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Doing Business at Hard Rock
Business doesn't have to be synonymous with boring. Hard Rock Hotel offers the perfect mix of stimulating and fun rock star style balanced by state-of-the-art facilities and a professional atmosphere. Group room blocks also make our hotel a great and affordable option for a meeting that requires travel. We're here to make your next meeting a show-stopper. For more information about our meetings and rooms, view our Meeting Fact Sheet, Meeting Floor Plan, Meeting Capacity Chart, and Banquet Menu.
The After Party
After an unforgettable meeting, give them an unforgettable experience. The Hard Rock Hotel's huge menu of amenities also creates the perfect setting for pre- and post-meeting entertainment. Guests at your next event can unwind at our unique pool facility, enjoy a day of golf, or relax with a day of spa rejuvenation.
Our Venues at a Glance
- Over 6,000 square feet of function space
- 2,964 square foot Avalon Ballroom
- 9,000 square foot Woodstock Lawn
- Unique catering with vegetarian and kosher options
- 650 guest rooms and suites
- 5 restaurants and lounges including the famed Palm Restaurant


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Many think that the nation's health reform is already affecting the hiring market, even though the employer mandate has been delayed.
A new report by IQ Navigator, which tracks the contingent labor industry, delves into the likely effects in 2015, assuming the reform does get implemented on its new schedule.
The research firm points to several key forks in the road that businesses will face. For instance, businesses facing the employer mandate may provide insurance, or, if they need more people but can't or won't provide insurance, may either pay a penalty to the government or turn to temporary staffing agencies to bring on workers without the requirement to provide healthcare.
Large firms with workers who put in 30 hours a week or more and therefore must provide them with benefits may opt to offer them, try to manage their hours more carefully so workers don't qualify for benefits, or may instead turn to temporary staffing agencies to escape the requirement.
Each of these choices may have unanticipated consequences. For instance, businesses that try to manage employees' hours more carefully may end up with more employees who are working fewer hours per week, IQ Navigator predicts. This may lead to administrative headaches.
Generally speaking, IQ Navigator points to rising labor costs as employers are asked to provide healthcare-something it says will be felt more by businesses that employ low wage workers. "The cost of health benefits is substantially higher in proportion to their compensation, their numbers are higher...and highly compensated workers are more likely to already have health insurance coverage," writes IQ Navigator's Gary Pollard. As IQ Navigator points out, companies in the U.S. are increasingly using temp agencies their "recruitment channel" in the post-recession economy. This is likely to increase, the firm predicts, if firms try to keep their rising labor costs in check.
That trend is going to have big implications for the U.S. labor market, but few seem to be addressing it.
Update: Pro Publica recently released a story called "The Expendables: How the Temps Who Power Corporate Giants are Getting Crushed," that many will find thought provoking. Some people love temp work, but, as the article points out, many who would rather have a full-time gig now have few other alternatives.
I am the author of The Million-Dollar, One Person Business, a Random House book looking at how everyday Americans are breaking $1 million in revenue in businesses with no…
I am the author of The Million-Dollar, One Person Business, a Random House book looking at how everyday Americans are breaking $1 million in revenue in businesses with no employees besides the owners. A former senior editor at Fortune Small Business magazine, I have written about entrepreneurship for publications such as Crain's New York Business, Fortune, Money, Inc., CNBC and many others. I'm also co-founder of 200kfreelancer.com, a community for indie professionals looking to build a thriving business.

subset: commoncrawl


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Caring for your Jewellery
Remove jewellery before swimming or going in the sea, especially plated jewellery.
Silver jewellery stays bright if worn though oxidises when left.
You can invest in a silver dip or polishing cloth to keep it shining.
Be careful with skincare products that can cause tarnishing.
Storing jewellery in a zip lock bag or pouch will keep it lasting longer.
Gold plated jewellery will eventually wear, though mine has a heavy plating and designed to last. It is best not to sleep in it, never swim in it or allow it to come into contact with skin products. If you want yo wear it every day regardless it can be returned for re-plating.
Gold filled chains are unlikely to wear as the gold is permanently bonded to the base metal. To keep them fresh keep them in an air tight container or zip lock pouch.
You can return jewellery to me for re-polishing or re-plating. Please contact me for details.


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Rogers Sewing Center
1802 South 8th Street (Hwy. 71B South) Rogers, AR
Bernina and Other Clubs
Bernina New Owner Classes
Sewing Classes
Service and Repair
Service and Repair Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for getting my machine repaired?
You can drop off your sewing machine any time. We are open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm. and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Your machine will normally be ready in 7 to 14 days. Ordering of parts may require a bit more time.
Our technician has preformed service and repair in our store since 1973!
What is the Cost to Repair my machine?
A Complete Clean, Oil, and Adjust of any basic sewing machine is $99.95 plus parts and tax.
You can also bring in your machine and we will be happy to evaluate what is required... We offer this at no charge.
Where is your store located?
1802 South 8th Street. On I-49 take Exit 83(Pinnacle Hills Parkway). Take New Hope Road about 3 miles. Turn Left on 8th Street. We are on the Left. Look for a Huge Green and White "Jim Tucker Real Estate" Sign. We are in the same building. (Map found below)
Do you repair Commercial/Industrial Machines?
Sorry, we do not service/repair commercial machines, sergers, blindhemmers, embroidery,
or quilting machines.
Do you repair Sergers?
We repair Bernina Brand Sergers.
Sorry, we do not repair other brands of sergers.
Rogers Sewing Center Location
Get Directions
1802 South 8th Street (71B) Rogers, AR 72756 Phone (479)636-8240.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 280 Rogers, AR 72757 Fax (479)636-1703.
Monday to Friday 9-5. Saturday 9-4.
return to home


text: Home - Catalog - Dictionaries - Portugese Livro de Frases em Português / Creole by Educa Vision Inc. Phrasebook $12.00 Preces à Mãe Terra / Prayers to Mother Earth by Alexandra Magalhaes Zeiner, Clevane Pessoa, Noralia Castro, Rodrigo M. Starling and Sonia Palma "Stories, art and mythology have long been our guide for living in balance and harmony throughout the ages. When we read words of inspiration and wisdom, to ourselves, to our … $10.00 My First English-Portuguese Illustrated Dictionary by Louise Canuto and Anne Valérie Dorsainvil My First English-Portuguese Illustrated Dictionary is an original pictorial word book specially designed to introduce young children to the world of words in the context of second … $16.50 Mom, I Want to be a Vegetarian! Mamãe, Quiero Ser Vegetariano! by Alexandra Magalhães Leiner Alexandra M. Zeiner's text, combined with the lovely art of Judith Fortelny, invites us to meet an enchanting and wise owl family. Their stories and adventures offer guidance a… $19.50 English-Portuguese, Portuguese-English Word to Word Dictionary by Féquière Vilsaint , Louise Canuto Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome e Principe, East Timor, Macao, Guinea Bissau, Goa, Diu, and several niches in the U.S.A. have a language in common. They … $24.50 English Portuguese Pictorial Dictionary by Educa Vision Inc. The English Portuguese Pictorial Dictionary is an illustrated bilingual dictionary that provides easy to learn vocabulary units, accompanied by captivating images with vivid … $15.50 English Portuguese Social Studies Glossary by Educa Vision Inc. Cat #: B1381 The English / Portuguese Social Studies Glossary was developed to assist the Portuguese Language Learners (ELL) students in understanding the vocabulary that is … $15.00 English Portuguese Science Glossary by The State Education Department / The University of the State of New York Cat #: B1399 The English Portuguese Science Glossary was developed to assist the Portuguese English Language Learners (ELL) students in understanding the vocabulary that is i… $15.00 Glossary Of Literacy Terms And Devices For Language Arts by Educa Vision Inc. Other reference materials in English and Portuguese:English - Portuguese / Portuguese - English Word to Word Dictionary, by Fequiere Vilsaint, Louise Canuto. English Portugues… $15.00


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co-educational nursery pre-school to sixth form
During her time at the school, Mrs Vinson was an outstanding teacher. Children in her care were excited to be in school, displaying a genuine love of learning and a desire to do well in all they undertook. Learning was made thrilling by Mrs Vinson's inspirational teaching and children thrived, making remarkable progress.
We bid farewell to her with a party games, fruit punch and jollity. Mrs Vinson will be much missed and we wish her every happiness as she heads off to join her family in Qatar.
Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can find out more about our cookies here.
By clicking 'Agree' and closing this window, you are consenting to the collection of some personal information.
Thank you for visiting Clifton High School's website.


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Regular price
Meet The Jai Jais Baby Series. Exciting, fun and colourful books to help introduce children to Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Shri Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, good fortune, and success.
Suitable for 0 - 2½ years
** Please note that these are picture books**
Special note:
When entering the delivery address, kindly ensure there will be someone to receive the parcel or can be left at a safe place. The package is likely to be of an unusual size which may not fit in your letterbox.
Books Available: Ganesh, Krishna, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Durga & Shiva
The Jai Jais board books have been beautifully created to capture the essence highlighted below. The original series characters have been made into younger character to introduce and engaged the child from a very early stage. The pictures are set on a white background, with a border so they are visually appealing and capture a child's attention.
The vocabulary has been carefully chosen to replicate the words the children will be introduced to in the next series so they are also ready building their knowledge and bringing the universals forward to the next stage of The Jai Jais.


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CT Urogram is an exam specifically looking at the urinary system with an evaluation of the kidneys, ureters, and the bladder. CT Urogram is often utilized to follow treatment of kidney stones and cancers of the urinary tract; this test can reveal blockages that can be caused by kidney stones, congenital anomalies and cancers of the urinary tract.
CT Urogram


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This is the first of 6 books in a series I am developing. It contains the history and back-story for the remainder of the series. Check the eBook Downloads Page to get your free copy.
Here is a sample from Chapter 1.
The GuildMaster stood at the lectern impatiently waiting for this year's group of apprentices to settle down carefully watching one particular candidate. As the noise grew it soon became obvious they were too excited. Coughing loudly he glared with a cold stare when a number of them kept up their discussion.
Raising his voice to get their attention he began. "A story, just what is a story? Is it a statement of fact or fiction? Is it something personalized by the teller, or even the listener?
"A story is history to the teller. It is his-story, not yours, not mine. If we tell our story then we are bragging about things we've done, and maybe just a few things we wished we hadn't. A story is the reflection of someone's life, their adventures, their passion and their failures. Your job is to prepare that story in such a way that you not only entertain the listener but you hook them, making them want to follow it. They need to feel the pain, understand the anguish, and sense the fear, not only of the unknown but the known as well.
"If you desire to advance beyond the level of troubadour, then this assignment will be required. Is it something that is easy to do? For some of you, yes. Unfortunately most will fail. Only you can decide if it is something you can Master?
"For the remainder of this week your assignment is to prepare such a story. One that is rich with adventure, character, and appeal. You must present it in a way it has never been told before, if you want to capture and mesmerize your audience."
Groans could be heard coming from his captive audience as the apprentices complained about the task at hand.
"It is impossible to do that in month" groaned one student. "There is not enough time in the day to complete that."
"Looks you will need to do your work this time" said Ragush glaring at the class bully. "It's about time." Before a smart retort could be fired off their instructor continued.
"You have one month starting right now. Your story must be worthy of your position and reflect your own heart for our Guild. The best stories will be chosen by a panel of three Master's. The best entry will be presented at this year's gathering.
"Class dismissed. Remember, this is an individual project. Your future as a Bard will depend on the outcome of your story." Turning on his heel he noted, with some satisfaction, that his cape billowed out behind. He strode quickly across the courtyard and entered the Guild house leaving behind unasked questions and the stunned looks of the bewildered apprentices trying to follow his progress across the floor. Ragush, his questions demanding answers, followed the Master to the doorway. None of the others dared to approach that particular door let alone follow the Master into the inner sanctum of the Guild.
"Ragush don't go in there, you've heard the rumours" cried out a young maid.
Ragush was a handsome lad of fourteen, rugged from working side by side with his father at their forge. His muscles hard from constant use, his hands calloused from the fires he tended. He was of average height with dark brown hair, pulled back and held in place with a leather thong. His face covered in a light down of peach fuzz had never felt a razor. Hidden behind his loose fitting clothing was a body of hard muscles that one girl, in particular, just couldn't get enough of. His temper was even but like most young men could be provoked to the point of explosion with the right words and prodding. His father had warned him time and time again to keep it under control or face a long hard road of bruises, cuts and possibly even death.
One of the lads poked her in the ribs, "You just don't want to lose your bed warmer" as she turned red with embarrassment. "Go ahead Ragush, show us what you are made of. Show us if the rumours are true or not!" taunted a classmate as he shoved Ragush toward the closed door. "What's wrong, are you a winklezort? Are you afraid that the rumours are true?"
"Winklezort?" he replied
"Yeah, a winklezort. Something that only comes out at night, hiding in the darkness, afraid of its own shadow" the classmate grinned sarcastically.
"Are you afraid that the rumours we hear are more than rumours? Afraid that you might piss yourself in fear? I say you're afraid to open that door? Chicken, chicken" he said strutting like a prized rooster.
The Master watched through an upper window as the scene below unfolded. A slight noise from down the hallway caused him to pause before carefully asking. "Is that you, Lord?"
A grunt of affirmation was barely heard as they continued watching; the taunting, jeering, the name calling, the honour smearing, all unfolding before their eyes. "Is he the one you were telling me about?" asked the Lord.
"Yes M'Lord" replied the Master.
"Does he have what it takes or will he give in to his anger, like so many before him, choosing that path over curiosity? We have such poor apprentices that it may be time to start spreading our seed farther and farther away." Sighing, he continued, "Maybe it is time for this old man to step aside and let younger blood carry on."
"Oh no Lord, don't even think that. You still have many years of service to the Guild left. What you have done for us will be sung about for decades to come. You pulled us all together, gave us hope, brought order where only disharmony existed."
"If this is to be the one, I want him brought to me once he has reached the inner doors. I want to examine him for myself." Turning he quietly followed an erratic pattern moving here and there, stepping over unseen things as he disappeared down the corridor.
Turning his attention back to the in the courtyard below the Master once again watched his students intently. A crowd, of more than students, had began to gather, the noise growing louder and louder. They watched in anticipation at the obvious inner struggle Ragush had to deal with. They did not know what the outcome would be, but they both knew he would be marked by whatever his decision was; either as a coward, a fool, or a brave young man.
Carefully weighing the odds, Ragush approached the door and intently studied the raised panels, noticing the intricate patterns carved on their surface. The patterns seemed to be random yet somehow familiar. Their identity danced along the edge of his consciousness, eluding his grasp. Stepping back he noticed a small, well worn symbol forming the outline of a lyre. As he studied the door, the taunting, then the cries of concern, then the crowd, simply ceased to exist, until he stood all alone before the door. Slowly, he traced the pattern in his mind, not wanting to defile it with his touch. Each time he repeated the pattern it got brighter and brighter until it had his complete attention.
Ragush slowly touched the pattern on the door. It swung open and he stepped through. It closed, with a large clang of a lock falling into place. As the cries of anguish roared through the market were cut off with the closing of the door, Ragush pictured the bully strutting like a peacock as he jeered "I told him not to go, now he gets to find out first hand if those rumours were true. Hey sweety I'll keep your bed warm tonight."
During his stay here, Gerald, had made it his personal goal to get under his skin, to provoke him into a fight, but had failed. When the direct attack had failed he had shifted to assaulting his honor and picking on their classmates. At times Ragush had stepped in to maintain an uneasy truce, but there were still those who buckled under that taunts and pressure. Gerald was big for his age of sixteen, overweight, and spoiled. He was used to having things handed to him, or forcing others to do the work. That was until he came to this school. His parents one step short of forcing him into a life of a soldier had enrolled him here, hoping the Brad's guild would teach him something about life.
Ragush had become oblivious to the noise outside, and the fear that permeated the air. He stood at the edge of nowhere, a place that he could not define let alone explain. As he stared at the ornate symbols carved in the floor it felt like an unseen hand was inscribing story after story onto his heart. Stories that overwhelmed and consumed his deepest thoughts possessed him. Slowly he moved forward, from one empty square to the next. Moving in a pattern that his feet knew but his mind didn't register. One that if asked he couldn't recite.
His feet moving on their own, propelled him across the hall. He moved like a drunkard, one step forward two to the right, one backward, four to the left, three forward while his attention stayed riveted to the walls as they came alive. Words carved in them began playing themselves out creating lifelike pictures of moving characters that drew Ragush in, inserting him into the actual story. It kept pulling at his attention, threatening to the engulf him, to overwhelm him. It was the story that he was living as the main character.
It was the story of a father and son discussing the young lads future, something he was very familiar with. The scene was a Master Craftsman's' shop. An old man hunched over a workbench, tools lined up, each in their place and within easy reach. Along the upper shelf is a row of containers, each containing a special blend of oils and metal fragments that would bring out the very soul of the metal he worked. Next to the old man sat a young apprentice. His bench is littered with tools, half finished pieces that are roughly crafted, the intricate work of the gentle Master definitely missing.
As the Master works he lovingly caressed the wood, pausing only to carefully listen to the wood's heart as it slowly begins to take shape. His hands work tirelessly as intricate designs are cut into the wood with fine detail and care. All of this spoke volumes to Ragush, reminding him of unfinished stories, about adventure, and the turmoil between father and son over his desire to become a Bard, forgoing his family's heritage as Master Swordsmiths. Try as his father did, he could not persuade him to change his mind. Accepting the desire that burned deep in his son's heart, rather than his own wishes, he gave him his blessing. Ragush could still hear the defeat in his words when his father reminded him that he would always be welcome beside him at this forge.
Ragush's attention was drawn back to reality; he found himself standing before a door. Etched on it was the symbol of the lyre as well as a warning in an ancient language that strangely he understood.
"Choose wisely young apprentice!
Once your choice has been made,
It cannot be undone!
Cimion himself, awaits, and will bear witness,
To etch your choice upon his heart forever!"
Ragush paused, and pushed the door open, with no thought about what lay on the other side. He was answering a call that had burned deep within his heart for as long as he could remember. The call to become a Bard, to sing the songs of love, adventure, and pain. To see the world in a different light than most, and to craft it into something all could understand. Maybe, just maybe, he was also being called to greatness, like the Lord's of the Guild from ages past.
Ragush stood inside the closed door, not sure how he got there, or how he would ever return. A cough broke through his thoughts. As he realized he was not alone, he recognized the man that stood before him, but not the two that flanked him.
"Master, forgive me" he said falling to his knees. "If I could figure out how to leave this place I would! I know apprentices are not allowed in the Guild hall."
Trembling with fear, he waited the harsh judgment that all the apprentices knew would befall them. Their dorms had been rampant with the rumours of apprentices that disappeared never to return, never heard from or about again.
"Bring him," barked the Master, "the Guild Lord wishes to interview him before passing judgment."
Hiding their smiles they hoisted Ragush to his feet and dragged him down the hall. Their glaring looks just daring him to further insult these hallowed halls with his voice, his mere presence was a sufficient insult.
They passed a number of entrance ways, leading to only the gods knew where. Half dragging, half pushing they moved up stairs, down stairs, through dungeons, as he was given the grand tour, or so it seemed. His mind in turmoil, nothing registered; he was hopelessly lost. Forever condemned to a Keep he knew absolutely nothing about. A place of rituals, and traditions that people died to keep secret, a place that had literally scared him speechless.
Why did you have to approach that door, you fool. Your questions were not that important, they could have waited until tomorrow. Here I go again, got myself in a real pickle this time. One that I am not going to be able to talk my way out of. One that I am not even going to try.
They had stopped moving, unceremoniously dropping him on his knees before a massive door. The Guild Master grasped his cloak and forced him to stand on his own two feet, his knees screaming in pain, as his two escorts and the Guild Master, slipped away unseen, abandoning him before a great door. It was formidable, large enough to allow a giant to enter, yet ornate with intricately carved stories about people he didn't know, or recognize.
In the center, over a simple sign, hung a huge knocker:
"Ask the right question and you just might find it.
Seek diligently and it will be revealed.
Knock and it will open."
He wondered what it meant. He dared not move. Minutes crawled at a snail's pace and became hours. His legs ached, refusing to move for fear of…. He didn't know what he was more afraid of. Finding the answer, or not knowing.
His curiosity finally got the better of him, and he re-read the sign.
Hmmm ask the right question and you just might find it, seek diligently and it will be revealed, knock and it will open. I asked the questions of the Master and it lead to the door, I went looking for the answers and ended up here. I wonder.
Reaching up and grasping the great knocker attached to the door he was surprised at how light it was. When he released it a great boom he heard, and felt, reverberating through the door and down the passageway behind him. He thought he heard cheering from somewhere behind him, quickly deciding that it was just his mind playing tricks on him.
He waited and waited but nothing happened. He raised the knocker again, and dropped it, no sound came this time ….. nothing.
He raised the knocker, for the third time and dropped it. Again there was no sound, but the door swung slowly inward.
Now you've done it, you fool.
As the gap widened, he glimpsed into a huge room. A large fireplace filled the opposite wall and held a raging fire in check, burning like an angry animal just waiting for release. Two strategically placed high backed chairs and a small table between them sat facing the warmth.
Someone coughed. "Come in and close the door, or stay outside. It is your choice, not mine. But remember the sign on the door; you have asked a question, and the door opened for you. Do you still seek the answer?"
Ragush stood surprised and scared. What should he do? The chance to find his answers overwhelmed him. Now, if he could just remember the question, everything would fall into place, he hoped.
"Lad, decide. These old bones don't like the cold anymore and this place is damp. You are letting the heat escape."
Slowly Ragush entered the room and pushed the door closed, amazed at how easily it swung for its massive size. He heard a soft thunk as it closed, some unseen latch gently dropping in place.
"Come, sit with me by the fire. We have a lot to discuss, you and I. We are not all that different, except your journey is just beginning and mine has almost ended. Would you care for some spiced tea? It is still hot. There is honey there in the pot next to it. Help yourself, but no messes."
Ragush settled in the empty chair and poured himself a cup of tea and topped of his hosts cup. Carefully setting the pot on the hearth, he picked up the honey and added a small amount to each cup.
"I am Kooramish. You may not know who I am but I know all about you. I have been aware of you from an early age and have, from time to time, checked to see how you and your family have been keeping. Your adopted father and I are old friends. We have seen a lot of this world together, in our younger days, traveled to the far reaches of the continent, chewed on some of the same mud and grime. We …."
"WHAT? What are you saying?" Ragush almost choked on his disbelief. "I don't believe you. Adopted? That can't be possible ……….. can it?"
"Yes lad, you were fostered out, adopted so to speak, by a good family, as is the custom of most Bard's children."
"Did you say ADOPTED?" he roared his shock now turning to disbelief and rage. "That can't be. I even look like him, we share many family traits, we have a bond that goes beyond a simple father and son bond."
"Your father, as you call him, is actually your uncle. Your mother was his sister, who died giving birth to you. Your father was young and foolish and wanted to see the world. He didn't know that you were alive until you were three years old. By that time your uncle had filled the role as dad, and it was thought best that it be left that way. Part of my heart died the day your mother passed. The birth of her son never mentioned, perhaps it was for the better that way.. Enough. This is not about me, but about you."
"What do you mean part of your heart died when my mother died? She is still alive, living with my father, tending his home, our home, my home! How dare you insult them!" Ragush cried leaping to his feet.
"Young man, sit down, now!" ordered Kooramish. "I may be getting up in age but I can still teach you a lesson or two in manners and respect. Do not push my patience, you are here by invitation, and that invitation can be withdrawn as easy as it was extended."
Haughtily Ragush replied, "Only the Lord of the Bards can retract that invitation. And you are…."
"Yes, continue."
"Lord forgive me, I didn't realize" he stammered. Oh you fool, you have really messed up this time. Not only have you shoved your boot in your mouth but it's all the way up past your knee this time.
"For now all you need to know is that you have fulfilled three of the four requirements to become a Master Bard. We have anticipated your eventual arrival, but no one expected you to be so young, so untrained, and so full of such raw talent. It takes Bard's years, some decades to breach the outer corridor, you have gone beyond that, to my very own door, in less time than it takes to teach you a new skill.
"Is it your desire to become a Bard?"
"Good tell me what a Bard is. Tell me what it is you seek?'
Ragush paused as he gathered his thoughts. No one had ever demanded he articulate his desire to become a Bard, something he had always struggled to explain, to understand but couldn't.
"Well I am waiting, we don't have all night."
"A Bard is" he said hesitantly. "A Bard is competent in several trades but truly only a Master of one. They must be a journeyman fighter who learns the use of several weapons but never reaching the level of a Master. They must learn the art of the thieves Guilds advancing to a journeyman level. But their real weapon is their music, their song whether it be by voice, instrument or both. It is something that is unique to each bard and just as deadly. Their training teaches them how to find it, identify it and more importantly to control it. Not much has been heard of rogue bards that attempt to develop their wishsong on their own, but it is presumed they do not survive long. A few learn a smattering of majik and can manipulate simple spells for healing and the creation of portals. Some, the very rare ones, can tap into their wishsong and use it either as a weapon or a tool drawing their audience deep into their song until they feel they are an integral part of it. I am here because I have felt my wishsong, reveled in its presence and would learn how to control it and use it to weave music that has never been heard before."
"Impressive, you have a better understanding than most, but do you know what that commitment entails? The standard you will be held to?"
"Sort of."
"Are you aware of the training and final requirement you will need to fulfill?"
"Good, at least you are being honest. A Bard must learn and Master, to the best of his or her ability, several musical instruments before settling on a favourite one. You may be called to play in a royal court for a king or queen, or the courtyard of nobility for a gathering, or forced to play in a local pub for your dinner. You must learn to do this with dignity and respect, and never betray this house. You will learn how to defend yourself with no weapons except your hands and tongue, how to fight like a warrior and manipulate the shadows like a thief. The training will be difficult, dangerous and exhausting. It takes time to learn all of these, while you may excel in some areas, in others you will struggle and fail.
Lord Kooramish groaned as he stood, moving to the fire. He turned his back to it, taking great delight in its warmth before continuing.
"Tonight you have learned something new, something that you can never share with anyone. Information is a weapon, in the right hands a lever than can be used against you in ways you can't imagine.
"You also need to make a decision. Once reached, you are bound for life, not only by that choice but by your oath. I will give you the remainder of the night to decide.
"You will now be returned to your dorm. If you decide not to continue, then you will be gone by first light. If you decide to stay and begin your journey, then you will return to the door where this all started with nothing but the clothes on your back, and your weapons on your hip. Everything else will be left behind, and I mean everything. It will be collected and disposed of. I strongly suggest you spend the night alone, without the distraction of a warm body next to you. It will only make things more difficult come morning."
Nodding his head an unseen figure approached from a darkened corner. "Go with the Guild Master. He will escort you back to your dorm."
Without saying a word the Guild Master motioned Ragush to follow. Moving off to a smaller door, they quickly made their way through the Keep to a smaller servant's entrance. The old man deftly locating the hidden latch, the door opened and he followed.
Ragush found himself standing in the hallway, just outside of his dorm. Quietly he stepped along the wall, staying to the shadows until he reached his room. He could hear the passionate groaning, from across the hall, of a couple in heat of their lovemaking. The door partially open allowed a quick peek. He was not surprised to see his young maid, his bed warmer as Kooramish had called her, in bed with the bully. Didn't take her long to change her loyalties, he thought with disgust.
Shaking his head he moved into his room and quietly closed the door, but not before checking to see if anything had been tampered with. Sitting on the edge of his pallet he slowly mulled over all that had happened to him in an attempt to sort out the events of that day and to decide what to do, where to go.
Systematically he worked through all the information he had learned, the shock of what he had learned slowly wearing off, no longer impeding the process. He was amazed to find out he was actually the son of a Lord, and not just any Lord but the Guild Lord, the son of a Bard. But he couldn't tell anyone. He was confused, shaken and at a loss to try and explain what happened. His thoughts muddled and confused, kept coming back to that one question; would he accept the invitation or decline it?
Ragush had stretched out on his bed, hoping to get a few hours sleep before having to face his decision. He tossed and turned and could not settle down enough to fall asleep. His mind alive with questions, self doubt, and fear. He drifted back to the first day he had discussed the idea of becoming a bard with his father. A memory still filled with hurt, and anger, at its outcome. It had not gone as he had planned or thought it would. At first his father wouldn't discuss it, then he got angry demanding to know if being a Swordsmith was beneath him. Nothing he said could ease the tension, but only seemed to make things worse. They had parted company with him storming out, as his farter turned to his anvil. Angry peels could be heard as he hammered out a piece of metal he had been working on.
Over the next few months the arguments got hotter until finally Ragush stood before his father and said "I hear your dissent with my choices, but it is something I want to do, need to do. This isn't a passing fancy, it is something I have thought long and hard about. I have written the Bard Guild hall and enquired about their apprenticeship program. I got a reply from the m yesterday. Da it is not a choice I make lightly" he tried to reason, "but one that I understand, including the implications. If I don't go and attempt this then I will never know. I can make a living at being a Swordsmith, but not the way you do. The metal sings to you as you work it, bend it, shape it into something only you can see. To me it is just a piece of metal that needs to be shaped, that's it. If this does no work out I will return and admit to my mistake, and enter into an apprentice program with you. To grow old with you, standing everyday in this forge has been a dream you have had for as long as I can remember, one that I don't share. Please try to understand."
" I do understand" said his father. "I understand the implications better than you think. If a bard is what you want to pursue then a bard you will become. There will always be a place for you here beside me.
"You must make your own way to the Guild House. Where is it?"
"Three days ride from here" he replied surprised at the sudden change in his father.
"Which is four days ride, or six days by wagon. I am forbidden to help you, you do know that don't you?"
"No, I didn't" Ragush said gulping his plan beginning to fall apart.
"You work for me here, in the forge as an apprentice, for the next seven days and you will have earned enough gold to cover a wagon ride, your food and a little extra. That is the best I can do, and even that is stretching the boundaries. You start tomorrow morning. If you talk to farmer Jack I believe he sends a cart out once a month to the city for supplies, he might have room for you. His next trip is as soon as we get those wagon wheels re-rimmed, which I figure will take seven days with all the work we have."
The next seven days flew by, Ragush worked from sun up to sun down. His muscles ached each night as he crawled into bed, and were still sore the next day. It was good work, he added more muscle to his lanky frame and began to fill out. It was during theses last few days that he grew closer to his father than he had ever been. He developed a better appreciation for the man and his craft as they shaped metal into shapes that seemed impossible.
At the end of the last day his father approached me an hour before sundown and told him to put his tools away, one of the other apprentices would clean up the forge tonight. "Wash up your mother is waiting for us inside." he said.
Quickly he scrubbed away the dirt and the grime from the forge, careful to make sure he put on clean clothes and boots, before entering his home of fourteen years. What greeted him was a feast like none he had ever imagined, amassed to feed a large group of friends that had quietly arrived making sure they were not seen.
"Ragush, my son, come take the place of honour" said his father leading him to the head of the table.
"In case you have forgotten today is the fourteenth anniversary of your birth, and we would celebrate it with you. Today you have become a man. On a sadder note, it is also the last night you will spend under this roof as your destiny takes you elsewhere."
Ragush looked at everyone assembled, and noticed his mother wouldn't look at him in the eye as tears ran down her face.
"We have gathered here to celebrate your birthday and to share in your last meal here. May these memories always keep your heart warm in times of cold, and may you always know there is a place at this table for you whenever you need it."
"Here, here." was heard all around the massive table as friends and relatives all lifted their tankards to toast him.
"I don't know what to say" he stammered. "Thank you everyone of you."
Ragush turned and raised his tankard, waiting for everyone to quiet down before speaking. "Dad I will treasure these last seven days for the rest of my life. You have taught me values that no book learning could ever do. You have instilled in me a sense of justice that I will always live by, and the desire, no I would say the need, to always give my best in everything I do. Mother, I will miss your gentleness, your love, the softness of your hair, and your warm arms. I take with me a love that is unbroken and hope that I can live to be able to share it with those I meet. To my friends, well what do I say to you lot, except, LETS PARTY." Laughing he drank to them all and sat down to begin eating,
The night passed quickly and at midnight they chased the last of the party goers out. The silence was amazing, yet eerie. His father drew him aside and handed him a bedroll and a small sack. "You have earned every copper of this" he said "And then some. Do not count it here, do that in private. If you are careful there is more than enough to get you to the Bard Guild House and back again, if needed. Good night my son. Sleep well" he said turning for his bed. On an impulse he stopped and hugged Ragush. His huge arms encircling him as his love poured out.
"Thank you father, I will do my best not to sully our family name."
Awkwardly they came apart, his dad heading up the stairs to the loft which his mother had retired to earlier, and he to his own cabin behind the house. He slipped the sack into his pocket and quietly closed the door, placing his bedroll on the small table. He reached for a light and was surprised when he heard a giggle behind him. "Who is there?" he demanded.
"Just me" came the reply.
"And who are you?"
"Rebecca, but you can call me Becky. If today is truly your fourteenth birthday then I wanted to be your first. Come join me before we lose the darkness of this glorious night and you have to leave us."
He quickly shed his clothing and headed for the bed before turning and dropping the bar in place, effectively locking his door. "We don't want to be disturbed, do we." he said with eagerness as he rushed the bed.
Becky taught him things about his body that thrilled and educated him. He was a fast leaner and soon had her moaning in his hands. She was a good teacher and the lessons he learned that night would help him out more than he ever expected.
Ragush smiled as he relived that night in his mind. Tomorrow is another one of those days. What will it bring" Uneasily he slipped into a shallow sleep, waiting for the first cock to crow at the hint of a new day.


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I am Stine, welcome!
Another food-blog you might think. Well, maybe so. But I want to share my experiences both from the plantbased, "alternative" world and from the medical world. I have a dream of helping other people living a healthier, happier and more sustainable life. Every dream has to start with one step, and I think a blog is a pretty good first step. Here you will find recipes, thoughts on health, food and yoga, facts and surprises. The recipes will be all vegan and mostly glutenfree too.
I am a danish, plantbased, yogi medical doctor. I believe in love, peace and energies, and yes I am the weird hippie-person in my family, and yes I am the crazy "food-is-the-best-medicine" – doctor at the hospital. And yes I am proud of it! So let us embrace our differences, they are nevertheless so small that they don't really matter. After all we are all just human.
So once again, welcome! I hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment or write me if you have any questions.
Namaste and eat the greens


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A World of Stories, by Celia Lottridge
2014 StorySave Teller
A 3 CD set of Celia's most beloved stories from her childhood: Persian stories from her mother; prairies stories from her father and others; and four of her favourite Russian tales. Learn more about Celia and this album here.
Buy the CD here.


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My friend Bob came by and we started a ride that ended up going about 16 miles, which is quite a haul for the Coker Monster Cruiser. I started at my home off 25th and State (Boise, Idaho) and made it to Fairview and Maple Grove, and from there Bob continued west and I headed north and west to the area of McMillan and Five Mile. I started heading back home from there, riding a fair portion on Mountain View. While riding Mountain View, I had a feeling most people on a bicycle probably never experience: I felt a little selfish.
I thought "Hey, the kids would enjoy this", and indeed they would have. I don't have the child seat assembly completed for the Rickshaw yet, but it's a higher priority now. I've joked for a few years now that "Riding a bicycle is selfish. When you have a rickshaw, you share." Today, I learned there's some actual truth to that. I'm glad I went on the ride, but would have enjoyed sharing it with some passengers. I need to get that seat assembly done.


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23 August, 2018
The Labor Market Institutions Handbook provides a one-stop shop for members to quickly access detailed, country-specific information about labor markets across the globe—and to make cross-country comparisons from reliable sources. The handbook covers 63 countries that account for more than 97 percent of the global economy.
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EDITORIAL: The Qantas buyout - how to avoid tax
SCHOOLS: Education or political indoctrination?
CANBERRA OBSERVED: Eight months for Howard to claw his way back
WATER: PM puts water on the agenda, but ...
BUSHFIRES: Fuel-reduction burn-offs needed - ACT Coroner
STRAWS IN THE WIND: Double double, toil and trouble / Choosing a new battlefield / Immigration mess / A fire sale for DFAT?
INTELLIGENCE CORNER: The next socialist Shangri-La / Downplaying the Islamist threat / Beware the Bear
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Pakistan feels jilted by US-India nuclear deal
SPECIAL FEATURE: The legacy of B.A. Santamaria
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY: Rights and wrongs in relationship recognition
PREGNANCY COUNSELLING: Health Minister Abbott's initiative attacked
OPINION: My unhappy memories of Julia
SCIENCE: WA bid to host $2 billion radio telescope
Milton Friedman let off far too lightly (letter)
Free-market capitalism and Christianity (letter)
The enemy in our midst (letter)
Nativity film defended (letter)
CINEMA: Heroism amidst inhumanity - Blood Diamond
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I just watched Tim Burton's 1989 Batman and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins again. Burton's film has an irrepressible panache that still makes it terrific fun, and Nolan's first Batman film shouldn't be underrated because it stands in the shadow of its even more superior sequel.
But I never noticed a plot element they have in common. In each of those movies, the villain's plan to plunge Gotham into chaos hinges on getting much of the city to inhale a massively-dispersed poison gas at the same time. In Burton's Batman, Joker uses the Smilex in his parade balloons to kill everybody who came to get some of the $20 million he was throwing around. In Batman Begins, Ra's al Ghul vaporizes the city's infected water supply to instantaneously gas the populace.
The latter plan is the better of the two (why would people come to Joker's parade right after he already killed a bunch of people by poisoning their beauty products, anyway?), but it strikes me as strange now that essentially the same plot device would be recycled like that. But then again, I never noticed for several years, so I guess it's not that bad.


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Apr 05, 2020
AMEWAS, Inc., a growing Department of Defense (DoD)/ Federal Contractor, is seeking highly motivated and talented Facility Security Officer (FSO) to support the Corporate Headquarters and multiple office locations nationwide. Location: California, Maryland or Patuxent River, Maryland #1 City Hiring the Most High-Tech Workers (California-Lexington Park, Maryland). To learn more about our surrounding location, please visit: Visit St. Mary's . A typical day as a Facility Security Officer may include: Coordinate personnel security clearance requirements with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and various government entities. Develop and deliver required security awareness education, briefings and debriefings for cleared and non-cleared employees and consultants to include orientation, annual and foreign travel. Prepare and maintain program for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) reviews/assessments/audits, conduct and document government required self-inspections/assessments, and assist with any corrective actions required. Interact with DCSA Industrial Security and Counter Intelligence Representatives. Interact with government Security Officers and Trusted Agents. Utilize the Access Control System to generate badges for employees, contractors and visitors. Administration and processing of incoming/outgoing visit requests. Maintain all security documentation and files accurately and in accordance with requirements. Conduct and document investigations, security violations and compromises of classified information. Operate and maintain of Access Control Systems. Responsible for directly or indirectly implementing, monitoring/auditing, and reporting compliance with security controls. Process employees for Common Access Cards. Complete SAAR-Ns as required. Conduct NATO Briefings/De-briefings. Conduct Courier Briefings and assign Courier Cards. Process Special Access Programs including SCI. Work with the Contracts Department and Program Managers to ensure compliance with prime and subcontract security requirements. Prepare subcontractor DD254s to flow down security requirements. Maintain security containers and classified material accountability. Create and maintain personnel security folders. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Qualifications and Experience: Minimum 7-10 years as an FSO (or Assistant FSO) supporting companies with multiple locations; 4 years' experience may be substituted for degree requirement. Experience with JPAS, e-QIP, SWFT, DISS, NISS, eFCL and other security forms and security management databases. Experience processing Special Access Programs including SCI. Ability to work in a confidential nature. Education and Certifications: Bachelor's Degree FSO Program Management for Processing Facilities This position is classified as AMEWAS labor category Security Specialist. Please click on link below to be directed to our website for your application process: https://amewas.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2hcrhcgb8ao#asbreadcrumbs AMEWAS participates with E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. AMEWAS Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Soft Skills & Competencies Required: Customer-focused attitude with high level of professionalism and discretion. Ability to work effectively with management and part of a team to meet targets. Is reliable, possesses initiative, and works well as an individual or part of a team. Physical Environment and Working Conditions: The physical environment requires the employee to work in an office, sitting in a cubicle or at a desk, looking at a computer for most of the workday. Work is physically comfortable. The employee has discretion about walking, standing, etc. The employee may be required to walk short distances to offices/conference rooms and buildings on site. In some occasions, the employee may be required to drive to offices or buildings near the work site. In rare occasions, travel may be required. About the Organization AMEWAS, Inc. is a small, Veteran owned company that has been providing excellent technical, engineering, administrative, and management services to the Department of Defense for more than 35 years. At AMEWAS we understand the need for a successful work/life balance and are focused not just on fulfilling customers' needs, but ensuring our employees are a top priority as well. 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AMEWAS American Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc. Calif. MD Full-Time


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Here are a few new Water for Elephant stills and a behind the scenes photo of Francis Lawrence.
Archive for March 30, 2011
New Water for Elephants Stills 5 comments
Stephenie Meyer talks about working with Robert Pattinson and Breaking Dawn 7 comments
On working with Pattinson and Lautner: "Rob is more like Jacob than Edward. He's goofy, he's funny, he doesn't take much seriously. But he can turn Edward on like that (she snaps her fingers) when he needs to be Edward. Taylor's who we hang out with most. He's a lot like fun, happy Jacob."
About Breaking Dawn
•The much-anticipated wedding of Edward and Bella has not been filmed yet, but Stewart is being fitted for the as-yet-unrevealed bridal gown. "It's such an interesting mix," says Meyer. "It has a vintage feel, but at the same time, there's an edge to it. It's really beautiful. And then on Kristen — oh, she looks amazing in clothes —and in that dress she's so lithe and unbelievable."
Some mysteries remain
One question she won't answer: whether the werewolf/shape shifter Jacob and Renesmee, the human/vampire hybrid child of Edward and Bella, could ever have children. (Jacob is a teenager, but baby Renesmee is aging at an accelerated rate.) "That is a question I'm reserving the right not to answer, because there is a chance I'll go back to their story."
Some of Breaking Dawn was filmed in Baton Rouge from October to mid-February, and Meyer's husband, Pancho, now a stay-at-home dad, and their three sons Gabe, 13, Seth, 10, and Eli, 8, moved from Arizona to Baton Rouge to be with her. They then packed up and moved with her to Vancouver. Shooting is expected to wrap up sometime in April.
Fans, says Meyer, can expect a surprising performance when Stewart transforms from human to vampire. "She's created a new character. I was really impressed. I've only really seen her as (the human) Bella, so to have her step up and change it in the right way — she didn't have to talk to me. She knew. She knows the character so well now. She has really good instincts, and she looks amazing."
Meyer says the first Breaking Dawn movie may end "when Bella opens her eyes as a vampire. That's the way it's been shot. They can still do it any other way, but I think that's the general idea. You kind of have to get there in the first film. That way you have all the time in the world to explore being a vampire and those exhilarating first moments."
On the filming of the birth of Bella and Edward's baby, Renesmee, which in the novel is frightening and horrific, she says, "I've only seen a rough cut and there are pieces missing, but I don't feel like it's graphic. You're not seeing it, but you know what's happened. It's emotional. It doesn't feel horror-ish. There's blood, probably the most blood we've ever seen in the series. But everything's in flux; we'll see in the final cut."
BTS Video of Water for Elephants and Reese Witherspoon's Interview With Entertainment Tonight 2 comments
Here's a behind the scenes video and Reese Witherspoon's interview with Entertainment Tonight. We'll update with a better quality video when we get one 😉
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Screencaps and GIFs after the jump
New UHQ Pictures of Robert Pattinson at the Golden Globes After Party 9 comments
Here are three new UHQ pictures of Robert Pattinson at the Golden Globes After party
See more after the jump! Read the rest of this entry »
New Robert Pattinson WFE Animated Wallpaper 7 comments
Here is a new animated wallpaper made by @MyRobAddiction
Click for Full Size
Gary Johnson, Tai's trainer, talks about Robert Pattinson, Tai, Water for Elephants and more 3 comments
Thanks to Rosteners for the translation
Do you and Tai have to work hard in this movie?
Johnson: Especially in this movie we've worked a lot. It was very exciting as well though. I loved everyone who worked on this movie. People were realy respectful and always friendly. The director Francis Lawrence was a real gentleman and did a great job in my opinion. He drove to our ranch in California a dozen times to watch the training and to spend time with Tai. That's how he knew how to shoot the scenes with her later on.
How much time did Reese Witherspoon with Tai? The relationship between Marlena and Rosie is very important for the story right?
Johnson: Reese Witherspoon visited the ranch often to train with Tai, because she has some really physical scenes with her. She had to climb onto Tai, just how it is known from circuses when the girl sits on top of the elephant. Tai lay on her side and when she got up Reese had to learn to stand on her trunk. They had to train a few different options to climb on top then. In one scene Tai stands on her back legs and Reese directly beneath her. In another scene Tai does a headstand and Reese dances beneath her at the same time. That's really complicated and we had to train those scenes with a choreographer. The timing had to be right. In another scene Reese stands on top of the elephant. Another time Tai sits on a base and stands on her back legs and Reese then climbs onto her back. They had to train that scene a very long time. Tai does things like that regularly and it's part of her routine. She practices daily and a lot.
How difficult was that for Reese?
Johnson: She was extraordinary and told us she did gymnastics as a child. She grew up with animals and has always felt comfortable with them. All three main actors, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz were very impressive. We're very lucky that we were able to work with them. They're just incredible.
More after the jump!
Discussion: What Are Your Thoughts On The Bel Ami Issue? 55 comments
As most of you know Bel Ami is a novel written by Maupassant which revolves around the world of Georges Duroy, a character who uses sex and women to gain power, influence and money. However as we've heard earlier the studio is worried about marketing the movie as Rob plays a cad in the movie.
We've been seeing your messages on the site and on Facebook and we hear you loud and clear. We thought we'd give you guys a place to discuss the subject. What are your thoughts on the matter?


text: Few farmhouses look quite as extravagant as this. The cream woodgrain sliding sash windows and matching French doors with fixed casement sidelights marry together with the brickwork of this rural property better than the owner could ever have possible imagined. The decision to utilise matching casement doors and sliding sash windows with a surface mounted astragal bar in a Georgian grid layout has proved a masterstroke and really helped give the building an age-old appearance akin to an original farmhouse.


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Last edited by Chrysocyon; 12-28-2015 at 03:33 PM.
Gosh! The vibe off the piece you did for Umbra is so relaxing, must be your choice in colours and pose.. it's wonderful. If you'd be willing to, I'd be up for a trade of your feral version. Examples of my work can be found here, & this is the character I'd like done if you accept. Gonna toss it out there though that I won't be able to start till a few days after Christmas, hope that's alright.
Thanks kindly in advance for considering!
I would be willing to trade you!
Here is a link to my gallery: https://www.weasyl.com/~antumbra and a ref to my character: https://www.weasyl.com/character/33487/antumbra
Let me know if you are interested!
I remember doing a sketch for you when I first joined this site, same character I think, so I'm fine with that. Anything specific you would like to see drawn of her? Same clothes and such?
I would like to trade with you!
My gallery is here: https://www.weasyl.com/~glaringfeline. I have a good number of characters, most of which are in dire need of new ref sheets so I'll link you to the two most recent. https://www.weasyl.com/character/575...amin-ben-pukey and https://www.weasyl.com/character/57956/katana
Let me know if you're interested.
-Insert inspirational quote here-
I see you also like maned wolves. I'd love to trade with you if you're ever available, I'd very much like to draw our characters playing or something.
Ref sheet(not by me): http://thecuddlefox.deviantart.com/a...heet-580210290
Example: http://thecuddlefox.deviantart.com/a...enna-580205283
(sorry I'm not that great at drawing)
-Insert inspirational quote here-
Your drawings are pretty good, and that sounds like a really cute picture idea, so I'd love to see that. I might take a while to get through the other trades, but I should be able to get to you.


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I come from a family of entrepreneurs and I was inspired by their success in operating ethical and forward-thinking businesses. I take a humanistic approach to operating my own business today and give people the same service and respect that I'd like to receive myself.
Helping other entrepreneurs to succeed
I fund no-interest micro-credit loans to ambitious entrepreneurs in emerging economies through Kiva Microfunds. As a small business owner and a woman, I like to see other women succeed too. My current loan is to a woman-owned bakery in Tajikistan. This micro-loan is enabling the owner to purchase flour and other baking supplies in volume.
Work globally, engaged locally
I work with companies located around the world, but I'm very centered in daily life in France. I volunteer with "Le Français en Partage", a non-profit association that helps new citizens in France to learn the language, understand French culture and become well integrated in their community. Participants and volunteers learn from each other. The group is sponsored by the City of Paris, the City Hall of Belleville and the Commission Solidarités. Photo credits: Le Français en Partage.


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Foreign Registrations
The Foreign Registrations team at A&L Goodbody has been assisting clients to register their funds for sale in other jurisdictions for over 20 years. The team comprises a dedicated group of experienced funds professionals who provide a seamless service to clients, centrally managing all aspects of the registration process across the target jurisdictions. Together with an established international network of local law firms and relationships with translation service providers, paying agents and other relevant providers, the team makes the registration process as straightforward as possible for clients, allowing speedier access to local markets.
The team will:
- Manage the registration process centrally from beginning to end.
- Draft all documentation required for submission to the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) and to regulators in the local jurisdiction(s).
- Liaise with the CBI in respect of the required regulatory notifications and make all necessary filings with them.
- Recommend and liaise with local counsel where necessary, for example, to determine local filing requirements and drafting and update of country supplements.
- Review country supplements for compliance with Irish requirements.
- Arrange translation of documents including Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDs) where necessary.
- Liaise with host state regulators in respect of filings that may be made directly with them. The UCITS IV procedures facilitate direct filings with host state regulators thereby minimising additional local costs and we expect the same to apply in respect of the AIFMD.
- Assist on all ongoing filing and reporting requirements of the CBI, local regulators and local exchange obligations.
- Assist with the selection of local representatives and paying agents (where required).
- Facilitate efficient client tracking of registration status and documentation.
- Submission of semi-annual and annual financial statements and any other financial reports where required to host regulators.
- Co-ordinate the payment of annual registration fees and any other fees due in each jurisdiction.
- Respond to routine comments or queries in relation to the registrations.
- Arrange for documents to be certified.
- Obtain UCITS certificate/marketing letter from the CBI.
- Monitor websites if required, ensuring documents are uploaded and kept up to date.


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I have been having so much fun with The 100 Day Challenge, in-between two rounds of a cold that just wouldn't let go....I think I am finally on the mend!
Picking up my much neglected Nikon....has started me dreaming of another lens (maybe a really good wide angle lens for some great landscapes!!)
But some how that makes me feel like I'm cheating on my fabric stash, lol!
Here are a few of the shots that didn't get posted
I have been getting some quilting done too, though during the weeks I was fighting that cold bug, I sure slowed down.
I am way behind on my pattern writing and still haven't completed the full May Blooms pattern, but it is coming and will include 2 block sizes and 3 quilt sizes for each. Don't forget I post all my patterns in my Craftsy Pattern Shop.
While we are on the subject of the One Block Wonders....how are you block(s) coming along? We are getting close to the end of the month and the link up party, which will go up this Friday May 27th and run until June 2nd. (remember you only have to sew one block to be able to link up and get in on this months prize!)
This month's sponsor is
What Shade Are You......
and don't forget that Rita has generously offered the "WONDERS" code for 20% savings
This is a close up of the appliquéd April showers...rhyme I added to my quilt. I was so thrilled with the way this quilt came together and love how the Cotton Supreme Cottons looked in a gradient pattern....I gifted this beauty to my wonderful mother-in-law for Mother's Day this year. I was over to her house the other day and was thrilled to see it resting on her sofa in the living room!! It makes me so happy when a quilt is loved!!
You may remember from a previous post, I made the Elephant Parade Quilt from SewFresh Quilts. Well I made the baskets to match, because my daughter loved the quilt so much she is going to use it for the theme for the babies room. (for those of you who are new here, my daughter is due in October, and I will be a Grandma for the first time!! I am so excited) The little elephant stuffy pictured here, is the first gift my husband (boy friend at the time) gave me....how sweet will it look up on a shelf in the new babies room...💗
And one last project....I've been making my Cross My Heart Quilt pattern again! This time using Garden Gate from P&B Textiles....and I have been gushing about it over on IG. I love this fabric, it makes me so happy....
I took my own pattern and put the blocks On Pointe! I love the new option! The original pattern does not give the directions for this, but I will either add a tutorial on my blog or add a revision to the pattern, in the coming weeks.
Well that's all the new news for now! Have a great week and see you back here on Friday for the One Block Wonders Link UP!


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Buy this lip balm as a single or save when you buy three (your choice of flavours) for £9.75 — that saves you £1.50. Get the deal over on this page.
Beeswax naturally protects the lips from loss of moisture yet allows your skin to breathe, unlike many conventional lip-balms which use petroleum jelly. Beeswax can also contribute to the healing of chapped lips due to it's anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
The beeswax in this lip balm comes from our own hives as well as those of other small-scale beekeepers on the Isle of Man. None of the hives are treated with chemicals and the bees live happy and healthy lives.
Shea Butter is a highly moisturising oil that naturally contains sun-screen properties which can protect your lips from sun burns. Sweet Almond oil on the other hand is lubricating yet light so it makes an excellent moisturiser in all types of weather.
The product quantity is 10ml and comes presented in a small attractive pot
Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Mineral Colour, Strawberry Aroma, Vitamin E oil


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Greetings Woodmac Houston. We are raising money for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance. Woodmac is matching our donations 1:1 so every little bit counts.
Candlelighters is a local charity serving families facing childhood cancer who are being treated at the Texas Medical Center. Founded by families, Candlelighters programs and services are the direct result of the vision of those founding families and the experiences they shared. In that spirit, Camp CLIFF was developed by those families who started Candlelighters and recognized the need for "family time".
The Fun Walk raises money for Candlelighters annual family camp – a get-a-way for the whole family. Many camps offer the child with cancer a getaway, but Candlelighers believes that it is very important for the whole family to come together away from the treatment facilities and their everyday hectic lives. Quality time as a family is essential in their struggle to beat the disease. The cost to send a camper to camp is $150 and this year they are planning on hosting 300 campers!
Thank you for supporting me and for helping all the children with cancer and their families that Candlelighters serves! Let's make team Woodmac the largest and most generous team at the Fun Walk!


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Internal Audit
Welcome to the Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) Internal Auditing Department's Home Page. This site was developed to provide a greater awareness to the Campus regarding the responsibilities and duties of the Internal Auditing Department (IA), the audit process and links to other related resources. You may also visit Colorado State University System, Internal Auditing Department's website.
Please take a few moments to review the site. For ease of navigating this site just click on the menus and they will take you where you want to go. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or comments regarding this site.
Thank you for visiting this site. Should you have questions about the internal audit process at CSU-Pueblo, a request for our services, or an issue or concern about the internal control environment you'd like to discuss, please feel free to contact me at 719.549.2133 or stop by:
Candice Z. Bridgers, CPA CIA
Audit Manager
Administration Building, Room 305B
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81001


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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a terrifying experience for the individual who suffers from it. Simultaneously, it can severely affect the friends and families of the individuals affected by it. PTSD symptoms affect Individuals who have been through life-threatening traumatic events and they start exhibiting some of the symptoms that characterise PTSD. It is pertinent that these individuals seek out best treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, which may include medication and psychotherapy. If the right kind of treatment, proven by clinical tests, is adopted, the individuals will find relief and reduction in their PTSD symptoms and get control over their life.
Treatments For Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
There is no one best treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The therapist selects the best course of treatment based on the patient's symptoms, personality, cognitive capabilities and treatment goals. The treatment is usually initiated after the patient has approached their GP and seek treatment for their symptoms. The GP then refers them to a trained Clinical Psychologist for Psychological Evaluation and Treatment, as well as to a Psychiatrist, for medication.
Treatment Plan for PTSD Treatment
A Psychologist trained in treating patients with PTSD Symptoms usually tailors a personalised treatment plan after an initial couple of consultation sessions with a patient. The initial sessions are devoted to understanding the symptoms being experienced by the client, diagnosis of the severity of the symptoms and experience with previous treatments taken for the problem, including therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Along with assessment, SMART treatment goals are also set in these initial sessions.
Once assessment and goals have been set, a clinical psychologist we can choose from a number of psychotherapeutic techniques to decide the best treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder for the patient. They include:
- Grounding Techniques
- Arousal Reduction Techniques
- Trauma-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Imagery Rescripting
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindful Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Psychotherapy Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques can be incredibly helpful in patients with PTSD symptoms. Grounding techniques are well covered in the blog Coping with Flashback and Dissociation in PTSD and is reproduced here.
As the name implies, grounding is a particular way of coping that is designed to "ground" you in the present moment. In doing so, you can retain your connection with the present moment and reduce the likelihood that you slip into a flashback or dissociation. In this way, grounding may be considered to be very similar to mindfulness.To ground, you want to use the five senses (sound, touch, smell, taste, and sight).
To connect with the here and now, do something that will bring all your attention to the present moment. A couple of grounding techniques are described below.
- Sound: Turn on loud music. Loud, jarring music will be hard to ignore. And as a result, your attention will be directed to that noise, bringing you into the present moment.
- Touch: Grip a piece of ice. If you notice that you are slipping into a flashback or a dissociative state, hold onto a piece of ice. It will be difficult to direct your attention away from the extreme coldness of the ice, forcing you to stay in touch with the present moment.
- Smell: Sniff some strong peppermint. When you smell something strong, it is very hard to focus on anything else. In this way, smelling peppermint can bring you into the present moment, slowing down or stopping altogether a flashback or an episode of dissociation.
- Taste: Bite into a lemon. The sourness of a lemon and the strong sensation it produces in your mouth when you bite into it can force you to stay in the present moment.
- Sight: Take an inventory of everything around you. Connect with the present moment by listing everything around you. Identify all the colors you see. Count all the pieces of furniture around you. List off all the noises you hear. Taking an inventory of your immediate environment can directly connect you with the present moment.
You can also try Grounding Exercises as given on Living Well Blog.
- Remind yourself of who you are now. Say your name. Say your age now. Say where you are now. Say what you have done today. Say what you will do next.
- "My name is ________, and I am 54 years old. I am in my living room, in my home, in Woolloongabba, in Brisbane, in Queensland. I woke up early today. I had a shower and fed my dog. I just finished my coffee and toast. Soon I am going to walk to the train station and go in to work. I am going to walk down ______ street and then turn left at the bike shop. Then I am going to…."
- Take ten slow breaths. Focus your attention fully on each breath, on the way in and on the way out. Say number of the breath to yourself as you exhale.
- If you wake during the night, remind yourself who you are, and where you are. Tell yourself who you are and where you are. What year is it, what age are you now? Look around the room and notice familiar objects and name them. Feel the bed you are lying on, the warmth or coolness of the air, and notice any sounds you hear.
Arousal Reduction Techniques
Through therapy session, you will be presented with a number of arousal reduction techniques or techniques that will help relieve the anxiety you begin to feel in certain situations. Some of these techniques can be simple breathing exercises, mindfulness practices and focusing techniques. A more detailed description of these techniques is given in the blog Arousal Regulation – Psychological Skills Training. Your therapist will help work with you to find the best arousal reduction technique to help you recover from your PTSD. Arousal Reduction has been found to be very useful in providing treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Trauma Based CBT
As mentioned in TF-CBT Implementation Manual – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a components-based psychosocial treatment model that incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral, attachment, humanistic, empowerment, and family therapy models. It includes several core treatment components designed to be provided in a flexible manner to address the unique needs of each child and family
Through this therapy, individuals learn how their emotions, thoughts and action can add to the symptom of PTSD such as stress and anxiety. Individuals learn how to have better control over these stressors and to stay present in the moment instead of letting their anxiety and stress control the situation.
Check out this explainer video on TF-CBT.
Imagery Rescripting
Imagery Rescripting is a highly effective technique for many individuals who suffer from PTSD symptoms is using imagery rescripting. Through this patients are asked to work through the trauma using visualization. The traumatic occurrence is first addressed and then modified to rid the patient of feeling victimized. Through this, the individual not only works through the traumatic event but is also taught how to react differently in term of feeling and thoughts that revolve around the event.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Unlike other therapies such as TF-CBT and DBT, EMDR is focused more on the distress felt while recalling the traumatic event. EMDR relies on bilateral stimulation, a pendulum like hand movement, to help a client to recollect the distressful emotions and physical symptoms experienced during the recall of traumatic event. As the client recalls these symptoms, the therapist helps the client to transition to more positive thoughts, thereby helping them to resolve the negative and distressing emotions associated with traumatic events. More and more studies are confirming the effectiveness of EMDR in treating symptoms of PTSD and Trauma, although scientists have still not been able to zero in to the exact reasons it works.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the recommended treatments for PTSD by APS. DBT provides four important skills to clients. They are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mindfulness, helps clients to accept and focus on the the present moment without judgement. Distress tolerance, increases the client's tolerance of negative emotions without making attempts to run from it. Emotional regulation, provides strategies for managing and changing the intense emotions that are causing issues in their lives. Interpersonal effectiveness, equips clients with techniques to communicate with others in an assertive manner retaining their self-respect and helps to strengthen the bond in the relationship.
MBCT As One of the Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
As mentioned in Evidence Based Psychological Interventions, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy is a group treatment that emphasises mindfulness meditation as the primary therapeutic technique. In MBCT, the emphasis is on changing the relationship to thoughts, rather than challenging them. Decentered thoughts are viewed as mental events that pass transiently through one's consciousness, which may allow depressed individuals to decrease rumination and negative thinking.
MBCT gives quite good results among the range of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a terrifying experience that can make individuals feel trapped and undergo a constant replay of the traumatic event or experience that have gone through. When they seek treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder from a Clinical Psychologist, they learn effective coping mechanism to relieve stress and anxiety but to also effectively address the fearful issues that is causing the PTSD. This therapy can be treated through a number of psychotherapeutic techniques as we discussed above and the psychologist works closely with the individuals to help them regain control of their thoughts, actions and reactions. The individuals are thus able to take control of their lives and return to normal lifestyle.
Our team of psychologists, are well equipped to provide treatment for PTSD. Don't hesitate to reach out and make contact with us at the earliest.


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…"To understand addiction, we need to know more than that someone has taken a drug that he likes. We need to know about the rest of his life, about his social support, his history of mental illness, education, employment, as well as his values and sense of meaning and purpose.
We need to know the dose of the drug and the setting where he takes it. We need to know his age and how his culture views behavior related to that drug and something about the level of stress and trauma he experienced as a child.
In fact, social factors like unemployment, education level, traumatic life experience and amount of social support for recovery are currently better predictors of recovery than any brain factors yet discovered. So far, pretty brain pictures don't necessarily tell us much. A recent study, in fact, found that simply presenting data with such images—relevant or not—made people more likely to be convinced by the authors' claims.
In short, addiction doesn't begin—or end—with "pleasure centers in the brain." If we're going to address it effectively, we need to recognize this reality and devote as much time and money to studying social factors as intensely as we do the brain.Of course, that might mean looking at issues like unemployment, child abuse and poverty that are far more uncomfortable than saying "nucleus accumbens" or "brain disease" and being done with it"…
read more of this article from Maia Szalavitz, a columnist at The Fix.


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Ever wonder if you're being ripped off? If you're buying any of these products, it's likely that you are. Check out our list below for the most overpriced items that are out there available for purchase today. If you're getting a title loan online, you can get the money fast from LoanMart1! Save money so it goes to better places than these things!
Snacks at the movie theater: Did you know movie theater popcorn has a markup of over one thousand percent? That's insane! After knowing that, it's not hard to believe that movie theaters actually make all their profits from concession sales, not tickets.
Salad bars: If you've ever wondered why you're paying $10 to go eat from the salad bar, you're thinking in the right direction. Fresh foods like lettuce and other vegetables are actually pretty inexpensive. You might get a deal on the meats at the buffet, like the bacon bits, but when it comes to the green stuff you're losing the green in your wallet.
Drinks in restaurants: Want to quickly blow through a lot of money without receiving any value in return? Order sodas and mixed drinks at bars and restaurants. Many establishments charge over twice as much as the retail price for drinks like wine and liquor. If you want to make the most of your date nights, stick to water for the drinks, enjoy the sodas or make your own alcoholic beverages at home.
Greeting cards: Sure, they may say some really nice things, but greeting cards often have something like a 200 percent markup in price. Remember, these are just pieces of paper with cutesy sayings printed on them. With free resources like Pinterest out there to inspire you, consider saving a lot of money and making your own heartfelt cards at home.
Diamond jewelry: Think twice before allowing yourself to be swayed by the pretty, alluring sparkle of a diamond ring. Diamonds are often sold at retail for twice their appraised value. Not to mention, many of them are still considered conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds. This means the sale of the stone funded wars or violence at the point where they were sourced (often Africa). Try going for non-traditional and not overpriced stone instead for just pretty.


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UPDATE: We have received and processed all the comics and they are available for sale now. Come on in and get your comics today and don't forget we are having Huge Sale till the end of October. Ask a friendly associate about it when you come in.
–Seth, Aaron, Robert & Alex
Hi Everyone
Looks like we had a shipping error, perhaps from Columbus Day, perhaps just a mistake, but it looks like our order will be in late this week. We expect it in either late Wednesday or Early Thursday.
I expect we will be finished processing everything by Thursday Afternoon.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
–Seth, Aaron, Robert & Alex


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My daughter and I are notorious Target shoppers. Watch outfor us when you go. We invade the toy aisles and push all the buttons to makecar engines rev, wookies roar, and babies cry. If there is a Hulk mask, I maybe wearing it. And waving at the poor kids at the end of the aisle who don'tknow what to think. We'll declaim the merits, and lack thereof, of the currentholiday flavors of M&Ms. We'll groan at yet another direct to dvd Batmanflick and try to figure out what Robin is Red Robin is Nightwing is the ghostof Jason Todd and might just be Batgirl as well. It's hard sometimes. And thebooks. Don't kid yourself, we're loud in used bookstores and in the Barnes& Noble, but the Target three aisle special, if you're lucky it's that biganymore, is by far the loudest, most boisterous section for us. We read thetitles of the young adult books and marvel at the newest iterations of vampiresand witches. But the real fun, the real excitement, is with the children'sbooks. We take turns reading them aloud to each other. Often over the aisles.Over several aisles. With appropriate voices. With occasionally inappropriatevoices. We declaim. We act. And we laugh. Children's picture books seem to bein a real renaissance of the odd and the loveable at the moment. I almost wishmy daughter was younger so that I could buy more of them.
Last trip to Target I did make an exception however andbought one immediately. NIÑO WRESTLES THE WORLD by Yuyi Morales. It follows anapparently typical day with Niño as he disrobes to his chonies y máscara andwrestles his way through adventures against a myriad of foes. Starting with anaverage boy Niño amidst his toys, Morales quickly unfolds into the mind ofNiño, his toys becoming his obstacles. But not just any obstacles, they becomehis opponents, in a world very much like those you would find on lucha libre ontelevision. This isn't the WWE, or even the CMLL, this is the world of Santo yBlue Demon y Mil Máscaras. It's a cousin to the world of ¡MUCHA LUCHA! Only foran even younger set. Niño appears to be 5 or 6, and yet his knowledge isformidable. He fights of la Llorona, the crying woman. He takes on las momiasde Guanajuato, and beyond. Aliens. Giant Olmec Heads. The devil. One starts towonder what toys Niño may have in his toybox after all. The drawings, however,are not scary in the least. The momias are more goofy than frightening withtheir muted grey skin and Vicente Fernández moustache. La Llorona is deftlysketched out in a floating will-o-the-wisp white floating caricature. You knowyou've been around too much when your "Ay, mis hijos…" sounds justlike la Llorana in SANTO Y MANTEQUILLA NAPOLES EN LA VENGANZA DE LA LLORONA, butit seemed to play in the Target just fine. I really respect that Morales doesnot dumb down the obvious Latino, more specifically Mexican, culture of thebook. This is lucha libre for the kids, period. It does give you endnotes onthe adversaries Niño faces, and a brief history of lucha libre, but you won'tneed them to enjoy the book.
Morales art is vibrant and sharp, the lines tight. Thecharacters are stark against the mostly white backgrounds throughout. Theexpressions and the character design are allowed to shine. I think the giantOlmec head was my particular favorite, its dark grey mass blocking out thepages it is on. The simple realistic faces of Niño's sisters as they appear arerichly evocative and filled with expression. The dose of loving your familythat peppers the story is well done, without overdoing it. After all, yoursisters will always be rudas for all the love they have for you, and you forthem. That's how family is. In some sense, the writing, the flow, the familyethos, NIÑO reminded me of the SKIPPYJON JONES by Judy Schachner, and that'squite the compliment, the original SKIPPYJON books are one of the guideposts ofbooks bought for my daughter when she was young. And still buy for her as ateenager now. Morales captures that same children of all ages feel here. I'mnot familiar with Morales other works, her other children's books, but I amcurious to see what they read like, how they work page to page. The writing inNIÑO is sparse and quick moving, as our intrepid hero goes from match to match,facing greater and greater odds. It inspires the imagination in the youngreader, as Niño uses increasingly inventive and ridiculous methods of defeatinghis foes. Collectively, it makes for a fun book for those learning to read andgetting all the niños interested in life.
NIÑO WRESTLES THE WORLD is part of the Target First BookProgram, a non-profit that provides books to children that would otherwisewould not have then. To raise funds, they release books like NIÑO for a limitedtime in other forms, in this case a paperback of NIÑO where only a hardcoverhad been available previously. Check out their website at http://www.firstbook.org/ to learn more.Books, and having books to call one's own is a big deal. I believe it helpscreate a real joy for reading in all children, and with that a love of words,and a belief that words can be theirs.
Yuyi Morales can be found at http://www.yuyimorales.com/ with examplesof both her writing and her art, for children, and her adult stories as well.And she has some lucha máscaras you can print out and wear around the house inyour chonies. Be your own Niño. Enjoy!