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Gorgeous scenery!!! What a great trip!!!
That looks like a great trip to enjoy.
I just know there's dinosaur bones to find there, somewhere....
No cattle, no one fishing, no houses...
I am amazed at how you were able to take such great photos from a moving train!
Very beautiful. I'm really glad you post them again.
Very funny-looking rocks!! Thanks so very much Sandy!!
Thanks for keeping them coming! :)
I would love to take a trip like this. Maybe through the Canadian Rockies!
So pretty!


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Written on: 24/04/2012
Was getting an amazing deal through Groupon for 2 nights in Barcelona @ 185 GBp per person so booked it immediately. It was through Viva holidays.
Everytime I called up Viva holidays office, the customer services said they will get back to me in 10 minutes and nobody ever called back.
Then finally I get through the customer services and they say I have to pay extra 100 pounds per person. It was no where mentioned about the extra supplement that they were asking me to pay not even in the fine print.
Ultimately had to cancel my holiday. Should have booked through Xpedia in the first place.
Good luck if you are booking through Viva holidays.
Written on: 26/04/2012
I'm still trying to book this with them and not having much joy, so far no mention of £100, sis they say what this is for??
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subset: commoncrawl


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The interim Jasper Police Chief has resigned his position without notice.
The Jasper City Mayor's office has confirmed to 12 News that Interim Jasper Police Chief Harlan Alexander turned in his resignation Monday morning.
According to 12 News file stories, Alexander has been serving as police chief since June when the city council voted to terminate Chief Rodney Pearson.
The mayor's office did give a reason for Harlan's resignation.


text: Hello everyone, I'm new to the site! Hopefully someone can come up with a solution to my problem. This early spring I noticed these large brown patches popping up in my field here in Haslet Tx. I have included a few pictures below. The tips of the grass have this dark red tent to it. Some of the grass is kinda stringy. I don't fertilize my field, just mowing only around 4" every 2-3 weeks. Now it's fall and ONLY the areas that had the brown patches this spring and summer are now growing this long brown looking weed. Can anyone identify what this is?


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This hard drive wasn't in a computer initially owned by me but my brother, When my brother went to university, I think this must have been 8-9? years a go they bought him a computer to take with him to complete his assignments on which subsequently to him finishing had just been dumped in our house with no one using it i thought maybe i should take a look to see what was on it, quite honestly i never expected it to still work.
When i turned the computer on i was welcomed by a computer refusing to boot up no matter what i did, at this point i thought that i am probably going to be unsuccessful and that i should probably give up but i was feeling resilient. I decided to pull the HDD out the computer and plug it into my other desktop. After a little bit of time i had two opened up computers and my desktop had a new hard disk drive, plugged in. New it to it, but very old anyway. When clicking on my computer i noticed that the computer had a new "device" plugged in. I was quite pleased and surprised to find the hard drive was still working and in good condition as it was opening files fairly quickly for something made back then. I managed to find and recover all of my brother's old photo's, documents, videos and other items back from when he was at university so i think he was pleased about that. everyone was surprised about the amount of time the drive had survived and quite honestly after witnessing this would use maxtor if i ever saw them cheap when i needed another drive.
In conclusion if you're looking for a hard disk drive for an older PC or you could even use it in a newer computer if you got an IDE cable to SATA cable converter with a small (20 GB ) memory storage space then this is a good choice as this things really does seem indestructible. Great value for money
Long lasting
Small storage space
IDE cabled
I am having to write this for the second time as I spent so long doing it the first time that It timed me out and I lost ALL my info!! How annoying is that?! I have written before in MS Word first, and copied them over but it puts a ? for every single apostrophe and I found it tedious having to trawl through and correct them-but not half as annoying as having to so the WHOLE opinion again-perhaps I will have to write an opinion on that as well! Ok well I decided that the 6.4gb hard drive in my 3-year-old Compaq Presario was too small for my current needs, and had been for a while in fact. When I bought my PC 6.4gb was huge; the biggest size back then was around 10-12GB. Now it's closer to 160gb! Quite a change. I did plenty of research online before deciding what to buy-I recommend anyone to so this before buying ANYTHING, theres so much good information out there which can be found on most good search engines, and of course Dooyoo! My existing drive was a Quantum "Bigfoot" 6.4gb Drive with a 5.25-inch width (same as a standard size CD drive)-very unusual for a machine less than 3 years old, and positively ancient. The newer drives are all 3.5 inches width so I knew I would need some mounting brackets to connect the drive to my 5.25 inch drive bay inside the PC- My PC has a tiny mini tower and I had already used the spare drive bay to install a CD rewriter, so I would need to replace the existing hard drive with the new one. I decided to check out Quantum's web pages first to see what they offered-I found that they no longer make internal PC drives and that Maxtor now look after tech support for Quantum hard drives, so I had a look there. I was impressed- Masses of technical info on loads of drives including my own, good knowledge base, downloadable software, UK tech support number etc-excellent. My old drive was a 5400RPM spin speed unit with an "ATA 33" interface and seek time of 12ms. Basicall
y the faster the RPM speed the faster the disk will run and overall data access/transfer will be faster (most disks are either 5400 or 7200rpm speed)-Interfaces on modern disks are ATA100 and ATA 133 which also contrubute to faster transfer than the older ATA33 and ATA66 interfaces-as long as your PC supports them-mine does not (ATA33). The ATA 100 and ATA 133 drives will however work with PC's whose intefaces are older, such as mine-ATA33. The seek time is the time it takes to find the info, 12ms(milliseconds) is average, some drives do 5ms, but most are between 6-12 ms. As My PC is "older" I didnt need a top spec drive, just something which would do the job, was good value and good quality. I decided that a 20GB drive would be perfectly adequate for my needs, as I will not be doing any Digital video editing or storing films on my PC, which take up huge amounts of space. Its the sum of the parts that matter rather than the individual parts themselves! My PC wouldnt take advantage of the faster Interfaces and greater storage spaces such as 40GB and up. By the time I got round to using that I would be getting another PC and anyway I could always get a 200Gb in few years if I really needed! And I had managed with 6GB for 3 years! I did check out reviews, prices and specs of other makes and manufacturers, such as IBM, Seagate and Western Digital but found that Maxtor came out top in each category. I havent seen a bad review of Maxtor drives anywhere-unlike some of the others. The other consideration I had was that my PC uses WIN98 (1st edition) and the Compaq technobods had advised that the system BIOS, (unable to be upgraded after checking) may not recognise a disk bigger than 10GB, so I may need to format it with FDISK, or the software that comes with the drive itself. FDISK can be found on a WIN98 Start-up Floppy disk, which you are recommended to create in case you are unable to get into Windows the normal way.
I decided on the Maxtor and downloaded the free "Maxblast" software in case of any problems with using FDISK (although this wasnt needed, see below). The Maxblast software looked quite long winded to use so I would recommend using FDISK if you can-its easy enough. It was then a case of where to buy from and how much it would cost. You can buy hard drives either as "retail" packs which include a cable, software and mounting brackets for fixing, or as a "bare" drive, which is just the drive on its own. I notice that many of the pictures show the drives as actually bare-ie with no cover on-dont be peturbed by this! Its just for illustration and the actual drive is the same as those in the retail packs- covered. As I already had a cable and the software, it was just a case of finding some mounting brackets which I managed to pick up at my Local Maplin store for £4 which fit all configurations judging by the number of screw holes in them! The cheapest I had seen the drive was £57.99 at PC world and Jungle. As I wanted one there and then I rang PC world to ask how much it was instore- the same! I went over and found the bare drives in brown cardboard boxes, along with other things such as sound cards and CD drives, under the "component centre" sign. There was a good range of drives, including a 40GB for only £10 more than mine, and a 7200RPM version of mine again for £10 more, but as already discussed I wanted the cheapest, best value drive I could get and I wasnt bothered about the faster speeds or extra space as I knew the 5400, 20GB would be perfect for my needs. I also noticed that the retail packs were as much as £50 more than their bare drive counterparts-a lot extra to pay just for software which is free on the web, a cable and fixing brackets. All I had to do to fit the drive was to enable the jumper on the back of the drive to the same setting as my old hard drive-the in
fo on this is on the drive itself of where to put the jumpers- I used "cable select" as my old drive was set to this also- which lets the cable tell the system how to recognise the drive, the other settings are master or slave. Be sure to check your system first to see what you need to set it as. I make sure I was grounded by wearing an anti-static wrist strap to stop any static, attached the brackets to the drive and then the drive to the Drive bay- 4 screws either side and its done-although I did breath a sigh of relief when I realised that the brackets which I had been assured to fit, DID actually fit! Usually theres something that crops up when I do this sort of thing, as Compaq, although good, sometimes make their systems awkward to upgrade. Then it was just a case of plugging the power cable and EIDE cable into the new drive, and away we go! I was pleasantly surprised that my system recognised the drive immediately so that no partitioning was needed (I think 32Gb is the max without needing to partition for WIN98), all I needed to do was put the Windows 98 floppy in, wait a second for it to start, type FDISK, then choose option 1, then option 1 again, and format the drive, which was recognised at 19548 Mb, only 52 Mb short of the 20GB, I think this is due to the way in which GB are measure, there's a slight difference). All I then needed to do was reload the software from the Compaq "quick restore" CD I had, which also has Win98 on (it doesnt tell you on the sleeve though-I had to check that WIN98 was on there, as The Dixons coverplan people said it wasnt!!! But Compaq confirmed that it was indeed on-thank goodness for that). I needed to unplug my CD rewriter before this would work as the CD itself wouldnt find my original Compaq CD drive other-wise, but this was simple enough, and everything was loaded on to my new drive after which I could plug the CD Rewriter back in and load up its softwar
e. In use the drive is extremely quiet-the marketing is right for once-I can barely hear anything even with the PC hood off-silence! My old drive wasnt extremely noisy but did "creak" a bit. Its almost like having double-glazing put in your PC! Excellent. Data speed and transfer is good, just as fast if not faster than my older drive. Its not the fastest or biggest drive I could have got, but is perfectly suited to my system. I would highly recommend this drive to anyone with an "older" system like mine who needs a top quality drive at a great price.
With my PackardBell imedia 6200 running Windows ME some 15 months old now, I decided to get myself an extra Hard Drive to use as a back-up and additional storage space. Currently I have a 20gig unit and a credit card that is a real wimp so I opted for a similar sized Disk and paid cash. I toyed with the idea of buying it on-line but I wanted it now and wasn't prepared to wait for our esteemed postal services to try an lose it en route so as I was in the area of our almost local PC World I made my purchase there. The selection was varied with a good stock of 20gig units at £79.99 and the salesman assured me that fitting it was simple enough with precise instructions included and all necessary bits and pieces to do so but he did add that for £24.50 the Hard Drive could be fitted for me. So I came away with a Maxtor 5,400 rpm Hard Drive and saved myself a few quid. After all just how difficult could it be to install an extra Hard Drive? Encased in its own sealed anti-static bag, the Hard Drive was sandwiched between two large pieces of foam with the manual and install disk on top and the Interface lead, brackets and screws snuggle down to one side. The manual named "DiamondMax Multi-lingual Hard Drive Installation Guide" was printed in 7 European languages with a set of FAQ's to aid the new owner. Apart from reading the manual the first step is to tell your computer that an extra hard Drive is about to be installed and for this purpose a floppy disk was supplied. I have always been in the habit of making a copy of any software that I have bought and I would suggest that the reader should make a copy of the install disk and use IT rather than the master. Put the master back in the box. Booting up on the floppy enabled the user to go through the required procedure, which meant signifying that the additional Hard Drive would be the PRIMARY SLAVE and I was given the opportunity to print out all the instal
lation instructions. Except that for some reason the instructions would not print although there was nothing wrong with the printer etc. The instructions suggested that it would be prudent to allow the Hard Drive to reach room temperature before use but don't be tempted to put it on or near a heat source, like a radiator. An hour or so next to your computer should be long enough. The instructions also stated that the Hard Drive should be handled with care, not dropped and the side with the printed circuit board showing should not be touched. It was OK to hold it by the edges. Off course wearing an earthing strap is recommended but not necessary unless you intend to finger the chips and things on the circuit board The next stage was to set the jumper links to ensure that the Hard Drive would be the PRIMARY SLAVE and this is where there was a major conflict. The screen instructions showed one particular position for the jumper links, the manual had a different configuration and on the HARD drive itself was yet another different configuration. To cut a long story short it turned out that the jumper positions as displayed on the actual Hard Drive were the correct ones. Ordinarily the Hard Drive would be secured into a vacant bay but when I installed it into such a spot the interface lead wasn't long enough to connect both Disks together AND stretch to the motherboard. So plan "B" was brought into action. My existing Hard Drive was secured in a large "U" shaped bracket at the bottom of the tower well away from the bays but there was plenty of room to fit an additional unit, although it meant drilling four fixing holes in the "U" frame. One thing that surprised me was that the existing power lead to the existing Hard Drive had a parallel off shoot ready to power any additional Hard Drive, as did other Devices in the tower. So before buying an extra hard drive I would suggest that you open up the to
wer first to see where you can secure it and to ascertain if your tower also has a power lead available. Some older towers do not. It could save you a special trip back to the store the next day. The power and interface connectors can only be fitted one way and they should be pushed straight in firmly. The pins can be bent very easily so take a great deal of care in this operation. With everything installed and secure I would recommend leaving off any removed covers for the time being on the off chance that you have to go back inside and push the leads in properly or adjust the jumpers as I had to do. Booting up on the install disk gives you the opportunity to partition and format your new Hard Drive to your own requirements. Again the instructions were straightforward although the manual's instructions didn't work for me. My original or PRIMARY MASTER Hard Drive has two partitions: Local Disk C: at 17.6gig and Local Disk D: at 1.37gig. Yes I know that that does not add up to 20gigs but the 'missing' 1.03gig is where the factory restore data is stored and it cannot be got at by normal means. So as I am intending to experiment with Amiga emulation I partitioned my additional Hard Drive into 3 partitions: Local Disk E: at 10gig for the Amiga emulation software, Local Disk F: at 5gig for data back-up, Local Disk G: at 5gig a a spare. However upon completion I noticed that Local Disk D: at 1.37gig had been re-named to Local Disk E: and Local Disk E: at 10gig had been renamed to Local disk D: Why this should be so I have no idea and maybe some genius out there can explain it to me. Although in situ only for a few days the extra Hard Drive works well and data transfer from one to the other is as fast as it is transferring data from one partition on one Hard Drive to another partition on the same drive.


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5 Things to Know About This Master Bath
By Kathy Passero | Photo: courtesy of Mike Stake | April 12, 2017
Designer Mike Stake turned a bathroom with a view into a sleek sanctuary.
To modernize the master bath of a four-story townhouse overlooking Biscayne Bay, Mike Stake opted for a minimalist look that would draw the eye to the room's breathtaking natural focal point: the dazzling sea and sky beyond a wall of glass doors.
1. The water falls interestingly.
The soaking tub features a state-of-the-art ceiling-mounted filler that actually looks like kinetic art: An overhead disk replaces a traditional bath spout in the freestanding Duravit Starck tub. The fixture removes air, dispensing a splash-free column of water. Ceiling-mounted shower nozzles suggest rain falling from the sky, blurring the line between outdoor and indoor living.
2. Glass is the primary material.
Stake eschewed tile in favor of a glass wall that takes its color cues from the seascape. (It required Stake and his artisans three attempts to achieve the perfect shade of blue.) Two glass doors slide behind a third at the foot of the tub, allowing ocean breezes to waft through the room.
3. The custom vanity is walnut.
Combining beauty with functionality, the vanity is designed with a scored front to disguise storage space. Tall panels flanking the mirror cleverly disguise medicine cabinets. The countertop is white Italian marble with gray veining; the round-edged nickel faucets are by Waterworks.
4. The floor is functional terrazzo.
White terrazzo tiles sprinkled with gray and white marble chips match the terrazzo flooring in the townhouse's center staircase. Smaller terrazzo tiles in the shower unify the look but prevent slipping.
5. Sheers help shape the lighting design.
Hemera suspension cylinders illuminate the vanity, while Stake also installed strategically placed recessed lights. White linen sheers offer privacy yet allow light to filter through. "I use sheers as part of the lighting," Stake explains. "They soften and balance the hard surfaces and allow different types of light in throughout the day."


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Chapter 22 : From the Depths of Ones Soul
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 29
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It was dark.
Alone in the cell, he sat with his back to the wall, elbows propped on his knees, gripping his thick hair in frustration. There was no light, yet he saw perfectly. The cell was infinitely huge, yet claustrophobic all the same. He was a prisoner in his own conscious. But he was not alone. He wished he could tell the voice to just shut up.
Never, in all my years of battles, have I seen a magus with such raw power. Believe me, young Harry; I dedicated my life to hunting down the evil, and the wicked. I have seen many come and go. However, you have outdone all expectations.
I dont want your help, not anymore.
Well, my young friend, that is no longer an option. Even though I have been dead for many centuries, all this while I was still waiting, listening out for the call. One day I knew it would come, but I never expected it to be from a whelp of only twelve years. The Basilisk was Salazars experiment gone horribly wrong, a failed clone of Shalingini; and in the end, he created a mindless instrument for his so called blood cleansing. We met there for the first time, you and I, in Slytherins secret Potions chamber, an evil place of many horrible things. You were extremely brave to enter.
She was in there. My best friends sister. I had to do something.
That was what drew my host to you, young Harry. The Sword of my father hears the cry of all Gryffindors. But it answers only the strong. I am the true heir of Godric Gryffindor, but my blood does not run in you. The Longbottom boy, he holds the purest lineage to my namesake.
Yes, I know. He used the sword in its true form before.
But he was not as confident. He was not yet ready. I am glad I have chosen you instead. Natural ability, my young friend. Alas, I was a deprived of magic henceforth my work was done by other means, but raw talent is unmistakable. Future generations will know of your name, and speak of it in only hushed tones. Your rise to power has been unparalleled. Your combat ability rivals my own, and together, we are unstoppable. Do not cause more strife between us. You will become more than just an ordinary man.
What do you mean?
You will become a Legend
The evening sunset streamed through the windows, illuminating the simple bedroom. Harry opened his eyes reluctantly, his eyes burning as they adjusted to the light. He blinked a couple of times in succession to re-orient himself to his surroundings. This was not his bed, neither was it in St. Mungos or Hogwarts. Where was he?
On cue, the door to the front of the room opened, and a young woman walked in. She paused in the doorway, realizing that he was awake. Harry frowned, his vision clearing up slowly as he tried to focus. He rubbed his eyes, still a bit disoriented.
I think this is becoming a habit, commander, came a soft voice.
Lestrange? Harry croaked, wondering why his voice was so sore. He sat up in bed, stretching limbs that felt lethargic, unconsciously doing a self-analysis. Other than the fact that his muscles were extremely cold, he felt fine.
Rebecca, please, she said with a half smile. How are you feeling? she asked.
Good, I guess, Harry replied. Where am I? he asked, looking around at the various military-related items about. Boots here, uniform there...wait, those were his things! He quickly inspected himself under the covers. Whew, at least he had on clothes this time!
My flat, she replied, stepping into the room.
Er- why am I here?
Your place is very well hidden, and they needed the bed at St Mungos, so I offered to look after you. Harry grimaced at what Hermione would think, but even so, was grateful that Rebecca was willing to help.
So much for the ministrys health plan Im supposed to have, Harry grumbled. Okay, two- youre all healed up, so I guess Hermione was able to help?
Yes, she smiled again. Harry found that a bit weird. She was quite different when she smiled, more...well girl-like. Harry mentally chastised himself. They were in her home, so obviously shell be more at ease. Youve got quite an interesting witch as a girlfriend, Harry, Rebecca smiled. She sealed my wounds, and helped cure all of the Aurors who were injured as well- all in four days. Very talented, I must admit. Shes already a budding celebrity at the ministry it seems
Four days? Harry asked. How long was I-?
Today will be the fifth day since you passed out. You are really something, you know that? Rebecca said, looking at him strangely. Harry narrowed his eyes.
What do you mean?
According to the doctors and Granger, there wasnt anything wrong with you. Not a single scratch- well except fingernail impressions on your forearms that is. The diagnosis said you were, well, just tired and needed to fully recuperate. Ive never heard about five day siesta though...
Dont mind her Harry, we were just getting a bit more familiar with each other, werent we?
More laughter.
I heard what happened, well what you did. Um Rebecca wrung her fingers together. Harry found it quite uncharacteristic of her to be so nervous. He decided to give her a bit of encouragement.
I didnt know you would go through all of that- erm for me. I, well you know- thanks for saving me. If it werent for you- and Miss Granger, I may have been crippled for life. The doctors told me my knife wounds werent healing, and sooner or later theyd get infected. She hesitated, and sat down on the edge of the bed by Harrys feet. Anyway, I dont want to think about it.
I Im glad I could have helped. Harry shrugged, a bit unsure what to say. Rebecca smiled again, and looked into his eyes. Her expression changed slightly as she noticed something. Rebecca took out her wand, pointing it at his face. What about the others- Hey! What are you doing? Harry objected.
Hold still- she said, and lighted the tip of her wand. Lumos! Im going to check something- she shone the light directly into his eye. Inspecting one, then the other, she frowned. Harry blinked a few times rapidly, and took a hold of her hand, pinning it on the bed.
Okay- quit that out, Lestr- um Rebecca, Harry corrected. What about the others?
Granger sorted them out as well- even that brat, Malfoy. If it were me, I wouldnt have gone through all the trouble for that jerk. Rebecca stared at him intensely now. They say you can do the Reducto Ultima curse? Rebeccas grip tightened around his fingers. I have to ask you: is this really true?
Yeah...I can, Harry said cautiously. Rebeccas face creased again in another frown.
Pardon me if Im stepping out of line, commander, but you do know that isnt a spell many people can execute, and is rated grade S Cataclysmic magic. And on top of that, that particular curse was only used by Dark Wizards
Yeah? Harry countered, abruptly letting her hand go. Dumbledore could do it, and he isnt a Dark Wizard is he? And neither am I! Harry said defensively.
Dont bite my head off. Im only voicing concerns that I think some of the bureaucrats in the higher tiers are whispering these days
Do you mean Diggory? Harry knew that she didnt really like him.
No, actually, if I didnt know you better; from the way she talks about her Commander; I would have believed that Jesus himself has come again .She seems hell bent on capturing those escapees, and annihilating all the remaining Death Eaters. Harry snorted derisively in response to that. Its kind of scary the lengths she goes to. But you are the one Im really concerned about, are you sure youre okay? It has been five days you know, and no one could have waken you
That point, at least, I agree with the woman. We must cut our recuperation time, Potter. Time waits for no man
Yeah, Im fine, Harry said softly, looking at the wand on the bedside table. He thought about Macnair, and how he was getting more and more immune to the violence with each passing duel. And now he was having five day long conversations, with himself. What was happening to him?
Thats good, because now I have a few questions to ask you. One- why are your eyes now blue?
They are?
Yes. They were green the last time I saw you as far as I remember.
I dont know, Harry said, looking into the small mirror on the bedside table. Ill ask the healers when I go to do my report.
Two- well, this isnt really a question. Im just letting you know that there are some different, er- attitudes towards you know in the office. Some are hailing you as the next Great and cant wait to be in your team again, while others are... well to put it bluntly, scared of you.
Scared? Scared?! Why?
You took out a dragon with one spell. Isnt that enough?
Wait- before you go all out on a rant: I am not scared of you. In fact your magical prowess is comforting- Harry froze, a weird expression on his face. Rebecca bit her lip, embarrassed. I mean, well to me, that is- Harry raised an eyebrow. As in professionally, you are good- and in my bed
Harrys eyes widened as that particular thought was unintentionally picked up by his Occlumens ability.
-well, dueling and battles, I mean, the odds were amazing- my god- am I having thoughts about my commander?
Harry blinked once or twice-
- but you pulled through, only one muggle casualty, one Auror casualty- yes you are- dont lie to yourself
At this, Harry shut his eyes, what the hell was going on here? Why was he hearing her thoughts?
Eighty escapees captured, three of them dead and a Death eater eradicated you should feel proud- Becky, youre twenty-four, and never had a boyfriend. What are you waiting for? And he is cute
STOP! Harry screamed. Rebecca froze, literally. So did the little clock on the wall, and the curtain that was fluttering in the breeze also came to an immediate standstill. At that moment, his head began to pound furiously- and his vision became blurry. Closing them for a second, he reopened them, and his vision was once again fine.
Ah, so thats how using magic instinctively feels, said Harry, his tone of voice going from an extremely low grumble then back to normal. He brought up his arms, inspecting his hands as if he had never seen it before. He stared at the lady in front of her. Beautiful woman, I must say. Harry looked down at his hands again, feeling a different tingling in his fingertips. This, the gift I have been so denied my life, feels wonderful! I wonder? Harry looked at the wand on the bedside table. Picking it up, it felt familiar, yet untrained, but he knew that he could learn quickly.
Could it be? I have seen all my peers with this, am I now able to-? Harry grinned, not daring to believe it. Winguardium Lleviosa!
The whole room rumbled a bit, then was dormant once more. Wait- they used a technique as well. They called it a swish and a flick? Hmmm Harry inspected the piece of wood, then made the movements needed. Winguardiam Lleviosa! The bed trembled, then rose steadily off the floor a couple inches. Harry grinned wildly as the bed, along with Rebecca, levitated for a few seconds.
Get out of my head!
The bed dropped dramatically, and Harry had to blink once or twice to catch himself. Jesus Christ- what the hell happened there? Luckily, Rebecca was still frozen. For a moment, raw magic had escaped him, and all of his innate abilities suddenly sprang to action. He wanted answers, so his Occlumens training kicked in. Then he wanted her to stop thinking about what she was thinking, so he cried out. And amazingly, it resulted in him creating a very illegal Time wrapping charm. He had to set this correct.
Finite! he incanted, and Time itself in this room returned. Harry had the uncomfortable feeling of disappearing from one spot and back into the bed without realizing that he did not use his legs or apparation to do it. Jumping back in time was very scary.
-feel proud of yourself. I , for one, am grateful. And I think I have a schoolgirl crush on someone younger than me how pathetic are we these days Becky?
Harry immediately broke eye contact and brought up the imaginary brick walls in his mind, blocking her out. Her voice stopped whispering to him, and his head was clear once more. It was so fast- but he realized why his Teleportation magic was so dangerous. It revolved in creating black holes where distance, matter, time and reality were linked directly from one place to another. If done wrong, as Solidus had just done by skipping out certain constants of physics, he had inadvertently froze time for almost twelve seconds, and could have created a very serious problem. That lapse in concentration, what had caused it? Without warning he yanked up the mirror. His eyes were back to normal, brilliant green. Harry lay back in the bed, looking at the ceiling as Rebecca babbled on. Her voice was comforting though. Usually she was all cold and business like, but now
-Arry? Hey, Potter? Listening? Theres another thing of some importance.
He nodded, even though he did not want to talk right now. That episode- he had completely lost himself, and allowed Solidus to take over for almost twelve seconds. Twelve seconds of being fully possessed. Scary thought.
What is it? Harry said, not even looking at her as his thoughts were focused on that episode a few seconds ago.
You know, Sherry Diggory has officially become minister just over a year now, well with that Hogsmeade fiasco with Fudge and so on. So her anniversary er- thing is this weekend-
Uh hmm? Harry prodded, thinking that he finally got Macnair for good. After thinking that, he frowned. How could he consider killing another man as something satisfactory? He was definitely not thinking straight.
And to celebrate the first phase of a successful campaign, shes holding a banquet in the S.T.A.R. teams name. Well, shes saying the team, but everyone knows its because of you
Oh really? Harry said dismissively.
Well, obviously you would have to make an appearance. Rebecca Lestrange paused, as if measuring her next few words. Its a ministry thing. Supposed to build inter-department camaraderie and all that. Um- I think we should go. Well, seeing as were on the same team and so on
Harry wasnt paying much attention, and nodded easily without putting much thought into it.
Okay. Why not?
Rebeccas face was incredulous. A smile spread across her face, and touched his hand. Great. Itll be... Rebecca paused, trying to quell the strange little feeling in her stomach. My god, she couldnt believe she was feeling like this again. She cleared her throat, and tried to regain a semblance of her trademark professionalism. Well, more like tried. A relaxing evening in the company of comrades.
Realizing that Harry still was a bit caught off guard, she hastily made an exit. I er- have to do some grocery shopping. Make yourself at home. Dont mind the cat, hes nasty to everyone. Stay for dinner with me - my treat. Be back in a bit. The store is right down the road. Bathrooms second on left if you want. Dont run away, okay? she laughed. And with that rapid-fire flurry of one-lined sentences, she was out the door and gone. Harry tried to process what happened in the last five minutes- from bad to worse.
Slept five days straight from after three days of combat. Inexplicable symptoms of chronic fatigue- so severe it was almost a near comatose condition. Bad, but not unheard of.
Gossip about him has evolved: The next Great- or the next Dark Lord? Funny headline if Ministry opinion was anything to go by. He was accustomed to tall stories about him. Seems a tad bit more serious now, so that was not good.
Eighty-three escapees accounted for, and one death eater dead. One Auror and one Muggle killed. Two good guys, gone forever. Two lives lost since he assumed the position. He must do better.
Solidus had complete control for twelve seconds, and managed to freeze time doing it. Solidus, a known and feared Dark Wizard hunter, had him, one who could do the Ultima Spell, under his control. Not to mention that he himself had no clue how to manipulate time- this did not look good. Not good at all.
Malfoy was right. He couldnt pretend to be ignorant of this anymore. Something serious was happening to him. He had to keep this quiet and figure out a way, or else people would think that he was going insane.
Lillian Kelsing knew that failure came with a cost. Imprisoned on charges of treason, and an impending trial that did not look good in her favour. If she got fifteen years in the new detention center, shell consider herself lucky. For now, all she could do was hope that Lord Lestrange will show leniency and break her free. From what she heard of the last person captured by the S.TA.R. Elite, Steven Warshire was not a man to cross wills with. At least, being held as a military prisoner, the use of the Cruciatus was disallowed until after her trial. She needed to find a way to escape this temporary jail before that time reached. When the door opened and a young girl walked in as if she wasnt sure what she was doing there in the first place, Lillian had to admit she was surprised. Her eyes narrowed.
Who are you? she demanded.
Oh, dont mind that. Im just here to deliver a message, and to come for something. Im supposed to ask you if you do know what this something is, because I dont, Luna said airily, wearing a very non- descript witchs gown. Ralphie says that he will come and rescue you, but you must give him what he wants. Do you have it?
Lillian smiled. Rodulphus Lestrange sent this young woman to infiltrate the detention center? She was expecting someone with a bit more experience. Putting that thought to the back of her mind, she looked at the fingernail on her right hand. It was dirty underneath. But this fingernail was her ticket out of here. Carefully, she tore off the end of the nail.
Potters skin, and some dried blood, As per orders. Ive taken extreme care to create a miniature stasis charm around my hand, so it would be fresh enough to suffice. When will milord come? Kelsing asked Luna.
When hes good and ready.
Is that all you can say?
Not really, but I don't feel like having a conversation here. But you will give that disgusting fingernail to me, so I can leave, Luna said imperiously, even though her expression did not change. She opened a tiny pouch. Lillian glared at Luna, but did not object. She placed the fingernail into the bag, and Luna tightened the drawstring. Thank you. Have a nice day, Luna said airily, and exited just as dreamily as she entered. Lillian scowled. She risked her life to get Potters skin sample for the Polyjuice potion, and this is how she was treated?
The girl even had the gall to leave the door open. How the hell did she get in here anyway? Lillian cursed loudly, not caring who heard her. Would Lestrange really free her? Or would she be left her to face trail and be shipped off to Sirens Rock? Feeling deserted, she slumped down in the corner and began to cry.
Back at Hogwarts, the Order of the Phoenix was having another meeting, this one with a heavy air of failure and doubts. Almost two years after the fall of the Voldemort, everything was not as it should be, turmoil was everywhere, the war was nowhere close to being finished. However significant the night of the Battle of Kings Crown was in the turn of the tides to the side of the Light, the events of that night had a ripple effect that was now coming to the forefront.
The facts were coming together now, and now that the pieces were beginning to fit, Dumbledore knew that if they did not act soon, the prophecy would indeed come to pass.
We know what must be done. The question is, can we do it? Dumbledore said grimly to the Order. As of the moment, the answer is no. That is why I have brought us together to welcome to new members to the Order of the Phoenix, who I daresay, have been unofficial members ever since I can remember. Dumbledore smiled at the two youngest at the table. Im sure you know them already, but I will still present them to you never-the-less. Dumbledore cleared his throat.
Firstly, allow me to introduce Sir Ronald Weasley, the youngest Knight of the Magi in two centuries; an exceptional tactician bearing the title of Order of Merlin Third class. Impromptu leader of the strike force against Voldemort and his Death Eaters on that fateful night after I was incapacitated by Draco Malfoy. Without him, victory would have eluded us.
Ronald nodded solemnly. He knew this had gotten deadly serious. It was all over the news. And being on the inside, all of the media hype was not just hype. It was getting clearer and clearer by the day.
And let me introduce you to our youngest ever female member of the Order of the Phoenix, Miss Hermione Granger. Class A Occlumens, and possesses the Magic of Divinity- our trump card in the campaign against Voldemort and his followers. Specialist in metaphysical healing and sensory spells. Please, everyone, listen carefully to what I have to say. Dumbledore took another deep breath and stood up in his chair.
It has been happening before our very eyes, yet we were blind to it. The situation is grave, but we still have some time, hope is not yet lost. My old friend, Randalf Ravenclaw- there was an audible gasp around the room- Yes, as in the Ravenclaw- has brought before us very dire news. Please, Randy, show them the orb of prophecy. Randalf Ravenclaw rose to his full height and took out a small orb filled with swirling mist and placed it on the center of the table. Even though it was round, it did not move a millimeter, sitting there as solid as a rock. Drawing his wand, he moved his lips fractionally, and it transfigured itself into an ancient-looking walking staff. He rapped the orb softly with the Staff of Knowledge.
The orbs mist began to swirl faster, then emitted a soft light. A figure of an old hag in rags appeared over the table, and everyone drew silent as she began to speak.
You, the heir of Rowenna Ravenclaw, have shown the potential to be one of the four chosen. On precisely this day- I have been cursed to die- but not before the prophecy of millennia must be revealed.
It has been foretold that once the two greatest of allies- yet now the most vicious of nemesis: Gryffindor and Slytherin, will reunite as brothers in arms on the field of blood and sand. Secrets of hidden lineage will be exposed, and the Goddess of Nature shall be raped of her bounty, bringing forth once again those who call upon the Earth, Air, Fire and Water as their allies. Out of the ashes, a Phoenix will re-awaken, and will shine the torch of light through the darkness. Do not shy away his words, Randalf the Wise, for only the heirs of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff could prevent the Second Fall of the age of wizards. From all corners of the globe there will be four signs- The Life Giving Circle, The Staff of Knowledge, The Sword of Death, and finally The Reign of Fire.
I will give you some help, Randalf. No matter how dire or how important the situation, you are not to engage yourself in wizarding matters until the true time has come. Future generations of our kind will cease to exist if you are fallen before your time. You must live as a secret until what I have told you comes to bear, and by then you will be already have acquired the Staff of Knowledge, and will guide the wielder of the Halo of Life in her mission against the Dark Sons of Magic. My time is no longer mine: Farewell .
At this, everyone except Albus, Remus, Randalf- and Ron, visibly paled. Hermione was the first to voice her opinion.
No she whispered, not believing it. For some reason, Ron knew all along that things were not sitting well with Harry. He just wished Hermione didnt have to find out about this the hard way.
Im sorry, Hermione, Dumbledore said softly. But, that is why we are here. We want to help them, and stop this oncoming disaster the prophecy warns us against. The Dark Sons of Magic are Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter- two students of Hogwarts who once held nothing but animosity and contempt for the other, now are sworn brothers on the battlefield. Fate has drawn them towards the common goal, and now that they have learned to harness and control their gifts- are now, tragically, very serious threats to our community.
Our intelligence has put together a plausible timeline of events ever since Harrys sixteenth birthday. I, on an old mans unfounded faith in reading the signs, gave Harry the Sword of Gryffindor to protect himself against Voldemort. That, I realize, was a dreadful mistake. That weapon is definitely a Horcrux of the renowned Dark Wizard hunter; Solidus Gryffindor. I would have never assumed that it was possible, as he was born without the gift of magic, but he has somehow managed to immortalize himself in the weapon. We believe now, that in times of mortal danger, a hidden piece of Solidus soul keeps Harry alive, even on the brink of death. In these situations, he consumes a piece of Harrys persona. That is why we have seen a darker, more ruthless side to Harry, and sadly, is gaining ground over the battle for his soul. The Sword of Gryffindor is the Sword of Death mentioned in the prophecy. There is no mistaking it. Harry himself has secretly realized this, and returned the sword to me last year. I have hidden it so that no one else would be able to find it, Dumbledore said in a determined voice.
However, in a direct contrast to Harry and his situation, young Miss Granger here wields the Halo of Life- an ancient weapon created by Helga Hufflepuff herself. It disappeared in the first Elven revolt, and thought lost forever. As Miss Granger so recently informed me, this object cannot be found- it finds the host to harness its power. And as she had so brilliantly displayed this past week- her Healing ability is magnified and effectively put to use on all injuries sustained in London, without the adverse side effects. It just so happens that you and Harry are romantically involved with each other as well, which puts a definite twist in this situation-
I dont think thats relevant- Hermione interjected.
Oh ho, but it is very relevant, Miss Granger. It is both and advantage and a disadvantage. For only you have the ability to help him.
Yes. In a moment I will explain, but for now, please allow me to follow our course agenda, Dumbledore said. Draco Malfoy controls the Infernus. The magical ability he possesses is not yet fully matured, but when it is, he will be very hard to contain. This is where it gets a bit problematic. Dumbledore clasped his hands behind his back. The Dark Lord has gotten one up on us, again. Every time we think that it is over, it is only beginning. His extensive research on extending life and the Blight dark magic is almost mind-boggling. In that period of time where Draco Malfoy was under Voldemorts Imperius curse, he has managed to do something that is as of now, unheard of.
What is it, Professor? Tonks asked, a bit scared now.
He has created a Horcrux with a human being as the host. Whereas possession deals with one host being in control over another, in Malfoys situation, he cannot be exorcised. Voldemort is now part of him; a miniscule part however, but a part none the less. Even though I have not personally sensed his presence in Draco when we dueled, the prophecy seals all doubts I had before. Slytherins heir is still alive- but not in the literal sense. Firenze told me at the beginning of the year that the Bloodline of Slytherin is alive, but his blood is not pure. I think that refers to Voldemort being inside of the Malfoy line- an ancient bloodline with a deep heritage for turning to the Dark. Harry- on the other hand, has been influence by the Sword, and fortunately, can be exorcised. That is why Randalf has agreed to help us.
Randalf Ravenclaw nodded, and took to his feet.
I have come to realize that Potter is like a son to many of you- Randalf looked at most of the adults present, a brother to you, Ron, and a hero to all of us who were terrorized by the acts of Voldemort and his followers. However, the times have changed.
What we have here is a choice. The welfare of many future generations will depend on select individuals present at this meeting. I am going to lay the facts out plain and simple. These two wizards are extremely dangerous, and have the potential to be the most powerful magi since Giraux the Grand and Archimedes the Omnipotent of the seventh century. Harry Potter can summon the Grim, and now the Snake God himself, Shalingini. Along with the raw talent to execute the Ultima spell at only seventeen, he has a hidden talent that has only been recognized recently by learned men by examining his fathers bloodline. Very powerful, and probably the most dangerous magical gene there is- the Felix Omnimentia; or in other words: the Good Luck/ Bad Luck heritage charm.
It is a mixture of extreme luck and excellent timing in dire situations, while on the other hand, the ying and yang effect of it is that terrible tragedy and death surrounds him. In other words, this man is extremely hard to kill, and will win in ninety-seven out of a hundred encounters with an opponent. However, Randalf paused significantly- Those close to him will suffer horrible fates. Miss Granger, only because of your Divine power over the Life force have you been able to survive for so long. I implore you, do not stray too far from the Halo of Life. Keep it with you always. Your life is constantly in peril when you are near him, as we have seen by your near capture at the hands of the Death Eaters last week.
Hermione dipped her eyes, feeling her emotions swell up inside. Her heart was breaking, but her courage was holding strong. She will find a way to save him!
Draco Malfoy is a Slytherin, and prone to the Dark Arts. I need not say more. Our time is short. We have until July the 31st to purge Solidus Gryffindor from Potter, and to make sure that Draco Malfoy does not aspire to be the next so called Dark Lord. I will do all in my ability to aid our noble cause and help those two young men. But if we fail- he looked at each and every one of them.
I will personally stop both of them before it is too late.
Harry- Im home! Rebecca announced, her arms packed with grocery bags as she fought to take the key out of the door. She never had a guy in her place before. She hoped that her cooking skills were as good as Tonks says it was. Fiddling with the keys to take it out of the lock, she turned into her little flat, and hustled to put down the groceries on the table in the foyer. Cooking sometimes really was a great way to relieve her stress; she just hoped that he would like it
Rebecca made her way into the sitting area, only to see a fully dressed Harry sitting at the couch, his eyes boring hard into a piece of parchment that he was reading. A ministry owl was sitting on the back of the sofa, hooting softly as it turned its brown head to stare balefully at Rebecca. She stopped in her tracks, looking at that serious expression on Harrys face, and wearing the full gear of his ministry uniform.
Harry? she said softly, inching into the room. His dark hair was in its usual mess, covering most of his forehead and making it difficult to look into his face. What is it?
Harry covered his eyes with his hand, and wiped the tears at the corner of his eyes. He shouldnt cry, he hated the man, but still- he was his family. And they were dwindling down one by one.
Im sorry Rebecca, Im afraid I cant have dinner with you tonight, Harry said solemnly. Something - he trailed off. Fuck. He cursed, placing the parchment down on the coffee table. He stood up, and draped the ministrys cloak over his shoulders, then the Mantle of the Phoenix over that like a cape. I have to go.
What? Wait- no- at least tell me whats going on! she begged, feeling her exuberance slowly dissipate.
From the news on this parchment, it seems that my uncle was just murdered by a wizard. Because of my position, I was the first to be informed, which is a good thing, Harry cursed again, feeling a mixture of bewilderment and hatred boil inside.
What!? No- do they know who did it? She asked, determination etched into her features.
According to this report, it was me. He looked again at the parchment on the table. This is a warrant for my arrest.
Author's note: You like? Or don't like? Let me know! Thanks for reading!
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LEGACIES: The Grim: From the Depths of Ones Soul
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- Which chart to use?
- How to make changes in a chart?
- How to generate complicated charts (bubbles, radars)?
- How to make it look good?
To answer these question and much more, I am starting a series 'Charts Champion'. If you have a query or a tip/experience to share shoot them to me at vivek [at] allaboutpresentations.com.


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Year in review: Prairie Island plant looks ahead to improvements
While Xcel Energy had its share of issues at the Prairie Island nuclear plant in 2012, the utility will move forward on new investments in the facility in the coming years.
Nuclear plant upgrades are planned to start in 2013. There are investments and improvements done at the facilities every year, Xcel officials said, but as the plant ages a set of improvements has been grouped together to take place over the next few years.
Those include steam generators for Unit 2, high-pressure turbines, dry-cask storage upgrades and other work at the plant.
The company will move forward with the improvements even though it decided earlier this year not to go ahead with a power uprate that would have increased the generating capacity of its reactors.
"Even with the decision not to go forward with the extended power uprate, these actions will be taken," Terry Pickens, director of nuclear regulatory policy for Xcel, told attendees at a November meeting of Xcel representatives and Red Wing City Council members. If the uprate occurred, the work would just be done to a greater extent, he said.
Work will start with replacing the steam generators for Unit 2 during the planned 2013 autumn fuel outage.
Xcel started questioning the uprate last spring and in October told the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that the uprate is "not in our customers' best interest."
The plant started using wider fuel rods in 2009 in preparation for the power increase, and now that extra fuel will simply last longer, cutting down unit refueling outages to every 20 to 23 months instead of the previous 18 to 20 months. More sensitive equipment also will make operations more efficient, officials said.
The improvements, paired with a levy increase, also will send more tax money to local government. The city of Red Wing has included this in a long-term plan to tackle a backlog of infrastructure maintenance and repairs.
A set of incidents
While Xcel is hoping to kick off next year with improvements and work at the Prairie Island plant, 2012 did not start quite as well.
The company issued an alert for the plant in early January after a bleach leak. An alert is the second lowest of four emergency classifications established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but still one of the highest seen in Minnesota.
That was the highest profile incident at the plant in 2012, but Prairie Island also faced:
A short-lived "notification of unusual event" in March, triggered by an indication that there was a decrease in water levels in the reactor coolant system in Unit 2. Further investigation revealed that there was no leak.
A shutdown of Unit 1 in August after operators declared after routine testing its two backup generators had exhaust leaks and were inoperable.
Another unusual event notification Oct. 31 due to a temporary failure of some security equipment.
There was no threat to public or staff safety in these incidents, officials said.
Other issues
On Feb. 3, 27 gallons of water from a heating system overflowed a holding tank, and Xcel officials said nearly 4,000 gallons of water containing small amounts of tritium and trace amounts of other chemicals had been released from the plant since November 2011. The situation posed no threat, Xcel officials said then.
In mid-February the company was cited by the NRC for a security issue at the plant. It was a finding of low to moderate significance, or "greater than green" on the NRC's scale running from green to red. Most details were not released because it was security related. The problem was addressed and corrected, the NRC said.
Changes in leadership
The site also cycled through a handful of site vice presidents.
Jim Molden took over for Mark Schimmel in early June, but stepped down in September. Joel Sorensen, vice president of nuclear operations support at Xcel, served as acting site vice president until Jim Lynch, vice president of assistance for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, was named in October. Lynch will be there one to two years while Xcel searches for a more permanent person to fill the spot.


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"You Rather Owe Them a Literary Orgasm"
An interview with Emma Donoghue, the author of Room and The Wonder.
The Dublin-born writer's screenplay of Room was nominated for an Oscar in 2015 (and Brie Larson won Best Actress for her role in the film). The movie was based on Donoghue's novel about a five-year-old boy, Jack, and his mother, Ma, imprisoned by a man they know only as Old Nick and plotting their escape. Donoghue managed to turn a best-seller that takes place mostly in a single room into a compelling and disturbing cinematic triumph.
I met with Donoghue in New York City before a reading from her new novel, The Wonder, at the Irish Arts Center. She delighted the audience with her warmth, her humor, and her singsongy accent — undimmed after eighteen years in Canada. She lives in Toronto with her partner and two children, Finn and Una.
Like many of Donoghue's novels, the latest book is inspired by historical events — in this case, the mysterious, centuries-old phenomenon of "fasting girls," who achieved notoriety by starving themselves. Some of the girls died while others lived on for decades, but the question of what makes a girl "good" and obedient still resonates.
During an hour-long interview, we talked about how she retained control of her Room screenplay in a male-dominated industry, her instinct to defend novels written about children, and how her label as a "lesbian writer" has affected her career.
Rachael Revesz: How did you manage to keep such a tight grip on your screenplay for Room?
Emma Donoghue: There had been attempts to film some of my previous books, and they had never quite worked.
Doing Room was an ideal experience in that it was a very unusual deal. I'd written the novel but thought, This could work on film. I didn't want anyone else to do it for me, tell me how to do it, or talk me out of it, so I just went ahead and drafted the script. Producers approached me, but I was wary. I didn't want to disappoint my fans and just create a money-maker. It was a bit like being an eighteenth-century lady, saying, "No, no, no!" all the time, as once you sell the film rights, you have no control. After several years, my partner said to me, "Are you ever going to say yes?"
And then director Lenny Abrahamson sent me a ten-page handwritten letter. He was eloquent, spelt everything correctly, and was patently intelligent. Nobody else had tried that tactic. Usually people say, "Oh, maybe my agent could have lunch with your agent."
He flew to Canada and sat with me around my kitchen table for a week. I was really involved as an executive producer, which means you're kept in the loop on everything. I saw Brie Larson's audition tape. The thing I asked for most often was to film it in Toronto so I could still look after my kids and get to the set. Luckily they agreed.
RR: Did writing Room have any effect on your mind-set, being so engrossed in a dark subject?
ED: I think parents of small children know all the fears anyway. It felt like Room was a vehicle for all the thoughts I'd had about the vulnerability of my children.
The research was grueling. I read a lot about abused and weirdly neglected children or children that had been shut away from the world: a lot of that stuff gave me the woolies. But writing the book didn't depress me.
RR: You've said before that it was one case of a fasting girl in nineteenth-century Wales that caught your attention. Did you follow the real story through?
ED: Yes, but I didn't want to write about a child starving to death at the end. There are limits, even for me. I like dark [stories], but not nihilistic! I thought that I should do what other writers do — just make it up. It seems absurd that it took me twenty years to realize I could do this. [Laughs.]
RR: Was it the girls' decision to fast?
ED: It's impossible to know, but I think it was certainly connected to the rules of girlhood. What makes a girl "good" is to say no to appetites, to be pure, above sex, above need. So if you've got girls in sixteenth-century Italy and nineteenth-century Brooklyn and twentieth-century Belgium saying "I don't need food, I can live without it," alongside the massive phenomenon of anorexia today — I think that says something pretty strong about the way we have shaped girlhood.
RR: How has your writing changed since your first book, Stir Fry? It makes me think of a 1990s version of Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook, a coming-of-age story where women are having these really frank and powerful conversations.
ED: I do think more now about the plot of a story before I begin. I used to be very content to explore emotion and the subtleties of human relationships and have the story gently meandering. I'm not sneering at those kind of books at all, but I've come to really like suspense, not as a genre with strict rules but more like a tight thread that pulls the reader through.
I think I'm quite an old-fashioned writer. I like to give a sense of resolution at the end. If a reader is going to bother to commit their spare time to you, and you want to turn them on, you rather owe them a literary orgasm.
RR: Stir Fry was about a woman coming out in 1990s Dublin. Would it still be as hard today to come out?
ED: It depends on the community you set it in. I remember when I published Stir Fry, a New York reviewer said, very sneering-like, "This is coming out 101 — we were over this in the 1970s." Well, I thought, You were over it in New York, but not in Dublin. You could write many a novel like that set in conservative, small towns. The techniques of coming out would be different, but the agonies would be the same.
Being lesbian has made me very interested in outsiders, losers, and the culturally marginalized. If I ended up writing in Room about a woman and a little boy who are seen by many as freaks, I think it's a sympathy I extrapolated from having been a teenage lesbian myself.
RR: Do you mind being asked generally about being a lesbian writer and how it's changed your career?
ED: It's fine. Actually, the only question that's been irritating me recently is when people ask with an air of mystification why I am writing about a child again. "Didn't you do it already?" I'm beginning to feel quite defensive. Why should all novels be about adults? I sometimes think it's a sign of a traditionally male-dominated literary world that writing about children is some kind of weird, specialist female preoccupation.
But no, I don't mind talking about my labels. They can be limiting, but they can also be extremely helpful to help put your head above the crowd. My queer readers have been wonderfully loyal to me, so even if I don't write a book with overtly queer themes, they still read me and write to me.
RR: What are you working on now?
ED: The British producer Alison Owen [Saving Mr. Banks, The Other Boleyn Girl] has bought the script for [my previous book] Frog Music, and I'm working on that next. I also have a children's book coming out in the spring.
Frog Music is based on a real unsolved murder in 1876 San Francisco. I have 60 articles about this woman, Jenny Bonnet, who was shot through a window by persons unknown. She was repeatedly arrested for wearing trousers in violation of this anti-cross-dressing law, but my protagonist seemed to be the only person they were using it against. I have all these facts about her, but I have no idea how or when she met Blanche, the woman she was with in the room when she was shot. There are huge blanks in the story.
With my novels, I tend to put my historian's hat on and take the facts as far as they go. Was there a train that afternoon at three o'clock? What was the name of the bird that would have been flying by? Then I think, Great, whip off my historian's hat, put on my fiction writer's hat, and I'm thrilled to be making it all up again.
This interview has been condensed and edited.
Rachael Revesz is a writer living two parallel lives in New York and London.


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Watch 30 giant hornets take out 30,000 honey bees
This morning's most fearsome monster doesn't come the imagination of a writer or artist. It comes from Japan, home of Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra, and the most frightening creature of them all: the Japanese Giant Hornet. Watch a nest of honey bees make their last stand against just 30 of these vicious intruders.


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Jim Carrey Gives Bowl Cuts to Fans! Would You Let Him? [VIDEO]
In honor of Dumb and Dumber To, Jim Carrey was on Hollywood Blvd. during the Jimmy Kimmel Show and gave the famous "Lloyd cut" to passers by. One woman got a little more than she expected though, as Jim Carrey IS CRAZY! LOL


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Intercession does break however; it simply sets aside a little time for the medication someone who is addicted to react. Drug abusers are not continually thinking fittingly and when they have room schedule-wise to process what has recently befallen them, they typically come around and search out the consideration they have to stop and begin making a course for recuperation.
By performing a medication ill-use intercession, the junkie gets the aid of a misuse advisor who is prepared in this type of encounter. Every unique obliges an alternate methodology and with the right help, the junkie is well on his approach to recuperation.
Time to make a call-calling a drug addiction live chat
When the intercession is arranged, the interventionist determines that finish medicine for the fanatic is all situated up and prepared to start. A mediation is at times an approach to get the medication abusers or drunkards to open their eyes before they really hit the bottom and crush their lives totally. Medication misuse mediations are a true motivational device to get pill addicts the help they require via a drug addiction live chat.


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You can use the Mouse Properties window to disable the touch pad and track stick or adjust their settings.
Dell Latitude 6430u, w/USB 3.0 dock, Venue 8 Pro Tablet
can help me with my mouse.... I couldn't control it . it moves by itself, when I wanna click on something moves allover the place and I have to try several times to click the spot i want. can you help how to fix this problem?


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Academic Schedule
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Tuition & Financial Aid
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Eligibility & Policies
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
Financial Aid Refund Policy
Code of Conduct
Financial Aid
Academic Progress
Federal regulations require Northwest Iowa Community College to establish satisfactory academic progress standards for student financial aid recipients. These standards ensure that only those recipients demonstrating satisfactory progress toward the completion of their educational programs continue to receive financial aid. All student records will be reviewed at the end of each payment period (semester/term). A student's entire NCC record will be reviewed for satisfactory academic progress, including terms for which the student did not receive financial aid.
The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is different than the Academic Progress Standards, and different from the required academic standards that may be set by your specific program. You will have separate procedures when academically placed on probation or suspension. Your financial aid eligibility may be suspended; however, Financial Aid Suspension does not necessarily prohibit your enrollment in coursework so please check with your Advisor or the Registrar to discuss.
Any grade forgiveness granted from the Academic Restart Program does not apply to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. When calculating a student's satisfactory academic progress for financial aid, all grades earned from all previous enrollment periods will be considered.
Whether a student is considered to be making satisfactory academic progress depends on successful completion of courses (credit hours earned), cumulative grade point average (GPA), and maximum time limits to complete his or her course of study. Students must meet all of these requirements to maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.
Click here to view the SAP policy in its entirety.
Return of Title IV Aid -- Financial Aid
Federal law (Section 485 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998-P.L. 105–244) specifies how NCC must determine the amount of student financial aid assistance that is earned if you cease to attend.
If you receive federal financial assistance and fail to complete your education, your financial aid may be adjusted based on the date of the official or unofficial withdrawal. An unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student stops attending and/or fails to follow the withdrawal process. The amount of financial assistance you have earned is determined on a pro-rated basis using the number of calendar days completed divided by the number of calendar days in the payment period. Once you have completed more than 60 percent of the enrollment period, you earn all your financial assistance.
In accordance with federal regulations, when Title IV (Federal) Funds are involved, unearned aid is returned by NCC in the following order:
1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Direct PLUS (Parent) Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
6. Other Title IV Assistance
The adjustment of aid may cause you to owe money to the U.S. Government and/or NCC. If NCC is required to return Title IV funds, the amount returned will be billed to the student. If the repayment of funds is not made to NCC within the designated deadline, the amount may be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education for collection or a collection agency, depending upon the funding source. Anyone in a repayment situation will remain ineligible for federal aid until the repayment is resolved. Students will remain ineligible for federal aid until the College receives notice from the Department of Education or collection agency that the student has reestablished his/her eligibility.
If you need to withdraw from your classes it is important that you contact your Advisor to complete a "Withdrawal Form." The "Official Withdrawal Date" is recorded by the Registrar after the "Withdrawal Form" is returned to the Student Services Office, or is the date that the student otherwise provides official notification to NCC of their intent to withdraw. However, if documentation is received indicating the student's last day of attendance is different than the date the student officially withdrew, the student's last day of attendance may be recorded as the withdrawal date and used to calculate the refund of tuition and fees. Students who stop attending and/or fail to follow the withdrawal process are considered to have unofficially withdrawn and the student's last day of attendance may be used to determine the refund calculation.
If you drop below half-time, withdraw, or graduate, you are required to complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling. You may complete the online Exit Counseling session by going to
. If your enrollment status drops below half time, your future loan disbursements may be cancelled, you will no longer qualify for an in-school deferment of your loan payments, and you will either begin your grace period or your loans may enter into repayment.
An example of a Return of Title IV Aid is available upon request from the
Financial Aid Office
Code of Conduct for Educational Loans Summary
Iowa Code Section 261E.2 and Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 601.21, require the development, administration, and enforcement of a code of conduct governing educational loan activities. Our officers, employees, trustees and agents, including the alumni association, booster club, and other organizations associated with Northwest Iowa Community College, agree to the provisions of this Code of Conduct and will refrain from:
• Refusing to certify or delaying the certification of an education loan based on a borrower's choice of lender.
• Assigning a first-time borrower to a particular private education loan lender through the student's financial aid award or another means.
• Packaging a private education loan in a student's financial aid award, except when the student is ineligible for other financial aid, has exhausted his or her federal student aid eligibility, has not filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or refuses to apply for a federal student loan.
• Accepting impermissible gifts, goods, or services from a lender, lender servicer, or guarantor. The institution may accept default prevention, financial literacy, or student aid-related educational services or materials, or other items of a nominal value.
• Accepting philanthropic contributions from a lender, lender servicer, or guarantor that are related to the educational loans provided by the entity that is making the contribution.
• Serving on or otherwise participating as a member of an advisory council for a lender, lender affiliate, or lender servicer.
• Accepting from a lender or its affiliate any fee, payment, or other financial benefit as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide education loan-related services to or on behalf of the lender.
• Accepting fees or other benefits in exchange for endorsing a lender or the lender's loan products.
• Requesting or accepting an offer of funds for private education loans from a lender, in exchange for our promise to provide the lender with placement on a preferred lender list, or a certain number of volume of private education loans.
This institution is committed to providing the information and resources necessary to help every student achieve educational success. To accomplish this goal the financial aid staff will consider each student's individual needs.
A comprehensive Code of Conduct detailing permissible and impermissible activities has been provided to all of our officers, employees, and agents. You may review the detailed
Code of Conduct here
For more information:
Call 712-324-5061 or 800-352-4907
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Saturday, April 21, 2018, 12:00 - 3:30 pm
The Office of Admissions and Orientation invites prospective undergraduate students and their families to join us for our Spring Open House. This event is an ideal opportunity to learn everything you want to know about the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Degree that Makes the Difference.
Spring Open House Opportunities
- Talk to faculty, students, alumni, and staff
- Explore our 100 degree programs
- Discover opportunities at our informational fair
- Take a tour of campus and visit The Union at Dearborn
Program for High School Students
- Attend a college course
- Learn about the admissions process, financial aid, housing, and scholarship information
- Take a campus tour and meet with student organizations
Program for Transfer Students
- Learn about the transfer process and transfer scholarships
- Talk to representatives from our four academic colleges
- Drop off materials to complete your application and receive a priority decision within one week
Explore campus & plan your visit:
Photos from Open House
View the Spring Open House photo gallery on the UM-Dearborn Facebook page!


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Nuclear Family, 2010
Digital print and LED light, 180cm x 180cm
"Nuclear family" was inspired by a 4600 year old burial site which discovered in Germany in 2004. The DNA showed that it contained a family. It's the oldest sign of the existence of the concept of the nuclear family, like we know it today.
Video: http://vimeo.com/20639871
Bergkerk, Deventer, Witteveen en Bos art and technology award 2010.


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CareBright can provide long or short-term care for clients allowing family members to take a much-needed respite break. Throughout this service we are dedicated to meeting the needs of both the client and the family carer.
This care can be adapted to meet the requirements of everyone involved in the caring process.
Caring for a loved one is very rewarding , while can also prove to be overwhelming on occasions, therefore it is of great importance for a family carer to take a much needed respite break for either a few hours to have lunch with family or friends or to have a holiday for a week or two.
We recognise that during this respite / period away, you will need peace of mind secure in the knowledge that the care is provided by a carer that is respectful and trustworthy .We will provide a carer that will provide the highest quality care to your loved one. We will provide this quality care in a dignified and respectful manner.
Respite Care can be provided to meet your need:
- Short term for family occasions eg.weddings, family birthdays or other family events
- Longer term respite for holidays
- Regular weekly respite care to allow family members to have respite for any time period that you specify
Elderly care
At CareBright, caring for the elderly is part of our services that include:
Elderly citizens value their independence and prefer to remain in their homes within their community – caring for the elderly at home. CareBright elderly respite services are their to help you.


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Culture of Life
Natural Family Planning Underrated, Poll Finds
BY Brian McGuire
November 21-27, 1999 Issue | Posted 11/21/99 at 1:00 PM
SALT LAKE CITY—Natural family planning, which has received short shrift from the medical community for years, may be starting to get more attention.
Or, at least, the inattention is starting to get attention.
A new study indicates that fewer than half the doctors who advise women on reproductive issues mention natural family planning as an option. What's significant is that the study appeared in the November issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a leading medical journal.
Joseph Stanford, assistant professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of Utah, is the author of the study.
"Obstetrics and Gynecology is one of the top two, if not the main journal for obstetrics and gynecology," he said. "It's as mainstream as you can get in the field." He added that in recent years there have been few articles supportive of natural family planning in mainstream publications.
The survey found that most doctors are ignorant of modern methods of natural family planning and underestimate its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
A team of four physicians led by Stanford sent questionnaires to 840 randomly selected doctors in Missouri, of whom 375, or 65%, responded. Of these, 46% reported mentioning natural family planning to at least some women patients.
Physicians surveyed were told that the current medical literature on natural family planning indicates that it is up to 90% effective for spacing births. Average effectiveness, they were told, is 70%. (Stanford said the rates are really higher than these, but because of controversy surrounding how to measure the rates, his team deliberately quoted them low.)
Doctors were then asked if they agreed with these estimates.
Stanford said that "70% to 80% of those surveyed wildly underestimated the effectiveness of natural family planning."
The Utah researcher said modern methods of natural family planning can be 97% to 98% effective for spacing births, when used properly. The average rate of effectiveness, Stanford said, turns out to be 80%, which he said is very close to the rates for barrier methods of contraception such as condoms and diaphragms.
"Basically, we confirmed what we already suspected," Stanford said. "Physicians don't routinely offer natural family planning as an option when they discuss birth control. Nor do they refer to it when talking to couples who are trying to get pregnant. And when they do talk about it, they talk about the calendar or the rhythm methods. … What they've been taught is outdated and incorrect."
No Need to Be A 'Rocket Scientist'
A resident physician at Yale-New Haven Hospital, who asked that her name not be printed, told the Register that students in medical school today don't learn much about natural family planning "because it has such a low success rate."
She estimated natural family planning to be about 70% effective, and added that the real problem was motivating people to use it.
"Our patients wouldn't be reliable [for taking their own temperature]," she said. "The pill has a high failure rate" for the same reason, she added, because women forget to take it.
"If a woman is averse to taking the pill and is trying to prevent pregnancy, Depo-Provera is a better method," the resident said.
Stanford disagreed. "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to use natural family planning effectively," he contended. "Doctors have an unrealistically complicated view of it."
Modern methods of natural family planning, developed in the last 20 years, include the Billings method and the symptothermal method. These are not to be confused, Stanford said, with the rhythm method, which, after its invention in the 1930s, gained notoriety only for being ineffective.
The new method does take some training, he said.
"The key finding in the study was that physicians were more likely to offer natural family planning if they reported knowing of a teacher in their area," Stanford said. "More than half of those surveyed said they didn't know of one.
"One reason they don't offer [natural family planning], aside from not knowing about it, is that it's not something they can do alone. They can hand you a prescription for a pill and that's that. But when it comes to natural family planning, it takes time they don't have."
Yet, the training is worth the time, insisted Jose Fernandez, an Oklahoma City physician. Fernandez said natural family planning requires a woman and her doctor to become cooperators.
"When a woman charts her own cycle, we can detect gynecological and reproductive problems," he said. "When I treat a woman, I want to understand her body based on what she sees as well as what I see. With the pill you are working against a woman's body because all the pill does is shut a woman's system down. With natural family planning you are working with the body."
Copyright © 2013 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved.


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McKevitt Participates In Assembly Minority "Sex Offender Watch" Task Force
April 27, 2009
Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R, C, I – East Meadow), right, is joined by his colleague, Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, as they listen to testimony on crime prevention measures that have been effective in the past and address future needs to protect our community against sexual predators. McKevitt and his colleagues held a Sex Offender Watch Task Force forum this past Thursday in Merrick.
"I was pleased to engage in testimony at the Assembly Minority 'Sex Offender Watch Forum' this past Thursday. Forums like this provide valuable input as to why we must continue fighting in Albany for tougher and stricter regulations that keep our communities safe from sexual predators," said Assemblyman Tom McKevitt.


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I'm a hustler, I'm a - I'm a hustler, homey
I'm a hustler, I'm a - I'm a hustler, homey
[Verse 1]
I'm a hustler, I'm a - I'm a hustler homey
I got the product, narcotics for the customers, homey
Fiend's open, they be smoking like a muffler, homey
Niggas phony so I only got a couple of homies
If you a hustler I could - I could fuck with you, homey
You spend a couple of bucks I'll stay in touch with you, homey
I get money I get 20 a K, I got 20 strips all doing 20 a day - ay!
I get cake from buds and haze: I'm making dubs
They hating cause I'm on the grind like I'm making love
With cops, got the block hot like a Jamaican clubs
Cop weight, wait for a drought and then make it flood
Try to take my cake you gonna take a slug
But you can take my information if you taking drugs
'Cause I could sell Raid to a bug
I'm a hustler: I can sell salt to a slug
[Verse 2]
I'm married to the game, same bride just a new groom
I do more then just do tunes
Cause my bills come in too soon, my son gonna be 2 soon
Royalty checks come like once in a blue moon
But I'm getting my dough from doing shows
I made more dough on the grind than going gold
That's why I stay fly and I'm 'flage-ing on hoes
Floss is so cool: in Austin no shoes
Just a rubberband on my wrist, no jewels
I ain't got to prove I'm rich, I'm no fool
I know the rules and I ain't got time for it
But a nigga will shine, when it's time for it
And they will hate you deal with the real cake
And they on the corner from morning to real late
I deal weight and if you bastards doubt me
I'm a hustler: ask about me
[Verse 3]
Yeah, paid, you got save, don't be spending the change
In 5th grade I was hustling my Genesis games
I was dumb, young - selling chewing gum to my classmates
On the cash chase moving at a fast pace
Never been a dummy, never did what the dummies do
So I had a mill' to burn before I turned 22
"More money, more problems" is true
Because the more money I make, the more problems for you
Yeah, I used dude's voice: props to the boy Shawn
He made it a hot line, I made a hot song
So, stop drawing, man, you got to respect it
I'm the best: Swizz got to perfect it, don't mess with
Cause I became the best when B-I-G died
The Kid do it big like P-U-N
Cause I'm nice P-A-C with the P-E-N
He's a hustler. He's a, he's a hustler homie
Video-Link for people from Germany:


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THEBLKHANDS ft. Lola Monroe - Versace
This Tuesday, THE BLKHANDS will be linking up with us to drop their much-anticipated digital debut album, Serbia. Before that, though, they've decided to tantalize their fans in the DJBooth with one final world premiere off the project. On the swagger-drenched Versace, crewmates Cazzie Jetson and Dominic Serendip rhyme about their fondness for money, liquor and cunnilingus over project collaborator ILLA's halting, minimalistic synth/percussion grooves. Ethiopian-American, rapper, model and actress Lola Monroe (recently featured on Cassie's All Gold All Girls (Remix)) flaunts her high-priced accoutrements and her "rich b**ch" attitude in a braggadocious middle 16. Feeling it? Then be sure to check back with us tomorrow, March 26, when THE BLKHANDS' freshman set hits our front page for free steaming and digital download.


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Kuala Lumpur, June 13 (IANS) A liplock – once a big deal for the Indian silver screen – was given the miss at a screening of a latest Bollywood film in this principal city of Malaysia, where there are restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies. But Bollywood fans are undeterred by the government's guidelines and are lapping up bold content.
To Indian viewers at the screening of "Dil Dhadakne Do", on the sidelines of the 16th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards, an abrupt cut which replaced a kiss, came as a surprise.
For residents, it wasn't an eyebrow-raising moment.
"Any intimate scene or films related to sexuality are mostly trimmed or they get banned. I don't understand why the government has such guidelines because people can watch any film online," 25-year-old Rashmi, a Malaysian with roots in India, told IANS.
According to an article published in 2010 by the Jakarta Globe on movie censorship guidelines, Malaysia's censors "have loosened decades of restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies, but are still keeping a tight leash on sexually-charged kisses and tiny bikinis".
The article goes on to state that "Muslims could not be shown consuming alcohol and gambling earlier, but the new guidelines state that it would be permissible if the filmmaker wants to 'depict a person's transformation from being evil to good'."
Also, sex scenes, including "homosexuality and unnatural sex", and kissing on "body parts that could arouse sex, including the neck, chest and ears" were discouraged.
But Bollywood fans, as most shared, are open to any genre of films, including bold content as long as they are entertaining.
"I watched 'Margarita with a Straw' on DVD and really liked the content of the film. I like the fact that Bollywood is getting bold and experimental without compromising on the story," said Rashmi about the Kalki Koechlin-starrer, which discusses disabled people, their desires and sexuality.
It's vital to note that at one point in Hindi cinema, the coming together of two flowers was used metaphorically for a kiss. But the depiction of intimacy has come of age in recent times.
Another Malaysian Bollywood fan, 23-year-old Mira, who loves Shahid Kapoor's films, feels intimate scenes in movies are fine.
"I love Dharma Productions' films. Love is shown so beautifully in their films. I am okay with watching bold scenes as long as there is no negative impact on my life," she said.
Caroline Simon, whose grandparents are from Sri Lanka, says "Bollywood films are fun".
"The actors are good-looking and they seem to be nice people. I managed to see Karisma Kapoor and Bipasha Basu at events before in Kuala Lumpur. I am open to any genre. It all depends on the individual…how a person gets inspired," said Simon.
A die-hard fan of Bollywood, Edmund, who belongs to the Chinese community of Malaysia, says he likes to watch Bollywood films because of the way emotions are dealt with in the movies.
"I started watching Bollywood films three years back. The first Bollywood movie that I watched was 'Ferrari Ki Sawaari' while I was on a plane. I like to travel all over the world. I've been to India also. I think Kashmir is beautiful. I like 'Barfi!', '3 Idiots', 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!' and 'Kai Po Che!'.
"I think 'Finding Fanny' was good too…it was different. 'Bombay Velvet' was great. I don't know why it didn't do well in India. The music and craftsmanship are so good. Even Ranbir Kapoor's acting is so natural," shared the enthusiastic Edmund, who watches at least one Bollywood film a week.
He is yet to see a movie of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and is appreciative of the way Indian filmmakers are experimenting with genres.
Hema Arasan, 42, also has no qualms about watching movies with bold content, but said that there should be some control on films if children are watching.
"I mostly watch movies for entertainment. Bold themes are fine, but if children are watching, there should be some control," said Arasan, who is part of the approximately seven percent Indian community in Malaysia.


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Welcome to Friends Following Friends! Anyone is welcome to join and meet new friends and find great blogs to follow by choice.
Thank you!
Members: 973
Latest Activity: Nov 10
Started by Loubna El Maziati. Last reply by imperfectmom247 Sep 16, 2015. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Cynthia Tolbert-Wilson Mar 20, 2013. 0 Replies 2 Likes
Stop by and link up your blog buttons~ It could be your blog featured next week!
Please go check out my latest blog post http://write-2-be.com/2013/03/04/we-have-to-be-aware-of-what-we-are... and let me know what you think. Also go and check out the latest issue of my new magazine http://write2bemagazine.com/ and like the magazine's fan page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Write2BeMagazine
Start the week off right! Link up your Twitter and grow your followers! http://southernbelle35.blogspot.com/2013/03/twitter-hop.html
Join the Pinterest Blog Hop & Grow your following. http://southernbelle35.blogspot.com/2013/02/weekend-pinterest-blog-...
Hi Friends! Stephanie Marie here from Florida and new group member. I am the author of The Fusion Chronicles blog and would love for you to drop by and say hello. Be sure to mention MBC and a link to your blog too :)
You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
It is time once again for the No Rules BLOG HOP!
No Rules means that you can link up a tutorial recipe, craft, giveaway, etc... As long as it is family friendly it works for me!
It is fun and takes only 2 minutes to linkup!!!
Join the Weekend Pinterest Blog Hop & Grow your following. http://southernbelle35.blogspot.com/2013/02/weekend-pinterest-blog-...
Hey everyone!
We are two SAHM's and are having fun being pin testers. All of your Pinterest boards probably have tons of untouched pins, right? We're here to test them and tell you if they're worth keeping or not! You'll also see our own creations and read about our fun life ramblings. We cant wait to meet new friends!
We are looking for new blogging friends to follow to. If you include your link here I will follow you.
Instagram ID thepinningmama


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Within two weeks of each interview - sooner, if possible - employers must inform students of their status, which may be any of the following:
For offer dates, please see:
Conditional offers ("If you convince me that you would accept an offer if it were made, you'll get one") do not give the student time to evaluate properly and are unacceptable.
Companies are expected to make thoughtful hiring decisions and to honor all offers made to our students. If a company must revisit an offer due to adverse business conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, we ask that you first contact Bruce Lloyd, Director of Employer Relations, at (212) 854-5471 to review the situation.
Rescinding an accepted offer, withdrawing an offer before the student has accepted, or changing the terms of an offer carries significant consequences for all parties involved in the recruiting process. Generally, students and alumni learn of these unfortunate situations, which cast a negative light on the reputation of the organization.
[1] https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/recruiters/how/on-campus_recruiting/full-timerecruiting
[2] https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/recruiters/how/on-campus_recruiting/internship