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Posts by Jim Murphy
5 posts • joined 5 Apr 2007
Microsoft's Windows 7 price gamble - and why it's flawed
Maybe not flawed...Vista ring a bell?
While I think that Steve Balmer is a complete moron, I wouldn't say M$'s new discount pricing is flawed, at least for western (developed) markets. More on that in a minute. Why? Because under Balmer's watch M$ screwed everyone, customers and partners alike, with the Vista abomination and it will take a long time before that fiasco is forgotten. Don't forget, discounting cures a lot of ills. What else could they do, especially in this global recession?
I think the second reason they're having to lower prices is that Windows 7 is only evolutionary and not revolutionary. It does have some nice new features to make mundane chores a bit easier but M$ apparently concentrated on speed and efficiency, not new eye candy nor dazzling new apps. which would surely help sales. The only down side I've noticed so far is Internet Explorer 8. What a POS!!! It just locks up completely periodically. And the ironic thing is that it is a disaster on MSN hosted websites where it is supposed to be the bees knees. Go figure.
Other than Internet Exploder 8 being crappy I think they've learned a little bit since Vista. I've been using Windows 7 for quite a while now, first the beta and now the release candidate. It's even faster than my WinXP installation and runs cooler with less CPU and GPU cycles on the same computer. I don't dual boot, I just swap out hard drive trays to switch between them so the installations are completely independent. And yes, I do monitor temps and CPU/GPU loading to keep my trusty aging laptop running smoothly. Is Windows 7 compelling enough to finally uproot all the diehard WinXP users? Only time will tell.
Let's talk about pricing for emerging or developing nations. I'm an American expat living in Thailand and it is considered a developing nation. Piracy of Windows, movie DVD's, and even pharmceuticals is common because of flawed pricing policies by especially U.S. corporations. The upper end salary for the average Thai is less than $300 U.S. dollars/week but more commonly it is closer to $200. Even if you could buy low end Windows 7 without trade-in for the discounted price of $79.99, much less $119.99, it wouldn't help much. It is just way beyond what these people are willing or able to pay. Of course, Thailand is just one of many emerging nations requiring ultra low prices to gain market share. Is it really worth it?
Ah, the trials and tribulations of global commerce. One suggestion is to get rid of Ballmer. What an idiot!!!!
Jimbo in Thailand
What's next for Microsoft's Flight Sim partners?
You're All Missing The Fricking Point...
Quckly now, who is responsible for Microsoft's current monetary ills? If you said the current downturn in the global economy I might say maybe to a small extent. If you said that complete effing idiot Steve Ballmer, that's a start; but consider those even worse effing morons that wrote Vista. Vista has been a complete and monumental failure. It "enjoys" a whopping 10% adoption rate after two years. Because of this, Microsuck has had to extend the service life of XP at least twice since Vista's introduction. That's one reason they are rushing at light speed to debug and release Windows 7. I believe that Vista's failure, more than any other reason, is the cause for Microsuck panicking right now and killing off Aces, and other units. What does this really tell us?
In a nutshell it tells us that Microsoft is beyond effing stupid. Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and the rest of the top Volish morons stopped listening to their customers years ago and that's why they've lost so much money recently. Killing the Flight Simulator franchise is even more unbelievably stupid. Here is a solid product that they've made a lot of money from during the last 27 years that still, even with consoles competing, has quite a few income producing years left had the effing dumbasses continued it.
Flight Simulator has vast support not only from loyal users but also thanks to the many 3rd party developers that have continously provided top quality add-ons for each new version. This open system is one huge reason for the outstanding success of Flight Simulator and has kept the product fresh between fairly long release intervals.
Now then, the problem is that Flight Simulator is an extremely complex platform. It is not a game, but a simulation. It requires a team with extensive aviation, weather, physics, modeling, art, and database expertise, among other talents. If you think that in a year, or two, Microsuck can hire a new team to quickly pick up where Aces left off you are sadly mistaken. It would take years for a new team to develop a new version of Flight Simulator. By then, the gap will already be filled by others so, effectively, Flight Simulator is dead. It will survive for a while thanks to the talented 3rd party developers, but all it will take is a new platform, such as Windows 7 or later, that can't run it and...game over...pun intended.
Other than George Bush, I believe that Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and those incredibly inept Vista developers are the best cases I know of for retroactive birth control. The damage they've done is not reversible.
Will someone please come out with a better operating system for the great unwashed masses soon so we no longer have to deal with these effing pricks anymore!
Fisker shows Karma Sunset in Detroit
No DRender, You've missed the point!!!!
This is a luxury abomination touted on their website as a "green" vehicle, which it clearly is not. Any automobile, especially an aerodynamically styled sedan like this one, that requires a total of 403bhp electric power and a 265bph petrol engine isn't "green". I don't care if it can exceed 200mph or reach a paultry 125mph as in this case, IT AIN'T "GREEN"! I don't even think you read the complete article as your comments certainly don't reflect it, but let's take a look at them anyway.
"You can't remove the electric parts… It IS an electric vehicle." - I only mentioned removing one of the two electric motors as it is clearly not contributing much power due to a possible mismatch of the battery pack, or some other quirk. However, this appears to be such a poor design that I agree with Andrew Norton and think it would be an improvement to leave out the electric power altogether as based on the listed specifications this company obviously is not showing expertise in this area, at least in my opinion.
"The Petrol engine is decoupled from the drive train completely - it just charges the battery (Or in those rare situations where you need to go faster than 95 - Provide a boost)" - Ummmm…you're completely wrong here. According to the article the petrol engine drives the generator which provides electricity to the electric motors giving an "effective range of 300 miles" and providing a top speed of 125mph, although I would assume it also charges the batteries in this mode. However, even if you were correct, which you aren't, then under which universe did you come from that you think it is a good design that requires a 265bhp petrol engine to charge the battery or to "…Provide a boost". Let's get real here. A 265bhp engine installed in any automobile, short of maybe a Hummer, will jerk a knot in your ass with plenty of acceleration, yet here they need it to "charge the battery"?
"And seriously, unless you drive a lot on the Autobahns in Germany, want to take it to a track, or just drive like a tw@t, you've no need to go above 95 except in very rare overtaking circumstances." - Then why are you even looking at this thing in the first place? Go buy a Toyota Prius and save a ton of money. Oh, sorry Andrew, yes the Prius is lacking, but it is certainly many times more "green" than this contraption.
"In reality you could remove the petrol generator and replace it with a diesel one - much more efficient… …You could even completely remove the fossil fuel engine and replace with more batteries, or a hydrogen fuel cell, or ultracapacitors or whatever new technology comes along for the generation / storage of electricity in vehicles." - Yeah, you could also just look at another vehicle that has proven "green" technologies. At least you're beginning to get the point that this thing really is crap, at least in my opinion as an engineer. I have to add that it has already been proven that hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles are just smoke and mirrors since it requires so much energy to extract the hydrogen.
"This is an extremely important step in the move away from fossil fuels. When Fisker start manufacturing more affordable vehicles based upon the quantum drive train I'll be all over them…" - I just about wet my pants when I read that statement! I hope you do buy one of Fisker's products, as you certainly seem like a good match! However, I'll agree with you that continued development of electric or hybrid powered vehicles is a move in the right direction, but this instance certainly seems questionable.
DRenar, I'm really not trying to bust your balls but I just want you to look at the numbers to see the truth. Even though this is a very nice looking car, the listed specifications suggest something is amiss and certainly not in line with "green" technology. I would like to know exactly how many miles per gallon this vehicle consumes under its petrol engine since they don't mention that.
Unfortunately, there seems to be an emerging trend that somehow very high powered or high performance electric cars are "green". Green technology, to me, means providing for high efficiency and zero or low fossil fuel comsumption while providing acceptable performance. It is not about just swapping powerplant types, especially if the results are still high energy and/or low efficiency. Keep in mind that the majority of the owners of these vehicles will be using the existing electrical grid to recharge those massive battery packs daily and/or they will be driving under petrol engine power. Either way, fossil fuels are still being depleted at a rapid rate. So where is the "green" in this scenario? Cheers! Jim
Can it get any worse?
A nicely styled turd, but a turd it truly is. Performance and efficiency is beyond horrendous considering claimed horsepower specs. How is it that two 150kw electric motors with claimed total 403bhp can only propel this slug up to 95 mph? Think about that for a second. More than 400bhp yields less than 100mph top speed! How is that even possible with today's technology?
Situation is even more disgusting considering its smaller 265bph petrol engine provides a higher 125mph top speed while "driving the generator". While this is also a horrible performance per power ratio, this means the battery pack is so mismatched that it can't supply the required current to feed the two electric motors anywhere near their rated horsepower. Result is that one of the electric motor's output is barely being utilized. I'd be willing to bet that the weight savings from removing one electric motor would yield similar or maybe even better performance.
Bottom line is that either the posted numbers are wrong or this "jewel" has a Rube Goldberg nonsensically designed drive train. But lets give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they electronically limited both the battery pack only and petrol engine only top speeds and were just concentrating on 0-60mph performance. This is an even worse design objective meaning that you're always carrying around all that extra weight, complexity, and resulting inefficiency for a single narrow-minded performance target. It just doesn't get any worse than this. Green is the new design objective but this POS is clearly brown...and stinky!
Thai King video wag pulls YouTube clip
Re: Thai King video wag pulls YouTube clip'
It's good that the offending video clip was finally pulled. As an American living in Thailand I can tell you that all Thais love their king dearly and are extremely offended by any disrespect to him or his likeness. This issue is so important to Thai culture that Thai law (lèse majesté) forbids disrespecting the king, or any of the royal family.
It seems the only people that commit these acts are foreigners that haven't got a clue. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is currently the longest reigning monarch in the world, having just celebrated his 60th anniversary on the throne. To say that he is revered by the Thais is like saying Bill Gates is wealthy; quite the understatement.
In Thai culture the head is the most sacred part of the body as it is the highest. Since the feet are obviously the lowest it follows that they are the least sacred. To display someone's feet above the head of the king is the ultimate insult to the king and to all of the Thai people.
Also, right or wrong, Thai culture is a patriarchy. The fact that the feet depicted were those of a female adds severity to the insult, in the eyes of the Thais. This is not a minor infraction. If the person posting this video happened to be caught in Thailand, he or she would face at least 15 to 20 years in prison. Of course, that is assuming that the offender survives the term since not only the prison guards, but also the other Thai inmates might not roll out the red carpet treatment on this one.
What is really sad is that corporate America, and unfortunately most Americans, have their heads up their asses when it comes to basic knowledge of other countries and respective cultures. It's obvious to everyone in the world, except most Americans who don't travel abroad, that under the Bush administration the U.S. doesn't play well with others. I guess it's natural for corporate America to follow suit like a bull in a China shop.
For the Google/YouTube spokesman to make the feeble comparison that posting unflattering videos of a complete idiot like George Bush somehow makes it OK to ridicule another culture's beloved leader without taking the time to research the seriousness of the cultural taboo, is extremely alarming. Hopefully this might be a small setback in Google's plan for world domination.
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TAME IMPALA at Terminal 5
02/13/13 7pm 610 W. 56th St. Map
212-665-3832 www.terminal5nyc.com Ages: Teen, Adult
212-665-3832 www.terminal5nyc.com Ages: Teen, Adult
This event has already taken place. Click here for the latest events.
Venue Description: A popular spot for mid-level rock, rap, EDM and pop music acts, located on the west side of Manhattan. The cavernous space has recently hosted live acts such as Sleigh Bells, Gogol Bordello, Jake Bugg, Disclosure, DARKSIDE, Mogwai, and more.
Upcoming Events
La Roux - 10/04/14
Articles About Terminal 5
- The Best Live Music and Concert Venues in New York City
- CG: The Continuing Story of Carla Rhodes Plays Bowery Poetry Club 10/5
- CG: Highline Ballroom Announces Their Upcoming Shows And Events
- CG: Highline Ballroom Announces Their Upcoming Shows And Events
- CG: Singer/Songwriter James Blunt to Perform at 'Live from T5' Concert Series 1/18
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
arcaneterror said...
Personally, I'm a fan of Blizzard's pop culture references.
Isn't a lot of WotLK in a sense a shout-out to "Serenity"? "Serenity" is the only Firefly-related... ANYTHING I've watched, and seeing all those zombies still haunts me a bit (yeah, not much of a horror fan). But then I see the the coup of the Undercity and it kinda reminded me of the plot of Serenity (more from the Horde side, I think). Maybe that's just me, though...
In general, I really enjoy the general references, but only if they're done right (the MacGruber felt a bit shoehorned in, for example).
I think TonyMcS caught an important part: the references must make sense (or must not be noticeable) to the uninformed player.
"We must push little cart" isn't noteworthy for an ogre, who have less than ideal grammar at some points. If you've also played TF2, it's also funny.
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!" is a funny sentence, regardless of whether or not you've seen Firefly.
"The Cake Is Not A Lie (achievement)" only really makes sense, though, if you've played Portal. Otherwise it's just a random silly thing that makes your guildmates ask whether it was a triumph and/or huge success.
Successful external references bring the outside world into the game world seamlessly; unsuccessful ones substitute the outside world for the game world to make a joke.
Friday_Knight said...
The little pop culture references are one of the things that make WoW so awesome. Never get rid of them, and if you have a problem with them gtfo.


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Toyota reveals new customizable Camatte57s kid-friendly concepts
June 12, 2013 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Concept Cars , Convertible , Japan , Toyota , Electric Toyota plans to follow up last year's kid-friendly Camatte concept with two new versions: the Camatte57s and Camatte57s Sport (right). Like the original Camatte, the two new concepts will make their debut at the International Tokyo Toy Show, which is happening this weekend. Not much has changed with these two new Camatte models. Like their predecessor, they both feature detachable body panels (the count is up to 57), a 1+2 seating array and reconfigurable pedals that allow children to operate the gas and brakes while Mom or Dad steers. What is new is an open-top roadster design that even eschews doors in favor of easier ingress/egress. They look like something a tourist would rent to get around a Hawaiian island, though we dig the distinct personalities of each model's design. Both cars are all-electric, though Toyota hasn't provided any other specifications, like what makes the Sport model sporty besides its more aggressive body panels and silver, black and red color scheme. That's just as well, as neither concept, like the original Camatte before them, is street legal. And in case you're wondering from where Toyota conjured these concepts' odd name, "Camatte" is the Japanese for word for "care." According to the automaker, it's intended to signify both caring for others and caring for cars, while the lone 's' at the end of each name stands for "touch," and the number corresponds to the number of body panels. Scroll below to watch a team of Toyota engineers installing body panels on a Camatte57s, or check out both models in our gallery below.
Toyota displays family-oriented Camatte concept at toy show [w/video]
June 13, 2012 by Toyota Bloggers · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Concept Cars , Coupe , Budget , Etc. , Japan , Videos , Toyota , Design/Style Toyota is out to spur a passion for cars in young families with its new Camatte Concept. Unveiled at the 2012 International Tokyo Toy Show, the vehicle features a number of interchangeable body panels that can easily be swapped for different colors or styles. The concept seats three in a unique triangular configuration that Toyota says is designed to facilitate communication between parents behind the wheel and children in the back. But that's not the only kid-friendly aspect. The Camatte also features configurable pedals, which can allow a child to develop driving skills while a parent takes care of important tasks like steering and braking. Clearly, this sucker isn't headed to production, and that's a shame. We love the bare-bones utilitarianism of the design, and the open-wheel front is enough to garner a smile from us as well. It's almost as if Toyota decided to bring the Volkswagen Kubelwagen into the modern age. Check out the quick breakdown video below for yourself.


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Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Hogwarts Too Exposed - A Slytherin Among Us
The Worst Day of Her Life1 Reviews
Nudity, love triangles, pregnancies and death, coupled with Quidditch, deceit, injustice, adventure and mystery. Sounds like another tranquil year at Hogwarts. Join me for Hogwarts Too Exposed - A ...
The Worst Day of Her Life
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please be aware that this chapter contains material that some readers will find both shocking and offensive. I am an author who enjoys keeping my reader's in suspense and so, not surprisingly; there is a cliffhanger at the end of this chapter. The problem with cliffhangers is that they are intended to mislead you. Sometimes when you are misled, you also become upset, especially if you are fond of the characters. For that reason it might be best for some readers to wait until they have chapter 17 before reading chapter16. Please stick with the story, bad things happen to good people in stories to help character development and to teach lessons to characters that they otherwise would not have learned.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
"Amanda, will you be all right? You know, ready, when the time comes?" Tony asked, apprehensively.
"Yeah!" Amanda answered, trying not to show the fear that was swelled up inside her. "I better get back to the Gryffindor Tower." She turned to leave, but then ran back to Tony and flung her arms around him.
"I love you," she said, kissing him before turning and actually leaving.
Alex watched Amanda walk away and then turned to Tony. "I guess that girl's nuts about you," he said, despondently.
"I guess," Tony answered, equally downcast.
"But you're not so nuts about her?" Alex asked, a tinge of anger in his voice.
"You know better than that," Tony answered crossly.
"Well, you certainly have a funny way of showing it," Alex said in a sickened way.
"What do you mean by that?" Tony questioned, defensively.
"Look Tony, I can stand around and be your stooge, or I can be your friend and tell you what I really think."
"You are my friend."
"Okay! If it was me, I'd give up this whole idea," Alex said without hesitation.
"But how can we?" Tony asked with desperation. "What else can we do?"
"You know what." Alex answered, feeling there was only one sensible solution.
"We've been over that. I can't," Tony virtually begged.
"You've got to. It's no good Tony. It's murder," Alex cautioned.
"Will you stop saying that!" Tony shouted, as he balled up his fists. "I've got to take care of Amanda. I don't know how to take care of a baby, too. Besides, it hasn't even got a heart or a name yet. It isn't anything yet."
"It's alive isn't it?" Alex countered. "Tony, these things are dangerous. I mean the guys that do it aren't so hot sometimes."
"I don't want to talk about it," Tony said, trying to block such thoughts from his mind. "It'll turn out all right. It's got to."
"Yeah, well say he uses the wrong spell or a dirty knife or something and Amanda got blood poisoning," Alex questioned, refusing to stop.
"SHUT UP!" Tony yelled, his fists starting to shake.
"Or he slipped up some how and killed her even," Alex added.
"Will you shut up?" Tony beseeched, swinging around and punching the wall behind Alex.
"Then what would you do?" Alex questioned. "Say you left your girlfriend to die because you were scared to tell your folks?"
"I'm not scared," Tony lied. "It's only that they trust me, like I told Amanda."
"You're kidding yourself, Tony. You're scared," Alex affirmed.
"Just come right out and tell them?" Tony hedged.
"Why not?" Alex asked. "Maybe start off by telling them how much you like Amanda and lead into the baby part sort of casually."
"Yeah! Yeah! You're right," Tony agreed. "What do I do? Just go up right now and send them an owl?"
"Either that, or better yet, talk to them," Alex said encouragingly. "I'm sure Professor Potter would allow you to use his fireplace."
Monday, November 15, 2004
"Are you allowed visitors?" Tyler asked, meekly as he stood outside the infirmary door.
Emily turned on her side and then sat up, her face suddenly displaying an ear-to-ear smile. "Technically, not for another fifteen minutes," she said, "but I'm sure Madam Pomfrey won't complain."
Tyler hesitated as the bedcovers fell to Emily's waist, first exposing her shoulders and then her small, but attention-grabbing breasts. "I'll wait here," he said turning away, "until you put on a hospital gown."
"Then you'll be waiting a long time," Emily said with a laugh. "I'm not about to put on one of those horrid things. Besides you're certainly accustomed to seeing, my breasts by now."
"But what will Madame Pomfrey say?" Tyler asked as he halfheartedly entered the room.
"She's fine that I'm a nudist and that I won't have a cow if I'm seen naked," Emily answered, happily. "I'm sure she feels it would be more proper if I covered myself, but she doesn't think of me as a tart for not doing so."
"I don't think I'll ever become completely accustomed to you," Tyler said, trying desperately to maintain eye contact and not stare at Emily's chest. "I've never met a girl like you."
"I'm just glad that you want to get to know me better," Emily said, a slight blush covering her face. "You didn't see me immediately after the accident, did you?"
"No, at first no one in the crowd had any idea what had happened. When they finally announced that you had crashed, I tried to get to you, but by the time I was out of the stands they had already put you is stasis, and your Mum was doing a cleansing charm," Tyler answered. "Soon after that, they floated you off."
"Thank god she did a cleansing charm," Emily said, relief evident in her voice.
"I imagine it was necessary before they could check you out any further," Tyler remarked. "You were somewhat coated with mud."
"I think I might have been soaked in my own pee, too," Emily said, not seeming at all embarrassed to admit this. "I had been holding it for what felt like forever, but when that Bludger hit me, I sort of lost control of my bodily functions."
"There you go again," Tyler said in disbelief. "The things you do and say are incredible. I could never admit that happening to me, especially not to a girl. Doesn't anything faze you?"
"Sure," Emily answered. "I'm embarrassed by many of the same things you are. I would have been mortified if you had seen me immediately after the accident. I understand I wasn't a very pretty sight."
"I imagine not," Tyler answered, cringing at the thought of what damage the Bludger must have done to Emily's face, "but you look beautiful now."
"Thanks to Madam Pomfrey, Professor Granger and Caitlin," Emily said in relief. "That Bludger was only hit from about twelve feet away, so it meted out a lot of damage. I'm glad they didn't take me out of stasis until they had completed fixing me up."
"How bad were you injured?" Tyler asked, seemingly genuinely concerned.
"Caitlin told me I was a bona fide disaster," Emily answered, "but that in all probability it would have been worse if the ground hadn't been as mushy as it was. In addition to a cracked shoulder blade and a broken jaw, my face was bruised and swollen, and I had five broken or missing teeth. Not exactly someone you'd look forward to escorting to the Yule Ball."
"I'm thankful they were able to mend you so fast and completely," Tyler said, wincing as he imagined the intensity of the pain Emily must have felt when the Bludger struck her. "I doubt, however, that anything could make me not want to take you to the Ball."
Emily blushed deeply. "See," she said pointing at her face, "I do get embarrassed."
Emily tried to change the topic of conversation to something other than her. "Has your brother relented at all, or does he still hate me and my sister?"
The last thing Tyler wanted to do was talk about his git of a brother. "No! If anything, you catching the Snitch and securing the Quidditch match for Slytherin made him detest you even more," Tyler answered, glumly. "He had a lot of people convinced that Slytherin wouldn't win any games at all this year because he wasn't playing as Seeker. You've certainly proved that to be bollocks."
"Is he still threatening to cause you trouble at home because of me?" Emily asked concernedly.
"No!" Tyler lied. "He's being more reasonable."
In truth, Dick was doing his best to make Tyler's life a living hell. Their father had always held a low opinion of the Zacherleys, feeling that they besmirched the name of wizard. If Dick divulged that Tyler was seeing Emily, there would be no Christmas, no new broomstick and most certainly no Yule Ball.
Dick had offered Tyler a deal for his silence, but the price was steep. Either way it seemed Tyler was destined to lose what was coming to mean more and more to him with each passing day.
"I better get going," Tyler said, disappointingly, trying to forget about his obnoxious brother. "I have your mum's class next, and you know how she is when it comes to lateness."
"Thanks for coming," Emily said as she slipped out of bed and into her slippers. "I'll walk you to the door."
Tyler wanted to say that it wasn't necessary, but the words caught in his throat when he saw all of her. She looked prettier to him every time he saw her.
Emily reached out for Tyler hand. "I should be out of here tomorrow. Madam Pomfrey wanted to be completely sure I didn't have a concussion before she released me. Mum's going to take us all for new Yule Ball robes on Saturday," she added excitedly.
"I'm kind of partial to what you have on," Tyler said frankly.
"You can't imagine how much I wish I could go like this," Emily said sincerely, as she gave Tyler a peck on the cheek. "Thanks again for stopping by."
"Thanks for being okay!"
Friday, November 19, 2004
"Sam, I do love you," Ron proclaimed. "This isn't about love; it's about.... well, it's about me being naked. I don't think I could do it."
"But last Saturday you seemed enthused at the idea of us going on a cruise with Harry and Hermione," Sam argued.
"That was before I learned it was a nudist charter," Ron answered defensively. "I'd love to go on a cruise for a week and live like a king, being waited on hand and foot - not forgetting about being able to eat twenty-four hours a day - but this king isn't about to walk around bare arsed in front of his best friends and a horde of strangers."
"But they'll all be nude, too. So will I," Sam argued.
"I know and that just makes it all the worse," Ron admitted. "I'm not sure I like the idea of hundreds of men ogling my wife. Plus, I'd feel weird about seeing and being seen naked by Harry and Hermione; they're my best friends."
"Ron, you and Harry were roommates for seven years. Are you trying to tell me that you never saw each other naked in all that time?" Sam questioned. "Didn't either of you ever change clothes or take a shower?"
"That was different," Ron disputed. "Besides, that was when we were youngsters. We're adults now."
Sam shook her head in frustration. "As for Hermione, you told me that the two of you did practically everything when you were dating short of having actual intercourse. Are you telling me now that you both kept your clothes on all the time? Hell! She flooed naked to our apartment just a few weeks ago."
"You just don't understand," Ron said. "Going without clothes is a lot easier for girls than guys."
"Ron, that's a very chauvinistic comment," Samantha said, stunned. "How exactly is it easier for a girl?"
"Well, even when you're naked, your sex organ is still hidden," Ron answered tentatively. "Guys have all their parts on the outside while yours are inside and in most cases even the entrance is hidden behind a carpet of hair. Even when you're naked, you're not really naked. The whole world, most certainly, can't tell if you're aroused."
"Ron, is that what you'll really afraid of?" Sam asked compassionately. "Some other woman getting you aroused. Things like that happen. I'm most certainly not going to leave you if some other woman causes you to get excited."
"I didn't think you would, but I'd still feel embarrassed and like I was cheating in a way," Ron said guiltily.
"Ronnie, I love you. Girls look at guys as much as guys look at girls, but just because I look at another guy and think he's handsome doesn't mean I want to crawl in bed with him or that I don't love you anymore." Sam laughed. "I won't get angry if you get an erection looking at another girl. I'll just hex off the offending member."
Ron winced in pain at the thought.
"I'm just kidding, honey. If it really bothers you, the brochure says it's not absolutely necessary to go nude," Sam said. "The organizer would prefer it, but they realize that some couples don't share a fancy for naturism. You're allowed to keep on clothes if you wish."
"I'd feel weird doing that, too," Ron admitted. "People will think I'm some sort of voyeur. Can we think about it for a while? How soon does that Michelle person have to know?
"Hermione said that to get the best rates we must book by January first." Sam said, giving Ron a hug.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
"How did the shopping go today?" Harry asked a beleaguered looking Hermione as she entered their quarters, laden with packages.
"I survived, but I'm afraid our budget took a whacking," Hermione answered as she tossed the packages on the couch and started to slip out of her clothes. "Maybe I should owl Luna and see if that offer to pose is still open."
"That bad?" Harry questioned as he started to rub Hermione's shoulders. "I'm sure many wizards would appreciate that decision, but I'm not quite certain I want to share you with the entire world."
"Oh! Please don't stop," Hermione begged, as Harry hands worked their magic on her shoulders. "That feels really good. Have you been taking lessons from Caitlin?"
"No," he answered. "Am I to gather that you are becoming accustomed to her massages?"
"It's hard not to relax," Hermione answered. "Her Hyperempathic powers make you feel like you're floating on a cloud."
"I know," Harry said with a smile. "Remember, I'm married to a Hyperempath."
"Not one nearly as powerful as her," Hermione answered almost enviously. "In time I think she might be capable of doing practically anything healing wise, short of resurrecting the dead. Our daughter will be famous."
"I hope she can deal with the changes life has in store for her," Harry said concernedly. "She looks so sweet and innocent when she scampers around here. In three years she'll receive her inheritance and be a wealthy young lady. Soon after that she'll be finishing Hogwarts and out on her own. I dread seeing her change."
"Maybe she won't," Hermione said hopefully. "As for her being sweet, none of the three were terribly sweet today."
"Did the girls give you a hard time shopping?" Harry asked, incredulously.
"I can't blame it all on them," Hermione admitted. "I loved the dresses we had last year and I was disappointed that I had to buy something more conservative because I'm pregnant."
"Not too conservative, I hope," Harry said boldly.
"Harry, can I be completely honest with you?" Hermione asked shyly. "I think the whole problem today was that none of us really felt comfortable in anything we tried on."
Harry looked at Hermione guardedly. "You and the girls aren't considering going to the Yule Ball dressed with only the concealment charm?"
"No," Hermione said disappointedly, "although we did discuss it at great lengths. The girls wouldn't be the least bit hesitant and I..." She paused briefly. "Harry, don't think dreadfully of me, but I'm beginning to despise clothing."
"I know," said Harry with a perceptive smile. "I think you've become faster at shedding your garments than the girls."
"It's not just that, but I've actually become exceedingly comfortable with being naked almost to the point that I don't care who sees me this way."
"Does that mean you will soon be entertaining our guests in the all together?"
"Maybe," Hermione answered sheepishly, "but only if it's acceptable to both our guests and you."
Friday, December 17, 2004
"Tony what happened to your finger?" Amanda asked with concern as she stared at the band-aid.
It's nothing, just an owl peck," he answered. "They're spoiled and get upset when you don't give them a treat."
"Does it hurt?" she asked worriedly. "You should have Caitlin heal it."
"Forget it, will you?" Tony responded, somewhat angrily.
Amanda gave Tony a hurt look. "I'm already late meeting the other girls in the library. I better get going," she said giving Tony a quick kiss on the cheek.
Tony and Alex stood silently watching her hurry down the long corridor and then turn out of sight.
"What are you doing, trying to make it bleed?" Alex asked as Tony prodded at the owl bite.
"She was worried about me," Tony answered guiltily. "Because I have a tiny bite on my stupid finger."
"Yeah, she's crazy about you," Alex said in frustration. "We've covered that more than a few times. Well... good night Tony; see you later."
"Wait a minute, where are you going? Stick around," Tony said, almost begged.
"Look!" Alex said angrily. "I said I'd help and I did and I'll keep on helping until this whole damn thing is over, but I want you to know something." He looked directly at Tony, a combination of sadness and disgust creeping into his eyes. "I'm sorry I got into it. This whole thing makes me sick. You make me sick."
"Alex, what's the matter?" Tony asked urgently.
"I'll tell you, what's the matter," Alex practically shouted. "This cry baby act of yours. You, pulling a band-aid off your hand, wanting me to stay with you, and right now she's less than twenty-four hours away from..." Alex couldn't finish the sentence.
"I told you my parents wouldn't listen," Tony pleaded. "All Dad did was give me a lecture on how expensive everything is and that I should get a good education before I worry about girls. And Mum, she sent me that stupid book on dating."
"You didn't give them a chance," Alex said crossly. "You said Dad, Mum, I want to talk to you. Did you ever once say, Dad I'm in trouble? I urgently need your help. Stop telling me you love her and show it."
Alex turned and walked off before Tony could respond
"Jamie, is everything all right between us?" Alex asked nervously. "You're not still angry about Amanda?"
"I'm still upset, but I was never angry with you," Jamie answered, giving Alex a smile and a gentle hug. "I just thought that Amanda and I were close, special friends. For her not to have shared her problem with me hurts."
Jamie looked tenderly at Alex. "I'm sorry," she said, sincerely. "I told you that I wouldn't make you wait a long time before we joined and here it is December. It's just that I wanted everything to be perfect and..."
"And everything has been anything but perfect since the start of school," Alex said understandingly. "First it was the custody trial, then the magazine pictures and now Amanda being pregnant. Honestly, Amanda being pregnant even gave me qualms about us having sex."
"We don't have to worry about that, but I understand how you feel." Jamie hugged Alex. "I love you. Maybe you can't plan this like a wedding or a party. Maybe you just have to let it happen," she said undecidedly. "Do you want to go to the Room of Requirements now?"
Alex kissed Jamie and returned her hug even more securely. He was ready; he'd been ready for this for what seemed like years. His body kept telling him to lift this girl into his arms and carry her off, but his principles wouldn't let him.
"We can't; not now," Alex said sorrowfully. "Neither one of us would be able to stop thinking about Amanda and what's going to happen tomorrow."
"No we wouldn't, and it would ruin everything." Jamie said honestly, looking into Alex's eyes as if begging. "I promised you that I'd stay out of this and let you try to talk some sense into them, but it hasn't worked. I have to go to Amanda, tell her that I know and somehow stop her from making a horrible mistake."
"She's going to hate us both," Alex said shaking his head, "but she has to be stopped. If you can't talk some common sense into her, we'll have to go to your parents in the morning and prevent her from keeping the appointment."
Jamie just nodded in agreement.
"I was waiting for you," Jamie said desolately, as Amanda entered their dormitory from the common room. "You've been ignoring me the last few weeks. Can we please talk?"
Amanda looked piercingly at Jamie. "He told you, didn't he?" she asked calculatingly. "I told Tony that Alex couldn't keep a secret from you."
"He didn't tell me," Jamie answered in defense of Alex. "I guessed it the day we were in Hogsmeade - the day you made the plans."
"And you never said anything," Amanda responded in surprise.
"I wanted to, but Alex advised against it," Jamie said glumly. "He said you specifically didn't want me to know."
"It's not that I didn't want you to know," Amanda said, tears coming to her eyes. "You're my best friend. You can't imagine how many times I wanted to talk to you; cry on your shoulder. It's just that you're so close to Professor Granger. I was afraid you'd go to her and that she'd contact my parents and Tony's."
"Amanda, that's what you should do," Jamie said emphatically. "This plan is dangerous and illegal; you could even die."
"Don't you understand," Amanda said, tears now flowing freely. "I'd rather die then have to tell my parents that I've totally disappointed them. I'm their little girl. Mum had three miscarriages before she was able to carry me full term. They think I'm special."
"I'm not going to be kicked out of Hogwarts at sixteen because I'm pregnant. I can't hurt them that way. Besides," she added desolately, "it would ruin Tony's life, too. His father has plans for him to work at the Ministry. I doubt very much that they'd hire him at sixteen without him finishing Hogwarts. How would we take care of ourselves, yet alone a baby? It wouldn't be fair to the child."
"It's not exactly fair to the child to terminate its life either," Jamie said harshly, without thinking.
"Don't you think I've been anguishing about that," Amanda cried. "What if I have problems like my Mum and I'm never able to have another child? I could be aborting my only chance of having a baby."
Jamie put her arm around Amanda and drew her friend close to her. "But if anyone finds out, you could go to Azkaban. Is the clinic safe? Where did you get the money?"
"Jamie, that's why you must promise not to tell anyone," Amanda begged. "I wouldn't last a day in that horrible place." Amanda got off the bed and started to pace the room. "Tony had an account at Gringotts. He had to close it plus beg some money off his parents. Of course, he didn't say what it was for. He gave it to me tonight."
"What about the clinic?" Jamie pushed.
"There is no clinic," Amanda answered hesitantly. "I'm not exactly sure where the procedure will take place."
"Amanda, there must be another way," Jamie implored. "Please talk to Professor Ganger. Hermione is a wonderful person. You can trust her."
Amanda turned and looked at Jamie resolutely. "Jamie, I love you," she said calmly. "You are my best friend and I think the world of you. But if you try to stop me or go to Professor Granger, I'll hate you and never speak to you for the balance of my life."
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Amanda stepped through the magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boars and proceeded down the long sloping road that lead to Hogsmeade. Briefly, she stopped and looked back at the many turrets and towers of the ancient castle wondering fearfully if she would ever view them again. The instructions the owl delivered at breakfast had been specific and she had followed them precisely.
For the security of all involved, the time of your appointment has been altered. Upon delivery of this letter, gather your belongings, including the fee, and immediately proceed to Hogsmeade. Come alone and tell no one.
You will be watched. Should it appear, in any way, that you are being followed, you will not be contacted.
Follow all instructions and you will be returned to the main gate late this afternoon.
It was shortly after nine when she was logged out by Filch, who had looked at her skeptically, but made no comment. Amanda was sure Filch was wondering why she was departing so early and unaccompanied.
As she nervously ambled down the lane tightly clutching the bag containing the 'healer's fee', she frequently looked from side to side, but saw no one. The air was chilly, but it promised to be a beautiful sunny day for the students visiting the village. Today's visit would not be one that she would likely enjoy or soon forget.
Amanda, feeling extremely jumpy, was frightened by the voice of an aged witch, who seemed to have appeared from nowhere, standing beside the road. "Not lost are you, my dear," the old woman cackled.
Amanda clutched her sack of Galleons tightly as she nervously shook her head, no.
"If you be Amanda Pierce, then it would be I that you are seeking," the woman hooted.
"Are you the 'healer'? I thought you were meeting me outside the post office?" Amanda questioned, her body feeling sweaty despite the cool temperatures.
"Healer? You use the word slackly," the old woman said with a snicker. "No, I'm just the delivery person. I am here to take you to your appointment. Now quickly step off the road and into the cover of the trees before anyone sees us."
Amanda did as she was instructed and soon they were out of sight of the road.
"I must do a blinding spell on you," the old witch said almost apologetically. "We can't have you knowing details of his location."
Amanda nodded her head grudgingly.
"The walk will take in the region of an hour, but most of it is on smooth paths. Take my hand and I will guide you," the elderly woman ordered after performing the charm.
The woman's hand was rough, due to both age and over a century of toil, but Amanda held it tightly. She had no alternative but to trust this witch.
After what seemed like hours, the woman told her to stop and then guided her through a doorway. "I'll remove the spell in a moment," she crackled. "Close you eyes now and then open them very slowly in order to allow them to adjust to the light gradually."
As Amanda opened her eyes and attuned to her environment, she was on the verge of tears. This was certainly no clinic; in fact, it had no resemblance to any health facility she had ever seen. It had more the appearance of a store, a very filthy, grimy store that specialized in the dark arts. Evil-looking masks stared down at her from the walls. Rusty spiked instruments hung from the ceiling and an assortment of dust covered human bones lay upon the counters.
"I trust you had no trouble," Amanda heard a man's voice inquire of the witch. "Does she have the fee?"
"Everything went smoothly," the elderly witch replied. "I imagine the fee is in that sack she is clutching to her chest ever so tightly. What time should I return for her?"
"If everything goes in the approved manner, she should be ready to be returned by three," he said.
Amanda heard a door close and then there was silence, chilling silence. The old witch evidently had left by a rear door and now Amanda was alone in this place with him. She waited nervously. Part of her, a very large part, wanted to turn and dash. She wanted to open the door and run back to Hogwarts, never giving a glance back. But then what?
Instead she just stood, trembling and waited until he entered the room.
"Well now, you are a pretty one," he said, slimily. "I can certainly see why the boys would be anxious to poke you. Have you brought the fee?"
At first Amanda just stared at the man aghast, then she handed him the sack of Galleons.
"I don't even have to count these, do I?" he asked. "I bet your arms are tired from carrying all that weight."
"Are you the one that is going to...?"
"Rid you of that bastard growing within you?" he interrupted. "Yes, that would be me."
Amanda tried to hide the horror she felt inside. She didn't want this filthy, greasy man touching her. Her eye dropped to his hands. Although they appeared semi-washed, his fingernails were embedded with dirt.
"We'll be doing the procedure in the backroom," he said matter-of-factly. "Take your clothes off and come back as soon as you're ready."
"Take off my clothes?" Amanda said, alarmed.
The man looked at Amanada incredulously. "There is no magical way to unimpregnate you lass. I have to go in and take that fetus out the same way Muggles do. It's very messy and you're wasting valuable time. Take everything off and be quick about it."
Amanda was about to ask if he had a dressing gown for her, but after taking another look around the room, deduced the answer.
He returned to the backroom and once again Amanda studied the door to the shop. She could run. He wouldn't come after her. Of course he wouldn't; he had the money now. But if she ran, she'd still be pregnant.
If she lived, this would most assuredly be remembered as the worse day of her life. Amanda took a deep breath and started to slowly remove her clothes. First she removed her winter robes, followed by her boots and socks and then finally her skirt and blouse. She hesitated for a few moments and then undid her bra. Finally, she took a deep breath and slipped out of her knickers.
Amanda was naked, but her legs refused to move. There was no way she could just strut starkers into that room with him there.
"I could have undressed and dressed three times by now," he bellowed, sternly. "You have ten seconds to get back here or you can end up delivering that bastard child of yours."
Tears streamed from Amanda's eyes as walked toward the backroom, covering herself as best as possible with her hands and arms.
The first sight that greeted her was him, dressed in his dry-blood splattered smock taking a quick drink from his hip flask. Then she saw the operating table; an old workbench with a stained sheet covering the wood.
"You certainly are a pretty one," he said as he studied Amanda, lecherously, all the while puffing on a cigarette. "Sit your pretty arse on the end of the table."
Amanda did as ordered and than sat with her legs squeezed together and arms crossed across her chest, her hands covering her breasts.
He handed her a glass containing a bubbling potion. Amanda sighed, in relief that at least the glass appeared clean. "That is a sleeping draft," he said, while his eyes remained fixed on her body. "Once you are completely prepared, I will also put you in stasis. The combination of the two should prevent you feeling any pain. When you wake up, it will all be over."
Amanda looked at the glass apprehensively, recognizing that once she swallowed the potion, she would be helpless in this man's hands.
"Drink it now," he said impatiently. "Every last drop."
Amanda leaned her head back and drank. As she swallowed the last bit, she thought of Tony and wondered if she would ever see his face again.
"It will take a few minutes for the potion to take affect," he said in a businesslike manner. "Meanwhile I'll begin to prepare you. Lie back on the table with you head at this end."
Amanda did as instructed, realizing the futility in trying to any longer hide her shame.
"Now then, spread your legs as far apart as possible. If you can, grab the sides of the table with your toes," he ordered.
Amanda blushed deeply as she once again followed his orders.
"The pubic hair will have to go," he said reaching for his wand and performing the hair removal spell. "It's not hygienic."
The sleeping potion was evidently starting to take hold because Amanda was beginning to feel drowsy. She almost laughed at the absurdity of his remark. Considering the pains she had taken washing this morning, her body was more than likely a great deal cleaner than anything in this room. This was her last thought prior to falling into a deep sleep.
He hesitated before proceeding. This one was indeed quite attractive, younger and far better looking than he would ever legitimately enjoy. He couldn't stop gawking at her. Finally, he was overwhelmed by the temptation. He started caressing her nude body, first with one hand and then both, being sure not to miss a spot and paying special attention to the moist folds between her legs.
The more he caressed her, the more intense his needs became. His body was begging for pleasurable relief and the vessel for such liberation lie just before him. She'd never know. He hastily removed the bloodstained smock and then dropped his pants and boxers to his ankles.
End Chapter 16
I know, that was a nasty way to end the chapter.
I hope you will take the time to review, or if you prefer; send hollers.
Thank you, to my wonderful betas: Amber, Paul and Peter. Peter loved the cliff, Amber hated it, and Paul worried that I might have crossed the line. Please have faith and join me for chapter seventeen.
Want to be advised of new chapters and get to read them first? Join Hogwarts Exposed Chapters are posted to the group at least 24 hours prior to being posted elsewhere.


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Future Classic Cars
2010-2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Ford has offered SVT-bred performance pickups since the 1990s, but those vehicles performed only in a straight line. The current SVT, the Raptor, has plenty of grunt, with a 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine, but it also offers off-road capability along the lines of the trucks used to scout out courses before off-road races. The off-road bona fides include Fox Racing Shocks, 35-inch all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and 11.2 inches of suspension travel up front and 13.4 inches in the rear. Buy one, don't beat it too harshly and you'll have a collectible years from now.
View Slideshow: Manly Machines
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca
The Mustang is a common collectible, with 1960s performance models going for big bucks on the auction circuit. Ford has upped the ante on performance in recent years with Bullitt, Shelby GT500 and now Boss 302 models. While the Shelby models have more power, the 440-horsepower Boss 302, priced at $40,310, is the best Mustang ever, and the $6,995 Laguna Seca package makes it an even better performer. Meant for track use, the Laguna Seca features increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis setup and a race-bred aerodynamics package. Both Bosses should be collectible, but the lower production Laguna Seca will be the model that collectors will covet.
Read: 2012 Mustang Boss 302 — Road Test
2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
One of the most prized collector cars of all time is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, known affectionately as the Gullwing for its upward-opening doors. It can command more than $1 million at auction. For the 2011 model year, Mercedes introduced a modern Gullwing, the SLS AMG. With 563 pavement-searing horses under the hood, an aluminum space frame and a superbly balanced front midengine design (with the engine placed behind the front wheels), the SLS AMG is a race car for the street, but it is also happy to toddle along in traffic, menacing the lesser cars. With a price tag of $183,000, it's no wonder only 928 have been sold since its release last year. That just makes this ultracool 2-seater even rarer.
View Pictures: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2009-2012 Nissan GT-R
The insectlike GT-R, a legend in Japan but virtually unknown on these shores, immediately announced itself with authority when Nissan finally brought it to the United States for the 2009 model year. With its twin-turbocharged 450-horsepower engine, it put up performance numbers rivaling a supercar. Horsepower has since been boosted to 530 and the initial price of $76,840 has risen to $89,950, but it's still a performance bargain. Try these figures on for size: zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, an 11.1-second quarter-mile and a top speed of 197 mph. Only the Corvette ZR1 delivers comparable numbers for a similar price. With only 5,136 cars sold through August 2011, it's awfully rare, too.
View Slideshow: Sports Cars: Best Bang for the Buck
2010-2012 Porsche Boxster Spyder
A higher performance, lightweight version of Porsche's midengine roadster, the Boxster Spyder is incredibly rewarding to drive, but its unique drop-top limits its everyday appeal and therefore sales. The top doesn't really shut out the elements, and it takes at least a couple of minutes to put it on or take it off. However, with an extra 10 horsepower, for a total of 330, and tighter suspension settings than the standard Boxster, the Boxster Spyder is a car you'd want to own for a long time or buy when you can afford one. It is a toy, seriously. The best way to own this car is to take off the top, keep it in the garage and enjoy it on a sunny day every chance you get.
Watch Video: Porsche Boxster Spyder
2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
The fifth-generation of the 911, code 997, is set to be replaced next year. When historians look back at the 997, they'll view the GT3 RS 4.0 as the best of the breed. Limited to 600 examples, each for a tidy $185,000, this model gets the lightweight treatment of other GT3 RSs, plus carbon-fiber body panels, along with front air deflectors and a double rear wing to create loads of down force. Under the hood, it features the most powerful, naturally aspirated 911 engine ever, a 4.0-liter flat-six that cranks out 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Buy one now, keep the mileage low, and you'll have a retirement nest egg in 25 years.
Bing Images: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen R32 was offered in two runs of 5,000 vehicles in 2004 and 2008, and both caught on as prized collectibles. The 2012 VW Golf R is the next in this line of hot hatches. With the next generation of the Golf due in 2012, the Golf R is likely a one-and-done proposition; production is again limited to 5,000. Expected to sell for just under $35,000, the U.S. version will be a deal compared with the European car, which sells in the mid-$50,000 range. The Golf R's combination of 260 horsepower and razor-sharp handling makes it a sure bet for a good automotive investment.
Compare: Volkswagen Golf vs. Ford Focus vs. Toyota Corolla
Kirk Bell has served as the associate publisher for Consumer Guide Automotive and editor of Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. A Midwest native, Bell brings 18 years of automotive journalism experience to MSN, and currently contributes to JDPower.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
Like us on MSN Autos Facebook and follow us on Twitter
- Visit MSN Autos' "Exhaust Notes" blog to keep up on all things automotive.
- In the market for a new car? MSN Autos is pleased to provide you with information and services designed to save you time, money and hassle. Click to research prices and specifications on any new car on the market or get a free price quote through MSN Autos' New-Car Buying Service.
Must-See on MSN
Anyone who loves classic cars will look at this list and just shake their head. Classic muscle cars are classic because of the culture associated with them. They were the cars people could afford in their early 20's, and cars people could fall in love with. All the cars on this list are cars people buy because they have a lot of money to burn one one, so why not go out and buy a limited production Mustang that probably cost DOUBLE the price of the GT. These cares aren't thoroughbread hot-rods. They're just stable ponies, coveted by people who buy cars for the status, not the passion.
I'm not saying all these cars need to be good 'ol American Muscle either. Cars like the Honda CRX and Nissan 280z (Datsun Z) are considered iconic, cutting edge, and grounbreaking for their time. In the right circle, these cars are classic. They're cars that, in retrospec, many people may have taken for granted just how great of a car it was, until the realise that the newer models are somehow lacking.
I have a 1951 Buick Roadmaster with Dynaflo transmission and a straight 8 engine. People come to me with tears in their eyes and talk about their father or grandfather having one. They look inside to see if the original radio is there with the push buttons that spell B-U-I-C-K. They remember how to tell a Roadmaster by the number of portholes. Memories are what makes a car a classic. . .
More on MSN Autos
Vehicles that make us scratch our heads and ask: Why?


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Monday Night Chat
Do you have questions about Princess's "personal choices" dining? Want a preview of the new Golden Princess? We have a special chat guest, Dean Brown, Executive VP of Princess. Join him Monday, April 23, 9:00 p.m. ET
in CruiseMates chat room.
Anne Campbell
Editor, CruiseMates.com
Re: Monday Night Chat
Hmmmm.... Linda, where are you? This may be the guy you need to talk to.
Re: Monday Night Chat
Hi Anne...thanks for the information and heads up. I have chatted with several other couples who are sailing on the Grand, May 20th. We are all going to meet at some point on the ship which should be nice, but I'm sure many of us still have a few questions that can be answered before we sail. The cruise chat should be very helpful.
Again, thank-you for your help.
Re: Monday Night Chat
Thanks for this information. Being on the West Coast, I am not going to be able to participate in the chat, or I will be getting home very late. Is there going to be an archive of the chat? Thanks.
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Footnotes and follow-ups on the local newsbreakers
Posts filtered on Category
Straight to court
We hear that Proposition 83, the sexual offender reform initiative, is already headed to court. (As Chronicle reporters Mark Martin and John Cote predicted in today's story.) Here's our story. [Read More]
California, you ain't all that
San Francisco may be one of the smartest cities around, but its home state sure isn't. According to a survey released this week, California is at the bottom when it comes to educational factors, ranking 47th out of 50. Frederic Larson/ The Chronicle Apparently California's beauty didn't count for much in the education survey. Here, […] [Read More]


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Business Brokerage Service
A Great Next Step
So you have figured out how you are going to finance your business but what is the next step towards making your dreams of owning a business a reality?
While many women go about starting a business on their own, the statistics overwhelmingly show that business start ups are much more successful on average when there is a support system in place for the entrepreneur to get help. One of the best resources you can use when starting your own company or when purchasing a one is a professional business broker. If you live near Arizona and Phoenix specifically then Brian Bond who can be found at businessbrokerphoenixaz.com is the one I would recommend.
So what can a business brokerage service do you for? Well, even if you think you want to start a new company from scratch, I would suggest looking to see if there is a small business or franchise location for sale in your area that fits the same category as what you want to get into.
Most people don't realize it but there are several advantage of buying a business that is already established over starting one from the beginning. Lots of the legwork has already been done for you. While the brand may not be exactly what you were envisioning when you first envisioned creating your own company remember, the goal of a business is profit maximization. Turning a profit always has to be priority one or else you are out of a job.
Franchise buying is something else you may want to look into. As a franchise owner you will receive lots of help from the franchiser in the form of marketing, brand recognition, suppliers and much more. Get creative with how you go about owning your own business and leave no stone unturned. Preparation is key if you want to be successful.
After you have received your small business grant, do yourself a favor and talk to a local business broker. You never know, there is a good chance they can help you accomplish your entrepreneurial dreams.
Women Owned Small Business Grants
You probably found this site because like many women, you have dreamed about owning a business. Something that is your own, that comes from your heart and that you have most likely been thinking about for a long time now. You know you could be successful if only you had the fund to start up your business and just a little bit of help. Women just like you are starting to own more businesses these days are often even more successful than men in business because of their unique personality traits. Things that foster and help a business be able to thrive and grown even in the more difficult of times.
Did you know that there are many different opportunities for women and minorities to get grants for their small business? These grants often come from the government as well as private institutions. Many of them are $1,000 to $5,000 and more. That's free money to help you get your small business started up and turning it into a success. Think about how much of a difference just five thousand dollars would do for your efforts? Hundreds of women throughout the country are taking advantages of these grants and taking the first step towards making their dreams come true each day.
If you think that you have the ability to operate a business that can be a success in the long run but don't have the capitol then a small business grant may be the way to go for you. It's important to know the world is not against you and in fact, the government and many different organizations are promoting and subsidizing the starting of new businesses. When successful small businesses are created everybody benefits because it helps the economy grow. The hard part is to find these organizations and grants, communicating with them, and organizing the process of receiving the grant.
One of the problems for many women is that they simply don't know where to start. Starting a business itself can be a daunting task but when you have to find additional funding, at times it can feel overwhelming.
A good first step is to get organized. Look up different organizations that work in the same field of business which you are interested in going into. Take notes and then make yourself a list of the different grants that you are eligible for based on the type of business you are starting. It takes time but its always super important to take the time to do research on the granting organization.
Take your time and the initiative to start the process for yourself and I will go into more detail on exactly where to find these small business grants for minorities and women in a post soon. Remember, persistence pays off in the world of business and frustration does not. I know it can take a lot of time to find the right opportunities but it's worth it. There are people out there who want to help you.
Starting a Business
Thank you for visiting. This site is dedicated to helping women and also minorities find grants for their small businesses. There is a lot of money out there being given away every single day to people just like you. This money comes in the form of business grants and is truly free money designed to promote growth in the economy and more importantly for your own personal economy. Even a small business grant of just 1 thousand or 5 thousand dollars is helping people just like you get their businesses off the ground.
For most people all it takes is just that little bit of help. Most people who are passionate about business have the ability but just need that little push, that bit of help and spark. That is was grants for businesses are designed to do. Its important to know that you are not alone, there is a multitude of private organizations and government ones as well whose sole purpose is to promote the growth of smaller businesses.
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Exchanging Pleasantrees
Seeing the forest in a new way
Photography: Eric Kiel
(page 2 of 3)
But it was Rauschenberg who fired her imagination. Rauschenberg (who in 1998 would be the subject of the Guggenheim Museum's largest single-artist retrospective) had a home and studio on Captiva Island, near Fort Myers. "I'd get to sneak into his studio as a kid," reminisces Graves. "My friends were studio assistants. We'd go to these amazing abstract exhibits he'd put on locally." Rauschenberg was famous for his "combines," bizarre groupings of disparate elements such as a tire, a tennis ball, and a taxidermied goat, that compelled viewers to consider the items in a new way.
Graves admits she "never considered art a sincere way to make a living." But when she discovered that painting was the most difficult thing she had ever attempted, she became determined to pursue it. At Auburn, working in the school's open studio in front of other students, terrified her at first.
Between her sophomore and junior years, she traveled to Paris through a program with the Parsons School of Design. She absorbed the history of art and then, returning stateside, she hung out at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), the nation's largest contemporary visual and performing arts museum, and the Contemporary Artists Center (CAC), both in North Adams, Massachusetts, near where her father had retired. Witnessing people her own age, in addition to older artists, who'd already accomplished so much, encouraged her to pursue her own art. In 1993, she applied and was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania's Master of Fine Arts program.
That summer, she met Christopher Brown, a native of upstate New York eight years her senior who'd come to Captiva Island for the windsurfing. He was also an artist—a printmaker as quiet and self-contained as she was gregarious. He drove her to Pennsylvania that fall and returned to Florida with a long-distance relationship.
Nine o'clock on a Monday in June finds Graves in her studio unscrewing about 30 tubs of paint. Her studio is easy to spot among the shops of woodworkers, furniture finishers, and insulation contractors in Hailey's light industrial district: it's the one with the picket fence that encloses a sandbox, a plastic swimming pool, and a wooden contraption, all ladders, steps, and slides, that Christopher built for the kids. She's pushed the oversized garage door up and light floods the high, inviting space. Folksy carved and painted furniture welcomes friends and visitors (Graves' studio has since moved to 311 Main Street in Hailey). Roughhewn cabinets boldly painted with floral or nature motifs exemplify her work of just a few years ago. Christopher, a self-taught woodworker, built and carved the furniture, while his wife added the color.
Graves' work has progressed through many stages in the past decade and a half. Her graduate thesis consisted of a series of large canvases exploring color theory and the idealism of the circle. A binder of preliminary drawings hides captivating oil crayon images, each 6-by-8-inch gems, subtly layered and etched with graphite compass-drawn circles. "I enjoy a circle because it's a mathematically perfect shape," she explains. "It's a form of idealism. It's the egg, the sun, the moon, the pothole. I could go on and on." Her mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer during this time, which inspired the thinking behind much of her graduate work. Graves graduated in 1995 with an Achievement in Color award. She returned to Florida, moved in with Christopher, a landscape designer who created a personal art studio everywhere he settled. Graves took a job waiting tables.
She had taught art during college and discovered that $2 an hour plus tips was more lucrative. Graves, who speaks of her mother often, admits that, in a strange way, her mother's death removed some pressure. "I didn't have her saying, 'Oh honey, I can't believe you're waiting tables.'"
In 1998, she and Christopher, both nature lovers and athletes, drove to Idaho and settled in Hailey. She took a job at the Ketchum Grill and he built up a clientele for landscape design. They both continued drawing and painting, marketing their work by word-of-mouth, exposure in local restaurants, and at the Ketchum Arts and Crafts Festival each summer.
Paint-splattered tables hold works in progress; a wide partition hides Christopher's woodworking equipment in the back. Christopher's graphite drawings of trees and Melissa's colorful canvases make a brilliant patchwork of the high white cinderblock walls. Paintings by Olivia and Rylee hang alongside their parents' work, and a miniature easel stands beside Graves' long work table. A sofa rests against the partition, and this morning, Rylee rests on the sofa, wearing a Snow White costume and watching Pocahontas.
Another day—a hot one—Olivia helps load a cabinet with newly arrived tubs of paint, wearing nothing but red sticker earrings and sparkly pink underpants. "We're very European around here," laughs her mother. Olivia sets a raw canvas on a low table beside an open jar of gesso and a coffee tin of water.
White-blond hair frames the little girl's face as she spreads the preparatory layer with a wide brush. Like her mom, she talks as she works. The dentist wasn't so bad, and she likes doggies.
Graves leans over a 4-by-5-foot canvas, putting the finishing touches on an enormous triptych that will hang in St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center. She regards the panel critically and shakes her head. "It's just not alive." She loads a long brush with orange paint and moves around the canvas's perimeter flinging speckles into the trees. She selects a longer brush with stiffer bristles and scrubs the foreground with sienna. The surface begins to glow. She chases the sienna with pale yellow.
"Now I'm cleaning up all my dots and pushing back my horizon," she explains, brush in constant motion. The horizontals become more dynamic. She smudges the sienna with her finger, then brushes bright yellow between the tree trunks. "I love the nuances and subtleties," she muses. "You can get right up to them and see so much more." She splatters again, pushes the paint roughly. "I push 'em, I pull 'em," she says about the colors. "I push 'em back." She steps away. Acrylics dry fast, which allows her to add layer upon translucent layer of rich pigment. "I love the yummy textures," she adds. A lot of the words she uses to describe paint are food words. There is a "scrumptious" yellow and a "delicious" purple. She seems to sense color with more than her eyes.
"Now I really like this middle purple area." She indicates a wonderful area of rich, varying indigo, and stands with brush cocked like a conductor's wand, remembering a professor's warning: if you're reluctant to rework something because it seems perfect, be wary, because it may not be right in the context of the whole. "This is the part where you destroy it and then bring it back again," she says. She lowers her brush and goes in. "When it takes on a life of its own, you know a piece is getting done."
The studio walls hold both paintings and drawings of trees, although Graves claims she can't draw. The drawings are Christopher's. "He's drawn trees all his life," says Graves, who names her husband's work, along with the landscape of Idaho, as a strong influence on her current series, "PleasanTrees." Graves paints mostly from her mind's eye. "Color is my subject," she states, "only pushed into the shape of a landscape." Anyone who has strolled to the bank of the Big Wood has walked through this countryside. Yet hers is more haunting than reality in the steady, even rhythm of vertical elements—the aspen trunks—and the heightened drama of horizontals, ground simplified to underscore each tree. The scenes invite a viewer forward but offer no visible goal. They are lively and patient, these woods. "(At CAC), artist Eric Rudd barraged me with all these concepts," recalls Graves. "I told him that, you know, I'm not really cutting edge. My paintings are really quite nice. And that's okay." >>>


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Back when I was a young journalism student, I handed in a story that said someone had "passed away." My journalism professor nearly … well … killed me. "Pass away," he bellowed, "is a weak euphemism used by those who let their discomfort with death get in the way of their reporting on it."
"Not only that," I remember him going on, "but 'pass away' suggests a transition to another place, a place that we, as journalists, are not able to confirm exists."
Although I paraphrase, he and I really did have such an exchange. I think of it often these days because I have noticed that journalists — particularly broadcast journalists, and prominent ones at that — seem increasingly uncomfortable with saying that someone has died. Instead, they report that someone has passed away or, simply, has passed. I have even heard it used with reference to animals. Listen to the network news tonight, to NPR, or to your local news program. The epidemic use of passing away is killing off dying.
The other usage I see way too often is that someone died "unexpectedly." Here comes that long-ago professor's voice blasting to the surface of my memory: "While you can be certain that everyone will die, you have no way of knowing when a person will die — unless you are god. Thus, no death can be 'expected' and every death is 'unexpected.' To say so is to be redundant."
What does this have to do with lawyers? Well, maybe I expect greater precision in language from journalists than from lawyers. But those in both professions are well advised to avoid euphemisms and call a spade a spade — even if the spade is in the hands of a gravedigger.
Tags: bankruptcy
3 comments
Anonymous · October 7, 2009 at 11:34 am
I applaud your exhortation for precision and efficiency in use of language, and I agree all deaths are unexpected. Having recently experienced the necessity of communicating news of the death by a heart attack of a healthy young family member, however, I assure you that describing it as a "sudden and unexpected death" felt appropriately descriptive and was helpful – e.g., it averted many questions ("Was he sick?" etc.)
Steve Daily · October 7, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Interesting point, Robert, but I'd wager that getting fired brings out an even greater variety of euphemisms. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with euphemisms, so long as ones' intentions are honest and the meaning is clear. Softening language about traumatic events is a way of showing sensitivity toward the subject or their families.
Stuart Ritchie · October 8, 2009 at 8:16 am
"Well, maybe I expect greater precision in language from journalists than from lawyers."
Really, Robert??! I hope you're wrong… but I fear you're right.
"But those in both professions are well advised to avoid euphemisms and call a spade a spade — even if the spade is in the hands of a gravedigger."
So I guess you aesthetically prefer, as I do, the otherwise rather blunt name for dead people used in Scottish litigation – "defunct" – to the English version – "deceased"?


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I personally can't wait to be old. I love the crow's feet cracking around my eyes, I think it's a sign of wisdom (that's what I'm telling myself anyway). I am losing my hair though and it's killing me! My friends tell me not to worry about it and if need be, just shave it off. I can't. I have Moliosis (a term, which I coined, when you have an obscene amount of moles all over your body) and if I shaved my head at least 4 giant moles would be revealed. Moliosis is a disease, and we all know how diseases make it hard to get laid. So I hide it under my hair (the little I have left anyway). This brings up the question of "To Tell or Not to Tell?" Am I obligated to tell a guy that I have Moliosis before I sleep with him? What if he calls me a monster and kicks me out? I'd die. But then again, maybe he'd be really sensitive and say, "Don't worry babe, we can make this work, now get undressed." I'd die all over his face.
- Mi amigo Andy (Day 11) tomó esta foto, la idea y el concepto son de él, así que para nada nos inspiramos en el último post de Jimnasium.
You can't find dirty bars like that in Los Angeles… I miss New York… Well, I was there for 3 days six years ago, but whatever. I remember walking out of any subway and immediately getting dwarfed by the surroundings. I felt so small, but big at the same time. Big because I could do anything I wanted and nobody would care. I grew up in a town with 1600 people, nothing went unnoticed, so I really appreciated this feeling of insignificance that New York gave me.
I finally had some quality time with Louie. Since I've been seeing The Latino, I haven't had the chance to hang out with him. So we met up around 10:30 last night to have a quick drink at my place before heading out. We were being stoopid and shit. I love how there's always something happening in WeHo. We got to witness straight girls gasping over the "Human Chandelier" (one gay tugging on another gays testicles). In the end, the blue haired bottom had a steel suitcase hanging from his juevos!
Last night went well. I hadn't seen The Latino in over a week, so I was a little nervous because normally at this point in a relationship I like to start finding ways to end it. Anyways, we arranged to meet outside his apartment by the side door. Well, there are 2 side doors. I stood at one and waited. Through the dark I saw a guy standing on what seemed to be a balcony. He was staring at me. I got nervous and looked away but then looked back a second later out of curiosity. I began fantasizing what I'd do if the guy came down stairs and tried to cruise me. Would I tell him, "Sorry pig, I'm taken! Keep walking!" or would I run to the bushes with him? I'm not a cheater. I'd never run to the bushes with a stranger. Then I started thinking what it'd be like to do sicky things in bushes and how painful it'd be if a twig jabbed somewhere delicate. By this point the guy on the balcony was waving to me and yelling, "Jim!" I squinted and wondered how he knew my name? Oh shit, it was The Latino and it wasn't a balcony, it was the stoop to the other entrance. Oops. As I walked towards him, I saw two other
gays guys entering the complex. We were walking in at the same time. Anxiety kicked in and a shit load of things rushed through my head… "Should I kiss him in front of his neighbors? What if he doesn't want me to? What's the P.D.A. rules for a month relationship? But we haven't seen each other for a while, so we have to kiss hello. It's law. Fuck it, I'm kissing him." As I walk up the stairs towards him, he says in a whiny voice, "You can't remember which door?! You've been here before." I snap back, "Yeah, ONCE. I just finally memorized my social security number. Don't get too upset." We kiss.
The past month, this family has been staying with my sister and I in our tiny apartment as they desperately wait to raise funds to pay for a life-saving liver transplant for 8-month-old Baby Daniel who suffers from bilary atresia (his body is filling up with bile as the liver can't process it. He also cannot have any pain medication so he feels everything). We met Ilda and Daniel, his parents, by chance at Children's Hospital, but they will be a part of our lives forever now.
Time is running out. And the only thing standing between this baby living and dying is money.
KTLA did this news story on them yesterday.The family needs to raise $250,000 to pay for the transplant (his parents are liver matches). So far, through fundraisers in Belize and Hollywood, the total donations are at $83,430.65
There is a facebook group and a website with information on how to donate.
I just got off the phone with The Latino. We're meeting up tonight for dinner. I'm meeting him around 10 p.m. Dinner isn't served at that hour; sex is. He said that he's been craving the sauce I put in the lemon herb chicken that I made 2 weeks ago.
"It takes too long to make," I told him (well, it actually takes Manny at work 5 minutes to throw the sauce together because that's how I made it last time).
"I want that sauce! It was delicious," he said.
"Just the sauce? What will you put it on?" I asked.
"Your balls. And I'm going to lick it off. Then you're gonna do the same."
What?!?! I started laughing. There wasn't laughter on his end. The thought of him pouring hot garlic-lemon-herb sauce all over my juevos seemed ridiculous, not sexy. He really likes to incorporate food into the bedroom. Last time he wanted me to give him a blow job while he ate a blueberry cupcake.
Two very attractive men (mid 30's) just unloaded a mattress from a Toyota truck and carried it into the apartment next door. I'm praying it wasn't just two bros unloading the heavy things while their chicks stay at home wrapping dishware in newspaper. I want more gays in the neighborhood! I met my first gay neighbor the other night. I was helping my friends unload their car when he was walking by with his shoulder bag. "How tall are you?" I asked as he passed by. He stopped and looked at me weirdly, or intrigued. With gays you never know if they're cruising or lookin' to slit your throat. "I'm 5'10''. Why?" he asked with curiosity. "Oh, no big deal, there's just a killer on the loose in the neighborhood and he's 5'8'', so you're all good. Be careful out there," I said. Long story short, his name is Patrice (either he was born a Patrick or he's foreign) and he lives two houses down. It's good to know where your gays are, in case you need to borrow an egg or some top shelf liquor.
"What about your father, how does he feel about your sexuality?" Dr. O asked. "He passed away 2 years ago," I said. Dr. O has been dealing with gay patients for a long time. In fact, he says he's one of the first shrinks to explore the gay community. I can only assume that the question that came out of his mouth next was from years of experience: "Were you relieved when your Dad died?" My eyes welled up. I flashed back to the day my brother called and told me. I remember hanging up the phone and laying there for a minute and thinking "well, now it's officially over." What? I was relieved. This made me sad. But then I thought about it. I wasn't relieved because Daddy never understood me, or hated me, or threw me down the stairs. No. I was relieved because the man had been suffering/dying from cancer for the last 10 years of his life and was now finally at peace. No more suffering. I was relieved for good reasons.
3 years ago as I flew back to L.A. after visiting my family for Thanksgiving, I sat on the plane massaging my neck. My entire body ached from the intense jaw grinding during the sleepless nights in my old bed. I'd lay there, going over in my head all these imaginary ways my family was judging me, and then I'd think of ways to defend myself. It was exhausting! So by the time I left, my vacation was more draining than a week at work. On the plane I was reading an article in ELLE about Penelope Cruz. I love her! She's so underrated. Sure, in English she gets a lot of shit for her acting, but in her native tongue the bitch is BRILLIIANT (she deserved the Academy Award for "Volver," not for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"). "Volver" is on my Top 5 Movies of All Time list. YOU MUST WATCH IT! It's got suspense, beauty, originality, and classic Spanish culture. Well, she said something in the article that really rang true to me in that moment. It was along the lines of, "My life can't be affected by the judgments of others." When I got home, I took a piece of green string and tied it around my ankle to remind me of this quote. I told myself that when the string falls off, it'll be a sign that I've officially accepted that quote. Wel, today the string fell off! Thanks Pene!
It's 1:15 a.m. My new neighbor just left their apartment carrying what sounded like a chopped off head in a paper bag. I think I smell a suspect.
I've been following this guy on his journey through New York. Not the dude in the red shirt in the pic, but 95daysofsummer2010. East Harlem is so colorful.
Last week, while laying in his asshole full of jizz, The Latino asked if I wanted to join him and his visiting 15-year-old nephew on a trip to Magic Mountain. Maybe he was feeling generous and inviting, but either way he asked that I joined them on a trip to the roller coaster capital of the world. So I blocked all other plans for Magic Mountain on Wednesday. Well, yesterday I called him and he was very short. He said, "Yeah, tomorrow I plan on spending the day with my nephew alone, just some quality time together." It doesn't take a genius to figure out that he was disinviting me. Even as a second language learner, he was very clear with his words. I played along and was cool until he said, "Just think of it as the whole FUNdraiser thing." That's when I got a little annoyed and the bitchiness settled in. See, I wanted him to join me for the FUNdraiser, and he didn't want to come. But I WANTED to go to Magic Mountain (not because I like roller coasters, but BUT I LIKED HIM). I questioned him in Spanish (and when I question in Spanish it's only because I'm upset) how this was the same as the FUNdraiser situation. He said, "You wanted to do your thing and I want to do my thing." I wanted to rip off his head and shit down the hole. They were't the same. But this visit from his nephew is special—it's the first time he's going to tell his nephew that he's gay. In fact, he thinks his nephew is gay and he wants some time alone to bond on the whole gay issue. I understand that if I was there it'd only make things more complicated and I don't like complications. But life is a roller coaster, so let's ride it together.
I hate it when people use those words to describe something stupid. It really gets on my nerves. Don't be foolish and don't be an idiot.
I totally agree. BUUUUUT there is a thin line between retarded and gay. How many times have you questioned someones sexuality and then found out they were really just retarded? It happens to me all the time. He's so nice and laughs at everything you say and loves cake. Gay or retarded? Gawd, so confusing.


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About Pub Rooms
Pub Rooms is an Internet based Accommodation & Room Hire guide. Helping website visitors find British Pubs & Inns to stay easily. Get the best room prices, cheap rooms without compromising quality. Selection of top notch UK Pubs.
Visit new pubs every week and discover there is more to life than sitting in front of the TV, unless it's for the football, in which case you can watch football down the pub!
Make sure your pub is still open. There is a website with a list of closed pubs coming shortly.
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Britain Needs Pubs Open
By visiting your local pub you're keeping in touch with the community. If you don't like your local pub find a new local. Don't miss out on what's going on in the real World
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Promote Pub & Inn Offers .Add pub, inn on pub rooms. It's fast and easy, simply sign up for pub marketing, regsiter your venue today.
About Pubs Rooms AccommodationPub Rooms was setup originally by Wendy T who is now living in Canada. The Pub Rooms website listed Pubs and Inns in alphabetical order by County across the UK. One day a search was carried out for 'traditional british pubs in leeds' - and the Pub Rooms website was discovered by Peter Jones. A few pubs were contacted via the email on the website and no reply came for over a week. The reply came from Wendy and not the Pubs contatced! So here began the communication and later a challenge to improve the site and service. As an independent directory the Pub Rooms website over the years became a comprehensive list of Inns and Pubs. A comprehensive list that was out of date.
Unfortunately the data was not maintained. The data is now up to date and will be updated daily.
Pubs and Inns change ownership and some close down completely some become homes. The current rate of Pub closures is approx 57 a month. Despite numerous efforts by organisations such as CAMRA and Pub is Hub the rate has not dropped off. In fact it has increased.
Pub Rooms can not save pubs from closing down or changing hands but it can list those that want to be found.
Pub Rooms does get found when searching for accommodation that is different. Some of the UK's pubs and Inns offer accommodation that is simply second to none.
Pubs, Inns and Hotel AccommodationPub Rooms through constant contact with Pubs, Inns and Hotels provide seasonal offers. Throughout the year there are plenty of offers to choose from to escape for a few nights. Some of the best places to stay in and out of the UK cities are ofter over looked. Traditional British Pubs and Inns certainly offer an alternative to modern fast hotels. Yet this is the biggest growth for rooms being offered to tourists in the UK.
To find great pubs with accommodation simply use the Pub Rooms website to contact pubs & inns directly.
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Intimates Control Wear Your Own Bra Lace Firm Control Slip
- In Stock
17 reviews
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Intimates Control Firm Body Slip with Lace Panel to Front
This firm control slip by Intimates Control promises a smooth, sleek silhouette. With wear-your-own-bra versatility, this slip will be a flattering favourite in your shapewear wardrobe.
This control slip really smoothes out your silhouette and makes your LBD look even more gorgeous. With an intricate lace panel to the front this piece is given a sultry touch of boudoir styling. Keep your lingerie look classy in black or try the nude hue under lighter outfits.
Wear this control slip under a fitted dress for a sleek silhouette and add a pair of court shoes and slick of red lipstick for an enviable statement look.
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- Control slip by Intimates Control
- Firm control; wear your own bra
- Perfect for smoothing your silhouette
Intimates Control Lace Trim Control Half Slip
- Low stock, selling fast
15 reviews
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Intimates Control Lace Trim Half Slip
This half slip by Intimates Control is an essential piece of ladies control wear and is perfect for wearing under skirts and fitted dresses.
This control slip features lace trim detailing for a pretty finish. This piece of ladies control wear shapes your silhouette and streamlines your curves. This control slip is a great way to add a smooth layer to your look this season.
Wear this Intimates Control lace trim half slip under a pencil skirt for a perfect silhouette.
Useful info:
- Control half slip by Intimates Control
- Lace trim detailing for a feminine finish
- An essential piece of ladies control wear
Intimates Control Embroiderey Trim Control Waistnipper
- Low stock, selling fast
20 reviews
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Intimates Control Waist Nipper with Embroidered Trim
Create a smooth silhouette with this Intimates Control firm controlling waist nipper, which gives definition whilst shaping your tummy, waist and bottom.
This shapewear features beautiful floral embroidery for added style. With a waist nipping design this piece gives you an enviable 60s inspired hourglass shape for a flattering figure. A stretch to the fabric promises a perfect fit that's great for wearing with fitted dresses or pencil skirts.
Wear this waist nipper by Intimates Control with a fitted pencil dress, court shoes and an oversized leather grab bag for city chic styling.
Useful info:
- Waist nipper by Intimates Solutions
- Firm control waist nipper; embroidered
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Detailed 6-Day Forecast
By Quincy Vagell on February 17, 2013, 10:30am Last modified: February 17, 2013, 1:55pm
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Technical Discussion:
As low pressure passes well east of New England, blustery and cold conditions are here to stay for the next 12 to 24 hours. Based on prior forecasts and surface observations, will continue to play the forecast well below MAV MOS guidance for highs on Sunday. Wind chill values tonight could easily drop to near zero for a few hours, especially inland.
Temperatures begin to moderate with sunshine during the day on Monday. It's not until Tuesday that readings get closer to seasonable levels.
The next round of precipitation is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening. 850mb temperatures would support snow/sleet inland, but temperatures closer to the surface may be running near 40F. The current forecast will keep the wintry mix wording, but timing will be important. With that said, still believe MOS guidance with highs in the upper 40's is way too warm.
Chilly air and below average temperatures return for Wednesday and Thursday.
There could be some storminess approaching to end the week or into early next weekend, but will play Friday mostly cloudy for the time being.
Today: Sun and clouds, windy and cold. Highs in the mid to upper 20's.
Tonight: Fair, breezy and very cold. Wind chills near zero. Lows 5 to 14.
Monday: Mostly sunny skies, not as cold. Highs in the low to mid-30's.
Tuesday: Clouds. Light rain or a wintry mix by late-day. Highs in the low to mid-40's.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, breezy and cooler. Highs in the mid-30's.
Thursday: Mostly sunny skies. Highs in the upper 30's to around 40.
Friday: Mostly cloudy. Highs around 40.
Note: Inland temperatures are an average. Often times, outlying areas may be a few degrees cooler than the advertised temperature on the 6-day graphic.
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- Suited for road bikes
|0.62 km
|start height
|70 m
|end height
|142 m
|highest point
|142 m
|72 m
|distance uphill
|0.62 km
|average ascent percentage
|11.5 %
|maximum ascent percentage
|11.5 %
- Elevation: 0
Did you ride this climb/route? share your story, information or comments.The Hultebacken is 0.62 km long, with its highest point at 142 m and a total of 0.62 km climbing. The average climbing on this Hultebacken is 11.5%.
|start point
|Hultebacken 8, 438 91 Landvetter, Sweden
|end point
|Hultebacken 1, 438 91 Landvetter, Sweden
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April 18, 2014 Classroom Update | Ms. Crystal Sorrow's Class
Dear Families, Thanks to everyone who brought in eggs for our egg hunt this week. I greatly appreciate your donations. The students had fantastic fun clearing the playground in lightning fast time. They also enjoyed decorating their bags this week they used during the hunt. It is always a reminder that spring is truly here…. Read more »