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: Sara's Summer of Truth - Chapter One third re-write
Celeste Ammirata
This is the story of Sara, a shy seventeen year old girl with a strong faith in the Lord. And of the people and situations He allows in her life to draw her closer to Him. It's geared to late teen girls and woman. Any comments, suggestions or red in would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
This is the first time I've tried writing it including Mike's voice as well.
God Bless
Sara�s life changed forever the day Mike Mulligan first smiled at her. It seemed innocent enough. Nothing life altering�
Her moist skin glistened in the oppressive heat of her afternoon classroom. She wiggled her legs, trying to loosen them from the hard wooden seat. The tang of cheap perfume and overheated bodies permeated the stale air. As Mrs. Characid droned on about the History final she was giving the next day, Sara raked her fingers through the damp tendrils that clung to the back of her neck. Gathering up her hair, she pulled it up into a pony tail. Struggling to stifle a yawn, her eyes drifted around the classroom, scanning over glassy eyes and dozing classmates before coming to rest on Mike Mulligan, the captain of the football and baseball teams.
Mmmmm, now there�s a sight for sore eyes. He was the most exotic looking guy she had ever seen. His jet black hair, cut in layers, hung to just above his broad shoulders. And that mouth! She indulged herself for a moment, staring at his straight, white teeth and full lips. Her gaze shifted up to his chestnut eyes, which twinkled in amusement as they watched her. He smiled; a smile that could make a girl forget her name.
Drawing in a quick breath, she looked away. Feeling the heat in her cheeks, she bit lower lip and closed her eyes, praying that no one else had noticed. She dared a quick peek over at her cousin, Cindy, hoping that off all people, Cindy hadn't seen. No such luck. Cindy, staring at her with that condescending smile of hers, shook her head. For the rest of the class, Sara kept her eyes on Mrs. Characid and the opened notebook in front of her.
When the bell rang, she gathered up her books, hoping to get out of the room before Cindy caught up with her. She sneaked a glance at Mike before joining the hordes of students in the hall.
A few steps into her escape, Cindy hurried up along side of her. "Smooth, Sara. I'm impressed."
Sara shrugged. "Well, at least he smiled at me."
"Of course he smiled at you, you were staring at him, what else was he supposed to do?" She shook her head, sighed, and said, "Oh, Sara, what am I going to do with you? There's Scott, I gotta go," she said before breezing away to catch up with her boyfriend.
Only one more class and she�d be done for the day. Of course, her day just had to end with an Algebra II final. After that, only one more test to go, her History exam the next day. If she got an A or a B, it would mean a B in History, her toughest class, for the semester. And she�d keep her honor roll status.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned her head to see Ray; a guy who had been in her art classes since middle school.
�Hey kiddo, how�s it going? You�re going to enter that contest, aren�t you?� The contest was sponsored by The Philadelphia School of Art, with the grand prize being a full scholarship. She dreamed of getting into a school like that. Ray smiled, showing the small space between his two front teeth that added to his irresistible charm.
Her belly did a little flip. �I don�t know if I�m good enough. But you really should.�
�Are you kidding me? You�re one of the best I�ve ever seen.�
Ray was one of the few kids in school who ever talked to her. It seemed weird that he wasn�t with Nancy, his girlfriend. Those two were practically joined at the hip.
�Tell you what�we�ll work on it together. See ya.� He turned down a hall to the left, and disappeared into yet another wave of student bodies.
Work on it together? Okay, I can definitely do that.
As she made her way to her locker, being pushed along by kids rushing to get to their next class on time, she felt like she was in the first row of a general admission rock concert.
Someone stepped down hard on Sara�s sandaled foot. Then�for dramatic affect, it seemed�he twisted his foot as if her pinky toe were a lit cigarette that he was determined to put out. Then the fool yelled to a friend and hurried away, oblivious to the pain he inflicted on her.
�Thank you. Have a nice day,� she murmured, though the offender was half way down the hall. At her locker, she took a second to massage her throbbing toes, grabbed her Algebra II book, and hurried as best she could to the last class of the day. She looked at the book. Goodbye and good riddance. She would weep no tears when she handed it in at the start of class.
Only three more days of school. Tuesday would be a half day and then on Thursday, she and her dad were heading south to their summer home at the Buxton Point campground in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. She couldn�t wait. No one there knew that her mother killed herself when Sara was only ten years old. Or that her dad was a third grade teacher who never got over the loss of his wife. And since no one knew, she didn�t have to feel like she was walking around with the word �Loser�, tattooed in crimson, across her forehead. She felt free to be a little friendlier and more open down there. People didn�t judge her for her parents� mistakes.
Mike leaned against a locker, next to Sammy�s as Sammy fumbled through his. He spotted Sara coming down the hall. She was definitely one pretty girl. But there was more. She possessed a quiet strength, an inner beauty that drew him. She had actually blushed when he smiled at her. As she walked by him, he willed her to look at him. She didn�t. Her sandy colored hair hung half way down her back in curly waves. Her sleeveless white gauze shirt, tucked into her faded Levis, accentuated her tiny waist. From the back, he took in her small hips and bottom. He hit Sammy�s shoulder. Gesturing towards Sara, he said, �What do you think of that girl, Sara?�
Sammy shrugged. �I dunno. She�s cute enough. Kind of weird though. Never heard her say a word. Isn�t she an artist?�
Mike nodded.
�That explains it,� Sammy said. �Cindy say�s she some kind of God freak.�
Mike cringed inwardly. He had been a God freak once. Kit, too. Not that it had done either of them any good.
Sammy hit Mike�s shoulder, pulling him from his somber thoughts. �You coming to the quarry tonight? Everyone�s gonna be there.�
Yeah, great�another night of mindless drinking.
He saw Nancy coming towards him, and averted his eyes. The last thing he needed was a run in with Nancy; after what happened the other night. What had he been thinking? He knew she had a boyfriend, such as he was. He should have shown some control when she came on to him at the quarry. He knew she was drunk. Oh well, so was he. And what guy with blood pumping through his veins could turn down a girl like Nancy. He tried to shake off the heavy hand of guilt and shame that pressed down on him. After all, he�d done nothing to feel guilty about or ashamed of.
Sara slammed her history book shut and pushed away from her desk. She looked at Duke, her dog, �Well Duke, if I don�t know enough by now to ace that test, I never will. I need a break. What do you say we go for a walk to the park? I can study a little more when we get home.�
Duke�a mixed breed, black with white paws, and a white patch around his left eye�jumped up, shook all over, and started running in circles around the room. Together they ran down the steps into the kitchen, where she grabbed his leash from its hook. In the living room she walked passed her dad sitting in his recliner, watching a baseball game on TV. �I�m going to take Duke for a walk.�
�Okay,� he said, not bothering to look up from his game.
A warm breeze blew as pink clouds sailed past the bright orange sun hanging lazily below treetops. Sara breathed in the smell of fresh cut grass as they walked toward the park. Sprinklers watered lawns. Their choreographed drops tapped against the warm cement of the sidewalk.
Duke�s tail wagged in constant happy motion as he pulled her along. �Guess what Duke? Mike Mulligan smiled at me today.� Duke�s response to her exciting news was to stop, and sniff a fire hydrant.
Some neighborhood kids were cooling off by running through a lawn sprinkler, yelling and laughing, as they played a game of catch with an old tennis ball. They ran over to pet Duke, who placated them for a little while before giving in to the temptation of the many smells just waiting to be investigated. Sara smiled, thinking of how lucky she was that Duke came into her life when he did.
Mike drove around for a while, stereo blasting, with windows rolled down, putting off the inevitable. Another exhausting party. Everybody drinking and pretending to be great friends. He used to love these get-togethers. But lately, they left him feeling empty. And fake. He knew that if it weren�t for his talent for hitting, on the football field or at the plate, his �friends� wouldn�t have much to do with him. Besides, if these people were so happy with their lives, why the desperate need to drown in alcohol?
He couldn�t believe his good fortune when he caught sight of Sara walking with her dog.
Well, well�what have we here? Her pretty little mouth was turned up in a peaceful smile. Not about to pass up on the opportunity to talk with her alone, he pulled his new Thunderbird into the nearest parking spot. His heart raced as he climbed out of his graduation gift.
What if she won�t talk to me?
Oh she will. I�m Mike Mulligan, the biggest thing going at Steinbeck High School. And she was definitely checking me out today in History class.
He walked towards her as quickly as he could without looking obvious. She didn�t even notice him as he came up behind her. She was deep in thought, still wearing that sweet smile.
Okay Mike, you have to do something, say something to get her attention.
�So, what�re you so happy about?�
Startled, Sara stumbled and turned around to look into the gorgeous face of Mike Mulligan.
�Um, what do you mean?� Smooth response, Sara. She kept on walking, as she had no choice with Duke pulling her along.
�You�re smiling. What are you so happy about?� he asked, matching his pace with hers. He grinned down at her, looking sure of himself with his hands pushed into the front pockets of his jeans.
She felt the heat in her cheeks and could swear he could hear her heart pounding. �I was just thinking about Duke, my dog.�
�Oh yeah? What about him?�
�I really love him. He�s been a real blessing to me.�
�What do you mean; a blessing?�
�Well you know�a gift from God.�
�God,� he said, turning his head to follow a red firebird racing by. �I don�t believe in God.�
�Oh.� Duke stopped to sniff a large bush and leave his mark on it. She silently prayed that he wouldn�t make a mess that she would have to clean up in front of Mike. Catching the light scent of honeysuckle that floated on the breeze, she breathed in deep.
�What are you doing?�
�I love the smell of honeysuckle.�
�Boy, you love a lot of things don�t you? Your dog, the smell of honeysuckle, and drawing; anything else I should know about you?�
Though uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she couldn�t help but feel excited that he knew even a little bit about her. �How do you know I love to draw?�
�I saw your work in the cafeteria, and sometimes it�s in the halls. You�re pretty good.� He smiled and leaned over to pet Duke. She resisted the urge to pinch herself to see if she was dreaming.
�Thank you.� Okay Sara, even though he likes your art, and he�s talking to you and petting Duke, it doesn�t mean that he�s interested in you. He probably has nothing else to do. Just stay calm, and don�t do or say anything stupid.
�Those pictures of the lighthouse are really good. Have you ever been there?�
�Yes, they�re from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. I spend summers there with my dad.�
�Does it take you long to do one of those paintings. That is what you use, paint, right?�
�Sometimes, and I also use pastels, charcoal, or colored pencils. When I see something I like, I make a quick sketch and then work on it later when I have more time.�
Duke took off, pulling her with him, and Mike kept up with them. �Do you ever sketch Duke?�
�Yes, I�ve done a lot of pictures of him.�
�How about me? Did you ever sketch me?� His eyes locked on hers as a cocky grin spread across his lips.
She was so not ready for this conversation. Feeling the flame in her cheeks, she stammered, �No� I�ve never sketched you. Like I said, I sketch things I like.� Trying to sound cool, she felt anything but.
�I�ve seen you looking at me, like today in history class.� His grin broadened.
�So you were looking at me today?� she asked, trying to turn the tables and embarrass him.
No such luck. �Yeah, I was.� He arched his brows.
Okay now I know he�s just playing games with me. He knows I like him, and he�s trying to make a fool of me. What a jerk!
She looked away from him and called Duke, pulling on his leash. �Come on boy, we have to go.� She felt a little guilty because Duke loved these walks. If not for Mike, she probably would have stayed out at least another half hour.
Mike�s eyes clouded over with confusion. �Hey, why are you leaving now? What�s the matter?�
�Nothing�s the matter. I just have to get home to study for our history test.� She turned to leave, but Duke had other ideas. He wouldn�t budge from Mike�s side. She tried to coax him. �Come on Duke, you want a treat?�
�I want a treat,� Mike said.
She couldn�t help but smile. �Sure here,� she said, handing him one of Duke�s favorite pleasures. �I�m sorry. I didn�t know you were a dog biscuit kind of guy.� Okay Sara, just play it cool and see what happens.
�Thank you,� he said, taking the treat. �Here buddy.� He handed it over to Duke, who engulfed it in less than two seconds. Mike stood up and looked pointedly at Sara.
�But I didn�t mean that kind of treat.�
Determined to hide her embarrassment, she tipped her chin up, looked him in the eye and asked, �What kind of treat did you mean?�
�I thought maybe a kiss.�
Flabbergasted, it took a second for her to respond. Arms folded across her chest, she rolled her eyes before narrowing them at him. �Oh please�a kiss? Where did that come from? All year long you were in my history class and never said a word to me. Now after gracing me with your presence for ten minutes, you want a kiss? You think I�m just another one of your Steinbeck groupies, don�t you? Well guess what�I�m not!� She grabbed Duke�s leash and yanked hard. �Let�s go Duke.�
�Steinbeck groupie?� He arched his eyebrows and pulled a leaf from a branch above his head. �I never heard that term before.� He came up next to her, the leaf in his hand. He cleared his throat. Sara saw a little apprehension in his eyes. �Well I guess I was a bit forward. Actually I have noticed you. But you�re so quiet, none of the guys had the guts to go up and talk to you. You seem different outside of school though. Not as shy. I really didn�t mean it about the kiss. I just wanted to see what your reaction would be.�
Well, he looks sincere.
�I�m sorry. I didn�t mean to offend you.� He handed her the leaf, �Friends?�
She took the leaf and prayed he couldn�t hear her heart pounding. She wished he would leave. But she didn�t want him to leave. She caught herself chewing her lip and stopped. Not knowing what to do or say, she allowed Duke to pull her along. When they got to the trail that cut through the woods, she wasn�t sure of what to do. She said a quick prayer, and since she got no bad feelings, she followed Duke onto the trail.
She loved everything about the woods; the animals, trees, bushes, and the wildflowers and their sweet aromas. These walks with Duke were her favorite time of day. She always felt a bit closer to God on these trails of vibrant colors.
�Do you always walk through these trails alone?� Mike asked.
�I�m not alone. Duke is with me. I love it here. � She caught a sweet scent as it wafted on the warm breeze. �Can you smell the hydrangea?�
Mike inhaled, �Yeah, I guess it�s pretty nice.� He looked around, and said, �I don�t think it�s safe, even with Duke. You can�t see what�s around the next curve with all the bushes and trees.�
She raised her eyebrows, �You�re afraid of the woods?�
The corners of her mouth turned up when his cheeks turned pink. �No, I�m not afraid,� he barked, �I just don�t think it�s safe for a girl all alone, that�s all.� His eyes darkened, �Bad things do happen sometimes, you know.�
�I know they do. But I love it here too much to stay away just because something bad can possibly happen. I say a quick prayer for protection before I turn onto the trail. If I�m to die on a certain day, staying off the trail won�t change that.�
Mike shook his head. �That�s just stupid. Being killed isn�t the only bad thing that can happen to a girl, you know.�
Though uncomfortable talking about such things with someone who just confessed that he didn�t believe in God, she decided to stick with the truth.
�I know that, and when I say the prayer, if I get a bad feeling, which I have at times, I know my guardian angel is warning me to stay away. I always listen to my gut feelings.� Biting her lip, she studied his face.
�Did you pray just now?�
Why won�t he just let it go? �Yes, and I didn�t get a bad feeling, so I knew I could trust you.�
�You can,� He nodded solemnly. He turned and took in his surroundings. �Do you think everyone gets those gut feelings?�
�Yes I do.�
�Then why do good people sometimes get hurt?� His jaw clenched and a raw pain flickered in his eyes for just a second before disappearing.
She didn�t want to sound preachy, but he did ask� �Well, I think that sometimes people ignore it when they get a bad feeling. They try to rationalize or ignore their fears. They just don�t understand where the feelings come from.�
�You mean from angels?� Mike asked, without sarcasm.
�Yes.� She nodded.
�So you think that nothing bad will happen to you if you listen to guardian angels? If that were true, then nothing bad should ever happen to good, God fearing people, right?�
�No, that�s not true. Bad things happen to everybody. Even to people in tune with their angels. Sometimes bad things just have to happen. I don�t know why. I�m not an expert, but I know that God exists, and that he uses his angels to help us here.� She paused. �Does that make any sense?�
He shrugged his shoulders and said, �I guess, but I don�t know. I just know that if God does exist, He doesn�t care about us.� He paused, �At least not about me.�
They came to the end of the trail, and when Mike walked over to a picnic table, Sara followed. Even though she didn�t want to push him away, she couldn�t let it go. The guy had some serious painful issues going on, and she knew that God was the only one who could help him.
�He does care about you Mike. Have you ever seriously thought about all you have been blessed with?�
He shook his head and let out a bitter laugh. �I haven�t been blessed with anything.�
�No? What about your athletic talent? You were offered a scholarship in both baseball and football. Michael, do you know how many kids in school would do anything to be you, with your looks and abilities?�
His head snapped towards her. His back straightened and she couldn�t read his eyes as they stared into hers. The tension thickened around them, until he finally sighed and let out a long breath. He hopped up and sat on the table, resting his feet on the bench. Sara climbed up and sat next to him. Seeing no one in the area, she let Duke walk freely.
�I know that I have more going for me than the average kid, you know, and that�s cool,� Mike said, raking his hands through his hair.
�But�.� Sara said for him.
�But, I don�t think it�s from God. I mean, I believe that He is the creator of the universe. But, I can�t believe that He cares about us. We are insignificant in his eyes,� Mike said, looking at her as if willing her to understand.
Knowing he wasn�t saying everything on his mind, she wondered about the pain she had glimpsed earlier. When someone called his name, Sara turned and looked behind her to see Sammy, a friend of Mike�s, walking toward them.
�Mike, there you are, I tried calling you but you weren�t home.� He stopped short. �Hey, who�s this?� He asked, looking at Sara. �Aren�t you Sara, the artist, from school?� He sat down next to her and extended his hand. �Hi, I�m Sammy. It�s nice to finally meet you.�
She took his hand and shook it. �Hi, Sammy, it�s nice to meet you too.� She said, and absentmindedly started chewing her bottom lip.
�What did you want?� Mike asked.
�What?� Sammy asked; his attention on Sara.
�You said you called my house. What did you want?� Mike leaned forward, with his hands resting on his knees.
Sammy pulled his eyes away from Sara and glared at Mike. �I wanted to know if you wanted to go to the field for some BP.�
�What�s BP?� Sara asked.
�Batting practice.� They answered in unison.
The night was just getting too weird. �Well guys, I have to go. It was nice meeting you both.� She stepped down off of the picnic bench and called Duke. Mike and Sammy jumped down too.
�You don�t have to go. It�s too dark now for BP anyway.� Mike stood next to her, petting Duke, who rested his head Mike�s thigh. Lucky Dog!
�I have to finish studying for the test tomorrow.� God, please let me get out of here before I do something stupid to ruin this night.
�I have to take that test too, want to study together?� He put his hand on her arm. Sara drew in her breath at the heat of his touch. Little warm sparks of energy shot up her arm and made their way to her belly.
�Mike, you�re acing that course, why do you need to study for the test? Come on. I�m starving. Let�s go get something to eat,� Sammy said. Mike�s dark eyes shot daggers at Sammy, who held up his hands up in defense, �What?�
With his hand still on her arm, he locked his eyes on hers. �I can help you study, Sara.� Unnerved by her reaction to him, she pulled her arm away and took a step back.
Sammy said, �Yeah, Mike, like studying is what you want to help her with.� He held up his hand in resignation. �We�ll all be at the quarry when you�re finished.� He looked at Sara, �See you Sara, take it easy.�
�Bye, Sammy.� She smiled at him, though very aware of Mike�s nearness. She said, �Mike, I appreciate your offer to help me. But I study best when I�m alone. I have a little system worked out. Thanks anyway.� She looked over to the parking lot, where Sammy sat in his car, revving up is his engine. �If you hurry, you could still catch up with him. I have to get going anyway.� She reached down to pick up Duke�s leash.
�I can walk you home.�
Sammy�s words were coming back to her. �Like studying is what you want to help her with.�
What is up with him?
�No thank you. I know the way.� She didn�t try to keep the sarcasm from her voice.
�You�re mad. Why? Sara, I only offered to walk you home.�
�What did Sammy mean?� She turned to face him. �What exactly do you want to help me with?� Not used to confrontations, she couldn�t calm her wildly galloping heart or cool the heat in her cheeks. �Mike, I know you think I�m some stupid girl, but I�m not. I can�t help but wonder why, after three years at the same school, with not so much as a hello, you are now so interested in getting to know me.� She reached down to pet Duke, trying to get control of her emotions. �You think I�m just going to fall all over you, like all the other idiot girls at school, don�t you? You really thought I would kiss you, didn�t you?�
His eyes darkened with anger. �First of all, Sammy is a jerk. He�s jealous because I got to talk to you first. Secondly, like I told you before, I�ve noticed you in school. I just never had the chance to meet up with you. Thirdly, I wanted to help you study, because, yes, I do want to get to know you better.� He reached out, put his hand on her arm, and pulled it away. Shoving his hands into his pockets he went on, �What�s so wrong with that? You seemed nice, like someone who is easy to talk to.� His eyes softened, �And I wanted to walk you home because I wanted to make sure you were safe.�
Her anger melted away. �Oh� Thank you.� Boy, this guy is good. Sara, you have to be very careful with him. She gave him a lopsided grin. �I�m sorry if I insulted you. I just don�t understand your interest.� She started walking toward the parking lot.
�It�s okay. No hard feelings.� He hesitated. �I still want to walk you home, though, if that�s okay.�
�Okay, thank you.�
�Are you always so polite?�
�Usually, does it bother you?�
He grinned at her. �No, I think it�s nice.�
�Thank you� She smiled back at him.
Darkness settled in as they walked. The warm wind rustled through the leaves of trees lining the streets. Too soon, Sara looked up at Mike. �Well, this is my house. Thanks again for walking me home.�
Oh no; he was not going to leave without her phone number. He reached out and touched her arm. It took everything he had to keep his hand anchored on that small patch of baby soft skin. He wanted to explore every inch of those bare arms. He�d give anything to caress her shoulders. He bet they were soft too, very soft. His heart sped up.
Get a hold of yourself, Mulligan. You have to tread carefully with this girl. Don�t blow it!
�Sara, can I have your phone number? So I can call you some time.�
He watched her eyes. She was definitely giving it some thought. Good. Without realizing what she was doing to him, she quickly moistened her lips with her tongue. He figured it was a nervous reaction.
What�s going on behind those mahogany eyes of yours, Sara?
As if hearing his thoughts, she tipped her head up to him and smiled sweetly. �I�ll tell you what, you ask me for my phone number tomorrow, and I�ll give it to you.�
Is that a challenge I see in your smile? Okay, sweetheart, I�ve never backed down from a challenge in my life.
A slow grin crossed his face. We�ll play it your way. For now.
He moved half a step closer, and rubbed her forearm with the side of his thumb. �Wow, your tough.� He felt her pulse hammering in her delicate wrist. Another step closer. Her eyes grew wide, like a mouse that just caught sight of a tom-cat inching its way toward her.
He fought the urge to cover the cute smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose with a kiss. Not wanting to scare her away, he took a step back.
She smiled shyly. �Well, Mike, goodnight. Thanks for walking me home. I have to get Duke some water. It was really nice talking with you. See you tomorrow.� She hurried into her house and dared looking at him only after closing the screen door between them.
Like he was the big bad wolf.
�Okay, well, good night, Sara. I�ll see you tomorrow.� He smiled, shoved his hand back in his pockets, turned and walked down the steps.
Mike took him time walking back to his car. He couldn�t get Sara off his mind. He hadn�t felt this excited about a girl in years. She reminded him of the guy he used to be. The guy he had been with Kit. His heart felt as if being squeezed by the hand of God himself. Kit. Would he ever stop missing her? Would her ghost ever stop haunting him? And Mary Ann, she would be twenty three years old now. His older sister was four years older than him. She was nineteen when she died. Kit should be nineteen. And because of him, they�ve spent the last five years buried in a desert cemetery. Most days, he wished he lay with them. Then he�d be free of the demons that relentlessly chased him. If not for his mom, he was sure he would have ended his own life years ago.
But maybe Sara could help him find a reason to go on. How was it that she sat in his class, day after day, and he had no idea how amazing she was? He always thought of her as that cute, quiet girl. Now he wanted to get to know her better. Much better. Sure, she was pretty, and had a great figure. But it was more than that. He wanted to walk wooded trails with her. Sit on a porch, holding her hand until late into the night; listening to her thoughts and dreams and telling her his.
Her innocence was refreshing. Her faith, though he disagreed with it, gave her a strength and confidence that reminded him of Kit. He couldn�t believe it when Sara had called him Michael. Beside his mom, the only person who ever called him Michael was Kit. His heart tightened, as it always did when he thought of Kit and Mary Ann. Guilt swiftly followed. They had trusted him; and he let them down.
Sara shut the door and locked it. Well, that was fun! She walked past her dad, still in the recliner, fast asleep. Lord, help him. He needs to let go of the past and start living again.
Going into the kitchen, she filled Dukes dish with fresh water. The phone rang and Sara picked it up.
�Hey Sara, I was just wondering if you got through the rest of the day without further humiliation.� Even Cindy�s high pitched arrogant tone couldn�t burst Sara�s bubble.
She laughed softly. �No, I got through the rest of the day just fine, thank you. Oh, you�ll never guess who I was just talking to.�
�Mike Mulligan. I met up with him when walking Duke. He came to the park with us and then he walked me home. He�s really nice. I met Sammy, too.�
�Oh. Well, he will be nice to you until he�s made you his latest conquest. Sara, surely you know that he�s only interested in one thing from a girl. Though why he�d be interested in getting it from you is beyond me. He usually goes for pretty, popular girls.�
Couldn�t Cindy just be happy for her? Deflated, she sat down at the kitchen table.
�He didn�t seem like that. He seemed nice. He said he liked talking to me.�
�Like I said, he is nice. Until he gets what he wants.�
�Is he nice to you?�
Indignant, Cindy practically squealed, �Of course he�s nice to me, even flirts a little sometimes. But he wouldn�t make a move on me. He knows I�m Scott�s girlfriend. Which reminds me; I have to hang up in case Scott�s trying to call. See ya.� With that, the line went dead.
Sara hung up the phone and called Duke over. He rested his head on her thigh. �So Duke, what did you think of Mike? I thought he was nice.� She kissed the top of his black head and rubbed behind his velvety ears. �Of course Cindy had to be her usual supportive self. Can�t she be happy for me? I just want a normal life, like she has. You know with a real family, some girlfriends, and maybe even a boyfriend. Oh, and I�d love to get into a good art school. Is that too much to ask for?� She looked up, �Is it God? Is a normal life to much for me to hope for?� Duke jumped up and rested his paws on her thighs and ran his wet spongy tongue over her cheek. She laughed, �I know you love me Duke. I love you too.� She turned her eyes upward, �Thank you God, for sending me Duke. I don�t know how I would have survived the last seven years without him.�
She got out a pot and some milk. She knew she would have a hard time falling asleep and warm milk usually did the trick.
�So Duke, do you think Mike will ask me for my phone number tomorrow?� Duke stopped slopping from his water bowl, glanced at her with water dripping from the fur around his mouth, and went back to drinking.
�Nah, I don�t think so either. I�m not his type. But, even though he makes me nervous, it would be kind of nice, you know? And maybe God wants me to help him. You know, be someone he could talk to about whatever it is that�s hurting him.� Duke ambled over and wet her thigh with a sloppy kiss.
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Article Preview
JACK O'CONNOR DIES, WRITER ON HUNTING; Rifle Authority, 75, Was Gun Editor of Outdoor Life for 31 Years
By THOMAS ROGERS ();
January 24, 1978,
, Section , Page 28, Column , words
Jack O'Connor, a stylish writer on hunting, guns and the outdoors who was arms and ammunition editor for Outdoor Life magazine for more than 30 years, died of a heart attack aboard the S.S. Mariposa on Friday as it was returning to San Francisco from a three-week cruise to Hawaii. He was 75 years old.
January 24, 1978
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subset: commoncrawl


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Today's specimen in our Under the Microscope examination of the entire Canucks' roster is centre Jordan Schroeder. Ben Kuzma is your guide. Name: Jordan Schroeder Age: 23 Position: Centre Career stats: GP: 56, G: 6, A:9, Pts. 15 PIM: 6… Continue reading
Tanner Glass RSS
Will Buble be a big catch when Bieksa finishes casting charity game net?
Michael Buble is an ardent Vancouver Canucks fan and supporter of a dozen charities. It would be the ultimate coup if Kevin Bieksa can convince the Burnaby crooner to play in an Oct. 17 charity game at UBC. (Getty Images).
VANCOUVER — Michael Buble filmed a Christmas video in Vancouver last week. The slimmed-down Burnaby crooner sat atop a horse and was dressed in an RCMP uniform. Will he be wearing a hockey uniform Oct. 17 at UBC? After all, … Continue reading
Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa a winning coach at Rick Rypien memorial game
VANCOUVER – Ask Kevin Bieksa how his summer has been, he says OK. "But it's been way too long," he quickly adds. It may stretch longer, if the owners and players can't come to an agreement by Sept. 15.… Continue reading
Ryan Kesler teams up with Patrick Burke to take a stand against homophobia
By law I must use this picture of Kesler against Nashville once every two weeks
(Fun Fact: This might be the only video of Kesler on the internet that doesn't end with him celebrating and mocking Nashville fans) If you've ever played hockey, you will know that there are certain things that are absolute. You … Continue reading
The Great Glass Glove Giveaway – Video Breakdown
(Tanner Glass pictured above during happier times, back when he had both of his gloves. Boy, he sure loved those gloves.) "And you get a glove, and YOU get a glove, and YOU get a glove!" exclaimed Oprah Winfrey. At … Continue reading
Canucks/Jets Post Game Quotes (I Wish Were Real)
The main issue I have with post game coverage is the general lack of personality conveyed by the majority of the league. The NHL has some of the classiest athletes and coaches in all of professional sports, but sometimes you … Continue reading
Last Night's 4th Star: Andrew Alberts
The Vancouver Canucks opened 2012 with a shinny match against the San Jose Sharks. There was plenty of Lu-ing and booing during the game as Roberto Luongo played an awesome game (again) and Joe "Joey Fingers" Thornton got verbally lambasted … Continue reading
Don Cherry Confused Me on December 31st
You know the drill. Every week, I go through Coach's Corner, take out the more ridiculous things that Don Cherry says, and offer a response to them on this space each and every Monday morning. We had a week off … Continue reading
Weise can't contain excitement over his fourth-line shot with Canucks
NEW YORK — Vancouver Canucks newcomer Dale Weise was with the New York Rangers when he took on Daniel Carcillo during a Dec. 18, 2010 bout. (Len Redkoles photo, NHL collection)
If Dale Weise's legs work as well as his lips, the fourth-line winger will make an instant impact in the season opener for the Vancouver Canucks. Following his first practice after being claimed off waivers from the New York Rangers, … Continue reading


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The Master of Communications and Media Studies at Monash aims to further students' understanding of communications and media systems both locally and globally. Communications and Media Studies was ranked No.21 in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2013.
Welcome to the Master of Communications and Media Studies program
The course focuses on challenges posed by the emergence of digital media, globalisation and increasing levels of cross-cultural exchange. The last decade has been one of unprecedented change in communications and media content, forms, technology and policy with wide-ranging implications for business, politics, public administration and everyday life. This course examines these developments from an historical, political and theoretical perspective.
The course is particularly designed to focus on themes relevant to those employed, or seeking employment, in communications and media industries (e.g. electronic journalism, policy formulation, public relations, and tourism marketing), and those wishing to expand their expertise for teaching purposes or further study.
The Masters course draws a diverse and highly-motivated group of students not only from Australia, but also China, India, South East Asia, Europe and Latin America. The subject offerings are dedicated postgraduate units with classes run in seminar format and through fieldtrips to media industries, allowing a vibrant and stimulating engagement with issues at the cutting edge of international developments in communications and media.
International Relevance and Practical Experience
As a student in Monash's Master of Communications and Media Studies program, you will have the opportunity to engage with industry and participate in study tours and field schools both in Australia and overseas.
All students can apply for funding to attend international field schools via Monash Abroad.
How to Study
If the iframe doesn't display correctly please click here to view the page in a new window.
Click here for fees and entry requirements for domestic and international students.
Click here for Scholarships and Funding information for domestic and international students.
See Fees and Entry Requirements (above) for English language requirements for this course.
Visit English language requirements for information on:
- English language proficiency tests – what is required and how to arrange testing
- The Monash University English Language Centre as a pathway for students who need help to meet the minimum English language requirements
See Fees and Entry Requirements (above) for a link through to study length options available for this course.
Depending on your qualification background and study goals, most of our Masters programs are available in three versions:
- 96 points - Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- 72 points - Duration: 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time
- 48 points - Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Full-time and part-time study options
Domestic students can reduce the number of units they study each semester by choosing to enrol part-time. If you choose to study part-time, be aware that:
- Night classes may not be available for all units.
- This option is not available to international students.
We consider you an international student if you are not:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or
- an Australian permanent resident.
Note: We consider Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents as domestic students.
Our postgraduate courses are designed to meet the needs of students who have recently finished their degrees, individuals entering the industry for the first time or current industry professionals looking at furthering their career opportunities.
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Call us on 1800 MONASH (1800 666 274)
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OPD officer accused of forging ticket resigns
Published: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.
Ocala Police Department officials say an officer who turned himself in last week on a warrant for forging a motorist's name on a ticket has resigned.
Daniel Fitzpatrick, 36, turned in a resignation letter on Tuesday, and Chief Greg Graham accepted it.
Officials said the letter was very short and basically said he resigned effective immediately. Fitzpatrick had three years of service at OPD, where he received commendations from the public and good evaluations from his supervisors.
Even though Fitzpatrick has resigned, an internal affairs investigation into the incident will continue.
At the time of his arrest on Friday, Fitzpatrick was suspended without pay. He is being represented by Mike Finesilver, a Gainesville attorney, who declined comment Tuesday.
Fitzpatrick is charged with uttering a forged instrument, a third-degree felony, and is out on bail.
The case came to light on Oct. 17, when Shautauqua Scott, 36, of Ocala, came to OPD to ask about a notice to appear in court on a citation for driving while license suspended. She said the officer had given her a warning, not a ticket, for running a stop sign.
Her court case, based on the fake ticket, has been dismissed.
OPD Sgt. Chas Maier reviewed a video of the alleged traffic stop in which Fitzpatrick tells the driver she is getting a warning. Maier also viewed the ticket and interviewed Scott, who said she never signed a citation.
Fitzpatrick at first told Maier he had written her a citation, according to an arrest report. Then, after viewing the video of the traffic stop, he acknowledged giving her a warning.
Maier said Fitzpatrick thought he would get in trouble for not writing a ticket.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Burkman out of fight against Fitch at WSOF 11
Published: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 8:35 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 11:51 p.m.
Josh Burkman has been forced out of his planned July 5th bout with Jon Fitch at World Series of Fighting 11 at the Ocean Center.
Burkman (27-10) announced the news on Twitter on Wednesday, saying he hyperextended an elbow causing ligament damage and a bone bruise.
While Burkman is out, World Series of Fighting executive vice president and matchmaker Ali Abdelaziz said in a phone interview that Fitch (25-6-1) is "100 percent still on the card."
Abdelaziz added that WSOF officials are currently working to find a suitable replacement for Burkman against Fitch.
WSOF 11 is slated to be NBC's first, live broadcast of a mixed martial arts event. Prelims are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., with a four-fight main card airing on the network from 4-6 p.m.
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UF, Gainesville join nationwide effort to land ultra-high-speed broadband
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A group of 29 leading U.S. research institutions and their local communities, including the University of Florida and the city of Gainesville, announced today that they have formed Gig.U: the University Community Next Generation Innovation Project, an effort designed to bring ultra-high-speed connectivity to their campuses and communities.
The goal: to accelerate the move to broadband, making it possible for universities and communities to compete internationally and spur economic growth.
Project organizers plan to work with existing and potential Internet service providers in an open, market-based process to determine how best to achieve their goals.
Participants today took the first step by inviting Internet service providers to provide information on how best to approach the mission of bringing high-speed networks to the research institutions and their communities.
UF President Bernie Machen said it's important for the university and the city of Gainesville to be involved in the Gig.U project because of their increasingly collaborative efforts in economic development.
"Public-private partnerships like this are the way forward," Machen said. "When you put this against the backdrop of what UF and local government and business leaders are doing with Innovation Square, it's obvious this is a perfect fit. Meaningful economic growth will be much more difficult without ultra-high-speed broadband."
Elias Eldayrie, UF's chief information officer, agreed.
"In order for research universities and communities to grow and prosper together, we need access to the same technology," Eldayrie said. "Ultra-high-speed broadband is the new baseline; it's where UF and Gainesville need to be so that we can compete together with the best the world has to offer."
The project arose from concerns that American research institutions might lose their ability to vie with their international counterparts and provide leadership in areas important to U.S. competitiveness. Organizers recognized the need to accelerate the inevitable upgrade to next-generation networks in communities that work in partnership with these institutions.
Project members released an open letter signed by the participating universities explaining its purpose and inviting others to join in the effort. The letter concludes "we believe that if our communities can have access to unlimited bandwidth, we can unlock unlimited opportunities."
The project is being incubated at the Aspen Institute and will be directed by Blair Levin, a fellow at the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program and formerly the executive director of the National Broadband Plan.
A list of all project members and more information are available on the Gig.U website, http://www.gig-u.org/.


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|Sport, 1 pitch, 60'
|YDS: 5.12a/b French: 7b Ewbanks: 26 UIAA: VIII+ ZA: 26 British: E5 6a [details]
|Mark Sprague / 1998
|Page Views:
|Submitted By:
|Chris Duca on Mar 11, 2007
|Comments on Orangahang
|Add Comment
|Show which comments —
Comments displayed oldest to newest — Skip Ahead to the Most Recent Dated Jul 14, 2015
By andyscott
From: Massachusetts
Jun 10, 2010
rating: 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
|This is a really awesome climb, unfortunatley many of the holds are kinda greasy. But it is still really good.
By S. Neoh
Sep 22, 2012
Today we replaced the rope-side biner on the top 2 fixed draws before the anchor. The ones we took down have sharp edges on them that might do a number on one's rope. The other six rope-side biners are fine. In fact, many thanks to the party who replaced the fourth fixed (the one which takes the most falls) with a steel cable perma draw. Kudos!
We inspected the nylon on the remaining seven draws and all appear fine for the time being. If you want to replace a nylon dogbone, bring a small wrench to loosen the quicklink that attaches it to the bolt/hanger and then retighten the link.
By JohnnyG
Oct 14, 2012
|We replaced the rope-side biner on the 2nd draw a couple days ago. It was well worn and wicked sharp. Amazing how fast this can happen, considering the lower biners were reported as fine a couple weeks ago.
By calmvschaos
Apr 15, 2013
|The biner on the right set of chains is wearing down to a fairly sharp groove. I didn't have any on me, so I didn't replace it, but I did flip it so I wasn't running my rope over it. Next time I make it over there, I will try to remember to bring some hardware to replace it but it might be a few weeks.
By Andrea Charest
Apr 28, 2013
|First 3 fixed draws and draw after the cable draw replaced 4.27.13. One of the anchor biners also replaced. Things are getting pretty old all around at Orange Crush... take some time and do what you can when you see things showing signs of wear.
By J Meagher
Aug 18, 2013
rating: 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
|Excellent route for people who love to climb hard but are nervous about pushing themselves on lead, because the falls are incredibly safe. Awesome jug hauling for the first 4 bolts and a dynamic crux between the 4th and 5th bolts. There are now permanent cable draws on all 8 bolts
By S. Neoh
Aug 18, 2013
|Great news about cable draws on all the bolts. I've not been back since last year. Now I am motivated! I can't say I have seen anyone send this route with a real dynamic move thru the crux tho. I do however cut my feet loose and reset to finish the crux sequence.
By J Meagher
Apr 12, 2014
rating: 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
|Would it be unreasonable to expect to find this dry tomorrow?
By Jeffrey.LeCours
From: New Hampshire
Apr 12, 2014
rating: 5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
|It can be damp from the overnight dew... but the route stays pretty dry
By zswan
From: Newton, MA
Jul 14, 2015
|Spoke with a guy at CRG Watertown yesterday that said a (large) ticked hold near the 2nd clip completely broke off over when he was on this during the 11-12 July weekend. He said there's another ticked hold near it, though it may not be as good of a hold. Unclear how this affects the character of the route.


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North Carolina Truck and Trucking Accidents
If you were injured in a North Carolina trucking accident that was someone else's fault, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for:
- Past, present, and future medical bills for treatment related to your trucking-accident injuries
- The repair or replacement of your motor vehicle and any property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident
- Lost wages for time off from work (including time spent going to doctor's appointments and physical therapy)
- The cost of hiring someone to do household chores that you're unable to do because of your injury
- Permanent disability and disfigurement stemming from the truck crash
- Any future earning ability lost due to your injury
- Emotional distress stemming from the trucking accident
- Any other costs you've incurred because of the accident
If anyone was killed in the truck crash or if either driver was intoxicated, the state of North Carolina will prosecute the driver at fault and/or the intoxicated driver. In the case of other trucking accidents, you may ultimately have to file a trucking accident personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina courts to collect compensation for your injuries.
How Is Fault Determined?
To collect money stemming from an truck crash injury claim, North Carolina law requires you to prove that the other driver was negligent. You must show:
- The driver who caused your injuries had a responsibility not to injure you and failed to live up to that duty
- There is a connection between the other driver's responsibility and your injury
- You suffered damages, or a financial loss, as a result of your accident
North Carolina law will reduce the total amount you can recover if it's found that your carelessness contributed to your trucking accident injuries.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
North Carolina law gives you three years from the date of your trucking accident in which to file a claim against the other driver. (This is known as the statute of limitations.) If you and your North Carolina trucking accident lawyer are unable to negotiate a settlement with the other driver (or the driver's insurance company), you should consider filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out.
North Carolina Trucking Insurance Requirements
North Carolina laws require commercial truck owners carrying non-hazardous materials to have at least $750,000 of liability insurance coverage.
Additional North Carolina Trucking Accident Resources
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles commercial trucking information
North Carolina Department of Transportation Crash Data, Facts & Statistics
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and How They Can Affect Your Settlement
- Personal Injury Case Against Resident of Another State: Must Lawyers File in Federal Court?
- How Do I Open a Personal Injury Claim
- Negotiating a Fair Pain and Suffering Accident Settlement
- Personal Injury Claim After Bike Accident: How Much Can I Expect?
- More Personal Injury Articles
- California Leads the Nation in Pedestrian Accidents
- The Top Ten States for Car-Train Collisions - Attorney.com
- Congress to Pass Bill Requiring Safety Inspections on Fishing Boats
- North Dakota Motor Vehicle Accidents Strains Resources
- What To Do If Injured While Working on the Railroad
- More Accident Law Articles


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I got my acceptance to NYU this afternoon, so I seriously have to start considering where I want to go to college. No matter where I go I'll be in NYC, Washington, Boston, or Montreal.
The problem is, I've only ever biked in the (so-called) biker's heaven of Portland, and I have no idea what to expect in a new city. By stereotypes, I'll get killed in NYC or freeze to death in Montreal, and that is about all I know about these places (as far as biking goes.)
Biking convenience isn't going to be THE deciding factor, but it will play into my final decision, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what to expect (biking-wise) in any of these cities, especially coming from Portland (where the streets are paved with disused NJS parts)


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Five Yoga Tools for Healthy, Happy School Kids
The week of August 10 is Healthy Back to School Week at DietsInReview.com.
Guest Blogger Aruna Kathy Humphrys writes the blog Teaching Kids Yoga. She trains teachers and parents in kids' yoga with her groundbreaking course based on Yoga and the Ancient Secrets of Success.
Try these 5 Yoga tools to connect with kids and enhance their health and happiness.
Foster a Good Night's Sleep: Table Pose
Without rest, kids won't be at their best. Certain Yoga poses, like table pose, can relieve restlessness. Do table together or use a timer to encourage kids to hold the pose. It's a great way to fall into a blissful state. One eight-year-old boy I know did table pose beside his bed. He held it for over 10 minutes, sweating and shaking, and then got into bed and slept peacefully for eight hours.
Read Full Post >


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Could Burrell handle first base?
The latest Angels rumor -- sign C.C. Sabathia and Pat Burrell, move Burrell to first base -- assumes that Burrell could handle the position defensively after spending most of his career in left field. Is this a reasonable assumption?
There is a long history of guys moving around the field, and first base is usually the last (and easiest) destination.
Bill James laid out the defensive spectrum in the 1980s:
The defensive spectrum looks like this:[ - - 1B - LF - RF - 3B - CF - 2B - SS - C - - ]
with the basic premise being that positions at the right end of
the spectrum are more difficult than the positions at the left
end of the spectrum. Players can generally move from right
to left along the specturm successfully during their careers.
So, James posited, a shortstop can generally play second base, but not vice versa, and nearly everybody can, theoretically, play first base. In 2008, 23 players spent the full season playing first base. Eight of them had, at some point, been converted from other positions. They include two of the agreed upon best fielding first baseman in the game, Albert Pujols and Mark Teixeira, and one of the consensus worst, Jason Giambi.
If we use Revised Zone Rating -- which assigns a "zone" to each position and measures what percentage of the balls hit into each player's zone are turned into an out -- we can see those eight guys do pretty well in the rankings of those 23 players.
1. Albert Pujols, converted from third base and outfield.
2. Mark Teixeira, converted from third base.
3. Lance Berkman, converted from outfield.
5. Daric Barton, converted from catcher.
7. Miguel Cabrera, converted from third base.
8. Carlos Delgado, converted from catcher.
14. Kevin Youkilis, converted from third base.
22. Jason Giambi, converted from third base and outfield.
The converts overwhelmed the top 10. By an alternate measurement known as the plus/minus system, Teixeira and Pujols are at the top and, again, five converted players are among the best 10. (Delgado and Giambi, though, were in the bottom five.)
Every player is different, so it may not go as well for Burrell. He's an outfielder, not a third baseman like many of the converts were. He would be making the switch later than any of the players above, and by some measures he's among the worst left fielders in the game. But he did play 58 games at first base early in his career and Baseball Prospectus said he was just about average, and he played mostly first base in the minors. If the Angels are really considering him as a first baseman, though, I imagine they think he can handle it -- and there's no historical reason to think they aren't correct.
More Angels news:
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Bush Craft Primer.
"Man is the total sum, of his own experiences and everything he has learned from others". Magic.
Bush craft Menu.
|Making snares and traps.
|The tobacco tin survival kit.
|Making fire.
|Edible wild plants.
|Constructing shelters.
|The Preservation of food
|Making stuff.
The Immediate Emergency situation.
The five fundamental requirements for survival are shelter, water, fire, food and first aid, but not necessarily in that order. For example if it is pouring with rain, then shelter and fire take precedence. Another consideration is that in an emergency we can survive without water for about three days. We can survive without food for about three weeks. Without shelter and a fire, we may become ill and perhaps die of exposure in less than 24 hours during winter. If first aid is not quickly applied, then an injured person may die of their injuries or shock. All this means that you need to think about your priorities quickly. If more than one person is present then one of you need to take command and instruct people on what must be done and in what order.
Once you are all under shelter, the injured treated and a fire going, the pressure eases up and you can start to think out your options. Questions to ask yourself are ....
1. Do any of you have a mobile phone ?
2. Is anyone likely to search for you ?
3. What can you do to make it easier to find you (signal fires, mobile phone radio, signaling mirror, etc) ?.
4. Man walks at 3 MPH and marches at 5 MPH in daylight, is it possible (and safe) to send someone to the nearest civilization to summon help ?.
6. Do you know where you are and do you have a map and/or compass ?.
7. If you are a group, who are your assets and who are your liabilities ?.
8. Can you give everyone a hot drink or meal ?.
9. Wet clothes conduct heat away from the body, can you start drying peoples clothes ?.
10. What resources does your group have (sleeping bags, tarps, tents, spare clothes, survival equipment especially knives, food etc.).


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For the first time in the series, an entry in the Rune Factory series will appear on two platforms at the same time. Marvelous Entertainment is working on a new console version of the game called Rune Factory Oceans, and it will be appearing on both the Wii and PS3. This will also make Rune Factory Oceans the first Rune Factory game to appear on a Sony console or handheld. Good for them.
The Oceans subtitle stems from the fact that the hero and heroine will get to explore the ocean surrounding his or her homeland in the game. There'll be this giant called Ymir, he's apparently quite friendly and willing to let Azel or Sonia hitch a ride. This means there'll be sea monsters to fight and islands for Ymir to relocate to more convenient locations. Perhaps this is how new dungeons will be unlocked.
Rune Factory Oceans will also be the first console entry to allow players to choose the gender of the hero. When the game begins, everyone will switch between playing as Azel or Sonia. Then, once you reach a certain point in the game, you'll be able to choose which one you want as your main character.
Since Rune Factory Oceans has only just been announced in the latest issue of Famitsu, there's no localization news yet. I'm sure North America will eventually get it though. After all, every Rune Factory game so far has been released in the US, either by Natsume or XSEED. And even if it doesn't get picked up, it's no big deal. The PS3 is region-free so people can always import.
Read [Siliconera] Also Read [Andriasang]


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Our portfolio of brands offer quality and value to consumers around the world.
In this section, you can learn more about our business segments and our brands - some of which have been around for more than 100 years!
Mars Petcare
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Mars Petcare is one of the world's leading pet care providers and employs more than 35,000 Associates across 50 countries.
Mars Chocolate
Headquartered in Mount Olive, New Jersey, U.S., Mars Chocolate is one of the world's leading chocolate manufacturers and employs more than 16,000 Associates across 21 countries.
Mars Food
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Mars Food is dedicated to providing leading food brands tailored to local tastes around the globe. Mars Food employs more than 2,000 Associates across 10 countries.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints and hard and chewy candies. The Company has operations in more than 50 countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries.
Mars Drinks
With U.S. headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and U.K. headquarters in Basingstoke, Mars Drinks employs more than 500 Associates across 8 Countries.
Mars Symbioscience
Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, U.S., Mars Symbioscience is the global health and life sciences segment of Mars, Incorporated and serves as an incubator for business ideas generated throughout our segments, employing more than 70 associates.


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CAUBO is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Recognition Awards, which celebrate and honour member volunteers who promote excellence, collaboration, leadership and information-sharing in the field of higher education administration in Canada. There are five awards categories in which CAUBO members can be nominated. Click on each of the awards below to view the criteria for nominees:
Emerging Leader Award
Leadership in Learning Award
Ken Clements Distinguished Administrator Award
Distinguished Service Award
Honorary Membership
Any CAUBO member may nominate a fellow member for the Ken Clements, Distinguished Service, or Honorary Membership awards. Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award can be made by the nominee's manager and/or colleagues, but must be signed and endorsed by the institution's Vice-President, Finance and Administration. CAUBO National Office Staff and members of National Committees nominate members for the Leadership in Learning Award.
All nominations are reviewed by the Nominating Committee, consisting of the four most recent CAUBO Past Presidents as well as the Executive Director. The Committee submits its recommendations to the CAUBO Board of Directors, who then make the final decision as to who will receive an award in a given year.
Recognition Awards will be presented at a special ceremony on the Tuesday morning of the Annual Conference. Join us as we celebrate the outstanding contributions of our valued volunteers!
To nominate a colleague, click one of the links below to download a nomination form, fill it out, and then fax the completed form to 613-563-7739 or email it to firstname.lastname@example.com no later than April 8, 2015.
As of 2013, the Outstanding Contribution Award has been retired. Please click here to view a list of past winners.


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Definition: 'ECF'
ECFType: Abbreviation
1. Abbreviation for extracellular fluid.
The definition information for ECF is provided by Stedman's. You can search our medical dictionary here.
Stedman's, part of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, provides a comprehensive line of health-science publications for healthcare professionals and medical students.
Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.


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Agent, barber, bath house, black beaver hats, blacking, boarding house, furs, hair dresser, iron cement, jam, looking glasses, maps, painter, paper hangings, tavern keeper, trimmings, umbrellas, wig and curl maker.
THESE were some of the odd trades and businesses that directories, advertisements, etc., tell us early music dealers and publishers also had to "traffick" in to make both ends meet. And their sign read: "Music Emporium," "Musical Magazine," "Musical Repository," "Music Saloon," (Music store to you), showing certain phases of American life, some now extinct, that were tied up with the buying and selling of early music.
The last few years have shown a decided growth of interest on the part of both collectors and dealers in old music. Some are interested in the pictorial appeal the cover of the sheets may have, others in the subject matter, the imprint, or the musical value.
It was originally intended to divide American music into seven or eight groups, and to comment on them here in detail. It was discovered that this very purpose had been achieved by placing the various "items" in chronological order throughout. See contents page.
It might, however, not be amiss to comment on a few "high spots."
In the very early music, the imprints of the Carrs, the Hewitts, Gilfert, Graupner, Von Hagen, Blake, Paff and the Willigs will be found eminently worth while. An outstanding sheet of music is THE BATTLE OF PRAGUE, with the engraved head of Washington. Early patriotic songs are in demand, including all editions Of YANKEE DOODLE, HAIL COLUMBIA, and ADAMS AND LIBERTY--particularly those with vignette portraits. Also songs of all the wars, especially the War of 1812, which gave us the STAR SPANGLED BANNER, PERRY'S VICTORY, HULL'S VICTORY, etc. There were many songs about Lafayette's return to the U. S. in 1824.
Early city views, such as NEW YORK O WHAT A CHARMING CITY and THE CARRIER DOVE (also a New York view), particularly attract the eye. Collectors should specialize in views of their respective localities on music covers. Early publishers issued a number of sheets bearing pictorial backgrounds of their Music Saloons, such as BUY A BROOM, used by three or four different firms, and the GINGERBREAD MAN, showing the Endicott store.
Illustrated Negro songs of the JIM CROW type (see illustration) are


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According to Konstantin Popov of the Russian Association of Developers of Interactive Technology (RADIT), the Russian game industry reached $820 million last year, despite a 40 percent decline in its most profitable sector – PC games he also says that his organization is working with the Russian government to get game makers incentives and inclusion in a new tech-focused development in Moscow.
Speaking in Cologne, Germany RADIT's Konstantin Popov said that Russian developers are slowly moving away from the traditional focus on PC games because other sectors are picking up. That PC games market had declined by 40 percent, while consoles rose by 15 percent, casual by 30 percent and mobile by 10 percent. Online gaming seemed to get the biggest bump in 2009, growing by some 70 percent. Interestingly retail sales and PC games remain the focus despite changes in sales across different platforms. Traditional Brick and mortar sales accounted for $500 million of the $820 million market value, while PC games still constitute 80 percent of the market.
Popov predicts revenues to rise from the current $225 million market value to $400 million by 2012. The casual market in particular is set for a growth spurt – from $32 million in 2009 to $42 million in 2010. Also on hand was BIart Studio's Dmitry Lyust, who tried to explain why the country had been so reticent to move beyond PC game development – though we suspect a lot of that has to do with the widespread penetration of desktop computers in many Russian households..
"Russian branches of Microsoft and Sony didn't provide any significant support for Russian game developers," he said. "Even now there are significant issues in obtaining licenses for Russian companies. Russian game publishers provided funding to PC projects only because there was no console market in Russian in those days."
But the real story is the Russian government may be working on a plan to add game development companies to its own silicon valley in south-west Moscow. Popov said that RADIT was working with politicians to ensure gaming played a part in the planned Russian Silicon Valley in Moscow. The area is projected to give some 30,000 to 40,000 scientists and engineers jobs researching technologies, and RADIT hopes to work that its work with the government will help create a special game industry sector in Skolkovo. Tax relief and other incentives are also on the table to entice international publishers and developers to join.
"Our president is very interested in investing in this field," said Popov. "We plan to make a real investment boom now."
Source: GI.biz


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Dripping Springs, Texas, is the Hill Country home of the Salt Lick, which is arguably the best-loved (if not actually "the best") barbecue joint in the greater Austin area.
It's a down-home place with picnic tables, occasional live country music, and bring-your-own beer (Shiner Bock is the preferred choice).
What does the Salt Lick have to do with cheese? Well, nothing. Except that besides barbecue, Dripping Springs is home to Pure Luck Dairy, makers of some mighty fine goat cheese.
Pure Luck is a completely farmstead operation -- their line of cheeses is produced entirely from the milk of a herd of cute goats wandering about their fields.
The dairy puts out a variety of types, from fresh Chevre (with a range of added herbs and spices) to the complex Sainte Maure, whose refined texture and subtle flavors will make you think immediately of the great goat cheeses of the Loire Valley, where the style originated.
Pure Luck also makes goat's milk Feta and a blue cheese, which can be hard to find unless you frequent the farmer's markets of Central Texas.
Click here for the Pure Luck Web site, which contains a touching history of the operation, along with ordering information.


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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - Police say a professional motocross driver seriously hurt during a dirt bike stunt in Augusta has no movement in his entire body.
The Augusta Chronicle reports that the accident happened Saturday night at James Brown Arena. The rider, whose name wasn't released, is being treated at Georgia Regents Medical Center.
Richmond County sheriff's Sgt. Monica Belser said the victim was in critical condition with a severe head injury.
Sheriff's officials say a deputy witnessed the accident around 9:15 p.m. Saturday, when the performer attempted a jump. The deputy said the rider appeared to lose control of the motorcycle and struck a ramp.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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The draw for the first round of the Olympic water polo tournaments has been made.
Both the men's and women's draws have now been completed and will play a crucial role in deciding which team will take home medals this summer.
Team GB's men's team will play in Group B and will face the current Olympic champions Hungary as well as Montenegro, Romania, USA and Serbia. The women's Great Britain squad will face Italy, Russia and Australia.
London 2012 organising committee director of sport Debbie Jevans said: "This week we've tested our brand new water polo arena with thousands of fans cheering on some of the world's best players.
"We will now be fine tuning our preparations and working closely with the Fédération Internationale de Natation to get ready to stage spectacular matches this summer."
Organisers of the Games have announced that a new round of tickets will be go on sale this week and will include entry to some of the water polo matches, so any fans successful in getting tickets should consider booking a central London hotel to soak up the atmosphere in the city this summer.
The water polo competition will take place in the dedicated Water Polo Arena at the Olympic Park. A total of 12 men's teams and eight female squads will take part in the tournament beginning on July 29th and ending with the finals on August 12th.
London 2012's Water Polo Arena is the first ever dedicated venue for the sport in Olympic history. The venue is located close to the entry to the Olympic Park and has a 37-metre competition pool and a special training pool, with a capacity of 5,000 people.
Men's water polo has featured in every Olympic Games since Paris 1900 but the women's game was not introduced until Sydney in 2000


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In his second term, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was subjected to much abuse. Poor economic management, scam-ridden ministers and officials, verbose ministers not subjected to discipline, limited and poor communication through media and public speeches, continuing with incompetent ministers the list is endless. We have always suspected that the fault lay with the party-government relation that was introduced when Sonia Gandhi stepped down in his favour in 2004. This is now confirmed by Sanjaya Barus book The Accidental Prime Minister. It goes some way to confirming a famous comment about Dr Manmohan Singh that he is a better politician than he is an economist.
The PMs reputation rests on his years as Narasimha Raos finance minister, when India turned over a new leaf from licensing to relative freedom for enterprises, a high to a low tax regime, computerisation of tax collections, freer imports and relative welcome to foreign investment. The economy took off and growth tripled in some years from the Hindu rate of growth. India became a hot spot for foreign investors. Many Indians, who had gone overseas for better employment, began coming back.
But after the 2009 win, the PMs actions suggested that he had a bottomless purse in government. It was almost as if he had forgotten the aphorism attributed to him by Sanjaya Baru in his book, that money does not grow on trees. An economist, who in his first few months as finance minister even slept in his office as he watched over the economy, determined to keep the fiscal and current account deficits down, in 2007-08 spent over R72,000 crore writing off farmer loans. Baru credits him with the idea and its justification. This money could have been mostly spent on building agricultural assets-roads, storage, cold stores, canals, rain water harvesting, etc. It would have helped generations of farmers. It could have reduced farmer distress in many future years. Other very generously funded schemes like MGNREGA added to governments deficits without adding to assets. Rising crude oil prices, declining value of the rupee, declining foreign investment and falling exports added to the burden. Exports were affected especially after the banning of iron-ore exports by the Supreme Court as response to many illegalities. All this raised deficits to record levels. Inflation crossed double-digits and remained there for over two years. Savings and investment declined, further adversely affecting growth. Employment was not growing. The problem was more


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Feb 8 2010New 'Clash of the Titans' Poster: That's Your Kraken
First rule of poster design: if at first you don't succeed, just keep adding lens flares, motion blur, and teeth. It probably won't help anything, but hey, check out all those sweet teeth!
Reader Comments
That is just... a shitty creature design. No biological sense, just a gray blob with teeth
It looks like the Rancor's gay uncle.
someone needs to talk sense into 1 and 2...
this movie looks sick and that kraken is fuckin badass
When did the Predator lose his mandibles?
GODDAMMIT, Kraken is NORSE Mythology, not GREEK. They couldn't have just fixed the problem this movie round and made it a Hydra or at least the Ceto, which Perseus killed in the mythology. Is is SO hard to make it vaguely right? ANSWER ME, INTERNET!!
Is there a god damn poster out there that you LIKE?!?!?
What are you talking about? This poster blows away the original. It's not a crappy Troy of Gladiator rip off. This looks BADASS!!!
I've dated several honest-to-God Krakens before, and I can tell you, that's no Kraken...
Why are all the Kraken's and other blockbuster monsters looking like angry Va-JJs nowadays? And once again why to blow the money shot Hollywood with ruining the awe moment(s) in both the trailer and the posters.
So that's the thing from Clover Field.
@10: Indeed.
I like the Kraken redesign...do wish the titles didn't look so video-gamey...small thing really...
Who knows ??...this might be fun.
I've got an uncle who is a dentist in Des Moines who did some work on a Kraken recently. He said that they not only have a lot of teeth, but they've got halitosis like you wouldn't believe.
Okay this looks so badass.
It's awesome, the movie looks sick. Fuck all you haters because there's obviously nothing out there that will make you happy aside from some artsy crap fest starring Vincent Gallo fingerbanging himself.
actually it does have a design, it's got the body structure of a turtle if you watched the trailer, it showed a shell like structure on his back and a head covering that retracted when he emerged from the water, way to be observant.
The thing that bothers me about the movie is the fact that they were such things as Titans in Greek myth but they weren't the gods or men (the two forces actually clashing).
I'd rather play God of War again. If I play God of War II, I get to KILL PERSEUS!
@5 Cuz "RELEASE THE HYDRA!" just sounds stupid. Nothing will ever top "RELEASE THE KRAKKEN!!"
No. 18, "Clash of the Titans" refers to Medusa and the Kraken, both of which were classified as Titans of Classical Greek mythology. In the original film, the 3 blind sisters tell Perseus that the only way to kill the Kraken is to use the head of Medusa to turn it stone. Hence, a clash between two titans.
Sorry, post meant for No. 17, not 18.
@15 No, you fail
not SUCCEED, WIN.
c,mon guys! this is cool!
@15 Saw the movie, it sucked. You really let me down.


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A 35-year-old New Bern man was sentenced to 10 to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
According to court records, Carl Wesley King had an argument with a girlfriend. After the argument, King asked the woman to drive him to a store. During the ride, King pulled out a pocketknife and stabbed the woman repeatedly.
The woman managed to stop the car and get out, and King drove off. She was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, where she was treated.
King has been convicted of at least three other felony crimes. He was ordered to pay more than $18,000 to the victim and medical providers.
District Attorney Scott Thomas said violent offenders need to be in prison.
�Our communities are safer when dangerous people are removed from the streets and placed in prison,� he said.
Location, ST | website.com


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Haha, Red Bull "believes that it has now lowered the record for the fastest pit-stop of the modern era". Pity no one said anything since Malaysia about it. I'm sure it would have been mentioned if correct.
And the funny thing is that it was for Webber, not Vettel!


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I got... the jimmy legs.
Not incredibly often; but after some mega-intense efforts, generally 5 or 20 minute intervals, I'll stop... but my legs won't. They'll start shaking, almost uncontrollably. Think shivering, and multiply the amplitude by about five-ten. If I concentrate I can make it stop, but usually I'm too tired to care.
Am I defective? After you answer that, do you have any comments on the jimmy legs?


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Venice-based electric vehicle app developer Recargo said Tuesday that Norman Hajjar, its Managing Director of its PlugInsights research division, has completed a record-setting, electric vehicle "road trip" around the country, driving more than 12,000 miles in under 3.5 weeks. The software company said it has submitted information on the trip to the Guiness World Records organization, and is seeking to have its trip verified for the longest vehicle journey ever taken using 100% electric power. Recargo--which makes an app to help EV drivers find the nearest charging station--took a stock, Tesla Model S cross country across 27 states. Hajjar said he had to stop 91 times to charge the Tesla, using Tesla's network of nationwide charging stations 86 times.
Top NewsTuesday, April 22, 2014
Recargo: EV Journey Crosses Finish Line
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Cara LaBrie
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Move is likely not last for inside linebacker help
Ernie Sims is not Daryl Washington, but he might be the closest thing the Cardinals could find at this time of year.
The team bolstered its numbers at inside linebacker on Tuesday, signing Sims to a one-year contract.
Sims, who visited the team last week, is an eight-year veteran who spent the past two seasons with the Cowboys. Financial terms were not available, but Sims likely will be paid at or near $855,000, the minimum for a player of his experience.
The Cardinals needed help at the position after it was announced last week that Washington had been banished from the NFL for at least a year for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
Sims, 6 feet and 233 pounds, was drafted by the Lions in the first round in 2006 and played four seasons in Detroit, starting 56 of 59 games. He also has played for the Eagles and the Colts.
Sims is the latest, and probably not the last, attempt the team will make this offseason to address its biggest concern on defense.
The loss of Washington wouldn't hurt as much had Karlos Dansby, the other starter, not departed for the Browns in free agency. He signed a four-year deal worth a maximum of $24 million, and the Cardinals were offering a contract worth about half that.
Washington was suspended the first four games of last season. In the other 12, he and Dansby played together on nearly 99 percent of the Cardinals' defensive snaps.
In summer practices, Kevin Minter and Larry Foote have been the inside linebackers with the first team. Minter played one defensive down last year as a rookie, and Foote was not with the team.
Coaches have been pleased with the performance of Kenny Demens this spring. A rookie in 2013, Demens played in two games and spent most of the rest of the season on the practice squad.
NFL's notable players changing teams: