text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Nov 12, 1996
|Filing date
|Jan 25, 1995
|Priority date
|May 28, 1993
|Fee status
|Publication number
|William R. Marshall
|Original Assignee
|Marshall; William R.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (53), Classifications (17), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 08/068,857 filed 28 May 1993, now abandoned.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention herein pertains to a device and method for measuring foot speed of athletes and the like. The device is particularly concerned with the speed of the lateral and other step motions as may be necessary to excel in football, soccer and other athletic events.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Objectives of the Invention
In recent years, sophisticated methods have been developed and used in training athletes and testing their physical abilities. Most athletes are required to have good running speeds as necessary in track events. However, in certain games such as football and soccer, the athlete's ability to move laterally and change directions quickly is of paramount importance. Football lineman must have the ability to rapidly change direction from left to right and back again. Also, football players need to have the ability to stop instantly, back up and quickly move forward. While the player's ability to run fast in a forward direction is important, it can be equally or even more important to laterally move and change directions quickly.
Various jogging devices have been developed in the past such as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,702 whereby game pieces representing runners and a display is connected to a foot mat which senses the motion of the jogger as he runs in place on the mat. Other devices have been developed in the past which are inserted in the runner's shoes to sense the impact as the shoes contact the ground during each stride. Signals generated by each step are in turn transmitted to a receiver and computer display as set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,763,287 and 4,956,628. While these prior art devices are useful, they do not have the ability to measure an athlete's lateral motion or step quickness when the athlete moves from side to side a prescribed distance and each runner must have shoes designed to fit his particular feet.
With the shortcomings and disadvantages apparent of such known devices, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a device and method for accurately measuring the foot speed of an athlete.
It is still another objectives of the present invention to provide relatively simple electronic circuitry which will allow lateral or other foot speed to be measured, compared and displayed.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a device for measuring foot speed which includes a plurality of individual foot pads for use with any size shoes which can be separated a selected distance depending on the size or height of the particular athlete and the test or measurement requirements.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a device having electronic circuitry which will allow the athlete to visualize a numerical representation of his speed during measurement while an audio signal provides information relative to the increase or decrease of his speed by pitch variation.
Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed presentation is set forth below.
A device and method for measuring foot speed allows the realization of the aforementioned objectives by utilizing a pair of foot pads having optical sensor circuits therein which are joined to electrical circuitry within a housing which can be positioned on a table, desk or the like. The optical sensor circuits sense foot impact and the housing includes a liquid crystal diode (LCD) which permits the test subject or trainer to instantly observe the on-going results of the particular test while an audio speaker emits a beep at specified time intervals. The beep will vary in pitch, depending on the velocity of the athlete's motion. The athlete can be tested by laterally spacing the individual foot pads at greater distances or depending on the test, the individual foot pads can be placed in linear alignment. The electronic circuitry also includes optical sensor interface circuitry, counter/timer circuitry, a visual output display in the form of liquid crystal diodes and sound generating circuitry as mentioned above.
The method of measuring foot speed allows the athlete to move, for example one foot from one foot pad to the other and back in rapid succession for a prescribed time. The speed or time between contacting one pad to contact with the other is counted, stored and compared for a prescribed number of steps and the average time is then displayed. A speaker provides an audio signal with an increasingly high pitch if the speed is increasing, i.e., time between steps decreasing, and by a lower pitch if the speed decreases, i.e., the time between steps increases.
FIG. 1 illustrates the invention as used by an athlete in measuring left foot lateral speed;
FIG. 2 demonstrates the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 with the left foot of the athlete moved from the original position on the right foot pad to the left foot pad;
FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the electrical circuitry of the invention;
FIG. 4A illustrates an electrical schematic view of the power source;
FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of the power source utilizing an AC convertor;
FIG. 5 pictures a single optical sensor circuit as used in the invention;
FIG. 6 provides a schematic illustration of the optical sensor interface circuitry; and
FIG. 7 shows the counter/timer circuitry.
The preferred method of the invention includes a process for determining the lateral foot speed of an individual athlete utilizing the apparatus herein by spacing two foot pads a prescribed distance from one another while maintaining them in a side-by-side relation. The athlete or test subject places a first foot such as the left foot on the right foot pad while maintaining his right foot on the floor therebehind. Once the left foot is placed on the right foot pad the optical sensor circuits within the foot pad senses this impact and a signal is delivered to the microcontroller where this time is stored in the circuitry memory. The test subject then moves his left foot from the right foot pad to the left foot pad (which also contains optical sensor circuits) and he repeats this activity a preselected number of times and/or minutes as rapidly as possible. A liquid crystal diode numerically displays his average speed for a set number of steps while a "beep" is emitted which increases in pitch as his speed increases and decreases in pitch as his speed decreases. His average speed for a selected time period can be permanently recorded by the trainer and compared to other test subjects.
The preferred apparatus of the invention is shown schematically in FIGS. 3-7. Three optical sensor circuits as illustrated in FIG. 5 are positioned in each foot pad. The optical sensor circuits are connected to interface circuitry shown schematically in FIG. 6 which is cable connected to counter/timer circuitry as seen in FIG. 7. Signal transmission from the optical sensor circuits provide an LCD output and sound generation for visual and audio recognition of the quickness or speed of the particular athlete being tested.
For a better understanding of the invention and its method of use, turning now to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, foot speed measuring device 10 includes electrical circuitry 20 (FIG. 3) contained partially within housing 11 which is connected to individual foot pads 12, 12'. Other objects such as the hands, arms or otherwise could also be tested. Foot pads 12, 12' are connected to electrical circuitry 20 by cables 13, 13' respectively. 110 V AC is provided through cord 14. To test subject 15, circuitry 20 is turned on by switch 96 (FIG. 7) and subject 15 moves his left foot as shown in FIG. 1 from an original position on foot pad 12 to foot pad 12' continually in rapid succession while the speed in numerical display can be visualized by LCD 16 shown mounted on housing 11. As would be understood, from FIGS. 1 and 2, foot pads 12, 12' can be spaced further apart laterally or closer together as known distance "D" is set, but can be varied, depending on the particular type of test required and the size (height) of the particular test subject. As also would be understood, foot pads 12, 12' can be placed in any particular arrangement such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (side-by-side relation) or they can be placed in linear, diagonal or other alignment desired since they are not joined to each other, or otherwise except by flexible cables 13, 13'. Tests can be developed for various positions and set spaced distances of foot pads 12, 12'. (As used herein laterally refers to the side of a test subject, linear to the front, and diagonal to any angle between lateral and linear.)
In certain games and athletic events, it is extremely important for an athlete to have quick lateral motion and the ability to change direction quickly. This ability can be accurately measured by testing the speed in moving a foot, for example, a left foot from a start position a certain distance to the side and then back to its original position. Linemen in football must have the ability to move laterally and change directions quickly in order to avoid blocks by opposing players. Foot speed measuring device 10 can thus test a series of players and help coaches and trainers make determinations in using particular players in actual games to the greatest advantage of the team.
As subject 15 (FIGS. 1 and 2) moves his left foot from pad 12 multiple optical sensor circuits 30 (See FIGS. 3-5) therein are turned off and like optical sensor circuits 30 in foot pad 12' as shown in FIG. 2 are then turned on as the foot contacts and conceals one or more LEDs 32 therein. It has been found that three such sensor circuits 30, equally spaced and separated approximately two inches (on each foot pad 12, 12') have been satisfactory for most tests. As would be understood, other numbers of sensor circuits 30 could be utilized to sense foot impact if desired, depending on the particular size and shape of foot pads 12, 12'.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, optical sensor circuits 30 include a phototransistor 31 and a light emitting diode 32. 15K ohm resistor 33, 100 ohm resistor 34 and 10K ohm resistor 35 are also shown in FIG. 5 as part of circuit 30. The absence of a foot on either of pads 12, 12' is sensed by optical sensor circuits 30 when switch 96 (FIG. 7) is on. Light from LED 32 which is controlled by resistor 34 bounces off the bottom of the foot and falls on phototransistor 31. The output of phototransistor 31 is proportional to the amount of light falling thereon and the output current of phototransistor 31 is converted to a voltage by resistor 35. Resistor 33 offsets the output of phototransistor 31 from zero volts. If the output were allowed to approach zero volts, then electrical circuitry noise would cause errors and by moving the output away from zero volts, the effect of the noise is greatly reduced.
Optical sensor circuits 30 as depicted (in block form) in FIG. 3 in plural are joined to optical sensor interface circuitry 50 shown in detail schematically in FIG. 6. Optical sensor interface circuitry 50 can also be contained within housing 11 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Interface circuitry 50 reads the outputs of optical sensor circuits 30 and determines if an object, (e.g., a foot) is being sensed by any of the sensor circuits 30, combines the determined results into two outputs and passes the output signals along to counter/timer circuitry 80 as schematically shown in FIG. 7. Optical sensor interface circuitry 50 as shown in FIG. 6 is connected to counter/timer circuitry 80 by connectors 51, 52 and 53. Microcontroller 54 consists of a conventional 8031 or 80C31 chip which is available from Intel or other manufacturers. Microcontroller 54, latches 55, eprom 56, clock oscillator 57, and integrated circuit 58, all conventional components provide control computer circuitry. Power MOSFET transistor 59 turns LEDs 32 in optical sensor circuits 30 on and off whereas data selector 60 is used to select which optical sensor circuits 30 interface circuitry 50 is reading at any given time. A-D convertor 61 changes the voltage output of the selected optical sensor circuits 30 to a digital number which microprocessor 54 can utilize. Voltage reference 62 supplies a reference voltage to A-D convertor 61 and voltage regulator 63 supplies power to A-D convertor 61 and voltage reference 62.
A schematic power source 25 is seen in FIG. 4A for supplying 12 V DC voltage to circuitry 20 as seen in FIG. 3. AC converter 29 is pictured in FIG. 4B which can be used in place of 12 V transformer 27, bridge rectifier 26 and 1000 microfarad capacitor 24. Capacitor 24' is rated at 100 microfarads.
Using MOSFET transistor 59, microcontroller 54 turns LEDs 32 in sensor circuits 30 off. Microcontroller 54 then causes data selector 60 to choose the output from one of the sensor circuits 30. This output is sent to A-D convertor 61 which converts it to a digital number and microcontroller 54 then causes this number to be stored. The other sensor circuits 30 present are read in a similar fashion.
Microcontroller 54 can also turn on sensor circuit LEDs 32 whereupon the information is read and stored as described above. Microcontroller 54 also causes a comparison to be made at outputs 37 and 38 as shown in FIG. 5. If the output with LED 32 turned on is greater than the output with LED 32 off by a preset margin, microprocessor 54 notes that the particular optical sensor circuitry 30 is blocked. This preset margin provided is used to help circuitry 10 ignore erroneous results. If the output with the particular LED 32 on is not greater than the output with that LED off, then that sensor circuitry 30 is considered clear by microcontroller 54.
In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, three optical sensor circuits 30 are used in each foot pad 12, 12'. If the first, second or third sensor circuit 30 in foot pad 12 is blocked, then pin 40 of microcontroller 54 is driven active. If any of the three optical sensor circuits 30 of foot pad 12' are blocked, then pin 41 of microprocessor 54 is driven active. As would be further understood, connectors 65, 65' join outputs 37, 37' of optical sensor circuit 30 as shown in FIG. 5. Connector 66, 66' would likewise connect to a second optical sensor circuitry 30 as seen in FIG. 6, and connectors 65-75 and 65'-75' are connected to a plurality of six identical optical sensor circuits 30 as seen in FIG. 5.
Counter/timer circuitry 80 measures the duration of the signals coming from optical sensor interface circuitry 50 and communicates the results to the user by both visual and audio means as explained in more detail below. Referring to FIG. 7, microcontroller 81 along with latches 82, eprom 83 and intergrated circuit 84 provide signal control circuitry. Programmable logic 86 and toggle switch 87 control the timing modes. Cable connector 88 is used to send data to liquid crystal diode 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. LCD circuitry 80A which includes LCD 16 is used to numerically show the timing data to the operator or to test subject 15. Flip-flops 90, 90', counters 91, 91', data selector 92, transistor 93, speaker 94 and multivibrator 95 form sound generator 80B (FIG. 3) so the user can listen to "beeps" to understand the progress or change in his speed while undergoing the test. A higher pitch beep indicates a faster pace whereas a lower pitch beep indicates a slower pace.
As it is important to measure the time that a subject's foot requires to leave one foot pad until it makes contact again, two counting modes are available, selected by the position of toggle switch 87. One mode is intended to measure foot speed while running in place. For this mode the length of time is measured from the foot leaving the pad (as determined by optical sensor circuit 30) until it activates optical sensor circuit 30 of the same pad from which it is removed. Therefore, in this mode each foot pad 12, 12' is timed and displayed separately by LCD 16.
In the second mode, moving only one foot, device 10 measures the time beginning once a foot leaves the first pad until it contacts the second foot pad. This two pad usage would occur when, for example measuring the speed of the subject's lateral movement.
The logic which determines and controls these two different modes is programmed into programmable logic 86. The output of programmable logic 86 comprises two signals which are available to microcontroller 81. Microcontroller 81 begins a timing cycle when either of the two aforementioned logic signals become active and it is terminated when the respective signals become inactive. This time (of active to deactive logic signal) is stored in memory. When as preselected, eight times are stored for a different input, microcontroller 81 calculates the average time for that particular series of eight inputs. Microcontroller 81 then sends that time average to LCD 16. Microcontroller 81 also compares that time period average with the last time period average of eight times. If the time period average is shorter (faster) it causes speaker 94 to emit a high pitch beep. If the time average is about equal to the last time period a medium pitch beep is emitted. If the time average is slower a longer (slower) lower pitched beep is emitted. The average time is then stored for comparison with the next time average, the earlier stored times are cleared and counter/timer circitry 80 awaits for the next signal. The two inputs are again timed, stored and compared as described above. Sound frequencies are generated by counters 91, 91' which are counter/frequency dividers. Dual flip-flops 90, 90' store either of the three frequencies to be selected. Multi-vibrator 95 controls the length of the beep which is about one-tenth of a second. Data selector 92 passes the frequency selected by microprocessor 81 (and flip-flops 90, 90') for the length of time determined by multi-vibrator 95 to transistor 93 and speaker 94. Other components shown in counter/timer circuitry 80 include on/off switch 96 and clock oscillator 97.
Changes and modifications can be made to the various circuits and components shown and the illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Also, while the examples herein generally refer to the testing of foot speed, other objects can be timed or tested such as arms, hands or otherwise.
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|U.S. Classification
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|Apr 4, 2000
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Apr 9, 2004
Owner name: BLUE STREAK, LLC, NORTH CAROLINA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MARSHALL, WILLIAM R.;REEL/FRAME:015190/0053
Effective date: 20040330
|May 10, 2004
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|May 19, 2008
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Nov 12, 2008
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Dec 30, 2008
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20081112


text:
Throughout the years, Hollywood, in coordination with the relentless efforts of advertisers across the globe, has painted a specific picture of the quintessential Valentine's Day.
Many movies and advertisements show the flowers, chocolates and various romantic gestures that have all become associated with the heart-filled holiday, but are these the things college students want when they envision Feb. 14?
Some Ohio State students envisioned their perfect Valentine's Day date and came up with a multitude of plans, some agreeing with the on-screen clichés but others differing from the format entirely.
Rachel Berton, a first-year in dietetics, said that while the allure of a night on the town seems nice, she'd rather a comfortable night in.
"I'd just want to stay in and have a nice home cooked meal or something," Berton said. "Then I'd want to watch a movie. Something funny, not anything romantic."
On the other hand, Haley Pohl, a first-year in respiratory therapy, had her romantic evening all planned out.
"Where I live, we have a Ruby's on the pier, so I'd want to go there and share a milkshake," Pohl said. "Then we would go on the lifeguard tower and watch the sunset."
Jackie Binder, a first-year in mathematics, might have had the most specific plans of all, even singling out the man with whom she'd want to spend the special day.
"I'd want to jet down to Florida with Ryan Gosling," Binder said. "We'd hang out on the beach and watch the sunset."
The women weren't the only ones describing their perfect Valentine's Day, a few gentlemen stepped up to the plate and offered up their perfect night as well.
"I'd probably go out to eat, get her flowers and probably watch a movie," first-year engineering student Ryan Tucker said.
After he set up the special evening, Tucker said the choice of movie was all hers.
"She can pick which movie she wants," Tucker said. "That's the nice part."
Finally, William Madley, a third-year in computer science and engineering, described his Valentine's night on a local scale.
"If it had to be something on campus, it would probably be something nice like a dinner at the Blackwell," Madley said. "If it was off-campus, I'm sure there's plenty of options, probably somewhere in the Short North, somewhere a little fancier, I don't really have anything in mind."
Following the nice dinner, Madley said he would want to kick-back, relax and enjoy some TV time.
"A movie would sound pretty good," Madley said. "Maybe we could watch a bunch of Netflix, that might be nice."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Another Burlesque in Juneau
January 22, 2011 - by Mukhya Khalsa
We tried filming this twice. Lots of work for the Luminous Pariah. The problem was that the light off of the glacier made the dancer too dark. On the second attempt to get better shots, we used lights, reflectors and a portable generator. And yet, it was still hard to get enough light on the subject.
The second time we went to shoot in front of the Glacier, the 'beach' where we had shot before was under water. So we had to find another spot.
Jeff spent many hours color correcting to make this film look good.
Sample Video
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text:
The Ski Area at Oglebay will open for the season on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. and remain open until 10:00 p.m. Regular hours are Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Ski Area will also be open on Ohio County School closing days and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President's Day from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. All hours are weather permitting. For daily hours and conditions call the Oglebay ski hotline at 304-243-4177 or visit the Oglebay ski website.
"We have been making snow for the past few days and snowmaking will continue as the weather allows," said Rico Coville, Director of Ski and Golf at Oglebay.
Lift ticket rates for adults (age 18 & over) are: Friday $22.00; Saturday, Sunday and holidays $26.00. Child (ages 6 to 17) lift rates are: Friday $16.00: Saturday, Sunday and holidays $21.00. Children ages 5 and under ski free with a paid adult.
Season passes and Five and Ten Ski Passes are currently available at the Hamm Clubhouse at the Speidel Golf Club and Alpine Skis and Boards. The passes will be available after opening day at the Ski Area.
Skis, boots and snowboards, are available for rental at the Oglebay ski facility. All renters under age 18 will require a release to be signed by their parent, guardian or custodian.
"Oglebay is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard," added Coville. For ski and snowboard instruction information call 304-243-4049.


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text:
If you like "Dance Moms" but don't like Abby Miller, this might be the show for you. At the heart of the hip hop scene in Atlanta is one dance studio that transforms raw talent into career driven superstars, where countless kids train at an early age to become the best dancers in the world. TLC takes viewers inside this destination, Dance 411, in the new one hour special "Dance Kids ATL" airing Wed. July 24th at 10:00 p.m.
The special showcases a team of teensy professional hip hop dancers as they tirelessly rehearse to prepare for their first performance of the competitive season. Lead by dance coach Tracey Berry and choreographer Sean Bankhead (who has worked with top stars including Beyoncé, Ciara and Bruno Mars), these preteen dancers ranging from ages 9 to 16 have prioritized dance in their lives.
With just six days before the big competition, tensions are high as Sean and Tracey threaten to make cuts if everyone doesn"t bring their A-game. The choreography is challenging and in order to win first place, each hip hop hopeful has to elevate their already stellar performance to the next level, or risk being cut from the competition all together.
"Dance 411 has been blessed to work with the most incredible young talent that the country has to offer," aays co-owner Sindy Schneider. "Dance 411 not only trains dancers, it also has amazing connections in the entertainment industry to help make dreams come true and we"re grateful to be able to share our students" passion and talent on a national TV stage."
Will you be watching "Dance Kids ATL"?


text:
Fifty students and teachers from Brasov, Cluj and Deva were invitees of Iuliu Winkler, MEP (RMDSZ, EPP), at a conference organized in the European Parliament in Brussels, which aimed to share best practices acquired within the "Protectors of Our Heritage – Adopt a Monument" Program; this initiative targets the safeguarding of the historical and …more
It is an honour for me to address representatives of over 90 member organizations across Europe, representing national minorities, ethnic communities and linguistic groups gathered this week in Cluj to discuss the future of their communities and make important decisions about the ways in which, by acting together, we can make this future more secure. Iuliu Winkler`s speech at the FUEN Congress.more
The future of the EU's Cohesion Policy beyond 2020 must be decided through a transparent debate based on concrete arguments and realistic assessments. It is not an exaggeration if I say that this debate is an essential part of the wider debate on the future of the EU. The European construction is based on …more


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2017-01-27 - Live @ The Anza Club (Soundproof & DCS)
- by Alexander Hamilton
- 86
- 1h2m
- 6 months ago
Jean Agorila, Jay Lumen, Monstrum, J&S Project, Richard Cleber, Gene Karz and more.
Soundproof starts 2017 in a big way with another 2-room event at the Anza Club, once again partnering with Dub Creature Soundsystem! It was great to put on the Techno glasses and blast some of the harder stuff. It had been quite a while. I played this set more off-the-cuff than usual, with a focus on slightly dancier tracks, and some darkness through the middle. It was tons of fun! Thanks to everyone who came out and kept the dance floor going :)
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text: Our long range hunting here in NC is vastly different from what occurs out west. I just thought I would share some videos we shot last week as my kids and I did a little herd management and freezer filling before the season ended. I am new to videoing so please excuse the quality. Hope you enjoy! Parker is my 11 year old daughter and John is my 13 year old son. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBe80dHFmkk" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZUL7LvkjA0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyA1i2QINRo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qch1E-WrC8Q&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Len, please feel free to move these to a more appropriate forum if need be. Thanks, Jett


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Skip to comments.Gather Your Armies
Posted on 06/14/2010 10:34:26 AM PDT by USALiberty
Rick Barber, running for Congress in a GOP primary runoff in Alabama's 2nd District July 13th, meets with three very important people to discuss the evils of the progressive income tax and its intersection with health care. Television ad, Internet preview version.
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
Awesome, thanks. I hope he wins.
This is great! Wish I could vote for him! We need more guys like this!! And he's also a former Marine.
I can hear Obama now..."Damn those Marine CORPSE veterans!"
I bet he wins. Any Tea Party candidates with just a little backing seem to be winning the nominations and I think will easily win most elections. I can't wait to see Reid lose in Nevada. To the woman who he said he would most want to face. Something poetic about him getting beat hard come November. Justice....you know! Barber has one of the best commercials so far and if you notice the Tea Party candidates that show revolution or the Founders gather steam faster than others.
Glenn Beck just called him a dope.....
Well, Beck should know a dope when he sees one. He gets enough practice looking at one in a mirror.
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I remembered Sara Abate. She was an athletic girl with brown skin and pale eyes who wore her sable hair in a layered cascade down her back. Looking back, there were so many things wrong with her whole story and who knows how many years she was crying out for help. Sara had always drifted on the edges of our social circles. Never so far out as to be an outcast or even a loner, but never close enough that we got to know her. Not that we were trying all that hard. Like many suburban kids in the nineties, our lives were a comfortable farce that we supported only because it was more assuring than the unknown. However, it was not until a wet summer's day many years later did I regret my childish oblivion.
"Hi, Sara," I stammered to the woman standing at my door. I tried to revive my old talent for wide smiles, but thirteen years of adulthood waylaid my efforts.
"Melissa," she nodded and I could tell that the millstone hanging around her neck was larger and older than my own. "May I come in?"
"Oh!" I am sure she could tell I wanted to say no. I hemmed a moment longer, but she did not withdraw her request. "Um walk with me to the store." I grabbed my keys from a hook in the foyer and closed the door behind me.
"Your wallet," she said, her voice flat and calm. I pretended not to hear and began to crowd her toward the elevator bank at the end of the corridor. "What are you doing in Philly?" I wished my voice sounded lighter and more carefree, but all I could muster was shrill curiosity.
"What do you remember about me?". She gave me a look that dared me to bullshit.
I took a chance anyway. "Sporty, kinda quiet, lived with your dad over by the junior high school".
A spasm of anger passed across her face then was gone. "I need you to help me," she said through gritted teeth.
"Yeah ok," I said as one of the elevators opened, "I think you came to the wrong place." I flicked my fingers at the empty car and turned back down the hall.
"You owe me, bitch," She shouted. I stopped dead in my tracks. A wild surge of anger rose from my stomach and choked my retort in my throat.
"It's just a small favor," she said, her voice breaking. There was a long silence in which the elevator closed and left and my anger turned to guilt.
"I had nothing to do with that, Sara," I did not turn around to face her, but I could hear her breathing become quick and shallow. "That's all behind us and I don't want it in my new life."
"Your new life!" she squeaked, "Did you stop being Melissa Gonzales?"
This time I turned around.
"Sure did," I sneered and flashed the glittering ring on my left hand.
This set her off. I backed down the hallway while she shrieked a string of obscenities and accusations at me. I made it to my apartment door just as the building security guard emerged from the elevators. My neighbors peeked from their doorways as the guard forced the screaming woman into the stairwell.
"What the hell was that?" my next door neighbor, Kyle Andrews demanded once the door slammed shut. He stormed to the middle of the hallway and waited for me to answer.
"An old classmate," I smiled weakly. His living room shared a wall with the small bedroom I used for my work. I suspected that some of my ceremonies had caught his attention and that he was on the verge of reporting me to management.
"This is a good building," he said giving me a meaningful look, "We'd like to keep it that way."
"What's that supposed to mean?" another one of my neighbors, Keisha Jones, Esq., asked, stepping out into the hall.
"It's ok," I said waving her off. "It won't happen again."
Kyle and the rest of our neighbors retreated to their apartments, leaving Keisha and I in the silent hall. She closed her door and scurried over to me.
"Are you ok?" She whispered, we watched the end of the hall as if a fire-breathing version of Sara might appear.
"No," I said and went into my home.
"Well?" Keisha asked, following close behind me. Her eyes were alight with curiosity and concern.
"A girl from back home," I said collapsing on the couch and trying to figure out how to explain Sara. "I don't even know how she found me."
"Was any of what she said remotely true?" Keisha went into attorney mode making me strain to remember what Sara had shouted. "I can't have my favorite girl going down."
I looked up at Keisha and smiled. Thanks to her patronage, I made almost as much as my husband. In fact, she was the reason we were able to afford to be her neighbors.
"Her father died of natural causes before we even got there," I mumbled thinking back to that night we all got bored and decided to prank the Abates, "but Sara said we scared him to death."
"Is that what happened?" Keisha asked, still in lawyer mode.
"That's what the coroner said," I could hear the doubt in my voice.
"But you think otherwise?"
"The star quarterback was with us that night," I said remembering Devon Smith's sunburnt face as he reached down from atop the stone fence to help me over into Sara's yard. "He had a big scholarship to A&M."
"If we give her the help she asks for, is she the type to go away?" Keisha's furrowed her brow. I could tell she considering all outcomes.
"She's gone," I sighed, "Where would I even find her?"
"That shouldn't be too hard," Keisha said and looked at her watch. "Give me her full name and be ready for anything."
Two days later, Sara and Keisha were back at my door.
"Come in," I said without a bit of welcome in my voice.
"Thank you," Sara's demeanor was contrite and her eyes were peaceful. We arranged ourselves on the living room furniture and waited for things to happen.
"Ok Sara," Keisha said in her court voice, "How do you want Melissa to help you?"
"Your husband works for City Oufittings," she smiled shyly, "Get him to consider my designs for their housewares."
I stifled a laugh.
My husband hadn't worked in the design department in years.
"That was a summer internship." I said softly, "He's in marketing now."
"Ah". Her face fell a bit.
"But I think I can still help." Keisha shot me a crazed look, but there was no way I could explain. "Come with me."
I led them back to my workroom.The small bedroom was dim and the air laced with the fragrance of smoky resins. The altars to the saints and spirits I served lined the wall.
"What is this?" Sara asked breathlessly. She paused at the door trying to make sense of what she saw.
"Lie down," I ordered and pointed to the cloth cover table in the center of the room. She hesitated, but Keisha herded her into the room.
I delighted in Sara's obvious fear. Keisha and I exchanged smirks as she struggled to heave her trembling body onto the table.
As soon as she was on her back, I went to work placing five black candles on the table around Sara's body.
"Is this some kind of magic?" Sara asked as I sprinkled black dog hair over her body.
"Ok so you want to be a designer," I purred as if I cared.
Her whispered response was lost beneath the strike of a match. I touched the flame to a container of resin and inhaled the heady perfume.
The spirits in the room rustled as the sacred smoke wafted across their altars. Eagerly they poked and prodded my mind. Who was this troubled woman? And why was she so angry with our faithful servant? I held my peace until I was centered then called out to a single name.
Keisha gasped as his stern presence filled the room. Bothwa was the oldest spirit in my pantheon. Older than civilization and older than humans, he existed beyond the confines of any religion or moral system that I knew. However, he was willing, effective, and absolute. I only enlisted him for my most devastating work. I called his name twice more then waited.
He did not answer
The spirit of mi abuelita, the curandera who passed her knowledge unto me, broke the silence and admonished me for my actions.
I taught you better, mija!
I pushed her back without an answer, knowing that she loved me too much to punish me for my insolence. The other spirits remained silent in deference to Bothwa. Finally a bone chilling cold filled the room; he was listening.
"Bothwa," I smiled, "I offer this woman, Sara Abate, as a sacrifice to you as a sign of my devotion and gratitude for all that you have done for me."
"Oh!" Sara cried as the black candles around her flared into flaming columns. She struggled to sit up, but Bothwa was already on her. I watched with detached fascination as the deity toyed with Sara. Her pale eyes grew wide with terror and I wondered in passing if she could actually see him.
Sara lasted longer than most and it looked, for a moment, as if Bothwa was trying to possess her. A tinge of fear rippled through my gut. I'd never dealt with an embodied god before.
"Ahh!" Sara gurgled and curled into the fetal position. The sharp tang of blood wafted into my nose while the candles dissolved into puddles that dripped onto the floor.
"I thank you for accepting this offering," I said. Slowly, the cold subsided and I could sense Bothwa was pleased. I turned to Keisha, who looked like she'd shit her pants several times. "Call 911"
"What?' Keisha asked, her eyes wide and glassy.
"Call 911," I repeated, "I think she had a seizure."
"Yeah, um ok," Keisha said catching on. Her trembling hand groped for the doorknob, but her eyes were still on Sara's crumpled body.
The paramedics arrived quickly followed by the police and then the detectives. They moved uneasily in and out of my ceremony room as if they were not sure what they were seeing was real.
"So she came to you for a spell to get a job?" the lead detective asked for the fifth time. His voice was just as skeptical as it had been the first time he asked the question. I nodded and kept up my mask of concern. "And she didn't tell you she had seizures?'
"Correct," I furrowed my brow and placed a trembling hand over my mouth.
"And you sold her this service?"
"No," I said, keeping my eyes down, "she was an old friend of mine from high school. I did it for her for free."
"Mrs. Holden are you aware of the laws of our state?" another detective asked, fingering the cuffs dangling from his waist.
"Laws protect the customer's money, but they cannot decide the customer's faith," I gave him a proud look and turned to Keisha.
"Those laws don't apply, detective," she countered, "nothing of value was exchanged for the service."
The detective opened his mouth to speak again, but was silenced by a most unearthly screech. We all looked over at Sara . She had thrown off the paramedics and was trying to wriggle her way out of the gurney's restraints. At first the noise coming at her mouth sounded like nonsense, but soon I realized she was speaking Spanish, backwards.
I jumped to my feet, my eyes riveted on Sara.
"We have to get out of here," I whispered to Keisha.
"If she dies we're taking you in, miss," the second detective said gleefully. He mistook my fear for guilt.
"It's standard procedure," the lead detective stated. His voice was calm, but his green eyes moved frantically around the room, absorbing all of the details.
"Where are you going?" He asked, noticing our retreat.
"She is not safe," I said, continuing to back out of the living area. At my words, Keisha turned and flat out ran for the ceremony room.
Suddenly, Sara stopped yelling and I ran for it, too.
The screams of the men were the worst.
Keisha and I held each other as Sara ravaged the livingroom. I ran through the spirits and deities in my mind hoping to get a fix on who was in her body. Who was bold enough to claim Bothwa's offerings? For a moment, the wrinkled face of mi abuelita flashed in my mind, but I shooed away the image, not wanting to deal with her guilt trip.
"She's coming!" Keisha squealed.
We scurried to the back of the room and that is when I noticed something terribly wrong.
We were alone. The Iwa, my ancestors, and even the tiny animal spirits that followed me home were gone.
"What's wrong?" Keisha grabbed my arm and studied my panic stricken face. I composed myself and shoved away my fear.
"We're going to have to fight our way out," I said and handed her a ceremonial dagger from one of the altars. It was her turn to look panicked. She grasped the hilt and tested the heft.
"Ok," she said quietly, accepting her death. She crossed herself, praying to her Christian god for the first time in many years. .
I turned and rummaged through the remains of my power. I grabbed a gilded machete and tucked a protection amulet into my pocket. I doused myself in holy water and half-heartedly flung a bit in Keisha's direction. I wanted to keep the odds of survival stacked in my favor.
The lock clicked with a metallic ring and I watched in absolute terror as the door swung open to reveal the blood drenched creature that had once been Sara . I hoped it would speak so that we could perhaps bargain our way out, but there was nothing but silence.
The attack was straightforward and swift, but I had a foolproof plan. As the Sara cleared the central altar, I grabbed Keisha's arm and flung her directly into the arms of death.
I sprinted out of the room, out of the apartment, past curious neighbors and into the stopped emergency elevator. Keisha's screams followed me and for a moment I wanted to warn my neighbors to take cover, but I needed all the time I could get.
It wasn't until the heavy doors slid shut that I noticed a small figure in the far corner of the elevator. The woman wore a simple cotton dress trimmed in colorful embroidery. Her hands were wrinkled and bent and her hair hung in a silvery sheet over her shoulders.
"Abuelita?!" I squealed, recognizing the beautiful silver jewelry she wore.
"Mija," her voice was grave. She walked over to me and I knelt to receive her blessings.
"I have closed the way," she said and took my face into her hands. I looked into her eyes and to my horror they were dark and empty save for strange figures flashing around her orbs.
"Why?" I mewled, but as I studied the images, I began to tremble. A parade of souls I'd hexed or double crossed culminated with Sara arranging Keisha's body on the central altar in my apartment then falling, lifeless, to the ground.
The weight of their meaning crashed down me and I fell out of my grandmother's grip. As I lay trembling on the floor, it became obvious who took Sara from Bothwa. I betrayed mi abuelita's teachings and so she took back all that she had given me: every spirit, every power, and now, my life. When the doors opened, I did not resist the cops who rushed the elevator.
Hexed and Cursed
"The assailant has been identified as Melissa Holden, one of the apartment residents."
Finley Tilden heard the news anchor's words and laughed. The women sitting near her in the nail salon gave her disapproving looks.
Finley tried to suppress her mirth, but it bubbled out in sloppy snickers.
"That's bad luck and disrespectful to the dead," the woman painting Finley's nails frowned.
"I'm just happy the murderer got caught," Finley replied.
The manicurist looked doubtful but went back to work without another word.
"She was a real bitch," Finley suddenly felt the urge to defend herself. "She was
always doing dirty shit and getting away with it. She really deserved to get caught."
"It's sad either way," one of her fellow customers said.
Finley looked around at all of the disgusted faces in the shop and bit her tongue. The old woman with the knee length silver hair was particularly unnerving . She would wait until she was somewhere safe to celebrate her victory.
That safe place turned out to be the hotel room where her ex-husband, James Holden, hid from the media storm surrounding his current wife. James and Finley were married one year before Melissa got her witchy claws into him and killed Finley's dream. All these years later, Melissa's spell broke and James called Finely for assistance. It was messy and too many people perished, but the world was righted and Melissa was nearly out of the picture.
"Real love can't be broken," Finley whispered as she rolled over and kissed James. He pulled her closer without rousing from sleep.
A light tap on the door kept her from joining James in dreamland. She sighed and snuggled into his chest, hoping the person moved on, but the knock came again.
"Don't open it," James muttered when she slipped out of his hold. "Reporters and …" His last thought melted into sleep.
"I'll send them away," She answered as if to reassure him. Finley threw on one of the thick hotel robes and patted down her bedhead.
"Who is it?" she asked softly, creeping to the door.
"Senora Gonzalez," a woman answered. "I must speak with my son."
"You have the wrong room," Finley replied, feeling slightly relieved. "There's no Gonzalez here."
"James Holden," the stranger corrected, her voice strong and clear. "I must see my son!"
Finley did not answer.
"You will pay for what you have done, Finley Tilden" the woman continued, sounding as if she stood on the same side of the door as Finley.
Finley groped for the lightswitch, eyes wide with fear.
"What is it?' James asked, sitting up in bed as light flooded the room. "What's going on, Fin?"
Finley remained silent. She pressed her eye to the peephole and could just make out the top of a gray-haired person. For some reason, the old woman at the nail shop popped into her head.
"What!" James barked, feet hitting the floor.
She turned to answer him and let out a scream. A familiar silver-haired woman stood at the foot of the bed.
"How did you get in!" Finley exclaimed. She rattled the doorknob to assure herself the door was still locked.
"James, you were wronged by the women you love," the woman said, ignoring Finley, "But you have no further part in this disaster."
"A-a-abuelita?" he stuttered, his feet faltering as he approached her.
"Go home to your family," she cooed as he knelt before her. "I promise you will not feel this pain in a season. In a year, you will barely remember either of them."
"No," James shook his head. "This isn't real. I- I must be sick."
Finely shuddered as a deep chill crept into the room. The old woman wrapped her arms around herself, but remained focused on James.
"Very well," she nodded, eyeing FInley. "If that makes you move, then yes, you are sick and should leave for the hospital immediately."
"Yes, I must be sick if I'm seeing you." James gave a small hysterical laugh and got to his feet. "Great advice from a dead woman!"
"Don't be ridiculous, James, " Finley stepped forward only to find herself pressed to the ground by a massive weight.
James carried on gathering his things paying no heed to either woman. Once he was packed, he left the room without so much as a backwards glance.
An unnatural silence settled over the room in which Finley heard the rasp of her breath in and out of her compressed lungs and nothing else.
"You too were wronged, Finley," the old woman's voice was very close to her ear. "But I will avenge the harm you brought to my blood."
Finley Tilden was not a woman to cower in the face of power. She opted for wit over brute strength of any sort. That is how she moved through life and that is how she freed James.
"It was only fair," she choked out the words, pushing back against the force holding her down.
"On your feet," the old woman said and the pressure dissipated.
Finley stumbled to her feet and pressed her back against the hotel door. She and the woman sized each other up for a moment before she spoke.
"You're her mom?"
"In a sense," the woman nodded sending sparkles through her silver hair. "I raised her and taught her all that she knows."
"Ah," Finley saw an opening, "So this is all your fault."
The woman looked stunned and Finley continued.
"You gave her the skills, but not the morals. Were you dying? Did she have to leave? How did you skip the part about not ruining other people's lives?"
"You are clever," the woman smiled, "but your words will only delay my vengeance. Feel free to talk a bit more, we still have time."
"That's what your daughter said," Finley let herself relax. The situation was already turning to her favor. "But we all know how that ended up."
"I am not blinded by love," the woman countered, gesturing to the empty bed. "Nor enraged by lust."
"Aren't you?" Finley suppressed a smile. "Bloodlust on behalf of a loved one?"
"True," The woman gave her a sad smile. "Unfortunately for you, that is our way."
Finley opened her mouth to speak, but the woman cut her off.
"Bothwa!" the woman called and spun in a slow circle causing her hair to fan out around her. Its silvery beauty momentarily distracted Finley, but she was brought back into focus by the bitter cold engulfing the room.
"What are you doing?" Finley's words left white puffs of breath in their wake and her teeth chattered in the unnatural silence. "What is that name?"
"I am calling on the one who can make this right," she continued to spin, uttering indecipherable words between calling the name. "Bothwa!"
"He's already here," Finley moaned and squeezed her eyes shut to keep out the images of endless death and destruction that suddenly filled her mind.
"Hush!" the woman stopped spinning and clapped her hands in a staccato pattern. "Bothwa! Bothwa!"
Two disembodied thumps was the answer accompanied by an ear-popping vacuum noise.
And there he was or at least what Finley's brain comprehended Bothwa to be. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a disturbing grey pallor and cold, dead eyes.
"I don't deserve this," Finley threw her shoulders back and confronted the entity. "I shouldn't have to die just because her daughter was greedy."
"Die?" Bothwa gave a hearty laugh exposing a mouth of broken yellowed teeth. "No, girl. Death is easy. Death will be a welcomed relief from what awaits you in my care." He laughed again and looked expectantly at the old woman.
The woman clasped her hands together, her brow furrowed in thought, but did not speak.
"If only you had used your words, Finley," the woman sighed, her voice warbled with emotion. "Talked your way through to my daughter instead of casting against her."
"See!" Finley grew bolder. " She all but admits it!"
"I do not care," Bothwa was impatient. He paced the length of the room as he spoke. "A sacrifice was stolen from me and I will have its equal or better."
He leveled a glare at 'abuelita.'
Finley scoffed to herself, thinking she was far more valuable than that withered bait, Sara Abate.
Abuelita shook her head and sighed again.
"There's only one way to save your legacy, Abuelita Gonzales," Finley said into the silence, then rethought her familiarity. "Ma'am."
"I will not abandon Melissa," Abuelita made a sour face. "Even though she was wrong, I will not leave her to an uncertain fate."
"Well, one thing is for certain with Bothwa," Finley dared to share a conspiratorial glance with the entity. "Melissa will learn her lesson."
Abuelita gaped at Finley while Bothwa laughed aloud. The sound of his mirth caused both women to shiver.
Good, Finley thought, pushing through her fear. If they can conceive the idea, even if it repulses them, they can be convinced to accept it.
"It is the only way," Finley reinforced, "Otherwise, you prove to Melissa that her actions have no consequences."
"I- I can't" Abuelita put her fingertips on her forehead as if to keep the idea from taking hold. "She is my heir, the keeper of our family's legacy. She is all that I have."
""There is another," Finley took a shot in the dark. "One who can see and hear you just as we do now. As Melissa did once you passed."
Finley waited, breath stilled, for the flicker of recognition to cross the other woman's face.
"Jamie," Abuelita whispered. It came with the gift of a small gasp. "Dear little Jamie."
"Jamie. He can be taught," Finley moved in for the kill. "Everything you gave Melissa, you can give to him." She paused for dramatic effect. "Plus one more lesson that you didn't have this time."
"I can't," Abuelita crossed her arms for emphasis. Her eyes were glassy and unseeing. "This goes against the natural order of things. I won't do this to Melissa."
Finley did not speak. This was the final turn and the woman needed an enemy. Someone to argue points against. It might as well be herself.
Bothwa seemed to agree. His expressionless eyes stayed fixed the older woman as she muttered objections under her breath.
"If I leave her to Bothwa," Abuelita addressed them finally. "I do not deserve the honor of being anyone's guide."
Bothwa cast a terrifying grin at Finley, but she held up a finger for him to wait.
"But I have failed with her," Abuelita put her head in her hands and sobbed. "I have failed her!"
"Don't," Bothwa seemed unnerved for the first time.
"Take me, Bothwa!" Abuelita cried, flinging herself blindly in his general direction. "I no longer deserve to walk between the worlds."
Finley laughed.
Loud and hard, sinking to her knees as her shoulders shook.
She didn't want to laugh, not when her life was at stake and definitely not in front of this intimidating god-like being, but she couldn't stop cracking up.
"Sorry," She snorted, trying to pull herself together. "I'm so sorry!"
She took a look at the older woman, so overwrought and dramatic, and fell into another fit of giggles.
"Oh no!" she hid her face in the crook of her arm to muffle her laughter.
"This is no longer entertaining," Bothwa said, turning to the door. "I will take Melissa and be done with this clan and your foolishness."
"Wait!" Abuelita called, grabbing wildly at the air, but Bothwa was gone. Finely expected Abuelita, who she recognized as more spirit than flesh, to follow Bothwa, but the lady stayed.
Finley's chuckles tapered off and ended with an amused huff.
A silence settled over the room.
"Aren't you going to save Melissa?" Finley sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye. She sat back on her heels and looked up at her visitor.
The woman stared, unresponsive, at the door.
"Right," Finley shrugged and got to her feet. "Well, we're done here."
She opened the door and gestured to the hallway.
"Leave of your own free will, spirit," Finley offered, "Or be banished."
The old woman's eyes came into focus and she pinned Finley with a murderous stare.
"Hurry up," Finley snapped, tired of the day's shenanigans. "I have to catch up with James."
"Your pretty little pastel spells are good," The spirit raised her hand, palm outward. "But only if no one is paying attention."
"Yeah, ok," Finley rolled her eyes and tried to recall the words to the banishment. "I see where Melissa picked up her attitude."
Abuelita clinched her hand into a fist and Finley's lifeless body clattered to the floor.
Abuelita sighed and stared at the body on the floor before her. Someone would come down the hall soon enough, discover the death, and lay the blame at James' feet. She sighed again. This was not the outcome she intended. James was a nice man who deserved something more, but it was not her job to protect him. Let his own gods and ancestors pull him back from that from that fate.
A small stab of regret made her shudder. If only she'd said no all those years ago when her own abuelita had shown her a tiny bird brought back to life.
"No," she shook her head. "I cannot regret that of all things."
She tossed her hair over her shoulder and reached out into the world. Melissa was still alive, but barely. Abuelita clicked her tongue in disgust. Bothwa wasted no time in pursuit of his prey.
Fortunate for Melissa, he prefered to play with his food.
Abuelita flashed through the city to the hospital where Melissa shivered in the dim, chilly ICU.
"Abuelita!" she let out a strangled cry and tried to reach out with her right hand, but it was cuffed to the bed. "I knew you wouldn't leave me."
"No, mija," Abuelita soothed her with a light touch. "I will see you through this."
"She's a fun one," Bothwa whispered from the shadows of the room.
"Your fun is over," Abuelita's said, her voice firm and sharp. "She is not a toy."
Bothwa let out a silky, dark laugh.
Bothwa emerged from the corner and for the first time in forever, Abuelita felt the flutter of fear in her chest.
The entity was just as large and intimidating as she had imagined, but his visual form brought heft to his presence. It pressed outward and urged her to run or submit.
From her bed, Melissa grunted and jerked on the cuff as if she, too,wanted to escape the room.
Abuelita stood her ground.
"My daughter is not a toy," she spat, "She is not a sacrifice for you to torture as you see fit. You will return to the beyond and leave us in peace."
"Your daughter owes me a sacrifice," Bothwa smiled. "I'm not leaving without it."
Melissa whined, her eyes filling with tears.
"Bothwa," Abuelita was calm,"You were called to do her bidding, but you did no work. You do not deserve the sacrifice."
"You stole it from me!" Bothwa roared. "She called on me! She gave the soul to me! This was all for me!"
Melissa closed her eyes and let out a small sob.
"Go, Bothwa," Abuelita gestured a dismissal.
"You did not summon me, old woman," Bothwa loomed over the hospital bed, causing Melissa to cower into the thin pillow. "And you cannot banish me."
"I would not dishonor you with such a base action," Abuelita moved between Bothwa and Melissa. "I am asking your to leave on your own."
"Or what?" Bothwa asked and reached past the woman to put the pad of his thumb on Melissa's forehead.
The scream arose from the tips of Melissa's toes and gathered speed as it barreled through her being, up her spine, and banged around her throat. She tried to hold it in, if only for the sake of her pride and dignity, but the pain was far beyond her tolerance. Her body and soul shattered under Bothwa's touch.
Melissa's scream clawed out of her shredded throat and shattered the glass on the face of the bedside monitor.
The noise curled around the room and drowned out the soothing words Abuelita said as she rubbed Melissa's arm.
Nurses rushed the room and tried their best to save Melissa, but the world went black and only Abuelita's bright spirit cast light into the darkness.
"No!" Abuelita cried and for a moment her light dimmed. "You must go back, mija"
"I don't want to," Melissa cowered at Abuelita's feet. The pain was gone. It was gone and the happiness flooding her being was almost too much to endure. "Let me stay here with you. I want to be with you forever."
"You can stop Bothwa, but not from here," Abuelita pulled her to her feet.
"He can have my body," Melissa shivered at the memory of his touch. "I never want to be in it again."
"He doesn't want your body!"
"Oh!" Melissa gave a small sob.
"This is nothing but an incomplete work. An open ceremony. An unfinished spell," Abuelita shook Melissa's shoulder with every sentence. "Go back, end the rite, and send Bothwa back to the shadows."
It took everything in Melissa to will her mouth shut and ending her ongoing scream. Bothwa was still there, right beside the frantic nurses, leering at her and trying to inflict more pain.
"Stop it," she growled through gritted teeth, barely louder than the screeching machines.
"Stay down, miss!" A nurse pressed a splayed hand onto her chest, pinning her to the bed.
"You can't do this without my permission," Melissa relaxed and focused on the spirit.
"That's not your choice to make," the nurse snapped, thinking her words were for him. "Stay down so we can get you stable."
She grinned. Despite his power, Bothwa was no more than a spirit and she was a Bruja. Spirits were hers to command. Melissa expanded her presence and pressed the spirit back.
"Go!" Melissa ordered, locking eyes with Bothwa. "This work is over and you are no longer needed."
The nurses froze and the machines went dark, both held in thrall by Melissa's power.
Only breath and heartbeats made a dent in the heavy silence.
"You failed me, ancient one," Melissa's voice grew stronger. "And what's worse, you've endagered me.You are dismissed."
"Your precious abuelita stole my offering," Bothwa countered, pressing back. "She brought down your house."
A sharp flare of pain rose up behind Melissa's eyes at the memory of the betrayal, but she shook her head. That was her fault. She disobeyed the rules that made up the foundation of the house she inherited.
"Back, Bothwa," Melissa sat up and pushed the nurse's hand away. "Behind the veil until you are called again."
"You are not the only gate!" Bothwa hissed. "You feeble witches are nothing but pawns in the game of the ancients. We play you…"
"Silence!" Melissa shouted. "There is nothing more for you on this side. Obey the laws you ancients set and leave."
"I will return," Bothwa retreated into the shadows until all but his eyes remained visible. "I will be unleashed by you or some other petty power player and I will come for the offering that was taken from me."
With that he was gone.
Melissa fell back onto the bed with a sigh of relief and the chaos restarted around her.
The medical staff fussed a few minutes more before leaving her in peace.
"Good job," Abuelita smiled from her perch in the corner.
"Gracias," Melissa returned the smile. Technically, the door abuelita slipped through was closed and she should have gone back with Bothwa.
"I'm sorry," Melissa added when Abuelita did not come closer. "I let my fear lead me away from all you'd taught me."
Abuelita's smile faded.
"Please say something," Melissa propped herself up on one elbow.
"This will all turn out just fine," Abuelita said at last.
Tears sprang into Melissa's eyes and she reached out for the old woman.
"As long as you keep to path." Abuelita pointed to the door.
"James!" Melissa cried.
"Melissa?" the man sounded confused, as if could not remember how he turned up at the hospital.
Melissa looked to Abuelita, but she was gone. In her stead she left peace and reassurance. Melissa beckoned to her husband, certain that things would go her way.
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CLWR - Colour Wear UP Parka Womens Jacket 2016 Bottle Green. CLWR - Colour Wear UP Parka Womens Jacket 2016 Bottle Green Features: Durable waterproof & highly breathable fabric Waterproof: 10 000mm Breathability: 10 000gr/m2/24h Taped seams ? 250T polyester lining 60g high loft padding Ventilation pit zippers with mesh guard ? Tricot lined zipper pockets at side Storm placket behind zipper ? Napoleon pocket behind front placket Taped seams Lycra cuffs at sleeve end with thumb holes Velcro adjustable sleeve straps Dropped tail Brushed tricot chin guard Removable snow skirt One hand adjustable elastic drawstrings at hem and hood?
- Price: £92.49 - Out of Stock
- Brand: Colour Wear - CLWR
- Color: Green
- Model: 21049153
- Product ID: 71249


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81 Ironwood Court,
Middletown, New Jersey NJ 07748
$425,000 Price
Active Status
Est. Monthly Payment: $1,825.19 See Details
3 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
2.1 Total Baths
1 Partial Baths
1,712 Square Feet
21713702 Listing ID
Schedule Showing
Status Active
County Monmouth
Year Built 2002
Property Type Residential
Property Sub Type Condominium
{"zipcode": "07748", "price": "425000"}
Down Payment
Credit Score
Loan Amount
Loan Type
Primary Features
County: Monmouth
Property Type: Residential
Year Built: 2002
Zoning: Condo
Assessment Status: Assessed
Common Elements: Association, Basketball Court, Common Area, Landscaping, Tennis Court
Excluded: Personal items
Farm Assessed: no
Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Garage Door Opener, Gas Cooking, Light Fixtures, Microwave, Refrigerator, Screens, Self/Con Clean, Washer
List Number Main: 21713702
Management Type: Professional Off Site
New Construction: no
Ownership Type: Condominium
Property Sub Type: Condominium
Style: Other - See Remarks
Sub Type: Townhouse
Water/Sewer: Public Sewer, Public Water
Location Information
Area/Section: Oak Hill
Complex/Subdivision: Laurel Greene
Elementary School: Nut Swamp
High School: Middle South
Middle School: Thompson
Municipality: Middletown (MID)
Other High: Red Bank Cath
Street Suffix: Court
Financial Details
Assessment Fee: 185.00
Assessment Fee Paid: Monthly
Fee Includes: Exterior Maint, Mgmt Fees, Snow Removal
HOA: yes
List Price/SqFt: 248.25
Tax Year: 2016
Taxes: 8954.00
External Features
Exterior: Deck
Garage: Attached
Garage: yes
Number Car Garage: 1.00
Parking: Off Street, Visitor
Pool: no
Roof: Shingled
Siding: Brick
Waterfront: no
Waterview: no
Interior Features
Basement 2: Full Finished, Heated
Basement: yes
Bedroom Dimensions: 18x15
Bedroom Level: 2
Bedroom Level 2: 2
Dining Room: Dec Molding, Floor - W/W Carpet
Dining Room Dimensions: 13x13
Dining Room Level 2: 1
Dining Room Level: 1
Family Room Dimensions: 15x13
Family Room Level: 1
Family Room Level 2: 1
Fireplace: Yes
Floors: Ceramic, W/W Carpet, Wood
Foyer: Floor - Ceramic
Foyer Dimensions: 5x5
Foyer Level: 1
Foyer Level 2: 1
Great/Family Room: Fireplace - Electric, Floor - Wood, Two Story
Half Baths: 1
Heat Fuel: Natural Gas
Heat/Air Conditioning: Central Air, Forced Hot Air
Interior: Attic, Clerestories, Dec Molding, Recessed Light, Sliding Door
Kitchen: Eat-In, Floor - Wood, Sliding Door
Kitchen Dimensions: 15x12
Kitchen Level 2: 1
Kitchen Level: 1
Laundry Dimensions: 8x6
Laundry Level: 2
Laundry Level 2: 2
Living Room: Dec Molding, Floor - W/W Carpet
Living Room Dimensions: 18x13
Living Room Level: 1
Living Room Level 2: 1
Master Bath: Floor - Ceramic, Shower Stall, Tub
Master Bedroom: Fireplace - Electric, Floor - W/W Carpet, Full Bath, TRY/VLT/CATH, Walk-in Closet
Master Bedroom Dimensions: 17x10
Master Bedroom Level 2: 2
Master Bedroom Level: 2
Media Dimensions: 20x14
Media Level: B
Number Fireplaces: 1.00
Number Level 1 - Baths: 420200.00
Number Level 2 - Baths: 2.00
Number Levels: 2.0
Recreational Room Dimensions: 27x14
Recreational Room Level: B
Rooms: 7
Rooms: Bedroom, Dining Room, Family Room, Foyer, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Media, Rec Room
Water Heater: Natural Gas
Zoning Info
The content relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the IDX program of the Monmouth Ocean MLS. Listing content is ©2017 Monmouth Ocean MLS. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. The information provided is for consumers. personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties for purchasing. This information was last updated as of date specified below. Some properties which appear for sale on this web site may subsequently have sold or may no longer be available. Please contact Burke & Manna Real Estate Agency directly for additional information pertaining to the status and availability of properties displayed on this website. This listing comes courtesy of Claudia Haberstroh of Exit Realty East Coast Shirvanian.
Contact - Listing ID 21713702
Michele Davis Real Estate
1076 Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Phone: 7327783151
Phone Alt: 7327783151
Fax: 7327471977
Data services provided by IDX Broker
Enjoy my site & Know that I am here to assist you.
If you want to schedule an appointment with me click below. Your privacy is always important. Your information will not be shared, sold or exchanged with anyone else.CONTACT MICHELE


text:
Chokladbollar med cookie dough
Ripped jeans and a simple sweatshirt.
Pinterest: Chedsnehblogs ♡ www.chedsneh.co.uk
If you love white chocolate, cheesecake, and brownies, get ready to fall in love, because this dreamy combination, is now a reality.
An easy two ingredient Oreo crust topped with a smooth and creamy Oreo cheesecake filling. These Mini Oreo Cheesecakes make a perfect dessert for any time of year!
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe via Cooking Classy - the ULTIMATE spring dessert! These are to die for! No one can stop at one bite! The BEST Easy Lemon Desserts and Treats Recipes - Perfect For Easter, Mother's Day Brunch, Bridal or Baby Showers and Pretty Spring and Summer Holiday Party Refreshments!
no bake lemon cheesecake in mini mason jars
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse - the ULTIMATE spring dessert! These are too die for! No one can stop at one bite!
Delicious Breakfast ideas | Healthy Food, Healthy life !!!
Laura Marianna Good food // waffles


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Investor drive key to lifting Maori incomes by 20 per cent
The government has published a guide for overseas investors interested in profiting from the fast-growing Maori economy.
The guide gives overseas investors a guide to important Maori cultural values, as well as the statistics which paint a portrait of the Maori economy, which continues to grow at a rate of 5-6 per cent a year, compared to 2-3 per cent for the economy as a whole.
The publication, commissioned from KPMG by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, was unveiled by economic development minister Simon Bridges, at the E RERE Māori economy conference in Rotorua on Friday.
Maori economic leader Robin Hapi said there had never been more optimism for Maori economic prospects than there is now.
* True scale of unemployment shown by under-employment rate
* Calls for actions as youth unemployment rate increases
"There's a degree of optimism now that hasn't been there before. What we are seeing is the vision started all those years ago when our leaders came together in the early 1980s," said Hapi, chairman of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board.
The guide includes a brief history of Maori detailing arrival around 1200AD, the appearance of Europeans, and the colonisation of the country, and Maori alienation from the land. It then charts the re-emergence of Maori as an economic force which began in the 1970s and 1980s.
Alongside the guide, Bridges unveiled targets for Maori development, which he called "ambitious".
They included aiming to increase Maori median incomes by 20 per cent by 2021, reduce Maori unemployment to 7.5 per cent, and increase the number of small and medium enterprises owned by Maori by 30 per cent, as well as increasing Maori exports by 9 per cent.
Hapi stressed the importance of the targets, which were set higher than natural economic improvement would create.
"If we were just going to get these leaps through normal progression, it wouldn't be making the difference and the advances we need," Hapi said.
In the last four years, for example, the minimum wage has risen from 14.25 to $15.75, a rise of 10.5 per cent, and median wages across all ethnic populations had risen by 15 per cent.
Bridges told the conference the Maori economy, which has had huge potential to lift the economy as a whole.
"Investors are interested in partnering with Maori, and global consumers are interested in their intergenerational outlook and underpinning cultural values of taking care of people, building strong relationships, and looking after the environment."
The targets also including slashing Maori youth unemployment, and lifting educational attainment.
Hapi said Maori had developed a large asset base, including a huge area of land, and the focus had turned to developing the economic potential of that land.
"What's changed is our people have started to focus on the potential of that land, while ensuring our unique Maori character is not undermined," he said.
- Stuff


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Jan 20
Dogs and SmartPhones: 8 Popular Dog Apps
No, dogs and smartphones isn't a joke we heard at a New Year's Eve Party. Though it sounds like it could be.
While even the smartest dogs aren't using mobile phones (yet), their owners are tapping away with their thumbs in startling numbers—on every topic under the sun. In addition to game apps featuring dogs, there are ones which can help track information, educate on a wide variety of dog-related topics, and provide countless hours of advice.
Here's a list of some of the most interesting dog-related apps we've come across this week.
Fast and clear advice for the most common Dog Emergencies.
2. Pet First Aid by Jive Medi LLC
Pet First Aid contains detailed articles, video, and illustrations to help you care for your dog or cat. Record your pet's vital medical information to ensure their veterinarian is never more than a touch away, and your pet will never miss another vaccination.
3. MyPets Info by Mobile Simplified
MyPets is an Information Manager that helps you keep track of your Pets day-to-day activities, medical information, important contacts, such as groomers or doctors and all other information relevant for your pets.
4. Dog Tricks & Bark Machine by Pocket Cocktails, Inc.
The ultimate portable Dog Trick training tutorial with nearly 200 pictures and step-by-step instructions. Bark Machine includes a variety of amazing sounds designed to captivate you and your dog.
5. DogBook by Poolhouse Enterprises
Keep a diary of your dog's life, locate other dogs by breed or location, and then "friend" them.
Fast convenient access to hundreds of Dog Health Topics on the go. You can either select a category such as "Behavioral" or "Digestive" and browse the related topics in that category or search by keywords.
7. The Dog Breeds by MyAppBuilder
100 dog breeds with information such as their temperament, exercise requirements , and size.
8. Dogbook by Poolhouse Enterprises
Connect with other dogs and owners in parks and groups, post on their walls, and share photos and videos.
What dog-related apps are you using?
Photo credit: xploitme flickr
Jan 20
You Got A New Puppy–Now What?
By now you might be asking yourself the question many new dog owners ask in the first few weeks—Did the puppy come with a manual? And, you might be wondering if everyone in the family is helping out the way they promised, when they begged, "Please!"
There's nothing quite like puppy love or the family dog. That being said—new puppies require cooperation, and having everyone on the same page.
From the get go, puppies necessitate a well thought out plan. Everything from: a house-training schedule; deciding on crate or no crate; knowing what vaccinations are required; identifying common household items which should be kept far, far away from your curious puppy; checking-out healthy puppy food choices; and most importantly, scheduling appointments with a Veterinarian.
Dog owners often say that it's their Veterinarian and clinic staff who serve as the go-to people for all kinds of puppy/dog care and safety-related questions.
You'll soon discover your dog won't be the only one making new friends. People will be stopping you on the street to ask, "Puppy? How old?"
Even though your puppy didn't come with a manual, you'll find lots of great books at your local library, bookstore and online. Puppies For Dummies by Sarah Hodgson is a great resource. Check-out her cheat sheet here.
And, keep reading, Dog Tails. We have a great editorial calendar ahead.


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With just 1/2 cup of sugar and no eggs or butter, these cookies are great tasting and much healthier. The perfect after school snack!
Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Also seen on The Art of Comfort Baking
Ingredients1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cups oats
1/2 cup Sugar
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Canola oil
1/3 cup skim milk ( + 1 tablespoon )
1 banana ( medium ripe, mashed )
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
24From The Art of Comfort Baking
Adapted from Bethenny Frankel


text:
University Major Donor Receives National Philanthropy Day Award
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 14, 2014 — Gary E. West is a name that is known to just about everyone in his hometown of Wheeling, W.Va. A 1958 graduate of West Liberty University, West is a generous leader and an alumnus that has endowed the Hilltop campus with many gifts, most recently the West Family Stadium. He also is a lifelong supporter of Oglebay Resort and donor of its West Spa.
In recognition of his ongoing support for higher education and the Wheeling community, West was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter (AFP-WPA) at a special dinner held on Nov. 13, 2014. He is the first West Virginian to be honored in this manner.
"West Liberty University is proud to join the Pennsylvania Chapter in honoring our friend and benefactor Gary West. There is no one more deserving. Congratulations to both Gary and Flip for this National Philanthropy Day honor," said President Robin C. Capehart.
West is one of seven individuals and organizations from the region selected for 2014 National Philanthropy Day Awards. The presentation of the award took place at a special dinner held at the John Heinz History Center and hosted by Randy Baumann of the WDVE Morning Show, a former National Philanthropy Day awardee.
"Gary is the first honoree from the state of West Virginia to achieve this designation. It's wonderful that this forward thinking businessman, generous donor and friend has been selected for this impressive honor. We thank him again for all he's done for Oglebay Resort, West Liberty University and the entire community," said Randy Worls, chairman of the Oglebay Foundation
As a successful businessman, West bought the Wheeling-based Valley Welding Supply Company and grew it from a one-shop operation to a business with 84 locations in 16 states and annual sales in excess of $250 million. West is also president of West Rentals, Inc., President Plymouth Holding LLC, and GEW Real Estate, LLP, as well as president and secretary of Acetylene Products Corp.
West was named West Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year, is a member of Who's Who in West Virginia Business and was inducted into WLU's Alumni Wall of Honor in 1993. In 2006, he was inducted into West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics West Virginia Business Hall of Fame.
West has invested considerable personal and financial assets in his alma mater, where he earned a degree in business administration. He and his wife Flip established the Guy H. and Mary Ann West School of Business Scholarship Endowment, and he has served in the past as chair of WLU's capital campaign, which he supported with the largest lifetime gift commitment by individuals in the history of the university.
He also is a member of West Liberty University's Foundation Board of Directors and serves on its executive committee.
Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated in more than 124 communities across the country. For more information on the AFP awards or event, please visit afpwpa.org.


text:
EPRA Annual Conference
|Westin Hotel, Paris
|Start Date:
|Tue 6 September 2016
|End Date:
|Thu 8 September 2016
|Start Time:
|Finish Time:
|Event Summary: The leading event for the listed real estates sector, attracting investors, consultants and analysts and the full range of functions within the industry, in Europe and beyond.
Thank you for attending EPRA Conference 2016.
Take a look at our event highlights video and see our event story on Twitter.
Real Estate, preparing for change.
- How do we cope with changes at increasing speed in a capital intensive industry where most buildings are prototypes taking years to plan, design, deliver and occupy?
- Real Estate has to also integrate the market mega trends linked with urbanisation, demographics and wealth changes, globalisation, specialism, technology, and regulation.
- Sustainability has now been incorporated into each session.
Follow updates on
Keynote speaker @EPRAParis2016
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Access the sponsor page below to see our speakers' presentations from the conference
When and where will the conference be held?
How many colleagues can I bring?
Can non-EPRA members attend Annual Conference?
How much is the registration fee?
Accommodation planning
Will the AGM also take place in Paris?
Can I bring my partner?
How can I sponsor the event?
How to use the Networking tool


text:
Norah Bayou eBooks
eBooks found: 1
First Time Swingers: Lured Into the Swinging Lifestyle (erotic/erotica)
Norah Bayou
WyzardWorx, October 2007
Format: PDF
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text:
System Evaluation & Documentation
We will come to our office and evaluate the system you already have in place. We will talk to you about your pain points and goals for the future to ensure that a system is in place to fit your needs today and in years to come.
We want to protect your information from every threat. That means making sure outside forces cannot acquire, corrupt and steal your data. We will evaluate your system to ensure that you are secure to give you peace of mind.
Remote Support
Apple Business Works is just a phone call away. We are often able to fix IT problems remotely or talk you through the process to fix them yourself. This ensures that you experience minimal down time. We want to keep your business moving no matter what!
System Redundancy & Back-ups
We protect you so that you are prepared for the worst. We make sure that your back-ups are stored in multiple places and that you have access in case of file loss. We make sure you are protected from the four main causes of file loss: human error, crimes, natural causes and disaster.
Network Engineering
No matter if you have three computers or three thousand, it is important to have a network that protects each user and allows for seamless file sharing. We will talk to you about the types of employees you have and the needs of individual users to ensure a system is in place that works for everyone in your organization.


text:
A cutting from a rooted Lilac bush
We almost drove to Rochester, NY for the annual Lilac Festival. But I'm still happy I have my own lilac now. You won't believe how fragrant the flowers of this purple lilac. I am so excited to grow and can't wait to see my own fragrant lilac flowers!


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So many people, so many gifts, and so little time and money! Here are 11 healthy, homemade and affordable gift ideas for the holidays or any time of year!
Going green needn't require a lot of time, energy or money. Start with these small changes.
Pain is just that--a pain! But we can learn from our bodies if we listen closely enough.
Cold and flu season is here. Is your body in shape to fight off viruses and fend off germs that could make you sick? If not, start with these 10 simple habits that will help you stay healthy all season long.
Kiss seasonal depression symptoms goodbye with these 10 healthy tips!
Does the thought of taking time to relieve stress make you feel even more stressed out? Try these techniques to bust stress in 5 minutes or less.
If you want to look and feel better in your own skin now--not 10 pounds from now--follow these quick and simple tips.
Are you unknowingly making unhealthy choices in the kitchen? From the pots and pans you cook with to the soap you wash with, consider these simple swaps that could make your kitchen a much healthier place.
Use these ideas to start busting stress in no time!
What better time than Lent to focus on improving your own health? Here are 7 things to give up (and 7 positive habits to take on) for 40 days to aid your weight-loss and enhance your health.
Breaking these 8 bad skin habits will help your face steer clear of breakouts.
We've all had those frustrating nights where, despite our best intentions, we're just unable to fall asleep. Try these tips the next time you find yourself unsuccessfully counting sheep.
You have questions, we have answers. From how many calories in a popular beer to how to do yoga in a chair, we answer your most pressing health and fitness queries.
Here are a few of the numbers that everyone should aim for to keep their hearts in optimal health.
From bug Wipes to blenders, the SparkPeople editors have tried it all in the name of living a healthy lifestyle. Discover the products they love--you might love them, too.
Think those small purchases don't really affect your savings? Think again!


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Bus Deals Of The Day
Booking bus tickets have become so easy ever since the online booking portals like Redbus, Abhibus, YatraGenie, Paytm Bus and more have entered the scene. You can now book tickets from the comfort of your home and in a matter of few seconds. Save big while booking bus tickets using GrabOn's bus deals of the day. The next time you're looking for bus tickets to travel to far off places, don't forget to check out GrabOn's bus deals. Be it a sleeper or semi sleeper, AC or non-AC you can avail the best deals here. This regularly updated page contains carefully collected and collated offers, discounts and deals to make your online bus booking experience a happy one.
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Effortless, Hasslefree And Smart Way To Travel Online Bus bookings have made travel a lot easy, removing the hassle and effort that generally goes into choosing just the right bus service, seats, timings, pick up and drop points and so on. Now you can easily book your bus tickets online using online travel portals like Abhibus, Paytm Bus, Redbus and more such services that offer easy, effective and effortless ticketing process right from the comfort of your home. Gone are the days of standing in long queues for booking bus tickets to your destination. You can just book the tickets online and pay for the amount digitally by using bank cards or mobile wallets.
Make The Most Out Of The Bus Deals You can avail great discounts and amazing deals while booking buses. You can earn rewards, use coupons to get discounted price on tickets and avail brownie points while booking bus tickets on travel portals. GrabOn brings you the list of handpicked and carefully curated deals that can help you save big every time you book bus tickets to some destination. Don't forget to make use of these deals the next time you're out looking for bus tickets.


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BERNARDS TWP. The move, which the committee backed in a review of the draft 2001 municipal budget last Thursday, would eschew a big municipal tax cut this year and allow a tax increase near the rate of inflation. "I see this as a pivotal year so we can be in position for 2003, 2004, for when the revenue from the building stops coming," said Committeewoman Gailanne Barth.
"We know bad times are coming in the years ahead," said Committeeman Albert LiCata.
Under the draft budget, the municipal tax rate would fall from 36.1 cents per $100 of assessed property value last year to 33.3 cents per $100. But with the assessment on the average home rising by 12.14 percent, the average homeowner would still see a municipal tax increase of 3.45 percent, according to officials.
The municipal rate is just one component of the total property tax which also includes rates for the school district, Somerset County and open space acquisition. The total property tax, which hasn't been set for this year, was $1.78 per $100 last year, or $1,780 per $100,000 assessed valuation.
The committee plans to introduce the budget on Tuesday, Feb. 27, with the public hearing to follow on Tuesday, March 27.
Biggest Surplus Ever
The township's ratable base expanded last year by 15.01 percent, to $4.239 billion. That increase reflected both higher assessments and new construction.
More than $152 million in new construction was realized, with The Hills housing development leading the way. There were 341 new homes built in The Hills last year, meaning 1,719 of the 1,886 approved homes are now complete.
Revenue from new construction helped the township generate a budget surplus of $9.6 million the largest ever, said Dorothy Stikna, the township's chief finance officer. The surplus, which is used to offset taxation, is usually $5 million to $6 million, Stikna said.
Using all the surplus could reduce the tax rate by 21.5 percent, to 28.2 cents per $100, but that would be inadvisable in the long run, she said. She warned the committee that new construction and in turn, surpluses, will decline dramatically soon, requiring taxes to increase.
Stikna recommended using the surplus to pay off the township's entire short-term, non-open space debt of $3.2 million. That debt, which is from three projects the library expansion, Dunham Park and the widening of Somerville Road consists of seven-year notes that would normally be paid off through 2005.
Paying off the debt this year would reduce future budgets by $825,000 in 2002-03 and $530,000 in 2004-05, with the township saving almost $250,000 in interest payments, Stikna said.
Moreover, because no other known projects will require borrowing, she added, the township would experience a true "pay-as-you-go" policy for capital improvements. Larger projects would be funded through "sinking funds" that are built up in advance over several years, she said.
Even with the debt paid off, Stikna projected that the municipal rate would rise from 33.3 cents to 34.1 cents in 2002 and 38.1 cents in 2003. Committee members voiced concern with the projection for 2003 and predicted that many budget requests for that year would be put off to reduce the rate.
Stikna said another option would be to eschew debt elimination and keep last year's rate of 36.1 cents flat each year through 2005. But committee members rejected that option because of this year's jump in assessments.
"If you have a flat rate, it's going to knock the tax up 12 percent, and that's unacceptable because the school board's going to come in with a whopper and it's just going to get worse," said Mayor William Holmes.
The draft municipal budget totalled $29.88 million, which would be up 2.48 percent from last year. A reduction of $420,000 would be needed to knock a cent off the tax rate.
Although the budget was originally scheduled to be introduced on Tuesday, Feb. 13 one day past the statutory deadline Barth and LiCata said they wanted more time to review the capital requests.
Stikna expressed concern that the introduction would then be 15 days late, although she acknowledged that other towns often miss the deadline. "If the spending plans are not approved, it raises eyebrows" in Trenton, she said.