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Shoemakers Bridals
Mark & Tycee
Sedona is hands down one of my favorite places! I love the red rocks and the atmosphere when Tycee said she wanted her bridals in Sedona I didn't hesitate and we did it! I am so glad we did because they turned out better then I could have ever imagined!
Also how cute are they? Seriously so in love an such a fun couple!

subset: commoncrawl


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Lombard Histoical Society's Bootleggers Bash
Lombard | Website
This event occurred in the past.
Map | Find Parking
Fellas and dames get dolled up in their glad rags for a nifty evening, as time is rolled back to the 1920's! Flappers and fly boys can dance the night away, play Prohibition-era games, or enter a costume contest. There are to be an array of raffle and silent auction prizes available.


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Reggae Night
May 17 @ The Palm Room
Details: 10pm, Thursday, 11 E. Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach
Napalm Raid, No Tomorrow
May 17 @ Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern
Angry, gritty, hardcore punk laced with dark imagery and grim statements. Napalm Raid plays grinding music that's in your face, scorching and fuzzed out. The guitar riffs are coarse, buzz sawing through a twenty foot Marshall amp, and aggressive like 80's skate punk, be it 45 Grave or Black Flag. Great pairing with Wilmington's No Tomorrow. Details: Doors 9pm, Thursday, All Ages, 1415 South 42nd Street off Oleander Dr
The Shack Band
May 17 @ The Whiskey
A popular college act from Richmond, Va., The Shack Band plays a captivating mix freewheeling of jam band music crossed with Southern rock. Details: 9 p.m. Thursday, 1 S. Front St., downtown Wilmington.
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Travis Shallow
May 17 @ Mellow Mushroom
Husky but gentle vocalist who performs a mix of mid tempo Americana rockers and soulful, bittersweet ballads. Shallow has a graceful voice with a lot of heart. He sings songs that can be tender and those that traffic in darkness. In all he does so with restraint, whether on country tinged acoustic ballads (the excellent "Amen") or aching confession-drenched numbers. Details: 6:30pm, Thursday, All Ages, 4311 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
Mac and Juice
May 17 @ Lagerheads
Late shows amongst a hearty bar crowd make for good entertainment, bridging revelers and players in the thick of things, especially at Lager's. M&J's acoustic strengths and personalities will highlight an early fall night at the beach. The duo has built a following in the area with their soaring harmonies and varied acoustic guitar playing. Check out the Zeppelin-ish "Phoenix" on their Reverbnation page. Details: 11 p.m., Thursday, All Ages, 35 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach
Rick Tobey
May 17 @ Ted's Fun on the River
Details: 7-9pm, Thursday, 2 Castle Street, Downtown Wilmington, 910-231-3379
May 18 @ Downtown Sundown
U2 tribute band. Details: 6pm, Friday, Riverfront Park, Water Street, Downtown Wilmington, $1 wristband (proceeds go to local charities)
The School Boys
May 18 @ Mayfaire Music on the Town
Classic rock from a band comprised of UNCW professors. Details: 6pm, Friday, Mayfaire Town Center, Military Cutoff
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Sean P. Gregory
May 18 @ Firebelly's Lounge
Gregory merges the fire of ska with reggae rock intensity on his electric material. But on the acoustic driven music Gregory is forefront as his personality and emotions come through better. Details: Doors 10pm, 21+, Friday, 265 N. Front Street, Downtown Wilmington
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Louis T Presents Graduation Party
May 18 @ The Soapbox
Billed as a graduation party, the showcase will introduce UNCW's Coastal Collective with Jah Harvest, Amir, Costel and hosted by Haji P. Details: Doors 9pm, Show 10pm, Friday, All Ages, 255 N. Front St., Downtown Wilmington, $5 (+$3 under 21)
The Carvers
May 18 @ Satellite Bar & Lounge
Turn back the clock to the mid-'60s with The Carvers, a Wilmington band that plays surf-garage rock in the vein of The Standells or The Troggs. Their take is a little heavier and bit more psychedelic. A great new local band. Be aware: This show also features a limbo contest. Details: 9 p.m. Friday, 120 Greenfield St., Wilmington. Free. www.facebook.com/CarversMusic
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Mac and Juice Quartet w/Tiny Boxes
May 18 @ The Palm Room
Get set for an evening of great sing-along music and jazzy, jam band playing dosed with psychedelic flavors circa the late 60's. Raleigh's Tiny Boxes returns to town to play music that's soulful and rolling that lands in the era of music like Band of Gypsys. Wilmington's M&J are workhorses, playing a lot while building a following with soaring harmonies and solid acoustic guitar playing. Details: 11pm, Friday, All Ages, 35 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach
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James Jarvis
May 18, 21 and 23 @ The Calico Room
Jarvis plays a mix of jazz piano and ambient music resulting in a beautiful and random performance that evolves with each night. Catch Jarvis weekly at The Calico Room. Details: 8pm, Friday, 21+, 107 S. Front Street, Downtown Wilmington
Nicole Thompson
May 18 @ Ted's Fun on the River
Details: 7-9pm, Friday, 2 Castle Street, Downtown Wilmington, 910-231-3379
Dueling Pianos
May 18 @ Hell's Kitchen
Details: 9pm, Friday, 118 Princess Street, Downtown Wilmington, 763-4133
The Design
May 18 @ Wild Wing Café
The Raleigh powerhouse band returns, mixing up a batch of covers with explosive material from their current "Young America" album that's a variety of rock styles. While the band's delivery of covers is ripe for Wild Wing be sure to check them out at The Soapbox June 1st where their original music will be on display and appropriately loud. Details: 10pm, Friday, 2102 Eastwood Road, 256-3558
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Atolla, Children of the Reptile, Knightmare
May 19 @ Reggie's
Knightmare, from Cary, has come up with a smart description of its sound – American Power Metal. Who knows? The genre might lead to another branch on VH1's Metal Evolution family tree. Knightmare takes off from the pioneers of the original metal sound, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, and adds a bit more aggression, quicker riffs and hints of Southern metal while retaining the high-flying guitars and theatrical vocals. With Wilmington instrumental metal band Atolla and fiery metal rockers Children of the Reptile. Details: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 1415 S. 42nd St., Wilmington. www.facebook.com/KnightmareBand
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40 East
May 19 @ Beach House Bar & Grill
Country Music. Details: Doors 8pm, All Ages, Saturday, 7219 Market Street, Wilmington
Sweet Earth
May 19 @ Juggling Gypsy
Pittsburgh jam band that fits loosely into the genre, as it sometimes plays music that's on the heavy side. Sweet Earth mixes in slightly metal-sounding riffs and tempers it with spacey, atmospheric textures. Still, the band knows how to keep things funky, turning jangly guitars into slinky rhythms. Should be a stellar set. Details: 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, Saturday, 1612 Castle St., Wilmington. Free. www.SweetEarthMusic.com
[youtube HXAuq-RHTgE]
WorldLine w/Rogue Band of Youth
May 19 @ Satellite Bar & Lounge
This Asheville band delivers melodic rock songs with sneering and sometimes soaring vocals along with a lot of keyboards. Bands like Coldplay and U2 (their later albums) come to mind but WorldLine 's marriage of heavy riffs and candy-coated layers also conjures up Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Still, their album "Inside the Noise" is no mere Xerox of familiar bands; they're as much Genesis as Radiohead. With Rogue Band of Youth. Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, 120 Greenfield St., Wilmington. Free. www.reverbnation.com/worldlinemusic
Johnnie Acoustic w/Kennedy Park
May 19 @ Firebelly's Lounge
Strong harmonies from this male/female duo of Johnnie Acoustic and Sarah Huntsman who perform a mix of originals and covers ranging from Mumford & Sons and Van Morrison. Details: Doors 10pm, 21+, Saturday, 265 N. Front Street, Downtown Wilmington
May 12 @ The Rusty Nail
Details: Doors 8pm, 21+, Saturday, 1310 S. 5th Street
The Fustics
May 19 @ Duck and Dive
Brad Heller and The Fustics (it means acoustic fusion) play an energetic mix of folk and rock songs. Electric or acoustic the band's music is always spirited. Heller's songwriting and passionate singing easily makes a connection to everyday people, whether through a ballad or an unabashed rock song. Details: Doors 10pm, All Ages, Saturday, 114 Dock Street, Downtown Wilmington
Kenny Reeves & Trainwreck
May 19 @ Locals Tavern
Classic rock and Country collide with occasional love songs and shots of boogie. High energy honky tonk music from local musicians. Details: 9:30pm, Saturday, 21+, 710 N. 4th Street, Downtown Wilmington
Bluegrass Jam
May 19 @ Ted's Fun on the River
Details: 7-9pm, Saturday, 2 Castle Street, Downtown Wilmington, 910-231-3379
Dueling Pianos
May 19 @ Hell's Kitchen
Details: 9pm, Saturday, 118 Princess Street, Downtown Wilmington, 763-4133
Dutch Treet
May 19 Wild Wing Café
Details: 10pm, Saturday, 1331 Military Cutoff Road, 256-3838
Cattle Drums, Museum Mouth,
Pretend Surprise, American Americans
May 20 @ The Soapbox
Frantic, manic, fervent. This colossal rock band from Oneonta, N.Y., plays outside the box. Built around crashing riffs, metronome rhythms and vocals that oscillate like Jekyll and Hyde from near-spoken-word to absolute fury, Cattle Drums has a great, dysfunctional sound. It sounds as if things are getting out of control emotionally, and all for the better. For fans of punk-era Beastie Boys or Fugazi. With local bands Museum Mouth, Pretend Surprise and American Americans. Details: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Sunday, all ages, 255 N. Front St., downtown Wilmington, $5, $8 for those under 21. www.MySpace.com/CattleDrums
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The Luvrs, Sal Bando
May 23 @ Reggie's
Local punk rock duo The Luvrs plays with Baltimore's Sal Bando, a heart-on-your-sleeve surf rock and punk band. Think The Hold Steady and Rancid trying to copy one another. Sal Bando plays workingman's punk rock – great riffs, great singer in Cris Cowan, and a lot of substance. Details: Doors 9pm, Wednesday, All Ages, 1415 South 42nd Street off Oleander Dr
May 23 @ Dockside
Local band whose acoustic driven beach music and sometimes acoustic funk lands somewhere in the vein of Sublime and Dave Matthews blended together while also mixing in aesthetics of jazz and reggae. Details: 5pm, Wednesday, 21+, 1308 Airlie Rd., Wrightsville Beach
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Love in the Past and Present
Regency London's most celebrated courtesan, The Blackbird, was a woman before her time—uninhibited, financially independent, and free to live by her own rules. Schooled in the sensual arts by the one man she loved the most, she recorded every wicked detail in her diaries…When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths The Blackbird's steamy memoirs, she's aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan's diaries be used as a modern girl's guide to finding love and empowerment? One curious curator—and one very lucky man—are about to find out…
Read the reviews!
"Ophelia broke barriers making her a force to be reckoned with. She is definitely going down as one of my favorite heroines." —Under The Covers Blog
"[In] this thought-provoking novel…[t]he growth of both women is well written and each of their powerful, scandalous, outrageous journeys comes to a satisfying conclusion." — RT Book Reviews (top pick)
Read more reviews here!
Under the covers…
In the front of Unbound, there is a quote from poet and activist Muriel Rukeyser.
"What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? The world would split open."
This novel takes place both in the past and the present. Don't worry, we made sure you won't get lost! 🙂
Writing Unbound was about splitting open the world for me. It isn't meant to be simple erotica. It isn't meant to be just a sexuality manifesto. It isn't really a romance novel, even though it is one of the most romantic things I have ever written. My half of the novel is the diary of Ophelia (the Blackbird), a Regency courtesan, which was about telling a fundamental truth about the secret life of women. I am not a cardboard cutout. I am not a moveable piece in someone else's game. I do not owe the world "nice" or "pretty" or "good."
None of us do.
Ophelia is brave, uncompromising, snarky and full of joy. I love her. She is the woman I want to be when I grow up.
Order your copy
Preview Chapter 1 of Unbound!
What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? The world would split open. —-Muriel Rukeyser
Chapter One
Boston, Present Day
This time, she really meant it. She would read just one more page and call it a night:
A large, masculine hand ran up the bare flesh of my thigh. The masked lover I knew only as "Sir" whispered into my ear, his breath hot. "I have taught you everything I can. Tomorrow you will choose your first protector." My teacher kissed me then, more tenderly than at any time during his instruction in the Seven Sins of the Courtesan. "Are you certain this is what you wish?" he asked. "Once you enter this world you may never return to the life you've always known." "I know what I want," I told him, luxuriating in the nest of silken sheets, a woman now, not the girl who had come to this bed a week prior. "Only as a courtesan can I be truly free to decide my own destiny."
Piper Chase-Pierpont placed a white-gloved finger on the musty diary and slid it to the far edge of the museum workroom desk, providing some distance between herself and the devastatingly erotic secrets of a woman long dead. She needed to think. She needed to figure out how to handle this unexpected development, this sudden twist of truth.
Obviously, the first shock was that these diaries existed at all. But the story they told was nothing short of … well … frankly … this was the most triple-X, crazy-assed, explicit tale she'd ever read. Piper's head buzzed. She craved a large alcoholic beverage, and she didn't even drink. She wanted to wolf down a Three Musketeers bar, though she knew it would only disrupt her endocrine system with free radicals, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup. She needed a little fresh air. Water. An ice-cold shower. She was short-circuiting.
She tried to calm herself. It wasn't working. Oh God! What am I supposed to do with this stuff? Through the broken lenses of her glasses, Piper glanced at the clock on the basement workroom wall. It was after 1 A.M., which meant she'd been held spellbound by these documents for more than five hours, her thighs clenched together in the desk chair, barely moving, breathing hard. She'd only skimmed through the three diaries—out of order, she now realized—but it had been enough to understand that she'd unearthed a secret so outrageous it would rock the known historical record, jeopardize the reputation of her museum, and maybe even give her boss the excuse he needed to cut her position.
And let's face it, Piper thought—if she let this information out, everyone in town would hate her. What city wants to learn that their most beloved and righteous folk heroine spent her youth as a high-class hooker and accused murderess? Not Boston, Massachusetts, that was certain.
Maybe she should just pretend she never found the journals. She could simply take the diaries and run. But how would she live with herself? Piper was a senior curator at the Boston Museum of Culture and Society. Her job was to interpret history, not shove it in a shoebox and hide it under her bed.
Oh, but that wasn't even the worst of it. The story she'd just read hadn't only left her shocked—she was restless. Overheated. It felt as if the two-hundred-year-old words had been written just for her, Piper Chase-Pierpont, Ph.D., a sex-starved, uptight, overworked, and underpaid woman standing alone, looking down into the abyss of her thirtieth birthday. God help her, but she wasn't ready to share these journals with anyone. Not yet. Not until she understood the full historical—and personal—import of what she'd stumbled upon. Literally.
Piper's glance went to the center of the basement workroom floor, where it all began. It had been seven in the evening. A Friday in midsummer, which meant the rest of the staff had long ago gone home to their lives. She'd been sitting cross-legged with her notes and sketches for the Ophelia Harrington exhibit spread out around her.
Filling the room's shelves and floor were nearly four hundred catalogued family artifacts on loan to the museum. Piper had been soaking it all in, desperately hoping a theme for the exhibit would gel in her mind. The Fall Gala was only three months away, and that made her nervous. She began to chew on an ink pen. Sure, it was a terrible habit (one that her mother abhorred) but it's what she'd been doing since middle school—when she thought hard, she chewed on a pen.
But this time, the pen snapped. Foul-tasting ink trickled into her mouth. One violent shake of her head and her glasses went flying. Piper jumped to her feet and lurched toward the restroom, stepping on her glasses in the process. In her half-blind state she tripped over Ophelia Harrington's 187-year-old leather and cedar travel trunk, and when she returned from her scrubbing sojourn at the bathroom sink, she discovered that she'd knocked the trunk on its side, exposing a secret compartment. And the journals.
Piper smiled to herself at the irony. Despite her years of experience and a doctorate from Harvard, she had only luck to thank for this particular bonanza. Luck and clumsiness. And now there they were, three small, innocent-looking journals bound in cracked brown leather, their powder-fine deckle edges ragged with age, their pages packed with historical dynamite.
She considered her options. Piper could follow standard procedure and copy the journals in the museum's document center. But since it was locked on weekends, she'd have to wait until Monday, when someone was bound to peer over her shoulder as she worked. And boy, wouldn't that be fun? They'd see phrases such as "rosy red nipples," and "the dark curls of my pubis peeked from between his fingertips." No, thanks. Piper had barely been able to read those words alone in her basement workroom in the middle of the night. No way was she about to share them in a 9 A.M. staff meeting. The thought made her shudder.
What she'd do instead, she decided, was find an office-equipment vendor to deliver a professional-grade copier to her apartment on a Saturday. She'd pay out of pocket for it. Then she'd copy the diaries in private and study them at her leisure. She wouldn't tell anyone a damn thing about the journals until she was good and ready, and that would be only once she'd verified the recounted events and could place the outrageous story in its proper historical context. Besides, at home she could apply cold showers as needed.
Piper frowned, suddenly aware of the appalling lack of professionalism in that line of reasoning. How could she even think of doing something so outrageous? What if she got caught? She'd always been more milquetoast than maverick. Certainly, these diaries weren't worth losing her career and reputation over, were they? She tipped her head and wondered. Well? Were they?
The distant ping! of the basement elevator shocked Piper back to the here and now. The night security guard was on his way! Oh God. Oh no. Oh, the heck with it! And her decision was made. Piper shoved herself to a sudden stand on bloodless legs, nearly toppling over. She stomped her feet to get the circulation going, shook her arms and hands, rolled her head from side to side.
Get organized, fast. Get the journals and get out of here. Footsteps came down the hall. Closer now. Heading her way. Moving as fast as she could on feet that felt like concrete stumps, Piper began gathering everything she'd need—artifact tweezers, several more packages of lint-free white cotton gloves, acid-free paper, and Mylar storage sleeves, her favorite soft horsehair cleaning brush. Sometime in the future, she'd oversee the proper deacidification of the documents. Right now, she just had to get them home and get them copied.
And to think! Up until a few hours ago, her biggest challenge had been choosing a narrative theme for the Ophelia Harrington exhibit, finding a way to smoothly combine the public and private lives of one of the city's most beloved nineteenth-century icons. She kept moving. Gathering. Thinking.
Ha! Thanks to this shocking wormhole in history she'd just discovered, she was now faced with an inscrutable mystery: how had a much-desired Regency London courtesan known as "the Blackbird" become the most fiery female abolitionist in America's history? Piper gathered all three journals into one big sheet of acid-free paper, and shoved the entire bundle into her brown leather messenger bag. It made her cringe to handle them like that, but there was no time for delicacy. She staggered toward the travel trunk still lying on its side, righting it. Then she plopped down amid her notes and sketches, pretending to be lost in thought, only this time without a pen.
"Miss Piper?"
"Yes?" Piper looked up and smiled as the door to the basement workroom opened.
Night security supervisor Melvin Tostel poked his head inside and frowned. "You still here?"
"What?" Piper tried to adjust her skewed eyeglasses. She wished she'd had a few extra minutes to retape them. She probably looked like a madwoman. If she was lucky, she looked like the same nerdy, workaholic curator she always had been, just a little, well, nerdier.
"Are you okay there, Miss Piper?" Melvin's frown deepened. "You got an exhibit opening or something? I haven't seen you here this late since—" He stopped himself.
Even the security guards at the BMCS knew that Piper's last exhibit—one of the more costly in recent museum history—had "fallen short of expectations." That's how her father described the fiasco. Everyone else just called it what it was—a flop. A disaster. An embarrassment. It was common knowledge that the Ophelia Harrington exhibit was Piper's last chance. The museum trustees had already cut several vital positions, and they'd made it clear that one of the two remaining senior curators would be next—herself or the brown-nosing weasel boy Lincoln Northcutt.
Piper was savvy enough to understand why the trustees had approved her idea for the Harrington exhibit. First, it would be dirt-cheap to install, because she'd already convinced prickly family matriarch Claudia Harrington-Howell to loan all of her ancestor's personal effects to the museum without compensation. Second, the subject matter would offend no one. And then there was the fact that the trustees had long sought to lure Claudia—and her deep pockets—into the museum's fold.
Somehow, Piper didn't think revealing that Claudia's beloved ancestor was a hot mess of a slut would help with that.
The security guard cleared his throat. "So what are you up to, then? You're here awfully late." Melvin began to glance around the room—with suspicion in his eyes, Piper noticed. Was he on to her? How? It was only moments ago that she'd decided to violate every ethical guideline of her profession and remove antiquities from the museum premises. Without permission. She'd never done anything without permission.
"Nothing!" she announced, louder than necessary. She pushed herself to a stand, still wobbly from the restricted blood flow. "I just lost track of time, I guess. You know how I can be. Well, I should probably get going home now." Piper stumbled to her desk to grab her messenger bag. She turned off her desk and worktable lamps. She limped toward the door.
"You know your lips are blue, Miss Piper?"
"Oh, right." She shrugged. "An ink pen. What a mess." Piper clomped toward the elevator on her concrete stumps.
"You hurt your legs or something?"
"No! They fell asleep. Sitting for too long in one position can compress the arteries, thereby preventing nutrients and oxygen from reaching the nerve cells."
"Huh." Melvin cocked his head and produced a quizzical smile as he held the elevator door open. "I'll get you safely to your car. Half the lights are out in the parking garage—budget cuts and all."
"Oh, that's not necessary," Piper said, trying to sound casual, thinking about what she had crammed down inside her bag and the fact that she wasn't the type who usually spent time in a women's prison—her six years at Wellesley aside. "I'll be perfectly fine."
"It's the middle of the night, Miss Chase-Pierpont," Melvin said. "Here, let me help—"
"No!" He looked at her like she was crazy. Maybe she was. Maybe this was what happened to single, lonely, pornography-stealing women about to turn thirty. Piper and Melvin remained awkwardly silent on the elevator ride and through the garage, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness. "Here we are!" she announced, gesturing to her rusty Honda Civic. She flung open the passenger door and placed the messenger bag on the floor. "Thank you again, Melvin!" she said, racing around to the other side of the car. "Have a good night!"
Without warning, Melvin smacked his hand on the roof of her Civic. Piper was so startled that she nearly jumped from the pavement. She panted, clutching her car keys to her chest. Suddenly she pictured her criminal trial in great clarity—her mother in a front-row courtroom seat, her shoulder bones rattling as she sobbed, her father shaking his head in disapproval (if he could even bring himself to witness the public shaming of his only child), and the jury box? That's right—it would be filled to the brim with members of the museum's board of trustees, hearing aids and all. Now, wouldn't that be something? The first time in thirty years that Piper Chase-Pierpont doesn't play by the rules and she gets sent to the big house.
"Hairspray and baby oil!" Melvin announced, laughing.
Piper blinked. "Uh…"
"I've been racking my brain for how my wife got that printer cartridge ink off her fingers a few years back, and that's it! Hairspray and baby oil!"
"Oh." Piper began to breathe normally again, bracing herself against the car door. "That's an excellent idea. I'll try it as soon as I get home. Good night!" She burned rubber on her way out of the parking lot, another first in a night full of them.
I tightened my arms about his neck and cried out at his entry, my sob of aching satisfaction disappearing into his hot mouth.
No wonder it was taking Piper forever to copy these diaries. Every time she found an efficient rhythm while managing to maintain the rigorous preservation standards the job required, she'd run across another word or sentence or paragraph that would stop her cold.
He said, "I will bury my hands in your hair and drive my cock deep, then pull it wet and slippery from your lips, only to do it all again."
Seriously. Her priority needed to be copying each page, not reading for her own titillation. The heat and humidity of her post-war, no-frills box of an apartment was the worst possible environment for these artifacts, and the window fan she'd strung up from the kitchen pot rack was doing nothing but stir the sticky heat around. Each second she wasted put the fragile paper, leather, and ink in further peril.
Piper suddenly felt evil feline eyes boring into the back of her head. "I said I was sorry," she snapped at Miss Meade, dabbing her own forehead with her sleeve, her gloved fingers carefully fisted against contamination. "I told you I can't run the air conditioner and this behemoth at the same time or I'll trip the fuse box again."
In response, the Divine Miss M. raised her overstuffed, gray tabby hind leg and licked daintily at her kitty giblets, her disapproving gaze still focused on Piper. Back to the task at hand. The original journals had to be returned on Monday to the museum documents room, where they could be stored properly. She'd keep the copy with her at all times, to read, reread, study, make notes on, and use to painstakingly compare to the known historical record.
Clearly, there was no time for diversion. If she stopped to linger over every provocative phrase and erotically tinged word she encountered in Ophelia's elegant and fluid handwriting, she'd be standing at the copy machine for the rest of her natural life. Piper carefully lifted Volume II from the glass surface and forced herself to concentrate. Though she followed document-handling protocol to mitigate damage, each turn of a page had resulted in some additional injury to the journals, the paper tearing slightly along the hand-sewn spine. It was unavoidable.
The pages were brittle with time, pockmarked by insects, and weakened by mold and mildew. Yet it could have been far worse, she knew. The diaries were in surprisingly good condition for their age and had remained mostly legible, thanks to the way they'd been wrapped and stored.
Ophelia Harrington had meant business when she packed these away in the false bottom of her trunk, a task that she accomplished on or after April 16, 1825, the date on the London Examiner news sheet used to wrap them. Nearly six layers of newsprint had encased each volume. In addition, the trunk itself had offered a good deal of protection from humidity and light.
Whoever built the travel chest had been a master craftsman, fitting the seams so tightly that the secret compartment and its spring release were invisible even upon close examination. In the three months Piper had been poking around the trunk (along with all of Ophelia Harrington's belongings), she'd never suspected such a feature. And it would have remained a secret—the diaries lost forever—if Piper hadn't knocked the trunk on its side when she tripped. She cautiously turned the page, lifted the journal, carried it to the glass plate and turned it over for copying.
That's when her eye caught the phrase "my masked lover" and her pulse spiked once more. This stuff was addictive! Mind-numbingly erotic! Historical and sexual C-4! And Piper knew if she lost her focus and started reading the diary entries as a woman instead of a scholar, then she'd be in serious trouble. She'd already seen enough to know that Ophelia Harrington had lived a far juicier life than Piper had. Furthermore, she'd done it in an era of limited rights for women, a strict social construct, and before the girl even turned twenty-five!
Piper, on the other hand, lived in a time where she could be anything and do anything she wished. And what had she done with thirty years of freedom? She'd studied. Worked. Read the classics. Traveled when she could. Tried to please her parents. Dated men who weren't quite right for her, and only occasionally.
With the discovery of these journals, Piper had to face the fact that compared to Ophelia Harrington, she was in danger of becoming a dried-up, frustrated, bitter, and boring woman. The most hurtful event of her life flashed through Piper's brain—the way it often did in moments of self-pity—and in her mind's eye, she watched Magnus "Mick" Malloy's strong and straight back as he walked out her door.
God, the thought of Mick Malloy still made Piper's belly clench in shame. She'd followed his superstar career over the years, of course. It would have been hard not to in their line of work. Mick Malloy had become the unofficial cover model for The Curator, Archaeology Today, and Science Magazine. She'd even heard the rumor that Malloy was getting his own cable reality show.
And why not? He was made for TV. Sexy. Sun-bronzed. A real-life Indiana Jones with a brilliant mind, a sharp wit, and a devastatingly fine … Forget it. It doesn't matter anymore. Piper sighed. The details she wanted to know about Mick weren't to be found in magazines or TV shows, anyway, and she'd never dare come right out and ask someone. Was he happy? Had he ever married? Had a woman ever captured his mind and heart the way archaeology had? If so, who was she? And in how many ways was she the complete opposite of Piper?
I will not go there. Piper straightened her shoulders and carefully executed the task at hand, reminding herself that these journals were not about her or Mick or how she'd blown her chance with him a decade ago. The diaries weren't some kind of yardstick with which to compare her own adventures—or lack thereof. These journals were a historical treasure with yet unknown repercussions.
Ophelia's firsthand accounts of her life as a London courtesan would not only add a fascinating complexity to her role in history, but it could improve understanding of early nineteenth-century underground London economy, its social mores, and the indiscretions of the rich and powerful. This was a serious scholarly matter, not a Cosmo quiz.
Piper turned to the yellow demon stare of Miss M., who had draped herself over the back of the Queen Anne chair in dramatic fashion, her tail swishing in the stuffy air as if she were fanning herself. "You think I'm enjoying this?" she asked her cat. "I'm exhausted. It's ninety-four degrees outside. My life is about as fun as one of Mom and Dad's dinner parties! And this girl—this courtesan chick who ran around calling herself 'the Blackbird' and bending over to light men's cigars so that her mammary glands fell out of her dress—" Piper gestured toward the diary she held above the copier. "My God! What a complete tart that girl was!"
Miss Meade blinked, then looked away as if offended by the outburst. The phone rang, saving Piper from further crazy cat-lady conversation. She eased the journal into its makeshift cradle of organic cotton batting covered by acid-free cloth, and checked the caller ID. Suddenly, chatting with her cat seemed like a perfectly reasonable endeavor. Piper let the call go to automated voice mail, but clicked on the speaker.
"It's your mother," the clipped voice said through the telephone console. "Unless I hear otherwise, I'll assume you're not coming for dinner tomorrow. I am concerned about you. We haven't seen you for going on a month. You haven't returned my calls. Your father thinks you might be back on dairy and are experiencing symptoms of bloat and/or depression. Are you back on dairy? Are you depressed? Are you bloated? Call me, please." Click.
This would be as good a time as any to take a break, Piper decided, heading into her tiny kitchen for some ice cream. The real stuff, too. Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean. Five hundred eighty calories and thirty-six grams of fat in a one-cup serving. As Piper opened the freezer compartment and stuck her head inside for a quick respite, she thought about how she'd like to answer her mother. If she had the nerve. She might say, "Hell, yes, I'm back on dairy, Mother dearest! And by the way—you seem to have forgotten your only child's thirtieth fucking birthday!"
A sudden tingle that went through her had nothing to do with the open freezer. She found it immensely satisfying to speak to her mother like that—especially using the f-word—even if only in her head. She smiled to herself. Oh, if her mother only knew … Just yesterday, Piper had enjoyed a Polish sausage, fries, and a giant vanilla shake. And three days prior to that she'd gotten completely out of control and had a huge slice of New York cheesecake—the chocolate marble swirl kind.
Piper was aware that her bingeing on dairy was a classic case of rebellion, the kind she should have experimented with at seventeen. But she hadn't had the nerve at seventeen. Or eighteen. The truth was, it sucked being the only child of the founders of the Caloric Restriction and Human Longevity Lab at Harvard. They were among the country's most revered biomedical researchers—and two of the most tightly wound, repressed human beings ever to inhabit the earth.
Birthdays weren't celebrated in her family. Her parents said holidays were just an excuse to overdo. For her birthday, Piper could count on a kiss on the cheek and a new book, but never cake and ice cream or a beautifully wrapped gift. "Will vanilla work for you?" Piper asked Miss Meade, who was rubbing against her ankle and purring, a sure sign of her improving mood.
As she scooped out two bowls of the heavenly substance, it suddenly struck Piper as pathetic. Her idea of debauchery in the twenty-first century was a cup of vanilla ice cream. Ophelia Harrington had spent part of 1813 studying the erotic arts, under the tutelage of a masked man she knew only as "Sir," who served as her professor of gluttonous depravity for seven days and seven nights. There was something wrong with this picture.
Thus emboldened, I returned to the witness stand, determined to skewer the hypocrites, all of them. "I stand accused of a murder I did not commit. And who are my accusers?"
I scanned the packed courtroom and pointed to the offenders. "The prosecutor is a man who has unsuccessfully courted me for more than a decade, a man known to grovel at my doorstep, only to burst into sobs when I sent him away. And the man bringing these charges?"
I took great relish in facing the sullen, vindictive wastrel, wondering how I could have ever found him dashing. "This is the blackguard who tried to sell me into sexual slavery years ago, only to beat me severely when I escaped his control."
The courtroom erupted into gasps and murmurs. Yet I was not done. I stood in the witness box and raised my voice high and clear. "This trial is naught but a temper tantrum thrown by enraged and undisciplined little boys, all of whom are in dire need of a good spanking!"
The alarm had gone off long ago, but Piper remained propped up on her pillows, in the same daze she'd been in all weekend. There was no other way to look at it—Ophelia Harrington had balls. The lady didn't take crap off anyone—not her guardians, not the arbiters of decorum, not the men who sought out her company and then sought to rule her. That chick had the courage to live life to its fullest—in and out of the boudoir. It was all very inspiring. And exhausting.
After spending forty-eight hours in Ophelia's exotic world of lust, excess, seduction, intrigue, and betrayal, Piper felt overwhelmed. The journals had aroused her and piqued her curiosity in equal measure, but she was far more accustomed to being piqued than being aroused, so, by this time, she was wiped out. Wasted.
Hung over on a Monday morning and running late for work. The sun sliced through the miniblinds. The window air conditioner hummed and rattled. Miss Meade was curled up at the foot of her double bed. This was where Piper was supposed to rise and dress and pack her brown-bag lunch and get herself to the museum. She had a 9 A.M. staff meeting. She had an afternoon monthly budget session. But how was she supposed to do all that?
How was she supposed to drag her sex-dazed self in there and pretend she was the same girl who'd come to work on Friday? She wasn't. And she'd probably never be that girl again, would she?
Piper wiped at the tears suddenly running down her cheeks, laughing at her own ridiculousness. She'd made quite the wet mess of herself, hadn't she? Last night, for the first time in years, Piper had touched herself. Last night, for the first time in her life, she'd managed to bring herself to orgasm. And not just the standard kind of orgasm. Inspired by the diaries, somehow Piper had charged headlong into a searing, core-rattling, devastating place she'd never visited before. She didn't go there once. She went four times.
And the most shocking part of all of it was that somehow, Mick Malloy had risen from her past and inserted his man-candy self into her orgasmic fantasies, weaving in and out of the jumbled historical sex-stew that had temporarily taken over her brain. So now, as Piper sat there propped up against her pillows, it felt as if a dam had burst in her soul, as if the heat of Ophelia and Sir's two-hundred-year-old sexual liaison had somehow burned down the walls she'd built inside herself.
What was she supposed to do now?Close Preview


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- This event has passed.
Women on Track (Wednesday 8 August)
August 8, 2018 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm$13.00
This Women on Track session will be held from 7:00-9:00 pm on Wednesday 8 August 2018. Register now to join!
You'll need to bring:
- Closed in shoes / sneakers, tighter fitting clothing (no singlets), water bottle and small hand towel
- If you have your own track cycling specific bike and a helmet, please bring them along with you, but if not we are equipped to supply you with a loan bike and helmet for the session.


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In accordance with Rule 45 (k) candidate statements and photographs are published here.
MUA elections are now on.
At the bottom of this story is a link to download photos of candidates with their personal statements, in accordance with Rule 45 (k).
General MUA election information can be found here.
You can contact the MUA Returning Officer, Phil Byrne, with any questions: firstname.lastname@example.com / call 02 - 9267 9134
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It's the No Fuss Events Dunoon Camp Enduro this weekend, with two days of mountain bike coaching and racing in Bishop's Glen, a stunning forested area on Dunoon's doorstep. Some of the country's best coaches, including Dirt Vixens and British Downhill Champion and mountain bike legend Ben Cathro of Sick Skills, will be helping people hone their skills for Sunday's race.
Spook Munro of No Fuss Events is totally sold on Dunoon, saying; 'This is a completely undiscovered area for mountain biking in Scotland and it's a gem. Fantastic forests, great trails, amazing scenery and no crowds. This weekend's Camp Enduro is going to be a LOT of fun. Massive thanks to the guys from the Cowal Mountain Bike Club who've built the trails and made this weekend possible.'
Here's a guest post from Doug Fletcher, a member of the Cowal Mountain Bike Club, about riding in the area.
'Seven years ago I came to Blairmore for a family holiday and fell in love with the Cowal Peninsula. Living, working and cycling in the south of England had forced me to accept that road cycling was hazardous for health and off-road riding was restricted by land owners, laws and regulations. Articles in magazines argued over the damage done to walkers' paths by idiots on bikes. I felt unloved. Having spent time in the deserts of Oman, I had come to relish the complete freedom of riding off road. Largely because there weren't any. Roads I mean.
The answer was obvious. Move to Scotland! House: sold. Job: resigned. Six months later and we'd moved to Cowal. As a lover of wild places it wasn't difficult to find kindred spirits and the adventure began. The freedom to ride was simply amazing. Virtually traffic-free roads and forestry trails in abundance. Joining the local mountain bike club took the whole experience to another level. New bike, new skills and importantly new friends. Since then the sport has gone from strength to strength locally. Folk began to compete. To ride longer routes. To build new trails. To share new experiences.
For a long time I lived in fear that the secret would get out and we would be invaded by others eager to share this off-road heaven. Off course, I soon realised that there was room for all. People have recognised the potential of this remote and beautiful area sitting within two hours of Glasgow; an area keen to provide hotels and hostelries, camp and caravan parks and that welcome that only the Scots can offer.
Seven years on and we've hosted three outstanding events and this weekend will see the Cowal's first Camp Enduro and Race. OK – I give in. The secret is well and truly out! Scotland has some of the best mountain biking areas on the planet. Dunoon can now take its place as one of the premier places to do what we all love best – riding our bikes on wonderful trails. Come join us. You will be welcome.
Find out more about Dunoon Camp Enduro and sign up online. If you can't make the coaching on Saturday you can still enter the race on Sunday.


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Even homesteaders need to relax and enjoy themselves from time to time, right? And almost everybody these days wants to cut his or her cost of living. So how about a little do-it-yourself entertainment?
And that's what this column is all about. Down-home music that you can make . . . and the instruments (which, in some cases, you can also make!) to play that music on.
If you've taken any of the suggestions I made in my two previous columns, you have by now [1] made a gut bucket or other musical instrument, [2] acquired some kind of instrument at a bargain price or for nothing at all, or [3] discovered that you were born with a fiddle, banjo, guitar, or whatever already to your name.
In short, the time has now come for us to start thinkin' about what you're going to do with your new (old) musicmaker. Or, perhaps, the question is even more basic than that: How are you — instrument or not — going to get started a'pickin' and a'grinnin' with all the other folks who've already plunged into homegrown music? Where are you going to begin? What's your first step going to be?
Music Communicates
Well, I don't think there's much of any way for anyone to go wrong in this area of human activity. Not if he or she starts right out thinking of playing music together with one or more other people as a community experience. Community as in "communication." Or, to turn it the other way 'round: Perhaps "communication" — whatever form the act may take — can be defined as "creating community." And, as should be apparent to the readers of this column by this time, I'm happiest when I can do my "community creating" by performing the act of music with some other down-home pickers and singers.
Furthermore, as I've indicated before in this column, I have very definite feelings about the right way and the wrong way for an individual to prepare him — or herself to commit the act of makin' music with others.
In the first place, I think it's absolutely essential that you own your own instrument and that you got it honestly, no matter what that instrument may be: a "store-bought", salvaged, or donated guitar, harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, a do-it-yourself gutbucket bass, musical saw, set of spoons, jug, washboard, even just your own voice.
It doesn't matter what your instrument is, as long as it's yours. It doesn't matter whether you made it yourself, it was given to you, you traded for it, or you bought it, as long as you got it honestly and it's yours. The symbolism is important — I would even say inherent — to the concept of communication that I'm trying to get across. The instrument you bring to your pickin' and grinnin' sessions must be yours . . . honestly.
Of course — as I've already indicated — it doesn't have to be fancy. Or expensive. Or even a "real" instrument. Your voice, for instance, can be all the "equipment" you really need to get yourself started in music . . . all you'll ever need, for that matter.
A Capella Singing
A cappella singing (singing without any instrumental accompaniment at all) has always been an important form of human expression and, if anything, is now enjoying a resurgence of popularity. In fact, this one very simple (and lowcost) method of "playing music"— if thoroughly explored — can keep you occupied all by itself, for a long, long time. There's choir singing, for instance, plus barbershop quartets, and choruses for you to look into. Philadelphia street-style singing, field hollers, and shape-note singing to try your vocal cords on. There's the Appalachian gospel style and mantra singing (as done by Buddhists and others at celebrations and before breakfast and such). There are native American chants and Polynesian chants and sea chanteys and . . . well, you get the idea.
It's so easy to "slip into" music this way too. Just open your mouth and sing! Don't worry about how you sound at first. Even little birds have to practice before they can sing. So go ye and do likewise. Practice! Anywhere and any time you get the chance. I received my own voice training while delivering pizzas in my car and singing along with the radio. Practice! As you develop control over your voice singing by yourself, you'll automatically develop enough selfconfidence to start singing with others.
And that time will come! No matter how selfconscious you may think you are now, if you practice the use of your singing voice religiously, sooner or later you will find yourself with a person or people who make you feel that you can express yourself musically with them to the best of your ability (whatever that ability may be) and they will approve. That's when the real magic will begin. Once you get yourself past that hurdle, the race is as good as won . . . and every time you sing your very best for others after that, it will be better than your last best effort. (I'm sure this rule extends to other areas of existence as well. Music presents many good analogies to life in general.)
Of course, there's no need — either — to try to push your "public debut" before you're ready for it. Always bear in mind that music is a valuable method of selfexpression, both public and private. Remember — first and foremost — that your music must please you.
I, for one, have spent many enjoyable hours playing music and/or singing just for myself on the front porch or out in a field somewhere. One shouldn't overlook the need to communicate with oneself. (Or with the dandelions, the red-winged blackbirds, all the plants and animals and the rest of creation that can hear you . . . whether there are any other people around or not.)
What it all boils down to is that humans, basically, are social and gregarious . . . even the shy ones. Everyone — whether or not he or she will or can admit it — wants to "reach out" and communicate with him — or herself, with others, with the rest of creation. And one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to do that reaching out is with your voice . . . musically.
Reach Out With Your Voice
So sing out! For yourself. For the flowers. For the clouds. For the wind. For the rain. For the sunshine. For and with other people. Make a start right now. If it doesn't quite come naturally at first, it soon will! The energy — the need — for singing is inherent in life itself. All you have to do to unlock it is have faith in what you're doing . . . and that will develop in no time flat once you've made your start.
The same, obviously, can be said for the playing of "real" musical instruments. And, I believe, once you've taken the first big step of starting to sing . . . and the second big step of singing with others . . . the next major leap forward in your do-it-yourself-music liberation will probably take place when you own your first truly playable instrument. And the leap after that will be yours when you begin to play your new instrument for and with others.
Those are the big milestones. The markers along your upward path. The "important" known reference points that you'll start to use to measure your musical progress.
Homegrown Music Is Fun
You probably will realize that progress goes much faster, however, if you forget all about "working" your way from one of these milestones to the next. Relax. Homegrown music is supposed to be fun, remember? Don't turn it into a job. And — for gosh sake — don't lock yourself off in a closet somewhere and practice, practice, practice until you're perfect before allowing yourself to play and sing with others.
It's more fun, it's easier, it's better when you learn music by osmosis, much the same way that water is absorbed through the walls of a plant's cells. (As a matter of interesting fact, music can affect the osmotic process — it can alter the rates at which fluids pass through plant cell walls — and, thus, can affect the growth of vegetation. See Chapter 10 of Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird's book, The Secret Life of Plants, for more on this subject.)
So get close to other musicians, even before you think you're ready to join in their group jam sessions. Especially before you're ready to carry your full weight in those sessions. Observe those musicians as they play. Pay close attention to what they do and how they get the effects they get. Absorb their techniques. Study what they do to make the sounds they make.
Get in Tune With Others
And, even more important, open your awareness to the "vibrations" that those more accomplished musicians give off as they play their music. Yeah, I know it sounds sorta strange to folks who are just startin' out . . . but I have a strong feeling that music is transmitted telepathically as well as aurally. And you can learn a lot more a lot faster from an accomplished musician and increase the energy level of whatever he or she is playing just by giving full attention to his or her tune and how he or she plays it.
On second thought, maybe this notion of mine isn't so strange after all. We all know that when two musical notes are played together in harmony, their vibrations reinforce each other and make the sound stronger. Likewise, when one string on a stringed instrument is played . . . all other strings that are tuned in harmony with it will vibrate too, even if they're not plucked. (This is called a "sympathetic vibration" and you can demonstrate it to yourself if you've never seen it take place. Just play a note — any note — on a piano while you press down on the "sustain" foot pedal and look inside the piano's case to see which other strings vibrate too. Surprise! Several strings vibrate . . . and the closer the sympathetically tuned strings are to the one note you played, the more they will move.)
It's the same with people. Each individual is an energy source. You're a source of energy. So, if you want to learn to play (vibrate) musically, put yourself close to others who play. Get in tune with what they're doing. That alone will in. crease the energy level of the tunes they're pickin' out, and you'll begin to feel ( not just listen to) the melodies, harmonies, rhythms, emotions, and inflections that your friends are makin'.
Get Started With Homegrown Music
Great! Now start snappin' those fingers and clappin' those hands. Start singing along. Get a pair of spoons or make up some sandpaper blocks on the spot. Join in! That's what music — homegrown music, at any rate — is really all about. Music is a magical connection . . . and the more energy you add to the music, the more magical and the more connecting it will be.
In short, there's really nothing mysterious about music at all. It's just like the rest of life: The more you give, the more you'll get back (usually with interest). So start givin' . . . now! . . . even if you have nothing to give with but your fingers (snap 'em!), your hands (clap 'em!), and your voice (sing!). That's all it really takes for anyone to get started in down-home music.
And don't worry about being a beginner! I've never yet met a musician who knew all there was to know about music . . . or even a small part of it. We're all beginners. What're you waitin' for? Come on in with the rest of us duffers and join the fun! Get started right now. That's the important part. All the rest — instruments, fancy pickin', maybe even a proper career in music — will follow. For now, though, the name of the game is just picking up the vibrations, getting in on the action any way you can, and having fun.


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Pacari, Nina (2002) La participación política de la mujer indígena en el Congreso ecuatoriano. Una tarea pendiente Working Paper. CHIRAPAQ, Perú.
|PDF (Texto entero - Español) - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.
Official URL: http://www.idea.int/search.cfm?cx=0021167171004476...
This case study analyzes the extent to which Indigenous women participate in the Ecuadorian Congress by looking at the general political participation of Indigenous people. The author identifies the most significant lessons learned, key challenges and strategies for the social inclusion and political participation of Indigenous women in public spheres. It also outlines the operationalization of building strong constitutional reforms at the Parliamentary level and of a redistributive economy that would strengthen women's social location (improving the quality of life, health and education indexes).
|Document Type:
|Monograph (Working Paper)
|Indigenous women, Ecuador, political participation, Indigenous peoples, economic redistribution
|Women's empowerment and human development > Policies
Women's empowerment and human development > Case studies
Democratic and participatory governance > Policies
Democratic and participatory governance > Case studies
|Deposited On:
|03 Mar 2010 13:57
|Related URLs:
|Corporate Authors:
|Centro de Culturas Indígenas del Perú, El Andar de las Mujeres Indígenas
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As most readers of Land Line know, in August 1997, OOIDA and certain individual owner-operators filed a lawsuit in Missouri federal court against New Prime, Inc. (Prime). The association and these individuals allege that Prime violated the federal truth-in-leasing regulations by unlawfully retaining escrow funds of owner-operators who had leased themselves to Prime. While OOIDA has been content over the past two years to let its dispute with Prime play itself out where it belongs – in the courtroom – the association now feels compelled to respond to misinformation that Prime has lately been spreading about the status of the lawsuit and OOIDA's motivations in filing its action.
In May of this year, Prime began running a question-and-answer feature on its Internet web site regarding recent developments in OOIDA's lawsuit against Prime. Prime's article contains numerous factual inaccuracies. Of these misstatements, the most galling to OOIDA is Prime's contention that the association is not genuinely pursuing its action on behalf of owner-operators hurt by Prime, but rather is "trying to enrich" itself through the lawsuit. This outrageous fabrication could not be further from the truth.
Contrary to what Prime contends, OOIDA does not "stand to reap substantial financial benefits" from the lawsuit against Prime. In fact, under no circumstances can the association share in any monetary recovery received by owner-operators when they prevail in their action against Prime. In its representative status as a party to the lawsuit against Prime, OOIDA seeks only to have the court (1) declare that Prime's leasing practices are unlawful, and (2) order that Prime stop misappropriating owner-operator funds and begin complying with the federal leasing regulations. Any money the court orders Prime to pay will go only to owner-operators who have been victimized by Prime's leasing practices over the past several years. In short, OOIDA is not "in it for the money," but because the association knows that owner-operators probably don't have a chance against motor carriers like Prime unless we are there to back up owner-operators with resources and general support.
Prime also states in its article that the owner-operators who have sued Prime do not represent the majority of drivers leased to Prime, but only the "disgruntled and misinformed" owner-operators who blame Prime for their "lack of success." The lawsuit speaks for itself. If, as plaintiffs contend and strongly believe, Prime's leases flagrantly violate the federal leasing regulations, then owner-operators have been illegally deprived of escrow funds and have every right to be disgruntled over Prime's actions.
Furthermore, Prime's web site completely mischaracterizes the procedural developments in the OOIDA lawsuit to date. Prime would have owner-operators believe that the action somehow has been dismissed twice by the Missouri federal court. While it is true that the court dismissed OOIDA's action against Prime in November 1998, it did so only on procedural grounds and not because of the nature of the claims against Prime. At no point did the court say that owner-operators did not have a legitimate claim about Prime's leasing practices. Instead, it was the Missouri court's opinion that the dispute between owner-operators and Prime belonged before the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rather than the federal court. When OOIDA asked the FHWA itself whether it wanted to intervene in the dispute, the FHWA published a notice that it would not get involved in private disputes between owner-operators and federally-authorized motor carriers, and such disputes belonged in the federal court. This is the issue that is now on appeal in the federal appellate court. Whether the appellate court decides that OOIDA's dispute with Prime belongs in federal court (as OOIDA believes it will) or before the FHWA, the actual claims against Prime will remain valid and will be resolved.
As it has from the beginning, OOIDA maintains faith that it ultimately will succeed in putting an end to Prime's current leasing practices. Regardless of what carriers like Prime may say, OOIDA's dedication to the cause of professional truckers is stronger today than it has been at any point in the association's 25-year fight for professional truckers' rights. Because of the continuing support and commitment of OOIDA members such as those who are participating in the various legal actions against motor carriers, the association believes that the long history of owner-operator abuse at the hands of unscrupulous motor carriers will eventually come to an end.


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Stories from the Open Arms Medical Clinic/
Our first team of 2016 left Portland, OR on Saturday, January 16th. They arrived to Eldoret and began working right away!
After settling into the Village, they began preparing for a huge medical clinic in the Kambi Teso slum. Open Arms has not been able to host a medical clinic in the slum for many years, and we anticipate that it will be heavily attended by thousands of patients who would otherwise go without medical care!
We've collected a few stories from our team members and hope you will keep the team and the patients they see in your prayers as they continue to minister to people who are devastated by poverty.
"This morning I was awoken very early by the Kenyan birds, on my one day to sleep in (today we get a day of rest and exploring). As I lie here in bed under my twisted mosquito net, reviewing all my photos from our medical clinic yesterday I find myself smiling.
I love sitting down with each patient, sitting across from them at their level, grabbing their hands, making eye contact with them and saying "Hello, my name is Brooke; what is your name?" Then they state their name shyly. I continue to look in their eyes, the window to their soul, and say "I am a nurse, I am here to take good care of you, to try and make you feel better. I am happy to do that for you." Then they smile, and their shoulders relax. I read parts of their registration/triage/diagnosis paper aloud to them and then say "I see you have a fever and fatigue, I would like to draw a small sample of blood to test for Malaria, is that okay?" Then they nod and their eyes light up. They're being heard. They're being valued. After the test I hug them, or gently rub their arm, squeeze their hand, and say "thank you for coming, thank you for letting me help."
Every day we cross paths with "strangers," often times just briefly. Maybe they're helping us at a grocery store or coffee stand, maybe we are helping them at our job, maybe we are just passing them on the sidewalk. Make eye contact, show them that you see them, that they're not alone on this crazy planet where we can often be made to feel like we are just next in line, or invisible among the crowd. I give you this challenge from Kenya.
You'll transform the person you see....
And you'll transform yourself."


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I introduced myself awhile ago, and I've started doing basic animations, and I just made my first custom poses!
These are based on how I didn't like the current "fly" position. I don't like how it looks like you're flying with a 2h weapon, and the hands cover the body. So here is my version! Enjoy! :D
Kinda messed up on the left arm there. D:
Also, Wondering how I can make this character, but the mouth is the blazing rage mouth, and the eyes are the hit face of male 4.
Comment and answer.
My first custom poses!
Introduce yourself to the rest or ask silly questions!
Post Reply
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
- MSAnimator
- Blue snail
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 5:40 pm
Re: My first custom poses!
It looks about the same as the Pose "Flying"
Post Reply
2 posts • Page 1 of 1


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Redistricting in today's shifting racial landscape – Society and Culture – AEI.
In "A Nation of Takers," author Nicholas Eberstadt draws on an impressive array of data to detail the exponential growth in entitlement spending over the past fifty years. As he notes, in 1960, entitlement payments accounted for well under a third of the federal government's total outlays. Today, entitlement spending — everything from Medicare to disability payments — accounts for a full two-thirds of the federal budget. While these economic developments are indeed astonishing, the cultural costs of this epidemic are equally troubling, and Eberstadt shows in unflinching detail how this run-away spending is making a very real, long-lasting, negative impact on the character of our citizens.
Also included in the book are responses to Eberstadt's argument from other leading political theorists, William Galston, who questions Eberstadt's causal links between government programs and dependence, and Yuval Levin, who suggests that the problems posed by dependence may, in fact, run even deeper than Eberstadt suggests. A final response from Eberstadt puts everything in perspective and invites the rest of us to lend our voices to the conversation.


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Today, members of the Azzolino family--owners of The Sausage Factory since 1979--announced that they've decided to take the building off the market and keep the classic Italian eatery in operation.
Last May, a trio of tipsters alerted us that the building at 517 Castro St. was for sale. A Redfin listing for $4.1 million advertised that the property--which includes a 3-bedroom second-floor unit and a 4-bedroom third-floor flat-- would be delivered to the new owner with a vacant restaurant on the ground floor.
Before it opened as a restaurant in 1968, the building was an actual sausage factory until the 1940s. Remnants of the old facility, including original meat racks and black iron doors that previously enclosed sausage-smoking rooms, are still visible today.
A menu from 1971. | Photo: The Sausage Factory/Facebook
Tony Azzolino, who hails from Calabria, Italy, started as a prep cook before acquiring the restaurant in 1979. After members of the community showed support for keeping the spot in business, Mario Azzolino, Tony's nephew, offered to step up and keep the local landmark open.
Mario has more than a decade of restaurant industry and long wanted to open his own place, but the number of longtime restaurants that have recently shuttered in San Francisco kept him from pursuing his dream.
Photo: The Sausage Factory/Facebook
"When the announcement was made that we were closing," Mario said, citing Hoodline's previous coverage, "we had a lot of people coming by to pay their final respects. I saw it as an opportunity to keep something around that has its place in the neighborhood."
Although Mario intends to maintain the restaurant's classic ambiance, cuisine and staff, The Sausage Factory will close in late February for a brief refresh; however, it'll reopen in early March with some slight updates to its operations.
"It was either this or the place shutting down," laughed Mario, "so I hope neighbors respond well to the news."
Photo: The Sausage Factory/Facebook
Not much has changed since the restaurant opened 50 years ago, "so we'll mainly be refreshing the place and going through a lot of the historic photos on the walls, adding a computer system and cleaning and organizing," he added.
He's also planning to inject some fresh influences, like his mother's sauce recipes.
Photo: The Sausage Factory/Facebook
"We'd like to spend more time on the classics," Mario said. "The dishes that people usually order here."
Mario said he hopes people celebrate the good news by stopping in for a meal.
"We want to re-incorporate ourselves back into the neighborhood," he said. "We're trying to go for another 50 years."
Castro's 'The Sausage Factory' To Remain Open
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Water and sanitation in post-crisis situations: between relief and development
Julie Patinet
The water and sanitation sector is affected by the same "classic" problems as other sectors in post-crisis situations: the need for high quality initial assessments, positioning in relation to the state, funding for the intermediary phase between emergency relief and development, coordination and planning ahead for the transition from assistance to cost recovery. Humanitarian and development agencies have interconnected know-how, but there is a lack of understanding between them. Can they work together better?
- Important points, p1
- The key issues, p2
A seminar in January 2009 looked at the Water and Sanitation sector in post-crisis situations. The conclusions of the seminar have now been published in the French Development Agency's Savoirs Communs » series.
With climate change and the probability of increasing urban growth, access to potable water and sanitation are becoming more and more pressing issues. During the reconstruction phase, it is essential to take a long term view of WASH issues: humanitarian and development actors need to work together in order to develop the most appropriate techniques and approaches which give people affected by a crisis sustainable access to water and sanitation. The quality of the transition between emergency relief and development is fundamental.
This article presents some of the key points and conclusions of the seminar in Paris co-organised by the French Development Agency (AFD) and Groupe URD on 12-13 January 2009. The seminar was a chance for professionals from the sector to share their experiences and preoccupations. A collective communication document was very rapidly produced summarising the main points which emerged during the seminar. Under the aegis of the Partenariat Français pour l'Eau, this was taken to the World Water Forum in Istanbul in March 2009. The seminar was also the subject of an issue of « Savoirs Communs » which can be downloaded from the AFD's website or Groupe URD's website. Over and above external communications, the objective of the seminar was to help actors from the humanitarian and development sectors to get to know each other better. This helped to collectively produce genuinely operational recommendations for actors of all kinds, including donors.
Before going any further, it is important to point out two things. Firstly, the overall objective of this kind of seminar, with its technical and institutional discussions, remains improving crisis affected populations' access to potable water and appropriate sanitation systems. And secondly, covering these essential needs should always be done in keeping with the specific socio-cultural characteristics of the people concerned.
Important points
Two important points were made on the basis of participants' experiences.
First of all, the majority of current crises are complex, protracted and of an unpredictable duration. The supply of bottled water is actually the exception. Humanitarian agencies are increasingly present in long-term crisis situations where sustainable tools and equipment need to be installed (e.g. pumps) and adapted to the new contexts.
Secondly, even after the international year of sanitation in 2008, this sector remains relatively underfunded. And yet we know that access to potable water is inextricably linked to effective and decent sanitation, which is therefore extremely important in terms of health and development.


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October 06, 2017
To close out Fire Prevention Week the Belton Fire Department is hosting its annual Open House at Fire Station 2 on Sparta Rd., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Please join us for photos with a fireman, free raffles, face painting, fire trucks, free hot dogs and many more activities.
Guidelines on a Calendar/Poster contest will be available. Les McBurney will be there hanging out with us too!


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The Sacramento Kings have achieved a number of firsts in the construction of their new Golden 1 Center Entertainment and Sports Arena, set to open on October 1st. The eco-friendly structure will be totally solar powered, helping it achieve U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum status, a first for an indoor arena. It will also feature local food sourcing, and the globe's largest indoor arena display screen. But attracting the most attention is the fact it was specifically designed to accommodate all the Kings' fans—with a focus on the Transgender community. The arena will have twenty-three all-gender public restrooms throughout the center.
"We set out to build the most connected and forward-thinking arena in the world because we wanted to ensure the very best fan experience for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said King's Owner and Chairman, Vivek Ranadive.
"The Sacramento Kings are leading not only the NBA, but sports worldwide in building the first arena to ensure transgender fans are fully respected and welcomed," stated Rick Zbur, Executive Director of LGBT civil rights organization, Equality California. "We commend the Sacramento Kings and we are hopeful they are the first of many franchises to provide accommodations for all fans."
The NBA team is on record for its strong support of the Transform California campaign that promotes "respect, understanding and safety for transgender Californians."
What a day! pic.twitter.com/QiNsn8YTRF
— Golden 1 Center (@Golden1Center) September 30, 2016


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Poor thing
Poor Alan T. I am outside the usual club and someone presented him with a firemans hat. He's wearing it and strutting around flamboyantly while digital cameras flash. He's a clown. Outrageously gay in a time when being gay isn't as funny as it once was. A cautionary tale for those who have a granule of talent and the ability to be outrageous. What a life.


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Mr. President, you're doin' a heckuva job. Which is what another president --
"This is not a one-off, this is not a photo-op issue," this president solemnly declared on making a photo-op stop. "I know how resilient the people of
"These are some good people down here," said the president. "They got a lot of work to do and they shouldn't have to do it alone." And they aren't. Not just water is flooding into
Meanwhile, help isn't just on the way. It's arrived. The contrast between political words and loving deeds was hard to ignore at the
This president has played this familiar game before, but from the opposite angle. When he was only a presidential hopeful instead of an occupant of the Oval Office, he lambasted
Of all people and politicians, it was
Comment by clicking here.
Paul Greenberg is the Pulitzer-winning editorial page editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.


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This Series started out to be something totally different than what is being presented here as the final project, which for one thing has made a delay in getting it published. The concept for the original approach, which this Series is developed as a basis, and goal were striking opposed to me personally – making it even more difficult to grasp. Finally, after revisiting it several times over, just threw my hands up, walking away from it to work on another Series project and work on a few graphics ideas. Then is dawned on me, the exact same challenge that was being had myself, was the one being committed by the original writer – it is all in the approach.
The Approach
Am certain that sparked some interest into what that means… The original writing developed a list of things that they wanted to make sure to teach, which were all good things, but the direction in which they were developed was this:
good manners "worldly concept" > make application in the Bible or attribute to a famous author by way of quote.
Doesn't seem all that harmful does it? We normally would see that in teaching a young mind or even an immature mind a concept, we would take that concept, explain it, then go to the Bible to show it to them. Harmless, right? If we take the approach of "let's see what God's Word says about that…" it would be deemed appropriate, but what was actually found was finding that the author went from translation to translation and outside of the bounds of God's Word to "find" whatever would fit the definition of what they were making application of for the lesson. The pick and choose method is a dangerous, slippery slope that can present seemingly small items into very large miscommunications from God's Word.
Admittedly, I am not the average person, ANYONE that knows me would probably have a story or two to tell anyone who'd listen about that… but, here is one thing that I do know – when one goes to twist the Word of God to make a point, it is no longer about God, but rather the person doing the twisting. God does not have to twist, He merely points.
My approach was to put down the wording, definitions and verses used to support the list that peaked my interest – back up and ask God the Father to help me gain the RIGHT perspective for why He had me doing this very Series. The lesson had to be given to me first, before there would be any way that it could be shared with others – I knew that, but had a difficult time connecting it together because of that learning step. Now, it makes a WHOLE lot more sense…
This incredible list of twelve (12) Life Lessons take the approach of seeing what God's Word says, then making application of it in, on, and through our lives – instead of taking a worldly approach and trying to fit God's Word into the mold of it's ways, practices and understanding.
List of Lessons
Benefit of Kindness
Value of Hard Work
Power of Self-Control
Gift of Good Manners
Walk of Humility
Blessing of Obedience
Honor of Justice
Strength of Serving Others
Dignity of Serving Others
Courage to Do What is Right
Delight in God's Word
Unfailing Love of Christ
Once the direction challenge was discovered, a reversal on approach was made and the realization that these are all things that God the Father has ALREADY spoken of in His Word, the task becomes MUCH more simple to share with others. Am afraid though, Christians are so blinded by trying to make application of character trait they want to see in others, that we often forget Who's Instruction Guide and Rule Book we should be referencing. It does take work, searching and dedication to find the Mind of God on things – but He gave us the Good Book, we need to develop the Good Sense to USE it! Being in His Word every day will change your and my day with every thing we do. Go there first, then teach the lesson, you'll have the Holy Spirit to help you make the application and God's FULL AUTHORITY to back it up.
Twelve Lessons For Life | http://delivertheword.com/twelvelessonsforlife
Flickr | https://www.flickr.com/photos/98308216@N06/sets/72157647893845197
e-Courage | http://delivertheword.com/how-to-use-e-courage
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Discover the structure and functionality of Clarity Human Services, as well as step-by-step instructions for common tasks and configuration scenarios.
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Learn how to manage agencies within Clarity Human Services, such as how to work with Programs, Services, Funding, Assessments, and Agency Sites.
Report Library
Find detailed information for each report, including the source of each data point as well as guidance on drill-down functionality and parameters.
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Use the powerful Data Analysis Tool to interact with your data. Understand the trends and patterns in your data to get the most from Clarity Human Services.
Data Integration and Migration
Find all the tools and resources you need to support data integration and migration projects within Clarity Human Services.


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Originally published on Gas2. I found this vanity plate (+ fake reactions) on the excellent Elon Musk public group on Facebook that someone recently invited me to, and despite seeing a lot of great Tesla (and other EV) vanity plates, I think this is my favorite: As much as I like CYA OPEC, SOQUICK & SOQUIET (nice
My Favorite Tesla Vanity Plate (So Far) was originally published on CleanTechnica.
To read more from CleanTechnica, join over 50,000 other subscribers: Google+ | Email |


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Registered as a UK Charity No. 295799
Bristol and Avon Family History Society : Supplier Contents | Search Supplier | Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8
Microfiche resources transcribed and published by the Bristol & Avon Family History Society. Baptismal, marriage and burials microfiche are transcribed from the parish registers where they exist and are legible, otherwise Bishop's Transcripts are used. Most notably, the registers for the central Bristol parishes of St Peter, St Mary le Port and Temple (aka Holy Cross) were destroyed or damaged during World War 2.
To view the contents of our microfiche, you will of course, require a microfiche reader which are available for public use in many libraries and record offices.
We are are no longer publishing resources on microfiche and are running down of our existing stock. However, a number documents are still available in this format (mostly in sets) and are listed below.
If you have a query regarding our products and publications, please email: [email protected]
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9x9 SatPax 1000 70% IPA Pre-Saturated Wiper, 75 Per Pouch. - SatPax® 1000 55% cellulose/45% polyester, nonwoven. Recommended for use in an ISO Class 5 (Class 100) cleanroom and above Lot number on each resealable pouch ensure traceability 3 different IPA/DIH20 saturation solutions-70/30, 9/91, 6/94(6/94 canister only). Resealable flexible pouches prevent solvents from evaporating. Canister contains roll of perforated wipers
Manage your MPS account and check on order status.


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Say Hello!
If you'd like to find out more about what I do, work together on a project, or simply have a chat over coffee, feel free to fill up the form on the right! Or, if you'd prefer, you can also drop me a message at firstname.lastname@example.com. I would love to hear from you!


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"Technologies Controller"
The PUSH PC4 CONTROLLER is a network- enabled controller which interfaces to systems either via one of its 4 IR ports, RS232 port, TCP/IP port or one of its two onboard relays.
Control & Automate your premises including:
Monitors, TV's, Displays,
Video sources,
Audio systems,
Lighting systems,
Security and automation systems such as the Ness M1,
And virtually anything you dream of...
The PC4 includes voltage sensing, macro driven controller that can be customized by the installer to cater for any of your requirements.
Push Project Software allows code-free device set-up, macro development and totally customizable GUI creation.
The PUSH PC4 application enables an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to control the system. In addition to this powerful app, the GUIs are rendered in HTML so any Web enabled device including smart phones, touch screens and PCs can be used as control interfaces.
The PUSH PC4 Controller can operate as a standalone controller, bidirectional RS232 capability allows it to also be an easy add on to existing control systems. Add another room, more equipment, or just use it to add web enabled interface capability.
Audio / Visual
Home Automation
For iPad and iPhone Or Any web enabled device
Applications include :
• Residential,
• Offices,
• Conference Rooms,
• Digital Signage,
• Sports Bars,
• Houses of Worship,
• Event Centers
Additional Information
|Part Number


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Fixed Right Guarantee
If it's not fixed right the first time, we will not bill you again.
Our solutions are a collection of simple technologies, working in harmony to deliver a sophisticated result. While some companies make things bigger, more complex, and more advanced, we believe it takes a touch of genius to go the other direction. Desert IT delivers a superior solution in a much Simpler way. Don't get stuck with an over complicated network that will cost you more time and money to untangle.
Have you asked yourself why can't my technology work the way they said it would? Or maybe you have given up trying to find a reliable IT provider you can trust. You don't have to settle, you can have an affordable IT solution when you work with Desert IT. If you want your IT platform to be Simple to understand, Simple to operate and Simple to fix, you have come to the right place.
If it's not fixed right the first time, we will not bill you again.
You have a 30-day out on all agreements. Don't get stuck with bad support.
Optional money back guarantee available for all service contracts. You will also have the owners direct cell numbers.
David LittleChief Executive Officer Education Industry Las Vegas, Nevada
I had the pleasure of working with Brian as an outsourced vendor for a little over 1 year and also as an employee for 1 year. I can't think of anyone I would provide a higher recommendation for than Brian. He is an outstanding talent. A big-picture thinker who brings a great deal of strategic and analytical thinking to every facet of his work. Brian is extremely dependable, hard working, engaged and bright.
Allie HowryOffice Manager Manufacturing Industry Clinton, Illinois
I personally believe your services pay for themselves if you consider all the time we previously put into the technical side of things. Thanks again for the great service, you have truly made our lives easier.
Brett KruasePresident Insurance Industry Bloomington, Illionis
Now not only are issues addressed within 30 minutes, but usually resolved right away. What's best is they have a prompt, all-encompassing solution. We appreciate the relationship and enjoy working with everyone on the team.
Enthusiasm and passionare just part of what drives Kie Liang and Brian Arredondo and sets them apart from the industry.
Both had successful careers in large companies with complex IT platforms that helped them identify the recurring issues that cause technology to under perform. They have seen the mistakes already made so you don't have to be a casualty of your own technology. When a problem does arise they can fix it in less than 30 minutes over 80 percent of the time.
Brian knows how to ask the right questions up front and more importantly listens to what you need. He has the unique ability to bridge the typical gap between people and technology and design an affordable solution for your IT platform. His confidence, enthusiasm and energy are abundant and he brings these talents to every project and customer of Desert ITS.
Kie is the "wizard" behind the curtain and his success and drive comes from his deep and genuine care for people. He is inspired by the philanthropic passions of Bill Gates and Warren buffet. He approaches every project with the customer in mind since most customers come to us after they were let down by their IT Provider and are very frustrated. He is obsessed with your satisfaction and will not rest until the job is done right.
And of course the team at DITS have the required technical degrees, credentials, and certifications from Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, VMWare etc.


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Sexual myths are untrue assumptions or statements about sexuality that are propagated throughout our lives and our culture. These sexual falsehoods can carry prejudicial undertones of sexism, racism, and homophobia.
Some of these common myths include "Men only like curvy women", "Men want sex every second of every day", "women have no interest in sex", "gays will have sex with anyone they meet", certain races have certain penis sizes, certain races are frigid or hypersexual, and that certain sex acts are effeminate, gay, selfish, or immoral. Many distortions function as a way of controlling and defining others' sexuality, their lives, and dogma. We need to look deeper into the assumptions that we hold about sexuality and why we believe them to be true. How did we come to learn these myths? How are they propagated in today's culture and media?
While most sexual myths are stereotypes that we can laugh at, there are some that we know are untrue, yet we still allow ourselves to be unnerved by them. Certain myths are so ridiculous that we know they are fake. Yet, they can still cause a certain fear and apprehension about sexuality. For example, the myth that if you masturbate too much you will grow hair on your palms or go blind, still propagate an uneasiness with pleasure, that it is wrong, that you will somehow be punished for it. Throughout our lives, especially in our youth, we try so hard to conform to "normal" sexuality, formed through familial, social, and institutional rules, and it can be scary to discover that we may be outside of that box. That we may actually be wired a bit differently.
One of the biggest sexual myths today exists in the porn industry. Many young men and women are having trouble today because of the template for sex that porn provides and that many people strive to bring from the screen to real life. I am not discouraging porn, for many it can work as a breakthrough in sharing fantasies with one another, but it lacks a more educated and connected sexual experience that most find more of a turn-on. Some people even begin to measure themselves against the impossible standards of the porn industry, "why don't I seem to be enjoying this?" "I don't look like these girls on screen, he must not find me attractive" "She's not screaming at the top of her lungs, maybe I'm not doing it right".
What are some sexual myths that you've encountered about yourself and others? How do you feel about them? How they are portrayed in the media? Consider your own sexual stereotypes.
How have they affected your own relationships or sexual encounters? If you were to write down your own honest sexual narrative, what would it look like? What is happening in your love life so far, and what would you like it to look like in the future? Think about the answers to these questions and think about how sexpectations have effected your sex life, your self esteem, and your relationships.


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The Ride 2nd Gear - Gentlemen Edition
This product is unavailable
In what is soon to be your favorite coffee table book, The Ride 2nd Gear continues to present the latest custom bikes and the best builders on the planet, including a rather large section devoted to yours truly, Revival Cycles. Flip open to any page and enjoy seemingly endless moto eye-candy co-edited by Chris Hunter of Bike Exif.
Exactly the same inside, this book is also offered with a Rebel Edition cover.
The Ride 2nd Gear presents a stunning selection of recent custom motorcycles, as well as the small, local workshops around the globe in which they are built. Hotbeds of creativity and craftsmanship, these workshops are mostly run by single individuals and attract a small yet devoted community of fans and fellow builders.
The custom bike community as a whole is united by its passion for the ride—one so strong that it is now attracting a younger generation. Whether alone or in a group of like-minded friends, in a city or in the countryside, just for the weekend or embarking on a long-distance road trip, these drivers are actively sharing and celebrating pure riding pleasure on their own unique motorcycles that are lovingly crafted with time, dedication, and technical expertise.
From limited series to one-offs, The Ride 2nd Gear features the brilliant results of this process. Its pages are filled with bikes that offer extraordinary design and driving experiences. In fact, established brands are now acting on trends set by the custom scene whose bikes are often more radical and sophisticated because more attention can be paid to detail and each new idea can be fine-tuned to perfection.
Some models shown in The Ride 2nd Gear stem from or are based on classic bobbers and choppers, Italian-style racing machines, plastic Japanese motorcycles, and rare BMWs or Triumphs, which may very well be up to 80 years old. Others are art bikes made for show or futuristic visions inspired by the aesthetics of science fiction, fantasy, or anime. But whether they preserve or radically expand on traditional craftsmanship, these custom machines are more agile, faster, and therefore more fun than anything produced in the past.
Journalist and custom motorcycle expert Chris Hunter co-edited both this book and the previous release The Ride. Born in England, Hunter now lives with his family in New Zealand, where he runs the motorcycle website Bike EXIF. It's now the world's most popular showcase of custom bikes with millions of pageviews every month and a passionate global following.


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Young inspectors supported by Bucks County Council youth service visited the children's ward at Wycombe Hospital at the invitation of the Trust's lead nurse for children's services, Kate Bulbeck, to assess the ward from a young adult's point of view.
The young inspectors have been fully trained to carry out assessments and are engaged to do so by the CCG commissioner for children and young people. The team followed the NHS 15 Steps Challenge as a method for their inspection and their findings will help inform our quality improvement initiatives.
One of the first questions they asked after arriving in the ward was "What's the WiFi connection like?" They were also keen to find out if there was anywhere for young adults to 'chill' that's separate from areas designed for young children.
The young inspectors team then moved on to carry out an inspection of Stoke Mandeville's children's ward on the following day.
The 15 Steps Challenge is a series of toolkits that have been co-produced by the NHS Institute for innovation and Improvement with patients, service users, carers, relatives, volunteers, staff, governors and senior leaders, to help look at care in a variety of settings through the eyes of patients and service users, to help capture what good quality care looks, sounds and feels like.
Let us know your comments, compliments and complaints so that we can listen, learn and respond
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