text:
I had been told that the assignment was a bit kinky, but a weekend stopover in Hawaii and three days on my own in Tokyo, paid for by the generous fee addition, were enough for me not to care. My pimp, Leon, told me to make myself blond all over, which I had grown used to in any assignment sending me to the Orient. And I was a bit intrigued because I was told up front that the client was Matsu Shinjuto, an elusive Japanese billionaire, much of whose wealth came from his Japanese ink paintings and block prints of ancient Shinto shrines during the various seasons.
The limousine sent for me at the hotel stopped at a massive set of iron gates at the base of a sharp steep slope up a hill, heavy with ferns and carefully pruned weeping trees, and I climbed slowly up to a hilltop eerie high above Kyoto, where my client had placed his many-pavilioned Japanese-style mansion floating over Japan's cultural capital. As I climbed, I looked up at the red-lacquered railings on the terraces above, sensing many sets of eyes on me, assessing me, although I wasn't able to discern any movement.
I entered the compound through a brightly painted torii gate, ushered by a black-robed figure nearly bent at the waist. We moved silently on stockinged feet through a series of white rice-papered-walled, wood-framed pavilions seemingly floating in the clouds. Between each pavilion was a austerely beautiful, uniquely landscaped stone garden atrium straight out of the master's style of painting. I was to find that his art went much beyond the scenic, however.
When I entered into the first courtyard, a deceptively small, square space that used stunted Japanese maples, mountain-like rock formations, and running water to provide the illusion of scenic splendor, I was escorted into a small room off to the side. I was asked by the elderly, severely demeanored gatekeeper who had taken over as my escort at the entry of the second pavilion, which seemed to mark the beginning of the core living area of the compound, to strip down and wrap an emerald-green kimono around my torso and tie it off with a royal-purple sash. There was a tube of scented lubricant on a low stool, with instructions, written on rice paper in elegant, black-inked calligraphy, to apply it generously to my channel. None of this was shocking to me, of course. I was way beyond the capability of being shocked in the world of the extremely highly paid male prostitute.
When I was escorted to the third pavilion, I was motioned to sit, yoga style, with my kimono billowing about me on a cushion placed in front of a squat rosewood tea table. Another, more luxurious and plumper pillow was set beside me. As a willowy young Japanese man in a shiny silver and black kimono served me a glass of perfectly chilled Sapporo beer, I gazed, in great interest and awe at the walls about me, where a large collection of traditional Japanese ink drawings were displayed - composed of highly graphic male-male gay erotica set in some ancient oriental era.
As a whole, the exquisitely drawn collection could stand as a tutorial in the many exotic positions men could get into in fucking each other. I was particularly drawn to the style Shinjuto - because they unmistakably were the work of the master - used to gain maximal erotic images from the clothing. Rarely were the models completely naked; rather Shinjuto had used clothing to help enhance the senses and understanding of the paintings. By exposing only fingers on a nipple and a half-buried cock in an ass - along with the expressions on the faces of both taker and taken, Shinjuto had perfectly caught privacy and sensuousness in one work. And in yet another, by showing the clothing in dishabille as in a struggle, the bent-over position on a moss-covered rock in a garden, and the panicked look in the face of the significantly smaller, taken one and of the flailing, helpless position of his arms, Shinjuto caught nonconsensual ravishment perfectly.
'Ah, do you find my private collection to your liking, Mr. Smith? I presume we can refer to you as Mr. Smith in our arrangement?'ť Shinjuto had arrived, on silent rattan sandals, while I had been absorbed in his artwork and settled very close beside me in a sigh of satin and silk. He was in his early senior years, at least into his mid sixties, but he looked toned and handsome in his traditional kimono of pure white undergarments and an over dress in a blue oriental waves pattern. He was well groomed and had long, elegant, strong fingers that attracted the eye with their fluid motion and precise placement while he talked.
'Yes, that name will do, Sensei,'ť I responded, using the term for master teacher and lowering my eyes as I had been instructed to do in a quick tutorial I had been given before I left Los Angeles. Shinjuto was paying top dollar, and I was warned to treat him as such. 'And, yes. I find your art extraordinarily . . . melting. It has me . . . excited . . . with anticipation, if I might be so bold as to say.'ť
I saw no reason to mince words. Shinjuto already had one hand behind me and at the nape of my neck, running his elegant fingers through my blond hair and his other hand buried inside the folds of my kimono below the purple sash and gently encircling my engorging cock. The preparation, the foreplay, had already begun.
'And which do you find most erotic, Mr. Smith? Perhaps that one over there, depicting much of what we are engaging in now?'ť
He had indicated the work where the two figures were nearly fully clothed but undoubtedly steeped in a very intimate act of taking. As he spoke, he had untied my sash and folded back the material at my breast, exposing one of my nipples. And his fist had brought my cock out from the folds of the material below where the sash had fallen away.
I sighed and trembled for him as I had been carefully taught men of refinement and an artistic temperament appreciated. The fingers at the nape of my neck tightened as did the fist on my cock. Shinjuto pulled my head back and down, and I arched my back for him, my chest expanding and bulging out from the draped kimono.
'I wish you to come for me, Mr. Smith. In good time, while I tell you why I have engaged your services.'ť
So, it wasn't to be just a simple fuck. What he was doing now wasn't the main thrust of why my time and body had been bought by him for top dollar. His lips and teeth went to one of my nipples as my back was arched by the tension of his closed fist in my hair and his other fist slowly and relentlessly jacked me off. He had a thumb on my piss slit, and as I flowed in precum, he thumbed the fluid around on my swollen glans.
'Yes, like that, Mr. Smith,'ť he said when he lifted his head from one nipple in preparation for giving equal attention to the other one. 'I want to see how large you can become. I was explicit about that . . . and it seems my desires were satisfied.'ť
'I am paying well for you, Mr. Smith, as you no doubt are aware, but you are a means for me to make millions.'ť
I moaned and trembled a bit at what Shinjuto was doing with his mouth and fist. He drew his head back and watched the effect of his artwork, as he briefly took his fist from my cock and then glided the palm of his hand up my torso, his moistened thumb, moistened by my own precum and raised outside the fold of my kimono, up to my mouth. He rimmed my lips with the moisture from his thumb and then pushed it past my lips, into my mouth, and I sucked on it.
While he was doing this, he was rearranging my body as well from where we had been sitting, yoga style, very close beside each other. He had moved one of his thighs beneath one of mine, and he was twisting my torso to the side, the arm of the hand that had been in my hair now wrapped around my shoulder blade, his arm supporting my torso in its twisted, but still upright position, and with an elegant, long-fingered hand palmed across a nipple.
'Have you ever heard of the Japanese art of Kinbaku-ji, Mr. Smith? Translated as 'beautiful bondage?''ť
'No, no, I . . . haven't,'ť I managed in a gurgling tone, the thumb of his other hand still in my mouth, before I involuntarily groaned. Shinjuto had moved his face inside my draped kimono, forcing my arm over my head, and he was licking his way up the side of my chest, headed for my pit. He had also pushed his thigh farther under mine, lifting my hips up over into his lap. His kimono was open below his sash, and he was naked under the elegant white silk. His thighs were hard for a man his age, and I could feel the power of a strong cock, as well. I also could tell that it was sheathed, ready for me. There would be no clumsy pauses or wasted movement in his flow toward the taking of me.
'I have a Chinese client. A very, very wealthy Chinese client, Mr. Smith. He also has an attitude toward the West. He will pay me dearly for a collection of art, using the Kinbaku-ji style, but depicting the East dominating the West. You are to be my model for the West, Mr. Smith. And this client has eclectic tastes. While I am painting these scenes in traditional style, one of my students will be taking still and video photography, and my son will be developing a Hentai version.'ť
I grunted and strained at this point, because the elderly Sensei, showing his extraordinary strength and flexibility and sorely testing mine, had drawn my leg straight up to rest on his shoulder between our torsos, which were now bowed away from each other. His thumb had left my mouth and had returned to fisting and slowly pumping my cock.
'Does that sound interesting to you, Mr. Smith?'ť Shinjuto said this just before his teeth and tongue found the most tender hollow of my pit and started devouring me there.
'Yes. Oh, yes. Oh . . . OH . . . . YESSSS!'ť I cried out, not so much in response to his question, but because he had now opened and positioned my lubricated ass to his shaft, and he was burying his strong, virile cock deep inside me and somehow finding the leverage to piston fuck me as I found myself in a melting fuck position I'd never experience before. I knew it was a traditional position for Shinjuto, however, because, as I threw my head back in the passion of the taking by a Japanese master, my eyes caught one of his drawings depicting exactly the same position.
* * *
The modeling project was much more involved than I had thought it would be. After Shinjuto had jacked me off and cum with a very satisfied and decorous grunt, he rose and readjusted his kimono, which more or less fell back into an innocent drape line as he stood, and glided back out of the room. While a few young male attendants cleared away the pillows and table and half-empty glass of beer, which I could have used after the muscle-stretching exercise I had just gotten, a couple more helped me groan to my feet and took me to another pavilion, where I was bathed by them in a copper tub.
All of the male attendants were handsome young men. The two who attended me were especially nice, and apparently had been instructed to please me. Their appearance, along with remembering and reliving what Shinjuto had just so expertly done to me, made me hard again, and, seeing this and while they both giggled, one of the young men leaned over from above my head and possessed my lips fervently with me and reached over and pinched my nipples while the other lifted my hips to the surface of the water and sucked me to ejaculation.
After they had dried me off with warmed, fluffy towels and left me, I had a surprise visit from what must have been Shinjuto's art students. I stood stock still and stark naked in the middle of the pavilion while four young men painted my body. What they were painting were depictions of Western arrogance and power projection - polluting mills, dollar bills, conquering armies, plundering ships, and every form of avarice and crass consumerism they could get on my body - in angry red and orange and yellow and black body paint colors. One design flowed into the next. My cock, of course, which they had to pump up to paint properly, was a guided missile. They were quick and inventive and highly skilled. I'm sure that they had worked all of the designing out in advance.
When I was 'done,'ť I was summoned to the first of several 'stages.'ť This was one of the austere stone gardens. The attendants made me lay in the center of a flattish platform rock, where I could barely touch the ground with the heels of my hands as they arched over and out at the corners of the rock toward the ground. White shiny silk runners of cloth ran out from under the rock, at the center of which, they must have crossed and been knotted, and streamed off at the four corners. I was forced to dig my heels into the sand at the lower quarters of the rock, and then the streamers were wound around my wrists and ankles, binding me on the surface of the rock to the ground in a backward crab position, my cock pointed at the sky.
Through intricate windings of the silken runners, my head was arched back with a strand running taut under my jaw, the runners criss-crossed my chest, and another of the strands wound up a leg and then under my balls and tightly encasing the root of my cock, which effectively kept my cock both pointed straight up and engorged.
Although I had sort of figured it out beforehand, I knew for sure what the body paint was about when I saw the two lithe but well-muscled and very agile Japanese young men who came out into the garden after I had, by the Sensei's definition, been 'beautifully bound,'ť or prepared for Kinbaku-bi. The two young Japanese were also covered in body painting - but in more subtle greens and blues and whites and certainly in more refined and artistic images than were slathered on my body. Everything their bodies depicted was the antithesis of the crass and angry and grabby images on my body.
I got it. Shinjuto was going to be used as a traditional Japanese sexual art form to give his Chinese client exactly what he wanted - an exotic and erotic collection of art showing East controlling and fucking West.
And that's exactly what they did. After the master and three of his prized art students had arrived and settled themselves in three different areas of the periphery, the two young men representing the East began to regain the dignity of the East by putting it to the bound West. Shinjuto was sitting cross-legged, in an elegant heavily brocaded vermillion kimono behind a sketching easel. Beside him sat a younger man, of maybe nineteen or twenty, and achingly beautiful - but with a melancholy aspect. He handed implements and inks to the elder Shinjuto upon command, and, when not doing this, he was sketching with rice paper pad and charcoal. Every time I looked at him, I found him slack jawed and watching me intently. I knew he wanted me. But I equally knew that he wanted me to fuck him.
Another of the students was busily moving around the garden, snapping photos and switching now and then to video - and always checking and scowling at the light sources. The third young man, the one Shinjuto had identified as his son, was sitting as his computer, doing whatever one did to adapt what was happening in real life to the Hentai world.
But I hardly noticed the actions of either of the latter two; I had my mouth and ass full with the two painted models. I was sucking one off, my head pulled back by the 'beautiful bondage'ť so that he could just pump his cock inside my mouth by standing above my head, his fingers busy worrying my nipples. And the other one was between my legs and fucking my ass, while his hand was moving my 'missile'ť to lift off.
In a second 'beautiful bondage'ť setting, I was lying on my back at the last step of a rock-based water cascade formation descending down into a small pond. My wrists and ankle were bound together by the silken runners, which then rose to the graceful limb of a pine branch jutting out over the water cascade. Two runners wound around my waist, with one snaked around an ankle of one of the painted East figures and then to the other, binding him to me, as he stood at the base of the cascade between my spread and raised arms and legs and fed his cock in my mouth. The other East model was lying below me in the shallow pond at where it was cascading down between my trussed appendages. Bondage runners ran from his waist up to around mine. His cock was buried in my ass, half visible and rocking in and out for the artists to see, appreciate, and capture in their various mediums.
In the third and last scenario, although it provided a double bonding image, I was taken into a large pavilion bedchamber. In the center was a large, square bed, covered in mussed silken sheeting of the purest white. Hanging from a hook in the ceiling above the center of the bed was a silken runner, the richest red this time, gathered up so that it was well off the bed. Similarly, there were two other hooks and red hanging runners at either side of the center hook, each positioned near the edge of the bed. I was forced down on my belly in the center of the silken sheets. My wrists were bound together behind my head and encircling my jawbone and then attached to a runner around my chest at the level of my pecs. Inside this runner clips had been sown into the fabric and were clipped securely onto my aureoles, pinching my nipples closely.
Another runner ran off of this chest wrapping from between my shoulder blades and went back and was tied to my left ankle taut enough to pull my leg at a side angle. A runner encircled my waist and another, wider-banded one tied at the chest banding both at the sternum and between the shoulder blades. It wound down and through my ass crack between these two points, winding once on each side around the waist wrapping as well. My right leg was bent back upon itself with a tight wrapping holding the ankle up against my thigh at an awkward position that, by design, left my butt cheeks stretched wide.
I didn't notice that the runner going between my crack had a shallow cylinder pouch in it at ass level until the East models began fucking me. They took turns. And although their cocks weren't thick, they were long. The deeper they fucked, the deeper the pouch that now ran up inside my channel was pushed. And the deeper this was pushed, the more tension that was put on the 'beautiful bindings'ť attaching at my chest and ultimately around my jaw and at my nipple clippings. With each thrust, my head was being jerked back, my back was arching involuntarily, and my nipples were being pulled.
From this point to the end, the photography guy was going to video only. He had his microphone down close to my head and he was capturing some sounds of taking like he'd never heard before.
Both I and the men below me on the bed were doing a lot of writhing, and the body paint was coming off onto the white silken sheets. While I was trying to focus on something other than this excruciatingly painful-pleasurable fucking, I briefly wondered how much Shinjuto could get for the framed silk sheet at an art auction in Chicago. Knowing that it could go for high money with the right background story, I was getting fully into this East fucking West scenario that had been created here.
The finale was a doozy. Before the two East models came this time, they untied my legs and undid the binding around my jaw, and I found out what the red runners on the ceiling hooks were for. The ones at the corner were let down and my legs were split wide and my ankles were bound in red well off the bed and straight out at my sides. The center streamer, which was on some sort of pulley system was lowered, and my bound wrists were bound on this and I was raised above the silken sheets in a spread-eagled form.
The two East models then laid stretched on their backs below me, their heads in opposite directions and joined at the pelvis, the thighs of one over the hips of the other. One of them held their two long, but happily not all that thick, cocks together until an attendant had wrapped a binding around the base of their cocks, making their tools one, thick cock. Then the binding between my ass cheeks was taken away, the pouch slurping out of my channel, as I was lowered onto the two cocks. Skewered deep by two throbbing, joined tools, and then raised, and lowered, raised, and lowered . . . until both of the East models had come in much jerking and thrusting up of themselves from below me.
* * *
As I was being unbound and praised for my contribution to art by the attendants and the photographer, I looked up and saw Shinjuto standing there, half way between his easel and the bed. He stood tall and straight, but he was shaking. And I could tell how wound up he was and moved to a higher plane of desire by the expression on his face alone. His sash had come untied, and the kimono had fallen away from his body. His heavily-muscled chest was heaving, his nipples were puffed and rock hard, and there was a thin film of sweat glistening at his sternum. His erection was gigantic and angry red and slightly bobbing up and down.
The young man who had been handing implements to him and crouching beside him and sketching as well was still huddled back at the easel. I could see the want and need in his eyes as well. But I could also see fear and confusion, and it hit me at that moment that he had no experience in this. Only want and need.
'Come. I am well pleased,'ť Shinjuto said in a wavering, barely controlled voice. 'I will pay double. I will also charge double. And my client will gladly pay it upon seeing the samples.'ť
He took my hands, my wrists still bound in 'beautiful bondage,'ť in a firm grip and led me over to the side of the room. There was a contraption in front of the rice-paper wall that looked like the side view of gymnasts' parallel bars - quite widely divergent parallel bars. The lower bar was the nearer one and was set at mid-thigh level. The one beyond it was set at shoulder height. On this higher bar, there were silken strands wrapped near each end.
In short order, my thighs were straddled on the lower bar and my ankles were bound above the higher bar at the widely spread interval. Shinjuto was crouched down behind me, his angry red, gigantic tool working its way up into my ass channel, his long, elegant fingers digging into my aureoles. My bound wrists were thrust over his head, joined behind his neck, which held my shoulder blades against his heaving chest.
I saw the young assistant in my periphery vision, at Shinjuto's elbow.
'Please, uncle, please. You said that I might . . .'ť
'Yes, Kanto, you may have your first taste.'ť
The younger Japanese came around in front of me and knelt and tentatively started to taste my cock. As he worked at it, he quickly got better, no doubt having had a lot of instruction in the theory of it from his father's art.
'One last Kinbaku-bi, just for my own pleasure,'ť the Sensei was muttering. 'This does not go to the Chinese client. I have this part of you for myself.'ť
I was thinking - between grunts and groans at Shinjuto's expert fucking and the young one's pleasurably learning - that it was a shame that this wasn't being captured in art if it meant so much to Shinjuto.
But even as I thought that, the pavilion wall panels before my eyes were splitting and being drawn back . . . to reveal a life-sized, obviously Shinjuto master painting of just what I would see if there had been a mirror there. The agency must have sent him a photo of me, because it clearly was me in the painting, trussed up on this apparatus - and it clearly was Shinjuto fucking me and showing a pleasure in the fuck in his face that I couldn't see in real life from where I was bound. And between my legs in the painting was the bobbing head of the handsome young Japanese nephew of the master.
Shinjuto had orchestrated it all. He was the master.
* * *
I never saw Shinjuto again. As far as he was concerned, I'd done what I had been paid handsomely to do and now he was going to be paid even more handsomely for having created art out of his sensuous, torturous taking. He was the master, the Sensei. Before he released me from his bondage, however, he told me that before I left Japan, I would received one more token of his appreciation. But that I should only accept it - and he declared that it would be quite valuable - only if I would grant the one wish of the one who delivered it to me. I hesitated slightly in responding, but he reassured me that the present would be worth far more than I would have to give for it, so I told him I accepted.
I was intrigued about what this present might be, and it was that more than the declared value of the gift that made me say yes. Shinjuto had been very generous to me. But, despite all that I had made - and even how much I had enjoyed the exotic taking and learning of the Japanese sexual art of Kinbaku-bi, I was just too mischievous and imbued with the need to control in my heart to leave it all completely at Shinjuto's design and command.
I had seen that Shinjuto was holding his nephew back - that he had every intention of teaching him in the ways of men with men. But that he was going to dole it out piecemeal and almost reluctantly - and completely under his control and at his direction. That he was going to torture the handsome youth with it.
Kanto, the nephew, was in the pavilion where I was being cleaned up and given a chance to rest. I could tell that he wanted to linger when the others were finished, and I decided to help him with that and to assert a little control of my own and to leave my mark on Shinjuto's well-ordered and orchestrated life.
As Kanto was putting the towels into a bin, I went over to him and took him by the hand and walked him around the walls of the pavilion, which was the same one in which Shinjuto had first taken me. We viewed the erotic art together, going from one to the other. I felt the intake of his breath and his tightening up as we stood in front of one that showed a young, willowy Japanese receiver rolled up onto his shoulders on a mat, his torso rising in the air and the older muscleman Japanese giver standing over him, one leg over the thigh of the younger one, whose heel rested on the older one's butt cheek, the older man holding the younger man's leg at the knee. The younger man's other leg was spread out wide, being held by the older man's hand under the thigh. The muscleman Japanese was fucking down into the receiver's hole, his thick cock only half buried. The expression on the giver's face was one of triumph and lusting cruelty, and the younger receiver's head was arched back in a cry of passion and overstretching.
I unknotted the sash of my kimono and let it drape open. And I searched down in the folds to ensure that the tube of scented lubricant I had retrieved from earlier and hidden there was still there. Then I came up very close behind Kanto and drew him into me.
He shuddered at the feel of my cock in the small of his back, and he moved as if to pull away from me, but I held him fast to my chest. I held his torso to mine with a palm spread on his chest and I untied his kimono with the other hand and, tugging at the kimono at his shoulders, made it drop unto the tatami mat below.
Kanto whimpered and struggled again, but I held him fast with a palm over his chest and the other hand going to his cock. He was already almost fully aroused. He was ready for me already.
He swiveled his head away from the painting, but I raised one hand to his jaw and held him there, face forward, fully looking at his uncle's masterwork of an older, muscled man dominating the younger virginal man. I got a large glob of lubricant on the fingers of the other hand, and I started working his tight asshole with my fingers. First one finger and then another.
Kanto was panting heavily and moaning, and I could feel his legs going to rubber. But I held him up with the framing hand under his jaw, forcing him to look at what was happening in the painting and with the strong finger of my other hand skewering up into his tight ass.
When I felt he was open enough to take me, I crouched down at the knees a bit and just picked him up off the floor with my hands on his waist and sat him down on the crown of my cock. He cried out at the pain of the taking, but now he had thrown his hands around my neck and locked his fists and his chest was arched out. He jutted his butt cheeks back into me, helping me to bottom.
We were united there, joined at the cock and channel for several long minutes, while we waited for his virginal channel to stretch to accommodate me and his pain and suffering to turn to wanting and lust. We were both panting, and he was groaning and moaning and telling me he never knew it could be like this and that this was his first time - which he hardly had to tell me.
Holding him to me with one arm across his panting chest as I lapped him in my semicrouched position in front of the painting, I reached down and fisted his cock in my other hand. He ejaculated almost at once with a joyous shouting that sent my own fluids spewing through me and deep into him.
Again we held the pose for several minutes as we cooled down and recovered the strength of our manhood, which he was able to do quickly because of his youth and because it was all so new and arousing to him - and I was able to do through professional conditioning.
Still, I had thought that would be enough. I had taken the virginity of Shinjuto's precious nephew, who he intended to slowly cultivate. I had thus accomplished my little flash of mischief and grabbing for control. And, just as important, I had thoroughly enjoyed myself.
That thought caught in my mind with a guilty twist, though, because Kanto was shaking inside my grasp. Perhaps I hadn't thought of him well enough in all of this. I'd thought he wanted to be relieved of his virginity as soon as possible, and his body had been sending out unmistakable signals to me. But he was trembling, so maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was upset at what he had lost.
'Kanto - 'ť I started. Not really know how to say it; not even knowing what to say, what to ask. I couldn't given him back his innocence.
'I'm sorry. I can't pay you much,'ť be blurted out, ending it with a sob. But then he continued in a flood. 'I know you make a lot of money at this. I have very little, but I could send you a little at a time . . . for as long as it takes.'ť
'Oh, Kanto,'ť I said and then laughed with relief. 'I didn't do this because I wanted you to pay me for it. I did this because I thought it was what you needed, and, frankly, because you are super hot and I wanted you. I don't have to be paid when I want to do it. You honor me by giving my your virginity. You don't know how thrilling that is to a man. To be the one to deflower a hot young man like you. So, now, shall we clean up and - 'ť
'No. Please . . . no.'ť His voice started off stubborn but then got shaky again.
'No, what?'ť I asked, surprised.
'The painting. Can you fuck me like they are doing in the painting first?'ť
'Yes, of course,'ť I said, laughing again. And, taking him off my lap and turning him around and setting him gently down onto his shoulder blades, I showed that I could . . . and I did.
* * *
Three days later as I was packing my bag and getting ready to leave Tokyo after having had a great time in the Shinjuku ni-chome bar scene - and after bar hours activities, where I picked up some extra cash from several randy Japanese men with open and overflowing wallets, I answered a knock at the door. Shinjuto's son stood there, grinning in recognition and, no doubt in remembrance, and, after bending in synch low at the waist, handed me a wrapped package.
'From Sensei Shinjuto, with regards and thanks,'ť he said. And then he came out of his bow and gave me 'the look,'ť and I then knew much of what receiving the gift would entail.
'My father said that you would grant me my one wish,'ť he said, and then, when I nodded in assent, he said, 'My one wish is one last Kinbaku-bi with you. I assure you that it will not be as strenuous for you as my father was.'ť
'Certainly,'ť I said. 'Come in.'ť
I was already starting to strip down when he went back out in the corridor and returned with a laptop computer, which he sat at the foot of the bed, facing the headboard, and revved up. He also had red silk bindings with him.
I watched the computer screen in fascination as he put me into beautiful bondage, one wrist bound to the railing of the bed's headboard at the left corner and the other wrist and my left ankle loosely bound together at the right corner of the headboard. I was then trussed up, my butt resting on the side edge of the bed near the headboard, left leg raised and torso stretched back toward the other side of the bed.
What fascinated me with the computer display was that it was of an animated Hentai of the cartoon me and Shinjuto's son in just this position. Shinjuto's son stripped down. He was slender but well muscled, a handsome young man, and his quite presentable cock was already engorged. He must have been a little self-conscious about his endowments, though, or overly ambitious, because the cock on his Hentai character was the size of a baseball bat. But then, so was the dick on my Hentai character - and my character's hole was big enough to take the baseball bat.
I watched both on the screen and in real life, as Shinjuto's son bound his forearm to my right calf with the silken bounds. Then, already encased with a condom, he just pressed between my spread thighs and fucked me as closely as he could in real life to the exaggerated good sex unfolding in the Hentai animation on the computer.
When he was finished, he just quietly unbound me, turned off and closed his computer, gave me a look and salute of full satisfaction and appreciation, and departed.
When he was gone, I opened the package to find an ink drawing, done in bold strokes, undoubtedly by the master, Shinjuto - of me fucking his nephew, Kanto, in front of the painting depicting the same act.
I had to laugh. Shinjuto had mastered me again. He had planned even what I thought I was controlling - the deflowering of his nephew - for free. And he'd managed to get a free Kinbaku-bi fuck for his son thrown into the bargain as well.


text:
Wonder Character in the Spotlight:
character's tie to theme
I think via learned more about forgiveness. I think it impacted her the most because in the story there were a lot of times where she had to stop and think about stuff and like when in the story when she didn't really want August or her parents to come to the play. after she told her mom about it and august found out she had to forgive her self because she was mad at her self for saying that she didn't want august to come. Also another time is when in the book (the beginning) when she went to school the first like week and few days her friend Miranda and her other friend were be kind of snotty to her and being mean but later in the book when you read their separate parts you understand more and realize why and so then she also had to learn about forgiveness because she forgave her and now they are best friends like last year.
character influences
I think that Justin impacted Via the most because I think that when they stared going out he helped her maybe like understand more or "come out of her shell". Their relationship was important to the story because like for one example Justin kind of tale via in to trying out for the play and even though she didn't make the part, she got the backup person and she ended up doing the part, but if they had never met she probably never would have had done that and that would have missed a hole chunk of the book. Via had the most impact on August because she had like helped/made him like learn to grow up and that was good because it will help him in the future. like after his dog died he was kind of being treated more grown up then he was before daisy (the dog) died. I think the relationship between via and august was very important because if via wasn't in the story I don't think august would be like as grown up in the end as he is now and like I said in the other part that would have missed a big chunk also.
art representation:
This picture is called starry night by Vincent van Gogh. This reminds me of via because she was very lonely and didn't have any one to talk to after her grandma had died. It also reminds me of her because in the beginning of the book she was really lonely and the dark colors makes me think of loneliness or sadness then towards the end of the book she gets happy and in this painting there is like a mixture of yellow witch makes me feel happy or glad. So in the book you kind of get mixed emotions from via and in this painting I feel you also get mixed emotions too.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Shah Rukh Khan
No Record Found.
There is a huge shift happening in the energies inside you and in your external space. This shift may be causing a lot of confusion. But if you can manage your own energies well through meditation and breath work, you will be a ready vessel to receive the abundance that is coming your way. To make your dreams come true, you can go for the other available options.
Discover Celebrity Styles Like Never Before!
SUBSCRIBE via Email
Karina Bhavnani is a tarot reader, a homemaker, mother to a 15-year-old boy, a friend, an artist at
250 views
Destiny has a plan for us, which we may not be aware of. We may think of co-incidences as mere co-in
572 views
Things may not be moving as fast as you want them to be moving .But as times change, speed also chan
524 views
Leslie Lewis is a benchmark when it comes to the indie music scene. He has given us some iconic sing
745665 views
Ahsan Khan with his chocolate boy looks and dreamy eyes has become a household name in Pakistan and
676553 views
Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, in a chat on Follo.in, speaks about things close to her heart.
641459 views


text:
Montclair State University earned its Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation in March 2016 and, in doing so, became the largest four-year HSI designee in New Jersey. In celebration of Montclair State's new status, and in keeping with our commitment to educating Hispanic students, the University is hosting a Hispanic Student College Institute for high school juniors and seniors (current Class of 2018 and Class of 2019 students) who identify as Hispanic.
- When:
- August 1-3, 2017
- Where:
- Montclair State University
- Cost:
- Free. There is no cost to students for participating in the Institute.
As participants in the Institute, students will:
- Live on campus in a beautiful residence hall
- Engage in career exploration and goal setting initiatives
- Participate in workshops on topics related to the college search and application process, including mock interviews, creating a resume, making the most of your college visits, financial aid literacy and application essay writing
- Interact and network with Montclair State student leaders, faculty, staff and alumni
- Engage in discussions around social justice, issues facing the Hispanic community in New Jersey, and students' concerns about college
- Hear from inspirational guest speakers and panelists
- Attend a college-fair style event to learn about Montclair State's 300 majors, minors and concentrations
- Be eligible for scholarships
- Develop leadership and public speaking skills
- Earn a certificate of completion for inclusion on their resumes and college applications
The 2017 HSCI Application is now closed. Applicants will be notified about their acceptance by May 1st, 2017. To receive updates for the 2018 Hispanic Student College Institute, please sign up here.
For more information, contact Jordanna Maziarz, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, at email@example.com.


text:
Become a Spiritual Care Volunteer to Hospice Patients in Chester County, PA !
39.920235, -75.64408)
Cause Areas
WhenIt's flexible! We'll work with your schedule.
WhereChester CountyChester County, PA 19382
Heartland Hospice is seeking Spiritual Care Volunteers willing to volunteer their time to aid the growth of our spiritual care program. There are many spiritual issues that can arise during the end of life for both patients and their loved ones. Spritual Care Volunteers may have the opportunities to:
- Provide Sacrament at end of life.
- Sit vigil with actively dying patients and loved ones providing prayer, meditation and spiritual support.
- Address any spiritual or existential issues that may arise with end of life care
- Provide a ministry of presence.
*Our service area is Delaware and Chester counties.
- Healthcare
- Spiritual Healing
- Bereavement Support
- Hospice Care
- Life Coaching
Good Match For
Teens People 55+ Group
Requirements & Commitment
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- Flexible
- This is a great opportunity for retired clergy, rabbis, pastoral counselors, eucharistic minister
More opportunities with Heartland Hospice Serving Delaware & Chester Counties
- Hospice Companion Volunteers...
- Become a Pet Visitor Volunteer...
- A 'Vet to Vet' Companion for...
- A Medical Student Opportunity in...
- Become a Spiritual Care...
- A Dying Request - To Be With a...
- Seeking Office-Based Clerical...
- A Music Companion for Hospice...
- A Music Companion For Hospice...
- A Hospice VIGIL Volunteer for...
- Become A Pet Visitor Volunteer...
- A 'Vet to Vet' Volunteer for...


text:
My husband gets an infrequent, excruciating sharp, stabbing, throbbing pain on the right, upper, back portion of his head (brain). It lasts from 5 to 20 seconds. He's had maybe a few or so in the last year. It's been happening for about five years. What could it be?READ MORE
What would cause intermittent, sharp, throbbing pain on the right, upper, back portion of a person's head?
From your description, these could be ice pick headaches. You can find some information about that type of headache in Ice Pick Headaches - The Basics.
There are several different symptoms that can be a result of migraines, including those that aren't frequently discussed. It would also be wise to keep track of what may be triggering these symptoms so you can eliminate them in the future.
That said, nobody can diagnose via the Internet, and unexplained head pain should always be investigated. Please encourage him to see his doctor about these pains so that he can be properly diagnosed and be sure that it's nothing serious?
I am 28 female and have had this for a few years it doesn't happen everyday and I can't pin point what I'm doing when it happens. But it hurts terribly. Did you ever find anything out READ MORE
They sound like Ice Pick head aches. Go see a migraine specialist. He may prescribe Indocine. It's like key to a lock. If that does not work I don't know what to tell you. I have Ice picks! Ughhhh!READ MOREYou should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition. Content posted by community members does not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media, which also reserves the right to remove material deemed inappropriate.DISPLAY TEXTLINK URL


text:
Racquel Tweed
Beige summer tweed draped cap with tan buckle
A classic cap reworked in tweed, this is so good thrown on with jeans and a jacket, traditional meets modern.
- 1 In stock, dispatched todayThis item will be dispatched today if your order is placed in the next (12 hrs 34 mins)
- View more:
- Caps Beige Hats
See yourself in this hat
Try this hat on now. Upload a photo or use your webcam to see yourself in this hat.
Try this hat on now
View all designs by Misa Harada


text:
Durban - The parents of the two boys who drowned in the uMlaza river near Chatsworth at the weekend told them to stay away from the river because it was dangerous, but the children went anyway and, by the time they were missed on Sunday, it was already too late.
Khethukuthula Ndlovu, 13, a Grade 5 pupil at Nomzamo Mandela Primary School in Welbedacht, and Philani Mpisi, 12, in Grade 5 at Emsebe Primary School close by, were good friends who enjoyed each other's company over weekends.
Their bodies were hauled from the river on Monday by police divers. They had both apparently drowned when they were swept under water hyacinth by the current.
Philani's father, Nzayisai Mpisi, said yesterday his family was devastated.
"He was a very good child," he said.
He was too upset to say much more about his son.
For the Ndlovu family, Khetukuthula's death was a double blow, as his brother died last December.
Busisiwe Mbele, Khethukuthula's grandmother, said she did not know what to do or how to cope with the grief of losing her grandson.
"He was a very nice boy and he worked hard. He did a lot of small jobs, and he gave all of his money to his mother," she said.
Nomusa Ndlovu, the boy's mother, was distraught.
"Khethu was smart and way ahead of his years. I had high hopes for his future," she said.
Nomusa, who is unemployed and dependent on a social grant, is left with four daughters and a son. - The Mercury


text:
Travel on the Badulla-Passara main road was disrupted this afternoon by a fallen tree.
The Badulla Police stated that a Banyan Tree had fallen on to the road near the 6th Mile Post on this road.
The police have requested drivers to use alternate routes until the tree is removed.


text:
Need a Thyroid Test in High Point, NC? Simply order online 24/7 and get a fast, affordable Thyroid Test at a lab near you (Find More Locations):
What is a Thyroid Test?
A Thyroid Test consists of lab tests to check the thyroid. People in High Point, NC get a Thyroid Test for general screening or at the request of a medical provider.
How much does a Thyroid Test cost?
Our Thyroid Test prices include the doctor's order that you need to get tested in High Point, NC, all lab fees and taxes, and a pdf copy of your results. For current prices, please CLICK HERE.
What does a Thyroid Test lab report look like?
For a popular Thyroid Test sample report, please CLICK HERE.
We are delighted to offer the Thyroid Test in High Point, NC.
Thyroid Test in other cities near High Point, NC:Cedar Falls | Colfax | Greensboro | Jamestown | Kernersville | Oak Ridge | Pleasant Garden | Randleman | Rural Hall | Sophia | Thomasville | Trinity | Welcome | Winston Salem


text:
Thursday 17 July 1958
It was Thursday, under the sign of Cancer. The US president was Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican).
Famous people born on this day include Wong Kar-wai and Thérèse Rein.
In that special week of July people in US were listening to The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley.
In UK All I Have To Do Is Dream / Claudette by The Everly Brothers was in the top 5 hits.
The Fly, directed by Kurt Neumann, was one of the most viewed movies released in 1958
while Anatomy Of A Murder by Robert Traver was one of the best selling books.
On TV people were watching Frontier Justice.
But much more happened that day: find out below..
You can also have a look at the whole 1958 or at July 17 across the years.
Old Newspapers
Have a look at the old newspapers from 17 July 1958 and get them!
Which were the most popular movies released in the last months ?
TV Series
Which were the most popular TV series released in the last months ?
Find out your future
Get a FREE Numerology report based on the digits of 17 July 1958!
Wish him/her..
Historical Events
Which were the important events of 17 July 1958 ?
- Kyoto, Japan - Gion Matsuri
- Various mathematics departments - Yellow Pig's Day
- South Korea - Constitution Day
- Puerto Rico - Luis Mu�oz Rivera's Birthday
- Feast Day of St Cynllo
- Iraq - Ba'ath Revolution Day
Famous Birthdays:
- Wong Kar-wai: Chinese director producer and screenwriter.
- Thérèse Rein: Australian businesswoman founded Ingeus.
- King Hussein declares himself head of Jordan / Iraqi federation
- British paratroopers arrive in Jordan King Hussein has asked help against pressure from Iraq.
Music Charts
Which were the top hits in that special week of July 1958 ?
Top #10 songs in the USA
- Sheb Wooley - The Purple People Eater
- The Coasters - Yakety Yak
- Elvis Presley - Hard Headed Woman
- Ricky Nelson - Poor Little Fool
- Bobby Darin - Splish Splash
- Perez Prado and His Orchestra - Patricia
- The Everly Brothers - All I Have To Do Is Dream
- Jody Reynolds - Endless Sleep
- Jimmie Rodgers - Secretly
- Duane Eddy - Rebel-'Rouser
Search For Your Ancestors
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Don't miss our monthly news, no spam guarantee Click here to Subscribe
...and if 17 July 1958 was your Birth Date then Join our Birthday Club!
Make this date unforgettable
Genealogy: find out your family heritage
Magazine Covers
What news were making the headlines those days in July 1958?
- Life: Farmer in field
- Time: TIME Magazine Cover: George Beadie -- July 14, 1958
- SportsIllustrated: Sports Illustrated: no.7572
Which were the most popular books released in the last weeks ?
Remember when
What videogames would you be playing back in the days ?


text:
Recreating Creation Photographer
Jess MSModel Female Tampa, Florida, US
My Website: FBMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/MissJsmith
Mayhem # 1581418
About MeMy name is Jessica and I have been modeling since I was about 14 years old. I was previously signed with two agencies, but prefer working independently. My nationality is scotch/irish, english, chippewa, cherokee and a little german. AKA a "mutt." I am looking to gain more exposure and build a stonger, more creative profile. I take all of my work seriously and I would expect the same from you. I am very reliable and always on time. I love to laugh and have fun so working with upbeat photographers is what I live for. Work and play can always go hand and hand. If you are interested in working with me please send me a message reguarding the type of shoot, location, and pay.
Have you worked with Jess MS? Add Credits for Jess MS! >>
Recreating Creation Photographer
Erinys Studios Photographer
TrinaLynn Photography Photographer
c-fire Photographer
Matt Faxon Photography Photographer
Vision of Jean Photographer
Loading Content


text:
Mathematicians have worked to find a formula for beauty, but the best they have done is make a scatterplot that looks like Snow White. Be the fairest one of all with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
$21 for a Sparkle Spa Diva package for one (a $44 value)<p> $40 for a Sparkle Spa Diva package for two (an $88 value)<p> The package includes:
- Mini manicure (a $12 value)
- Updo (a $25 value)
- 4"x6" souvenir photo (a $5 value)
- A glow-in-the-dark glitter star wand (a $2 value)<p>
Peek-a-Do! the salon for kids
When searching for a hair salon that catered to children, moms Jill Simpson and Jan Sedway realized one didn't exist, so they took matters into their own hands and created Peek-a-Do! the salon for kids. Between bright lime green walls, chairs modeled after cars and airplanes sit across from traditional black leather seats, cushioning children in need of a cut, wash, buzz, or blow out. Specialty spa packages and salon-based parties up the indulgence ante, pairing manicures with updos and souvenirs. Though the stylists specialize in kid-sized coifs, they also tend to adults' needs with haircuts, buzz cuts, and intensive psychotherapy.


text:
Style: 28657435 Color Code:
Super soft tank with feminine embroidered detailing at front and full button closure. Hi-low hem with slit at each bottom side. Sides are longer than center. A super chic layering piece with a patterned slip underneath, or worn all on its own with a cool pair of flared denim jeans.


text:
Open Studios: Music Curated by Kevin Welch
Get Updates
Take a glimpse into the work created as part of our residencies and workshops. Artists, musicians, and authors open their studios and present works created on campus.
American country music artist Kevin Welch curates three evenings of performance from participants of the Singer Songwriter Residency. Every evening features different performances.
Complimentary beverages provided.


text:
We went out with my girlfriend at night and she took on black pantyhose under her dress I was ashamed and could not comment on about it? why did she do this * Is it normal?
Most Helpful Girl
its a winter thing usually... normally people worried about how their legs look (ie large) put on black tights... I recently attended a funeral and the etiquette on this was to go in natural tights as it is summer...
Its a bit weird... not gonna lie. Say something to her!11|00|0


text:
Wilsons Promontory Cruise from Phillip Island
Hop aboard a comfortable catamaran for a full-day tour to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Cruise along southern Australia's gorgeous coastline for up-close views of remote locations like Skull Rock, Glennie Island, the historic Wilsons Promontory lighthouse, and enjoy stops at pristine beaches and nature reserves including the Kanowna Island seal sanctuary. Anchor at Refuge Cove for a buffet lunch plus two hours to swim, snorkel and lounge on the white-sand beach. Your cruise includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and nibbles served at sunset on the boat.
Join the free coach in the morning from Cowes, San Remo, Inverloch, or Foster. Your tour guide will take you to the cruise departure point where your captain and crew will welcome you aboard the comfortable 62-foot (19-meter) motorized catamaran. Indoor and outdoor decks with ample seating provide excellent views as your boat sails over to Wilsons Promontory National Park, affectionately known as The Prom.
Situated on the southernmost point of mainland Australia, Wilsons Promontory encompasses a vast nature reserve laced with swimming and surfing beaches along Bass Strait. The park harbors abundant native wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, emus and colorful birds like rosellas and parrots, while dolphins, seals and whales are often spotted offshore.
Throughout the day, your captain shares informative and entertaining commentary. Cruise close to Skull Rock and remote granite islands like Glennie Island, a nature reserve and important breeding ground for short-tailed shearwaters and little penguins. You'll also check out Kanowna Island seal sanctuary, which hosts one of only four breeding colonies of Australian fur seals. It is also an important site for breeding seabirds.
As you approach Wilsons Promontory, its historic 1859 lighthouse comes into view, perched on the southernmost point of Australia's mainland. Enjoy close views of the lighthouse, which by land can only be reached on foot by walking 11 miles (18 km).
Enjoy a 2-hour stop in Refuge Cove where you can fuel up with a delicious buffet lunch prepared by your crew, and swim, snorkel or stroll along the sparkling white-sand beach. With morning and afternoon tea, plus light nibbles served at sunset, you won't go hungry.
At the end of a memorable 9-hour cruise, your captain returns you to Phillip Island.


text:
How to detect a liar? How to catch a liar without high tech equipment such as a lie detector? You need a good eye, good ear and a healthy skepticism.
- People tend to touch their nose and scratch their face when they lie.
- Follow their eyes, liar then to blink a lot and cannot maintain eye contact.
- Check their smile, people who are telling the truth tend to use many facial muscle but liar just smile with their mouth.
- Pay attention to details, liar tend to provide more information that necessary, they are being overly specific when they are making things up.
- Change conversation subject, if they are over relief then it is a sign of lying.


text:
Chapter 59. Last Valentine´s Day
This is a day for lovers they say, for people in love who crave each other or who stick together nevertheless. The rose, the date the chocolate mousse and the usual gift or marriage proposal. Note to all boyfriends: let Valentine´s Day alone, just do the dinner part and leave the marriage proposal for another day, will you?
Proposing on Valentine´s Day is tacky. Let´s name other tacky things that people do when in love: go to Venice, go to Paris, go to Rome, get matching tattoos, eating strawberries and champagne at a hotel room, make love on top of rose petals spread on the bed, get a couple´s massage, feed each other food in front of other people (gross) kiss with tongue at a restaurant after a toast, proposing at a restaurant, pick up your date in a limousine.
There are so many things….I have done them all. Well, except for the tattoos, crocodile and Mrs. Reggaeton did that…what can I do? They are tackier than me.
The thing is. A year ago I was sitting at the kitchen counter with a cigarette and a cup of coffee at the crocodile´s pond and I felt so restless that I opened my laptop and started to write this blog. Hours after the first post "He was so damn perfect that I left him for a crocodile" I had over 350 visits and messages from women all over the world. Who is this crocodile and why have we all had one in our lives?
Crocodile is any men, who has taken a woman for granted.
He is the guy that do not buy you flowers, does not remember your birthday, doesn't ask how your day was, does not show any interest to meet or spend time with your friends, or you, for that matter. He is the asshole who stands you up at an island when he is supposed to meet you there for a few days, the one that asks for attention when he is sick but does not even lay next to you when you are sick. He always picks up the movie, tells you that you are fat after deliverying his baby and if you have post partum depression, he wakes you up in the middle of the night and calls you a bad mother.
A year ago I was alone on Valentine´s Day, writing this blog.
I did not go out to dinner a year ago, I got a lousy T-shirt and one yellow rose one day later. Crocodile style. The man who managed to hurt me and make me feel inadequate and insignificant even when pretending to be doing the right thing.
This year I will buy myself flowers, lots of them. I will toast to myself at home with a glass of nice wine named after me and a big smile on because the best is yet to come. Maybe I will be alone, maybe not.


text: The Animals Movies, Drama Add review 0 Love It Save it 0 Add review 0 Love It Save it About Details Users say About The content on this page is provided by a Time Out partner. A day in the life of Jake, Trina and Alex. Details Release details Duration: 0 mins Cast and crew Users say Share Tweet


text:
Do you need something silly?
Be the first to review this product
Give yourself a Frankenstein's Monster head, complete with staples and furry hair.
Use spaces to separate tags. Use single quotes (') for phrases.
You have no items in your basket.
Check items to add to the cart or select all
Snazaroo Face Paint 18ml Black (111)
Snazaroo Face Paint 18ml Bright Green (444)
Horror Makeup: Face Putty
Franky Neck Bolts on Wire
You have no items to compare.
Would you rather?


text:
A spa can be a refuge from the chaos of a busy life or from the chaos of a city slowly being overtaken by hyperintelligent children. Escape the madness with this voucher.
Choose from Three Options
- $29 for one Brazilian wax (a $60 value)
- $55 for two Brazilian waxes (a $120 value)
- $79 for three Brazilian waxes (a $180 value)
To prevent ingrown hairs and stripping of the skin, aestheticians use a nonstrip wax during Brazilian waxes. This warm wax gently shrink wraps each hair, which allows for easier removal and leaves skin smooth after the treatment.
Clayton Med Spa
Hair-removing lasers and dermal fillers populate the list of cosmetic services offered at Clayton Med Spa. The center's skilled technicians and aestheticians bid dullness adieu with diamond-tipped microdermabrasion wands, skin-rejuvenating photofacials, and other treatments that target the face and body. Those hoping to correct sagging skin sans surgery can receive noninvasive skin-tightening treatments, which use infrared light, magnetic pulses, and bipolar radio frequencies to stimulate collagen production. Injectables such as Botox, Juvéderm, and Restylane help fill in fine lines caused by aging or falling asleep atop a subway grate.


text:
On the hunt for exciting new growth opportunities, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) started an initiative two years ago to focus on booking events for industries that were thriving—from renewable energy to education. Noticing growth in the medical industry, the CVB also targeted gatherings in this field.
They've turned out to be a sweet spot.
As of March, the ACVB counted 215,000 room nights booked for medical meetings in 2012—more than twice the figure from 2011. This year, such gatherings will bring more than 70,000 convention attendees, such as the 23,000-attendee, 100-year-anniversary Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting (in March) and the 17,000-person American Urological Association annual meeting (in May). Coming up are Medtrade—a 10,000-attendee gathering for those in the home medical equipment field in October—followed by the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in December. Such meetings will have a combined economic impact of $110 million this year, by the ACVB's estimates.
"This is a very good year for us," said Mark Sussman, director of trade show sales for the ACVB.
As the bureau's experience is evident, opportunity is brewing in the medical and pharmaceutical meeting field—but capitalizing on those opportunities means staying on top of the fast-changing needs of organizers and attendees.
Many key players are doing business against a backdrop of relatively new and often confusing regulatory requirements that are constantly evolving. In January 2009, for instance, members of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) ushered in voluntary guidelines to avoid ethical problems and conflicts of interest. In the so-called PhRMA guidelines, research-oriented pharmaceutical and biotech firms set standards governing entertainment, resulting in more modest meals and experiences and phasing out old-school practices such as treating doctors to pricey or high-profile entertainment options (professional sports events, concerts, etc.).
On top of this, the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009—"Obamacare"—ushered in the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. The goal was to bring more transparency to the relationships that pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms and medical device suppliers have with doctors. It mandates that pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical device makers must report gifts and meals for physicians that cumulatively total at least $10 in a year.
Originally, the law was to take effect in January, with many companies and meeting professionals scrambling to keep pace. But this spring, after receiving a mountain of comments, the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it was postponing this requirement. The agency reportedly began assembling a work group to assist in coming up with a final rule by the end of 2012. Manufacturers are expected to have to start collecting this data in January 2013.
Realizing that the ramp-up time will be significant, many companies are already setting up companywide systems for keeping track of spending covered under the Sunshine Act and grappling with the implications of the heightened disclosure. Virtual meeting provider MedPoint Digital is one such company. According to MedPoint President and Founder Bill Cooney, the federal government must, under the law, publish the physician payments on an easy-to-use website in 2013, making the data searchable and downloadable—which will have potentially huge implications for meetings.
"Everyone is going to see things like, 'Dr. Smith got a meal, valued at $80 from Ruth's Chris, by going to a meeting,'" he said.
Such expenses might look more lavish to politicians or to the general public than to meeting planners who know the going rate for catered meals, he notes, so that will undoubtedly be a factor considered in meeting planning.
While many companies and organizations have resumed holding meetings that were canceled in the recession, they're still being more frugal in planning them—guarding their budgets and attendees' time. That means more virtual meetings, as well as events that are being condensed into shorter time periods and held in locations such as airport hotels, not resorts.
"Pharmaceutical and medical companies are taking their teams out into the field for less time," said Scott Cullather, founder and managing partner at inVNT, a New York-based events agency. "[Yet], the expectations for learning are pretty much the same, if not more."
Attracting meetings to a city or venue in this climate takes creative thinking. For instance, with many large organizations due to rotate their meetings this year into the southeastern U.S., the ACVB knew there would be increased regional competition from other cities. So the group promoted its strong infrastructure to help Atlanta stand out.
"We're able to secure up to 10,000 guest rooms within walking distance of the convention center," Sussman said.
Sussman and his team have also emphasized a planned expansion of the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—which will bring 12 additional international gates to the facility—when recruiting international groups like the American Urological Association, which will be one of the first to have access when the new gates open.
Meeting planners also need to find economical ways to keep meetings engaging—and useful. When inVNT works with client Genentech to plan sales meetings these days, time is tighter than ever. To help his client make the most out of shorter educational gatherings, Cullather provides certain materials ahead of time. For instance, if a product launch targets patients with a particular disease, Cullather says, "Maybe we would introduce the patient through a video campaign or email blast prior to the meeting." Such advance prep work frees time for participants to decompress between sessions.
"If you take up the entire time cramming [participants] full of knowledge, how effective is that?" he asked. "There's a learning curve that starts to diminish over a period of time."
Cullather and his team also constantly look for high-impact, cost-effective ways to enhance what is learned at a meeting. For one client's sales meeting this past spring, inVNT created a visual device that helped attendees understand the suffering of people with glaucoma. The glasses he brought to the meeting reduced participants' ability to see—the same way glaucoma impairs vision. The salespeople were asked to try the specs on and to then type a text message.
"We took the glasses off and let them read it," he recalled. "The emotional response we elicited was really incredible. They were able to, in a visceral way, experience what it was like to be a patient suffering from glaucoma."
Not everyone in the medical sphere is feeling the pinch of regulation, so some CVBs, meeting planners and organizers are staying alert to opportunities to serve those who still have healthy budgets.
"The Sunshine Act is more geared toward the pharmaceutical companies and their spending money," Sussman said.
Many top doctors travel to medical conventions from around the world for continuing education, and they expect a high-quality event.
"The doctors are allowed to spend money on themselves," Sussman said.
Many doctors bring their families with them to conferences, so the ACVB promotes local tourist attractions near the convention center, such as the Georgia Aquarium and other options within walking distance.
Dental groups, though sensitive to budgetary concerns, also fall outside the reach of laws such as the Sunshine Act, offering meeting planners some room for creativity. The 750-member Hinman Dental Society of Atlanta hosts 55 meetings a year—including the massive annual convention it just held. Known for keeping members up to date on professional topics such as bleaching teeth, the organization also brings in high-profile speakers who share the nonprofit's focus on education, such as recent keynote former First Lady Laura Bush.
To attract foot traffic to its exhibit hall, which housed approximately 850 booths, the society planned attention grabbers such as the daily giveaway of a diamond pendant. The group also hired models to dress in attire reflective of the time person in which the organization was founded. Those who submitted tickets to the couple—who walked the show floor—were entered into a contest to win $100. Recognizing that the group's Southern hospitality has been a powerful draw since Dr. Thomas Hinman, a dentist, founded the group, the association taps volunteer members to make the event welcoming to all.
"We assign hosts to every speaker to go out to the airport, greet them on arrival, escort them to their hotel room, take them to their lectures," said Sylvia Ratchford, the group's executive director.
While gestures like this add to the ambiance, Ratchford knows that they, alone, aren't enough to keep participants coming back. The society, which runs a trade show at its annual meeting, has rolled out a spate of new opportunities for members to increase their presence, such as ads on its social networking pages. Ratchford says the days of coming up with a marketing plan at the beginning of the year and sticking with it are over.
"It's constantly evolving," she said.
And, like others in this space, she's hoping to keep pace. One+
Pharma 101 at WEC
Don't miss our "Pharmaceutical Meeting Planning 101" session at the World Education Congress, July 28-31 in St. Louis. Visit www.mpiweb.org/events/wec2012 to learn more about the event.
Pharmaceutical meetings are highly regulated, so whether you are new to the planning side or the supplier side of this complex industry, this introductory session is a must for you. Planners will learn the importance of compliance with company and government regulations and the ramifications of non-compliance. Suppliers will recognize that pharmaceutical planners are not being difficult to work with "just because"—in fact, they are under strict guidelines regarding how meetings are planned, hotels are utilized and funds are spent on healthcare providers. And, in the U.S., these regulations will likely become even more restrictive under pending implementation of the federal Sunshine Act.
This session will connect planners and suppliers and give insights into how to successfully navigate the unique world of pharmaceutical meeting planning.
You are not allowed to post comments.


text:
Men's Sports
Women's Sports
Men's Sports
Women's Sports
Nov. 17, 2006
Malibu, Calif. - After the second day of competition at the Speedo Cup, Pepperdine broke three school records and stands in seventh place with 342 points. With one day remaining, the Waves look for their best finish at the competitive three-day meet in Long Beach, Calif.
In the 200 medley relay, Alison McLeod, Danielle Kimmel, Amy Nightingale and Haley Wilson swam to a fifth-place finish as they broke a 1999 record with a time of 1:46.68. Placing second in the 100 fly, McLeod broke her own record set last season, with a time of 55.26. The senior also placed third in the 100 back with a time of 56.62 and now owns Pepperdine's top three times in both the 100 back and the 100 fly.
Kimmel also broke her own record in the 100 breast which she set earlier in the season, placing fifth in a time of 1:05.31.
The 800 free relay team of Loriann Mark, Kady Skora, Brianna Blanchard and McLeod took seventh place swimming to a time of 7:49.23.
Mark also led the Waves in the 200 free placing 18th in a time of 1:55.26, while Haley Wilson wasn't far behind with a 20th finish in 1:56.34.
The Waves conclude action tomorrow with the 1650 free, 200 back, 100 free, 200 breast, 200 fly and 400 free relay.
© Copyright 2017 West Coast Conference. All Rights Reserved.


text: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Story 28 March 2016 Pilots equipped with a helmet-mounted display (HMD) such as the Saab Cobra for Gripen C/D are much better able to combat targets on the ground and in the air. By aiming the head rather than the entire aircraft at the target, the pilot can rapidly lock the homing device using HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) and take advantage of the missile's performance capabilities. A missile can operate with much higher g-forces than an aircraft; the ratio is roughly 60 g for a missile to 9 g for Gripen. Jakob Högberg is a Saab pilot who uses an HMD. "You can use a different technique with an HMD," he says. "HMD provides better situational awareness, the pinpointing options are simpler and we are faster at shooting." A helmet-mounted visor displays flight information such as altitude and airspeed, along with pinpointing and details of targets detected in the surrounding area. "Reality is combined with the system since the pinpointing is superimposed over what the pilot sees," says Högberg. The helmet is integrated with other systems on Gripen, and it is customised to the pilot's head to ensure that the visor is positioned at the right height and distance from the pilot's eyes. Otherwise there is a risk of the pilot experiencing double vision or image loss. The helmet sensors must also be calibrated with sensors in the aircraft so that the information is displayed in the right place in relation to reality. Last updated: 28 March 2016 • 12:43


text:
I met a guy at a friend's party just over a week ago and we spent the whole evening together chatting, dancing, holding hands... a really good time! He tried to kiss me so many times and was talking about date ideas on the way home. Over the next 5 days he asked me on two dates and although we were both a bit nervous they both went really well; he seemed really into me and even wanted me to go and visit his family with him and stuff. Then today he suddenly text me and said "can I come over and talk to you about some things right now?" and then ended things with me abruptly, saying he thought we didn't have much in common (to which I said we've only had two dates) and he thinks he still has feelings for his ex who cheated on him 6 months ago and left him for another guy. How should I feel about this and is there anything I should do?
Why would he change his mind when things were going so well?
Have an opinion?
What Guys Said 1
He could be making things up, however something must have happened to have him flip a switch so fast. Regardless of what happened I'd just be glad he told you instead of just becoming a ghost. I'd just forgot about him as much as it sucks.00|00|0
What Girls Said 1
There is nothing you can do except move on. At least, he confessed it early.00|00|0
Click "Show More" for your mentions
Most Helpful Opinion(mho) Rate.
Learn more
Learn more
Select as Most Helpful Opinion?
You cannot undo this action. The opinion owner is going to be notified and earn 7 XPER points.


text:
Most Helpful Girl
I don't mind them but I definitely prefer adjustable straps so I can adjust it to fit me perfectly and I wear a strapless bra underneath.
Also do you know the store the second dress is from? It's gorgeous!!10|10|0
Thank you for asking that. I will look into it.
What do you think about how thin spaghetti straps are? does it appeal to you at all?
- Show AllShow Less
Top first, and whatever bra that's covered by the top
I assume there is a lot of trial and error but after a while are you able to lay your top and bra out and tell it won't be covered properly?
What parts of the bra is "acceptable" by your standards to show in public?


text:
I need to configure VLANs for my network... so far we have a single network with our phones (Shoretel) and computers all using the same network: 10.0.0.0/24
Main office has an XTM5 and remote has an XTM2
We have a secondary location that is connected with a wireless bridge that shares the same IP Address. Right now we have each endpoint of the bridge set up with a static IP and it's all on the same network.
What I want to do is set up DHCP to separate voice and data onto different VLANs. If I understand this correctly, I would set up two different DHCP scopes on my DHCP server (using Windows Server 2008), and then configure one port on the XTM5 for data, and do a pass-through on another port for the voice VLAN traffic.
I also want to make a BOVPN between my two sites, but restrict only the voice traffic to go through this BOVPN. I would imagine I would set my network up the same way on the remote office, and then configure a BOVPN to go through the wireless bridge (which would be configured as an external interface on both XTM5 and XTM2, on a separate 10.0.6.0/24 network) and create a tunnel that routes all voice traffic through the BOVPN. I then would just create a route to have all my data to use that external interface to pass data traffic back and forth between the two sites.
Does this all sound right or is there something that I may be missing or overlooking? I know it's very general, and I will be willing to go into more detail as to how exactly I'm setting all of this up if need be.
6 Replies
Aug 15, 2011 at 8:13 UTC
I can't speak specifically about the WatchGuard stuff, but I can speak generically about the vlans. Here is a thread that talks about a secured guest vlan, but it has a lot of info about vlans in it. http:/
In generic terms you need to create two vlans on each switch (they must be managed and support VLANS (mandatory) and QoS (optional)). By default vlan 1 is configured on all switches. You will need to create a vlan for your phones (lets say VLID 100). That vlan will need to be created an every switch. The uplink ports between the switches will need to be tagged with each vlan(1 & 100) You will need a router that supports vlan tagging (virtual nics) or a router with dual physical nics. Each vlan will be connected to each nic on the router. Your router will need a dhcp helper program to relay dhcp traffic from your phone vlan to your business lan. You will point the dhcp helper (relay) agent at your DHCP server on your business LAN. You are correct you will need to create a new scope with the IP address in the range of your phone vlan. You may want to consider connecting your VoIP system directly to this vlan (100) if it supports dhcp and phone provisioning. Then there will be no need for the dhcp relay or dhcp helper on your router. The network links that go to your wireless bridge need to be tagged if you need to extend the voip network beyond your bridge. As for your site to site vpn, that will need to support vlan tagging on the wan connection to pass the voip traffic to the remote site. As you stated on the remote end you will also need to configure the switches and router for vlan tagging.
- Geo
Aug 16, 2011 at 11:56 UTC
Thanks Geo! Appreciate the tips.
I'm currently trying to get this all set up on our current network, but since it's being used all day I'm having the fun experience of finding time to make changes but not break anything.
Jul 17, 2014 at 12:56 UTC
1st Post
Is there anyone who managed to do this? I've been working on this all morning and I wonder if it's possible on WatchGuard to get VLAN's over a BOVPN tunnel.
Thanks in advance, Pi
Jul 17, 2014 at 8:26 UTC
SI System Integration d.o.o. is an IT service provider.
My customers use Vlan's over BOVPN for IP telephony and it works great.
I guess, you will have to tell more about your problem and what/how you tried to accomplish it.
In general try not to think about Vlan's but networks. As long as each of your Vlan's is a separate routable network, it's not different to pass them over the BOVN as any other network or subnet.
Jul 17, 2014 at 10:25 UTC
Hmm, I just want VLAN packages to be transfered over a BOVPN. On Both sides I have a XTM and on one side Cisco with a VLAN. The VLAN itself is in the same IP segment, so routing isn't an issue. I would have guessed that the VLAN tags can be transfered, but that will be layer 2, so I'm afraid I expect to much of the Watchguard...
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:29 UTC
What I want to do is set up DHCP to separate voice and data onto different VLANs. If I understand this correctly, I would set up two different DHCP scopes on my DHCP server (using Windows Server 2008), and then configure one port on the XTM5 for data, and do a pass-through on another port for the voice VLAN traffic.
Watchguard's interfaces are capable of being a DHCP server, you can set your seperate IP pool to those ports. Don't complicate things, VLAN provides segregation and security but not performance.
This discussion has been inactive for over a year.
You may get a better answer to your question by starting a new discussion.


text:
7 bedroom new house developments for sale near Purbrook Heath
Property type
More options
- Pre-owned / New homes No preference
- Ownership type No preference
- Retirement No preference
- Buyer incentives No preference
7 bed property for saleClarence Square, Brighton BN1
Fox & sons are delighted to offer for sale a newly converted block of flats comprising four stunning self-contained apartments located in central Brighton. This is a rare opportunity in a fantastic city centre location just off Brighton seafront. ...
Note: Distances are straight line measurements
- Brighton (0.5 miles)
- London Road (Brighton) (1.0 mile)
** Calls to this number will be recorded for quality, compliance and training purposes.
Latest Purbrook Heath new homes
Zoopla is one of the UK's leading property portals, helping you to find property for sale and to rent and make smarter decisions when buying and renting homes in the UK. Discover information on homes in Purbrook Heath by researching Purbrook Heath property values, Purbrook Heath house prices paid, our Purbrook Heath property market overview and find Purbrook Heath agents.


text:
That's right! You heard it! You READ it!
The Hunter's Gem will begin on the 25th of December! It'll be a Christmas present (Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can still enjoy it!).
For those of you who don't know much (or anything) about this fanon, you can read the main page and the updates page.
I've been putting a lot of work into this (Been working on the first chapter for a month or two), and I've got two awesome editors who are gonna work their magic on it soon!
I've got some epic ideas going into this fanon, and I hope all of Avatar Wiki will enjoy it!
Remember the name! The Hunter's Gem! You won't want to miss it!
That's PreservationsWings, signing off! :)


text:
"I personally guarantee you'll learn amazing Stand Up secrets that will give you skills and great confidence to succeed on your first gig. Are you ready?"
Hey Col, I just got your books and love them. They're helping already. I don't think there's anything like them on the web. Thank you!David McDonald, Brand New Comedian - Melbourne, Australia
Dear Friend,
My name is Col Cameron and in the next 5 minutes you could be learning my best secrets to a successful first stand up comedy gig. I am constantly amazed by the large number of aspiring comics I meet who are still waiting, stalling, hoping to pluck up the courage to try Stand Up Comedy for the very first time.
Hardest Job In The World
I am often amazed by how little they know about Stand Up before they throw themselves on the mercy of the crowd. It takes a lot of guts to do that and it's tough! Sometimes it truly feels like "THE HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD."
Professional Advice
There is an easier, quicker and smarter way. It combines workshop-style stage time with quality, professional help and advice. Instead of making mistake after mistake as you prepare for your first big gig in front of a real audience, get help right now to make sure you learn successful habits and techniques.
With 20+ years experience as a professional performer and teacher, I've chosen the key tools and techniques that you need to experience your own success.
- How To Conquer Fear And Criticism
- How To Find And Build Great Material
- The Mechanics Of A Joke
- How To Use The Best Joke Writing Devices
- How To Expand Your Material
- The Skill And Importance Of Editing
Table of Contents
Preface…….. 4
Notes……….. 6
Introduction…….. 7
Fear And Criticism…….. 9
Fear……….. 9
A Helpful Fear……….. 10
Criticism……….. 11
Go To Live Stand Up Comedy Shows……….. 12
Finding And Building Material…….. 14
What Am I Going To Talk About?……….. 14
Joke Mining……….. 14
The Premise……….. 14
Exercise:……. 17
You – A Great Place To Start……….. 18
Exercise:……. 19
Talking Out Loud……….. 20
Exercise:……. 24
Exercise:……. 24
What Makes You Laugh?……….. 24
On-Stage Character……….. 25
Expanding Your Material……….. 26
Chronological Expansion……….. 27
Lateral Expansion……….. 28
Writing A Killer Joke – Devices…….. 30
How Do I Write A Killer Joke?……….. 30
Surprise……….. 30
Misdirection/Ambiguity……….. 32
Exaggeration……. 36
The Rule Of 3……….. 37
Lists……….. 38
Storytelling……….. 39
The Set-Up, Punchline & Call-Back…….. 40
The Set-Up Explained……….. 40
The Punchline's Mechanics……….. 41
Funny Word Last……….. 41
Clean Delivery Of The Punchline……….. 42
Exercise:……. 43
Rhythm And Sound……….. 43
Exercise:……. 44
Call-Back……….. 45
More Great Devices…….. 47
Universal Truth……….. 47
Examples of failed Universal Truths……….. 48
Metaphor……….. 50
The Aside……….. 51
Your Thoughts Their Thoughts……….. 51
Editing…….. 53
Editing Through Lists……….. 54
Editing Off Stage……….. 54
Editing Through Gestures……….. 55
- How To Shape Your Material
- How To Rehearse Your First Set
- Vital Stagecraft Secrets
- How To Avoid Dying On Stage
- How To Memorize Your Set
- Performer's Etiquette
Table of Contents
Shaping Your Material Into A Set……….. 4
How should I order my set?……….. 5
I don't know what's funny yet!……….. 7
Comedy Buddy……….. 7
Rehearsing Your First Set……….. 9
Keywords……….. 9
Rehearsing with a stopwatch……….. 10
Anti-distraction technique……….. 11
Remembering your set……….. 12
Connecting your jokes together……….. 13
Loci technique……….. 14
You And Your Audience……….. 19
First Impressions……….. 19
What Is A Performer's Character?……….. 19
Do I Need To Create A Character?……….. 20
Why Do Some Comedians Connect Better With Audiences Than Others?……….. 22
Commitment……….. 22
Honesty……….. 23
Trust……….. 24
Don't Be Bulletproof!……….. 27
Self-Deprecation……….. 28
On Stage……….. 30
Microphone Technique……….. 30
What Effect Does Your Volume Have On Your Audience?……….. 31
How Should I Hold The Mic?……….. 32
Can I shout into the mic?……….. 33
Mic stand or no mic stand?……….. 33
Hey those lights are really bright!……….. 34
Where do I look while performing?……….. 35
How do I start my set?……….. 36
Performing to a time limit……….. 38
What do I do when they laugh?……….. 38
Dying On Stage……….. 41
Analyzing The Fear……….. 41
It's Not Your Fault……….. 42
Keep Learning……….. 43
More Factors Outside Your Control – Logistics……….. 44
The Audience……….. 46
Record Your Set……….. 46
Why didn't anyone tell me this stuff?……….. 47
What would it be like to know the secrets used by the world's top comedians to keep their audience laughing all night?
I've been thinking about it for a long time but I'm just too scared to get on stage.
I wish I had a dollar, actually a burger… for every time I've heard this said by an aspiring comedian. I've often replied:
Hey, you wouldn't step into a cockpit and fly a plane without experience would you?
The point is, everything is easier to do for the first time if you have knowledge. Would you scuba dive without a lesson? No, you might die! Stand Up Comedy is exactly the same. Educate yourself and you'll feel confident and relaxed.
Young comics can struggle for years due to:
- Poor Microphone Technique
- Weak Body Language
- Poor Joke Structure
- Misunderstanding Their Persona
These are typical mistakes that nearly all comics make. It's part of the early years on stage. But imagine if you could skip past those mistakes and be noticed by managers and agents much sooner? Wouldn't that be great?
I have spent the last 20 years performing, testing and studying how to engage and entertain an audience and now it's time to pass on the amazing secrets I've discovered.
While experience on stage is vital, I'm convinced that the secrets in
How To Kill On Your 1st Stand Up Gig! will save you valuable stage time
and help you be funnier faster!
What Else Is Covered?
Rehearsing With A Stopwatch
Where To Look While Performing
How To Start Your Set
What To Do When They Laugh
Check Out What Other People Are Saying About Col Cameron
When I started out, Col and I would hang for hours after gigs talking stand up comedy. His analyses of other stand up comics helped me develop the core stage skills that were required of any comedian or MC.Dilruk Jayasinha , Professional Comedian
Apart from being one of the funniest comedians around, I was lucky enough to have Col as a mentor when I first started stand-up comedy. He was always willing to spend time helping me, with incredible insights into the world of comedy, and amazing stand-up tips and techniques. Basically he gave me the shortcuts I needed to be able to make people laugh, and succeed as a hilarious professional stand-up comedian. Thanks Col!Linda Beatty, Professional Comedian/Singer/Harpist


text:
McLoughlin Take 2: CSEA ads are blatantly misleading
Right about now, it is pretty much a given: If you see it on television, then it has to be true. But wait a doggoned minute. What about CSEA's TV ad having to do with Tier VI, the reduced-benefits retirement plan for civil servants just enacted?
Here is CSEA, getting all huffy in the ad, upset as all get-out, because the Cuomo people have afforded non-union public employees making $75 grand the very thing that was flatly rejected by the union for its members. "Boondoggle," the ad cries out.
One of my favorite public employee unions in all of New York state is telling us that Cuomo & Co. are ripping off the taxpayers by giving these better-off political appointees a 401(k)-type retirement plan with "portability," the right to withdraw the 8 percent contribution from the state after just 12 months on the job and take it elsewhere — like to the bank. "A big cash bonus," screamed the ad. But this 401(k) stuff — "defined contribution" are the magic words — is exactly what was rejected by the unions, opting instead to continue with the "defined benefits" plan state workers have come to know and love. The benefits, of course, are reduced somewhat — 40 percent less, says the union, half that, say others — but still defined.
It's kind of like Peyton Manning getting himself all in a snit because the Saints offered Drew Brees $90 million after Manning turned it down.
Who knows? Maybe CSEA (among my favorite unions) intended the TV ad as a kind of brain-teaser, a challenge to see if you are up on current events, to see if we've all been paying attention. It's a kind of "what's wrong with this picture" lesson in civic affairs.
Remember just several weeks ago when CSEA and the other public employee unions joined in sponsorship of another TV spot that seemed to suggest that CURRENT public employees — we were even shown pictures of them — would suffer grave harm if Tier VI were to pass? You knew, of course, that something known as the constitution protects current folks and that only FUTURE employees would be harmed (a battle for the hearts and minds of high school sophomores, if you will, who have been dreaming since childhood of becoming a public employee and retiring at 62, only to have that dashed). But the unions swore there was no intentional misleading.
Now comes this latest ad, and how can I continue to regard CSEA as one of my favorite seven or eight public worker unions in New York state when there seems to be just a hint of fudging in the message, ripping the poor governor for giving some folks the very thing the unions rejected?
"Your problem is you cannot see the forest for the trees," said Steve Madarasz, CSEA spokesperson (one of my favorites for a public employee union).
Q: But Steve, your union could have chosen to go with the 401(k).
M: Yes, but there is a big difference between someone who comes in from Wall Street to work for the governor for a few years at $75,000-plus and is pretty savvy about investing and one of our members who is making $28,000 working most of their lives for the DOT. You cannot compare the two.
Q: But isn't your rejection of the 401(k) like a put-down of the ability of state workers and others to do their own investing?
M: Look, we all like to think that we're geniuses when it comes to the market, when the truth is we all need help.
Q: But isn't a 401(k) pretty much what all corporations are giving their employees now, because they cannot afford defined benefits?
M: I hardly look upon big corporations as models of responsibility to their workers. They are more about multi-million-dollar payoffs to their CEOs than being concerned for the rest of the workforce. And mark my words, when the public finally recognizes this big payoff to political appointees who get to cash in at taxpayer expense, there is going to be a huge uproar.
So no apologies from CSEA for what seems to be a "pants on fire" advertising campaign from these latter day "mad men." Wait a minute! Somebody's trying to tell me something. What? These CSEA ads are helping to pay my salary?
On second thought, these spots appear to be perfectly legit. My bad.


text:
Follow Us
9200 Settlers Rd,
Radium Hot Springs,
British Columbia,
Our non-smoking, Rocky Mountain Cabins can accommodate anywhere from 1 to 13 guests, and are able to accommodate up to 71 quests for full resort bookings. All of our cabins feature full kitchens, dining area's and bathrooms, with BBQ's on the porch and plenty of comfort and privacy.
The Nipika Day Lodge and Conference Center is available for weddings, corporate events, family reunions and all other private functions.
Please see our website for more information and details.
Kids are welcome and we are pet friendly! Internet and a satellite phone are available - but your cell phone will not work at Nipika!
Click the checkboxes below to display the appropriate item(s) on the map.
View all locations
Find over 6,000 restaurants, activities and accommodations in BC on your smartphone or tablet.
Enter your email address below to receive seasonal travel information from Destination British Columbia including trip ideas, great places to go and fun things to do on vacation in BC.
You may also wish to receive (check all that apply):
We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details on the storage of personal information outside of Canada.
We value your privacy and never share your information, and you may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe at any time.
Privacy Policy


text:
Our School Community
The Governors of The Cotswold School Academy Trust oversee the organisation of the school and their charitable purpose is the advancement of education. They are ultimately responsible for the performance of the school in achieving this aim and in ensuring the smooth running of its business needs.
They provide direction and support to the Principal and Deputy Principals, the School Management Team and the staff of the School. Our Governors are listed here.
A job description for Parent Governors can be seen here.
The election process for Governors can be reviewed here.
The Cotswold School PTA
The Cotswold School PTA is a group of parents, guardians, staff and friends of The Cotswold School which aims to support the school in the education of the pupils through the organisation of social events, raising funds and providing an important forum through which relationships between parents, staff and those associated with the school can develop.
You can read more about the PTA and how you can become involved here.
The Community
The Cotswold School is, first and foremost, a community school – serving the children of our North Cotswold catchment area. Over the years the School has forged strong community links which we endeavour to develop year on year. Our students will be seen at community based events and supporting local charities in a variety of ways.
Our students are encouraged to regard themselves as representatives of not just their school but their community at large. As young ambassadors of The Cotswolds and our country, we are proud that their excellent behaviour and good manners are often commented upon when we travel both nationally and abroad.
We greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. The local Rotary Club assists our 6th Formers by providing mock interviews, giving our students the chance to hone their interview skills. Our students are also encouraged to take part in Rotary International competitions such as Youth Speaks, Youth Writes, Young Chef, Young Photographer and Young Artist. Many of our pupils have excelled at district and regional level and beyond. The competitions have been invaluable in developing our pupils' confidence, resilience and healthy competitive spirit.
We also enjoy links with local businesses and other schools, while we engage with the wider community through care home visits, our long-standing tradition of Christmas lunch for local senior citizens and myriad charitable activities, to name but a few. The wider community is also welcomed into the school – we welcome visitors and guest speakers while our our excellent facilities – for parties, sports, concerts, clubs and shows – can be let, extending the resources available to the wider community.


text:
Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley SoleMates Registration
Vasona Park (5K Venue)
Wed 01/01/2014
5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Membership
20 Participants
Individuals may register and raise funds as a SoleMate for ANY race of ANY distance. The Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley staff will be supporting SoleMates and/or participating in the following events: -The Palo Alto Athleta Esprit de She 5K at 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 1st, 2013. -The Nike Women's Marathon (HALF Marathon) on October 20, 2013. -The Nike Women's Marathon (FULL Marathon) on October 20, 2013. Please note that the $25 fee to register as a GOTRSV SoleMate counts as the first $25 donation toward your fundraising goal. (Your $25 donation will show up on your fundraising page after the first online donation is made to you through your fundraising page.) Each SoleMates commits to a $250 minimum fundraising goal, which must be met within 30 days of your race. To register as a SoleMate, you will need to log in to Active using your Active username and password. If you do not have an Active account, it only takes a few quick and easy steps to set one up. By registering with your Active account, you will receive a free Active fundraising page that you can customize with your story, race goals, and fundraising goals to share with friends and family. After you register as a SoleMate, you still MUST REGISTER FOR YOUR EVENT! Registering as a SoleMate DOES NOT automatically register you for your event. Please visit www.espritdeshe.com to register for the Palo Alto Athleta Esprit de She 5K on Thursday, August 1, 2013. Registration for the 2013 Nike Women's Marathon (full and half) is closed so you must already be registered for one of these events to register as a SoleMates for NWM. Questions? Email Miyoko Beetem at [email protected]
- Address:333 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032