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Chapter 5 : Three Times Charmed
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 13
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(pictured: Isobel)
A/N: there's a bit of music stuff in this chapter—it isn't necessary to have prior knowledge of these bands (Isobel doesn't, and this is her POV). In fact, I only found out some of these details when I researched for this chapter.
ISOBEL was up much earlier than usual for a Saturday, but it was the last Saturday of September and the first trip to Hogsmeade of the term. She was in the dormitory bogs brushing out her thick, dark hair. Once detangled, she swept up the many strands that had fallen into the porcelain sink (wondering how she could lose all that everyday, and still have so much). She wet her hands under the tap and ran her fingers through the mane, tempting it to wave, before starting on her eyes.
Isobel liked to draw thick rings around them with pencil, making swooping 'cat-eyes' with liquid liner after. Finished off with mascara, it had a good effect emphasizing her dark, nearly black irises, and highlighting the exotic edge to her features.
Isobel laboured over her skin, and as a reward, she didn't often get spots. This morning, though, a painful bump was threatening to rise on her left nostril. She went over it with a cover-up sporting a blemish reducing charm before dusting oil-reducing powder over her face. Lastly, she applied the crimson lipstick she'd worn every day, without fail, since her third year.
Isobel stepped back from the mirror to get another look at the overall effect. She was the only Hogwarts witch to wear makeup every single day of term, and other girls had taken to whispering about it behind her back, calling Isobel vain.
She was.
She wore the criticism like a badge of honour—no other student could arrive to every class expertly made up and still make top marks. That took discipline.
Satisfied with her makeup, Isobel lifted her pajama shirt, and turned to her side. She tried sucking in her stomach, before observing it again in its general state. She patted it once, and pinched the excess flesh around her navel. She must have overdone it at supper last night (probably because of the Cheering Charm she'd shared with Laurel), and promised herself to keep better track next time. Isobel hated that she barely had a waist—her breasts were so large, and her arse so wide, that she felt huge in her Hogwarts robes. She was generously proportioned in all arenas: thighs, hips, lips, and tits—and at 5' 2", Isobel was the shortest of her friends. Letting her shirt fall back down she adjusted her hair once more before returning to the dormitory.
"You done with the good mirror?" asked Laurel, who was sitting on her four-poster painting her toenails.
"All yours," replied Isobel.
Laurel had been wearing makeup less and less recently, except when she was Cheering, when she tended to over-do it. She'd also developed the bad habit of forgetting (or not being bothered) to wash it off once she came down, and her complexion had paid the price. What's more, her oversleeping had gotten out of hand, and she rarely had time to wash her hair in the mornings. As a result, her shoulder length mop was often stringy, and her signature bun had become a necessity. This morning, however, she came out of the bathroom with clean hair, expertly applied foundation, and looking lovelier than she had all term.
Emily almost never wore makeup, and it looked a bit funny when she did. Then again, Emily didn't really need to. It was no wonder she'd seen so many boys last term, thought Isobel. Emily's skin didn't seem to have pores, and her lashes were so light that mascara tended to ruin, rather than improve, their appearance.
Isobel chuckled to herself, remembering last Hallowe'en when Tristan had worn eyeliner for a costume, and for a wild moment, she wondered again if he might be gay. Probably not. He'd had a thing for a Gryffindor witch the previous year. They went to Hogsmeade together and even got snogged a bit behind the greenhouses—but she hadn't had much interest in music, and he couldn't be arsed about Quidditch, so it didn't last. If the whole thing with Angelina Johnson died down, it was because they had nothing in common. Not, Isobel concluded, because Tristan was secretly gay. Besides, it was starting to look like something might happen between him and Emily soon. Isobel would have suspected that it had already, but Em was terrible at being sneaky.
For some reason, Emily's interest in Tristan annoyed Isobel. Em had gotten something of a reputation the previous term, after bedding three of the four Quidditch team captains, as well as every male Ravenclaw then in year seven. Isobel had admired the way Emily's many conquests clashed so starkly with her gentle, kind personality. It seemed ironic that such a Hufflepuffy Hufflepuff, who never wore makeup, would log more hours behind the greenhouses by the age of fifteen than the rest of their year combined.
And then, all of a sudden, Emily had just given up on boys, in order to wait patiently for Tristan to start paying attention to her.
Privately, Isobel had enjoyed being friends with a notorious slag.
* * *
Emily was, as usual, waiting at the Hufflepuff table when they arrived for breakfast, her hair still damp. Cedric Diggory made room for the two Ravenclaws to sit opposite Emily; he'd learned the score.
Isobel committed to skip breakfast, to make up for her indulgence the night before, and perhaps go for a jog round the lake after supper.
"Morning Sunshine," chimed Laurel.
Isobel suspected that Laurel's good spirits this morning were something of an act, and that Laurel was only putting it on because she knew they'd all be Cheering later.
Isobel poured herself coffee, and revisited the miserable idea that Laurel's Charming was starting to become a real problem. Just then, a Great Sooty Owl swooped through the window, and down toward the Hufflepuff table.
"Is that Siouxsie?" asked Isobel.
"Ooh, yes, it's for me," replied Emily as the owl landed. "Tristan let me borrow her."
"What'd you get?" asked Laurel, leaning in to see Emily unwrap the package. Emily, shook her head, almost indiscernibly.
"Potion supplies," she said lowering her voice. "From my brother," she added, quieter still.
Tristan arrived at the table as Emily was offering Siouxsie some toast to nibble on.
"From Lucas?" he confirmed, sitting down. "Brilliant, we're nearly out after the stuff I gave the Weasleys for their dad." Tristan helped himself to scrambled eggs, and Emily slipped the parcel into her pocket—glancing around rather obviously as she did.
Just terrible at being sneaky, thought Isobel, as she blew on her coffee.
At Tristan's insistence, they started off for Hogsmeade as early as they were allowed.
"Well you're out early," Filch remarked, ever suspicious, while he checked to see they were on the list of collected permission slips. "What's the rush?"
To Tristan's grave annoyance, Filch spent a quarter hour examining the contents of Tristan's bag. The muggle instruments he had brought for listening to music were unfamiliar to Filch, who seemed to think they might contain dark magic.
"Cassette tapes," hollered Tristan, enunciating like he was speaking to a foreigner. "For listening to music. Muggle technology, I can't use them in the castle."
Filch turned over the plastic rectangle.
"No!" barked Tristan, reaching out to stop Filch's probing fingers. "Don't touch that ribbon. That's where—it's where the music is… written. The plastic is to protect it, see?" Tristan held the cassette up to the light so Filch could see how the tape was wound.
Finally satisfied that Tristan's stereo and music collection couldn't be used as a weapon, Filch let them get on their way. Tristan railed against Filch for a good portion of the walk, until Laurel mentioned that her mum reckoned Filch was some sort of squib.
Tristan reversed his position with head-spinning rapidity, pointing out that Filch probably had a hard time dealing with so many students, and that he likely saw Slytherins trying to smuggle dark magic all the time. (It was something of a private joke amongst the girls of the group: Tristan Bryce, Slytherin Champion of Muggles.) Honestly, Isobel sometimes found Tristan's rants about 'ingrained prejudice' and 'unmerited superiority' tiresome. Worst of all was when he accused her or Laurel of being 'willfully ignorant about the non-magic community.' Emily was a full-fledged muggle-born, and she didn't make a fuss of it.
They arrived in Hogsmeade out of breath from their trek. Rather than turn right into the village, they turned left, crossing the train tracks, and set off past the shrieking shack into the open country. Once they reached the point, recognizable only because of deep familiarity, they sat down and took out their various supplies. Tristan set up his stereo, pulling out tapes and bickering over them with Emily, while Isobel took over spliff-rolling duty with Laurel.
"Shall we then?" asked Laurel, trying not to appear too eager.
"I'm ok without it," replied Tristan.
"Yeah, I don't need one," agreed Emily. "Maybe later."
"Just you and me, then?" Laurel nudged Isobel, struggling to keep the anxiety out of her voice. Isobel conceded (not because of, but despite, Laurel's desperation).
After sharing a spliff together, Isobel and Laurel head out to the village, leaving Emily and Tristan to listen to music. Laurel linked arms with Isobel, and the two saw the little houses grow bigger before them. They didn't say much, but the charm made them giddy and delighted nonetheless.
Their first stop was Zonko's, where they tried out joke wands and trick quills, before deteriorating into hysterics and being asked to leave. Laurel had the inspired idea to take tea at Madam Puddifoot's, but fell apart just as soon as they encountered an egregious collection of doilies. They stumbled, cackling, back out of the fussy little tea shop as quickly as they'd come in, letting the door swing shut on the affronted proprietress.
Next they headed back down the High Street to stop in Honeydukes, where they tried to surreptitiously grab samples out of bins when no one was looking. No one told them off, so they deemed the venture a success.
After calming down enough, they went to Gladrags and tried on hats (an operation that veered dangerously close to offending another shop owner), and left with a few pairs of lurid socks. Laurel had opted for a pair of hold-ups decorated dragon pox pattern and topped with lace ("Why? Just… Why?" was all she could say, before sneaking them into her robes pocket.) Isobel went for a pair of stockings sporting Haitian vodou symbols, and a pair of socks knit with a pattern of muggle artifacts like 'plugs' and 'telephones.' Tristan's birthday was a month away, and they were too perfect.
The weather hadn't gotten cold yet, but they decided to stop in the Three Broomsticks for Butterbeers anyway. The pub was overflowing with Hogwarts students. Isobel and Laurel waved to the Weasley twins, who were off in a corner with their friend Lee Jordan and some members of their Quidditch team. Angelina Johnson smiled warmly at them, and offered a little wave. Isobel and Laurel had stayed friendly with her even after her thing with Tristan had ended. They also spied Cedric Diggory, sitting at a small table near the back with Emma Ackerley, and giving very much the appearance of being on a date. After a few minutes, a pair of Gryffindor fourth years vacated a table near the door, and Isobel and Laurel were able to sit down. Because it was so crowded, Laurel offered to order at the bar, but it still took quite a while to get their drinks. Madame Rosmerta, the friendly-but-tarty barmaid, frantically served Butterbeers and shot down students attempting to order firewhiskey (the Weasley twins being a member of that group).
"You know," said Laurel, handing Isobel an overflowing glass mug as she sat down. "The Hog's Head is probably empty, and I bet they would serve us there."
Isobel thought about it, giggling slightly and trying not to spill her Butterbeer.
"I'd much prefer a vodka soda to this," she agreed.
"If they have vodka soda," snorted Laurel. "From what I hear they make their ales in a bathtub."
They left the Three Broomsticks some fifteen minutes later, surrendering their seats to Penelope Clearwater and Percy Weasley, and trying to avoid being roped into a conversation. Penelope had very unnecessarily introduced Percy, which Isobel took as some desperate hint that the two were on a date.
"Yeah, we've met," said Isobel, shaking Percy's hand. "We have potions together. And Runes."
"Right you are," said Percy. "How's your translation chart coming, then?"
"Oh, it's… coming," responded Isobel, beginning to lose her composure.
Laurel, who'd been giggling steadily throughout the encounter, let slip a brief squawk of uncontainable amusement. Isobel hastened to leave.
"Well, have a good… time, then," she said.
"See you back in the dorms," replied Penelope, waving to them brightly as they pushed out of the doors.
Once outside they collapsed against the wall, rent with malicious glee.
"Blimey she's nice when she's trying to impress a bloke," gasped Laurel.
"Oh god they'll have the most terrible babies," squealed Isobel, doubled over, clutching cramps from laughing too hard.
Laurel started rolling a cigarette, and Isobel recovered herself somewhat. Laurel passed the roll-up to Isobel, and began on a second.
"Hog's Head, then?" she asked around the filter perched between her lips, sprinkling tobacco on the paper.
"Yeah," said Isobel, still giggling little aftershocks.
Laurel finished rolling and lit both of their fags with the tip of her wand. The Hog's Head was down an alley at the other end of the High Street, so they retraced their steps for the third time. Their series of activities had been anything but efficiently planned.
They reached the corner where they would turn right, but stopped at the intersection to finish smoking before heading down the narrow lane (steeling themselves for the adventure).
After much ado, they marched purposefully toward the pub.
Laurel shoved open the doors.
And then Laurel turned back.
"No. No. No. No," she said, seizing Isobel's arm and steering her back up toward the shops, beginning to break into a giggle.
"What?" asked Isobel, who hadn't seen inside.
"Just trust me," said Laurel, starting to laugh again, quickening her pace. Isobel started laughing as well and they broke into a run. "There were maybe ten teeth between all the wizards in there, and we'd be the only girls."
Isobel was disappointed that she wouldn't be getting her vodka and soda afterall, but supposed it was unwise for two pretty young witches—high as they already were on mind-altering charms—to drink in such a seedy establishment.
Without much left to do in the village, the two Ravenclaws wandered back out past the train station where they'd left Emily and Tristan.
The Hufflepuff and the Slytherin were laying sprawled on the grass. Clearly, they'd been through quite a lot of the hash Em's brother had sent that morning. The song in the stereo sounded grating and antagonistic to Isobel, but Emily and Tristan were immersed, barely registering Isobel and Laurel when they sat down.
"Eugh," came a sudden, gutteral sound from Emily. It took Isobel a confused moment to realize that she was singing along to the song. "Said the lady to the man she adored..." Emily took a deep drag from her spliff, humming, and passed it to Tristan. Isobel listened to the song lyrics, whose perversion clashed with her own magically affected mood:
And Mary ain't you tired of this, huh
Is the sound that the mother makes when the baby breaks...
Laurel giggled, almost inaudibly—it would have been louder, if not for that dark and frenetic song.
Tristan passed the spliff to Isobel, and the four of them listened to the rest of the track without speaking.
"That song," Tristan said, when the last haunting note had died down. "Was everything."
Tristan was blasted.
The group was silent for the space of a breath before Isobel and Laurel surrendered to the hysterical laughter that had followed them all day.
A slow song came on, and Emily started picking out a new tape. "You liked Blondie, right?" she asked Isobel.
"Uhh, yeah" replied Isobel, not remembering whether she did or not.
"Eat to the Beat," said Tristan. "Side B." Isobel gathered that these were instructions of some kind. Muggles, she thought, almost fondly.
"So that was the Doxies?" asked Tristan.
"The Pixies," corrected Emily, play-punching him. "Hey, are either of you fit to Cheer me?" asked Emily.
"I could do another," said Laurel, predictably.
"I can cast it," offered Tristan, sitting up with some difficulty. "I'll take one when we head back."
Isobel was glad that he offered, since Laurel was liable to cast it too strong in her state. Tristan charmed Emily and Laurel, and Isobel rolled some tobacco.
Tristan and Emily let Laurel and Isobel have some influence over the music choices for the next few hours, but the two Ravenclaws had a difficult time recalling band names.
"It's the one like, 'doodoodoodoo… I'll run away with you,'" Laurel explained.
"Ohhhhhh," responded Emily. "'Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick.'"
"Yeah! That's the one!" clapped Laurel.
"The Cure, good choice," Tristan said pedantically, rummaging for the correct tape.
The muggle technology was awkward; Tristan had to screech through bits, and finding the exact start of a song seemed difficult for him. He pulled out a few additional cassettes from the same group for Laurel to look through. Isobel reached out for one.
"Huh," she said, turning it over. "They don't look like muggles." Emily and Tristan found this hilarious.
"They're goth," explained Tristan. "Or, they used to be, anyway."
"It's a fashion where muggles dress up like wizards," Emily explained.
"Basically," agreed Tristan. He could be remarkably doctrinaire when it came to music.
They headed back to the castle around sunset. Isobel, who hadn't Cheered since that morning, charmed Tristan (she was glad he asked because he'd grow sullen otherwise), but not until after he'd given Laurel another (bringing her up to three that day). Isobel opted out of a second. She'd only had sweets and Butterbeer all day, and was afraid that she'd lose track of her portions at supper again.
"Oh, by the way," Emily said, when they were nearly to the gates, "do you guys want to give me money for tobacco and things? I'm writing my brother tonight."
The other three started digging in their pockets, measuring out gold, and specifying quantities and brands.
"Is it ok if we pay you in normal money?" asked Laurel.
"I've got muggle money in my room to exchange it with," Emily replied.
Isobel was glad that Tristan had Cheered. Otherwise, the phrase 'normal money' would have set him off on another you-are-'othering'-the-non-magic-population-by-treating-wizardkind-like-the-norm rant.
* * *
October arrived, and with it came a dramatic increase to their workload. As it was their O.W.L. year, the professors seemed to think that their students wouldn't be prepared unless they were pushed to the brink of nervous breakdowns. As a result, the balance on how Isobel and her mates spent their time in Cadogan's Corridor shifted spectacularly in favor of actually studying. More than once, Isobel and her friends cursed at Sir Cadogan for interrupting them, and Emily had broken all of her rules regarding tobacco (she was now chain-smoking with abandon).
The Weasley twins weren't stopping by as much; the Quidditch season had begun, and they were now practicing three times a week.
It was the third Tuesday of the month. Tristan had his evening Astronomy class with the Slytherins, so it was only the girls in the corridor that night. Isobel was hunched over Laurel's rune translation, simultaneously copying and correcting. They'd established an eloquent system of cheating together: since they had identical timetables, they could divide the work between the two of them and trade (Isobel figured they were still both learning that way, but it cut the time to complete assignments nearly in half).
"What's your topic for Squirrel's essay?" asked Laurel, who was rephrasing Isobel's paper for Snape.
"Defensive Magical Theory," replied Isobel. It bothered her when people called the new Defense professor 'Squirrel,' no matter how appropriate. Professor Quirrel had taken a liking to Isobel after her first essay (when she had suggested that non-Western magic was often needlessly classified as 'dark').
"What are you gonna say?" asked Laurel.
"I have no idea," admitted Isobel, crossing out Laurel's mis-definition of Ehwaz. "I honestly can't see a situation where you couldn't just use Expelliarmus or Protego."
"Huh," said Laurel. "Good point… Yeah, once you disarm them it's through, isn't it."
"I think I'll focus on resisting Imperio and shite like that," replied Isobel. "By the way, Ehwaz means 'partnership.' And also 'horse,' apparently. Eihwaz means defense."
"I bloody hate runes," sighed Laurel.
Emily turned the corner, cautiously levitating three mugs of coffee. She knew some secret about how to procure coffee and tea between meals, one she refused to share ('ancient Hufflepuff wisdom,' was all she would say, tapping her nose sagely).
"Milk and sugar," she announced.
"Thanks," replied Laurel, taking the mug.
"Skim milk," she continued.
"You're the best," said Isobel, accepting the coffee from mid air.
"And a double latte with clover honey," finished Emily, pleased, as she sat down cross-legged.
"How'd you swing a latte?" demanded Isobel, nearly choking on her coffee. Emily replied by tutting and shaking her head with a smile. Because it was Emily, this wasn't annoying.
"Can you do food too?" asked Laurel.
"Oh yes," nodded Emily. "That's how it all started."
"Leave it to the stoner house to figure it out," laughed Isobel. "You know," she continued. "If you told us how you do it, then you wouldn't have to make the trip every time."
"You've got a kitchen in your common room, don't you?" cried Laurel, certain that she'd cracked it.
"No, I wish," sighed Emily, sipping her latte and sifting through parchment. "Do either of you have your season charts for Herbo? I can't find mine."
"What are you looking up?" asked Laurel.
"The planting season for Screechsnap," said Emily, checking under her textbook.
"Libra through Sagittarius, at dusk. I was just making my list if you want it," Laurel offered.
Emily scribbled the information down, but passed on copying Laurel's homework—the Hufflepuff still had some reservations about the Ravenclaws' system of labor distribution. Isobel guessed that as the O.W.L.s loomed closer and the workload increased, Emily's qualms over cheating would (like her rules about tobacco) become compromised.
End Note 1: I took the name Emma Ackerley from Stewart Ackerley, who appeared in GoF, when he was Sorted into Ravenclaw in the 1994 school year—the two are related.
End Note 2:
a. The "dark and frenetic" song Emily sings along to is "Hey" by The Pixies, from the 1989 album, Doolittle.
b. Eat to the Beat, released 1979, is an album by Blondie. One of the more popular songs, "Atomic," is on the B side.
c. The song Laurel tries to remember is "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure, from their 1987 album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.
d. The tape Isobel looks at when she mentions that The Cure "don't look like muggles" is Pornography, released in 1982.
End Note 3: Hermione also misidentified Ehwaz in OOTP. (Plus, Harry pretty much only ever used expelliarmus and protego, proving Isobel's theory correct!)
End Note 4: Isobel's wand is Olive Wood with Sphynx hair, 10.25 inches, and rigid. From Wikipedia: 'Olive wood is very hard and is prized for its durability, colour, high combustion temperature and interesting grain patterns. Because of the commercial importance of the fruit, and the relatively small size of the tree, olive wood and its products are relatively expensive.'
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Latest News
LaCrosse Talk
Information about and from LaCrosse Talk
WI's Do Not Call List or call (866) 966-2255
MN's Do Not Call List or call (800) 921-4110
Federal Do Not Call List or call (888) 382-1222
Charges Faced by Former Municipal Prosecutor Pete Kisken
Great American Smoke Out
Today they will be in the Education Center on the lower level of the Gundersen Lutheran – Onalaska Clinic, and on Thursday in the cafeteria of the Gundersen Lutheran La Crosse Campus.
Tables will be set up providing useful information on quitting smoking and resources on where to receive help. There will also be free carbon monoxide screenings available.
Sparta Firm Sued
The U.S. Department of Labor has sued Quality Tool and Machine of Sparta and the company's president, Jerry Freimuth, for allegedly failing to forward over $9 thousand in employee contributions to the company's SIMPLE IRA plan, in violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
The lawsuit alleges Freimuth and the company failed to forward the voluntary employee contributions to the company's SIMPLE IRA plan from 2003 to 2008.
The suit seeks a court order to require repayment of losses with interest to the plan and to permanently bar Freimuth from serving as a service provider to any ERISA-covered employee benefit plan in the future.
2011 Perennial Crops Must Be Insured Before November 20th
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Wisconsin producers have until November 20, 2010 to sign up for 2011 Non-insured Assistance Program coverage for perennial crops. This deadline applies to perennial crops such as apples, wild rice, huckleberries, peaches, plums, asparagus, currants, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, cherries, honey, and maple sap, which are not covered under Federal crop insurance.
Crops must be covered by crop insurance or NAP to be eligible for the 2008 Farm Bill Disaster Programs such as the Supplemental Disaster Assistance Program, Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program.
The November 20 deadline also applies to persons who have a 2010 policy and need to renew their coverage for 2011.
One Light Pole Snags Two Drunks for La Crosse Police
La Crosse cops got themselves a bit of a two-fer this week-end. Police say just after bar-time on Saturday, they pulled over a guy who'd knocked over a traffic signal in the median at Rose and Clinton street on the northside. 42 year-old La Crosse guy. He blew a .17 and picked up his first OWI. Not 20 minutes later, while a squad was parked near the downed light pole with emergency lights on, car drives over it and keeps on going. Another cop pulls that guy over. He's also drunk, and has half of a bottle of whiskey in the back seat. 20 year-old from Fountain City. Pretty solidly drunk but seemed pretty honest, too; told the officer that he was simply too drunk to do the field tests. Clearly the case; he vomited in the squad on the way to jail.
Book Booked Again
Another return trip to jail for Indra Book. Book is the 22 year-old La Crosse woman convicted three years ago in the death of her newborn daughter. She put the infant in a plastic cooler and left her out with the garbage. Book's been on probation since July and has been arrested a couple of times since then for probation violations; once for attacking her boyfriend and once for drinking and smoking synthetic marijuana. Police arrested Book again yesterday at her job. Again for drinking but also for curfew violations.

subset: commoncrawl


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A touch of frost
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In praise of tomatoes
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Growing fruit and vegetables for profit
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Composting reduces trash, provides organic matter
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May 19, 2010 This spring's unseasonably warm weather (temperatures peaked out at near 90 degrees F in some locations in April) encouraged many trees and shrubs to leaf out one, two, even three weeks earlier than... more »»
Will late blight be a problem again in 2010?
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Stalking the wild leek
April 21, 2010 "We remember all the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic that we wanted. more »»
The Christmas plant — poinsettia
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State burn bans will reduce health risks, wildfires
October 21, 2009 On Oct. 14, a statewide ban on burning trash went into effect in New York. The ban makes it illegal to use a burn barrel or open pits as a means for incinerating tras. more »»
40th annual 4-H Conservation Field Days
October 7, 2009 This year, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin County (CCE) offered its 40th annual Conservation Field Day events: full days of free educational opportunities for area yout. more »»
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Light blight found on tomato transplants
July 1, 2009 Recently, alerts have been circulating among Extension educators across all over the Northeas. more »»
Slugs in the garden
June 17, 2009 This rainy, spring weather and the cool temperatures we've been experiencing have slowed garden growth across the entire region; perfect conditions for thriving slug populations. more »»
Support your local farmers' market
June 3, 2009 If you're looking for ways to shop local, eat fresh and stretch your food dollars, look no further than your local Farmers' Marke. more »»
Enjoy the trails — Safely
May 20, 2009 Whether you're looking for a short hike to a hidden pond for an afternoon picnic, searching for a panoramic mountain vista at the end of a picturesque hiking trail or seeking the sanctuary of... more »»
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News, Blogs & Events Web


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MyArcadia Redesign Launches on Nov. 24
MyArcadia, the password protected information site for Arcadia community members, will launch a new platform on Monday, Nov. 24. The new site will feature improved functionality, such as a user-customized homepage, as well as tools to organize information. MyArcadia will be easy to navigate and information will be responsive, whether you're on a laptop, tablet, or phone.
Bringing MyArcadia to the same platform of the University website is the first phase of the redesign initiative. MyArcadia will remain the place to log in to for quick access to your email, Blackboard, SelfService, Library website, and content exclusive to the Arcadia community.
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Hispanic Cultures
Angel Esteban, University of Delaware
El escritor en su paraíso: Borges bibliómano
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - 1:00pm
German Studies
200th Anniversary of the Death of the Marquis de Sade
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 - 6:00pm
British and Anglophone Literature Colloquium
Leonie Achtnich, Freie Universität Berlin
Stay Out of the Sun: Fever in Joseph Conrad and Virginia Woolf
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - 5:00pm
Hispanic Cultures
Vivi Tellas, Princeton University
Found Theater: Biodrama and Biography on the Argentine Stage
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - 5:30pm
Cognitive Theory and the Arts
Hillary Chute, University of Chicago
Time, Space, and Reading the Visual in the Graphic Novel
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 - 7:00pm
Victorian Literature and Culture
Graduate Student Panel
Thursday, December 4, 2014 - 6:00pm
Modern Greek Literature and Culture
Nikos Panou, Stony Brook University
Lucian in Phanar: Nikolaos Mavrokordatos' Dialogic Imagination
Thursday, December 4, 2014 - 6:00pm
Shakespearean Studies
Graduate Symposium
New Work on Early Modern Drama
Friday, December 5, 2014 - 5:30pm
Buddhist Studies Forum
Natasha Heller, University of California, Los Angeles
When is a Bodhisattva a Superhero?
Monday, December 8, 2014 - 4:30pm
France and the World
Touria Nakkouch, Ibn-Zohr University, Morocco
Worlds and France: Maghrebi Fiction Remapping the French Imaginary
Monday, December 8, 2014 - 5:00pm
Art, Popular Culture, and Civic Life
Roundtable Discussion
Why Indian Movies Sing
Monday, December 8, 2014 - 7:00pm
Visual Representation, Materiality, and Medium
Linda Nochlin, New York University
Gericault, Goya, and the Representation of Misery after the Industrial Revolution
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - 5:30pm
Musics Abroad
Maria Elizabeth Lucas, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Unbounding Boundaries: Reflections Beyond Doing "Ethnomusicology of/for the Nation" in Brazil
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 - 7:00pm
Eighteenth-Century Studies
Sixth Annual Dinner Symposium: New Eyes on the Eighteenth Century
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 - 6:00pm
Women and Culture in the Early Modern World
Lauren Jacobi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Spatiality of Florentine Banking and the Body of the Banker, ca. 1350-1550
Thursday, December 11, 2014 - 5:30pm
Civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome
Mark Bradley, University of Nottingham
Obesity, Corpulence, and Emaciation in Roman Art
Monday, January 26, 2015 - 5:00pm
Katharina Piechocki, Harvard University
Solemn Sex: Ottaviano Castelli's Roman Opera Production for the Birth of Louis XIV (1638)
Thursday, January 29, 2015 - 5:00pm
Musics Abroad
Mehmet Ali Sanlikol, College of Holy Cross
Reconstructing a Turkish Identity in Boston: Mehter, Byzantine Music, Jazz, and More
Thursday, February 5, 2015 - 7:00pm
Gender and Sexuality
Nan Hunter, Georgetown Law School
The Conflict Between LGBT Equality and Religious Liberty
Thursday, February 12, 2015 - 5:00pm
Modern Greek Literature and Culture
Kostas Lavdas, Tufts University
A Juncture of Stateness: Political Challenges and the Eurocrisis in Southern Europe
Thursday, February 12, 2015 - 6:00pm
American Literature and Culture
Gene Jarrett, Boston University
Agency, Literacy, Slavery: The Limits of African American Literary Studies
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 6:00pm
History of the Book
Daniel Shore, Georgetown University
Cyberformalism and the Philology of Things, 1557-1798
Thursday, February 19, 2015 - 5:00pm
Cognitive Theory and the Arts
Karen Wynn, Yale University
On the Moral Life of Infants
Thursday, February 19, 2015 - 7:00pm
Modern Greek Literature and Culture
Robert Pinsky, Boston University
Robert Pinsky on C. P. Cavafy
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - 6:00pm
Brigid Cohen, New York University
Yoko Ono's Fluxus Operas
Thursday, February 26, 2015 - 5:00pm
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text: We discovered The Pine Inn last year and return often. The staff is very friendly. The owners are often there keeping things running smoothly. We like the menu and there's always a tasty special to try. If you go and order an entree, consider swapping your potato for the roasted veggies. The are fabulous!


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Like many people, I was appalled the first time I heard the story of how Thomas Jefferson, one of our nation's founding fathers, personally edited the Bible. He took a pair of scissors and cut up his copy of Scripture, removing the parts that he believed did not pass the Enlightenment test of reason.
But I wonder. What about us? Without ever touching a pair of scissors, have we "cut out" important scriptural themes simply by ignoring them?
It mattered to God that the Hebrew people, wandering in the wilderness, were famished. He gave them manna. It mattered to Jesus that 5,000 people were hungry, and so he fed them with five loaves and two fish. It matters to God and to Jesus that people are hungry today.
The question is: Does it matter to us?
Under such circumstances, what is a church to do?
Growing up, we discover the entertainment value of fish tales and whoppers. We hear a story that's too good not to pass along, and we usually do.
So it's not surprising that originality and accuracy may not be at the top of a congregation's ethical concerns.


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Car repair is an expensive proposition. While the initial cost of the vehicle might not be that exorbitant, bringing the same car for repair might end up costing much more. Now, if you're really dependent on this vehicle for regular use like driving to work, picking your children up from their schools but are unable to fund the pricey repair bills, then you can consider applying for a car repair loan. As per common beliefs, a car repair loan does exist and it is meant to help those who are not able to pay the repair bills up front.
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Comment · print · T T T+· T- TOPICS The outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) has accused Chhattisgarh government and Bastar... ...http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maoists-deny-links-with-extremists-inter-services-intelligence/article6563958.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
Data and assessments from SAIR can be freely published in any form with credit to the South Asia Intelligence Review of the Print S. Binodkumar... ...http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/sair/Archives/sair13/13_13.htm
NAGPUR: Indian reserve battalion (IRB) jawan Nitesh Bandekar's condition continues to be critical as doctors at Orange City Hospital has retained... ...http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Naxal-cadre-with-Rs-16-lakh-reward-held/articleshow/42655713.cms
A senior Maoist was arrested by the police today, Superintendent of Police Sandip Patil said during a press conference here today. The arrested... ...http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Maoist-Leader-Sandip-Patil-Captured-in-Maharashtra/860147
Such cadres must be sifted and cost-benefit analyses done to assess the impact of their surrender. By:R.K. Vij The recent surge in the... ...http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/withering-away-of-a-revolution/


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Fall and winter is flu season and many Americans respond to this threat with an annual flu shot. Posters on drug store walls and entryways ask, "Have you had your flu shot yet?" There is a clear expectation in the message, that every person should comply. Last year, 135 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed. Although this represents only 14% of our population, this is indeed a large number. Flu vaccines are big business.
Tag Archives: Vaccine Dangers
Flu Shot Facts Everyone Should Know
There is a consistent misnomer among the mainstream consensus that vaccines are healthy. If flu shots are effective, one could argue that the end result is healthy, but there is nothing healthy about the vaccine itself. In 2014, the ingredients include thimerosal (mercury), aluminum salts, sugars, gelatin, egg protein, formaldehyde, and neomycin. Nobody in their right mind can argue that allowing these toxins into the body is actually "healthy." The idea is that the damage the vaccine may do is outweighed by the illness it prevents.
How to Detoxify from Vaccinations & Heavy Metals
If you choose to vaccinate (or believe you have no choice), it's time to detoxify. This is not an article intended to debate the efficacy of vaccinations, but merely to address the toxicity from vaccinations and advise on elimination of the toxins.
Autism and Vaccines: CDC Whistleblower Exposes Vaccine Dangers, Lies, and Cover-ups
It turns out that the CDC knew about increased autism rates among African-American Boys who received MMR shot earlier than 36 months.
The Vaccine Argument – Why It's Important Regardless of Where You Stand
I think it's possible that vaccines have their place.On the other hand, I also believe that a very healthy person is at a much greater risk from vaccine injury than any disease. But I am under the radical assumption that when the body is fed properly, and not over burdened with toxins, the body is not susceptible to pathogens. I also believe in the crazy notion that illness including HIV, cancer, and almost every other disease are curable through natural means. I understand that this sounds crazy to most people.
Vaccine Side Effects and Why You Shouldn't Vaccinate
We cannot prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that vaccines do more harm than good any more than anyone else can prove that they are beneficial. There are too many variables. But to say that there is nothing to worry about with vaccines is to bury one's head in the sand.
Research to Advance Vaccine Safety
As the debate about vaccine safety intensifies, new laws have been passed to protect the pharmaceutical companies from litigation. No new laws have been passed to protect the victims of vaccine injury. Against rising proof that vaccines are unsafe and linked to autism, ADHD, and other serious outcomes, the same mantra is repeated by government sources—that there is no proof of cause and effect between vaccinations and health concerns.
Sick Society
We live in a sick, sick society. And yes, I mean that literally as well as figuratively. We put toxins in our water through pollution and through fluoridation. We alter and process food until it doesn't resemble its original components and loses all of its nutrition, then we put a little artificial nutrition back in before adding artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavorings to make it taste better and look inviting while increasing its shelf life. We send our children to schools that feed them this processed garbage once or twice a day.
Common Sense and Vaccination Injuries
I met another parent whose normal, happy, healthy child received an MMR vaccination and was sucked into the vortex of autism. "One day he was normal, the next day it was lights out," said his father. "You can't tell me there is no connection between vaccinations and autism."
The Council of Europe Praises Poland's Choice to Reject H1N1 Vaccine
Poland's Health Minister, Ewa Kopacz, was heavily criticized for her decision not to purchase the swine flu vaccines. The Polish Ombudsman, Janusz Kochanowski (appointed as the mediary for citizen rights) threatened to sue Kopacz for her decision.


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It was hard to find a good place suited to our budget, what can I say, I found this hotel through google, and later on I send a request through mail for our future stay; Paula, the owner, answered kindly with all the information requested. By the time we arrived, everything was prepared, nice and neat, just like home. It... More
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Comedian Big Al and Friends
Comic Big Al (Chicano Comedy All-Stars) and Friends at Tommy T's
Full Price
Our Price
Bay Area comedy staple Big Al Gonzales brings his Big Al and Friends show to Tommy T's. A veteran stand-up, Big Al has toured across the country with the Chicano Comedy All-Stars, Burger Kings of Comedy and his own Big Al's Big Ass Comedy Show. The topical, observational funnyman has also shared stages with the likes of Doug Stanhope, Eddie Griffin, Pablo Francisco, Russell Peters, Bobby Slayton, Bobby Lee and Kyle Kinane. As an on-air personality at San Francisco's legendary Pirate Cat Radio, Big Al interviewed a number of comedy's big names, including Marc Maron, Dat Phan, Bruce Villanch and Laurie Kilmartin.
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Comedian Big Al and Friends have expired.
The last date listed for Comedian Big Al and Friends was Thursday August 9, 2012 / 7:30pm.
Most Popular Comedy Event Nearby
SF Comedy Showcase at the Punch Line
- Full Price:
- $12.50
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Come see the Punch Line's weekly SF Comedy Showcase, held every Sunday for over 30 years. San Fra...Learn More
Venue Details
Rachel Sa-onoy
Eat before hand or order their crispy chicken wings!Comedian Rex Navarrete dining • Sep 15 2014 star this tip starred
Peggy Watts
For best seat selection, come early when doors open, but really no seat is bad at Tommy T's.Comedian Tony Roberts info • Sep 05 2014 star this tip starred
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Thursday November 20, New Orleans will be smoking! Or perhaps, not.
Business news for today: New chemical production in St. Charles Parish, NOLA Christmas, Fat City Fest, New Orleans ranked 23rd, Art Business in DDD, more..
Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Executive Vice President Dale Plante of Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. announced the company will construct a new chemical production facility in St. Charles Parish and upgrade the plant it currently operates in Ascension Parish. The plant expansions, representing a capital investment of $66 million, will increase Momentive's production of formaldehyde for use by nearby chemical plants in the manufacture of other products.
According to the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) report, there is a great divide, segregation and inequality in the US Restaurant Industry which is seen in cities Chicago, Detroit and New Orleans.
Despite the long history of the Times Picayune in New Orleans, the management of the newspaper continues to show utter disrespect for the people they claim to represent.
The latest blow occurred this morning with the news that the Times Picayune will soon end print operations in New Orleans.
For years liberals like New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu have been advocating programs such as midnight basketball as ways to reduce crime. Supposedly, young people with no ambition, moral values or job will be turned away from crime by the opportunity to shoot hoops. It sounds ridiculous, and, of course, it does not work, but the program helps the liberals feel good about what they are doing to fight the crime problem in New Orleans.
Louisiana business shorts for today:
Water conference in New Orleans, kind-of-sad Louisiana (39th in happy state), West Jefferson Hospital has heart, Covalent Logic…here are the media releases
Simply Fabulous.
That's how I must describe the "Fab Four", the look-alike, sound-alike, sing-alike unofficial-official road musical show mimicking of the real "Fab Four", or commonly known as The Beatles.
Louisiana business shorts news of the day: GNO NORLI leaders chosen, education level of US cities including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and BGR's a biotech summary breakfast focused on the impact of the industry upon the New Orleans economy and breaking news from Prospect New Orleans.
Louisiana Biz Shorts for today: LetterFab illuminated signage company now in Gretna; Jefferson chamber announces Fat City festival logo winner; Great Rafting in Shreveport, 3d Printing makes it to Baton Rouge and upcoming expo in New Orleans
by Tom Aswell, Publisher of Louisiana Voice
Two audit reports released this week by Legislative Auditor Daryl Pupera's office focus on documentation of expenses related to hurricane recovery and costs incurred by the state for vacant office space in downtown New Orleans as part of a costly incentive package to induce Saints owner Tom Benson to keep the NFL team in New Orleans


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SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad today announced that it has entered into Sale and Purchase Agreements to acquire the entire interest of PETRONAS in 3 blocks offshore
Statoil has decided to cancel the Stena Carron rig contract after fulfilling the work commitments in the Statoil-operated blocks 38 and 39 in the Kwanza basin offshore Angola.
Stephen D. Pryor, president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company and vice president of Exxon Mobil Corporation, has elected to retire on January 1, 2015, after more than 44 years of service.
The ASD tugs KST Passion and KST Pride were were delivered to their owner, Keppel-Smit Towage Pte. Ltd of Singapore in October 2014. The two vessels are the first
The shipping season on the upper Mississippi River will end on Thursday as ice surrounding locks and dams near Minnesota's Twin Cities forced the earliest winter
RSC Bio Solutions said that its EnviroLogic Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), including hydraulic, stern tube and thruster oils, and SAFECARE cleaners


text: New York Giants v Arizona Cardinals By Joe Bianchino October 2, 2011 9:33 PM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter <> at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. Category: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! More from 104.5 The Team Woman Cries Over Tebow Cake [VIDEO] Curt Schilling's Son Attracts Bombs Squad At Airport Bruce Pearl Hits Shot From Second Deck [VIDEO] How the Bills Got to Detroit Best of the Web


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Posted October 01, 2012 on AP on Fox
The Philadelphia 76ers have picked up the 2013-14 option on coach Doug Collins' contract. Collins led the Sixers to the playoffs in his first two seasons with the team, including a run to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Collins says he wants to stay with Sixers in a front office or consulting role when he's finished coaching. The Sixers made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1973 draft out of Illinois State. He also had coaching stops in Chicago, Detroit and Washington. He has a 408-359 record in 10 seasons.
Original Story: http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/76...
PLAYERS: Doug Collins
TEAMS: Philadelphia 76ers, Illinois State Redbirds
TEAMS: Philadelphia 76ers, Illinois State Redbirds
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BOOK REMARKS Maggie Gust email@example.com By Atul Gawande Henry Holt (sold by MacMillan), 2014 300 pages. Genre: Medical Nonfiction "If end-of-life discussions were an experimental drug, the FDA would approve it." — "Being Mortal." The author is a general surgeon practicing in the Boston area, who has written previous books about medical practice ("Better," "Complications," "The Checklist Manifesto"). His name may be familiar to you. In "Being Mortal," he is opening a conversation about how we deal with not just end-of-life issues but also debility and decline in our well-being. "'Being Mortal' is about the struggle to cope with the ... Read More »
BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT Laurie Kasperbauer firstname.lastname@example.com Imagine waking up on your most ideal day. What would it look like? Not a hard question to answer really, and if you asked 1,000 people, you would likely receive 1,000 different responses. Again, imagine waking up on your most ideal day. What would it look like? Would the sun be streaming in the window or would there be the soft patter of rain against the panes of glass? Who would be with you as you woke to your ideal day? Or would waking up alone be your preferred way to greet the ... Read More »
What's Up with Orthopedics?
To Your Health Scott Lowe CEO, Physicians Regional-Collier Blvd One of the most important responsibilities for any health-care provider is education. As CEO of Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard, I may not have the same hands-on opportunity as our physicians and staff to share potentially life-saving information, but my responsibility to promote public awareness is equally important. Though Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard is home to a significant number of specialty health care providers, I still find that many don't take the time to understand the ins and outs of various specialties until they are in NEED of a particular type of care. Ladies and ... Read More »
Maureen Chodaba: A Survivor's Story
By Noelle H. Lowery email@example.com Maureen Chodaba is the ultimate breast cancer survivor. At 10 years old, she watched her grandmother fight and die from the dreaded disease. It was 1968. She also helped her mother fight it and survive twice — in 1978 and 1984. "It was a scary thing," Maureen admits. "I was very close to my grandmother; she lived with us. At the age of 10, I was faced with the word mastectomy." Then in 1995, she faced her own battle with breast cancer. At the time, 38-year-old Maureen was enjoying a quiet but full life, living ... Read More »
Celebrating 20 Years of Always There
By Noelle H. Lowery email@example.com Rosalind "Roz" Minicozzi is a woman of faith, and during a vacation in Southwest Florida more than 20 years ago, the president and CEO of Always There Home Health Care decided to take a giant leap of faith to open a second office for her New Jersey-base home health care agency on Marco Island. Today, that office is celebrating 20 years of service to the homebound, infirm and elderly on Marco Island and in its surrounding communities. The firm's Marco office is located at 317 N. Collier Blvd. in Suite 201. Always There also has ... Read More »
Lely, MIA in Key District Games on Friday
By Roger LaLonde firstname.lastname@example.com The Lely Trojans and Marco Island Academy football teams each have big games on Friday night. While Lely hosts Immokalee to determine the winner of Class 5A-District 15, the Manta Rays host First Baptist Academy on Senior Night, trying to win its first Class 2A-District 12 game. FBA is 3-0 in district play while MIA is 0-3. Both games kick off at 7 PM. The Manta Rays did snap a five-game losing streak by pounding Canterbury, 52-13, last Friday. MIA has been putting up the points, even against good teams, but haven't had much luck in ... Read More »
Stone crab season opens Oct. 15 in state, federal waters
Florida's recreational and commercial stone crab claw harvest season opens Oct. 15 in state and federal waters. To ensure this valuable resource is available for generations to come, take care when removing crab claws, and follow all protective management guidelines for stone crab harvest. To be harvested, stone crab claws must be at least 2¾ inches in length when measured from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable portion of the claw (see illustration). View a video on how to properly remove the claw, and increase the likelihood of survival of the released crab. Claws may not be taken from egg-bearing stone ... Read More »
Letter to the Editor: Representative Kathleen Passidomo
Over the years since I was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives representing Naples and Marco Island I have gotten to know Litha Berger well. She is a passionate advocate for Marco Island and its residents and has served the community well as a volunteer in a number of important roles. She chaired the Marco Island Newcomers' Club and served on the board of the Marco Island Taxpayers Association and the City Parks and Recreation Committee. Prior to moving to Marco Island she was an executive for several companies specializing in geriatric care services and helped develop affordable ... Read More »
Letter to the Editor: Victor N Rios
To the Editor: A significant event in my life, was being a political prisoner in Cuba where I was severely tortured. My release from prison and exit papers from Cuba to come to the US was thanks to a good hearted man who risked his life to help people like me. That man that saved my life taught me that we need to give back to our fellow citizens. My many years of Community service, from helping children in NJ learn computer technology, to serving as a proud member of the U.S. Army, to helping Los Angeles children at risk learn about computers, in a program I ... Read More »
Letter to the editor: Pat Molloy
Our beautiful city of Marco Island always needs a city council that cares deeply about the city and its citizens. Litha Berger has spent her time in this city working selflessly to improve the quality of life for the people of Marco Island. She has led and/or participated in the Marco Island Taxpayer Association, Newcomers of Marco Island, Marco Island Big Flag Committee, and most recently as a member of the Marco Island Parks and Recreation Committee. Even more important than her contributions to this city is the business judgment she will bring to the council. Litha has extensive experience ... Read More »
Marco Island Skin and Body Boutique
Beautiful skin has always been a way of life for Pam Campbell — from her days as a professional model to today as the owner of Marco Island Skin and Body Boutique. She has been a medical esthetician and makeup artist for more than 30 years. "As a professional model, I always loved working with the makeup artists, and they always told me a beautiful face always starts with beautiful skin," Campbell explains. "So, I went to school to learn just that!" Initially, she worked for large cosmetic companies, such as Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy and Lancome. At one point, ... Read More »
PACE Collier's 'Love That Dress!' Raises $112,000
By Coastal Breeze News Staff With a record breaking 3,500 dresses and a number of new and returning sponsors PACE Collier's 2014 "Love That Dress!" was destined to succeed, and it did, nearly doubling last year's proceeds and reporting $112,000 raised. "Love That Dress!" is not only a feel-good community event, but it brings together local businesses, volunteers and community partners. The fourth annual event was held at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Title Sponsor White House Black Market had an even bigger presence this year by providing thousands of pieces of jewelery that were sold for $5 ... Read More »
Welcome to Women's Small Business Month
By Coastal Breeze News Staff October marks a very important milestone for women and for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It is National Women's Small Business Month and the 26th anniversary of the signing of the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (H.R. 5050), an effort to eliminate discriminatory lending practices and to establish the Women's Business Center Program and the National Women's Business Council (NWBC). Today, the NWBC advises the White House, Congress and the Small Business Association on issues relevant to women business owners — with a critical focus on how to alleviate the obstacles faced by ... Read More »
NCH Announces Opening of First NCH Concierge Medicine Practice
The NCH Healthcare System announces the opening of NCH Concierge Medicine. This new personalized health assessment and health management program offers increased access to a personal physician. Robert Hanson, M.D., Family Medicine, and Jesse Haven, M.D., Family Medicine, are the first physicians to join the NCH Concierge Medicine practice. Drs Hanson and Haven have been providing care to local patients for 22 and 13 years, respectively and will be accepting a limited number of patients in the new practice. Dr. Hanson is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He graduated from the University of Florida, College of ... Read More »
11th Annual Choice Affair
Political analyst, journalist, actor, producer, writer and MSNBC news program commentator Lawrence O'Donnell will lend his voice in support of women's rights on behalf of Planned Parenthood of Collier County at its 11th Annual Choice Affair, to be held at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club on Jan. 30, 2015. The premier fundraising event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner and the program at 7 p.m. On his weeknight show, "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell," the host has devoted an impressive amount of screen time to advocates for women's reproductive health and has been outspoken in ... Read More »
Join the Arbor Day Foundation in October And Receive Five Free Crapemyrtle Trees
The Arbor Day Foundation will brighten up your fall by offering five free crapemyrtle trees when you join the Foundation in October. The free trees are part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation's Trees for America campaign, a program dedicated to environmental stewardship through tree planting. "Crapemyrtles are especially beautiful in the fall and were selected for this campaign because of their elegant color and form," said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Crapemyrtles make an attractive addition to the home landscape." The trees will be shipped postpaid between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10, at the right time ... Read More »
American Cancer Society Leads Fight to End Breast Cancer
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CARES Lisa Honig Did you know that the American Cancer Society invests more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type to find, prevent, treat and cure the disease? We're in every community providing free information and services to people fighting the disease. Today, one in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer turns to us for help and support. Over the past 20 years, we have helped more than 4 million women get potentially lifesaving breast cancer screening tests. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than ... Read More »
Happiness is a Marco Island Condo!
By Gary and Sandy Elliott www.marcoislandcondoguy.net www.sandyelliottinteriors.com People come from all over the world to Marco Island to vacation, work or retire, and enjoy the beautiful crescent beach, water sports, fishing, golfing, shopping and, of course, the ever popular restaurants. A recent review of the Collier County Property Assessor's website shows that islanders come from all 50 states with the majority coming from the Midwest and Northeast. Homeowners come from at least 15 foreign countries with Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom representing the biggest groups. About 15 percent of the island's condos are occupied year round, and the rest ... Read More »
The Name is the Thing
SOUTHERN SKIES By Mike P. Usher firstname.lastname@example.com How did the planets and stars get their names? For planets, the answer is easy. They were named after gods. Indeed, it was believed they were gods. Planets were named after different gods at different times in different civilizations, but the names we use today are those of Roman gods. The names follow a certain logic. Mercury was the messenger of the gods so he needed to move quickly as does his namesake planet. The planet Venus is quite beautiful and so was named after the goddess of love and beauty. Mars is ... Read More »
McGuffie welcomes Dr. Abbiati
By Coastal Breeze News Staff Island dentist Dr. Axel McGuffie and his family, wife Debbie (office administrator) and daughter Jessica, will be relocating to the East Coast. In a letter to patients, Dr. McGuffie wrote "My commitment to maintaining your trust and providing quality dental care has led me to search for just the right doctor to assume my practice. I wanted someone with the same enthusiasm and commitment I had when I built my practice. Dr. Abbiati is enthusiastic about the practice of dentistry and providing patients with the highest quality in customized care." The letter cites Dr. Abbiati ... Read More »


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The federal government is just scratching the surface when it comes to consolidating business functions such as IT, human resources and financial reporting, according to a new report from the Partnership for Public Service and Deloitte.
Although financial constraints and pressure from oversight bodies are driving the kind of cost cutting that shared services can achieve, the report suggests that there are other powerful benefits, including an increased focus on core agency missions and improved accountability and standardization of business practices.
"Cost starts the conversation, but if in the end it isn't about a customer-centric delivery of the services you need to deliver, then I think we're missing the bigger opportunity," said Ellen Herbst, the Commerce Department's chief financial officer, at a Feb. 27 Partnership for Public Service event linked to the report's release.
At NASA, human resources, IT, procurement and finance are run out of a single center that serves employees at the agency's 10 far-flung flight centers and research labs. According to the report, NASA employees are highly satisfied with the remotely delivered services, and NASA is contemplating expanding the program to outside agencies.
The Energy Department took shared services a step further by consolidating the core agency mission of cleaning up contaminated nuclear weapons research sites. The effort brought together support functions such as human resources and budgeting with the more rarefied occupations of nuclear safety and decommissioning. The goal, according to the report, was to "retain staff adept at the complex closure procedures who would serve multiple sites."
Another approach to shared services is aligning common mission functions across multiple agencies or components. The Department of Homeland Security is experimenting with a shared-services framework called the Integrated Investment Lifecycle Model to eliminate redundancies and overlapping functions in business and operational areas across the department's varied components. Last year, DHS began testing the approach in biodefense, cybersecurity, and border and transportation screening.
Among the institutional obstacles to shared services is the dispersal of authority: Centralizing and outsourcing business functions can mean taking jobs and money away from federal managers.
"Agencies that have been successful at shared services have been able to reduce cost overall from a contract spend perspective, but also have been able to focus people more on the mission," said Lou Heinzer, a principal at Deloitte who worked on the report. "It's more about taking those billets, repurposing them, and having them focus more on the mission and less on the administrative side."
Having experienced internal advocates is essential. "In almost every case we studied, the person heading the effort had extensive experience leading government agencies, departments and organizations at the federal, state or local level, enabling them to understand how to change bureaucracies," the report states.
Overall, the report found that the keys to success are good governance, agencywide support, and a willingness to listen to the employees and contractors who are going to be affected, along with finding ways to measure success and using performance metrics to ensure accountability.
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Steve Kelman considers the costs of corruption in Mexico, China, and most developing countries -- and argues that Americans should keep their own government troubles in perspective.
Agency leaders must proactively invest time, energy and resources to shape the future rather than reactively wait for change to happen.
Meet 24 men and women who are driving key changes in federal IT -- and shaping up as the community's likely leaders of tomorrow.
GSA's administrator talks with FCW about short-term hiring, long-term planning and Robert Frost.
Without a future vision and an appetite for risk, reforms lead down a rabbit hole. There is a better way.
VA's top tech official says he is balancing risks while trying to keep the department's online services open for business.
After five years on the job, the founding director of the Office of Government Information Services believes that a deeper understanding and acceptance of FOIA is seeping into the federal government.
The September attack, made public Nov. 10, potentially puts customer and employee personal information at risk, including addresses, Social Security numbers and emails.
The General Services Administration's Matthew Goodrich predicts more agency-driven authorizations and previews a new two-year road map.
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الانتفاضة الإلكترونية
Recognizing "Palestine" will soon be discussed by lawmakers in Ljubljana.
Dozens of activists disrupted an Israeli-government backed film screening at the Cinemed 2014 festival in Montpellier, France, forcing the showing to be abandoned.
Water is abundant in a nearby Jewish-only settlement, yet the Palestinians of al-Araqib are deprived of basic services.
Supplier of tahini to Israeli military draws protests at Paris food fair.
The trappings of "statehood" and "state" recognition, however well intentioned, will not restore usurped Palestinian rights.
Palestine would be an unprecedented political and legal challenge to the court but there's no shortage of evidence of Israeli crimes.
Your support helps us tell Palestine's stories every day. Donate Now
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RBS works at pleasing master and clients
25 February 2014
Last summer, Adrian Eady, a banker with Royal Bank of Scotland, was nearly crushed hauling a crate of feta cheese off a forklift truck in a North London warehouse.
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Sports Authority Ontario Mills
Sports Authority sporting goods stores in Ontario are dedicated to providing our Ontario customers with the best shopping experience possible by consistently providing great brands at great values. We are dedicated to increasing that value by providing industry-leading customer service and product knowledge. We are dedicated to you, and helping you take your game to the next level. If this is what you have been looking for in a sporting goods retailer, then you have come to the right store!
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Nov 062014
Entertainment and food trucks are highlights at Flamingo Gardens free food truck event in south Broward.
The events are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. most first Fridays of the month, with music by DJ Mike in the parking lot, and performance by a bluegrass band in the attraction.
The First Friday Late Nights at Flamingo Gardens events are at Flamingo Gardens is at 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, 954-473-2955
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PDFZilla 3.0.6
Convert, merge, cut and rotate PDF files
Softpedia in association with Reezaa Media Inc offers you a special discount: Now, only from Softpedia, you can buy PDFZilla with a 25% DISCOUNT. Take advantage of this opportunity and press the "Buy Now" button; you'll surely notice the discount has been activated. No coupons, no codes, no questions, no hassle! Get it now, while it's hot!
PDFZilla is an application which enables you to convert PDFs to Word files, images, text documents, HTML and SWF.
The program comes with a user-friendly interface in which you can import PDFs by using the file browser or "drag and drop" method. Batch processing is allowed.
So, you can specify the output location and format (e.g. DOC, RTF, PNG, BMP), and proceed with the conversion process (the output directory is automatically opened when the task is finished).
Furthermore, you can disable the conversion of the first page and last page, add PDFs from a folder, as well as disable the sound reminder.
The application runs on a low-to-moderate amount of system resources and quickly finishes a conversion task without causing us any issues along the way.
There is a brief step-by-step guide with snapshots available for beginners, but it doesn't explain what values you are allowed to input in the 'first page' and 'last page to convert' options (e.g. "1" enables and "0" disables them).
In addition, PDFZilla seems to have problems with table conversions (in case of PDF-to-Word) and with the overall layout of the page in PDF-to-HTML (e.g. images, tables and special characters found in other languages besides English are not converted). Also, it failed to convert PDFs to JPGs during our tests. Plus, the trial version is severely limited.
All in all, PDFZilla is a good program concerning PDF conversions but it needs to come up with some major improvements before we can confidently recommend it.
Reviewed by Elena Opris, last updated on August 17th, 2013
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Former WWE diva and current ROH star Maria Kanellis posted her engagement picture with Mike Bennett.
Luke Gallows, who has been thriving in Japan, is now engaged. The former WWE and TNA star made the announcement through a video that he is set to marry Amber O'Neal, a female professional wrestler on the independent wrestling circuit.
WWE diva Kaitlyn is now engaged to a bodybuilder named PJ Braun.
Brooke Hogan has called off her engagement to Phil Costa, a backup offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys. The couple has split up after getting engaged during the summer.
This rather interesting picture surfaced on Twitter this week. It's Alpha Female, who signed a contract with TNA while they were on the European tour, and LeiD Tapa carrying Al Snow, a backstage agent for Impact Wrestling.
On Impact Wrestling last night, Madison Rayne made her return to TNA, where the former Knockouts Champion saved ODB from an attack by Gail Kim and Lei'D Tapa. Rayne had taken some time away from the company to have a child.


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Hello All, I have build an email form in Flash login/registration area.
What i am trying to do is when a user login to their email and password and have successfully registered, with their login details email, Password etc. How can i get their informatiom (=data) from MySQL database
to check a user's login/pass against a DB.


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People fleeing the military offensive against the Pakistani militants in North Waziristan, travel atop a vehicle with their belongings while entering Bannu, located in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, June 20, 2014. (REUTERS/Ihsan Khattak)
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - The number of Pakistanis who have fled a tribal area bordering Afghanistan where the army is fighting militants has risen to 307,501, officials said Saturday.
Since Wednesday when a curfew was relaxed in North Waziristan, 25,242 families have left the area and registered at checkpoints along the way, said Arbab Muhammad Arif, who heads the administration of seven tribal regions along Afghan border.
The figure includes 62,000 people who left the area of operations before June 18, he added, saying that displaced families were provided with food, drinks and 5,000 rupees ($50) per family.
The curfew will remain relaxed until Sunday, he said, and the administration is expecting another 100,000 tribesmen and their families to leave. The administration has established displaced persons camps but few have showed up there, preferring to stay with relatives or in rented houses around the border town of Bannu, he said.
Meanwhile, the army said in a statement that soldiers of all ranks would donate a day's worth of pay and food rations to help the displaced families.
The Pakistani army launched a long-awaited operation against foreign and local militants in North Waziristan on June 15. It claims to have killed 262 militants and destroyed scores of their hideouts so far.
Pakistan says 1,200 militants killed over 5-month offensive
US drone in northwest Pakistan kills 6 militants
At least nine militants killed in Pakistani army offensive
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Pakistan says 1,200 militants killed over 5-month offensive
US drone in northwest Pakistan kills 6 militants
At least nine militants killed in Pakistani army offensive
A grenade attacked killed two policemen and wounded another one in Pakistan's restive northwest, police say.
Pakistan police arrested three men for beating up two polio vaccinators in the eastern city of Lahore, officials says.
The number of Pakistanis who have fled a tribal area bordering Afghanistan where the army is fighting militants has...


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2011 Edgar Award Winner for Best First Novel
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Just a stone's throw from Judith McMonigle Flynn's thriving Hillside Manor, workmen are busy renovating the elegantly decrepit Alhambra Arms into pricey condominiums....
The off-season blahs, a pyromaniacal mom, and a recently retired husband who is constantly underfoot have poor Judith McMonigle Flynn going stir crazy at Hillside Manor. So the harried R&B hostess leaps at cousin...
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After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private...
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What she found was a murder mystery-and...
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum and Trenton vice cop Joe Morelli join forces to find the madman killer who shot and barbecued the youngest son of international black-market arms dealer Alexander Ramos.
Carlos Manoso,...


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Grill School
Grilling Primer: The Griller's Pantry
Here is the new installment of my Grilling Primer making the formerly four-part series and five-parter! In the previos
How-To Tips
Vietnamese Pickled Daikon and Carrots (Ðồ Chua)
Sometimes it's the condiments that can make a dish or in
How to Grill Hanger Steak Perfectly
Why hanger steak is awesome: First, it's spelled hanger, not hangar.
Grilling Up a Happy Fourth of July!!
Here are some great recipes that I have put together for
Mom's Family Picnic Potato Salad
For the past couple months, I have been working as the
Flavorful Father's Day Menu from My Backyard Steakhouse
For Father's Day this year, I want to grill up my
My Menu for a Delicious Memorial Day!
I hope you are looking forward to a great Memorial Day Weekend!


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This truly was a neighborhood celebration for Adelle and Matt. Their condo overlooks Union Park, where their ceremony took place (thanks to approval from the neighborhood association.) They had their first date at the Buttery (where guests made a pit stop on their walk to the reception.) And Toro, a fabulous tapas restaurant, hosted their family and friends for a Spanish buffet and dancing. A perfectly intimate celebration, for one awesome couple!
Ceremony: Union Park
Reception: Toro
Cider: South End Buttery
Dress: Carolina Herrera
Flowers: Winston Flowers
Stationary: Robinson Press
DJ: Beat Train Productions
Cake: Flour