text:
Deduct It!: Lower Your Small Business Taxes
Nolo, Nov 30, 2012 - Business & Economics - 520 pages
Business tax deductions, from start-up to success -- learn how to Deduct It!
Completely updated for 2012 returns!
Understanding tax deductions is one of the keys to start-up success. Learn how to make more money for your small business by paying the IRS less -- let Deduct It! show you how to quickly maximize the business deductions you're legally entitled to.
Learn how to make year-round business decisions that will pay off come tax time and avoid IRS problems with this comprehensive book. All the information you need is organized into practical categories featuring common deductions for small business owners, including:
- start-up expenses
This editionĀis completely updated with all the latest tax information, eligibility requirements, and tax rates for 2012 returns, including substantive updates to the law. Whether your business is just starting or well-established, Deduct It! is indispensable to your venture.
What people are saying - Write a review
LibraryThing ReviewUser Review - chsbellboy - LibraryThing
This book runs through a lot of tax law related to running a small business and different things that your business can do to reduce its tax burden. Read full review


text:
Islam & Democracy Project
PI: Said Arjomand
Outside the West, constitutionalism appeared for the first time in the Muslim world, with the Tunisian constitution of 1861 and Ottoman constitution of 1876, which predate that of Japan, followed by the Iranian constitution of 1906. The relation between Islam and democracy and the constitutional rule of law is currently among the most hotly debated in the Muslim world where recent constitutional developments include the extensive liberal amendments to the Indonesian Constitution of 1945 between 1999 and 2002 carried out, significantly, by the leaders of the two largest Islamic popular organizations in the world. The history of the century and a half of constitutionalism in the Near East shows a significant range of variation in the placing of Islam in the constitutional order and in relation to democratic government. Yet this variation and constitutional history itself are largely ignored in the current superficial and ideological debates on Islam and democracy and their alleged mutual incompatibility.
Very broadly speaking, we have an early phase of liberal constitutionalism, followed by the era of ideological constitution-making, and finally the current return to the rule of law and post-ideological constitutionalism. The conception of the place of the shari'a (Islamic law) in the constitutional order is crucial for the definition of Islamic constitutionalism, but it was not a constant and will in fact be shown to vary considerably from one period to the next. The discussions of Islam in relation to women and human rights have varied accordingly, and even more significantly. The exploration of these critical variations, and of the other aspects of relation between Islam and democracy in historical perspective define the objectives of this Project.
The first "Islam and Democracy Project" conference is on "Constitutionalism, the Rule of Law and the Politics of Administration in Egypt and Iran." It will be hosted by the International Institute for the Sociology of Law in Onati, Spain, May 28-30, 2009. [Link]
For the subsequent years, we plan conferences and a year-long lecture series at the Stony Brook Institute for Global Studies on the following topics:
- Constitutional History of the Muslim World
- Patterns of State-Building, Modernization and Authoritarianism
- Islamic Constitutionalism in Historical Perspective
- Islamic Reformism and Democratization
- Islamism, the Shari'a and 'the Islamic State'
- Islam, Women and Human Rights
- Obstacles to Democratization in the Contemporary Muslim World
Selected papers from the conferences and lecture series will, as a rule, be published in the proposed SBIGS monograph series with State University of New York Press.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
FORT WORTH, Texas — An Amarillo, Texas, man was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release, following his guilty plea in February 2011 for receiving and possessing child pornography. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Secret Service North Texas Electronic Crimes Task Force, and the Saginaw Police Department.
Matthew J. Merideth, 34, of Amarillo, Texas, formerly of Saginaw, Texas, has been in federal custody since his arrest in October 2010 on a related charge in a federal criminal complaint.
According to documents filed in the case, in April 2010, the Saginaw Police Department visited the Merideth residence in Saginaw based on a lead who lived in the residence. Upon arriving at the residence, officers interviewed Merideth. A few days later, they executed a state search warrant for his computer. A preliminary forensic exam of the computer revealed that two child pornography videos had been recently downloaded from the Internet using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. The exam also revealed that numerous images of child pornography had been saved on his computer. According to the complaint, Merideth told investigators that he had used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to locate and download child pornography because he was attempting to hunt down individuals preying on children. Merideth, however, told investigators that he wasn't successful, nor did he report any of this activity to law enforcement.
In October 2010, ICE HSI agents visited the Merideth residence in Amarillo to execute an arrest warrant for Merideth. During a consent search of Merideth and his computer and related storage media, child pornography was discovered.
This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.


text:
No, not they; they want Irish votes, that's all—it's bunkum.
It's for them that all these atrocities are invented—most of them bunkum.
"It may be bunkum, but if it takes away his mind from his stomach let him go on," Curtis interposed.
I regret, however, to have to write that this idea of self-sacrifice is really all bunkum.
My clients, Whistle & Sharp, are bunkum yet—allers stand up to the rack at the end of an execution.
Slavery speeches are all bunkum; so are reform speeches, too.
Tall talk's his jewelry: he must have his dandification in bunkum.
It must not be supposed, however, that this was all bunkum to Mr. Spokesly.
But I'm blowed if this bunkum don't make me inclined to turn Radical rat.
Whereby I am at liberty to conclude that there is bunkum in the air.
bunk (1840s+)


text:
Women's Ashworth® Microfleece Half - zip Pullover
Item # WX2-188925
Women's Ashworth® Microfleece Half - zip Pullover
Item # WX2-188925
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Women's Ashworth® Microfleece Half - zip Pullover serves up tour - caliber comfort!
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- Machine wash / dry. Imported.
State Color and Size, as available in the Shopping Cart.
- Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Articles & Tips


text:
Resolving the NullPointerException in Process Portal after upgrading to WebSphere Lombardi Edition (WLE) Version 7.2.0 Fix Pack 4"
Technote (troubleshooting)
After you apply Fix Pack 4 to your WebSphere Lombardi Edition Version 7.2.0 environment, a NullPointerException is thrown when you try to access the Process Portal through the web browser.
A NullPointerException exception occurs in the following function call: SearchAPIFacadeCore.findSearchableBusinessDataAliasesForProcessInstances
Resolving the problem
There are two ways to resolve this issue. You can use a short term local fix that involves an update to a configuration file. Or, you can use a more permanent hot fix, which ensures that the issue does not occur again.
Local Fix:
You can work around this issue by making the following configuration change:
- Locate the [WLE_INSTALL_DIR]\process-server\config\100Custom.xml file.
- Add the following XML code to the file:
<server merge="mergeChildren">
<portal merge="mergeChildren">
- Restart the server.
Note: If you have a clustered environment, you must update the 100Custom.xml files at the cluster level and all cluster member-level 100Custom.xml files. For example, modify the following file for all node and member combinations of the Process Server cluster:
[ DMGR-PROFILE-DIR]\config\cells\cell_name\clusters\cluster_name\process-server\config\100Custom.xml
Permanent Fix:
By applying APAR IC85796 to each server of your environment, this issue is resolved.
Related information
IC85796: BPD instances in old branch tips can cause NPE
Document information
More support for:
WebSphere Lombardi Edition
Process Portal
Software version: 18.104.22.168
Operating system(s): AIX, Linux, Solaris, Windows
Reference #: 1623368
Modified date: 13 February 2015
Translate this page:


text:
Poor Richard Improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris … for the Year of Our Lord 1749: … Fitted to the Latitude of Forty Degrees, and a Meridian of Near Five Hours West from London: But May, Without Sensible Error, Serve All the Northern Colonies (Philadelphia: Printed and sold by B. Franklin, and D. Hall, [1748]). Graphic Arts (GAX) Hamilton 27.
"In 1732 I first published my Almanack, under the name of Richard Saunders; it was continu'd by me about 25 Years, commonly call'd Poor Richard's Almanack. I endeavor'd to make it both entertaining and useful, and it accordingly came to be in such Demand that I reap'd considerable Profit from it, vending annually near ten Thousand… . I consider'd it as a proper Vehicle for conveying Instruction among the common People, who bought scarcely any other Books. I therefore filled all the little Spaces that occur'd between the Remarkable Days in the Calendar, with Proverbial Sentences, chiefly such as inculcated Industry and Frugality, as the Means of procuring Wealth and thereby securing Virtue, it being more difficult for a Man in Want to act always honestly, as (to use here one of those Proverbs) it is hard for an empty Sack to stand upright."—Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), Autobiography
This issue of Poor Richard Improved is the first to contain woodcuts showing the astrological symbols and occupations of the months.


text:
24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn't already know who you are.
Mirko: I am the one and only Mirko aka Mirkomilk tweet me @MirkoMilk. I rep Boston, Mass and give birth to "Life" music, music you can touch and feel and which is the soundtrack of life. I got theme music and background music for you and every situation you have experienced or shall encounter. Let me music ease your pain and make you joy more worthwhile as you move through the everyday grind. I am the hood and beyond on the hood, the original righteous hypocrite firing close range at all righteous hypocrites. I'm in here people. check me out or miss out, ya digg!
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what inspired you?
Mirko: Music was always an escape for me. I was to help me deal with and process my life as well as the dream unfolding around me. Music game me words and melodies to express myself when I lacked clear means of expressing or understanding what was going on around and within me. Becoming an artist for me was taking that to the next level and using my music to distress and creatively share my life and my world.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you're from?
Mirko: It was all about hood life and Hip-Hop was how we communicated that experience. This was during 2Pac's prime, Biggie's prime, Wu-Tang, and Mobb Deep's prime. This was before Hip-Hop became focused on balling-out, back when thugs and hustlers ruled the game.
24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other rappers out now?
Mirko: My style of music is different from others artists in your genre in that, it is not my desire to glorify reckless lifestyles. Part of the motivation behind my artistry is the fact that I desire to be a role model/example for the youth of this generation. I want my exampleship to show them that they can be true to who they are while still be successful and not compromising their integrity. In my current real world life, I'm a High School Vice-Principal and those who I desire to speak the most to are people who are like my students. I want to sure them what it means to be a successful black man and that doing such does not mean that you have to sell out or get far from your roots, also that keeping it real does not mean that you have to be wreck lass and that you can be hood if that's what you know, but not be condemned to the hood.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
Mirko: A new album entitled "Tabloids & Filth." It's a follow-up to my last project "Righteous Hypocrite." The title is self explanatory our world has become tabloids and filth. It's disturbing and disgusting, but you keep on watching. What does this say about what your looking at and what does it say about you?
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Mirko: I have worked with HD Productions, Theory Hazit, John the Baptist, Rudiment, DJ Thriumph, DJ Triple Threat, Unearth, B. Tate. those are all I can think of right now. I'd love to work with 9th Wonder, Kanye, Dre, Just Blaze, Primo, Swizz Beatz, just to name a few.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
Mirko: Hell yeah, I've been getting made love, but I need more. I even spent time with an A&R at Sony, but haven't settled on a deal yet. I need more support from ya'll so that I can get the type of offer/deal I want. I'm not trying to settle for less. My destinies to get to the top so keep pushing me as I push myself and we gonna get there.
24: In today's free download age, what do you need to do to make your self a household name?
Mirko: Exposure, exposure, exposure that is the only key word. I need more people to know about the movement and I'll be fine. Those who are tapped in have shown much love and I'm sure as more come in contact with it they will too. Get at me for features, get at me for collabs, get at me for shows, get at me on twitter just to kick it @MirkoMilk.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
Mirko: It's kinda soft. They some good music out there, but it's not as good as it could or should be, plus too many ain't being original right now. They making hits, but not classics, time to allow new blood to get to the head of the class and elevate the game, ni-mean?
24: If you had to choose to work with anyone in the music industry, who may that be?
Mirko: I would work with just about anybody, I definitely do not discriminate and I
appreciate all creative people. That said the top of my list as crazy as he is, would probably include: Kayne, Lecrae, GhostFace, Anthony Hamilton, Janelle Monae, Wayne, Wale, and Common.
24: What is the inspiration behind your most recent album?
Mirko: The inspiration behind the album "Righteous Hypocrite" was three-fold. Initially, I thought it was going to be for the religious type, specifically meaning Christians who don't practice what they preach, then as I got into it, I thought, nah this is for society, then as I got deeper I realized nah this is me exposing my heart and how I wrestle with being both a righteous and hypocritical man.
24: Describe one of your most memorable collaboration projects.
Mirko: Two words "Cram Session," I've been doing the cram session for 7 years now. It's an annual project where my crew and I invite in artist from all over the world and we write and record and album together over a three day span. We're up for 72 hours straight in the studio, everything thing mus be written and recorded there, no pre-written stuff not preconceived concepts. It's a grind, but it's creative expression at its best, plus just a great time of networking with other artists who love music.
24: How did you come up with the performance name?]
Mirko: Mirko is my real name
24: What type of message do you speak through your music?
Mirko: Life. I believe in the concept of life music and although I believe that I keep it real in my music, I try to keep it positive. Lots of people say they just about keeping it real, but they preach pure negativity, I don't believe in that. Life music to me is music that can serve as the soundtrack to your life, you know the same as the background music that fills the void in films when we watch movies, that said, that void shouldn't be filled with music that brings people
down, we gotta consistently be moving up.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
Mirko: I'm all over the place, I'm a Principal, I'm also dumb into cars, I buy 'em, hook 'em up and sell 'em. I've had over 46 cars in my lifetime and am a silent partner in a very small dealership, I also am a co-owner of a skate shop/urban appeal store called "ChildhoodRec" & a clothing line "Bosque Ink." I think that's about it, but I know there maybe other stuff that I can't think of right now.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2012 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artists out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
Mirko: I'm going hard to get a deal. That's the focus, that's the goal. To get there I gotta keep doing what I'm doing, grinding, making fresh music, networking, doing lots of
shows and promo and asking folks like ya'll to get the word out, ya' digg?
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
Mirko: REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/mirkoaamg
YouTube: http://youtu.be/NPy78-m07bA
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/MirkoMilk (@MirkoMilk)
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mirko/204080362949954
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Mirko: Look for me on twitter @MirkoMilk, watch my current
vid: http://youtu.be/NPy78-m07bA, buy my music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/righteous-hypocite/id444771022 and keep on supporting the movement!
Check out the Video:


text:
|Organic Seeds
|Edible Plants
|Organic Pest Controls
|Tools, Propagation & Fertilisers
|Sprouting & Microgreens
|Poultry Supplies
Seaweed Plant Starter Seedling Tray Sprout Bag Sprouting Kit Sprouting Starter Pack Wheatgrass Juicer Wheatgrass Kit Wheatgrass Tray Wide Mouth Mason Jar and Lids
Automatic Sprouter Spare Parts only
Parts in stock for the Easy Green Auto Sprouter.
TF149(replacement part)
Dome Sprouter
With this easy to use, 3 level, dome topped sprouter you can grow a continuous supply of fresh greens anywhere there is natural light. The dome sprouter dimensions are 20cm in diameter and 26 cm in height. For a maximum range of nutrients and enzymes sow organic seeds every few days. Comes with 15 filter sheets for alfalfa sprouts. Extra trays are available.
Jar Sprouter
A clear glass sprouter with a clever drainage stand incorporated into the screw-on lid. Dimensions 8 cm diameter x 15 cm tall; holds 650mL.
TF131minimum 3 per order
TF143minimum 6 per order
Sprouting Kit
No WA
This kit will start you sprouting!
2 x Jar Sprouters
Broccoli Sprouting Seeds 25g
Radish Sprouting Seeds 25g
Fenugreek Sprouting Seeds 25g
Sprouting Dial Chart
TF148Save $12.40
A free Sprouting, Wheatgrass and Microgreen Guide is included with your first sprouting or microgreen seed order.
Wide Mouth Mason Jar
Made from high quality heavy duty glass. Use for pressure canning or to keep your pantry orderly and pantry moths out of your food. The lids are sold separately and you have a choice of a solid lid for your preserving / storage needs or a sprouting lid that allows the jar to be used for quick, easy in-kitchen food production.
950 ml = 32 oz = 1 quart jar only.
TF178minimum 6 per order
Wide Mouth Mason Jar Solid Lid
One piece lid which fits all brands of wide mouth preserving jars.
Wide Mouth Mason Jar Sprouting Lid
White plastic ring, BPA free, with a stainless-steel mesh insert which fits all brands of wide mouth preserving jars. Suitable for all sprouting seed sizes.
Mason Sprouter
Includes 1 Mason jar and 1 sprouting lid.
TF180 Also available as part of a sprouting starter pack
TF183minimum 6 per order
Sprouting Starter Pack Save $5.00
One Mason Sprouter
Organic Broccoli Seeds 25g
Organic Mung Bean Seeds 200g
TF184Save $5.00
A free Sprouting, Wheatgrass and Microgreen Guide is included with your first sprouting or microgreen seed order.
Sprout Bag
A simple, portable way to sprout - no jars, no hassle! Just dip and hang your Sprouting Bag for delicious, healthy sprouts in 4 - 5 days. Made from chemical-free, untreated hemp with a small amount of linen fibres. It is durable, naturally mould-resistant and lasts for years. Small variation occurs but the Bags are approx 175 mm x 275 mm in size. The Hemp Sprout Bag is best for growing grains and beans such as mung, lentils, peas, chickpeas, adzuki, sprouted wheat, rye, or barley.
TF141minimum 5 per order
TF142minimum 10 per order
Seaweed Plant Starter
Get your seeds, seedlings and cuttings off to a flying start with this seaweed concentrate made from organically certified Tasmanian Bull Kelp. Contains naturally occurring plant hormones for stimulating seed germination and early root growth. Dilute 1 capful (10ml) in 4 litres of water and use to soak your seedlings when transplanting; soak seed in ½ a teaspoon of seaweed solution mixed with 500ml of water; dip cuttings into a 10ml in 100ml of water solution. Can also be used as a foliar spray.
Depending on application rate, this handy-sized 500ml bottle makes up to 200 litres of fertiliser solution.
Microgreens Kit
No WA
This kit will start your microgreens growing!
2 x Microgreen Trays
Drip Tray - ideal on kitchen benchtop; prevents spillage
Seed Raising Block - natural coconut fibre, will fill 8 trays
Organic Salad Mix - will fill 3-6 trays
Microgreens Buckwheat Seeds 25g
Microgreens Cress Seeds 25g
Seaweed Plant Starter 500 ml - provides micronutrients
TF161Save $13.30
A free Sprouting, Wheatgrass and Microgreen Guide is included with your first sprouting or microgreen seed order.
Microgreen Tray
Durable black plastic tray 33.5 cm x 14 cm; depth 5.5 cm; 2 fit into a Drip Tray or a Seedling Tray.
Use 2 of these trays for added variety and harvest succession in your benchtop cropping system.
TT143minimum 10 per order
Hand Juicer
Juices Wheatgrass!
The Healthy Juicer MK3 will supply you with a range of fresh and nutritious juices. This less-expensive alternative to electric juicers is simple to use and is lightweight, durable and compact. It's easy to store and set up by clamping onto a table, safer around children than electric appliances and ideal to take travelling. The table or bench to which you fix it needs to have a 'lip' of about 5 cm to accommodate the clamp. The unique design optimises the extraction and preservation of enzymes and nutrients - it's a slow auger juicer. It can juice all types of fruit and vegetables including leafy greens such as herbs and wheatgrass. Ideal for shots of wheatgrass juice etc. Larger glasses of juice do take a bit of energy to produce - incorporate juice-making into your morning exercise routine! Cut the veges into strips for the best results. It includes a strainer and juice jug. The pulp residue is ideal for the worm farm or compost. This product has a 3-year warranty. Food grade plastic, made in China.
Wheat Grass Kit
Get all the health benefits of sprouted wheatgrass.
1 x Hand Juicer (MK3)
2 x Seedling / Wheatgrass Trays
1 kg certified organic Wheat Seed
TF115Save $15.95
A free Sprouting, Wheatgrass and Microgreen Guide is included with your first sprouting or microgreen seed order.
Seedling / Wheatgrass Tray
This durable 35 cm x 29 cm black plastic tray is ideal for holding recycled pots, jiffy plant starters, homemade paper pots, 48 cell tray or for direct sowing of seed or wheatgrass. It also fits the Mini Propagator or 8 standard punnets.
TT101minimum 10 per order
Find more food processing equipment here.
Find more propagation equipment here.
|Why Shop with Us
|Free Australian Organic Gardening Resource Guide
|Contact Us
|About Us


text:
iPhone, iPad
Windows Desktop
Health and Safety Work Observation Mobile App
Form for supervisors/managers to record workplace health and safety observations. Use in the field during everyday tasks to verify that staff is working in accordance with required safety practices, identify opportunities for improvement and keep a record of due diligence activities.
Human Resources & Time Management mobile forms and apps for your team
Convert your inefficient paper Human Resources and other forms to mobile versions with Canvas.
Build your own
mobile forms
(or we'll do it for you)
Fill them out on
mobile devices
Send beautiful PDFs
instantly to customers and
Want to learn more about Canvas?Request a Demo Take a Tour
Take a peek inside the Health and Safety Work Observation Mobile App
Included Features
Our App Builder gives you the power to easily add and remove the ones you want. {{controller.show_all ? 'See included features.' : 'See more features.'}}
Included Fields
Customize to add, remove, or edit any of the fields below.
- Department
- Division
- Business Unit
- Date
- Time
- Location
- City
- Street Address
- Specific Location (flr rm etc)
- Employees on site during observation:
- Work ACTIVITY during the observation (note task, tools & equipment in use)
- Work CONDITIONS (traffic, lighting, noise, heat, cold, snow, rain)
- PPE / EQUIPMENT / TOOLS in good condition and used as appropriate for conditions/activity?
- HIGH HAZARD safety precautions in use as expected?
- DISCUSSION with lead hand/employees completed?
- What was discussed?
- Opportunities for Improvement
- Assigned to
- Due date
- Supervisor/Manager Name
- Job Title
- Signature (on hard copy)
- Date (on hard copy)
...and More!
See it in Action
Get Started Today!Request a Demo Try It Free
Related Human Resources & Time Management Apps...and they're all free for Canvas subscribers!
More Information
- Creator: Airport Ops
- Language: English
- Country: United States of America
- Type: Human Resources
- Tags: no tags defined yet.
- Categories: Human Resources & Time Management, Employee Management


text:
Left 4 Dead
You've got to hand it to Valve. It's probably the only developer on the planet that could have made Left 4 Dead. On paper the game reads like some kind of half-baked, harebrained Half-Life 2 mod. The kind of bedroom project that would never 'make it' because it only has four onehour missions each with plotless stories flimsily based around a gaggle of hackneyed Seventies zombie movies.
'Let's get this straight. You shoot your way through a bunch of nondescript zombies, relying entirely on AI and the odd scripted event?'
'Yeah, and all of the character's attributes are identical and you've only got a few weapons, a Molotov and a pipe bomb to play with.'
'Right. Er, thanks for the pitch. Close the door on your way out.'
'Wait… did we mention we're using a four-year-old engine to make it?'
'[click] Security to the board room…'
The simple fact is, at any other dev house with anybody else's money Left 4 Dead wouldn't have made it off the drawing board. At Valve, however, these kinds of ideas aren't just born, they're incubated, pampered, burped and in time they grow into solid granite monoliths of modern games design. We could waste hours mulling whether it's pure vision, the simplicity of the Source engine or the backing of largest digital download service on the planet that allows them to take these kinds of design risks and get away with it, but the net result is that Left 4 Dead doesn't just work, it redefines the online FPS.
Its less-is-more approach is actually quite a refreshing break from the recent trend in firstperson shooters too. There's no 30-hour convoluted quest to contend with, no weapon degradation, no topographic map reading and certainly no fourlegged friend to try and keep alive – it's run-and-gun all the way, with the odd pant-changing pit stop thrown in to keep your nerves from burning out. It's the kind of fast-paced quick-fix action that puts us in mind of the past masters like Doom and Serious Sam. There is wave after wave of undead enemies between you and the next classic zombie apocalypse scenario, and all you've got is a health pack strapped to your back and three other people to keep you alive. While the inclusion of co-op multiplayer really makes this game work, it's actually the nature of the AI that keeps you coming back for more.
While it would have been easy to have scripted the zombies to catch you and your online compadres at various bottlenecks during your escape, Valve's AI Director ensures no two play-throughs are ever the same by constantly monitoring your progress and dealing you just the right number of enemies at just the right time to keep you on the brink of despair. One pass through the hospital lobby might go painlessly enough, yet the next zombies will drop down through holes in the ceiling, climb through windows and beat down doors until you're surrounded by utter chaos. The inclusion of four uber-undead 'boss' enemies also throws in a certain level of unpredictability. These guys can wreak serious havoc by vomiting zombieattracting bile, wrapping their 50-foot tongues around your neck, pouncing from great distances or – worst of all – throwing a car at your head or punching you 20 feet off the top of a high building.
We found ourselves moving gingerly through an abandoned and boarded-up township actually whispering the all clear over the built-in voice chat as we pressed on toward the safe-room. You make allies quickly when you're online in L4D, because without them you're toast.
In fact, the game has a cunning knack of completely drawing you in to the point of acting out the classic zombie-flick dos and don'ts. From peering through windows with a torch to shrieking 'get 'em off me!' or 'just go on without me – get to that chopper!' at the top of your lungs, you'll be drawn in to the action. It's beyond multiplayer, it's role-playing in the ultimate hammed-up zombie-fest.
That's enough Valve-sex for one review, though; it's clear from the score that L4D isn't entirely perfect. It's as polished a finished product we've seen for some time, but there are a couple of niggles that, at their worst, can bring a premature end to what should always be a late-night session. The first and most obvious would be the ageing visuals. There's little doubt that Source is in desperate need of a face-lift, and preferably a DirectX 10 one. While we're sure it'll come in time (likely with the release of Half-Life 2: Episode Three), Valve would have done very well to use the development of L4D to dust down any technical engine tweaks by way of a warm-up for its biggest intellectual property later this year.
Weaknesses in graphics are almost always forgivable, but when it's the network interface of an almost entirely network-dependent game it's another matter. It's pretty clear Valve decided to strip back the server interface to help maintain the immediacy of the gameplay, but for our money it went too far. Fair enough – scanning through endless reams of server lists and filtering them to preference is about as fun as it sounds, but there must be a middle ground. While we quite like the lobby system for connecting to games that are yet to start, we would rather have a clunky interface with a decent level of visibility than be indiscriminately connected to servers in our rough geographic location with only a meagre list of gameplay variables to go on.
Still, L4D is probably the most fun we've had with our PCs since Valve's last four-hour 'epic' FPS, you know – the one with only one gun and one enemy. How the hell do those guys do it?


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Rumor: Men in Black 3 is Still in Development Somewhere?
by Alex Billington
September 29, 2008
Source: Parade
I'm getting quite tired of running rumors like this, but alas, it's news people want to read about. We were recently pointed towards a quote in the latest issue of Parade where producer Walter Parkes apparently comments on the status of another Men in Black movie. In response to a question about a Men in Black 3, Parkes says "the challenge is getting the script right and finding a time when our busy stars are available." But that's not all. "Everyone, including Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, wants to do another." Since when? Some quick background research uncovers a story from way back in 2005, where Parkes said that there have "been some conversations" but not much more. So is this real news or not?
It's hard to say that Parade would be digging up old rumors and quoting a producer out of context, which makes me believe this quote is actually legitimate news. I'll be making some calls today to try and find out a bit more, but I'm just not so sure if this really means we'll see a third movie anyway. Parkes, remarkably, accurately described the second Men in Black (from 2002), saying "I don't think we did the best possible job on the second one." Really?! I know I really didn't like it at all, but that may just be me. One of the big current Hollywood trends surrounds bringing back seemingly "dead" franchises and it looks like Men in Black is the perfect candidate for a big-time return. But would it actually end up any good?
Follow Alex's main profile on :


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The auteur filmmaker behind "MASH" died of complications from cancer. An unconventional artist, Altman was nominated for five best-directing Academy Awards over the years, and won an honorary statue this year.
Los Angeles Times:
Robert Altman, the maverick director who earned a reputation as one of America's most original filmmakers with landmark movies such as "MASH," "Nashville," and "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," has died. He was 81.
Altman, who never stopped producing and directing films, died of complications due to cancer Monday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a spokesman for Altman's Sandcastle 5 Productions Company in New York City said today.
Over the years, Altman earned five Academy Award nominations for best director—for "MASH," "Nashville," "The Player," "Short Cuts" and, most recently, "Gosford Park." His latest film was this year's "A Prairie Home Companion," an ensemble comedy with music based on the Garrison Keillor radio show.
"Bob's restless spirit has moved on," Meryl Streep, one of the many stars who appeared in "A Prairie Home Companion," said in a statement. "I have to say, when I spoke with him last week, he seemed impatient for the future. He still had the generous, optimistic appetite for the next thing, and we planned the next film laughing in anticipation of the laughs we'd have."


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The 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' host is unimpressed that 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' host changes its airing schedule after he announces his new timeslot.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has been moved to earlier timeslot and its late-night show rival "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" follows suit. The ABC show will air at 11:35 P.M. (25 minutes earlier) starting January 8, 2013, while the NBC show is going to occupy the 11:34 P.M. slot (one minute earlier than its current schedule).
In a recent press conference, Jimmy Kimmel said he was not worried about the move made his rival show. "It tells me that they are a bit concerned," he said. "I'll be curious to see how long that goes on. That's a trick designed to bring up their ratings in the first month. What really matters is how you do in May and that's when we'll know where we stand."
Kimmel's mockery toward Jay Leno didn't stop there, "Just when you think he's dead, he comes back," he dissed the older late night show host. "The fact is that NBC is going to make a decision someday. As much as he would like it, Jay Leno can't stay on television forever and Jimmy Fallon is the heir apparent."
Despite the change of schedule, Kimmel said his show would largely remain the same. "It will pretty much be the same show we've always been doing," he explained. "There's this idea that you need to broaden the show or make it more wholesome, and I think that is outdated."
"The jokes will remain exactly the same," he added. "We're moving 25 minutes earlier. From a Standards and Practices standpoint it's not a huge difference."


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We're glad you took the time to check out our website. Whether you're completely new to church or just haven't been for awhile, we'd love to meet you. Take some time to look around on the site and find answers to your questions. If we can help you find anything let us know.
Join us on Sundays at any of our 3 services. At New Hope you can expect a friendly, welcoming environment for everyone in your family. We're glad you're here!
Service Times:
Sunday Morning Service: 8:00 | 9:30 | 11:00
July 16, 2017
July 9, 2017
July 2, 2017
June 25, 2017


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Welcome to Sommers Gate Farms
Welcome to Sommers Gate Farms on line! Our website is easy to navigate and provides information about our farms, horse motel facilities, clinics and activities. Our site includes our calendar of events, photos of our facilities and events, registration forms and fees. If you cant find what youre looking for, give us a call or send us an email message. Our contact information is on the Contact page of this site. Thank you!
SPECIAL NOTE: Sommers Gate Farms and our Horse Motel was featured in the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners magazine, February, 2013 Spring edition.
Events are held in Vandalia, IL. Visit the directions page for more information.
About Us
We have two farms so you may choose which site better accommodates you. Both of our farms offer horse owners, pet owners and/or hunters passing through a nice, quiet, comfortable place to stay where they will have their horses and pets right there on site with them.
Our 40-acre farm includes a completely remodeled farmhouse, a new 5-stall barn with 12x12 stalls and a tack room, 3 large paddocks with run-ins that will house up to 9 horses (3 per paddock), and an outdoor riding arena. The farmhouse is warm and cozy with all the comforts of home: large eat-in, fully equipped kitchen that includes a full size refrigerator, freezer and stove, dishwasher, coffee pot, toaster oven; satellite dish TV, DVD player, CD player, etc.. read more
Our Accomodations
If youre traveling cross country with your horses, pets and/or hunting dogs and need a super nice place to stay as youre passing through, our horse motel and facilities offer accommodations for you and your entourage all at the same place! read more


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Reports: Wes Welker's Surgery Successful
It seems so long ago when the Patriots played the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Yet it was barely a month ago (Jan. 3) when the turf monster reached up to grab Wes Welker's leg putting enough pressure on his knee to cause it to tear two ligaments. That day the ended Welker's season, and most of the hope New England had to go deep into the playoffs.
Surgery on Welker's knee was performed yesterday according to published reports, and the surgery went well, or "at least as well as you could expect a major surgery to go," according to WBZ's Dan Roche.
Tests after the game revealed Welker tore the MCL and ACL ligaments in his knee. According to standard treatment for this type of injury, the MCL is given time to heal so the swelling subsides enough for the ACL to be operated on. That was how Tom Brady's surgery went, and so it was assumed would Welker's.
According to the Boston Herald, the surgery wasn't done in some fancy clinic on the west coast like Brady's, team doctor Thomas Gill operated on Welker at Mass General in Boston.
Though other players have returned from this type of injury to play the following season (see Brady), getting hurt in the last game of the regular season puts Welker's 2010 season in jeopardy. Typical recovery time from this type of injury can take from 6 to 18 months, with a year minimum considered the norm.
Unlike Brady, Welker depends on his knees to help him get to the right spot. The surgery puts in doubt Welker's status for opening day next year. According to one league source, Welker will likely start the season on the team's PUP list to give him extra time to recover. That would buy the Patriots receiver at least another 6 weeks to figure out if he's ready to go.
Replacing Welker
There's no one on the roster who can do what Welker has done the past three seasons - lead the NFL in receptions, except perhaps Randy Moss. Moss' success was largely affected by Welker's performance on the opposite side of the field. Welker's impact on the Patriots offense cannot be overstated; he was the engine that carried the team.
The Patriots will undoubtedly turn to Kent State product Julian Edelman, who played the role of Welker in the team's offense when the injury happened. Edelman is no Welker, but he's as close to a Welker clone as you can get.
Welker finished the 2009 season with 123 receptions for 1,348 yards (career highs). It was his third consecutive season with over 100 catches and over 1,000 yards.
Edelman, in comparison, finished with 37 receptions for 359 yards in 11 games.
Aside from Moss and Edelman, the Patriots have Sam Aiken, Isaiah Stanback, Matt Slater and Darnell Jenkins on the roster. 2009 rookie Brandon Tate tried to return from a knee injury during the season but finished on I/R. He should be ready to go for 2010.
Hot Topic: Welker OK After Surgery


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cant disclose that information on the internet. haha!
cant disclose that information on the internet. haha!
Your Freindly Neighborhood Monster.
yo subcyde wen u tag a pole next to a sleepin cop com fuk wit me with ur lil zoo york pic and awesome ass signature ur probably the king of toys
Your Freindly Neighborhood Monster.
i remember when i was 12 and all i did was tags
its a tag thread you stupid fuck.. the point is to post tags..
Attachment 78667Attachment 78668 we did a bunch of these and for some reason they buffed most of them before noon the next day :/
"for some reason"
im pretty sure if i saw you putting that on my wall id shoot you.
nobody comes in here to see a bunch of toys talking shit to eachother. post pics or get the fuck out.
oold pics from my trip to philly/nyc
go to: soundcloud dot com/righteoussam
Anyone seen this shit yet
firstly my grammer can be great at any time of my chosing, secondly im puerto rican dumbass and my moms black u fuckin retard, and thirdly fuck you. im from baton rouge bitch new murder capital fuck wit me!!!!
Your Freindly Neighborhood Monster.


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You bet they did, says performer Gerri Gribi. Listen to a two-minute segment of a longer audio interview with Gerri where she discusses the role of music in suffrage activism. Gerri performs suffrage songs for audiences across the country during special programs and celebrations highlighting the suffrage movement and other occasions related to women's social and musical history. Songs were important in parades. At special teas and receptions it wasn't uncommon to have a woman performer either sing or play a musical instrument.
Suffrage Wagon News Channel
- vimeo.com/190306732 More #suffrage centennial events. SuffrageCentennials.com #NY4suffrage #votingrights #activism #history #teacher 1 month ago
- vimeo.com/112498357 Follow the #suffrage wagon for #news & events. #History with a flair. #NY4suffrage… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 2 months ago
- vimeo.com/215587872 Plan visit to Harriet Tubman's home in #NewYork State. #Video is inspiration. #wmnhist #womenshistory #history #vote 2 months ago
- Check out our coverage of grassroots #suffrage #activism during 2017 #NewYork 100 yrs. of #women #voting.… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 2 months ago
- #Votesforwomen #news updates. There's a 2017 #centennial ongoing. suffragewagon.org/?p=12957 @VotesforWomen… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 2 months ago
- adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-new… #Suffrage Wagon #News Channel supports "Healing #History." Making link: past & future.… twitter.com/i/web/status/8… 2 months ago
Important Links
- Alice Paul Institute
- Chick History
- ElectWomen
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association
- Equal Rights Amendment
- Her Hat Was in the Ring
- League of Women Voters
- Let's rock the cradle
- Long Island Suffrage Movement
- Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation & Home
- National Archives Online
- National Constitution Center
- National Women's History Museum
- National Women's History Project
- New York State Museum
- NYC Women's History Walk
- Organizing Toolbox: Video
- Sewall-Bemont House and Museum
- Songs of the Suffragettes- Recording
- Stanton and Anthony Papers
- Suffrage Buffs of America
- Suffrage Centennials
- Suffrage Memorabilia
- Suffrage Wagon News Channel
- Suffragist Elisabeth Freeman
- Suffragist Oral Histories
- Susan B. Anthony House
- The Women's Museum
- Turning Point Suffragist Memorial
- Women's Heritage Trails
- Women's History Carnival
- Women's Rights National Historic Park (Seneca Falls, NY)
- Womens Enews
- WomensSuffrage.org
Member: National Storytelling Network
Let's Link Up on Facebook


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No announcement yet.
Wow, this forum has changed!
This topic is closed.
new posts
"Right is right, even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it." - St. Augustine
Who says back fat is a bad thing? Maybe on a hairy guy at the beach, but not on a crab.
I insulted the writer and rightly so. I didnt insult Cookie. Duh.| My (food) Blog | Follow me on Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter |
�It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.� - Samuel Adams
Blah you are so boring, joanie. No wonder your alone on a saturday night... In your 50s.
If the goddess came down right now and said, "Joanie, you get to be Zach which means an extra 20 years on the planet, or you get to be you and you'll die when you die," I'd never take the other 20 years. That's what a waste of air and skin I think you are."Right is right, even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it." - St. Augustine
Who says back fat is a bad thing? Maybe on a hairy guy at the beach, but not on a crab.
Well, there seems to be some misconceptions here. First off, the cult mentality. I was actually just complaining about this via texts with Zach just the other day. I'm not trying to recruit anyone, in fact, my own journal on here is not diet-centric at all, because it's not really what interests me. I eat intuitively, based on a modified version of what I've always ate. I was raised by grandparents that had a very traditional French diet. The collective hivemind you see here is likely people that want to be part of a community that supports their "odd" diet, but are turned off by some of the other Peat forums for whatever reasons. Maybe they don't want to be part of a totalitarian forum. You see this in the Peat thread, which, I don't even post in very much. I stay away from primal threads, because it's not my goal to go out and collect every person and "convert" them -- and it just doesn't interest me. Most involved in a higher carb diet gravitated to it on their own accord, usually from sampling various information and just a genuine curiosity about it. The questions in the Peat thread show this, I personally don't even know many of these individuals and have never seen their posts anywhere on the forum, so, you cannot say that I've gone out and actively tried to convert them. I post where I post and I don't censor my opinions, but I hardly ever catch myself name dropping, and when I do debate from a particular stance, it's what I believe and I try to explain it as scientifically relevant as possible. This is much like Peat's articles, on their own, it will rarely catch followers or attention simply because no one really cares. Nutritional science is the bastard child of the scientific community.
If anything, I'd much rather someone follow a primal diet than a SAD or CW, partly because I care about the health of others, and secondly because I want to move away from nanny state guidelines as much as possible. I can't really accomplish this if I'm holding the hand of people and acting like some glorious leader or something. My attitude is far from that, I'm definitely no leader, and I'm not that arrogant. I do have a weird sense of humor though, and I was just joking in this thread.
People seem happy eating this particular way, so, others are curious and wish to try to incorporate some of the aspects. It's natural, it's not anti-primal or anything, most are just eating fruit and dairy, but in higher amounts.
So, yeah, chillax people.Last edited by Derpamix; 10-06-2013, 03:02 AM.Make America Great Again
hiya derp
how does it feel to be the face of calm in a sea of food and bad words?beautiful
yeah you are
Baby if you time travel back far enough you can avoid that work because the dust won't be there. You're too pretty to be working that hard.
Masochism on my partbeautiful
yeah you are
Baby if you time travel back far enough you can avoid that work because the dust won't be there. You're too pretty to be working that hard.
Do you think they've ever shut a thread down for hippieness?
I figure if I keep posting this stuff it will eventually sink in. Yeah, I'm naive"I think the basic anti-aging diet is also the best diet for prevention and treatment of diabetes, scleroderma, and the various "connective tissue diseases." This would emphasize high protein, low unsaturated fats, low iron, and high antioxidant consumption, with a moderate or low starch consumption.
In practice, this means that a major part of the diet should be milk, cheese, eggs, shellfish, fruits and coconut oil, with vitamin E and salt as the safest supplements."
- Ray Peat


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Framed (ref: 3064)
The Original woodblock, 3 x 4 in. (7.6 x 10.1 cm.)
Provenance: The Artist's own collection.
Literature: Before the War and Long Ago, A selection of wood engravings and linocuts with reminiscences by Katherine Fryer, The Old Stile Press, 2000.
Painter, wood engraver and teacher, born in Leeds, Yorkshire, where she studied at the College of Art, 1926-31. Went on to teach at Bath School of Art for a period, living in Bath, Somerset. She exhibited Redfern Gallery and in north of England galleries, Wakefield and Harrogate Art Galleries buying her work. Nintieth birthday exhibition, One Point of View, RBSA, 2000, coincided with the publication of Before the war... and long ago, Fryer's reminiscences and prints. Later lived at Harborne, Birmingham.


text: By Meena Thiruvengadam • May 27, 2013For news organizations, Instagram isn't just about pretty pictures. It's about the people they're interacting with and the stories behind the images. "Instagram is so immediate and intimate that it creates this close connection with the user," said Cory Haik, executive producer for digital news at The Washington Post. The Post uses Instagram to share photos, collect photos from … Read More


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Situated on the lakefront at The Entrance on the beautiful
Central Coast, Dunleith has been owned and operated by the
Littlefield family since 1958.
Often described as paradise due to its prime location, guests
never have a dull moment with some of the best prawning and
fishing in the state right at their back door, a pristine
surfing beach only seconds walk away and the magnificent tourist
attractions of The Entrance only minutes walk away.
The Entrance has been known for its tourism ever since the
early 1900's. As our guest you can enjoy the many
activities and attractions at your doorstep including restaurants,
cafes and entertainment events such as the world
pelican feeding, which is a sight to behold.
We have different styles of accommodation available including:
A stay at Dunleith is one to remember and we know you
will come back again and again.


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Chinatown Walking Tour and Dim Sum with ASIABU
- Starts: 10:00 am on Saturday, February 16, 2013
- Ends: 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013
We have all visited Chinatown at some point in our college years. However, have you ever wondered about the history of the neighborhood beyond tasty Chinese food? This tour will enable you to explore the past, present and future of Chinatown by visiting various historical sites and hidden cultural gems in the neighborhood. We will learn about how urban renewal affected Chinatown in the 1960's and what people have done to revitalize the once vibrant community. By end of the tour, we will gain a better understanding of the history of Chinese immigration to the Boston area, which will help us better appreciate modern-day Chinatown. Tour is free of charge; please bring cash for dim sum lunch. ***RESERVATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT. Space is limited, so please send your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, E-MAIL ADDRESS to email@example.com if you would like to participate. ***
- Location:
- Boylston Station (Tremont Street at Boylston Street, Boston, MA)


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CHARLOTTETOWN – Prince and Kings County fans won't have to go far to check out what many followers feel is Canada's best men's university hockey next season.
It was announced on Friday that the UPEI Panthers will host a regular-season home game in Prince County and Kings County during the 2014-15 Atlantic University Sport Men's Hockey Conference. Details on the neutral-site games will be announced at a later date.
"We are pleased, with the co-operation of (UPEI) Coach (Forbie) MacPherson and the CARI Centre, to be sharing the Panthers across Prince Edward Island in regular-season play," said UPEI athletic and recreation director and Summerside native Bill Schurman.
The Panthers also announced their home opener against the UNB Varsity Reds will be played at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Saturday, Oct. 11. Bedeque native Gardiner MacDougall coaches UNB.
"With our home opener scheduled on the Thanksgiving weekend, it provides the opportunity to move to a larger venue like the Eastlink Centre," offered Schurman. "Our goal is to attract 3,000 fans to experience one of the best rivalries in AUS hockey.
"The Kings and Prince County games will allow the Panthers to support local charities and community causes, which will be announced in the very near future."
Two Quebec Major Junior Hockey League veterans from Prince Edward Island – forwards Darcy Ashley of Brooklyn and Brent Andrews of Hunter River – have bolstered UPEI's recruiting season.
"We promise to have a fast aggressive 'in your face' team who are determined to reach the CIS championship," said MacPherson.


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Ashley Grove
1735 Ashley Hall Road Charleston South Carolina 29407
Are you the property manager?
Ashley Grove is a newly renovated apartment community in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina. Our community provides our residents with the best lifestyle and amenities in the area. The apartment homes are newly enhanced with modern upgrades, including new custom countertops in the kitchen, white cabinetry with brushed nickel knobs in the kitchens and baths, chic black appliances, faux-wood flooring in the kitchen, and decorative brushed nickel lighting and fixtures.
Ashley Grove also offers a brand new fitness center with new cardio and strength training equipment, a sparkling swimming pool, a 24-hour laundry center, a sports court, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and washer and dryer connections in most apartment homes. Our residents enjoy frequentactivities hosted in our spacious and newly renovated clubhouse.
Call us today to schedule a personalized tour of our apartment homes! -- Application Fee: $35
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- Virginia College North Charleston, SC
- Charleston School of Law, SC
- Medical University of South Carolina, SC
- College of Charleston, SC
- South Carolina School of the Healing Arts, SC
- Citadel, SC


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Hi all
I am a single parent of two wonderful girls born 6 years apart - one now 8 and the other 2. Many people think that this must be bliss - so much better than children close together. After all the older one can look after the younger one right? They are half right. My older girl CAN be a wonderful help. But just like babies born close together, there are down sides.
My girls are very different ages and at very different stages. They need different types of toys, activities and television programs, there are safety issues for the younger one that don't exist for the older one, and a greater need for 'alone time' by the older one which leaves the younger one crying at the door. With only one of me and two of them it can sometimes be hellish trying to meet their respective needs. As an educator of more years than I care mention it is ironic that I find this as challenging as I do.
I am interested to hear from others with a big age gap between siblings what strategies you use to keep the peace. I would also love to share my 'tricks of the trade!'


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Current Perspectives on Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Current Perspectives on Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
The article by Drs. Czito and Willett provides a succinct and accurate review of the staging and treatment of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Several additional points regarding the evaluation and management of these patients warrant mention, however, particularly as they pertain to advances that may ultimately result in improved outcome for patients with this deadly disease.
The conclusion that high-speed helical computed tomography (CT) has become the gold standard for the evaluation of resectability is certainly supported by studies from M. D. Anderson[1] and has become our practice as well. As a complementary imaging modality when CT fails to detect distant metastases, endoscopic ultrasound has been shown, in our experience, to be more sensitive than CT in determining vascular invasion.[2] Thus, in institutions with an endoscopist experienced in endoscopic ultrasound, its use has become routine.
As the authors point out, this technique should not replace CT, because evaluation of the liver for metastases is limited. Yet it may spare an additional population of patients surgical exploration. Another advantage of endoscopic ultrasound is its ability to delineate a target for directed fine-needle aspiration, which is more likely than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to furnish a cytology sample to confirm the clinical suspicion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Management of Obstruction
The roles of the radiologist and endoscopist in the management of these patients deserve additional mention, because the majority of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer present with biliary and/or duodenal obstruction. A plastic biliary stent, placed at the time of ERCP, will relieve symptoms of obstruction. In the event a stent cannot be placed, percutaneous stent placement should be considered.[3] However, after a determination of unresectability is made, replacement of either the biliary or percutaneous stent with expandable metal stents should be considered, as these are far less likely to become obstructed and, thus, reduce the risk of stent occlusion and cholangitis.[4] This measure is critically important when the patient is being considered for systemic therapy, which may result in myelosuppression. The endoscopist may also provide symptomatic relief for those with duodenal obstruction by placing recently developed metal wall stents within the duodenum.[5]
Combined Modality Therapy
Data supporting the use of external-beam radiotherapy with concurrent fluorouracil (5-FU) have led to routine use of this approach, yet the data are surprisingly scanty and dated. The authors acknowledge that 5-FU delivered by continuous infusion has become common practice. It is important to note, however, that the impact of this change in 5-FU administration schedules on pancreatic cancer outcomes is entirely unknown, particularly given the differences between the adjuvant therapy of patients with rectal cancer and the palliative therapy of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Emphasis on measures to improve local control are described, based on unacceptably high rates of local failure. Yet in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) series that utilized intraoperative radiation therapy (a technique that is the most likely of those mentioned to improve local control), a survival benefit was not demonstrated. Therefore, in our opinion, trials investigating the use of a radiosensitizer with little or no evidence of systemic activity (eg, paclitaxel [Taxol]), or low-dose gemcitabine (Gemzar) in a twice weekly regimen designed to optimize radiosensitization alone may be of limited overall efficacy.
To improve outcome in this disease, systemic disease control must be maximized using agents at doses and schedules of administration that have some evidence of activity in systemic disease. This tenet becomes particularly apparent when one considers the fact that most patients with locally advanced disease harbor, at the very least, micrometastatic disease. Furthermore, few patients die with isolated local disease.
As the authors point out, gemcitabine has been shown to produce a modest improvement in survival in patients with metastatic disease, compared with 5-FU. Thus, while it doesnt represent a home run, the integration of gemcitabine with radiotherapy into regimens that emphasize systemic activity (rather than radiosensitizing potential) warrants further investigation.
University of Michigan Trials
Efforts at the University of Michigan have centered on this concept. In our recently completed phase I trial in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, gemcitabine was administered at the currently recommended dose (1,000 mg/m² weekly ´ 3 every 28 days), with a 3-week course of radiation (15 fractions) delivered during this cycle of chemotherapy. The goal was to maximize systemic drug effect while providing local control through sensitization of a modest radiation dose. Indeed, our preclinical data supported this approach as well, as radiosensitization increases with increasing concentrations of gemcitabine.[6]
Radiation dose escalation in this trial was achieved by increasing the fraction size, thereby keeping the duration of radiation at 3 weeks (15 fractions). A reduction in the treatment volume achieved by using three-dimensional planning was critical in attempting to limit the potential for normal tissue radiosensitization. Prophylactic nodal irradiation was eliminated, in light of the potential systemic activity of gemcitabine at this dose. To date, radiation doses in the range of 24 to 42 Gy (1.6 to 2.8 Gy per fraction) have been investigated. Preliminary data reveal a median survival of 12 months in the initial cohort of 21 patients (including 7 with distant metastases).[7] As a result, we are cautiously optimistic about this type of regimen.
Our current trial builds on this approach by incorporating gemcitabine and cisplatin (Platinol) with concurrent radiation therapy (15 fractions). The chemotherapy is based on a phase II experience in which gemcitabine and cisplatin were delivered to 42 patients, 38 of whom had metastatic disease. An objective tumor response was observed in 26% of patients, and the median survival was 7.1 months.[8] The integration of cisplatin may provide additional local control, considering its radiosensitizing potential.
The evaluation of response to combined-modality therapy warrants further investigation as well, particularly as new regimens are studied. Posttreatment changes such as fibrosis and edema make assessment of response based on anatomic imaging difficult. Changes in CA 19-9 and/or functional imaging modalities such as positron-emission tomography (PET) scanning or dynamic-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide additional information to assess early changes that may correlate with ultimate outcome.
Concluding Comments
Finally, the therapeutic nihilism that surrounds pancreatic cancer treatment needs to be discussed. There is an admonition to do no harm, considering the advanced age of the patient and the significant morbidity that often exists prior to the initiation of therapy. This attitude has interfered with entry into and completion of clinical trials and contributes to the uncertainty as to what constitutes standard therapy. Advances in the management of symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer suggest this attitude may be inappropriate.
The article concludes with the expressed hope that our increased knowledge of the biology of cancer will translate into logarithmic improvements in the treatment of the disease. While we are hopeful that better days are ahead, we believe that the continued study and application of currently available treatments in combination and sequence can result in progress, and serve as the basis for further improvement with newer therapies.
1. Fuhrman GM, Charnsangavej C, Abbruzzese JL, et al: Thin-section contrast-enhanced computed tomography accurately predicts the resectability of malignant pancreatic neoplasms. Am J Surg 167:104-111, 1994.
2. Tierney WM, Carpenter SL, Bansal R, et al: Accuracy and economic impact of Helical CT and EUS in the local staging of ampullopancreatic tumors. Gastrointest Endosc 45:A183, 1997.
3. Doctor N, Dick R, Rai R, et al: Results of percutaneous plastic stents for malignant distal biliary obstruction following failed endoscopic stent insertion and comparison with current literature on expandable metallic stents. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 11:775-780, 1999.
4. Schmassmann A, von Gunten E, Knuchel J, et al: Wallstents vs plastic stents in malignant biliary obstruction: Effects of stent patency of the first and second stent on patient compliance and survival. Am J Gastroenterol 91:654-659, 1996.
5. Soetikno RM, Lichtenstein DR, Vandervoort J, et al: Palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction using an endoscopically placed Wallstent. Gastrointest Endosc 47:267-270, 1998.
6. Lawrence TS, Chang EY, Hahn TM, et al: Radiosensitization of pancreatic cancer cells by 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 34:867-872, 1996.
7. McGinn CJ, Shureiqi I, Robertson JM, et al: Encouraging survival data from a phase I trial of radiation dose escalation with full-dose gemcitabine in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 8(suppl 1):223, 2000.
8. Philip P, Zalupski M, Vaitkevicius VK, et al: Phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer (abstract). Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 18:1053, 1999.


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The Legislature also finds that the production potential of the state's forest resources remains far greater than the present demand.
The Legislature further finds that the promotion of existing forest products industries and the promotion of new forest products industries would benefit the state in terms of employment and additional revenue to the state.
The Legislature further finds and declares that, to increase employment and boost the state's economy, the limits to the development of the potential of West Virginia forest resources must be reduced through an intensive campaign aimed at making new contacts, developing new and existing markets and increasing public awareness of the advantages of the forest resources in West Virginia.
The Legislature further finds that the state forests are an important resource for silvicultural and scientific research; developed and undeveloped outdoor recreation; propagation of forest trees, fish and wildlife; wildlife and fisheries management; aesthetic preservation; hunting and fishing; timber production; and demonstration of state-of-the-art forestry management and therefor should be managed on a multiple-use basis.


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SF Bike Month: Any Bike Book Club
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 6:30 PM (PDT)
The Any Bike Book Club is dedicated to the shared exploration and experience of literature related to bicycles, urban planning or transportation. It's a chance to share and discover great books, to accidentally revisit things you've read in the past, hopefully to tease out some new ideas about what you've just read, but mostly, the point of the Any Bike Book Club is to get together with a bunch of other people who like talking about books and then talk about some books you've read lately. And eat snacks.
DO: Keep it related to bicycles, transportation or urban planning.
Bring a copy of the book you want to discuss
Come with some ideas or questions, a passage you'd like to share, etc
Invite your bikey-bookish friends
STRUCTURE: We will begin with structure and end in chaos. Everyone will have a chance to talk about the book they brought, and then everyone will have a chance to talk to each other and drink and snack.
BOOK SUGGESTIONS: Check out book ideas on the Goodreads Group Page
Free to SF Bicycle Coalition Members, $10 suggested donation for non-members
May is Bike Month in San Francisco! Celebrate 31 days of bike events: sfbike.org
Through day-to-day advocacy, education, and working partnerships with government and community agencies, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is dedicated to creating safer streets and more livable communities for all San Franciscans.
Our active members represent San Franciscans of all ages, from all neighborhoods, who are working towards more safe, efficient, and green ways to move around our city. The SF Bicycle Coalition is the largest city-based bicycle advocacy group in the nation and one of the largest membership-based groups in San Francisco.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition promotes the bicycle for everyday transportation.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


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Canon Ch. 03byinvictus17©
Geoff woke up on the third day with a curious sense of completeness.
Usually he awoke with the feeling that there was something missing - something he had forgotten to do, or needed to do and had not done. Some responsibility unfulfilled, some project uncompleted. There was usually nothing, and he had long since learned that the feeling was just a manifestation of the emptiness of his life.
But today he felt - complete. That everything was in its place, neatly squared away and properly finished and folded. As a military man, that was a feeling he appreciated. And he knew why he felt it.
He opened his eyes and looked down at the lovely face of the naked girl sleeping beside him.
His life had meaning again. He had a reason to live. He smiled, his heart full.
My world is right here, he thought. And it's perfect. She's perfect. He looked at Amy and marveled.
The love of my life, he thought. She came late - but she's here.
He loved her with all his heart, with everything he was and had ever been; and that love was as deep and certain as his love of honor, and valor, and of his country - the lights by which he had always found his way and known who and what he was.
But today and from now on, Geoff loved Amy; and that was the star he steered by now.
Then he remembered; there was, indeed, one thing he had not done, and that he very much needed to do.
He smiled. Perhaps that would happen today - if she was ready.
She opened her eyes, and as always, he fell into their infinite depths. Cool, innocent blue and warm, promising brown - her sweet dual nature, girl and woman at once, there in her marvelous, mysterious, compelling eyes. His tough old heart melted, as it always did when he looked at her face.
"Good morning, Punkin," he said, his voice a deep, foggy rumble - Geoff's morning voice.
Amy smiled. "Good morning, Geoffie," she said sleepily. "I felt you watching me."
They looked at each other for a moment, she with her sweet and smooth young face and he with his lined and craggy old one - but both were wearing the same warm and contented smile.
Her smile grew wider, and her eyes gleamed. "Wanna fuck?"
He laughed and hugged her, feeling her soft breasts against his chest. She lifted a leg and rubbed her bare thigh against his hip. He stroked it and kissed her. "I was just thinking about that," he said.
"Mmmm." She snuggled into his arms contentedly. "Whenever you want me, Geoffie," she whispered. "I'm your warm wet pussy forever."
He chuckled, warm thunder, and held her close. He kissed her again. "I love you, Punkin," he murmured softly. "Later. Let's wake up and have some breakfast. I need to work out."
She leaned back and looked up at him, her lower lip thrust out in a mock pout. "Okay," she said, "if you're not interested..."
He laughed. "I didn't say THAT," he said. Then he leaned close and whispered in her small pink ear: "You'll see how interested I am," he breathed. "And you'll feel it, too."
She whispered back: "Today?"
"Tonight. I promise." He kissed her again, his lips gentle on hers. "I want it to be very special. You'll see."
Amy felt a subtle thrill of excitement run up her spine and down again, and she shivered. "At the pool? Outside?"
He blinked, then smiled. "No. That's for later. You'll see," he said again.
"Come on, get up," he said, rising. "And put on something modest for a change. Don't let me see you till it's time."
He smiled, kissed her once more, and left the room. She watched his hard, muscular butt as he walked to the door and out, and she shivered again.
A short time later, Amy was walking down the hall toward the kitchen, wearing, as instructed, a modest, oversized college sweatshirt - with a bra - and wheat-colored jeans. She had slipped on a pair of sneakers; she knew how Geoff loved her bare feet, and decided to cover them too. Her hair was tied back in a long ponytail.
She heard a small clank, then another, from the other wing of the house. Curious, she walked a few steps down that hall, and stopped beside a door that was only partly closed.
Her eyes widened in fascination. It was a weight room, a small gym with exercise equipment; a treadmill, a rowing machine, a rack of dumbbells and weights, and a weight bench with an overhead bar and cable. She noticed a boombox in the corner, silent for the moment.
Geoff, wearing gym shorts and nothing else, sat with his back three-quarters toward her, pulling down on the wide-spaced handles of what she would later come to know as a "lat bar." His body was shining with sweat, and she watched the muscles of his scarred back working beneath his skin with an admiring gaze.
His eyes were closed, and his lips moving; she guessed he was counting. She watched him for a few moments, unable to tear her eyes away from his body.
She smiled in wonder. Seventy, she thought.
Not below the neck, no, sir. His face was that of an old man, but the rest of him...
He stopped, and turned. Seeing her watching him, he smiled, but got up and moved to another bench, where he lay down and took the grips of a barbell in his veined and knotty old hands - old, but strong. He lifted the bar from its rack and began to do bench presses. She marveled at the amount of iron on the bar; no wonder he can pick me up so easily, she thought. That thing weighs more than I do.
"Do you mind if I watch?" she asked.
He shook his head, but did not speak; he was puffing in rhythm with his lifts, concentrating on the effort. She went in and sat crosslegged on the floor.
He stopped, replaced the bar, and rested for a moment; then picked it up and began again.
After the third set of repetitions, he sat up, breathing deeply but not gasping. His chest and arms were gleaming, and he seemed to glow. "One more," he said, and went to the dumbbell rack.
Amy saw that he chose a set from near the bottom - 40-pounders. He sat back down on the bench and began to lift them alternately, his biceps swelling as he curled one, then the other, up to his shoulders, over and over.
She counted with him. Three sets of twelve repetitions each. Finally, he rose, put the weights back, and turned and smiled at her. "So, what do you think?" he said. Grinning.
He knows exactly how good he looks, she thought. He's proud of his body. And he has a right to be.
"You're the most handsomest and most sexiest man in the world," she said, from her heart. "I love you, Geoffie." To her astonishment, she saw a hint of color in his lined old cheeks, and he looked down in embarrassment as he rubbed his arms.
He looked up again as she rose from the floor. "Shower for me now. Alone," he added with a smile as she began to speak. "Go fix breakfast. I'll be out in a few minutes."
She nodded, then moved toward him. "Don't hug me," he said. "I'm all sweaty."
She looked up at him with a twinkle. "That's why I want to hug you, Geoffie," she said. "I want to smell you, too."
He gaped at that, and stood still as she hugged him and inhaled deeply, her nose inches from his armpit. She nuzzled his wet and greasy chest and clung to him for a few seconds. He stroked her hair, tentatively, then bent down and kissed her head.
She looked up, her chin on his chest. "Thank you, Geoffie. I love how you feel. I love how you smell."
Then she let him go and giggled. She looked at him, both eyes filled with a teasing promise. "And if you think you're all sweaty now...."
With a girlish laugh, she disappeared down the hall, leaving him standing there amazed.
He shook his head in wonder, then headed for his shower. In his bathroom, not hers.
Geoff walked into the kitchen, wearing fatigue pants and a well-worn Marine T-shirt. Amy blinked to see his footwear, then realized he was wearing Vietnamese sandals. He took his seat at the table, and she set his coffee before him.
His scalp was shiny. On impulse, she stroked it as he sipped. It was silky-smooth.
"Ooo! Fresh shave?"
He nodded. "Every few days. And for special occasions." He grinned up at her.
"I like it." She kissed his head and went back to the stove.
"Mmm. Pancakes," he said. "Smells good."
"These are special," she said without turning as she flipped them expertly. "Pecan pancakes. With link sausages and real maple syrup."
He shook his head. "You're spoiling me," he chuckled, watching her move. Even in jeans and a sweatshirt, she was incredibly sexy.
"I want to," she said. "I want to spoil you rotten." She turned and smirked at him. "And I haven't started yet, Geoffie..."
They ate with relish, and Geoff marveled at her skill in the kitchen. "You're an amazing cook, Amy," he said around a mouthful of crunchy, maple-sweet pancake. "You'll make some guy a wonderful wife someday."
She put down her fork and looked at him steadily, smiling but somehow solemn. Her eyes - both of them - were warm, but hard as steel.
"I don't want to be anybody's wife, Geoff," she said, her voice level. "I want to be your cook, your lover, and your naked slave girl forever. I want to feed you every day and fuck you every night. I want to dance for you and hold you and sleep in your arms and cream on your cock and eat your cum and make you happier than you've ever been, every single day of your life.
"That's what I want," she finished, and returned to her pancakes.
He stared at her as she ate. When he said nothing, she looked up.
He was just sitting there, his mouth hanging open. "What?" she said. "Eat your pancakes before they get cold."
He took another bite. "Talk about an offer you can't refuse," he muttered, and she giggled.
Midmorning, the phone rang. Geoff picked it up.
"Hello?... Oh, hi, Ellie... Yes, everything's fine. Amy's turning me into a fat slob. Just a minute."
He handed the phone to Amy, who winked at him repeatedly as she spoke.
"Hi, Mom!... Everything's wonderful! I love my room, and Uncle Geoff loves my cooking.
"We're getting along fine, Mom. We're very comfortable together.
"He's a dear. I love him to death.
"Yes, registration is day after tomorrow. We're going over to the campus today so I can get oriented and know where I'm going.
"I'll let you know as soon as I have my schedule. I haven't got my laptop set up yet...
"I don't know. Just a minute." She covered the phone with her hand. "Geoff, do you have Internet?"
"In the study," he said, indicating the other wing with his thumb, "and in your room. I'll set you up."
Amy turned back to the phone. "Yes, he does. I'll email as soon as I get online.... Okay.
"No, I'm good. If I need any more I'll call. I'll be buying books later this week, though, so maybe.
"Okay. I will. I will... Don't worry, Mom. Everything's fine, I promise.
"Okay. Tell Daddy I love him. I love you, too.
"Okay, Mom. 'Bye."
She hung up and giggled. "How did I do?"
Geoff grinned. "Butter wouldn't melt in your mouth," he said.
Geoff showed her the high-speed connection to the Internet in her room, and helped her get her laptop and printer set up. "Sorry we haven't done that already," he said.
"We've been busy," she said with an innocent smile.
He laughed. "That we have, Punkin. Want to run over to the college?"
"Sure! Can we take the Jag?"
They toured the campus, referring to a map that Geoff had obtained the week before. There was some little activity; they saw parents helping their kids carry boxes into the dorms, professors striding busily around with their briefcases and bags, and trucks unloading food at the dining halls. The Administration building was a hub of activity, with people coming and going dressed in everything from three-piece suits and business dresses to jeans and cutoffs. Still, Amy knew the campus would be much more crowded and busy later in the week.
She took notes, and when she was comfortably sure that she knew how to get to everywhere she needed to go on Wednesday, they turned and headed for home.
"Did you go to college, Geoff?" Amy asked as they drove back across the campus.
He shook his head. "No, it was straight into the Corps for me as soon as I was old enough. My folks had a hard time convincing me to finish high school. Glad I did, though. Made it easier to get promoted."
"Do you ever wish you did?"
He thought as they waited for a group of boys to pass in front of the car. They were all staring at the Jag, and he smiled at their comical doubletakes when they saw Amy.
She didn't notice. "I don't think so," he said. "All I ever wanted to be was a Marine." They drove on, leaving the boys staring at the beautiful girl in the beautiful car.
"Did you see a lot of fighting?"
It was so long before he answered that she added, "Mom and Dad said you don't talk about it much..."
He shook his head. "No, I don't."
After a moment, he smiled at her. Don't want to make her feel bad, he thought. "I saw some things I don't like to remember, sweetheart. I - did - some things I don't like to remember."
"I can't imagine you doing anything terrible." She looked at him innocently.
He patted her hand. "I was different then." He was silent for a moment. "War is ugly, Amy. Changes a man."
"Are you over it?"
They were stopped again, at a red light. He looked at her. "That's not something you get over, Punkin." He looked forward, over the long hood of the car. "I have ghosts," he said. His face was still, and hard.
She blinked at him, her strange eyes big behind her glasses. "You mean - real ghosts?"
He shook his head. "No," he said quietly, his deep voice reflective. "I can still see the face of every man I ever killed." He drove in silence for a few heartbeats. "I'll carry that till they put me in the ground."
She squeezed his hand. "I love you, Geoffie," she said. She could think of nothing else to say.
He smiled at her, his face soft again. It was, it seemed, enough.
They stopped at a hamburger stand for lunch and talked of other things, and soon the mood lightened.
"So have you decided on a major?" asked the old man, sipping his coffee over the remains of his chiliburger.
"I've decided on a sergeant-major," she said with a smirk, and he laughed. Her right eye teased and her left eye beckoned, and he looked at her warmly.
"Seriously, Amy. Have you given it any thought? Your folks said you were leaning toward English."
"I love literature, and I love to write," she said. "But there are lots of jokes about English majors waiting tables. About all you can do with a BA in English is teach, and I don't want to be a teacher."
"I'm thinking nursing," she said. "There's a shortage now, the money is good, and I'd always have work..."
Geoff noted the wary look in her eyes - and then he understood, and raised an eyebrow.
They looked at each other, and he saw the unspoken plea on her face. He finally smiled and nodded.
"If that's what you're really committed to doing," he said softly.
Both her eyes looked into his levelly. "I am," she said.
They both knew the reasons for Amy's choice. They would never speak of it - not then, nor later.
"What do you think of the campus?" he asked.
Before Amy could answer, a third voice spoke.
"Hey, baby."
They looked up to see a tall and beefy young man standing over their table. He was obviously an athlete of some kind, probably a football player; broad shoulders and muscular arms, a narrow waist. He was superficially good-looking, with a shock of wavy hair that hung over one eyebrow and an unpleasant smile that was almost a sneer. He thinks he looks like Elvis, thought Amy.
"I'm sorry - were you speaking to me?" she asked sweetly.
"Why don't you get rid of Gramps here and you and me go somewhere and party?"
She looked up at the boy curiously, and Geoff saw his mouth drop open. He had noticed her eyes.
"Do the girls you hit on ever actually respond to that kind of demeaning crap?" she asked, just as sweetly.
Geoff was surprised yet again. This lovely young woman had a bit of steel in her. The old man watched the exchange, to all appearances relaxed and unconcerned; but his gray eyes glinted like a predator's.
The young man snickered and said, "You'd be surprised, baby."
She smiled yet again. "Please go away. I'm not interested." She returned her attention to Geoff.
The burly boy grinned and said, "I'll bet I can get you interested..." He brushed her cheek with the backs of his fingers - and an instant afterward, he was falling to his knees and crying out in pain. Geoff had seized his hand, turned it palm up, and bent it backward.
"Oww! Lemme go!"
Geoff had not even risen from his seat. There was no trace of rage or anger on his face; he was perfectly calm, and even lifted his coffee cup with his other hand and took a sip before he leaned forward and spoke in a deep, but perfectly level voice.
"Listen carefully, son. The lady said to go away. Are you going to do that, or do I have to break your wrist and take you out for the season to teach you to be polite?" He bent the young man's wrist a fraction farther. "Say 'No, sir.'"
The boy, grimacing in pain, quavered "N-no, sir."
"Good." He leaned closer and hissed like a venomous snake:
"Touch her again... And I'll kill you."
Geoff's face was an inch from the young man's. He was smiling, but his old eyes were as cold and hard as gray ice.
Then he leaned back and let him go. "Don't fuck with people you don't know, boy," he added with a good-natured smile. "It's bad for your health."
The young man stood up, rubbing his wrist, opened his mouth to reply - then thought better of it and fled.
Several patrons of the diner, who had been watching with interest, gave Geoff a short round of applause. He ignored it and returned his attention to Amy.
She was not staring open-mouthed. She was smiling, her eyes warm. "Thanks, Geoffie.," she said. "That was pretty cool."
"The wrist thing?" He waved a hand, it's nothing. "You can do that. I'll teach you."
"That would be cool, too," she said with a grin. "You can't be with me all the time."
He looked at her thoughtfully. "You're right," he said quietly. "I'l teach you some other things, too. You may need them someday."
They both knew the subject had returned to the one that would never be openly discussed. They left it in silence.
Amy smiled. "Let's go home, Geoffie. Today I want you to teach me-" Her strange eyes glittered, one teasing, one smoldering. "-something else."
He grinned broadly, and they rose from the table. On the way out, the balding, heavy-set manager apologized - and thanked him. "Come by anytime, sir," he said. "Semper Fi." He had noticed Geoff's USMC T-shirt, as the young thug apparently had not.
Geoff grinned at the man's globe-and-anchor tattoo. "Semper Fi," he said in reply, with a respectful nod. "Gunnery sergeant?"
"Good guess!" said the man. "You an officer?"
Geoff shook his head. "Nah. Enlisted. Sergeant-major."
The man blinked, then offered a hand. "That kid didn't know who he was messing with," he said.
Geoff shook it. "Nice place you've got here," he said. "Good burgers. We'll be back." Amy smiled at the man, and they left.
In the car, Geoff glanced at Amy and said, "That young punk didn't bother you at all, did he?"
She shrugged. "All mouth," she said. "If he was anything more - well, I was with you, Geoffie."
He smiled.
When they pulled into the garage, he put on the emergency brake, turned off the engine, and said, "Don't get out."
He smiled, walked around the car, opened her door, and lifted her from her seat. She giggled as he carried her to the house. "What's this about?" she asked, her arms around his powerful neck.


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Interiorscape Forum / Scaper Talk Discussion Forum / Introductions / Zimmermans
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|Posted: 10 May 2011 22:21
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|Hi all i am a NEWBIE i am located in westchester county NY I have 3 greenhouse currently just using for house plants and stuff my florist uses. I do grow a lot of cactus does any one wherer there is a market to sell these. I inherited them with the buisness 10 years ago.
|Posted: 11 May 2011 05:50
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There are only a few cactus/succulent growers based up north (the former Desert Dan's, now called Arizona East, is a good one in Minotola, NJ), so you might be on to something there. And the number of such producers based in Florida has also shrunk dramatically over the years. I'm sure there are lots of good growers out west, but most of the cacti and succulents in the wholesale market in the Northeast come from Ontario, Canada. Due to longtime government policies that subsidize greenhouse horticultural production, these growers can produce tropicals that compete on price and quality with the best that Florida, California or Texas can produce.
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Quick response saves Arbala fire station
But fire will be costly for one of county's busiest VFDs
By FAITH HUFFMAN | News-Telegram News Editor
Jan 7, 2008 - Arbala Volunteer Fire Station caught on fire Saturday evening, causing significant damage to the truck bay and their 2-year-old tanker, and the rest of the building was smoke damaged.
Authorities were alerted to the fire at 4:47 p.m. by a man passing by, who reported seeing smoke pouring out of the bay doors at the FM 1567 location.
Hopkins County, Miller Grove and Brinker firefighters were dispatched to the location. Cumby firefighters also responded with water support after Arbala volunteers immediately went to the station.
Several Arbala firefighters said they had a sick feeling having to stand outside the station, with all of their gear and equipment inside, and not being able to do anything until help arrived, but did everything they could once it got there.
Hopkins County Fire Department arrived and were met with heavy smoke as firemen entered. They noticed the blaze to be toward the rear and top of the tanker truck, and were able to quickly put the fire out, containing it to the bay area.
�If it wasn�t for station 20 [Hopkins County Fire Department], it would have been a lot worse,� AVFD Fire Chief Autry Darden said Sunday. "Thankfully, they were [on duty] when the call came in. If this had happened at 10:15 at night or even 5-10 minutes after 10, when County Fire goes out of service, it would have been easily a good 15-20 minutes or longer for any of the [volunteer fire departments] to get here."
As far as firefighters can tell so far, the tank and hose bed of the tanker were damaged along with 1,200 feet of 4-inch hose and 400 feet of 3-inch hose. Handles, lights and other items on the truck were also melted. The engine and another truck were "smoked up" but appeared to be OK. However, the department won't know for sure until all hoses and equipment are tested.
The roof and insulation in the bay were damaged. The rest of the station, including the day room and kitchen area and living quarters, sustained smoke damage. AVFD members are in the process of having gear and other equipment, such as radios and computers, cleaned and tested.
�The county fire guys did an excellent job with their response,� Hopkins County Fire Chief Carl Nix said.
Investigators have narrowed the area of origin of the fire down to the left center portion of the tanker engine, but have yet to determine the exact cause, which would give a better idea whether the fire was a manufacturing or mechanical problem or due to some other factor.
While the fire department does have insurance, they will have to come up with their portion of the liability on both the tanker and station, in addition to anything the insurance company doesn't cover to repair the 4-year-old station, the 2-year-old truck and anything else.
The loss of the tanker truck will be felt by the county, as AVFD's was the only tanker on the southwest portion of the county. Arbalas is tied with Pickton-Pine Forest as third busiest rural fire department, based on call volume. Since Jan. 1, 2007, the department has received 165 calls for service, including fires, motor vehicle crashes and medical calls.
Arbala VFD isn't out of commission, however. North Hopkins Volunteer Fire Department has loaned AVFD an attack truck, and Saltillo has offered the use of hoses.
Any other departments or individuals that want to donate or loan equipment or money may do so by contacting AVFD Chief Autry Darden at 903-348-6719, or members J.W. Ragan at 903-348-8164 or Dida Darden at 903-348-6712.
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