text:
So much of what is going on in the world is just beyond our control. As an industry, we have an opportunity to help people transform their homes and yards into sanctuaries for calm, beauty, enjoyment and resilience during these trying times. While our national and local economic recoveries will take many years, a home can be transformed, brightened and productive in a single season.
The first Saturday in February, I attended Cleveland Botanical Garden's fourth annual Sustainability Symposium to learn more about our region's most passionate gardeners. I had attended two years ago and was wondering if the interest would be as strong and what the audience would be most interested in. In the trade, the consensus seems to be sustainability is not as important when people are pinching their pennies, that saving money trumps all other interests.
But this was a more affluent group of gardeners and community activists. The event was completely sold out with more than 300 attendees, standing room only. Registration for this day of education was just under $100. Many were Master Gardeners seeking continuing education credits. Others were members of the botanical garden and of partner hosting organizations–Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Green City Blue Lake Institute. At least half of the attendees were older than 60 and only 10 percent of the attendees were male. I'd guess no more than 10 percent were under 40 (younger than me).
While the past three symposiums focused on broader trends and concerns, event planners brought sustainability to our immediate backyards this time. "This year is all about you," said Victoria Mills of Doan Brook Watershed Partnership. "In our individual homes and neighborhoods, we have untapped potential to make a difference in our environment. We get to choose the vegetables we grow, plants that attract bees, alternative groundcovers to turf and we can plant rain gardens and green roofs. Our goal is to blend age-old wisdom with cutting edge information to produce stronger household economies, improve our mental and physical health, have fun and learn from passionate professionals."
One passionate professional was keynote speaker Tracy DiSabato-Aust, a landscape designer, popular garden writer and speaker based near Columbus, Ohio. She promoted her new book, "50 High-Impact, Low-Care Garden Plants." Her mission is to give people stunning, lasting results with less time and effort. "Gardening has gotten a bad rap for being a lot of work," she said. "These plants will give you all the bling without the sting."
She proclaimed plants to be a better investment than gold. "People are laid off and there's so much stress and turmoil. If we can slow down and just enjoy our surroundings, it would be the best investment," she said. "Gardens connect us and give us a sense of time and place. They put us in touch with a natural cycle instead of computer screens and iPods. Do they tell you spring has sprung? Go outside for God's sake!"
What can we do to maximize returns on investments in plants? The most important part is supplying the best plants to begin with, the best performers for the region you serve. Once we have the plants, the next step is to match form and function, connect plants with a purpose. This is where independent retailers really have an opportunity to demonstrate results and host seminars on planting concepts and projects. Plant these, get this. We have a tremendous opportunity to deliver the best value and spring's true promise: renewal.


text:
Tutorial DVD Level 3
Product Code 64338
Retail Price
Sale Price!
Buy Today and Save $9.96 (20% from Retail)
Ships free on most orders over 99.95
Click for Details
Click Here For Shipping Options
Logic Pro is back with a vengeance, with all new instruments and effects and the incredibly impressive Flex tool. If you're feeling overwhelmed by Logic, this tutorial series is perfect for you!
In Level 3 of this 3 part series we're going to finish our look at Logic by making sure you've seen all it has to offer. We're even going to take a look at something Apple doesn't want you to know about... the Environment! We're going to be jumping through advanced topics so make sure you've seen Levels 1 and 2 if you're not already up to speed on the basics. We're going to cover items like the Transform Window, External MIDI Instruments, Surround, and even working with video. Plus, we'll talk a look at some of Logic's best plug-ins.
Apple Logic Pro makes it easier than ever to translate your ideas into music. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of using this powerful software.
2 2
- 44 Videos
- Over 3.5 hours of instructional video
- Extremely high quality tutorial videos
- Easy to use interface
- Great for users of Logic Pro or Logic Express.
- Mac OSX
Logic Pro 9 Tutorial Level 3 Content:
- Transform Window 1
- Transform Window 2
- Multi-out Instruments
- External MIDI Instruments 1
- External MIDI Instruments 2
- Track Automation 1
- Track Automation 2
- Bouncing 1
- Bouncing 2
- Monitor Mixes
- ReWire
- Advanced Editing
- Time Stretching - example video
- Beat Slicing
- Creating Apple Loops
- Split Stereo Files
- Recycle Files
- Binaural Panner
- Surround Audio 1
- Surround Audio 2
- Surround Bounce
- Using External Effects - example video
- Audio Units Plug-ins
- Tempo Operations
- Tempo Interpreter
- Tempo List
- Global Tuning
- Score Editor 1
- Score Editor 2
- Score Editor 3
- Environment: Intro
- Environment: Faders
- Environment: Transformers - example video
- Environment: Integration
- Project Export
- Video Track
- Synchronization
- Control Surfaces
- Sharing Settings - example video
- TDM/HD Support
- Sculpture
- Ultrabeat
- Delay Designer
- Space Designer
System Compatibility:
- This product requires QuickTime for video playback. DVD-Rom drive required for Mac/PC DVD-ROM. Internet product registration required. Minimum screen resolution for DVD-ROM 1024 x 768. Internet connection for Downloadable tutorial and internet product authorization required - up to 3 computers. Authorization and De-Authorization permitted to allow moving tutorial to different computers.
- PC: Windows XP Home or Professional, Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 800 MHz or faster, 256 MB RAM. Windows MME or DirectSound Sound Card.
- MAC: Requires Mac OS X v10.2 or higher, Power Mac G4 867 MHz, 256 MB RAM, Sound Card.
Related Products
Audio Technica AT2050
Product Code
Description$229.00 Add to cart
Multi Pattern Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Audio Technica ATH-M50x Black
Product Code
Description$149.00 Add to cart
Professional Monitor Headphones
8th Street Music $25 Gift Certificate
Product Code
Description$25.00 Add to cart
Gift Certificate (may be purchased in multiple amounts)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Getting freaky with the up-and-coming rap trio.
Hand Job Academy is a filthy and funny rap group from Brooklyn who made an internet splash last year with their song "Shark Week," which is probably the frankest hip-hop song ever written about menstruation. Clara Bizna$$ (Claire), Ash Wednesday (Ashley), and Lil' T (Meg) (clockwise from top) talked with Nerve from the road, and they gave us some sex tips for all you squares.
Where are you right now?
Ash Wednesday: We're driving on our way to Washington D.C. right now. We're on our first tour.
How's it going?
Ash: It's going really well so far. We've met a lot of really attractive, freaky, awesome people. I feel blessed to be traveling the East Coast with my two favorite people.
I'm just going to come right out and ask it: what is "Pussy Chicken?"
Lil' T: Ashley was dating this guy, and he left her several voicemails of just ridiculous, ignorant things, and in one of them he said, "if you don't call me back in the next 15 minutes, I'm going to call AT&T and block your number," which made absolutely no sense. So we put it in the song and we wrote a hook like, poking fun at [whiny voice] "Oh my God, I can't believe I called you again," like making fun of that kind of stuff.
But what specifically is "Pussy Chicken?" Like, those two words have maybe never been put together before.
Lil' T: It just came out of Ashley's mouth when she was writing her lyrics, and then our producer named the song "Pussy Chicken."
Clara Bizna$$ (to Ashley): I guess it refers to fear, like being the pussy and being the chicken at the same time? She has a line, "Pussy chicken, buck-buck-buck, in a row all of my ducks?" Sometimes, when you're writing a rap song, words just come out that sound cool. And this guy was fucking a friend of ours who was really vulnerable at the time, which is kind of a bitch move, you know what I mean? So he was being a pussy chicken. And, you know, this has been mentioned time and time again, with the concept of "pussies are strong, because they can take a beating," so using pussy to imply weakness is kind of twisted. But we made an artistic choice, because the word "pussy" is just awesome. It rolls off the tongue, so to speak.
Your song "Shark Week" is about periods. What advice would you have for women who still want to have sex and get eaten out while they're menstruating?
Clara: Get freaky.
Ash: I think sex is awesome, and I think if you're gonna get with somebody, both of you should get tested, and be on the pill, and then just get completely freaky and go hard. Not have any fear around it, just get tested and get the results, and then go crazy. To me, that's the sexiest thing you can do, regardless of period or not.
In my experience, women have been hesitant to let me go down on them, or even to have sex, while they're menstruating. But it's not really something to be uncomfortable with, is it?
Lil' T: Well, you have to be comfortable with yourself and comfortable with your partner.
Clara: I think if you want actual advice for a square, like someone who's not naturally freaky, this was some education somebody gave me in high school: if you're on your period, have sex in the shower. Meg references that in her verse. What's your line, Meg? "If you got heavy flow I'll do you in the shower." I think that's a good beginner's way to get into sex on-the-rag. And if it's at the beginning or the end, when it'll be light, just throw down a towel and go hard, like Ash Wednesday said.
You have song about Twin Peaks. Fuck, Marry, Kill: Audrey, Shelley, and Donna (the Twin Peaks girls).
Lil' T: Definitely I would fuck Shelley. I would rescue her from her abusive boyfriend and then I would kill him and then I would have sex with her.
Clara: See, I would fuck Audrey, because you know she a bad bitch. I think she's completely beautiful. I'd marry Shelley and kill Donna because she's annoying. Plus have you seen Lara Flynn Boyle lately? Over and out.
Ash: They're all hot, but I am Laura Palmer, no necro. I would kill Donna because she's a bitch for dating my boyfriend after I died, and I would marry Shelley and fuck Audrey, because she's hot.
Lil' T: I have another. I would definitely do Audrey. I would take her away from her daddy, and I would pay for all of her necessities, and she'd be my second wifey after Shelley.
Clara: And we'd tag-team the shit out of Agent Dale Cooper! In the suit, he's nasty, you know he's a freak, he's on some other shit. He's hallucinating, he's a crazy dude, and that is attractive, I gotta say. And he has that scene, where his hair is hanging in his face.
He has a great butt, too. Remember that scene in Blue Velvet?
Clara: Yeah, baby wanna fuck!
Who's the dirtiest of you three?
Ash: Not me.
Lil' T: Not Ash Wednesday. I would say Claire.
Ash: Claire, dude!
Clara: Alright, y'all. Listen. I gotta say, I am guilty of participating in a Sex Advice From column back in 2007, you can find it if you look it up.
Lil' T: She's had every possible combination.
Clara: Alright, alright, y'all. I don't know if my mother's gonna read this.
Lil' T: Claire, have you ever fucked a clown?
Clara: Not in clown uniform, but I've definitely fucked some fools who were clowns, for sure. No, but listen: I'm in a committed relationship, and it's beautiful, and we live together and we have a dog. I'd like to be with this person for a long time, so I think we can stretch out the freakiness over many years, but I definitely had like a ten-year period where I was fa-reaky. Like if this was Sex and the City, I would be the Samantha.
But Meg raps about sex all the time, and getting bitches, and Ash has an excellent Madonna… not even whore complex, she has like a Madonna/flirt complex. Ash is a kindergarten teacher, so she's on her Princess Diana shit, but she flirt like crazy.
That's what she has in common with R. Kelly.
Ash: That's right! I've got a lot in common with R. Kelly. On this tour, I've peed in some weird places.
You've rapped a lot about stuff that doesn't usually get rapped about. What's next?
Ash: I think the heartbreak songs are next.
Clara: I think that's an excellent point. That's definitely been rapped about, but not by us. I think a lot of people expect us to be kinda comedy and lighthearted and shit, and so it might flip it a little bit us to go somewhere deeper, to talk about fear, and emotional shit. I think we had such an outpouring of support after "Shark Week," which seemed to strike a chord with feminists, so I think there's, like, this fourth-wave feminist shit that's different, like a nouveau riot-grrl vibe. We didn't set out intending to have that message, but now, speaking for myself, I think I owe it to the people who are fucking with us to continue on that path, because it's important.
Lil' T: But put this on the record: at the end of the day, it's about generating content.
Image via Laura Jane Kirsch..


text:
How to: Run a Report (Report Builder 1.0)
By default, Report Builder opens a report in design mode. To view your report with the actual data from the data source displayed, follow this procedure.
To run a report
In Report Builder design mode, click Run Report on the View menu.
Report Builder switches to run mode and the report is displayed. The length of time it takes to run the report depends on the complexity of the report and how busy the report server is.
Alternatively, you can simply click the Run Report button on the Report toolbar to display the report with data.


text:
On Monday, news broke that "The Voice's" Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green will go on hiatus in Season 4 to focus on, you know, their actual non-"Voice" careers. But we're still only a few episodes into Season 3, of course--so that same day, Xtina, Cee Lo, and their cohorts Adam Levine and Blake Shelton were all back on NBC, scouting and spinning for some new talent. How invested Xtina and Cee Lo actually were on the show was up for debate. Christina already seemed in full promotion mode for her November comeback album, Lotus (a snippet for her new video "Your Body" aired during Monday's episode), and she barely turned her chair around at all. Meanwhile, Cee Lo had his usual difficulty convincing anyone to join his team--at least until the very end of the episode, when he finally scored a major frontrunner for Team Cee Lo.
That all being said, I was more invested in "The Voice" than ever before, thanks to one contestant who was THE first blind-auditioner this season to truly excite me. If "The Voice" can still keep giving exposure to amazing young talents like Melanie Martinez, then I won't really care who is judging this show.
Here's how Melanie, and Monday's other hopefuls, did:
Melanie Martinez - I instantly fell in lurve with this arty 17-year-old photographer with the supercool Cruella DeVille hair and Hello Kitty hair-bow, who kind of reminded of quirky teen fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson. I wish I had been as cool as Melanie in high school. Heck, I wish I was this cool now. Melanie's cover of Britney Spears's "Toxic"--a risky choice, considering how negatively Christina reacted to contestant Tony Lucca's Britney cover last season--was positively revelatory, sort of Joanna Newsom-esque in feel, and she certainly earned extra cool points by playing a tambourine with her feet while she simultaneously strummed guitar. Basically, what Lindsay Pavao did for Season 2, Melanie Martinez is about to do for Season 3. All of the judges except Christina spun around (maybe the Britney cover did turn Xtina off), and I actually thought Melanie would end up with resident weirdo Cee Lo, or with Blake, a man who's exhibited a fondness for songstresses like Dia Frampton and Xenia. But Melanie went for Adam, a decision that hit Blake like a cowboy-boot kick in the gut. "That hurts...and it pisses me off," Blake grumbled. Gee, maybe Blake will be the next coach to quit this show.
MEMBER OF: Team Adam
Cupid - Cupid became a one-hit wonder in 2006 with the linedance favorite "Cupid Shuffle," which ended up selling two million copies. However, his career went nowhere after that--supposedly, according to his claims, because the novelty hit didn't show off his true singing ability. So he came on "The Voice" to try to change that perception...um, by auditioning with "Cupid Shuffle." WHY DID HE DO THAT? That would be like Vanilla Ice trying to prove there's more to him than "Ice Ice Baby" by rapping, you know, "Ice Ice Baby." This song choice made no sense. And it certainly did nothing to change his image or prove his singing skills, since no one turned around for him. Once this performance was over, Cee Lo recognized Cupid and exclaimed, "What are you doing on this show?" Good question. The judges let him do another song a cappella, Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," to which Blake said, "You can really sing." But it was too late, and Cupid shuffled offstage, tail between his legs. On the plus side, maybe this performance will spark a second wave of popularity for "Cupid Shuffle." That's all he can really hope for, at this point.
MEMBER Of: Team No One
Brian Scartocci - This single dad, who works multiple jobs to support his daughters, performed a sentimental favorite for any father, Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely." I didn't think it was so lovely, however. I mean, there was nothing wrong with Brian's performance, but I wasn't wowed by it, and he certainly didn't improve upon the original. (Stevie Wonder is not easy to cover; most singers should not even go there.) I just thought Brian sucked a bit of the joy out of the song. But apparently Blake, Cee Lo, and Adam didn't agree with me, since they all hit their buttons. Brian eventually went with Adam, but Adam has been building such a strong team so far, I find it hard to imagine that this guy will make it past the Battle Rounds. It's a good thing he has those other jobs to fall back on.
MEMBER OF: Team Adam
Beat Frequency - I had high hopes for this married Christian-rocker duo, who met in church but looked like they met in a goth nightclub. I was intrigued by this dichotomy. But then they started singing Katy Perry's "E.T.," and the only dichotomy about their voices was that one was bad and the other was worse. I Did. Not. Get. This. Performance. At All. The wife, Natasha, was way off-key, and the husband, Shawn, kind of reminded me, vocally, of the guy in Aqua who sings the "come on Barbie let's go party" line in "Barbie Girl." Why Christina turned around for Beat Frequency I do not know, but at least the other three judges had some sense to pass. "Christina may be the only one who knows how to handle us!" reasoned Natasha. Yeah, good luck with that, Xtina.
MEMBER OF: Team Xtina
Tyler Lillestol - This baseball-playing all-American boy seemed poised to be the West Coast version of James Massone...but maybe he auditioned for the wrong season, since he admitted that he modeled much of his vocal stylings on his idol, Usher, who'll be replacing Cee Lo during "The Voice" Season 4. If only Tyler had waited until next year! Then again, I don't know if that really would've made much difference, since Tyler wasn't really all that great. None of the judges had it bad for his cover of "U Got It Bad," so Tyler the baseball boy ended up striking out.
MEMBER Of: Team No One
Liz Davis - This Nashville girl went on and on and on about how "this is definitely the moment I've been working for my whole life" and "it would be hard to be given this opportunity and it not work out." But I don't know why she was acting like some reality talent show was the end-all and be-all for her career, since a couple years ago she WON "P. Diddy's Starmaker" and that led to nothing. (Her contract with Bad Boy Records never yielded an actual album.) Liz of course never mentioned her "Starmaker" past, and neither did anyone else on "The Voice," possibly because "The Voice's" track record of spawning successful recording stars has been no better than Diddy's old MTV show. Or maybe Liz didn't want to draw attention to the fact that the song she auditioned with this week, "Here For The Party," is a song she actually also performed on "Starmaker." Liz was decent, not really any sort of star in the making, but Christina, Adam, and Blake all wanted her. Liz naturally went with Blake. Maybe Blake, with his much-bragged-about country connections, can help Liz in ways that Diddy never could, but I have my doubts.
MEMBER Of: Team Blake
J.R. Aquino - This Alaskan viral video sensation, who broke out to become one of YouTube's top 100 subscribed musicians with more than 45 million views, delivered a nice cover of Bruno Mars's "Just The Way You Are," but I didn't really think he made the smoothest transition from the computer screen to the TV screen. His audition had some pleasant moments, but he struggled with a few of the notes--the fact that he had little live experience, due to his hometown of Anchorage's lack of live music venues, showed. But there was potential here. Christina, Cee Lo, and Adam all turned for J.R., but J.R. decided, somewhat surprisingly, to join Team Cee Lo. (I would have guessed he'd go with Adam.) Cee Lo seemed so happy to finally get picked, I couldn't help but be happy for him. Let's see how these two mesh in rehearsals.
MEMBER Of: Team Cee Lo
Agina Alvarez - This young showbiz veteran of two failed record deals and "The Young & The Restless" (my favorite soap!) seemed to have so much potential, but maybe there's a reason why those record deals failed. Agina shouted "Turn The Beat Around" more than she sang it (Gloria Estefan would have never tolerated that on "The Next"!), and it was almost a relief when her performance came to an end. This was disappointing, since she certainly looked like a pop star (I bet Cee Lo was disappointed when he got a look at Agina), and Blake declared, "I'm embarrassed for all four of us for not turning around." But he had nothing to be embarrassed about. Although Agina certainly has some talent, her performance was overcooked, and the judges were right to pass on her this time.
MEMBER Of: Team No One
Nicholas David - This stay-at-home dad by day/musician by night/reformed alcoholic, whose excessive partying once caused him to balloon to 300 pounds before he met his girlfriend and transformed his life, sort of turned me off with his over-the-top evangelizing about "healing and hope." But his cover of "Stand By Me" had a pleasantly breezy yacht-rock vibe to it that I enjoyed. I shouldn't be saying this, given Nicholas's boozy past, but his performance made me want to kick back with a piña colada. Adam appreciated the Aaron Neville-esque quality to Nicholas's voice, but since only Cee Lo turned around, Nicholas ended up on Team Cee Lo by default. However, I think these two quirky, preachy souls could be a pretty good match.
MEMBER Of: Team Cee Lo
Alessandra Guercio - This 17-year-old student of the La Guardia School Of Performing Arts, aka the "Fame School," seemed promising UNTIL SHE SANG "THE CLIMB." Argh. Why must so many talent show contestants cover this treacly Miley power ballad? Alessandra, with her trained voice, did a nice job with the song, and I thought Christina would be all over her, but then Xtina (who did not turn around) made the astute observation that Alessandra sounded just a little too sweet. Cee Lo and Adam were the ones who hit their buzzers, but once again Cee Lo was scorned and Adam got the girl. No wonder Cee Lo is saying "forget you" to this show, after being rejected so many times.
MEMBER OF: Team Adam
Adana Duru, Kelly Crapa & Paulina - These young ladies (ages 15, 15, and 16, respectively ) all got relegated to a blink-and-you'll-miss-it montage, which made sense, since none of them really impressed me during the brief amount of screentime they did receive; I was not exactly yearning to see or hear more. Chances are, they're all fodder that'll topple quickly in the Battle Rounds (Paulina's vocals seemed particularly weak), but we'll have to wait for future episodes to see what sort of potential these girls really have.
MEMBERS OF: Teams Adam, Blake, and Xtina, respectively
Avery Wilson - This 16-year-old from a family of dancers kept his vocal talents hidden from his relatives at first, but once his dad heard him singing to himself behind his closed bedroom door, it was obvious to all that singing, not dancing, was Avery's true calling. And if all goes well for him, maybe one day he'll have millions of fans dancing to his hit singles. Avery was amazing--his performance of "Without You" was a far better Usher cover than the aforementioned Tyler's--and all four judges were practically begging to have him on their teams. "I gotta have you!" exclaimed Adam. "I hit my button just out of absolute respect for your vocal ability," raved Blake. "Our industry is suffering, and we could use you," declared Cee Lo. Shockingly, underdog Cee Lo scored this one, and he embraced his new recruit triumphantly as the show came to a close. If Cee Lo can keep snagging great singers like Avery for his team, he really ought to reconsider leaving "The Voice," because he's bound to win.
MEMBER Of: Team Cee Lo
So for those of you keeping track, so far Team Cee Lo has J.R. Aquino, Nicholas David, Avery Wilson, and from last week, Domo, Mackenzie Bourg, Trevin Hunte, and Daniel Rosa.
Team Blake has Liz Davis, the unfortunately named Kelly Crapa, and last week's recruits 2Steel Girls, Casey Muessigmann, Julio Cesar Castillo, Terry McDermott, and Gracia Harrison.
Team Xtina had a bad night on Monday, in my opinion, recruiting only Beat Frequency and Paulina, but Christina's already ahead of the game with additional team members Nelly's Echo, Lisa Scinta, MarissaAnn, Aquile, Adriana Louise, De'Borah, and Devyn DeLoera.
And Team Adam has the amazing Melanie Martinez, plus Alessandra Guercio, Adana Duru, Brian Scartocci, and last week's Samuel Moulton, Loren Allred, Nicolle Nelson, Bryan Keith, and Joe Kirkland.
Based on this tally, I would say the strongest teams are Cee Lo's and Adam's--although all four teams have their frontrunners and their also-rans, so it's still very much anyone's game. So come back Tuesday for more Blind Auditions, and enjoy Christina and Cee Lo while they're still around.
Related links:
- Shakira and Usher join "The Voice"
- PHOTOS: Christina Aguilera's best and worst "Voice" looks
- "Sesame Street" parodies "The Voice"


text:
2 Tasting Notes
Love love LOVE this tea. I first discovered Adagio as they were having their Sherlock sale, and fell in love with the idea of fandom blends. I noticed in reviews that Mycroft tasted like cake, and really couldn't resist the purchase.
At first I was a little disappointed, as the cakey flavor wasn't coming through much at all, and the chocolate was impossible to taste at all. Then I added a little bit of sweetener, and that made it perfect! Sugar really brings out all the flavors perfectly.
I bought a whole pound of this from Adagio because it is cheap and delicious. I wanted a versatile oolong that I could afford to drink daily, and this definitely works. Smells ridiculously sweet in the bag, but mellows out once steeped, and really has a nutty taste to it. Is it spectacular? Not really, but considering the price and the fact that it genuinely tastes good, I recommend it.


text:
Courtesy of Chance Yeh
Courtesy of Chance Yeh
Move over, fairy-tale wedding!
Kim Kardashian has another party to put together...
The E! reality star is heading to Las Vegas for her upcoming 31st birthday, baby!
Kardashian will celebrate by hosting a star-studded bash at Sin City's Marquee Nightclub at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Oct. 22 (her actual birthday is Oct. 21). Party guests and clubgoers alike will dance to the sounds of Cedric Gervais, who'll be spinning as a guest DJ during the night.
And honestly, who would expect anything less?
As you may remember, last year Kardashian celebrated turning the big 3-0 with mega-bash at Vegas' TAO nightclub at the Venetian with sisters Kourtney and Khloé and mom Kris Jenner, along with celeb pals like Kelly Rowland and La La Anthony in attendance.
We can't wait to see what else this year's celebration has in store.
Now we want to hear from you. Have any gift ideas for Kim's birthday? Chime in below.
PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries' Joint Vegas Bachelor Bashes


text:
Action titles involving the undead, usually a vampire of some sort, are a dime a dozen. Ones that are actually good are rarer though. Castle of Shadows by Playphone Inc, runs the gamut of mediocrity for storys- literally one sentence that mentions something about
Posts Tagged 'romance'
Powered by Max Banner Ads
Review: Castle of Shadows on Android
June 30th, 2014 Carl Williams
Powered by Max Banner Ads


text:
Related Resources
CSG is committed to building innovative and agile solutions that help you become even more competitive and successful—now and in the future.
We deliver on that commitment by investing significant resources into continually evolving and enhancing our end-to-end revenue and customer management platform. In fact, CSG invests approximately 15% of our annual revenue into evolving our solutions to support your dynamic market needs.
CSG continually improves and evolves our solutions portfolio so that you can explore new markets, grow your revenues and stay ahead of constantly changing industry trends. This involves developing new products as part of our solutions, as well as delivering new features and capabilities for existing customers.


text:
It appears you have not yet Signed Up with our community. To Sign Up for free, please click here....
In Reply to: Re: seriously in need of opinion posted by :0) on April 28, 2000 at 06:11:33:
: No...don't worry at all. If the condom had broke you'd need to worry, but since it didn't and he didn't even ejaculate in you then your pretty safe. Precum has sperm in it,but i've heard not as much, but still enough to make a baby. : The chace of the other guy being the father is almost non-existent. But you can get paternety tests done...a pretty simple thing, simple mouth swab, but they are very expensive {over 1,000}. If your going to be constantly worried about it then you should consider this just to ease your mind. You would only need to test the other guy, not both so your bf wouldn't need to know about it. but the chance is almost zero that the other guy is the father.
: good luck, :0)
I CANT REALLY LET THIS CONCERN GET OUT. I LOOK AT THE FACTS AND THEN THINK IM JUST FEELING REALLY GUILTY.ITS JUST A SCARY THOUGHT because that if can do so much damage. i just really need to know in your opinion do i have to worry. The time doctors estimated i conceived is about 2 weeks before my little affair occured, i used a condom and for sure it didn't break, and he didnt even ejaculate. those are my facts. what do u think. am i just paranoid.
Site owned and operated by HealthBoards.com Terms of Use © 1998-2017 HealthBoards.com All rights reserved.
Do not copy or redistribute in any form!


text:
Remember Minuum, the IndieGoGo campaign that promised to re-invent the keyboard? On release, the app was met with a lot of tilted gazes and stuttered commentary. Though interesting, backers and early adopters didn't seem to know what to really make of it. Did it need time? Was it just not as good as it seemed?
Whirlscape, the Toronot-based Developers behind Minuum, have bought themselves some time. Or investors have bought them time, maybe. In a funding exercise that included Y Combinator, FundersClub, and BDC Venture Capital (among others), the makers of Minuum have raised $500,000. Recalling their original crowd funding goal of $10,000, times have definitely changed for Minuum.
Though a bit confusing, the minuscule keyboard has big aspirations. A focus of interest form their campaign was the alternative methods in which Minuum was being used. That's led them to pursue other mediums beyond the smartphone. Co-founder and CEO of Whirlscape Will Walmsley said "We're working with a number of wearable device partners to try and really demonstrate the potential that Minuum has on their devices. I can't get much more specific, but definitely there are a couple of smartwatches that we're working with, and a couple of devices beyond smartwatches, too."
Wearables beyond smartwatches? Interesting. Perhaps those abstract demos from their campaign video weren't so far off after all. Though half a million bucks doesn't seem like a lot, Minuum has been able to do quite a bit with little resources, so it's wise not to count them out just yet.
VIA: TechCrunch


text:
Houston Open - Archived Standings
Stadium Bowl, Houston, Texas, Jul 22-25, 1977
Salvino Spooks Hudson
Veteran Carmen Salvino took advantage of a final-frame collapse by Tommy Hudson to win the $6,000 first prize in the $60,000 Houston Open.
Trailing by 50 pins at the start of the 42nd and final game, PBA Hall of Famer Salvino began with five straight strikes to open a commanding lead. He fell off a bit the final five frames before finishing first with a 221.
Needing only a mark in the last frame to sew up the crown, Hudson had the ball hang on his thumb on his first ball and left the 1-2-4-7. He felled all but the head pin on his next shot, resulting in a 196 game and a runnerup finish.
The title was Salvino's 16th and first in 12 months.
"There's no excuse for what I did," explained a dejected Hudson. "I blew it. I'm a professional and when you need a mark to win you should get it."
Salvino said, "I feel very, very bad for Tommy. But when you get to be my age (42), you'll take a title any way you can get 1t."
*Alternate (Includes $75). @Non-PBA member. 18-game qualifying leader-Fenton, 4239. 24th place--Certain, 3909. PRO-AM CASHERS ($50 each)-Rich Carrubba, Marshall Holman. Ernie Schlegel, Curt Schmidt, Butch Soper, Fred Conner, Norm Meyers. Dave Frame, Jack Lee, Louie Moore, Dennis Swayda, Dave Bash, Steve Jones, Pete Couture, Mike Matosich, Pat Malone, Dee Munsell, Norm Meyers, Gil Sliker, Mike Kelly. PTQ INCENTIVES -$75-Neil Burton. $50-Pete McCordic, Rich Bower, Jack Biondolillo. $25-Frank Ellenburg, Lee Taylor. $12.50-Scott Kelly, Kirk Foster.


text:
Paws Aboard Dog Boat LadderFrom Paws Aboard |
Paws Aboard Dog Boat LadderFrom Paws Aboard |
What Our Top Dog Says About The Paws Aboard Dog Boat Ladder:
The Paws Aboard Dog Boat Ladder is a convenient tool that allows your dog to exit easily and return to the boat while on the water. Slip-resistant ribbed steps provide grip so your dog will not slip or injure itself while wet from a dip in the water. The easy to use design is also great for older dogs or dogs struggling with arthritis, as it greatly reduces the risk for strains related to getting on a boat. The universal attachment design is easy to use and clips on in seconds. If the ladder is needed for human use, the ramp can be detached, and it will float alongside the boat. The lightweight, compact design is easy to transport and store, even in tight places. Constructed with rust and corrosion-proof materials, the ladder can be easily cleaned with just soap and water. Get the Paws Aboard Dog Boat Ladder today!
Here Are The Doggie Details:
- Slip-resistant ribbed steps provide grip for easy access to and from the boat
- Easy to use design reduces the risk for serious strains and injuries
- Universal attachment design securely attaches to most boat ladders and docks
- Compact design folds in half for simple storage in tight spaces
- Lightweight design allows for effortless transport without a hassle
- Rust and corrosion-proof materials can be washed easily with just soap and water
- Quickly detaches and floats next to the boat when the ladder is needed for human use
What My Top Dog Should Know About The Paws Aboard Dog Boat Ladder:
As an added bonus, we will ship this product FREE of charge to anywhere in the United States. Use treats placed on the ladder to entice your dog to use it during the initial break in period.
What Comes In The Doggie Bag:
One (1) Paws Aboard Dog Boat Ladder
Product Dimensions (IN)
64 x 16 x 4
Weight (LB)
How it Works
The Doggy Boat Ladder provides a great way for you to enjoy the water with your pet. It provides an easy exit, so your pet reduces the risk of seriously straining or injuring joints. Your pet will find it easy for him to get out of the water and back aboard with this unique boat ramp.
- You will find it easy to carry, install and store The Doggy Boat Ladder.
- No more struggling with a wet pet and running the risk of back injury.
- Easy to carry and store.
- Conveniently detaches and floats next to the watercraft when the boat ladder is needed for human use.
- This unique dog boat ramp can be attached and removed in seconds and includes a universal grip that fits almost all boat ladders with three or more steps.
- The highly-durable ramp washes easily with soap and water and is UV resistant.
- The Doggy Boat Ladder is rust and corrosion-proof
All Doggy Boat Ladders are of the highest quality and workmanship and built to last in all types of weather conditions. The Doggy Boat Ladder does float in water but should never be used as a flotation device. Paws Aboard ladders/ramps are not designed for human use.
Watch Our Demo Video
Question & Answers
Have a Question?
Can you ship to Singapore?
We can ship to Singapore but the shipping cost would be prohibitive on a dog boat ladder.


text:
Had anybody use Advanced Financial Services, Inc. (AFS)? They sent me a preapproval file in the mail. They list their address as 25 Enterprise Center, Rhode Island, 02842 with an 800 number.
Compare Refinance Mortgage Quotes
They provide mortgage lending services and are licensed in quite a number of states. In some of the states they do their business as AFSFinancial Inc.
They have sent a pre-approval but that does not guarantee that they will approve the loan. For that a loan commitment will be required from them.
For a preapproval you are required to fill out a loan application. Also you are required to provide verification of your employment and source of cash for the down payment & closing costs.
You also need to provide the lender the authorization to have your credit checked.
If you have not filled any loan application with this company then without all these formalities completed sending a pre-approval through a mail is all but just a kind of offer letter which does not have much value.
Hi Arampy,
As far as I know, the Advanced Financial Services, Inc is a residential mortgage lender dealing with alternative financing for over two decades. However, it does operate with a different name, AFS Financial Inc in some states. And, yes it does have an office in Rhode Island.
I did some searching and discovered that they are a lending institution that was founded arround 1992. They were issued a prliminary injunction on February 21, 2002 by Judge Jorge Solis of the United States District Court in Texas for fraudulent sales and making false guarantees about investments. Larry W. Tyler of Fort Worth, Texas and his company, "AFS" filed for bankruptcy two weeks before the suit was filed.
I don't know how this has affected the company at this date, but Larry W. Tyler was ordered by the court to cease and desist, and he has been barred from any further association.
The Texas company is a different AFS. AFSI was founded in Rhode Island in 1983, I believe. It's still in business and is a direct lender through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with HUD.
beware of preapprovals sent through the mail. if you have not applied for a loan, why would a company take it upon itself to tell you that you've already been approved? does this make sense?
do you have to pay back the loan for which you've been preapproved? if we can believe that we've been approved for loans that we haven't requested, why can't we believe that we don't have to pay them back, as well?
the reason these lenders exist is because the public is gullible - we believe anything they tell us as long as it sounds good to us.
I got a letter in mail from this company about being approved for a consolidation loan. Has anyone set a loan up with them and found them to be good. I have never hard of them, but I am looking for good place were I can get a consolidation loan on my credit cards so I can just make one big monthly payment. I did find their site afsfitfinance. I would like to know more info if afs advanced financial services scam, sence there is so many these days that are not.
Hi TJ,
Frankly speaking I don't know much about Advanced Financial Services. But I guess you shouldn't go with companies sending you mails stating that you are approved for a loan. I mean on what basis did they approve you for the loan? they didn't mention it perhaps.
I've heard they are scam artists but I'm not sure since I haven't directly dealt with them. So, what i suggest is, request them to send you a copy of the BBB report, if they have any. It's a reliable report and will give you an idea as to whether they are worth dealing with.
Take Care
I, too, received such an offer and would love to hear from someone who WAS APPROVED and who has had a good business relationship with AFS for over a year.
Hi Alice,
The wise move is to check the offer first. Most often such offers are nothing but mere scams. I'd like to ask what type of a loan offer you're talking about? Also if you say something more about the offer, it'll be helpful for me to give a concrete suggestion.
The fact remains that some people have good experiences with a company, while others may not. So, what matters is the kind of offer you get and whether or not all relevant information is being disclosed to you.
Good luck
Hi Thorzdad.
So do you want to do [url=http://www.mortgagefit.com/refinance.html]refinance[/url]? Is it a FRM or ARM?
I too have often wondered who is offering good, reputable debt consolidation loans these days?
So many finance options have dried up lately and interest rates are horrible with risk-based pricing based on credit score... you often have to have an extremely high FICO to get a decent rate and often a person who is carrying debt doesnt have a super high credit score just due to the debt level (even if they have a perfect payment history) It's sort of a catch-22.
I too have received a packet stating that I have been "pre-qualified" for a FHA Bill Consolidation Loan. I believe there is a difference between a "pre-qualification" and a "pre-approval". I am not sure if the statements made here, or the questions are truely regarding a 'pre-approval' or 'pre-qualification'. As stated here by others, approval can only be obtained by means of application in which you disclose your finacial information, credit history, wages etc. and then sign and date that you have made not knowingly made any fraudulant statements. If that has not happened, you cannot be pre-approved. Pre-qualification, on the other hand is nothing more than and offer to file an application. There is no guarantee, implied or otherwise, that you will actually receive approval for either the loan amount they state you are "pre-qualified" for or that you will receive the interest rate they have stated.
What I believe is taking place, and this is my own opinion, is these companies use this type of mailer to get folks to call the 1-800 number thinking they are 'pre-approved' when in fact they are not. Then, however once they have you on the phone the sales pitch begins and they will attempt to convince you that should at the very least allow them to 'put a package' together for you showing you just how much you can save by consolidating your debt through re-financing. They will be very carefull note to guarantee anything, especially the final amount or the interest rate.
I am not implying that what they are doing is in any way illegal or that companies that imploy this tatic are not completely legitimate. They may very well be very good companies, this is just another marketing tool that, while it may seem to some is borderline on the ethics, is used to get you to talk to them. Once the dialog starts, you MUST pay close attention to EXACTLY waht is being offered.
I know this is long, apologies, but I just thought somone should step in here and clarify things. Go back and look at the documents you have received in the mail and double check weather it states 'pre-qualified' or 'pre-approved'. Hope this helps.
Hi Jones!
Pre-qualified means that you may be offered a mortgage loan. Whereas pre-approval means that you submit a loan application to the the mortgage company or lender and go through various formalities so that your loan is finally approved.
You can check the following page to know more about pre-qualification and pre-approval.
You will also come to know about the factors that are taken into considered for Pre-qualification and the documents required and factors involved in Pre-approval.
Making money is their bottom line, like any business. The problem I have is what they will allow their employees to get away with. Complaints of serious unethical behavior falls on deaf ears. I would make sure all information, points especially, are checked and double checked.
The document that they send out is actually a pre-qualified offer. Based on a list they bought from some company you do business with they send out these letters. They solicit for their business through the mail. They have good standing with the BBB. I know there is something in regards to a case regarding fraudulent practices in the early 2000's - I belive that was rectified with that CEO (CFO???) leaving.
As another stated this is a refinance/consolidation loan.
Just remember regardless of how much they offer you or how much you get - you have to make sure you can physically pay for it yourself. Regardless of what they say you can afford - you know what your monthly bills are and what payment you are comfortable with. Many of these foreclosures may have been due to companies giving too much, but remember each loan was signed by the home owner who agreed to receive that money. Just be smart about what you can afford :)
Hi Apache!
I haven't heard much about them but what I can find out from Internet was that they offer alternate financial services and a lot of people have good experience with them. You can find a detailed description on AFS 25 Enterprise Center in the link mentioned below:
Please have a look what the community members have to say about the company.
Hi Thelma!
Are you taking a loan from them? Did you face any trouble while dealing with them? You can discuss the experience with this company at this forum. To know more about the company, you can also visit the link mentioned in the above post and have a look what the experts have to say about the company.
Hi Walt!
I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. You can refer to the link given below.
I hope it will help.
I just read someone who is really not happy with this company. they are losing their house and blame this company for it. Not completely sure if that is valid, but thought you would want to know there are unhappy customers out there.
Stay away from this company. I applied and sent all the documents back on10/06/08. Two weeks passed and nothing. I called my loan officer and he told me I missed signing two documents. Okay so when was this idiot going to call me and tell me. That was taken care of. Then again, nothing. I call again. Now its an old mortgage that was never released. He said another ten days and we will close. Ten days l;ater, nothing. I call and now we need something else. Finally I get angry and call last week and he promises to close by 11/11. Today I get an email that the loan was denied because I was late with octobers mortgage payment. That was his fault because he promised to have the loan closed before the end of the month. FHA does not reject a loan for one late payment.Even his supervisor new nothing. Not a company you want to trust.He didn't even have the courtesy to call me and tell me. He sent an email.
I have done business with AFS. They are fabulous. the AFS that was mentioned in the lawsuit is not the same company as someone else stated. The pre-approvals are really just a solicitation. A way to get their name out there. They have used none of your personal information, except name and address, when choosing whom to mail these to. In the industry, they are called "mailers". Check them out. In my experience with them, they are not pushy at all.
This is a very long running thread!
But I have picked up something valuable from the last few posts that I think should be highlighted. This isn't addressed to any one person in particular. These are mistakes I very commonly see happening in the mortgage process.
First, if you are in the process of refinancing a home, realize that - depending on the company and the timing and your individual circumstances - the process could take anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks and that is all within a normal range of processing times. Still, do expect to be contacted regularly without having to chase down your loan officer.
Second, please do not ever let a payment be late while in the process of getting a mortgage no matter what the loan officer says or when they say you will be closing. There are many hundreds of details that all must come together to get a loan to the closing table. These can range from something you filled out wrong that didn't get noticed through mistaken liens that don't belong on your property to incompetence of your mortgage broker, their lender, the appraiser or the closing agent. Any one of them can delay your closing. At the bottom line, no one is ever going to hold any of those people responsible for your credit.
So if the loan officer tells you that the closing will be on Wednesday but your payment will be 30 days late on Tuesday, go ahead and make the payment before then. I can't stress strongly enough that the people wrongly telling you to wait before making your payment will not be there to help when something goes wrong.
This hasn't come up in this thread, but it is a related issue. Don't sign anything you haven't read and don't understand. No matter what pressure the salesman may put on you. No matter how long it takes you to read it.
Ditto. Has anyone out there spoken to an AFS representateive directly on the phone? Has anyone been approved? I'm looking for a consolidation loan, not a re-fi. What is the interest rate of the AFS consolidation loan?
With banks freezing lending and credt card companies shrinking credit lines, of course there will be lending outfits jumping in to lure people with such offers. But do we know if they have integrity?
Hi lmelton!
I was visiting the official website of AFS and got their contact number. Its 1-800-644-3327. You can speak to a loan officer with the help of this number. Its better if you speak to them directly and get the details. To know more about them and what the community members feel about them, you can check the following link:
Hi, I called to see what they could do for me on 11-6-08 after being layed off from my job. I have a home loan fixed at 6%, $805 mth. (with insurance included) owing $110,232 on the house, (2) C/C bills getting close to being max-out @ $2200 each, and (2) car loans with intrest rates above 9%, with a total debt of @ $162,800. Things are starting to get tight for my wife and I, and I was trying to lower some monthly bills. I was told I would have to fill out a credit application, have my credit report pulled from all 3 reporting agencies and if I was approved for the loan, there would be clossing cost (which I could pay or have added to the loan value) and the intrest rate would be determined by my credit score..which is 724. The flier I recieved in the mail said the intrest rate was fixed at 6%. This was NOT the case.I was approved at 7.9%. So to make a long story short, my payement would be $1183.71 mth. for all bills to be wraped in one loan vs. $ 2192.54 paying them as I do now, which would save me @ $998.83 mth. by consolidation, but this could be done with most lenders using your home, cars, ect. for collateral as all of these items are owned by my lenders anyway. So, use your own judgement , but it can be done....I'm still trying to decide in my own case with the offer good through 12-5-08...Scared of market , lenders mailing fliers and FHA at this time. Hope this was help someone in their case
i had recently received a letter from them too, and talked to them for refinancing. They will ask you to get an appraisal for your own benefit, but appraisal fee will come out of your pocket cost about $350. Im looking for dbt consolidation co. that is trustworthy, any idea? I will appreciate it.
To FirehouseSmokers!
If you are looking for a FHA loan, then I must say that it is not a credit score driven loan. You can get a FHA loan with as low as 580 credit score. Moreover, they had send you an interest rate by roughly estimating you credit, income and other details. Once you get finally pre-approved, it is easier for them to tell you the exact interest rate you need to pay.
You have mentioned that you are planning to lower some of your monthly bills. For that it is better if you can go for a debt settlement or a debt consolidation rather than going for a FHA loan.
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with the community. Do keep the community updated so that the experts here may help you in a better way.
To mabext!
I know of a community who offer debt consolidation - "debtconsolidationcare.com". You can check out their website and also contact the financial coach who will help you to decide the best option.
I have just received a Bill Consolidation Loan Acceptance letter from them as well. I am curious. My mother is on a local board at our local bank. I will check with them and other financial people as well to see what I can learn. I am not gullable and will investigate and reply as soon as possible.
If anyone else has any info please forward it to "firstname.lastname@example.com"
[size=9:bb13b2f8ff][color=Red:bb13b2f8ff][Link deactivated as per forum rules. Thanks.][/color:bb13b2f8ff][/size:bb13b2f8ff]
I just closed an FHA 30 yr fixed loan from them tonight. Refinanced an interest only ARM into a very good rate on a fixed rate mortgage. They are very responsive and keep you informed at all times of any changes or documents you need to supply. I too was skeptical at first after receiving one of their mailings but decided to call about 2 months ago. Had to do some leg work on my own to get the documents they needed, but it was well worth it to get a more secure loan and peace of mind. Hope this helps. :D
Hi captkc,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the community. Yes, it's always better if one does some research about the background of the company with which he or she is applying the loan with. Moreover proper documentation of all the details is also very important.
If it's american financial solutions, then it's a debit management company that I used in 2003 though 2006. They helped us with our credit card debits (very please with them).
I Recieved an official offer in the mail stating that they could refin on my home and pay some bills down. They stated that they were Freddie Mac and fannie may accredited. SO I started a lrefinancing/loan with them. tt is now Jan. the 2 and still no close as of yet. I also went on the internet just last night and did some research (something I should have done from the start)
I found alot of Advanced Financial services on the BBB with an A+ rating, BUT I realized that they all may not be the same. On their site, they state that they have been open since 1983 and work out of three places So I typed their address in and it shows NR...not reviewed and the address in Penn. shows another lender that has xhanged their name. not the same apparently...NOW I AM WORRIED SICK..I GAVE THEM 375.00 TO APRAISE MY HoME AND WE'RE VERY CLOSE TO CLOSING. THEN i READ ABOUT THT LARRY GUY WHO RIPPED PEOPLE OFF FFROM THERE. i JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. PLEASE HELP
Hi Susan!
Welcome to forums!
You have mentioned that you are very close to closing. So I guess, you haven't closed the deal with them. In that case, you can cancel the deal with them and [url=http://www.mortgagefit.com/refinance.html]refinance[/url] the mortgage with some other lender.
Feel free to ask if you have further queries.
After receiving information on a debt consolidation loan from AFS in Rhode Island and doing research on line about the company I decided to call and see what they would say.
First I found no negative information about AFS in Rhode Island. In the material sent they first say that I have qualified for a loan inside the first page but the next page states "Dear Dave, I'm delighted to inform you that you have been approved for a Homeowner Bill Consolidation Loan of up to $417,000..."
When i called and spoke with a Kevin Preble and asked if i was truly approved for the loan he got defensive and asked what was the real reason for the phone call. I stated that i wanted to get a debt consolidation loan and was glad i was already approved and i just wanted to clarify my pre-approval status. He stated that our marketing department sends those out and that i was not really approved yet and would have to go through all the normal loan process steps." When i stated that I cold find a local company in my own state that can take me through the loan process he then stated "If all you want to do is argue then you should use someone local". He hung up after that.
Looks like i will cc this to the WA State Attorney General's office.
Sorry this is so long but i thought this would save a lot of people from wasting their time with AFS and getting their hopes up.


text:
Is 'Harold & Kumar – The Animated Series' Coming Soon?
For fans who can't get enough of 'Harold & Kumar,' you may have a way of seeing them every week on TV, in cartoon form.
Deadline reports that Lionsgate is shopping around an animated version of the hit movies. The most recent entry, 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas,' came in third place in the box office race this weekend with an estimated $13.1 million.
Lindsay Lohan Is Out of Jail Already! Facility Couldn't Hold Her
Now we can add one more thing to the list of things shorter than the Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries marriage: the jail stay of Lindsay Lohan.
TMZ reports that the troubled actress has already been released from jail. She was supposed to stay at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, CA for 30 days, but was released early this morning at 1:30 a.m. after residing there for a whopping four and a half hours.
'Skyfall' Is the Title for the Next James Bond Flick
007 fans have reason to be happy today: the title of the new movie is now official after several weeks of rumors and guesses. James Bond will return in 'Skyfall.'
Kate Gosselin Has New Job Blogging About Coupons
Kate Gosselin probably knows a lot about clipping coupons, since she has all of those kids. Now she's going to get paid for that knowledge.
The former 'Jon & Kate Plus 8′ and 'Kate Plus 8′ star has just landed a new gig blogging about the world of coupons for the web site Coupon Cabin.
Jerry Seinfeld Will Be the First Temporary Co-Host After Regis Philbin Leaves 'Live'
A new, permanent co-host hasn't been named yet to replace Regis Philbin after he leaves 'Live! with Regis & Kelly,' so a rotating panel of celebrities will serve as guest host. First up: Jerry Seinfeld.
Yup, Jessica Simpson Is Pregnant
There have been rumors lately that singer Jessica Simpson is pregnant, but the celebrity put those rumors to rest yesterday by announcing that she is indeed with child.
George Clooney's Ex Says They Had a 'Father-Daughter Relationship'
This probably isn't what a guy wants to hear when he breaks up with a woman, but George Clooney's ex-girlfriend now says they had a "father-daughter relationship."
In the new book 'Questo Amore (This Love)' by Bruno Vespa, Elisabetta Canalis says that the relationship she had with Clooney was "more of a father-daughter relationship. I was unable to clarify this until now," she says. She also explained that he was "very important" to her, "much like a father would be."
Dog Can Smell When 3-Year-Old's Blood Sugar Is Too Low [VIDEO]
Ruby isn't one of those dogs that can just roll over or fetch — this four-legged doctor can actually detect when his owner's blood sugar is too high or too low.
'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' Trailer Is An Explosive Blast [VIDEO]
We posted the Japanese trailer for 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' a couple of weeks ago, and while it was good, it wasn't great. But now Yahoo! has an exclusive new trailer for the Tom Cruise flick promising plenty of action for the holiday moviegoing season.
It also contain major spoilers.
'The Lorax' Trailer — Zac Efron and Taylor Swift Get Seuss-ed [VIDEO]
Fans of Dr. Seuss – one of the richest deceased celebrities – will be happy to know that a new animated film based on one of his beloved books is coming to the big screen.
'The Lorax' is about a young boy who lives in a world without trees. From the first trailer below, it looks like several things from the book have been changed to update the story. Didn't Hollywood learn from 'Horton Hears a Who'? Never mess with Seuss.
First Photo From The Farrelly Bros. 'Three Stooges' Movie Hits the Web
Fans of eye-gouging and "nyuk-nyuk-nyuk" are eagerly awaiting the 'Three Stooges' film from The Farrelly Brothers. Until the trailer hits the web, we'll have to be content with the first official photo featuring Will Sasso as Curly, Chris Diamantopolous as Moe and Sean Hayes as Larry.
Samuel L. Jackson Is the Highest-Grossing Actor of All-Time
When it comes to the box office, the number one actor of all-time is none other than Samuel L. Jackson. And this isn't just a guesstimate, it's an actual record recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records. Jackson's movies have made $7.2 billion.


text:
The Webley Patriot air rifle lets you take down game and pests with astonishing authority. Shoot at longer ranges and take quarry that's out of reach for many other spring-piston air rifles. Of course, power means nothing without accuracy, and the Patriot really delivers! This air gun has a long-standing reputation as a superior hunting air rifle. To get the most accuracy from your spring air rifle, shoot medium- or heavy-weight pellets. It'll lower the velocity a bit, but that slightly slower speed stabilizes the pellet and delivers more foot-pounds of energy to your target.
- Caliber - .25
- Velocity: 820 FPS
- Weight: 9.6 lbs (w/Scope)
- Barrel Length: 17.50"
- Overall Length: 46.50"
- Capacity: 1 Round
- Barrel: Rifled
- Action: Break Barrel
- Cocking Effort: 50 lbs
- Joules of Energy: 41
- Trigger: Two-Stage (Quattro)Metal
- Scopeable: 11mm Dovetail Rail
- Front Sight: Post Globe
- Rear Sight: Tru Glo Adjustable
- Safety: Automatic
- Includes: .25 Cal Air Rifle and 4-12x50mm AO Scope
Variable Scope Features:
- Magnification: 4x-12x
- Objective: 50mm s
- Eye Relief: 3.25"
- Diameter: 1" tube
- Reticle: Mil-Dot/ Illuminated
- Parallax: Adjustable Objective
- Extra Recoil Stop Screw
Patriot .25 Cal Air Rifle Features:
- Power-lock� Mainsprung
- Meticulous Metallurgy
- Tuned Vibration Absorber�
- Spring Damper
- Tru-Glo�Focused Vision Sights
- The New Quattro Trigger:
- The Quattro Trigger utilizes a 4-lever system (hence Quattro).
- Each lever reduces the load acting on the next lever in the system.
- By changing contact angles of each component the lever ratios are increased. .
- An original load of 250lbs is reduced to approximately 2lbs at the trigger.
- A variable load is introduced into the system via the Trigger load screw. This gives the shooter an adjustable trigger load.
- The first and second stage adjusting screws vary the length of trigger pull and the amount of first and second stage pressure that is best suited to the shooter.
- ManufacturerWebley & Scott Ltd.
- Caliber0.25 cal
- Velocity1250 fps
- ConditionNew
- Ammo TypePellets
- ActionBreak barrel
- Barrel StyleRifled
- Cocking Effort50 lbs
- Fire ModeSingle-shot
- Gun Weight9
- Overall Length46.5"
- Barrel Length17.5"
- Loudness4-Medium-High
- Magazine Capacity1
- MechanismSpring piston
- Mounts1 inch- Two Piece Dovetail High
- RailDovetail Mount
- SafetyAutomatic
- Front SightsFiber Optic
- Rear SightsAdjustable for windage and elevation
- Trigger AdjustabilityTwo-stage adjustable
- UseSmall Game Hunting
- Warranty1 Year Limited
Man Naghi Mamooli Hastam
5 Stars
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Ali Bide
July 19, 2015
Ali Hast Ham Vatanan Ham Bekharan
Wilmington, NC
5 Stars
I would recommend this item to a friend.
.25 patriot
April 27, 2015
This gun is very well made .shoots great. Isn't too loud , after you shoot 20 pellets or so through it and burn up the excess oil. I had to buy a better mount for the scope but other than that, I love it!!
Pros:Hits hard!
5 Stars
I would recommend this item to a friend.
powerhouse springer
October 15, 2014
this is my go to airgun for large pests,i have nailed city racoons,large sewer rats and wild dogs.you will not be sorry if you buy this gun i love mine.i have six pcp rifles in a hurry i grab my patriot and my pellet pouch also airgun depot has great customer service and price. thomcat
Pros:the tank patton would pick this rifle.
mendoza argentina, Mendoza
5 Stars
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Strong and heavy
April 2, 2013
It shoots very strong!! It loves H&N barracudas. Using these pellets, they demolish at almost 30ft /lb!!! I love it! Thanks


text:
Major traffic expo opens in Dubai
Dubai, December 12, 2011
A major exhibition highlighting the latest innovations, products and services from world's leading traffic and transport infrastructure suppliers opened in Dubai today (December 12).
Taking place until December 14 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the three-day Gulf Traffic Exhibition and Conference was officially inaugurated by Major General Khamis Matar Al Muzainah Al Muhairy, Deputy Commander General of Dubai Police
Gulf Traffic organisers Informa Exhibitions have confirmed an exhibitor line-up of more than 200 of the world's leading traffic and transport infrastructure suppliers.
Richard Pavitt, exhibition director for Gulf Traffic, said: "GCC countries are expanding and modernising their roads and mass transit systems to meet the needs of increasing populations, and to provide the infrastructure to support long-term economic growth for their citizens."
"Gulf Traffic sets the ideal platform for professionals from the roads, rail, parking and public transport sectors to take advantage of the massive opportunities that the region provides."
Running alongside Gulf Traffic is the two-day Gulf Traffic Conference, addressing the challenges in road safety and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in the GCC region.
The conference features 17 international and regional road safety and ITS experts, including Colonel Jamal Al Bannai, assistant director of General Traffic Department, Dubai Police, who delivered the keynote address on the opening morning and Commander Adrian Hanstock from the Metropolitan Police in London, UK.
Hanstock said: "There has been a significant decrease in the loss of life on UK roads, as a result of a number of factors involving education, engineering and enforcement of regulations.
"Effective, visible policing helps create safe and secure environments for all road users. A positive way forward for the GCC is to shift public attitudes through a combination of education and prosecution, ensuring habitual compliance with the laws and conventions of the road."
Pavitt added: "In support of the UN's Decade of Action for Road Safety, the Gulf Traffic Conference is the largest event in the Middle East that covers Road Safety and ITS. We have brought together some of the most influential international experts, speaking about global best practices and how they can be implemented in the region."
The winners of the Gulf Traffic Awards will also be announced this evening at an event at The Plaza, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Celebrating outstanding organisational and individual achievement in the Middle East transport and infrastructure sector, the awards come in seven categories, and have attracted 70 nominations, with 22 shortlisted to receive an award. – TradeArabia News Service


text:
Going on an Information Diet for Sanity & Productivity
I'm going on a diet... An information diet. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm always listening to podcasts, reading a book on marketing or startups, and scouring through hundreds of articles daily in my feedly reader. Well... that has to stop! A while ago I went on...read more
Through my monthly meet up group I've met a lot of beginning, first-time entrepreneurs. While we gather once a month to talk about the hurdles they're facing in starting a business, I make it known that I'm available by email after the event if they find...read more
Brand Building vs. Brand Bonding and How Companies Can Finally Get SOCIAL Using Periscope & Meerkat!
When marketers get ahold of a platform they ruin it... 1/3 of the average 30 minute TV show is commercials Radio became so cluttered with Ads that Sirius/XM emerged as an alternative Even Facebook is fighting back to prevent marketer overload by throttling reach...read more
How I Use Uber vs. Lyft (and others) to Get the Best Ride
[NOTE: The following is just a theory. I've tested in out in two different cities for about a dozen rides. I've also chatted with drivers from both companies to gain further insights. If you are new to Uber or Lyft, you can start off your account...read more
I REALLY should start updating this blog…
In some ways, this blog is an embarrassment. I'm a digital marketer, I understand the importance of blogging to build a brand (even a personal brand). Yet I can't bring myself to blog. I can barely blog for business let alone for personal expression. I'm actually...read more


text:
UNESCO Director-General joins partners in Davos to launch school health and nutrition initiativeListen /
In a bid to improve access to health care, nutrition and education for the world's most underserved children, UNESCO (the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is joining forces with the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the private sector to launch a three-year partnership, "Nourishing Bodies, Nourishing Minds," at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday.
The partnership comes in direct support to the UN Secretary-General's Global Education First Initiative aimed at galvanizing renewed international action to meet the education goals. It seeks to improve child well-being through school health and nutrition programmes, to expand access to early childhood care and education programmes, to increase girls' enrolment, to support adolescent girls, and to build school environments that are conducive to learning. Collaboration is expected to begin in Haiti, Mozambique, Niger and Pakistan.
Director-General Irina Bokova was expected to emphasize that education, health and well-being are the foundations for building resilience – the core theme of this year's World Economic Forum that is gathering over 2,500 participants, including some 50 Heads of State and Government.
In calling for a 'big push' from governments, civil society and the private sector to meet commitments made in 2000, Ms. Bokova will underline that "access, quality and equity have to be put on the same line for a breakthrough to happen," highlighting the need to build synergies between education and health.
Donn Bobb, United Nations
Duration: 1'22″


text:
If an item you ordered from TextbookRush does not meet your expectations due to an error on our part, simply fill out a return request and then return it by mail within 30 days of ordering it for a full refund of item cost.
Learn more about our returns policy
Limited time offer:
Get the first one free! (?)
All the information you need in one place! Each Study Brief is a summary of one specific subject; facts, figures, and explanations to help you learn faster.
List price: $24.95Edition: 2ndCopyright year: 2009Publisher: American Association on Intellectual & Developmental DisabitltiesBinding: HardcoverSize: 7.00" wide x 9.75" long x 0.25" tall Weight: 0.594Language: English
Linda M. Bambara, PhD, received her doctorate in special education from Vanderbilt University with an emphasis in severe disabilities. She is currently Professor of Special Education at Lehigh University and Executive Director of Lehigh Support for Community Living, a university-affiliated program that supports adults with disabilities to live in their communities. For more than 15 years, Dr. Bambara has actively promoted positive behavior supports for school-age children and adults with developmental disabilities, through research, advocacy, and consulting. Her other interests include enhancing self-management, self-determination, and community participation for people with severe disabilities. Dr. Bambara has published numerous articles and book chapters in these areas, including two books on positive behavior support. She serves on five editorial boards of professional journals in developmental disabilities, including the [i]Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions[/i], and is the past editor-in-chief of [i]Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities[/i], formerly the [i]Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (JASH)[/i]. Lee Kern, PhD, received her doctorate in special education from the University of South Florida and is currently Professor of Special Education at Lehigh University. Dr. Kern has worked in special education for more than 20 years as a classroom teacher, behavior specialist, and consultant. Her research interests focus on severe challenging behavior, functional assessment, and curricular interventions, primarily with individuals with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. She has published numerous articles and book chapters in these areas and has received several grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Mental Health to research strategies to address children's behavioral challenges. Dr. Kern is currently Associate Editor of [i]Education and Treatment of Children[/i], [i]Journal of Behavioral Education[/i], and [i]Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions[/i], and serves on the editorial boards of five educational journals.
*A minimum purchase of $35 is required. Shipping is provided via FedEx SmartPost®
and FedEx Express Saver®. Average delivery time is 1 – 5 business days, but
is not guaranteed in that timeframe. Also allow 1 - 2 days for processing. Free shipping is eligible only in the continental United States and excludes
Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. FedEx service marks used by permission."Marketplace"
orders are not eligible for free or discounted shipping.
Learn more about the TextbookRush


text:
[ Printer Friendly Version ] [ Report Abuse ]
Chapter 28 : The Slytherin Relic
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 1
Background: Font color:
The three of them sat around the scarred table the next morning. Hermione had drawn a sketch of the Black house from her memory. Ron had conjured three small figurines that looked like each of them.
Now, Ron and I will be able to get you into the house, Hermione explained while Neville frowned at the sketch. Ron shooed the three figurines move towards the house.
But youll have to go in by yourself, I think. I dont know if shell let you pass if were in there. Hermione frowned as the tiny figure of Neville continued walking onto the parchment and through the door.
Go in there by myself? Neville asked more than a little tremulously.
That is an unfortunate restriction, Hermione admitted.
Unfortunate? Ron shuddered at his own memories, earning a glare from Hermione.
But why can only one person go inside? Neville asked. Wouldnt it be better if there were more people?
Harry told us that Professor Dumbledore said that the Nitwit didnt want any people to know where he was hiding these Horcruxes. So he put magic in place that only lets one of-age wizard or witch to continue on. Hermione explained.
Harry was only able to go with Professor Dumbledore for the locket because he wasnt of-age, Ron added.
Neville leaned his chin on his hands and considered. I think I understand.
Hermione pointed back at the parchment. The Black tapestry is through this door. You might want to make certain that your family is on the Tapestry before talking to the hag. She ignored Nevilles figure as it moved through the corridor to the room she pointed at. If your family is there, we suspect that you can then give the hag the password which is on the bronze plaque below her portrait. From there, I dont know what will happen.
Neville studied the parchment with another frown. And you and Ron will be staying outside the entire time?
Well have to, Hermione sighed with frustration. She must believe that you are not associated with Blood Traitors or Muggle-Borns.
But thats all rubbish! Neville looked far from reassured.
Youll do what you need to do in order to get that Horcrux, wont you? Ron asked.
Of course! Neville gave him a grieved look.
Lets cover what we know one more time, Hermione decided. Neville, you explain what youll be doing tomorrow.
Morning came too soon for the three of them. It had been very early morning when they had cleared the table and went to their own rooms.
Neville had had trouble sleeping; instead he had stared at the ceiling for most of the night. It didnt help to know that he was sleeping where Harrys mother had died or where Harry had managed to mostly destroy You-Know-Who. He debated with himself if he ought to call him Nitwit like Hermione and Ron. He hadnt realized it before, but just saying You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named created a tingle of fear. Calling him Nitwit didnt cause that frisson of fear. Actually, he wanted to laugh each time he considered calling the darkest wizard in known history a nitwit.
Hermione lay awake in one of the two guest rooms worrying if Neville could actually get past the hag and find the Horcrux. They suspected the hidden Horcrux was the locket, but what if it wasnt? What if it was something they wouldnt expect? Though it had been Professor Dumbledore who created the list they were following. What if Neville had trouble finding it? What if he had trouble getting back out? Ron still refused to tell her what he had seen when she had gotten the diadem. Harry had told them how the Inferi had attacked when he had touched the lake water because it was the only water that would stay in the crystal cup.
Ron was also awake in the other guest room, lying with his hand behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. Since the Department of Mysteries and having been attacked by the brain, he had times when his own brain hurt from the thoughts running through his mind. He had tried several times to shut off the flow of images with no success. How had Harry learned to shut his mind to Nitwit? Or had he? Had Professor Dumbledore been correct that Nitwit had closed his mind to Harry?
All three reluctantly got out of their beds when the suns light entered the windows. They were silent during breakfast. Sooner than they liked, they didnt even have that to keep them occupied. Even the dishes had been washed, dried and put away.
We might as well start, Hermione decided. Neville, the house we are going to is at #12 Grimmauld Place.
Neville nodded, not yet trusting his voice quite yet.
The three walked to the back edge of the property where Ron and Neville put their hands on Hermiones arms and the three disappeared in a blink.
The three appeared outside of Grimmauld Place. Think on what I told you, Hermione whispered to Neville as she and Ron stepped back. Neville thought hard and stared in surprise as #12 pushed its way in between #11 and #13. He looked back at Ron and Hermione briefly for their reassurance.
Hermione motioned for him to go inside. You can do it, she whispered. Just be as quiet as possible.
Neville took a deep breath and looked again at the house in front of him. Im a Gryffindor and Im brave, he told himself as he tried to bolster his courage. It was daunting to think that he would be willingly walking into a dark wizarding home. He was sure that the Order had done what they could to make it safe, but he would be walking in areas they had overlooked.
We trust you, Hermione and Ron told him.
Neville nodded to show them that he had heard them before walking stiffly to the house, opening the door and going inside. Lumos, he whispered. He needed the small bit of light to see his way because the darkness was nearly absolute. He peeked in the first door on the left, but didnt see any tapestry. He sighed in relief when he finally found the tapestry. It was difficult to see much in the dim light of his wand but he wasnt sure that he wanted a brighter light. There were a few names that he knew from newspaper accounts or from Gran talking about them, but they werent the Longbottoms. He moved further to the right carefully looking at each name. Finally, he smiled grimly. Harfang Longbottom was on the tapestry with Callidora Black. His chance of passing the Portrait was much better if Hermiones guess was correct.
He silently walked from the tapestry room and down the hall, stopping in front of the only huge Portrait frame that he could see. He agreed with Hermione and Ron that Sirius Mum was a hag. He looked at the bronze plaque below here and read the password. He cleared his throat and watched the hag open a beady eye and take a breath in order to start yelling.
Shut it, Neville commanded as haughtily as he could, trying to mimic Dracos attitude. She remained quiet, watching him grudgingly until he spoke the password that was displayed on the plaque beneath her.
Who are you? she finally demanded in a less than reasonable voice.
Neville looked down his nose at her. I am the great-grandson of Harfang and Callidora Longbottom.
She peered at him as if trying to decide if he was telling her the truth. There must have been something she recognized because she finally nodded. Her portrait swung open. Neville continued looking down his nose as he walked carefully into the inky darkness. His wand light did not penetrate the gloom very far. Not even a step.
Neville paused when the Portrait door slammed shut with an evil cackle from Sirius Mum. The darkness began to press in as he looked around. How could he find anything without light? What was hidden that he couldnt see?
Lumos Maximus, he muttered, grateful when his wands light brightened. He still couldnt see past his outstretched arm, but at least he could see instead of feeling as if he were blind. He froze when he heard an unseen creature slither around him. He could hear other creatures moving about in the dark though none entered his small circle of light. His heart was racing as he fought to remain calm.
He managed a single step when the whispering began. He couldnt understand them, but he feared they were talking about him. He trembled in fear listening to the muttering voices surrounding him.
He took a deep breath and took another step and heard the crackling talk of fire. He swallowed hard. He couldnt smell smoke even as he listened to the snaps and pops of protesting logs.
He forced himself to take another step and tripped over a low bench with several items covering it. The noises grew louder and sounded more sinister as he steadied himself. He was starting to have difficulty breathing as he listened to the chaos around him. He forced his attention to the bench, looking at each item and wondering if any of these were what Ron and Hermione were looking for. What had they said they were searching for? They had just talked about it just before he entered the house? Was his memory returning to how he had first been at Hogwarts? Always forgetting?
A sparkle caught his eye and he sighed with relief. An ungainly locket with Slytherins crest sat unassuming near his left hand. A locket! He carefully picked up the locket by the chain. He looked around helplessly. Which way was to safety? Which direction led out? He was unnerved by the complete silence that had fallen since picking up the locket. Even the light from his wand was dim and useless.
I am a Gryffindor. I am brave, he told himself sternly. I tripped on the bench. I have to turn around and the door will be right there.
He walked slowly in the direction he thought was the way out only to encounter a wall. His breathing became ragged, trying not to cry out in fear. Nitwit wouldnt be scared. After all, he had created this place and Gryffindors are much braver than Slytherins. Neville whispered to himself. If I follow the wall, Ill find the door. He fearfully placed his hand on the wall and began to walk, trailing his hand alongside him trying to find a doorway. The walk seemed to talk forever, but finally he found a lintel and sighed with relief. He pushed on the Portrait and was relieved when it opened.
Neville stepped out of the darkness, the locket swinging in his hand by the chain. He repressed a shudder. Never did he want to go through something like that again. That had been beyond horrible. When he stepped away from the opening, the Portrait swung closed to reveal Sirius Mum laughing. He flicked his wand and a red velvet bag appeared in front of him. He grabbed it and placed the locket in it.
Sirius Mum was smirking as if she knew something he didnt. He pretended that he didnt care what she thought as he turned to walk down the hall and out of the house. He couldnt help but to wonder why she was happy.
Ron and Hermione were still waiting outside for him. Their worried faces turned to relief when they saw him. They asked him no questions after he nodded. Ron and Neville hurriedly put their hands on Hermiones arm and they disappeared.
What did you have to do? Ron asked once they were safely hidden away in the Potter home.
Neville shook his head. Please dont ask right now. I found the locket. Please dont ask what happened. He shuddered at the memories. Hermione, you were right about Sirius Mum. My great-grandparents were on the Tapestry and she let me by. I had to pretend that I was like Draco. She let me by and I got the locket. He shuddered once more.
Hermione nodded, realizing that Neville was too terrified to explain what hed gone through at the moment. Ron still refused to speak about what he had seen when she was getting the diadem. Asking repeatedly wouldnt help. She pulled out their special box and placed the bagged locket inside before renewing the spells on the box and hiding it again.
She still didnt say anything when Neville went back to his borrowed room and shut the door. Ron looked at her questioningly and she shook her head. Let him be for the moment. She pointed at the box. We dont know what he went through yet.
Ron didnt look happy at her suggestions but nodded reluctantly.
Hermione didnt stay downstairs to talk. Instead, she decided to go to her room and take a nap. She was tired, whether if it was from not sleeping last night or from nerves, it didnt matter. She wanted a nap.
Ron sat on the broken couch. He heard Hermione shut her door. He was tired but something wasnt feeling right. He couldnt put his finger on it but something was bothering him. He finally got up to pace as he thought. He paused at the window looking to the backyard and stared at the deserted house.
Had there been a light?
There was silence during dinner and while the dishes were cleaned and put away. No one felt like speaking. Ron was still thinking about what hed seen while the others were in their rooms. Had it really been a light? If so, then who was in that derelict house? If not, was he seeing things? Should he even tell Hermione and Neville? What if they didnt believe him?
Hermione had brought one of her school books to the table and studied her way through dinner. Neither Ron nor Neville knew what she was looking for but had learned to leave her be while she searched.
Neville knew that they would want to know what happened while he was searching for the locket. He caught several of their furtive looks at him and knew they were more than curious. He still wasnt ready to speak about it.
They gathered at the table once the last dish had been put away. They had to figure out where the last Horcrux could be. There arent many places left that mean much to Nitwit, Hermione stated. They studied the parchment spread about the table that listed all the specific places that Harry had told them from what hed seen during his trips into the Pensieve. There werent that many places, especially after Hermione circled the places where they had found a Horcrux and crossed out where they had already searched.
I dont think well be able to visit Miss Smith, Neville pointed out. I remember Gran saying something about her house-elf poisoning her.
Hermiones quill rested to the right of the Miss Hepzibah Smith. Ron, didnt Harry say the same thing?
I think so, Ron frowned as he tried to remember exactly what Harry had said. I think he said that the house-elfs memory had been modified and that Professor Dumbledore had been able to retrieve the real memory just in time.
True, Hermione scowled at the mention of the house-elfs mistreatment. If I remember right, the relatives have already gone through the place and reported that the Hufflepuff Cup was missing as well as a few other things.
Like Slytherins locket, Neville motioned towards the concealed box.
Hermione nodded absently as she considered. Finally she crossed out the entry. There is no reason to go there. The Hufflepuff Cup was taken by Nitwit and he wouldnt have left it there.
Where else would he take it? Neville frowned at the parchment.
There was the orphanage where he grew up and the cave where he did who knows what to those two orphans. Ron rubbed his forehead as his headache grew worse. There was a Horcrux in each of those spots.
Didnt Harry have a dream about someplace Nitwit was staying? Neville asked.
Hermione frowned as she tapped her quill while she thought. I believe he did, he said something about a Muggle caretaker.
He dreamed about that more than once, Ron interrupted. Or at least he dreamed about how the Muggle caretaker died.
Hermione and Neville exchanged a look. Where was it?
Was it the Riddle House? Ron replied slowly as he looked upwards. He wasnt completely certain about the location. I think it was Nitwits fathers family home?
Hermione smiled when she realized that Ron was finally using a name other than You-Know-Who. Nitwit did kill his father and his grandparents. I think it would be a good place to conceal a Horcrux.
Neville looked horrified. He killed his own family?
Ron and Hermione nodded their heads. He also framed his mothers brother for their murders.
Neville shook his head. Thats when?
Ron and Hermione exchanged a long look. Harry told us that it was while Nitwit was still at Hogwarts.
Neville continued to shake his head in disbelief. Completely mental, but lets go look there.
Authors Notes:
I hope youve enjoyed reading this chapter.
Thank you very much for your constructive criticism!
Previous Chapter Next Chapter
|Write a Review
Choices That We Make: The Slytherin Relic
Other Similar Stories
The Defeat o...
by LilyEPotter