text:
Updated: July 30, 2006
In a world dominated by Windows operating systems, migrating to Linux sounds a daunting task. Apart from the basic questions of getting used to a whole new and different world of computing, there is a question of functionality. How capable will be a new Linux user? Many Internet sites are poorly coded so that only Internet Explorer users can view them properly. Most of the software market (mainly the home sector) is severely biased toward Windows applications. Will the new Linux user be able to retain the full flexibility of choices like in Windows?
Well, the answer is ... maybe. The newer Linux distributions are becoming more and more flexible and home-oriented, coming bundled with a variety if highly useful packages that are intended to make the Linux experience as complete and painless as possible. Nevertheless, some things will always remain purely Windows-only and no amount of improvisation will be able to help. Most of the games market is oriented toward Windows. Most online banking sites seem to be IE only.
To address this problem, Linux programmers have come with a variety of programs that allow a sort of patching and virtualization, enabling partial support for Windows applications. Unfortunately, most of these solutions do not really work. Running pieces of Windows separately does not work as well as the complete operating system. So, instead of "hacking" individual executables and DLLs to make them run in Linux, why not run Windows in Linux?
I consider being able to run Windows in Linux is an important achievement. One, it grants an empowering feeling of geeky accomplishment. Second, for Linux doubters, this is one more reason why you SHOULD consider using Linux. If the lack of compatibility for your favorite Windows application has been a major obstacle till now, it is no longer so.
Again, I must praise the superb VMware products that allowed me to do this. But let's take this one step at a time. I'm going to write down a full guide how I successfully managed to configure VMware Server in SUSE Linux and then install Windows as a guest operating system with full network access. Hopefully, you will be able to reenact my feats.
I should add that I have successfully installed VMware products in several distributions, including Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS. SUSE Linux is just one of the many distributions that will allow you to do so. Alternatively, you can also use VirtualBox, an open-source virtualization solution similar to VMware Server. But this guide focuses on SUSE + VMware Server. Here is the list of things that you need to do:
You will need to register to be able to download the VMware Server. After registering, you will receive the software serial number through email. After that, you will have to agree to the software EULA before you will be able to download the necessary files. After you complete the above steps and reach the download page, you will need three packages:
You may be overwhelmed by the amount of information on the page, but do not panic. Here are some simple rules that you should follow:
cd /usr/bin/
Cheers all.


text:
Peter Handoyo woke up Friday feeling like he had nothing to lose.
The Tennessee junior was set to play top-seeded Marco Baron in the second round of the NCAA singles tournament.
''When I came out this morning, I didn't expect anything,'' Handoyo said. ''(Baron) had all the pressure. People expected him to win this tournament. People didn't expect me to do anything in this tournament.''
Playing with nothing to lose, Handoyo let it fly and hit big shots left and right while Baron playing tight and missed several shots he would normally make. The end result was a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 upset for the unseeded Handoyo.
''I was just trying to play as aggressively as I could because I knew Marco would not miss many shots,'' said the Volunteers' No. 3 player, who lost to Georgia's Lesley Joseph in the team finals on Wednesday. ''That shows that everyone in the whole draw is good. Anyone in this tournament can win it.''
Baron became the fifth of the top eight seeds to be eliminated from the tournament. By the end of the day, only two of the top eight -- No. 3 Matias Boeker of Georgia and No. 7 Guilaume Legat of South Carolina -- were left. The last time six of the top eight seeds were eliminated by the round of 16 was 1989 and that's also the last time both of the top two seeds were eliminated this early.
''I was trying really hard to stay focused on this match and for some reason I wasn't really good at it,'' said Baron, a senior from France.
Handoyo will play Stanford's K.J. Hippensteel today. Handoyo was 1-1 against Baron coming into Friday's match. His victory came two years ago at the Rolex Indoors on Georgia's Lindsey Hopkins Indoor Courts, where Friday's match was played due to rain.
''I played pretty well today,'' he said. ''Marco gave me a few free points too.''
Tennessee coach Michael Fancutt was particularly happy about Handoyo's victory considering Baron has been the measuring stick in the SEC for the last two years.
''This is one of the most pleasing wins for our program,'' Fancutt said. ''I'm ecstatically happy about it.''
Fifth-seeded Genius Chidzikwe became the sixth seed to fall when he lost 6-2, 6-2 to Yale's Steve Berke late Friday afternoon.
''Being seeded high doesn't guarantee a match,'' Chidzikwe said. ''Every guy who's still around today is obviously a very good player.''
Berke, a sophomore, watched Handoyo's upset of Baron in the morning.
''It gave me a little bit of inspiration, that match,'' said Berke, who earned All-America status by making the round of 16. ''Seeing the seeds fall out lets you know every single player here deserves to be here. I wanted it way more than anyone here and that's why I got it. I didn't play particularly well, but I think the desire overcame.''
This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Saturday, May 26, 2001.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The GOP Expect Loss in the Houseby Pamela Leavey
Speaking of those disaffected Republican voters (see post below)… Politico reports that "Top Republicans are privately bracing for the possibility that they could lose additional House seats in next year's elections as a result of untimely retirements, ongoing scandals and unexpectedly gloomy fundraising forecasts, according to several members and aides."
It seems every day brings more bad news for Republicans. As Politico first reported Friday, House Minority Leader John Boehner and his campaign chief, Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, are at war over campaign tactics and operations. Boehner is demanding a major shake-up at the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The dust-up might be the least of the GOP's problems. Three House Republicans in very competitive districts recently announced their retirements — and several more senior GOP members have hinted they may do the same.
Put simply, Republicans lack the money to fight seriously for many of these seats. The NRCC is essentially broke, with more debt than money in the bank. "When you look at what's going on in the House, the prospects for getting back on track are pretty dim at the moment," said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.).
Dim isn't the word for the NRCC's financial woes:
At the end of August, the National Republican Congressional Committee reported only $1.6 million cash on hand, with $4 million in debt. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, by comparison, had banked over $22 million, with only $3 million in debt.
It appears that more folks are ponying up to donate to the DCCC, leaving the NRCC looking like the poor step child.
Filed under: Congress, Democrats, Election '08, Elections, House Of Reps, In The News, Politics, Republicans | Get Permalink or trackback |
3 Responses to "The GOP Expect Loss in the House"
Have them get the money from the Bush family. I heard he called himself a strong asset for the Republicans in the coming election.
Or the Bin Laden family lets remember GW flew them out of the Country the day after 9-11.
Hey there stranger – here twice in one day! Good to see you!


text:
Obtaining an MBA is often assumed to be a career-enhancing option for young professionals to learn more about the different functions of an organization (such as marketing, strategy, operations, accounting, finance and management). For professionals who majored in the liberal arts or engineering, an MBA can enhance exposure to the multiple facets of business as well as provide career flexibility.
TUTORIAL: Starting A Small Business Tutorial
However, graduate business programs can cost from $30,000 to more than $150,000, depending on the institution, scholarships and grants available and length of program. In addition, while there are part-time MBA programs that allow professionals to continue their employment as they pursue their studies in business, most MBA programs require you to trade the office for the classroom for two years. The costs, in both time and money, mean that some individuals might be better off considering alternatives to business school. (Read more about making that decision in Should You Head Back To Business School?)
Popular Motivations for Going Back to School
Obviously, each individual's motivations, experiences and personal and career objectives are different. The dollars and time expended to obtain an MBA, however, have opportunity costs for all prospective applicants. When you ask someone why they might be interested in getting an MBA, you will get a range of responses, including a combination of:
- An MBA is an objective way to show one's abilities and justify employers' trust and increased responsibilities.
- It creates the opportunity for increased compensation and greater chances of promotion.
- An MBA offers increased career flexibility or the chance to land a better job.
- Business school provides networking opportunities.
- It might please parents or relatives.
- School is a safe place to figure out one's next step, in work or in life.
- They don't trust or know any alternatives to business school as a way to get ahead.
Some of these reasons are obviously more indicative than others of a person's interest in advancing in business, but for those wishing to climb up the corporate ladder, who enjoy corporate life and envision future success in it, there are reasonable alternatives to getting an MBA.
Alternatives to an MBA
When it comes to finding alternatives to obtaining an advanced business degree, ask yourself these basic questions:
- What is your dream organization/company looking for?
- What skill sets are critical for succeeding in the organization?
- Is spending time and money on business school the only way to acquire these skills?
- What work experiences, training and exposure can help you develop these skills?
Obviously, companies look for employees who add value to the organization – that is, employees who have the drive to work quickly and accurately, provide unique insights and manage and lead teams aligned with organizational goals. Let's look at a few development opportunities that can help you acquire these coveted skills without returning to full-time studies.
Rotational/Leadership-Development Programs
Larger companies typically have management or leadership-development programs tailored toward young professionals that display high potential. These programs can be in specific functions, such as engineering, finance and accounting, or can be general programs for future senior managers of the organization. Professionals are often rotated around various jobs and responsibilities every six months or so in order to provide exposure to different aspects of the business.
For instance, an upstart financial analyst entering the program can be placed for a few months in departments such as audit, treasury, mergers and acquisitions, financial planning or investor relations. Having gone through such exposure can make the analyst a candidate for manager, controller or CFO down the road.
Professionals who undergo these types of programs will have gained hands-on, paid experience in different aspects of the company as opposed to merely a theoretical appreciation of the function obtained in business school. (Read about the value of experience in Top Job-Search Mistakes For Finance Grads.)
Work Experience In a Different Function
A professional can dive right in and gain experience in a certain field. An accountant who wants to transition into marketing can network and look for opportunities in the marketing department of his or her company, or join a marketing services firm. Yes, this can work.
Attitude and a successful track record are often the deciding factors in whether an applicant is selected for the job. An accountant with a solid history of success and strong references can be favored for such a position – if he or she properly communicates the reasons for the employment change – over a former accountant with an MBA who has taken a few marketing classes.
Two years' worth of experience in a certain function can be highly valuable, as one learns the intricacies and critical success factors in that field. A classroom setting probably does not provide the level of insight or the industry relationships you will need to succeed in the field. (Read more about transferring your skills to a new position in Six Steps To Successfully Switching Financial Careers.)
Moving up to management requires leading and managing teams and ensuring organizational goals are achieved. Managerial responsibilities also include financial planning and management and the handling of budgets and forecasts. Depending on which part of the organization you would like to transition to, you can prepare for a variety of designations to prepare yourself for added responsibilities and skill sets. There are certifications that are related to finance and accounting, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor, among others.
Other certifications that are more consulting-related include Six Sigma Black Belt (for process optimization), Project Management Professional and Certified Information Systems Analyst, among others. There are a wide variety of certifications out there in virtually any field of business. Obtaining these allows you to remain employed, and successfully passing all the requirements and exams will show others your competence in the specific field of interest. An MBA, on the other hand, may be too general to convey particular expertise in an area.
Besides, there are companies out there that will gladly pay for you to obtain these certifications. Imagine that: They'll pay for you to become stronger in your field – for you to earn higher income and future promotions. Now there's a good deal.
Executive Programs, Company Training and University Extension Classes
Universities offer a variety of development programs for managers and executives that allow professionals to undertake training courses on-site during evenings and weekends. Some companies pay for such training if directly tied to one's job.
An MBA forces you to cover a variety of required topics, whether you want to or not. Executive programs and extension classes, on the other hand, allow you to target areas in which you would like to improve, allowing you to tailor learning according to your needs. These programs are typically structured so that participants must fulfill course requirements and can cover a wide variety of business topics, including:
- industry-specific lectures
- negotiation skills
- leadership
- public speaking
- strategy
- marketing
Colleges also offer extension, evening and online classes that allow you to improve your skills in a particular area. Alternatively, there are various for-profit training centers that allow you to hone certain skills. For instance, finance professionals can undergo training in valuation or in accounting. You can remain employed while enhancing your skills, and some companies provide reimbursement upon satisfactory completion of requirements. (Learn how you can streamline your professional maintenance at Keeping Up With Your Continuing Education.)
Other Development Paths and Independent Study
- Executive Mentors – Industry veterans provide invaluable insights and wisdom in your chosen field. If you are lucky enough to secure time from executives that you look up to, seize the opportunity and soak up their advice. Such experienced feedback can save you lots of time, money and energy in helping you get to where you want to go.
- Seminars and Conferences – Industry associations, clubs, community organizations, alumni associations and company-based groups often hold seminars and conferences to keep their members abreast of the latest trends and benchmark practices. Again, depending on your organization and manager's priorities and level of support, these types of seminars, workshops and training sessions can be paid for by your company.
- Independent Study – If you spend a total of 10 hours per week driving on the road, that equates to more than 500 hours per year. If you simply listen to audio programs in your car, that initiative alone can make you very knowledgeable in a certain field. (Pass Your CFA Exams The First Time provides solid advice on studying independently.)
The Bottom Line
Abraham Lincoln passed the bar studying borrowed law books. Universities do not possess a monopoly on information, especially not in today's "marketplace of ideas". We live in an age of efficient search engines and competition among various for-profit knowledge providers.
An MBA is a great professional tool if you know exactly what to do with it. Unfortunately, some MBA seekers are merely avoiding making risky choices. Don't enroll in an MBA program just to procrastinate. Be proactive and study practical alternative development programs in your field. You might simply just have to dive in. With so many viable alternative options available, incurring six figures in school debt by getting an MBA is acceptable only if you have truly compelling reasons.
If you do go back, don't squander your time; read Ace Your Business School Courses.


text:
- Search CSN:
- Members: Login to search all areas
- Not a member? Click here to search public areas
Feb 21, 2001 - 11:58 pm
Hi all. I was diagnosed Dec 1, 2000 and have just finished my 3rd A/C treatment. I had lumpectomy, stage 1 to 2 tumor with no lymph node involvement. My biggest concern at the moment is my hair. I know that sounds shallow but I can't help it. It has not yet all fallen out. Did anyone else have this experience. Also I wonder if life will ever seem normal again. It seems all I want to hear about are long term survivors. I just need to know it is possible. Also I have changed my diet. No meat, no dairy, no sugar. I go to accupunture, am seeing an herbalist, and do yoga and meditation. Are there others out there that have went to these extremes. Thanks for any responses.
Feb 22, 2001 - 2:30 am
Hi! My name is Wendy. I was diagnosed just 4 weeks ago and had a modified radical mastectomy a few days later. My cancer is a Stage 3A, and I have just had one A/C (I, too, am new so I think that "A/C" means Adraimycin and Cytoxin). I had my hair cut real short just before I started chemo in "preparation"--I say its a nice transition between hair and no hair!! :-) I am not looking forward to losing my hair, either. It seems like it is just adding insult to injury!! I got a couple of wigs from our local Cancer Society office and some hats, too. (no charge) They are really great people!! My hairdresser styled the wigs for me (also no charge) so I am ready. My oncologist said that my hair would start to fall out about 2 weeks after the first treatment and be gone within a month. I can't wait!! :-( Anyway, how often do you go for your chemo? Mine is every three weeks. (You can check out my story a few entries down if you like. I won't bore you with it here!!) Life and Normal. I often wonder that myself. Except for being a little more tired than normal and when I go to change my clothes, I feel like life is pretty much normal. Although the definition of normal has changed. I haven't changed my diet much, either, except that I find I need to eat more to keep from having a pit in my stomach!! I am trying to eat correctly for the first time in many, many years. It is difficult. I have tried to stay off of caffeine, though, and to eat more fruit and vegetables. It is so hard! Anyway, you should find lots of support here. Just being a part of this for a couple of days, I have found lots of encouragement. Hang in there. Do you have the support of your family and friends? THAT really helps. You have mine...as well as my prayers. Take care and you can e-amil me anytime. Wendy in California.
Feb 22, 2001 - 9:43 pm
Thanks Wendy for your support and prayers. Yes I have a great family and friend network,
Feb 22, 2001 - 4:53 am
don't panic. it will all work out.
losts of good responses will be coming in...although it may take some of us a while to get used to this new fancy format.
Feb 22, 2001 - 12:40 pm
Hello MDavis, Nancy here. I have finished my A/C for ductal carcinoma, 2cm tumor, lumptectomy, 1 lymph node involved, stage 2. I am going to have 3rd Taxol infusion the first Monday in March and then just "one left". Radiation will follow. I too, have read about the role diet plays in our cancer, meat especially. I have cut back on meat but have not stopped eating it all together. The dairy is the hardest to live without...cheese is my life...but maybe it is the reason I am fighting this fight FOR my life. Tell me a sample of what you are eating. I eat fruits and veggies and almonds everyday, but could do better. Does your Onco support the herbs you are taking. I plan to do that but not until after the chemo is completed. Write back. Will be anxious to hear from you. This new format will take some getting used to. Tried to get into an ongoing chat but would not let me in. Your friend, Nancy
Feb 22, 2001 - 9:52 pm
Hi Nancy. My diet constist of a soy shake for breakfast which includes 2 fruits 1 veggie, tofu, soy milk and flax seeds. The rest of the day I try for 6 more fruits and veggies, 1 serving of beans, 3-6 whole grains, lots of water and 4 cups of green tea. I am not taking herbs right now either, just some supplements. The herbs will come after chemo and radiation. Take care.
Feb 26, 2001 - 1:57 am
If your cancer is ER+ be very careful with the amount of soy you use & avoid flax seed. It has a natural substance in it the body converts to estrogen. You could be negating the effects of Tamoxifen etc. Love Pam
Feb 22, 2001 - 12:51 pm
This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Feb 22, 2001 - 2:06 pm
Hi Mdavis. I am a 20 year survivor so you can hope. See webpage for full story but I am now in recurrance & fighting again. But hey I have had 20 very very good years totally symptom free so I am very grateful for my life & in those 20 years I felt normal (well as normal as I can be ha ha). It's a hard road but the support out there is truly amazing. There are a number of friends on this site who are very long term survivors so there's plenty of role models. Keep positive & any help you need - you got it. Love Pam
Feb 22, 2001 - 9:55 pm
Thank Pam and good luck to you. You beat it once I am sure you will do it again. Take care.
Feb 22, 2001 - 9:33 pm
This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Feb 22, 2001 - 10:02 pm
God bless you Bonnie, and I hope you have 20 more wonderful years. I think a lot of the long term survivors don't think about their cancer anymore (or rather its not top on their priority list) and are not involved in these dicussions and such. At least I hope that is what it is. Anyway Thanks for your support and prayers. Take care.


text:
Officers responding to a report of a disturbed man in North Park on Monday said they were forced to shoot him.
The incident began shortly before noon when 911 operators got a call from a woman asking for the police to come to a home in the 3400 block of Alabama Street.
Witnesses told detectives that the 56-year-old victim lives in the house with his mother and became agitated after his sister arrived in the morning. Police who went out to the home said the man was outside when they arrived but went in the house soon afterward.
Going inside to check on the man, the officers discovered he had armed himself with a knife and told them that they were going to have to kill him to disarm him.
Police Lt. Kevin Rooney said that the man told the officers they were "going to have to kill him."
The officers said he advanced on them, then they ordered him to stop and drop the weapon. When he continued, one of them fired a single shot.
The man was taken to an area hospital by ambulance but was later pronounced dead.
Officials have yet to identify the officers involved or the dead man.


text:
I recently came across an interesting article by Bruce Feiler in The New York Times that referenced a study by Emory University psychologist Marshall P. Duke. What he found, among other things, was that the more children know about their family's history, the more they feel a sense of control over their lives and the stronger their self-esteem. He concluded that these children are more resilient, meaning they can better moderate the effects of stress.
At the same time, the psychologist noted that children with the most self-confidence have a strong "intergenerational self." They know they belong to something bigger than themselves. He also noted that the single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: Develop a strong family narrative.
This study reinforced how important it is for us to share our personal histories with our children. Recently, as we were cleaning out our offices in preparation for a move of my family's business, I came across an old United States passport. It was dated 1926 and belonged to my great-grandfather. He arrived in this country from Lithuania in the 1880s.
I found it particularly interesting that the passport photo included my great-grandmother. Seeing them together immediately sparked memories of stories I had heard about their early lives in this country.
It's at times like these, when I find an old relic, souvenir or photo, that I realize it is important to share my family's stories with my children. I want them to understand their history and how they are part of a bigger picture. It is also an opportunity to illustrate how these stories shape our values and, in turn, our charitable giving.
The Associated's Center for Funds & Foundations recognizes the importance of passing down one's values to the next generation. This can be done in informal settings, beginning with conversations around the dinner table, and can also be more formal, such as writing an ethical will or capturing your story on videotape.
Next month is Passover. Many of us will gather around the Seder table with family and retell one of the most significant stories of our people's history — that of the exodus from Egypt. "Remember" is the theme of the evening: "Remember that you were strangers in the land of Egypt. … Remember that the Lord took you out of the bondage of slavery."
Sharing stories gives the next generation a connection to their past. But Passover is also a perfect time to recount your own personal history. Consider adding the following four questions to your Seder this year to spark conversation about your family's story:
• Do you know where your grandparents grew up?
• Do you know how your parents met?
• Do you know who you were named after?
• Do you know who you most resemble?
These questions and the discussion that follows likely will help your children appreciate their roots and feel a part of something bigger than themselves. The more children know about their family's history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, the higher their self-esteem and the more successful their belief in their family's function. It will help the next generation glean meaningful information that will be passed down through the years.
Dan Hirschhorn is chair of the Center for Funds & Foundations at The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.


text:
: [Pokémon]
Here Comes The Sun
View Single Post
May 20th, 2011 (12:23 PM).
Time to kick ass? Definitely.
Join Date:
Oct 2010
Remember? Yeah, I live at that place! At the time, with the thing! =D
Chapter One is the longest chapter I have ever written of anything, and is the longest chapter so far in the story. Enjoy.
here comes the sun
Chapter One
Elizabeth Faith Scott tended to have cases of what she liked to call, "Spasmodic Tourette Syndrome". Whenever something surprised her, she cried out the first word that came to mind -- and this morning, that word was apparently "spaghetti". She sat bolt upright in bed, her eyes darting around the room to locate the source of the noise that had startled her awake and kept its loud, obnoxious blaring going.
Suddenly, she realized exactly what it was, and groaned. Her hand reached out toward the black box that was the source, switching the alarm clock off. Its red numbers displayed that accursed time that hurt her eyes to look at: Seven thirty in the morning. She slid her legs out of bed, pulling herself off toward the floor. It was a difficult act. It felt like the bed was clinging to her, begging her to stay in and sleep for just a little while longer. She was tempted to follow its pitiful whines, but she knew better than that. Her father would kill her if she was late for school.
And so she walked to the bathroom on tired muscles. She disrobed and got into the shower, turning on the knobs- she was going to kill Sierra. Her sister, Sierra, was famous for using the shower wrong, by leaving the little pully-thingamajig that switched the system to go between shower and bath pulled up, so that instead of the water coming first out of the faucet beneath, it would come out the shower-head, soaking whoever was unfortunate enough to be beneath it. She was immediately doused with freezing cold water, causing her to yelp.
"Graduation!" she exclaimed. It hit her then, and she turned on the hot water knob with a sigh. She was already awake, so why stop? She took her morning shower with the realization that she could have slept in some, because she had graduated from Pallet Academy last week.
IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT! she mentally cursed herself.
She walked out of the bathroom dressed in a towel, and after a few moments of gathering clothing, she dropped that and slipped into the new stuff. It was, quite literally, new clothing -- in her opinion, it was also insanely cute. A pink shirt dressed her torso, while a pair of white shorts with a red stripe down each side covered up her lower half down to the knees. She walked back into the bathroom, combing her brown, shoulder-length hair and brushing her teeth. Finally, she walked out of the bathroom and made her way downstairs.
Elizabeth slipped down the stairs with a good bit of grace, which honestly surprised her. She was usually a bit clumsy in the mornings, and even past the clumsy stage, she was never skilled on her feet, so she wondered exactly what it was that made that different this morning. Luck, she supposed.
She sighed, walking into the kitchen to find it occupied, though only by the smiling, jaded face of her father. He nodded toward her. "Up a bit early, are we? You know you could have slept in."
She shook her head. "Yeah, I sort of figured that out about... ten minutes too late, while I was in the shower."
Her father laughed at that. She bonked him lightly on the head for that little episode as she walked past him.
"Oww! C'mon, Beth. It was funny," her father mumbled.
"Doesn't mean you should laugh at it!" she teased, at the same time hopping up to swipe the box of cereal on top of the refrigerator, then doing the same to reach the cupboard where she grabbed a plastic bowl. She poured the cereal and her milk, and on her way back to the table, she picked up a spoon from the silverware drawer, then finally sat down in a chair beside her father. He set down his newspaper for a moment, reaching over and planting a small kiss on her forehead.
"I'm just kiddin', honey," he said. "You CAN go back to sleep now if you want. I'll wake you up at nine."
She shook her head. "And go through the trouble of getting up again? I'd much rather just lose that hour and a half of..." She yawned. "...sleep."
"Of course," he said, wearing a large grin. She leaned in, taking in a quick spoonful of cereal.
"So, where's Sierra at? Still asleep?" she asked.
"Of course not. She woke up around the same time I did... which was, really, about half an hour ago. She ate quick and said she would be going out for a walk."
Beth raised an eyebrow. "Eh? She hasn't come back yet?"
Christopher Scott shook his head.
"You want me to go out and try to find her when I'm done?" Beth knew exactly where she was. It was where she went whenever she had things on her mind, and had confided this to Beth once when they were younger.
He nodded. "If you wouldn't mind. I wanna make sure she hasn't run off just to be a pain or something... especially with A.N.T.I. today."
Her eyes widened. She had forgotten all about A.N.T.I. She quickly gobbled down the rest of her cereal in silence, speeding over to the kitchen sink and tossing the dirty utensils in. She walked over to her father and kissed him on the forehead. "I'll go find her. Be back soon."
"Thanks, honey." He smiled, and waved to her as she grabbed her purse from in front of the front door and darted out.
Sierra Hope Scott kicked flexed her knee upward, her foot connected with the tree in front of her, sending out a small burst of dust. She switched to the other foot with expert precision and timing, then planted both her feet down, her gloved hand colliding lightly with the base.
Sierra was pissed off for multiple reasons. The primary was anger at her father, because of what he had done. Sure, she would have done it herself, but she wasn't going to let him know that now. He had forcefully enrolled them in that stupid... whatever it was called. That initiative thing- A.N.T.I. That was it. Annual New Trainer Initiative. The guy was trying to make her decisions for her, and that angered her. He had even confronted her about it, saying it was necessary -- whether she liked it or not.
She was also somewhat angry at her sister, Beth. But much less so than at her father, and only because of her overly annoying, excitable outlook toward the prospect. She still loved her sister, though. The love toward her father was a bit more debatable.
She turned herself away from the tree for a moment, then closed her eyes. She inhaled sharply, exhaling with an equal amount of ferocity. Breathing exercises were originally all ******** to her, but when her anger management classes had taught them and she was forced to start, she found they helped quite a bit.
So, no matter what she did, she would be heading toward the old Oak Laboratory today, and picking up a Pokemon, along with a trainer's license, and Pokedex. She looked toward the southeast, where that laboratory was located, and was surprised by the lack of people. A.N.T.I. usually drew in a humongous crowd, even in the smaller towns like Lavender and Cinnabar Island. She supposed people ignored Pallet Town, even after the legendary Red had been revealed to be from Pallet to the public.
She turned around and slammed her foot into the tree one more time. People sucked. She then heard someone speak, and groaned -- not only was it another person at an extremely inopportune time, but she didn't recognize the voice.
"You look cool. Are you, like, a karate master?"
It was the voice of a little boy. She supposed she did look like some sort of fighter in her abuse of the poor tree that served as her safe haven, but her actual clothing -- a red dress shirt buttoned up entirely except for one or two down at the bottom, and jean shorts -- didn't make her look much like an expert, rather a wannabe with a really weird dressing habit.
She nodded to the kid, however. "Yes. And if you don't screw off, I'll kick your butt up that tree and hang you on a branch by your underwear."
"Cool!" the kid exclaimed.
She raised an eyebrow. Did the kid really find it cool? Was he some sort of masochist? "...Not cool. It'll hurt. A lot."
The kid nodded. "Of course, but you're that strong!"
"...What are you up to, kid?" She wasn't going to fall for it. He was obviously old enough to understand that no one but movie superheroes had that much strength.
The kid shrugged. "You just looked like you needed a pick-me-up. Or a hug. You want a hug, lady?"
"Fine. But if you ever need one, you can come find me. I'll be at the housing projects. Y'know, where all those A.N.T.I. people are campin'."
"A.N.T.I. people? People actually came?"
"Yeah! They're all just cramped up in one spot, since Pallet's so small." The boy nodded to her, then ran off toward the south.
She stood there for a few moments. So people did come after all. How interesting.
"Sis! C'mon. You forgotten 'bout A.N.T.I. or something? We need to get home. Get prepared."
And there was Beth, her sister, jogging up toward her, her long brown hair bouncing, her chest heaving. That excited, yet slightly worried look in her eyes. She wore that new outfit Dad had bought her for today, the pink shirt, shorts and her favorite, sky blue, windbreaker.
"Forget A.N.T.I.," she mumbled.
"But dad said-"
Sierra cut her off. "Dad says a lot of things. Not all of them are good."
Beth narrowed her eyes. "Why do you always get so angry at him?"
"Because I always get so angry at him. Now, drop the subject. I guess I'll go." Sierra wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand, realizing that it was odd for her to be sweating like this in rather nice weather, but ignoring that. She threw an arm around Beth's shoulder and hugged her for a moment, then began walking in the direction of their home. "But only because I love you."
So the two got home to a father who was relatively mellow about the whole subject. All Sierra got for being out for half an hour when promising a ten minute walk was a, "I wish you'd tell me if you plan to be out for that long", so she was somewhat satisfied. Though knowing her, she probably didn't plan to be out that long in the first place, so the point was void.
The two of them were pretty much packed as good as they should have been, leaving them only the duty to check and make sure they had everything. Their dad had gone through the expenses of buying them each three of each "necessity-medicine", as he called them -- three potions, paralyze heals, antidotes, burn heals, ice heals and awakenings, as well as one technical machine for each of them to start off with. The move was Return, to teach their first Pokemon. It was a sweet gesture, and had also been an expensive one, so they weren't going to get much else besides the backpacks these were contained in.
Both had packed up all of their clothing, and the necessities, alongside anything else they individually wanted to take along. Beth had taken a couple of books, while Sierra had grabbed a few empty notebooks, as well as pens and pencils. She was a writer. She loved poetry, dark and depressing, while Beth loved lighthearted novels. That was something neither got about each other.
The rest of the day up until three in the evening was spent relaxing. Beth and Sierra hung out together, talking about the journey prospect. Things they would do, what would happen if such and such occurred, and of course- what if they met up with famous whatshisname? Eeek! They laughed, joked and overall enjoyed themselves, much like they always had together, and as they thought, always would.
thump thump thump thump
"C'mon on in, dad," Sierra muttered.
Her father peeked his head into the door, nodding toward her. "It's three. We need to go ahead and go, alright? Grab your purses. No need for the backpacks yet, of course."
Beth nodded to her father, while Sierra just went ahead and did as asked. Their father shut the door, and Beth leaped up to her feet to grab at hers. The two went out the door, following their father downstairs.
And out the front door they went, walking south.
On the way, their father began to speak. "So, how are you two holding up? Nervous? Afraid?" He laughed. "I know I sure am."
Beth smiled anxiously. "Very funny, dad."
"Hillarious," Sierra chimed in. "It's not your initiation, now is it?"
Beth looked at Sierra, raising an eyebrow. "I think that's the point-"
"No, it isn't," Chris Scott interrupted, "but it's the initiation of my two daughters. My two healthy, strong, young daughters leaving off on a journey through Kanto- and I can't join 'em. It's upsetting, yet... you guys know I'm proud of you both, right?"
Beth's anxiousness slacked off a bit, but was still present, nagging at her. The mask of love from her father lessened the blow, though.
Sierra said nothing on the subject, but both Beth and Sierra confirmed their approval of this question with a swift, decisive nod. The rest of the walk was silent, but Beth noticed as they trekked through the winding dirt roads of Pallet Town, the both of them seemed to gravitate closer to their father's side.
The Annual New Trainer Initiative was being held in front of the Old Oak Laboratory, "Old Oak" being the nickname of the elderly Professor Samuel Oak who worked there with a three-man crew, studying Pokemon. He had been selected to speak at A.N.T.I. this year, and it was admittedly one thing that Sierra was looking forward to. She had always respected Old Oak, who had helped the greatest trainer known to the world this day, even. It was a large event, bustling with people fluttering about like busy little mice with missions of their own. They had set out on their own mission, one of finding a frigging seat.
They finally found a spot in the fifth row. Pretty good spot, too, for a crowded event like ANTI. They sat and waited for a bit while everybody took their seats and the people up on the stage in front of them took their places, setting microphones up. Sierra recognized a few faces: Furn Ace of Cinnabar Island's gym, the Pokemon Fan Club chairman Tito Vasquez, Professor's Assistant Autumn Leaf, and Professor Samuel Oak, of course. The event finally started off with a bang- literally. A gong had been placed in the background, which was hit and rang through the ears of the crowd to start off the event and gain the people's attention.
The assistant, Leaf, approached the front of the stage. She straightened out her lab coat, fiddling around with the microphone. She cleared her throat and began to speak. Her voice was filled with a surprising timidness.
"Testing, testing... uhm, okay! Sorry, folks, this would, uhm, be my first time doing a speech... sure, I helped Red take down Team Rocket, but I can't even manage to start off a speech right! Heh... heheh..."
This earned a few giggles from the crowd, but a lot of respect from Sierra. Leaf had helped Red in the famous Rocket siege of Silph Corporation, the major producer of trainer's items for the Indigo continent. She had also gone with him to finish off the side-project of Rocket on the Sevii Islands.
"...Anyways. Today is May first, twenty-eleven, and the day in which many legends will be made! I'm sure of that. Can we get a cheer for that?"
Many people, Sierra and Beth threw out a big whoop for that notion.
"A.N.T.I. is an organization that supports the Pallet Laboratory, but that isn't the only reason me and Old Oak are here today, believe it or not. We both love to see the initiation of new greats, see the growth of the children we whisk off tonight."
"You tell 'em, Leaf!"
"Take it off!" Sierra audibly giggled at this one.
"...That man is right!" a red-faced Leaf said. "I will take the microphone off, and hand it on to Professor Samuel H. Oak!"
She removed the microphone from the stand, walking to the seat of Professor Oak. He shook his head, standing up and walking to the front of the stage with his cane. The gray-haired, wrinkle-faced old man greeted the crowd with a smile on his face and a wave with his free hand. Leaf quickly followed, placing the microphone back on the stage and adjusting the stand.
Oak cleared his throat, and the crowd went even quieter.
"Hello, folks. My name is Samuel Harris Oak, and exactly nine years ago on this date, I gave a Bulbasaur to 'Red' O'Brien, and a Charmander to 'Blue' Oak, my grandson, as well as a Squirtle to Autumn Leaf- my assistant here. The three of them left that night, heading out for the journey of a life time."
The crowd roared wildly at this, but Oak stomped his cane onto the wooden stage, gaining the attention of the crowd once again. "Thank you, but save the applause for when I am done."
Sierra loved the fact that it was an order, not a request.
"...Now." Oak looked toward the north, past the crowd. "It seems as if it were yesterday that this happened. The three of them were originally meant to complete the Pokedex- which, for the Kanto 'dex, they did, mind you- but they became legends. Now they are household names. Red has become known to be the greatest trainer ever to exist- my grandson Blue runs the Viridian City Gym- and I even get to see dear Autumn daily. It is truly amazing to see what the simple act of giving someone a Pokemon can do. Autumn, dear, please send out Nidoran."
Leaf took a ball out of her lab coat, and pressed a button in the center with her thumb. A magnificent burst of white light shot forth, materializing into the form of a tiny blue Pokemon that Sierra couldn't quite recognize by sight, but knew easily by its name- it was a female Nidoran, tiny blue creatures with poison pins around their body. The female ad no horn, unlike the male.
"Pokemon are creatures with unlimited potential, especially with a human at their side. Note, I don't say controlling them. That is something you initiates must remember. They call you Pokemon Trainers, and this is certainly true. You train your Pokemon to be better battlers, coordinators... whatever it is you wish to do. But keep in mind that your Pokemon teach you lessons as well."
He hobbled around, pointing toward the sky with his cane for a moment, before thrusting it back down to keep his balance. "For instance, fifty years ago..."
A furious cry roared through the skies, and the entire crowd, Sierra and Beth included, gasped and looked upward to see the source of this noise. They saw nothing, and a few people gave up on this, looking down on the stage.
"On the stage!" someone yelled, and the crowded shifted their attention: on the stage, floating in front of Oak, was a reddish bird, flapping its wings intensely to stay afloat. From the steady caws it released, Sierra could tell it was vicious-...ly fake. But everyone else seemed to be going for the facade for the moment, so she would act surprised as well.
"Oh, my!" Oak exclaimed. "Ferocious little fellow. This is the perfect chance to give an example! Nidoran, quickly!"
Beth seemed to be close to hyperventilation next to her, while her father sat back, his eyes wide, focused on the stage. She placed a hand on Beth's shoulder.
"Potato salad!- Oh, Sierra, this is scary-"
"Beth. It's fake. Old Oak owns a Spearow, remember?" Sierra soothed.
"...Oh- Oh! Clever.." Beth said, her voice echoing a bit more calm. Her breathing was stabilizing slowly.
Suddenly, the bird darted forward toward Oak's chest. It was fast, and Sierra squinted to keep up with it. Nidoran jumped in front of it, taking the Peck attack with grace. The two of them crumpled to the floor of the stage, and Oak smiled widely.
"Fifty years ago, I ran into a Wild Spearow with my Nidoran at my side," he said.
The two Pokemon on the stage got up. Nidoran walked to Oak's side. The bird floated up to his side, then rested on his shoulder, nuzzling the old man's hair affectionately. "Spearow could have blinded me. Took an eye out, maybe even killed me if I panicked well enough."
He reached up with his free hand, gently stroking its head. "He taught me a simple lesson. Fright and adrenaline pounded it into my brain, and I still think of it to this day: Life can throw anything at you. Never be unprepared. It can cost you dearly."
The crowd roared. They couldn't help it, and Oak realized this apparently, as he did not try to stop them. It quieted down after a few minutes, and Oak began to speak again.
"We and Pokemon can live separately, in closing. But nowhere does it say that we can do so and still reach our full potential. To reach the pinnacle of potential, Pokemon need us-- and we need Pokemon. Be proud of what you're doing today, children- or adults, even. You are about to set out on a quest that will change your lives forever, and much for the better. Some have tried to argue that coming into money is the best change possible. I guarantee you, that is false. But on this journey, you will grow wealthy. Wealthy with knowledge; wealthy with friendship; wealthy with experience, and most important of all, wealthy with memories that you will never forget! Hahaha!"
The crowd went wild. Cheers, whoops, claps, and of course, the few in the mixture that gave the Professor a standing ovation. The Professor hobbled over to his chair, assisted by Leaf. Soon, Tito Vasquez approached the mic, and the crowd allowed themselves to finally go silent, much to the relief of Sierra's aching head.
"A.N.T.I. was founded five years ago with the funding of Pallet Laboratories, The Viridian Gym and an anonymous benefactor, all of which continue to donate today, in the spirit of the famous departure from this very town and of course, the age-old spirit of adventure. We wish you luck with your journeys, participants! At five o'clock, head inside the laboratory to receive your supplies. The event will be open, with such attractions as meeting the few famous faces here today, the arena, and other various games until 10:00 PM tonight! Please enjoy the day!"
After a short cheer, the crowd dispersed to do what they wanted. Beth and Sierra immediately went on to go to the inside of the lab, eager, but their father stopped them first- quickly, just to tell them that he would be waiting for them in the seating area, where pretty much no one would be, he joked with a smile.
So, the two rushed off and waited in the humongous line. It felt like hours to Sierra, though according to her watch, it was about one and a half of them. Finally, Sierra got to the front of the line she was in (it had split in to two when they entered the lab), and approached the lab assistant that was assisting the assistant assisting with A.N.T.I.
Thinking of this little description, she immediately bit her tongue lightly to stifle laughter. She still snorted. The assistant, though looking at her oddly for a moment, smiled. "Hello! Are you here to receive your new partner and the supplies?"
"No," Sierra said. "I'm here to ask for directions to the bathroom."
The assistant paused for a moment. "...Well, it's, er-"
"I'm kidding. Yes."
"Oh! Alright, then. Name?" The assistant began to type a few commands into the computer behind him. It was the way the system worked: you applied for what Pokemon you wanted beforehand, and the rest of the stuff was made as well, all stored in the computer storage system.
"Sierra Hope Scott."
"Right! Just a second then, Miss Scott." The assistant clicked and clacked on the keyboard, making a few motions with the mouse, and from a small slot in the hard drive, a flash of red light came out and materialized into a small card (which was her trainer card, complete with the picture she had sent in), and a Pokeball wih a small green leaf labeled on it. The assistant grabbed them, then walked over to a small pile of red machines and picked one up alongside a small booklet. Finally, he walked over to Sierra and handed it to her.
"Alright! There's your Bulbasaur, Miss Scott, alongside your Pokedex, Instruction Booklet, and Trainer Card! You are officially a Pokemon Trainer! Good luck, and may your journey bear many wonderful fruits!"
"Thanks," she murmured, and then rushed off toward the door. When she passed through the door, she heard Beth's voice call after her, and the two of them rushed toward the seating section.
They spotted not just their father, but another familiar face there, waiting for them. A face that both Sierra and Beth recognized, and spoke in unison. "Matt?"
"So they do know you after all. Glad to hear you're not a creeper," their father teased.
"'course not, Mr. Scott. Thanks for letting me know 'bout your daughters being here, though... so glad to be able to do this."
Matt was a handsome boy, throwing the idea of 'fat' out the window. He was a major weight-lifter, they both knew, and was well-sculpted because of it. His typical garb consisted of a tank top, his bare arms covered by a jacket that varied in colors (today it was white), and a pair of jeans.
"Do what?" Sierra asked.
"How 'bout you first, Sierra? Ol' buddy ol' pal."
"For what, Joyson?"
Matthew Joyson slipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out a Pokeball, pressing his thumb against the center. "Charmander! Let's go!"
The Pokeball opened up and sent forth a flash of white light that materialized into an orange bipedal lizard with a tan stomach, and a tail tipped by fire.
"...Oh. I see." Sierra grinned, pulling out her leaf-emblazoned ball. "Let's get this going, then. Bulbasaur, time to fight!"
Matthew Joyson enjoyed two things in this world the most: women, and adrenaline. He had learned to appreciate the finer of the former through age, while he had learned to r of the former (in more sense than one), and learned through experience to appreciate the latter. And he felt like the luckiest man in the world right now, with access to both, right here in front of him.
"Type advantage won't make a difference!" Sierra Scott exclaimed.
He looked down at the Pokemon in front of her. She was a quadrupedal blueish-green monster with a bulb on her back, but she sat on her hind legs, laziness evident in her eyes. He knew it was female because A.N.T.I. tended to give out starters of the same gender of the applicant. Maybe because they could potentially bond better? He didn't really know the reasoning for it, in honesty.
He had met the sisters in the academy that the three of them had all gone too; He and Beth shared the same Math class. Matt had always been bad at the subject, while Beth had been pretty good, so he had always gone to her for help. He and Sierra had met for real when Beth had introduced her to him, and he and Sierra had caught on as friends pretty quick. She was a cool chick. Beth was pretty nice, too.
"Who said I needed it? Check your Pokedex. The starters they gave out know no 'special' attacks; they're, at the moment, physical fighters whether you like it or not."
He could see a disappointed look in Sierra's eyes at this revelation, and he smiled with a fake cockiness he put on just to try and return that fire in her eyes that he liked so much. It came back quick.
"Bulbasaur, tackle that overgrown lizard! I bet you can set Matt's pants on fire if you do it right." She grinned, but Matt could tell it was a forced grin, brought about to show equal confidence; confidence that neither of them really had, but wanted the other to believe that it existed, ever-present, bearing down on them like anvils on their shoulders.
Bulbasaur did not move at first. She tilted her head back to reveal the pink insides of her mouth to the world, yawning loudly. Then, with equal apathy, she stretched one of her legs to gently scratch at her head. Finally, she did get up, but only to turn at Sierra and give her a look that just screamed, 'And why should I? What have you done for me?'
"...Bulbasaur! Do it! Please?" Sierra groaned.
Matt was rather amused by this display. Pokemon were like people, with an array of different personalities and talents, and it seemed that if Bulbasaur were a person, she would be more on the couch-potato side than the athlete's. Which was pretty good for him, considering from what he had seen of Charmander's personality, he was a polar opposite of that kind of laziness.
"Saur! Bulba, ba. Grahhh...ahhh." Bulbasaur seemed to be agreeing to her wishes with this odd mix of sounds, steadily jogging forward. At the last moment, though, she threw her body in Charmander's direction.
The reason that Matt had chosen Charmander was because he knew that they had claws. Bulbasaur and Squirtle did as well, but neither were adept enough at using them, typically, to use Scratch attacks, limiting their earlier move sets to less accurate techniques- such as a Bulbasaur tackling.
"Dodge it, Charmander, then let's see if we can't cook a little lettuce for dinner! Grab a nice ol' handful with a scratch!"
Charmander leaped to the side, causing Bulbasaur to only graze him. She did manage to get a decent kick in with her back leg, which was sort of impressive, Matt supposed. Charmander then swiped at her open-view side with his claws, breaking skin and drawing a thin amount of blood.
"Bul..." Bulbasaur landed on the ground with a thick thud, her eyes echoing a sense of confusion. She had obviously not expected herself to miss, and the confusion quite obviously present sort of showed a possible spoiled background. Maybe one of the breeders who had hatched her (as was done with all starter Pokemon) pampered her without thought of her future trainer. He felt a bit sorry for Sierra because of that, but it was going to let him win his first Pokemon battle against her, so hell- it worked for him.
"...ba..." Bulbasaur picked herself up off the ground after a few moments, then suddenly, it looked as if she realized something. She looked down to her side to see the three scratch marks made by Charmander's claws, then looked at those same claws. She saw they were red. Probably putting two and two together, she saw four in front of her, and got pretty damn pissed off about it.
Charmander's taunting look didn't really help either. Bulbasaur's apathy seemed to disappear, and Charmander was sent skidding a good few inches by the sudden, speedy tackle she gave, knocking one of the chairs over.
"Alright, Charmander! At least you've put some energy into that thing!" Matt exclaimed.
Sierra grinned. "...So a lazy Bulbasaur with some anger issues. I think I'll like ya, girl-" Suddenly, she motioned for Bulbasaur to approach her. Begrudgingly, the green plant-dinosaur cross did so, and she began to speak. "Venus. That's what I'll call you. You like it?"
"Saur. Bulb, bulbasaur bulba bulbasaur!"
Matt was pretty sure that was Bulbasaur-language for, "Sure. Now, let me get back to kicking his ***!"
The newly christened Venus turned around, and while Charmander stood waiting for Matt's commands, Venus wouldn't allow him the luxury. With ferocity like a Luxray, Venus tackled Charmander again, plowing him through two chairs this time, and that seemed to be more than enough.
Charmander did not get up. Matt grinned, surprisingly. He extended his hand with the red-topped, white-bottomed sphere in it and pressed the silver release button in the center. The ball opened up, returning Charmander with a flash of bright red light.
"Spunky," Matt said next, "but needs to rid itself of that lazy 'tude."
"...Did I actually just win?" Sierra thought aloud.
"No, you lost," Matt said. "I just beat you into the ground."
"Shut up, Joyson! I won!"
Mr. Scott pulled himself up out of one of the chairs, and patted Mattt on the back. He leaned in close for a moment, whispering, "Thanks for throwing that, son."
"Sure," Matt responded. "No problem, Mr. Scott."
Sierra was a little too busy doing her happy, in-your-face dance to hear this conversation, and that was for the better, he supposed.
"Now! Beth, we can go at it once I go get Charmander healed- Wait. Beth?"
Matthew Joyson raised an eyebrow, mainly at the fact that Beth Scott was nowhere in sight.
"Did you see that? Super cool!"
Beth turned around, taking in the facial features of the figure who had approached her to see if she recognized it. She didn't. It was a girl with orangeish-red hair down to her ears, in a white t-shirt and jeans. She was smiling widely.
"No, I wasn't paying attention," Beth responded.
"Really? It's right there in front of you, such action, and you don't even pay attention? Stellar focus."
The girl didn't seem to be doing anything other than trying to start a conversation. While Beth would normally enter this conversation with gusto, the fact that she really needed to use the bathroom and she had no idea where they were sort of distracted her normally receiving attitude.
"Thanks." Beth continued walking along, her eyes darting from place to place in hope of finding the destination she oh so desperately needed.
But the girl followed. "So, my name's Robin. Robin Byrd. Funny, huh?"
"Huh. Mine's Beth. Beth Scott. Say, do you know where the bathrooms are? I really gotta pee."
"Oh, sure! Right around the corner. Here, follow me. So." She began to walk a little faster, putting herself in front of Beth. "You from Pallet? Or just here for A.N.T.I.?"
Beth shook her head. "Both."
"Oh, so you're just becoming a trainer today, too?"
When she slipped into the stall to do her business, Robin continued to speak. "So, what starter did you pick?"
"Squirtle," she said. "Gonna name her Shelly, I think..."
"Shelly! How unoriginal. But cute. Which is why it's unoriginal."
Beth stood up after getting finished, pulling her shorts up and walking out the door. Robin was waiting for her.
"My starter is actually non-traditional. Well, I guess traditional in the sense that most people didn't start with Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squiritle," Beth noted the odd way she said Squirtle, adding an ih between the ir and tle. "I started with a Clefairy. I'm from Pewter City."
Beth looked at her oddly. "So you didn't come here for A.N.T.I.?"
Robin shook her head. "I did. I just didn't come to get the starter Pokemon; I came for the Pokedex and Trainer's License."
"So... you owned a Pokemon and have been training it without a trainer's license?"
Robin smiled, an ear-to-ear ****-eating grin. "Meh. Who was gonna find out?"
"Only everybody you told..."
"Exactly! So pretty much everyone knew, but no one really tried to confront me on it. Weird, huh?" Robin shrugged.
"Kinda." Beth said this with her voice dripping in sarcasm.
The two walked in silence for a few moments, until Robin cleared her throat and began to talk again. Beth was somewhat surprised it had lasted that long.
"So! Where are we heading now?"
"...I'm heading toward the stage. My family is waiting for me there."
"Oh. Okay, then. Well, I'll go with you!" Robin cheerfully said.
Beth nodded. "Alrighty, I suppose."
The two continued to talk for a bit on the way over there- Beth learned some things about this odd, cheery girl, too. She was Robin Wood Byrd, thirteen years old, from Pewter City, Kanto. She had two sisters, both older than her by seven years, both in the field of police work: one a beat cop for the PCPD (Pewter City Police Department) while the other was a crime scene investigator for the Guardia Civil (Kanto's major police organization). Finally, they reached the stage, where Sierra was sittingn there waiting for them, and no one else.
"Finally," Sierra muttered. "'bout time you got here. Dad and Matt're out looking for you."
"Oh, whoops. Sorry for running off like that... just reee-ea-eallly had to pee," Beth said apologetically.
"And met a friend on the way over?" Sierra observed, looking toward Robin.
Robin bounded forward in typical energetic fashion, extending her hand toward Sierra. "Hi! You must be Sierra. Beth told me a bit about'cha. I'm Robin! Robin... Byrd! Ha, funny, isn't it? Nice to meet ya, Sierra!"
Sierra extended her own hand, grabbing Robin's and shaking it. She looked at Beth like she had grown lobsters out of her ears, but did not say a word to her aobut the subject; Sierra wasn't the type to tolerate energetic, overly excitable personalities like Robin's, but Beth had decided to let Robin come along anyway. "Okay. Let me call Matt and Dad. Let 'em know you got here safe and all."
So Sierra did. "Hey, dad? Yeah. She's here. Brought a friend, too... no, no, just had to go to the bathroom. Badly, she says. Alright- you'll call Matt? Good. Alright. See you- okay, I'll tell her. See you in a few minutes." Sierra closed her phone and stuck it back into the breast pocket of her shirt. "Dad says he's glad your safe, and please let us know next time you're gonna wander off like that. Matt probably still wants to battle you."
"Oh?" Beth inquired. "Eh... I'm just gonna go ahead and deny that. Go home, you know."
"So you guys aren't leaving immediately?" Robin asked.
"No, gonna wait for the mass exodus to go away first," Sierra deadpanned.
"Good plan!"
"Sure," Sierra muttered.
Thanks to ShinySandshrew of serebiiforums for the banner!
Joined Oct 2010
View Public Profile
Send a private message to IanDonyer
Find all posts by IanDonyer
Find threads started by IanDonyer
Ignore Posts by IanDonyer


text:
by Portfolio Grader | August 23, 2012 1:30 pm
This week, the ratings of three Wireless Telecom stocks on Portfolio Grader[1] are down. Each of these rates a "D" ("sell") or "F" overall ("strong sell").
This week, Telephone & Data Systems (NYSE:TDS[2]) falls to a D ("sell"), worse than last week's grade of C ("hold"). Telephone and Data Systems is a telecommunications service company. In Portfolio Grader's specific subcategories of Earnings Momentum, Earnings Surprise, and Cash Flow, TDS also gets an F. For more information, get Portfolio Grader's complete analysis of TDS stock[3].
TIM Participacoes (NYSE:TSU[4]) ratings are on the decline this week as the company earns an F ("strong sell"). Last week, it received a D ("sell"). TIM Participacoes is a mobile telecommunications services provider in Brazil. The stock gets F's in Earnings Momentum and Margin Growth. The stock price has dropped 8.1% over the past month, worse than the 3.7% increase the S&P 500 has seen over the same period of time. To get an in-depth look at TSU, get Portfolio Grader's complete analysis of TSU stock[5].
The rating of SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM[6]) slips from a C to a D. SK Telecom operates primarily in South Korea as a provider of wireless telecommunications. The stock gets F's in Earnings Revisions and Sales Growth. For more information, get Portfolio Grader's complete analysis of SKM stock[7].
Louis Navellier's proprietary Portfolio Grader[1] stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being "strong buy," and F being "strong sell." Explore the tool here[8].
Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2012/08/3-wireless-telecom-stocks-to-sell-now-tds-tsu-skm/
Short URL: http://invstplc.com/1fIw9nf
Copyright ©2017 InvestorPlace Media, LLC. All rights reserved. 700 Indian Springs Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.


text:
Hotel Accommodation near Macouria
Search 10 hotels in Macouria
Get Secret Prices on selected hotels
These prices aren't available to everyone.
Where to stay in Macouria
French Guiana   accommodation in Macouria - Hotels.com offers great last-minute Macouria hotels deals and discount room rates. Our hotels in Macouria can easily be booked online. Our fast online search facility allows you to:
- - Find and compare different hotels in Macouria by star rating, amenities, theme, or brand
- - Choose the perfect Macouria hotel and view room rates, hotel details, guest reviews and photos
- - Securely book your hotel room online today!
- - Receive email and text confirmations with reservation details of your online hotel booking


text:
Artist description:
I love how you never know what you'll end up with when doing an abstract. : )
Java Draw Created Aug 18, 2011 640 x 460px Unless noted Copyright 2011 StephZenie.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
Post a comment
absolutely amazing!!
best abstract ever
wow this is amazing and the colors are so bright and the clean lines are just perfect
So cute love it 5H
wow!!! very creative, this octopus in abstract form looks amazing!!! 5/5 Thank you for your comment! 5/5 :)
FANTASTIC drawing!!! WOWOW I love how clean it is and the colours and the details! There is a lot to this one!!! 5h + Collection!!!
I honestly don't know what to say to this, it needs a word to describe it's amazingness- a word that is far beyond anyone's vocabulary and comprehension. FLURHANGYDEWAH. That. That is the word. 5♥s!
very cute alien
wooooooow it looks an awesome creature fantastic


text:
OAKLAND (CBS/AP) – An American hiker recently freed by Iran says she's still haunted by images of her fiance and friend remaining confined in a cramped jail cell.
In her first public appearance in the San Francisco Bay area since being released last month by Iranian authorities, Sara Shourd called on Iranian officials to show compassion and release her fiancee, Shane Bauer, and friend, Josh Fattal.
Shourd spoke at friend's home in Oakland Saturday, where she and supporters were writing letters of support to Bauer and Fattal.
The three University of California, Berkeley graduates were near the Iran-Iraq border in July 2009 when they were arrested by Iranian authorities. They were accused of illegally crossing the border and spying.
Shourd has denied Iran's allegations and says the three were just hiking through a scenic area during a vacation.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


text:
Hot deal on this Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning system for only $36.99 + FREE shipping! This is a 55% savings! This learning tool includes 6 ways to play: digital reader, game player, note pad, art studio, MP3 Player and Photo Viewer. With this, the little one won't beg to play with your electronics anymore!
Product Features:
- iXL is the ultimate handheld learning tool designed for kids
- Comes with pre-loaded software for the various applications
- Opens like a book, exposing a 3.5″ TFT QVGA color screen
Want to find out how to save at Amazon? Read the post on 8 Tips to Save on Amazon.com.
Prices at Amazon can change at any time and are subject to availability. This price is valid as of October 31, 2012, so you'll want to check the price before purchasing.
Like these deals? Don't forget to sign up for the Saving Cents with Sense Newsletter to find deals, coupons, and money saving tips in your mailbox each day. You can also follow on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest This site uses affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.


text:
TV viewing gets caught up in WebMay 4, 2013 Updated: May 5, 2013 12:53am
Photo: Paul Sakuma, Associated Press
Schlitterbahn executive Winter Prosapio and her family ditched both broadcast and cable TV more than a year ago and have few regrets.
To continue reading this story, you will need to be a digital subscriber to ExpressNews.com.
By logging in, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.


text:
You dont have to pack your bag to take this trip. Thats the mantra Sharon Rudden of Tennyson Streets Studio 52 keeps chanting in introduction to the second annual Tenn-Low Turismo, a neighborly scavenger hunt hosted by the Berkeley District Merchants Association to showcase businesses concentrated on or between Tennyson and Lowell streets in northwest Denver. Rudden, one of the events chief organizers (who happily characterizes herself as a woman with too many ideas in her head), also notes that this event capitalizes on the districts convivial and laid-back mood, so dont expect anyone to put on any airs. Its a block party with a purpose, and it doesnt end there; also on tap today in Tenn-Low is the Art in the Park art fair, featuring thirty or more artists, live music and adjunct activities for families.
If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.
You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!
It all starts and finishes in Cesar Chavez Park, 41st Avenue and Tennyson Street, where scavenger hunt registration and the fair both begin at 10 a.m.; from there, you can decide whether to accept the scavenging challenges or just hang in the park and shop the art. But be forewarned: Serious hunters (pets included) are advised to come in costume for a chance to win a prize, and they must return to the park by 2 p.m. sharp, stamped passports in hand, to turn in their points. Art and activities will continue until 4 p.m., and everythings free. Visit www.tennlowturismo.com for details or to register in advance.
Sat., Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2009


text:
From the Chronicle Kitchen
Sips & Apps
Do you pair a favorite app with a choice drink? Tell us about it to win a copy of Sips & Apps and one of Kathy Casey's cocktail mixers!
Fresh Raspberry Bellini
Made with fresh raspberry puree, the color is strikingly beautiful. Serve this cocktail at your next brunch or for a leisurely breakfast in bed! Also lovely as an aperitif on a lazy afternoon.
Makes 1 drink
1 tablespoon Raspberry Puree (recipe follows)
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
4 to 5 ounces chilled Prosecco or brut or dry rose Champagne
For garnishing
Fresh raspberry
Place the puree in the bottom of a champagne flute. Add the schnapps, then the Prosecco. Stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a raspberry.
Raspberry Puree
Makes 1 cup, enough for about 16 drinks
1 pint fresh raspberries or 2 cups frozen unsweetened raspberries, defrosted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
Combine the raspberries, lemon juice, and sugar in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate, for up to 4 days, until needed.
Tip: If you would like a sweeter drink, add more sugar to the puree.
Purchase Sips & Apps.
Click here for more great recipes.
Peter Perez
Senior Marketing Manager
Latest posts by Peter Perez (see all)
- Pig, Delicious Pig: Pork Tacos for the Big Game - October 24, 2014
- Happy (Glorious) National Pasta (of Italy) Day - October 17, 2014
- Marimekko: Living in Patterns - October 13, 2014
Easy Soups + Quick Breads: Jamaican Pork and Sweet Potato Stew with CornbreadNovember 15th, 2017
Finding Balance with A Beautiful Mess (and a Recipe for Miso Granola)October 20th, 2017
10 Ways to Feed the Resistance (and a Recipe for Spiced Mung Bean Wraps)October 17th, 2017
Putting the Zing in Zingerman's Bakehouse: A Q+A with Book Designer Alice ChauOctober 16th, 2017
Behind the Scenes: Photo Styling for The Art of the Bar CartSeptember 22nd, 2017
6 Comments
CakeSpy July 30, 2009 at 9:58 am
This sounds so good–especially during our Seattle Heat Wave! Refreshing and naturally the added kick is welcome.
Jess W. July 30, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I'm not that creative…I love to pair a glass of Cava or Prosecco with just about any appetizer. Looks like I need to get more creative with my Prosecco.
C. Wilson July 30, 2009 at 12:28 pm
My favorite summer drink (well, favorite drink, period) is a Gin Rickey. It pairs well with everything. How about smoked sable or trout on toast or puff pastry with a bit of chive and farmers cheese?
AlchemistGeorge July 30, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I know I'm a heretic, but we often use Prosecco in place of Champagne. In any case, once you've had a Bellini (prosecco and white peach puree) you'll immediately see the wisdom of recipes with prosecco and fruit!
Muse in the Kitchen August 1, 2009 at 6:12 am
Cosmopolitan with little fried cheese balls. Not sure why, but the flavor combo really works for me!
Peter August 7, 2009 at 11:21 am
And the lucky winner is…AlchemistGeorge! Congrats! You're the lucky winner of the book + cocktail mix from Kathy Casey's Dish D'Lish! Happy sipping and apping.


text:
UI President & COO of UIL Holdings Corp. (UIL) Anthony J Vallillo sells 1,093 shares of UIL on 11/23/2009 at an average price of $27.13 a share.
UIL Holdings Corporation is the holding company for The United Illuminating Company and United Resources. United Illuminating Company is aNew Haven-based regional distribution utility that provides electricity and energy-related services to customers in municipalities in the Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport areas.(PR) Uil Holdings Corp. has a market cap of $817.7 million; its shares were traded at around $27.32 with a P/E ratio of 13.2 and P/S ratio of 0.9. The dividend yield of Uil Holdings Corp. stocks is 6.3%. Uil Holdings Corp. had an annual average earning growth of 3% over the past 5 years.
UIL is in the portfolios of Jean-Marie Eveillard of Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC.
Insiders' Positions with UIL
- Sell:: VP Transmission Business John J Prete sold 946 shares of UIL stock on 11/13/2009 at the average price of 27.1, the price of the stock has increased by 0.81% since
- Sell:: UI VP Electrical Richard J Reed sold 2,600 shares of UIL stock on 08/25/2009 at the average price of 26.47, the price of the stock has increased by 3.21% since


text:
Browse Releases by Categories
Items Tagged: Nightlife AND Fall
A Spectacular September Weekend Awaits Arts Lovers In Philadelphia
One Weekend, Three Debuts: O17 Opera Festival, Fireflies Exhibit & Mural Arts Monument Lab
September is shaping up to be a spectacular one for arts lovers in Philadelphia. During the weekend of September 14, fans of the fine and performing arts have a slew of exhibits, performances and first-in-Philly happenings from which to choose: Opera Philadelphia's inaugural opera festival O17; the groundbreaking moving art exhibition Fireflies—part of Parkway 100, the 15-month-long centennial celebration of the city's Benjamin Franklin Parkway; and Mural Arts Philadelphia's Monument Lab, an eight-week public art and history exhibit that spans the city. Add to that the always outrageous Fringe Festival and the last weekend for Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect...
Philadelphia Fetes Community And Culture This Fall
Major Art Exhibitions, Street Festivals, Dinosaurs, Murals and More Invigorate The Season
With the opening of a new center for Latino arts and culture (El Corazόn Cultural Center), a day of car-free city streets (Philly Free Streets) and oodles of festivals celebrating everything from fungi to films to first-person storytelling, Philadelphia coasts into autumn with a calendar chock full of fun.
More time to stay means more time to play. To maximize the season's offerings, visitors can book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, featuring free hotel parking, at visitphilly.com.
What's New:
- Urban Axes introduces the newest craze from Canada to Philadelphia with the opening of the nation's first indoor
Five National Magazines And One Web Site Say Philly Is "Great," "Best" And "Tops"
City Shines In September/October 2008
Journalists are taking notice of Philadelphia as a hot urban destination, as evidenced by the many accolades bestowed on the city in September and October 2008. Here's a look at what some national magazines and a Web site had to say:
- Business Facilities chose Philadelphia as one of seven destinations for its "Editors' Location Picks 2008" list featured in the September issue of the publication. Editors were particularly impressed that the region "has a 'CEO Council for Growth' that was so determined to create a high-powered entity to market the region it raised $16 million four years ago to establish
Archived Releases
18 Reasons To Book A Trip To Philadelphia This Year
The Democratic National Convention, The 200th Anniversary Celebration Of The AME Church, Creative Africa Summer At The Art Museum & Many Other Happenings Pack The Calendar
Recently named the first and only World Heritage City in the United States and Lonely Planet's "Best in the U.S." destination for 2016, Philadelphia is enjoying an action-packed year filled with attraction openings and expansions, only-in-Philly events and don't-miss exhibitions—all happenings that will complement the immensely walkable city's buzzed-about dining scene, vibrant art offerings, plentiful parks and public spaces and history galore.
Roaring animatronic dinosaurs will lumber into The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for Dinosaurs Unearthed. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. added a new women-focused exhibit to the Betsy Ross House, and America's most historic square mile welcomes Colonial...
Festivals, Events & Exhibitions For LGBT Travelers To Philadelphia This Fall & Winter
OutFest And A New Cabaret Series Make Autumn Awesome For Gay And Lesbian Travelers To Philadelphia
A welcoming and diverse destination that celebrates its LGBT pride every day, Philadelphia offers a range of cultural and social events perfect for gay and lesbian travelers this fall. Highlights: OutFest, the world's largest National Coming Out Day festival; The RRazz Room at the Prince Theater, a series featuring renowned cabaret talent; and Opera on the Mall's presentation of La Traviata. As the temperatures cool down, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus and the storied Mummers Parade usher in the holiday season and the New Year.
LGBT Festivals & Celebrations:
- Philadelphia's official LGBT community center, the William Way LGBT
2015: The Year Of Craft Beer In Philly
Every Month Brings Large-Scale Showcases Of Suds To The City Of Brewerly Love
As home to the world's original and biggest craft beer week—Philly Beer Week—Philadelphia sets a high bar for beer events. In the city and suburbs, beerific happenings take place all year long that draw hundreds and thousands of beer lovers. Here's a look at some of the oldest, largest, quirkiest and most popular celebrations of artisanal suds slated for 2015:
- Called "one of the top 10 beer festivals in America" by Forbes Traveler, the Philly Craft Beer Festival returns under tents at the Philadelphia Navy Yard with more than 75 national and international breweries, food trucks
Halloween Hauntings In Philadelphia
High-Tech Haunted Houses, Cemetery Tours & Creepy Cruises Are More Treat Than Trick
While rumors persist year-round of real ghosts and goblins inhabiting some of Philadelphia's most historic sites, it's during Halloween season when other-worldly creatures emerge from all corners of the region to make it a happily haunted time of year. Families with wee ones get gentle thrills at the Philadelphia Zoo's Boo at the Zoo and Morris Arboretum's Scarecrow Walk. And for serious thrill-seekers, several of the area's haunted houses (think Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary) have earned acclaim for their Hollywood-quality special effects, animatronics, pyrotechnics and teams of horrifically talented professional actors.
Here are some spots that...
Philly's More Fun When You...Race A Goat? Indeed.
Gay Bingo, Granny Races, Graveside Runs & More Make Philly Quirky All Year Long
As if making an international name for itself in the 19th and 20th centuries with an underdog championship boxer movie character, dueling cheesesteak purveyors, the Mummers and, well, a cracked bell didn't make Philadelphia quirky enough, it seems the 21st century will continue to propagate that fun-loving mystique with strange and wonderful annual events held every month of the year. Here's a look at the city's quirky side:
- Setting the standard for quirky events, the Mummers Parade kicks off every New Year with more than 15,000 men, women and children spending thousands of dollars on
Philly's Scene For Gay And Lesbian Travelers Heats Up This Fall
City Welcomes The Newest Kimpton Hotel And Nightclubs Q Lounge And Voyeur
Gay and lesbian travelers looking to extend their summer fun into autumn need look no further than Philadelphia in 2009 and beyond. With a handful of new restaurants, bars, clubs, events and hotels to complement Philadelphia's cherished and historical gay-friendly heritage, Philadelphia is the place to Get Your History Straight And Your Nightlife Gay®.
Make It A Weekend—Or More:
One of the nation's leading gay-friendly hotel chains, Kimpton makes its Philadelphia debut on October 15 with the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, a 24-story property housed in the 80-year-old American Institute of Architects building. Themed "Art in Motion," the Art Deco


text:
Cat lovers, animal lovers, diamond lovers and slot lovers can easily find something they enjoy in IGT's Kitty Glitter slot. These pampered pets have everything they could want in life and don't they just know it. This 5 reel video slot could not be simpler and yet it appeals to all levels of players due to its engaging format and loveable theme
Why is Kitty Glitter slot so popular?
It got cats in it, need I say more. IGT were one of the first slots developers to realize that people love cats, possibly more than they love other human beings. The Kitty Glitter slot plays on people's love for cats and how they will happily pamper their prized pets with every gift and jewel imaginable. But that is not the only reason Kitty Glitter is so popular. It also has a great game engine that works really well for both novices and long term slots players. The bonus round, which involves collecting lots of diamonds to release more wilds, is really addictive and gets players gripped from the get go. There are also plenty of wins in the regular game to keep you engaged for long periods – just keep an eye on your spending!


text:
WOCCU Gears Up For 2008 World Conference Online Registrations
MADISON, Wis. -- World Council of Credit Unions is now accepting online registrations for the 2008 World Credit Union Conference scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from July 13-16.
Participants can register online and reserve hotel accommodations at: www.woccu.org/hongkong08.
The conference, co-hosted by the Credit Union League of Hong Kong and in cooperation with the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions, marks the first time that WOCCU has brought the World Credit Union Conference to Asia.
Several of this year's sessions will feature a new interactive format, promoting participant discussions that allow a wider perspective on issues facing credit unions globally.
As in years past, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in local credit union visits and see first-hand how credit unions in Hong Kong operate.
The conference will also include WOCCU's Young Credit Union People Program, which offers select events, including a networking session, for attendees under the age of 35.
Attendees wishing to enhance their Asian experience can participate in the optional pre-conference tour to Beijing, China from July 9-12 and post-conference tour to Bangkok, Thailand from July 17-20.
The excursions are in addition to companion tours that will take place during the conference for partners and families of attendees. The companion tours include day trips to nearby Macau and to Shenzhen on Mainland China.
Space is limited and the deadline for a discounted early registration rate is May 9.


text:
Your gift to the Hospice Foundation allows us to fulfill our 34-year promise to make the most of living. Center for Hospice Care's services are available to any eligible person, no matter their ability to pay. Your generous gift allows us to provide compassionate care to those most in need.
The Foundation for the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered at 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637. Checks can be made out to and sent to the following:
Hospice Foundation
501 Comfort Place
Mishawaka, IN 46545
With your support we can provide a variety of services such as:
• A trip to Camp Evergreen for a grieving child or teenager;
• Counseling session for those who have lost a loved one, regardless of whether he/she was a CHC patient;
• Prescription medications for a patient without the means to purchase them;
• In-home hospice care or hospice care at one of our Hospice Houses for a patient facing a life-limiting illness.
- Crossroads Campaign
To ensure that Center for Hospice Care (CHC) is prepared to meet the needs of our communities long into the future, CHC is excited to move into the public phase of its most ambitious comprehensive capital fundraising campaign ever - $10 million.
- Individuals
Whether you choose to support our mission of providing quality of life to those facing life-limiting illnesses, honor the memory of a loved one or leave a legacy of support with a planned gift, please know that your gift is greatly appreciated.
- Corporations
Corporate sponsorships of Hospice Foundation events such as the Helping Hands Dinner, Bike Michiana for Hospice or Walk for Hospice not only promotes your company's visibility in the communities we serve, it also highlights your dedication to making our community a better place to live by supporting our pledge to bring hospice services to those who most need it.
- Foundations
In working with foundations, our objective is to develop mutually beneficial relationships that further the goals of both organizations.
- Circle of Caring
As part of our mission to improve the quality of living for everyone we serve, regardless of their ability to pay, we began Circle of Caring, a donor giving program.


text:
Nava among three Red Sox roster cuts
By Evan Drellich / MLB.com
Nava and catcher Mark Wagner were officially optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, while right-hander Matt Fox was reassigned to the Minors.
Nava, 28, saw his swing get long this spring, but also saw his defense come far. Starting against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla., on Saturday, Nava robbed Andrew McCutchen with a long run and a leaping catch in front of the left-field wall. He had the presence of mind to get the ball back in quickly to second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who finished the relay and doubled off Neil Walker at first base.
Fittingly, manager Terry Francona said Sunday that left field is the position that he feels fits Nava best.
2010 Spring Training - Major League Baseball
News & Features
- Indians close to deal with reliever Axford
- Dodgers clean up at inaugural Social Media Awards
- Cards nearing deal with second baseman Ellis
- Levine: Yanks have 'no intention' of trading Gardner
- Hot Stove roundup: Ellis, Axford find new homes
Sights & Sounds
Spring Training Info
Nava hit just .205 this spring, and his 14 strikeouts were a team high for Grapefruit League play entering Sunday. Francona, though, said Nava is aware of where he must improve.
"He knows he needs to shorten [his swing] up," Francona said. "Last year at this time, I'm wiling to bet no one ever asked me a Daniel Nava question. ... Just the fact that we're asking about Daniel Nava today means he's come so far."
Wagner, a 26-year-old in his seventh season in the Red Sox system, went just 3-for-18 this spring, but Francona said he has the defensive tools necessary to put him in the mix if the big league club needed a catcher in-season.
Health will be a key for Wagner, who played in just 36 games with Pawtucket last season because of a pair of trips to the disabled list thanks to a bothersome left wrist.
"I remember last spring, him catching a few games," Francona said. "It's Spring Training, we're kind of taking things for granted, it'd be a first-and-third situation and he wouldn't look for a sign. When he comes in, he'd go, 'Man, I'm sorry. It was going so fast. And this spring that didn't happen.' It's fun to see that progression."
The Sox claimed Fox off waivers at the end of last season and he made three appearances with the big league club. This spring, the 28-year-old allowed two earned runs in seven innings and five appearances. His strikeout total, nine, was second to only two others on the team entering Sunday: Josh Beckett (11) and Jon Lester (10).
The Red Sox have 40 players in Major League camp: 32 who are on the 40-man roster, and eight non-roster invitees.
Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
This week's first installment of Rollergirl's Stories We Missed is not one that you should miss, as Rollergirl and The Fabulous Sports Babe get everybody caught up on the stories they didn't get a chance to talk about earlier in the show.
Take a listen as the ladies talk about Mario Williams's engagement ring lawsuit, free hot dogs on the water in San Francisco, ten things you can ask for on an airplane for free, a college baseball player getting caught using his teammate's tainted urine to pass a drug test, a former major league outfielder busted with crack, and more!!


text:
Alternative Titles: International Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Learn about this topic in these articles:
Everglades National Park
The park was authorized in 1934, but, because of difficulties acquiring land, it was not established until 1947. UNESCO designated it (along with Dry Tortugas National Park) a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage site in 1979. The park's area has been expanded several times, most recently in 1989. It encompasses 2,357 square miles (6,105 square km), including most of Florida Bay, and...
Fray Jorge National Park
...because the relatively warm discharge of nearby Limarí River into the cold Pacific Ocean creates an almost continuous fog, providing moisture for the forest. The park was designated a UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve in 1977.
Isle Royale National Park
...or by canoe, and ferry service is available from Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The park became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1976, and it was designated a UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve in 1980.
Nokrek National Park
...a highly diverse plant and animal community that includes the Indian wild orange ( Citrus indica), thought to be a progenitor of citrus fruits. In 2009 the park was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
...Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge adjoins the monument to the west and northwest, and the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation bounds it to the east. Established in 1937, it was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1976. The monument, with an area of 517 square miles (1,339 square km), preserves segments of the rugged Sonoran Desert. It is named for the organ-pipe cactus...
Tonle Sap
...industry, with numerous floating fishing villages inhabited largely by ethnic Vietnamese. The fermented and salted fish are staples of the Cambodian diet. UNESCO designated Tonle Sap a World Network Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
Virgin Islands National Park
...of Hassel Island (1978) in the harbour of Charlotte Amalie (on the island of St. Thomas). It covers a total area of 23 square miles (60 square km) of land and water. The park was designated a UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve in 1983.


text:
Olympiakos come from behind to keep perfect record
ATHENS, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Olympiakos Piraeus maintained their 100 percent start to the Greek Super League but they had to come from behind to beat OFI Crete 2-1 on Sunday.
Ghanaian Peter Ofori-Quaye surprised the champions by putting OFI ahead after 29 minutes and it stayed that way until fromer Brazil striker Rivaldo levelled after 66 minutes with his third goal of the campaign.
A draw appeared to be on the cards until four minutes from time when Ecuadorian international Felix Borja scored his first goal for Olympiakos since joining pre-season.
Olympiakos have 12 points from the first four rounds.
Panathinaikos, who parted company with their Swedish coach Hans Backe after their 1-1 home draw with Metalurgh Zaporizhzhya in the UEFA Cup, also needed a late goal to beat Panionios.
It came from an 87th minute penalty by Greece international striker Dimitris Papadopoulos.
The win leaves them in second place three points behind Olympiakos.
It was a bad day, however, for Greece's other European contenders as Xanthi were beaten 2-0 by bottom club Apollon Kalamaria and Atromitos, who gave Sevilla a tough night in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, went down 1-0 to Kerkyra.
Champions League hopefuls AEK Athens take on Iraklis, the only Greek team to win in European competition this week, in the one game to be played on Monday. Both teams are looking for their first league win of the season.


text:
Family meets at reunion
The annual Beinke-Luers reunion was held on Sunday, June 22, at Bethel Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, in rural Sigourney. President Marilyn Luers welcomed those attending and Edwin Luers asked the blessing before the cooperative meal.
After dinner, Sophie and Colton Lowe demonstrated some of their Tae Kwon Do skills. Milo Luers shared highlights of minutes from reunions held the past 81 years. He asked Marilyn Luers to read the life story of his Uncle Henry Luers. Following discussion of the updated family tree information, it was decided to proceed with plans for printing. Any information to be included must be received by the end of 2014.
Those who attended were Milo Luers of Washington; Loren Turnipseed and Luke Turnipseed of South English; Betty Hall, Sophie and Colton Lowe of Iowa City; Marilyn Luers, Lonnie Luers, Kevin and Pam Luers, Bradley Luers, Bryant Luers, Natalie Luers, Edwin and Rita Luers, Will and Melissa Luers, Anna, Will S. and Isaiah Luers, Keota; Lynnae Callison, Cayden and Carson Callison of Ventura.
As was determined in 1935, the next reunion will be on the fourth Sunday of June in 2015. Officers will be Marilyn Luers, president; Myron Luers, vice president; and Rita Luers, secretary-treasurer.