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|Bolton Wanderers 1 v 2 Ipswich Town
SkyBet Championship
Saturday, 1st December 2012 Kick-off 15:00
|blue added 17:12 - Dec 1
slowerball added 20:39 - Dec 1
JET showed some decent form, good feet and was very physical in a couple of shoulder to shoulder challenges. Had he not ballooned an opportunity wide and high when he cut in from the right wing, beating several players, it would have been the goal of the season! The manager will be pleased with his display.
DJ took a decent spot kick to equalise - the pen was nailed on, good work from Orr to put Murphy through who did well, took a nice touch to beat a man before being brought down. No complaints by the home team over either the pen or the subsequent booking. Leading goalscorer Dudley was replaced by Chopra with 15 to go. Chops got booked having just come on for silliness really, but he actually looked sharp. Martin hit a shot towards the near post from the left hand side, saved by the keepers feet. From the resulting corner, Chopra did well to follow the Orr shot that Bogdan spooned and bundled it in, and should really have scored a second, but was perhaps trying to be a bit too clever having worked a good opening after some clever movement off the ball.
Our support deserved the victory and we thoroughly enjoyed it when it came. The home crowd, who could at the very best have been described as lacklustre, did nothing to assist their team in putting the game to bed in the first half, which with another goal before the break could have been the case. Having been at the Reebok when we got hammered 4-1 (four nil down at halftime and basically relegated - a fantastic strike by Jamie Clapham in the second half) it was great to experience victory and - possibly - the resurgence of our club?
£9 for the lad, who enjoyed a hot chocolate / Kit-Kat combo at half time.
A deserved win by a team gradually gaining confidence and now scoring goals. We need to be able to grit it out from time to time which we did in the parts of this game - no bad thing. The centre backs battled and worked hard, if not completely assured and calm at times. Man-of-the-match for me was N'Daw, but there were other good performances and as a team we did well. Chopra and JET's contributions will have really pleased the manager. (By the way, does anyone know where we put Jason Scotland?)...
There is a long way to go, but a few more decent performances and one or two more wins, let's then see what movement takes place in January and I think we'll be well set for a good second half to the season. All in all a very decent display, certainly as the second half progressed. I'm sure McCarthy has a very good idea where he needs to strengthen and who perhaps are surplus to requirements.
cbower added 23:09 - Dec 1
The second period seemed set to replicate the opening minutes of the game. Kevin Davies looked certian to put the home side two up on 50 minutes but Henderson made a fine save to keep the score at 1-0. A few minutes later, MM made some fairly bold changes. Murphy and JET replaced Drury and Barnett. I was glad to see Drury depart as he was not giving the team anything. Barnett, on the other hand, had put in a decent shift. The new gaffer has been lauded by many for his "round pegs in round holes" philosophy so it was surprising to see Carlos revert to right-back and Orr take up a central midfield role alongside N'Daw (with JET wide right). However, to be fair the tactical switched actually saw the boys improve. Orr was an improvement on Drury in the middle of the park, adding bite and an unexpected forward drive that had hitherto been lacking. Without really creating chances, the tide started to turn a little. I have been very critical of Murphy in the past but today his contribution was really positive. He put himself about a bit more, ran with the ball with genuine purpose and actually jumped for some 50/50 headed balls. It was the big Irishman who won the penalty on 70 minutes that brought us level when he was clearly upended by Mears after a through ball by Orr. Campbell dispatched the spot kick low to Bogdan's right and we celebrated wildly. Five minutes later, DJ departed to an ovation and Chops was given the final 15 to make an impact. Within three, he had entered the referee's book but he had a more signficant contribution still to come. JET showed some more physicality on occasion but he also reminded us of his lovely skills, beating three so beautifully that we were all baying for him to shoot from distance. He did but it was woefully high, wide and not very hansome. Martin had an excellent chance as the game entered the final few minutes but Bogdan saved the home side with his legs. Whilst not exactly one-way traffic, Town were certainly the more likely to win the game and Murphy went close and was only denied by the long legs of Knight who deflected a goalbound effort wide as the game move into the 90th minute. The resultant corner was headed clear, fell to Orr 20 yards out who struck it powerfully on the volley goalward. Bogdan spilled, Chopra pounced - 2-1 Town. More ecstatic scenes amongst the travelling faithful and still time for Chops to fashion but ulitmately spurn a further great chance before the points were ours.
The players came over to the fans, celebrated and were roundly applauded. None more than Luke Chambers who was seriously pleased to say the least. The boy and I left with the fans singing loudly, "There's only one Luke Chambers!"
Some thoughts on the players:
Henderson - no chance with goal, impressive otherwise
Orr - shaky opening 15 but after that he was solid. Nothing short of inspirational when moved into midfield!
Cresswell - competent performance
Smith - challenged, battled and didn't allow Kevin Davies to dominate. Well done Tommy!
Chambers - much more competitive in the air than I have seen, passionate, committed and you have to love that celebration at the end!
Edwards - not at his best but OK. His delivery wasn't great
N'Daw - although he is not quick, his ability to glide past opponents at times creates himself space. Solid and can (not always) pass the ball really nicely too.
Drury - rightly substituted. A squad player for me.Hyam was genuinely missed in the first 55 minutes
Martin - tireless workrate and that counts for a great deal for me. Still doesn't deliver the end product often enough though
Barnett - Willing runner, won plenty of high balls. More to come from Tyrone I expect.
Campbell - puts in a shift and great to see him step up even after the missed spot kick on Tuesday
Murphy - see above. Murph made a real difference today.
JET - showed MM what he can bring but we all know that consistency needs to be found both in terms of effort and impact
Chopra - poacher's goal will do him no harm at all. Should have had a second too!
13 points from 7 games is an exact symmetry (in reverse) with the 7 points from 13 games achieved under the previous regime (I know PJ was sacked after 12). I know which one I prefer!
Thanks for reading. Hope it gives you something if you couldn't make it up t'north.
chorltonskylineblue added 23:45 - Dec 2
The start of the second didn't show too much difference, but the substitutions made a real difference. We suddenly seemed to want it more and for some reason Bolton seemed to back-off. I was sat in the Bolton end with an old mate and they appear to be suffering post-relegation jitters. They really should have wrapped it up early doors, but because they didn't, our players sensed half a chance and took it. From about 60+ mins every ball in midfield seemed to fall to us, whereas we were overrun in that area before that.
My assessment of the players:
1. Henderson - solid. Made some good saves and hard to fault him for the goal.
2. Cresswell - he's getting a bit of stick I notice, but he was always screaming for the wide ball from Hendo, but rarely got it. He makes the odd mistake, but for a 22 year old this guy has the right attitude and lot of talent. If we let him go he'll be a star elsewhere, I have no doubt about that.
3 &4. Tommy Smith & Luke Chambers - good solid performances from both. Ngog was a real handful early doors, as was K Davies at times. With help from midfield, they soon got to grips with them. No criticism from me.
5. Bradley Orr. Real mixed bag, but you can tell he's a seasoned pro. Made the odd rick and had a couple of shocking shots, but whar I really noticed was his enthusiasm to get forward and support the attack. Was worried aboiut him to start off with, but he was instrumental in the win in the end.
6. Carlos Edwards - not a great game. He did contribute and showed some nice touches, but also easily muscled off the ball at times.
7. Andy Drury - not a good day at the office. He did improve and his short passing did help us up our tempo, but his mistakes in the first half exposed us a lot. Maybe he's shortb of match practice, but doesn't look like a first teamer at present.
8. Guirane N'Daw - dunno what to make of this guy. I'd heard him described as a 'wardrobe' (thank you Naked Footie podcast). He certainly lacked mobility and was really frustrating at times. But he hit a purple patch as we got on top and seemed to collect every ball in midfield in the last 30 mins of the game. Again, contributed to the win in a big way, but unconvincing before that.
9. Lee Martin - didn't create much early on, but I think he did ok. We knocked it long in the first half and it doesn't suit his style of play. When he got it to feet and got some support he was part of some nice play. And he put a shift in.
10. Tyrone Barnett - was the target man for most of his time on the pitch. Won a fair few headers and did what I guess he was asked to do, but the flick-ons went nowhere. Not really a criticism, but we only threatened when he went off.
11. DJ Campbell - our best player. Ran his socks off all game and got back and made a few crucial tackles at the back. It was telling that he was our first player to get booked. Didn't moan either, he just really put the effort in. Thought it wass tough when he was subbed, but that brings me on to....
12. Chops - I've been quite annoyed by him this season, but he did really well. Prepared to go out wide and hold the play up. Passing was neat, as was his movement and deserved his goal. A lot of strikers would have fluffed his chance.
13. Murphy - appears to have got the requisite kick up the jacksy from Mick. He's never really convinced me, but he was this business today. created problems from the moment he came on and his turn for the penno was great. I may be changing my mind!
14. JET - I have to admit I was yelling at him away to Blackpool this season and Burnley last season. But he played well when he came on and caused loads of problems. Bolton were on the back foot and he thrived on it. He did shank one classic into row Z, but the key thing was he had them rattled, which helped us panic them.
Mick & Terry - job well done. Read the game well and got us out of early trouble. Under previous managemengt we would have lost and probably convincingly. My 2/3-0 loss prediction at half-time weas based on the bitter experience of the past few seasons!
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EDMONTON - This thing is on the threshold of becoming epic.
A season for the ages.
The all-time worst year in the history of the Edmonton Oilers.
One year after being in a playoff position at the NHL trade deadline, the progress that Daryl Katz speaks of has his franchise in 29th, sinking fast and an odds-on favourite to make this the most brutal year the people in Edmonton have ever had to endure.
And this is an organization that had Roman Oksiuta in it.
The Oilers have 36 points with 29 games to go.
The all-time low for a full season is either 60 points in 1992-93, that magical winter when Petr Klima, Todd Elik and a young Shjon Podein set the franchise record with 337 goals against, or 62 points (twice) -- the first year under Pat Quinn (2009-10) and the first year under Tom Renney (2010-11).

subset: commoncrawl


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Crop Culture Report: Petunia Littletunia Series
Littletunia, a miniature-flower petunia hybrid from Danziger "Dan" Flower Farm, is sensational for early spring sales and beyond. The series is a great alternative to calibrachoa, which can be sensitive to higher pH. Expect a mounded habit combined with a profusion of continuous color all season long.
Littletunia varieties are known for great garden performance, dependable plant vigor, excellent heat tolerance and improved disease resistance. Plants are covered with lovely miniature blossoms from spring to fall. Flowers are approximately 1_ inches in diameter. Tested in more than 25 private and university trials throughout the United States, Littletunia continues to receive excellent ratings.
The series includes a wide variety of colors: Bicolor Black, Bicolor Illusion, Blue Vein, Breezy Pink, Merlot, Pink, Pink Vein, Purple, Purple Blue, Red Energy, Red Star, Rose, Shiraz, Sweet Dark Pink, Sweet Sherbet, Ultra Purple and White Grace.
Littletunia features a beautiful naturally compact habit — no plant growth regulators are required. Added to that, superior center branching creates endless possibilities in patio combinations, borders, landscapes, hanging baskets, window boxes and pots of all sizes. Additionally, Littletunias excel in any high-profile area where concentrated color is desired, and they are star performers in the garden and landscape as well.
Littletunia is an extremely fast crop. In just four weeks you can finish a 4-inch pot with only one rooted cutting. They are also self-cleaning, self-maintaining, sun-loving and easy to grow, making Littletunia appealing for the commercial grower and the consumer alike.
Root for four weeks at propagation temperatures of 72¡ F. After roots develop, cool to 65 to 68¡ F. Plant one cutting per 4-inch pot for finishing in four to five weeks. Six-inch pots may be planted with one cutting for six to seven weeks finish or three cuttings for five to six weeks finish. Plant three or four cuttings per 8- to 10-inch pot, and expect finishing in seven to nine weeks. For 10 inch hanging baskets, plant three to four cuttings, and plants will be ready for sale in 10 to 12 weeks.
Immediately after transplant, water and fertilize in moderation. Maintain electrical conductivity (EC) at 1.5 to 1.8. Let roots reach the side of the container before increasing fertilizer and water.
Use a well-drained, sterile peat/perlite mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.2. Maintain EC levels of 0.8 to 1.2.
Plants can be sensitive to overwatering. Allow soil to dry between irrigations. Poorly draining soil, lack of oxygen or overwatering can cause foliar chlorosis that can mimic the yellowing caused by iron deficiency. Drip irrigation is recommended. Leach periodically to prevent salt accumulation.
Littletunias thrive on heavy fertilization. Apply a constant, balanced feed of a balanced fertilizer with 250- to 300-ppm nitrogen. Deficiencies of iron, manganese and magnesium can cause chlorotic foliage. To avoid unsightly yellowing, make sure your fertilizer formulation includes these elements.
Producing best in moderate temperatures, Littletunias prefer days of 65 to 70¡ F and nighttime temperatures of 50 to 60¡ F.
Littletunia prefers high light for an optimum finish. Provide a minimum of 6,000 foot-candles. They will benefit from supplemental lighting under low light conditions. Maintain light levels above 4,000 foot-candles during the latter part of winter. This will promote more compact plants as well as better flowering.
Photoperiod Response & Management
Littletunias are day neutral. To promote flowering, provide a four-hour night interruption before week 14, or extend long days to at least 13 hours. Seven to eight weeks from the long days start date, plants typically flower.
Though Littletunias don't need pinching, you could pinch after plants become well established, about two weeks after planting. For baskets, a second pinch is recommended. Instead of pinching, cutting plants is also an option.
Plant Growth Regulators
Petunias grow quickly as time passes. Both low light and warm temperatures can induce stretching. During these times, daminozide (B-Nine), paclobutrazol (Bonzi) and uniconizole (Sumagic) are effective options. To encourage optimum shelf life in finished pots, consider an application for toning as well. Always read and follow label requirements.
Insects & Diseases
Maintain a vigilant scouting and monitoring program to prevent any insect and disease activity. Particularly watch for insects including thrips, aphids and whiteflies. Excessive moisture can cause Botrytis and Pythium. Also, be aware that stressed roots can yellow and resemble nutrient deficiency.
Maintain moderate humidity levels and good air circulation as a preventative. Drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide at liner planting to avoid root rot and other issues.
Crop Culture Report: Petunia Littletunia Series


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My Nonprofit Reviews
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Great organization. Me and my wife recently moved into an appartment and had only our previous bed and kitchen appliances. We contacted Patriots and Paws and informed them that we were in need of a living room sofa . within a days time we received and email and follow up phone call and was given the address were we could pick up the item . Wonderful people and a great cause ! Thank you so much !
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text: Hi, Why pay £45.00 for a carton of 200 cigarettes when we can deliver the same to your door for just £25.00. This is totally legal and complies with EEC regulations. We are in the process of updating our web site with this exciting offer but if you would like further information please send a blank e.mail with the word subscribe in the subject title to firstname.lastname@example.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Kindest Regards Chris Scott IF YOU WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR MAILING LIST PLEASE SEND A BLANK E.MAIL WITH THE WORD "REMOVE" IN THE SUBJECT TITLE TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.


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CHRISTMAS came to Coolum as almost 600 invitees attend a Christmas Day service and charity lunch with billionaire Clive Palmer.
Mr Palmer invited up to 1,000 needy Queensland individuals and families to join him for the non-denomination service and lunch at his Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast.
After the function, they paid a visit to Jeff the dinosaur - the towering life-size creature named after one of Mr Palmer's bitter political rivals, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney.
Mr Palmer was accompanied by his extended family at the function as well as several community volunteers and groups including Mission Australia.
Mr Palmer said he threw the event as a contribution to society, not as a profit-making venture.
"I could have written a cheque for everything, but that would've lost the spirit of Christmas," he told reporters in the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday.
"This is a time we should ponder and think about the community - it's not a money-making event."
He said he wasn't concerned about footing the bill for the function.
"I don't know, I don't worry about those things, I just sign the cheques.
"I haven't run out of money yet."
Mr Palmer said he was joining in the spirit of Christmas by giving back.
"In the final analysis in life, materialism isn't all that's important.
"The only purpose of money is to spend it in the benefit of other people and that's what I want to encourage other people to do.
Asked if he would dress as Santa Claus, Mr Palmer joked: "No, I am the real Santa Claus, I can't be dressing up as Santa Claus today."
Attendees for the lunch came by bus from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast while about 70 volunteers turned up to serve lunch.
Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, presided over the service.
He made a grand entrance when he arrived in a helicopter at 10.45am after finishing a service in Brisbane at 10am.
Father Joe Duffy of Stella Maris Catholic Parish Maroochydore was also presiding.
Originally published as Christmas with Clive: I'm the real Santa


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CONSTRUCTION work on a £250m, 1,000-home housing development on the western edge of Witney is a step closer.
A legal agreement for the estate between Curbridge Road and Downs Road is expected to be signed early next year, West Oxfordshire District Council said yesterday.
Outline planning permission was granted in March for up to 1,000 homes and an employment area, subject to the legal agreement being finalised, securing associated road improvements, sites for schools and other benefits for the town.
At least 30 per cent of the houses will be classified as affordable. There will also be a care home, with half the accommodation classed as affordable.
The council's lowlands area planning sub-committee heard on Monday that in the six months since planning permission was given, a number of the infrastructure conditions have been agreed with the consortium behind the development, Oxfordshire Land Ltd.
One of the outstanding issues is a new primary school, proposed for a site in the centre of the estate, but council officers expect this to be resolved soon.
Land will also be set aside for a secondary school to be built in the future.
The council's cabinet member for strategic planning and housing, Warwick Robinson, who also chairs the sub-committee, said: "This development will meet our housing, recreational, educational, employment and commercial needs for the coming years.
"Through it our officers have also negotiated some significant benefits for the local area.
"I'm pleased that most of the terms have been agreed and there are now only a small number of outstanding issues.
"These relate mainly to the primary school but with further information now available from Oxfordshire County Council, we expect the final agreement to be concluded soon."
Oxfordshire Land is set to contribute £25m to infrastructure under the agreement, including the primary school and a £6.5m roundabout to connect the A40 with Downs Road and ease pressure on the road junctions around the A415/A40 interchange in Ducklington Lane.
Another £100,000 will be put towards the restoration of the Corn Exchange and £250,000 is allocated for improved facilities at West Witney Sports Ground.
A BMX cycle track, allotments, playing fields and a multi-use games area, as well as a neighbourhood centre with shops and a car park, will also be incorporated in the development.
Oxfordshire Land is owned by Persimmon Homes, Bovis Homes and Sovereign Land (Witney) Ltd.


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Download Al-lektz apk 1.0 free for Android smartphone
Posted by AEL Data Services LLP in Education | June 19, 2013 | 1 Comments
Apk file size: 6.2 MB
Al-Lektz is an ebook reader application developed exclusively for the Middle-East and North African ebooks audience. The user interface is designed with complete Arabic support and Right-To-Left orientation by default. Al-Lektz lays importance on the ease of reading both Arabic and Non-Arabic ebooks in the same reader application. The easy on the eyes layout ensures that the users enjoy their ebooks without any distractions. Al-Lektz includes all the major features required to give users the best of their reading experience. The features range from Page orientation, Adding notes, Bookmarking, Text alignments, Font sizes, Day/Night/Sepia backgrounds, Page navigation, Social sharing, TOC, Sort, Shelf/List view, Book sync from Lektz, Lektz DRM support and many more. Al-Lektz supports PDF, ePUB2 and ePUB3 standard ebooks in Android Smartphones and Tablets. Import your ebooks from your SD card into the reader library or sync from the Lektz Publisher Store and start reading in your very own exclusive Arabic Reader, Al-Lektz.
AEL Data Services LLP part of our Education and have average installs from 500 to 1000. Last Update June 19, 2013. Google play rating is 51.4286. Current verison is 1.0. Actual size 6.2 MB.
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1 Comments
Kaviarasan Selvaraj
Good Reader for Arabic speaking users.


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Unless you've got a team stacked with Duncan Keiths and Erik Karlssons, it might be worth looking into Sergei Gonchar. Before you cringe and tell me I'm crazy, consider the circumstances. Gonchar's probably available after his miserable first couple months. I, for one, would've ditched him long ago if I wasn't in a 15-team league with deep rosters. But a four-assist night perked up the ears. That's what Gonchar did Saturday against Winnipeg. He could continue to feed off Tyler Seguin. Gonchar is notorious for coming on after slow starts. I'm not saying dump Kris Letang for Gonchar, but if you have an open roster spot or a Tyler Myers stagnating, take a shot.
What is it with goalie changes this year? Jonathan Quick begets Ben Scrivens who begets Martin Jones. Corey Crawford to Antti Raanta. Jimmy Howard to Jonas Gustavsson. The list goes on and on. Typically, I like to go with two stud starters and forget about the goalie position – of course, who doesn't? But that strategy just won't get it done this year. Even outperforming tenders like Marc-Andre Fleury and Carey Price don't necessarily inspire confidence over the long run. I was counting on Braden Holtby and Corey Schneider this year but have picked up Jonas Hiller, Reto Berra and Raanta. I'd like to move someone to shore up my defense, but deciding who to keep past Holtby and Schneider is a crapshoot. Raanta, in particular, could be huge if Crawford's injury lingers and the European import plays well.
Seasons ago, I secured the services of both Mike Richards and Jeff Carter in their infancy years. Getting good young players from good teams in keeper leagues is a no-brain move. Well, the Flyers aren't so much a good team right now. Times change. Michael Raffl is pretty much an unheard-of forward. Undrafted and 23 years of age, he's currently playing on the Flyers' top line. He's got six points (3G, 3A) in his last six contests and while Philly is struggling, Raffl might just deserve a look.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have won eight of their last nine, with the lone loss coming in the James Neal/Shawn Thornton shenanigans contest in Boston. Saturday, the team won despite missing every one of their top four defensemen: Rob Scuderi, Paul Martin, Kris Letang and Brooks Orpik. A fifth defender, Deryk Engelland, was ejected and will likely be suspended for a hit on Detroit's Justin Albekader. So who's going to man the blue line? Well, Olli Maatta is a 19-year-old surprise that has seen steady time since Day 1. He has more fantasy value in keeper leagues than 2013-14. Simon Despres is a name to consider. Despres has three assists in his last five games but is also probably more of a keeper prospect. Brian Dumoulin made his NHL debut Saturday when Letang bowed out. Dumoulin is more of a two-way player but a little better in his own end. That leaves Robert Bortuzzo – just no, and Matt Niskanen. Niskanen holds a team-best plus-17 rating and 13 points (1G, 12A) in 34 games. The next defenseman who figures to have significant fantasy value currently plays for the WHL Portland Winterhawks, Derrick Pouliot.
Don't forget to activate James Neal in weekly leagues. Two home games of Neal are likely better than three games of somebody else. Evgeni Malkin reportedly has a muscular injury. That's better than a knee injury. Malkin's had trouble with both knees the past few years. The team won't likely have an update on him until after Monday's game-day skate. It would be surprising to see Malkin back Monday, but later in the week seems like a possibility. Even though Kris Letang didn't play against Detroit, he took part in Saturday's pre-game skate. With the team down so many defensemen, look for him to return if he's close.
Finally, I once injured my finger the way Jarome Iginla did Saturday fighting Ryan Kesler. Of course, I nearly went into shock when I looked at my hand while Iginla just skated off into the team tunnel. NHL players are tough.
Jeff Zatkoff - The Pittsburgh backup goalie will likely get one of his team's games in Week 12. Zatkoff has won six straight decisions and has value in daily leagues. The Pens play three of four games at Consol Energy Center and the former Kings property makes for a good play.
Martin Jones - The Los Angeles goalie is 5-0 with a 0.99 goals-against average and .967 save percentage. He's thrown a monkey wrench into fantasy owners plans for Ben Scrivens domination. Scrivens lost Sunday, opening the door for additional starts by Jones. Scrivens needs to do a better job of keeping up with the Joneses.
Alexander Ovechkin - It wasn't that long ago when former Caps coach, Bruce Boudreau, kept Ovechkin off the ice late in tight games. Sunday, Ovie scored with the extra attacker and 48 ticks left. He has 27 goals in 31 games. Current coach, Adam Oates, was one of the greatest assist-men of his generation. Now he's even helping Ovechkin's game in ways Boudreau apparently couldn't.
David Desharnais - The David Desharnais madness looks to be over. Double D has one lone assist in his last six games. His value hasn't totally disappeared, but it's leveled off. Teammate Alexander Galchenyuk has four goals and five points in his last eight.
Brian Campbell - It's not so much that Campbell is pointless in his last six games. We all know he plays for a terrible team. It's that he's averaging more time on the power play (4:17 TOI) than Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau and has only seven PP points. That comes out to one point every 20:50 seconds of PP time. Campbell is averaging under a half-point per game (15 points in 34 games) for just the second time since 2003-04.
Braden Holtby - He gave up three goals on eight shots Tuesday against Tampa Bay and was promptly pulled in favor of Philipp Grubauer. The unknown then started both weekend games. Add in the imminent return of Michael Neuvirth and Holtby's path to starting the majority of contests becomes a little murky. He'll need a strong performance next time out to regain his slotting. I'm not recommending cutting him, just pointing out his short-term playing time may be in question.
Recommended Pickup
Clarke MacArthur - Don't be fooled by a three-game pointless streak. MacArthur loves playing against Pittsburgh and Monday he gets his wish. MacArthur has nine goals and 23 points in 24 career contests versus the Pens. He's owned in 54 percent of Yahoo! leagues.


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Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepares students to become early childhood educators, working with children from the ages of birth through third grade. With multiple program options, exemplary faculty, small class sizes, and extensive field experiences, candidates who complete this program become thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective educators. Course work includes a combination of theory, methods, and field experiences in a variety of early childhood education settings and emphasizes understanding and respect for intercultural/familial diversity. Throughout the program, students attend classes with other Early Childhood Education students as a cohort group.
The program in early childhood education consists of an academic major in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with three additional options for students: a sequence of professional certification courses that lead to teacher licensure Pre-K through third grade, Dual Endorsement (ECE and Elementary Education endorsements) or non-certification.
Early Childhood Education - Non-Certification: This option offers students the preparation for working in home visiting and family support programs, child care settings, head start programs and with school-age children in after-school programs. Students complete a major in early childhood education and complete a preschool internship.
Early Childhood Education - P-3 Endorsement: This option offers students preparation for an Early Childhood Education endorsement to work with young children from birth through third grade. Students complete a major in early childhood education; take a one-term preschool internship and a two-term primary internship.
Dual Endorsement in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education: This option offers students preparation for elementary and P-3 endorsement. Students complete a major in early childhood education, a preschool internship, a year-long internship in a primary grade and take additional coursework in elementary education.
Western's Early Childhood Education program is part of the Woodring College of Education.


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emerson's down dog
Emerson's Down Dog, or Notes toward a Transcendentalist Yoga
By Colin Carman
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson have to do with yoga? What connection, if any, can be forged between Emerson, the high priest of American self-reliance, and an ancient practice used to open the heart and quiet the mind? What does the founder of Transcendentalism and the so-called spokesman for Nature, have to say about the yogic path?
Quite a lot, actually. Not only one of the nineteenth century's greatest poets, Emerson was a master essayist who wrote not in cohesive paragraphs but in sentences. He was a supreme aphorist and phrasemaker. Comprised of little wisps of wisdom, his prose reads almost like Patanjali's sutras. One of his confessions from "Self-Reliance" (1841) celebrates, as does the best-known of Patanjali's musings, stillness. "We must go alone. I like the silent church before the service begins, better than any preaching." Here Emerson humbly prefers the sound of silence over the steam of words and priestly pronouncements. Mindfulness and meditation, he suggests, matter more than any speech or ceremony. It's as if whatever Emerson considered, whether it be Nature or the Poet, he couldn't help but connect these vast abstractions with moral action. That's because Emerson believed in an essential unity and in the Self as a part/icle of God.
But for those of you whose knowledge of American literature is a bit rusty, here's – as he came to be known – the Sage of Concord's life in a nutshell. Emerson was born a minister's son in 1803 and before dying from pneumonia nearly eighty years later, he lived a long, prolific life in letters and antebellum social politics. In his "Concord Hymn," he coined "the shot hear round the world" to commemorate the Revolutionary battles of April 1775, and his lines were subsequently recited by American schoolchildren for decades to come. In addition to his experimental essays, he kept over 182 journals, which he indexed and cross-referenced, and after entering Harvard Divinity School, as nine generations of Emerson had before him, he resigned the ministry, citing dogmatism as the problem with Christianity. He was also an abolitionist, an early supporter of female enfranchisement, and, influentially, a mentor to Henry David Thoreau, whose Walden experiment owed much to Emerson since the property at Walden Pond was on a personal loan to him. Like his acolyte Thoreau, Emerson generally distrusted the pleasures of materialism, the reigning standards of "success," and foreign travel. His opposition to the last of those is particularly interesting. "Travelling is a fool's paradise," he declares in "Self-Reliance," before confessing that though he fled to Naples and Rome to discover beauty, he woke up just as sad and anxious as he was back in New England. The human soul needn't go anywhere; it need only look inward to the Self, which is manifestly divine.
Such externalities like sermons and world travel serve only as distractions from the Self, which, for Emerson, stands in for the good, and, by extension, the godly. As one of his mottoes from Self-Reliance reads, "Let us stun and astonish the intruding rabble of men and books and institutions by a simple declaration of the divine fact […] for God is here within." Yet, as Louis Menand and others scholars have noted, the paradox of Emerson's creed is that he was an authority who told his followers not to listen to authority. Again, the edict was to look and search within, which is an historical hold-over from the Puritans and their faith in rigorous self-examination. His "The American Scholar," delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Harvard in 1837, has been called this country's literary Declaration of Independence since it urges its listeners to cast off the conformist traditions of higher education and strike it into an altogether new intellectual frontier. Yet many of his pronouncements are spiritually charged. Consider his disavowal of all temporal differences, which he exposes as man-made limitations placed on the infinite nature of the One Mind. "There is never a beginning, there is never an end, to the inexplicable continuity of this web of God, but always a circular power returning to itself. Therein it resembles his own spirit, whose beginning, whose ending, he can never find – so entire, so boundless." The spiritual subtext of that speech might read: seek Samadhi by surrendering your attachments and adopting total mindfulness. Emerson's gerund for this is "Man Thinking," which should be an active agent for change and what he called "the right."
But there's more. In his definitional essay titled "The Poet" (1844), he comments, "Words are also actions, and actions are a kind of words." And by the late 1850s, Emerson shows just how far he's willing to travel into the mystic. His Transcendentalism grew to encompass Eastern hermeneutics. After reading such Hindu texts as The Vishnu Purana and The Bhagavad-Gita, he dashed off a poem called "Brahma" (published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1857). "I keep, and pass, and turn again/Far or forgot to me is near;/Shadow and sunlight are the same;/The vanished gods to me appear." The good exists in an eternal sequence, Emerson suggests. Further, the confusion of opposites points toward the yogic hybrid that is hatha ("ha" = sun, "tha" = moon). The circle is a central symbol in Emersonian thought.
Emerson did not, to my knowledge, comment directly on yoga, nor do we know for sure if he ever practiced yoga. Regardless, the image of Emerson and Thoreau in matching tree-poses, standing on the edge of Walden Pond, is a sublime one. What is certain is that the Emersonian tree of knowledge isn't planted that far apart from ashtanga wisdom and the eight-limbed path. In fact, Emerson's works help to shed light on how Eastern philosophies began to take root in the late 1800s in America. It's already well-known that Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" was considered gospel by Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Is Emerson not the real "morning star" who shed early light on certain unshakable commitments to nonviolence and equality? The solar metaphors are apt ones since Guru means "remover of darkness," and in "Brahma," light and dark become as indistinct as the soul, "returning to itself." As a guru, Emerson offers a powerful reminder that a good thinker is a good writer is a good citizen is a good yogi is a good poet is a good person.
Colin Carman, PhD teaches American literature and GLBT studies at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. Like Colin Carman on Facebook and find him at Wanderlust Festival Aspen-Snowmass this summer.


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On Monday, May 7, 2012, the University Club in New York City was once again the venue to honor the 2012 Arthur Ross Award laureates. Established in 1982, the Awards were created by Arthur Ross and Henry Hope Reed to recognize Excellence in the Classical Tradition. In 1982, Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze, whose work is revered as one of the twentieth century's most devoted classicists, was honored posthumously as the first awardee in the category of Architecture. Every year since, individuals, organizations, and firms have been acknowledged for their contributions from across the categories of:
- Architecture
- Artisanship/Craftsmanship
- Community Design/Civic Design/City Planning
- Education
- History/Journalism/Criticism/Writing/Editing/Publishing
- Landscape Design/Gardening
- Patronage (for the support of a new project, collection, or body of work)
- Fine Arts: Painting/Mural Design
- Rendering/Sculpture
- Stewardship: Historic Preservation for the upkeep and maintenance of an existing entity
- Graphics/Photography/Illustration
Every year since 2004, the Arthur Ross Jury selects five recipients for awards from among the categories and since 2007, have recommended to the ICAA Board of Directors to honor someone who has made significant contributions across many of the categories during his or her career. The 2012 winners follow below.
Hammond Beeby Rupert and Ainge Architects (HBRA), Chicago, Illinois
Whose civic and residential commissions demonstrate sensitivity to context, technical expertise, and creative artistry.
Rhett Butler, New York, New York
A meticulous craftsman and exacting scientist who has set an unparalleled standard for hardware excellence in the 21st century at the firm of E. R. Butler & Co.
Francis Morrone, Brooklyn, New York
A historian and raconteur who delights readers and engages audiences with his extraordinary knowledge of New York and beyond through books, essays, tours, and lectures.
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Washington, DC
Guardians of the artistic, architectural, and urban design character evolving in our nation's capital for more than a century.
Edwina von Gal, East Hampton, New York
Whose compelling designs tread lightly and knowingly on the land in unexpected and imaginative ways.
Marc Appleton, Santa Monica, California
Architect, author, teacher, and ICAA trustee emeritus, whose visionary leadership spawned and nurtured the advent of ICAA chapters across the country beginning in Southern California.
The Arthur Ross Awards encompass eleven categories: architecture, artisanship, community design, education, history and publishing, landscape design, painting/mural painting, patronage, rendering, sculpture, and stewardship. There is a limit of five awards selected each year from across this spectrum of vital and mutually-reinforcing roles, along occasionally with special recognition across categories as recommended by the Arthur Ross Awards jury and affirmed by the board of directors as is the case with the multi-disciplinary salute to architect, author, and teacher, Marc Appleton.
The 2012 Arthur Ross Jury Chair, landscape designer, patron of the arts, and ICAA trustee, Kathryn Herman said, "Lively discussion among the jurors coming as they did from far and wide like the Institute itself assured a fine roster of Ross Award recipients in this important anniversary year. Gladly many deserving winners remain in consideration as contemporary classicism sustains its place in the modern world. And more will follow including candidates brought to the table by the future jurors themselves. The board and staff always appreciate word of worthy candidates across categories. I look forward to celebrating in person on May 7."
Joining Ms. Herman on the jury were:
Donald Albrecht, William Bates, Dara Caponigro, Adele Chatfield-Taylor, Robin Karson, Peter Pennoyer, R. Douglass Rice, and Jean Wiart.
ICAA president, Paul Gunther, said, "In the 20 years since its founding in 1992, the Institute has been strengthened especially during the last ten by its alliance with Classical America. The annual Arthur Ross Awards gathering reminds one and all of the unique value of what we do in education for students, practitioners and an appreciative public alike. It's a chance too to connect Mr. Ross's pioneering example of contemporary classicism with those in so many related fields who can stand on his shoulders today."
He continued: "I and gala co-chair and trustee, Suzanne Santry, speak for all in extending congratulations to the 2012 anniversary-year winners, especially Marc Appleton, whose Board of Directors' salute recognizes his work as author, teacher, architect, advocate, and ICAA steward in joyful combination. For starters, he helped lead the way with the creation of chapters, not only by fostering an overall organizational blueprint, but also by making that blueprint a reality in Southern California, where its chapter's educational dividends can be measured daily."
Sponsorship support for the 2012 Arthur Ross Awards for Excellence in Classical Tradition from the Arthur Ross Foundation, Janet C. Ross, President, means that a greater share of sale proceeds will assist directly with ICAA's education program throughout 2012.


text: Instantly recognizable by its all-American red, white and blue logo, Tommy Hilfiger has been modernizing classic casualwear since 1984 — turning prep on its head and giving plaids and stripes a flamboyant edge. The secret to the success of this premium lifestyle brand lies in its versatility: Hilfiger designs sportswear that travels effortlessly from the boardroom to the tennis court to the bar stool, and everywhere in between. From striped crew neck sweaters and polo shirts to super-soft cardigans, breezy shift dresses and leather shoes, Hilfiger brings unparalleled elegance to everyday clothes and accessories. An entrepreneur since his teenage years, Hilfiger has achieved household-name status thanks to his brand's star-studded ad campaigns and accolades from the likes of the CFDA, GQ magazine and countless others. Tommy Hilfiger creates luxe bedding, luggage and perfumes in addition to clothing.


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You are here
Hyundai reveals electric sports hatch
Materialise your innermost thoughts and you're likely to come up with something only your psychiatrist should see. Thankfully, Hyundai's innermost thoughts look like this. Meet the i-oniq concept car.
As it's this time of year, the Hyundai i-oniq is set for a Geneva motor show debut next week, and is a balls-out statement of intent from the company showcasing its future design.
Looks futuristic, right? Hyundai is currently experiencing a minor design renaissance - think new i30 and new i40 - and so this fits in neatly with its sexier outerwear.
Underneath, there's a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine connected, via a generator, to a lithium ion electric motor producing just over 100bhp. Using only the power of the battery, Hyundai reckons the i-oniq will travel around 75 miles, and 435 miles in combination with that humble little three-pot.
It measures 4.4m long - a smidge over a Ford Focus - and offers space for four. We haven't been shown any interior shots, but are promised "future premium consumer electronics technology" and "high-tech equipment". It'll probably offer more tech than say, Short Circuit, but won't be far off Minority Report.
Hyundai senior vice president Allan Rushforth said: "The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand. It provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilites."
Does it?
What do you think?
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Test Drive
About the Show
Test Drive features brand new scripted works never before seen on the Magnet stage, from sketch and one-person shows to stand-up and more. These shows are so new they still have that new comedy smell.
(click here for submission information)
MTV's [potential] Fall LineUp
MTV?s Fall Line Up (Potentially): Do you want to help choose a new show for MTV?s fall line up? Come to the Magnet Theater on June 9th at 6 p.m. to see sketches based on show ideas from viewers like you. At the end, you will be asked to vote for the sketch that MTV should develop into a show for the fall schedule (potentially). Hosted by MTV?s Director of Marketing Darren Ross and VP, Associate Creative Director of Programming Cameron Gillian.


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2012 celebrity baby boom trend
1. The first couple who opened the baby-trend was R&B royalty Jay-Z and Beyoncé. They welcomed one of the most highly-anticipated babies in Hollywood, daughter Blue Ivy, on January 7, 2012.
2. High-profile couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner welcomed their third child. Their son, Samuel Garner, was born on February 27, 2012. "We are happy to announce on February 27, Jennifer gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Samuel Garner Affleck," Ben wrote on his Facebook page. The couple have two daughters – Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3.
3. American actress, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian, Hilary Duff, and NHL player, Mike Comrie, welcomed baby-girl Luca Cruz on 20 March, 2012. Little Luca weighed 7lbs 6oz and his parents wrote: "He is surrounded by so much love!! Mom and baby are both doing extremely well."
4. Die Hard star Bruce Willis, 57, and his second wife Emma Heming, 35, welcomed Mabel Ray Willis, their first child together on 1 April 2012. Bruce has three daughters - Rumer, 23; Scout, 20; and Tallulah, 18 - with ex-wife Demi Moore.
5. The Osbourne clan got a new addition as Jack welcomed a daughter, weighing 8lbs 6oz, with his actress girlfriend, Lisa Stelly. The girls weighted 8 lbs., 6 oz. Newly grandma Sharon Osbourne couldn't keep back her happiness, saying "I'm going to be the grandmother from hell because I am going to spoil this baby so bad".
6. After what seemed like an eternity, Jessica Simpson gave birth to her first child - a daughter - with fiancé Eric Johnson. Maxwell Drew Johnson's first smiled to the newly parents on 1 May 2012. During the pregnancy Jess gained almost 170 pounds, it took her about six months to lose over 50 pounds on Weight Watchers. And recently she announced that she is pregnant, again!
7. The Kill Bill star Uma Thurman gave birth to a girl, first child with financier Arpad Busson, on 15 July 2012. And only three month later the couple revealed the girl's name - Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson. But her parents call her Luna. Thurman, 42, is also mom to daughter Maya, 14, and son Levon, 10, from her marriage to actor Ethan Hawke. Busson is also a father to sons Flynn, 14, and Cy, 9 1/2, with his former fiancee Elle Macherson.
8. Robbie Williams announced the new addition to his family on his official website, writing: "Praise be, it's Theodora Rose Williams, affectionately known as Teddy...born 3.33pm on 18.9.12, 7lbs 4oz... Baby, Mummy and Daddy are all rockin...Thank you for your best wishes...xxxx." This is the first child for Robbie and his wife Ayda Field, American television actress.
9. Reese Witherspoon gave birth to a baby-boy Tennessee James Toth. She became a mom for the third time on 27 September 2012. This is the first child for Witherspoon and Toth, who married in March 2011. Witherspoon has two children from her first marriage to Ryan Phillippe, daughter Ava, 13, and son Deacon, 8.
10. Gisele Bündchen, Brazilian fashion model, and Tom Brady, American football quarterback welcomed a baby-girl Vivian Lake Brady on 5 December, 2012. This is the second child, the couple have three-year-old son Benjamin Rein Brady.
Voice of Russia, the Daily Mail, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post


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Hospital redevelopment underway
Kerang's single biggest capital works project is due to start today, as construction begins on the first stage of the $34 million hospital redevelopment.
The first stage is due to be finished by March 2013 and will bring a new allied and community health building, as well as a services centre for catering, laundry and supplies.
Chief executive Rob Jarman says the main disruption to the public will be gaining access to the main entrance of the hospital.
"The general community are going to have to come into the main hospital building at a completely separate entrance," he said.
"Look, I'm sure that will cause some confusion for people, because they are used to coming in the front door but we'll have it as well signposted as we can, so that that disruption is minimal."
Mr Jarman says the staff and the hospital board are relieved that the works are finally starting.
"I suppose there's been a lot of years of hoping and then the last year or two of planning and we're certainly excited," he said.
"We know that it'll be a challenge for us to continue to operate for the next three years with major work happening but we're confident that we can work through that on a day-to-day basis."
Topics: healthcare-facilities, urban-development-and-planning, kerang-3579, mildura-3500


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Foursquare Grants Hershey Harrisburg Tourism Region Exclusive Branded Page
Jan 11, 2011, 01:11 ET from Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB) kicked off 2011 by officially launching their Foursquare Branded Page, Foursquare.com/HHRVB. Being one of four destination-marketing organizations in the nation to receive an exclusive branded page gave tourism officials reason to celebrate.
"This was an investment in our social media and destination marketing strategy," said Mary Smith, president of HHRVB. "In 2011 the boom in cell phone users with GPS-enabled smartphones will change the way we market our destination to business and leisure visitors. Foursquare encourages location-based interaction, giving local businesses an easy and cost-effective way to attract customers and generate new business."
HHRVB partners can now interact in real-time through Foursquare.com/HHRVB with visitors and generate traffic with exclusive discounts and rewards for customers who 'check-in' at their location. The new branded page also features 'Tips' of selected attractions, restaurants, and service providers with links for more information.
According to Smith, the bureau was awarded this highly coveted Foursquare Branded Page after demonstrating the large and diverse inventory of partners from hotels and attractions to restaurants and event facilities – all contributing to what Foursquare wanted in a branded destination. The HHRVB also provided training to participating businesses on how to use the site and will continue to offer technical support and marketing suggestions as part of its partnership services program.
Select HHRVB partners are also featured on the Pennsylvania State Tourism Office's Foursquare Branded Page, Foursquare.com/visitPA, where travelers can 'check-in' to earn three custom visitPA badges: "PA Shooflyer" (Food), "PA Retail Polka" (Shopping), and "PA 4 Score & 7" (History). Pennsylvania was the first state to join the new mobile social networking community in May 2010.
The site will allow travelers to meet friends, find great deals, and discover the world-class amenities and hidden gems of the region best-known for Pennsylvania's capital city of Harrisburg and the resort town of Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth®.
The site will become a major asset during major regional and national events being hosted in the region. Beginning in 2011, the Hershey Harrisburg region will host the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, 2011-2013 Keystone State Summer Games, the US Junior National Basketball Tournament, Youth Step USA National High School Stepping Competition, and the 2013 State Games of America.
Connect with the Hershey Harrisburg Visitors Bureau at VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org; email@example.com; 877-727-8573; Facebook.com/HersheyHarrisburg; Twitter.com/HHRVB; YouTube.com/HersheyHarrisburg; and Flickr.com/photos/HersheyHarrisburg.
SOURCE Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau


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Meet Margie and Amy: two school girls, both 14 years of age. Amy was just a few months younger than Margie. She had a way about her that seemed to always manage to get caught up in some mess of trouble. Margie, however, was a bit more discerning, though Amy still managed to have her participate in a mischievous scheme that would eventually lead into the Twilight Zone.
It was 3:30. The school bell was ringing for the last time until the autumn of that year.
It was an unusually hot day in rural Oklahoma, especially for May. Kids all around screamed and chattered amongst one another in excitement.
Margie and Amy were best friends, both 14 years of age. Amy was just a few months younger than Margie. She had a way about her that seemed to always manage to get caught up in some mess of trouble.
Margie, however, was a bit more discerning, though she still let Amy lead her into mischief at times.
"Hey, Margie, hey, wait for me!" Amy begged as she tried to catch up with her friend.
"Yeah? What's up?" asked Margie. "What's the hurry?" Amy asked.
"I have to get home and help my mom cook. We're having dinner tonight with one of my dad's friends or something. I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but I can't really get out of it," she answered.
"Well, maybe you can," Amy said mischievously. "Yeah? How?" She laughed with a devilish grin.
"Just tell her you have… something to do with a friend tonight," she said. "Well, I'd love to try and get out of it, but really, what else would I do tonight?" she asked.
"Just meet me at that old abandoned house on Reno tonight, and bring a flashlight," said Amy.
"Well, what are we going to do there? I don't want to get into any trouble," said Margie.
"Come on, Margie, just say you'll be there tonight," begged Amy.
"Oh, ok. 9:30?" "Yes! 9:30 is good, it'll be getting dark at about that time."
"I'll leave at 9:00, just to make sure I get there on time."
So they departed from each other and started towards their homes.
"Mom, I'm home, where are you?" asked Margie. "Oh, hi honey. How was your last day at school today?" said her mother as she stepped in from the other room.
"Good, I guess. Hey, mom, would it be ok if I went… over to Amy's house tonight?"
"Margie, every time you hang out with that girl you get into trouble, she's a bad influence on you. I don't want you hanging out with her," said her mother.
"But, mom, it's the first day of summer, we want to do something fun together," Margie begged her mother.
"Which means you have the rest of the summer to do something 'fun'. And tonight, I need your help in the kitchen," said her mother, who seemed to not be giving in. "And I will help you with that, but can I leave right after dinner? We aren't going to get into any trouble, I promise. Can I go tonight? Please?"
"Oh, ok. You can go," her mother said as she sighed.
"Thanks, mom!" she shouted as she hugged her mom. "I'll be leaving around nine."
"But, you'll have to sleep at her house tonight, I don't want you walking home in the dark that late."
"Ok, mom," said Margie, feeling a little guilty; for she would not be going over to her friend's house, she would be sneaking around an abandoned house late at night.
The hours ticked by slowly, causing Margie to lose her patience. She was still wondering what Amy's mischievous plans were for the night. She even considered backing out of it at a certain point, but then decided she really did want to go. Maybe Amy did get into trouble sometimes, but she did know how to have fun.
Nine o'clock came, still and eerie. The air was thick, seeming as though the light of the flashlight was shining right onto it. It was a ways down the road to the abandoned house she was to meet Amy at. She got on her bike and placed the flashlight in the basket attached to the front, leaving it turned on to guide her way through the darkness. She slowly peddled through the yard and onto the road. The gravel crunched beneath her tires as the steady light from her flashlight shone eerily on the road ahead of her. An owl in the distance made a sorrowful hoot that seemed to cut like a knife through the still night.
Finally, Margie came upon the abandoned house. It was larger than she had remembered, and creepier, too, especially in the twilight setting. Where is Amy? She thought to herself. She looked down at her watch, but she could not see it in the darkness. She was getting spooked more and more as the minutes ticked by.
She was walking around trying to find Amy, quietly calling her name when suddenly someone placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey! Who are you? Are you a ghost? Get away from me!" she screamed.
"Margie, calm down. It's just me, Amy!"
"Oh, Amy. You nearly scared the life out of me," said Margie, gasping for breath.
"You thought I was a ghost!" said Amy, who was laughing hysterically.
"Ok, ha ha, very funny. So what are we waiting for? Can we just get it over with, whatever it is that you want to do?" asked Margie.
"Don't be such a stick in the mud! You're just mad because I scared you!" Amy said as she started to laugh again. "Ok, if you're really in such a hurry, let's just go into the house real quick and take a look around, it'll be fun. Do you have your flashlight?"
"Yeah, right here," she said as she switched it on, "let's go."
They headed towards the old house and walked up the creaky, wooden stairs and onto the porch.
The windows were broken and the door was barely hanging on the hinge.
The two girls walked slowly and silently into the house. The smell of dust lingered heavily in the air.
Margie shined the flashlight before them, revealing a metal chest.
"Let's open it," said Amy, always quick to land head first in anything that seemed exciting to her.
"Well, ok," Margie said hesitantly, "but after this, we have to go."
"Alright, let's go open it!" she said excitedly as she walked towards the chest.
Amy held the flashlight as Margie attempted to open the chest. She pulled hard until she finally managed to pry the chest open.
The chest was filled with very odd pictures; odd, yet somehow intriguing. They were pictures of a circus, sometime in the 1920's. There were jugglers, tight rope walkers and clowns.
"I guess who ever lived here before was in the circus or something," said Amy jokingly.
"Amy, do you hear something?" asked Margie. "Yeah, I do. It sounds sort of like… oh, never mind, it couldn't be… could it?" said Amy
"It isn't real; it's just our imagination, or our minds our playing tricks on us or something. I've read about this you know," said Margie.
"Margie, I don't think it's our imagination…" said Amy.
After a few moments had passed, there was no denying what they were hearing. I t was some kind of circus music. "Amy, I don't like this," said Margie. "Yeah, I know what you mean," said Amy.
"Don't look at the pictures, Amy," said Margie, "something is weird about them. I can't really put my finger on it, though."
But Amy could not take her eyes off of the pictures. It seemed to her as though the pictures were moving almost, or coming to life, you might say. Margie could not get her to stop looking at them. She was becoming hypnotized. Suddenly, the flashlight fell out of Amy's hand with a loud thud. She was slowly slipping into another world.
"Amy, Amy! Hold onto my hand!" Margie screamed. But it was too late. Amy had vanished. Just like that. Margie cried in bewilderment. She could not fathom what had just happened before her eyes, but she knew she needed to go home. She needed to explain everything to her mom. It wouldn't be easy. In fact, she didn't exactly know how she would even start to explain such a thing that she herself couldn't even begin to understand. But she had to try.
She got on her bike once again, traveling much faster than she had on the way. Gravel was flinging every which way as she was tried to avoid the thicker spots of the road in order to peddle at a faster speed.
When she got home, she was shocked to see her mother sitting on the front porch, who looked just as surprised as Margie.
"Margie, where have you been? Your dad's out looking for you and Amy this very moment. Are you okay? Where is Amy?" said her mother as she ran to embrace her daughter.
"Mom, she's gone. Amy's gone," said Margie, with tears in her eyes.
"What… what do you mean, Margie? What happened?"
Margie hesitated. She wasn't so sure anymore if she should tell her. What could she say?
"We went down to the river to go swimming. It was dark, and I couldn't see her, and before I knew what had happened, she was gone. She… she drowned… I tried to find her, but, the river carried her away. " said Margie. She couldn't believe herself. How did I just say that? She thought to herself, she'll never believe it. But she did.
No one talked about it that much, but everyone believed it. And almost everyone blamed Margie for Amy's death. No one ever actually said it but still, Margie felt it. When she went back to school that fall, she felt alone. No one wanted to be her friend. They acted as though she was a murderer. She wanted them to know the truth. But to this day, she has never told a soul.
The days, months and years following passed by slowly. Margie never really forgave herself for that night. No, it wasn't her fault for what had happened, but she couldn't help but think, what if? What if I had pulled her away? Would she still be here? What if I had stayed? Somehow, I feel like I could have helped. But I ran. I never even had the chance to say goodbye. She was just there one second, and gone the next. Why her?
It had been twenty years since the incident. She had never been able to step out from under the ever present cloud that lingered over her. She was harboring the deep, painful truth inside of her. She didn't even feeling like she was living. She finally decided to venture back to the old, abandoned house. At that point, she didn't care what fate awaited her there.
She walked up to the doorway of the house. She stood there for a few moments while memories of the dreadful night came flooding back to her. She hesitantly entered the house. It really hadn't changed much at all. The metal chest was still there, beckoning her to open it. She couldn't resist. She knelt down and pried it open. The pictures were there as she and Amy had left them. "Oh Amy," she said quietly," could you ever forgive me? I never even got to tell you goodbye. The guilt that I feel is overbearing. I should have talked you out of it that night, but instead, I went along with your senseless plan." Suddenly, she heard a faint sound of music. She recognized it as the same circus music she had heard right before Amy had suddenly disappeared twenty years before. She looked down at a picture that was sitting right on top. It was a sorrowful looking girl of about 14 years of age dressed as a clown. She looked so familiar to Margie. The clown in the picture looked right at her and waved as if saying to her, "Goodbye, friend."
Margie and Amy had been torn apart in a worse way than they could ever have imagined. How could they have known what would happen that night? The guilt she felt would never completely escape her. Amy could never come back. She was in a certain point in time that she could never escape from and would forever be in one of the most sorrowful places… located in the Twilight Zone.