text:
Dorell Wright News
Dorell Wright news continually updated from thousands of sources around the net.
Dorell Wright news is powered by NewsRank ®
Trending Now
23 Shocking Celebrities Who Are Real Jerks In Real Life
Rainbow Families: 27 Famous Celebrities You Had No Idea Were Parents To An LGBTQ Child
Shame! 35 Shocking Stars Who Treat Their Staff Like Trash
What Happened To The Survivor Winners You Loved To Hate?
The 35 Hottest Women Over The Age Of Sixty
Updated: Fri Aug 11, 2017 02:21 pm
Copyright © 2017 Topix LLC


text:
Pasco commissioners kept using the word "transparency'' to advocate creating a new taxing district to pay for county law enforcement, but the only thing transparent Tuesday was the commission's attempt to dump more public relations work on Sheriff Bob White without a thorough vetting of a new tax.
On a relatively quick 4-0 vote, the commission said it wanted a separate line item on property tax bills to spell out how much it costs to pay for Sheriff's Office law enforcement. The four cities with their own police departments would be excluded from the municipal service taxing unit. Separate accounts to run the Pasco jail, provide court bailiffs and perhaps other functions that cross municipal lines — the sheriff's helicopter unit, for instance — will remain in the county's general fund financed by all Pasco property taxpayers.
In that regard, the newly created tax district does provide tax fairness for property owners in Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey who have been paying for both the Sheriff's Office and their own municipal departments. Their 2011 county general fund tax rate could drop by more than $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation bill under the new system. As a consequence, however, county contributions to city redevelopment funds will be less each year since the general fund will now be collecting fewer tax dollars from the cities.
Conversely, property owners in the taxing district — all of unincorporated Pasco — likely will see their combined millage increase. The reduced general fund tax rate will be more than offset by a projected $3 per $1,000 law enforcement tax.
But tax fairness for cities' residents — a combined 10 percent of the county's population — wasn't the motivating factor. It wasn't even discussed. The commission wanted to relieve the headache of battling with the sheriff over his annual budget in light of White's resistance to past attempts to reduce his spending. However, forcing White to sell his budget proposals to the public is of little consequence if the commission approves his unabridged spending requests. Commissioner Pat Mulieri, in particular, already indicated a willingness to acquiesce to whatever White wants.
It's an imprudent stance. Separating the sheriff's law enforcement spending is a dangerous precursor to giving in to the temptation to hold harmless the Sheriff's Office budget while asking the rest of county services to continue to absorb budget cuts.
Commissioners are now trying to identify $15 million worth of budget reductions or new fees to balance the 2011 budget and their staff is predicting $31 million worth of similar decisions needed in 2012 and 2013. The sheriff's budget request to the commission is due June 1 and commissioners asked White and the other constitutional officers to cut their budgets 5 percent for the coming year.
On the flip side, pushing the law enforcement into a separate taxing district also has consequences once the economy rebounds.
The commission effectively limited future Sheriff's Office spending increases to minimal levels because of a past legislative mandate. That, too, is poor planning in an area that has witnessed changing demographics and crime trends even with stagnate population growth.
Three years ago, the Legislature tied local government tax increases to per capita personal income growth. (Florida's per capital personal income fell 3.3 percent in 2009 compared to the previous year.) Exceeding the state mandate requires a fourth-fifths vote of the commission, a prospect that seems unlikely given the board's election-year reluctance to consider property tax increases and the ongoing quest to slap new or higher fees on such things as ambulance calls and fire protection.
The county is looking at creative, though sometimes objectionable ways, to raise money in order to limit service cuts amid continued budget constraints. Regardless, there is no compelling reason for law enforcement to be the only constitutional office in the county with a separate financing tool.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ocular diagnostic testing: what, when, how? (Proceedings)
The basics
• Glaucoma in Cockers, Bassets
• When did the problem start?
• Set yourself up for success, Have a quiet dark room, a comfortable exam space, a stool, and an assistant. If presenting for other problems as well, do the eye exam first.Have a systematic plan and stick to it.
Basic eye exam
• This exam should be the same in every eye case that walks in. Assess symmetry, Menace response, Test dazzle and PLR (direct AND consensual), Palpebral reflex, Tear Test, Fluorescein stain, Proparacaine, Examine the eye with a bright light source and head loop.
Basic eye exam
• Lids: Lacerated? Inflamed? Alopecia?


text:
I can't stop looking at this utterly beautiful time-lapse video
Stop what you're doing and watch this. This is "Landscapes: Volume 3." It is the third and final installment in a series of astonishing high definition time lapse videos created by filmmaker Dustin Farrell, and, by the looks of things, he's decided to save his most jaw-dropping footage for last.


text:
Edit Article
wikiHow to Defeat Battles in Naruto: Ninja Destiny 2 (Shinobi Retsuden 2) With Four Tailed Naruto
You know that the Four Tailed Naruto is an overpowered character, but you've finally had it with losing all the time. If you want to finish these champions, then read carefully on how to beat them with 4tk Naruto.
Community Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters leftSubmit
If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.
- You can unlock 4tk Naruto by finishing 30 levels with each char in exploration mode.
- This game is in Japanese so don't read if you don't know about it or have it.
Things You'll Need
- 1 Nintendo DS/Nintendo DS lite
- 1 Naruto Shinobi Retsuden 2 game card
- a translator if you don't understand Japanese
- 1 4tk Naruto unlocked
Article Info
Categories: Nintendo DS
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,145 times.
Is this article up to date?


text:
Former ECW Champion Justin Credible has published a new column at PWMania.com. Credible talks about about Los Matadores Debut last week, the Rhodes Family Storyline, among other topics. ROH wrestler Brutal Bob Evans was last week's special guest on Justin Credible's Pro Wrestling 101 video series. Here is an excerpt from his article:
"Los Matadores made their long awaited debut on Raw, and all I can say is WOW. I don't mean it in a good way either. Los Matadores look like Aldo Montoya, and Mantaur had kids. I would love to be a fly on the wall during that creative meeting. I mean really guys a mini bull. What did these poor guys do to deserve that. It's like I was back in WWF, in 1995.
"I really enjoyed the Rhodes family segment. You know that the comments made by HHH that Dusty couldn't make it outside of Florida, and the NWA, had to sting. The beatdown by the Shield left them with a ton of heat. Dusty still can play the sympathetic babyface role. The crowd really booed the Shield, and it's good that they are putting heat on the heels."
You can read Justin Credible's column, "The Justin Credible Report" in its entirety at this link.


text:
What causes a bad workout? Sometimes nothing. Other times there may be an underlying cause such as lack of motivation, setting unattainable goals, dehydration, and lack of sleep.
Here are some easy ways to keep these top causes at bay:
1. A lack of motivation may creep in for one of two reasons, either a workout routine is new and hasn't gelled yet, or a routine is so, for lack of a better word, routine that it becomes boring. It takes two weeks to form a habit so find the motivation by grabbing a buddy to workout with during those first two weeks of a new routine. After a couple of weeks, you will find that it is easier to workout and perhaps even fun! If a routine has become boring, change it up. Instead of doing the same thing each week, add a new exercise (whether that be by taking a group class, running or biking/spinning).
2. Setting unattainable goals will get you nowhere. Start with something smaller than "I want to lose this much weight" or "I want to run a marathon." Instead say: "I want to eat better for a week and workout at least 3-5 days" or "I want to train for a 5K (3.1 miles)." Each week/month, add a new goal that is a baby step up.
3. Dehydration and lack of sleep are small things overlooked by many athletes. These little things can take a big toll on your workout so drink as much water as you can throughout the day and make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Sleeping eight hours a night will ensure that you will not be falling asleep during your workout or worse, too tired to make it to your workout.
When your training session does not go as well as planned, chalk it up to a bad day, get over it and get back on the workout wagon.


text:
- Tree Puncher
- Join Date: 1/21/2012
- Posts: 21
- Member Details
How come this doesn't give you any crafting recipes? OR tell you how to install it???
Quote from Goodspot2
I got this mod a day ago and I just fell in love with it. I saw you say that you might add some of our ideas for the mod and i was thinking that you could add a moon-rover and i would love that because i have flans mod and i got attached to that and i can place cars up there but it does not look that nice on my server.
I hope you take my idea
Quote from vetleice
when im on the moon don't need the moon suit.... but the mod is still awesome
Quote from jorgen779
can someone make a link where i can download the miinecraft 1.4.7 jar with the moon mod?Please?
Quote from klarish
I have the same problems. Can you fix this???
Quote from 93Crazed101
The Amazing Moonmod
by sutr90 now updated by Jlndk 1.4.6
If someone wants to make a mod rewiew it will be realy appreciated
Sry for being so inactive here in the last week. I have worked on the open src and the next prealphe release will come out soon.
Yaaay now is the moon mod open Source so I'm moving the most of this topics content to the wiki/site
There is alot that needs to be done, but here is the pre release. if you got any ideas. feel free to post them down below
The Modding Team
just ask if you are fresh, and have the right skills
sourge (github)
Quote from ButterMasterjr
this mod SUCKS you cant set up the tent
There is alot that needs to be done, but here is the pre-release. if you got any ideas. feel free to post them down below
this is in early beta so alot of the thing listed below does not work - yet!
Q: How do I build a tent? It says "Couldnt build a tent." What should I do?
A: Well placing a tent is a bit tricky. It dont works right now but normally, you have to make sure you have a flat area 8 by 8 block. Above these platform there have to be at least 4 block of free space (air). Then dig a hole in the middle of this platform and fill it with tent block. This flat platform will be repalced with tent floor.


text:
dog walkers
Diet & Fitness
Life gone to the dogs - in such a great way!I love my column today (self recommendation is no praise, my late mother used to say!) but I wrote about an ex- colleague of mine, photographer Richard Arless.
Diet & Fitness
Dog walkers have their own appEver wonder how many miles you log a year exercising Rover? Now you can find out. The makers of the popular MapMyRun have created a MapMyDOGWALK app that uses ...


text:
THEO Walcott rescued Arsenal at Brighton to leave Gus Poyet cursing.
The Seagulls boss said: "The only way to stop Theo is to shoot him."
Substitute Walcott's 84th minute winner took a decisive deflection off Brighton defender Adam El-Abd after Arsenal were twice pegged back by Poyet's impressive Championship outfit.
But the main difference was striker Olivier Giroud, who took his tally to 13 for the season.
The Frenchman got glowing tributes from both Poyet and Arsene Wenger.
Poyet said: "Giroud was outstanding. He's big, powerful, can take the ball on the run and oozes class."
Arsenal manager Wenger said: "Giroud's physical power was really important. He took his chances well."
But Wenger appeared to rule out any move for reinforcements up front in the last days of the transfer window.
The Frenchman said: "It's difficult doing business in January.
"You certainly don't find the sort of forwards we want in the street."
Wenger gambled by leaving out stars like Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Walcott.
Poyet said: "We played well and are probably more disappointed than we should be. It's like we lost the final."


text:
capable of being refracted, as rays of light.
capable of being refracted
Tagged: r
Read Also:
- Refreeze
verb (used without object), froze, frozen, freezing. 1. to become hardened into ice or into a solid body; change from the liquid to the solid state by loss of heat. 2. to become hard or stiffened because of loss of heat, as objects containing moisture: Meat will freeze in a few hours. 3. to suffer […]
- Refresco
noun, plural refrescos [re-fres-kaws] /rɛˈfrɛs kɔs/ (Show IPA). Spanish. 1. a refreshment, as a soft drink.
- Refresh
verb (used with object) 1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively). 2. to stimulate (the memory). 3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.). 4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative. 5. Computers. to access (the most recent […]
- Refreshable braille display
braille display


text:
A LANDSLIDE and flooding has forced the closure of part of a major highway in northern NSW.
The Gwydir Highway, a vital east-west route in northern NSW, has closed between Grafton and Glen Innes.
Motorists are being told to use the New England Highway and Bruxner Highway instead.
They are also being advised to be extremely cautious in northern NSW due to the continuing wet weather.
A number of other flooded roads have closed including:
- The Oxley Highway in both directions at O'Neills Creek in Long Flat.
- Failford Road between the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way.
- The Gwydir Highway between Moree and Warialda.
- The Bucketts Way is closed at Gloucester Road in Burrell Creek.
- The Pacific Highway is also affected by flooding at various locations.
It is expected that heavy rain across much of NSW could cause flash flooding across the coastline this weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology had 16 flood warnings in place on Saturday night.
A severe weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for people in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter and Northern Tablelands areas.
Originally published as Floods cut off key roads in northern NSW


text:
On the Amendment S.Amdt. 3810: Obama S.Amdt.3810; To provide that none of the funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for hurricane relief and recovery contracts exceeding $500,000 that are awarded using procedures other than competitive procedures.
Result: Agreed to (98-0, 2 members not voting, 1/2 threshold)
Details: [click here]
This Month


text:
Let's get today's Bombshell going, shall we?
Today's lucky lady is Brittany from New York:
The blogger writes, "My love of new trends and timeless style is what drives my sense of fashion."
" The goal is always [to look] effortlessly cool and chic."
"I try to reflect that on my IG, @brittiish…"
"… and my blog, www.brittiish.blogspot.com."
Loving the New York vibe. How did you pose in that itty bitty outfit in the snow? Work it! Anything for the shot!
See more of Brittany's looks on Instagram @brittiish.
What say you?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 6-8 different outfits to firstname.lastname@example.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.


text:
Engineering aims at taking innovative technology and designs mainstream and therefore it is only apt that an event like TEDx is organised in one of the premier engineering institutions of the country. With the backing of a successful first event in 2011, eDC IITD returns with the second edition on Janaury 19, 2013 with the limelight being around the theme "The Road not Taken". With eminent speakers on board, it promises to stimulate the minds of the budding entrepreneurs, by offering insights into the lives of the people who dared to tread the path less taken by and made a difference in the way we approach life.
Seminar Hall
Indian Institute of Technology
Hauz Khas
New Delhi, Delhi, 110016
Indian Institute of Technology
Hauz Khas
New Delhi, Delhi, 110016
- Event type:
- University (What is this?)


text:
Bucs reportedly sign Saints backup linebacker Casillas
The Bucs reportedly have signed former Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.
The news, coming via ESPN, comes on a day the Bucs added to the league-worst secondary by signing safety Dashon Goldson.
Casillas, 25, and from Wisconsin, has limited experience as a starter but could get an opportunity to compete for the starting strong-side linebacker position. The Bucs have a likely opening there after Quincy Black's career-threatening neck and arm injury last season.
Casillas registered 31 tackles and appeared in 14 games last season with the Saints, who are shifting to a 3-4 defense. He had a career-high 41 tackles in 2011.


text:
You need some centralised locking mechanism. One developer writes a file somewhere saying "I'm altering the database" (or "I'm altering this table" if you need finer control) and then no-one else can start an update until that file is removed.
Can't you drive the changes from your sou
They've agreed to the centralized locking mechanism. As for using source control to manage the SQL, I'm not clear as to the best way to do that. I've checked out Cvs [cpan.org] on the CPAN and I can't get the tests to pass, regardless of whether I run them through CPAN.pm or do it by hand. I admit that having CVS contain all of the changes makes for a better solution, but trying to figure out the best way to cobble all of that together with the automated database upgrades sounds problematic. Would all of the update
lock table for some central table. I'm thinking about your config table that holds the version number, for example.


text:
Episode Title: "Sacrifice"
Story by: Greg Berlanti
Teleplay by: Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg
Director: David Barrett
Now that "Arrow" Season 1 is over, I feel comfortable telling the non-comic book fans out there that Green Arrow's biggest adversary was always Meryln, a villainous archer.
On this series, the expectation was that Tommy Merlyn (Colin Donnell) was being set up to be the Lex Luthor of "Arrow." The best friend who is destined to become the greatest enemy of Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell).
Around midseason, "Arrow" managed a nice surprise when it was revealed that Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) was the Dark Archer; which meant that we didn't have to wait years for Tommy to go on the villainous path and become more like the comic book Merlyn. His dad was already filling that role.
Before we go on, you should know that there are full spoilers ahead for "Sacrifice," so if you haven't seen the "Arrow" season finale then you should probably skip this review or else Roy will stare slack jawed at the TV for another five minutes or so. Or I might have to sing a few verses of O Danny Boy…
The closing moments of this episode pulled off the biggest surprise in the show's history: Tommy dies after saving Laurel Lance (Katie Cassidy) and declaring his love for her while Oliver is helpless to save his friend.
On one level, this was a mistake because Donnell was one of the best performers on "Arrow" when he wasn't saddled with the clumsily written story where Tommy broke things off with Laurel and he became even more jealous of Oliver. But on the other hand, this saves Tommy from becoming the Harry Osborn of "Arrow" and following in his dad's dark footsteps. That was the obvious way to go and for once, "Arrow" didn't take the easiest path.
Actually, "Sacrifice" took that one step further because Malcolm Merlyn won. He wanted to devastate the Glades with an Earthquake and he did it despite the best efforts of Team Arrow. The buildup to the confrontation between Oliver and his allies was terrific and it added a lot of tension to the episode. Oliver's escape from Malcolm was also impressive.
So much of "Arrow" has revolved around Oliver's partnership with John Diggle (David Ramsey) that it was immensely satisfying to see Diggle insist upon going into the final battle with Oliver as they took on Malcolm directly. And then Diggle barely played a role at all as Malcolm took him out of the fight very early on. It was the correct choice for Oliver to defeat Malcolm on his own, but after making such a big deal out of Diggle's presence it seemed like a waste for him to go down so easily.
At the same time, Oliver had directed his longtime nemesis, Detective Quentin Lance (Paul Blackthorne) to work with Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) as they attempted to disarm the earthquake causing Markov device. Blackthorne has been saddled with a pretty thankless task this season, as the writing for Detective Lance has made him seem like a one note character. But it was hard not to get chills when Arrow told Lance that his city needed him.
Of course, Lance nearly ruins everything by constantly telling his fellow officers that he's working with the man he's supposed to be pursuing. And Lance's suspension means nothing… NOTHING! Because when Moira Queen (Susanna Thompson) is giving her press conference to confess her sins, Detective Lance is still in the police station! And he's still there when Oliver calls him again!
Even so, Detective Lance got his best scenes of the season when he called his daughter to say goodbye. To pull another Spider-Man analogy on you, I thought he was going to go Captain Stacy on us for a moment.
I truly hate the more CW elements of "Arrow," including Oliver's mother and his sister, Thea (Willa Holland). Most of the time, it seems like they're on a completely different show than the rest of the characters. Case in point, as Moira is being led away by police after her press conference confession, she tells Thea that she loves her and Thea replies that she loves Roy! Moira's momentary confusion at that was amusing. But again, it cuts away from the drama to go back to the horribly written romance between Thea and future Speedy, Roy Harper (Colton Haynes).
Haynes wasn't a very good actor on "Teen Wolf" and he's no better on "Arrow," despite his promotion to series regular next season. So, we're stuck with him, but I'd have been perfectly happy if Moira and/or Thea had met their ends in this episode.
On a side note, Tommy's death is totally Laurel's fault. Both her father and Oliver told her not to be in the Glades that night, but she went anyway. Tommy was the first to arrive and pull her out of the rubble. But when she runs out of the building, she doesn't even wait to see if Tommy is behind her! Watch out, Oliver! That's behavior she's probably going to exhibit again in the future.
Back on the island, we had a fairly disappointing conclusion to the season long flashback story as Oliver gets to save the day by stopping the villainous plan to cripple China's economy… or something. The one redeeming moment of that was that we see Oliver pick up the bow of Yao-Fei (Byron Mann) and use it to kill Edward Fyers (Sebastian Dunn) to save Shado (Celina Jade). I think that's the first time that Island Oliver has ever deliberately killed someone, so it was a key step in his evolution. Oliver also gave up his chance to leave the island for Shado, although it's suspicious that Celina Jade hasn't been promoted to series regular yet.
It should also be said that the twist ending of Malcolm's backup device was very Watchmen. But unlike Watchmen, "Arrow" has an opportunity to explore a world where the hero failed and the villain won. And I wouldn't be surprised if either Malcolm or Tommy somehow return to "Arrow" in the future. The Dark Archer is Arrow's best villain and there's no good reason to leave Malcolm off the board if Tommy is gone for good.


text:
Ryan Hunter-Reay caps career year with surprising IndyCar championship
FONTANA, Calif. — Ryan Hunter-Reay put the American flag back atop the IndyCar podium by snatching the championship away from Will Power in the season finale.
Power, denied for a third consecutive year, was in street clothes watching Saturday night's finish on television after crashing out early at Auto Club Speedway. His exit from the race meant Hunter-Reay, who entered the race trailing Power by 17 points, had to finish fifth or better to claim his first championship in a major series.
He wound up fourth to become the first American since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006 to win the title.
"I raced for my life. I cannot believe we are IndyCar champions. I cannot believe this," Hunter-Reay said. "My dream has come true."
Langdon races to first Top Fuel victory: In Concord, N.C., Shawn Langdon raced to his first career Top Fuel victory Sunday, beating Tony Schumacher in the final of the rain-delayed O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.
Langdon edged Schumacher with a 3.785-second run at 326.71 mph in the first event in the six-race NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Schumacher finished in 3.808 at 322.27.
The NHRA comes to the Texas Motorplex in Ennis this week. The AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals take place Thursday-Sunday.
Blaney wins Trucks race: In Newton, Iowa, Ryan Blaney became the youngest winner in NASCAR Trucks history Saturday night at 18 years, 8 months, taking the caution-filled race at Iowa Speedway.


text:
Ever wondered who you would go toe to toe with alongside Bloom and her friends if you were part of the Winx World? Well, take this quiz to find out which monster which best suits your strengths, and just how the big battle would go down!
If you need a new ride, head over to this shop for Polar Dogs, Motorbikes, Shellraisers and more!
Test your skills in this EPIC tower defense game featuring your favorite Nick stars.


text:
"This is a new take on an old sauce. DH loves peppers any way,any type,any place. He must eat lots of vegetables so I came up with this sauce."
Tuna Sauce With Sweet Red Peppers
0 recipe photos
READY IN:30mins
Ingredients Nutrition
- 2 (6 ounce) cans canned tuna, drained
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 4 tablespoons white flour or 4 tablespoons rice flour
- 4 cups 2% low-fat milk or 4 cups milk, of your choice
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted, cored, seeded
- 2 teaspoons bonapetit seasoning (McCormick)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper or 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat oven 450*.
- Put red pepper on tray and roast until skin starts to shrivel and turn a little brown.
- Take out and put in brown paper sack to cool.Throw skin away.Core & seed. When cool cut in slivers or diced in small pieces.
- In medium saucepan, add tuna, margarine and flour, mix well, stirring in so there is no lumps and no white flour showing, blended.
- Add the milk all at once, and stir.
- Turn heat to medium and add red pepper slivers.
- Stir, it will slowly thicken to a thin to medium sauce consistency. It you want it thicker,take out 1/2 cup of sauce and add a little flour to it mix and put back in the sauce and stir.
- Add Bonapetit seasoning (celery seed, onion & salt, powdered) and pepper of your choice.
- I did not make it too peppery to taste.
- Serve over toasted French Bread, rice, curly noodles or orzo.


text:
Get an overview of this hotelLuxury Shanghai hotel in Jing'an, walk to Jing An Temple
Popular property highlights
Located in Jing'an, this luxury hotel is steps from Jing An Park and Shanghai Children's Palace. Jing An Temple and Jiuguang Department Store are also within 10 minutes.
Hotel Features
Along with 3 restaurants, this smoke-free hotel has an indoor pool and a fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop/café, and an outdoor tennis court are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 506 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi, free wired Internet, and LED TVs with satellite channels. Guests will also find 24-hour room service, refrigerators, and minibars.
Guest Highlights
- Good location
- Proximity to public transit
- Overall value of stay
- Helpful staff
- Clean guestrooms
Hotel Equatorial Shanghai
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to an indoor pool, Hotel Equatorial Shanghai provides an outdoor tennis court and a fitness center. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants and guests can grab coffee at the coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Business-related amenities at this 4.5-star property consist of a business center and meeting rooms. 5 meeting rooms are available. This luxury hotel also offers spa services, tour/ticket assistance, and multilingual staff. Parking is available onsite for a surcharge.
Hotel Equatorial Shanghai is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour front desk
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Bar/lounge
- Number of floors - 27
- Business center
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Conference space
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Fitness facilities
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Designated smoking areas
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Total number of rooms - 506
- Concierge services
- Laundry facilities
- Meeting rooms 5
- Multilingual staff
- Porter/bellhop
- Luggage storage
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Conference center
- Outdoor tennis court
- Number of restaurants - 3
- Number of meeting rooms - 5
- Smoke-free property
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Spa services on site
- Indoor pool
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Coffee shop or café
- Wedding services
- Year Built 1991
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Indoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor tennis court
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Self parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Premium bedding
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Refrigerator
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Bathrobes
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Slippers
- In-room safe
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Electric kettle
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Room service (24 hours)
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Separate bedroom
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6 AM and 10:30 AM.
Cafe 65 - This buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Open 24 hours. Open daily.
Golden Phoenix - This restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Open daily.
The Lobby Lounge - Onsite restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor tennis court, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Fitness classes on site
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for CNY 288 per night.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: CNY 171 per person (approximately)
- Self parking fee: CNY 120 per day
- Rollaway bed fee: CNY 288 per night
Hotel Name
- Equatorial Hotel Shanghai
- Equatorial Shanghai
- Equatorial Shanghai Hotel
- Hotel Equatorial Shanghai
- Shanghai Equatorial
- Shanghai Equatorial Hotel
- Shanghai Hotel Equatorial
- Hotel Equatorial
We should mention
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
National Rating
For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.


text:
Prabhu, DK and Dwarakanath, GS and Suresh, BM (1993) Approximation using rational splines with adjustable tension. Technical Report. National Aeronautical Laboratory, Bangalore, India.Full text available as:
Restricted to Archive staff only
Download (3505Kb)
An interpolation procedure using the rational spline approximation is presented . The rational spline contains an adjustable tension parameter for each pair of uccessive knots such that in the limit of zero tension, the spline reduces to a conventional cubic spline and in the limit of infinite tension the spline reduces to a straight line . The procedure for adjusting the tension parameters is completely automated such that by adjusting the tension it is possible to achieve the quot;bestquot; fit (in a least-squares sense) of the data .A detailed derivation of the algorithm is presented along with its procedural implementation.the method is successfully implemented on a computer and tested for two cases . Recommendations are made for further extension and application of this method.
|Item Type:
|Proj.Doc/Technical Report (Technical Report)
|Uncontrolled Keywords:
|Interpolation;Adjustable splines;Rational splines;Tension; Least-squares method
|ENGINEERING > Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
|Computational and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics Division, Computational and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics Division, Computational and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics Division
|Depositing User:
|Mr. N A
|Date Deposited:
|28 Jun 2006
|Last Modified:
|24 May 2010 09:42
Actions (login required)
|View Item


text:
BANGKOK — A global health fund said Monday, April 20 that it is facing a shortfall of as much as $5 billion that could rob the most vulnerable people of access to AIDS drugs and keep mosquito nets from children.
Michel Kazatchkine, executive director of the U.N.-backed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, said he was concerned that some rich nations may be considering cuts in overseas development in light of the global economic crisis.
But he said now was not the time to reduce spending on health in developing countries and that the money his agency is asking for is a drop in the bucket compared to the public funds for the financial sector.
"We are facing a challenge," Kazatchkine said in an interview after attending a Bangkok conference aimed at reducing the harmful effects of drug use.
Kazatchkine said donor funding for the period running from 2008 until 2010 stands at $9.5 billion, short of the $13.5 billion to $14.5 billion needed. Without the requested funding from donors, Kazatchkine warned that some of the youngest and sickest in the developing world would pay the price.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition April 24, 2009.


text:
Hey guys, I have started exploring some programming concepts on my own,and in particular some that are special to the windows API. I am trying to use the function shown below as part of my class constructor. My plan is to create a "payload" which will be used later in my AVL tree class.
Code://constructor payload::payload(string clear){}The problem is, I am having trouble finding good materiel that explains exactly what a array<unsigned char>^ really is, and as you can see, I want my constructor to take a string as an argument, but once again the function takes an array<unsigned char>^.Code://mentioned function array<unsigned char>^ ComputeHash( array<unsigned char>^ buffer )
I need someone to help explain what a array<unsigned char>^ exactly is , and how I can work between them with char[] and strings.
Thanks a ton guys!
PS: Here is the reference im looking at ComputeHash Method (Byte[])


text:
The wonderkid has pledged to carry on as normal, despite he and his team-mates coming in for vocal criticism from spectators in their last-eight victory at the Games
The Selecao slugged it out to emerge eventual 3-2 victors in a bad-tempered match that saw their opponents pick up eight yellow and two red cards at Newcastle's St James' Park.
The Santos star, who was jeered following his role in the expulsion of Wilmer Crisanto, insists the adversity merely provides motivation to succeed.
"I'm always prepared for anything," he told Marca Brasil. "To be cheered or to be booed is entirely normal.
"The only time I fell was when the Honduras player fouled me and got sent off. I will not let the criticism affect me, and just want to help Brazil more.
"Football remains no different to me, regardless of whether I play amid cheering or jeering."
The Selecao travel to Manchester next, where they will face South Korea in the semi-finals on Tuesday.


text:
Stray From The Path
Reads: 124 | Likes: 0 | Shelves: 0 | Comments: 2
Book by: IsaacWonder
Chapter 1 (v.1) - No Escape
James: If you shall leave the path then you shall face the wrath of your own choice. That is what the letter says.
Spirit: Pfft~! Thats ridiculous~!
Angel: But...it is weird....
Spirit: That may be true, but still...thy's own wolf? It sounds like a bunch of crap.
Sam: Spirit, This man may be right. I get a pretty ominous feeling coming from that forest.
Giri: We should just get this over with and get the hell out of here.
Rage: That sounds like a plan!
Angel: Ahhaha~ I didn't think you were afraid, Rage~
Rage: Quit calling me Rage, My name is Ralph!! And I'm not afraid of anything!
James: Enough! Lets continue our delivery and leave.
Smith: Hmmm...
*After a few minutes, they come across an old looking house. The red paint appeard to be slowly decaying from the walls*
Spirit: Is...this the place?
James: Its the only house out here.
Giri: *adjusts his glasses* Good, we can finally get this over wi-
Spirit: Hey!! Hey you out there!!
James: Spirit, why the hell are you yelling.
Spirit: I saw someone out there. In the forest.
Rage: I don't see anyone!
James: Stop with the yelling already.
Spirit: I'm gonna go check~!
James: Spirit! We all agreed to not stray from the path.
Spirit: But there was a person out there!
James: It doesn't matter to us.
Spirit: Hmph! Do what you want. *Starts walking*
James: What did I say, Spirit?!
Spirit: Whats the worse that could happen~? *Slowly walks off *
Giri: What was that...?
Angel: Hmmm?
Giri: I thought I heard a voice...
Sam: Me too...
James: We can't just let him go on his own. He'll get lost.
Giri: Then what?
James:...Damn it...Sam!
Sam: Yeah?!
James: Its probably a bad idea...but we have to go after him.
Sam: Yeah...
James: Giri, I'm leaving you in charge here. Think you can handle it?
Giri: Don't worry, I'm an excellent leader.
Rage: Pfft!
James: Think you can handle this Sam?
Sam: You know I can.
James: Right.
*James and Sam both rush off into the forest
*Spirit's side*
Spirit: HELLO?!!! Anyone out there?!
*He continues running until he slips and falls down a hill*
Spirit: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh~! Guh! Well that hurt...huh?
*There is a trail of red liquid on the ground*
Spirit: Whats...this...?
*James and Sam's side*
James: Damn it, Where is that idiot.
Sam: He couldn't have ran that far.
James: Just our luck...
*There seems to be two paths*
Sam: Now what?
James: I'd say split up, but...I seriously don't trust this forest.
Sam: But it could be our best bet.
James: Or our worst.
Sam: So then what?
James:...I guess we have no choice. I'll take the left path, you take the right.
Sam: Alright.
James: But...
Sam: Hmmm?
James: If either one of us runs into trouble...then we meet back here and rethink our plan.
Sam: Okay.
*Sam runs off to the right path, James hesitates and then soon runs off to the left path*
*Spirit's side*
Spirit: T-this is unreal...
*Spirit stares down at the dead body of a woman around his age, who has had her entire jaw ripped off. It looks as if she has died mere hours ago*
Spirit: Oh...god... *He starts vomiting next to a tree*
Spirit: The smell...this is freaking messed up! I...I never should have come out here!!
*Spirit starts dashing away from the young girl's body*
*Giri's side*
Giri: Its already been 20 minutes. I hope nothing...horrible happend to them.
Angel: What are you suggesting Giri?!
Giri: N-nothing, theres no need for you to over react.
Smith: Calm down you two. Theres no reason to think negatively, I'm sure they are fine.
Rage: Yeah, don't worry.
*James's side*
James: This forest...it looks as though it goes on forever...
*theres a rustle in the bushes*
James: Whose there?!
???: I...I won't let you take them all!!!
James: Who are you?
*A young girl slowly stands up from behind the bushes wearing a skirt with floural patterns on it, and a blue coat*
Matsu: Not anymore...Haven't I suffered enough?!!
James: What are you talking about?!
Matsu: *She pulls out a hand knife* No more...this should be enough...
James: Wait! what the hell are you do-
*She rushes toward him*
Matsu: NO MORE!!!!
*Giri's side*
Angel: I can't wait any longer, I'm leaving.
Giri: Wait, Angel! I am currently the leader of this group, and I say we wait!
Angel:...No...no more waiting. *She walks off into the forest*
Giri: Damn it all...
Rage: Wait up Angel! I'm coming too!
Giri: Fools!! All of you!
*Spirit's side*
Spirit: *huff, huff* That...should be...enough...
*He looks around,noticing the gray sky*
Spirit: The sky is so gray...yet its not raining, not even a drop.
*There are footsteps, drawing closer and closer*
Spirit: Gah! Whose there?! Just to warn you...I know kung fu!!
*The steps still draw closer*
Spirit: Alright I lied...but please don't kill me...I'm afraid of death...
Sam: Spirit, That you?
Spirit: GUAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Sam: YAAAAAAAA!!!!
Spirit: Oh! Sam!! Hey there buddy ol pal, I'm ready to go home now...so can we leave please?
Sam: Easier said then done, this forest is like a damn maze.
Spirit: *patting Sam's shoulder* Come on, I know you can do it~
Sam: If we really are lost, you know this is your fault, right?
Spirit: Well...thats...true...
Sam: We should meet up with James first though.
Spirit: James is out here too? I knew he cared~
Sam: Lets just go...
*James's side*
James: *Running* Whats wrong with this woman? She keeps swinging that knife around at me.
Matsu: I have to make sure...you don't take anyone else away from me~ Hahahaha...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA~!!!!!
James: Damn it...shes actually gaining on me!
Matsu: Hehe~ *She slashes her hand knife and only grazes Jame's hip*
James: *still running* Just a graze...but it still hurts. What the hell is wrong with this woman?!
*She suddenly stops and falls to her knees crying*
James: H-hey...are you alright...?
Matsu: *She raises her head, Her eyes looked like the eyes of a psycopath with a creepy smile on her face*
James: Why were you swinging your knife at me?!
Matsu: We are all going to die in here sooner or later...why prolong the inevitable~?
James: Your...insane...
Matsu: Won't you play with me for alittle longer~?
*Angel's side*
Angel: They can't be too far away.
Rage: Maybe we should just call the cops.
Angel: I've tried, I can't get a signal out here.
Rage: Look, on the ground!
Angel: What is this...?
*their are blood soaked glasses on the ground*
Rage: God...this blood...I wonder whose these belonged to.
Angel: *She starts shivering*
Rage: Whats wrong, Angel?!
Angel: T-theres no doubt about it...these are Giri's glasses...
Rage: What?! How is that possible?!! We just left him ten minutes ago...he couldn't have gone ahead of us...
Angel: *She looks down and sees a cell phone* This is definetly his cell phone...
Rage: But how...?
Angel: Theres something on it...
Rage: What...?
*Giri's side*
Giri: Honestly, why do I have to baby sit these fools, its hopeless.
Smith: Say, are you gonna go after them?
Giri: Why should I?
Smith: Aren't you currently responsible for them now? What if they get lost, or...worse?
Giri: I hate the fact that you make too much sense when its just convenient for you.
Smith: Hehe~
Giri: As much as I dispise this forest, I will not be blamed for their idiocy. Stay here Smith!
Smith: Got it~!
*Giri walks off into the forest*
*Spirit's side*
Spirit: Hmmm...I think...we are lost...
Sam: What was your first clue...?
Spirit: Argh! All these trees look exactly the same, its like they'er taunting us.
Sam: We are going the way I came from...but, this is all wrong.
Spirit: Hey Sam, did you...um...see that girl...up ahead...?
Sam: yeah...it was disgusting.
Spirit: How do you think it happend?
Sam: Spirit, I honestly don't even want to think about it.
Spirit: I guess your right.
*Click* *Click*
Spirit: Hey! isn't that...Giri?!
*Giri is next to the corpse of the young girl whose jaw was ripped off*
Spirit: Yo!! Giri!
Giri: Ah! Spirit, there you are.
Sam: What are you doing out here Giri?
Giri: I was looking for Angel and Rage. They ran out somewere around here.
Spirit: Isn't this troublesome, now that almost everyone is wandering around out here.
Sam: Giri, whats that in your hand?
*Giri is holding a blue pouch*
Giri: Oh, this? I just...happend to find it. You want it? because it doesn't seem very interesting to me.
Spirit: Ah! Thanks!
Giri: Now, if you'll excuse me. I've still got to find those missing two.
Sam: Would'nt it be safer to stick together?
Giri: Probably, but we can cover more ground seperatly.
Sam: Fine...just be careful.
Giri: Of course.
*Giri walks off*
Spirit: I wonder whats in this pouch...
Sam: I don't like this, Spirit. We should'nt even be half way close to this girl's corpse.
Spirit: But...thats good, right?
Sam: No. Plus Giri, didn't you see? He was taking pictures...
Spirit: I'm sure its not what you think. Come on, lets keep moving.
Sam: Alright...
*James's side*
James: What are you talking about?!
Matsu: You don't know...you don't know what kind of hell this is!!
James: What do you mean?!
Matsu: This is- *She suddenly falls to the ground*
???: Poor girl...lost her mind to the forest.
James: Whose there?!
*A young girl wearing a black jacket comes from behind a tree. Her eyes reveal nothing but a lifeless gaze, Her blond hair looks as though it shines from the darkness around her*
James: Who are you...?
Jane: I guess its fine, my name is Jane.
James: Jane...that name sounds familiar.
Jane: That wouldn't surprise me. But for now, I think there are a few things you should know.
James: What...?
*Spirit and Sam's side*
Sam: What the hell is this? We should be at the meeting point were James said.
Spirit: Are you sure we aren't just lost?
Sam: Unlike you, I keep tabs on what I see around me.
Spirit: Is that so~?
Sam: Unless...
Jane: This forest is not what you think.
James: What do you mean by that?
Jane: Were you or were you not notified about crossing the path?
James: Of course I was notified.
Jane: Yet your standing right here infront of me...idiots.
Jane: This forest...it doesn't abide by the laws of time.
James: Laws of time?
Jane: Yes. Time passes differently through here than how it should.
James: What is that supposed to mean to me?
Jane: *sighs* It means, you don't know how long you've been in this forest.
James: I've only been in this forest for atleast 20 minutes.
Jane: Every minute in this forest...is exactly one day.
James: What?! Thats impossible!
Jane: It is very possible. Sometimes the time may shift though. 1 second, could turn to 1 week at the blink of an eye, 1 minute could turn to 1 year. Or one week could be...hehe, maybe this is alittle too much for you to comprehend.
James: No...
Jane: Sometimes, the forest will just change time in itself.
*Giri's side*
Giri: Hehehe....hahahahah...this is just magnificent!
*He stares at the pictures of corpses he had taken on his phone with a creepy grin*
Giri: Corpses...not fake, but real life corpses. *He starts breathing heavily* How amazing! This one, his stomach...completly torn open so the broken ribs can be seen. And this one. It looks as though her head was crushed by a shovel or something...god, all this blood...how revolting. And this one...Completly pulverized into that giant boulder, theres alittle bit of breast meat mixed in so you can tell its female. All her organs...crushed to that boulder...this smudge of blood and flesh used to be a human being.
???: Please...stop...
Giri: What?!! That voice...
???: Please...stop...staring at me...please...
Giri: No...no...no...no...
???: Please...stop...my beloved...Giri...
*Angel and Rage's side*
Giri: Aaaaaaahhh!!!! No!! Mary! MARY!!!!!!!!!!GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!! *Smash* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! *Smash* MAAAARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *psycotic laughter* Hahahahahaha~!!!!! *CRACK*
Rage: No...this can't be real...that crack sounded like his ne-
Angel: That voice...theres no denying it...it was the voice of Giri's beloved girlfriend...Mary Fold
Rage: His girlfriend...?
Angel: Yes...but, she went missing four years ago.
Rage: Then how?!
Angel: *Crying* I don't know, but...this is too much...
*She runs off crying*
Rage: Angel!! Wait!
*A tall middle aged man appears behind Rage holding a shovel over his head*
Rage: Damn it all!! Ang- *The tall man hits him over the head with his shovel*
Rage:...!! *Blood starts rapidly coming from his head as he falls to the ground. The tall man grabs the back of his shirt collar and slowly drags him away*
Jane: I'd advise you to find your friends before its too late...
James: My friends...they should be okay...
Jane: I wonder...
James: Wonder what?!
Jane: I detect multiple life forces in this forest, they must be your friends.
James: What?!
Jane: There is no escape. Everything in this forest is closed off from the rest of the world. It also changes its form so I doubt you'll meet up with your friends. Now, I must go.
James: Wait...how do you know all this...?
Jane: Because...I died here 20 years ago.
Jane: Farewell. We may meet again, that is...if you survive.
James: Wait!!
*She slowly disappears into the forest*
James: So this forest doesn't abide to the laws of time...I've gotta find Spirit and Sam before something horrible happens.
*Spirit and Sam's side*
Spirit: Whats wrong?
Sam: I just felt a chill...like someone is crying...
Spirit: You know...this is why you don't have too many friends, Saying creepy things like that.
Sam: Say what you want, but its true. I can feel their des-Aaa...aaaaaah...
Spirit: Whats wrong?
Sam: It...hurts...so much...it won't stop...is what their saying...
Spirit Who...?
*James's side*
James: This forest doesn't follow time...it changes randomly...what else is there...? Damn it...I have to find them. Spencer...Sam...Please...SURVIVE THIS PLACE!!
© Copyright 2017 IsaacWonder. All rights reserved.
Add Your Comments:
This is a pretty interesting tale so far. I do find some bits slightly chaotic and I've never seen a novel structured in the way you did it! But it is original, so that's definitely good :) Maybe you can add some details about the surroundings to make it more interesting. Good writing so far :)
Please reply to my email address (firstname.lastname@example.com)
More Horror Books
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Book / Horror
Short Story / Non-Fiction
Short Story / Romance
Book / Fantasy
Short Story / Flash Fiction
Booksie Popular Content
Other Content by IsaacWonder
Book / Fantasy
Book / Horror
Book / Mystery and Crime


text:
By PETER STEIN
What more could the High Point softball team do?
The 2012 Wildcats set a new standard of excellence for their program, their school and Sussex County with their wild spring of bagging one championship after another.
Across its historic 26-1 season, High Point won four major championships — the NJAC American Division, the Hunterdon Warren Sussex tournament, North 1, Group 3 and overall Group 3.
On the hill for all those title-clinchers was sophomore dynamo Ally Frei, who went 26-0 with a 0.43 ERA, a state-best 362 strikeouts and three perfect games, including two 20-strikeout perfectos.
Sophomore second baseman Carly Satter hit at a scorching .472 clip on 42 hits, both school records.
Frei's battery-mate, senior catcher Jamie Christensen, knocked in the game-winning run in High Point's 1-0, 11-inning victory over Kingsway in the Group 3 title game on June 9 in Toms River. But that was just the capper of Christensen's solid season at the plate and behind it. Christensen was not only a sound catcher, helping Frei excel, but she also batted .370 with five homers, two triples, three doubles, 23 RBI and 21 runs scored.
Junior shortstop Meghan O'Leary batted .386 with two homers, and swatted 10 doubles, tying a single-season school record.
Sophomore Chelsea Eckert gave High Point nice pitching depth, but mostly played first base. As a hitter, she batted .397 with three homers, three triples and eight doubles.
Each player landed on the All-Herald softball first team. Outfielders Justine Hall, Collette Leduc and Michaela O'Hern, and third baseman Brittany McKay all made second team.
Barbara Fasano was the Herald's Softball Coach of the Year, after helping her talented collection of players get the most out of their potential. She also picked up her 100th coaching victory when the Wildcats edged Delaware Valley, 2-0, in the May 11 HWS semifinal round.
The Wildcats dominated All-Herald honors in early summer as they had dominated the softball fields, the basepaths, the American Division standings and the tournament circuit throughout the preceding spring. From coaching to pitching to hitting to fielding, it was a season where every facet of High Point softball clicked.
"Every girl, every one, whoever it was, at one time or another in this season did shine. Because they had to," Fasano said in June.
"I think it was our coaching and our amazing team," Satter said in June. "And of course, we had Ally."
Frei was fun to watch, unless it was from the vantage point of an opposing batter flailing fruitlessly in the breeze at one of the High Point sophomore's fastballs. Frei notched her first perfect game against Kittatinny on Apr. 16 and third against Vernon on May 15, sandwiched around the HWS semifinal gem.
"I just kept taking it one game at a time," Frei said in June. "So I didn't really look ahead or look back at anything. I just stayed in the moment."
Frei managed to escape with 1-0 victories in the HWS and Group 3 championship games thanks to strong, gritty pitching. But neither victory came without the help of sterling defense around her. In the HWS title clash against North Hunterdon on May 19, Leduc, O'Leary and McKay were among those making great defensive plays to help preserve the shutout and the championship.
In the top of the ninth inning of the Group 3 title game, O'Hern made a perfect throw from right field to Christensen at the plate, preventing what would have been the game-winning run for Kingsway.
Perfect throws, perfect tags, perfect games. It was a perfectly cohesive team effort and a nearly-perfect season for High Point softball.


text:
Members of the Fire Brigades Union voted to take further industrial action in relation to the ongoing dispute with the Government over pensions.
The FBU announced today that members had voted in favour of action short of a strike.
A report last week revealed that strike action by firefighters, which has occurred on four occasions in September and November this year, had so far cost West Yorkshire Fire Authority £233,600.
West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Officer Dave Walton said: "Naturally we are disappointed with the result of the ballot.
"The proposal for 'action short of a strike' will run in parallel to the existing programme of strike action, and we are as yet unclear what form this action will take."


text:
Pedophilia is A Sexual Orientation?!?! This CA Democrat says it is.
California Congresswoman, Rep. Jackie Speier CA (D), wants to federalize a state law to prohibit counseling to change a person's sexual orientation. That doesn't sound that extreme, but pedophilia is a sexual orientation according to this bill as well.
Under the bill's language, a mental health counselor could be sanctioned if there was an attempt to get a pedophile or gay individual to change his behavior or speak negatively about their behavior as it relates to sexuality.
The bill calls on states to prohibit efforts to change a minor's sexual orientation, even if the minor requests it, saying that doing so is "dangerous and harmful."
The text of the legislation doesn't specifically ban "gay" conversion therapy. Instead, it prohibits attempts to change a person's sexual orientation.
"Sexual orientation change efforts' means any practices by mental health providers that seek to change an individual's sexual orientation," the bill says.
Republicans attempted to add an amendment specifying that, "pedophilia is not covered as an orientation." However, the Democrats defeated the amendment. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) stated that all alternative sexual lifestyles should be protected under the law, and accordingly decided that pedophilia is a sexual orientation that should be equally as embraced as homosexuality.
"This language is so broad and vague, it arguably could include all forms of sexual orientation, including pedophilia," said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute. "It's not just the orientation that is protected—the conduct associated with the orientation is protected as well."
Quoting SEEKEROFSHELLS:
I agree with your comment. Maybe in my lifetime on Cafe Mom people will research bills and read them ( not really possible with some bills) before posting blatently biased crap. Oh and Americans ought to band together to get laws passed that will help all Americans. Really doesn't matter your party if you are unemployed and your home is in foreclosure.
Quoting gludwig2000:
Of course, that was why it was added. I wonder how long it will take us to get back to being Americans, with out all this disdain for the opposing party? Maybe in our life times, maybe not.Quoting SEEKEROFSHELLS:
The title of this post is misleading and throwing Democrats under the bus. Give me a break. Has anyone even looked up the damn bill? No run with a biased article.
What a dumba$$ - Spier is in my state - figures.
This is crazy and disgusting. Everyone with even a nominal amount of intelligence knows pedophilia is a crime against children.
How can one arm of government prosecute the Catholic Church for pedophilia, and at the same time, another arm condone it as a lifestyle choice?
That's like calling rape a sexual preference and lifestyle choice.
guilty of hoping on the crazy train but you were correct I looked up the actual bill and it doesnt make any mention of pedifiles.... atleast not that I seen. Thankyou for that much needed pull back to reality-lol.
Quoting SEEKEROFSHELLS:
If this is Bill 1172, it mentions lesbian, gay, bisexuals, and transgender ed individuels. No where in the bill does it mention pedophiles.
Oh hell, I hop on the crazy train too sometimes! lol
Quoting JanuaryBaby06:
guilty of hoping on the crazy train but you were correct I looked up the actual bill and it doesnt make any mention of pedifiles.... atleast not that I scene. Thankyou for that much needed pull back to reality-lol.
Quoting SEEKEROFSHELLS:
If this is Bill 1172, it mentions lesbian, gay, bisexuals, and transgender ed individuels. No where in the bill does it mention pedophiles.
Some of you seem to be missing the point of this post. Some republicans wanted it stated in the bill that pedophilia is not a sexual orientation. They are trying to cover all the bases. By the literal translation of this bill, a psychiatrist, counselor, whomever who tries to counsel a pedophile could be going against the law. Ergo, they want pedophiles listed as an "exception" to the law.
Pedophiles seem to be oriented at children..................
Geez, people.


text:
Another weekend upon us and another Lite's Review Room to take a look at all the cinematic glory entering the theaters this week. This week we are looking, and mostly staring at two movies with huge stars in the lead roles. Let's take a look at George Clooney & Ryan Gosling (don't have to ask us twice) and Hugh Jackman (if we have to) flicks.
We'll start off with the double dose of leading man, and hand over the reigns to our very own Queen of the Silver Screen, Julie Fisk:
Ides of March:
"The Ides of March" stars Ryan Gosling as a campaign staffer during a Presidential Primary, when he realizes his candidate has some chinks in his armor. I had really high expectations of this movie. Ryan Gosling starring in a film directed by & co-starring George Clooney. How could you go wrong?
Well, I'll tell you. Ryan plays an idealist working for a Governor he supports in every sense. Then he finds out his candidate has some dirty laundry and we watch as this bright-eyed optimist becomes a hardened part of the political machine. Sounds good sure, but the problem is we're not learning anything new here. When Ryan's campaign staffer finds out his boss has a weakness, HE is the only one surprised. We in the audience expect that kind of behavior from our politicians and it seems naïve that someone in the business would not.
The ensuing cover-up is supposed to feel clandestine, but we've seen it all in past elections. Smear campaigns, affairs, shady agreements, none of this is shocking anymore & there is certainly no allure to watching it on the big screen. It's not that "The Ides of March" is bad. It's an interesting story, well portrayed by some great actors. Yet I walked out of the theater feeling AWFUL, because I know that all the gross things happening onscreen really ARE happening.
George Clooney, who also co-wrote the screenplay, doesn't shed any new light here. He just reinforces everything we hate about the election process & that's why I'm giving "The Ides of March" a C+.
In fact, the only thing I learned from this movie is that politics is no longer sexy. Not EVEN with George Clooney and Ryan Gosling and THAT speaks volumes.
Real Steel:
Hugh Jackman stars as a former boxer who is put out when the boxing game changes from people boxing to robots. He's down on his luck and can't seem to put a fighting robot together. When his estranged son comes back into his life and reinvigorates him by finding a small sparing robot who shouldn't win anything. Jackman uses his former fighting skills to teach the robot how to fight and an improbable father/son journey begins.[photogallerylink id=57714 align=right]
The story seems nice enough, where Jackman excels as a rebel who just can't get his life together but shows enough care and passion for his son that you get on his side. If you can look past the ridiculous robot fighting theme there are some redeeming qualities to this film, Hugh Jackman being a big one.
Also in the Cineplex: (Last Week's Gross)
- Dolphin Tale ($13.9 Million)
- Moneyball ($12 Million)
- The Lion King ($10.6 Million)
- Courageous ($9 Million)
- 50/50 ($8.6 Million)


text:
Why Do These Jeans Cost $555?
RANCHO DELUXE It used to take years of hard labor to wear in a pair of jeans; now Diesel's team of international designers does the dirty work for you. Why does this limited-edition pair cost $555? We reduced it to its jean-etic material to find out.
DIPPING POINT The originally white cotton/Lycra fabric is dyed indigo, then air-dried to seal in color.
STONED AGAIN For four hours the jeans are washed with pumice stones.
INSIDE JOB Rust-colored ferric oxide lends a patina of bygone luxury to the inside lining.
MAKE THE BRAID Hand-braided leather detail.
SIGN HERE The machine-stitched cursive label has signed-by-the-artist appeal.
HEY, STUD An antique-treated leather buckle is speckled with bronze bits and Swarovski crystals.
ADORN ME Small bronze grommets and crystals are placed by hand.
MOM-APPROVED Button has an image of the sewing machine the Diesel founder's mother used.
ZIP CODED Each all-metal (no nickel) zipper tooth is polished by hand.
CREASED LIGHTNING "Whiskers" are manually scratched in with sandpaper.
To purchase, contact Diesel Denim Gallery, NYC (212-966-5593).


text:
|Start new thread in this topic | Flip this thread | Refresh the display
This topic is for Q&As arranged by MNHQ. If you have questions about the site and how it runs, please do post in Site Stuff topic. If want to know about Q&A opportunities, please mail email@example.com.
Are you worried about what films your kids are downloading? Post your questions to expert at BBFC - ANSWERS BACK(38 Posts)
This week we're running a Q&A with Lucy Brett, Head of Education at the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), who will be answering questions about how you can ensure your children are accessing films safely and legally online. Post your questions to Lucy before midday on Thursday 15th August and we'll post up her answers on 29th August.
An online survey commissioned by The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, in partnership with the BBFC, shows that just under half of children surveyed will be spending an hour each day watching films via smartphones and tablets during the summer holidays. While children admit to being aware of rules in place in the home designed to restrict what they can and can?t watch on the internet, a quarter download or stream movies from unofficial sources, which offer no guidance on age ratings. A third of younger children aged 11-12 admit to having recently downloaded or streamed a film rated 15 from a pirate website.
Tbh I think it's a bit of a losing battle. Classification needs to be joining forces with Internet and you tube so that there is a consistent standard. After ds age ten and rigorously subject to only PG or 12a films asked if I'd seen chuckie, I sort of realised it was very hard to police. Any thoughts on joined up thinking?
We?re also in favour of a joined up approach. We commissioned some research in 2011 which showed that 90% of parents want the same classifications online as they expect to see in the physical world, on DVDs and at the cinema. The BBFC does rate films for use on the internet. FindAnyFilm.com and many of the major online providers are already working with us to use BBFC age ratings and BBFCinsight on their online services. You can find a list of these at: www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/digital-age-ratings
Legal websites also require credit card details to access films, which children won't be able to do without an adult being present. There are also parental controls in place. Many legal film platforms use BBFC ratings to calibrate their parental controls meaning a password must be entered to access content over a certain age rating.
I'm more worried about the classification given to films than I am about what my kids are downloading. All kids, above about 10, know swear words and the odd 'fuck' gets a 15 rating yet the sexual content of some '12's' is just hard to understand. I'd much rather my kids heard some swearing than watched, albeit slightly off-screen, someone wanking into a jar in 'The Back-up Plan'. Much easier to explain that 'fuck' etc is a rude word that shouldn't be used in polite company than to explain what's going on in some romcoms.
The research showed that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds admit to accessing films via illegal pirate websites. As these sites rarely carry any age ratings or guidance, the worry with this behaviour is that kids can be unintentionally accessing films that are meant for much older audiences.
We use large scale public consultation exercises, carried out every 4-5 years, to create Classification Guidelines that are in step with general public opinion. You can download the Classification Guidelines at www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/guidelines and read our guide for parents at www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u to see how we treat issues parents tell us are important, like strong language, sex and drugs. We also realise some peoples expectations vary on certain issues, like strong language or sex. This is why we provide BBFCinsight information so its clear to parents what type of content they can expect to see in each film and whether its suitable for their child.
BBFCinsight for The Back Up Plan can be found here: www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/back-plan-2010
I am very worried about the classifications too. I think 15 films I've seen have been really scary
Good points about music videos. A soft play near us has them on during sessions, so under 5s are subjected to quite a bit of steamy content
Our age classification ratings are designed in consultation with public opinion to gauge how people expect films to be rated. But we know its important for parents to be able to read about the issues in a film and decide if its right for their child. You can read our guide to 15 at: www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15
Unfortunately the BBFC dont have an enforcement role with what soft play centres or playgroups can show to kids in their care but it might be worth broaching the subject with the management about what you feel is appropriate for young children.
I dont quite understand the question. Why would I have any concerns about what films ds was accessing online? Do you mean what he is able to access, that is getting past the parental controls, we have set up?
All the other points made, re recent superman, more importantantly, YouTube and music videos, they are MUCH more of a concern.
Research shows lots of households have rules in place (around 50%) but children dont always follow these. As I said earlier, music videos and other videos online are not required to carry an age rating, but we are working on tools which websites might be able to use in the future to rate videos online voluntarily. For now there is advice provided by YouTube about blocking certain kinds of content and some parental controls can also help parents regulate what videos their children are watching online.
My son is too young for this to be an issue, but I don't really understand the question either. It's almost as if there's a paragraph missing in the OP.
I do think film classifications need to be reviewed, however, with more detail as to what they mean, not just on, say, the BBFC website, but on the actual rating, i.e. rated 12A due to cartoon violence.
Recent research showed us that kids are disturbed by some of the films theyre accessing on pirate websites. The issue here is that pirate sites dont contain any age ratings or guidance about what they are about to view, so they can end up watching films that are meant for much older teens unintentionally.
Also, children are much more adept at technology now than ever before, so its important to start them young and get them to appreciate why films are rated the way they are.
All film ratings come with short BBFCinsight, for example: 12A Contains moderate action violence and one use of strong language.
This BBFCinsight usually appears on DVD boxes, some cinema posters as well as on our website and free Apps for Android and iPhone devices. It explains the key issues that resulted in the film receiving a 12A rating. Lots of parents find the BBFC App really useful because it saves the information each time you update it, so if youre at the cinema and you dont have a wifi or 3G connection, you can still check age ratings and BBFCinsight when choosing what film to see with your family.
Its worth noting our education work, which shows that even younger children can engage with age ratings and were about to re-launch our CBBFC website, designed specifically for primary school children.
I'd applaud the work that the BBFC put into analysing films so there is always good guidance available for parents to make informed decisions about whether a film is suitable or not. My husband writes a film blog, and includes some parental guidance (whether it's suitable for children, and if so, points that you might want to think about/be aware of as a parent), and I know he uses the BBFC guidance (as well as his own knowledge as a parent) to inform this.
My bigger concern, like others, is the classification system and its bias. We seem to be far more concerned about swear words than violence, and that seems insane to me. I was really cross that Made in Dagenham for example, was given a 15 certificate simply because of the swearing.
That's a movie that I want my daughters to watch, because it's really important and essential that they know about. I appreciate that everyone has different views about this - but the casual stereotyping/sexism in most movies and the accepted levels of violence don't seem to affect the ratings at all. I can tell my daughters not to swear relatively easily - but when the aspect that is damaging is implicit and accepted in the film, it's far harder to respond to the influences on your children.
And to answer the original point, I'm not worried about what my children download here, because they'd have to do it with us around - but I have little control about what happens at other people's houses, so it would be good if that could be better controlled I guess.
Thank you for your comment. Whats the name of your husbands blog? Id be interested in reading it. Its great that you have rules in place around what your children can download and watch at home. But its also worth being aware of how to block access to content on their mobile phones and other devices as kids are increasingly online outside of the house too, as you say. Check out their mobile phone providers website for more info on this. You also mention what goes on at other peoples houses. Perhaps you could broach the subject with other parents by showing them this thread, or talking to your daughters to make sure they feel confident to tell other parents they arent happy to watch things over their age range. Its also worth having a look at FindAnyFilm.com where all the films listed are age rated and from trusted sources.
The BBFC film classifications are determined in accordance with public opinion, but we know parents need information to make viewing decisions.
Its fair to say weve moved away from a tick box approach as the Guidelines have shifted in line with what the public tells us is important, so for example, youll see a greater emphasis on tone, impact and context in our Guidelines, but at the same time, the public still tell us repeated use of strong language isnt acceptable to them at the advisory age ratings.
BBFCinsight for Made in Dagenham can be found here: www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/made-dagenham-2010-0
I find its not just the music videos, my eldest son, 5, walks around singing about sexy ladies ( gangnam ) rude boy are you big enough ( rihanna ) fricking awesome an sheets that smell of piss ( thrift shop ) even if the radio version plays pssssss it still sounds like hes swearing. Nearly every song now is about sex, violence or swearing. As for you tube, he watches mindcraft walk throughs, i've had to turn them off as they are full of swearing, as are mario and harry potter walk throughs. None of which you have to log in to watch.
As I said to AyUpMiDuck, our remit doesnt currently cover music or music videos, but it is worth checking out YouTubes safety centre to find out about blocking offensive content - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802272 - and to look for the explicit content label on digital music and video services.
You can also find out more about how video games are rated by visiting the PEGI website - www.pegi.info/en/index/id/23
I agree that there is a problem. Id appreciate it if films on TV or services like Netflix showed a rating for films before a movie like they do at the cinema. Maybe TV movies should show that screen after each break to protect kids as there seems to be no proper watershed anymore.
Id appreciate ratings on YouTube too. My 6 year old loves watching people play minecraft and these range from harmless fun to very sweary so I have to vet what he watches. I'd also like pop ups and banner ads to be age appropriate. My children have seen inappropriate ones on age appropriate websites like free gaming ones.
We do work with Netflix and other platforms so they can use our ratings information clearly on their site, but not all platforms show the rating again before the film starts. Some other platforms do show a black card with the age rating before the film starts, for example BT Vision do this, as do British Airways when you watch a film on one of their flights, but its not a legal requirement. Similarly films shown on TV apply Ofcom rules and theyre not required to show a BBFC age rating, but parents can use the BBFC App or website to check the age rating of a film being shown on TV to help guide them. FindAnyFilm.com also shows BBFC age ratings for TV series where BBFC age ratings are available for the service on demand or on DVD.
It might be worth looking at the BBC website about their approach to what is suitable for showing before the watershed - www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/page/guidelines-harm-watershed/#television-scheduling-and-the-watershed
With regards to YouTube, it is worth checking out YouTubes safety centre to find out about blocking offensive content - https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802272
You can also find out more about how video games are rated by visiting the PEGI website - www.pegi.info/en/index/id/23
Ditto to what diamond211 said. DD has very restricted viewing anyway, but I do worry about what is deemed "age appropriate".
But as others have pointed out - there is a lot of inappropriate stuff out there that doesn't need to get past censors. I remember when DD was born and I was stuck on the sofa breastfeeding, at 9.00 a.m. the music channels were showing Lady Gaga and Beyonce doing soft porn.
We do work with younger children in schools and find theyre very receptive to learning about age ratings that are appropriate for them and even older children have said theyre concerned about younger siblings watching them use pirate websites or watching films that arent age appropriate for them.
As I said earlier, its not in our remit to rate music videos currently, but we are working on tools websites might be able to use in the future to rate videos online voluntarily.
Thanks for all your answers, Lucy!
Thanks for all your responses LucyBrettBBFC. My husband's blog is notlefthandedfilmguide.co.uk (nothing to do with being left handed - a reference to the ever-awesome Princess Bride) and includes a "is this one for the kids?" section with parental guidance where it's appropriate - posts on The Hobbit, Oz The Great and Powerful, Iron Man 3 and Life of Pi might be good examples. Thanks again for your individual responses to our issues - it's very hard to regulate appropriately when we all have such different views about what we're happy for our children to see!
Message deleted by Mumsnet - opps our mistake
am also worried about my kid because he always download games and movies daily. he get irritated day by day. i dont know what to do. he always download movies form here solarmovie.me
|Start new thread in this topic | Flip this thread | Refresh the display
Join the discussion
Registering is free, easy, and means you can join in the discussion, get discounts, win prizes and lots more.Register now
Already registered with Mumsnet? Log in to leave your comment or alternatively, sign in with Facebook or Google.
Please login first.


text:
Love's Consequences
Grace sat on her horse, looking down across Killarney. Hercules raced into the scene, Ingrid clinging to his back. Her light laughter floated up to Grace. Behind her on Rocky, Marcus scrambled to catch up. Grace laughed at the sight of them. They were so happy and Grace didn't regret giving up the love of her life.
She rubbed her stomach and smiled softly. His child grew inside of her and she would always have a part of him.
Something crashed and she jolted up out of the dream. Outside the wind smashed trees against the window and drove the rain down in torrents.
"Grace, are you okay?" Stevie poked her head in. "A tree fell onto the stable roof. I'm going out to check on the horses. Ingrid is still out there with Roxy."
Grace rolled to the side of the side of the bed and lowered her feet to floor. "I'll get some water boiling."
"Grace," Stevie said. "You shouldn't be up in your condition."
"I'm nine months pregnant, not cripple." Grace shoved her feet into a pair of fuzzy boots and threw her robe around her shoulders. "I'll boil the water and have some tea ready when you get back in."
The echoes of Stevie's hurried steps had disappeared entirely when Grace entered the kitchen. Taking the kettle off the stove she filled it at the sink and replaced it on the element. The wind and rain lashed against the house and she shivered. Even inside the house she was cold. Anyone who had to be out in that mess would freeze.
She slowly climbed the stairs again and gathered an armload of towels. When she got back to the kitchen the kettle was whistling merrily on the stove while steam raced to the ceiling. She turned the stove off and dumped the towels on the table.
The back door banged and Regan and Jaz hurried into the kitchen.
"Nice weather out there?" Grace handed her each of her sisters a towel.
"If you're a duck," Regan snorted. "Stevie said you would have tea ready."
"I will in a minute." Grace shuffled to the cupboard and pulled down a few mugs. "Stop dripping on the floor, Jaz."
Jaz grinned and stepped into the back room. "Grace, when did you start becoming such a little housekeeper?"
"Since you people banned me from riding. Someone had to take over from Moira." Grace dunked a tea bag in each of the mugs. "Here, drink your tea."
Regan leaned over and kissed Grace's cheek. "You're the best, Grace."
Grace flapped her hand and dropped a towel on the puddle Jaz had made. A now dryish Jaz came into the kitchen and sat down beside Regan. Wrapping her hands around the mug she drew her legs up to her chest.
"What's going on out there?" Grace sat down with her own tea and sipped the hot liquid.
"Roxy's colic is gone but Ingrid wants to keep an eye on her for the rest of the night," Regan said. "Stevie's taking a shift and then Jaz and Ben are."
"We are?" Jaz asked looking sideways at her sister.
Regan nodded. "Sure are. Just think of the love you can make with the rain playing a symphony on the tin roof."
"Haha," Jaz muttered. "It's too cold to do anything besides snuggling."
"Who's snuggling where?"
Grace looked up and saw Ben lounging in the doorway. "Well, it's about time you got up. We've been running around for an hour or more."
Ben sauntered into the room and kissed Jaz's head. "Hey, baby."
Jaz lifted her face and kissed his chin.
"Awww, how sweet," Regan said mockingly.
"Shush, Regan. You're just jealous." Jaz stood up and let Ben sit down in her chair and then plopped into his lap.
"Oof, girl, you're heavy," Ben groaned shifting her body.
"Babies do that to you," Jaz grinned rubbing the small mound that was her baby.
"How is Junior doing?" Ben asked, laying his hand over Jaz's.
Jaz glared at the baby bump. "He's keeping me awake."
Grace laughed. "That's what they do. I'm just glad this one is ready to come into this world."
"They'll keep you up more after they're born, Grace." Stevie came into the kitchen shedding wet clothes as she went.
"Stevie, you're making my floor wet." Grace stood up and the pain spread through her body.
She grasped the table and closed her eyes. Something warm gushed from between her legs.
"Grace, are you okay?" Regan reached out for her and then stopped when she saw the puddle. "Oh, Grace, not now."
"It's not my choice. This McLeod isn't waiting for a hospital. He's coming now." Grace sank into the chair and took a deep breath. "I think you'd better get Ingrid."
"I'll do that. I'll watch Roxy for the night." Ben dislodged Jaz from his lap and rushed from the room.
"Great, is that what I'm going to get when I have my baby?" Jaz complained.
Stevie laughed. "Men are a bunch of wimps when it comes to babies."
"And you know that how?" Moira asked rushing into the kitchen, Ingrid at her heels.
Stevie grinned sheepishly. "I guess I don't."
"Well, let's see how far along we are," Moira said crouching in front of Grace. "How many contractions have you had?"
"Just the one. But my-" Grace broke off as another contraction hit. "Make that two."
"We'd better get you laying down," Ingrid said. "Stevie, where shall we have this baby?"
Stevie bit her lip. "Front bedroom. The bed's already stripped. I'll get a plastic sheet and some old sheets."
Ingrid nodded and hurried to Grace's side. "Regan, support her on the other side. Whatever you do, don't drop her. The contractions will hit and hard."
"Ingrid, do you know what you are doing?" Jaz asked, grabbing the kettle. "We need hot water, right?"
"Not now." Ingrid led the way out of the room and Grace leaned heavily on her friend.
"Ingrid, I think another one is coming."
Ingrid tightened her grip and Grace leaned over as the pain radiated through her body. She could feel Regan's arms holding her up and she squeezed her sister's hand. The pain slowly receded and Grace straightened.
"That wasn't so bad," she said as they walked into living room.
"Ha!" Stevie laughed from where she was spreading a plastic sheet on the bed. "We'll see if you are saying that in a couple of hours."
Moira hurried in with some old towels. "Grace, you were there when Xander was born, so you should know what to expect."
Grace nodded and then closed her eyes and gripped a chair as another contraction ripped through her body.
"Easy, Grace. You'll be okay."
Grace clung to Stevie's soothing voice. Stevie had done this twice and both children were healthy, even if Xander had been born in the middle of a paddock with no midwife. At least she was safe in a house with a vet and two mothers helping her.
"Ingrid," she said when she got her voice back, "do you have any idea what you are doing?"
Ingrid smiled. "I've delivered cows, horses, sheep, dogs and goats. I think it all works generally the same. Don't worry, Moira and Stevie have both done this. They'll be right here the whole time."
Grace sat down on the bed and pushed herself against the stack of pillows. She smiled at her two friends and grimaced as the pain hit her again.
"Damn you, Marcus," she muttered.
"What did you say?"
Grace looked up into Ingrid's face. "Nothing."
"You said my husband's name." Ingrid drew back. "It's his, isn't? You didn't go out and have a one night stand."
Grace looked at Stevie who shrugged. There would be no help from that quarter. Moira had left to get something and Regan and Jaz hadn't come into the yet. Besides, they had told her dozens of times to tell the truth.
"Ingrid, don't ask." Grace closed her eyes, hoping Ingrid would forget about her muttered oath. She should have known better. Ingrid was determined.
"Tell me the truth, Grace. We're friends. Friends don't keep secrets."
Grace sighed. "They do when the secret can hurt."
"Tell me."
"Fine." Grace sat up. "But you have to promise me that you won't tell Marcus. I don't want him torn between us again especially since you are married."
"And pregnant," Ingrid whispered.
"Really?" Grace reached over and squeezed her friend's hand. "Marcus must be thrilled."
"Oh, he is." Ingrid's smiled faded. "I won't tell him."
"Thank you. It is Marcus's baby. I haven't slept with another man since I gave Marcus back. I was pregnant when we went on the big drove."
Ingrid shook her head. "Oh, Grace, why didn't you tell him?"
"I didn't know until about a month later. By then you were almost married and he was happy. I couldn't ruin it. I still can't."
Ingrid smiled. "You are a true friend, Grace. No matter what anyone says you are the kind of woman I'm glad Marcus has as a friend."
Grace reached over to squeeze her friend's hand but another contraction hit and she clutched her stomach.
"Stevie, Moira!" Ingrid leaned over and supported Grace. "Easy, hon. You'll make it through this."
Grace let out a breath when the pain eased and leaned back against the pillows. She felt better, more light now that the truth was out. Ingrid didn't hate her and she would have something precious to remember Marcus' love by.
The pain came faster and closer as the hours crept by. Moira and Stevie took turns sitting by Grace and sponging her forehead. Regan hovered outside the door and Jaz took off. Grace couldn't care less if anyone was with her. She just wanted the pain to leave.
Finally as the sky began to lighten, Grace gave one last cry. Dropping back against Stevie she closed her eyes.
"It's over, Grace," Ingrid laughed. "It's a boy. You have a beautiful baby boy."
Grace smiled and held out her arms. Ingrid carefully put the baby in her arms and all the pain of the last hours became a dim memory.
She looked at the child she had carried for nine months and cried. He was so perfect. From his red, wrinkled head to his tiny feet he was beautiful. He reached up with one small hand and she captured it gently.
"My own precious boy," she murmured. "I love you."
And though she had only held for mere minutes, the words were true. From deep down inside her came a feeling so deep, so wonderful. This child was hers and hers alone. No one would take him from her. He would always be hers to love and she would never have to hide it.
Stevie reached for the baby. "Let's get you two cleaned up and then we can get Baby McLeod fed. If he's like the rest of his family he'll be starving in a matter of minutes."
Grace smiled and allowed Ingrid and Moira to clean her up.
"Have you decided on a name?" Regan asked, coming into the room.
Grace nodded. "Channing Richard McLeod."
"Channing," Regan tested the name and nodded. "I like it."
It seemed an age before Stevie brought little Channing back to her. Grace reached eagerly for the bundle. His mouth was opened in protest and cries of hunger pierced her ears. She laughed, delighting in the sound.
"Give me a second, Channing. I'll feed you when I'm ready."
Moira leaned down and helped Grace guide Channing to her breast. Grace grimaced as he latched on and began to suckle.
"You are a hungry little thing," she murmured in delight. She looked up at Moira. "Thank you. I hope I didn't break anything."
Moira laughed and studied the hand that Grace had held throughout the ordeal. "I think it will be okay."
"Can I come in?" Jaz asked from the doorway.
"Yes, you wimp. Come in and meet your nephew." Grace beckoned her sister over.
Jaz sat gingerly on the bed and peered down at the baby. She had spent the night in the barn with Ben and Grace tugged a piece of straw out of her sister's hair.
"Jaz, meet Channing." Grace laid Channing in Jaz's arms. "Channing, this is your Aunt Jaz."
Jaz smiled. "He's gorgeous. Grace, I don't know if I can go through this."
"Jaz, you will do just fine. I'll be with you the whole time."
Jaz rolled her eyes and handed the baby back. "I'll leave you to rest and go tell Ben that he's an uncle."
Grace took her baby back and held him close. His warmth penetrated her shirt and she cuddled him. "You are my special baby, Channing. No one's going to take you from me."
"Grace, can I talk you?" Ingrid came back into the room.
Grace nodded. Ingrid tucked a blanket around Grace and Channing and sat on the bed.
"Are you sure you don't want to tell Marcus about the baby? I wouldn't mind."
Grace shook her head. "Don't lie, Ingrid. If I told him he would be torn between us again. Let's just leave it. He'll be an uncle to Channing like he is to Xander. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
Ingrid bit her lip and nodded slowly. "Alright, but if I never give him a son, I want to tell him."
"Let's leave it for ten years." Grace reached over and squeezed Ingrid's hand. "Unless something happens to one of us, he doesn't need to know."
Ingrid sighed. "Deal. You are one incredible woman, Grace."
Grace shook her head. "No, I'm just dealing with things I brought about in my own way. He wants you and your baby. I was just someone to fill the emptiness. I'll always love Marcus but he's yours, Ingrid. Love him forever."
Ingrid smiled and took Channing in her arms. "You are going to be one lucky boy. Your mother is an amazing woman."
Grace watched as Ingrid laid Channing in the cradle. She closed her eyes and allowed the bed to gather her body in its warm embrace. Her body was begging for sleep. She had a part of Marcus that could never be taken from her. That alone allowed her to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep for perhaps the first time in her life.


text:
Sign in / Register
£10 to spend during your stay when you book direct.
HomeWhat's onGrosvenor Museum
History & culture
See the fascinating displays that build up a vivid picture of Roman Chester. Youll be transported back in time to home life from the 17th Century to the 1920s. Get hands-onwith the geology and natural history of the area. Enjoy the beauty of our art collection, and discover the citys important place in silver history. Theres an active programme of special exhibitions and events too, so theres always something for everyone at the Grosvenor Museum. Facilities include the conservatory shop, and tea and coffee in the Kings Arms Kitchen.
There is no more historic hotel in Chester than the four-star Macdonald New Blossoms. Its period charm blends effortlessly with modern luxury. Savour freshly-prepared dishes in our restaurant or hold your meeting or wedding in one of our well-equipped function rooms.
from £72.00 per room per stay
Get news & offers straight to your inbox
Stay connected with us:
Copyright © Macdonald Hotels 2016