text:
"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear" ~ Gandhi
A Christmas Message For Schapelle
Please send a message to her, but please don't mention Christmas itself. Like her birthday, she tries not to think about it, because it reminds her of her passing life.
A week before Christmas we will send all the comments to Mercedes, to print and take to Schapelle.
Please think of her in the coming weeks, and send your thoughts to her below.
230 comments:1 – 200 of 230 Newer› Newest»
Hang in there Schapelle, however impossible it seems. There are more of us with you than you can possibly realize, and our hearts reach out across the waters to you. We will always be by your side.
- 1 December 2010 at 14:38
Schapelle, I am from the UK and was appalled when I read about what had happened to you. Continue to be strong and have faith that you will get through this and true justice will prevail. I am telling as many people as I can over here so that you know not just Australians care about you, people from all over the world do. My heart and thoughts are with you and will be until you are free and home with your family. xxx
- 2 December 2010 at 03:56
hi schapelle.my dad cried for you, and he mentioned you before he passed away, we are thinking of you always, have hope please, hang in there, walk with your head held high. justice one day will be served.
- 2 December 2010 at 04:00
None of us know what you are really going through, we can only imagine that its at least a billion times worse than we think..Please know that the majority of us Aussies pray for you and believe you are innocent. You have survived this long, dont give up yet, your release is just around the corner. Hang onto that hope just a little longer. The truth of this massive injustice will be exposed.
- 2 December 2010 at 04:01
Not a day goes by where you are not in my thoughts. I wish for the day when you are again living the life you were meant to have. Stay strong gorgeous girl. With much love x x x x
- 2 December 2010 at 04:14
- Kim said...
Sweetheart, thousands, and thousands, and thousands of people all over the World hold you in their hearts (more than you can ever imagine). Stay strong. There are angels on your shoulders. Justice will prevail.
- 2 December 2010 at 04:18
you are truly amazing, you are brave, you are everything. Your special because you are innocent. May punishment come to them in time when you are released, as the whole world believes you,that all that matters. I pray for you that you can leave there. Just remember you are awesome and we all care about you xxx
- 2 December 2010 at 04:23
- daniela's postcards for fun! said...
my dear Schapelle
I live in Chile in a small town called Villa Alemana, one day almost 4 years ago I saw your face in HBO, for me was so unfair, and since that moment I try to send you all my good vibrations, I would like to send you letters, but i didn't found the way to do it. I showed your webpage and I have to translate becuase nobody speaks and read English in my home, but at the first moment we knew you are inocent!! you aren't guilty. My heart and my mind is with you my dear, as I said before I would like to send you a letter, maybe I can give you a nice moment... take care, kisses for you...
Daniela Zumarán Alfaro
- 2 December 2010 at 04:32
You are not alone, in your life there is eternity waiting for you, you will be blessed , and restored one day. Believe in your dreams Schapelle, hold on to them always. Bless you child of God. Love to you and your dear friends , family , your sky and your earth.
- 2 December 2010 at 04:33
I have learned this life may not always be easy, but it's always worth living. When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out.May god bless u always..
[frm michi van maverick]
- 2 December 2010 at 04:36
Dear Schapelle!
I read your book and it left a deep impression on me ...
I sincerely hope that this Christmas will be last there in hell.
I am with you in my minds
All the best and great big hugs ...
Your friend Kati from Estonia
- 2 December 2010 at 04:39
Always thinking of you Schappelle! Don't give up, the day will come when you are freed.
Lots of love!
- 2 December 2010 at 04:44
My prayers are with you Schapelle. Thats all we have at this point. Stay stong!
- 2 December 2010 at 04:44
- Vycki said...
Schapelle you have already been more brave than any woman should ever be asked to... Our hearts ache to be with you and show you the support we feel for you. I send wishes of times where you can be, once again, held by your loved ones and reminded just how special you are. The world has not forgotten...even if it may not seem so.
We embrace you from afar.
- 2 December 2010 at 04:49
Never give up and keep the faith....even if it seems impossible. We all join our hearts to support you, believing that this horror will end soon!
- 2 December 2010 at 04:52
Dear Schapelle!!
For me, you're very brave woman.
Your book left me a very deep impression.
Sometimes I feel
Your words like walk
over my back
helicase wet paws
leaving the damp grass
flowers small cold.
Know that in my minds i am with you!
Sending you a big big hugs and best wishes!!!!
- 2 December 2010 at 04:54
My thoughts are with you Schapelle. Don't ever give up hope!!! Xxx
- 2 December 2010 at 05:03
The way you have been treated is disgusting and god knows how you have coped with it all, I hope one day soon you are released from this living hell and can rebuild your life. Just remember there are millions of people out there supporting you and on your side and your sister must be your rock. Good Luck and try to be positive
- 2 December 2010 at 05:18
Hang in Schapelle, the truth always comes out...our thoughts and prayers are with you..
- 2 December 2010 at 05:35
- Debbie said...
Shapelle, you are constantly in my prayers and I only wish there was more I could do towards your freedom. I was recently detained for a short time by police in a third world country and all I could think of was you - the injustice, the horror, the loneliness. You are not alone. We know you are innocent and the Truth will set you free. May God shine His light on the whole truth so all is exposed. God protect you, bless you, and give you peace.
- 2 December 2010 at 05:39
- Rebecca said...
Your strength, courage and commitment are amazing attributes. Don't let other people bring you down, keep some love for yourself; you deserve it more than anything in this world!
Becks XOXO
- 2 December 2010 at 06:06
- Janny Kok said...
I cannot agree more with Angela and wish you all the best, prefably being released.
- 2 December 2010 at 06:34
- gedandtess said...
Schapelle, nothing I can say will make sense....
Have no idea why,? when u did nothing wrong....
I believe you....Lots of hugs, try 2 stay strong,
Wish I could do something 2 help u. I'll keep
praying XXXXXXXXXXXX
- 2 December 2010 at 06:45
- Jase said...
Stay Strong Schapelle. One day the truth will surface and You will be free.
- 2 December 2010 at 07:07
Lots of love from Poland :* Never give up ! Just focus on staying true to yourself and not let the system break you !
- 2 December 2010 at 07:23
Hey Schapelle,
Wow my heart goes out for you. I know the suffering you are experiencing first hand. 10 years ago in California of all places I was sent to prison for crimes I didn't do. The local cops/lawyers and courts were part of the corruption. 5 years ago I spent my Christmas in the psychiatric ward of a California prison. Yeah I know all this crap they are putting you through is hard, but once you are released you will be smarter and wiser than most people. Oh and BTW I think you are way hotter than most of the celebrity chicks out there! Keep your head strong! J-h is still looking out for you as hard as it seems to believe right now.
- 2 December 2010 at 07:53
- 2 December 2010 at 07:56
Love and prayers from England x x x x x x
- 2 December 2010 at 08:00
- Erin Kuhns said...
Schapelle, I think of you all the time. I cry for you and pray for you. I'm always trying to scheme up ways in my mind to get someone--the right people--to listen. I do have faith that the day will come that that will happen.
But in the mean time, Schapelle, please please know that there are so many people spread across the entire globe who support and love you; who know your innocence; who want nothing more than for you to be able to go home. And I guarantee you that for every written piece of love supporting you, there are a hundred more who support you just as much but just don't write it down.
I send you so much love and as much as I don't know what to say, the only thing I know I can say is to keep holding on. It will be worth it, Schapelle.
Sending you "beaucoup de love" from Canada,
Erin Kuhns xoxo
- 2 December 2010 at 08:35
- Baumgartner Blogs said...
Dear Sweet Schapelle,
We wish you well, and send you love every day. If only our love can reach you....Try and let the love into your heart, all the love is coming to you now, from all over the world, and if you can just start to feel it, let a little in each day, you will get stronger day by day. Feel the love and let it strengthen your heart, get ready for your homecoming, you deserve it and we are all waiting for you.
Sending you more love now, can't wait to see your smiling face again :0)
Susi & Franz Baumgartner, Australia
- 2 December 2010 at 09:16
- Meg's Dreamy Dreams said...
Please know there are thousands, if no millions, of people who love you and support you, who know the truth and believe you will one day be free. I admire your strength. I wish I had half.
Sending you love and hugs,
Megan in North Carolina, USA
- 2 December 2010 at 09:17
- Nayla Paschoa said...
Hey girl. Nobody knows why we have the path we have here, but my beliefs say this will all make sense one day, and you will grow immensely as a spirit.
Keep writing books, that'll at least keep your mind busy.
You are very supported and many many people out here constantly think of you.
Light and strength.
- 2 December 2010 at 09:19
- Natalie said...
Hi Schapelle. I've been following your story for quite some time and would like you to know that you have my support. I am angered and mystified that such an injustice has occurred. Please stay as strong as you can. There are many people thinking of you.
- 2 December 2010 at 09:34
Dear Schapelle,
Though we have never met, I think of you often. I pray for your strength and wisdom. I pray that you will win this fight. I know that you will. Do not give in to them, do not let them break your spirit, do not let them win dear Schapelle.
From the United States ..... we are fighting for you!
Much love,
- 2 December 2010 at 09:35
- Veronica Rose said...
Dear Schapelle,
You don't know me but I know of you and your innocence and the fact that you are in a cell reading this. Please know that YOU WILL BE released from this horrible situation. Please try and focus on this TRUTH and KNOW that you have the FREEDOM to choose your thoughts. You along with the world will focus on you getting released. Stay in the LIGHT however hard it may be knowing that you are not alone but have thousands of people supporting you. I send you LIGHT and PEACE. Veronica
- 2 December 2010 at 09:40
You have been part my thoughts since I read about you...I think about you often even though we have never met.
Lot's of love sent from canada.
- 2 December 2010 at 09:51
- Graham Watson said...
Please keep treading water, and keep your head up. There will be an end to your suffering, a vindication, and a warm family reunion. Never let the bastards get you. Love and light.
- 2 December 2010 at 10:21
Dear Schapelle,
I first learned or your situation while watching the documentary, "Ganja Queen" at my house in the US. I was overwhelmed by the end of it and shocked at what i just saw. You truly are one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. I have been fighting for you as hard as I can writing on my Facebook about you and why they should free you. I sent a letter to the australian prime minister as well asking and begging him to do something. If nothing is done to free you soon, I promise I will do whatever it takes with whoever it takes to free you Schapelle. I love you for your incredible spirit and determination to keep going. Please hang in there as I would like to meet you one day. You are incredible and I will pray for you. With much love from the states,
Joshua Dreon
1 flowery branch place
wildwood, MO, 63040, United States
- 2 December 2010 at 11:23
- Robin Cook said...
Hi Schapelle, New Zealand is thinking of you every day, You aussies are dear to our hearts, its not just cricket you know. We want you home soon and safe, we wish you as good a christmas as you can have, we pray for your safe keeping and well being as if you are one of ours. Keep going girl you will be home soon, you are one of the strong ones I know anyway. Lots of Love Robin.
- 2 December 2010 at 11:25
Princess Pelle-It is amazing how many people believe in your innocence and are fighting for your freedom. Please hold on to your faith that freedom once again will be yours and you will be reunited with your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily and will continue to be...
With Love,
Tracy G.
- 2 December 2010 at 11:26
you stay strong shapelle hopefully your nightmare will be over soon,its all so wrong,very wrong.love to you shapelle i pray you never give up,dont let them win.xx
- 2 December 2010 at 11:33
Hello SunShine hope this finds you doing ok You are thought about more then you will ever know or can even imagine.We dont always understand why things happen and we arent suppose to question but our Lord will take care of us.We can never lose faith,hope and our love.I know that always the truth does come out and i know you believe that.I pray for your FREEDOM and please try to stay strong because the God in the valley is still God on the Mountain when things go wrong he will make them right.With love and prayers,Martha
- 2 December 2010 at 11:40
Try to be strong, Schapelle.
- 2 December 2010 at 12:04
They may have taken your freedom, but they can never take your will to fight. Stay strong.
Best wishes from Canada
- 2 December 2010 at 12:12
Keep going honey. We're working hard to help you. You're not forgotten.
So much love beautiful girl.
- 2 December 2010 at 12:49
Hi Schapelle,
As you can see from all these messages, you are so loved!! I hope you stay strong and show them that you will hang in there till you have your justice and your freedom. Please do not give up, because you still need to believe that there is a safe and vibrant and fulfilling life waiting out there for you!! I wrote you a letter Schapelle. I was hoping to hear back from you. I understand that you are not able to return a letter right now. I read your book, and I feel that justice really did you wrong and your rights were taken away so harshly. I cannot believe all that you went through!! I wish you the best Schapelle. I hope one day we can meet!! Stay strong and keep the faith. We believe in your innocence!!! Love, Dianna
- 2 December 2010 at 12:49
Schapelle,you a a true representation of what a human should be,,honest,generous,courageous and respectful.
- 2 December 2010 at 12:52
Dear Schapelle,
I live in Belgium, you don't now me but since i read your book, stays your story in my mind. I pass the book to everyone i know. You are even on my facebook and i also signed a petition to get you free! Please try to stay strong,never give up. Dont let them win!! Wish i could do something 2 help you!! Sorry for my bad english.
All the best girl,i'll keep thinking of you
With love,
Annelies from belgium.xxx
- 2 December 2010 at 12:52
Stay Strong , keep you spirits high. You have a lot of support on the outside, we will keep fighting.
Love Love Love
- 2 December 2010 at 12:58
Hi from Edmonton,alberta Canada! I think about your case often, I can't imagine how you feel. You seem like a strong person and I think the best of you! Keep your spirits up and stay strong.
- 2 December 2010 at 13:17
Schapelle, you are an amazing woman to stay so strong through this appalling injustice. Keep strong because so many people are working very hard to get you out of there. There is more support and admiration for you than you could ever imagine and the numbers are growing every day. There is so much love and positive energy being sent to you. Don't lose hope. One day they're going to come to your cell and tell you you are free. With love, Marina
- 2 December 2010 at 13:29
May you find the ways to stay positive until your journey finds it's way back to those who are holding vigil for you.
You and I have never met but your plight has been with me since the beginning when many of us held protest rallies here in Vancouver demanding your release.
I hope you can feel my positive hopes for you as you read this.
What is is, and what will be will be, all you can do is guide your thoughts and emotions as time marches on.
There are legion of us with you in spirit and tho you may find it hard to believe, much good will result from what has happened to you.
As you face the hardship of the present, remember that this too will pass and there are better times ahead.
On behalf of myself and all of my friends,
much love is sent to you.
Neil Magnuson
- 2 December 2010 at 13:33
Just know you have so many people who care for you, people who don't even know you personally, like me.And together we'll keep fighting for your justice!
Stay strong hun, we're all thinking of you and rooting for you.
Lots of love,
Jolanda & Matthew, Melbourne.
- 2 December 2010 at 13:35
Dear Schapelle
Stay strong girl , we are out here wishing you all the best. There will be a day when you can look back at all this as a bad nightmare. Wishing you all the best from Canada.
- 2 December 2010 at 13:36
my thoughts go out to you at this hard time. I have followed your story since the beginning and totally beleive your innocence. I am wishing and praying for your release so you can come and live your life the way you should be.
Stay stron, you are a very brave woman and we are all thinking about you here in Australia. We love you even though we havnt met you, we are all thinking about you. Keep your mind positive and the truth will come out in the end.
Keep trying Schapelle
love and hugs from Kylie in Adelaide Australia
- 2 December 2010 at 13:47
I pray for your safe return home.
please stay strong, and hold on to whatever faith you have. Know that you are loved and cared for.
I dont know if you believe in God, but I know He has comforted me and has rescued me in bad situations. Believe God for everything, because with God nothing is impossible.
psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Stay positive, and have faith.
Love Kaley Dawn in Nova Scotia, Canada.
- 2 December 2010 at 14:27
Stay strong Schapelle, I will keep you in my prayers everyday. I know I will see the day you are a free woman. I am the same age as you, I will fight for your justice. I have written President Obama about you, I have written several government officals as well. Meanwhile, do your best to keep it together, chin up, eyes forward, Hugs, Jenny Martin Louisville, Ky
- 2 December 2010 at 14:43
Dear Schapelle,
From Chile we wish the best for you, never lose faith and hope. My family are all thinking of you and praying.
Mucho amor para ti...
Fernanda from Chile
- 2 December 2010 at 14:55
Dear Shapelle....i can't even to begin to imagine the nightmare you are living.Please be strong,there are many thousands of people .thinking of you constantly.Your courage is an inspiration to everyone.This situation you are in is awful and i personally would not have made it,you are a survivor tho.keep your head held high girl.Im not religous but i do ask whoever to look after you and hope oneday soon your dreams of freedom will be a reality
Love Peace And Rainbows
- 2 December 2010 at 15:02
Hi Shapelle...You will be free one day and I hope its very soon..it has happened to some people who have been wrongly jailed for years..whoever did this to you had better be severely punished..Be strong and don't give up
- 2 December 2010 at 15:32
Schappelle, worldwide we love you and we our going to fight & find you a way out of this. Just Hold on to life and always remember you have our love. Our voices will not be muted. Believe that the very people your story has affected will not sit still until you are free.
Thank you so very much for staying strong in these hard times. You are a true inspiration.
We need you to hear our words and keep fighting so we can celebrate your freedom in the coming days.
XoXo From Canada
- 2 December 2010 at 15:52
- Ozzie_Chickie61 said...
Schapelle, you are a beautiful being and I wish you peace and love. Keep going and understand that millions of your supporters are thinking of you and your situation. You remain in my thoughts and I wish you all the best and look forward to good news for you.
Tanya from Oz
- 2 December 2010 at 17:14
message from Canada..... we know who you are and will not forget about you.., many blessings and hang in there, the truth is still the truth.. Take care and keep strong....From Northern Alberta, Canada
- 2 December 2010 at 17:38
- Jennifer Bertrand said...
Schappelle---you are not forgotten on a daily basis.
You will some day be able to look back on all of this......I promise, you will survive it all because you have to.
In the matter of a year, I had won a reality show, found out I was pregnant, we were told Winston had a tumor, lost my tv show I was suppose to have won, our lives changed to a world of medical drama-- Winston has a trach, a feeding tube, nursing care, died on us once and my husband saved him, we struggle to survive on a daily basis and I know some day I too will look back on my story just like you will.
I live in Olathe, Kansas, very randomly but your story has touched me from the moment I saw the documentary on it and I have never forgotten about you. You can do it, Schappelle!!!!!!
The best revenge is survival and then sharing your story. There are other innocent people who have found themselves in the same situation and you can represent everyone.
It's not a fight you signed up for or something you wanted to do, let's face it. But I am sending a huge hug to your soul. All of us all around the world are here to hold your soul up as you struggle through this but you can do it. I know you can.
Big, huge, air hugs--
jennifer bertrand :)
- 2 December 2010 at 18:40
dear sweet schapelle....constantly i pray n send u strength,neva could i be the survivor u are....as hard as it may be sweet one stay as true to urself as possible......u wil come home!!!! i send love n peace 2 ur soul!!!!! passionately!!!!
- 2 December 2010 at 19:29
Dear Schapelle,
I pray you know that we do truly love you and support you. I'm an American who was introduced to your story through a family in Western Australia who absolutely adore you and support you as much as one can do from a great distance. Schapelle, I pray for your strength and your love! Please know with all your heart, mind and soul that you ARE loved. Please be strong and know that the truth WILL set you free. We believe you Schapelle. We KNOW you are innocent and we do love you!
Love, love, love,
- 2 December 2010 at 19:58
Schapelle. I have never given up supporting you. Right from the beginning.
You questioned that people may forget you.
No. I have never stopped supporting you.
In the fullness of time. I believe you will be exonerated of what the Indonesian Government accused you of.
- 2 December 2010 at 21:45
Hi Schapelle, Please know that you are never far from my thoughts and prayers. While I know it is difficult to stay positive in the wake of everything that you have experienced, I know soon you will be free to return home and start the healing process. Please know that you have so many people who care about what happens to you from all over the globe who will do anything they can to assist you. Do not ever feel like you have been forgotten because there are many who truly care. With love from Canada xoxoxox
- 2 December 2010 at 22:18
- Max Stelmacker said...
I have a feeling that there are definitely some people out there in the world enjoying freedom who should be paying for their crimes instead.
I also have a feeling that you are not one of these people.
I do also hope that others who do so enjoy freedom at what cost, remember to take the time to recall and care for those unjustly imprisoned.
There are far too many case book case examples here in the free West of people wrongly imprisoned who are then exonerated. We do not need to narrow our focus on a Muslim nation or hold prejudice against them.
It is my sincere hope the light of truth will pave the way towards your exoneration and release.
And that all of our hopes, prayers and dreams for you are answered. Be strong, be well and so will we.
- 2 December 2010 at 22:59
One day justice will prevail and you will be back amoungst those who love and care for you. I no it is hard to keep your spirits up when you have been through so much but your family, friends and people who you have never met, love and support you, Schappelle you are a fighter and I know that you will hold your head high, all of my family are praying for you and we hope you come home soon, we love you Schapelle and we are behind you 100%, much love from Leigh and Family in Australia XXX000 :)
- 2 December 2010 at 23:00
Hi Schappelle,
Wishing you a lovely Christmas under the circumstances I pray you are treated well and that you have a good and blessed day.
"I know that now the sky looks grey, the way may look unclear - but this I know, that with each step, our Lord Jesus is very near!" As He was with Paul in Prision, so too He is with you.
xx, Nathalie
- 3 December 2010 at 01:06
dearest Schapelle. we all love you very much. you are a very special young woman, and you are one of the strongest people i have ever come across. A lot of people look up to you Schapelle, including me. I want you to know that Jesus loves you so much. I want you to know that you are not forgotton, and as hopeless as it seems, there is hope, so DO NOT give up ok. in the end it WILL all work out sweety, it will, so hang in there. I will keep praying for you precious. wish I could just give you a big hug! sending you love and hugs
- 3 December 2010 at 01:58
Dear Schapelle, Please be aware that there are some of us who will never give up on you because we believe you are supposed to be home in the arms of your family who love you. Please try and stay strong and remember you have people who love and support you. You are an incredibly strong and brave woman and we pray for the best for you x
- 3 December 2010 at 03:00
Dear Shapelle, I cried when I saw your story. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Continue to be strong. I will continue to spread the word about you.
I pray that soon you can be reunited with your family.
Sending you a big hug.
- 3 December 2010 at 04:05
Dear Schapelle, I lived in Bali for half a year and it looked really as the islands of the Gods or Bali Indah. After reading your book I saw Bali in an other way!!!The more I read the more my eyes opened for what I already new!!!I felt really terrible after reading the book. I come to Bali often en thought about visiting you but I understand you need rest! Wish you the best and I am still hoping a miracle will happen for you!
Bless you dear Schapelle!!
Greetings from Holland!
- 3 December 2010 at 09:36
Please be strong, ok? And don`t let them feel that you are broken. You must believe that soon everything will be fine. Please, be strong. Don`t be depressed, because then there are no hope. I wish you a happy Christmas and happy New Year. I will pray for you. I believe that your sentence won`t be so long, because a lot of people are against it. Just believe in it. And be a strong girl. Alisa
- 3 December 2010 at 10:01
Dear Schapelle,
You have reached so many people all over the world. Although it might seem almost impossible, and I can't even start to imagine what it must be like for you, please try to "hang in there". While writing this, I realize that those words seem stupid.
What I'm trying to say is, after hearing about you, and reading your book. You're in my heart. With all my love I have to give,
Ingrid Burkels (From Holland)
- 3 December 2010 at 10:31
Dear Schapelle, im writing froM Uruguay, a small country un South America, your story is amazing, you are an inspiration and a role model for me, stay strong and don't forget one day you will have your life back,best wishes for you.
- 3 December 2010 at 10:45
I've been a supporter of yours since your life took this tragic turn. My believe in you has never waivered. You're strength has been an inspiration for all your friends around the world. I hope you can feel all the love we are sending back to you.
Karen Denzler (Virginia, USA)
- 3 December 2010 at 11:10
- Shyra said...
Thinking of you a lot! Stay strong and believe in yourself. We believe in you too!
A big hug from the Netherlands,
- 3 December 2010 at 13:57
- Karen said...
You are in my prayers, during the dark moments know that somewhere in the world there are many many people who are fighting for your cause, there are many, many people who won't forget you and who suffer with you dear girl. Love Karen
- 3 December 2010 at 19:34
My name is Craig Walters and you probably do
not know me since you been away for awhile and
I am a well known Sci-Fi book author and have
written 6 books so far and plan to write many
more books and shorts stories.
Your story touched me and I watched the film about you and got madder and madder at this situation and have since commented on several
sites, time to time about the unjustice that
has been done to you.
We all want you to come home soon and for you
to get justice against those who have done this
to you. Please hang in there and stay calm and
collective, as justice will prevail in your case.
- 3 December 2010 at 19:45
it is me again CM Walters
I was writing and on my laptop and
was thinking of you, as my cat is curled
next to me asleep!
- 3 December 2010 at 19:49
Thinking of you Schapelle. Keep your head up and think of the future there will be many happy Christmas's ahead of you! Keep strong and there will be many rejoicing on the day of your release.
Lots of Love
Lara Kershaw (Australia)
- 3 December 2010 at 23:29
- Erwin Veroeven said...
Dearest friend so far away.
I think of you and your family day and night, hoping this nightmare is coming to an end real soon. You know by now that thousands of "friends" all over the world are standing behind you and hundreds of them are doing all they can to get you back home. It's easy for me to say my dearest, but don't loose hope, don't give up, believe in the future as strong as we believe in you. We all love you, dearest friend.
From the deepest of my heart, Erwin.
The Netherlands, Europe.
- 4 December 2010 at 07:26
- Steven J. Schultz said...
Dear Schappelle,
I wish that the truest form peace be with you during this season of reflection, understanding, and love.
Steven J. Schultz
Bristol, Virginia U.S.A.
- 4 December 2010 at 08:54
Dear Schappelle
You will be free one day ! I am sure that day will be very soon I live in England I hope you can just find a bit more strength to hang on a little bit longer So many people are thinking about you my heart goes out to you and your family You have coped amazingly with the injustice you have had to put up with YOU WILL BE FREE SOON xxx Juliet Burgess-ray
- 4 December 2010 at 09:15
Dear Schapelle,
can't tell you antything without repeating what's been said a thousand times before. When I heard about your story, I was outrageous. I hope you'll be free as a bird really soon. No one desirves to be treated like you. I hope you never stop believing in people believing in you strenght, every day your story comes to the ears of people who didn't know you before and pray for you.
Your an amazing woman, and hope to meet you some day! For know a warm virtuel hug! Don't let them take away your light, one day you'll shine you have the right! lots of love, Kathleen from Belgium xxx
- 4 December 2010 at 09:26
I have never been as apalled as I was when I read how your life was trashed by media, Qantas and so many many people, who I can only hope didn't know what they were doing.
I send you warm wishes from snowy Denmark, great hugs and a cold beer as escape route from the indonesian prison!
May this be the year that you are finally freed.
All the best from Helle
- 4 December 2010 at 13:25
dear shapelle,
something that always helped me...
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
stay strong
lots of love
- 4 December 2010 at 14:35
Innocent One.
Know that we are all behind you. Your hope and energy, and ours, have to be as strong as those bars that temporarily hold you. We think about you every day, we discuss your situation every day. We are as outraged about what happened to you as ever. I know you have your dark days when your mind is not yours, I have seen that with my own eyes. But when your spirit is up, let it be strong Schapelle. I'd hate to see you change too much. Let nothing stop you from surviving this.
- 4 December 2010 at 22:12
Sending you LOVE & HEALING energy to soothe your soul... Much Aloha Schapelle from The Big Island of Hawaii. ~Valerie
-Still I Rise-
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Maya Angelou-
- 5 December 2010 at 01:03
I often think about you. Best christmas wishes from Norway.
- 5 December 2010 at 13:50
Prayers are with you always Schapelle, Know that so many support you and are thinking of you - R
- 5 December 2010 at 13:59
Dear Schapelle
I hope with all my heart that that you will be free soon. We are so many people standing behind you praying that your nightmare will be over very soon.
I am sending you lots of love and positive thoughts Jo
- 5 December 2010 at 14:12
- Deeze McInnes said...
Keep strong, Schapelle. You have the love, support and empathy of the Australian community.
- 5 December 2010 at 14:43
Schapelle, you have shown that you have more strength and integrity than than those who betrayed you thought possible. Please stay strong for just a little longer.
- 5 December 2010 at 16:02
Dear Schapelle, I am from Jacksonville Beach, FL. I saw your story on the HBO documentary and my heart broke for you and your family. You are always in my thoughts and prayers and I will never stop praying for you. Tina Tenley
- 5 December 2010 at 17:41
- Mike Yancey said...
Please remember how much you inspire people (like me!) all over the world. The people of America are with you and thinking of you. We admire your strength and your courage so much! As long as you refuse to give up, the other side can never win. Stay strong!
- 5 December 2010 at 17:42
Hi Schapelle ,thinking of you ,you have a beautiful christmas ,stay strong sweet hold you're head high oxoxox
- 5 December 2010 at 17:56
- maria said...
i dont know you my darling.....but i know you. as soon as u come home im going to throw u the biggest party ever!!! for the most courageous woman i have ever known!! all my friends and family send tons and tons of love. in my thoughts and prayers princesxxxx
- 5 December 2010 at 18:18
- Arriba Photography said...
Dear Schapelle
I Think God did not tell you how long because if He did you may not have been able to sustain it, His love for you is to protect you.
We do not always understand His ways and they are not always easy, but as time passes its not till later that we see and understand some of Gods ways.
I'm sure heaven is at war against the devil, and doing everything possible to fight on your behalf.
An exdample: Romans 15:14-33 Paul says he urges them by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit. These are strong words. This is a plea. It is a plea for Christians to become serious about engaging in prayer. What is in view is diligent, daily, intercessory spiritual warfare in prayer. We are engaged in a battle. It is not a battle against flesh and blood, but rather, it is a battle against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. The only way that this battle is to be won is through the prayers of God's people as they engage the hosts of hell in spiritual warfare. Paul is exhorting the Roman Christians and likewise he is exhorting us to struggle in prayer.
And so I continue to pray for you and against the evil powers againts you that they will be broken and you will come home soon
And I do believe it will be soon
Love Sonja
- 5 December 2010 at 18:37
Hi mate,always remember you have us aussies love and support.Keep your chin up chicky youll be outta there soon xoxo
- 5 December 2010 at 20:00
Stay strong Schapelle, any decent minded aussie and any other human being believes in your innocence and we all hope u will soon be a free woman.I have read "My story" and the book hotel kerobokhan, these books really make us realise the hell you endure each day.hang in there girl xoxoxo
- 5 December 2010 at 20:28
- Kjell said...
Hold on, in my heart i can feel you have a feature with love and hope. The world is change these days. First to the bad, and then it will turns to good. It will be a hard task. Many people suffer in these evil, we had to fight for the right thing. For the good. There is a God abowe, and its so hard somtimes to understand i`ts intensions. Pain can somtimes give new light over humans. God loves you, but if you do not tell the truth, you never get a real freedom. Real freedom is a truth, and nobody owns the truth, it eksists and we can not use it for ego itself. I will send good toughts to you. I Live in Norway and i do not wright english wery much..;-) the only sure we can do is to go forward with hope, in a difficult world.!
- 6 December 2010 at 00:28
Dear GOD, Please send schapelle home as the only crime here was committed by the authorities not Schapelle.
Shapelle, Australian pulic are still praying you to come home please use your faith, It is easy for us to say! but know we want you to come home....xo Of there is a god there be sure he is trying to get you home
- 6 December 2010 at 00:37
Dear Schapelle,
Please be strong and have hope that one day soon you will be home, safe and sound and free.
It is that hope which keeps me going, so please don't disappoint me!
Remember your own advice from earlier times to supporters, a time when you felt stronger, and ... BE POSITIVE!
Much love to you always.
From an admirer,
Sergio Z. from Western Australia xxoo
- 6 December 2010 at 02:34
Dear Schapelle,
I think of you often. Yes, please be strong. Yes, we want you to come home - many of us! I believe you are innocent. I agree with Barb-could be my sister, who has kept me informed about you and got me obsessed. My sister and I have discussed and sympathised about you and what you have been through. Like Barb said, people have wrongly done jail for years, then been let out - so I hope that's the case for you! Lots of love Dianne XO South Australia
- 6 December 2010 at 03:28
Dear Schapelle
Even though you don't know me, you are always somewhere in my thoughts. Time is an odd thing, and nothing lasts forever. Each day is one day closer to your freedom. Know yourself, know your strengths and hold on to that. In the meantime stay safe, healthy and positive. Best wishes for now. Heather.
- 6 December 2010 at 03:46
- Tina said...
Dear Schapelle.
Wow! It's going to be the biggest welcome home party ever when you finally get out of there as a free women. Please know that your many supporters will keep fighting for you and the truth until that day comes.
Tina Keys
- 6 December 2010 at 11:36
Schapelle, I just watched your documentary on HBO. I broke down and immediatley felt I had to help, somehow. There are no words of comfort. I stopped praying years ago, but today I will pray for you, and everyday that follows...I will not forget you.
Barbara in Philadelphia
- 7 December 2010 at 05:52
Hi schapelle i live in scotland. I had watched the documentary on tv and it really touched my heart you have a pure soul that no prison can hide you light has touched the world and touched my heart. I am a british soldier in Afghanistan at the moment and there is not a day that goes buy that i dont say a prayer to give the inner strength to keep going till justice provails and you are home with your family where you belong. I know there must be days where you think that your on your own but beleive me girl the world is with and behind you.
If you every need to talk to a stanger please dont hesitate to write to me im in afghan for another 4 months then i will be back in scotland so i will add both address
lcpl Sweeney
[address hidden by SchapelleGate for privacy]
My home address is
[address hidden by SchapelleGate for privacy]
Keep your head up girl love and thoughts with you always xxx
- 7 December 2010 at 10:56
- Kelli said...
Stay strong, Shapelle. Don't ever give up. Don't ever quit.
- 7 December 2010 at 11:15
- travelbabe said...
god help you to get exonerated. its an injustice, and a crime what happened to you,
i am boycotting travel in my industry to Indonesia till you are free.
keep your head up you have our support in America and Im on a personal mission to raise awareness of your plight.
- 7 December 2010 at 18:17
- jennifer said...
I just saw your story on HBO two nights ago. I will say what we are all thinking and pardon the language, but Fuck Indonesia, Fuck Qantas, Fuck channel 9 news!!! And Fuck ever body else who is a lying Fuck! Hang in there Schapelle! We have not forgotten and we are fighting for your deserved and long over due release! Keep your chin up! Don't let those bastards keep you down! You will be home!!! Much Love From America!!! We are fighting for you!!!
- 8 December 2010 at 10:19
- Randy said...
Hi Schapelle, hang on in there. Your story is being heard all over the world. Shame and pride may conseal deceit and injustice, but they won't get away with it. We shall overcome.
Greetings from The Hague Netherlands!
- 8 December 2010 at 12:34
Dear Schapelle,
Please keep hanging in there!! One day you'll be free again!! I'll keep spreading your story in the legal world in Belgium!!
Lots of greetings from Belgium! x Yolanda
- 8 December 2010 at 13:02
Dearest Shapelle,
Please know how many people all over the world love you and think about you every day. You will be released, you will be free, you will return to Australia. Please hold on!!!!
We pray for you. We love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- 8 December 2010 at 14:08
- Michael said...
Schapelle we think about you every day, talk about you all the time, and the kids and I have another care package on the way. Erin has become pretty active in her high school now, rallying support for you. Take heart, High School girls are ferocious, lol! Oh Schapelle ... My hopes get raised so much and I get so exited when I hear about meetings with the PM and even little bits of good news raise my spirits. I suppose you have learned to not get your hopes up too much, but please don't let hope die!!
Love and support always,
Michael, Scott and Erin in Colorado
- 8 December 2010 at 22:31
- jennifer said...
Schapelle, I am not going to pray for you! I am going to do everything in my power to get you home! I WILL use every one of my means to make it a reality in 2011. Keep your head high my sweet, and beautiful Cancer. You are not alone! You WILL be home this year!!! I put my life on it! One may be surprised what an angry woman can accomplish! You ARE IN MY EVERY THOUGHT!!! SCHAPELLE, PLEASE READ THIS!!! PLEASE BELIEVE IT!!! PICK YOUR HEAD UP!! MARCH ON!!! YOU WILL GO DOWN IN INFAMY!! Beautiful Schapelle, YOU have a purpose beyond your mind! Just IMAGINE what you will change once released from your hell! LOVE BEYOND MEASURE SENT TO YOU MY BEAUTIFUL SCHAPELLE, PLEASE HOLD ON!!!!!
- 8 December 2010 at 23:14
Schapelle you are my hero. So may people think of you and you are definitely not alone. Keep your head up as your innocence will be proved. lots of love, Sofia
- 9 December 2010 at 04:02
Mandela, An San Suu Kyi (Burmese leader under house arrest) survived - you can too. Study those noble lives and know that many care about you. Use the time for learning.
- 9 December 2010 at 04:47
- Søs said...
Beware of your positive thoughts and your health and keep your inner harmony and courage as a celebration of life
Lots of meditation, Hope, Light & Love to you
from Søs,
Denmark <3<3
- 9 December 2010 at 08:47
Hello Schapelle. I just want you to know that tho you may seem alone much of the time "you are NOT alone". I believe in your innocents and there are tens of thousands of people globally that also believe you are innocent in all of this. There is such power in numbers and with that power I so strongly believe that your freedom will soon reign. Please hold onto this thought Schapelle. Please keep strong and when you are so terribly low please think of all of the support you do have by the people that have sent you their love and support for you in this ongoing difficult time. Please don't let anyone take your "humanity" and "dignity" from you. I know you will not give up if you hold onto those two things and the public will not give up on bringing you home. I wish you all the best and send my love and compassion to you.
- 9 December 2010 at 09:01
Hi Schapelle,
I haven't forgotten you :) your book was one of the most moving stories I have ever read. I believe in YOUR innocents and your fight for freedom. I want you to know that your strength is an inspiration to me! There is always hope so NEVER give up believing :) Sending you lots of love, support and strength xxxxxx
Hayley Hayman, Maidstone, Kent, UK
- 9 December 2010 at 10:41
HELLO SCHAPELLE i am from norway my name is roger wessel born in 1959. I am am thinking on you all the time. i have seen the film abaut you. and i think you are innesent. hope the time go ok . and the trout will sett you free....hope the christmas time go fine. hug roger
- 9 December 2010 at 11:43
Hi Shapelle, so many of us are thinking about you and hoping the energy from our thoughts reach you and help you daily. Keep your chin up. Mick x
- 9 December 2010 at 12:40
DEar Shapelle,
Thinking of you. wishing you great BIG love and goodness...
Jasmine NSW Australia
- 9 December 2010 at 13:29
Be strong.... and know you are thought of often.
- 9 December 2010 at 13:38
We love you Shapelle,and have faith that the Big Day will come.
NSW Australia
- 9 December 2010 at 14:40
You are a beautiful aussie lady. I hope that things will turn around for you soon. I bet you can write a few books that would be best sellers. I hope you can do some sort of writing or art. With much love! Chad from Canada
- 9 December 2010 at 14:50
- LES said...
Our prayers are with you for a reunion with your family soon. God will always take care of all who believe and trust in HIM.
- 9 December 2010 at 14:54
Truth is above everything.
I believe it will find it's way back to you.
- 9 December 2010 at 15:20
message from tasmania..shapelle no one should be in the situation you are in,its devastating.keep enduring your trial and lets pray freedom is around the corner.stay strong my girl dont let those turkeys win.we all love you and believe in you xxxx
- 9 December 2010 at 20:20
Dear Schapelle, you are always in our thoughts. We know the day will come when you will be back with your family as a whole. We believe in you from half a world away...you are an inspiration to many. Stay strong and know that you are not alone. Your friends from Ontario,Canada
Laurie & Paul
- 9 December 2010 at 22:27
Your in my prayers
When I feel life has defeated me I think of you and all your strength. Thank you for that. Just remember how many of us stand with you and when you are tired we will hold you up.
Thinking of you and God bless
- 10 December 2010 at 01:46
You're living the nightmare, but one day you will wake up, safe and sound with everyone you love with you, that day will come. Stay strong and never give up hope. We think about you here in Sweden. <3
- 10 December 2010 at 10:39
Schapelle I have posted your story on my wall to share your story. I am from Canada and am sadened to see a person getting treated unjust like this.
- 10 December 2010 at 10:45
I will never know your strength. I will never come close to it. Since I learned about you twoo years ago, whenever I have a moment of weakness or I feel that I cannot go further, I think of you and I find courage. I will never understand why this has happened to you, and I hope and pray that it's resolution will come soon. However many prayers need to be said, I will do my part and beg for your health and your release. I have no advice as to how to calm your anxious heart, but mine will think of you every time it beats hard with fear. Take care of yourself and blow kisses to the air when you are lonely, someone will kiss your cheek back.
- 10 December 2010 at 10:50
- Sherry said...
Schapelle, You have not been forgotten. There are thousands possibly millions of people who love you and have you in their prayers every day. The power of prayer can create miracles. These monsters of injustice can chain your body to a wall but they can never take your spirit. Your spirit is living on and your cries are heard echoing through the valleys of many hearts and souls. Sending you healing love.
- 10 December 2010 at 10:54
to let u know that i am an american my name is courtney and i know u did not do those things i also work in a lawyers office in the united states i have been looking At your case and i and putting in very long hours in the united states trying to help u out with this case i hope that u dont give up hope and i hope that u will have faith i will come to your recuse i have other partners and friends putting in money to help u win your justice just have faith and keep your head up and under stand i hope to meet u soon and shake your hand and tell you that every thing will be ok just have trust and love and i promise that the path you are on will get better just be safe and think of a good american man whos got your back i hope to contact you soon i will be thinking of you every hour i try and slove your case in the mean time have faith and god bless
- 10 December 2010 at 11:01
dearest schapelle my heart goes out to you. life is so unfair and i cannot fathom what your going through. i am from the united states and you have touched people from all over the world. it must be so hard for u but you can never ever give up hope. you have to beleive that one day this nightmare will be over and you will be with your family and friends one day soon. i think of you often and pray things will get better. you are a strong woman dont ever stop fighting sweet girl. all my love rachel.
- 10 December 2010 at 11:11
Dear Schapelle
My haeart, soul and prayers go out to you. Words can not explain the respect I have for you. Stay strong!!!
- 10 December 2010 at 11:34
- Pétur Már Ólafsson said...
Dear Schapelle
Just remember that Jesus loves and he will help you through this valley of darkness, just believe in him and his salvation plan for all us, that includes you
your brother in Christ
- 10 December 2010 at 11:49
I believe that everything will finish good.. and as soon as it's possible. I'm looking forward the day when you're free. I'm with You.
Love, Matthew.
- 10 December 2010 at 11:54
I hope that everything will finish good... and as soon as it's possible. I'm looking forward the day when you're free. I'm with You.
Love, Matthew.
- 10 December 2010 at 11:56
Shapelle.....you have support all round the world, people who are always thinking of you and caring about you,loving and wishing you well.
You are such an inspiration, stay strong xx.
And to your family, lotsa love to you all too
- 10 December 2010 at 11:58
Dear Schapelle,
You are in my heart always. I pray for you. I know you will be set free. You have so much support around the world. We all love you and know you are innocent.. Stay strong Schapelle...
- 10 December 2010 at 12:19
Hang in there. I know you are innocent and you will make it through this! I send you my love and prayers.
- 10 December 2010 at 12:47
Hang in there beautiful precious girl. Don't give up. Be strong in the knowledge that we are many, many people all over the world fighting for you and one day justice will prevail. We will not walk away and we will keep fighting until you are free. Please stay strong.
You are in my heart. Love and prayers from Sweden.
- 10 December 2010 at 12:59
I have been following your story - thousands and thousands of people all across the world pray for you, think of you, and fight for you..and will continue to fight for you...
- 10 December 2010 at 13:11
Dear Schapelle,
You are in my thoughts. Enjoy your moments with your sister. I pray that you find some peace within yourself. I have been in prison, its not easy. But your spirit is always free. I always clung to that idea.
Sister Love,
- 10 December 2010 at 13:29
Hey beautiful,
"You are not alone
I'm here with you"
Try to hear this amazing tune by Michael Jackson in your head now.
I can't begin to understand what you are going through Schapelle, but all I know is that one can feel trapped outside a cage as well.. it's a terrible feeling, it must be the closest to not feeling anything, feeling numb! But you are alive, and you do feel, I'm sure, I hope you do,
I wish you a future Schapelle, a happy future! beacaue you deserve one! and you will be free again,
I hope you feel this way sometimes, even if it only lasts a second..
Be strong, for yourself, for your family, for your future, because you do have one!I know it! I feel it!
I love you and I am here with you, try to imagine a better future, your life, light, sun, taste, music, food, love, happiness, a future!
- 10 December 2010 at 13:47
My name is Caroline and i live in sweden.
Not a day goes by that i dont think about you, i cy and watch the program that they had on tv for som time ago.
Sometimes i want to visit you and just hug you and pray with you, but you dont know me..i feel soo sad about you its almost like i know you, but we dont.
I hope some day we will send postcards and i know that you are a strong whoman just when i look at you, you must belive in yourself and have faith.
Im starting a fond here in Sweden to help you whith chlothes and other things you need.
Dear Shapelle have faith,
Love Caroline
- 10 December 2010 at 13:52
Hi Schapelle, with all of the love and positive energy flowing to you from Australia and around the world, only good can come of it! Stay strong beautiful, all this will be behind you soon, and you'll be telling the world all about it from the comfort of your own home surrounded by the love of your family! xxx
- 10 December 2010 at 14:13
Your strength is inspiring and your courage is amazing. Keep faith and remember there are so many people thinking of you often and wishing you well.
Kristie C. United States
- 10 December 2010 at 14:15
Dear Schapelle, since I've here about Your story I just can't stop think about You. You are in my mind every day... I know You are not guilty and I just can't imagine what You feel. I can't explain how is working this world...
I'm Kate, I live in Poland.
I hope that Christmas time will be full of happines to You, becouse You have so many of loving You people close to You. You are stronger than more people that I know. I belive in justice and I belive that someone will pay for all what happend to You.
Be strong as You are still since the beginning.
I belive in You.
Your Kate
- 10 December 2010 at 14:24
You're and angel :) Keep fighting strong
- 10 December 2010 at 14:59
- renee65 said...
To our godess Schapelle <3 All love I Have access to I send you to remind you of that We are with you...We are connected to you every second as you are connected to Us all....Close your eyes and feel how many We are sharing everything...Even if a few have done evil and cruel things to you they will never have a chance to win ...We who are soo many more so in the end they will vanish into the strongest force there is...The ligth that is the LOVE and Love can never loose since even if it seems dark and low as long as there is the most tiny little light there will never be totally dark...You are not alone and your soul is as free as it has been since eons and always shall be...LOVE to you our godess sister see you soon
>3 from Sweden, Renée
- 10 December 2010 at 16:10
I truly believe you are going to get out of there soon and that justice will prevail. Stay as strong as you can.
- 10 December 2010 at 16:10
So many of us hold you in our thoughts and hearts,Schapelle.Know that you are thought of, and prayed for,and loved...each and every day.
never doubt that!
- 10 December 2010 at 16:24
Hi Schapelle, I think about you all the time. I pray that you are safe and well as you read these messages. You are a strong and brave woman, and you have a lot of support here in Australia. Please hang in there, and stay strong. God bless you and remember everyone's prayers are with you also. Krissy.
- 10 December 2010 at 17:01
Dear Schapelle,
Never loose hope , as hard as the situation may seems. Me and my son Thomas (9years) old saw your documentary, after seeing it we were both weeping. Although I have seen it , it always brings back the emotions. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, every opportunity I get I talk about you. Stay strong.
- 10 December 2010 at 17:04
Dear Schapelle,
Even though you are going through a lot of injustice, please remember this poem:
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
I am from the Netherlands and have read your book. I really wish I could help you in any way. Know that your story is known and heard.
Please get and keep your strength, God Bless You.
- 10 December 2010 at 17:10
Dear Schapelle-
So many people are rooting and praying for you! Please....no matter how dark some moments may be..always know that we all are here in spirit to carry your load. Since the first time I heard your story, my heart has hurt. I....like so many thousands I'd others throughout the globe, BELIEVE IN YOU!! I have to trust in God and believe that good will prevail. Please take comfort and hope in knowing how many people love, respect, admire, and believe in you. You are a strong, beautiful woman and your goodness WILL prevail and you WILL leave that place soon and you WILL have a fulfilling, beautiful future. You MUST hang on to this. You are SO loved, beautiful lady. I'm praying non-stop for your comfort, peace, health, and for your release.
With love,
Rachel in the U.S.
- 10 December 2010 at 17:40
Hang in there girl. Justice will find you and those responsible for what has happend. The Men of the "Fighting 162nd" are behind you all the way. From Afganistan with love and compassion.
- 10 December 2010 at 17:45
This Poem is One of my favorits and it has helped me in my life.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
Although I am not a religous person I love this Poem. Schapelle we are with you even though you can not see us or feel us. We will carry you!
Trevor from Queensland living in Canada
- 10 December 2010 at 17:52
Schapelle,keep your head up high and know that there are thousends of people that know you are innocent and are praying for you to come home, you have spent enough time in that hell hole
- 10 December 2010 at 18:23
- Ryan said...
I am from California and I recently came across your story. I can only imagine how you feel. What is being done to you is terribly wrong and unjust. The world we live in is so backwards and we don't see things for what they really are sometimes. People deserve better. You deserve to be free in the world. Please remember until that day that from where I stand I can see many, many people who like myself wish nothing but the best for you. That wish for your freedom and many other's who are petitioning and fighting for your rights as a human being who deserves so much more. And one day it will all come together. I wish this day to be tomorrow and no latter than next week. I wish this day to be today that you are free. I hope this reaches you and brings you a smile.
- Ryan Michael Lloyd
- 10 December 2010 at 18:27
Hope you stay well and strong , many people from around the world , including canada are pulling for you and havent forgotten.
- 10 December 2010 at 19:44
Dear Schapelle, From The Netherlands i just want to let you know you are in my thougths.
What happened to you made me stop going to Bali.
I can't believe they can't set you free after such a long time and that Qantas is doing nothing to help.
Be strong girl!
A very warm hug from Jolanda Völker
- 11 December 2010 at 00:58
- Corinna Kavanagh said...
Dear Schapelle,
I am originally from Germany but have lived in California near San Francisco for the last 20 years. I saw the documentary about you and your trial a few days ago and was absolutely shocked.
I imediately did a search on the Internet about you and joined a facebook group for women to support you.
I will do anything I can to help get you your freedom back! Nobody should endure what you are experiencing. Please stay strong - do not give your power over to these people and to the injust justice system and the politicians that have failed you!
I am sending you healing thoughts (I own a little day spa and do Reiki - a form of energy healing) I will also ad your name to my mother in laws prayer list of her church.
I am not a religous person - but have put many people on this prayer list before and it has helped amazingly.
Seeing how many people have shared their well wishes here, you have a lot of support out in the world - believe in that, believe in your fighting spirit - ask you Guardian Angeles to be with you. They took your freedom but they can not take your spirit - hold on to that.
One of my biggest dreams in live was always to go to Bali - now after I found out about your story I will not go there until you are free - I do not want to support a country that has such an unjust justice system!
Please let me know - or ask Mercedes to let me know if there is anything we can do - or I can do. Letters to Authorties I could write etc.
Stay strong - know people out here care about you!
Big hugs and a huge smile to you, your supporter Corinna
- 11 December 2010 at 01:59
My Dearest Schapelle,
OMG. I think of you al day every day. wondering how you are. I know its not all that but keep hanging on. because there's a light an the end of this terrible tunnel.. we will be waiting and hoping.
and we will help you troughout this time..
if there's anything we can do for you as a country or as the whole world we should do it..
Be blessed with everything youve got... and then it will be okay.
We all love you so dawm much...
Will all my love.
Lammie From the netherlands
- 11 December 2010 at 02:41
Hi Schapelle........Just letting you know you are in our hearts darling girl.Your strength is inspiring and I am so looking forward to the day you return to the Goldy free at last as you should be... we all hold that hope close to us.
Sending you hope ,faith and a belief that you will one day walk the beautiful beaches on the Goldy and feel that freedom in your face...lots of love Deb and family on the GoldCoast ...
- 11 December 2010 at 03:17
- Giovana said...
Dear Schapelle,
I readed your book last year, and since then I think of you everyday. I am brazilian but I live in Switzerland, close to the Alps. I am member of your page in Facebook and try to sign every petition I can to help you. My prayers are always with you.
There is so many people around the world thinking fo you and support you.
Lot´s of love love love from Switzerland xxx
- 11 December 2010 at 04:07
Hang in there honey,we're behind you,one day this will all be over and you will be free.Stay strong baby xxxx
- 11 December 2010 at 04:09
We all love you, from every continent we REMEMBER you. dont forget yourself.
- 11 December 2010 at 04:50
Dearest Schapelle,
I live in Bunbury, Western Australia and my thoughts are with you every day.I know you will walk the sands of home one day soon.Stay strong and remember that many people think you are innocent, Especially me.Your strenght is an inspiration to us all.
Big hugs to you xx
- 11 December 2010 at 05:39
Schapelle darl,
Keep strong and brave & keep faith that you will be out of Kerobokan one day hopefully soon! Just like with the sea, the tide has to turn at some point & you will be relieved of your nightmare.
You are always in our thoughts.
- 11 December 2010 at 06:24
Hello Schapelle. I'm only 15 but I am touched by your story and I wish there was more I could do to help you! My Mum let me read your book and we both cried for you. I was amazed by what your words said; I didn't know there was a place on earth like what you describe. Please remember your family and everyone else around the world love you and are thinking of you. Well done Schapelle, stay strong xxx
- 11 December 2010 at 08:37
- Danno1962 said...
Hi.Names Daniel and i am writing to you from Vancouver,BC Canada I wanted to tell you that you are in our thoughts...You are a special gal going through all of this. We pray for your freedom and remember We love who you are and what you stand for... Much respect... I'm a father of 5 girls and i hope they have the heart that you have,please keep the faith and that day will come... Stay hungry for freedom. A famous quote "An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law"
Martin Luther King, Jr."
>Freedom And Clemency for all Cannabis /
Hemp / Seed Prisoners<
God Bless
Daniel J Leclair
- 11 December 2010 at 14:45
Dear Schapelle,
thinking about you & hoping you
can remain soft & strong.We miss
you here at your homeland and work
on your release.Sending hugs
- 11 December 2010 at 14:50
Dear Schappelle,Use your time learning and doing meditation.
Keep your head held high, and think positive.
I cannot understand why these politicians have no balls to defend you,i think they are all yes men.
I think they are gutless wonders,and most are girly men anyway.
You should have been freed years ago.
They have no proof against you, its all here say.
Any proof has been destroyed.
If i was a politician you would be outa here now.
So we are all thinking and fighting for you and you will be freed ASAP. So keep strong.
Love you Graeme Simmons Victoria Australia.
- 11 December 2010 at 20:17
Hey Schappelle
I am Charlotte, I have lived in Australia for the past eight years, first in Melbourne and now in Brisbane. I love it here. I just wanted to say hi because I have been overwhelmed by your story. Life has been unkind to you and I just wanted you to know that many of us here in Australia feel that you have been unjustly treated. I have always been amazed by your strength, and I have heard that you don't always feel so strong anymore but you are strong. I will always be an advocate for your case and I mention you often to people so that they won't forget you. You are a strong beautiful woman, please don't forget that even in the hardest times. Thinking of you always
Charlotte (Brisbane)
- 12 December 2010 at 01:42
Dear Schapellle like so many other peole I think of you each day and am waiting for the day you come home. I have done allot of travelling overseas and know that the same thing could have happened to me through no fault of my own. You are blessed though in that you have a beautiful sister that cares so much for you. Stay strong and just do what it takes to get through because we are all waiting for you and there is so much to live for. Love Angela (Gold Coast)
- 12 December 2010 at 04:05
Hi Schapelle keep your chin up and we are looking to see you back in Australia which will be sooner rather than later i believe,take it easy,,Colin from W.A
- 12 December 2010 at 07:18
- Sam said...
Sweet Schapelle,
There are no words that I can say to ease your pain and suffering but just know that my heart aches and breaks for what you have been through and continue with everyday! I think of you always and you are in my heart and in my prayers! Hope Love and Faith Sam Geer Morgan
- 12 December 2010 at 09:02
schapelle , i think of you often in that god awful place and cannot belive you are still there . keep your head held high and be proud of who you are . i read your book and tell all my cliants about this huge injustice . you have an unbelivable amount of support . sending you my love from the uk . i also tell people never to fly with the stupid airline quantas who did nothing to help you at all ,when this terrible thing happend . keep strong . i know you have it in you and one day you will walk free out out of this place . and to your sister . keep strong and be proud of yourself for being an amazing sister.
p.s i love the name corby and if i have a little boy ,that is going to be his name
love to you xxxxxxxxx
- 12 December 2010 at 10:07
Schapelle, keep going dont let them get to you and you are a strong woman we all know you are innocent you have a hell of alot of support behind you where all thinking about you and praying we know you can keep going always keep your head up never get yourself down however hard it is you can fight it just beleive in yourself you be out of that place in know time. i cant beleive your still there but you can do it keep going love you can do. Sending my love from the UK. you aspire me with your strength xxx
- 12 December 2010 at 11:47
Hey girl.
Your testimony is no doubt something that should never have to happen to anyone, but on the other hand you have been such an inspiration to the world through this. You're truly an amazing woman who has captured the hearts of many.
I wanted to remind you though that through everything, know that the God of this world is a God of justice and a God that loves you deeper than anyone could. He is bigger than any of this and will have it in his hands. He is someone you can trust fully and knows exactly how you feel and why. Hold onto Him because he holds onto you.
We love and care for you heaps!
- 12 December 2010 at 21:24
Dear Schapelle, thinking of you and hoping that you somehow find the strength to carry on...it is soo unfair and unimaginably brutal - but you are strong, don't let them break you, go for it girl! All the best to you; Anja from Berlin/Germany
- 13 December 2010 at 00:13
hi schapelle, i know it is a very trying time for you,u r lucky to have sister and family able to visit, never ever lose hope as no-one know's when you will be able to leave, but i am sure they will surprize you one day, any day for all we know, i think of you all the time, i think you must be stronger than what you think, so chin up pal, always xxx daphne
- 13 December 2010 at 02:28
Hi Schapelle, I am Debbie from Busselton in Western Australia. I have always believed you are innocent and know that injustice has been dished out to you Just as injustice was dished out to Jesus as the innocent lamb of.g God.u .We know he died for a special purpose to secure our eternal salvation with Him as He raised from the dead.You know He also promises this to you as well as a believer. This life in the grand scale is minescuel.k in comparrison of what is to come. Take hold and take heart of His pro.mises and never let go. Hold onto your life that He has given you and know that you can be a great testimony to the world and help many be saved through your corageous faith. I think of you often and pray for your early release and even consider visiting you as well. We share the same date of birth so you can never be far from me.Remember to read the word of God daily and pray for God has said He will never leave you nor forsake you.. Debbie xxx n ways
- 13 December 2010 at 04:00
Hi Schapelle! My name is Vanessa and I live in Sweden! Please don't give up! Stay strong and bite through these horrible times! You have a family and friends and loads and loads of people around the world who think about you! One day you WILL be free and you'll have a beautiful life ahead of you! I wish you all the strength in the world...! Good luck sweet lady! Vanessa
- 13 December 2010 at 05:45
- Kimbo said...
You're one of the strongest people, if not the strongest person I've ever seen in my Life. Honey i'm sorry for everything you're going through. I became aware of you from HBO's documentary. I live in Oklahoma. I've followed you since I heard of your injustice. We are out here! We love you! We want you wheroutou belong, which is home with your family. Please hang in there! Justice will find you. Much love to you and your family! <3
Love to you ! Love to you! (((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))! <3
Kimberly Northcutt
- 13 December 2010 at 07:18
- Kimbo said...
You're beautiful. Please know i'm not a crazed religous person, but I find myself (since I found out about Bali's horrid farce-over 2 years ago) saying a prayer just under my breath for you all through out the day. I try to pray every single night and even though I've never had the pleasure of meeting you I include you in my prayers along side my best of friends and my family.
I feel love for you. I can't explain. My brother's a Sgt for the Police Dept here and I was a Special Education tteacher. When I look in your eyes
I see your truth. BS I see THE truth, not just your truth. There's one truth in this world darlin and I know deep in my soul you're speaking it. I don't have money. I don't have anything of vaLue except pen to paper. I've been a member of Women ForYou on facebook for a long time. I've read everything I c
an about you on both sides of the issue and all I hear from their side is the same crap
over snd over and if someone's reading this who just wants to pick and bi(th anf moan about you then I suggest they become educated in both side. If they have one brain cell left they will see the truth. YOUR truth! God is holding you tight. We are
too. I love you. I wish I could do more, but
please please know we love abd support you! (((((((Hugs)))))))) and L <3 VE to you!!
Kimberly aka Kimbo from above.
I just had to add more.
BTW even my friends who have been Policemen 20 years and
then some have watched the hbo documentary and every one
of them believe myou! You are loved and believed by more than you can even imagine.
Kimberly Northcutt <3
- 13 December 2010 at 14:58
Oh Schapelle...
I dont think a single day has gone by that I dont think about you since I have seen your story on HBO. I am still in utter disbelief that you are still where you are, and find myself thinking that, I have probably been a worse person than you on occasion, and if I could switch spots with you, I would.
I know there is very little comfort of any sort where you are, and know holding onto anything that represents comfort is probably harder than nothing, but just know you have so many people praying for you. I am not a religous person of any sort, but I do pray for you...to whoever it is that listens to my prayers.
I draw so much strength from you, and when life gets down on me? I think of you and your situation. And suddenly, my life dont seem even a morsel of a fraction as bad as it did. So granted you are in a horrible situation, Im sure there are numerous numbers of people who like me, draw strength from you. And we thank you for that.
We are all praying for your safe return to your home in Australia. And when that day comes? I really hope to be at your destination's airport, cheering you on as you take your first steps on your native land as a free woman. Just a dream right now, I know, but it is a reality. IT WILL happen! Thoughts become things, and as hard as it must be to stay positive, you must try at least once a day to tell yourself you are going home.
I feel love for you, I feel sadness for you, and I feel completely helpless for you...I wish there was more I could do. Stay strong and beautiful, as I am sure you are the only thing beautiful enough to brighten up that awful place you are in.
All my love from Canada, hoping for you daily.
Blair Gunderson
- 14 December 2010 at 10:15
I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. You have so many people here who not only have heard about you and care about you, we are willing to fight for you. You are a strong woman who can overcome anything. We are so proud of you. You are being a very brave girl in there, Schapelle. I think you are completely innocent and I will do what I can to help you be free. Please try and think of good things no matter how hard it may be. Try and find one thing every day (no matter how small) that makes you smile. I hope you have friends there that try to help you smile as well. I think about about you every day and I pray that you will be free. There are hundreds of thousands of people all over the world that worry and care about what happens to you. I care what happens to you. We love you and need you to be strong. I hope that someday we will meet face to face and I can hug you and tell you that I love you and that you are the bravest person I know.
Hope, prayers and LOVE from Canada,
Angie Barr
- 14 December 2010 at 11:31
- Belinda said...
I cannot believe that the Australian Government would allow this suffering of an innocent woman to continue. I have ALWAYS believed in your innocence, from day one. Nothing will persuade me to believe otherwise. You are LOVED Schapelle, I don't know you personally but you are like a little sister to me and it makes me so angry and upset that you are suffering unnecessarily. I pray that you are released soon and that you will be surrounded by family and friends who will love and protect you xoxo
- 14 December 2010 at 13:09
In NZ - Schapelle, just know that there are others out here that think of you and send you every warm thought and energy to you and hope you feel this and it helps to sustain you during this terrible period in your life. Know that it will end and one day - hopefully soon - you will be free. xx
- 14 December 2010 at 14:56


text:
Selling a Home
- Home Staging: Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
In today's competitive housing market, your home's appearance plays an important role in determining how quickly it will sell. Before you put your home on the market, many real estate professionals recommend doing at least some form of home staging.
- Selling a home
If you want to sell your home quickly and get top dollar for it, you'll want to prepare your home for sale and put it on the market at an advantageous time. It's also important to set the right price. Most sellers enlist the services of a real estate broker, but you may want to sell your home yourself. If you're buying another home, you may need to obtain a bridge loan or add a special contingency clause to your purchase agreement. Make sure you understand the tax ramifications of selling your home as well.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tilting at Slot Machines
Call it a fool's mission, but Jeff Greenfield, the CNN political analyst, headed off to Atlantic City with a pocketful of cash destined for the slots
You sense it first: the hint of salt in the air, the widening, flattening of the horizon, the glimpse of marshland. You know it's just east of where you are, two hours and 125 miles south and east of New York City. But as the expressway turns and the welcome signs appear, you do not see the expanse of a magnificent ocean; no, you see a dozen high-rise buildings that block the water's view: Trump Taj Mahal, Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's, while your approach is lined with billboards of near-pornographic promise ("Loosest Slots!").
It is fitting that our first look at Atlantic City is not of the ocean that was once its central attraction, but of the hotel-casinos that have been dominating the city's landscape and economy for the last quarter century.
For my wife and I have come here not to gaze in wonder at the Atlantic, nor to sample the simple pleasures of the Boardwalk, whose charm survives even in the face of Burt Lancaster's comment in the film Atlantic City: "You should have seen it in the old days."
No, Dena and I are here...on a mission.
A really, really stupid mission. Like the Gallant 600 in Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade," we have chosen to ride into the Valley of Financial Death. We are risking all—or to be more precise, all that this fine publication has agreed to pay me—by challenging the iron laws of mathematics and a century of experience of millions of gamblers.
We are going to see whether we can make money at the single least gambler-friendly form of wagering known to man: the slots.
Now it's not as if I don't know that I am embarking on a foolhardy mission. In talking with renowned mathematician John Alan Paulos about my plan, he says, "It's a very dumb thing to do. In fact, I think it's dumber than playing the lottery—but at least the lottery has the psychic payoff of allowing you to daydream for a week, imagining who you're gonna tell off."
I don't need a mathematician's mind to tell me how dumb Paulos thinks this is, because he rewards me with Voltaire's observation that "the lottery is a tax on stupidity."
Dumber than stupidity...hmmm.
Joe Winert, a journalist who covers the gaming industry, gives me some perspective. He says the once lowly slot machine was offered in casinos in bygone days primarily to occupy the spouse or very special friend of a high-rolling craps shooter or blackjack player. Now it accounts for 75 percent of casino revenue—and that's 75 percent of the nearly $5 billion that gamblers left in Atlantic City hotels in the last fiscal year. (Nationally, according to The New York Times Magazine, casinos took in some $30 billion from slots.)
So what the hell am I doing?
For one thing, I don't know how to do anything else. When I find myself in a casino—almost always when I'm in Las Vegas to give a speech or cover a large media convention—I gravitate to the slots out of fear or ignorance. I can't remember the rules for craps; the cards at blackjack are dealt so quickly that I break out in a cold sweat after three or four minutes; and I am about as able to maintain a poker face at poker as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher is at keeping calm when a Steelers touchdown is nullified by a holding call.
Moreover, I am the victim of the worst thing that can happen to a clueless, very occasional gambler: I once won big.
As steel-trap-minded Cigar Aficionado readers may remember, the first time I traveled with my wife-to-be Dena—to Vegas, for speechifying—we walked into the New York, New York casino, put two quarters into a slot machine, and won $1,600. This not only convinced me that I had indeed met my soul mate; it also imbued us with a kind of arrogance: "Odds? We don't care about no stinking odds. We're winners!" And over the years we have done a little better than even, according to our own, highly suspect calculations. (Once Dena hit a $250 win on a quarter "Wheel of Fortune"; less than a minute later, at an adjoining slot, so did I. Such memories are the stuff of which foreclosures are made.)
So when the memory of a decades-old New York magazine piece began to stir in my memory, it fired the blood. That writer had taken his fee and agreed to invest it in a range of lottery tickets: pocketing the profits and absorbing the losses. (If memory serves, he lost.)
My proposal was similar: Cigar Aficionado would front the $2,500 fee: I agreed to risk it all on the slots, ranging from quarter machines to the $25 slots (Venturing into Bill Bennett territory would make no sense; the $500 level could wipe out the stake in less than five seconds.) How did I define "risk"? The way my wife does: put in a bill, and if you win enough before the bill runs out—more or less double your investment—you cash out that bill and put in another. Whatever I lost was my loss; anything I won over the original fee would be split 50-50 between me and charity.
Before our journey, we armed ourselves with all sorts of information, reliable and otherwise. We went online to get the slot percentages for every level of machine at every casino in Atlantic City. For example, the Sands pays out 93.1 percent on its quarter slot, while the Taj Mahal pays out 89.5 percent. Caesars pays out 99.9 percent on its $25 slots, while Resorts pays out 94.8 percent). We bought a quartet of books that offer advice on beating the slots: if a machine doesn't pay out after six pulls—or 10 pulls—move on. Don't play slots near the table games, because those players don't like the distracting bells and whistles. Play in the early morning, after the losers have filled up machines during the night.
("It doesn't make any difference," John Alan Paulos patiently explained to me. "Every spin is independent of every other spin. It's unlike, say, blackjack.") And we learned of the special appeal of "cherry dribblers," those machines that seem to provide no end of chances to win, with extra spins and bonus wheels, with huge payoffs that always seem to elude the player by just this much, but which, of course, are programmed by a Random Number Generator to create just that illusion. These, of course, are the games we're most attracted to.
And so, on an overcast afternoon, we pull into the parking garage at Caesars, walk through the faux-marble entrance, check into our room on the XXXIVth floor, and walk into 131,000 square feet of instant riches a fingertip away. Rows of slot machines greet us—3,100 by the casino's count. Most make the simple three-reel device invented by Charles Fey in the late 1890s seem like a diversion from caveman days. "Wheel of Fortune"—the billion-dollar-a year breakthrough game that fused America's lust for gambling with its obsession with television—has now been joined by "The Price Is Right," "Jeopardy" and other games featuring the images and voices of long-dead media stars from Lucille Ball to Elvis. There are penny slots, nickel slots and every other conceivable denomination; off to the left are the high-limit slots, set off from more plebian ventures by a red velvet rope.
Later for that; we're starting modestly, with quarters. At 3:30 p.m., I insert my first $20 bill into a "Wheel of Fortune." Six minutes later, after playing three-credit spins that produce only two "wins" (a single cherry, giving back two credits, thus equaling a loss of 25 cents for each "win"), and without the blessing of a single "Spin," the $20 is gone. Dena, meanwhile, is playing "Bonus Frenzy," a three-reel game replete with fiery "7"s. She hits a "100" pay icon; a few minutes later, she cashes out with a $10 profit on her first twenty. So we're down $10; no problem, we'll make this up in volume.
I take note of the woman sitting next to me, who is blissfully unaware of the workings of the Random Number Generator. She wins a "Spin" on "Wheel of Fortune," and the wheel gives her a paltry 30-credit payout—just one click away from a 1,000-credit ($250) win.
"Oh, just missed!" she moans, and immediately switches from pushing the "spin" button to pulling down the lever, as if this will coax the machine to providing that big payoff she just missed. Foolish woman; she obviously lacks my fine appreciation of these games, which has enabled me to lose with a full understanding of the probabilities.
And indeed, at precisely 4:02, three fiery 7's align themselves on the pay line: 100 credits, twenty-five dollars! Look out, Jaguar dealers, I'm heading your way! At the strong suggestion of my wife, I cash out with $35. So far, we're down $40 after a half hour of play, but I am increasingly sure that it is only a matter of time now.
And it is; two minutes later, I'm down another $25. OK, it's time for a change of strategy: we're moving to the one slot game where a small degree of skill is required: video poker. Here, knowing what cards to hold actually makes a difference. (You know: if you're dealt five spades, keep them). And here, the difference in our fortune is palpable: it takes 15 minutes to lose another $30.
As I mull over the possibilities, I notice that I am behaving exactly the way the makers of these games want me to. For instance, I am gravitating to machines based almost solely on the highest—and rarest—payout lines. This "Double Diamond" pays 4,000 coins if you line up three Double Diamond symbols. This one pays 8,000 coins. Both Dena and I are drawn to the games that provide "Action"—hit the right combination on "On the Money" and the reels go crazy, spinning again, and again, and again, all to the accompaniment of the bizarre sounds of a machine going crazy. The result may be—and usually is—only four or five dollars, but by God, you've done something, you've cracked the machine.
"The slot machine is brilliantly designed from a behavioral psychology context," psychiatry professor Nancy Petry told The New York Times. "The people who are making these machines are using all the behavioral techniques to increase the probability that the behavior of gambling will reoccur."
Of course, as a highly trained journalist impervious to such irrational forces, I now reach a flawlessly rational decision: since I have lost at the quarter level, it's time to move up. Step aside, Michael Jordan; I'm heading to the fifty-cent "Wheel of Fortune" with a hundred-dollar bill.
The change is remarkable: in two minutes, I am down $50. Three minutes later, I'm down to my last dollar, which of course I cash out; God forbid I win a "Spin" on the bonus wheel that I can't play because I've only played one credit instead of three. Clearly another change of strategy is in order: over we go to the dollar slots. Dena bravely agrees to risk $60 on the dollar "Double Diamond" (this is the woman who, on our honeymoon, called a halt to our stopover at the Chumash casino outside of Santa Barbara, California, when we were $12.50 ahead). I'm at the dollar "Wheel of Fortune." She wins $60 quickly and cashes out; I lose the hundred almost as quickly.
I am beginning to feel like Carmine Sabatini, the Marlon Brando character in The Freshman, who says to his stockbroker: "The last stock you sold me went down; I don't like it when my stocks go down." It's one thing when you wander into a casino with a budgeted amount to lose; it's no different from taking your kid to a video arcade, where you're buying fun, a break from the work that has brought you there. But now, this is the work. I've agreed to put every penny of my wages for this enterprise on the line, and I don't care very much right now that the Atlantic City payout rate for slots is over 90 percent. If this luck keeps up when I move to the high-limit slots tomorrow, I am looking at one simple possibility: by the time we leave tomorrow, we will slouch out of Atlantic City with next to nothing, leaving only the sure and certain prospect of public ridicule.
My dark thoughts are interrupted by Dena's frantic beckoning. Back at the "Bonus Frenzy" quarter slots, a "Ten Times" hit has given her 500 credits; along with what was left of her original $20, she cashes out with $135. The euphoria lasts just long enough to watch a succession of $20 bills disappear into "Triple Stars." With that, we pack it in for the afternoon, with a loss of some $350.
And this was just the warm-up.
Like an accused criminal overwhelmed by bad news, we decide a change of venue might do the trick; so we cab over to Borgata, the newest joint in town. It's a sleek two-year-old billion-dollar, 43-story, 2,002-room building for 30-somethings who wait on a line half the length of a football field for the chance to play in Mixx, a nightclub where a skybox view of the dance floor tents out for $1,000 a night, and where a bottle of premium vodka can fetch $300. As with every casino-hotel, there is virtually no way to navigate the place without passing rows of slots, complete with footrests no less; so we leave with $200 less than we came in with.
Our last stop of the night is Bally's, where we find the "Megabucks" game with its giant progressive jackpot, standing now at about $6.2 million. And it's a nickel slot! Well, not exactly! To win the progressive jackpot, with odds of some 45 million to one, you have to play 60 credits—in other words, the same $3 you had to play when it was a dollar slot. You win on just about every spin; it's just that you generally win fewer than 60 credits, which explains what happens to my $100 bill in little more than 20 minutes. We retire for the night some $700 down; the prospect of tomorrow's encounter with the high-limit slots leaves me with the same dread I felt in high school on all those Sunday nights on the eve of a physics exam.
t's 9 a.m. when we venture back down to Caesars' massive casino; the huge floor is largely deserted, and when I make my way over to the high-limit area—after dropping another $100 along the way—the only other people there are a cleaning woman and a casino employee tending to the $500-a-pop machine. I ease my way past the velvet rope—hey, serious player here!—and cautiously approach the $5 machines. I feed in the first $100 bill—only 20 credits?—and I hear a faint whirring sound. It's not one of the slots—it's my grandmother spinning in her grave.
After four spins, I'm up $5. I wimp out and cash it in. (Well, I did risk it, didn't I?) I move to the next machine. After three spins, I'm up $5 again. I wimp out again. Come on—this isn't what you agreed to do. I find the $5 "Wheel of Fortune," where a two-credit play gives you a chance at a bonus spin. All right, if I'm going down, I'm going down with the king of the filler slots.
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NEW YORK Kmart has partnered with Alloy Media + Marketing, to create an eight-episode web series called "First Day," which will air on AlloyTV at www.alloytv.com.
The series follows a teenage girl who repeatedly relives her first day at a new school. The series stars Tracey Fairaway from "Make it or Break It," and Elizabeth McLaughlin from "Ugly Betty" and "The Clique." The series will showcase different looks available at Kmart and provide direct links to Kmart's website for purchase. Viewers will also have the chance to participate in a sweepstakes, where one lucky winner and a guest will visit New York City for a complete head-to-toe makeover, including a Kmart shopping spree with a personal stylist to complete a brand new school wardrobe.
"We were excited to collaborate with Alloy in creating groundbreaking content that complemented our primary back-to-school digital efforts with a highly entertaining web series in First Day," said Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer for Kmart. "This project has strong appeal for teens and tweens, featuring a fun storyline that will resonate with our target audience and deliver through an ideal platform. First Day allows Kmart to showcase its exclusive fashion brands to influential customers in a dynamic and relevant online environment where young people are spending increasing hours. The digital experience is perfect for an audience that demands media on its own time."