, Emma Easley and Kelci McGough all recorded hits and scored runs.
Lynn 4, South Lamar 1
Lynn built a lead and made it stand behind a second stellar start from Self as the Bears earned a 4-1 win over No. 8 South Lamar.
The Stallions are still alive at the regional tournament, but will have to win two games today to earn a spot in the state tournament.
Cordova 11, American Christian 5
Faith Sims went a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate, with three runs scored and two doubles in Cordova's 11-5 victory over American Christian Academy.
Hannah Ingram went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and a double, while Kaitlyn Herron and Chasity Kilpatric both went 2 for 5 with a run scored. Maggie Benson was 1 for 4 with two runs scored, Hannah McLemore went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a triple, while Justice Garner, Caitlyn Cole and Morgan Martin all recorded hits.
Sims gave up eight hits, five runs, five walks and struck out eight batters in the seven-inning win.
Cordova's second game of the night, against Danville, wasn't completed by press time.
Danville 4, Cordova 2
The Hawks upset Cordova in the Blue Devils' second game of the day, winning 4-2.
The loss sent Cordova to the loser's bracket. While the Blue Devils still have a chance to earn a state tournament berth, they will have to win three straight games on Saturday to do so.
Cordova's road starts at 11 a.m. today against Northside at 11 a.m.


text:
categories : Event
After a very full week in New York for Book Expo America I'm home and trying to recuperate. It's an exhausting (but fulfilling) week filled with conferences, parties and hanging out with friends. But, it's the kind of exhaustion that feels oh so good. The kind that has me feeling productive and energized. These types of events often leave me feeling reflective of where I am currently and where I'd like to be in the future both for the blog and my career. This recap will focus more on the social aspects of the week as opposed to anything outright educational. This is mainly because for the first time in my attendance at BEA I felt as though I wasn't there primarily for business but rather that I was there for fun with a side of professional duties.
Big thanks to Simon and Schuster for hosting a fantastic blogger preview event! I had the opportunity to hang out with my fellow bloggers, S&S's marketing & publicity folks and some really COOL authors to hear about some of the most anticipated upcoming titles. The talk show format (with Jenny-freakin'-HAN!! as the host) was filled with not only good info about each author's book but also fun stuff like who they'd kiss/marry/kill and an entertaining Q&A game where the author could plead the 5th for one of several questions. There was definitely some interesting information shared! I have to say, I quite enjoyed the format because I never felt like I was being pitched a book. It was informal, entertaining and gave us the opportunity not only to mix-n-mingle with authors and S&S staff but to also to enjoy time with each other. It was a great time!
BEA Blogger Con
So….I've been going back and forth on whether to share my thoughts on BBC here. The one question I've heard from pretty much everyone I've crossed paths with since Monday was "what did you think of BBC?" While I've been forthcoming in those conversations and somewhat vocal on Twitter, I've made the decision not to go into too much depth here. I want to give specific feedback directly to the new organizers instead of having them read it here first. If you want to get a general idea of how the day went I encourage you to visit the posts listed below (if I missed a post let me know in the comments). I agree with much of what each of these bloggers comment on and hope that BEA will touch on them as their attention starts focusing on the future of the con.
- The Book Smugglers
- Read React Review
- Never Too Fond of Books
- King of Elflands Second Cousin
- Dear Author
- Good Books and Good Wine
In general, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in how the BBC played out this year. For me BBC has been a labor of love; one that I simply couldn't continue to carry on given other circumstances in my life. Trish and I went into the acquisition by BEA with good intentions (and after a GREAT deal of discussion about the very issues that have arisen) and were comfortable that though we knew there would be some commercialization of the event overall BEA would stay true to it's roots. She and I were asked to share our opinions on several aspects of the con, which we did, but I don't feel that much of what we laid out was operationalized. This is NOT to say that BEA is not well intentioned, because I fully believe they are. They 100% believe bloggers are an important part of the publishing community and want to embrace and encourage our participation in BEA. I believe they will do BBC justice in the future, we just need to show patience during this transitional year. I really feel that the issues that arose during this year's convention are a result of it being their first year, the lack of organizational leadership by a true book blogger and the time it's taking to understand our community better.
It is my hope that feedback from this year's event will help shape a better more blogger-focused BBC for next year. If you were in attendance and receive an invite to provide feedback I strongly encourage you to do so. I suspect they will send out a survey to assess the overall vibe. If they do not I encourage you to reach out directly via email to share your thoughts.
Alternative to BBC, there was also a Book Blogger UnConference on the same day. Obviously I was unable to attend but I've heard good things about it. Here are a couple of recaps to give you some good perspective.
Though I'm not a fan of how the UnCon came about I am glad that the event was a success. I think there is plenty of room for both events and hope that next year they will avoid holding the UnCon on the same day as BBC so those who want to partake of both have the opportunity to do so. Each has it's strengths and weaknesses but I also believe that each has value to the community.
In general, I agree with the point that one blogger made (and it may have been said on twitter) that the book blogging community is so huge now, so varied in focus, and at an age where valuable information is so disparate that it's nearly impossible to create a single day where each participant feels he/she is walking away having learned something. I agree 100% with this. In the months leading up to the acquisition Trish and I struggled with the issue as well. I have ideas on how to resolve this issue but expanding on it would make this an epically long post so I'll refrain!
Now back to the fun & happy!
Monday evening I was lucky enough to be invited to another wonderful blogger preview this one hosted by Harper Teen. I just love them, the folks there are so welcoming and (like their counterparts) embrace and value bloggers and the role we play. It was an intimate affair (I'd say about 20ish bloggers, if that, were present) so we had the opportunity to make great connections with marketing and publicity staff. They also had two awesome cover designers come in and show us the evolution and process of crafting a book cover. It was very interesting to see how it all comes in to being.
I most particularly enjoyed the opportunity I had to have a prolonged discussion with President of Harper Children's Division Susan Katz. We talked a great deal about education (and my background in online ed) as well as how I got into blogging and why some adults prefer YA over other fiction. It was a thoughtful discussion which left me unsurprised about why she is where she is in the industry. After that, I also had the good fortune to speak to Cindy and Sandee who are in the marketing and publicity departments which was also insightful. Big thanks to Harper for having me, it was another fantastic event.
Big HUGE shout outs to The Apocalypsies!
My colleague Shanyn and I were proud to assist in organizing an event for 20+ debut YA/MG authors as part of BEA's educational programming. Thinking that we'd have a small group we were pleasantly surprised to have around 300 folks attend. We started out a little chaotically but in the end it went swimmingly as people had the opportunity to meet great authors and discuss their work. In my opinion it afforded readers a chance to spend more than two seconds getting a book signed then moving on so the next in line could as well. I could list all of the amazing authors we had in attendance but I think I'll refrain and just let you know to keep an eye out on the Literary Logistics blog as we'll be doing some giveaways of swag that we picked up at the event. In general I thought the event was well received but if you have a good recap let me know and I'll link it up here for all to read.
Later that night I had the opportunity to hang out with Libba Bray. It's highlight for anyone would be to see Libba Bray sing, but seeing Libba sing in a defunct speak easy takes it to a whole other level. Little Brown outdid themselves with their roaring twenties themed bash to promote Bray's new novel The Diviners. Sure, it was a small venue that was way over crowded and it was a tad too dark for me but boy was it great to be there. I spent the majority of the time chatting up the ever awesome Victoria. She was telling me about some of Little Brown's upcoming titles that she's excited for. Of course, this means that I'm all about getting my grubby little paws on them. Not only that but Victoria is an all around fun and cool chic to chat with. I hope to be able to run into her more often!
The night started out with Penguin's unexpectedly awesome Bird Bash. I say unexpectedly because it was put on by the imprints that focus on adult fiction as opposed to the folks at young readers. Lenore brought me as her +1 and man am I glad she did because there were loads of folks from the Young Readers group in attendance too. I spent the evening having great discussions about books with some fabulous marketing and publicity folks. They totally turned me on to some of their upcoming titles. I also got the chance to chat with Marie Lu! What a sweet woman. Oh, and I also got to say hi to Andrea Cremer! So. Awesome.
After the bash, Lenore and I headed over to another party. Thanks to some lovely bloggers (Reading Teen, Novel Thoughts, WhoRU) I was invited to hang out and schmooze with a group of amazing authors all set in an amazing rooftop locale that overlooked The Hudson River. It was a spectacular view! But more importantly it was fabulous company. Another bevy of authors that included Lenore, Tamara Ireland Stone (who is super sweet!), Jenny Han, Gretchen McNeil, Alex Bracken and many MANY more. It was an excellent opportunity to hang out and chat with authors and fellow bloggers without necessarily being pitched books. It was a totally chill atmosphere. The highlight of this event has to be hanging out with Stacey and Shannan from Girls in the Stacks. It was so great to chat with them.
Thursday & Friday
The show was officially over as of 3pm but I had already left the Javitz and was napping by 1. I knew I had plans to meet friends for cocktails then off to a dinner date with others. having been more active this week than I have been in some time I was exhausted. My body just wasn't having it. So in the end I slept all day, made it to cocktails but unfortunately didn't get far enough to enjoy dinner. Which really did suck because I was looking forward to hanging out with Chelsy!
Friday (after at least 16 hours of sleep) I was able to make it Brooklyn for a super chill BBQ held by the folks at Paper Lantern Lit. Again, thanks to the +1 magic of Lenore I had the chance to hang out and gab about the week's events with Thea and Ana, Anna, and Mitali. I also met Lauren Oliver, Elizabeth Miles, Kate Ellison and had a very lovely conversation with Fiona Paul. I'm now looking forward to her forthcoming release Venom more than ever.
Oh and Friday brought with it the only subway ride of the week. I'm more of a cab girl but I sucked it up (aren't you proud Shanyn?) and did finished off my New York experience in typical style!
The Floor
Tuesday through Thursday I browsed the expo floor and was so fortunate to pick up some really great titles to read and review. I also had the opportunity to speak with some wonderful folks who are passionate about what I picked up. I think I've mentioned before that I'm not much of a line stander so I didn't do much in the way of autographing. The one line I did stand in was for Sarah Crossen's Breath. After hearing about it at the Harper preview I knew I wanted it as quickly as possible so I sucked it up and stood in her autograph line. I also waited a bit for Melissa Marr's Carnival of Souls. I loved the Wicked Lovely series and am eager to see how this new one reads.
In general the floor felt more crowded (especially on Wednesday) this year than last. BUT, even though it was super busy I didn't observe any hideous behavior. No biting, pushing, grabbing or the like. It was really refreshingly tame in that regard. I think on the whole we book bloggers did good!
The Company
I can't tell you enough how much I adore you all. I spent so much time with my friends and colleagues and was so lucky to have made so many new ones as well. I know everyone says it, and I know that it may sound trite, but the very best part of BEA is being in the same place at the same time with "my people". There is so much discussion of books and blogging that I don't get anywhere else it makes the whole trip all the more worthwhile. I'm telling you, if you are on the fence about coming in to NYC for BEA let this aspect of the trip tip you over in favor of attendance. It is SO worth the price to be able to hang out with everyone. I'm so glad to have spent quality time and share in Lenore's big Level 2 debut. I'm also super jazzed to have gotten the chance to speak more at length with Jenny. Finally, it was awesome to be able to work some Literary Logistics magic with Shanyn in person! Sincerely, I was a lucky girl to hang out with so many awesome and lovely people.
All in all it was a great week filled with great people! I'm sure I've missed something so forgive me if it's you or your event. This is one week that I'll be recovering from for a while but also one that is worth that extended couch time.


text:
Here's a look at what's making headlines for Wednesday, July 25:
Department of Corrections warns of inmate releaseThe South Dakota Department of Corrections is warning the public about the release of an inmate who refused sex offender treatment.
Adrian Sod owner indicted on 45 counts of tax fraudThe owner of Adrian Sod faces a lengthy indictment for charges he willfully failed to pay his taxes for over a decade and tried to hide his assets from the Internal Revenue Service.
Neighbors React to Drug Free Zone Drug BustIf you have kids, you probably worry about keeping them safe from drugs. KSFY News talked to several people Tuesday about a drug bust in their own neighborhood.
Appeals court upholds South Dakota abortion suicide advisoryA federal appeals court has upheld a portion of a 2005 South Dakota law that requires a doctor to tell a woman seeking an abortion that she faces an increased risk of suicide.
Sioux Falls Pantry Summer NeedsDonations might always be top of mind during the Holiday season. However, Food Pantry organizers say it can be easy to forget that donations are still needed during the Summer months.


text:
By Jennifer Emert - bio | email ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Southwest Georgia Chapter and the Middle Flint Chapter are merging to form the Flint River chapter.
Offices in Americus and Albany will remain open, and the blended staff will include no layoffs and in some cases the addition of personnel.
Officials say the current economy requires Red Cross chapter to work together like never before to share resources to get the job done.
The organization is actively recruiting more volunteers, especially with the threat of hurricane season.
©2010 WALB News. All rights reserved. Feedback
P.O. Box 3130
Albany, GA 31706
(229) 446-1010
FCC Public File
(229) 446-4005
EEO Report
Closed Captioning