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Amongst some of the online community manager groups I participate in I often see the same question crop up: How much contract CM's should earn, or how much they should ask for when negotiating financial terms? Many don't want to price themselves out of the market, whilst others don't want to undervalue their skills. That coupled with the wide variety of Community Manager job descriptions (and duties) makes it a difficult number to pin down. Especially if you are an independent/freelance CM contractor. So I decided to run a very quick, and brief, survey on this subject, and a few weeks ago asked some of you to help by participating in the survey. Quite a few of you responded to my call, and I am very appreciative of that, so thank you all so much!
For obvious reasons the figures are going to differ widely; location, experience, education, duties, budgets, hours worked, and the individual concerned, etc etc, are all going to play a huge part in determining what a contracting CM earns. But hopefully the results of this small survey may give you an idea of where to start with the financial negotiations for your own community manager services.
To add, I didn't ask for too many details in order to protect everyones' privacy, and I also wanted to break down the figures and create some fancy pie charts but time won't allow. So instead I have included the results in a spreadsheet below for you to peruse and dissect yourselves. (I had a couple of people whose info didn't really fit the criteria of the spreadsheet, so I've included their comments below.)
Toronto, Canada
How are you paid?
Monthly and hourly. Flat rate to manage Twitter/Facebook of 900 a month. Can$65 an hour for additional strategy/ad hoc work
Hours worked a week?
Flat rate includes 4 hours ad hoc services based on companies needs.
Years of Experience?
Two. Just starting as freelance instead of in-house.
Albany, NY.
How are you paid?
Hours a week?
Depends on the project/client wishes and their budget. I've had projects where I worked 2 – 3 hours a day/6 days a week, and others where I felt like I was working 18 hours a day/8 days a week.
I hope you find this information helpful, and once again many thanks to those who participated.
Questions or want to discuss? Pop your thoughts in the comment section below. Thanks.


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KALAMAZOO, Mi. – The annual volleyball Alumni match for Western Michigan's new team is a chance to get some swings and blocks against someone other than a teammate at practice.
For junior outside hitter Claire Gerwig, it was much more. ... much, much more.
It was a chance for the Louisville, Ky., native to prove to herself, to her teammates, to the trainers that an injured ankle which kept her out of much of the 2012 season was healed. After being set 24 times, after getting two digs and one block assist in the four sets on Saturday night against a talented alumni team, the proof was in the smile at the end of the match.
''It's nice to be back on the court,'' Gerwig said, the smile going from one end of the court to the other.
All the problems started in her senior year of high school.
''I tore all the ligaments off the outside of my foot,'' she said.
The injury was bad enough that it required two surgeries. Gerwig played virtually all of the of the 2011 season, including a breakout match against Washington in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
With the TV announcers lauding over the 6-footer, she had 15 kills and just 1 error in 26 attempts, a massive .538 hitting percentage. The Broncos lost, 3-1, but it looked like one outside hitting position was solid for three years to come.
The ankle, however, still wasn't right. Gerwig played in three matches at the start of 2012 and then had to sit out the rest of the season.
''I had a lot of struggles at the beginning of the season and it wasn't a good time for me at that point,'' she said. ''I used the time to get stronger and work with the team on different things and help them improve on their game.''
The Broncos would go 21-11 overall and win the Mid-American Conference West Division with a 13-3 record with Gerwig on the sidelines.
Then came spring drills this year, ''And all the focus was on getting stronger and getting back,'' she said. ''I never had a doubt about jumping and feeling pain.
''I just had to get stronger, really trusting my teammates, the coaches, strength coach Tim Herrmann and the trainers to get me back. I did everything possible to get where I am now and I still have a long way to go.''
Looking at her performance against the alumni, the way she is going is in the right direction.
''We've been watching Claire for two weeks and she's healthy as she's ever been,'' coach Colleen Munson said. ''She's doing the things we know she can do and that she knows she can do.
''Now, our goal is to keep improving and keep it going.''
ALUMNI POWER: Usually, a number of former players come to have some fun, hit a few balls and call it a night. Not Saturday night's group. First of all the team of Jess Brown, Allyson Doyle, Michelle Moore, Berta Griffin, Lindsey West, Sam (Viox) Gagnon, Boo Sweeney, Courtney Seller, Caitlin Strimel, Ashley Turnage and Kate Corbett was a team which amassed nine All-MAC awards, league setter of the year (Viox), defensive player of the year (Strimel) and freshman of the year (Brown). While the alumni lost all four sets, they made it interesting with scores of 25-16, 25-22, 25-12, 25-12.
INJURIES ALREADY: Two players, senior Ali Gosen and junior Richelle Ranney, didn't play as they are nursing ankle sprains.
WELCOME TO WMU: Watervliet's Rachel Sheffer, who came to Western after starring at Michigan in basketball for four seasons, didn't look like she hasn't played much volleyball. Sheffer led the Broncos with 20 kills.
LID-LIFTER: WMU opens the regular season hosting the Holiday Inn West Classic Friday and Saturday. The Broncos play Northwestern on Friday (7p.m.), and on Saturday, play Wisconsin-Milwaukee (noon) and Oklahoma (7 p.m.).

subset: commoncrawl


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Northwest NEWS
ovember 5, 2001
WUUC offers course on Islam
The Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church (WUUC) is sponsoring a free adult education course open to the public. Salah Dandan, of the Islamic Center of the Eastside, will talk about Islam and his faith as a Muslim.
The class is "Islam: Learning from our Neighbors" and is offered on Sunday, Nov. 11, from 3 - 4 p.m. at the Northshore United Church of Christ, 18900 - 168th Ave. NE in Woodinville.
Topics covered in the class include: What is Islam? Who are Muslims and what do they believe? What is the Qur'an? What is Jihad? Is Islam at core a peaceful religion?
For details, contact Rev. Alan Taylor at (425) 486-7693 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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With the closeout of the gubernatorial race, election fatigue set in this week across New Jersey as voters took a break from the constant talk of turnout and coattails. But in New Jersey we know there is always another election around the corner and as an added bonus for the junkies, speculation over Gov. Chris Christie's presidential run began at 8:01 p.m. on Election Night.
This is our first Winners and Losers list since our inaugural version on the day after the election and so we've got 10 days worth of Ws and Ls to hand out. This installment of our list is littered with the continued fallout from the election as well as a certain fat shaming magazine.
With that, here are this week's winners and losers.
Tim Eustace
The 38th District Assemblyman likely saved his political skin this week with what looks to be a 49 vote win in a race where he was down after the Election Night vote. This one is headed for a recount so things could change, but for now Eustace gets the win.
Lou Stellato
The Bergen County Democratic chairman has had a good run this week. In addition to staving off the GOP onslaught in District 38 (at least for now) Stellato picked up another freeholder seat, which was assured this week when Republican Freeholder John Mitchell conceded, giving Democrats a veto-proof majority.
Lou Greenwald
The South Jersey Assemblyman and majority leader in the lower chamber may return to the Assembly next year with the South Jersey delegation intact. Yes, South Jersey lost Nelson Albano in District 1, but Democrats think they have a real shot at adding a seat in District 2, which would make Albano's loss a wash.
Jim Whelan/Steve Sweeney/ Frank Lobiondo
United Airlines yesterday announced non-stops flights to Atlantic City, which will help bolster the sagging fortunes of the gambling city that all three South Jersey elected officials have a vested interest in saving. Gov. Chris Christie also gets a mention here as well, but he had his own troubles this week that outweigh the win he helped usher in here.
Tom Kean Jr.
This one happened last week but it was after we released our list so we have to give him his due. Facing a challenge to his leadership post by a Christie-backed candidate, Kean marshaled the votes and kept his spot as Senate minority leader. Bucking the big man in the front office doesn't happen often, but Kean pulled it off.
Loretta Weinberg
Weinberg has jumped on the Port Authority like a pit bull and is determined to get answers to the suspicious September lane closings at the George Washington Bridge that snarled traffic in Fort Lee.
Giancarlo Tello/ Teresa Ruiz
Ruiz is the prime sponsor of the DREAM Act that would allow children who entered the country illegally to pay in-state tuition rates at state schools. Tello, who is an undocumented immigrant, attends Rutgers and has been a strong advocate of the bill.
The Port authority of New York and New Jersey
Already dealing with a rash of criticism over allegations that September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge were politically motivated, the bi-state agency now faces the threat of a lawsuit from Jersey City over "unfair and outdated" tax agreements.
Gov. Chris Christie
The governor had a mixed week, but the bad tipped the scales slightly in the direction of our losers list. Christie this week weathered condemnation from his political mentor, former Gov. Tom Kean Sr., over Christie's attempt to remove Kean's son from his Senate leadership post. Tom Kean Jr. prevailed and Sr. swiped at the governor's lack of coattails in his 22 point reelection bid. As gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono learned, battling with Kean Sr., a beloved elder statesman, holds no benefit. Christie also faces the fallout from the Port Authority mess, which he'll weather, but will no doubt cause some headaches.
Antonia Ricigliano
Four years after railing about - and eventually negating - promotions her predecessor granted on his way out the door, Ricigliano, who lost her bid for reelection to her seat as Edison's mayor last week, gave her own lame duck boost to four cops - some of whom were donors to her campaign. The promotions come the same week the township settled a lawsuit filed by the officers whose promotions Ricigliano nixed four years ago.
Joe DiVincenzo
When new Newark Mayor Luis Quintana was ceremonially sworn in this week it was DiVincenzo's nemesis, state Sen. Dick Codey holding the bible for him.
Rand Paul
The Republican Kentucky Sen. is showing himself to possess an unhealthy obsession with New Jersey's governor. Three times in the past week Paul has taken pot shots at Christie, who seems to be living by the old adage: "There's no need to commit murder when your opponent is committing suicide." This one will likely be decided in the ring as the two could very likely be contenders for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination.
Time Magazine
Elephant? Seriously?


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Gill Glass "Sherwood" Chandelier, C1937 Item # R3727
This distinctive decorative filigree was produced by Gill Glass Company and used on several series, including the Sherwood line. This wonderful fixture is in the style of the later 1930s, and retains the chrome of its two-toned original finish as well as the iridescent shades. This light would be right at home in a living room, family room, or over the dining room table.
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U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier will consider proposals privately on what form the rest of the trial will take over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Barbier, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, will meet with the parties in the litigation on May 3 in his chambers to discuss ideas for a reconstituted trial. Proposals on those trial plans are due on April 26, but they will be submitted directly to the judge rather than filed in the court docket, the court confirmed Tuesday.
Ever since a partial settlement was reached in early March between BP and the committee of plaintiff attorneys in the oil spill litigation and the first phase of the massive trial over liability was indefinitely postponed, questions have swirled about what form the rest of the trial would take.
The biggest sources of claims, those from the U.S. government and states over environmental and economic damages and penalties, still exist against all of the defendants in the litigation.
And while the plaintiffs committee may have settled its grievances with BP, the leaseholder on the ill-fated Macondo well, under the terms of the settlement with BP, the plaintiffs assumed BP's massive claims against Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig, and against Halliburton, the company that performed the cement job on the well. The plaintiffs also had their own claims against those companies, but until the settlement, those claims were a lower priority than claims against BP.
Local government claims still exist, as do claims by injured rig workers and businesses harmed by the moratorium on drilling that was enacted for several months after the disaster.
The first phase of the trial that originally had been scheduled to begin Feb. 27 was supposed to deal with everything that happened up to the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig, and the start of the oil spill. A second phase that had been scheduled to start in July was to probe the efforts to stop the oil and how much oil was actually spilled. An unscheduled third phase was supposed to tackle where the oil went and how well the parties succeeded at cleaning it up.


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Hillary Clinton Flat Out Lies at The June 3rd CNN Debate
You tube| June 5, 2007
Edit:Hillary did not vote for the Military Commissions Act. This was to be removed in the final version.
First Hillary fails to read the pre-war Iraq intelligence report: http://tinyurl.com/2c8afj
Now this is a flat out lie! Does the media even pick up on this?? Nope!
"TerrorStorm is something that should be seen by everyone, no matter what their stance/affiliation/political bent. " - Rich Rosell, Digitally Obsessed UK
Get TerrorStorm on DVD today
Enter recipient's e-mail:


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Guide to Bali Hotels Accommodation of Kuta Legian Seminyak
Berry Hotel Bali is a hidden jewel accommodation which located just a few minutes away from main Legian, Kuta. It is allow you to enjoy a tranquil sleepover yet it only takes a wink if you need to sense Bali's most touristy part. Choose to stay, Berry Hotel Bali promises a comfy, wonderful service, traffic-free stay aiming at giving each and every visitor the closest feeling to home during their vacation. Your days will be engulfed with fun Berry-themed moments. Not to mention our friendly and outgoing staffs who will most definitely welcome you with typical fresh Berry greeting.
Berry Hotel Bali at Kuta boasts 50 trendy Berry rooms with freshly bright colored and well ventilated. Wide glass sliding doors and windows overlooking the swimming pool and the sassy lounge area, the holiday vibe encases the entire hotel area. Wi-Fi connection is also available in every bedroom of 3 room types.
Ori Berry Room
Find yourself awake in a jolly, purple painted Ori Berry Room. Walk to the window and enjoy the neighboring green grass field or look down to see the fresh swimming pool and the ever so alive and kicking Berry Lounge.
Pool Berry Room
Wake up to an astonishingly hospitable sight of your Pool Berry Room. With the bright purple walls and large sliding glass doors that get you an instant access to the buzzing Berry Lounge and Bluberry Pool, it is really something that is hard to say no to.
Prime Berry Suite
Prime Berry Suite is a suite perfect for you who want the best of Berry Hotel amenities. Pour a delicious cup of coffee in your own living room, slide open your glass doors and jump into the swimming pool to get the first fresh sense of your Bali holiday.
Enjoy the unforgettable experience in a great selection of flavorful nibbles at Strawberry Restaurant. Designed fresh as the berry notion itself, Strawberry Resto & Bar determine to provide you with the most honest, mouth-watering, light munchies that are adored by our young visitors. Burger with a twist, sandwich with a twist, salad with a twist and even breakfast menu with a twist are to feature some.
For business travelers, Berry Hotel Bali has designed Rasberry meeting room to serve young business executives to work and have fun at the same time. After the summit is over, let joining to the Berry lounge. Berry Lounge features a feisty bar serving healthy Berry juices, mocktails and cocktails where you can mix and mingle with others over drinks and music by the sassy swimming pool next to the bar.
THE Berry Hotel Bali: Jl. Raya Dewi Sri I No 16 Kuta • Bali 80361 • Indonesia


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Just one candidate in conservation district election
Erin Borden will be the only candidate on the ballot in next week's election for the board of supervisors of the Whidbey Island Conservation District.
The election is 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 at the Whidbey Island Conservation District conference room, at 404 NE Center St. in Coupeville.
Borden is seeking re-election, and no other candidates filed to run.
Borden runs a farm on Whidbey and has bachelor's and master's degrees in biology and a doctorate's in entomology from Washington State University. She taught for 12 years at two- and four-year colleges and spent three years at U.C. Davis in California doing research in integrated pest management.
The WICD Board of Supervisors consists of five members including two appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission and three elected positions, each serving a three-year term without compensation.
Conservation district supervisors identify conservation needs, set district budgets and priorities, and oversee plans to protect soil, water, wildlife and other natural resources. The board of supervisors meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at the district office in Coupeville.
Residents can request mail-in ballots by e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com or by calling the district office at 360-678-4708. All ballot requests must be postmarked on March 16 or before.
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Allentown will receive a one-two punch of hard rock when Flyleaf and Drowning Pool team up for a co-headlining performance at the Crocodile Rock Cafe.
The two bands will perform Feb. 24, according to a news release.
Tickets cost $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Flyleaf's 2005 self-titled debut album spawned the singles "All Around Me," "I'm So Sick" and "Cassie." The band released their third studio album, "New Horizons," in late October.
Drowning Pool hit it big with their 2001 heavy-metal anthem "Bodies." Singer Dave Williams died of heart disease in 2002. The group has since gone through a revolving door of lead vocalists, with Jasen Moreno now at the helm.
Other announced Crocodile Rock concerts are:
- Chris Webby, Jan. 16; $16 in advance, $18 at the door.
- 21 Pilots with New Politics and The Soviet, Jan. 24; $10 in advance, $12 at the door.


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Remembering Charles Sayle Jr.
I knew Charlie Sayle from the time we were kids – though not especially well. He was always working and I was always going to the movies. The biggest thing we had in common was his best friend – and mine – Carl Sjolund. It was not until 1965 that I really got to know him and a true friendship blossomed. We were both in the Coast Guard and Charlie was stationed on the New Bedford based Cutter Escanaba. In February of that year I was assigned to report to said vessel. On my first day aboard it was clear that all hands considered Charlie a seaman's seaman and all- around good shipmate. I was immediately viewed as something of an anointed one, apparently just because I knew him and we were from Nantucket.
Charlie was on leave my first three days on duty and he returned the day we got underway for a five-week trip to the North Atlantic. There was a northeaster building as we passed through the Cape Cod Canal. Blizzard conditions and high seas accompanied us in route for a fuel stop in Newfoundland. Conditions were so rough that, when trash was dumped (legal in those days), five or six men held a six-thread line attached to the messman's waste as he approached the rail to discharge the contents of the barrels. My consumption consisted of salteen crackers and water and after two days at sea, because of sea conditions and rotation of three watches, I had still not seen Charlie. At midnight of the second or third day I was descending the ladder from the bridge/pilot house when at last we met face to face. As sick as I was, I will never forget that moment. He stood in near dark – save for the illumination of a red light on the bulkhead – tall and gaunt, protruding upper bite and that steady look-right-through-you look in his eyes. He spoke, "I heard you were on here. How you doing"? "Not so good, weak as a puppy" said I. "Huu . . . well, keep it quiet. If this crew finds out a Nantucketer got seasick, they'll never let us live it down"!
To me, that story sums Charlie up: Stoic, strong and proud. With a little humor thrown in.
I will remember Charlie and our fun times at The Harbor House, Preston's, Schell's Steak House, Dreamland Theater, his house, our house, friends' houses and accordion music on Straight Wharf on a warm summer evening. We all had a laugh on him the night he wore a new sport jacket to The White Elephant with the price tag still on the sleeve. No one enjoyed the laugh more than him. Most of all, I will remember an easy-going, fun-loving man. A generous man. A man with an incredible work ethic. A Nantucket son.
To borrow from Billy Joel's "DownEaster Alexa:"
There ain't no island left for islanders like me.
Joe Morin
Cast Your Ballot Today!
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Venture capital firms ploughed almost $30bn into US companies last year despite activity levels of the industry being just half that of their 2000-era peak, new research shows.
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Quick Look: PlayCast provides users with the ability to send videos from your computer's web browser to a Roku-connected TV that's on the same network. To do this, you will need to subscribe to the PlayOn service and install the PlayOn media server on your computer. Once you've enabled PlayOn in your web browser, you can "cast" videos from YouTube, Hulu, and other services to your Roku-connected TV. Oddly, you can't watch these videos in the PlayCast channel. PlayCast is only an informational channel to promote the service. You will need to install the private PlayOn channel to stream your web videos.
In my initial testing, PlayCast seems to be an excellent (although not free) option for viewing YouTube videos on your Roku. In my computer's PlayCast settings I saved my YouTube username and password. Now, from my Roku, I have access to videos from my subscriptions, playlist, history, and watch-later list. There are also many YouTube channels available to let you browse the YouTube library. The PlayOn service has many more features available, but I'll have to save those for a full review - coming soon.
Note that PlayOn is currently offering a discount to Roku users with an annual subscription of only $9.99 per year, but you will need to install the PlayCast channel and launch it to get the redemption code. To get the special Roku rate, you will have to visit http://www.playon.tv/playcast and click on the "Redeem Now" link. You will then be able to enter your redemption code.
-- Information is current as of November 8, 2013
Developer's Channel Description: Watch virtually any video on the Internet on your Roku. PlayCast has an easy intuitive interface and takes only a few minutes to set up. PlayCast requires that you purchase companion software for your PC. Learn more at www.playon.tv/playcast. Get PlayCast and start casting today.
CHANNEL STORE CATEGORY: Apps
DEVELOPER: PlayOn
FEES: PlayOn service is available for $8.99/month, $39.99/year, or $59.99 lifetime. Subscribe here. (Note: a discount to Roku users may be available; load and view the PlayCast channel for details.)
PlayCast Website


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Excerpt from International Digital Award winning novel for best contemporary romance, PLAYING THE GAME:
"Damn it," Roxanne muttered. Her drink had splashed on her dress. Looking right, and then left, at the partygoers around her, she took a surreptitious glance down to inspect the damage.
A very large, dark, wet spot spread over her left breast. Luckily it was only ice water—or maybe not so lucky, on second thought. She watched in horror as the red silk material clung to her skin.
"Double damn. My nipple is showing!" This time she forgot to keep her comment under her breath.
"Now that I'd like to see." The man appeared from nowhere, towering beside her. He watched her reflection in the floor to ceiling window.
The heat of embarrassment ignited her face. The man was no gentleman. Her embarrassment turned to anger in a flash. She jutted her breast out for him to see.
"You can look all you want," she dared, wanting to shift the discomfort to him.
She thought she'd succeeded, until the signature dimpled half-grin split his face.
"I'm Barry Dennis." He held out his free hand for her to shake. He held a bottle of beer in the other. The famous lopsided smirk remained in place.
"Must be my lucky night." She ignored his hand.
He laughed.
Biting her lip, she reminded herself to behave professionally. He was the star attraction at this gala and they were both there to raise money for a good cause.
"I'm Roxanne Monet." She shook his hand. She eyed him, wondering if he'd dare to say something about her nipple.
"I know who you are. I watched you get fired from your job at the TV studio a few days ago. You were supposed to interview me." Unrestrained amusement shone in his eyes now and his grin widened. She was really starting to dislike this guy.
"I was only fifteen minutes late."
"I only had ten."
He still smiled, but it was no joke to her.
"They didn't fire you because of me," he said. His gaze dropped to her still-erect nipple.
Heat returned to her body, but it wasn't embarrassment this time. It was anger. Especially since he was right about her job.
"I got some bad press recently. The studio brass was nervous and I was expendable." No need to hide the truth. It was all over the news. No need to go into the details either.
"I never did schedule another interview." He took a swig of beer.
"Hank—the producer—must have loved that." She resisted the urge to fold her arms over her breasts as he continued to stare. She had started it. She had to see it through. The nipple refused to soften.
"Hank expressed his disappointment. I was disappointed that you wouldn't be the one asking the questions. I was looking forward to a confrontation." He stopped and took a handkerchief from his tux pocket and handed it to her.
Maybe he wasn't such a cad. Maybe his 'too cool' reputation was undeserved. God knows she knew how unfair the press could be. Finding the real man behind the enigmatic superstar was supposed to be her job—when she had a job.
"Well here we are. Would you like me to ask you some probing questions?" She snatched the hanky from his hand and resigned herself to the task of blotting the spot on her left breast to hasten the drying process. It was tough to be cool and sophisticated while she dabbed at her nipple.
He laughed. "Give it your best shot."
He was probably the happiest man in the world right now, Roxanne thought. The Irish-Catholic boy from Queens had grown up to be the MVP of the National Basketball Association for four years running. At age thirty-one, the six-foot-nine guard was an international superstar.
"What's it like having all your dreams come true, Mr. Basketball Superstar?"
Barry paused and stared at her with that unnerving blue fire in his eyes. "It's like being in Disneyland. You have to go home sometime." He took a gulp of his beer. A more cynical smile now appeared.
"I can't picture you turning into a pumpkin," she said.
Barry chuckled.
"You don't really think the fantasy will end when you leave basketball?" She couldn't help the serious curiosity that mixed in with the seduction in her voice, as if she were asking the question of a lover and soul mate instead of a perfect stranger.
"I don't know. I don't think about it much. Everything I have, everything I am, is invested in the present—in basketball. I don't think about what happens when they shut down Disneyland." He took a longer gulp from his bottle.
"Maybe you'll find Cinderella and carry her off to your castle."
Barry remained silent for too long. Her pulse raced.
"Enough of the fantasy bull. I'm realistic enough to know when I'm being seduced by a woman like you."
"It's not bull. It's a metaphor. And what kind of woman do you think I am anyway?"
"The kind of woman who is so sexy that she could have any man she wanted. Any time she wanted," he whispered. His mouth twitched.
"That's the problem. I don't want just any man."
He moved closer. Her pulse jumped to a racing pace. It had been so long since she'd flirted. A waiter came by and Barry dismissed him with a nod. Then he lowered his voice.
"Luckily, I like a challenge."
"Oh?" She arched her brow. The buzz of the room around her faded. His ridiculous confidence sucked her in even though she knew fear drove her racing pulse at least as much as attraction.
"And I have to warn you…"
"I'm sure you do," she cut in.
"I always play to win," he said.
"That I knew."
"You don't play fair?"
"True." She laughed.
"As long as I know the rules."
"None at all," she said.
"I'm used to that."
"I'm experienced myself."
"Now we're getting somewhere." He nodded.
"And where is that?" She tilted her head to look directly into his eyes. She felt an army of goose bumps pop. She worried what he might say.
"Into your past."
It was worse than she thought…


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Landing merchants host fundraiser for crime victim
Vino at The Landing will host a fundraiser March 24 for the victim of a robbery and hit-and-run accident that happened to an employee of their neighboring restaurant, Gyros House.
The event, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is to help offset the medical expenses of Saif Alazzawi, who is a cook at Gyros House. There will be wine-tasting and an appetizer buffet. The cost is $25 a person and 15 percent of additional food and bottle sales Vino will donate to the cause. Landing merchants have collected raffle prizes, including VIP tickets to Richard Sherman's Celebrity Softball Game, merchant gift baskets, two Coca-Cola bicycles and other branded merchandise to name a few items.
On Jan. 23, Gyros House was robbed for the second time of its tip jar. Restaurant staff Allyssa Adams pursued the suspect, a woman, outside of Gyros House and was followed by Alazzawi, who heard Adams screaming. Alazzawi confronted the suspect but ultimately let her go with the money, as he was instructed to do by other Gyros House staff. The woman retreated into a get-away car and as Alazzawi stepped in front of the car to get the license-plate number, the driver eventually ran over Alazzawi with the car.
Gyros House staff said that a crowd of people watched and tried to interfere as Alazzawi was then dragged underneath the car for about 15 to 20 feet.
The driver, Ronald Bramlett, was arrested for felony assault and but got out on bail and has not made any of the scheduled court appearances, according to Moussa Elmoussa, Gyros House owner.
After surgery and almost a week's stay at Harborview, Alazzawi is recovering at home in Kent. He had broken ribs, a large baseball-sized cut on his thigh and lost about 60 percent of his skin, as a result of injuries he suffered during the incident, Elmoussa said.
"I feel terrible," said Adams about her co-worker. "He was just trying to go out there to protect me. I feel like it's my fault, but he was just trying to protect me. He's a good friend."
Alazzawi had been a cook at Gyros House for about two years and is described by his boss, Elmoussa, as a great employee.
"He always looked for something to do during a slow time or when we don't have any orders," Elmoussa said. "He would go help in the kitchen; he would help everybody and everybody likes him here."
Elmoussa is in contact with Alazzawi often and other staff from the restaurant check on him from time to time. His recovery is expected to take between six and nine months.
The restaurant has hosted one fundraising event for Alazzawi and collected $3,000 for his medical expenses which are upwards of $35,000. Because the incident occurred outside of Gyros House, Alazzawi's insurance did not cover his expenses.
Elmoussa created a flyer with information about Alazzawi and posted it in the restaurant. Regular customers and other Landing vendors inquire often about the cook's recovery.
"It's a small community," said Rick McMaster, Vino's owner in a press release. "When someone needs help, we open our hearts and wallets to support our family. And we consider our fellow merchants as family."
Elmoussa and Gyros House staff did not expect the outpouring of support they've seen thus far from the community.
"We saw a lot of support and people were very generous and they came and reached out to us and they tried to help," said Elmoussa. "That gives you another message. There's bad people there, but there's great people also, especially in Renton."
A charity account has also been set up at Key Bank in Alazzawi's name for the community to contribute donations to help with his medical expenses.
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As a young boy growing up in rural Louisiana, Randy De Soto said he loved reading and looked forward to the library's bookmobile visits to his home. "From the time I was five or six, it was the highlight of the week for me," he said.
In high school De Soto decided to become a reference librarian, but fate had something different in store for him. Instead of reference work, De Soto led St. John the Baptist Parish Library system through many changes as its director and recently retired after 28 years of service.
Family, friends, St. John library staff, parish officials and librarians from around the state attended a retirement party at the Main Branch in LaPlace. Mary desBordes, retired director of St. Charles Parish Library said when she first started, everyone told her to go to De Soto if she needed help. She said relied on him for guidance and they became good friends.
De Soto's career path didn't lead directly to LaPlace. In 1978 he received a Master's of Library Science degree from Louisiana State University and worked as director at East Carroll and Morehouse Parishes libraries and as reference librarian in the Houston Public Library. He said that with the downturn in the economy in the 1980s he saw there might be library staff layoffs in Houston, and he started looking for openings in his home state.
He came to St. John the Baptist Parish in 1985 as assistant director and became administrative librarian/director on the retirement of Kathleen Rogers in 1986. Within a few years the library started to expand and branches were added in Garyville and Reserve and new, larger buildings were erected for the original branches.
Norris Millet, who with Leroy Williams, has served on the library's Board of Control since its inception in 1966, remembers when St. John boasted two libraries—the main branch in LaPlace and a smaller branch in Edgard. "Randy's a good, good man. He's taken us from nothing to one of the best systems, if not the best, in the state," Millet said. "The growth under Randy was tremendous. I'm very proud to have served under him and will miss him."
St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom who also has served on the Board of Control praised De Soto for the quality of all St. John Library branches and how he managed the library's transformation from pencils to the Internet.
De Soto said that in the four decades of his career he saw the electronic age ushered into the library's stacks with recorded books on tape, movies and instructional tapes on VHS, then music on CDs and movies on DVD and now streaming movies.
He added that in the past 20 years the entry of the computer age first improved the way the library staff worked using word processing. Soon the Library's card catalog was computerized eliminating bulky filing cabinets. But with the internet, he said, everything changed.
"Boom! Hardly any of us live the same as we did after the advent of computers," he said. "Computers have made a huge impact on what libraries can make available to people. If you have a computer or Iphone the library is available 24/7. For people who don't have computers, we have public access computers in all branches."
De Soto is an active member of the Louisiana Library Association and was the recipient of the LLA Meritorious Award in 2009 for sustained and exemplary leadership and service. He received the Essae M. Culver Distinguished Service Award in 2012 for professional service and achievements, leadership in Louisiana association work, and lifetime accomplishments.
Aside from the library, De Soto's contributions to the community have also made a difference. He served on the Board of Directors for the St. John the Baptist Parish Council on Aging, and the Board of River Region Arts and Humanities Council.
De Soto said that looking back he is amazed at the amount of change that has taken place in the library in the past 28 years and thanked the Parish Council, Library Board of Control and the library staff for their support. He said he is looking forward to seeing future progress. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the library board and the parish and to see new libraries and all that we can offer in services to the people of St. John Parish. It's been a rewarding career," he said.


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Recognizing the greater New Orleans' youth violence crisis, The Teen Dynasty decided to promote a new brand of youth violence prevention by spotlighting the community's positive youth attributes on the national stage. The YOUTHanasia Foundation, in partnership with the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering and Oakwood Center are sponsoring the event called Talented YOUTHFest 2012.
Dancers, singers, rappers, musicians, poets, actors and actresses are welcome to audition on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at New Orleans Crescent City Grill, 1673 Barataria Blvd. in Marrero.
Talented youth, ages 9-18 are invited to audition in order to perform at Talented YOUTHFest 2012 set for July 21 at Oakwood Center.
Young people who are chosen to participate in Talented YOUTHFest 2012 will exhibit their talents to panels of entertainment industry experts.
The chosen youth participants will also go on to perform at the 2012 PURPOSE Youth Explosion on July 28.
Email theteendynasty@gmail to secure an audition spot or call 504.473.4602 for more information.
Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank Campus has been recognized as one of only five hospitals in the state for its exceptional care in treating heart failure patients.
For the third year, it has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines SM Gold Award.
This award recognizes commitment, success and higher standard of patient care.
Hospitals receiving this award have lower mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure patients than all other hospitals.
The Gold Award also indicates hospitals that provide patients with 85 percent or higher compliance to core standard levels of care for 12 consecutive months.
Concert pianist Judith Pfeiffer, a professor at Memphis University in Tennessee ,played at the German-American Cultural Center to a large crowd that enjoyed her performance.
Born in Germany, she holds five degrees in piano performance/piano education from three different countries, France, Germany and the United States.
Pheiffer received her doctorate in Memphis where she lives and teaches. She is married to pianist Arthur Hart and has two children.
The Gretna Community Association recently held its election of officers with city Councilman-at-Large Wayne Rau officiating for the installation.
Those sworn in included Susan Breaux, president; Tiffany Roche, recording secretary; Corresponding Secretary Catherine Breaux, corresponding secretary; Val Coles, treasurer; and Ursula Ramm, board member.
Members of the St. Joseph Women's Club and guests took a bus ride across Lake Pontchartrain to St. Joseph Abbey in a trip arranged by Vice President Darnell LeBlanc to tour the facility and celebrate Mass.
Brother Ephriam, formerly Kyle Arcement, a monk at the monastery who grew up in Raceland led the tour, supplying the group with anecdotes as well as interesting historical facts about the abbey.
After a trip through the abbey gift shop, the group enjoyed lunch in a popular Covington restaurant.
A benefit for the Make a Wish Foundation will be sponsored by the New Orleans-Westbank Elks Lodge 2496 and the Sassy Katz and Westbank Social Marching Clubs.
The event will be held on June 30 at 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 900 Monroe St. in Gretna. Music will be by DJ Lloyd, and hot food, several raffles and auctions will be offered. There is no admission fee.
Call Jon Davis at 504.915.1393
The 19th annual Gretna Prayer Dinner will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the St. Joseph Complex at Seventh and Newton streets.
The guest speaker is retired Judge Melvin Zeno, pastor of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church in Marrero.
Call Wendy Thibodeaux at 504. 874.3790 for more information.
The Walgreen's Boys & Girls Club-Westbank Unit Golf Tournament is Friday, and spots are still open to play at Stonebridge Country Club, starting at noon.
Call Renell Stewart at 504.621.1077.
Some West Jeff High Class of 1960 alumni and their friends will celebrate at the "Sweet 'n Sour" 70th Birthday party on Saturday night at 7 at the Marrero Lions Club, 2334 Barataria Blvd. in Marrero.
Admission is free, set-ups and beer will be furnished, but bring your own liquor and snacks for your table. DJ Rockin' Ron will spin the oldies music.
Call 504.615.2079 or Bill Scheffler at 504.722.3874.
Helen Williams is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.367.8481, or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The new Jaguar XF estate will offer all-wheel-drive and be badged the Sportbrake when it goes on sale towards the end of 2012.
The near-production wagon has been spied testing near Jaguar's base in Coventry before its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The new model finally gives Jaguar a rival to the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate.
Although the protoype pictured here has been disguised slightly, the rear end of the Sportbrake is expected to be stylish and sleek with a coupe-style C-pillar giving the design some drama.
The rear lights will be inspired by the LED units from the XF saloon.
The rest of the car is standard Jaguar XF, but in the back expect the usual array of estate car-style split/fold rear seats, and possibly even a twin-height boot floor.
As the name suggests, the XF is not designed to be a huge estate car like the E-Class, which has 695 litres with the rear seats up and 1950 litres with them folded.
Instead, the XF Sportbrake is likely to approach the Audi A6 Avant (565/1680) and the BMW 5 Series Touring (560/1670).
Engines will be carried over from the current XF with the range kicking off with a 2.2-litre diesel, along with V6 diesel and V8 petrols.
A high-performance R version has not yet been confirmed, however. Given its more practical focus, the Sportbrake is expected to be the first XF to get four-wheel drive.
Meantime, the Jaguar XKR-S has been awarded 2011 Sports Car of the Year by the German motoring magazine Auto Bild Sportscars, after a poll of more than 70,000 of its readers.
The XKR-S - the most powerful production car Jaguar has built - took 14.3 per cent of all votes, ahead of the Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi RS5 in their home market.
The XKR-S Coupe was recently tested by Auto Bild on the famous Nurburgring circuit, which it lapped in just 7min 51sec, or about 25sec off the pace of the time claimed by Lexus for the V10-powered LF-A coupe.
The 5-litre supercharged V8 engine in the XKR-S delivers 412kW and 680Nm, enabling it to sprint to 100km/h in 4.2sec before going on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h.
A total of 173 cars in 17 categories competed for the Auto Bild award.
"Winning the first prize in a segment dominated by premium German competitors makes us particularly proud," said Mike Wright, executive director of Jaguar Land Rover.


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Feb 13, 2014 4:43 PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman who police say drove the wrong way on a Southern California freeway, sparking a deadly head-on crash, has been charged with six counts of murder.
Prosecutors say 21-year-old Olivia Culbreath, of Fontana, was charged Thursday. Her bail was set at $6 million but she remains hospitalized from injuries she suffered in Sunday's crash east of Los Angeles.
Culbreath could face life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say Culbreath was driving a Camaro that hit a Ford Explorer on state Route 60 in Diamond Bar, hurling wreckage and bodies onto the roadway. Four people in the SUV — all members of the same family — were killed.
Culbreath's sister and another woman in the Camaro also died.
©2014 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1 day ago


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What's summer without copious amounts of screen time? Sure, there might still be warm weather, time off school, and no homework, but summer just doesn't seem the same without spending most of the time in front of the TV!
These movies are old(er) and you probably haven't seen them in a while, so they are perfect to re-introduce to you and your family over the summer. Whether you've blown through all the movies in the cinema at the moment (how good was Monster's University?!) and are in need of more ideas, whether you have no more ideas of how to keep your kids entertained while you work from home and you're just like, "Who cares, let them all watch TV!", or whether you're doing a road trip and want to starve off the bored "Are we there yet?" whines, these movies are perfect.
They'll keep your kids entertained, provide whole-family entertainment during movie night, and you won't need to sit through a chorus of "We have nothing to watch!"
Check it out!
The Parent Trap (1998) 1 of 10
If there is one word I could use to describe this movie, it'd be "perfection". Completely honestly, this movie is fabulous. It's the epitome of childhood innocence: twin girls separated at birth meet at summer camp in a weird, wacky, fate type of way. They're all like, "Omg, like no joke, we look exactly the same." A series of events leads them to the conclusion that they're twins, and they concoct a plan in order to reunite their parents and live happily ever after. It's funny, it's cute, and it's awesome. Both you and your kids will love it, and if that's not enough to persuade you, you get to time-travel back to a time where Lindsay Lohan was adorable, and sassy, and not landing in rehab and jail every five seconds.
Find this at Amazon.com for $9.75
Photo Credit: IMDB
Freaky Friday (2003) 2 of 10
A strait-laced mother and her rambunctious teenage daughter, thanks to the work of a weird semi-magical fortune cookie, swap bodies (it's not as creepy as it sounds, promise) and lives. From experiencing each other's lives, they get a new understanding of each other.
Find it at Amazon.com for $4.99!
Photo Credit: IMDB
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) 3 of 10
A movie that's all about friendship, family, and finding your true self. Throw in a bit of singing, a cute Italian guy (well, he was cute when I was 8, okay?), and some picturesque shots of Italy (part of the movie actually was filmed here, none of that "film in LA while we pretend we're overseas" stuff for Lizzie) and what do you have? A movie you and your family should totally watch...right now. Plus, the music is super catchy, it's funny, and worse case scenario, you can just make fun of Mrs. McGuire's hair.
Available from Amazon.com for $8.44!
Photo Credit: IMDB
Cheaper By The Dozen (2003) 4 of 10
The chances are you've probably seen this movie — if you have, it's time to re-watch it, and if you haven't, go watch it! A man and his wife have twelve kids, one dog, one frog and a whole lot of chaos. This movie is hilarious, heartwarming, and you'll totally either be glad you don't have twelve kids, want to have twelve kids, or want to move in. It has a great message of "family comes first" and it portrays the truth: families aren't perfect, but they can still be awesome.
Available from Amazon.com for $5.99
Photo Credit: IMDB
The Tigger Movie (2000) 5 of 10
A super adorable movie about how you don't necessarily need a biological family to feel loved; sometimes, friends are family, too. Join Tigger on his search for his "real" family, only to realize that while he may be one-of-a-kind, he still has a family in his friends. It's a great movie!
Available from Amazon.com for $8.75
Photo Credit: IMDB
E.T. (1982) 6 of 10
This movie may make you shed a tear, just by how amazingly sweet it is. A little boy (Elliott) in need of companionship befriends someone who needs a friend the most: an extra-terrestrial stranded on Earth. Elliott must keeps him hidden from his mother, and, subsequently, the people who want to study him within the government. After a series of events, Elliott and his siblings help E.T. get back to his planet, in a frantic race against time and the government workers who want to capture E.T.
Find it at Amazon.com for $12.99
Photo Credit: IMDB
The Sound of Music (1965) 7 of 10
One of the things that makes this movie so special is that it has more than one dimension. While on the first dimension, it can be viewed as a singing nun/nanny who creates clothes out of curtains and looks after a whole bunch of kids, it's so much more than that. It has a World War 2 setting and intertwines historical significance with a family-friendly story.
Find it at Amazon.com for $9.99!
Photo Credit: IMDB
Mary Poppins (1964) 8 of 10
If your family hasn't seen this movie, they need to! It's the quintessential family movie, which, like The Sound of Music, also has historical significance. Set on the backdrop of first wave feminism, mischievous twins Jane and Michael have scared off all their previous nannies with their slightly bratty attitudes and pranks. Along comes "practically perfect" Mary Poppins, with her magical carpetbag and "no nonsense" (except when it comes to dancing penguins and enchanted carousels, that is) policy. It's a movie full of heart, fun, and catchy music.
Buy it from Amazon.com for $23.35!
Photo Credit: IMDB
Pollyanna (1960) 9 of 10
Anyone up for a round of the "glad game"?
Pollyanna, a small girl with a big heart, moves in with her strict and cold-hearted Aunt Polly and touches the lives of everyone in the town. Pollyanna institutes the "glad game" wherever she goes; finding the best in even the worst situation, even if that situation is "getting a pair of crutches, when I wanted a doll". This gorgeous movie will have you laughing, crying, and vowing to make the best of every situation from now on.
Find it at Amazon.com for $10.81!
Photo Credit: IMDB
Little Secrets (2001) 10 of 10
Where do you go when you have a secret and you just have to tell someone in order to get it off your conscience? To the secret keeper, of course! For just fifty cents, Emily Lindstrom will keep your secret. Whether you broke your sister's necklace or your family's valuable chess piece, Emily won't let it slip. What happens, however, when you have so many secrets that your life becomes consumed by them?
This movie is a gorgeous story of neighborhood friendship and the importance of honesty, and the whole family will love it.
Find it at Amazon.com for $10.99!
Photo Credit: IMDB


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Winter weather is perennially rough on the skin. The dry air and whipping winds soak the moisture and oils out of the skin cells leaving us with an undesirable chapped, itchy and flakey outer layer. No matter how much lotion we load up on, sometimes it just still isn't enough. I have been through trials and tribulations when it comes to this type of skincare and after years of testing this, that and the other thing, I've finally found products to soothe everywhere from head to toe in the worsts of wintertime weather.
For the face:
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
A facial moisturizer can be one of the most difficult products to seek out. Nobody likes a moisturizer that is too heavy or greasy, but in the cold weather it seems that those are the lotions that should work best to treat dry skin. I was highly recommended CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, an over the counter find, from a dermatology specialist and it has become my year round go-to ever since. CeraVe is lightweight yet penetrates deeply into the skin leaving it soft and smooth without any greasy excess. Apply twice daily or as needed all over the face and within just one day there will be a reduction in redness and flakiness on the toughest dry spots.
For the lips: Carmex Vanilla Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm
Carmex moisturizing stick is a savior for chapped lips, period. The beeswax based balm locks in moisture while the healing ingredients go to town to sooth and repair skin cells. The lip moisturizer goes on smooth, without a tinted or glossy look and even protects against sun exposure with the added SPF 15 formula.
For the body: Olay Quench Daily Lotion
Olay Quench Daily Lotion does exactly what is sounds like, it quenches your dry skin's thirst. The moisturizer's cocoa butter and Vitamin B3 ingredients provide a bountiful amount of nourishment to the roughest outer layers. Apply all over the body within three minutes after getting out of the shower for even softer skin. Take note to rub a bit extra on the harshest spots of the body, such as elbows and knee caps. This moisturizing routine will result in healthy and radiant looking skin in just a day's notice.
For the hands: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
This is the perfect little purse product to always have on hand (pun intended). Unlike the rest of the body, the hands get the hardest beating day by day since they are used and exposed to the changing winter weather the most. L'Occitane Hand Cream leaves knuckles, tops of hands and fingertips as smooth as ever since its rich formula is made up of shea butter, honey and almond extract. The cream goes on thick, however quickly absorbs into the skin to repair and rejuvenate chapped, dehydrated skin cell structure.
For the feet: Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream
Applying lotion to the feet isn't exactly a priority that most people have on their beautifying list, however it is definitely one to add. Think about it, your feet are probably the second most worn out part of the body, following the hands, so they deserve a little one-on-one attention too. Right? Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream is a go-to in my book for this skin spot. I have to admit that the texture goes on a bit gooey, but it smells beachy fresh and works wonders without the cost of a pedicure. Those rough, blistered and cracked feet will look as good as new in a matter of days.
How do you keep your skin feeling silky soft in the coldest months of the year? Try these five skin solutions this winter and report back on how they worked for you.


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Now serving Winkler, Altona, Morden and surrounding areas in Southern Manitoba.
Please call 204-325-9736 in Winkler or 204-304-0087 in Altona for service.
Family owned and operated by Todd and Angie Redhead, we've been in the appliance repair business for 23 years now and have recently moved 'home' from Toronto. We are ready to help you with any appliance related question or problem either by phone, email or chat. See the sidebar to find your preferred method of reaching us.
We also recently purchased the service part of R & E Home Service out of Winkler. We were looking for an appliance repair opportunity here, and Dan Enns, the former owner of R & E Home Service was looking to change fields. It was a perfect fit for both of us! We've been slowly introducing ourselves to Dan's former customers and have really enjoyed meeting many of you.
We run a virtual office which means that our business is wherever we are using cell phones and laptops. We are in Altona and Winkler daily and Morden and outlying areas as needed. What this means is a VERY quick response for our customers. Most service calls are done 'same day' – that is, we are able to visit your home the same day you call.


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Sara, una mujer de temple — Sara, a woman of mettle (2010 — Zer Ikusi A)
Sara Berenguer Laosa (Barcelona, 1919 – Montady, Francia, 2010), the daughter of an anarchist militant (Francisco Berenguer, her father, was killed on the Aragon front fighting with 'Los Aguiluchos') was a leading figure in the Spanish anarchist 'Free Women' movement 'Mujeres Libres'. After the 'Events of May 1937', in which she played a part, she was involved in various industrial committees of the CNT and in the Combatant Section of Solidaridad Internacional Antifascista (SIA), regularly visiting the front lines. At the end of 1938 she was elected secretary of the regional committee of 'Mujeres Libres'. After the Francoist victory Sara escaped to France where she was interned for a time by the French. During WWII she and her partner, Jesús Guillén, moved to Bram, near Carcassone, where they were members of the clandestine Resistance groups operating in the 'Black Mountain' region. After the Liberation, Sara (who was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur for her role in the Resistance) continued to provide logistical support for the anti-Francoist resistance groups until Franco's death in 1975, as well as editing 'Mujeres Libres'. This documentary, by 'Zer Ikusi A', made a few months before Sara's death, includes her last interview, in which she retraces what she considered to be the key events in her life as an anarchist, anti-fascist — and as a 'free woman'.
Sara Berenguer — Poet
Sara Berenguer — 'Mujeres Libres. Luchadoras Libertarias'
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The Alternative Investment Management Association
Alternative Investment Management Association Representing alternative asset managers globally
Citi Investor Services
Q2 edition
Private equity and hedge funds ("Private Funds") often contract with third-party administrators ("Administrators") to manage certain of their books and records. Investment advisers to Private Funds who are required to be registered ("Private Fund Advisers") with the Securities and Exchange Commission must comply with the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act"), which includes those related to recordkeeping.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Section 404 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 added new section 204(b) to the Advisers Act, which provides recordkeeping requirements for investment advisers to private funds. Specifically, section 204(b)(2) states that the records and reports of any private fund to which a registered investment adviser provides investment advice are to be considered the records and reports of the Private Fund Adviser. As a result, Private Fund Advisers often look to the Administrators of the Private Funds they manage for these records to assist them in meeting the adviser's books and records requirements.
Thus, when a Private Fund opts to outsource core duties the investment adviser or general partner would otherwise perform for its client(s), the adviser has a vested interest in selecting an appropriate service provider and continuing to oversee or monitor the outsourced duties as part of its compliance program pursuant to Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act (the "Compliance Rule"). In addition, a growing number of investors, especially institutional investors, expect that this oversight will be performed.
The Compliance Rule
Upon registration with the SEC, an investment adviser must have a compliance program in place which meets the requirements of the Compliance Rule. An often overlooked area in an adviser's compliance program includes oversight of key service providers to the Private Funds it advises, such as the Administrator.
Private Fund Advisers are required by the Compliance Rule to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent, detect, and correct violations of the Advisers Act and rules thereunder. The Compliance Rule also requires that the adviser appoint a competent and empowered Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to administer the policies and procedures, and that an annual review of the written compliance policies and procedures (the "Compliance Manual") be performed. Rule 204-2(a)(17)(ii) requires that records documenting such review be retained.
This article discusses some of the key oversight responsibilities Private Fund Advisers should consider in their compliance programs with respect to Administrators of the Private Funds they advise.
Compliance Manual
The Compliance Manual should include policies and procedures tailored to fit the adviser's business functions that are designed to reasonably prevent violations of the Advisers Act and any regulations that are applicable to the adviser. The Compliance Rule's adopting release contains a list of key areas to consider for inclusion within the Compliance Manual. The Compliance Manual must continuously be maintained and revised for changes to laws, regulations, operations or the organization. Senior management must fully support the form and function of the Compliance Manual.
Annual Review
The annual review is usually conducted and evidenced through the creation of a risk-based testing program. Firm size, the complexity of investments and operations and testing resources will impact how much testing should be performed. The testing program should be documented and tied (or mapped) to the written compliance policies and procedures contained within the Compliance Manual. A compliance risk matrix should be used to demonstrate that a risk-based approach was taken in the development of the testing program. As part of this approach, the CCO should consider the potential likelihood of an issue occurring with respect to that action within the Compliance Manual, as well as any potential impact to the adviser or its clients. The risk matrix could also be used to assign testing frequency and sample sizes based upon the frequency of the control activity, the likelihood of its failure and the impact it would have on operations if it should fail. The risk matrix should be updated at least annually and whenever there is a regulatory, infrastructure or procedural change that impacts the content.
Oversight responsibilities
While the SEC has not yet committed to rulemaking on the responsibilities a registered investment adviser has over the functions it relies upon an Administrator or other third party service provider to perform, members of the SEC's staff have provided insight into their views on outsourcing certain duties that would otherwise be performed by an adviser. During the SEC's 2009 CCOutreach Regional Seminars directed to the compliance staff of advisory and broker-dealer firms, the staff devoted its April session to "The Evolving Compliance Environment: Examination Focus Areas." During this session, the staff stated that "when a service provider is utilized, the adviser still retains its fiduciary responsibilities for the delegated services. As a result, advisers should review each service provider's overall compliance program for compliance with the federal securities laws and should ensure that service providers are complying with the firm's specific policies and procedures." Private Fund Advisers should, therefore, consider their oversight obligations of Administrators and other key service providers and, at a minimum, include a description of this oversight within their Compliance Manual. More appropriately, a Private Fund Adviser should maintain a copy of the service provider's key compliance controls and procedures related to those functions that the Private Fund has outsourced to the Administrator, given that the associated books and records are deemed to be those of the Private Fund Adviser under Section 204 of the Advisers Act. The CCO should also periodically test these key compliance controls and procedures, using a risk-based approach, as described in the "Annual Review" section. Test results should be maintained as part of the annual compliance review.
Compliance Program Considerations
Some examples of outsourced functions an Administrator might provide to a Private Fund, and other incidental regulatory and business considerations, which should be reviewed or tested by the CCO to support the Private Fund Adviser's compliance program include:
In addition, the adviser should use its testing results to identify whether the service provider is performing the functions that they are contracted to provide as part of its due diligence review of the Administrator. If the service provider produces a report on Service Organization Controls ("SOC 1 Report" formerly known as the SAS 70 Report), it is prudent to consider that as a factor in its evaluation rather than the SOC 1 Report having completely satisfied the adviser's oversight responsibilities of that service provider. SOC 1 Reports are not client specific; rather, the auditor takes samples across the service provider's client base to test controls. Thus, a CCO should not consider a SOC 1 Report's results conclusive of the type of control environment the Administrator has in place with respect to the specific services it is providing to the Private Funds managed by the adviser.
Advisers should review services delegated to service providers to reasonably confirm that the service provider is performing these services adequately. In addition, CCOs, as part of the required annual compliance review, should include services provided by service providers to reasonably confirm that the service provider is operating in compliance with the federal securities laws, as well as complying with the adviser's specific policies and procedures, where appropriate. The adviser could use its compliance testing program results to help satisfy increasing customer demand for strong due diligence reviews of the Private Funds in which they invest and its key service providers. The oversight program can also be used to help assure the SEC that the Private Fund Adviser's compliance program is robust, sound and compliant with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act.
This communication is provided for informational purposes only and may not represent the views or opinions of Citigroup or its affiliates (collectively, "Citi"), employees or officers.The information contained herein does not constitute and shall not be construed to constitute legal and/or tax advice by Citi. Citi makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information.This communication and any documents provided pursuant hereto should not be used or relied upon by any person/entity (i) for the purpose of making regulatory decisions or (ii) to provide regulatory advice to another person/entity based on matter(s) discussed herein. Recipients of this communication should obtain guidance and/or advice, based on their own particular circumstances, from their own legal or tax advisor.Back to Listing


text: [Federal Register Volume 77, Number 249 (Friday, December 28, 2012)] [Notices] [Pages 76492-76493] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2012-31183] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-13-12NT] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a list of information collection requests under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call (404) 639-7570 or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com. Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice. Proposed Project Early Hearing Detection and Intervention- Pediatric Audiology Links to Service (EHDI-PALS) Facility Survey--New--National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description The Division of Human Development and Disability, located within NCBDDD, promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, with a focus on preventing birth defects and developmental disabilities and optimizing the health outcomes of those with disabilities. Since the passage of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Act, 97% of newborn infants are now screened for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge. However, many of these infants have not received needed hearing test and follow up services after their hospital discharges. The 2009 national average loss to follow-up/loss to documentation rate is at 45%. This rate remains an area of critical concern for state EHDI programs and CDC-EHDI team's goal of timely diagnosis by 3 months of age and intervention by 6 months of age. Many states cite the lack of audiology resource as the main factor behind the high loss to follow up. To compound the problem, many pediatric audiologists may be proficient evaluating children age 5 and older but are not proficient with diagnosing infants or younger children because children age 5 and younger requires a different skill set. To date no existing literature or database is available to help states verify and quantify their states' true follow up capacity. [[Page 76493]] EHDI-PALS is a project conceptualized by the CDC-EHDI team with input from an advisory group of external partners. EHDI-PALs workgroup has broad representation from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), American Academy of Audiology (AAA), Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH), National Centre for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health & Welfare Agencies (DSHPSHWA), Healthcare Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), University of Maine Center for Research and Evaluation, and Hands & Voices (H&V). Meeting since April 2010, the EHDI-PALS workgroup has sought consensus on the loss to follow up/loss to documentation issue facing the EHDI programs. A survey, based on standard of care practice, was developed for state EHDI programs to quantify the pediatric audiology resource distribution within their state, particularly audiology facilities that are equipped to provide follow up services for children age 5 and younger. The survey will also capture how often providers report diagnostic hearing test results to their state EHDI jurisdiction. CDC is requesting OMB approval to collect audiology facility information from audiologists or facility managers over a one-year period. The survey will allow CDC-EHDI team and state EHDI programs to compile a systematic, quantifiable distribution of audiology facilities and the capacity of each facility to provide services for children age 5 and younger. The data collected will also allow the CDC-EHDI team to analyze facility distribution data to improve technical assistance to State EHDI programs. Respondents will all be audiologists who manage a facility or provide audiologic care for children age 5 and younger. Based on calculation from ASHA's biannual membership survey (available in ASHA.org) we estimate approximately 1500 audiologists will respond to the survey. To minimize burden and improve convenience, the survey will be available via a secure password protected Web site. Placing the survey on the Internet ensures convenient, on-demand access by the audiologists. Financial cost is minimized because no mailing fee will be associated with sending or responding to this survey. It is estimated that potentially 2000 audiologists will read through the purpose statement of this survey located on page one to decide whether or not to complete the survey. It is estimated that potentially 1500 audiologists will complete the survey, which will average 9 minutes per respondent. The estimated annual burden is 258 hours. There are no costs to respondents other than their time. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Average Burden Respondents Form Name Number of Responses per per Response Respondents Respondent (in minutes) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Audiologists.................................... survey 2000 1 1/60 introduction Audiologists.................................... survey 1500 1 9/60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated: December 20, 2011. Ron A. Otten, Director, Office of Scientific Integrity (OSI), Office of the Associate Director for Science (OADS), Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2012-31183 Filed 12-27-12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P


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For six years, Kingdom Hearts fans have been waiting for the third game in the series. And now, with six games in total, the plot is a near labyrinthine mess of connections and revelations. It's with that in mind that I have decided to unravel the plot of the entire series for those who may have missed the opportunity to play some of the spin-offs and those who just want a refresher before diving into the new game. Today we explore Part 5 of our ongoing feature.
Sora's ongoing search brings him to Olympus Coliseum where he meets the hero trainer, Phil. Another series of tournaments are about to begin, but only heroes are allowed to enter. Donald, Goofy, and Sora insist that they are heroes, and Phil breaks into hysterics at the thought. He does allow them to take part in a series of trials that Sora handily passes but is still turned away since he isn't a hero. Dejected, the group leaves until they are confronted by Hades who provides them with a pass into the tournaments.
Sora is finally able to enter and makes it through several rounds before catching sight of a mysterious cloaked figure named Cloud. The two fighters make their way through the rounds until they are finally matched against one another. Hades insists that Cloud kills Sora, but the brooding man questions why the god of the Underworld is afraid of a kid and reminds him that his contract only requires him to kill Hercules. Hades reasons that a few casualties along the way is no big deal as Cloud walks off in silence. The match between Sora and Cloud is an intense one with Sora only barely pulling off a victory.
Determined to make his plan work, Hades sends out the monster dog Cerberus. Hercules arrives to hold him off while Sora and his friends escape, but he can barely fight while protecting an unconscious Cloud. Sora decides to return to Hercules to help and manages to hold off the three-headed demon dog while Hercules gets Cloud to safety. Hades is furious at his plan's failure but decides to bide his time. Meanwhile, Phil gives Sora, Donald, and Goofy the junior hero status stating that they're not quite true heroes yet. Sora asks how they'll know when they become one, and Hercules responds that it's something they must discover on their own like he had. Before leaving, they find the keyhole of Olympus Coliseum and lock it. Outside the main entryway, they discover Cloud waiting for them. He explains that he only helped Hades because he had promised to help him find a certain someone. In relying on Hades, he tried to use darkness but the opposite happened instead. As Sora goes to leave, he and Cloud promise to continue looking for their respective lights.
While traveling in their gummi ship, the three friends spot an enormous whale that Jiminy recognizes as Monstro. It swallows their ship whole before they can escape. Awaking inside, they discover a wooden boy named Pinocchio who runs off despite them calling after him. He leads them to his father, Geppetto, who tells them that they were swallowed while escaping their world. Pinocchio runs off again as a kind of game, and they are amazingly able to explore the body of Monstro though they have to fight through the Heartless that he's swallowed as well. Their search leads them to Riku who accuses Sora of having forgotten his friends since obtaining the keyblade. Sora denies the accusation and asks if he had found Kairi yet, but Riku plays aloof and runs away.
Riku is met by Maleficent who wonders why he still cares about Sora despite his former friend abandoning him. Riku insists that he's only messing with his him, and Maleficent leaves him with a warning of the darkness in his own heart. If it grows too much, the Heartless will consume him. Riku shrugs her off and goes back to confront Sora. Sora is confused as to why his friend is acting this way but their argument is interrupted by Pinocchio's capture by a Heartless. The two rescue him but Riku grabs the wooden boy before Sora can. While Geppetto begs for the return of his son, Riku reveals that Kairi has lost her heart and hopes that transplanting Pinocchio's heart to hers will save her.
Riku offers to team up with Sora to save Kairi, but Sora refuses upon seeing the measures his old friend would take. Riku is shocked that Sora would chose a wooden puppet over Kairi and Sora explains that his conscience tells him Riku's on the wrong side. He's able to force Riku to drop Pinocchio who Jiminy immediately runs to. The arrival of another Heartless forces Riku to escape while Sora, Donald, and Goofy fight it off. The battle tickles Monstro's throat enough that they are ejected from his mouth. Back on Captain Hook's ship, Maleficent confirms that Kairi's body is little more than a lifeless puppet now since the Heartless stole her heart. Riku begs the witch for a way to save her and Maleficent tells him the full story of the Princesses of Heart. If all seven are brought together then a door to the heart of all worlds will appear. There, Riku has a chance of finding Kairi's heart. To help him on his quest, Maleficent grants the boy the power to control the Heartless.
Still concerned about Riku, Sora sets off to the next world: Halloween Town (land of The Nightmare Before Christmas). There's something strange about the town though. Some of the Heartless aren't acting like they usually do and are merely standing still. Curious as to what may be causing it, Sora and company follow Jack Skellington to the laboratory of Dr. Finkelstein. They learn that the doctor has created a device that controls the Heartless as a way of spicing up Jack's Halloween celebration this year. Unfortunately, they aren't quite up to Jack's liking so he wonders if adding a heart to the Heartless will help. Sora sees this as a chance to stop the Heartless so he helps the pair with their experiment, but it still fails.
The doctor believes if they can add the essence of memory to the heart then it could still work but his assistant, Sally, has it. Jack joins Sora and his friends in the search, but the group quickly learns that the previously motionless Heartless have gone berserk because of their experiments. They fight through the Heartless and find Sally. She gives them the essence, but she believes that things will go horribly wrong. Jack doesn't believe her and heads back to the doctor with the memory, not realizing that Lock, Shock, and Barrel have overheard them. The three children report to Oogie Boogie who becomes curious at the concept of Jack attempting to create a heart. He believes that if he steals the heart then he'll be able to control the Heartless with no fear of them overtaking him.
The doctor successfully adds the memory essence but before they can try the experiment again, Lock, Shock, and Barrel steal the heart. Sora and his friends chase after them to Oogie Boogie's hideout and work their way through his traps. When they finally find Oogie, he swallows the heart and challenges them to a fight. They defeat him by tearing a hole in his body which leaks out all of his bugs, leaving only the heart behind. Just when they thought their battle was over, Oogie reappears filled with the power of darkness and possesses his hideout. Sora and company mangae to break his connection, causing the entire place to disappear and revealing the keyhole. He locks it, ensuring that Halloween Town is safe. However, the heart is still a failure and Jack finally listens to Sally's advice to cancel his Heartless Halloween plans. Doctor Finkelstein still can't understand why his heart didn't work though. It's apparent that the heart is much more complicated that he believed. Sora, Donald, and Goofy leave, promising to return for next year's Halloween festivities.
Their next destination is Atlantica (land of The Little Mermaid), where the trio transform into mer-people in order to properly explore the completely underwater world. They are immediately found by Ariel who quickly realizes that they're from somewhere else. Sora tries to shrug it off that they're from a different sea and Ariel believes them. Heartless suddenly appear and Sora fights them off, but Ariel is worried that they might attack her father at the palace. Everyone reaches the palace just fine, and they discover that King Triton has been able to hold off the Heartless thanks to his magic trident. Triton chides Ariel for wandering out into dangerous waters and asks where Sora, Donald, and Goofy came from. Goofy lets slip that they're searching for the world's keyhole, and Triton becomes angry at the word, insisting that it doesn't exist.
Ariel tries to argue with her father, but he forbids her from leaving the palace since the rest of the ocean is too dangerous. The girl leaves defiantly along with Sora while Sebastian informs Triton that the Heartless seem to be coming from Ursula's grotto. Outside, Ariel invites Sora to her secret place where she keeps dozens of trinkets from other worlds. She tells him her dreams of someday seeing these worlds, and Sora lets on that he had the same dream. Feeling a kinship with the boy, she suggests that they try looking for the keyhole Goofy had mentioned earlier. Ursula watches over them as they search, making plans for Ariel.
Despite facing off against a huge shark, their search turns up little and they return to Ariel's secret place. Triton finds them though and, angered at being disobeyed, destroys many of her treasures. Ariel swims off, distraught, while Triton confronts Sora. He reveals that he knows Sora is the key bearer and from another world, not another sea. The king reprimands him for meddling in the affairs of other worlds claiming that the key bearer brings nothing but chaos. Triton thanks him for saving Ariel but commands him to leave.
While crying alone, Ariel is discovered by Ursula who claims that she can help the girl. She knows that Ariel desperately wants to see other worlds and reveals that her new friends came from one. Ursula tells the mermaid that if she can sneak her into the palace, then Ursula could send her to another world. Instead, the sea witch steals Triton's trident and uses it to wound the king. Ariel is distraught at Ursula's actions and swears that she didn't want this, but Ursula promises to fulfill her word and send Ariel to the dark world of the Heartless. Ariel and Triton are saved by the arrival of Sora and friends.
The group gives chase to Ursula and confront her in her lair. She sends her lackeys after them, but Sora easily defeats them. Swearing vengeance, she transforms herself into a giant. Sora is somehow able to defeat her, causing the sea witch to disappear and leaving the trident behind. They return it to Triton, who apologizes for his actions. He then uses his trident to reveal the world's keyhole in Ariel's secret place so that Sora can lock it. Sora apologizes for lying to her, but she forgives him. She knows someday she'll reach another world. The group says their goodbyes and leaves.
While traveling to the next world, they are suddenly cut off by a pirate ship that takes them to Never Land. Sora is separated from Donald and Goofy, and Riku welcomes him aboard. He asks where his friends have gone, and Riku again claims that Sora has pushed aside his old friends for new ones. He then reveals the lifeless body of Kairi, and Sora tries to run to her. He is stopped by Captain Hook and a group of Heartless. Stepping back, he asks Riku why he sided with the Heartless but Riku explains that he now controls the monsters and has nothing to fear. Sora calls him out for being foolish and knows that they'll eventually turn on Riku, but Riku believes his heart is too strong. To prove it, he creates a shadow version of Sora before locking him away in the ship with Donald and Goofy.
He's happy to reunite with them and tells them that he finally found Kairi. It's then that they meet Peter Pan, who's waiting for Tinker Bell to come back. When the pixie does, she claims that she found Wendy and another girl. Tinker Bell opens the door for them and the two groups team up until they can rescue their friends. Along the way, Goofy asks how Peter Pan can fly, and he sprinkles some of Tinker Bell's pixie dust on them. It doesn't seem to work though as Donald merely falls on his face.
In the captain's quarters, Hook is surprised to discover that Wendy isn't one of the Princesses of Heart. Riku tells Hook to leave the girl behind so that they can return to Maleficent. The pirate captain wants to know what Maleficent's plans are, but Riku doesn't care so long as he gets Kairi's heart back. Hook is then informed that the prisoners have escaped. Sora and Peter Pan have found the room where Wendy and Kairi are being held though Wendy confirms that the girl seems to be almost asleep. The two are taken away before they can reach them though Sora notices that Kairi's body seems to move when he's near. Before Sora can find Kairi, Riku takes her away and sends Shadow Sora after his former friend.
Sora defeats his doppelganger and resumes his chase while Peter Pan takes Wendy to a safe place. Hook stops Sora's progress and informs him that Riku has returned to Hollow Bastion, the base of operations for Maleficent. He then reveals that he's captured Tinker Bell and demands the Keyblade in exchange. Sora is forced onto the ship's plank but as he jumps, he gains the ability to fly thanks to Peter Pan's encouragement and thoughts of Kairi. Peter swoops in to rescue Tinker Bell and together they fight off the Heartless and Captain Hook. Hook is sent into the water with the crocodile where he is promptly chased off.
Donald and Goofy are worried for Kairi after seeing her and try to be delicate around Sora. Instead of being depressed, he puts on a brave face and muses about telling her how he flew when she wakes. He vows to find her and tell her the story of all he's experienced. Tinker Bell then takes them to the clock tower in London where Sora locks the keyhole. They say their goodbyes before heading off for Traverse Town to recuperate.
Riku arrives in Hollow Bastion completely worn out from the journey since he didn't use a vessel or protection to travel the space between worlds. Maleficent chides him for relying too heavily on the darkness, warning that it could consume him. Before Riku can respond, he hears a roar outside that belongs to a castaway. Though his world had disappeared, his conviction led him to Hollow Bastion, the place where his princess was taken. Maleficent isn't worried though as she claims that Riku is more powerful thanks to the untapped potential within him.
Despite his earlier words, Sora is still unsure if they can succeed since they've seen no sign of King Mickey. Donald and Goofy say that they're doing what the king asked by helping Sora and that they believe in both him and the king. Their words resonate with Sora, and he sees a vision of Kairi and her grandmother. The girl is the same age as she was when Aqua first met her and her grandmother once again tells her the story of how the light would have been lost had it not been for belief of children. Sora snaps out of it and wonders if Kairi just called out to him.
Before leaving Traverse Town, they return all the lost pages of Merlin's book to the wizard. He uses them to finally restore the tome to its original state. He encourages Sora to look through it and when he does, he's pulled into its world. This world turns out to be the Hundred Acre Wood (land of Winnie the Pooh) where Sora discovers Pooh. The two talk and Pooh tells him that all his friends have disappeared. They decide to work together and eventually find all of Pooh's lost friends, helping them with their troubles along the way. That night, they all sit beneath the stars and talk with one another before Sora takes his leave to find his own friends. The experience with Winnie the Pooh and the rest seems to have strengthened his resolve, and he feels ready to take on the trials of Hollow Bastion.
When Sora, Donald, and Goofy arrive in Hallow Bastion, they discover a world that seems completely ravaged with water flowing upward and a large castle in the distance. Yet despite its appearance, Sora feels a strange warmth in his heart as if he had been here before. His introspection is interrupted by a great roar which he finds belongs to the Beast. Riku is talking to him, trying to discover how he made it to Hollow Bastion, but Beast says he simply believed he could. His belief that he would find Belle here must be the reason he had made it. And if she is there, he will take her back no matter what. Riku merely taunts him and easily avoids his attacks until Sora intervenes.
Riku isn't surprised at Sora's arrival and muses how their rivalry has pushed them to become stronger. But that rivalry is coming to an end since he claims there can't be two Keyblade masters. Riku states that he is actually the wielder of the Keyblade and, at his command, Sora's Keyblade appears in Riku's hands. Riku states that Sora is too weak to save Kairi and that his journey was nothing more than delivering the Keyblade to him. Sora falls to his knees in sorrow as Riku throws a wooden sword before him, telling him to go off and play. Taking Mickey's words to heart, Donald and Goofy follow after Riku since he is the true bearer of the key, offering their friend only a hollow apology.
Sora is left alone with Beast who forces himself onward despite his injuries. Sora tries to stop him, but the Beast repeats that nothing will stop him from saving Belle. Drawing strength from those words, he takes up the wooden sword and follows after him, determined to find Kairi. Inside the castle, Maleficent has captured six of the Princesses of Heart: Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, and Alice. She then uses them to create a tenuous portal while keeping Kairi's body nearby.
The Beast and Sora make their way inside the castle, but Beast's anger overcomes him when a vision of Belle becomes a Heartless. He runs off and Riku locks the door behind him. Riku advises Sora to just quit as the darkness will destroy him, but Sora doesn't believe him. Even if it tears apart his body, his heart will always remain strong. Angered at his words, Riku dawns a suit of dark armor and fires a ball of magic at him. The shot is blocked however by Goofy who declares that he can't betray Sora despite the king's orders to follow the key. Donald agrees and the two rejoin Sora who is moved by their display of friendship.
Riku remains unconvinced though and asks how Sora expects to fight without the Keyblade. Sora declares he doesn't need the weapon and believes that his heart will protect him. Riku scoffs at the idea since Sora's heart is too small to do any good. Sora agrees but with every new experience, every new friend he's made, it's grown. He's a part of all their hearts just as they're a part of his. This show of faith proves to the Keyblade that he should wield it, and it returns to his hands.
Angered, Riku finally engages Sora in an intense duel where Sora emerges victorious. Riku runs off, confused as to why the Keyblade left him. It's then that a mysterious voice rings in his head, telling him that only a heart strong and true will win the Keyblade. Riku can't believe that Sora's heart is stronger than his own, but the voice promises that he can become even stronger. By stepping into darkness with no fear, Riku showed the power that he held. The voice turns out to be the man in the cloak that had spoken with Sora before Destiny Islands vanished. He advises Riku to delve deeper into the darkness until his being was filled with it. This in turn will cause his heart to grow even stronger.
Riku agrees to his terms and appears before Maleficent, his voice deeper and more menacing than before. The door to the darkness is beginning to stabilize and soon Heartless would flood Hollow Bastion. Using its immense power, Maleficent plans to conquer all worlds. Riku then summons a dark Keyblade and explains that the door can't stabilize without Kairi's heart. She is the final Princess of Heart. Maleficent then senses that Sora and his friends are on their way, but she decides to deal with them herself. Riku stays behind to guard the princesses, his body glowing with dark energy.
Maleficent uses all her magic to try to stop Sora, but the boy proves too powerful. Wounded, she retreats to Riku with Sora and the others close on her heals. They're confused by his Keyblade, and he says that, unlike Sora's, it has the power to unlock people's hearts. He then turns it on Maleficent and forces her to surrender her heart to the darkness. She becomes drunk on the power and changes into her dragon form. The fight is much more difficult than before, but Sora manages to defeat the dragon. It collapses before burning away to nothing but ash.
The story continues Monday with Sora's battle to save the worlds reaching it's climax and the birth of an important new character. Be sure to keep up by reading Parts 1-4 of the Timeline:
Part 3: Birth of the Heartless
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7200rpm and 64MB of cache. Cayman hard drive maker Seagate has announced its first SATA 6Gb/s drive, the Barracuda XT.
The 7200rpm drive boasts 64MB of cache, and Seagate claims 32MB is simply not enough to SATA 6Gb/s speeds. The high rotational speed, plentiful cache and the latest SATA tech should make the XT quite a performer, and Seagate hopes it will set a new standard in its class.
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