text:
The Indiana State Department of Health is investigating additional cases of HIV in southeastern Indiana.
Local News
Department Of Health Investigating Additional HIV Cases In SEI
Volunteers Needed For Ohio River Sweep 2015
Residents in the tri-state area are needed to volunteer in a one-day cleanup project for the Ohio River.
Truck, Car Meet Head-On; Air Care Called
A head-on crash sent a Milan woman to the hospital on Saturday, August 29.
Motorcyclist Suffers Leg Injuries In Crash
A Manchester man was flown to the hospital after the motorcycle he was on wrecked with a car.
Franklin Co. Council Could Vote On Tax Increase Tuesday
Franklin County residents may be in for a tax increase.
Batesville Council President's Authority Extended In Absence Of Mayor
A Ripley County judge has granted an extension of Batesville's acting city executive until a new mayor can be installed.
Laughter - No Joking Matter for Exhausted Family Caregivers in Indiana
A little laughter can go a long way, and family caregivers in Indiana have a new opportunity to ease the stress of their demanding lives.
Ohio Co. Murder Trial Enters Third Week
The defense has its turn to present evidence in a murder trial in Ohio County.
Upcoming Delays And Road Closures Announced For Dearborn County
Some Dearborn County motorists can expect to see some delays this weekend and a road closure on Monday.
NKU Student Accused Of Pulling Gun In Library Arraigned Friday
The Northern Kentucky University student accused of pulling a gun on another student was arraigned Friday.


text:
Apple iPad Pro 2017
Samsung Galaxy S8
Apple iPhone Edition
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Sony Xperia L1
Digital Cameras
Digital Camera Ratings
New Digital Camera
Camera Reviews
Digital Camera Reviews
Nikon SLR Reviews
Camera Housings
Digital Camera Compare
Photo Gallery
Mobile Phones
Banner Advertising
News 2017
Camera Reviews
Ilse Jurriën : December 1st 2005 - 00:15 CET
Olympus Stylus 600 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus Stylus 600 review at Steves Digicams :
Our good friends at Steves Digicams have published their review of the Olympus Stylus 600 Digital camera. The Olympus 6 Digital features a 6 million pixels CCD, a precision 3x zoom lens (1:3.1-5.1, equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm format) and 3x digital zoom. Olympus's BrightCapture technology enables the Stylus 600 to come into its own once the light begins to fade. A 6.4cm Olympus HyperCrystal LCD, offering three times the contrast of an ordinary LCD, provides an extraordinary viewing angle of up to 160°, returning clear pictures and minimal screen glare in just about any situation. HyperCrystal ensures color variation across its 215,000 pixels is kept to a minimum.
Olympus Digital 600 - Display
According to Steve Sanders: "The large 2.5-inch "HyperCrystal" LCD works great outdoors, even on the brightest of days, and when used in low-ambient lighting it "gains up" to help brighten your subject; this is a very useful feature considering the LCD is the only viewfinder. The only downfall I found to this display is that it is very prone to fingerprints. Shooting performance was robust. The image quality of its SHQ images was not quite up to par for a 6-megapixel model…"
Olympus Stylus 600 Digital - Steves Digicams review conclusion
Steve continues: "Indoors is where the Stylus 600 performs best, even though it was designed to be out in the elements. The autofocus system worked quite well in low-ambient lighting, however it was very loud and would benefit from an AF-assist lamp. Although it can record QuickTime movies at resolutions of 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120, I was a little disappointed that there was not a built-in microphone or speaker included on this model to record and playback sound. You want to learn more about the Olympus digital camera? Continue to read the Olympus Stylus 600 Digital review at Steve's Digicams!
About Steve's Digicams Online
Steve's Digicams was founded in the year 1997, by, indeed, Steve. Steve Sanders is well experienced in photography, 30 years, and wants to share this experience with everyone on the Internet. Steve's motto is: simplicity. The way the website is build makes it also possible for those who haven't got a fast connection to download the website very quickly. In the same way the reviews are being written. According to Steve, it should not be necessary to follow a course in photography to be able to understand a review. For this approach Steve is well known world wide and he is welcome to it by his many readers. Beside test reports Steve's site has various other items, like a forum, camera specifications, daily "breaking" news.
Continue to read at Steves Digicams
Olympus Mju Digital 600 specification
Olympus Mju Digital 600 introduction
Olympus flash memory XD picture card
Olympus E500 digital SLR review at DigIT
News by brand:
Steve's Digicams
News by category:
Digital camera reviews
News by brand and category:
Steve's Digicams Digital camera reviews
Latest Steve's Digicams announcements
Sanyo HD2 review at Steves Digicams
Pentax W30 review at Steves Digicams
Pentax M30 review at Steves Digicams
Pentax K10 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus Stylus 1000 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus Stylus 770 SW review at Steves Digicams
Olympus Stylus 760 review at Steves Digicams
Canon SD1000 review at Steves Digicams
Canon A570 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus FE240 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus FE230 review at Steves Digicams
Olympus FE250 review at Steves Digicams
Fujifilm S9100 review at Steves Digicams
Pentax A30 review at Steves Digicams
Canon A560 review at Steves Digicams
Latest news headlines
Huawei Watch 2 smartwatch
Sony Digital Paper with wireless technology
T-Mobile offers Kyocera DuraForce Pro phone
Samsung premium QLED TVs market adoption report
iPhone trade-in program at GameStop
Ricoh WG-50 digital camera features
Unlimited wireless plan for business users
Humavox wireless charging module for smart wearables
Ricoh WG-50 underwater sample photos
Samsung Galaxy S8 features for Chinese market
Ricoh WG-50 waterproof digital camera
Newegg Seller Day at London Tech Week 2017
Samsung process technology roadmap
Garmin 360-degree waterproof camera
Samsung press platform for Mexico
Mobile phones

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Recent art school graduate Bekah thought she'd hit the jackpot: an unknown relative died, and she inherited a small fortune and a huge house in the mountains of North Carolina.
Trey Howard, the lawyer who handled the estate, is a handsome man in his 20s and they hit it off right away - and soon become more than friends. Bekah expected a pleasant year to get her head together and have a romantic fling. Problem is, the house is full of junk...and siblings she didn't know she had are willing to kill her for it.
More important, the junk in her new house is magical, she's surrounded by monsters, and her life seems to be in mortal peril every time she ventures into a new room. As Bekah discovers more about her mysterious benefactor and the magical world he inhabited, she's realizes that as tough and resourceful as she is, she might just be in over her head...
Heirs of Grace is a tale of family and magic, action and wonder, blending the strong heroine, cheeky humor, and dark fantasy that have become the hallmarks of Tim Pratt's writing.
©2014 Tim Pratt (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved
Sci-fi, Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure, and YA Novels. If it weren't for physics, law enforcement, and my medication, I'd be unstoppable!
"A Magical Masterpiece - Outstanding Audiobook"
This was one of the better books that I have listened to in a very long time. I actually listened to it twice! The story was very well written, the characters were real and believable, the overall concept of the story was fascinating, and it was actually funny enough at some points to make me laugh out loud. Add to all of that a top-notch narration and you've got a true magical masterpiece!
Bekah is a recent Art School graduate and still figuring out what she wants to do with her life. She learns that her absent biological father has passed away leaving her his large house, vast property, and enough money that she will be able to take a year or two off. While she is skeptical about receiving such a gift from a man she has never met, she nevertheless drives the 11 hours to take possession of the property and make an effort at possibly becoming an artist. What she discovers is more than just a house, but a ramshackle mansion filled with seemingly random junk.
It only takes her a few days to realize that her father was more than just an average man... Many of the objects in his home, and even the home itself, have strange magical powers. Magic books, invisible cars, objects that heal, transporting mirrors, and bells of truth are only the beginning of what she discovers.
However, she was not the only child of Archibald Grace. She has other siblings that not only know a lot more about the family than she does, but have magical abilities of their own. Though some turn out to be allies, others show themselves to be enemies bent on inheriting their fathers powers before Bekah can...
This was not your average magical story. There was a true uniqueness here that I can only hope the author will someday turn into a series.
Narration for this book was absolutely top-notch. There were a surprising number of voices and characters that the narrator performed flawlessly with exactly the right voices and tones that added to the overall story.
You will not be disappointed with this book. I highly recommend!!
"Enjoyable story, but..."
This was an unexpectedly enjoyable book. Funny, suspenseful, clever. My only complaint is the overuse of the F-word. I'm not a prude, but it's not like this was some inner city gritty crime novel. It's set in the south for heavens sake! And we say things like "for heavens sake!"
"Great book. A series would be enjoyable."
Sure. It was fun. Easy reading. Times you needed to be sharp to follow. Other times was pretty fun. *Definitely needs a note about the language though*. My 13 yr old would enjoy this very much but too many f bombs thrown around consistently.
The real personality of the main character. She made me smile throughout.
No. This one was good though. Wasn't a distraction from the story.
More than anyone bargained for.
Another fun read. Most of the time there was no gut clench as I got through the stressful spots. Was easy to root for the main character. & I loved her friends. The brother scene completely weirded me out though.
"decent listen"
Decent fantasy story, narrator has a few minor issues like making any male with a southern accent sound like he's 65 years old but overall wasn't bad. At least she narrates like a normal person talks and doesn't feel the need to precisely enunciate every single letter of every word like some do. It isn't great literature, but it's an interesting story that moves at a good pace, and that's all I was looking for. My biggest pet peeve is that the main character always referred to her love interest as a "boy," as in "the boy I like" or "the boy I kissed," even though they were both fully adult twenty-something college graduates instead of sixth graders. It just sounded childish. Maybe it was supposed to be her feminist answer to women her age being called "girls" by men; maybe it was some linguistic fad from recent years that I missed (I'm forty-something, not twenty-something). Either way, it was annoying, but not enough to ruin the book.
I got this as a free book from Kindle for Samsung... I decided to get the audio to go with it because I have SOOOO many books to read and I can listen to books at work.
The narrator did a great job and I LOVED the story line.
I don't know what I was expecting going in to this, but I was not expecting this.
I loved this story and I will be reading/listening again. 🙃
"Heirs of Grace"
Loved it! Now that you have the characters worked out, where is the second book? I would love to see more of the house and the world mages grew up in.
Zippity Doo Dah
"My Favorite Read"
Long lost relatives, fabulous beasts, romantic comedy! Unconventional, yet very satisfying plot. I sincerely hope there's a sequel.
"Wonderfully Unique"
Magic, a little southern romance and an old house full of secrets. I've read and listened to hundreds of books and can honestly say this writer has (in the words of Agatha Christie) "Originality of Mind." I was very impressed by the narrator as well. She took on the various voices of the people and creatures in the story like she was putting on their identity. She was perfect. Really hope there are sequels to this one!
"Quirky and unique"
This book moves at a fast pace with a unique storyline and resolution. Fun characters and quirky family ties made it a very entertaining listening experience.
"love this magical fantasy"
this story of a magic family and the history behind it really captured me from the beginning!! I haven't read a story as good as this in a long time!! check it out!! you won't regret it!!
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
CLC offers 'Going Into Business For Yourself'
Central Lakes College has scheduled a Saturday "Going Into Business For Yourself" workshop 9 a.m. to noon March 12 at the Business and Industry Center in Brainerd.
This session covers all areas of business start-up, helpful advice on how to get your dream off the ground and stay profitable, including financing a new venture.
Follow-up counseling is available to qualified individuals from the Small Business Development Center's team of consultants at no charge to the individual.
Tuition is $49 per person plus $29 for each additional business partner. Instructor is Jay Bock. The deadline to register is March 4.
For more information call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142 or e-mail email@example.com.
Boiler operation course planned at CLC
A 30-hour boiler licensure course is planned in March and April in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
This 30-hour course gives participants an opportunity to upgrade their license or prepare for taking the boiler's license exam from special to chief. Instruction includes operation of low and high-pressure boilers, steam formulas and turbines.
Dave Horn is the instructor for the class, which meets 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays March 17-April 21. No class is scheduled for April 11.
The fee is $329, including book. The deadline to register is March 10. For more information, call (800) 933-0346, ext. 8142 or 855-8142 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
Real Estate 2 set to start March 17 at CLC
Real Estate 2, a pre-licensure course for aspiring real estate agents, is planned from 6 to 10 p.m. March 17-April 5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
The principles of real estate series is designed for obtaining the Minnesota Real Estate License.
Bob Welch is the instructor for classes in the Business and Industry Center on the Brainerd campus. Real Estate 2 covers appraisals, income-producing real estate, taxes, land development and subdivision, and rental properties.
Tuition is $225.
Registration deadline is March 10. For more information, call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142 or e-mail email@example.com.
Vehicle inspector re-certification class
A commercial vehicle inspector re-certification class will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 in E 100 at the Staples campus of Central Lakes College campus.
The state of Minnesota requires all commercial vehicles or combination of vehicles more than 26,000 pounds are to be placarded and registered in Minnesota, display a valid safety inspection decal issued by an inspector certified by the commissioner of Public Safety, or carry proof that the vehicle is in interstate commerce and a certificate of compliance has been issued. Inspections may only be performed by a person who is not an employee of the Department of Public Safety or Transportation and must be certified by the commissioner of Public Safety.
All certified Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Inspectors must be re-certified every two years if they wish to continue as certified inspectors. You cannot attend the re-certification class if: Your certification has been expired for more than six months; If your certification is under revocation; If you have already attended and failed a re-certification class.
The class fee is $90, including a $10-per-student fee required by the state and all course materials. Instructor is Douglas Brown of the Minnesota State Highway Patrol.
Questions about the Minnesota annual inspection program may be answered by contacting the Minnesota State Patrol at (651) 405-6171.
Deadline to register is March 11. For more information,s call (800) 933-0346 ext. 8142 or 855-8142 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
Chamber to sponsor Business After Hours
LITTLE FALLS — The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its next Business After Hours networking event 4:30p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at RE/MAX Central Minnesota, 118 11th Ave. N.E. Suite 2.
Hosting the event is RE/MAX Central Minnesota. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to all chamber members and their employees. For more information, call the chamber, at (320) 632-5155. No RSVP needed.
Lakes Area Career Fair registration deadline is March 14
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber and BL Broadcasting will host the 2011 Lakes Area Career Fair at Central Lakes College, in the commons area, 9 a.m. to noon March 23.
This event allows business to connect with area employees to promote current and future summer, part-time, and full-time employment opportunities. Participants come prepared to submit resumes and interview for a job on-site.
Registration deadline is March 14. Space is limited and filled on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information contact Mary Gottsch at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber at 822-7117.
CLC-hosted seminar named 'Outstanding Project'
STAPLES — At its annual meeting Feb. 16 in Alexandria, the WesMin Resource Conservation and Development Council recognized as Outstanding Project a seminar hosted by Central Lakes College in Staples.
The Steve Kenyon Year-Round Grazing System seminar Jan. 19-11, 2010, at CLC, Staples, was honored for drawing more than 100 participants, as well as partnering businesses and agencies. The effort included funding and manpower contributions in order to make the workshop a great success, said Dean Schmidt, WesMin coordinator.
The three-day seminar included a talk by Kenyon, who runs a custom grazing business in Alberta, Canada, and a final day of hands-on, intensive work with experts. The focus of Kenyon's ranching and teaching to audiences across Canada and the United States is sustainable grazing – environmentally and economically sustainable for generations.
A nonprofit, federally funded agency, WesMin is the oldest program of 375 created by Congress through the vision of President John F. Kennedy and serves 14 counties — Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Pope, Todd, Wadena, Wilkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Ottertail, Morrison, Stevens, and Traverse.
The council's mission is "to develop human and natural resources through cooperative efforts."
In the last 40 years, WesMin RC & D has completed 640 projects totaling $85.7 million in federal, state, and foundation grants and donations with nearly $16 million of in-kind donations.
Project examples: Solar energy assistance with Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, shoreland restoration at a park near Frazee, Todd County mapping, Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway, water festivals in several counties, western Minnesota river quality monitoring, and the Phelps Mill restoration.
Urology health seminar planned in Aitkin
AITKIN — Riverwood Healthcare Center is sponsoring a seminar on "Keeping Your Bladder, Kidneys and Urinary System Healthy."
The program is planned from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 15 at the 40 Club Convention Center in Aitkin.
Dr. Henri Lanctin, a urologist with Adult & Pediatric Urology who sees patients in Aitkin and Crosby, will address bladder, kidney and urinary health issues as well as prostate health. He treats a broad spectrum of adult urological concerns.
There is no cost to attend and a light meal will be served. Registration is requested. Contact Riverwood Education at (218) 927-5552 or email@example.com.
Dr. Henri
Curtis elected to builders association
Terry Curtis of Anderson Brothers Construction, Brainerd, was elected as associate vice president of the Builders Association of Minnesota at the fourth annual Minnesota Builders Convention Jan. 29, at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North.
Curtis is a longtime member of the builders association and active in his local association, the Mid-Minnesota Builders Association, currently serving as president.
Madden's partners with Spalon
Madden's on Gull Lake partnered with Twin Cities-based Spalon Montage for spa and salon services.
Andrews joins Panache Salon & Day Spa
Shannah Andrews joined Panache Salon & Day Spa, Baxter.
Andrews is a graduate of Duluth Business University, as a certified massage therapist with Swedish, deep tissue, and Hot Stone techniques.
Priebe opens Blue Water Acupuncture
Matt Priebe am the owner/operator of Blue Water Acupuncture in the Brainerd lakes area.
The company is a full service traditional Chinese medicine clinic located on Barbeau Road north of Baxter. Priebe received his master's degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Roseville. He is a licensed acupuncturist through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practices, and nationally certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He recently moved back to the Brainerd area and is opening his clinic March 2.
Bourassa gains Tastefully Simple recognition
Tastefully Simple consultant Beverly Bourassa was honored at the Tastefully Simple On Tour event in St. Paul, receiving the Top Sales Achievers by Region award.
As part of the honor, Bourassa was recognized for her success, participated in trainings and was present for the unveiling of Tastefully Simple's new spring-summer product line.
Riverwood names Kallevig CIO for IT
AITKIN — Riverwood Healthcare Center appointed Daryl Kallevig as chief information officer for information technology.
Kallevig will oversee all information technology related functions at Riverwood and a staff of seven. Michael Hagen, Riverwood CEO, said Kallevig has more than 35 years of IT experience, especially in strategic planning and supervised all IT-related areas within several large health systems.
For the past five years, Kallevig served as CIO at Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo Health System, a 107-bed facility with 75 health care practitioners. Previously, he served as information technology director at Albert Lea Medical Center since 2001, and at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth for 15 years. He has a bachelor's degree in management of information technology from Concordia University.
He served as an officer on a number of IT committees within the Mayo Health System. One major initiative was in the area of IT infrastructure optimization, which involved identifying ways to consolidate services within Mayo Health System to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
Donovan joins Edina Realty in Crosslake
CROSSLAKE — Tracy Donovan joined Edina Realty in Crosslake.
Previously Donovan, Pelican Lake, spent 35 years in the construction business in the Twin Cities. Donovan also serves as Pelican Township supervisor and is a Pelican Lakes Association board member.
TDS Telecommunications gains J.D. Power award
TDS Telecommunications Corp. was recognized, at the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Roundtable in Las Vegas, as a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion — one of 40 companies to have earned the distinction this year.
To qualify for inclusion on this elite list, companies must not only excel within their own industries, but also must stand out among leading brands in 20 major industries evaluated by J.D. Power. Five key customer "touch points" were measured, including people, presentation, process, product, and price.
Legislators visit Lakewood Health System
STAPLES — Members of the Lakewood Health System, United Hospital District board of directors and representatives of the medical staff visited with Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen and Rep. Mark Murdock at Lakewood's hospital and clinic in Staples Jan. 21.
Bernick Family Foundation donates more than $200,000
The Bernick Family Foundation, based in St. Cloud, announced it has awarded more than $200,000 to community causes through the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.
A desire to fund more projects during a time of need in the community led the Bernick Family Foundation to double the amount awarded through its latest round of competitive grants.
Of the $200,000, 11 organizations received a total of $150,000 in grants for a variety of youth and education and health and fitness projects. The Bernick Family Foundation surpassed the $70,000 in competitive grants awarded last year.
Organizations from the six Minnesota and Wisconsin regions in which Bernick's operates, including Brainerd, Bemidji, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Willmar, and Dresser, Wis., were eligible to apply.
In addition to the competitive grants, the Bernick Family Foundation provided $50,700 in ongoing support to a number of nonprofits, including the Central Minnesota Council of the Boy Scouts, CentraCare Health Foundation, St. Cloud Technical and Community College Foundation, United Way of Central Minnesota, Central Minnesota Community Foundation and College of St. Scholastica.
The Bernick Family Foundation has set aside an additional $20,000 to award in scholarships this spring for students pursuing two or four year college educations. To apply or learn more, visit CommunityGiving.org and click on Scholarships.
Mille Lacs Band donates more than $36,000
ONAMIA — The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe donated $36,613 in monetary and in-kind contributions to a variety of nonprofit organizations and other charitable causes in January.
Every month, the band contributes to community programs in Minnesota and nationwide. In January, for area contributions the Mille Lacs Band donated $5,000 to the Mille Lacs Area Health Foundation in Onamia. The donation will be used to purchase a bedside ultrasound machine for the emergency department. The Mille Lacs Band also donated $1,000 to the Pine County Sheriff Department to purchase uniforms for mounted patrol riders.
In January, the band donated to organizations and causes in about 40 counties in Minnesota, including Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. The band also donated five counties in Wisconsin and in a county in North Dakota and one in Tennessee.
CMCF celebrates 25 years of community giving
Twenty five years ago, a group of community leaders stepped forward with a vision to create a place that would gather the community's assets and do good with those resources. Together, they made the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.
Since then, the foundation has received more than $115 million in gifts and awarded more than $63 million in grants.
Community members celebrated 25 years of giving and honored founder Alex Didier as the foundation prepares for a new community vision. The foundation's 25th Anniversary Report shares stories about the people who shaped the local community's past and are redefining the future.
Last year, the foundation continued to drive local philanthropy to meet rising needs. Here are some fun facts you may not know. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, CMCF: received $5 million in new gifts and another $5 million in planned gifts and awarded $4.7 million in grants, including grants through our affiliates and MREF. It conducted its second social capital survey in the St. Cloud area community. For more information, go online to www.communitygiving.org.


text:
Nick name for a really really really sexy girl who has a bunch of friends and eveeeeeeryone loves her, her bestfriends name would probbably be hunty because they both have unique nicknames and are very twin like and sexy. Also
Courthole, I love you soooooooooooo much! You're so sexy!
by Colesla May 31, 2011


text:
It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our simple sign up form and login to the site.
This step is elective but will greatly boost your chances of getting interest from other members on the site. Write a little something about yourself, your hobbies and upload any nice photographs of yourself.
Use our website's advanced search to uncover members who suit your needs. Or just look through listings and uncover daters that appear interesting.
Identified someone who looks like a good match? Send an email to them or just a wink and see if they're interested. With a little luck you'll be on your way to uncover your perfect date.
It'll only take 30 seconds


text:
Hong Kong assigned a team of scientists to find a quick test for the virus to raise global fears of a pandemic, following confirmed human cases of the disease in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
A World Health Organisation spokesman said the new virus was spreading quickly in Mexico and the southern United States, and it could be expected to turn up anywhere.
"These are early days. It's quite clear that there is a potential for this virus to become a pandemic and threaten globally," he said.
"But we honestly don't know," he added. "We don't know enough yet about how this virus operates. More work needs to be done."
Mexico's Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said the number of suspected swine flu cases in his country had climbed to 1,614 by late on Sunday night, including 103 deaths.
The European Commission is calling for an emergency meeting of Europe's health ministers "as soon as possible" to consider how to protect against the spread of the swine flu virus. "We will be asking in the course of the day for an extraordinary meeting to be convened to consider the situation," said a spokeswoman for EU Health Commissioner Androula Vassiliou.
In New Zealand, Health Minister Tony Ryall said two students and a parent among a group of 15 that had just come back from a class trip to Mexico had mild flu and were being tested for swine flu. On Sunday nine students and one teacher from a separate group that also were in Mexico were thought to have swine flu.
Prime Minister John Key said everyone showing flu symptoms was being treated with Tamiflu as a precaution. Other passengers and crew on the suspect flights were also being given the antiviral drug.
Tests were also under way on people with flu-like symptoms in Israel, France and Spain.
- More about:
- Hong Kong
- Mexico
- Scientists
- World Health Organization


text:
Staff FERPA Training
How should you manage information from student records?
Sponsored by: Dean's Office
Speaker(s): Lisa Palazzo, JD, Director of Export Control and Privacy Management
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 8, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Are you wondering how FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) affects how you should manage information from student records?
The Compliance Office will be offering two special FERPA training sessions for users of the Student Infromation System (SIS). We invite you to attend either session; both will include the same content.
Wednesday, April 8, 10:00-11:00 in PBL, Room 203
Thursday, April 16, 1:00-2:00 in PBL, Room 203
For more information, contact Liz Wilkes at email@example.com or Diana Fox at email@example.com. We look forward to seeing you at one of the sessions.
Peter B. Lewis Building, Room 203
11119 Bellflower Road
Cleveland, OH 44106-7235
United States
Interested in learning more about Weatherhead programs? Request more information or apply now, or register for one of over 70 open enrollment courses through Executive Education.
Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University cultivates creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership to design a better world.


text:
Rolling In The Deep (XL)
It's been, what, 14 pop years since Adele's last offering, a wet Dylan cover (subsequently stolen by The X Factor) which did very little to resolve anyone's beef with nu-soul. Let's overlook the fact that the backing vocals are lifted almost directly from KC & The Sunshine Band's Get Down Tonight, because right now it's damp and cold and Adele sounds like warm Ribena and horns. Now I'm so relieved she's back that I'd give her a Grammy to for covering Chopsticks.
Aggro Santos Feat Kimberley Walsh
Like U Like (Mercury)
Following his eww/ROFL spider-baiting, dunny-pooing, Kayla-groping stint on I'm A Celebrity, the Brazilian-born rapper pairs up with the second best Girl Aloud to lisp "I", "U", "Like" and "VAMOS" in varying syntax while rapping like his cheeks are stuffed with chips. Brilliant. Also, everyone should buy this because if he gets enough publicity, Aggro has promised to produce Gillian McKeith's debut single, Jungle Gill.
Jazmine Sullivan
Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles) (J Records)
This new song from Missy Elliott's protege is the best example of educational R&B I've heard since Lauryn Hill's imaginary comeback. To wit: in the 1990s, when a woman was cheated on, the usual response was to make some toast, roll a fag and have a little cry. Modern women, such as Jaz, square up to their LYING-ASS CHEATING PIECE OF SCUM partners by slapping them around and tossing knuckle-dusters towards their deep-V T-shirts. In your face, men.
The Joy Formidable
Austere (Black Bell)
I first played this tidy almost-Breeders-but-more-often-than-not-Ting Tings-sounding-single to a friend of mine who has ornithophobia. When the seagull sample kicked in he basically freaked.
We R Who We R (Sony)
Sadly not from the soundtrack to that film about the cannibal family, rather, a musical response to the recent spate of gay teen suicides in America from everyone's least inspiring bisexual. That a suburban popstrel like Ke$ha decided Auto-Tune, glitter glue and Dr Luke would make a fitting song for a generation in mourning makes one hate democracy. It's also hard to take advice from someone when, secretly, you're just waiting for them to stop singing so you can run them a bath.
Crush (Warner Bros)
While Wiley was busy chiselling a grimey face for drum'n'bass at the start of this decade, Pendulum were sub-letting their mum's basement to every genre known to man in a bid to perfect their inexplicable hydra of noise. This sounds like Jared Leto rattling lentils in Malibu vomit. Moaning about its crapness is futile, though, as a massive cult of tune-haters continue to buy their stuff. We can only hope that the coalition's inevitable cap on immigration will cover non-EU music.


text:
Skid Row Offroad Front Skid Plate for 1996-2004 Toyota Tacoma
|Our Rock Rated® Front Skid Plate fits both 2WD and 4WD models and is completely bolt-on using only existing threaded holes and fasteners. It is made from laser-cut 3/16" thick steel that is CNC folded for consistent quality and fit. Then it's finished in an environmentally-friendly, and durable, black powder coating.
|Compare our skid plate to your factory part. There's really no comparison! Our Front Skid Plate provides you with the real offroad protection and durability you need when you take your truck offroad. You can't buy a better skid plate!
|For those of you with a suspension lift, this skid plate can be installed with a 1" differential drop. However, you will need to provide your own spacers and longer bolts. Larger differential drops won't work properly.
Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model
Vehicle Year
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Special Fitment Notes
No special fitment notes.
Manufacture Part Number
Part Number
Free Shipping
Skid Row
Installation Difficulty
Installation Instructions
Not Available
Compare Products
You have no items to compare.


text:
It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our uncomplicated sign up form and login to the website.
This step is elective but will seriously enhance your chances of people actually reading your profile and contacting you. Write a little something about yourself, your interests and upload any nice photographs of yourself.
Use our website's cutting-edge search to spot members who satisfy your requirements. Or just flip through listings and spot singles that pique your interest.
Discovered someone who you're attracted to? Send a letter to them or just a wink and see what happens next. With a little luck you'll be on your way to a once in a lifetime experience.
It only takes a few minutes


text:
in plus sizes
in plus sizes
available in
extended sizes
extended sizes
- roll over image to zoom
Cori's Kaleidoscope Bowl
Ceramic Bowl(ID: A88297)
Created by Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi
Hand-built stoneware bowl. Glazed by hand with small brushes to bring out the detail in pattern and texture. Each will vary slightly. A small cord is attached to the back for easy display when not in use. All glazes are food safe, and hand washing is recommended.


text:
karinmodel Model
Sam B MUAMakeup Artist Female London, England, United Kingdom
My Website: Sam B MUAMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/SamBMUA
Mayhem # 2388236
About MeI specialise in all areas of make-up including bridal, catwalk, high fashion and special occasion. I've been trained and accredited by renowned make-up professional Lubna Rafiq.
I'm available to travel on location, and welcome you to view a portfolio of some of my work.
Have you worked with Sam B MUA? Add Credits for Sam B MUA! >>
karinmodel Model
Aubs Photos Photographer
Megha Lata Model
AZZARA Photographer
Kara Amy Leigh Retoucher
The Collective Vision Photographer
Loading Content


text:
ED Magedson – Founder
Ripoff Report
Infiniti of Fairfield2855 Auto Mall Parkway Fairfield, California United States of America
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 11/14/2009 12:44 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/infiniti-of-fairfield/fairfield-california-94533/infiniti-of-fairfield-dealership-does-not-pay-customers-trade-ins-off-in-a-timely-manner-523676. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
Click Here to read other Ripoff Reports on Infiniti of Fairfield
If you would like to see more Rip-off Reports on this company/individual, search here:Search Tips
In order to assure the best results in your search:
Advertisers above have met our
strict standards for business conduct.


text:
Chief Rebel's debut mixtape is a pure unadulterated sonic force. It is a perfect combinational blend of consciousness with a gut-wrenching and complex level of lyricism that has become presumeably lost on today's Hip-Hop world.I can assure you, this project will not disappoint the rap fan who desires more substance and skill from today's artists.
- 433
- 20
- Favorite
- Share
- Like
- Dislike


text:
You are currently using an unsupported web browser.
We support the latest versions of these browsers:
If you have any problems while attempting to download a browser, you should contact your organization's system administrator.
For any questions related to Cvent, feel free to contact our Customer Care team.
The AA Hotel Services has developed Common Quality Standards for inspecting and rating hotels and guest accommodation. These standards and rating categories are now applied throughout the British Isles.
This rating was reported by the venue and has not been verified by Cvent.
The BEST WESTERN Pinewood on Wilmslow is the perfect hotel for both the leisure and business traveler. In South of Manchester, it is set in attractive gardens, located just minutes from Manchester Airport and is close to the M6, M56 and M60. All rooms offer peace and tranquility as standard, and th...
You must be logged in to view contact information for this supplier. Sign up for a free Cvent account today.


text:
$2.99 Standard Shipping on all Items!
$2.99 standard shipping will be applied to each item in shopping cart. Subject to change without notice. Valid only on JTV.com. Offer applies to standard shipping rates only. Additional rates will apply for expedited shipping methods. Cannot be combined with any other shipping offers. Excludes Imagination Charm Collection, Diamond Design Gallery, and JTV Auctions. Other exclusions may apply.
Enjoy Special Offers and Insider Access
when you sign up for JTV email!
on today's order!


text:
Previously: LONDONTOWN, Helena took care of business, Delphine took care of business, Donnie took care of business, Gracie took care of business and Mrs. S sang a song.
I'm not sure how I feel about this season ender. There's good. There's bad. It felt disjointed, like a lot of scenes but not a flowing episode. That said, I enjoyed most of it and I'm looking forward to seeing what they pull out for season four. Let's get started, shall we?


text:
GraphicRiver Galactic Kid 56779
Stock Vector \ Characters \ People
Running \ YellowIllustration \ Camera \ Towards \ Cartoon \ Costume \ Fiction
Stock Vector - Galactic Kid 56779 by javier_rejon @ GraphicRiver
Stock Vector \ Characters \ People
Illustration of manga style kid-hero running towards camera.
Layered: Yes; Minimum Adobe CS Version: CS.
Girl measuring herself; Monkey on a vine; Galactic Kid Attacks; Happy Santa; Skater; 84 Icons ; Girl Presenting.
Keywords: attack, blue, boy, cartoon, costume, fast, fiction, fight, hero, kid, mad, manga, red, running, yellow.
Download Link


text:
Patti Page, the legendary pop singer whose musical success spawned several television series of her own in the 1950s, has died. Page passed away on New Year's Day in Encinitas, CA, at age 85. She had more than 100 chart hits during her decades-long career, including such pop classics as "(How Much Is That) Doggie In The Window", "Old Cape Cod" and "Tennessee Waltz". She was a regular on several music and variety shows during television's Golden Age, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show. Those led to a Patti Page special on ABC, and later to consecutive series of her own on all three major networks; she was nominated for an Emmy in 1959 for ABC's Patti Page Show. She also starred in Scott Music Hall Presents Patti Page, a summer replacement series on NBC that gave birth to the twice-weekly syndicated Oldsmobile Presents — Patti Page. Page also ventured into acting, with a role on the CBS series Playhouse 90, and later she made her big-screen debut in 1960's Elmer Gantry. Most recently, The Recording Academy announced Page was a recipient of its Special Merit Awards as a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.
R.I.P. Patti Page
7 Comments
I'll always dance with you, my darlin…..
You and Doris got me through some tough times when I was a sad little gay boy.
The definition of 'legend' is Patti Page.
Thank you, Patti, for gracing the American (and global) music landscape with your wonderful talent and voice.
Condolences to your family and fans.
I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Page sing the Tennessee Waltz at a halftime show at Neyland Stadium just a few years ago. The University of Tennessee and the Pride of the Southland Marching band use the Tennessee Waltz quite a bit so if you're a Vol of any age, you know the song. It was a thrill. Hard song to sing and she still could. She will be missed.
She grew up a few miles from my home and was one of 11 children. She had a difficult time and was a beautiful woman. In an era before celebs were arrested on a regular basis and went into rehab once a year. A talented, classy lady.
I grew up listenning to Patti Page and will miss her dearly. Iiked many of her songs,but the one that got to me was,The Tennesse Waltzs. All of her fans will miss her so dearly and will be missed.
Tennessee Waltz was such a wonderful song to listen to. Patti will be missed.
Patti Page was a true icon. One of the greats. She will be missed.


text:
Loading ...
Loading ...
Enter a search term such as "mobile analytics" or browse our content using the filters above.
That's not only a poor Scrabble score but we also couldn't find any results matching
Check your spelling or try broadening your search.
Sorry about this, there is a problem with our search at the moment.
Please try again later.
|Company / Organization Type
|Agency / Consultancy (Full Service)
|Areas of Expertise
|Industry Focus
|Technology, Media, Telecoms
119 standard
El segundo, 90245
United States
SEO centric web design and holistic optimization web design strategies.
Weekly Page Views over the last 12 weeks
In order to see your Weekly Page Views over the last 12 weeks please contact email@example.com


text:
History in the headlines
'Right to Organise'
History of Labour Struggles & Organization in South Africa
On 1 May 2011 South Africa will enjoy Worker's Day (effectively a May Day holiday). Worker's Day celebrates the role played by Trade Unions, the Communist Party and other labour movements.
The history of working people, and particularly Black workers, to organise is inextricably tied to the struggle against racism and national liberation. The roots of Trade Unionism and Socialism can be traced back to the vast influx of majority White workers who came to Southern Africa from across the globe in the search of fortunes and work in the wake of the discovery of diamonds and later gold.
The story of labour is also the story of forced labour. A vast number of people were forced through intimidation, taxes, colonial and capitalist expansion to become wage labourers in White owned mines, industries and agriculture. It is also the story of the descendents of slaves, indentured labourers from Asia and the poor and prosecuted minorities of Europe, arriving in Southern Africa and joining Black working people in the fight for the right to a decent wage, equality, fraternity and freedom ... read on
The One Hundred Year Struggle for Freedom
Call for Papers
The 100th anniversary of the African National Congress in 2012 is, without question, a momentous event in South African and indeed African history. At many levels, it will also be the occasion for nationwide celebrations, extensive reflection and debate. Histories of the liberation struggle have now become inextricably bound to the questions of ...read on
Matthew Goniwe: (1947 - 1985) Teacher, community leader, political activist and member of the UDF.
Sparrow Mkhonto: (1951 - 1985) Trade union, community and political activist, member of CRADORA.
Sicelo Mhlauli: (1949 - 1985) Headmaster, Member of Oudtshoorn Youth Organisation, Saamstaan activist.
Fort Calata: (1956 - 1985) Teacher, community leader, political activist and member of the UDF.


text:
I done a breast lift and implant before 9 days and I'm having a silicone implant D cup size. I'm having a severe back pain all day long. Also at night I cant sleep and I cant find a proper position to sleep. I feel that the implant is something heavy over my chest all night and a strong back pain that can cause me to cry . how long it will take until I feel my implant is a part of my body and what about the back pain?
Back Pain After Breast Lift and Implant?
Doctor Answers 2
Back pain
Back pain is not unusual after surgery. This may be related to the stretch of the tissues, as well as your positioning when you sit, walk , or lay down.
Discomfort after surgery
It may take a few months for you to get used to the feeling of your implants. You'll also need for your tissues to expand to accommodate the volume of your implants. This can take about 4 months. In the meantime, make sure you're wearing a good supportive sports bra and try sleeping on your side or back.
Web reference: https://plus.google.com/+Edelsteincosmetic
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


text:
View an HTML version of this slideshow. Warning: This will take you away from this page.
Site produced by the Office of Communications & Technology, West Virginia University Extension Service, Knapp Hall, P.O. Box 6031, Morgantown, WV 26506; phone 304-293-4221.
© 2010 West Virginia University.
Last modified: December 02, 2015.
WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.


text:
The influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Reunion Island: knowledge, perceived risk and precautionary behaviour
Viral diseases
The effectiveness of preventive measures depends on prevailing attitudes and mindsets within a population. Perceived risk is central to a shift in mindset and behaviour. The present study aims to investigate the perceived severity, vulnerability and precautionary behaviour adopted in response to the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic that broke out in 2009 on Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). As no H1N1 vaccination was available at the time, non-medical interventions appeared of crucial importance to the control of the epidemic.
A cross sectional survey was conducted in Reunion Island between November 2009 and April 2010 within 2 months of the passage of the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic wave. Individual contacts representing 725 households (one contact per household) were interviewed by telephone using validated questionnaires on perceived risks. Mean scores were calculated for perceived severity, vulnerability, efficacy of preventive measures and precautionary behaviour. Univariate analysis was applied to identify preventive measures and attitudes and multivariate analysis was used to study the determinants of precautionary behaviour.
More than 95% of contacted persons accepted to participate to the survey. Eighty seven percent of respondents believed that prevention was possible. On average, three out of six preventive measures were deemed effective. Spontaneously, 57% of the respondents reported that they took one or more preventive measures. This percentage increased to 87% after the interviewer detailed possible precautions one by one. The main precautions taken were frequent hand washing (59%) and avoidance of crowded places (34%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis the following factors were significantly associated with taking one or more preventive measures: young age, previous vaccination against seasonal influenza, having had seasonal influenza in the last five years, effectiveness of the preventive measures taken and low standards of education.
Inhabitants of Reunion Island have expressed a preventive approach adapted to the realities of the H1N1 pandemic, a feature that likely reflects some preparedness gained after the large and severe chikungunya epidemic that hit the island in 2006. The degree of severity was well assessed despite the initial alarmist messages disseminated by national and international media. Precautions that were undertaken matched the degree of severity of the epidemic and the recommendations issued by health authorities. Further qualitative studies are needed to help adapting public messages to the social and cultural realities of diverse communities and to prevent misconceptions.
Compliance with preventive measures, e.g. non-medical action, is dependent on the attitude and willingness of the population and on the specific actions recommended by health authorities
The outbreak of a new influenza A (H1N1) virus started in Mexico and the United States at the end of April 2009 and quickly spread to other countries. On 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, thereby raising major international concern over the risk of high morbidity and mortality
Reunion Island is a subtropical overseas French Island in the southern hemisphere, in the S.W. Indian Ocean, lying 700 km east of Madagascar and 200 km S.W. of Mauritius. The Reunion Island population of 810.000 is composed with communities from various ethnic origins (European, African, Asian)
The context in which the Reunion Island population was challenged by the H1N1 pandemic is worth considering: In 2005–2006, an epidemic of chikungunya, a vector borne infectious disease due to an alpha virus transmitted by the mosquito
At the time the epidemic started in Reunion Island (July 21, 2009) no specific vaccine against the H1N1 virus was available (the vaccine became available in November, 2009). Hence health authorities had turned their attention to non-medical measures recognized as having an impact on infection transmission and mortality rates
The present study aimed to investigate perceived risks, concern, behavioural responses and other key determinants of precautionary behaviour related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) in Reunion Island. This was done in the frame of a research programme called CoPanFlu-RUN that included three complementary components of epidemiological, virological and social science aspects. The epidemiological and virological parameters of the epidemy were assessed in a prospective study conducted from July 21 to December 23, 2009 during the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1)
Participants and sample
Following the H1N1 outbreak, a cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between November 9, 2009 and April 12, 2010 on perceived risks and precautionary behavior of Reunion Island inhabitants. The minimum sample size was estimated to 474 adults, assuming that 30% of individuals were taking precautionary behaviour, and considering 1% absolute precision and 5% p-value. The participants who accepted to participate to the cross sectional survey were recruited from the cohort investigated by the CoPanFlu-RUN prospective study
The questionnaire was administrated on a household basis. One household's reference person was identified among the three oldest members of each household. If there were a senior couple in the household, the reference person was always the male parent. If there was no couple in the household, the reference person was the oldest non-dependent (male or female) person (source: French national institute for statistics and economical studies).
The questionnaire used in this study had already been validated in a previous research protocol
Regarding knowledge of clinical signs and modes of transmission, scales of 0 to 6 were compiled based on the number of positive responses, resulting in mean scores of symptom knowledge. Firstly, a score reflecting knowledge of the four major symptoms that are frequently encountered in mild influenza (fever, headaches, aches and pains, running nose) and more specifically in respiratory complications (coughing and dyspnea) was deduced from responses to the question: "What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1)?". Secondly, a score estimating knowledge of airborne (saliva and sneezing) and contact-based (hands or objects) viral transmission modes was deduced from responses to the question: "What are the modes of transmission of influenza A (H1N1)?". Two other questions suggesting erroneous modes of transmission were asked (eating pork meat; stung by mosquitoes).
Regarding antecedents (infection and vaccination), the questionnaire included a question on whether the respondent was vaccinated against seasonal influenza in the last year and whether he or she had suffered from seasonal influenza within the last five years.
Several questions tried to assess the perceived severity of influenza A (a person's belief of how serious contracting the illness would be for him/her). Three questions were related to the pathology itself: "do you think influenza A is more severe than seasonal influenza?"; "do you think influenza A is a fatal disease?"; "is there no efficient treatment against influenza A?". Another question was asked in order to quantify the perceived severity. This question "if you were to get infected with influenza A, how serious a health issue would it be for you?" resulting in a score of perceived severity on a scale of 0 to 10. Moreover, a general question addressed the impact on public health of influenza A (H1N1) among the population (percentage of the population infected by influenza A (H1N1), number of deaths).
The question: "how likely are you to get infected with influenza A (H1N1)?" gave a score of perceived vulnerability of influenza A (H1N1) on a scale of 0 to 10. The perceived vulnerability of influenza A (H1N1) is a person's perception of the chance that he/she will contract the disease. A similar question to assess the vulnerability of seasonal flu gave a score of perceived vulnerability of seasonal flu on a scale of 0 to 10. Also, a list of twelve potential risks or dangers quoted by the media or present in the environment (GMO, cell phones, cyclones, global warming, chikungunya, air pollution, car accidents, smoking, pesticides in food, diabetes, AIDS, cancer) was proposed by the interviewers and the respondents had to rank for each potential risk their concerns with regard to these risks on a scale of 0 to 10.
Response efficacy (a person's belief in the effectiveness of the preventive measure) was evaluated by the interviewer with two questions. Firstly a general question with a dichotomous answer (yes or no) was asked "are there effective preventive measures to protect you from influenza A (H1N1)?". Secondly, a list of six recommended influenza A (H1N1) prevention measures was read (washing hands more frequently, getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza, wearing masks in public, avoiding public transport, avoiding crowed places, not sending children to school). The question was "which preventive measures among this list you think are effective at keeping you from getting the influenza A (H1N1)?". The effectiveness of each preventive measure had been ascertained separately. Furthermore, precautions regarded as effective by each individual produced a score for the effectiveness of preventive measures from 0 to 6.
Perceived self-efficacy (a person's level of confidence in his/her ability to perform the preventive measure) was assessed by asking a question with a dichotomous answer (sure or not sure) "how sure are you that you can by yourself prevent getting the influenza A (H1N1)?".
During the interview, respondents were first asked whether they had taken precautions to avoid influenza during the epidemic. All responses were recorded, including those which did not correspond to official recommendations from health authority or mistaken responses. In a second, more directive phase, six types of precautions (washing hands more frequently, getting vaccinated against seasonal influenza, wearing masks in public, avoiding public transport, avoiding crowed places, not sending children to school) were mentioned one by one by the interviewer. Respondents were asked whether they had taken measures to prevent them getting infected with influenza A (H1N1). Respectively, two scores of preventive measures, taken immediately and after detailed review with interviewer, were implemented on a scale of 0 to 6.
Statistical analysis
Data entry used EpiData version 3.1 (The Epidata Association, Odense, Denmark). SAS version 9.1 (SAS Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used for statistical analysis. To study correlates of precautionary behaviour, a new dichotomous variable "precautionary behaviour" was defined and coded 1 (yes), if respondents had taken one or more preventive measures, and coded 0 (no) if respondents had done nothing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors significantly associated with taking one or more preventive measures. For univariate analysis, demographics, knowledge, antecedents (infection and vaccination) perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and perceived self-efficacy were entered as predictor variables.
First a univariate analysis was performed using chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Student's
Ethical considerations
The questionnaire was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and French law for biomedical research (Nu ID RCB AFSSAPS: 2009-A00689-48) and was approved by the relevant Ethics Committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes of Bordeaux 2 University). Persons eligible for participation were asked to give their written, informed consent.
Socio-demographic characteristics and influenza like illness
Among the 762 households constituting the original CoPanFlu-RUN sample that were contacted by telephone, individuals representing 725 households accepted to take part in the survey, giving a participation rate of 95%. There was a majority of women (73%) (versus 52% in the general Reunion island population)a. Our sample comprised also a majority of elderly people, 48% over 60 years olds (versus 17% in general Reunion island population)a. One third of respondents had graduated from high school and/or were in higher education (Table
Over one third of the respondents (36%) stated that they had had influenza like illness during the epidemic of 2009 (Table
The youngest respondents (18–59 years) declared having had influenza like illness more frequently than elderly people (43% versus 30%, p < 0.001)a. The proportion of individuals declaring influenza like illness declined with age as follows: 53% in 18–29 year olds, 43% (30–44 years), 34% (45–59 years) and 30% (≥60 years)a. Fewer elderly people stated they had had influenza like illness in the last five years compared with the younger respondents (p < 0.001). Elderly people were also more frequently vaccinated (p < 0.001)a.
Knowledge of the symptoms and modes of transmission
On the average, knowledge of influenza A (H1N1) symptoms scored 2.35 (SD 1.29) on a scale of 0 to 6 (Table
The score of positive responses to modes of transmission was 4.47 (SD 1.38) on a scale of 0 to 6 (Table
Perceived severity and vulnerability
Perceived severity scored 6.05 (SD 3.05) whereas perceived vulnerability scored 5.26 (SD 3.67) on a scale of 0 to 10 (Table
Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability and estimated proportion of individuals infected by influenza differ by sex. Among women, severity score (6.32 versus 5.31, p = 0.001)a and vulnerability scores (5.70 versus 4.72, p < 0.001)a were significantly higher than among men. This trend was also observed with the dichotomous question on perceived severity (60% versus 51%, OR 1.4, p = 0.03) and for the estimated proportion of individuals infected by influenza A (H1N1) (means of 33.20 versus 21.15, p < 0.001)a. However, these risk perception indicators did not vary with age.
Compared to other concerns, influenza A (H1N1) was not considered as a major cause for concern (level of concern 5.3). In terms of epidemic severity, the chikungunya virus raised more concern than the influenza A (H1N1) (level of concern 7.1). The main health concern issues were, in decreasing order: cancer, AIDS and diabetes (between 7.6 to 8.0 on a scale of 0 to 10) (Figure
Figure 1
Concerns rated on a scale of 0 to 10 (n=725).
Concerns rated on a scale of 0 to 10 (n=725).
Effectiveness of preventive measures
The effectiveness of preventive measures (response efficacy) scored 3.04 (SD 1.57) on a scale of 0 to 6 and was higher among those who took precautions (3.15 versus 2.30, p < 0.001) (Table
Precautions taken
Precautions taken scored 0.60 (SD 0.67) on a scale of 0 to 6 and scored 2.02 (SD 1.19) when the interview reviewed the six available precautionsa. The majority of the respondents (57%) declared that they had taken at least one precaution against influenza A (H1N1)a. This percentage increased to 87% after the interviewer detailed possible precautions one by onea. The two main precautions that the respondents stated they took, regardless of the method of questioning, were: more frequent hand washing and avoidance of mixing in groups (Figure
Figure 2
Preventive measures taken and found effective against the H1N1 virus (n=725).
Preventive measures taken and found effective against the H1N1 virus (n=725).
A univariate analysis revealed that eight significant factors contributed to the precautions taken against influenza A (H1N1): 1) being a female (Table
Many respondents stated that they had taken precautions: 87% did so after the interviewer had detailed possible precautions one by one. When possible precautionary measures were listed by the interviewer, "precautions taken" scored 2.02 reflecting that precautionary behaviour, albeit frequent, focuses on a small number of preventive measures taken at a single time. Whatever the way of asking the question, the main precautions that the respondents stated they had taken (hand washing and avoiding crowded places) were in agreement with official recommendations
The specific behaviour of young adults is an important result of our study. Young adults (18–29 years) appeared as being the most active in terms of prevention, in contrast to other studies which reported elderly people to be more active in applying preventive measures
Moreover, the most educated respondents had likely adjusted their behaviour to the changing general belief about the real severity of the epidemic. Those people most informed about the projected lower severity of the epidemic, felt it less necessary to take effective precautions. Conversely, a low standard of education was found to be associated with precautionary behaviour in our study as in a similar study conducted in the Netherlands during a human avian influenza epidemic
The vast majority of respondents said that they were well informed (78%) and showed that they were knowledgeable. Knowledge of modes of transmission scored a satisfactory 4.47 (on a scale of 0 to 6) especially since for each wrong answer one point was deducted from the total score. This was true for 40% of the respondents who mentioned the mosquito as a potential vector of transmission. The recent chikungunya epidemic in Reunion Island may explain this link between mosquito and influenza A (H1N1). Finally, a question remained as to the transmission of the infection from pigs to people. In fact the zoonotic transmission was exactly the opposite in Reunion Island and was that of a reverse zoonosis (ie: transmission of the virus from humans to animal) as large and prolonged contamination of swine herds in Reunion Island occurred as a consequence of the H1N1 pandemic
In our study, multivariate analysis showed that vaccination against seasonal influenza appeared related to a more general preventive attitude, as has also been observed in other studies
The number of preventive measures regarded as effective scored 3.04 (on a scale of 0 to 6), confirming good knowledge of preventive measures and confidence in the precautions suggested in the local prevention campaigns. The score for the effectiveness of preventive measures remained a predictor of precautionary behaviour in the model. The optimism through belief in a large number of precautions regarded as effective was also shown in another study conducted in the United Kingdom
Perceived severity and vulnerability with regard to influenza A (H1N1) were regarded as moderate with average scores of 6.05 and 5.26 respectively (on a scale of 0 to 10). As our survey was conducted after passage of the epidemic wave, the perception of risk and severity of influenza A (H1N1) might have been minimized. A previous survey conducted in three phases over the course of an epidemic showed that perceived severity decreased at the end of the epidemic
Our study shares, with several other univariate analysis studies, three main factors influencing the adoption of precautionary behaviour: perceived severity, perceived vulnerability and perceived self-efficacy
Our study has a number of limitations. Firstly, our sample was not representative of Reunion Island's population due to the inclusion of a high proportion of elderly people and women. Hence whether conclusions could be generalized to the whole population of Reunion Island may be questionable. The over-represented elderly people and women weigh towards a selection bias. An explanation is that the interviewers preferred home-based respondents, thereby limiting refusals but making the choice of the household's reference person more difficult. Analysis by sex and age group do not reveal significant statistical differences except a higher perception of severity by women. However, selection bias (women and elderly over-represented) has simply revealed, in the multivariate analysis, the contrasted attitude of young people. Apart from this result, elderly people did not appear to have a particular attitude. Elderly people could have overestimated severity of influenza A (H1N1) because influenza is known as an important cause of morbidity and mortality among elderly people
A second limitation is that the survey started at least 2.5 months after the outbreak and recall bias is a possible limitation. It seems however that this bias was mitigated. As already mentioned, there is a good correlation between infected cases of influenza A (H1N1) among respondents and their serological status
A third limitation may arise from the introduction of desirability bias by the two-phase questioning technique used to assess the implementation of precautionary measures. However, compared to self-reported precautions, the second method has allowed collecting more complete data. Indeed, the response rate is always higher when memory is prompted by exhaustively recalling all the available precautions. On the other hand, the respondents very often mentioned first the active steps they had taken individually (hand washing, wearing of a mask, being vaccinated). The avoidance type precautions (not going to concerts, not traveling on public transport, not taking children to school) are retained more after a recall. It is possible that the reported precautionary behaviors of young adults could result from a social desirability bias as the participation of an interviewer can prompt responses reporting the implementation of prevention measures. Desirability bias is unlikely once the reality of the epidemic could be clearly perceived at the end of the epidemic passage, especially if one considers the highly alarmist announcements released by health authorities and media at the start of the epidemic.
Fourthly, the proportion of the population taking precautionary behaviour is high (87%) and interpretation of differences by predictor is challenging. The lack of power of the statistical test is balanced by a high size of the sample and a high participation rate observed (95%).
Our study has also a number of strengths. Firstly, the high participation rate is unusual. For example, the participation rate, for a telephone survey, was 46% on a representative sample of the population in France (excluding French overseas territories)
A second strength of this study is that the proportion of population (20–59 years) reporting influenza like illness (42%) in our sample was comparable to the seroconversion rates observed (39.4%) in the prospective serosurvey
Thirdly, the percentages obtained from dichotomous questions (yes/no) from our questionnaire appear consistent with the scores obtained by combining several separate responses. This observation is reassuring with regards to the relevance of our sample analyses.
In our study, the degree of severity of the epidemic was well estimated by the population despite initial alarmist messages. Precautions that were undertaken appeared in line with the degree of severity of the epidemic and with public health recommendations. Young adults, the age group the most exposed to influenza A (H1N1), reacted well. The most educated respondents seemed to have adjusted their behaviours to the epidemic severity. Moreover, it is reasonable to think that the chikungunya epidemic of 2006 brought an experience to the entire population of Reunion Island, as well as health professionals and health authorities, to face emerging epidemic diseases like the H1N1 epidemic in 2009.
Our study provides relevant and useful information to future preventive campaigns. It is important to fine tune national messages on prevention to adapt local situations. Our study shed light on the confusions with regard to the role of mosquitoes in transmission of influenza A (H1N1) virus. It was important to identify and remove this confusion in order to encourage the population to take more appropriate and targeted precautions. While it is necessary to combat unsound and unsubstantiated beliefs, our findings have also revealed the importance of informing the population about effective measures. This research illustrates the complexity of peoples' understandings and responses to health messages diffused on the H1N1 pandemic. Further qualitative studies are needed to adapt messages to social and cultural realities of diverse populations and to prevent misconceptions.
The belief in a large number of precautions regarded as effective was a key factor in the precautions that were taken. Rallying people around effective measures and shifting of attitudes entails a continuous flow of accurate, truthful and targeted communication by health authorities before and during the epidemic. The inducement of preventive attitudes before epidemics seemed to promote and encourage the precautionary action taken during the epidemic.
a Data not shown.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
FT, MC and KD conceived and designed the study, analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript. FF, CD played a key in collecting the data. AF played a key role in entering the data. FF, FC reviewed the manuscript and contributed to subsequent drafts. FF acted as guarantor. All the authors proofread and approved the final manuscript.
The present study was conducted in the frame of the CoPanFlu-RUN programme and was promoted on Reunion Island by the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD, Marseille).
Special thanks to Michel Setbon and Jocelyn Raude from the School of Advanced Studies in Public Health (EHESP*, Rennes/Paris) for developing the first survey questionnaire, later amended by the authors to meet the aims of the present study and reflect the context of Reunion Island. We like to thank Antoine Flahaut and Xavier de Lamballerie co-investigator for CoPanFlu-France study.
Many thanks to David Wilkinson for reviewing the manuscript and improving the English writing.
* EHESP, Avenue du Professeur Léon-Bernard - CS 74312–35043 Rennes cedex, France.
This study was supported by funds from CPER-ERDF (Contrat Programme Etat/Region and European Regional Development Fund), INSERM/IMMI and CRVOI. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Perceptions of and willingness to engage in public health precautions to prevent 2009 H1N1 influenza transmission
Public perceptions, anxiety, and behaviour change in relation to the swine flu outbreak: cross sectional telephone survey
What infection control measures will people carry out to reduce transmission of pandemic influenza? A focus group study
Perceived risk, anxiety, and behavioural responses of the general public during the early phase of the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in the Netherlands: results of three consecutive online surveys
Monitoring of risk perception and correlates of precautionary behaviour related to human avian influenza during 2006–2007 in the Netherlands: Results of seven consecutive surveys
Easier said than done: behavioral conflicts in following social-distancing recommendations for influenza prevention
Knowledge and attitudes in regard to pandemic influenza a(H1N1) in a multiethnic community of Malaysia
Community responses to communication campaigns for influenza A (H1N1): a focus group study
Communicating about emerging infectious disease: The importance of research
Effective risk communication about pandemic influenza for vulnerable population
Behavioural intentions in response to an influenza pandemic
Fragmentation, altérité et identité dans les sociétés insulaires
Enhanced influenza surveillance on reunion island (southern hemisphere) in the context of the emergence of influenza A(H1N1)v
Pandemic influenza Due to pH1N1/2009 virus: estimation of infection burden in reunion island through a prospective serosurvey, Austral winter 2009
Epidémie de grippe a virus A (H1N1) 2009 à La Réunion
A major epidemic of chikungunya virus infection in Reunion Island, France, 2005–2006
Fin 2006, 300 000 personnes avaient été atteintes par le chikungunya
Nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented by US cities during the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic
Molecular evolutionary analysis of pH1N1 2009 influenza virus in Reunion Island, South West indian ocean region: a cohort study
Intense Co-circulation of Non-influenza respiratory viruses during the first wave of pandemic influenza pH1N1/2009: a cohort study in Reunion Island
Factors in vaccination intention against the pandemic influenza A/H1N1
Protection Motivation Theory
The Health Belief Model
The public's preventive strategies in response to the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in France: distribution and determinants
Perceptions related to human avian influenza and their associations with anticipated psychological and behavioral responses at the onset of outbreak in the Hong Kong Chinese general population
Anticipated and current préventive behaviors in response to an anticipated human-to-human H5N1 epidemic in the Hong Kong Chinese general population
Influenza a(H1N1) pdm09 virus in pigs, Reunion Island
Meta-analysis of the relationship between risk perception and health behavior: The example of vaccination
RA cross-lsectional survey to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding seasonal influenza vaccination among European travellers to resource-limited destinatio
La mortalité "évitable" liée aux comportements à risque, une priorité de santé publique en France. Numéro thématique. La mortalité prématurée en France
Perception of epidemic's related anxiety in the general French population: a cross-sectional study in the Rhône-Alpes region
A study of the impact of influenza on the functional status of frail older people
Pre-publication history
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:


text: ×Close Product Image 1 of 1 The Lost Explorer Finding Mallory on Mount Everest See image The Lost Explorer Finding Mallory on Mount Everest By Conrad Anker and David Roberts Read by: Jeffrey DeMunn and Michael McGlone × Added to Cart List Price $15.95 Your Cart ( items) Cart total Continue Shopping CHECKOUT NOW Choose a format: Abridged Audio Download eBook Choose a format: Abridged Audio Download eBook Abridged Audio Download Simon & Schuster Audio | ISBN 9780743518772 | July 2004 Add to Cart Buy Simon & Schuster Add to Cart Audible Audiobooks.com Downpour.com EMusic iTunes Learn Out Loud SimplyAudiobooks.com List Price $15.95 In Stock: Available for immediate download Browse Related Books Travel > AdventureSports & Recreation > Mountaineering Buy from another retailer Audible Audiobooks.com Downpour.com EMusic iTunes Learn Out Loud SimplyAudiobooks.com see more retailers see more retailers Get a FREE eBook when you join our mailing list. Plus, receive updates on new releases, recommended reads and more from Simon & Schuster. Email Address Free eBook available to NEW subscribers only. Offer redeemable at Simon & Schuster's ebook fulfillment partner.Offer expires in three months, unless otherwise indicated.See full terms and conditions and this month's choices. More Books from this Author True Summit True Summit By David RobertsBy David Roberts ONCE THEY MOVED LIKE THE WIND: COCHISE, GERONIMO, ONCE THEY MOVED LIKE THE WIND: COCHISE, GERONIMO, By David RobertsBy David Roberts Devil's Gate Devil's Gate By David RobertsBy David Roberts Escape from Lucania Escape from Lucania By David RobertsBy David Roberts See more by David Roberts About the Authors Conrad Anker CONRAD ANKER is famous for succeeding at death-defying ascents in the Himalaya and Antarctica. In 1999 he discovered George Mallory's body, the legendary British climber who disappeared on Everest. BERNADETTE MCDONALD is a prizewinning Canadian writer who has authored or contributed to eight books including National Geographic's Voices from the Summit and Extreme Landscape. MARK JENKINS writes about remote expeditions for National Geographic, Outside, Men's Health, Playboy, and many other magazines. His dispatches from Everest on the legacy climb will form part of this book's narrative. BECOME A FAN BOOKS Photo by Irene Owsley/Irene Owsley Photography David Roberts David Roberts is the author of twenty-four books on mountaineering, adventure, and the history of the American Southwest. His essays and articles have appeared in National Geographic, National Geographic Adventure, and The Atlantic Monthly, among other publications. He lives in Watertown, Massachusetts. BECOME A FAN BOOKS


text:
So, lyke, once upon a time there wasd this land full of ponies and all the ponies loved ache other because... um...... well eveyone kust loved each other because that's the kinda place it is kay? happy and freindly and stuff. anywayz the ponies had a pricness called flowerpuff and flowerpuff loved the stars and looking at the starts and thought they were very pretty. and she liked the moon too. so one day she decided she wanted a star for herlsf to put in her crown and stuff and make it ultra pretty, like the prettiest crow any princess could have, so she gathered all her pony subjects together and told them over ice cream and candied saukra blossoms that she wanted them to make her a space ship. so the very cleverest ponies in all the land got together and they bulided a spaceship and it was pink and had magic sparkles and was amazing and cool and pretty and stuffs. the princess was very impressed and she called ity the 'the O.M.G. Pwny XD' and all the ponies in the land, even the boy ponies, had a special celibration sleep over with cake and more ice creams and,,.. different type of cake and then in the morning the pricness blessed the ship and sent an elite team into the space to get her a star.
and this is there storey LOL!


text:
Week 3, Day 3.Mature
"You do know we're going to have to talk actual therapy stuff soon, right?" I asked Casper on the day of our third lesson. We were sitting cross-legged on his bedroom floor, with an open packet of chocolate digestive biscuits in between us.
He eyed the biscuits from four feet away. "Yes," he said, drawing the word out. He continued staring before glancing at me and suddenly lunging towards the packet, grabbing a biscuit before I could stop him. He smiled, satisfied.
I studied the packet, also four feet away. "Wise move, Johanson, wise move," I said, as I darted forward and snatched up a cookie. Unfortunately, he slapped my hand as I was darting back, forcing me to drop it and retreat, sighing.
We were currently playing a game which I had made up on the spot - Get The Cookie From 4 Feet Away Without Getting Touched By Your Opponent. I, however, was losing badly, with only one biscuit. Cas had three.
Casper precariously stacked his biscuits, making them wobble. "Know any good oxymorons?" he asked absently.
"Er," I contemplated. "Original copy."
Casper seemed to consider it. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
"What about you?" I said quizzically.
"Definitely maybe," he replied.
I flicked a crumb at him. "That's a movie, that's not fair."
He huffed. "Fine... all alone."
I thought about it. "Hmmm. Ok. Accurate estimate."
"Nice. Almost ready."
I was surprised. "Hey, that's used a lot, isn't it?"
"Exactly. We have no idea that we're saying such contradicting things, you know?" Casper asked. He sounded childishly curious.
"I suppose so. Ok, then, awfully good," I replied.
"Artificial intelligece," he challenged me.
"Balding hair."
"Damn, that's right. Ok, melted ice."
"Middle East."
"Young adult."
"Inside out."
He gave me a long, hard stare. "Butthead," he said at last.
I stared at him in surprise, then dissolved in to hysterical laughter.
"What - the bloody - hell?" I gasped, clutching my sides.
Casper arched an eyebrow at me. "It's not that funny," he said.
"I know, but - it was just so - random!" I laughed, trying to catch my breath.
Cas shook his head and plucked a biscuit from the packet. I immediately stopped laughing.
"That's not fair, I wasn't ready," I argued.
"Not my fault," he retorted, and was about to take another before I tapped his hand, and snatched up my own biscuit. And then the last one.
"And that was very fair," said Casper.
"It was," I proclaimed, and bit in to the crunchy cookie. Casper broke his in to two, and popped one half in to his mouth.
"Listen," he said, after a moment of silence. "I'm sorry about last week."
"You mean, about being all mad and everything?" I questioned, slowly chewing around my mouthful of chocolatey biscuit.
"Yeah, exactly," he said uncomfortably. I waved him off.
"It's ok, Casper. Really. I told you, I know the feeling. And hey, we're having a pretty decent conversation right now, aren't we? And we only argued at the very beginning of the session. It's an achievement."
Casper snorted, out of exasperation or confusion, I didn't know. "Alright then."
"Alright then," I smiled, raising my biscuit to him in a salute. And then I took a big bite.
"So," I mumbled. "What to do next?"
"Steal other people's biscuits," he replied, and grabbed one of mine.
Spluttering, I knocked his plate over and took one of his.
"Hey!" he said indignantly, and soon, we were immersed in a fierce battle of broken biscuits. Crumbs scattered across the room, arcing to the very corners of it.
Eventually (two crushed Chocolate Digestive Biscuits later), we stopped, and began collecting the fragments of the cookies. I popped a little in to my mouth, as we piled them in to my plate to share.
"Ok, I've got something," I announced, as we settled back on to the moderately uncomfortable floor.
Casper motioned for me to speak, studying his piece of biscuit like it was possible crawling with red fire ants.
"I'm going to say a word, and you're going to say the first thing you think of when I say it. Got it?" I explained in a purposely authority-filled voice.
"Is this a therapy game or something?" Casper asked, seeming amused.
"Not exactly," I admitted. "But come on, Casper. You're going to have to talk eventually. Why not make it a game?"
"I'm not exactly comfortable admitting my near-suicidal thoughts to anyone," Casper said wryly.
"Personally, I would feel better admitting it to a stranger than someone I know personally. That person would be too involved, otherwise."
"Ah," Casper said, waggling his finger at me. "But you're not a stranger, are you?"
"Well. No."
"Exactly. Elementary, my dear Watson."
I ignored the (incorrectly used!) Sherlock Holmes reference, and thought of a word.
"Red," I said.
"Blood," he said automatically. A flash of guilt reflected in his eyes, but he continued looking at me steadily.
"Digestive biscuits."
He hesitated. "Fake."
"Hey," I said warningly. "You paused, right there. What was the first thing you thought of? And don't lie to me and say that it was the first thing you thought of, because I know it wasn't."
Casper shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know what to think of happiness. It feels like an illusion created to keep us sane. I remember vague flashes of happiness - a good feeling. But it never lasted and it was just a thin veil hiding everything else. So I just said fake."
There was a moment of silence, where I didn't know how to respond.
"Your turn," Casper proclaimed. "Pink."
"Panther?" I said, still a little uncertain.
"Black and white..."
He wrinkled his nose. "How is hyphenated weird?"
"It's not. It's the first thing I thought of. But, come to think of it, I don't see the purpose of hyphenated words. Why hyphenate them? It's one more irrelevant character in a word . It's like, you can't decide whether to squash the two words together or keep them apart, so you fix a little line inbetween them, thinking, here's a compromise. I mean, how weird is that?"
"Extremely," Casper said solemnly, plucking a crumb of biscuit from my plate, and rolling it around in his fingers. "I've tried to explain it to people before, but they just don't get it. I had a fierce debate with my fourth grade teacher about it. She argued that I couldn't argue with proper English, and then I said that SHE wasn't proper English, because she was a - Well. It wasn't a nice or proper word."
I laughed. "You were a charming fourth grader. I was the teacher's pet."
He rolled his eyes. "Of course you were. You're a seventeen-year-old therapist. Teachers like smart kids, and you're a genius."
"Not a genius," I said defensively. "My mum taught me at home before I got any schooling, so I was put in to first grade instead of kindergarten. And I may have skipped a grade... or two."
"So not a complete genius," he muttered, "But a semi-genius."
I picked up a biscuit piece and aimed it at his face. He batted it away easily.
"You're easier to talk to, you know?" he said suddenly. "You're not so cold and posh as the other therapists. They were just doing it for the money, it seemed. But you're better... more... charismatic."
Charismatic. I blinked at that word. I didn't like being called it - mostly because I didn't like to think myself as such. I laughed, almost darkly.
"I'm not charismatic. I can't be," I said flatly, silently urging him to be quiet, as he was reaching out to a touchy subject.
"But you are," he said matter-of-factly. "Look at yourself."
"Casper, I'm not, leave it," I said, becoming irritated.
"But you are," he said in a convinced tone. "You're confident, and you put up a good front. You always seem to do good stuff, and you work for the better. You have excellent grades. Bet you were popular, too. Sage Thurling, you are almost the definition of perfect."
And I snapped.
"Stop it," I told him sharply, angrily. "I'm not perfect. I'm NOT perfect, I never was and frankly, never will be. Perfection is an illusion. But I didn't used to think that. People were always insisting I was perfect. It's what started this whole thing. Oh, Sage, you're so good at everything, I wish I was as perfect as you! Sage is the perfect daughter; anyone would want her! You're just so perfect, Sage!" My voice was ugly as I mocked others. "And when you hear something so many times, you start to believe it. And then I screwed up, and suddenly I didn't feel perfect anymore, and I was horrified, because perfection was what I WAS. It was me and I was it and after I realized I actually wasn't, I felt useless, irrelevant, pathetic. I felt... not good."
My outburst was over, and my voice's volume had rapidly decreased. "So don't call me anything close to 'perfect'," I said softly. "Because I'm really, really not."
Casper stared at me, and I sighed, ashamed of my outburts, ducking my head. It didn't happen often that I got so annoyed that I snapped at people, but it had today. I so wished it hadn't.
There was silence for a minute.
"I'm sorry," Cas said at last, voice quiet. "I didn't know what 'perfect' meant to you. I didn't mean to upset you like that."
"I'm sorry, too," I said in a small voice. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. It was really unprofessional."
He shrugged. "Professional is boring. Don't become like that."
I smiled. "Alright."
So, in the end, Casper wasn't the one who revealed something about himself; I was. But that was beneficial for me, actually, because for the rest of the lesson after that, he became more... comfortable, and intimate around me.
Maybe it was easier to tell a stranger something rather than someone you knew, but I was extremely hopeful that for us, that wouldn't be the case.


text:
Mohawk BriteHue - No. 10 Envelopes - GREEN - 500 PK
This item is currently out of stock. If you would like us to email you when it is back in stock, send along your email address...
|This product is associated to the following category pages:
No. 10 ENVELOPES
Envelopes with Recycled Content
Green Paper and Envelopes
Green Envelopes
All Envelopes
Envelopes - 4x9 (ranging in sizes close to 4 x 9.5 inches)
Mohawk BRITEHUE
No. 10 ENVELOPES - Expanded Selection
Write a review | No reviews for this product.
Write a review | No reviews for this product.
Mohawk BriteHue ENVELOPES
- Envelope Size: No 10 Envelopes (4-1/8-x-9-1/2)
- Finish: Semi-Vellum (this is not translucent vellum)
- Sub. 24/60 TEXT (89gsm))
- acid free (archival)
- ECF - Elemental Chlorine Free
- laser/ink compatible
- 10 shades contain 30% post-consumer
- 7 shades / virgin fiber (Ultra colors are virgin fiber)
- Manufactured with Green-e certified windpower
Mohawk BriteHue inspires great design. Your project is sure to get noticed with this vibrant saturated color scheme. The paper features a full spectrum of vivid colors and stock offerings of cut sheets and envelopes. Manufactured responsibly by Mohawk paper mills.
View all Britehue Products or all Mohawk Brands
You may be interested in these Popular Items
Mohawk BriteHue - 8.5 x 11 Paper - Assorted Colors (Sampler) - 24/60 Text - 250 PK
Mohawk Loop Antique Vellum - TRY-ME Pack
Plike (Plastic-Like) Paper - 8.5 x 11 - TRY-ME Pack
Arturo Italian Stationery TRY-ME Pack


text:
- 1 not giving enough attention and thought to what you are doing, so that you make mistakes It was careless of me to leave the door open. Don't be so careless about/with spelling. a careless worker/driver opposite careful
- 2 resulting from a lack of attention and thought a careless mistake/error
- 3careless of something (formal) not at all worried about something He seemed careless of his own safety.
- 4not showing interest or effort synonym casual She gave a careless shrug. a careless laugh/smile Word OriginOld English carlēas 'free from care' (see care, -less).Word Familycare noun verbcareful adjective (≠careless)carefully adverb (≠carelessly)caring adjective (≠uncaring)Extra examples He's very careless with money. She had begun to grow careless. She's careless about her spelling. Try not to be so careless in the future. When performing his stunts he was careless of his own safety. a rather careless mistake Don't be so careless about spelling. You've made rather a lot of careless mistakes in your work.
adjectivejump to other results
BrE BrE//ˈkeələs//; NAmE NAmE//ˈkerləs//
Check pronunciation: careless