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Chapter 3: Defying Gravity
Dawn hadn't quite broken, but Sawako was already at school — with Tsumugi, whom she'd asked to come in early for a special meeting.
"So that's my idea for your gimmick," finished Sawako. "Now be honest — would doing this upset you? If so, I'll understand."
Tsumugi was silent. Sawako could see her eyes starting to well up with tears.
Uh oh, the teacher thought. "I'm sorry! I won't make you do it. Forget I even —"
The blonde shook her head firmly. "I'm... I'm just so happy..."
"Oh." Whew.
"This is something I never even dreamed could happen. I've never been so touched..." She rubbed the tears from her eyes. "Of course I'll do it, Teacher! It will be an honour!"
In every life, there are key points of decision — moments when our future hinges on the choice we make. Sawako didn't realize it, but she had just hit one of those moments.
She could tell that something about Tsumugi's reaction was... off. The girl was far too enthusiastic about a proposal that would have outraged Ritsu and sent Mio screaming from the room. Sawako wondered if she should ask Tsumugi why she was so excited.
She chose not to look a gift horse in the mouth. She would regret it.
"When can I start?" asked Tsumugi eagerly.
"Not for a couple of days. We need to do this gradually. In the meantime, there's something else you can start on."
Tsumugi patted the large carrying case beside her. "Is it related to your request that I bring this?"
"Exactly. Here's how it's going to work..."
Mio watched as Ritsu vanished into the clubhouse. "I can't believe this is still here," she said.
"Of course it is!" Ritsu called back. "We got that lock for the door, remember?"
"Not the chair. The clubhouse. We used to play here what, ten years ago? It still looks just the same."
Ritsu emerged, decked out in her wheelchair and casts. "I guess there aren't any kids the right age around here. Or maybe we left a little of our spirits behind and they've been hauntin' the place. Wooooo..."
"Stop that!" Mio wrapped her long black coat a bit tighter around herself.
"Ha! Why should I? You can't hit a handicapped girl. I'm safe forever! I can even call you fa—"
Mio disillusioned Ritsu. Twice.
"Ow. I'm reporting you for disabled-girl abuse."
"That should be interesting, what with you abusing disability itself."
They resumed the walk/roll to school. Ritsu took a curious look at Mio. "So what's with the coat?"
The bassist sighed. "If we have to play these roles, I guess we may as well play them convincingly. A shy girl would want a big coat to wrap herself in, right?"
"Not really. It would draw attention."
"...Well, I'm just wearing this because it's cold."
Ritsu smirked. "Didn't think it through, did ya?"
"Shut up."
Before long, they reached the school gates. A hush spread through the crowd of students as they passed; faces froze in shock. Some of the first-year girls even pointed, forgetting politeness in their amazement.
"Move along, ladies," said Ritsu. "Nothing to see here. She's just wearing a big coat." Mio glared at her.
Tsumugi met them at the stairs. "Good morning! How are you on this beautiful day?"
"Uh, fine," said Ritsu. "Aside from the obvious."
"Good! I'm so glad we're all happy! What a day! What a world!"
The other two traded a look. Even by her standards, Tsumugi was glowing today.
"We ready?" asked Ritsu, gesturing at the stairs.
"No!" said Mio. "Not until Azusa gets —"
"Morning," said Azusa, appearing behind Mio. "Can you believe we're going to do this? I can't believe we're going to do this."
"I can't wait!" said Tsumugi. "It'll be fun!"
Azusa nudged Mio and muttered something she couldn't quite hear. "Pardon?" she said.
"Glmssms," muttered Azusa slightly louder.
"Oh!" Mio dug out Sawako's glasses case. "Why didn't you say anything, Ritsu?"
The drummer shrugged. "Am I your glasses' keeper?"
"Let's start!" said Tsumugi, moving closer to the wheelchair.
Azusa did the same, but Mio didn't move; she just glared through the glasses at her friend. "Well, Ritsu?"
"Well what?"
"Get off your rear and help us lift this thing!"
All three girls stared at Mio.
"Oh," she said, blushing with embarrassment... which was immediately replaced with anger. "We're lifting it with you in it?"
"We have no choice," said Tsumugi. "People are watching."
"It was hard enough getting it down the stairs with her help! How are we supposed to —"
"Let's just get this over with," said Azusa, taking her position. "Hesitation looks suspicious."
"But we had four people before! How's Mugi supposed to lift her side alone?"
The rich girl rolled up her sleeves. "We can do it, Mio! Let's go!"
Mio scowled. She took her post beside Azusa with great reluctance.
Ritsu took out her drumsticks and tapped them. "One, two, three, four! Heave!"
The three musicians lifted the wheelchair by the handles so it wouldn't tip over. Grunting with the strain, they managed to slowly carry it up the stairs. Their efforts were helped neither by the gawking crowd of students nor by Ritsu's occasional shouts of "Mush!", but somehow they made it.
Mio and Azusa both fell over, exhausted. "That was awesome!" said Ritsu. "It was like being a queen in a sedan-chair!"
"You would make an excellent queen, Ricchan," smiled Tsumugi.
"Oh ho ho! Definitely! What do you think, servant Mio?"
"I think..." said Mio, getting to her feet, "that I am not doing this again."
"Aw, c'mo—"
"NO." The bassist glared right in Ritsu's face, eyes ablaze with fury. "Never again! This is crap and I won't do it! Buy an elevator! And then kill yourself!"
Mio stormed off to her class.
"Huh," said Ritsu. "That was actually scarier with the glasses."
Ms. Kawasumi didn't like letting another teacher step in during her homeroom class, but this situation was unique. "Class," she said, "Ms. Yamanaka has come to speak to you briefly. Give her your full attention."
Sawako stepped forward and gave her best motherly teacher smile. "Well, girls," she said, "I'm sure you have a few questions this morning."
They certainly should, thought Ms. Kawasumi, glancing around the room. As if Tainaka weren't enough of a spectacle, there were Hirasawa and her sister. And what was that big black thing Kotobuki had brought with her?
After a moment, one student raised her hand. "Where are your glasses, Ms. Yamanaka?"
"Er... I'm trying out contact lenses for a while."
Another hand went up. "Are they comfortable?"
"Very. I hardly notice they're there."
"How much did they cost?" asked a third student. "I've thought about getting contacts, but the good ones are expensive."
"There are disposable ones too," said the girl next to her. "But they're probably not as good."
"Lately they've been making contacts that are just for changing your eye colour," added another student. "Remember when Yuiko had pink eyes as part of her Hallowe'en costume?"
"That was so weird!"
"I could never wear contacts. Putting something right on your —"
"RITSU! Oh no, Teacher! What happened to poor Ritsu?" shouted Ritsu.
The class turned, slightly embarrassed, to look at the drummer.
Sawako cleared her throat. "Yes. Class, I'm afraid there was a terrible accident on the weekend. The light music club was coming in for extra practice —"
Everyone gasped. "Really?" "Extra practice?" "That light music club?" Ritsu sighed, thanking her lucky stars for once that Mio was in another class. This reaction would have mortified her (and guess who she would have taken it out on?)
"It's true that we have sometimes been undisciplined," explained Tsumugi. "But that's not the case anymore. We are very busy preparing for Regionals."
This news excited the class too, at least the music fans. "That's awesome!" said one girl. "Good luck!"
"We'll cheer you on!" said another.
"Do your best! Fight!" said a third.
"You'll lose," muttered Ichigo, fiddling with a lock of hair.
Sawako waited for the fuss to die down and then resumed her story. "As I was saying, there was a practice on the weekend. Yui decided to come in early —"
"Really?" "Early?" "That Yu—"
"AHEM!" Dead silence. Sawako realized that in her annoyance, she'd forgotten to use her Sawako voice. "I mean, ahem. So Yui came in early so she could surprise the others. Unfortunately, her plan was to jump down from the roof to meet them."
Ritsu rolled her eyes. Big improvement over the trying-to-fly story.
"You see, Yui is very innocent, and she believed thinking happy thoughts would let her fly down to —"
"Oh, come ON!"
"And Ritsu," said Sawako with a pointed stare, "tried to save Yui. But she paid a price for her heroism. When Yui landed on her, her legs broke from the impact. She'll be in a wheelchair until they heal. It's going to take some time — at least a month."
The class made noises of distress and sympathy.
"As for Yui, she bounced off and fell into a bush. Thanks to Ritsu, she didn't break anything... but one of the branches poked her in the eye and damaged her optic nerve. She'll be unable to see for the next little while. At least a month."
More commotion. One dismayed girl asked, "It stabbed both her eyes?"
"Long branch. Anyway, that's why Ui is here."
Yui's sister, sitting at right angles to her, nodded firmly. Her face was determined and optimistic, but it was easy to see she'd been crying. Ritsu raised an eyebrow. Surely Yui didn't forget to... nahhh.
"Now, Ritsu and Yui have it rough right now, and I know you'll all do your best to help them. I don't want to hear anybody making fun of them or gossipping. They don't need any more problems to struggle with."
Huh, thought Ritsu. That's a nice gesture, Sawa-chan.
Himeko raised her hand. "Does that mean we shouldn't tell our parents about this?"
"Exactly. That's very important. Especially if your parents are friends with the Tainakas or the Hirasawas. They, um, deserve their privacy."
Ritsu sighed. Of course. Ulterior motive.
"This is so sad!" said Eri. "Poor Ritsu and Yui!"
"And Mio," said Yui. "She caught a little of what I've got."
"...Injuries are contagious?"
"Why not?"
Everyone leaned as far away from Yui as possible.
"Just kidding!" shouted Ritsu. "Right, Yui? That was a joke. Mio is really just trying out glasses for a little while."
"At least a month," added Sawako.
Yui was about to say more, but Ritsu shut her down with an angry glare.
"Well, that's not so bad," said Eri. "But I feel terrible for you two! And all this with Regionals coming up!"
"Aw, don't be upset," said Ritsu. "We'll be all right. We don't want anybody being sad over us." You know, since it's a pack of lies and all.
"That's right!" declared Tsumugi, standing up suddenly. "Every dark cloud has a silver lining, and we'll find it together! We still have the most important thing of all!"
Everyone stared at Tsumugi as she picked up the large carrying case she'd brought to class. With one swift motion, she whipped it open and took out...
"Your keytar?" said Yui.
Tsumugi tossed the strap over her shoulder and turned the instrument on. Without warning, she began playing.
The tune sounded familiar, but Ritsu couldn't quite place it. She wondered what it was, and she really wondered why Sawako wasn't putting a stop to this. In fact, the teacher was leaning against the blackboard with a satisfied look. (Ms. Kawasumi, on the other hand, was clearly shocked.)
And then Tsumugi started singing.
"There's nothing you can do that can't be done," she began, making her way to the left side of the class. "Nothing you can sing that can't be sung... Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game... It's easy!"
Standing by Yui and Ui, she sang the chorus straight to them. "All you need is love! All you need is love! All you need is love, love... Love is all you need!"
The sisters smiled at each other. Sawako gave an approving nod. Ritsu was starting to wish a meteor would crush the school with them all in it.
Tsumugi went into another verse, this time approaching Ritsu. "There's nothing you can know that isn't known... Nothing you can see that isn't shown... Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.. It's easy!"
The blonde whipped out a photo of Mio and put it on Ritsu's desk. "All you need is love! All you need is love! All you need is love, love... Love is all you need!"
"C'mon, meteor," whispered Ritsu. "Any time now."
Tsumugi went into an instrumental bridge. As she played, she wandered around the class, giving approving smiles to her classmates. She always did this two at a time; apparently she'd sorted the class into pairs by some mysterious metric she alone understood.
At last Tsumugi moved to the front of the classroom for the final chorus. As she sang, her eyes never left Sawako. "All you need is love! All you need is love! All you need is love, love... Love is all you need!"
The class cheered for Tsumugi. Any awkwardness had worn off — her playing was too good not to enjoy. A couple of students shouted things like "That was amazing!"
"Thank you," said Tsumugi with a little bow. She returned to her seat.
"Excellent performance," said Sawako. "We should all take your message to hea—"
"What the hell was that?" shouted Ritsu.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Ritsu. I didn't realize you were so eager to get to work. I'll turn you back over to Ms. Kawasumi."
Ritsu meekly turned to Tsumugi. "...Encore?"
In the lunch line, Jun was practically exploding with surprise. "Regionals? You're going to Regionals? You?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Azusa, picking out a bun.
"You're in the light music club! It's the least serious club in school! Even the Cheese-Tasting Club has more dedication than you guys!"
Azusa bopped Jun on the head with her bun. "What you mean to say is that you thought we weren't dedicated, and now you know better."
Her friend gave her a sly look. "Hmm... no, I don't think so. What I mean to say is that you're up to something."
"Don't be silly."
Just then, the cafeteria crowd started buzzing. Jun looked to see what everyone was so excited about. Azusa didn't bother — she could guess. The light music club had entered the building.
"Make way!" said Ritsu needlessly, as the crowd had already made more than enough room for her wheelchair to pass. Behind her, Tsumugi and Ui helped Yui along. Mio in Sawako's glasses brought up the rear, blushing and clearly wishing she were anywhere else.
A first-year girl stepped forward. "R-Ritsu! Ma'am! May I sign your cast?"
"Sure," said the drummer. "Long as you don't address it to 'Ma'am'."
"Thank you!" The girl took out a pen and looked for a good spot to sign. Ritsu waved the rest of the band ahead, and they proceeded to their usual table. As they walked, Yui swept her cane back and forth in a pattern that seemed calculated to detect obstacles, but on closer inspection was completely random.
Ritsu's first-year fan continued examining the cast. "Who's... Mugitsu?" she asked.
The drummer sighed. "Tsumugi's evil twin sister."
"Oh." She looked elsewhere. "And who's Gitsumu?"
"Her other one," said Ritsu, sighing again.
"Should... should I sign with a fake name too?"
"Hey, might as well. I don't actually know your real one."
Back in the lunch line, Jun was staring at Azusa like a judge stares at a delinquent.
"Oh, stop it," said Azusa.
"Not up to something, huh?"
"Well, I'm not," she clarified. And oh, how she wished it were true.
"No, you're the cute one," whispered Sawako into her cell phone.
"...Well, yeah, I do work out. ...Yeah, those are good points. But I'm still going with you.
"We can fight over it tonight at dinner. Or maybe back at your place, hmmmm?
"...Oh, still being cleaned? My place then. No problem.
"Let's say 5:30. I have a feeling those brats will be whiny again today. You have no idea how annoying they are. I swear, if I ever get those photos back from Ritsu, I'm cutting the whole bunch of 'em loose.
"...No, light music, remember? I don't know anything about journalism.
"Okay. See you then. You t—
"Shhh! I'm at work! Save the naughty talk for when we're alone. Okay, bye for now."
The teacher hung up her phone and sank into her seat, grinning like the cat that caught —
She spun to see her boss right behind her. "Principal Yamada! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"That would be tragic. I apologize."
Please, please don't let him have heard that phone call. "So, uh, hello, sir. How have you —"
"Speaking of tragedies," the principal continued, "I see that your light music club has experienced several."
"Y-yes. That accident on the weekend was very unfortunate."
"And so poorly timed. After all, we had just made our arrangement about Regionals. If the girls had been been hurt more seriously, we might have had to call it off."
Mentally, Sawako kicked herself six times. Why didn't I THINK of that? It's perfect! Maybe I could still shatter Yui's —
"I would then, of course, have had no choice but to go straight to re-evaluating your faculty position."
"But the girls were fortunate. Their injuries are such that they can still play their instruments. Perhaps there was an unseen hand guiding events."
The fact that he hadn't specified a divine hand was not lost on Sawako. "Uh, just good luck, I guess."
"Indeed. I look forward to seeing their progress. Keep me informed."
"Yes, sir."
The principal headed off, but turned around in the doorway. "By the way, Sawako... you are familiar with our policy about making personal calls while on the clock?"
Oh no. "Yes, sir. It's discouraged."
"I would like to mention that this policy goes triple for calling sex lines."
Sawako went incandescent red. "But! But I —!"
"Oh, don't get the wrong idea," said Principal Yamada, the picture of innocence. "I'm mentioning that to everyone today."
The Jazz Club held onto the last chord of "Stompin' At the Savoy" for a good five seconds. Finally, they got the signal and released (aside from the wind players, who had already run out of breath). They lowered their instruments, pretty pleased with themselves. This was the first time they'd made it all the way through without losing anyone.
Their teacher, Megumi Yamasu, sighed deeply. Somewhere across the Pacific, Benny Goodman was surely swingin' in his grave.
She had loved music once, hadn't she? Ms. Yamasu found it harder to remember every day. It wasn't this specific jazz group that had broken her down, nor any of the past years' ensembles... no, the fault was her own. She had let herself hope that something produced by high school students could actually be music.
"Not bad," she said, hating herself for the lie. Of course it had been bad. It had been bad the way murder was bad.
"Thanks!" chirped a couple of the first-years. It didn't really matter which.
"I think you have the main piece down," continued Ms. Yamasu. As down as you ever will. "Now who wants to try soloing on this one?"
All the girls started glancing around, hoping someone else would volunteer. No one did, of course. No one ever did. These kids weren't here because they had the spirit of jazz in their souls, eager to get out and get funky. They were here because the word "jazz" sounded neat.
"We'll decide later," said Ms. Yamasu. "Let's move on to... to..."
She couldn't do it. None of their numbers deserved this treatment.
"Never mind. I'll let you go a little early today." She would just have to let her endurance build back up before conducting these girls again. Right now, she couldn't stand the sight of them.
The students started packing up their instruments. "Thanks, Ms. Yamasu!" said a couple of them, blissfully ignorant of the reason for her generosity.
The teacher retreated to her office to look for some aspirin. Mere moments after she closed the door, someone knocked. Ms. Yamasu closed her eyes and let herself picture, just once, using the student's head to do some real knocking. Then she fought back the satisfying image and opened the door.
"Hey Ms. Yamasu!" It was the bassist, Jun. "Can I come in? I have some important information!"
The teacher let her in with the greatest reluctance. It wasn't a good sign that she knew this girl's name. All the other first-years were interchangeable, mediocre but harmless. Jun was the only one annoying enough to distinguish herself.
"I've found out —" Jun began, then paused to close the door just in case. "I've found out the light music club is up to something!"
"The light music club! Our rivals!"
Ms. Yamasu closed her eyes just long enough to roll them. Rivals? A toddler banging on a garbage can is out of this jazz band's league.
"I have contacts in the group," continued Jun, "and trust me, something fishy is definitely going on. They're going to Regionals, but there's more to it than that. We've got to find out the details so we can plan a counterattack!"
"Yeah! Their success is our failure! We have to undermine them!"
Ms. Yamasu rubbed her temples. She was starting to remember what this light music club was, and that annoyed her. She wanted the conversation over before she had to pretend to care any further. "Jun, I can see that you're really on the ball. Why don't you take the lead in dealing with this problem?"
"R-really? Me?"
"Yes. I'll leave it in your capable hands."
"Thank you so much, Ms. Yamasu! I won't let you down! In fact, I already have a plan to —"
The teacher raised a hand. "It's okay. I don't need to know the details."
"...Because if you don't know, you won't have to lie!" said Jun, putting zero and zero together. "Brilliant!"
"Right," Ms. Yamasu lied. "Now go get started."
With a salute, Jun took off.
Ms. Yamasu found her aspirin bottle and stared at it for a minute. Then she put it away; for this headache, she needed stronger medicine. At least four shots of it.
"Explain again," said Mio.
"Do it better," said Ritsu.
"And make it not crazy this time," said Azusa. "Uh, Teacher."
The three of them, arms crossed firmly, were staring down Sawako. With Mio in the centre, they looked a bit like an Olympic podium.
"Come on, I was perfectly clear the first time," replied Sawako. "Yui, you understood, right?"
"Yeah. It sounds like fun! Sort of."
"Exactly," said Mio. "If she likes the idea, she obviously missed something. Explain again."
Sawako sighed. "If I must. You girls have a severe shortage of live experience. You've only played for crowds a couple of times. Azusa never has."
"Not with this club," corrected Azusa. "I've had other —"
"Your cat doesn't count."
"Hey! I —"
"— will keep getting insulted until I stop interrupting. That's what you were going to say, right?"
Azusa shut up, but her expression made Yui think of a puffer fish.
"So, to prepare for our live at Regionals, you need as much experience as possible. You also need to be in music mode all the time, even in class. Otherwise those hours are wasted."
"No no no!" said Yui, surprising the others. "We have to study in school!"
"Or sleep?" asked Ritsu.
Behind her dark glasses, Yui blinked. "Is that bad? Don't things you hear in your sleep still reach your brain?"
"No!" said Mio, aghast.
"Are you sure?"
Yui turned to her sister for help. Holding back a laugh, Ui patted Yui's shoulder and said, "We'll run some experiments when we get home, okay, big sis?"
"Don't get me wrong," resumed Sawako. "Classes are important, but this month they have to come second. Music mode, 24/7. With me so far?"
The girls nodded.
"So that's why you're going to sing in class from now o—"
"CUT!" shouted Ritsu.
"That's where you lose us," said Mio. "We're not singing in class. Not a chance."
"Is that so?" asked Sawako. "Tsumugi seems to disagree with you."
"E...even so." Mio glanced at the rich girl awkwardly. Tsumugi was a good friend, but Mio never really knew what was in her head... and whatever was in there lately made the bassist very uncomfortable.
"Tell 'em," said Sawako. "You didn't mind singing in class, did you?"
"It was delightful," said Tsumugi, and her face left no room to doubt she meant it. "Sharing my thoughts musically was a wonderful experience. It's fun, Mio! Let's all try it!"
Mio lowered her eyes. "Sorry, Mugi. I don't want to disappoint you, but this is one stunt I'm not doing."
"So that's final, is it?" asked Sawako.
"No chance you'll change your mind?"
"No! Absolutely, definitely, totally none!"
"I see. Thirty push-ups."
"Drop and give me thirty. Right now."
Mio looked all around, uncomprehending. "Push-ups? Why?"
"Because I told you to. See, you girls have come to fundamentally misunderstand our relationship. It's my own fault, really — I've been way, way too easy on you. You've forgotten that I don't have to be."
Ritsu winced. She'd been dreading this turn of events for a while.
"Your relationship?" said Yui. "You mean with that guy?"
"No! What guy? There's no guy! How did you find out?"
"We watched you out the window."
Ritsu gave a thumbs-up. "Nice catch, Sawa-chan. He's a babe."
The teacher blushed. "Yes. Yes, he is. I'll introduce you sometime. But stop distracting me! Where was I?"
"Not having to be easy on us," supplied Tsumugi. Azusa noted absently that she hadn't flipped out this time.
"Right. I am a teacher at this school. What does that make me?"
"...A teacher?" Ritsu tried.
"It makes me your GOD, that's what it makes me!" yelled Sawako. "If I tell you to do something, you do it twice on stilts! My wish is your command! And you never, ever, EVER get to say no to me!"
Yui looked stunned. "But... but you're one of us! You always share our tea..."
"The gap between us is so wide, not even the best tea in the world can cross it!" (Tsumugi beamed.)
"I... I..." Yui's dismay was boundless. The guitarist had never really thought of Sawako as a teacher; to her, this was like losing a friend.
Ritsu gave her a sympathetic pat, but out the corner of her eye, she was watching Azusa. This could go one of two ways, she thought. She could share our terror of Sawa-chan in command mode, or —
"I'm with you, Teacher!" declared Azusa, standing at attention. Ritsu sighed. That's the other way.
"Good little Azusa," said Sawako, smiling. "I knew you would understand."
Ritsu muttered, "Twerp."
"Hey! I love this club, but it's always needed more structure. Leadership is the first step."
"Good girl." Sawako patted Azusa on the head. "Now give me thirty push-ups."
"What? Why?"
"You don't look any tanner today."
"It's the middle of winter! It'll take —"
"But I —"
Fuming, Azusa got in position. Ritsu smiled. She had a feeling the junior's authority-worship wouldn't last long.
"Well?" said Sawako to Mio, pointing down. The bassist lowered herself, her face fighting between embarrassment and rage. It looked to Ritsu like rage was winning, but the glasses made it harder than usual to tell.
Yui watched the forced exercise fearfully. "We'd better not do anything wrong, Ricchan!" she whispered.
"Good idea," Ritsu replied. "You should start by going back in time and not being the one to recognize Mugi's keytar."
"Why shouldn't I have... oh!" Yui blushed. "Sorry! Don't tell!"
Sawako narrowed her eyes at the whispered exchange. "Do you have something to report, Yui?"
"Uh, yes! I saw a TV show last week about marine biology!"
"They showed how an octopus can squeeze its whole body through a little crack!"
"I see. Thanks for filling us in."
"I will keep you posted of any further developments!"
Azusa stood up, panting. "That's... that's thirty."
"Nice time," said Ritsu. "You kids today are energetic." Mio, who was still at 18, tried not to pay attention.
"Okay, girls, get your instruments out," said Sawako. "We're already late starting."
The four band members not otherwise occupied began gearing up. As they did, Sawako continued, "I know this is all pretty overwhelming for you. Just do your best, and don't forget that I believe in you. As long as you put in your best effort this month, I know you can win at Regionals."
With a final effort, Mio pushed herself up, counted "Th-thirty," and collapsed on the floor.
Sawako gave her a contemptuous glare. "You think this is hard? Try being a kamikaze pilot! That's hard!"
Someone knocked on the door.
"Who could that be?" said Tsumugi, speaking for everyone.
The knob began to turn. Sawako spun around. "Ritsu!"
The drummer was already leaping into her wheelchair. She snapped her casts shut just as the door swung open — and Azusa and Ui gasped in surprise.
Sawako cleared her throat. "What can we do for you?"
"You can make a little room," said Jun, bass case in hand. "I'm signin' up!"


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Also around the same time as Fashion Week, Chanel is reopening its (redesigned) Soho Boutique. And what better >>
I may have already mentioned that Fashion Night Out in NYC (September 10) is jam-packed with way >>

subset: commoncrawl


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Difference between revisions of "Tatra Mountains"
From Wikitravel
Earth : Europe : Central Europe : Tatra Mountains
Revision as of 22:06, 1 March 2006
The Tatra Mountains or Tatras or Tatra (in Polish and Slovak Tatry, which is a plural proper noun) is a mountain range on the border of Poland and Slovakia, the highest part of the Carpathian Mountains. Pics about Tatra Mountains from Commons
Note: The Tatra Mountains do not include the mountain range called Low Tatras (pl: NIskie Tatry, sk: Nízke Tatry).
External links
Official website:
Tourist websites:
Panoramic view from the Rysy (2499m): http://merzhase.de/hightatras/rysi/


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by Frimby Limited
Download this app if: you want to summarize articles or text in fewer characters.
Advisor Review
Trimit iPhone app shortens and summarizes, but doesn't prove useful — I don't see the purpose of Trimit. I understand what the iPhone/iPod Touch app does — takes websites or passages of text, and summarizes it down to a set character limit — but I'm not sure when the service would ever serve a truly functional purpose for mobile users. With Trimit, users...
Developer Notes
Featured as Apple's #1 Staff Favourite in over 100 countries in August. As seen on Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Inc Magazine, Harvard Business Review, FastCompany, TechCrunch and more.
trimit is a bookmarklet [www.trim-it.me] and iOS app that allows you to evaluate the...
Interesting App — So yeah, not sure why you'd need to shorten a text on a webpage into fewer characters, but it works really well.


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WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Amtrak marks its 42nd anniversary today. Yes, on May 1, 1971, Amtrak became the nation's intercity passenger rail service provider or "America's Railroad."
According to Amtrak officials, last year Amtrak carried the most passengers in its history -- a record of 31,240,565 passengers -- and ridership was up 49 percent from 2000 to 2012. Amtrak made more than $2 billion in record ticket sales in 2012 but officials say that service comes at a cost.
On Wednesday, President and CEO Joe Boardman issued a statement including a plea for more funding:
"...Amtrak has been underfunded and has too many conflicting missions with only year to year funding to plan, build and maintain safe infrastructure and provide national surface transportation mobility and connectivity. In addition, multiple layers of oversight have been added to what Congress intended to be a 'private' company that carries out public policy.
"It is time for dedicated, multi-year federal operating and capital funding for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail. Our customers and our nation have waited for 42 years too long already.
"If Congress provides predictable and needed levels of federal funding support, Amtrak and our state partners can better deliver a future of improved reliability, enhanced capacity, more service, increased speeds and reduced trip times on the Northeast Corridor and other passenger rail corridors around the country, including the development of new ones.
"Amtrak looks forward to proudly serving the nation in the years ahead."


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Here is the latest information as we get it into the Channel 3 Weather Center.
Noon: The following roads in Summit County remain closed:
· Revere Road just North of Bath Road
· Shaw Road between Rolling Meadows and North Hametown Road
· Valley View Road at the Cuyahoga County Line
· Southern Road at Everett Road
· Columbia Road at Riverview Road
· Riverview Road at the Cuyahoga Falls border, heading north
11:50 a.m.: Sleepy Hollow Road between Substation and Marks Road closed in Brunswick Hills after bridge washes away in flooding.
11:34 a.m.: National Park Service has closed the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The trail closure includes associated parking lots from Lock 39 Trailhead to Botzum Trailhead.
11:00 a.m.: Cuyahoga Falls lists the following road closures:
· Bath Road from Northhampton to Akron-Peninsula due to mudslide.
· Revere Road closed between Ira and Bath and between Bath and Smith
10:56 a.m.: The Summit County Metro Parks are reporting numerous closures due to high water, washouts and storm debris. The list as follows:
* Akron / Sand Run Metro Park: the Jogging Trail, between Revere Road and the vehicle ford
* Akron / Sand Run Metro Park: Sand Run Parkway, between Revere Road and Portage Path; Treaty Line Road, between Portage Path and Merriman Road
* Akron / Sand Run Metro Park: the Big Bend Area entrance and parking lot, which offers access to the multipurpose Towpath Trail
* Akron / Cascade Valley: the Overlook and Oxbow trails
* Akron / Firestone Metro Park: the Redwing and Willow trails
* Akron & Cuyahoga Falls / Hampton Hills Metro Park: all hiking trails
* Munroe Falls / Bike & Hike Trail: east and west of Brust Park / SR 91
* Peninsula / Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park: the parking lot and trail
* Twinsburg / Liberty Park: Buttonbush Trail in the Pond Brook Area
5:45 a.m.: Lorain County: State Route 252 from SR 82 to Sprague Rd closed due to flooding.
5:45 a.m.: North Olmsted: Porter Rd south of Lorain Rd closed due to flooding.
5:40 a.m.: Brecksville: Riverview Rd at Vaughn Rd closed due to flooding.
5:30 a.m. Peninsula: Blocked due to storm damage; Riverview Rd Both NB/SB north of Everett Rd Closed to Major Road due to an embankment slide.
4:30 a.m.: Medina County: Brunswick Hills - State Rt. 303 bewteen 94 and State Road will remain closed due to flooding.
Medina County: State Rt. 252 from 303 to 82 will remain closed due to flooding.
Medina County: U.S. 42 -- Fenn Rd & Rensen Rd will remain closed due to flooding.
Medina County: I-71 S ramp at St. Rt. 3 back OPEN.
3:45 a.m.: Strongsville Police say Rt. 82 @ Valley Pkwy. will remain closed until further notice.
North Royalton: Bennett and W. Edgerton Roads closed due to flooding until further notice.
3:30 a.m.: Lorain County: State Rt. 57 between N. Ridge and Schaden Rd. back OPEN. State Rt. 2, ramps also back open. High water still around Columbia Road, near Medina County border. Use caution.
3:10 a.m.: North Olmsted PD say parts of Great Northern that were closed due to flooding are now back open.
3:00 a.m.: Cleveland: All lanes of I-480 EB at SR 176 are now OPEN.
2:45 a.m.: Bath Township police say a bridge on Shaw Road near Granger Road collapsed into Yellow Creek. Shaw Road closed indefinitely.
North Hametown Road between West Bath Road and Ira Closed.
2:05 a.m.: Avon officials say Jaycox Road between Mills Road and Riegelsberger Road is closed.
2:05 a.m. Reports from various cities that flood waters are starting to recede. Officials say to continue to use caution on all roadways. Debris or standing water may be at the bottom of hills or dips in the roadways.
1:45 a.m.: Amherst: Standing water on Cooper Foster Park Road
1:30 a.m.: Sheffield Village Officials: Motorists should avoid the following due to flooding:
· Abbe Road from Detroit Road to Parkhurst Drive
· Fitch Road
· The Sheetz Gas Station at Detroit and Abbe Roads, all closed
1:30 a.m.:Avon City Officials andLorain County Sheriff's Office are encouraging motorists to stay off these roadways due to flooding:
· Mills Road
· Nagie Road
· Sandalwood Drive
· Summerhill Drive
· Williams Court
· Red Tail Development area
12:35 a.m.: Cleveland: The left 2 lanes of I-480 Eastbound are now OPEN at SR 176. The right lanes remain closed due to high water.
12:30 a.m.: Akron: Cuyahoga St. between Uhler Ave. and Portage Trail Extension closed due to flooding.
12:30 a.m.: Cuyahoga Falls: North and South bound lanes back open on Route 8.
12:10 a.m.: Parma: High water on Ridge Rd. near Hollywood Dr.; reports of cars getting stuck throughout the city. Watch for dips in the road with standing water.
11:23 p.m.: Numerous roads closed due to flash flooding:
- Waterloo Road at I-77
Lorain County:
- Cooper Foster Park Road between SR 58 and South Broadway
- Meister Road between SR 58 and Oberlin Road
- Tower Blvd between SR 58 and Falbo Road
- North Ridge Road and Pearl Avenue
- Dunton Road and 36th Street
- Middle Ridge Road at the I-90 E exit ramp
- Sheffield Center shopping area on N. Ridge Road


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Buena Vista University's Pre All-State Music Camp provides students with expert help for success in the All-State audition process. Our experienced staff of professional directors and accompanists coordinate the rehearsal schedules to meet the needs of the demanding scores and languages presented in the All-State program.
We know that this initial experience is only a springboard towards the necessary preparation to make the Iowa All-State Chorus. Many students interested in auditioning for All-State are busy leaders in other activities at their high schools. Starting preparation in this setting allows students to work in sectional rehearsals and to hear how the various parts fit together with this complex program.
Assistant Professor of Vocal Music
firstname.lastname@example.com • 712.749.2193
Download the brochure and complete the registration form »
Return with payment to:
Pre All-State Choral Music Camp
Dr. Merrin Guice, Buena Vista University
610 W. 4th Street
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Make checks payable to BVU Choir.
Registration Noon-1 p.m.
Rehearsals 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Rehearsals 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Finale Rehearsal 11 a.m.
The public is invited to hear this final recorded session free of charge.
Check out of dorms Noon – 1 p.m.
Dress is casual for the campers.
Please bring black concert dress for the finale rehearsal.


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BlackBerry Ltd (BBRY): Should It Just Go Down Quietly?
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The evolution of the tech industry suggests BlackBerry Ltd BBRY doesn't have a right to expect to live. BlackBerry Ltd ���s life hangs in the balance as executives try to figure out what to do to save the company. The go-private deal fell through, and now things are even more desperate than ever for the once-dominant smartphone maker. But as most ask whether BlackBerry can survive, one author says that isn���t the right question at all. He says we should be pondering whether the company has any right to survive. Does BlackBerry have a right to stay alive? Steve Tobak of Fox Business suggests that BlackBerry Ltd ify.valuewalk.com="" /> should just go softly into the night. He says it is the nature of the technology industry that one company���s innovation is unseated as king by another company���s even-better innovation. And he���s certainly right. We���ve seen this throughout history time and again. But he doesn���t think BlackBerry has a right to stay alive. He notes that there was a time when mighty Apple Inc. was close to dying, but he says the company���s board ���had a clue��� and ���knew what was going on.��� He says Apple chose the right leaders to turn it around. However, he says this is the exception rather than the rule. Is BlackBerry���s board good enough? He suggests that the real problem that has plagued BlackBerry Ltd all these years is its board of directors. He says they have been ���living in denial��� and that the company simply waited too long to put a new innovative device on the market. He thinks BlackBerry has no right to survive because its board members stood back until the only thing the company had left was ���some cash and a few dusty old patents.��� So are BlackBerry���s leaders entirely clueless? They did bring in John Chen as CEO, but whether he will be able to do anything with the company at this point is debatable. But there���s one thing for certain. If he does engineer a turnaround at BlackBerry, he will definitely deserve the title of ���Turnaround Master.��� �� -By Michelle Jones
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Update: 08 September 2014.
Spotted this fellow citizen - on the left - ahead of me in Copenhagen today.
Caught this shot yesterday of a Copenhagener in the morning rush hour riding with what looks like a broken - or at least injured - hand. Still looking cool as you like.
Last weekend I spotted this Copenhagener carrying her crutches with her on her bicycle. Fair enough, she might have been heading to the hospital - across the street - to deliver the crutches back.
Then I remembered this shot from a while back of a girl carrying her crutches and getting doubled by her mum. The bicycle is a versatile tool. I know several friends who, after many years playing sports, have problems with their knees. They are invariably advised to ride a bicycle by their doctors.
If you also make the bicycle the quickest and safest way to get around a city, people will do so - whatever their handicap. The bicycle is a freedom machine for the people.
The dapper gentleman to the left may have reduced mobility for whatever reason, but he can get out and about with ease on this tricycle. Note his cane sticking out of the back.
I see the man in the right photo quite often. He rides a tricycle and only has one arm. A friend of mine knows him and I'm told that he only has one leg, too. He lost his limbs in a landmine explosion in the country he was born. He still gets about with ease on his wheels. Both of these gentlemen were impeccably dressed.
I took this photo in Tokyo. The man had some form of disability with his legs. It required effort for him to get the pedals to turn but you can bet that it was a fraction of the effort he'd use when walking.
The lady on the left has a kind of cast on her leg, but still rides. The two photos on the right are from last winter. The boyfriend was holding the girls' crutches and she moved slowly along - injured foot wrapped in plastic - on a child's bicycle they had borrowed. It was icy so the crutches were probably more dangerous than helpful so the bicycle stepped in to assist. They were heading to the hospital down the road.
I spotted this lady in Vienna, Austria. Carrying her walking sticks to help her after she got off her bicycle.
This quaint sign on this tricycle reads, "Slightly Disabled".
What with all the bicycle options for disabled - whether permanently or temporarily - it's not surprising to see a parking sign like this outside my local library. It reads "Invalid Bicycles", reserving a space close to the door for those who need it.
If it is ripe old age that has reduced mobility, the bicycle still serves a purpose. I see this lady all the time in my neigbourhood. Always walking her bicycle with groceries in the basket. Perhaps too unstable to ride, but using the bicycle as a kind of crutch. Lovely.


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"The current crisis is over money tends to obscure bigger crises over the whole direction of out society. Chandran Nair well brings out the need for us to think again: about our consumption of diminishing resources, the way we measure economic wealth and social health, the changing balance of power between East and West, and the damage we are doing to the natural environment – in short, the future of human society in a vulnerable world. Most important he points to a better way ahead." – Sir Crispin Tickell. Buy on Amazon.
CAFO: The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories – Watch the Trailer
CAFO provides an unprecedented view of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations where an increasing percentage of the world's meat, milk, eggs, and fish are produced. As the photos and essays in this powerful book demonstrate, the rise of the CAFO industry has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Industrial livestock production is now a leading source of climate changing emissions, a source of water pollution, and a significant contributor to diet-related diseases, and the spread of food-borne illnesses.
The intensive concentrations of animals in such crammed and filthy conditions dependent on antibiotic medicines and steady streams of subsidized industrial feeds poses serious moral and ethical considerations for all of us. CAFO takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey into the alarming world of animal factory farming and offers a compelling vision for a food system that is humane, sound for farmers and communities, and safer for both consumers and the environment. Buy on Amazon.
The production, use and eventual disposal of most clothing is environmentally damaging, and many fashion and textile designers are becoming keen to employ more sustainable strategies in their work. This book provides a practical guide to the ways in which designers are creating fashion with less waste and greater durability.
Based on the results of extensive research into lifecycle approaches to sustainable fashion, the book is divided into four sections:
- source: explores the motivations for the selection of materials for fashion garments and suggests that garments can be made from materials that also assist in the management of textile waste
- make: discusses the differing approaches to the design and manufacture of sustainable fashion garments that can also provide the opportunity for waste control and minimization
- use: explores schemes that encourage the consumer to engage in slow fashion consumption
- last: examines alternative solutions to the predictable fate of most garments – landfill.
Illustrated throughout with case studies of best practice from international designers and fashion labels and written in a practical, accessible style, this is a must-have guide for fashion and textile designers and students in their areas. Buy on Amazon.
Fishing has played a vital role in human history and culture. But today this key resource faces a serious crisis as most species are being overfished or fished to their very limit. Governments have tried to tackle the problem with limited success. Many of their actions have been counterproductive or ineffective. What will happen to global fisheries, and the populations that depend on them, as we continue to catch more fish than the oceans can reproduce?
This book explores the causes of the current crisis in the world's fisheries, and what needs to be done to address the situation. It explains the structure of the fishing industry, the incentives that persuade individuals or companies to catch fish at unsustainable levels, and illuminates the problems created by governmental efforts to use fishing policy as a tool for economic development or to win votes in domestic elections. It also looks at the role of aquaculture in either decreasing or increasing the pressure on wild fish stocks.
The dire condition of fish stocks has led governments and consumer organizations to consider new approaches to protect the global supply of fish. DeSombre and Barkin conclude by showing how such methods, along with new forms of international regulation and informed decision-making by consumers, all have an important part to play in rewarding and thus encouraging sustainable fishing behaviour in the future. Buy on Amazon.
The Face On Your Plate – The Truth About Food
"It's a challenge to create transformative moments with books, but [Masson] does it."—Susan Salter Reynolds, Los Angeles Times
In this revelatory work, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson shows how food affects our moral selves, our health, and our planet. Masson investigates how denial keeps us from recognizing the animal at the end of our fork and urges readers to consciously make decisions about food. Buy on Amazon.
An environmentalist maps the hidden costs of overconsumption in a globalized world by tracing the environmental consequences of five commodities. Buy on Amazon.
The Challenge for Africa – A New Vision
In this urgent yet optimistic new work, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai provides a unique perspective on the fate of Africa. Informed by her three decades as an environmental activist and campaigner for democracy, "The Challenge for Africa" celebrates the enduring potential of the human spirit, and reminds us that change is always possible. Buy on Amazon.
"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."–Genesis 1:24-26
In this crucial passage from the Old Testament, God grants mankind power over animals. But with this privilege comes the grave responsibility to respect life, to treat animals with simple dignity and compassion. Buy on Amazon.
Addressing the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, this enlightening book analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on both a personal level and an international scale—for Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative reference answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries. While underlining the difficulty of minimizing consumption, the tone remains positive as it debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large. Buy on Amazon.
Climate Change Denial: Heads in the Sand
Humans have always used denial. When we are afraid, guilty, confused, or when something interferes with our self-image, we tend to deny it. Yet denial is a delusion. When it impacts on the health of oneself, or society, or the world it becomes a pathology. Climate change denial is such a case. Paradoxically, as the climate science has become more certain, denial about the issue has increased. The paradox lies in the denial. There is a denial industry funded by the fossil fuel companies that literally denies the science, and seeks to confuse the public. There is denial within governments, where spin-doctors use 'weasel words' to pretend they are taking action. However there is also denial within most of us, the citizenry. We let denial prosper and we resist the science.
Climate Change Denial explains the social science behind denial. It contains a detailed examination of the principal climate change denial arguments, from attacks on the integrity of scientists, to impossible expectations of proof and certainty to the cherry picking of data. Climate change can be solved – but only when we cease to deny that it exists. This book shows how we can break through denial, accept reality, and thus solve the climate crisis. It will engage scientists, university students, climate change activists as well as the general public seeking to roll back denial and act. Buy on Amazon.
When the Killing's Done – Watch the Trailer
T.C. Boyle's most powerful and fully realized work yet-"terrifically exciting and unapologetically relevant" (The Washington Post).
Principally set on the wild Channel Islands off the coast of California, T.C. Boyle's new novel is a gripping adventure with a timely theme. Alma Boyd Takesue is a National Park Service biologist spearheading the efforts to save the islands' native creatures from invasive species. Her antagonist, Dave LaJoy, is a local businessman who is fiercely opposed to the killing of any animals whatsoever and will go to any lengths to subvert her plans. As their confrontation plays out in a series of scenes escalating in violence, drama, and danger, When the Killing's Done relates a richly humane tale about the dominion we attempt to exert, for better or worse, over the natural world. Buy on Amazon.
Earth on the Edge – How to Prevent Environmental and Economic Collapse
In 1898, a woman forsakes the comfort of home and family for a love that takes her to a remote lighthouse on the wild coast of California. What she finds at the edge of the earth, hidden between the sea and the fog, will change her life irrevocably.
Trudy, who can argue Kant over dinner and play a respectable portion of Mozart's Serenade in G major, has been raised to marry her childhood friend and assume a life of bourgeois comfort in Milwaukee. She knows she should be pleased, but she's restless instead, yearning for something she lacks even the vocabulary to articulate. When she falls in love with enigmatic and ambitious Oskar, she believes she's found her escape from the banality of her preordained life.
But escape turns out to be more fraught than Trudy had imagined. Alienated from family and friends, the couple moves across the country to take a job at a lighthouse at Point Lucia, California—an unnervingly isolated outcropping, trapped between the ocean and hundreds of miles of inaccessible wilderness. There they meet the light station's only inhabitants—the formidable and guarded Crawleys. In this unfamiliar place, Trudy will find that nothing is as she might have predicted, especially after she discovers what hides among the rocks.
Gorgeously detailed, swiftly paced, and anchored in the dramatic geography of the remote and eternally mesmerizing Big Sur, The Edge of the Earth is a magical story of secrets and self-transformation, ruses and rebirths. Christina Schwarz, celebrated for her rich evocation of place and vivid, unpredictable characters, has spun another haunting and unforgettable tale. Buy on Amazon.
How to Make and Use Compost: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you live in a flat with a balcony or have a family and garden that generates large amounts of food and green waste, this book shows you how to compost everything that can be composted—at home, work, or school, and in spaces big or small. It covers how to create the right mix for successful garden compost; how to compost food waste safely; the full range of composting systems; composting with a wormery; making liquid feeds and your own seed and potting compost; and composting in schools, with advice on getting a school scheme started. How to Make and Use Compost features a comprehensive A-to-Z guide, which includes what you can and can't compost, concepts and techniques, and common problems and solutions. Buy on Amazon.
Inspired by the work of outstanding scientist and thinker James Lovelock and written by acclaimed author Nicola Davies, here is a book that takes a clear look at how and why Earth's climate is changing and the ways we can deal with it. Its style is simple and its explanations are compelling, illuminating not only hard facts but also the opinions and potential solutions of scientists all over the world. But there are other voices too, those of people young and old — lawyers, food producers, fashion designers, scientists, rock stars, architects, conservationists, kids, campaigners, and more — who are trying to change the way they (and we) live on the planet. At once comprehensive and accessible, this galvanizing call to arms includes web links and resources that make it easy to join the cause. Buy on Amazon.
Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism
In this paperback edition is a foreword by activist and author John Robbins and a reader's group study guide. This ground-breaking work, voted one of the top ten books of 2010 by VegNews Magazine, offers an absorbing look at why and how humans can so wholeheartedly devote ourselves to certain animals and then allow others to suffer needlessly, especially those slaughtered for our consumption.
Social psychologist Melanie Joy explores the many ways we numb ourselves and disconnect from our natural empathy for farmed animals. She coins the term "carnism" to describe the belief system that has conditioned us to eat certain animals and not others.
In Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows Joy investigates factory farming, exposing how cruelly the animals are treated, the hazards that meatpacking workers face, and the environmental impact of raising 10 billion animals for food each year. Controversial and challenging, this book will change the way you think about food forever. Buy on Amazon.
Mind If I Order the Cheeseburger?: And Other Questions People Ask Vegans
What about plants? Don't animals eat other animals? There are no perfect vegans, so why bother? If you're vegan, how many times have you been asked these, and other similarly challenging, questions from non-vegans? Using humor and reason, Sherry F. Colb takes these questions at face value and also delves deeply into the motivations behind them, coming up with answers that are not only intelligent but insightful about human nature.
Through examples, case studies, and clear-eyed logic, she provides arguments for everything from why veganism is compatible with the world's major religions to why vegetarianism is not enough. In the end, she shows how it is possible for vegans and non-vegans to engage in a mutually beneficial conversation without descending into counterproductive name-calling, and to work together to create a more hospitable world for human animals and non-human animals alike. Buy on Amazon.
Few consumers are aware of the economic forces behind the production of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Yet omnivore and herbivore alike, the forces of meatonomics affect us in many ways. Most importantly, we've lost the ability to decide for ourselves what – and how much – to eat. Those decisions are made for us by animal food producers who control our buying choices with artificially-low prices, misleading messaging, and heavy control over legislation and regulation. Learn how and why they do it and how you can respond.
Written in a clear and accessible style, "Meatonomics" provides vital insight into how the economics of animal food production influence our spending, eating, health, prosperity, and longevity "Meatonomics" is the first book to add up the huge "externalized" costs that the animal food system imposes on taxpayers, animals and the environment, and it finds these costs total about $414 billion yearly. With yearly retail sales of around $250 billion, that means that for every $1 of product they sell, meat and dairy producers impose almost $2 in hidden costs on the rest of us. But if producers were forced to internalize these costs, a $4 Big Mac would cost about $11. Buy on Amazon.
Food Inc.: A Participant Guide
Food, Inc. is guaranteed to shake up our perceptions of what we eat. This powerful documentary deconstructing the corporate food industry in America was hailed by Entertainment Weekly as "more than a terrific movie—it's an important movie." Aided by expert commentators such as Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser, the film poses questions such as: Where has my food come from, and who has processed it? What are the giant agribusinesses and what stake do they have in maintaining the status quo of food production and consumption? How can I feed my family healthy foods affordably?
Expanding on the film's themes, the book Food, Inc. will answer those questions through a series of challenging essays by leading experts and thinkers. This book will encourage those inspired by the film to learn more about the issues, and act to change the world. Buy on Amazon.
The World According to Monsanto
Published to stellar praise worldwide, The World According to Monsanto charts award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Marie-Monique Robin's three-year journey across four continents to uncover the disturbing practices of multinational agribusiness corporation Monsanto.
The book exposes the shocking story of how the new "green" face of the world's leading producer of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is no less malign than its PCB—and Agent Orange—soaked past. Monsanto currently controls the majority of the yield of the world's genetically modified corn and soy—ingredients found in more than 95 percent of American households—and its alarming legal and political tactics to maintain this monopoly are the subject of worldwide concern, with baleful consequences for the world's small-scale farmers.
Selected as a finalist for the New York Public Library's 2011 Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism, The World According to Monsanto is positioned to increase awareness of a serious threat to our food supply. Buy on Amazon.
Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion
"Overdressed does for T-shirts and leggings what Fast Food Nation did for burgers and fries."
—Katha Pollitt
Cheap fashion has fundamentally changed the way most Americans dress. Stores ranging from discounters like Target to traditional chains like JCPenny now offer the newest trends at unprecedentedly low prices. And we have little reason to keep wearing and repairing the clothes we already own when styles change so fast and it's cheaper to just buy more.
Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the cheap fashion juggernaut. What are we doing with all these cheap clothes? And more important, what are they doing to us, our society, our environment, and our economic well-being? Buy on Amazon.
The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty
Animal abuse as a predictor of abuse against humans has been documented extensively. Society's ever-rising violence has prompted experts to ask what alternatives are available to identify the early signs and stop the cycle. The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty: Theory, Research, and Application is the authoritative, up-to-date compendium covering the historical, legal, research, and applied issues related to animal abuse and cruelty from scholars worldwide.
It will be of value to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, child welfare and domestic violence professionals, and animal welfare advocates, including veterinarians. Each chapter focuses on different but related aspect of animal abuse. The book provides fruitful areas of needed study and offers professionals contemporary reviews of the current state of our knowledge on animal abuse and its relation to other forms of human violence. The material will be of special value to readers interested in mental health issues across the life span as well as child development and developmental psychopathology. Buy on Amazon.
Check out also The Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence
The World Without Us
In The World Without Us, Alan Weisman offers an utterly original approach to questions of humanity's impact on the planet: he asks us to envision our Earth, without us.
In this far-reaching narrative, Weisman explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and finally vanish without human presence; which everyday items may become immortalized as fossils; how copper pipes and wiring would be crushed into mere seams of reddish rock; why some of our earliest buildings might be the last architecture left; and how plastic, bronze sculpture, radio waves, and some man-made molecules may be our most lasting gifts to the universe.
The World Without Us reveals how, just days after humans disappear, floods in New York's subways would start eroding the city's foundations, and how, as the world's cities crumble, asphalt jungles would give way to real ones. It describes the distinct ways that organic and chemically treated farms would revert to wild, how billions more birds would flourish, and how cockroaches in unheated cities would perish without us. Drawing on the expertise of engineers, atmospheric scientists, art conservators, zoologists, oil refiners, marine biologists, astrophysicists, religious leaders from rabbis to the Dali Lama, and paleontologists—who describe a prehuman world inhabited by megafauna like giant sloths that stood taller than mammoths—Weisman illustrates what the planet might be like today, if not for us.
From places already devoid of humans (a last fragment of primeval European forest; the Korean DMZ; Chernobyl), Weisman reveals Earth's tremendous capacity for self-healing. As he shows which human devastations are indelible, and which examples of our highest art and culture would endure longest, Weisman's narrative ultimately drives toward a radical but persuasive solution that needn't depend on our demise. It is narrative nonfiction at its finest, and in posing an irresistible concept with both gravity and a highly readable touch, it looks deeply at our effects on the planet in a way that no other book has. Buy on Amazon.


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Jim Edmonds drops plans for Clayton restaurant
Friday, January 3, 2014
CLAYTON (AP) — Former Cardinals outfielder Jim Edmonds has dropped plans for a restaurant in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton.
Edmonds and business partner Mark Winfield announced in August that Edmonds Parkside Grill would open in Clayton on the Park. But Winfield has now told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the deal is "dead."
Winfield blamed a snag in the lease negotiations with the building's owner. He says it was neither side's fault, but the deal simply didn't make financial sense.
Winfield says he and Edmonds will focus their energy on the Precinct Sports Bar & Grill, which they opened in October in downtown St. Louis.
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Ranking Trevor
A pioneer of rap reggae during the '70s, Ranking Trevor was one of the leading 'Toasters' in Jamaica recording mainly for the Channel One studio. He died on August 7 in an auto accident. He was 60 years old. (Photo: AP)
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Tasha vonBleu Model
1st Sense PhotographyPhotographer Male Spring Grove, Illinois, US
My Website: 1st Sense PhotographyMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/firstsensephotography
Mayhem # 1054749
About Me
I am a multi-time published photographer in the Northern Illinois area, and am looking to shoot. I have been doing this awhile now If you would like references please feel free to contact me. I am looking to shoot. will consider Tfp, but prefer paid work. I will want references before we shoot. I want to get to know who I am working with. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1SensePhoto
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video from photoshoot!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL8WIx0-e2g
Also feel free to follow my blog with some about my life and photography!!:
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Worked together 2-10 times; Most recent: July 2015
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Gustie Soccer Camp
June 20–
24, 2010All day[5d]
Gustavus Campus
The Gustie Soccer Camp for boys and girls ages 10-17 will be held on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Our highly qualified staff consists of coaches and players who have teaching and coaching experience at the high school, club, and college levels. Our staff is selected above all for their teaching skill and ability to relate with the young player.
We will teach the individual player the skills needed in order to enjoy the game of soccer. Technical-tactical training sessions will improve a player's decision making process and skill execution under game-like situations. Evening scrimmages will allow participants to put to use the skills and tactics they have learned. Specialized goal keeping instruction will train the young keepers in the technical and tactical demands of the position.
Above all, our staff wants to ensure that each camper has an experience that will benefit them both in soccer and in all phases of personal growth.
See the camp's website for more details.
|Mike Stehlik — 507-933-7619
|Pre-registration required
|Summer Programs
|soccer camp and summer programs
|June 20–
|July 6–
|June 24–
|July 8–
|June 23–
|July 7–


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- Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building - http://inhabitat.com -
GREEN GIFT GUIDE: 15 Eco Gadget Gifts
Posted By Yuka Yoneda On December 2, 2009 @ 12:00 pm In green gadgets,Green Holiday Gift Guide,Innovation | 2 Comments
On the hunt for a green gift for the gadget geek on your list? Then check out our array of all of the hottest, must-have green appliances, gizmos and tools [1] all in one handy guide [1] for your gift-giving pleasure. From futuristic water-powered clocks [2] to eco-cell phones [3] to sleek e-readers [4], we've got everything the gadget-lover on your list is wishing for, so check it out [1]!
Article printed from Inhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/green-gadget-gifts/
URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://greenholidaygiftguide.inhabitat.com/green-gadget-gifts/
[2] water-powered clocks: http://greenholidaygiftguide.inhabitat.com/green-gadget-gifts/waterclock/
[3] eco-cell phones: http://greenholidaygiftguide.inhabitat.com/green-gadget-gifts/reclaim-cell/
[4] e-readers: http://greenholidaygiftguide.inhabitat.com/green-gadget-gifts/kindle-reader/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2011 Inhabitat Local - New York. All rights reserved.


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it is a shame that this has had to happen but.......Jed knew he wasn't suppose to be drinking while on probation and he did. Now he has...
....When did we lose our freedom as americans to make our own choices.
Just what this town needs is another place for our society to get more obese and encourage drunk driving.....We have enough drunk...
OMG. I cannot believe what i have just read. What has these country come to. Need money ......Go get a job.
If you want to go out and target practice that is well within your rights. But do it on your own property so you are littering up your...
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Bad Bus Service
Dear Editor:
I feel it is necessary to rebuke the MTA—for the elimination of long established bus stops, poor service and equipment—after taking over the private bus lines. I fervently believe these changes have adversely affected the quality of local bus service for many of our borough's residents.
It has been many months since the takeover by the MTA and they have failed to deliver the much touted service and equipment improvements, and we still have many outdated and trouble plagued buses spewing exhaust and having no air conditioning. It seems that the former Green Bus Line has become the place for the MTA to put all of its antiquated equipment. Residents of southern Queens neighborhoods deserve much better service and equipment.
It seems the MTA plan is putting brand new buses on the express routes—running between Queens and Manhattan—leaving local bus riders of Queens with the worst equipment in the MTA inventory. I suppose MTA officials would be embarrassed for these ill repaired, wretched buses to be seen by the world on the streets of the emerald city, Manhattan. It is not uncommon to be waiting for a local bus and see a practically empty (3 5 passengers), expensive express bus pass by, only to have a dilapidated, standing room only local bus arrive 10 15 minutes later.
Within weeks of taking over, the MTA eliminated bus stops on many routes including the Q 11 route. The termination of these bus stops occurred without community input or public notice. These terminations have forced people to walk additional blocks and put them in harm's way by having to traverse busy streets that they could avoid before these bus changes were put into effect.
At a Community Board 9 meeting in June, an MTA official, Norm Silverman, told the crowd that these stops were eliminated due to MTA guidelines—not being the required 750 feet for distances between stops. When asked by a board member why there were still bus stops with shorter distances on city routes, he sidestepped the issue and never answered the questioners. Mr. Silverman did not seem very concerned with the community impact of those service changes or the problems. I believe the following example illustrates my point: when Mr. Silverman was asked who made the decision to eliminate the stops, he stated that he had made the decisions solely. When further pressed as to who above him at the MTA the public could appeal to, he emphatically stated that his decision was final. Mr. Silverman is a public official who feels his dictate is law, as though he were some sort of royalty. Needless to say, the smell of self importance and hubris filled the room.
I am asking the MTA and Mr. Silverman accept public input and not treat us as nuisances to their very existence. The MTA should show some accountability to the residents of southern Queens. Finally, the MTA must be taken to task for failing to provide quality bus service that we deserve and more so, that we as a community demand.
David Quintana,
Ozone Park
Where Are The Moderates?
Dear Editor:
In reaction to John Bleumke's letter in the Queens Chronicle of Sept. 21, I am sad to say that if it is indeed only about 1 percent of the Muslims in the world who are violent, then the other 99 percent is either cowering in the corner afraid of the lunatics who are running their religion, or they agree with them. Fanatical Islam is nothing new: It is unconnected to the war in Iraq, or Bush's policies. It is rooted in the dark ages and seeks glory in violence.
We first saw the insanity erupt at the Munich Olympics in 1972 with the massacre of the Israeli weightlifting team. It then moved on to the Achille Lauro hijacking, various bombings in airports around the world including Rome and Vienna; the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat; the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon, killing 242 U.S. Marines; the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland; the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993; the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia; the Empire State Building sniper attack in 1996; killing of 58 tourists at the Egyptian ruins in 1997; U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya in 1998; attack on the USS Cole in 2000; the Manila bombing in 2000; the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States; the attack on the school in Beslan, Russia; rail bombings in Madrid and Great Britain, and countless bombings in Israel.
Add to that the disgraceful way women are treated under Sharia law, and the pervasive hatred that is preached in some mosques and masjids throughout the world (including right here in New York), it is obvious that if moderate Muslims exist at all, I believe they are in the minority.
Ann Rychlenski,
Ozone Park
Chavez Anger
Dear Editor:
No matter what our presidents think of the heads of various countries, they have never spoken disparagingly about a country's head while a visitor in that country.To see Danny Glover and Charles Barron embrace Hugo Chavez while in our country, and their audience condoning Chavez's outrageous remarks about our president, is a disgrace.They constantly knock our country, so perhaps they should pack up and go back to Venezuela with Chavez. See what happens when they speak out in that country.Thank you, Congressman Charles Rangel, for taking the high road.
Patricia Whalen,
Richmond Hill
More Chavez Comments
Dear Editor:
In regard to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez who insulted President George Bush, calling him "the devil" and the United States an "imperialistic empire," this was an insult to most Americans. Now, here's a world leader who is definitely not playing with a full deck and is truly suffering from delusions of grandeur. If he thinks Bush is the devil, then I think Chavez is the anti Christ.
It has been said you can judge a man by the company he keeps. Just look then at Chavez's friends Fidel Castro of Cuba and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, of Iran, leaders who deny their citizens the right to think and speak in a free atmosphere not to mention what of the rights of men which doesn't exist in their country.
Frederick Bedell Jr.,
Pope Benedict's Comments
Dear Editor:
Referring to the Iranian government's beheading of gay Iranians because of their gayness, William Pagenkopf's letter of Sept. 14 charges that "similar injustices have been perpetrated by the Catholic Church" and, of course, by "the Nazis" (shades of Rosie O'Donnell here). In all honesty, I did not know this about my church. Another cover up, I suppose.
Now, as a semi practicing Catholic, I hereby apologize for this outrage. If it's still going on, the church must stop the practice immediately and Pope Benedict should add this horror to a growing list of papal apologies.
B. Ceruti,
'I Have Often Walked'
Dear Editor:
Regarding Ron Marzlock's recent "I Have Often Walked" column: I read with interest your piece about the Fisk theater. As a child, I lived on 65th Place in Maspeth. The area was known as Ridgewood Plateau. I attended P.S. 78, starting in 1937.
During the week, employees of the Fisk theater would stand outside the school and distribute fliers with Saturday's program printed on them. The fliers were approximately 3 1/2 inch by 10 inch and were printed on different colored heavy papers.
The program generally consisted of two full length features, two serials (Flash Gordon, etc.), one newsreel and an indeterminate number of cartoons.
My father would drive me to the theater and pick me up at the end of the day.
Admission was 10 cents and everyone received a free comic book on the way in. Also, each week a different color was selected and if you had the right color flier, admission was free. We always tried to get as many different colored fliers as possible.
Thanks for bringing these memories to mind.
Irwin Kunkes,
Fresh Meadows
Rochdale's Fuel Surcharge
Dear Editor:
Last March, Rochdale Village management found it necessary to respond to the Queens Chronicle regarding allegations made by the organizers of an anti fuel surcharge and rent increase.The insurgents planned a protest because an impending fuel surcharge was onerous and unnecessary.They claimed the fuel surcharge was a cover up for mismanagement and board inefficiency.
The volatile natural gas market collapsed last week because several large hedge fund giants and commodity speculators made an enormous blunder that a Katrina like hurricane would cause the difference between summer and winter natural gas prices. Luckily, we had a very mild hurricane season and they lost billions.
Based upon what would appear to be an artificial market created by the natural gas speculators, the Rochdale Village Board of Directors and management made a hard decision to act responsibly and institute a 12 percent fuel surcharge to meet heightened operating fuel costs in our power plant.A small band of opportunists who participated in the rally to "roll back" the fuel surcharge are using this issue and the decision not to recognize a defunct house congress as a rallying cry to get rid of the sitting Board of Directors and substitute themselves.Therefore, after the posturing and claiming the senior citizens would be left homeless their true intent is now obvious to all.
We promised the co operators that we would review the continuing need for the 12 percent surcharge on a quarterly basis.The events of the past several days and the softening of the spot natural gas markets to a price of $4.625 per 1,000 cubic feet have not been seen since Sept. 17, 2004.It would appear on the surface that this could result in a rollback of the fuel surcharge as much as 50 percent.While this is not a certainty today, it well may be tomorrow.
Seven months have passed since we implemented the fuel surcharge; no senior citizens have lost their homes and Rochdale is well on its way to recovering from this disaster.
This is election time in Rochdale Village, and with 29 people running for the board, there will be a lot of lies, rhetoric and boasting about what they will be able to do for you. Remember, the Rochdale Village Board of Directors answers to a higher power, namelyDepartment of Housing and Community Renewal and their mortgage holder, American Properties before they can make any kind of financial decisions.
All one has to do is call any realtor and inquire about apartments outside of Rochdale Village and see the going rates for 1 , 2 , and 3 bedroom apartments and the case of the "high" maintenance charges would be a "closed case."
Barbara Staples,
Rochdale Village Board of Directors
An article in last week's Queens Chronicle about a Maspeth tribute to veterans missing in action and prisoners of war gave the incorrect name for the organizing group. It was Local Chapter 32 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, not the Veterans of Foreign Wars.


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Like, Oh Em Gee I'm bad. I hit four wins and then lose on the very next game. Maybe Pussycats and Skeelz aren't such good clans for Survivor...
Any tips for deck creation?
Morhpun is a must because they take away pillz after a while
Necro posit is necro.
But anyways, if he wasn't banned 4 out of 5 weeks, I might use him. I'd rather Bridget instead.
Then you could try clans that are know for taking away and giving pills like Piranas or clans with bonus that are like free pills sentinals, Junkz or clans with bonus's that force opponent to pill, Uppers, sakrom, Montana to a lesser extent because most of their cards you need atleast 1 pill for it to even matter
You guys know UM-1984 already helped my situation? So there isn't a need to help anymore...
I already gathered that much CK, but thanks for the reply anyways. I not COMPLETELY inept at survivor.
Reihana14, there is a close subject icon on the top right of the screen, I suggest you use this if you do not want any more replies, or you could ask a mod to close it, you have to be straighforward tho


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Demand that Texas investigate why state troopers confiscated tampons
You can bring a gun into the Texas State Capitol with a concealed handgun license—but not your tampons, maxipads or diabetic supplies.
On July 12, as the Texas state Senate voted on a devastating anti-choice measure, state troopers ordered all women seeking to enter the building to surrender their tampons and maxipads.
In at least one case, a woman was also ordered to remove her diabetic supplies. "I've never been so humiliated in my life," she said tearfully. The above video is painful to watch.
It is bad enough that the Texas state Senate is assaulting a woman's right to choose. But whoever authorized this outrage must be held accountable. Sign our petition demanding an open investigation of the Texas state troopers' conduct, and that appropriate disciplinary action be taken.
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Ed Reed agrees to deal with Jets
|11.14.13 at 11:36 am ET
The Jets announced Thursday that they have agreed to a deal with free agent safety Ed Reed and indicated he is expected to practice with the team Thursday afternoon.
There had been conflicting reports about the level of interest from the Patriots, with ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeting Thursday morning that New England was not an option.
Bill Belichick has long been an admirer of the longtime Ravens standout. Reed signed a three-year deal with the Texans this past offseason but was released this week after losing playing time and criticizing his coaches.
Jets coach Rex Ryan has familiarity with Reed, having coached him when Ryan served as Baltimore's defensive coordinator in the 2000s.
Ryan on Wednesday discussed Reed in his press conference and said "absolutely, yes," he would like to see Reed on his team.
Latest from Bleacher Report
- What Are Explanations for Patriots' Failure to Address Hole at RB?
- Patriots: Way-Too-Early 53-Man Roster and Depth Chart Predictions
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- Patriots Mock Draft and Big Board: Updated Day 3 Predictions
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- Patriots Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades
- Why the 1st Round of the 2016 NFL Draft Still Matters to Patriots


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|Grand Canyon Rafting - the Demand is Back
|News Releases - Travel & Tourism
|Written by Cindy Woudenberg
|Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:59
Grand Canyon, AZ (June, 2012) - Travel demand is back for Grand Canyon rafting trips during the summer months of June, July and August. Historically this has been the prime time for the limited number of commercial whitewater trips available on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Arizona River Runners sees this trend returning as demand increases for these Colorado River trips.
If you have a Grand Canyon family rafting trip on your bucket list, now is the time to plan ahead and secure your space for summer 2013. Reservations are normally made up to a year in advance with many trips selling out immediately after they are made available. There are group rates offered for families and corporate groups of 10 or more traveling together. Now for a limited time, Arizona River Runners is still accepting 2013 reservations at current 2012 prices. To take advantage of this win-win special, you need to act now because it won't last long.
The popular early season "Hikers' Specials", introduced a few years ago, are available for 2013 in April and early May for those adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts who don't have to plan their travel around school schedules. These 6, 7, 10 and 12 day white water rafting trips offer additional time for side canyon exploration during the milder Arizona spring temperatures. Many of these amazing hiking trails are only accessible from the Colorado River.
Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon raft trips are all-inclusive; everything is supplied from camping equipment and rafting gear to food, drinks, snacks and more. To secure a whitewater trip for 2013 at 2012 rates call 1-80-477-7238. For your trip of a lifetime don't just look at the Canyon…experience it from the Colorado River looking up. You may never be the same!
About Arizona River Runners
White water rafting through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. Experience the vacation adventure of a lifetime on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners. Since 1970 they have provided all-inclusive Grand Canyon whitewater trips with customized rafts, all the camping and rafting gear, and food for your Colorado River trip.
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Posted by francine sausage on November 10, 19102 at 18:25:22:
In Reply to: Why did America get involved? posted by Tim on August 06, 19101 at 12:32:47:
: Hi! I've got to do an ignment for history about why the United States got involved in Vietname - any pointers would be gratefully received! Thanks!
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May 2, 2016
The North Carolina Insurance Commission approved new rates Thursday. On average, statewide, the average premium increase will be about five and a half percent. Insurance companies had asked for a nearly 22 percent increase. Folks at the beach are getting hit hard. Homeowners along the coast could see as much of a 25 percent increase. Realtors say those who rent out their beach houses will have to cover the higher insurance costs, and many say that cost will be passed on to the consumer. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long cited the rising cost of homes, higher repair costs and recent history of storm damage for the increases. The last storm to strike the coast was Hurricane Ophelia in 2005, which caused more than $40 million in damage here in Eastern Carolina. We'll have much more on the hike and what it means for us here in Eastern Carolina, Monday on WITN-7 News at Six.
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Saeco Espresso Machines
Saeco is an Italian-based espresso machine manufacturer that launched their first fully automatic (aka superautomatic) espresso machine in 1980. Since then, they have worked to incorporate improvements into each new iteration of the quality Saeco espresso machines they create.
While the Saeco suite of products focuses on superautomatics such as the Odea series, Talea series, or the Xelsis, they also manufacture a few excellent entry-level semi-automatic espresso machines like the Saeco Aroma and Saeco Via Venezia.
Learn More about Saeco Espresso Machines
Saeco Odea Giro Espresso Machine with OptiDose IIThe updated Odea Giro Espresso Machine with OptiDose II from Saeco features improved grinder functionality that automatically adjusts to the kind of beans you're using. Saeco also paid close attention to the sensor issues in its first Odea Giro iteration and now offers a choice of five different grind settings that will produce a richer shot. Saeco kept the updated Odea Giro's operations extremely basic: adjust the amount of ground coffee beans used and the brewed volume you desire, then press the brew button once (or twice for a double shot). A high-clearance steam wand accommodates your frothing pitcher without needing to tip it to fit underneath (as with some older Saeco models). Learn More$800.00
Saeco Odea Go Espresso Machine II - Certified RefurbishedA powerful superautomatic without the hefty price tag? Yes, please. Introducing the Saeco Odea Go II, a straightforward and simple to use affordable espresso machine that's been updated to allow for more choice in beans and grind settings. Saeco's Odea Go II is the ideal option for those who'd like to upgrade to automated shot extraction without breaking the bank. Learn More
Regular Price: $700.00
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Omer S Productions : Los Angeles Hollywood Nightlife PromoterMonday, September 8th, 2008
Omer S Productions was created in Spring of 2001 with the goal of providing Los Angeles clubgoers with a memorable and positive nightclubbing experience. Their 8 years of experience with numerous venues in the Los Angeles area provide them with the breadth and resources to accomodate any type of event.
When planning that special occasion, look no further than our special event staff to assist you in bringing together that distinctive evening. Omer S Productions' vast resources allows for the proper preparation, coordination, and implementation for an amazing and beautiful affair. They can aid you with any type of occasion including birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, Bachelor/Bachelorette Party, or corporate function.
Not only can they assist you with the organization of your function, but their in house design team can help you with the theme, or "look" of your party.
Check out Omer S weekly events at:
Area on Thursdays
Ritual on Fridays
Vanguard on Saturdays
For guestlist info, you can visit their site at www.omersproductions.com or their myspace at www.myspace.com/laclubs