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Privacy and Cookies
Australia's Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand (ANZ) plan to launch a trans-Tasman alliance, and will apply for regulatory approval today.
The alliance will allow the carriers to work together on route and product planning, code sharing and frequent flyer programme benefits, they say.
They will file applications with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the New Zealand transport ministry today, the airlines add.
The authorities will likely take about six months to review the applications, say the carriers.
Under the alliance, the carriers will launch a code share arrangement covering all Tasman sectors operated by either airline, and domestic Australian and New Zealand sectors as part of a connecting Tasman journey.
Revenue generated from all Tasman sectors operated by either airline will be allocated between the two carriers, and a joint trans-Tasman network planning and revenue management team will oversee the Tasman operation.
The carriers will also launch a frequent flyer programme which will offer reciprocal benefits for members of both airlines' loyalty programmes, as well as a lounge co-operation agreement.
The alliance, however, will not cover domestic-only travel in either Australia or New Zealand, and the two carriers do not plan to take a shareholding in each other, say the airlines.
"By combining our New Zealand customer base with the strong market presence that Virgin Blue has in Australia, additional flights and new routes will make sense much more quickly," says ANZ's CEO Rob Fyfe.
"The ability to offer Air New Zealand codeshare flights to domestic destinations in Australia, and Virgin Blue codeshare flights to regional destinations in New Zealand as part of connecting Tasman journeys will be a great benefit to our frequent flyers and a boost for tourism in both countries."
Virgin Blue's CEO Brett Godfrey says the alliance will stimulate more competition in the Australasian aviation industry.
"A great alliance should deliver great value and consistent product and service standards and that is where we will make new inroads," he adds.
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Hi ladies!!!
I have Factor V diagnosed with my first. He ended up coming into this world early, but is doing MUCH better. Anyways, after 2 years on mirena, I had ENOUGH of the bleeding!! Seriously, I'm not sure I ever quit bleeding while it was in. My OB also had enough and decided to take it out. It's been almost two months and only one small period (going in next week for scans to make sure no cysts are developing and to get a good look at everything... I've taken like 4 pregnancy tests just to make sure!!! I want more kids, just not right now.). I'm loving the bleeding-free, but it would make both me and my fiance (not my son's father..) feel far better if there were alittle more BC coverage. We've been practicing Natural family planning and using barriers when needed... but I'm wondering if I would do better on the Paraguard IUD? Has anyone had experience with Paraguard and Factor 5?

subset: commoncrawl


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Strawberry Festival in Tequesta: Cool, crisp and sweet
On Saturday, March 2, the First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta had its 37th annual Strawberry Festival.
It was a beautiful crisp spring day for approximately 1,000 people that attended the festival.
Visitors were lined up early in hopes of getting the best bargains.
There were plenty of activities, including a silent auction, face painting and new this year, a Strawberry Shortcake bounce house, which the youth thoroughly enjoyed.
But mostly, the main attraction every year is the home made jam and fresh strawberries from Plant City. And this year was no exception.
The Strawberry Festival was a huge success, and everyone at the church thanks the wonderful community for their continued support.
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Asahiyama Zoo
Notices concerning event schedules or the opening period are posted here.
Asahikawa Shimin Bunka Kaikan (Civic Hall)
Notices concerning events taking place in each of the halls and exhibition rooms are posted here.
Asahikawa Kominkan (Community Center)
Introduces the various activities of the groups and circles that use the community center.
Taisetsu Crystal Hall
Notices concerning seminars, concerts and other such events that take place in the meeting rooms and concert hall are posted here.
Asahikawa Convention Bureau
Information about events taking place in Asahikawa and the surrounding area is posted here.
Kamui Mintaland
Year round event information for the Kamikawa district is posted here.
Asahikawa Art Gallery
Year round event information, annual exhibition information and descriptions of the exhibits are posted here.
Asahikawa Youth Science Museum
Introduction of various classes being held, event notices, and planetarium information are posted here.
Asahikawa Library
Information on events including exhibitions and book reading meetings are posted here.
Asahikawa International Vasa Ski Competition
Detailed information about the date, place, etc. is posted here.
Asahikawa Parks
Nature experience study event information, and notices concerning various courses are posted here.
(c)Asahikawa City.All rights reserved.


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We offer and have friendly packages ranging from Kenya Luxury safaris and Tanzania Safaris as well. We are committed in offering sustainable and affordable friendly Kilimanjaro Trekking as well as Mt. Kenya Hiking Tours. Adventure Africa Expedition East Africa is among the finest Kenya Budget Tour Operators and Tanzania luxury lodge itineraries that offers a level of product, excellence service through experience and value that is second to none in Kenya Budget Camping. Kenya Safaris, Kenya Lodge Safaris, Birds of East Africa, Cultural Safaris as well as L. Turkana Expedition are the most preferred by luxury tourists and low budget backpacker travelers. As a proud affiliate of Child Focus Africa which is a Children's Special Needs Unit in Migwani http://childfocusafrica.org, we honestly understand the needs of disadvantaged kids and commit ourselves to providing an excellent pocket friendly and cheap East Africa Safari Expedition where by approximately 10% of this trip price goes directly to support the Migwani Initiative through Child Focus Africa which is Kenya and Tanzania Expedition safari of a life time experience.
4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari in Luxury lodges safari to the world famous Masai Mara National Park and Lake Nakuru. This 4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Lodge Safari takes you to the Masai Mara through the Masai Plains where you have two days of game viewing before proceeding to the Lake Nakuru National Park on the floor of the Great Rift Valley for more wildlife viewing that includes birding as you enjoy the sight of thousands of pink flamingos that make the park famous. All your meals and accommodation is in top-flight safari lodges and luxury tented camps.
Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara (Approx Transit time: 5½ hrs)
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive to the floor of the Rift Valley, traversing the plains of Masai land to Masai Mara Game Park arriving at this world famous wildlife sanctuary in time for lunch. Afternoon game viewing is followed by dinner and an overnight stay at a Luxury Camp or Safari Lodge.
Day 2: Masai Mara Full Day
Spend the day in Masai Mara, Kenya's most popular game sanctuary where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five - lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. Game drives
This popular 3 days Masai Mara Camping Safari departs daily from our offices in Nairobi. It is a 3 Days budget camping safari to the world famous Masai Mara National Park that leaves Nairobi in the morning and reaches the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley before descending to the floor of this mighty canyon.The safari traverses the Masai Plains and lunch is taken on transit.
Arrive in the Masai Mara Safari Park in the evening and spend the next two days exploring the wildlife sanctuary and enjoy the Masai Mara Safari of a lifetime. All meals and overnight stays are at the campsite.
Pick from your Nairobi hotel. 08.00Am, Depart for the Masai Mara Game Reserve, stopping at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley and at Narok town for lunch. Arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive in this park, which is essentially the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park as an artificial border only separates the two. Dinner and overnight will at the Mara camp.
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Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is also one of the world's highest free standing mountains with its bulk looming ... Read More
Departure Dates 2015
1st July & 13th June , 2015
3 Days Masai Mara Safari
3rd July & 4th July , 2015
3 Days Masai Mara Camping Tented Safari
6th & 9th July 2015
3 Days Masai Mara Semi Luxury Camping
10th & 12th July ,2015
3 Days Maasai Mara Camping Safari
7th July and 9th July 2015
4 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
8th July 2015
3 Days Maasai Mara Camping Safari
3rd July 2015
5 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
4th July 2015,
4 days Tsavo West and Amboseli Tour
5th July 2015
6 Days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Mara
6th July 2015
9 Days -Tanzania and Kenya Adventure
10th July , 2015
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
13th and 17th July 2015
4 Days Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara Tour
12th August 2015
16 July 2015
3 Days Budget Camping Safari
6th July 2015
4 Days Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara Safari
10th July 2015
5 Days Masai Mara/Lake Naivasha/Nakuru Safari
12th July 2015
6 Days Amboseli/Nakuru/Masai Mara
3rd July 2015
7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Machame
17th July 2015
8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
19th August , 2015
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing
3rd July 2015 Wildebeest Migration
7 Days Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari
10th July 2015
8 Days Kenya Best Lodge Safari In July
Dickson Wambugu is the Chief Tour Guide and the Expedition trip leader both local and international ... Read More
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It's not every day that a New York-based sportswear label hits it big in celeb-centric L.A., but Zoa did it with ease. Since 2005, this youthful clothing line has been tempering East Coast chic with a casual, "effortless sophistication" that vibes with free-flowing southern California. Preshrunk cotton trapeze tops, swingy dresses, silk tunics with short sleeves, and narrow leggings are just some of Zoa's carefree separates, which Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston wear during downtime. Each season, Zoa puts a relaxed spin on the latest fashion trends — making the brand accessible to budget-conscious women who love couture.
Got a dresser full of tops and tees that are ever-so-slightly past their prime? This sale is here to help! Grab must-have styles from a selection of labels known for their super-soft materials and flattering cuts. Your wardrobe will thank you!
Who ever said casual has to read sloppy? Ease in to cooler temps with relaxed yet fashion-forward pieces from some of our favorite labels. This sale is chock full of laid-back pieces rendered in unexpected silhouettes: Knit sweaters offer refined coziness, draped jersey dresses are super-soft and surprisingly sexy, and blouses, tees, and more make for beautifully cut, perfect-for-layering basics. Pieces have such a comfy, no-fuss feel, you won't want to take them off.
Cut loose in Zoa's voluminous yet body-conscious looks. Expect to find on-trend sequined sweaters, easy sweater dresses, jersey leggings, and playful jumpsuits — all the oh-so-comfortable pieces that put a twist on the basics.
If you've been going steady with black for years, it's time to get a crush on a new color — and this eye-popping accessories sale has the season's trendiest hues (neon pink! tangerine!) splashed across iPad easels, phone cases, and more. Breathe new life into your wardrobe with these fabulous finds.


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- Category: Capped
- Written by Eric Daoust
Looking at depth players that have signed unusually large contracts…
Building a successful team in a salary cap league usually involves a combination of highly-paid elite-level stars along with some cheap depth producers that make it possible to afford the elite while still offering a reasonable amount of production. The stars, while offering outstanding production, are also more likely to continue the trend in the coming years. On the other hand, the depth guys may one day get big raises of their own and in other cases their time eventually passes and the team can then find the next inexpensive solution.
In multi-category leagues, owners have the benefit of having access to some true bottom-six NHL talent that still offer excellent production. Their role indicates that they will generally be paid a lower dollar figure which will not change much unless the player in question rises up the depth chart.
Changing trend?
This summer we have seen some examples of this trend perhaps changing. In some instances established depth players have been signing some unusually-large contracts that severely hurt their fantasy value. Here are a few cases:
- Lars Eller ($3,500,000)
- Deryk Engelland ($2,916,667)
- Leo Komarov ($2,950,000)
- Nick Spaling ($2,200,000)
- Brandon Sutter ($3,300,000)
The impact of these contracts is pretty substantial. For example, Engelland has been an excellent PIM/Hit/Blk combo player over the last couple years while Eller offers surprising all-around production despite his disappointing offensive numbers.
Some of these guys are more fantasy-relevant than others but the overall theme is the larger dollar figures. Even with the salary cap going up every year these are substantial raises. Even if their real-life value justifies the contract, in fantasy land it could make the player not worth owning.
Of course, there were many depth players that signed some very reasonable deals this summer and remain at a bargain level for the foreseeable future. Here are some examples:
- Matt Bartkowski ($1,250,000)
- Casey Cizikas ($1,000,000)
- Joe Colborne ($1,275,000)
- Jimmy Hayes ($925,000)
- Matthew Lombardi ($800,000)
Here we have an interesting group of players. Bartkowski instantly became an effective all-around fantasy contributor in part because of the strong team around him while Colborne and Hayes are newcomers that have finally shown signs of life. Rounding out the group are Cizikas and Lombardi, a pair of centers with good defensive abilities.
The key with these five names is that they have all shown promise over the past year. A case could be made that each of them could have earned more money this summer. But they did not and their smaller cap hits make them more valuable in leagues with scoring setups that suit them.
What does this mean?
While there have been some instances of bottom-six talent earning big contracts recently, there are still tons of players that sign the very affordable contracts that cap league owners are looking for. It may simply be a case of bottom-six talent being more prone to unusual raises in the future than they have been in the past.
In the end, during the free agency period players are simply looking to earn as much money as they can. With many of the league's top stars already signed to long-term contracts, the lower tiers are left to fight for the remaining dollars. Under the right conditions a player can earn a lot of cash.
In fantasy hockey, this could mean that your cap bargain players will become more risky in the coming years. It could lead to you having to scramble more during the summer months to find replacements. If you do your homework ahead of time you may be able to get yourself out of trouble before it arrives.
Finding cap bargain alternatives
The easiest way to replace a departing player on your squad is to have the solution in-house already. In many keeper formats teams have prospect lists and farm teams that can be used to hold on to prospects and young NHL players. Generally there are age or career GP restrictions that determine a player's eligibility for the farm and/or prospect rosters. Use these rules to your advantage.
Unless the prospect is so good that he cannot be kept down, keep him on the farm team for as long as possible. Find a more immediate veteran on the waiver wire or try to acquire one for scraps in a trade. This will improve your team's depth by allowing you to hold on to more NHL-ready players which gives you options when your hand is forced and you have to make a move.
Most importantly, stay involved in your quest to discover new talent. If your league has been around for a few years, then most likely Radko Gudas and Antoine Roussel were on your league's waiver wire at one point. If you can be the one that lands such a gem it can go a long way towards turning a good squad into a contender. Even if you hit a single instead of a home run, it can at least get you out of a mess if one of your depth players becomes overpaid and loses his cap-league appeal.
Recently from Eric:
Capped: The Value of PK Subban
Capped: Five Defensemen Who May Disappoint Their Fantasy Owners


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Larry Black of Roscoe was elected President of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council (TACC) at the recent Joint Cooperative Meeting for the 2013-2014 year. Black is the general manager for the Central Rolling Plains Cooperative in Roscoe. Black started in the co-op industry in 1981 as a suction hand at Quanah Farmers Co-op located in northern Texas. He became manager at Quanah in 1987. In 2002, Black moved to Roscoe to manage Roscoe Co-op, which became Central Rolling Plains Co-op in 2007 following the merger of Roscoe and Inadale Co-ops, orchestrated by Black.
The County-City Library continues to be a vital part of the community and the number of patrons continues to grow and every part of the library is used on a regular basis to serve the people of the community.
Johnny Cash fans will have the opportunity to relive a Cash performance by way of Bennie Wheels, who will make his way to Sweetwater again. This Johnny Cash tribute artist will put on a show at the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium Saturday, March 30, performing many of Cash's hits. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Sweetwater Municipal Band will not be a part of the musical entertainment as planned, but instead Crystal Meneses will open for Wheels.
A few Woman's Forum members met at the County-City Library recently to assemble Library Tag Day letters to be mailed.
Library Tag Day will be held Wednesday, April 3. Anyone wishing to give a donation may take it to the County-City Library.
Members pictured are Linda Everhart, Kathy Shadley, Jana Fry and Karan Bergstrom. Attending the meeting but not pictured is Betty Ayres.
As a result of unopposed candidates, the Nolan County Hospital District (NCHD) will also be canceling their election on Saturday, May 11.
The cancellation was approved by the NCHD board during their meeting at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (RPMH) on Monday night. The following directors were uncontested and will serve a new, two-year term: Linda Kite, District 2; Steve Holcomb, District 4; Jose Villafranca, District 6 and Kirby Andrews, District 7.
The Sweetwater ISD (Independent School District) Maintenance Department has recently completed many projects and are already looking ahead to their summer plans.
The construction/maintenance update was given by Scott Lambert, the district's maintenance director, during the March meeting of the SISD Board of Trustees.
As mentioned in last month's meeting, the west side ticket booth at the Mustang Bowl will be remodeled this summer to look similar to the booth on the south end. Pillars will be placed from the end of the tennis courts to the bus barn.
The Sweetwater Police Department (SPD) received 52 calls for service, issued no citations and made four arrests on Mar. 27, 2013.
The SPD received 36, 911 calls.
• 1000 block of E. Broadway.
Calls for service:
• Credit card abuse — Sweetwater.
• Burglary of a vehicle — 1700 block of Hailey.
Arrested by SPD:
• Irene Guerro, 40 — Theft.
• Ernesto Guerro-Resendes, 27 — Theft.
• Jimmy McQueen, 21 — Theft/public intoxication.
• Shanna Metcalf, 22 — Warrants.
Your Good Friday forecast is bringing in a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. Otherwise, we'll see partly sunny skies with a high near 79 with southern winds at 15 to 20 mph. Gusts could be as high as 25 mph.
Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 58. Winds will be from the south at 10 to 20 mph.
On Saturday, we'll see highs in the 80s and lows in the upper 50s. Winds will shift throughout the day from the south to west-southwest and in the evening will come from the east with gusts as high as 20 mph.
High Sky Children's Ranch and the West Texas Children's Advocacy Center have once again partnered to host the Eighth Annual West Texas Child Abuse Awareness Family FunFair in Sweetwater. The FunFair will be held at the Nolan County Coliseum Annex on Wednesday, April 10, from 4-6:30 p.m. The Time of Remembrance will start at 6 p.m. and organizers ask that everybody stay for the ceremony honoring children who have been victims of child abuse.


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John Madden, Charles Barkley, Morgan Freeman and George W. Bush may never end up in a conversation together, but Frank Caliendo can make it happen.
The comedian's impersonations of all of the above, plus scores of other famous people, have led to a lucrative comedy career that's included a role on MADtv, recurring appearances on Fox NFL Sunday and his own TBS series, "Frank TV."
But before he made people laugh on TV screens, he was joking around in Milwaukee. Born in Chicago, Caliendo moved with his family to Waukesha when he was 4 and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
He'll be back home Saturday for a 7 p.m. show at the Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tickets are $35.75 to $45.75 at the box office, (414) 286-3663 and pabsttheater.org.


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YIELD: Serves 8
For ice cream:
Combine pears, pear nectar and lemon juice in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Transfer to processor; puree until smooth. Chill until cold.
Whisk yolks and sugar in medium bowl to blend. Bring 1 cup cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot cream into yolk mixture. Return to same saucepan. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into mixture; add bean. Stir over low heat until custard thickens and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 7 minutes (do not boil). Pour through strainer into bowl. Mix in 1 cup cream. Cool 15 minutes.
Add corn syrup and 3 cups pear puree to custard and whisk until blended (reserve any remaining pear puree for another use). Chill custard until cold, at least 4 hour or overnight.
Transfer custard to ice cream maker. Process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to covered container and freeze. (Can be made 2 days ahead.)
For compote:
Combine wine, sugar and cloves in heavy large saucepan. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into saucepan; add bean. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Add pears; simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pears to medium bowl. Boil liquid in saucepan until slightly thickened and syrupy, adding any juices from bowl of pears, about 12 minutes. Pour over pears. Chill until cold, at least 4 hours or overnight. Discard vanilla bean and cloves (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.)
Scoop ice cream into goblets. Spoon pears and syrup over and serve.


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YIELD: Serves 4
Light the grill. In a medium-sized, nonreactive bowl, toss the fish with lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and Chipotle Rub. Cover, refrigerate, and let marinate about 1 hour. Oil grill and cook fish over a hot fire until lightly charred and medium-rare (it should still be pink in the middle), about 3 minutes.
In a warm bowl (so fish does not cool too much), shred fish. Taste for seasoning and sprinkle with a little more Chipotle Rub and lime juice, if needed. Top with radish and scallion and serve warm with salsa and tortillas.
La Parilla: The Mexican Grill
Chronicle Books


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Phuket Travel Guide
From beaches to bars to cultural attractions, there is no way you'll be left wondering what to do in Phuket. If it's a romantic getaway, family vacation, or trip with friends, there are plenty of tourist and local hangouts alike to keep you busy and having fun. Tawan Cruises facilitate luxury charters with vibrant views of Thailand and all of the beauty and exotic appeal it has to offer. Whether you choose a day trip, overnight stay or an extended cruise, you'll be able to experience the island's popping marine life and breathtaking views. In case you were wondering, raves are still among one of the popular things to do in Phuket. Channel your inner Leo DiCaprio (circa The Beach, 2000) at Thailand's Full Moon Festival. Self-proclaimed to be the world's biggest beach party, the all-night festivities on Haad Rin Beach attract about 10,000 partygoers who just want to dance like no one's watching with the white sand beneath their feet.
Destination Spa Spa-obsessed jet-setters, take note: Six Senses has brought the best of Southeast Asia's healing arts to a speck of land off Phuket's eastern coast. A 26-acre retreat houses four individual spas—yes, four—each dedicated to Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, or Thai traditions.
You can find yourself on a beach in Phuket with literally thousands of people. Charter a boat from Tawan Cruises at the Yacht Haven Marina to go someplace special. Racha Noi is an island to the sound, and on its leeward side is a sheltered cove that's a g
Racha Noi is an island to the sound, and on its leeward side is a sheltered cove that's a great place to spend the day completely alone.


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Cheese Scones (Biscuits)
30 Aug 2009
These cheese scones are prepared with cheddar cheese and self raising flour. Baked in the oven with a scone dough of flour with milk, cheese and butter spiced with cayenne pepper, the cheese scones are savory and can be served with tea as snacks.
|Self rising flour
|8 Ounce
|1 Pinch
|Cayenne pepper
|1 Pinch
|1 1⁄2 Ounce
|Cheddar cheese
|4 Ounce, finely grated
|5 Ounce
Heat the oven to 425°F (Gas Mark 7, 220°C).
Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Rub the butter into the flour till the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Mix in the grated cheese.
Add enough milk to the mixture to make an elastic dough.
Transfer on to a floured pastry board and roll out to 3/4 inch thickness.
Cut into rounds with a 2 inch plain cutter.
Brush the scones with milk and place on a greased baking tray.
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
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Cheese Scones (Biscuits) Recipe


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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Schneider can't get Devils two points as another lead slips away in 3-2 overtime loss in Vancouver
Cory Schneider said "it was fun", but it was hard to hide that it would have been a lot more fun if he had walked out of Rogers Arena tonight with a victory.
Fittingly, it came down to a duel between Schneider and his old goaltending partner Roberto Luongo that required overtime to decide a winner. Defenseman Jason Garrrison gave Vancouver a 3-2 victory with his goal 2:18 into the extra session at Rogers Arena.
Schneider said never saw Garrison's right point wrist shot sailed in over his left shoulder thanks to Mike Santorelli's screen in front.
"I saw Garrison walk to the middle there and kind of looked one way and the next thing you knew it was in the net," Schneider said. "There was just some traffic there and I didn't work hard enough to find it."
Now 0-1-3, the Devils have lost their opening four games for the first time since 2001-02 when they got off to a 0-3-1 start.
"It's frustrating because we're getting ones and we need twos," said Schneider, referring to the team getting one point from each of their two shootout losses and Tuesday's overtime loss. "We've been in pretty much every game and controlled parts of them, but we just haven't been able to put 60 or 65 minutes together strong. We see glimpses of it and then you see glimpses of struggling and trying to work the system out. But we've got to start putting W's up on the board."
It was one of those games that in a different situation the Devils would called it a gritty effort on the second night of back-to-back games and be happy to get one point. But, after blowing a 3-0 third period lead in Monday's 5-4 shootout loss in Edmonton, they let a 2-0 second period lead slip away tonight and one point was hardly satisfying for a team looking for its first win.
"It was a tough loss last night and we emotionally rebounded," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. "We were ready to play. I thought we had an excellent first period. We could have had a couple more goals. So, that's a credit to our guys and how they responded to last night. From there, it was a good hockey game. We got on our heels a little bit in the second and got away from our game plan, but we found a way to get it back in the third."
"We had the lead again," said Jaromir Jagr, who had a goal and an assist. "We have to start playing better with the lead. It's not easy to get a lead in this league and we had it the last two games – 3-0 and 2-0 – and we still get only one point or two points together.
"We should get more points than that."
Schneider finished with 29 saves. Luongo made 22. Much was made of Schneider's return to Vancouver for the first time since the June 30 trade that made him a Devil and his head-to-head match-up with Luongo.
Over the past two seasons, the two goaltenders were the subject of much debate over which one should be the team's No. 1 goaltender. That debate ended when the Canucks traded Schneider to the Devils on June 30 for the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft.
The fans showed their appreciation for Schneider with a loud ovation when his picture was shown on the scoreboard video screen before the opening faceoff. By the end of the second period, though, they were jeering him like any other visiting goaltender.
"It was fun," Schneider said. "It was a great environment, great atmosphere. Real nice of them to show (him) on the screen at the start. That was a pretty nice touch by them, but once the puck dropped we had our hands full. They play hard and they're tough to play against."
Schneider and Luongo stretched on opposite sides of the red line during pre-game warm-ups and chatted briefly before heading off to the business of the night. Schneider claimed he couldn't remember what he and Luongo said to each other.
"I think we were just joking around about something," said Schneider, who planned to talk to Luongo after the game. "I can't remember to be honest."
Once the puck was dropped, the joking was over. Schneider knew as well as anyone the quality of opponent the Devils were facing.
"Against that team at home, I know first hand how good they are," Schneider said. "They come out hard and they keep pressing. They're relentless on the puck and they made it touch for us. With (Luongo) at the other end, you've got to match him save for save because he's not going to give you much."
DeBoer thought Schneider did his part.
"I thought he was fantastic," he said.
The Devils wanted to get a win for Schneider nearly as much as they wanted one for the team.
"It would be nice," Jagr said. "It's too late to talk about it right now because we didn't, but he was playing excellent. He kept us in the game and he was the reason why we had the 2-0 lead."
When you have yet to win a game, it's difficult to grasp for positives, but that's what the Devils are forced to do.
"We're close," said center Patrik Elias, who came close to winning it for the Devils late in regulation by deflecting Marek Zidlicky's shot just over the crossbar. "We're doing some good things, but the game changes the pace and everything. We were up by two and then they started coming in the second period and we had a hard time. So, we have to realize that and keep it simple and get it behind them. They were pinching. They kept us pinched in our zone and they were getting good chances and at that time when you're playing with the lead we've got to learn that.
"We've got to just get it out of the zone and play in the neutral zone maybe. In the third, I thought we were better, but we had a couple lines playing well tonight and a couple lines were off, which is OK. That's going to happen, but we've got to start getting more and more guys playing on the same page."
The Devils continue their five-game road trip Friday night in Calgary. Having an 0-0-2 record after the first two games – after leading in both games – is far from satisfying, but DeBoer believes the positive results will come eventually.
"It's a waste of energy to get frustrated," DeBoer said. "It's four games. We've got 78 to go. We're doing a lot of good things. We're on the road here. We've had only one game at home and these are some tough buildings. We're getting better. We're doing a lot of good things and we'll get rewarded for it."


text:
Why Are You Here?
Donald Maass on Apr 02 2014 | Filed under: CRAFT, REAL WORLD
It was the best of spring breaks, it was the worst of spring breaks. Two weeks. Yep, my kid's private school takes off not one but two weeks. Did I mention it was two weeks? In March? When public schools aren't out? When there's only one week of sports camp offered? When babysitters–such as but not limited to my wife–are themselves in school or otherwise unavailable?
So, last week I spent five mornings with my kid. He's six, an only child and easily bored. It was a challenge but I decided to make it fun. We had adventures. One of them took us to the Liberty Science Center, a museum for kids in Jersey City. He loves science. Perfect, I thought.
It was the best of spring breaks, it was the worst of spring breaks. The LSC was mobbed with school groups, loud, raucous and restless. My kid, who is adopted, suffers from PTSD. The noise and milling children at the museum took him instantly back to his orphanage. The effect was familiar: He mentally and emotionally detached from me. He ran from exhibit to exhibit, frantic and unfocused. He could not hear my voice. If I glanced away I lost sight of him.
I asked myself, why am I here? What was I thinking? Trapped in Jersey City. Only a few map miles from home in Brooklyn, true, but in traffic miles an epic journey away. I felt lost, helpless and responsible for a kid who was himself lost and helpless. How could I reach him? He was only a few feet away but might as well have been on the Moon.
Then I remembered why I was there. I love my kid. I love him more powerfully than I've ever loved anyone or anything. Why is it that? He's my kid, sure, but it's more than that. This particular kid owns my heart because he's so much like me. That's odd to say since we're different races and he's good at math, but it's true.
He's a kid who is dislocated. So was I as a kid. It was in ways milder than he's experienced but the effect was similar. I never felt like I belonged where I was.
I took my kid away from the noisy exhibits and to the cafeteria. We got food. We sat in a quiet corner far away from the school groups. We goofed around. I suggested we go to a movie in the Imax theatre. We saw a movie about the Ice Age, wooly mammoths and their extinction. He was rapt. Afterwards he asked a hundred questions. He's seen death, this kid, and the movie stirred him in deep ways. He feels like a saber toothed tiger, sometimes, ferociously alive yet like he's being sucked into a tar pit. I get it. We talked.
My kid and I are the same.
So are you and your protagonist.
Why is your main character here, in this story that you're writing? Your character is here for the same reason that you are. Answer the question for yourself and you'll answer it for your character. You will also discover your character's deepest inner need, which in turn points to what must happen in order to know, thwart and finally fulfill that need.
Why are you writing this story? How does it connect to you? What in your protagonist's experience parallels your own? What need is most like yours? What fear is closest to your own darkest dread? What decision has an impossible cost, a cost you've paid yourself? When in the story could you be sitting in your protagonist's place? Why there and then?
Write all of that down. (No, I mean write it down right now.) Look not for generalized empathy but for specific ways in which your own life and your protagonist's life are in parallel. Find the moments of strongest connection. Now make them stronger. Remove the distance between you and your character. When you feel the most for what your character is going through, let your feelings flow from inside you onto the page. How do you get it? What can you say? What do you want your character, and us, to know? How can you convey that you understand? What can you show your character to do?
What you're writing down is the key to your main character's most fundamental conflict—and its solution. From here you can build backwards and pour that conflict into the very foundation of your character's life at the story's start. You can construct the story events to draw your protagonist both toward and away from what he or she needs to resolve that conflict. The inner yearning and outward journey will feel real because they are: They are yours.
What, ultimately, is the purpose of your story? It might be a story of extinction but probably it is a story of survival, if not growth. It is a grappling with life and death, actual or spiritual or both. It's that big. It is. You know that because you've lived it. Now write it.
About Donald Maass
Donald Maass is president of the Donald Maass Literary Agency. He has written several highly acclaimed craft books for novelists including The Breakout Novelist, The Fire in Fiction, Writing the Breakout Novel and The Career Novelist.
92 Responses to "Why Are You Here?"
You forgot to mention how much it hurts.
Not that you shouldn't do it because of that, but the pain is very real. It is also an indicator of how close you are.
One of the most precious accounts of a father's true love for his child. Moving, Don. Thanks for sharing. I would say this kid will grow up with a powerful sense of what it is to be loved unconditionally. And yes, there is a piece of me in each of my protagonists. Sometimes the piece is bigger than in others, but it's there. Most of the time they figure things out before I do.
Don – You have a special way of taking us on a journey. It's so concise, always packed with powerful phrasing. The stories that lead to the lessons are lessons themselves. Trapped in Jersey City sounds like a song title. I think I can write it just from what you've said here, and I'm not even a songwriter.
Regarding my story, sometimes I worry. Not that there is so much of me in there, but more that I was so blind to so much for so long. I know I should never compare myself to others, but it's hard not to notice the rate at which writers crank out stories. And here I am, years on, discovering coal-smeared facets I should've long ago shaped and polished. I suppose that's one of the things that makes my journey uniquely mine.
Thanks for prompting me to pick up a pencil and notebook on the spot. I think I see the glint of another unrevealed surface in my notes. And thanks for prompting me to keep digging, as well as polishing.
The first book takes the longest. Don't fret. The process gets easier.
Let me add this, too: For series writers the process can get too easy, fooling them into thinking they're answering the question posed in my title today, when they're not.
Working parents have it tough, but you're a better man for having your son in your life. Your love is beautiful and fierce. It is what I have for my protagonist. Today, I will sit down and answer your questions, not just for my MC, but also for the antagonists and other major players, for a piece of me is in each of them.
We also have a longish spring break beginning Maundy Thu :) and I doubt anybody will want to return to school after that … it is much too beautiful outside.
What an inspiration to write the story festering in me!
My story wasn't too pleasant for me, so why would it be interesting to anybody else?
That's the voice in my head. But the voice in my heart says (just as you say) "… it is a story of survival, if not growth."
It's a blockbuster and it's all mine!
You are a gem of a writer and writing coach, Donald. Thanks for this post today.
Fierce. I love that word, esp. with regard to the love you feel for a child.. I had one of those hard talks about the past with my 6 mo. pregnant daughter (her 2 year old in the back seat) in a car where there's nowhere to run. Talk about crucibles. But as we dredged up old hurts, I kept thinking about how the emotional buck gets passed between generations, and how deep these things run. I thought about my protagonist. And yes, she's me. I gave her longer legs, though. Thanks you, Don.
Hi Don:
Your kid is so lucky to have you for a dad, because you really do "get it." And because he fascinates you, and will continue to fascinate you. This unique human puzzle who is your son, and which somehow became yours to solve.
Human puzzles and writing puzzles have a lot in common, it seems!
Thanks for making me think, as always.
I like your advice on this process Don. "From here you can build backwards and pour that conflict into the very foundation of your character's life at the story's start." That's so interesting to hear you say, "building backwards." I'm working on a ghost story right now: a story between a live person and a dead person. My mom is 94 years old and close to death. I have unresolved issues with my mom and I'm beginning to see unresolved issues in the characters in my ghost story. "Look for the parallel" you say, "let your feelings flow from inside." It's not so easy, though, is it? The personal part and finding the courage to explore those deep feelings inside; this first step is quite scary, that is, grappling with the truth. As Alicia says "it hurts." That is essentially what you're saying to do? Go into the pain?
Two weeks ago, I killed my laptop with a cup of tea. Yesterday, after the process of buying and setting up a desktop (a keyboard will be cheaper to replace than a laptop the next time I'm clumsy), I agonized over restoring my data from a backup server. After some God-sent and oh-so competent help from the right support person (because it was going badly), my research and novel suddenly appeared on my screen. The feeling was kin to the relief of finding a child who had disappeared in a crowd.
I often get writers block when it comes to having to re-feel what the character is going through but, after losing that character for two weeks, I realize what a privilege it is to be writing her story.
We adopted too, only, we adopted our dad. There's a 100% chance he won't see this, so it's all good.
He was born in a war zone, we both know what that does to a person, and we'll leave it at that.
My books will all be anchored in Navajo history, specifically The Long Walk, and their captivity of the Navajo Nation from 1864 to 1868, in New Mexico.
Near extinction, survival, brokenness, freedom, and the cost of freedom, even for those who weren't held captive and escaped the horrors.
As just about any student of history knows, a survivor is only so physically, for no one survives emotionally and psychologically. All who endure are damaged, some beyond repair, some just this side of whole, and some make it out and rise above the barrage of memories.
What is left when one's world is destroyed? How does one rebuild? What tools does a survivor use? And how does Heaven heal those who beg for mercy?
As Tolkien said, "not all who wander are lost".
Not all who walked 900 miles, there and back again, came home.
For the first time, a character came to me asking me to give him what he needs – not what he wants. It was a different writing experience, but I think what I liked best about it was that it showed me there is more than one path if we keep trying. When we reach a locked door, find a window. If you can't open the window, break it. This is need, and it is more powerful than want. I totally feel this in my own life, as I find that precious time to write in among all the other duties as a working mom. I need to write.
Oh, Don, I owe you another beer. How many is that now? Seriously. Was on the cusp of knowing a truth about a relationship in my WIP but this allowed the synapses to connect. The result? A twist which, in hindsight, feels inevitable.
On a personal note, your son is a lucky young man. (Yes, I know you've gained as much or more from parenting him, but it's still true.)
There's a little of me in every book yet the one I just finished is based on my family life (though certain changes have been made to protect the innocent). Writing that novel helped me get my thinking straight about my life and I believe it's my best work yet because the characters really are "real" and I think the emotion came through in the dialogue.
I love the way you describe a day with your son. It brought out a more personal side of Donald Maass that I've not seen before.
Thank you.
I strongly relate to your story. When my oldest child was four she came into the living room while my husband and I watched a survival show. When the host accidentally sliced his hand, she clutched her own to her chest and screamed. Now twelve, she still feels physical pain when she sees anyone hurt, even in animated films. While a far cry from PTSD, this condition (likely mirror-touch synesthesia) led to many "why am I here" moments as a parent. What helps is that I am also hyper-empathetic. If seeing something will make me flinch, I know it will deeply disturb her. I'm no longer embarrassed to walk out of a movie or exhibit. I don't hesitate to tell her teachers that she'd prefer to read a book on the Alamo than stare at her desk and cover her ears for two days while her classmates watch a film on the subject.
I applaud you for being such a sensitive father. So many aren't.
Thank you for inspiring me to look at my MC in this light.
Thank you for the authenticity you bring to parenting and
writing. This post is a reminder of why you are a really good
influence to so many writers. Persevere with your straight-up,
put-it-out-there style. Long ago, I subbed a novel to you. You
said, "No," but did it with such clear reasons that I respect you
and thank you. Not to worry. I'm still writing. And so are you,
Beautiful post Donald Maass. So glad I took the time to read it. I started my book writing process with the pain of my own dilemma. I couldn't seem to solve my problem, but by God my protagonist could.
Since then I've been focused on the nitty-gritty of writing. The turns of phrase, the beautiful metaphor, the description of the room my MA is in when she reaches the turning point. So focused I forgot who she was and why the story was important.
Thanks for the reminder. I will write fresh today!
Wow, what a powerful piece. It speaks to me philosophically and practically. From a philosophical standpoint, relating to our kids, to our protagonists, to our parents, to our neighbors, to strangers, is what it's all about. Writing is about connecting and listening and finding common ground and also, that which isn't common. Really connecting. Practically, getting to that understanding with our characters will add true stakes to the story, making it matter. If we're successful, the characters will ring true to the reader, and that means everything.
Thank you!
Don, What your son has is courage and he has it in
abundance. When our children will follow us even when they're
afraid, how much love does that take? It shows they're willing to
go the distance. Stephen King talked about this when he urged
writers to have the courage to go to the dark places we don't like
to think about. Challenge our feelings, our fears, and unearth are
darkest secrets. When do we really know ourselves? When we're in
crisis. That's when our true character appears. The same for our
protagonist. So what scares the bejesus out of us? Why do we shy
away from it because it makes us uncomfortable. How deep are we
willing to go? We need the courage of our children. Sure, they
think they're bulletproof when they're young. Didn't we when we
were that age? Brushes with death? I'll bet many who replied to
this post have had them. It's immediate, powerful, and you never
forget. And when you survive, you realize you believe in luck. Oh
yes. We need courage . . . every bit of it.
My son is 18 now, but I remember watching him play little league. He was awful, just like his old-man. I felt the pain of every strike-out, every missed "easy" catch, and the loneliness of right-field. He survived, as I did. Though, in what I thought was heroically brave, he did try out for a traveling team. I knew he'd get clobbered. He did. But he got past it, too.
I never considered how my association with my son could tie in to my association with my protagonist. But it's true. We have adult problems now, both my protag and I. I'm disillusioned with a government that has put their self-interests over my own. So is my protag. Together, I'd say, we're discovering a truth buried in a noisy political system. Of course, in his world, it all collapses. Hopefully it won't in mine, but the same truth exists in both worlds, that it is our faith in God an love for one another that builds freedom, not the efforts of a government.
Great post, Don. And I'm jealous of all the things you can do with your son within a ten-mile radius, though the actual journey may be epic.
My son and I practice throwing in the hallways of our apartment building. He's got a wicked throwing arm. He's pinpoint accurate.
But catching–? Mmm, not so much. I remind myself to have patience. He's only six. Luckily, he's got big ice hockey skills. Doesn't completely understand the game, but man can he skate!
I do hope the world will not end before he hits the NHL, or at least nabs a college scholarship.
If he can skate well at 6, then he's already ahead of 90% of his peers. Get him learning how to skate backwards, and doing cross-overs. If he shows an interest in hockey, and can do those things, all he needs to learn is how to read the on ice play. Sign him up for beginner's hockey in the fall, or a ball hockey league this summer.
Signed, Hockey Mom of 3.
Thank you for reminding us how the parent gets hammered (into gold?) by dealing with his child's nature.
Your insistence for us to "get the protagonist's journey" was in my ear throughout my recent draft. I knew I was on to something when I kept finding myself trying every technique to protect him—and readers—from certain experiences.
Because it was MY fear, writing became a cocktail of passion and dread, resolved by having the protagonist give the author no other choice. And after each tour into the abyss, I knew, as in parenting, THAT was the act of love.
Finished, I'm breathing again.
Your tale was a moving one because it was your tale to tell. When first I started writing I tried to write as someone else, to make my protagonists unlike me so I could escape my life. Always, though, the character's true self bled through because the truth of who I am bled through. Over time those characters taught me about me and it was then that my writing because honest and my protagonists became real. Thank you.
Thank you for this–perfect timing I was sitting here
across the table from my main character while she slowly shut down
in front of my eyes. I felt I was losing the thread that held us so
tightly together, the thread that always unravels in the MIDDLE of
the story. Now I'm gonna get her to look me in the eye because I
know things she doesn't–so yeah, thanks for this. Your kid is
Funny thing. Sometimes it takes a post like this — or an outside reader, to realize the connection between protagonist and author. My novel coming out next year is about a 39 year old divorced mom. Totally different from me. She moves back to her childhood home, has one young son, moonlights as a dating blogger, her ex is part of her world. I'm divorced but I'm 50, my ex is deceased. My kids are in college. I'm an editor and author.
One day I was telling a friend about the story and how, unlike with the last book, this book wasn't seeded in reality. Then this happened:
"How old is your main character?"
"How long has she been divorced?"
"Six months?"
"How old were you when you got divorced?"
"39." Author epiphany. "Shut up."
I didn't realize the connection, the shared experiences, the truth in the fiction until that moment.
Maybe I'm dense or naive or was keeping that secret from myself, but I was certainly able to go in and revisit certain scenes with a newfound insight after that "revelation."
New novel is about an empty-nester mom who runs away from home. I totally know where that idea came from.
Thank you for sharing, and for bringing up this subject.
It made me think of why some writing and writers touch me, and others fail to impress me: some sort of truthfulness that has nothing to do with whether a story is fiction or non-fiction, but with a writer's honesty. For example, I recently read Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and was blown away by his honesty. I don't know how much he used his own childhood memories in the story, but that doesn't matter. What I mean is that Neil Gaiman showed me a bit of himself. When a writer writes with such (apparent) honesty, conveyed by the characters, I don't really care about writing style or even plot. Another example is Alison Croggon's Pellinor series. Such good characters, they could be drinking tea all the time and I'd still finish the book, because I'd be sure something interesting would happen.
My own characters… When I told a friend I'd not spoken to for a while about my fantasy novel, she said that the main character sounded very much like me. That really surprised me, but when I started thinking about it, I realized she was right. It was never my intention. I've sworn never to write anything remotely autobiographic because I'd bore readers to death, but somehow all I couldn't help it.
And the ultimate purpose of my story: to show the power of compassion, and how life is about choices that you have to make for yourself instead of letting other people decide for you, and in spite of everything that has happened in the past. Taking responsibility, dealing with pain, and standing up for what you believe in.
I could go on… This is the very reason I write.
I agree with the comment about the pain. The other side of the coin I have come to believe is an unspeakable joy. My protagonists go out there and do things I could never do in real life to discover the meaning of it all for me. We haven't found an answer yet, but I think we're getting closer. The horizon is there in the near-distance.
Just like the future and the past of ourselves is always tied up in our children, so they are tied up in our characters. It's the reason we take the journeys we do with them. Thank you for making me see that so clearly today.
I absolutely loved this post on so many levels, even before I got to the very helpful writing tips!
The love for a child (no matter if same gene pool or not) is like no other love, the I'd-do-anything-for-you kind, the kind that helps us be "in" our characters when they are experiencing something similar.
There's no doubt part of my first book's MC was me, and in my second book, I can see "me" popping up again.
Now I just need to take your tips and "be" that person, feel what she's feeling, understand why she's acting the way she is.
Very helpful! Thanks!
Don– I loved hearing how you and your son spent your day.
It reminded me of when my daughter was little. Our best times were
not the structured Mommy and Me classes and museum tours. Instead,
they were the moments when we sang songs and made up our own words
as we went, or checked out the vegetables at the grocery store. To
me, that's the meaning of that elusive thing — "quality time."
It's those quiet moments when something special floats to the
surface and you catch it because you just happen to be there at the
right time. And maybe because you're both open to it. It can't be
scheduled or anticipated. You and your son are lucky to have had
that week together. My daughter's twenty now, and we still have so
much fun together. You and your son will too, when he's that age.
It's the greatest feeling there is.
After participating in five Intensives with you, it shouldn't surprise me that you can slice yourself open in front of us and make US feel every emotion you experience. It shouldn't surprise me that you can sew yourself–and US–back together with the threads of "here's how you write/here's how to connect with your characters–and your readers." It's shouldn't surprise me that I react as if I've been presented with a map to the treasures of the human soul. But I forget. Between meetings, or reading your books (and a few others), or reading your blogs, i forget how powerful really good writing can be. So, thanks for the reminder, Don. And thanks for your steadfast goal–which I know is genuine–to help us be the best writers we can be.
Your son is a very fortunate little boy.
This is a bit off the subject, but I just want to take a minute to compliment WU and all its' wonderful writers. I've been following WU for only a few weeks, but it has become a valuable resource for me, for both the practical and inspirational elements of writing. Not only have the questions at the end each post become my daily writing prompt, but I am delighted with the quality and quantity of truly useful information, and Don's post today is no exception. Thank you, Don.
The wealth of writing knowledge packed into these posts and so generously shared has already helped me become a more productive writer, and, I hope, a better storyteller. One post from about a month ago (Julia Munroe Martin's "Writing the Rails") even inspired a new project, when, remembering the summers I spent in the 1950s and 60s traveling by train with my grandmother, I suddenly saw there were stories and characters in my own life that I could be writing. While my new story is still (mostly) fiction, the MC is not: she is my grandmother, resurrected. (And, she would be thrilled with her new life.)
Even though I'm not inclined to comment on every post, please know I am reading, and appreciating, them every day. I hope that someday I will have something as valuable to share with all of you.
Wow – what a beautiful story and tremendous lesson. I've been so stuck on my story and now maybe I see why. Thank you so much! Your relationship with your son sounds amazing. It seems you are both very lucky to have found each other. Thank you again!
Great article, Don. So touching.
My 16-year old protagonist is my 19-year old son who in my darkest moments I know I've messed up with my parenting. My story is the story of him showing me that he might not be perfect, that my parenting may (or may not?) be to blame, but that things will still work out okay. That he will survive childhood and the more dangerous aftermath, young adulthood. That he'll be okay. Maybe even more than okay. Maybe great. And I'll be okay too. :)
Hugs to you and yours, and thank you for the great articles!
Thanks for the lovely article. I enjoyed it on multiple fronts.
As a mother of a 4 yr old, I know how best laid plans go awry and your story about the time with your son reminded me to be patient and to remember why I am here (in addition to bringing a few tears, your story is very beautifully written, you definitely have a gift). I am sure your son will grow up to be a self-assured and resilient young man (which to me are the sure signs of great parenting) in addition to an NHL player :-)
My story is nothing like my life. It's the story of a man from 1860 who accidentally falls through a time portal to 2009 while simultaneously losing his memory. And as a very private person I understand completely why it would be so. So I write about worlds so different from mine since I am so uncomfortable sharing a world (mundane though it might be) that is mine. And that maybe is my answer. My MP is much stronger and resilient as a person than I am. So I create people that I wish I were. And maybe that is my answer too.
If there's one thing I appreciate the most about your books, Don, it's the message that stories get powerful when they get personal. Seeing yourself as one with your protagonist…I like that.
I've heard some actors or actresses, to get into their roles, will go all out, wearing what their character wears, talking like their character, even acting like them, and your post makes me think as writers we ought to do the same. I find my best writing sessions are the ones where I'm on the edge of my seat, tense as a bowstring. The story lives, the story breathes, and for a moment I forget that I'm just some guy hunched before a keyboard.
"Stories get powerful when they get personal." Yes, that's it in a nutshell. Thanks!
The analogy to method acting is accurate, BTW. Sense memory and their other tools allow actors to access authentic feelings to fire their performances–and the authenticity arrives because they're accessing themselves.
I rarely comment on Writer Unboxed posts because I fear I have nothing intelligent to say, but today, I would like to join the chorus of thank-yous. This gave me a lot to think about as I struggle to map out my character's emotional arc in my novel. You always hit the nail right on the head in your posts and I am extremely grateful for your insight. I will definitely be putting this to use like I do the rest of your advice.
I also hope you had a fun time with your son during spring break!
Don, I, too, have always felt like an "other." Thanks for sharing this and the insight–as it turns out, otherness and isolation from the "norm" are themes in a couple of my novels. Best, Ray
An inspirational post on many levels. Ever since I sat in
your workshop years ago I have loved your books and posts. My own
youngest son is also adopted, and from a very different culture.
Now he is "all growed up" and the most loved and loving man it is
possible to imagine. Perhaps I will write that close-to-the-heart
novel that features a happy, successful adult who reluctantly
returns to the third-world country from where she was adopted.
That story idea has occurred to me too. Perhaps we can create a sub-genre?
More seriously, have you been following the many stories of the "Lost Boys", orphans from Sudan who were displaced during a civil war? Some grew up here. Some returned. There are similar stories from other countries and they are all amazing and resonant for adoptive parents like us.
Thanks Don, That story idea must have a kernel of possibility if you too have thought of it. The trick will be making it different. My son came from Sri Lanka, and I ( a New Zealander) spent some weeks over there adopting him, which was quite a journey. The first big question I was asked during the court hearing where the adoption was taking place was "How old do you want him to be; we need a birth date?" (In Sinhalese and translated for my benefit). "One year ago today," I said, because he was so tiny but from his fontanelle I knew he was at least a year old. And so my new son decided I was not going to abandon him, stopped toddling as if he'd decided to return to babyhood, and for the next month I could literally not put him down, day or night, without him screaming (a bit difficult when I got back home where his new father and three siblings awaited him!) Then off he went, like an energetic rocket, through all the developmental stages, until he was, by the end of a year, so secure he could be left for hours in preschool with his sister, two years older. The physical problems of malnutrition etc also dissolved and 17 he was a NZ champion weightlifter!
i have read a number of adoption stories but not the "Lost Boys" stories, so thank you, and Hi Five your son from us in Aotearoa New Zealand!
My heart broke as I read this. I suffered from PTSD, but
not until I was in college, so I can't imagine a child dealing with
this. I did recover with the help of a psychologist. He used eye
movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), which led me to
discover the specific images that were affecting me the most. It
was frightening at first, because my mind travelled through
nightmarish landscapes with metaphorical images that represented my
traumatic experiences until I broke into the depths of my mind and
discovered the root of the problem, so I could then work on
desensitizing myself to it. So, it is something I suggest,
depending on the severity of the trauma and how vivid the
imagination, because it can be intense. For me, there is one
lingering side effect, which is the way in which I dream, and I
recently started blogging about them. I think creative expression
helps to soothe the wounds of the past and releases bottled-up
emotions, so when those triggers appear (like the experience you
described above), it effects are weakened. From your comments, it
sounds like he enjoys sports, which is great for channeling those
emotions. When I dealt with PTSD, it was really hard, because I was
far from home. And because I was playing college basketball, I
tried to ignore it, but emotional and mental pain is worse than
physical pain and not many people understand that. It sounds like
you get it and your son is lucky to have you. There is a silver
lining. My mind opened up to see things differently. I remember my
dreams in detail, and even though I get overwhelmed with them, I
write them down and use them in my writing. The one drawback is
that as a result I've started dozens of stories, and haven't really
finished any of them, because I wake up every morning with new
ideas. But, I'd rather see the world as I do now. So, I think your
son will grow up with a unique perspective about the world and
though it can be disabling at times, it can also ignite great
passion for life. Everything he has gone through is I'm sure
horrifying and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone, but having a
wonderful father to help him recover, he'll value things others
take for granted.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with PTSD. It is indeed hard. We've heard about EMDR, of course, and may work with it in the future if needed.
Your relationship to your dreams is fascinating. Sounds like a trove of story ideas. Now to develop a practice that will allow you to select and finish the best of them! A new level of challenge.
In my pre-author career, I used EMDR with wonderful results. It can work for all sorts of problems and for all ages of people. There is a special group of EMDR therapists who go to underdeveloped countries after such things as natural disasters to work with the children who have lost homes and family members. I used to think EMDR was so hokey and a fad that I resisted learning about it for years. But I kept hearing about the positive results clinicians were receiving with their clients and thought, if this is something that can help the people I work with and I refuse to check it out, I'm doing my clients a disservice. So I learned about the process and how it works. I learned about the positive changes that go on physically in the brain and decided to get trained. And then I went on for advanced training. One of the trainers was an FBI person. (EMDR is used by some fire departments and police forces in addition to the FBI.) I believe Keiser Permanente requires their therapists to be trained in EMDR because they found it to be more effective in a much shorter treatment time–so it saves them money. Since all EMDR therapists have to be trained clinicians, for a child, it would be important to find a therapist who specializes in working with children. I realize this post isn't about writing and I apologize. But if anyone is out there suffering, you just might want to give this modality a try. Why wait? What do you have to lose? Just you fears, anxieties, traumas, insecurities, yadda yadda. Just my two sense . . .
I've set aside the dreams I think have potential and started stories with them, but you are right, I should try to whittle those down and pick the best ones to focus on.
Good luck with your son. It sounds like you are very patient and that plus your love for him and ability to empathize says a lot about your character, and I think that will help him more than anything.
After reading this, I had an epiphany about my WIP. I thought the protag's problem was trust…but it felt wrong somehow. I dug deeper, and now know it's about respect (and she doesn't know it at the beginning, but it's about self-respect).
Thank you!!!
This is just what I needed. On my third attempt at writing a novel and feeling my enthusiasm fizzle. And even feeling the fizzle fade. This helped me to reconnect with what I love best about my protagonist. It makes me want to spend time with him. I'd kind of forgotten that I loved him.
Such a great post. Thank you for sharing your day with your son with us.
All the best.
Hi Don,
What an amazing place – that you and your son occupied this week, filled with compassion and empathy how to navigate the noise and confusion. What healing, it sounds like, for you both.
You make it easy to share such personal things, and distill them, craft from them — though its much more than that — what it is that universally touches all of us.
I felt I was back in Hood River and you were filling us with HOPE, yes, hope that all of our messy & painfully human trials can be rendered on the page, (if you can find a page that doesn't need to be wrung out) and just freaking – do it.
Growing up adopted, that room of the outsider – the shag carpet, the lava lamp, and the curtains lifting in the breeze was home like no other. But really, a Pagoda on the hill?
My protagonist opens that door. Walks beyond the insecurity of what, what happened? She sets out daring to ask, petrified to learn, but must. Afraid to be seen, and yet equally afraid not to be. She meets the world; learns the hard way that she can't and isn't supposed to please everyone. Some can't hear her, but she speaks to them anyway. Some will still leave, and she will leave some, too. But through it all, she finds she is already home.
Thanks for the lamp, and the light – and being the Don!
I used this blog post as a writing prompt in a therapy session today with a legally-blind 12-year-old girl in foster care. I'd just given her a blank comic book and told her to make me a graphic novel. She became very animated hearing about the tar pit. "I know what my story is now." I'm really looking forward to hearing what she does — and hoping it leads to a breakthrough on these tremendously damaging awake-night terrors that she goes through every night. A multipurpose blog post. Thanks.
Again, I'm speechless. Legally blind? What an amazing graphic novel that will be. What an amazing therapist. Thanks to *you*. I know of night terrors.
Well, I didn't get a graphic novel today — but I did get two poems and a drawing of a dog plus a report from Grandma that they had a better week! The down side is that the client confided that she is doing better because "when I want to scream I bite my pillow." The upside is, well, everything else. It gets better. (It does. It does. It does.)
Thanks for the great post, especially the prompt to "write it down now."
The light bulb for me has been realizing my protagonist's deepest struggle was not simply trust, or the lack of it, but a hidden wish to have no man ever disappoint her. We want the impossible in our deepest relationships. Yet, mature love won't begin until we let go and see what could happen…and accept the good with the bad.
Having to stop and write messy words down -the why and the what- put a gorilla on my chest. I'm happy to say a few more words lightened the load.
Now, to transfer this to my writing…
As an adoptive mother I am also amazed by how much my daughter is like me. Stubborn, defended, smiling yet cautious with her self. Maybe there's some kind of karmic distribution in adoption, Don:-) We spoke about these issues, separation anxiety, Stockholm Syndrome, etc. during your Sunnyvale RWA workshop. Just re-read my notes today, finishing "Fire." Good stuff!!


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Find some examples of pairs of numbers such that their sum is a
factor of their product. eg. 4 + 12 = 16 and 4 × 12 = 48 and
16 is a factor of 48.
This challenge asks you to imagine a snake coiling on itself.
The sum of the numbers 4 and 1 [1/3] is the same as the product of 4 and 1 [1/3]; that is to say 4 + 1 [1/3] = 4 × 1 [1/3]. What other numbers have the sum equal to the product and can this be so for. . . .
This activity involves rounding four-digit numbers to the nearest thousand.
It would be nice to have a strategy for disentangling any tangled
Investigate the sum of the numbers on the top and bottom faces of a line of three dice. What do you notice?
You can work out the number someone else is thinking of as follows. Ask a friend to think of any natural number less than 100. Then ask them to tell you the remainders when this number is divided by. . . .
The Egyptians expressed all fractions as the sum of different unit
fractions. Here is a chance to explore how they could have written
different fractions.
Can you tangle yourself up and reach any fraction?
In this problem we are looking at sets of parallel sticks that
cross each other. What is the least number of crossings you can
make? And the greatest?
Choose any 3 digits and make a 6 digit number by repeating the 3
digits in the same order (e.g. 594594). Explain why whatever digits
you choose the number will always be divisible by 7, 11 and 13.
A three digit number abc is always divisible by 7 when 2a+3b+c is divisible by 7. Why?
Can you see how to build a harmonic triangle? Can you work out the next two rows?
Can all unit fractions be written as the sum of two unit fractions?
The number of plants in Mr McGregor's magic potting shed increases
overnight. He'd like to put the same number of plants in each of
his gardens, planting one garden each day. How can he do it?
An investigation that gives you the opportunity to make and justify
Tom and Ben visited Numberland. Use the maps to work out the number
of points each of their routes scores.
Pick a square within a multiplication square and add the numbers on
each diagonal. What do you notice?
For this challenge, you'll need to play Got It! Can you explain the strategy for winning this game with any target?
How many ways can you find to do up all four buttons on my coat?
How about if I had five buttons? Six ...?
What would you get if you continued this sequence of fraction sums?
1/2 + 2/1 =
2/3 + 3/2 =
3/4 + 4/3 =
Try adding together the dates of all the days in one week. Now
multiply the first date by 7 and add 21. Can you explain what
How many pairs of numbers can you find that add up to a multiple of 11? Do you notice anything interesting about your results?
Only one side of a two-slice toaster is working. What is the
quickest way to toast both sides of three slices of bread?
List any 3 numbers. It is always possible to find a subset of
adjacent numbers that add up to a multiple of 3. Can you explain
why and prove it?
Imagine we have four bags containing a large number of 1s, 4s, 7s and 10s. What numbers can we make?
Take any two digit number, for example 58. What do you have to do to reverse the order of the digits? Can you find a rule for reversing the order of digits for any two digit number?
In a Magic Square all the rows, columns and diagonals add to the 'Magic Constant'. How would you change the magic constant of this square?
Nim-7 game for an adult and child. Who will be the one to take the last counter?
This challenge focuses on finding the sum and difference of pairs of two-digit numbers.
Got It game for an adult and child. How can you play so that you know you will always win?
Find the sum and difference between a pair of two-digit numbers. Now find the sum and difference between the sum and difference! What happens?
What happens if you join every second point on this circle? How
about every third point? Try with different steps and see if you
can predict what will happen.
Caroline and James pick sets of five numbers. Charlie chooses three of them that add together to make a multiple of three. Can they stop him?
Find a route from the outside to the inside of this square, stepping on as many tiles as possible.
We can arrange dots in a similar way to the 5 on a dice and they
usually sit quite well into a rectangular shape. How many
altogether in this 3 by 5? What happens for other sizes?
This challenge encourages you to explore dividing a three-digit number by a single-digit number.
Can you dissect an equilateral triangle into 6 smaller ones? What
number of smaller equilateral triangles is it NOT possible to
dissect a larger equilateral triangle into?
Ben's class were making cutting up number tracks. First they
cut them into twos and added up the numbers on each piece. What
patterns could they see?
We can show that (x + 1)² = x² + 2x + 1 by considering
the area of an (x + 1) by (x + 1) square. Show in a similar way
that (x + 2)² = x² + 4x + 4
Try entering different sets of numbers in the number pyramids. How does the total at the top change?
Can you see why 2 by 2 could be 5? Can you predict what 2 by 10
will be?
Place the numbers from 1 to 9 in the squares below so that the difference between joined squares is odd. How many different ways can you do this?
It's easy to work out the areas of most squares that we meet, but
what if they were tilted?
Can you find the values at the vertices when you know the values on
the edges?
Choose a couple of the sequences. Try to picture how to make the next, and the next, and the next... Can you describe your reasoning?
A game for two people, or play online. Given a target number, say 23, and a range of numbers to choose from, say 1-4, players take it in turns to add to the running total to hit their target.
Charlie has moved between countries and the average income of both
has increased. How can this be so?
Euler discussed whether or not it was possible to stroll around Koenigsberg crossing each of its seven bridges exactly once. Experiment with different numbers of islands and bridges.
Imagine starting with one yellow cube and covering it all over with
a single layer of red cubes, and then covering that cube with a
layer of blue cubes. How many red and blue cubes would you need?


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Tanya Staples shows how to add multimedia files, music, tables, charts, and transitions to Keynote presentations.
"Your website has become a verb. I had a client tell me today that they were lynda.comming their way through learning new software. You've joined the ranks of Googling, Photoshopping, and Skyping!" —Jill W.
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Updated 08/12/2014
Modern but classically furnished, this hotel has some of the largest standard rooms in the province and spectacular grounds that are close to 5,000 acres of wilderness, with excellent sports amenities. It is near Lachute, about 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Oka. In addition to a large sports center, 20 km (12 miles) of cross-country ski trails, and an excellent par-72 golf course, there's an impressive restaurant that serves famous house-smoked salmon. Loft suites, with kitchenettes and fireplaces, are entered from the upper floor.
2255 Rte. 327 Nord, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Québec, J0V 1B0, Canada
450-533–9211; 800-661–9211; 514-990–7733
Website: www.laccarling.com
Hotel Details:
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Date: Monday 8 June through to Friday 19 June 2015
Place: Exclusively online
The event is exclusively online and offers you the opportunity to promote your current vacancies and work experience opportunities including graduate roles over a 2 week period. This event provides you with an extremely cost effective means of engaging with our penultimate and final year students who are actively seeking employment opportunities and also offers an excellent platform for promoting upcoming recruitment campaigns.
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What our 2014 exhibitors say:
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Figure 3.
The tibolone gene set (21 genes) in HEFalMp. The network between core genes (in grey) related to tibolone use and genes (in white) predicted by Hefalmp in relation to this query, considering all genes in all biological processes.
Waaseth et al. BMC Medical Genomics 2011 4:29 doi:10.1186/1755-8794-4-29


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The Newark Police report they're searching for a suspect or suspects involved in a theft from an apartment complex in Newark.
Police report that sometime between February 25-28 someone broke into the storage sheds at Hoover Garden Apartments in the 200 block of Eddy Street and stole several tools including extension ladders and miscellaneous tools.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Licking County Crimestoppers at (740) 349-6888 or 1-888-488-9058.
A $1,000 reward...


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The Value of Leadership Skills
How Toastmasters Club Meeting Roles Can Help Your Career
In tough economic times, it's important to make yourself as valuable as possible—whether you're holding down a job or seeking employment. Here's a hard truth: in most companies, leaders are generally considered more valuable than those who follow. They're paid more, allowed to plan their own schedules and given a larger share of responsibility.
Given that, what would you do to redefine yourself as a leader?
You could walk into any bookstore and purchase dozens of books on leadership, but they won't build your confidence. To master a new skill, you must practice it. That includes leadership skills, from conflict resolution to time management. It's better to market yourself as someone who not only knows about these skills, but has also put them into practice.
You could hire a leadership coach, but how would you practice what you learn? And what about the expense?
The fact is you need all of the above and more—without wasting time or going broke. A great solution is the Toastmasters leadership education track, beginning with the Competent Leadership manual.
The Benefits of Club Meeting Roles
Toastmasters clubs are typically highly energized meetings where participants learn leadership in a safe and fun environment. They do this by assuming meeting roles and practicing their leadership skills in front of fellow members who constructively evaluate their performance every time they take a role. Once you join Toastmasters and try these roles, you, too, can develop your abilities without fear. Moreover, you can build specific skills with each role you perform.
Dr. Ralph Smedley, the founder of Toastmasters International, once said, "We learn best in times of enjoyment." That still stands today, and when you build those valuable leadership skills in Toastmasters, you'll reap even greater rewards in your career.
So, volunteer, have fun and discover the leader inside you!
Toastmasters District 65 is comprised of clubs in Western and Central New York. To find a club near you visit our map of clubs and visit one to find out more.


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Honda Motorcycles
Honda motorcycles include the CBR1000RR and CBR600RR sportbikes, Gold Wing touring motorcycle, VFR1200F sport touring motorcycle and Fury chopper. Honda's off-road offerings include the CRF450X enduro and the CRF250R motocross bike.
Honda produced its first real motorcycle, the Model D, in 1949. Since then Honda has gone on to become one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers. In fact, more than 50 million units of the venerable Honda Super Cub were sold in less than 50 years, making it the most popular motorcycle in history. Today Honda offers an enormous lineup of class-leading motorcycles and is regularly adding to and improving its fleet. From it's CBR line of sportibkes to its CRF line of off-road funsters to the luxurious Gold Wing Touring motorcycle, Honda has a bike for just about everybody. You can also see Honda motorcycles competing at almost every level of two-wheeled racing
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2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Confirmed and Coming to USHonda officially confirmed it is bringing back the Africa Twin, with the adventure bike expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2016. To the surprise of very few, the 2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin is the final production version of the True Adventure prototype revealed at EICMA last fall. UPDATED: added second video from […] more
2014-2015 Honda CBR1000RR SP Affected by Ohlins TTX36 RecallThe Ohlins TTX36 recall has struck another OEM with a rear shock defect leading to the recall on the Honda CBR1000RR SP. Announced by regulatory bodies in Japan and Australia, the Honda recall follows the recall on the Yamaha YZF-R1M announced last week in Australia and Canada. There may be more recalls to come, depending […] more
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Honda SFA Streetfighter ConceptHonda will display a 150cc streetfighter concept called the SFA at this weekend's Osaka Motorcycle Show. The SFA isn't a new concept; it originally debuted at the Indonesia Motorcycle Show last October. It's powered by a liquid-cooled Single, likely based on the engine mounted on the CB150R offered in Indonesia. The chassis is new, with […] more
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Honda Financial Service Gives Rider His 55th Honda MotorcycleThis just in from the Almost Too Cool To Be (True But It Is) Department, American Honda Finance Corporation Senior Vice President David W. Paul presented Harry Adler, a longtime Honda owner, with his 55th Honda motorcycle, a 2015 Honda CB300F. Adler, 84, has owned Honda products ranging from a Helix scooter, Grom, CRF230M, CBR250R, VT600CD, VTX1300 and VTX1800C. […] more
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2015 Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP Racer RevealedHonda revealed its 2015 RC213V MotoGP race prototype which the company hopes will win a third consecutive world championship. Two-time defending champion Marc Marquez and teammate Dani Pedrosa were on hand for the presentation in Bali to show the new graphics package for the RC213V. The 2015 livery looks fairly similar to last year's winning […] more
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