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Friday, 16th July, 2004, 10:26 PM #321
Acolyte (Lvl 2)
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ø Friend+Originally Posted by carpedavid
So, um what does your name mean? As best as I can tell, it is some sort of amalgamation of carped and avid. A quick copy/paste from dictionary.com shows the following.
carp ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kärp)
intr.v. carped, carp·ing, carps
To find fault in a disagreeable way; complain fretfully. See Synonyms at quibble.
A fretful complaint.
av·id ( P ) Pronunciation Key (vd)
Having an ardent desire or unbounded craving; greedy: avid for adventure.
Marked by keen interest and enthusiasm: an avid sports fan.
So, you are some sort of enthusiatic complainer? I get it! You are an art critic!
Friday, 16th July, 2004, 10:34 PM #322
Scout (Lvl 6)
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ø Friend+Originally Posted by Sialia
Which I expect will be better than he thinks, but that would still be "good" with only 2 o's and no italics.
The extra emphasis is solely for the delight in watching CD and BSF squirm.
Friday, 16th July, 2004, 10:39 PM #323
Gallant (Lvl 3)
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Hmmm... Following BSF's lead, I did a little thinking about my oponent's name:
Beer and door?
Friday, 16th July, 2004, 10:41 PM #324
Scout (Lvl 6)
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ø Block Sialia
ø Friend+Originally Posted by Sialia
Friday, 16th July, 2004, 11:30 PM #325
Gallant (Lvl 3)
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Round 2, Match 2: Macbeth vs. Berandor
By Sage LaTorra, a.k.a. Macbeth
To sleep, Perchance to dream. He was talking about death, you know. Hamlet. When he said sleep he meant die. I never understood that, until recently. But now I see what he meant.
I had the dream again. She was there again. I suffered again. And I still wake up every morning, still unforgiven. 12th night in a row Ive had that dream. I think it may be driving me insane. Not medically insane, not DSM-IV insane, just not in my right mind.
Its not depression. I checked DSm-IV, and I dont have the symptoms. Depression feels better then this. I dont have the symptoms of depression. I just have my pain. No depressed appetite, no difficulty concentrating, no inability to get up and do things, and no sleep disorder (unless you count the dreams). Im just going insane.
Dostoyevsky had some interesting ideas on suffering. I never understood that, until recently. He suggested that you accept suffering, and be redeemed by it. I tried that. And I try it again every night. But I havent been redeemed.
I dont know how to deal with the pain. The guilt. I need to let it out. I need an outlet. I need to show my pain to others.
Last night. Last night. Last night I was there again. The same dream.
I was laying on my bed, eyes pointed to heaven, examining the cheap light fixture over head. The fake gold, the glass diamonds, the plastic crystals. All of it fake. The gilt hanging over me.
It was one of those dreams, the ones where youre not sure youre dreaming. Im still not sure if I was, come to think of it.
My eyes had been closed for a while, my blinders to the world. I was safe inside my own head. Then she was there. Inside my eyelids, inside my head, a vision from what seemed like so long ago, I hoped I had forgotten it. The ephemeral shapes that danced across my closed eyes gathered, and she was there. Her face turned at me, her daughter hiding in the long folds of her dress. The last image of a place Ill never visit again. She said something, something I couldnt hear. She said it from too far away, too long ago.(1)
And she faded, and my dream began, if it was a dream. I was in the mountains again, on my way to Rapatna. But the trucks werent there, the meat wasnt there, it was just me, carrying it all in my hands. Literally.
I held it all in my hands, a fragile egg, carrying the hope of it all. It was so small, not a thing with feathers, but a thin shell holding the yoke I had to carry, with names written on the shell. I had to look closely just to see the names, and with the logic of dreams, the words came into focus. A village by any other name. Every citizen, everything I was responsible for, all written on the shell that carried their salvation. The shell carried salvation, and I carried the shell. (2)
And so I walked. I walked because I had gone this way before, a long time ago. I heard once that dreams are just your brain organizing information, and I guess thats why I was walking the same way I had gone before. It was all symbolic.
And so I walked, and hoped that I could carry the hope of others, the fragile shell that carried my yoke. The mountain crags, the barely cleared road, every rock, every stone was in my way. It was hard, because it had been hard before.
But it wasnt the rocks, the stones, the mountain crags, that made me drop the egg, the hope, the yoke. The gentle indifference of the world, the laws of my own mind, meant that I dropped it. It was my fault. Maybe I didnt hold it tight enough, and it fell, or maybe I held it too tight, and it cracked. I didnt know why, I was just struck by the simple realization that it was broken. The viscous center, the thing without feathers, the hope of so many people, ran down my fingers, like the blood of innocents. I fell to my knees on the cold mountain road, and let the shattered hope from the egg bearing the names that I was responsible for mingle with my tears.
I woke up crying again.
I had the dream again. Always the same. Same. Same. Same. Never the same actions, but always the same meaning. 8th night in a row Ive had it. Maybe Im going insane.
But its not schizophrenia. I checked DSM-IV, and I dont have the symptoms. I know Im not hearing the voices. I know they arent out to get me. My thoughts are orderly. Im just going insane.
I fell asleep quickly last night. First time I can remember that I fell asleep quickly. It was like I wanted to hurt, I wanted to suffer. Maybe my suffering will help.
It seems like I had barely closed my eyes, like I could still see the after-image of the gilt light fixture hanging over me, and she was there. She just appeared, her daughter behind her, looking across the river at me, leaving with the trucks. The long hem of her dress fell away, like a waterfall of tears, a memory of a place I can never be again. She said something to me, on the edge of hearing. If I could have been just a little closer, focused just a little more, I could have heard her.(1)
And then I was in the town again. I had only seen it across a river when I had been there, but I knew I was there. I knew this was the village. And it was empty. I knew it was the village after I left.
I wandered the street. I wandered the streets, knowing I was alone, knowing I wouldnt find anybody.
They were all gone. They only left their bones.
And the city fell down around me. Around me. Because of me. They didnt live here any more, so the city died with them.
I ran. Not away from the buildings, but into them. I tried to die with them. I begged the collapsing buildings to take me with them; I wanted to die, like I should.
They seemed to fall in slow motion. I tried to dive under every brick, tried to be crushed by every plank of wood, and I failed. Failure seems to be the only constant in my dreams.
The city finally stopped dying, and, even more then before I was alone, alone in my defeat. I cried. I tried to wash my hands in the streams of absolution running from my eyes, the tears of regret, but I couldnt be clean. My ever-bloody hands.
The bones of the village, the bones of the villagers, the bones of my life, they all started to fade. I couldnt let them fade. I couldnt let them be forgotten. I moved to the nearest pile, and I started to build. I destroyed this, and I would rebuild it.
And I built. From the bones of the town, I remade it in my own image. From the simple huts, the wood and bricks, the village held together by clay and community, I created a modern town. With the speed of thought, scaffolding assembled, buildings were born, and among it all I built. In the darkness of my heart, in the darkness of my dream I rebuilt it all. Rolling girders into place, turning the wreckage of a village into the skeleton of a town.(3)
And I rebuilt the people. Bone by bone, and of my own flesh, I brought them back to life. I was healed. I gave them my flesh, my blood, and I was healed. It was the first good dream Ive had since I left the women on the other side of the river. I dream of a task worse then Sisyphus boulder, and its a good dream.
And then it all went wrong. I hadnt built it right. With the instant knowledge you only find in dreams, I knew it wasnt right. I had brought them back to life, but now they were all me. I had remade the village, but it wasnt Rapatna anymore, it was some bland amalgam of pseudo-American architecture. It wasnt the rose of India, it was the dregs of America.
I was in hell. I couldnt stand being myself anymore, much less meeting myself. And now I was in the village of the damned. I stood helpless as my own flesh and blood, the villagers I had restored, the villagers who had cured me, brought the same doom on themselves as I had brought them. I couldnt watch. I hid my eyes and cried.
I woke up crying again.
Its odd. Ive never had the same dream more then once. And now Ive had the same dream for 3 nights in a row. Not the exact same, but the same events, the same feeling, just different imagery. I think it may be driving me crazy.
But its not obsessive-compulsive disorder. I checked DSM-IV. I dont have the symptoms. Im not obsessed with germs, or symmetry. I dont care about mirrors. I dont focus on sexual behavior. I dont feel like I need to check things, or arrange things, or clean, or horde. Im just going insane.
The woman has been there every time. She stands on the other side of the river, watching us leave, her daughter hiding in the folds of her dress, the armor of a parent. As we leave she class across the river, You saved us. Thank You. We owe our lives to you. Her voice is distant, but the irony is not lost on me. They owe their lives to me.(1)
And then her image fades, and Im standing in Rapatna. Ive never been in the city, but I know thats where I am. I know Im in Rapatna. And Rapatna is alive. The dark skin of the Indians, walking about, doing business, living, is absolution for me. They arent dead, I was wrong, their still here. I didnt kill them. I saved them. I saved them from starvation when China closed the trade road from Tibet. Theyre all still here.
And then I see the thorns.
The people of Rapatna are still alive, but theyre not the same. They know that I shouldnt be here. They know Ill hurt them if I get too close. So they have thorns on their skin, to keep me away. The rose of India now has its thorns.
They have thorns to keep me away, but they still invite me in. Children run up to me in the street hugging my leg, praising me for bringing the gift of food. And with every hug, their thorns cut me, gouge me, pry off my skin. I walk through the streets of Rapatna, and I dont care that, for some reason Im naked. This isnt a dream about going to school in your underwear. This is a nightmare, and being naked is the least of my worries.
It scares me, walking around the city I killed, seeing the dead walking. I know that I shouldnt be here. I know they shouldnt be here, anymore. But Im happy theyre alive. I would let them cut me, slice me, wound me, as long as theyre alive.
And the girl from across the river, the one hiding in the safety of her mothers robes, runs up to me. I know shes saying thank you, and all I can do is cry. She jumps onto me hugging me, throwing her arms and one of her legs around me, embracing me in thanks for saving her.(4) And the cuts grow deeper. My eyes bleed and my wounds weep.
I woke up crying again.
I slept well last night. I dont remember my dreams.
The mountain air is sharp as the caravan winds its way through the mountains away from Rapatna. A few months ago the Chinese closed the main trade road running to this small Indian village. There are no major roads to Rapatna from the Indian side, and the village has been starving to death without supplies from China.
It took months just to get a simple road cleared. Even with modern technology, with explosives and computers and polymers and chemicals, it took months to turn a footpath into a road just wide enough to let the flatbed trucks through.
Up here, news from the outside world takes over a week to reach us. That turned out to be important.
We finally made it to Rapatna. We didnt have time to bridge the river, but the villagers ferried the bricks of meat over on makeshift rafts. It was inspiring. The villagers came out to help take the food in. They dont get much meat up here, so we made sure to bring a lot. Poultry mostly, to avoid religious issues. All of it tightly packed into little bricks of protein. The building blocks of a new life.(5)
The entire village waved at us from the banks, yelling thanks in languages I didnt understand. It was like the choirs of heaven, singing my praises. They eventually left, one by one, until only a woman and her little girl were left, yelling at us from across the river. You saved us. Thank You. We owe our lives to you. Her voice meant more to me then she will ever know.(1)
And now were heading back. Its been 3 days since my little rescue mission left Rapatna. Were just now getting in touch with civilization again. Cell phones buzz to life as we finally regain communication.
I got a call the moment my cell phone was in touch with the nearest tower.
It was the man who financed the humanitarian mission at Rapatna.
He said the meat was diseased.
Some kind of disease he said, make sure they dont get the meat he said. I said nothing.
I couldnt say anything.
Hello, he said.
Is there anybody there, he said.
It was shock. I know that now. My thoughts had just frozen, I couldnt act.
Hello, he said.
I knew then. Rapatna was gone. Not physically gone, but gone, nonetheless. Everybody would be dead.
I sent a truck back to check, to find survivors, to save what they could. It came back empty handed.
They had all died painful, vomiting, convulsing, deaths. And it was my fault. I should have known. I should have checked the meat. Those bricks of meat had built a city of the dead.
With this on my mind, I think last night was my last good sleep for a while.
So now, on my way home, I try to avoid drifting off. I try to avoid falling asleep. Because Im not sure what my mind holds for me.
I dont know how I can cope with this grief, this guilt, this shattered responsibility. Maybe Ill take up art. Something to provoke in others the same pain that I feel. Something to inflame. Something for the dead. Maybe something of the dead.
To sleep, perchance to dream. Ive never really thought about that line before. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Anything to avoid thinking about the dead
To Sleep, Perchance to dream.
(1) The memory of the women from Rapatna, seen across the river, as the narrator is leaving.
(2) The egg from the dream, with the names of the villagers carved on it, holding their hope, being held in the narrators hands.
(3) Rebuilding Rapatna in the narrators dream.
(4) The girl from across the river, hugging the narrator, with her thorns digging into his flesh.
(5) Villagers of Rapatna carrying the bricks of meat across the river.
* post roll count doesn't match database
Friday, 16th July, 2004, 11:31 PM #326
Gallant (Lvl 3)
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Well, that's it. I'm not to happy with it, I had a hard time with the pics, but this is it.
And in my 1,600th post too!
Saturday, 17th July, 2004, 01:21 PM #327
Novice (Lvl 1)
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ø Block Berandor
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Ceramic DM, Round 2 - Match 1: Macbeth vs. Berandor
"Violet? I'm home."
Jason Gardiner closed the door. Exhausted, he took off his identity badge and put it on the small table, next to his keys. It had been another long day at the National Initiative for Control and Examination. Working for NICE was time-consuming, but very rewarding. His superior officer had already mentioned him favorably in a report, and Jason could hope to be promoted within the next year. At 22, he would be the youngest senior officer at NICE.
Forcing all work-related thoughts from his mind, Jason entered the living room. He was surprised to see his wife and his daughter sitting at the kitchen table. Violet had a glass of wine in front of her, in front of Rose stood a glass of milk. Rose had been examining her Degenerative Effect Blocker. Both looked up when Jason entered. Rose rushed forward to embrace him, her golden hair flying behind her, but Jason stopped her.
"Honey? Your d-blocker." He could see Violet's eyes clouding for a moment, or at least thought he could.
Rose turned around and grabbed the small ball from the table, then came back towards him. Jason dropped to his knees and took her in his arms. She rested her face on his shoulder.
"Isn't it a little too late for you to be still awake, young lady?" he asked.
"We've been waiting for you," his wife answered. "You haven't seen her the whole week."
Jason grimaced.
"Could we not talk about this now?" he asked. "I've just come home to my wonderful daughter and wife, and I've had a very hard day."
"Of course. Let's just pretend everything is fine. Let's just not talk about it." Violet said sarcastically. Jason closed his eyes. Not tonight, he thought.
"How many glasses of wine have you had, Violet?" He felt bad immediately after saying it, but he didn't apologize, either.
"Mommy, daddy," Rose said, "please don't argue." Violet didn't heed her.
"You should be grateful that I drink, so that I forget how my own, loving," she almost spat the word, "husband can't bear touching me without me being blocked."
"Violet," he began.
"Or how he wouldn't even touch my daughter, our daughter, without being blocked, either."
She had tears in her eyes now, and her voice broke.
"You despise us, don't you?"
Jason didn't know what to answer. He loved his wife, and he adored his daughter. But when their mutation wasn't blocked, when they didn't use the d-blocker they'd gotten from the black market, the thought of touching them made his skin crawl. Violet's mutation wasn't even that obvious. He'd tried to overcome his feelings once, but when he felt the roots she had for feet snaking tendrils around his legs, his stomach had turned. He'd run off into the bathroom, and when he came out, Violet had held the d-blocker in her hand.
He hated himself for it, but he couldn't change his feelings.
His silence was answer enough for Violet.
"I knew it." She took the glass of wine and emptied it in one gulp.
"Vi, you know I love you," he said weakly, but his voice was almost drowned by the sound of a helicopter flying low above the house. For a moment, Jason wondered where it was headed. Violet ignored the noise as she ignored her husband.
"I'll bring Rose to bed, and then we'll talk." He took his daughter's hand and turned towards the door. The helicopter was still droning above them. A knot began to form in Jason's gut.
"Don't forget to bring the d-blocker with you."
He sighed and walked towards the door, pulling Rose behind him. Before he could reach it, however, he could hear the front door burst open, and booted feet rushing into the hallway.
Rose gasped, and dropped the d-blocker. Jason felt her thorns reappearing, burrowing through the skin on his hand. He cursed in pain and pulled his hand away from her, just as the door behind him was thrown open and what seemed like a dozen armed men swarmed into the room.
"MDU! Freeze!"
The men from the Mutant Detection Unit pointed their flashlight-mounted rifles at Jason and his family. Jason was too shocked to think. He mechanically lifted his hands above his head, blood dripping from his right palm, and then looked back towards his wife. Rose clung to her waist, and she was holding her daughter's head protectively. Violet's eyes, however, were rooted on Jason.
Two officers led Jason out of the house. The night sky was lit green by the helicopter's searchlight, its rotor churning dust. Two transporters marked "MDU" stood in the front yard. From behind windows, Jason could see neighbors watching.
One officer grabbed him and pulled him to the side. Violet and Rose were led out, guarded by four men. When the searchlight hit them, their skin began to glow, their mutated genes reacting with the light waves.
Rose was crying, but Violet seemed calm. When she passed Jason, she took a step towards him. The officers didn't stop her. Jason stood, unmoving.
Violet lifted a hand and caressed his face. She smiled, then leaned forward and kissed him softly.
"Remember us," she whispered, before they continued their march onto the yard.
"You're coming with us," the man holding him said, and began to pull him towards one of the transporters, away from his wife.
"Daddy!" screamed Rose. She held her thorny hand out to him, trying to reach him.
Jason looked at his hand. Blood was still flowing from the wounds. He let himself be dragged into the car.
As the door closed and the car moved forward, Jason looked back. The helicopter was descending slowly, preparing to land. Violet held Rose in a close embrace, dust blowing around her, skin glowing in the searchlight.
"Sit down, Jason."
Marcus Green handed him a glass of whiskey and pointed at the couch. It was made of white leather, and crunched as Jason sat.
"You look terrible, do you know that?" he asked as he sat down in a matching armchair. "You've got rings under your eyes the size of watermelons."
Jason smiled and rubbed his left hand over his beard.
"That's what five years of prison will do to you, Marcus." His former friend winced. "You're still thinner than I am, though."
Marcus laughed. "That's only because Tina doesn't cook for the prison, but she cooks for me."
"Where is she?" Jason asked.
"She went to a friend of Timmy's," Marcus said, blushing. Jason understood. Marcus had sent his wife and son away when he'd called. So much for being friends. Jason took a sip of his whiskey.
"Well, how can I help you?" Marcus wrung his hands nervously. "Do you need money? I can lend you something..."
"Thank you, Marcus, but I've got some money."
"But I thought they took everything when they sentenced you?"
"They did." Jason slid his thumb over his right palm, feeling the slight depressions. Rose's scars. "I've worked the past five years, without a chance to spend the money," he said.
"I understand. Well, what is it, then?"
"Why didn't you visit me, Marcus?" Jason asked.
"I did," he protested.
"Your last visit was three years ago, Marcus. What happened?" Jason didn't feel well about pressing the matter, but a guilt-ridden Marcus would be more likely to help him. Green tried to change the subject.
"Jason, you've just come out. Let's go downtown, party around. We can talk about that later. What do you say?"
"I can't pretend everything's fine, Marcus. Besides, I don't feel like partying. As you have noted, I haven't slept much recently."
It took another half hour before Jason felt he'd pushed enough buttons for Marcus to help him. He took another sip from his whiskey. It was still Jason's first drink; Marcus was already pouring his fourth.
"Do you still work for NICE?"
Marcus feigned a smile, grateful for the change in topic.
"You know what they say: I'm a NICE man."
Jason smiled as well.
The government-funded agency was widely regarded as the scientific sister of the MDU. While the Mutant Detection Unit located and prosecuted mutants who tried to live among humans, NICE examined the mutants themselves, searching for reasons for and protective measures against mutation. They had also developed the d-blocker that reversed a mutation's effect on the victim's DNA. Of course, access to these devices was severely restricted. It took about five years to apply for a d-blocker, and even then only about 5 % of all mutants were eligible.
"Then I need you to find out where my family is."
Marcus' smile froze. He drank some whiskey, and then coughed and spit it back out.
"Sorry." He coughed again. "Didn't you know? Your family's..."
"...dead," Jason finished, nodding grimly. "They told me. They even gave me this," he took the golden ball out of his pocket and placed it on the table between himself and Marcus.
Marcus leaned forward and took the ball in his hands.
"That's a d-blocker," he said, astonished.
"That's their d-blocker," Jason added emphatically. "They disabled it. They even put a small inscription on it."
"Why would they give you that?"
Jason shrugged.
"It was the only thing left. The rest burned."
"Burned? Oh, my god. I had known they died. I didn't know..."
"They're not dead, Marcus. They're not dead."
His former colleague regarded him with wide eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
Jason stood up.
"Marcus, I think my family is still alive. I think they survived the accident, but something got messed up. I don't know. Maybe one of them died, maybe, but not both. I need to find them." His voice had grown louder as he talked, until he'd practically shouted the last words. "I need to save them."
Marcus swallowed. He emptied his whiskey. His face was red from the alcohol, his glasses fogged up.
"Let's just, for a moment, say they're alive. How should I be able to find them? We think they're dead, after all."
"I just want you to find out where they'd been originally sent."
"Is that all? Is that why you put on all that talk about not visiting you, not being a good friend, just so that I would look into old records for you? Jesus, Jason, you could have saved yourself half an hour of intimidating me."
"It's not all I ask you to do. I need you to access the MDU database."
"Well, then I suppose the guilt-trip was necessary." Marcus stood up.
"I need another drink before you tell me exactly what you want."
An hour later, Jason left Marcus' apartment. At the door, Marcus stopped him.
"How do you know they're still alive?"
Jason locked gazes with Marcus.
"Because they've told me in my dreams."
Jason lay on the bed in the small room he'd rented for the night, listening to the cars driving by, watching a bug crawl up the wall in the light of the neon sign hanging outside the window.
Jason's legs hurt from propelling the walking wheel forward. It was harder than he remembered, but then he'd only been forced to wheel around for a few weeks before he'd bought his first car. He knew that before the oil wells ran dry in 2034, people had used bicycles for transportation, but without rubber tires to run on, the industry had switched to big iron wheels you could run in, much like a hamster's wheel. Walking wheels enhanced the walker's steps, protected him partially from accidents and bad weather, and they were cheap. Jason couldn't afford to buy a car; he might need all the money he'd saved for his family's rescue.
He lay on the bed, dead tired, but afraid to close his eyes. He knew they were waiting for him. Subconsciously rubbing his thumb over his right palm, Jason reflected on his meeting with Marcus. Marcus would get the information he wanted, needed. And then, he would find his family, and get them out of whatever mutant zone they lived in. Together, they'd flee to Canada, where they only imprisoned mutants that were proven to be dangerous.
During his prison time, Jason had discovered how much he missed Violet, how much he loved Rose. He had taken their love for granted, he knew, but he wouldn't make the same mistake again. He didn't even care whether they used d-blockers, or not. He just wanted to see them again, to apologize.
The beetle reached the ceiling and began to march head first towards him. Jason yawned, and felt his scarred palm once more.
In his sleep, he saw Violet and Rose, glowing in the green light.
"Remember us."
Jason stopped his walking wheel in front of the decrepit building. The house had been built before the turn of the century. No elevator waited to take guests to the upper floors, no security camera watched for uninvited guests. It wasn't even built with dirt-repellant mortar. Jason had to admit the building fit right into the poor neighborhood Marcus had sent him to.
His friend had called this afternoon and told him what he had found out. Violet and Rose Gardiner had been sent to the Fire Island Colonies, a small group of islands roughly 6 miles from the coast. The islands were mostly rock and forest, though. From what Jason could find out, the mutants that were kept there had enough stone and wood to build anything, but not enough fertile ground to feed more than a handful of families. Some farmed pigs, but most were fetched every morning and worked on the mainland, earning their pay in food. There was even a small quarry on one of the islands, delivering boatloads of hewn stone each month.
Marcus had also told him about a man who could possibly help Jason locate his family if they were still alive. Arnold Webster had been suspected twice by the MDU for harboring fugitive mutants, but he'd never been convicted. He was said to have strong ties to the mutant communities as well as relations to the upper levels of society.
"He has a hand in everything," Marcus had said. And now Jason stood before the abode of this notorious information-broker and wondered if he hadn't made a big mistake coming here. Whoever lived in the old building - if indeed someone made his home here - couldn't possibly be resourceful enough to locate someone in a mutant zone, let alone someone believed to be dead. Still, now that he'd come here, Jason would go up and see him, just to make sure.
Jason climbed the makeshift stairs on the outside of the building. The wooden construction swayed and groaned under his weight, but did not collapse. About thirty candles standing in front of a big round mirror illuminated the top floor. The mirror reflected the candlelight and enhanced it, dousing the top floor into bright, warm light.
Jason walked to the open doorway leading into the apartment, and knocked on the doorframe.
"Hello? Mr. Webster?"
The room beyond lay dark, but Jason could make out a wooden desk and a chair behind it. Piles of paper lay on the desk. The smell of cigars hung in the air, clinging to furniture and walls alike. Jason could make out another doorway looming across from him, leading further into the dark building. He thought he could hear someone move, but he didn't see anything.
"Mr. Webster, a friend of mine sent me here. He said you might be able help me. I am looking for my family."
No answer. Jason got impatient. Marcus had either played a joke on him, or simply been wrong. Still, he felt unable to leave without a final try.
"They live on Fire Island."
Jason wanted to turn around and leave, as a voice answered him. It was a dry voice, intermingled with clicking sounds as if someone would hit two forks together while speaking.
"Do you have detailed information?"
Jason pulled out the file Marcus had given him before sending him here.
"Put it on the floor, and put five hundred dollars on the floor, as well."
Jason hesitated. He'd about two thousand dollars overall, and spending a quarter of it on a disembodied voice seemed risky. In the end, he had no choice. He lifted the folder, put the money in, and closed it again.
"Come back tomorrow, I will know something then."
Jason stepped away from the dark apartment and began his descend. As he tried not to fall down the wobbling structure, he wondered what Arnold Webster could find out in one day's time.
Jason gasped and sat right up. He was in his room, jolted awake from a bad dream. The sun had just begun to rise.
He rubbed his eyes and yawned. He hoped Webster would be able to help him. When he closed his eyes, he could see the apparition. Hear her voice.
"Remember us."
The sun had gone down an hour ago, and the only light falling into Webster's apartment was the light from the candles in front of the mirror. Jason had returned as the mysterious man had bid.
Once again, he could sense something move inside of the apartment, but he couldn't see anything. Even the cigar smell was the same. Slightly annoyed at Webster's attempt at secrecy, he knocked on the doorframe again.
"I am glad to see you've returned," Webster's voice rang through the room.
"Can I come in?" Jason asked, stepping inside.
"I'd rather you wouldn't." Jason stepped back outside, shaking his head in frustration.
"I am brokenhearted that I cannot offer you a more comfortable position, Mr. Gardiner, but I am willing to make more than up for it."
"Whatever. Have you found out something?"
"I haven't "found out something", Mr. Gardiner - may I call you Jason? - I have found your daughter."
Jason didn't react at first. He had been right. They were alive. They...
"My daughter? What about my wife?"
"What about her? I am afraid she died in the accident, as has been reported."
"No..." Jason dropped to his knees and held his face in his hands. It could not be. It must not be. As he knelt in the doorway, his body shaking, despair trying to take root in him, Arnold Webster remained silent.
Some time during his breakdown, Jason had sat himself against the wooden railing of the stairwell, his knees drawn up to his body. That's how he found himself as his sense returned. His shirt was wet with tears, his eyes burned, his stomach felt as if someone had punched a hole into it. He sniffled, and then tried to compose himself.
"Are you sure it's her?" Webster answered immediately, as if he'd only waited for him to ask. It seemed to Jason as if the voice came from right beyond the doorway, now.
"As sure as can be. I am afraid there is no infallible conviction in that matter. She is about the right age, however, and she has no parents. She has no birth records, either, which makes verifying her age impossible, but would fit with your daughter's history. She has the same deformity, which is to my knowledge not one of the most prominent mutations, though certainly not unique, either. And finally, though just a small detail but definitely completing the picture, her name is Rose."
Jason nodded.
"It's her." It had to be. Otherwise... he would not think about it.
"I want you to free her." If Webster was surprised, he did not let it on.
"That would be expensive. I don't know whether you are financially capable of such a transaction, Jason."
"I have one thousand five hundred dollars."
The clicking intensified as Webster let out his version of laughter.
"That is not nearly enough, Jason."
Jason stood up.
"Please. She is my daughter. I must find her."
"You have found her."
"But I need to see her." He walked towards the doorway.
"Do not come in, Mr. Gardiner," Webster said menacingly. Jason froze in his steps.
"What would you do when I brought her to you, Mr. Gardiner? What would you do?"
"I would raise her. I am her father."
Webster laughed again, clicked again.
"I have read about your testimony, Mr. Gardiner. You could only bear your daughter with a d-blocker. What makes you think you could do better now?"
"I am her father."
"So? A lot of fathers should not be left alone with their children."
Jason rubbed his nose between thumb and forefinger. What did that man want to hear? He sighed.
"I love her."
Silence. Then Webster said, "Very well, Mr. Gardiner. I would agree to free your daughter, but there is still the monetary issue to discuss. I am afraid you don't have nearly enough resources for such an operation. We are not talking about a simply extradition, but about forged documents as well. I assume you would want to head north?"
Jason nodded. When Webster did not respond, he said, "Yes."
"That would make two passports, a forged history, perhaps even a job and an apartment to begin with. You cannot pay for this."
Jason shook with anger.
"Then why are you telling me all this?" He clenched his hands, feeling the scars in his palm again.
"I want you to understand, Mr. Gardiner."
Suddenly, Jason had an idea. No. Not an idea. An epiphany. He pulled the disabled d-blocker out of his pocket and held it out.
"Would you accept this as payment?"
Silence followed, but this time, it was a surprised silence.
"Is that..." There was hesitation in his voice now, and but a single click.
"It is a d-blocker, yes. It has been disabled, but it might be repaired." Jason smiled. "With access to the proper resources," he added.
Suddenly, Arnold Webster appeared in the doorway, accompanied with a sharp intake of breath from Jason.
Arnold Webster was a small, bloated man with wrinkled skin. Small, pudgy feet propelled his rotund body forward, and he used the lower pair of arms to support himself while walking. All in all, Arnold Webster had three pairs of spindly arms, eight limbs total, like a spider. Three hands grabbing the doorframe, he leaned forward and held the fourth hand out to Jason.
"Give it to me," he demanded. A pair of mandibles protruded from his mouth, rubbing together as he spoke, clicking rhythmically, glistening with spit.
Jason stumbled backwards.
"You... you are a mutant," he stuttered.
"Really? You are quite the observer, Mr. Gardiner. Now give me the d-blocker."
"But how...?"
"How I can live among humans? Subterfuge, caution, bribery, and things you don't want to know about." Jason shook his head. He could not believe it.
"Now. Hand. Me. The. Blocker."
Jason handed it over. Webster grabbed it and disappeared in the apartment, only to reappear at the window closest to the candle-mirror. He had grabbed a glass lens and held the d-blocker with two hands, the lens with another pair, examining the device.
Jason could see Webster's eyes gleam as he held the d-blocker in front of him. He could only imagine what such a device meant for the mutant. He took two steps towards him.
"Can you repair it?"
Webster looked up as if he had forgotten about Jason.
"Yes, Jason. I most definitely can." Greed shone in his eyes, and satisfaction.
"Then will you accept it as payment? Is it enough?"
Webster smiled. It was a hungry smile.
"I will not only accept it, Jason; for this d-blocker, I will even get you a car."
Jason stood on the beach, and waited. It had been two weeks since Arnold Webster had agreed to free Rose, and finally the day had come. At first, Jason had been apprehensive when Webster had explained the details of the plan to him.
"What am I supposed to say if someone asks why I am there?" he had asked.
"I don't know, Jason," Webster had answered, already a little annoyed at Jason's eleventh hour panic. "Pretend you're sunbathing, or swimming."
"In April?" he had retorted, but Webster had just shrugged with his shoulders - all of them.
And now, Jason stood on the beach, and was cold. He was dressed in his bathing suit, and April winds chilled his blood and blew sand against his calves. He'd tried to swim, but the water was icy, and he'd brought just a small towel with him, stolen from his hotel room.
The car Webster had provided him with waited on a parking lot a hundred feet away. Webster had put a pair of suitcases in the trunk, filled with clothing for him and Rose. Indeed, the spider-mutant had been very generous, buying a small house in Vancouver for the Gardiner's, as well as procuring a job at a major health company. All that was missing now was Rose.
Jason stood on the beach, and imagined her departure from Fire Island. They would smuggle her among the bricks in their monthly delivery. He could see her huddled in a small crawlspace, salt water lapping at her from below, tons of bricks sheltering her from above. He could see the workmen with their paddles, the small floats they used casting off, nearly sinking under the weight of their cargo, but staying afloat. It took them roughly an hour to reach the shore again, sometimes a little longer.
Today, they would need longer, but only because they would take a small detour, dropping Rose off on the way, delivering her to Jason. He fetl his heart pumping fast. His hands were sweaty. Still, he saw no sign of the floats.
It took another half hour before he saw them. Three floats, drifting along about a hundred feet off shore. He waved his arm.
"Ahoi! Why are you fishing for stones?" he shouted the pre-arranged question.
"Because the fish are simply inedible!" came the correct answer.
Jason felt butterflies in his stomach. Now, he knew, they would signal Rose. She would squeeze through a narrow opening in the bottom of the float, and then hopefully swim to the shore. Jason looked for any sign of her, so that he might swim towards her.
There she was. She was a little off, perhaps fifty feet farther down the beach, but she made good way for a little girl. Jason ran forward, rushing along the beach, splashing into the water, standing knee-deep when she felt ground below her, and stood up as well.
"Rose?" She wiped the salt water from her face and looked at him.
"Daddy?" her hopeful voice asked.
He froze. The Rose standing in front of him was not his daughter. He saw the thorns in her skin, but he also saw her dark, short hair. His daughter was blond.
Had been blond.
The MDU had been right; he had been wrong. His family was dead. He realized he'd used his family to shield him from his guilt, but now reality had caught up. They were dead.
"Daddy? You're crying," the other Rose said. "Is something wrong?"
Jason looked at her, blinking away the tears. She was younger than the real Rose, maybe eight or nine years old. She stood trembling in front of him, icy water running down her body. Webster had said she had no family. Doe-like eyes watched him, watched his every move, searching for acceptance, expecting rejection. Her name was Rose.
Jason shook his head.
"No, honey. Everything is all right. I am just so happy to see you, is all."
He opened his arms, and Rose threw herself at him, slung her arms, her legs around him. Her thorns pricked his skin, but it did not hurt him much. He stroked her hair, and carried her out of the water.
"Come on," he said, "let's go home."
Saturday, 17th July, 2004, 01:25 PM #328
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Phew. I am quite happy with the story, especially compared to my other CeramicDM entries. Now, I'm gonna take a break and enjoy the day. And see - it's raining outside! Isn't that wonderful?
Good luck, Macbeth, I'll read your story sometime tomorrow, probably
P.S.: Look at my Custom Title
Saturday, 17th July, 2004, 01:26 PM #329
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ø Friend+Originally Posted by Macbeth
But beer is fine.
ETA: What is it with these pics? (BSF/carpedavid) Looking at pics 1-4: "Wow, that's really a very cool ghost/horror story building up here!"
Looking at pic 5:
"Skyscraper. Damn!"
Is this EN-d20modern-World or what?
(The above is not meant to be a disparaging comment re: judges, but just a small colorful commentary for my own amusement. So there!)
Last edited by Berandor; Saturday, 17th July, 2004 at 04:45 PM.
Saturday, 17th July, 2004, 04:42 PM #330
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[Unbiasing commentary of equal praise to both competitors, so I'm not moving it to the other thread. So there.]
Many thanks to both of you for your excellent stories. It makes me so happy to see pictures get used like this. Wow. Poing poing poing. What a great set.
I'm so glad I don't have to judge this one.
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Your Views: Austin Scieszinski has compassion, work ethic, morals, ideas
There is only one candidate who is capable of replacing Tim Cullen for state Senate, and that is Austin Scieszinski. I first met Austin a couple months ago to talk about his candidacy for the Senate. I wasn't sure what to expect going into the meeting, but after having a 30-minute conversation with Austin, I was excited to support him.
I have followed Austin's candidacy closely, and I have been so impressed with the kind of person he really is. His passion for helping people is unbelievable. No matter the situation, he truly puts everyone around him before himself. In this day and age, I can't name one politician who has this mentality, and it is exactly what we need in Madison. He is the only candidate that has the compassion, work ethic, morals, ideas and energy we need in our next senator.
I have always followed local politics, so I know both of Austin's opponents well. Mike Sheridan has demonstrated that he is not a capable leader, and we should not even think about putting our trust back into a man who has continually let us down. And to be blunt, Janis Ringhand does as she is told. She lets special interests dictate what she does next.
Austin is the only candidate who deserves your vote for Senate. Please join me Aug. 12 to vote for Austin Scieszinski.

subset: commoncrawl


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Letter to the editor: Time machine model hyped?
0 comments post a comment
A reader questions the validity of claims made by Israeli researchers about their time machine model.
To the editor:
Regarding "Israeli researchers tout time machine model," just because something has appeared in Physical Review doesn't make it physically possibleonly physically publishable.
The concept of time as a "fourth dimension" is purely a mathematical artifact; it makes it possible to simplify the tensor calculus of general (and special) relativity. The same calculations can be carried out with the same result, but more tediously, by treating three spatial axes and one time axis separately. For example, Schroedinger used this approach when deriving his line element.
There is no theoretical basis for the idea that, like displacement on a positional axis, a negative displacement is possible on a time "axis". All that relativity implies is that the INEVITABLE forward displacement of events in time can proceed at different rates in different frames of reference. Attributing time reversal to general relativity or to Einstein is incorrect.
No one ever has demonstrated a fourth dimension, not to mention the fifth or higher dimensions necessary in which to "bend" time backwards.
Even the singularity at the location of a gravitational black hole is just a mathematical artifact: It reveals a problem with the math, not with space or space-time. There is a similar, very simple singularity anywhere one tries to use the inverse square law to determine the force (electric, gravitational, etc.) exactly at its "point" of origin.
All this argument is aside from the purely physical argument that an event not "moving" forward in time would violate energy conservation and the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
John Michael Williams
Senior Adjunct Faculty
Silicon Valley Technical Institute


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Until the Next Missile
The Sharon government's powerlessness in its struggle against the "Jewish Jihad" is no less than, and perhaps even greater than, the powerlessness of Abu Mazen's government in its struggle against Islamic Jihad.
The lead headline in Friday's Haaretz reported that four soldiers had been wounded by Qassam rocket fire at a base in the Ashkelon area. The Israel Defense Forces promised to step up the targeted killings and impose an "aerial siege" on the northern Gaza Strip. At the bottom of the same page was a report about a LAW missile being fired at the home of Asi Abutbul, considered a "police target," in the Ramat Poleg neighborhood of Netanya. The district commander said that the incident was "unusual and very serious," but took comfort from the fact that "the shooters are not professionals." He promised to investigate all angles of the case. Until the next missile.
I admit, with some embarrassment, that the missile in Ramat Poleg and the helplessness of the authorities made me rest more uneasily over the weekend than the rocket in south Ashkelon and the IDF's harsh response. The conflict among the elite in the Israeli crime world worries me more these days than the conflict with the Palestinians. The next time the unprofessional shooters miss their target, they are liable to hurt my loved ones.
If we did not have the misfortune of living a floor below the Abutbul family, I could have been expected to dedicate the next lines to the Sharon government, which has weakened the Palestinian Authority and then complains about the weakness the PA displays in the face of the Qassams. But a person, even a journalist, is closest to his own troubles. When the troubles of serious crime touch you personally, it suddenly becomes clear that the constant preoccupation with the violent conflict with the Palestinians has diverted our collective attention from the monster that has sprung up at home. This monster will never be a partner for negotiations, and it has never heard of the tahadiyeh [the "calm" that some Palestinian organizations have agreed to maintain].
The Sharon government's powerlessness in its struggle against the "Jewish Jihad" is no less than, and perhaps even greater than, the powerlessness of Abu Mazen's government in its struggle against Islamic Jihad. Even when Israel cuts off contact with the PA, Jewish crime and Palestinian terror continue to cooperate - one with Scuds and the other with LAWs.
The state comptroller has found that there is extensive cooperation between those involved in terrorism and those involved in crime when it comes to smuggling weapons and drugs. On the other hand, he warned in his 2003 report about the "absence of sufficient cooperation" among intelligence officials in the IDF, the Shin Bet security service and the police, who are responsible for coping with that same smuggling.
In 2003, nine Israelis were murdered when they had the misfortune to be caught in the line of fire of the underworld wars. At the end of that year, after three people had been killed and 36 wounded by a bomb that was supposed to kill Ze'ev Rosenstein, the government decided that organized crime requires "total national mobilization." The comptroller has monitored the implementation of this decision and cites a typical example of this "total mobilization": In May 2003, one of the income tax assessment offices received information from the police about a casino owner who made an average of about a quarter of a million shekels a day and was evading taxes. By August 2004, the tax assessment office had yet to open an investigation. The comptroller found that the police notified the Tax Authority in a timely fashion in only eight out of 34 investigations that related to suspected money laundering, brothel operating, casino running or human trafficking offenses.
Two years have passed since the government declared a "national mobilization" against violent crime, and the justice and public security ministers have decided, as though nothing were happening, to put a new decision before the cabinet: It calls for "defining the struggle against serious and organized crime and its results as a long-term objective." They also propose establishing (how could they not?) a task force for setting policy, a joint intelligence team and even a liaison committee.
The ministers have not forgotten to emphasize that effective enforcement requires bolstering the resources available to the Justice and Public Security Ministries, the police and the Israel Money Laundering Prohibition Authority. They do not write that the political, economic and intellectual resources missing in the war against LAW missiles are invested in the war against Qassam rockets. Unfortunately, our neighbors do not understand that it is not worth wasting ammunition on us: We will destroy our home on our own.
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Elisabeth Young
iOS 8 to include Wi-Fi calling
If you weren't at the Moscone Center in San Francisco or weren't able to watch the live stream, Apple unveiled iOS 8 with with many new features. What wasn't announced is Wi-Fi calling, which Apple silently showed off during the visual presentation. We have no idea how Apple is going to implement this, but I'm thinking it'll be something along with lines of Viber or WhatsApp. Or, it may be something like what can already be done with FaceTime.
WWDC 2014: 800 million Apple iOS devices sold
It's Apple's special day today as the gates to WWDC 2014 are now open. There's plenty to tell you about, but first a bit of congratulations is in order, as Apple has already sold 800 million iOS devices. That's a lot of gadgets right there. Of this number, 500 million iPhones were sold, with about 130 million being added to the install base since 2013.
Nomura: 46.5 million iPhone 6 Air, iPhone Pros will ship
The iPhone 6 Air will be the 4.7-inch Apple phone that has been the subject of many rumors and leaked images. A Nomura report says the unit will be $650. A Pro version will also be available—the iPhone 6 Pro—with a more expensive with a $750 price tag. The iPhone 6 Pro is also believed to be the bigger 5.5-inch model.
Apple shares hit yearly high ahead of WWDC 2014
Apple's all-time high was $700 back in September 2012. Unfortunately, Apple shares went down after that for various reasons. Sales have not been as good since then, but Apple can make a comeback during the second quarter of this year, as there's much anticipation of new Apple products to be unveiled this summer.
Apple says iCloud not compromised in Australia
A number of iPhones, iPads, and Macs were hacked in Australia the other day. Following these reports, Apple sent out a statement that iCloud was not compromised. The company claims the iCloud service is safe and secure, contrary to reports that users in Australia have been locked out of their own iDevices. This hack has since spread to Canada, the US, and New Zealand.
Apple to live stream WWDC 2014 keynote
Nothing really new here, I just want to get you more excited about WWDC. Apple once again will be live streaming the keynote for the enjoyment of those who can't be at the conference. The WWDC 2014 Keynote address will be streamed live from the Moscone Center direct to your computers and tablets running Quicktime 7.
WWDC 2014 banners going up at Moscone West
It's always been Moscone. WWDC is held at the Moscone West in San Francisco year after year, and this 2014 is no different. The Apple developer conference will open next week, and the venue is now being prepared for the big event.
iPhone once again leads U.S. smartphone sales
Just the other day, we told you about the iPad leading the market in tablet sales. Before that, we learned Apple had been surpassed by Google as the most valuable brand in the world. This time, we're reporting that the iPhone is the number one selling smartphone in the U.S. for three of the top four mobile networks in the country.
Apple wins in Dutch court, old Samsung phone sales banned
A Dutch court recently released a sales ban against Samsung; the Galaxy Ace and the Galaxy S II can't be sold in the area because they've been found to infringe on some Apple patent filings in Europe. The two models are not the popular ones, and perhaps their ban won't even affect sales, but Samsung should worry that the ban could extend to other products.
Apple-Beats deal is "70% sure" to happen
A reliable source for TechCrunch reported that he's "70% sure" the Apple-Beats deal will be finalised. I don't really doubt this particular news because there are just too many hints. We currently don't know what Apple wants to do with Beats, but we hope to hear their plans at the WWDC in early June. We were expecting the Apple-Beats deal to be finalized this week, but it's already Friday and nothing from either of the two companies yet.
Apple to add NFC to iPhone 6, says Morgan Stanley analyst
Thanks to Apple's deal with China UnionPay, a Morgan Stanley analyst is saying that the Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile payment method could be coming to the iPhone 6. Analyst firm Morgan Stanley is saying Apple could include NFC on the iPhone 6, making use of the TouchID fingerprint scanner similar to PayPal authorization on the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Verizon announces VoLTE, getting ready for the iPhone 6 and iOS 8
We recently told you about AT&T launching HD Voice and VoLTE. Now we've learned Verizon is also introducing its Voice over LTE service. VoLTE is growing, especially now that more LTE-enabled smartphones are coming out in the market. While 4G/LTE networks are not as reliable in some areas, mobile carriers like AT&T and Verizon are working hard to expand their coverage.
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Workplace rehabilitation providers
Workplace rehabilitation providers offer specialised workplace rehabilitation services to help workers recover at and/or return to work.
Workplace rehabilitation services are usually delivered at the workplace, in consultation with all parties and may involve:
- assessing a worker's capacity to perform duties safely
- identifying duties that will support improvements in a worker's capacity
- identifying options to help reduce work demands (including providing advice on equipment, job or workplace modifications)
- identifying and addressing risks that may impact a worker's recovery at/return to work outcome
- implementing and monitoring a plan to achieve an agreed recovery at work goal
While it is usually the employer or insurer who makes the decision on which workplace rehabilitation provider will be used in each situation, a worker should be consulted on the decision and given the opportunity to refuse or request a change in provider.
The insurer is responsible for engaging the provider and paying for their services. Service costs are recorded as a claims cost.
What to expect from your workplace rehabilitation provider fact sheet provides workers and employers with information about workplace rehabilitation and the role of the provider.
Information for workplace rehabilitation providers
Becoming an approved workplace rehabilitation provider
Organisations seeking to become an approved workplace rehabilitation provider are required to submit an application to the jurisdiction in which approval is being saught, demonstrating how they will meet the Conditions of Approval. If the application is approved, the provider is granted a three-year Instrument of Approval (Certificate of Approval in NSW).
The Conditions of Approval and the application process, including the application form, are outlined in the Guide: Nationally consistent approval framework for workplace rehabilitation providers published by the Heads of Workers Compensation Authorities (HWCA).
The NSW supplement to the guide outlines specific requirements for providers who wish to provide workplace rehabilitation services in NSW.
Meeting the Conditions of Approval
The main focus of the NSW workers compensation system is to support workers to recover at/return to work following a work related injury. Consequently the primary measure for providers is the return to work rate following the provision of workplace rehabilitation services.
The minimum return to work rates that must be maintained by providers in order to maintain approval in NSW are:
- same employer: 80%
- different employer: 50%
SIRA reviews the minimum return to work rates based on industry performance and regulatory priorities in consultation with the industry.
Work status codes are used to record provider outcomes.
An additional tool called workplace rehabilitation provider performance data spread sheet can be used to assist with the calculation of the return to work rate measures. This tool can also help providers prepare for onsite evaluations and undertake self-evaluations.
Evaluation of approved workplace rehabilitation providers
Following initial approval, the provider may be required to undergo a SIRA-initiated onsite evaluation 12 months after the application approval. Then during the three years of approval, the provider is required to undertake annual self-evaluations. They may also undergo a SIRA-initiated periodic evaluation and/or exception evaluation by an independent evaluator.
The evaluation process and tools are detailed in the workplace rehabilitation provider evaluation manual. Use the HWCA tool to evaluate yourself against the national framework.
Renewal of a Certificate of Approval
If the provider seeks to renew their Certificate of Approval they are required to submit a renewal application to SIRA prior to the expiration of the prior approval period.
The renewal application process is outlined in the:
- Guide: Nationally consistent approval framework for workplace rehabilitation providers
- NSW supplement to the guide
- renewal application for approval as a workplace rehabilitation provider
Further information
Contact our Strategic Response and Regulatory Operations Group by email email@example.com or telephone 13 10 50.


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8 March, 2012@5:06 am
2 comments
Multitalented producer J Rawls is best known for his work in Hip-Hop, but his skills extend far beyond the genre. In 2005 he began to explore neo-soul with The Essence Of Soul, and he's since released two albums from his acclaimed Jazz/Hip-Hop fusion band The Liquid Crystal Project. Now, Liquid Crystal is back with a new album from the quintet consisting of J Rawls (on the production), B Jazz (on the keys), Rob Riley (on the drums), Eddie Bayard (on the saxophone), and Charles Cooper (also on the saxophone). The Liquid Crystal Project 3 hits stores everywhere on April 10th, 2012 via Groove Attack / Polar Ent / Greenstreets.
Like previous Liquid Crystal albums, LCP3 explores sounds, beats, and rhythms with jazz instrumentation alongside an undeniable Hip-Hop influence. Tributes to De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest highlight the seamless genre-hopping, which mixes elements of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk, and even Downtempo. "This time we expanded our sound using more musical interpretation and more vibrant sounds," explains Rawls. With all four members back, plus a special appearance by onetime George Duke and Ramsey Lewis trumpeter Pharez Whitted, The Liquid Crystal Project 3 is a smooth-like-butter musical experience that defies classification. As Rawls puts it: "It's just good music."
Loved the first two installments and eagerly awaiting this one.
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One of the oldest rivalries in MLS kicks off the weekend on FOX Soccer as the LA Galaxy put their winning and shutout streaks on the line, entertaining D.C. United. The Galaxy have won four in a row, three in a row by 1-0 scorelines, after winning at New England last weekend. United are on the second game of a two-game Western swing, the first club to come away from Portland with any points after defeating the Timbers 3-2 last Sunday.
TV: FOX Soccer, FOX Deportes
RADIO: 1330 AM (Spanish)
LIVE AUDIO & WEBCHAT: www.lagalaxy.com/gamedaylive
ALL-TIME (37 meetings): Galaxy 17 wins (0 shootout), 58 goals … United 13 wins (1 shootout), 48 goals … Ties 6
AT LA (17 meetings): Galaxy 8 wins (0 shootout), 24 goals … United 5 wins (0 shootout), 17 goals … Ties 4
- The teams are meeting for a second time this season, after a 1-1 draw April 9 at RFK Stadium, as Mike Magee and Charlie Davies traded goals.
- The Galaxy have a six-game unbeaten streak alive against United. D.C. last won June 29, 2008; LA has won three of the six meetings since, with three draws.
- United have not defeated the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center since 2005.
- Coaches record: Bruce Arena vs. DC: P11 W4 L3 D4 … Ben Olsen v LA: P2 W0 L1 D1
4/9: DC 1, LA 1 (Davies 89 pen – Magee 12) [Recap | Highlights]
- The Galaxy took the lead in the 12th minute when David Beckham's curling corner from the left was nodded home by Mike Magee. WATCH
- But United pulled level again through some late heroics by Charlie Davies. After Davies was knocked over by Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez as he tried to push past in the left of the area in the 89th minute, referee Abbey Okujala pointed to the spot and Davies converted with a cheeky chip down the center of the goal. WATCH
- D.C. UNITED (4-1-3-2): Bill Hamid - Chris Korb (Andy Najar 72), Dejan Jakovic, Ethan White, Marc Burch - Clyde Simms - Santino Quaranta (sent off 84), Dax McCarty (Branko Boskovic 81), Chris Pontius - Josh Wolff, Blake Brettschneider (Charlie Davies 53)
- LA GALAXY (4-4-1-1): Donovan Ricketts – A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Leonardo, Todd Dunivant - Sean Franklin, Juninho, David Beckham (Jovan Kirovski 80; sent off 95+), Mike Magee - Miguel Lopez (Paolo Cardozo 75) - Juan Pablo Angel (Chad Barrett 90)
The LA Galaxy won their fourth match in a row, defeating the New England Revolution 1-0 on Saturday evening at Gillette Stadium. The Galaxy have 29 points from 15 games on the season, leading the Western Conference. STANDINGS
- The game's lone goal came in the 69th minute. David Beckham served in a curling low cross from the right flank and Miguel Lopez cut across a defender to hit a glancing header inside the far post beyond the outstretched Matt Reis. WATCH
- Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena made three changes to the team that defeated the Houston Dynamo 1-0 at The Home Depot Center. David Beckham and Mike Magee came into the midfield for Michael Stephens and Chris Birchall, and Miguel Lopez started up top for Juan Pablo Angel.
- LA GALAXY (4-4-2): Donovan Ricketts – Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant – Landon Donovan, Juninho, David Beckham (Michael Stephens 79), Mike Magee (Chris Birchall 73) – Miguel Lopez, Chad Barrett (Paolo Cardozo 62).
- The Galaxy extended their shutout streak to 321 minutes with a third consecutive clean sheet, the fifth-longest in MLS this season. The longest was FC Dallas' 531-minute streak snapped last weekend in Houston.
- "We've been very good, I think, over the last 10 games or so defensively. We gave up four in Salt Lake and one the opening game at home with New England so we gave up five goals in our first three games," said Bruce Arena. " … So, we've defended quite well over the last 12 games or so."
- READ: Lopez's goal caps undefeated week for Galaxy
- The Galaxy recorded a seventh shutout in 15 games – having played more games than any other club in the league. Seattle is next with 14; only five clubs have played as many as 13.
- "When you play this many more games than teams, you have to make sure that you're getting points and you're getting ahead so that every time they look at the standings, it looks daunting," Landon Donovan said. "You don't want to be near other teams when you've played so many more games. You want to make it so that they have to come catch us."
- The Galaxy can become the first team in MLS history to win four in a row by the game's only goal. The MLS record for consecutive 1-0 games is Colorado with five last year from May 1-June 5, losing the first two then winning the next three.
- "To manage to pull nine points out of three games is remarkable. and it's all the credit to the players," Arena said. "They've been fabulous. We could see [against New England] we had a tired team and weren't as sharp going forward, but their concentration was great, and their desire to compete and win were great."
- READ: LA praise team commitment amid near-flawless stretch
- After playing in the testimonial for Manchester United's Gary Neville at Old Trafford at midweek, David Beckham returned to the Galaxy lineup and recorded his seventh assist, one off the MLS lead.
- "I thought David played well. He was a little fatigued from his travel," Arena said. "But he did a good job passing the ball and obviously a very good ball for Lopez's goal."
- It was the sixth assist from a service for Beckham, but the first from a cross in run of play; three had come from free kicks, and two from corners.
- "I obviously put the ball in a good position, and without Miguel running into that front post area, he's made my ball a good one," Beckham said. "I think we deserved it, overall. I think we had a lot of chances, so we're happy."
- Friday's game will be the first with Landon Donovan and goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts away on international duty for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- READ: Table-topping LA will have tall order to replace Donovan
- "We're not a team that plays the same 11 or 12 or 13 guys the whole year," Donovan said. "Some teams do that, but that's not been the way we've operated over the last three years. … I don't worry about how we're going to do. We're going to do fine."
INJURY REPORT: OUT: DF Sean Alvarado (R knee surgery), DF Leonardo (R knee surgery); QUESTIONABLE: FW Adam Cristman (L knee surgery recovery)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: Landon Donovan (USA); Donovan Ricketts (Jamaica)
SUSPENDED: none
WARNINGS: SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: none | SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: Juninho, David Beckham
D.C. United extended their unbeaten run to four matches, becoming the first MLS team to come away with three points from Jeld-Wen Field in a 3-2 defeat of the Portland Timbers on Sunday afternoon. United have 15 points from 11 games on the year, sitting in a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference.
- United took the 13th minute when rookie Perry Kitchen slotted home a ball off the head of fellow first-year man Blake Brettschneider. WATCH
- The Timbers pulled even at the three-quarter mark in a bizarre sequence. After United's Dejan Jakovic pulled down forward Kenny Cooper in the penalty box, Cooper stepped up to take the spot kick, but he twice saw efforts saved by D.C. United 'keeper Bill Hamid. Hamid was called by the assistant referee for leaving his line early each time. On the third try, Cooper moved aside for Jack Jewsbury, who slotted in the equalizer.
- But in the 75th minute, United won a penalty of his own, as Diego Chara was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area, and Chris Pontius beat Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins from the spot. WATCH
- United then made 3-1 10 minutes later as Josh Wolff collected a Brettschneider flick-on from a goal kick and slotted home past Perkins. WATCH
- The Timbers pulled a goal back in the 88th minute when Jorge Perlaza headed home a long throw from Jeremy Hall from the left corner, but it was not enough.
- United coach Ben Olsen made three changes to the team that played to a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids at RFK Stadium. Stephen King came into the midfield for Dax McCarty, and Blake Brettschneider and Joseph Ngwenya were an all-change strike pair for Charlie Davies and Josh Wolff.
- D.C. UNITED (4-4-2): Bill Hamid – Perry Kitchen, Ethan White, Dejan Jakovic, Daniel Woolard – Andy Najar (Fred 87), Clyde Simms, Stephen King, Chris Pontius – Blake Brettschneider, Joseph Ngwenya (Josh Wolff 51 / Brandon Barklage 92+).
- The main talking point of the match came with the penalty kick attempted three times – twice after goalkeeper Bill Hamid was adjudged to have come forward off his line early.
- "It happens everywhere around the world and this guy calls it twice," Hamid said. "The second one, I definitely kept it in mind: 'All right, stay back and make the save — react.' For him to call it a second time, I don't know what's going on."
- United were able to respond with a third goal on the afternoon – the third time they've scored three goals this season, which have led to three of their four victories on the campaign.
- "After that call [on the penalty kick], and the second call, to regroup after that in front of this crowd, shows a lot of character," United coach Ben Olsen said. "I couldn't have regrouped. I would've followed the referee for 40 minutes and been in his ear and would've been useless."
- In a friendly against AFC Ajax, Blake Brettschneider scored a goal. Inserted into the starting lineup against Portland, the rookie from the University of South Carolina set up two goals in United's win – the third start of his MLS career, but first since April 9.
- "I thought I did pretty well," said Brettschneider. "I feel like I did what the coaches asked me to do — I tried to cause problems for them, tried to be dangerous, create chances."
- Brettschneider and Joseph Ngwenya were given the start with Charlie Davies and Josh Wolff both still slowed by injuries. Davies has not featured for United since aggravating his hamstring against Colorado on May 14, while Wolff was able to come off the bench for 38 minutes of play.
- Chris Pontius scored for the second consecutive week from the penalty spot, and has four goals on the year – surpassing his total of a season ago. He's been ever-present in the United lineup through 11 games, playing wide on the left of midfield.
- "I'm already so much happier this year than I was last year," Pontius said. "There's just a lot of things that went wrong last year."
- Dax McCarty was also a late scratch from the lineup with a groin strain, but is considered available for the Galaxy match.
- "It's a big step for us," Olsen said. "I don't want to blow it out of proportion too much because in this league on any given day, you can beat a team. I was proud of the way we defended set pieces. We had a bunch of men out there and they showed that we have the ability to compete physically with a pretty demanding Portland team when it comes to set pieces."
- United became the first team from the Eastern time zone to win in the Pacific time zone with their victory in Portland. In nine previous matches, the six teams from the Eastern time zone had lost five, and drawn four.
INJURY REPORT: OUT: MF Branko Boskovic (L ACL tear); DF Marc Burch (R hamstring strain); MF Junior Carreiro (L ankle sprain); DF Devon McTavish (concussion); MF Santino Quaranta (concussion); DF Jed Zayner (L hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Kurt Morsink (R ankle sprain); PROBABLE: FW Charlie Davies (R hamstring strain); MF Dax McCarty (R groin strain)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: Dejan Jakovic (Canada)
SUSPENDED: none
WARNINGS:SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: none | SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: none
REFEREE: Silviu Petrescu. SAR (bench): Daniel Belleau; JAR (opposite): Mike Rottersman; 4th: Drew Fischer
MLS Career: 30 game; FC/gm: 28.6; Y/gm: 3.9; R: 6; pens: 4


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Legal Question in Health Care Law in Georgia
I went to a sleep center to get help with my apnea, the doctor told me I'd need to get at least one sleep study done. But first, I requested that the Sleep Center first check my coverage, and they did, their financial person told me that It would just cost me my standard co-pay of $35. I had my 2 sleep studies done and I have a bill for $384 for one visit, and $211 for another visit. I spoke with the financial person as this not what I expected, and she states this is what they were told by the insurance company. She gave me a reference number. I called the insurance company. The insurance company (seemed to have) looked up this call and said what they were quoted 80% coverage. Obviously someone made a mistake here, but I wouldn't have gotten these done at this time if I knew about the cost. Who's responsible
3 Answers from Attorneys
You are.
As the provider likely made clear through forms, signs or otherwise, you are responsible for full payment. The may try to get paid from the insurer, but that is a convenience not an obligation. You also have the obligation to know what your insurance covers and to confirm this with them directly if there is any doubt. Insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company, not with the doctor, but it appears you left it up to the provider to check for you.
You're always liable for your own bills. While many health providers attempt to assist with insurance, it is your responsibility to verify coverage.
As a personal comment, I am both a lawyer and have sleep apnea. My sleep study saved my life as sleep apnea, untreated, can be fatal. The amount you are complaining about in minute compared with your life. Best of luck with your treatment!
Related Questions & Answers
My mom gave me "medical power of attorney" at Banner Baywood Medical... Asked 5/03/12, 2:46 pm in United States Georgia Health Care Law


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County to get summer flood grant
Authorities have been notified Pierce County will get the first of what they hope will be three grants to pay for Aug. 13 flash flood damage.
The grant of up to $392,000 will help repair homes and public facilities such as roads and culverts, said Gary Brown, the county's emergency management director.
Following August rains, the county board issued a disaster proclamation for a large part of the county from Ellsworth to the east edge of the county. Most damage was in the Plum City and Elmwood areas.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) emergency assistance funding through the Department of Commerce is divided this way: $123,700 for housing assistance, $250,000 for public facilities reimbursement and $18,300 for administrative expenses.
The housing assistance is for private homes. The money is available to people whose incomes are considered "low" or "moderate."
For more please read the Nov. 18 print version of the Herald.


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More than 800 people turned out for a 5K race Sunday to raise money to help an injured state trooper and her family.
The 5K for JK was held at the Maryland State Police Academy. The proceeds help Trooper Jacqueline Kline, who was badly injured when she was hit by a car last month during a traffic stop on Route 100.
Another trooper was administering field sobriety tests to a driver on the shoulder around 1 a.m. Oct. 6 when Kline stopped at the scene to provide backup.
Both troopers had their overhead lights activated, but as Kline walked toward the other trooper, she was struck by a Nissan, hitting the hood of the car. She was then propelled into the back of the State Police K-9 car, where she hit the back windshield and metal K-9 cage inside the car before landing in a ditch.
Kline sustained head injuries, a broken arm, cuts and contusions. She spent several weeks at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and is now in a rehab hospital.
Her mother, Amy Reed, says she expects her daughter to leave the hospital in about a week, but she'll continue physical therapy.
She says Kline is determined to return to work.
The crash sparked a boost in enforcement of the Move Over law, which requires drivers to switch lanes away from emergency vehicles. Despite the efforts, another trooper's car was destroyed during a traffic stop Oct. 12, and a third trooper was injured in a crash in late October while stopped.
- Maryland State Trooper Injured When Car Hits Cruiser
- Maryland State Police Reminds Drivers to Move Over
- Trooper Seriously Injured in Traffic Stop Accident


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Freya Calypso Fold Brief Swim Bottom AS3140
Sorry, no other customer-recommended styles found.
This product was discontinued August, 2013 and is no longer available. Please consider one of the Customer-Recommended Replacements above, or try a new search.
This brilliant adjustable fold-over waist swim bottom features a tropical print over solid black for dramatic contrast. Made of soft, silky nylon/elastane.
Try these keyword searches with similar features:


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Can Liverpool win the title?
Sky Sports News' Vinny O'Connor has been out and about in Liverpool asking the million dollar question - Can Liverpool end 24 years of hurt and win the Premier League title?'
Last Updated: 14/02/14 8:44am
After spending a morning in the centre of Liverpool talking to Liverpool fans from all walks of life, soldiers to stall holders, pensioners to taxi drivers, I was left in no doubt by the majority of them that they were backing their side for the Premier League title. One painter and decorator told me he was heading straight to the bookies to put his money where his mouth is.
So when I tweeted my findings, while I expected Evertonians and Manchester United fans, among others, to disagree, I didn't expect replies from Liverpudlians along the lines of "that's nonsense," "we won't win anything," and "I highly doubt any Liverpool fans will be saying we can win the league."
For me it was like one of those 'look for your win' moments, because why can't Liverpool win the league?
Defensively they make too many mistakes, I've been told. Well, who's to say that isn't going to change?
The squad isn't big enough, another argument thrown my way. Surely, though, with no European football to worry about that isn't such a problem?
The fact is Liverpool are unbeaten in nine games since back-to-back losses against Manchester City and Chelsea, winning seven in that time.
Yes, points were dropped against West Bromwich Albion for example, but didn't Chelsea slip up there too?
Both Chelsea and Manchester City still have to visit Anfield in April, as do Spurs at the end of March. With Liverpool only four points off the top at this moment the significance of those games in terms of the title race is growing, particularly if they continue to show the kind of form they did against Arsenal.
Obviously I'm playing Devil's Advocate here, and when you walk into reception at Melwood, the big gleaming European Cup reminds you that Brendan Rodgers has told you umpteen times that the aim is Champions League Football for now. If that hadn't jogged my memory then Jon Flanagan reminded me over and over again. Yet once, just once, the guard slipped slightly.
"For a local lad not having won the title for 24 years, it is in my mind everyday and it is do-able," he said, "but all the lads are just looking for top 4 and if we are in and around there with, say, 5 games to go maybe, who knows."
This season's proving to be somewhat of a breakthrough for Flanagan. A first Premier League goal, a tweet from Cafu, his manager talking up his England chances and learning from a captain whose performance against Fulham may prove to be a defining moment.
"He was absolutely fantastic. His ball through to Sturridge was world class and then his composure for the penalty was unbelievable. He's carried this club for years and we are all right behind him to hopefully get the top four this season."
So there again the Champions League qualification mantra crops up, and Steven
Gerrard may not be about to end that wait for a Premier League winners medal. But Liverpool have momentum and with that a shot at winning the title.
Remember, 12 months ago if you'd asked Jon Flanagan 'do you reckon Cafu knows who you are?' he'd have said 'no chance!'


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Athlone Park resident and her mother were hijacked outside their Spencer Road residence in broad daylight on Saturday, 13 February.
Bernadine and Kogie Pillay had returned home from shopping at noon in her Golf GTI when a vehicle jammed them in after she had reversed and was waiting for the gate to open.
"Three armed jumped out of a Hyundai i20," said Bernadine. "I don't think they followed me home. I suspect they had watched me for a while and knew I always reverse in."
CCTV footage of the incident shows a greenish-coloured car drive past as they get to the gate. It turned around and reached their gate just as it started to open.
It looks like two armed men went to the driver's door. It is not clear if the third man jumped out with them and cannot be seen by the angle of the camera, or if he was dropped off beforehand to keep watch. However, a man can be seen running across the driveway in front of the Golf before three men jump into the vehicle and drive off.
Kogie had the presence of mind to jump out with her handbag and run into the yard.
However, Bernadine's handbag containing her wallet and about R5,000 worth of canteen stock were in the car.
She was struck on her right shoulder by one of the gunmen and her brother Benedict, who was in the garage, was threatened to not interfere.
The Hyundai is seen driving past again just as the men are getting into Bernadine's Golf to drive off, made another turn and drove past the house a final time after the men had driven off.
The whole incident only took a minute and 10 seconds.
"The men were very young, in their 20s, and they were nervous," said Bernadine.
Despite swift response from the CCPO, Toti SAPS, a police helicopter and a tracking device on the vehicle, it was not recovered by Wednesday afternoon.


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My Nonprofit Reviews
Ellen Stross
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1 reviews
Review for Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Redwood City, CA, USA
The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County has an amazing staff of talented and devoted attorneys.
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For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
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Role: Volunteer


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(0 ratings)
12 Chairs(212) 254-8640
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Complaint Review: NSBA
National Small Business Alliance NSBA ripoff they took money out of my account without my consent or phone notification. Nationwide *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: TAKEN CARE OF
When I got a hold of someone from that number I was rudely told that I did recieve a phone call even though I know I didn't. I had explained to the man I didn't know how they got my savings account numbers but I never gave it to them and under no circumstances did I agree to their 149.95 withdrawal from my account.
He got very upset and kept saying mam there is nothing I can do for you at this number over and over no matter what there site said and he didnt know why I was calling that number and hung up on me.
I have since then finally broke down and called the state troopers and filed a complaint with them and left several emails and phone messages to the NSBA to which I still have no response.
Prattsburgh, New York
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
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This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 07/18/2005 10:25 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/nsba/nationwide/national-small-business-alliance-nsba-ripoff-they-took-money-out-of-my-account-without-my-150305. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#1 REBUTTAL Owner of company
AUTHOR: Dennis - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 21, 2005POSTED: Thursday, July 21, 2005
She has advised us that her bank has put a stop payment on the 149.95. and she is going to update the rip-off report.
She indicated that she was very grateful talking to customer service.
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