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Arbitrary, burdensome testing interferes with classroom learning and affects the quality of education in our schools. Even worse, the pressure of relentless high-stakes testing is causing undue anxiety and stress for students all across New York.
Some of this testing is being imposed on our youngest students without having a specific education-related purpose and without identifying specific academic needs.
And individually-identifiable student testing data could be made available to for-profit companies for private, commercial use.
Enough is enough.
Take action now to give parents and educators more information and more say over student testing in New York!
The Truth in Testing legislation (S.6009 Flanagan/A.8356 Nolan) requires a rational, thorough review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Common Core state tests.
The bill requires the State Education Commissioner to report to the legislature on the following items:
Further, this legislation mandates an independent audit performed by an independent contractor with experience in testing who is not affiliated with any testing agency or company. The audit will evaluate the common core testing program and must include:
As your constituent, I am requesting your support for legislation which imposes a two-year moratorium on the use of high-stakes tests in decisions regarding teachers and principals.
While the enacted State Budget included a two-year moratorium for students on the use of state tests for certain decisions, it failed to include a moratorium on the use of these same test scores against teachers and principals.
The legislature must support at least a two-year moratorium on the use of the flawed state tests resulting in high-stakes consequences for BOTH students and teachers.
Students, parents, educators, advocates and legislators are uniformly concerned with the implementation of the new Common Core Learning Standards. New York's students and educators need more time and resources to adapt to tremendous changes in testing, curriculum and evaluation.
Students and educators must have time to adapt to new demands and ensure the proper sequencing of curriculum for student learning: from curriculum development, educator understanding, student learning, and limited necessary testing.
Further, there is serious concern about the developmental appropriateness of many of the new Common Core Modules and tremendous concern over increased testing and testing solely for teacher and principal accountability purposes.
Students and educators should not be held accountable for materials they have not yet learned or been taught, and teachers cannot be penalized for the poor implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards. If the tests are not valid or reliable to hold students accountable, how can the flawed assessments be used against teachers and principals?
Policymakers must continuously engage parents, educators and students to address their many and appropriate concerns over the Common Core Learning Standards, module and curriculum development, age/grade-level appropriateness, unnecessary testing, testing solely for accountability decisions, and concerns regarding students with disabilities and English language learners.
Further, I support a delay in the implementation of future Common Core-aligned Regents exams.


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BFF marrying DS father...update
- 34 Replies
They walked in and BFF asked where DS was..I told he had a play date..he ask if I had a kid..I told him yes and he ask how old..so I told him...you can see the wheels turning in his mind!
So we all sat down and I asked BFF if she remembered about to story of DS she said yeah...well I told her that her fiance is the one night stand..she was shocked and hurt..but wanted to tell him with me..
So we sat him down and replayed my 21st birthday...he said he thought he recognized me..but didn't know what this is all about..so I told him I had found out a few weeks later I was pregnant..after the initial shock wore off I tried to find him but he had moved..
He started crying and asked if I had a picture so I showed him..he cried even harder as he looked just like him.
He said he was sorry for jot being there and wanted to be there now if I let him. I said of cource but we have to take it slow to not confuse him..
BFF just sat there..stunned..not sure what to do or say...her fiance turn and said well this changes everything..she was confused as to what it changed andsaid they needed to talk..so they left
He is coming over again tomorrow to meet his son as a friend rmight now..so we will see how this will go.
BFF is going to call later after they talk..
Good luck, I hope you don't loose your friend and that she doesn't loose her fiance. (I mean that sincerely, I know things can come across wrong in text)
Yeah. Unoriginal troll is unoriginal
Stop trying to take credit for my troll post.
I feel really bad for your friend. But I have a feeling you're going to come back and tell us that the dad dumped your friend and now wants to be with you. Then I'll know you're a troll.
Quoting lacyleanne:
I feel really bad for your friend. But I have a feeling you're going to come back and tell us that the dad dumped your friend and now wants to be with you. Then I'll know you're a troll.

subset: commoncrawl


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The argument for this is that these people are paying onerous payroll taxes; i.e., Social Security and Medicare. So the refunds are to offset those payments. The question that no one seems willing to ask Mr. Obama is this: Senator, are the Social Security and Medicare systems retirement plans or welfare programs? We keep being told that these programs are to take care of Americans when they retire and they were originally designed to take care of people who paid into the plans. Now people are being told they are going to get these benefits regardless of whether they paid into the programs in the first place.
Another question Mr. Obama needs to answer concerns the shrinking taxpayer's rolls. We have built this country on shared responsibility. We have had a progressive tax system, but all Americans have shared the burden. Now we have a system where the top 5% of earners get 37% of the total earnings and 60% of the tax burden -- which is the highest rate in history. Mr. Obama wants to have those 5% of Americans pay even more of the overall load and exempt even more people from any taxes.
So I have some additional questions for the senator:
1. Mr. Obama, with over 50% of the voters paying almost nothing, what is to stop them from voting even more confiscatory tax rates upon the others who are paying?
2. When you are giving money out to an ever-larger share of the taxpayer population, what stops them from voting a greater payment to themselves?
3. Finally Senator, are you concerned that this structure will destroy our entire economic system and drive the high earners to other means or even other countries?
These are the questions that need to be asked Senator Obama. If he is not concerned I can tell you that I certainly am concerned - deeply concerned.
I Was A Woman In The Marine Corps In the Mid-70s. Hillary Clinton's Story Doesn't Add Up | Susan Hutchison
Colorado governor: This Planned Parenthood shooting may be a function of inflammatory rhetoric from bloggers and talk shows | Allahpundit


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Feb 11 2014
AWG Events List
For regular updates, please visit AWG's Facebook page. Here is a list of AWG events since the group was founded in 2011 (for details, look here):
- 4/28/15: "Apocalypse Within: The War Epic as Crisis of Self-Identity" Garry Hagberg (Philosophy, Bard College)
- 4/16/15: "Props and Poetic Devices in Zacharias Werner's Romantic Plays," Amy Emm (German, Citadel)
- 4/10/15: "Individual Memories, Brazilian Longings: Nostalgia, Popular Music and Television," Dan Sharp (Music, Tulane)
- 4/3/15: "Art, Authenticity and Appropriation," Rebecca Stanley (Philosophy and Political Science student, CofC)
- 3/26/15: "A Civilization of Discontents: Social Media in the Golden Age of Crisis in the Humanities," Eric Jarosinski (@NeinQuarterly)
- 3/13/15: "Ecomusicology and Political Protest in Appalachia," Abby Tennenbaum (Political Science student, CofC)
- 2/26/15: "Liveness, media, and the overflowing carnivalesque of murga porteña," Michael O'Brien (Music, CofC)
- 2/19/15: Discussion of Guy Debord's Society of the Spectacle
- 2/6/15: "Participatory Culture and Performative Process in René Pollesch's Theater," Morgan Koerner (German, CofC)
- 1/22/15: discussion of Jacques Rancière's "Aesthetics As Politics"11/21/14: "Make It Funky; Or, Music's Cognitive Travels and the Despotism of Rhythm," Paul Taylor (Philosophy and African AmericanStudies, Penn State)
- 11/7/14: "Philosophy in Song," Ayala Asherov-Kalus (Songwriter, Music, CofC)
- 10/16/14: Title TBA, Margaret Moore (Philosophy, University of Tennessee)
- 10/10/14: "Reading Danto's Red Squares as a Political Thought Experiment, Or, 'Catching the Conscience of our Kings,'" Lydia Goehr (Philosophy and Music, Columbia University)
- 9/18/14: "How to be an Optimist about Aesthetic Testimony," Rachel McKinnon (Philosophy, CofC)
- 8/29/14: "Paleostructure: Biological, Spiritual, and Architectural Evolution at the Oxford Museum," Nathaniel Walker (Art History, CofC)
- 4/11/14: "The Concept of Freedom in Sartre and Adorno," Stefan Koester (Philosophy/Economics student, CofC)
- 4/3/14: "Like Themselves: Personhood, Intellectual Disability and the Utopian Imagination," Claire Curtis (Political Philosophy, CofC)
- 3/28/14: "Ethical Ideals in Artworks: Schopenhauer and Murdoch on Self Lossness in Aesthetic Experience," Scott Clifton (Philosophy, CofC)
- 3/17/14: Recital for Piano and Violin, Troy Gardner and Elizabeth Karelse perform at the Monday Night Concert Series (co-sponsored by AWG)
- 3/13/14: "Poetry after Auschwitz," Johannes Wich-Schwarz (German, Maryville University)
- 2/17/14: "The Aesthetics of Affirmative Action," Brian Soucek (University of California, Davis School of Law)
- 1/31/14: "Bad Art and the Mere Exposure Effect," Jennifer Wright (Psychology, CofC) and Jonathan Neufeld (Philosophy, CofC)
- 1/17/14: "Mirror Neurons and Simulation Theory: A Neurophysiological Foundation for Cinematic Empathy," Dan Shaw (Philosophy, Lock Haven University)
- 11/15/13: "Games, Striving and Topologies of Choice," Thi Nguyen (Philosophy, Utah Valley State University)
- 10/4/13: Urban Cultural Studies introduction to inauguaral issue, Ben Fraser (Spanish, CofC)
- 9/19/13: "A Social Ontology of Art," Mathew Rabon (Philosophy student, CofC)
- 9/5/13: "Affect in German Theater after the Performative Turn: Elfriede Jelinek's Theater Texts in Performance," Morgan Koerner (German, CofC)
- 4/12/13: Discussion of "Bach Defended Against his Devotees" by T. A. Adorno.
- 2/22/13: Discussion of Chapters 3-4 of Philosophy of the Performing Arts, by David Davies.
- 2/14/13: Roundtable discussion of The Lives of Animals with Jonathan Neufeld (Philosophy, CofC), Simon Lewis (English, CofC), and Ornaith O'Dowd (Philosophy, CofC)
- 2/6/13: Discussion of Chapters 1-2 of Philosophy of the Performing Arts, by David Davies.
- "Lisa Sanditz and the Suburban Sublime," Jennifer Baker (Philosophy, CofC)
- Public Lecture, "Cover Records as Social Commentary," Ted Gracyk (Philosophy, MN State, Moorhead)
- "Why Birds Don't Make Music," Ted Gracyk (Philosophy, MN State, Moorhead)
- Public Lecture, "Participatory Art," Michael Kelly (Philosophy, UNC, Charlotte)
- "Participatory Art and Aesthetics," (AWG meeting) Michael Kelly (Philosophy, UNC, Charlotte)
- "The Transgender Gaze in Film," Richard Nunan (Philosophy, CofC ),
- Discussion of "Living Takes Many Forms," by Shannon Jackson and "Microutopias: Public Practice in the Public Sphere," by Carol Becker
- Discussion of "Living as Form," by Nato Thompson and "Eventwork: The Fourfold Matrix of Contemporary Social Movements," by Brian Holmes.
- "Participation as Spectacle: Where Are We Now?" by Claire Bishop and "Democratizing Urbanization and the Search for a New Civic Imagination," by Teddy Cruz
- "Metaphor and Metaphysics in Zhuangzi," Tyler Ray (Philosophy and Religious Studies student, CofC)
- Public Lecture, "The Norms of Nature Appreciation," Glenn Parsons (Philosophy, Ryerson University, Toronto)
- Discussion of "Interaction and Nature Appreciation," by Robert Stecker.
- "Tibetan Poetry in Exile," Amberjade Mwekali (Philosophy student, CofC )
- "Emotional and Ethical Expression in Music," Jonathan Neufeld (Philosophy, CofC)


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Stamps Trio Named CFL Players of the WeekNovember 13, 2012 - Canadian Football League (CFL) - Calgary Stampeders Press Release
Tate is being recognized as the week's top offensive player, Cornish is top Canadian and Raymond is top defensive player.
Tate collected his first career playoff victory by throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard game-winning score to Romby Bryant in the final minute of play. The 28-year-old quarterback completed 22 of 36 throws and did not have an interception.
Cornish led the Stampeders' ground attack against the Roughriders as he carried the ball 18 times for 109 yards, an average of 6.1 yards per carry. It's his second career 100-yard rushing game in the playoffs in as many starts.
It's the eighth time this season Cornish has been named the CFL's Canadian player of the week. The running back has also been named offensive player of the week once and Canadian of the month on three occasions.
Raymond picks up defensive honours after recording four tackles, a sack and a game-sealing interception in the West semifinal. He also made a significant contribution on special teams as his block on a Saskatchewan point-after attempt resulted in Fred Bennett's 96-yard run for two Calgary points.
It's the second time Raymond has been honoured by the CFL in 2012 as he was previously named top defensive player for Week 17.
Stampeders season tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season. For more information, visit Stampeders.com or call 403-289-0258 to speak with a customer service representative.
• Discuss this story on the Canadian Football League message board...
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• Add to Del.icio.us
Canadian Football League Stories from November 13, 2012
- Already more than 42,000 tickets sold for Eastern Final - Montreal Alouettes
- Non-Season Ticket Holders Can Now Purchase Stadium Asset Sale Framed Memory Series - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Stamps Trio Named CFL Players of the Week - Calgary Stampeders
- Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week Named - CFL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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WINNIPEG -- Sub-freezing temperatures awaited the Phoenix Coyotes when they arrived in Winnipeg late Wednesday night.
Whether the reception from the boisterous 15,004 fans that fill the MTS Centre every night will provide the Coyotes an equally cold reception remains to be seen.
The Coyotes arrived in their ancestral home in possession of a two-game winning streak and will play a Winnipeg Jets club that they beat 4-1 in their home-opener, back on Oct. 15.
After netting just one goal in his first nine games, Radim Vrbata has exploded offensively for the Coyotes, scoring 11 goals in his past 14 games. Tuesday in Chicago, Vrbata had a goal and an assist, his sixth multi-point game this season.
The Coyotes have excelled away from home this season en route to producing the Western Conference's second-best road mark (7-3-1). They've allowed only 19 goals in their past 10 road games.
"The basic premise is that we all have to play together or we are not going to win," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "Our players have bought into that. I've liked that we've played a real good team game the past few games."
Tippett indicated that there is a possibility that center Kyle Turris could make his season debut tonight.
Here are Phoenix's projected lines and pairings for tonight:
Ray Whitney - Martin Hanzal - Radim Vrbata
Mikkel Boedker - Daymond Langkow - Shane Doan
Taylor Pyatt - Boyd Gordon - Lauri Korpikoski
Raffi Torres - Kyle Chipchura/Kyle Turris - Patrick O'Sullivan
Keith Yandle - Derek Morris
Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Adrian Aucoin
Rostislav Klesla - David Schlemko
Mike Smith will start in net for Phoenix, with Jason LaBarbera the backup.
For more on tonight's game, check out the preview here.


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Roundup: Software
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Home hardware is one of the last things we think about changing when sprucing up our homes — and that's especially true for renters. But if your home is feminine and elegant, or even shabby chic, why put up with gritty, masculine hardware? I'm hereby coining a name for delicate door knobs, sophisticated switchplates, and haute handles: software. From violet pressed glass to hand-painted ceramic, it's time to get your girl on.


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* Free shipping over $150
> Manufacturers
> Access Lighting
> Access Lighting Outdoor Lighting
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Copyright 2013 Lighting By Gregory, LLC All Rights Reserved.


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B-Shock 46 released in mangahere fastest, recommend your friends to read B-Shock 46 now!
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Star Trek TNG Remastered?
View Single Post
July 5 2009, 06:30 PM
Location: New York City
TNG episode director cuts
brought up something on another thread about a memorable episode
AuntKate wrote:
the TNG episode "Genesis" scared my boys to death (they were about 10 and 7). Scared me, too!
Memory Alpha
* This episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Drama Series; it was also nominated for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Series.
This is the only episode of the series directed by Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), and the first episode of Star Trek directed by a female cast member.
even though:
production work was hindered by the California earthquake of 1994, and McFadden did not have sufficient time to produce her own "cut" of the episode as a result).
I wonder what a 'director's cut' would look like?
Perhaps if TNG does eventually get a TNG-R a few episodes will get revisited and get a 'director's cut' if Paramount/CBS and Gates McFadden were interested in doing it. That itself would raise the price for remastering those episodes as:
1. they may increase running time of the episode
2. music cues would no longer be the same
3. would need additional sound FX
4. would need to have a complete remix on the sound for all scenes changed and music, FX added.
5. they would need to retelecine more of the original camera negative for the director to be able to look at (even if just in standard definition) to do a new edit, and then the selects would have to be retelecined at high definition to conform to the new edit.
Perhaps if a fan-collective of 8 episodes were done as a test in HD for Blu-ray it could be director's cuts of a few? Would that be enough to get people to buy them in HD?
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One course, for example, looked to be set on a tropical island with a beached Navy ship. Hmmm, that sounds familiar. The game is even rendered in DICE's Frostbite 3 engine, making it one ridiculously pretty game of golf.
[Image: Joystiq]
This article was originally published on Joystiq.
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The end of the year is almost here, and we're busier than ever! Despite the hustle and bustle of the season, we still need to get a good meal in our bellies every day! Meal planning is one key way to ensure you don't default to the take-out menus. Here are seven recipes to help you get dinner on the table this week.Read Full Story
The holiday season is such a wonderful time to embrace all things dessert. Or maybe it's just me? I love baking up sweet treats to share with my friends this time of year, bringing all the warming scents and flavors into my kitchen on a chilly day.
Sharing with my friends means making treats everyone can eat, so...Read Full Story
Sometimes it seems hard to follow special diets during the winter holidays. When so much of the celebrating is focused on food, finding flavorful options that can please everyone is of utmost importance — no matter how you eat! Happily, there are tons of options for every plate, even at the dessert table.
Vegan desserts are anything but boring. Full of juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, and...Read Full Story
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Every day our plates get filled with news from the world of food. Here's what our editors found most interesting today.
Don't Reheat — Repurpose
Thanksgiving left you with lots of leftovers — lucky you! We've rounded up solutions beyond the basic turkey sandwich. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
This holiday Whole Foods Market is partnering with American Forests, the first national nonprofit conservation organization in the country, advocating for the protection and restoration of America's forests. Thanks to American Forests' programs such as Global ReLeaf, more than 50 million trees have been planted in areas of crucial need. Austa Somvichian-Clausen at American Forests takes a closer look.
As we all know, the holidays are about spreading joy and giving to the people and causes that you care about the most. This year, thanks to a partnership between Whole Foods Market and American Forests, for every Christmas...Read Full Story
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Re: Quick travel from Tallinn airport to Pärnu
The quickest way would be a rental car. It is not complicated to drive from Tallinn to Pärnu.
Where does the person in question flying in from? Maybe (s)he doesn't have to go through customs. Anyway, buses to Pärnu depart from Central Bus Station in Tallinn. First he has to take bus number 2 from airport to the bus station, direction Reisisadam, departing 19:43, taking 8 minutes to Central Bus Station. Check www.bussireisid.ee for buses to Pärnu, the site didn't work when I tried to search for departures.
Taxi to Pärnu would cost about 100 €.
Be the first to rate this answer!
Re: Quick travel from Tallinn airport to Parnu
Here's the bus schedule: bussireisid.ee/index.html?ME...
The bus to Pärnu departs from Tallinn at 8 pm which means the traveller must catch the 19:43 city bus from the airport. By this bus he'll make it easily to Pärnu theatre by 10 pm.
Be the first to rate this answer!
Re: Quick travel from Tallinn airport to Parnu
As an alternative, the flight from London to Tallinn stops in Riga. Would it be quicker to take a bus from Riga to Parnu directly rather than finishing the flight into Tallinn first? Flight cost is only a minimal difference, so if passenger is able to get off the plane in Riga and take a bus that runs that direction that might save time.
What busline would travel that route? What would a taxi cost to go that 160km and would they, where it crosses borders? Are there any tips about taking taxis either from Tallinn to Parnu or Riga to Parnu? Is there a train route that might run that direction as well - or shuttle bus from the airport? What restrictions would a Canadian student have on this route?
Be the first to rate this answer!
Re: Quick travel from Riga airport to Pärnu
Yes, it would definitely be quicker to take a bus from Riga to Pärnu. There's an Eurolines bus departing from Riga Airport at 17:30 and arriving in Pärnu at 21.05. Can he make it to that bus? http://www.eurolines.ee/node/491
A taxi would cost about 100 €, but I'm not sure if they cross the border.
There's no rail connection between Riga and Pärnu.
There are no restrictions for a Canadian student on this route. There's no passport control in the border of Latvia and Estonia.
Be the first to rate this answer!
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Howdy I am new here from the Buckeye State. I am owned by 4 horses.
1 APHA breeder stock gelding, 2 Tennessee walker geldings and 1 Kentucky Mtn
Gelding. I am looking for a friendly place to learn and share about horses. I have
Lurked here today and this looks like a good place.


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Well, well, well, wasn't that something. If you thought that the Florida Gators would do THAT – you're lying, but damn, it was exciting to watch.
The Swamp was LOUD. The Gators played incredibly. And no matter what Ole Miss tried to do – it was met with resistance and every time Ole Miss gained momentum the Gators were there to shut them down.
The Gators are now 5-0 and while Jim McElwain said on Monday that he hopes the Gators aren't a one hit wonder, nearly every media publication has starkly changed their tune on Florida with a number of them saying they are playoff bound and Bill Connelly at SB Nation saying that the Gators will go 11-1 (and their one loss to LSU is a toss-up game).
If you would have said that the Gators would be 5-0, with a potential to win the SEC East, to any Gator fan five weeks ago, none of them would have believed you. Sure they would have wanted to believe you, but no one thought that the Gators would be this good, this quickly.
Just how good is this team? Let's look at the stats below.
This past Saturday was my first game back in the Swamp this season and oh my, what a change over last season (and the previous four years before). The Swamp was so loud my ears rang after the game and Jim McElwain and Ole Miss both, credited the Swamp for keeping the momentum on Florida's side.
Now, it's not just that the Swamp is loud – it is PACKED.
The Gators are averaging 89,843 attendees per game, which is 101.46% of stadium capacity, which is good for…first place in the SEC. Yes, your Florida Gators, have the most packed stadium in the best conference in college football.
Last season, the Gators were at 96.93% capacity (9th in the SEC).
The Swamp is loud; the Swamp is packed; and the Swamp is feared, again.
If you look at the statistics that I collect weekly on offense, you will see some improvements across the board, no doubt, but you may be shocked to see that they aren't drastically different across the board.
However, in the areas that matter the most, the Gators are improving drastically.
- As you all know, the stat that I think is most important on offense is percentage of plays that result in a first down or a touch down, and right now the Gators are doing that on 34.33% of plays. If you compare that number to last year, the Gators are more than six percentage points higher. They struggled to move the ball last year ranking 106th in said category and the fact that the Gators have improved so drastically is yielding big dividends on offense.
- Further, the Gators are ranked 12th in the country in completion percentage with a very strong 68% and average 8.08 per pass attempt. How does that compare to last year? Well, the Gators ranked 116th in the country completing just 52% of passes and only 6.66 yards per pass attempt (85th in the country). Hats off to Will Grier and the receiving corps who is doing a great job dealing with an offensive line that is not nearly as strong as last years, and yet he is doing significantly better.
- On Saturday, Will Grier went 24-for-29 for 271 passing yards completing four touchdowns and had a pass efficiency rating of 206.8, which is the best rating any quarterback has had against Ole Miss since 2012.
- Speaking of pass efficiency, the Gators struggled mightily last season as you know with a pass efficiency rating of 117.83 ranking 95th in the country. This season, the Gators currently have a pass efficiency of 156.76 and rank 20th.
- One area of concern, we highlighted a few weeks ago was that the Gators were struggling in the red zone. After the third game of the season, Florida ranked 106th in the country with a 74.67% red zone conversion rate. Since then, over the last two games, Florida has climbed to 63rd in the country with an 84%.
- The Gators still need to work on their rushing attack, which I think is more of an issue on the offensive line than the running backs, but they are still averaging only 3.95 yards per rush attempt, which is 91st in the country and rank 102nd in rush yards per game. While the Gators pass offense looks great; having a strong rushing attack will only make them more potent and require teams to keep more in the box.
- Finally, is it just me, or are the Gators still painfully slow on offense? No, it's not just me, they rank 112th in the country in 28.8 seconds per play and rank 94th in the country in overall offensive pace. While the Gators are obviously successful on offense, you have to believe that the Gators could pick it up a bit and catch more teams off guard.
The Gators defense was once again stout and as Marcus Spears' of ESPN said on Monday, that no team may be able to beat the Gators if a team gets behind because of the Gators defense.
- Again, you all know the two most important stats on defense are the two categories that the Gators are dominating in. Primarily, they rank sixth with 22.12% of defensive plays going for a turnover, sack, or tackle for loss. Secondly, they are only letting opponents get first downs or touchdowns on 25.96% of plays – 27th in the country and with two straight games against potent offenses – that is a helluva stat.
- As the first statistic insinuates, their defensive line and rush is incredible. In nearly every category that allows the Gators to rush or stuff, they are amongst the best in the nation: 30th best in rushing first downs allowed; 15th in rushing touchdowns allowed; 16th in rushing yards per game allowed; 7th in sacks per game; fourth in tackles for loss; 16th in yards per rush attempt allowed; and 13th in sacking quarterbacks on drop backs (11% of the time). I mean, are you kidding me? Those are incredible statistics this far into the season across the board and huge props need to be given to Chris Rumph and Geoff Collins' defense.
- While the Gators do rank 81st in the country in pass completions allowed, they are holding opponents to just a 58% completion percentage, causing an interception every 1.2 touchdowns opponents throw, and are ranked 45th in the country in pass efficiency defense. All of this means, that while, yes, opponents are passing on the Gators because they cannot seem to rush the ball, the Gators are doing a great job of limiting their success through the air.
Special Teams
Quickly – Johnny Townsend has done an incredible job so far this year. So far this season, Townsend is averaging 45 yards per punt on 24 punts, with only two touchbacks. He currently has an astoundingly high percentage of punts that are fair caught or land within the 20-yard line at 45.8%.
After starting the season with an average of 40 yards per punt against New Mexico State, he has improved dramatically in each of the last three weeks.
Looking Forward to Week Six
The Gators are trying to become Bowl eligible this week against Missouri, where the Gators hope to avenge two straight losses to the Tigers.
The Tigers have a very stout defense that ranks amongst the best in the country, but has an offense, now led by a freshman quarterback, that ranks amongst the worst in the country.
Let's look at a few interesting match-ups:
- The Missouri Tigers rank ninth and 13th in the two most important defensive statistics – 20.97% of opponent plays that end in a turnover, sack, or tackle for loss and limiting opponent to touchdowns or first downs on 23.1% of plays. As we talked about previously, the Gators are getting a first down or touchdown on 34.33% of plays – how this battle plays out will determine the pace and momentum of the game.
- On the flipside, the Gators rank sixth and 27th in those two respective categories, while Missouri is only getting first downs or touchdowns on 27.73% of plays – 106th in the country. In fact, the Tiger are ranked 50th or worse, in 27 of 30 statistical categories that I rank on offense; whereas the Gators rank in the top-50 in 28 of 36 categories on defense.
- It will be interesting to see how much Missouri can get going on offense. They rank 102th in the country in total yards on offense and 112th in scoring offense; compared to the Gators 22nd rank of total yards allowed and 20th in scoring defense.
- Finally, can the Gators continue to improve in red zone offense? If they are, the Tigers are only ranked 90th in red zone defense.
Vegas Line
The super smart folks in Las Vegas have the Gators has a -5.5 favorite with an over/under of 40, which means they expect a 23-17, 24-17, or 22-17 final score. Outside of telling you to take the "over", I am not sure what I think the final score will be. I think the Gators should win and should be able to dominate, but the Gators haven't been in this kind of position in years and they are going to Missouri during homecoming. I think the Gators have a defense that will shut down the Missouri offense and I think the Gator offense will come out on top (barely) over the Missouri defense in a comparison. I think the Gators win, by a lot more than Vegas thinks they will.
Prediction: Gators 34 | Tigers 16


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ASIA/LAOS - Christians expelled from a district because of their faith
Vientiane (Agenzia Fides) - The civil authorities of the district of Atsaphangthong, in the province of Savannakhet, have determined that the Christian Lao citizens in the various villages in the district, must renounce their faith, otherwise they risk expulsion from the district. As Fides learns, the measure was enacted given the growing number of conversions to Christianity in several villages. The decision was announced on 21 September, during an official meeting of members of the civil authorities with the population of the village of Huay. The meeting was attended by people of all religions. On hearing the news, the Christians rejected the decision, claiming that their right to religious freedom is guaranteed by the Laotian Constitution and saying they are prepared to suffer expulsion, rather than renouncing their Christian faith.
In a note sent to Fides, the NGO "Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom" (HRWLRF) denounces the failure to comply with this constitutional provision, often disregarded by local civil servants in many districts of the various provinces. The NGO calls on the government of Laos to enforce the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Laos in 2009. The right to adopt a freely chosen faith, as well as the right to publicly manifest one's religion, is confirmed by Article 16 of the Convenant. The text condemns any form of coercion of personal freedom, including the freedom of faith. HRWLRF urges the Lao government to respect the right of the Laotian people to full religious freedom, controlling the moves and the abuses of local civil servants and protecting the Lao citizens of Christian faith. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/09/2013)
Receive News from Fides Service in your email
- 2015-09-21 - One of the Christians condemned for praying for a sick woman has died in prison
- 2015-09-15 - A Protestant Pastor killed in a cold-blooded manner by the police
- 2015-09-07 - Christians arrested on charges of proselytizing
- 2015-05-12 - The Vicar of Paksè: "We hope the 17 Laotian martyrs can be celebrated all together"
- 2015-05-07 - Fr.Mario Borzaga and Laotian catechist martyrs: the joy of Bishops and young people
- 2015-05-04 - ASIA/LAOS – The Christians convicted of illegal practice of medicine have appealed against the sentence
- 2015-03-06 - Three new priests, hope for the little Church in Laos
- 2015-03-04 - Prayer for the sick is a crime
- 2015-02-16 - Prayers for a dying woman: five Pastors charged with "abuse of medical profession"
- 2014-11-15 - Families evicted from villages after converting to Christianity


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Strathearn Hotel3
2 Wishart Place, ,, Kirkcaldy, KY1 2AS
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About the hotel
The Strathearn Hotel in Kirkcaldy is a beautiful Victorian building, located in a suburban setting with a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Standing within its own landscaped gardens on the picturesque East coast of Fife, it maintains its original character with beautifully appointed public rooms and impressive views over the Firth of Forth. Built in the late Victorian period (1896) as a family home of the Wishart family, the building has been extended to include extra bedrooms and function suites.
We have 18 well-appointed en suite bedrooms all with Televisions, tea and coffee making facilities. Kirkcaldy itself is the main shopping centre of the area, and is popular for its arts and entertainment at the Adam Smith Theatre and the Art Gallery and Museum. Glenrothes is a new town which offers much for the visitor, with some of the the finest leisure facilities available. The popular holiday town of Leven boasts an impressive swimming pool and leisure complex to complement its traditional sandy beach. Families will find no shortage of things to do along the busy promenade or in the quieter surroundings of Letham Glen and Silverburn Park with their nature trails. The coastline is scattered with picturesque sea towns and villages, each with its own history based around the harbours still bustling with fishing boats.
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Chrysler Profit Quadruples on 200, 300 Sedan Sales
Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker controlled by Fiat SpA, said first-quarter net income more than quadrupled as car models such as the 200 and 300 sedans helped capture the industry's biggest U.S. market-share gain.
Profit climbed to $473 million for the three months ended March 31, from $116 million a year earlier, the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company said today in a statement. Sales increased 25 percent to $16.4 billion as the company tapped into Detroit's comeback with a Super Bowl television ad featuring actor and director Clint Eastwood.
Chrysler has forecast that net income will rise to about $1.5 billion this year, buoying results for its Turin, Italy-based majority owner as Europe's debt crisis depresses sales in its home region. Chrysler's U.S. deliveries of passenger cars surged 89 percent this year through March from a year earlier, with the 200 and 300 sedans providing the biggest gains, according to researcher Autodata Corp.
"They've not only done a good job on the car side, but they're getting their financial house in order as well," Warren Browne, a vice president at consultant AutomotiveCompass LLC, said today in a phone interview. Chrysler exceeded AutomotiveCompass's estimate for net income of $265 million.
Chrysler reported it had $11.3 billion in cash at the end of the quarter, up from $9.6 billion as of Dec. 31. Net industrial debt fell to $1.34 billion from $2.93 billion at the end of 2011.
Worker Bonuses
Chrysler will pay its 26,000 hourly employees represented by the United Auto Workers the second half of their $3,500 ratification bonuses, Jodi Tinson, a company spokeswoman, said in an e-mailed statement.
The contract, ratified Oct. 26, stipulated that the company would pay workers a second lump sum of $1,750 when the ratio of modified earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to net interest expense was equal to or greater than 5-to-1 for four straight quarters.
Chrysler said the most recent quarter was the most profitable since 1998's third quarter. The company didn't report results from late 1998 to 2007, when Daimler AG owned Chrysler, or when Cerberus Capital Management LP controlled it through mid-2009.
No IPO Plan
Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of both Chrysler and Fiat, plans to merge the two companies and boost sales to more than 100 billion euros ($132 billion) by 2014. Fiat boosted its ownership stake of Chrysler to 58.5 percent in January. He reiterated that the company is unlikely to do an initial public offering this year.
"We have made no decisions on the IPO," he said on a conference call with analysts and reporters. "It's unlikely that it's a 2012 event if it's an event at all."
Chrysler also is unlikely to repay this year an unsecured note that it issued to the UAW's retiree health-care trust when the automaker emerged from bankruptcy in June 2009, Marchionne said. The note was issued with a face value of $4.59 billion, has an implied annual interest rate of 9 percent and matures in July 2023, according to regulatory filings.
"Before we go out there and extinguish notes of that caliber, we would want to have a level of certainty about our financial capabilities, and that issue is not resolved today," Marchionne said. "I wouldn't count on a check going out" in 2012.
Preferred Lender
Chrysler said yesterday it will let its operating agreement with Ally Financial Inc. expire in April 2013 as the company negotiates with the lender as well as other banks on options for vehicle financing.
Marchionne said the structure of any potential future deal with lenders has not been decided. Chrysler has negotiated with banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Co., Santander Holdings USA Inc., General Electric Capital Corp., U.S. Bancorp and Ally, people familiar with the matter said in February.
Chrysler has told banks they can submit two bids: one to form a joint venture that covers "captive" finance business such as dealer financing, and the second for Chrysler-branded auto loans, said the people, who declined to be identified because the talks were private. Marchionne said today he doesn't see a need for Chrysler to have a wholly owned, in-house lender.
Surging Sales
Chrysler Group's first-quarter U.S. sales rose 39 percent from a year earlier to 398,051 cars and light trucks, according to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey-based Autodata. The company topped the industry's 13 percent increase, boosted by demand for redesigned or refreshed models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicle. Chrysler's U.S. market share rose 2.1 percentage points to 11.5 percent, Autodata said.
Sales of the Chrysler brand's 200 and 300 sedans more than tripled in the quarter compared with a year earlier. The 200 was featured in the previous year's Super Bowl commercial with rapper Eminem set in Detroit. The 300 was later promoted with a Los Angeles-themed ad with rapper Dr. Dre.
Fiat reported that earnings before interest, taxes and one-time items, which it calls trading profit, surged to 866 million euros ($1.14 billion) from 251 million euros a year earlier. That beat the 828 million-euro average estimate of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Sales more than doubled to 20.2 billion euros.


text: My husband and I have stayed at Villa David almost every year for the past six years, usually over the Holidays. It is a small, inviting hotel that feels more like home. We've stayed in most of the rooms and they are all very comfortable. Rooms 1 and 2 are the largest and have the best views. But you will... More


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(as reviewed in
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Retreats and spirituality
Grove Booklets
Holy Ground
as reviewed in
Being Christian
by Rowan Williams
In this book on Christian practices, Rowan Williams distils his encyclopaedic theological knowledge and wisdom into four chapters that describe what it is like to be Christian. Although simple, it is also grown-up and offers its own challenges about putting theory into practice. A great book to bring faith to life for those young and old in their faith journey.
Paperback, 96 pages, 129 x 198mm
Price: £7.99
The Exuberant Church
by Barbara Glasson
Barbara writes from her experiences as an ordained Methodist in Liverpool and Bradford which has brought her into contact with many people on the margins of society. From a place that may be beyond our comfort zone, Barbara challenges us to open our eyes and minds to see God at work in the 'prophetic' communities that do not sit easily within the conventional structures of the contemporary Church. An honest read with theological insight and humour.
Paperback, 144 pages, 136 x 216mm
Price: £14.99
Pippa's Progress
by Simon Parke
This title is a re-imagining of John Bunyan's classic story in which Pippa sets out to find heaven and finally realises that home ground can also be holy ground. This is the story of the gospels retold - using images and encounters with amazing characters to reveal its deep wisdom.
Paperback, 176 pages, 126 x 198mm
Price: £9.99
The Risen Dust
by Rachel Mann
This is a vibrant set of poems and stories on the Passion and resurrection focusing particularly on the marginalised and those whose voices are rarely heard. This book may be a disturbing and challenging read but the balance between the darkest evil and the hope of resurrection light has a ring of authenticity which cannot be ignored. A fresh and contemporary expression of the defining narrative of our Christian faith.
Paperback, 160 pages, 156 x 190mm
Price: £9.99
Running over Rocks
by Ian Adams
Written by poet, artist and priest - Ian Adams, this title is aimed at 21st-century people looking for ways to keep balanced in challenging times. He presents 52 spiritual practices across the same number of chapters, combining ancient traditions with those he has developed for the contemporary world. Ian takes the reader through the seasons of the Church year including poems and illustrations. An exciting and tranformative read for anyone who enjoys discovering new ways to approach their faith.
Paperback, 288 pages, 135 x 216mm
Price: £14.99
Seeing in the Dark
by Christopher Chapman
Chris Chapman writes with compassion, clarity and wisdom on the difficult topic of facing suffering in our lives. Drawing on both his own experience and a variety of spiritual writers, he tackles some of the difficult questions that face us in the dark times, offering helpful and hopeful insights and practical suggestions for reflection. A valuable resource for individuals, spiritual directors and those in the ministry of pastoral care.
Paperback, 200 pages, 134 x 215mm
Price: £16.99
Sorry for your Troubles
by Pádraig Ó Tuama
Pádraig Ó Tuama is a theologian, peacemaker and Leader of the Corrymeela Community. His poetry reflects his experiences of reconciliation following the long years of 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland. In this volume he endeavours to express the unexpressable - reflecting many people's stories but bearing witness to the belief that encounter has the power to transform.
Paperback, 96 pages, 126 x 198mm
Price: £9.99
A Time to Mend
by Peter Miller
This book of reflections is born out of a life lived in God's presence. Peter Millar draws on his many and varied experiences, including his time as Warden of Iona Abbey. He brings wisdom and insights that challenge us to recommit ourselves to the way of love in uncertain times, standing alongside those who live at the more extreme edges of life in faith, hope and trust. A book for lent and all seasons.
Paperback, 156 pages, 156 x 190mm
Price: £9.99
as reviewed in
Bible and Ecology
by Richard Bauckham
In this title, Bauckham examines the relationship of humans to the rest of creation. We all share in a community of creation and as humans we have responsibilities towards the creation that binds us together. Serious questions are asked but the overriding message is one of hope.
Paperback, 176 pages, 135 x 215mm
Price: £14.99
Christianity and the Renewal of Nature
by Sebastian Kim and Jonathan Draper
Climate change is one of the key issues facing humanity in the present time. Leading theologians, scientists and environmentalists examine the key challenges and implications for the future sustainability of the planet. With contributions from Tim Gorringe, Mary Grey, Michael Northcott, Clive Pearson, Rowan Williams, Martin Redfearn, John Sauven and Clare Short.
Paperback, 176 pages, 138 x 215mm
Price: £12.99
Cuttle Fish, Clones and Cluster Bombs
by Michael Northcott
A series of reflections that takes the reader through the liturgical year in which the author explores themes of ecology, ethics and economics and contrasts what is and what might be. This allows him to develop a new prophetic reading of current events through the lens of Scripture and tradition. The reader is encouraged to think about and engage with the contemporary world in a transformative way.
Paperback, 240 pages, 135 x 216mm
Price: £14.99
by Celia Deane-Drummond
In this title, author Celia Deane-Drummond examines contemporary and global eco-theologies using three key values of wonder, justice and wisdom. She then encourages the reader to learn about contemporary environmental issues and suggests how Christians might respond collectively and effectively to theological questions. A serious but helpful read, bringing the reader up-to-date with ecological issues and offering ways to respond ethically.
Paperback, 240 pages, 157 x 235mm
Price: £12.82
Go to the Ant
by Ghillean Prance
In this book of biblical reflections, Eden Project Scientific Director Ghillean Prance draws richly from his experiences exploring the Amazon and many other regions, together with his knowledge of references to plants and animals in the Bible, to help us wonder at the marvels of nature and so to treat God's creation with reverence and more respect.
Paperback, 112 pages, 155 x 190mm
Price: £8.99
God's Green Book
by Charlotte Sleigh and Bryony Webb
In this book the reader is invited to enter into and explore Biblical texts through questions and activities as responsible co-workers in creation. The seven Bible studies explore such questions as God's ecology and God's character revealed in creation. Each Bible study is accompanied by a variety of lively and engaging activities, from the practical to the reflective. A resource to inspire the individual or group.
Paperback, 112 pages, 148 x 210mm
Price: £8.99
A Heart for Creation
by Chris Polhill
This resource celebrates God's love for creation, laments the damage we have caused and enables us to realise our part as co-creators of that love. It offers prayers, worship resources and reflections to help individuals and groups effect change, including a 'six week challenge' where the reader is called to take practical steps to live more sustainably.
Paperback, 238 pages, 174 x 246mm
Price: £14.99
The Healer's Tree
by Annie Heppenstall
This title re-imagines Christianity, weaving elements of Biblical, Celtic and mystical tradition around contemporary issues of peace, justice and ecology. In a series of 28 reflections the reader is invited to embark on a 'circular walk' back to wholeness and a full relationship with the Creator and Creation. Each section includes Bible readings, meditation, prayer, questions for reflection and closing thought. A versatile book for individuals and groups.
Paperback, 160 pages, 159 x 190mm
Price: £9.99
Journeys in the Wilderness
by John Muir
Muir is famed as the father of American conservation, and as the first person to promote the idea of National Parks. Combining acute observation with a sense of inner discovery, Muir's writings of his travels through some of the greatest landscapes in the world raise an awareness of nature to a spiritual dimension. This is a spiritual book, offering a life given to discerning God's glory in the natural world - whose generosity, discipline and vision are an enduring inspiration.
Paperback, 570 pages
Price: £12.99
No Oil in the Lamp
by Andy Mellen and Neil Hollow
The book explores the central theme of how the depletion of natural energy sources poses serious questions about the future of the world's energy with far reaching effects on every part of the modern world. It includes an exploration of oil supplies and production, followed by alternative renewable technologies and suggestions for how we can respond by adapting our lives to conserve energy. A challenging read with practical suggestions.
Paperback, 240 pages, 125 x 198mm
Price: £12.99
A Song Among the Stones
by Kenneth Steven
This concise and vivid poetic work, by the internationally recognised Scottish poet, echoes the memories of a voyage shared by a small group of Celtic monks who may have sailed from Iona as far as Iceland. It is the poetry of island rocks and vast seas - the warmth of home yet the call beyond. The book includes fragments of an imaginary lost manuscript - clues to people of the journey. A remarkable story echoing our own hopes and the gift of times and people who seem sent to help us.
Paperback, 72 pages, 128 x 198mm
Price: £7.99
as reviewed in
Be not afraid
by Samuel Wells
In this book, preacher and ethicist Samuel Wells lucidly and compassionately explores topics Christians are often reluctant to face - death, weakness, power, difference, faith, and living life to the full - and offers down-to-earth guidance in facing common fears in the life of faith. For anyone looking for ways of facing fears in the modern world, this is an essential companion.
Paperback 224 pages
Price: £10.99
Forgiveness is Healing
by Russ Parker
Forgiveness is a profoundly difficult, but vitally important subject. Here is offered a challenging and deeply encouraging examination of the whole area of forgiveness and healing, including forgiveness of individual hurts and the difficult subject of forgiveness and deliverance. At the heart of all forgiveness, the author stresses, is the decision to let go.
Paperback 192 pages
Price: £10.99
Gift or a Given?
by John Atkinson
In this excellent and accessible book, the author tackles the difficult subject of those who do not get better. Exploring our language, Atkinson suggests that a more helpful word could be that of 'wholeness' and also the context of healing being 'what do you really need?' He argues that the need for healing is an invitation to work with God in a broken world towards the final goal of perfection. He also believes that sometimes God may act in a way that we cannot understand. This challenging title will be an essential resource for ministers as well as those seeking a response to the mystery of healing.
Paperback 121 pages
Price: £9.99
by Joan Chittister
Joan Chittister tackles a subject which to many appears in inaccessible. She presents happiness not as a by-product of wealth or success but, rather, as a personal quality to be learned, mastered, and promoted. She explores the psychological, philosophical, physical and social components of happiness as well as the significant contribution that each of the five major world faiths have to offer. Overall Chittister offers a way of finding and maintaining happiness that is accessible to all.
Paperback 240 pages
Price: £12.99
Simple Gifts
by Kevin Scully
In this title, the author encourages us to find God's grace not in the hard to access or spiritually unattainable places but rather in our ordinary and everyday experiences. Through exploring a variety of gifts such as hope, friendship, rest and humour, we rediscover how to find God's activity among us and through us. A timely book that will help us to see the real blessings that surround us every day.
Paperback 176 pages
Price: £7.99
Retreats and spirituality
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Bestselling book written in the style of an allegorical fairytale with a universal appeal. The underlying message is that of getting in touch with our inner desires and dreams in order to discover our true destiny.
Discounted price
(was £7.99)
Price: £6.00
The Desert Movement:
by Alexander Ryrie
The author gives his own fresh perspective on the spirituality of the desert, including newly translated sources of the early desert mothers and fathers.
Discounted price
(was £16.99)
Paperback 246 pages, 135 x 216mm
Price: £12.75
The Extra Mile
by Peter Stanford
Peter Stanford takes on a year-long pilgrimage to eight sacred sites in Britain and asks why people increasingly seek out these ancient holy places.
Discounted price
(was £12.99)
Hardback 208 pages, 144 x 213mm
Price: £9.75
Holy Places, Holy People
by Gavin Wakefield
Introducing seven places of pilgrimage in the North East with background history and practical advice on planning a trip.
Discounted price
(was £8.99)
Paperback 128 pages 127 x 196mm
Price: £6.75
If you sit very still
by Marian Partington
In this beautiful and moving book, Marian Partington describes the journey which followed the disappearance of her younger sister Lucy in 1973 and the subsequent discovery in 1994 that Lucy had been one of the vitims of Fred and Rosemary West. The book title is based on a dream that Marian had about Lucy a few months after her disappearance which enabled her to find a sense of peace and the suggestion that there may be a place where we all share the same dreams. The honesty of this title is brave and startling and invites us to face the darkness in our own lives before we can begin to forgive and heal.
Hardback 208 pages
Price: £15.99
Making a Retreat
by Andrew Nash
Discounted price
(was £3.50)
Paperback, 32 pages
Price: £1.00
Our Sound is our Wound
by Lucy Winkett
Chosen as the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book in 2010, this title can bring about a significant change in our perception of the world. The author writes as someone who is exceptionally sensitive to sound - helping the reader to hear the sounds that emerge from the scriptures. She also challenges us to listen in a more inclusive and contemplative way. This title will make you re-assess the way you listen and respond to a noisy world.
Paperback 160 pages
Price: £11.99
Retreats in Everyday Life
by William V Thompson
A handbook for a month of individually guided prayer.
Paperback, 120 pages, 190 x 245mm
Price: £7.95
The Search for Spirituality
by Ursula King
Ursula King examines spirituality through a multitude of lenses - resourcing and challenging the reader to pursue their own journey of discovery.
Discounted price
(was £12.99)
Paperback 233pages, 135 x 216mm
Price: £9.75
Soul Space
by Margaret Silf
Making a retreat in the Christian tradition.
Discounted price
(was £9.50)
Paperback, 162 pages, 138 x 216mm
Price: £7.00
Walk to Jerusalem
by Gerard W Hughes SJ
Gerard Hughes describes his own pilgrimage to Jerusalem with all its ups and downs. Through his journey, he explores the theme of God in all things, reflecting on the daily effects of welcoming the gospel Jesus into our own homes.
Discounted price
(was £11.95)
Paperback 244 pages, 136 x 217mm
Price: £9.00
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Celtic Chants from Lindisfarne
by Keith Duke
Songs inspired by the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the words of David Adam.
Discounted price
(was £9.99)
CD 149 x 210mm
Price: £7.99
In search of peace
by Teresa Brown
In this beautiful collection of music, Teresa Brown has brought together a resource that will bring inspiration to times of prayer or worship. The main instrument is violin with accompaniment from viola, guitar, keyboard and percussion to produce a sound that is simple, pure and yet profound. Ideal for individual or group reflection.
Price: £12.99
Officium Divinum
by Margaret Rizza
Margaret Rizza's contemplative choral music is known and loved by many and is often used in the setting of retreats and prayer times. The music in this new collection is based around the four periods of prayer in Common Worship - morning, midday, evening and night. For those familiar and new to Margaret's work, this collection will bring inspiration and peace to times of reflection.
Price: £10.00
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Grove Booklets
Advance by Retreat
by John Pearce
Using silence to come close to God
Price: £3.50
Approaches to spiritual direction
by Anne Long
Price: £3.50
Finding a Personal Rule of Life
by Harold Miller
Price: £3.50
Reflective practice for spiritual directors
by Anne Long
Price: £3.50
Sculpture, prayer and scripture
by Liz Culling & Toddy Hoare
Price: £3.50
Simple tools for stillness
by Wanda Nash
Price: £3.50
Soul Spark
by Nick Helm
A short course exploring prayer and spiritual growth
Price: £3.50
Time, Space and God
by Andy Rider
Price: £3.50
The wisdom to listen
by Michael Mitton
Price: £3.50
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Estimated 500 - 550 American Crows (could be more) moving from the SW to North along Otter Creek Wooded line and staging just north of EastView Retirement cottages and Inn to opposite and just north of Porter Hospital.
Seemed to congregate together, then groups flew up and continued to fly toward the Marble Works where they have been known to roost in the past several years.
Only watched from 1630 to 1715.
this is an old-field white pine forest
One big one with saplings.
Smelled before I saw it :(
Beaver pond edge. Otter?
Beaver pond.
Beaver pond.
Neat tree on tip up


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I'm looking for some examples of robot/AI programming using lisp. Are there any good online examples available anywhere (preferably not too academic in nature)?
XS Lisp on Lego Mindstorms: http://www.xslisp.com/ilc03.pdf There are multiple references online on Clojure and Lego Mindstorms dealing with a Clojure API for Lego Mindstorms. In fact Lisp (in some form) and Leog Mindstorms's seems not uncommon: here's a AAAI paper on Lisp and Mindstorms with some code with a decided AI education approach: "Lauching into AI's October Sky with Robotics and Lisp" : http://www.aaai.org/ojs/index.php/aimagazine/article/viewArticle/1863
A Robotics Society of Southern California intro to Lisp may have source/examples on other pages: http://rssc.org/content/introduction-lisp
Aside from something like Mindstorms almost all robotic systems are custom corporate and/or university projects so you are likely to have to see if any final project results have published source. There may also be university examples for robotics classes.
If you are looking for general AI programming then there are numerous references: Norvig's "Paradigms of Artificial Intelligence Programming: Case Studies in Common Lisp" is a good starting point.
This is supposed to be among the bestest books on both Common LISP and AI Programming. Use it wisely.
Here is a group of enthusiasts using lisp to build robots.


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After nearly 1000 miles at sea Green Dragon has taken pole position of the eight boat fleet. They have extended a small 6 mile lead over Ericsson 4 with the rest of the pack close behind. The next 24 hours will prove challenging, as each navigator chooses their route south through the Canary Islands.
Green Dragon - trying to pick the best route to go the Canary islands
Update from Green Dragon Navigator Ian Moore
It is day 4 according to the food bag we opened today and I can't decide whether it feels more or less than that. After a frantic first 48 hours when Ian Walker and I managed only a few hours sleep between us things have settled down into more of a routine. The weather every six hours gives me something to look forward to, as I wrestle with the contraption called the 'media station'. This allows me to get online and download two zip files with all the weather information that we are allowed.
In theory under ideal conditions in an office in Swindon, this takes about 20 minutes but it really depends on what new trick the 'media station' is going to play on us. Finally you manage to get the data out and look at it, and I'm guessing that all the other navigators have the same issues because as soon as we got the data this morning we decided to gybe. PUMA's media station must be working slightly better because they gybed about 15 minutes before us…
I guess we are doing ok as after nearly 1000 miles of racing, and it feels good to take pole position. We have tweaked out a small lead over Ericsson 4, but I am still worried about our reaching performance against the boats with maximum keel weight. The Canary islands are looming and we will all have to make some tough decisions. The options are whether to risk passing through the islands and getting stuck in the light airs behind, or commit to one of the longer passages round the end of the island chain. I guess we will see tomorrow what boats go where and who has made the right call.


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Shirin Neshat's first feature film Women without Men award Silver Lion at 66th (2009) Venice Film Festival in Italy. Women without Men chronicles the lives of four women from different walks of life against the backdrop of Irans foreign-backed CIA coup in 1953.....Copyright © Coprod Uction Office
This is film web site of Women With Men for screenings, check it out could be one near you. Enjoy
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World's Best Foreign Exchange Banks 2008
Platt, Gordon, Global Finance
Global Finance selects the leaders in the world's biggest financial market.
The 54 central banks and monetary authorities that took a measure of the foreign exchange market last year under the auspices of the Bank for International Settlements discovered an unprecedented rise in activity. Average daily turnover totaled $3.2 trillion, an increase of 71% at current exchange rates from the previous global survey done three years earlier.
A significant increase in the foreign exchange activity of hedge funds was one reason for the surge, as the search for alpha, or excess returns, led them to the FX market. Trading foreign currencies as an asset class became popular in part because the market moves up and down independently of smaller markets, such as stocks and bonds.
Of course, the search for higher returns in overseas stock markets by investors of all descriptions also contributed to the rise in FX trading and hedging of positions. A third major factor in the rise of turnover in traditional foreign exchange markets was an increase in the level of algorithmic trading by high-speed computers.
Trading between large banks, either for themselves or their customers, accounts for more than half of the trading in the FX market. The best foreign exchange banks are those institutions that provide fast, reliable and cost-effective services to global businesses and investors, as well as advice and innovative products to meet the specific needs of their increasingly diverse range of customers.
Global Finance selected Deutsche Bank as the global winner. We also chose the leading foreign exchange banks in 82 countries and regions, as well as the best online trading systems, both bank-owned and independent, and the best bank for foreign exchange research, as well as separate awards for fundamental research, technical research, currency forecasts and strategy and hedging.
With input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts, Global Finance selected the winners based on objective and subjective factors. Our criteria included transaction volume, market share, global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative products and technology.
Deutsche Bank is the world's largest provider of liquidity to the foreign exchange markets.The bank is a major market maker in foreign exchange swaps, and it handled record volumes efficiently during the turbulent financial markets of the second half of 2007.
Not only is the bank the biggest in terms of spot foreign exchange trading, but it also is the most innovative in developing currency risk-management techniques using derivative products. Deutsche Bank offers cash flow and balance-sheet foreign exchange hedging for corporations. It also offers deal-contingent forwards for cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Deutsche Bank was the first bank to develop target-profit forwards, or TPFs, which enable clients to terminate hedging once a predetermined profit has been attained.
Meanwhile, global investors are showing increased interest in the bank's currency asset products. Deutsche Bank recently implemented live streaming prices for foreign exchange indexes, non-deliverable forwards, currency baskets, precious metals and currency exchange-traded funds.
The bank is a leader in foreign exchange prime brokerage. Its FXSelect platform offers actively managed currency alpha products. Investors may chose from more than 70 currency managers with investment styles that range from totally discretionary to systematic. Notional investment in Deutsche Bank's currency indexes tripled last year to about $6 billion.
Citi, the largest US bank by assets, is the leading foreign exchange bank in North America. Its currency business is growing faster than the general market. The bank's currency options volume, in particular, has increased strongly in the past year. …


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Candlewood Suites Indianapolis
Candlewood Suites Indianapolis
Indianapolis Hotel's Guests Prefer Excellence
You'll love this hotel's accommodations in Castleton, Indiana, just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis and conveniently situated off of I-69 and I-465. We have everything you need for one night or an extended stay. Escape the busy city center and relax at the Candlewood Suites® Hotel Indianapolis.
If you are doing business around the hotel's location near Indianapolis, our amenities ensure that you are prepared for that big meeting. The Business Center is open 24 hours and includes two guest computers and free printing and fax services. You'll also enjoy a quick commute to area businesses, such as Ingersoll-Rand, Zurich and IBM, all within minutes of the hotel's location in Castleton.
Indiana is home to many attractions, from the stunning and scenic acres of Fort Harrison State Park to the amazing critters of the Indiana Zoo. There's something for everyone in the family! With convenient access to I-465, you'll find the best of Indianapolis is at your fingertips.
Our hotel's address near Indianapolis businesses and leisure activities is ideal no matter your travel plans. Stay relaxed at the indoor pool and hot tub, or make use of the gazebo grills. You can keep up your exercise routine in the 24-hour Fitness Center, and you can stay connected to work and friends via the hotel-wide free Wi-Fi access. We hope you "Consider Us Home" during your next stay at our hotel in Castleton!
Quick Info
- Check In: 3:00 PM
- Check Out: 12:00 PM
- Minimum Check-In Age: 18
- Late Check Out Available
- Parking: Free
- Print Fact Sheet
- Chat With Us
- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Standard Wireless Internet service is free for all members
- On-site Fitness Center Available
It's hard to leave your best buddy at home when you're traveling for extended periods, so we provide a pet friendly experience. Restrictions and fees apply.
Whether you are booking suites for a family reunion or suites for your company's training needs, Candlewood Suites hotels can accommodate your group.
Workout whenever you want: Candlewood Gym always has an open door and lots of aerobic and cardio equipment to make it easier to stick to your exercise routine, no sweat.
At Candlewood Suites® hotels, we want you to experience comfort in every sense.
Getting Here
Guest Reviews
Overall Experience
Weekend Stay
November 18, 2015
I was there for a weekend getaway and had a wonderful time. I know they were remodeling so that would explain some of my ratings but overall it was a great time
Don't Stay HERE!!!
November 12, 2015
7 day construction going on; grinding and hammering. No discount or apologies. No apologies when keys don't work. STAY FAR FAR AWAY from this hotel!
Friendly staff and they are remodeling!
November 11, 2015
A friendly staff. The hotel is in a great location for shopping and dining. They are remodeling! Great pillows.
Clean Rooms Great Staff
November 10, 2015
The front desk staff was extremely helpful and checking in was easy. The room was clean and nice. The price was a little high compared to hotels nearby.


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Grow Your Own
Take interest in where your fresh vegetables come from. Grow your own small space container gardens with the Aerator02 technology...Simplify your life, teach the children, offer them a future of good health. Join us by supporting the introduction of Aerator and sign our website guestbook to show support the world cares to grow healthy, more nutritious plants! ~we thank you


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Like others who deal with credit card information, PayPal requires QualSight to comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) standard. With 800 practices, QualSight could have implemented its own virtual private network (VPN). But instead, QualSight is using a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant VPN and database server to securely serve transactions through the cloud. Instead of going with the usual Oracle or MySQL database, QualSight uses open-source PostgreSQL.
The key to making all this work, apparently, is to find just the right cloud hosting vendor, which in QualSight's case is FireHost. "We've been with FireHost for probably a year and a half by now, and I've been very happy," says Carlos Navarro, manager of IT at QualSight.
In January 2010, QualSight was running its own instance of the database from its offices. Such on-premise operation is another assumption of many healthcare providers today.
Then came the hackers.
"Nobody was here in the office," Navarro says. "There was an attempt to hack us from China. We determined that later, there were 15,000 attempts, and they successfully did penetrate. However, no damage was done."
[Editor's note: The hacking attempts did not actually penetrate or compromise QualSight's network in any way.]
Comments are moderated. Please be patient.


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LAS CRUCES >> New Mexico State University is accepting applications to a new speciality in its doctorate of nursing practice program.
Applications for the Family Nurse Practitioner speciality are due by March 15 for the fall semester, according to an NMSU news release.
The FNP speciality degree option is an online curriculum offered through the College of Health and Social Services, according to the release.
The degree plan is completed in three years of full-time study, according to the release, and all accepted students must be enrolled full-time and be able to attend the Doctoral Summer Seminar, May 19-23, in Las Cruces.
For more information, contact Karen Pech at 575-646-7770 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate rematch was scheduled to be the main event of UFC 168, that was until UFC President Dana White announced that the biggest rematch in UFC history would also take place on the card. With Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman in the main event slot, Rousey vs. Tate will now co-main event, a place Rousey is more than happy to be in:
read entire article...
tags: Ronda Rousey (detail) UFC 168
Recent Comments »
7/16/13 2:36 PM by Glovegate
Dana admitted he tried to get Gina. When she left mma it was back to "never". You're right about the weight, that was also probably an issue. The UFC can't have her as champ if there's a high risk she'll miss weight every second fight. Must be why they didn't grab her. Thanks for making my point. And lol no, the women won't outdraw the lower weight men. The uniqueness of female fights doesn't help Invicta outdraw them now, despite a much lower ppv price. Ronda, the Brock Lesnar of wmma, got only 400-500k buys with more mainstream media attention than almost any fighter in UFC history. Those aren't bad numbers, they're just not good by UFC star standards. Will she even be able to match those numbers when she fights a second time and the media doesn't cover it because a woman in the UFC is a story that they've already told? Maybe. Maybe not. Women just don't really draw as fighters. Boxing has already learned that lesson. Why the UFC seems intent on relearning it I don't know.
7/16/13 2:10 PM by If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much
Most likely went from 600k buys to 1.2-1.4 million buys which made her millions, not tens of thousands. Yeah I'd be happy if I was her also.
7/16/13 1:53 PM by JJLong
If it is just all about looks, why didn't Dana sign Gina Carano when he had the chance after EliteXC folded?Because there was no depth in her weight division. In fact, she really didn't have a weight division at the time because of her problems missing weight. Strikeforce invented their women's 145lb title to accommodate Gina and Cyborg at the time.Notice how you didn't even bother to address that all the men's weight divisions under welterweight are doing horrible numbers on PPV. The only thing that would happen if Ronda lost is that the women's division would be right along side the other lower weight divisions in terms of drawing money.The women even still might draw higher without Ronda on top than the other lower weight classes because of the uniqueness of female fights.
7/16/13 1:41 PM by Glovegate
"If Dana wanted to protect cash cows, he wouldn't book fights like Cain vs Brock." He doesn't seem to know the game as well as you think. Remember, he really thought Brock was gunna destroy Overeem. "Besides, at this point WMMA has moved beyond Ronda losing being a major detriment. Especially since women are on TUF now and there is a rumor the UFC is considering a female strawweight division." Really hasn't. If Ronda loses, wmma takes a major step down to the prelims. They might even just drop it if nobody hot comes along and Ronda doesn't pan out again. It is 100% about looks, to Zuffa. Cyborg was ravaging chicks for a long time and Dana said "never". Soon as Ronda comes along he magically changes his mind and gives her top billing against a chick with zero wins over opponents with winning records. He's praying she doesn't lose. It's sad actually. Should have just let Invicta pick them all up.
7/16/13 1:29 PM by JJLong
If Dana wanted to protect cash cows, he wouldn't book fights like Cain vs Brock.Besides, at this point WMMA has moved beyond Ronda losing being a major detriment. Especially since women are on TUF now and there is a rumor the UFC is considering a female strawweight division.Sure the women's division wouldn't have the huge draw on top anymore, but how would that be any different than any of the other lower weight classes. Benson Henderson doesn't draw buys, Aldo doesn't draw buys, Mighty Mouse doesn't draw buys, and Barao doesn't draw buys.
7/16/13 1:26 PM by StratTone
haha!!! Vote up
7/16/13 1:12 PM by WarWand9
Yup. She will fight Meisha 3 more times before anyone else lol.
7/16/13 1:11 PM by WarWand9
Rousey"I will be honored to get the money from this huge fight this just adds to my PPV dollars"
7/16/13 1:07 PM by MisterMr
Rousey VS McMann or Cyborg.Oh wait DFW doesn't want his girl to lose.
7/16/13 12:30 PM by iHazpoopz
It could only do her good. Actually a smart move to get attention on her, so many people are buying this card. I'm trying to get tickets when they go on sale.


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Amazon Instant Video — the official iOS app of the e-commerce giant's Prime video streaming service — has just added a great new update.
The app will now attempt to lure you in by letting users stream the first episode of selected TV shows for free, with added ad breaks before and during playback.
In addition to this, the app features new video playback controls, including one-touch play/pause and 10-second skip forward/backward buttons, alongside a handy "Next Episode" button to make your binge watching sessions even easier and more tempting. It also promises faster playback start time after hitting play.


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Read an Excerpt
Thursday, June 2, 6:15 a.m.
Dakota Garrett waited in the darkness.
The garage smelled faintly of gasoline and oil. The mark evidently preferred servicing his vehicles at home. He didn't look the type in his meticulously pressed suits and little bow ties. How many high-level accountants could, much less would, change the oil in the family sedan? Only one terrified of trusting another with any aspect of the family vehicle's operation.
Darnell Raspberry manipulated and supervised every asset possessed by his boss, Devon Wallacethe single most powerful man in the Midwest. Wallace had built an empire of wealth and power during the latter half of his life. Too bad he'd started using innocent people as his stepping stones. One of those people had come to the Equalizers for help. Wallace operated above the law. And, thus far, no one had been able to stop him.
It wasn't Dakota's job to stop Wallace. He could care less about the man or his activities. At some point in the past half decade he'd stopped analyzing right from wrong. Dakota's singular goal was to accomplish his mission.
Get the job done.
What else was there?
For him nothing.
Anger whispered through him, making his jaw clench. Dakota pushed it away. The past was the past. Dead and gone. Emphasis on the dead. He operated in the moment and only in the moment.
Justice could be served outside a courtroom. That was sufficient for Dakota's conscience.
The door leading from the kitchen of the Raspberry home to the dark garage opened. Dakota braced for action.
Darnell Raspberry stepped into the garage and carefully locked the door behind him. The three quiet tones that followed assured him that he'd properly set the home's elaborate security system.
The makers obviously hadn't counted on someone like Dakota Garrett needing to get past their so-called state-of-the-art system. For him, cutting off the link to the home's attached garage had been as effortless as taking his next breath. Raspberry had no clue that a cold, harsh reality waited for him just a few steps away.
Raspberry rounded the hood of his two-door hybrid, the one he used for traveling to and from work. Nothing pricey, not at all like the fine home attached to the double-car garage or the luxury sedan he'd purchased for his family. The garage's overhead light as well as the interior one in the vehicle stayed dark as Raspberry climbed into the driver's seat. The smart little accountant had thought of everything. He had a careful routine. Don't turn on the light. Start the engine and hit the remote. Barrel out of the garage and close the door.
His goal was simple: protect his nice little family.
Didn't matter that his boss ruined the lives of nice little families every day.
The hybrid's engine started. Dakota pushed away from the wall. Until the vehicle shifted out of Park, both doors would remain unlocked. Dakota had the passenger-side door open before the unsuspecting man had time to blink or to shift into Reverse.
Dakota pressed the muzzle of his weapon to Raspberry's pale temple. "Drive to the office as usual," he ordered, "and we won't have a problem."
Raspberry's eyes bulged with fear. The faint lighting from the dash allowed him a peek at Dakota from the corners of his eyes. "What do you want?"
Dakota breathed a chuckle. "To make an honest man out of you, Darnell."
"I " Raspberry swallowed hard. "I don't understand."
"Just drive." Dakota applied a bit more pressure. "No."
The protest surprised Dakota. He hadn't figured the man for the gutsy type. "Fine. We'll just do this right here."
A gasp imprisoned the accountant's breath. "But but my family."
"Still asleep in their beds." Dakota knew precisely where each member of the Raspberry family was at the moment. East and west ends of the second floor. The master suite was actually on the first, but the wife didn't like being so far away from the kiddies. She and the two kids didn't rise until seven.
"What do you want?" Raspberry asked again.
"To take care of business without having to bother with the nasty business of killing anyone."
"My family has nothing to do with my work," the accountant argued, his confidence seeming to build since Dakota hadn't put a bullet in his brain just yet. "They're completely innocent."
Impatience nudged Dakota. "True, but, as you well know, innocence matters little in the grand scheme of things. Now, let's go."
Raspberry's fingers tightened on the steering wheel. "What if I refuse?"
Well, well, more of that unexpected bravado. "Then I'll have to go in there and drum up a little motivation." Dakota grunted his regret. "I never did like to frighten small children." He leaned close to the man who was his mark. "But that doesn't mean I won't do my very best if necessary."
"All right. All right." Hand shaking, Raspberry tapped the garage door remote pinned to his sun visor and shifted the vehicle into Reverse.
"Very good, Darnell."
As soon as he'd backed into the drive, Raspberry hit the remote again, closing the garage door. Once in the street, he pointed the hybrid in the direction of the Wallace Building.
"You'll never get past security," Raspberry charged. "The Wallace Building has the best security available."
Dakota smiled. "I won't have to get past security. We'll enter the building from the parking garage, just like you do every morning. You arrive well before anyone else so it'll be just the two of us."
Raspberry shifted in his seat, fear and tension obviously making him uncomfortable. "What about the video surveillance? Security will see you in the garage."
Dakota lowered his weapon, but kept a bead on the rattled man. "Details, details. You don't need to concern yourself with those. All you have to do is exactly what I tell you."
The fact was Dakota had planned for that nuisance. Security would indeed capture him arriving in the parking garage with Raspberry. And when the two of them boarded the elevator, Dakota would scan an authorized entry badge. Security might not know the face or the name, but they wouldn't be able to deny the approved access. Questions would be asked later, but Dakota would be long gone by then.
"You'll never get away with this." Raspberry shook his head. "The police will have your description. Your face will be all over the news. You'll be a wanted man."
"Probably." Dakota wasn't the slightest bit worried. The face the security cameras would record was not one that could ever be connected to Dakota Garrett. His mother had never been a true mother to Dakota, but she had passed on to him an invaluable assetthe art of disguise.
A lifetime ago.
"Are you going to kill me?"
The bravado had vanished. If Raspberry's voice had been any smaller it would have been inaudible.
"Not unless I have to." No point lying to the man.
"What're you going to do?"
Dakota leaned in close to the driver again, making him shudder in fear. "I'm going to take back what your boss stole from his clients."
Raspberry seemed to chew on that for a moment. "One of Mr. Wallace's competitors sent you," he accused. "I should have known."
"Nope." Dakota relaxed into the seat. "I have no affiliations with any of his competitors."
"You're a thief." A nuance of anger shadowed the words.
"I've been called worse."
"Mr. Wallace will hunt you down and make you pay."
"He'll try."
"He'll kill me." Raspberry's voice quaked.
"Possibly." Even the best resources were at times tossed away. Wallace wouldn't hesitate to find himself another accountant. Finding one as talented as Mr. Raspberry might take some time though. "That's why," Dakota offered, "when we're done I would rush home, pack up my little family and disappear."
Raspberry shot him a look. "How am I supposed to do that? You can't give me witness protection."
Dakota shrugged. "True. But that nest egg you've been building all these years should take care of you and your family quite nicely for the rest of your lives. You're a man of above-average intelligence, I'm certain you'll find the perfect place to become invisible."
Raspberry had no rebuttal for Dakota's suggestions.
Downtown Chicago came into view. They were close now. Dakota checked his wristwatch. Right on time.
"This is insane. You'll never get away with this."
"I guess we'll know soon enough." The subject had grown boring.
"If he doesn't have you exterminated like a bug," Raspberry warned, "you'll spend the rest of your life in prison."
Dakota had to laugh at that one. "I don't think your boss is going to call the police."
"He he " Raspberry's face turned as red as the succulent fruit his forefathers had no doubt grown, earning the surname. "He has friends in high places in law enforcement."
"An official investigation is the last thing your boss would want," Dakota countered. "I'm certain you're aware of the extent to which he goes in order to cover his illegal activities." Raspberry was a master at fixing the books. Wallace had experts all around him, shielding his every move. He wouldn't like this one little bit, but unless he could resolve it without involving the police, he would take it like a loss in the stock market. This was the risk one took when gambling with the highest stakes.
"Who are you?" Raspberry braked at a light and dared to meet Dakota's eyes.
Dakota could tell him that he was an Equalizer and that he was here to equalize the situation, but he wouldn't. "I'm the man who's giving you a chance to do the right thing, Darnell."
"It's probably the last thing I'll do," he mumbled.
Possibly. That, too, was the chance a man took when he chose the dark side.
Dakota knew this from experience.
Problem was, once a man crossed that line, finding his way back was not a straight or an easy path. The line was blurred, the way obscured.
And nothing ever looked the same through the haze that lingered after that waltz on the dark side.
Not even in the bright light of day.
Colby Agency 6:45 a.m.
Lucky Malone stopped on the sidewalk and peered up at the gleaming building before her. Her pulse scrambled with the pounding in her chest.
She really worked here.
A smile spread across her lips.
The Colby Agency.
Her life was perfect now.
Absolutely perfect.
"You'll get over that soon enough."
Lucky turned to the man who'd spoken. Lucas Camp. The Lucas Camp. She recaptured the breath that had rushed from her lungs at the sound of his voice and her lips stretched back into that big smile without any prompting. "Good morning, Mr. Camp." Good grief, she must look like a total idiot standing out here staring up at the building this way.
His wise gray eyes glittered with mirth but his lips never even twitched. "Good morning, Ms. Malone."


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Massillon City Councilwoman Katherine Catazaro-Perry, and Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities were honored with Awards of Merit at the Ohio Public Images Annual Awareness Luncheon March 21 in Columbus.
The Public Images Network, and its parent organization, Ohio Public Images, were established in 1983 to promote positive awareness of people with developmental disabilities. Each year OPI honors individuals and groups in Ohio that have, through events and media efforts, portrayed the lives of individuals and families living with developmental disabilities.
OPI honored Catazaro-Perry because her numerous endeavors have positively impacted the quality of life for families with children with developmental disabilities. In addition to her role as councilwoman, she is executive director of Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children in Canton. It is the first child care center in Stark County designed for children with medically fragile needs.
In the community, Catazaro-Perry is on the boards of the Health Foundation of Greater Massillon and the Stark County Library Foundation, while also serving on business education and legislative committees for the Massillon Chamber of Commerce.
Catazaro-Perry is founder and head coach of American Elite American Idols cheerleading squad for young people with developmental disabilities.
The quarterly newsletter of Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, "All in the Family," circulates more than 3,000 copies in the community as a printed edition and is available for download at www.starkdd.org.
Wilma Dunbar of Canton sent an email last week letting me know that she too had a moment with Elizabeth Taylor.
"My husband and I were at the Greenbrier Hotel in Sulphur Springs, W.Va., waiting to go in for dinner when I saw this couple and nudged my husband," she remembered. "Our dresses were very similar. He said he liked mine better. I said, No! Look who's wearing it. It was Liz Taylor and John Warner. She was beautiful and her eyes were violet."
Ohio Department of Aging's theme for Older Americans Month 2011 in May is "Older Ohioans — Connecting Communities."
The theme acknowledges the roles older Ohioans play in the culture and economy of their communities, as well as the progress Ohio is making to ensure they have the resources and choices they need to remain engaged in and connected to their communities. Information about Older Americans Month and the 2011 theme is available at www.aging.ohio.gov/news/ olderamericansmonth.
Send tips about acts of kindness, anecdotes, honors and other items of interest to Denise Sautters, Around Town, The Repository, 500 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702. Information can also be faxed to her at 330- 454-5745 or emailed to her at email@example.com
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