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[http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/ULS ULS Wiki Home] > About
[http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/ULS ULS Wiki Home] > About
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== Documents ==
== Documents ==
Revision as of 09:34, 6 May 2011
ULS Wiki Home > About
What is the University Libraries Section?
More than 6,000 librarians from a wide variety of university libraries make up the University Libraries Section (ULS) of the Association of College and research Libraries. ULS is one of three type-of-library sections of ACRL.
Since its establishment in 1937, ULS has been actively involved in shaping the future of our library and university environments. ULS advances university librarianship, university library service, and the development of university libraries in institutions with graduate programs. In addition, ULS fosters cooperation both locally with university administrators and teaching faculty, and among colleges and universities on issues of mutual concern.
ULS member benefits include opportunities to participate in discussions and programs on issues that transcend the boundaries of traditional library functions. We work together to understand and influence the new directions in our library and university environments.
Another important member benefit includes the opportunity to participate in the development of standards and guidelines for various aspects of the staffing and operation of university libraries, such as the Standards for University Libraries and Guidelines for Branch Libraries.


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Friday, December 4, 2009
Chapter Twenty-Three – Two for the price of one - Part 2
"Don't worry, everything's perfect," Moza assures her, following her out of the car, looking ridiculous even for Dubai standards in her huge Chanel sunglasses... at nine in the evening. Lady Luxe is next, her face completely covered in an opaque niqab, with only her eyes peeking through the slits in the cloth. Handing over the car to the valet outside the imposing yet rather comical hotel, she joins her cousin in walking up to the entrance, taking a second to look up at the huge salmon pink building, wondering what the architect was smoking when he conceived the idea. She hasn't been there since the grand opening party as quite frankly, she wasn't impressed by the weird, colourful structures and the shoddy finishing. It is the last place anyone she knows would expect her to grace, and therefore absolutely perfect for tonight's rendezvous.
"As fine as a chav can look, you mean?" Jennifer - also known as Rowdha - jokes, blowing a big bubble with her gum, trying to soothe her static nerves.
"Darling, you'd put any Sharon or Tracy to shame," Moza says in an over-exaggerated poncy accent, following her sister into the hotel. "Now, just remember, we'll be right there the whole time. We'll give you around 15 minutes with him before Exhibit A, we'll send over Exhibit B ten minutes after that, and then the final showdown will happen when you give us the go ahead."
"And remember that he doesn't know a single thing about Jennifer other than the fact that she's Emirati, she dances like Pussycat Doll and she drives a black Cayenne," Lady Luxe adds, excitement rippling through her veins. The afternoon's drama, combined with the knots of anxiety in her stomach and countless sleepless nights, has suddenly caused an unexpected reaction within. Adrenaline has replaced the tension, and she feels sharp, strong and in control - much like her previous scheming self. She is tired of feeling weak, tired of being intimidated and tired of feeling used. Okay, so she can't do much about Mola at present - but she can do something about that sneaky little bastard Humaid. He isn't the only one with contacts at Etisalat, nor is he the only one with wasta. In fact, she is far higher up in the food chain and tonight, he would learn the hard way that no one messes with Lady Luxe - especially not a horny, pubescent Emirati with far too much money and not enough class.
"Got it," Rowdha says. "So I can basically say or do whatever I want. Yalla, I'm ready for this. I'm going down... see you later." She suppresses the urge to leg it back to the car and walks away, her long, blonde wig swishing behind her and her heels clattering on the pink marble floors.
Moza and Lady Luxe sink down on a bench by the colourful statue of a sea amoeba and say nothing for a moment, absorbed in their thoughts.
"Do you think this is going to work?" Lady Luxe finally asks, breaking the peaceful silence. Although she is no longer riddled with fear of having her entire life exposed, she is still on edge. She is relying on Plan B to solve the Humaid issue once and for all, and if it does work, then she can go back to concentrating on bringing Leila down – something she has been dying to do ever since the annoying, gold digging cow hoisted herself onto a throne.
"Actually," Moza replies slowly, "I do. It's obvious what kind of guy Humaid is. He's two-faced and shallow like the rest of them. By the time we're through with him, he'll never show his face in Za'abeel again."
"Ameen to that," Lady Luxe hails, standing up and stumbling slightly, unable to see properly through the tiny gap in the cloth. How women cover their faces on a daily basis to hide their beauty is beyond her comprehension. Already she feels as though she is being smothered. Besides, hiding a face like hers from the public would be a great pity, she decides. She simply cannot imagine being so completely anonymous, or not having men constantly admire her. Nor can she imagine a world where she is a nobody.
"You should have just worn sunglasses like me," Moza says, looking far more graceful as she stands up. "They'll be easier to take off later as well."
"I'd rather be a clumsy munaqqaba than a refined fashion victim," her cousin retorts, making her way down the long hallway and concentrating on watching where she is going. She realises that in niqab, she cannot simply look down with her eyes – doing so results in her vision being obscured by cloth and she actually has to move her entire head to see her feet. They walk slowly for a couple of metres before Moza stops in her tracks, causing her cousin to bump into her.
"Watch it," Lady Luxe complains. "I can't see properly as it is."
"Look, there they are!" Moza whispers urgently, pulling Lady Luxe behind a glittery gold column. "In the lounge. Look!"
Lady Luxe peers around the column and sees Rowdha sitting on the far end of the glitzy room, facing the entrance. Humaid is sitting opposite her, dressed in the very same outfit as that afternoon. Bastard, Lady Luxe thinks again with hatred.
"So what shall we do?" she whispers, unable to tear her eyes away from the pair, desperately trying to read Rowdha's impassive facial expressions. "Hide here until it's time?"
"Well we can't exactly go in there like this," Moza replies, also trying to see what is happening between her sister and the two-faced twit. "…we'll stand out like prossies in a mosque. Let's just wait here."
"Okay, let me send some text messages," Lady Luxe murmurs, forcing her eyes to look away, her heart pounding in anticipation. "Almost time for Exhibit A."
* * *
Rowdha sits next to Humaid feeling more uncomfortable than she does at her quarterly smear tests. As much as she enjoys talent spotting and the occasional flirting, this is the first time in five years that she has left her home in something so revealing – not to mention tacky. With her post-baby figure, it isn't exactly flattering either. Even back in her slightly wilder days, her antics were always conducted in Western countries - never, ever in Dubai. She has never understood how her cousin could easily plonk a wig on her head and then mess around practically in her own back garden. That girl had far too much courage. If she had been more sensible in her choice of venue – and, of course, friends - they wouldn't have been in this precarious situation.
Her throat dry and her palms clammy, she fidgets in her seat, pulling up her top to reveal less of a plunging, mother-of-two cleavage and tries not to make her awkwardness so obvious.
This is also her first (and last, she swears) 'date' whilst being married - something she never dreamt she would do. Although her presence is not voluntary, and nor is it really a date, she can't help but feel as if she is doing something terribly wrong. She tries to tell herself that she isn't cheating, but sitting there at the Atlantis with another man who is trying to let his knee touch hers, she gets the feeling that her husband wouldn't agree.
"You look a little different today," Humaid notes, his eyes flickering over Rowdha's thicker eyebrows, her bigger mouth, her rounder face.
No kidding, Sherlock, she thinks to herself, suppressing a yawn and trying to follow the bimbo slut brief she has been given.
"Really? Well, you did see me in the dark," she giggles, chewing her gum loudly. "But then, most guys do see me in the dark. I hardly ever go out with guys during the day. I don't look very pretty in natural light." She says this with such nonchalance that Humaid actually believes the statement to be true. Weird, definitely, but true all the same.
"Is that so?" Humaid leans forwards, unashamedly trying to look down her top. "You look fine to me."
He is a little too close for comfort, close enough for Rowdha to smell his spicy oud and she moves back as much as she can, another wave of guilt rippling through her. Please God, forgive me for this, she pleads, taking a sip of her tea.
"So how come you've taken so long to get back to me?" he asks, his gaze still fixated on her chest. Rowdha shrinks further into herself, feeling completely naked. How women walk around wearing next to nothing is beyond her. She makes a mental note to ask her promiscuous cousin how she brings herself to wear such skimpy clothing – assuming she gets out of this mess relatively unscathed, that is.
"You know how it is. So many guys, so little time," she laughs, discreetly wiping her palms on her jeans. "I mean, all of last week, I had to like, you know, go out with this Saudi guy who pays for all my plastic surgery. And then the week before there was this American guy who took up all my time. This is like, literally the first free night I've had in a long time."
"Oh." For once, Humaid is speechless. Is she a prostitute, he wonders, partly intrigued, partly repulsed.
"Are you a -" he begins, his voice rising in indignant excitement.
"No!" Rowdha laughs, slapping her thighs. "Well, not literally. I don't charge for sex but I do accept gifts, if you know what I mean." She winks at him, and he feels his tea rise up his oesophagus. What happened to the classy girl from the club? After all that time he waited for her to finally yield to his pursuit, he was expecting a woman with a little more decorum. But then, what did he expect from a club-whore whose best friend liked to bestow 'favours' on innocent men in dark alleys?
As they continue to talk, Rowdha dropping more and more references to previous 'boyfriends', Humaid starts to wonder if this is all a big joke, if Jennifer is actually trying to put him off. Surely no woman – prostitute or otherwise – would behave with such indignity in public unless she had an ulterior motive.
"Leila told me you're Emirati," he states, narrowing his eyes and looking at her face for a change. The accusation comes like a drawn gauntlet and Rowdha wonders whether to admit she is, or to lie a little more.
"Oh Lord no!" Rowdha exclaims, choosing the latter and guffawing loudly.
"That's what she said," he protests in defiance, scowling.
"That's what she thinks," Rowdha replies conspiringly. "Actually, to be honest, my father is Emirati. My mother is Indian. She was his housemaid."
"Your mother was a housemaid?"
"Yes, but it was a very long time ago. We actually have a history of maids in the family. My grandmother and great-grandmother were both maids back in India."
"You're half Indian?"
Humaid leans back in this seat, clearly exhausted by the conversation, finally beginning to realise that Jennifer isn't worth his time at all. However, after all those days he spent fantasising about her, along with the pent-up sexual energy following the meeting with his future wife, he wonders whether to just screw her and leave her anyway. She is practically a prostitute anyway and probably won't be too difficult to lure into his car. But there is no way he will actually pay for her services – with money or gifts. No, after wasting his thoughts and his time, she owes him this. And he always makes sure that his rights are fulfilled.
Rowdha is also shattered. The story-telling was a little fun after she got over her initial sense of guilt, but now, it is just plain tiring. She hasn't told so many stories since her children were small, demanding bedtime tales before going to sleep, and even that was a chore. She is hoping however, that the plan is working and Humaid is too disgusted with Jennifer to pursue her further.
"Jennifer! Darling! How are you?" Rowdha looks up to see a small, Filipino man with high cheekbones and short, spiky hair stride over to her. He is wearing a bright pink shirt and tight jeans, and as he comes closer, she notices that the tips of his hair are ice-blonde.
"Jose!" she squeals, jumping up from her seat and throwing her arms around him. "Oh my God, it's been SO long!" She beams at him and playfully ruffles his hair.
"Who's this?" Humaid asks sharply, a little put out by the interruption. He was just about to begin enticing Jennifer to accept a ride. Home, that is.
"Humaid, meet my old friend Jose," Rowdha gushes, still grinning. Despite meeting Jose for the very first time, she is thrilled to see him and thankful for the interruption. "Jose, this is Humaid. My boyfriend."
Humaid almost chokes on his drink.
"Nice to meet you," he splutters, too shocked at Rowdha's statement to be insulted by the presence of a khaneeth.
"Jose, you have to join us," Rowdha declares, pulling his slender arm and forcing him into the seat beside her.
"Oh, I don't know," Jose says, smiling a bright, toothy smile and covering his baby face with his hands. "I don't want to impose…."
"You're not imposing, you have to stay for a bit."
"Okay, if you absolutely insist," Jose huffs, sitting down and putting his arm around Rowdha's shoulders. "So tell me darling, how are you? As in, how are you really?"
"I'm fine," Rowdha says, imploring him with her eyes to be quiet.
"You're such a strong little thing," he continues with raw emotion, pulling a silk handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbing the corner of his right eye delicately.
"It was just a cold," Rowdha says through clenched teeth, pretending to be annoyed. She kicks Jose under the table, accidentally-on-purpose kicking Humaid instead.
"Ouch!" Humaid exclaims, bending down to rub his sore ankle. "What the hell was that for?"
"Sorry, my foot must have slipped," Rowdha says quickly, throwing Jose a quick warning look, one that does not go amiss by the increasingly suspicious Humaid. "Anyway Jose, don't you have somewhere you have to be?" she says, all the warmth in her voice gone as she stares daggers at him.
"Right. Yes. I better go. Hope your…..'cold' goes away soon."
Humaid stares at Jose's retreating back in confusion. Although he is not the sharpest knife in the kitchen, he is perceptive enough to realise that there is something going on – something he is not supposed to know. Jennifer is obviously sick, but is trying to hide it from him. He rubs his swollen ankle again, befuddlement written all over his otherwise attractive face.
"What's wrong with you?" he asks, out of curiosity more than genuine concern.
"Nothing!" Rowdha snaps, folding her arms and looking away.
They sit in stony silence for a while, Humaid trying to understand exactly what was going on while Rowdha suppresses the smile that is aching to form on her scowling lips. The tension is thick enough to slice, and Rowdha is enjoying his obvious discomfort.
She opens her mouth to begin talking, but before she can, there is a sudden movement in the lounge, and she looks up to see a vaguely attractive girl in a plain black abaya descend upon her table.
"Can I help you?" Rowdha asks politely.
"Galeelat al sharaf," the girl hisses in Arabic, hatred clouding her dark eyes.
Man, this girl is good, Rowdha thinks to herself, looking forward to seeing what would happen next. "What's your problem? Do I know you?"
"What's going on?" Humaid intervenes weakly, his head beginning to pound. All he wanted was to spend time with the sexy, fiery little thing from the club, but the girl who snatched his hat and danced with him was so different from the one who now sat opposite him. This girl wasn't fiery, she was rude. She wasn't sexy, she was annoying. And she definitely wasn't a little thing. In fact, she seemed to be a lot older than he expected. He sighs, wishing he hadn't wasted so much time on her, but reluctant to let her go completely without getting anything in return.
"You might not know me, but you certainly know my husband don't you?" The girl spits, bringing her face so close to Rowdha's that she can smell her cigarette breath. "Don't try and deny it. I recognise you from the picture he has, you cheap whore."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Rowdha says defiantly, glancing over at Humaid who is looking shocked all over again.
"Don't fucking lie to me!" The girl screams in English. The other guests in the lounge turn around to stare, but the girl either doesn't notice or doesn't care. "Don't fucking insult me anymore! You gave him herpes you dirty bitch! And now I have them too!"
There is a stunned silence while the other guests stare in open-mouthed horror. Rowdha says nothing, her face turning red. The girl is so convincing that she almost feels as if she actually does have the disease. Humaid's face turns greens.
"I hope you rot in hell," the local girl chokes out, her eyes wild with fury. She turns to leave, and then stops mid-movement. Hesitating slightly, she turns to spit on Rowdha's lap before striding away, leaving behind an atmosphere of disgust and embarrassment.
Rowdha doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. The girl was amazing but here she is, sitting with a stupid jerk, wearing dodgy clothes, saliva decorating her lap while the entire lounge ogles her as if she is one of those ugly monkeys with their bums hanging out in Al Ain Zoo.
"What the hell," Humaid mutters, his hands shaking. "You have herpes?"
"Yes," Rowdha says in a quiet voice, looking down. "I don't know how I got it or where it came from. That's why I didn't want to meet you. I didn't want you to get it. It's so painful and so sore. I have blisters all over my –"
"Okay! I get it!" Humaid interrupts, bile rising to the back of this throat. To think he almost…
"I'm so upset!" Rowdha chokes, her voice beginning to wobble. "I don't know what to do!" Before Humaid can respond, she gets up and plants herself on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and sobbing into his chest.
"Get off me," Humaid mutters in disgust, trying to disentangle himself. The evening has been nothing like how he expected and he no longer knows what to do. Should he push her to the floor and leave? Wait for her to stop crying and then leave?
"What do we have here?"
The voice is familiar and Humaid is almost too scared to look up. He has had enough drama for one evening. His eyes focus on a pair of sparkly sandals, an abaya hem grazing them gently. With baited breath, he looks up, his eyes moving past the length of the abaya and up to the girl's face. When he sees who it is, all the blood leaves his face. The poor, innocent girl he was thinking about marrying looks at him with undisguised disappointment. Her cousin stands next to her, disapproval etched all over her face.
"You should be ashamed of yourself," Moza says, venom lacing her words. Her phone ready in her hand, she takes a picture of Humaid sitting there with a blonde bundle on his lap. "I'll be sure to show this to Mohamed's father."
"Wait! I didn't do anything! She just – " Humaid struggles to push Rowdha off his lap, but she clings on even tighter, her body heaving with laughter masquerading as sobs.
"Goodbye," Lady Luxe says softly, before turning on her heels and walking away, Moza close behind her.
"Sharmuta!" Humaid yells, pushing Rowdha off his lap. "Look what you did!"
"What did I do?" she cries in pretend sorrow. "You're the one who's been hounding me for the last two weeks! I didn't know that you're married."
"I'm not! I was…Oh forget it." Humaid gets up, throws a five-hundred dirham note on the table and walks away without looking back.
Rowdha waits a few minutes until she is sure that he has disappeared from sight, and begins to laugh. Half an hour later, she is joined by the rest of the motley crew - including Jose the Khaneeth and Wafa, the Palestinian 'local' girl. They all laugh together, replaying the evening's events in detail, so enraptured in their own little circle that they fail to notice a guest who, whilst walking past, stops to see where all the laugher is coming from. And when a familiar face registers in his mind, he stops and stares, unsure whether to be pleased at what he has learnt... or enraged.
46 comments:
- Jaz said...
NOOOO is it Humaid? !
- December 6, 2009 at 7:04 PM
hope not...lol i think theyve had enough :P greeattt chapter!!! it was the best so far!
- December 6, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Love it! Amaaazing chapter, next please :-D
- December 6, 2009 at 9:16 PM
- Sugar-Free Sweetie said...
love your work
in deed a great post
I have one note for you though
labeling your posts with culture, Islam, Dubai,...etc afffiliates the characters and their charactaristics automatically to how the reality might be and leads to people assuming that they are representing the local culture and religion, a thing you made sure you are not doing by signing it at the end of your page,and therefore I prefered the labels when they were only the names of the characters as they are only representing themselves as individuals and no one else so hopefully you take a note of that.
please take my point as a constructive criticism as its only meant to be that way ;-)
- December 6, 2009 at 9:50 PM
- Janny. said...
That was AMAZING!!!
This needs to be turned into a movie ASAP.
- December 6, 2009 at 9:52 PM
More more more!!!!!
- December 6, 2009 at 10:08 PM
- ModestJustice said...
Oh man, I was hoping this would be THE way out for Lady Luxe. She needed to get out of there when it was over! Darn her!!
It's probably Mo!
- December 6, 2009 at 11:13 PM
- Hijabis On Ranting Tour. said...
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG OMGG WOOW u are down right amazing mashallah talented
lol wow
- December 6, 2009 at 11:21 PM
- Ghost Writer said...
Thanks for your comments ladies.... Sugar-Free... The reason I've put all these tags at the bottom is purely for marketing purposes - basically - I was told that the more you tag with different labels, the more chances there are of your blog appear in searches under those tags.
- December 7, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Ohh NOOOO. Is it Mohammed ??Did they come to the Hotel together? Perhaps he drove him there? Nooooo. Please plase no. Can't wait for the next chapter.
- December 7, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Go Lady Lux. Can't wait for the next chapter ;) pretty creative!
Its interesting though that you used the word Sharmuta, why not the G word? it is more used by Emaratis rather than Sharmuta. Or does Sharmuta means something different here?
- December 7, 2009 at 8:25 AM
- Baklawas said...
Bravo pour ce magnifique chapitre!!
J'attends vivement le 24.
I laughed loudly and what you write is so so funny.
Please do find an editor to publish your book. Bonne Journée
- December 7, 2009 at 12:05 PM
- Keep Guessing said...
wow...please bring on the next part... waiting for it.
just one question, why does her having an INDIAN mother seem so derogatory??? Aren't we being a bit racist here?
- December 7, 2009 at 12:43 PM
- Ghost Writer said...
@Keep Guessing - it is definitely racist. It is no way my own opinion but unfortunately, the reality in the UAE is that people from South East Asia are generally looked down upon. It's not right, I don't condone it (I've talked about the issue a bit in Sugar's chapters) but to ignore this would be omitting a big part of the reality of living in the UAE.
- December 7, 2009 at 1:07 PM
- Ghost Writer said...
@Girl from Dubai - I just find 'sharmuta' a lot funnier :D
- December 7, 2009 at 1:08 PM
part 2 is exaggerated. sorry guys, but im a little disappointed. i'm a big fan, so please don't be upset... hope the next chapter will be a good one!
- December 7, 2009 at 3:15 PM
- Ghost Writer said...
:) I welcome all constructive feedback! I was worried it was a bit OTT as well...but then I was like, what the hell, we need a bit of fun to balance all the angst!
- December 7, 2009 at 3:29 PM
- Hijabis On Ranting Tour. said...
@ghost i think you write excellently reading tht was a lot of fun and we girls need a bit of fun very creative and cool mashallah
- December 7, 2009 at 7:10 PM
- Muslim_Rose said...
I LOVEIT-LOVEIT-LOVEIT!! Tooooooo funny man:p
Oh,its that stupid good for nufin Humaid innit?!?!
- December 7, 2009 at 8:04 PM
i bet it's lady luxe's father.
i love the novel and i can relate to what's happening in the story. i live in the made-in-china version of dubai and the same things are happening here...especially the racism!
- December 7, 2009 at 8:12 PM
What the hell is this crap? CAn someone please explain in what fucked up world would THIS be considered a novel?
- December 7, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Obviously not in Planet Profanity where you come from.
- December 7, 2009 at 10:31 PM
that was AMAZING and SMART !
I hope more Humaid type would read and learn!
- December 8, 2009 at 1:25 AM
AMAZING work ! and very smart! I hope more Humaids would read and learn !
- December 8, 2009 at 1:39 AM
I think it's Lady Luxe's father too. Brilliant the way you keep the story moving. I'm hoping that soon one of the main characters will have some good luck. Ghost Writer don't listen to non-fans; your fantastic novel is just not their cup of tea and so what. Best to you.
- December 8, 2009 at 7:25 AM
- Siobanyan said...
Perhaps "what the hell" Anonymous will enlighten us as to why he or she asserts that this is ~not~ a novel.
Is it the publication by serialization? That's exactly how most of Dickens' novels were published. At one time publication of a novel via serialization was not an unusual thing.
Or perhaps it is that "what the hell" Anonymous finds Ghost Writer's subject matter trite, her characterizations shallow and / or the concerns of her protagonists without any meaningful application to the human good?
Such accusations have rung in the ears of novelists since the very introduction of this literary form, which when first invented was indeed scandalous and "novel."
Pray tell us in real terms, "go to hell" Anonymous why, exactly, you take such umbrage at Ghost Writer billing her ongoing work as a novel.
- December 8, 2009 at 7:36 AM
- girl driver said...
Well GW I think that this was a class chapter. Yes a little OTT, but as you said it needed balance- and a life isn't always plain sailing. Besides OTT makes interesting. People don't forget it is a STORY- so everything doesn't have to be realistic. You have to dramatise certain issues, and regarding racist remarks- the world is full of them, so to ommit it out of your novel would be very unlikely indeed. However derogatory, it appeared to me that Humaid was more shocked that he was 'misinformed' about her ethnicity than what it actually was.
- December 8, 2009 at 2:49 PM
AAARRRGGGHH!!! HU IS IT???? hu is it i neeeed 2 know!! u knw wat yh most ppl r tinkin humaid bt i bet ders a big suprise in store 4 every1!
- December 9, 2009 at 12:30 AM
I think it was Mr. Delicious ;)))))
- December 9, 2009 at 8:43 AM
- Keep Guessing said...
Either its Mohammed her brother or her father... Would be fun if its her father..hehehhehe
- December 9, 2009 at 8:59 AM
- angie nader said...
i cant wait for the next chapter!
- December 10, 2009 at 6:33 AM
- *~Ange~* said...
i htink its her bro. cos didnt him and humaid decide to teach the blonde emirati girl a lesson?
- December 10, 2009 at 5:08 PM
- Siobanyan said...
I too fear it's Lady Luxe's overweening brother! :^O
That said, I hope Ghost Writer has the plot outlined well in advance and will not allow guesses or suggestions to alter what she's got in store. Authors usually have even juicier plot twists in mind than readers can guess. :^)
- December 11, 2009 at 3:33 AM
- Siobanyan said...
Accurately depicting bigoted attitudes in a work of fiction and actually condoning or promoting racist attitudes are TOTALLY different things!
I know others have addressed that point - most importantly Ghost Writer herself - but it can't be emphasized enough. :^)
- December 12, 2009 at 3:07 AM
it would be crazy if it was Rowdha's husband...came to dubai to cheat on his wife (typical for rich gulfies)
- December 12, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Dear Ghost writer, on a scale of one to ten how influenced are you by SITC and Desperate Housewives?
Story needs to be more gritty to give it more punch. Why not bring in referances to pregnant maids banged up at Al Awir jail, murders at the Burj that never go reported, human trafficking, hiring and firing of expat workforce, tenants being evicted, cheque defaulters doing runners, labourers living in concentration camps.....
- December 12, 2009 at 9:53 PM
- Keep Guessing said...
Sorry to butt in but then if you know Dubai so well, you know how easy it is here to simply block anything thats anti-dubai. Every place or city has its own pros and cons. But Ghostwriter isn't here for some kind of social awareness at the cost of deportation. Any lame software engineer could track down the IP address which publishes these blogs. Its not difficult to trace the Mac Address unless you use a cyber cafe and a new machine everytime. I dont think that's possible. There are so many things that go unsaid and are better left unsaid here.
Beatings of the Maids, Murders sometimes do make it to the front or third pages of newspapers only to be forcefully forgotten. We know it all happens but everyone prefers this cocoon of ignorance that sooo blissful.
Ghostwriter, we are all waiting for the next part. Go On... And yes, in the haste of making it spicier hope you don't write something that might make it difficult for you to write further. We prefer the usual side-slick remarks more than in-the-face-tart comments because Atleast that way we'll have your blog around... good luck
- December 13, 2009 at 8:53 AM
amazing (:
but i hope it's not humaid or her brother, that would ruin the brilliance of their plan!
but then again it is a "guest"; hopefully not rhowda's husband-> she doesn't deserve anything bad to happen to her :/
- December 13, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Every time I read a chapter, the character I'm reading about becomes my favourite. Clearly a sign of good writing on your part!
When will the next chapter be out?
- December 17, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Maybe it is Mohamed and Leila? went there togther and ran into his sis.
That would be cool
Great chapter.
when is the next one due?????? :D
- December 17, 2009 at 7:48 PM
- Liz said...
OMG!! I can't wait till for the next installment!! I am totally addicted to this novel.
- December 25, 2009 at 7:30 PM
"...unsure whether to be pleased at what he has learnt... or enraged."
Who would be pleased by seeing them? All the suggestions people have made so far don't make sense! Why would Rowda's husband be unsure whether to be pleased or enraged? Likewise for Muhamed or her father!
- December 29, 2009 at 10:23 AM
halla wallah - reminds me of dubai, god i want to come back home.
you have to be from dubai to understand the beauty of this shit.
- December 30, 2009 at 12:48 AM
- BaptizedLucifer said...
this was hilarious. pure genious. i actually laughed out loud the entire time....
until i reached the nal biting end.... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa cant wait to find out who it was.
- February 28, 2010 at 9:16 PM
- MeeMzz said...
I LOOOVEEEE thiss noveel !!!
I just came across it todaay while i was procrastinating as usual,, AND I read all 23 chapterss
you should right moree SOON!!
- December 15, 2010 at 8:34 AM
I am such a fan!! And have been devoring your chapters like PF Chang's Dynamite Shrimps !! Am actually upset that I only have a few chapters left. Hope I wont have to wait so long for the novel. Any advancement on that by the way?
About this part though, exciting and all...like the previous ones. BUT...you've made sure to insist on how Rowdha wasnt comfortable with how she was dressed and all...so why the hell...Once she's finished her mission, she would just stay there and laugh, in a public place, dressed like that.. instead of running out of there. The last part is the kindof 'unconsistency' that doesnt make it so realistic I think...but I guess you needed that to have the last 'twist'!
Again...about the book, for us who have read the whole blog...will the book repeat what we've read already? or it will start from after the last online chapter?
- April 6, 2011 at 11:05 AM

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Recently I created a new project and at some point I uploaded it to SVN. I am not quite sure how to reproduce this situation but somehow the versioning support of Xcode 4 decided to interpret the project as a git repository.
Each time I tried to copy a file per drag and drop into my project I got following error:
fatal: Not a git repository (or any of the parent directories): .git
The result was that the file got copied into the project folder, but the reference didn't get set in the project. I had to go into the folder and drag and drop the file again and uncheck the copy option this time, so that the reference gets set.
The Solution
1. Open Xcode and go to Window > Organizer
2. Find under repositories your project. It might be two entries if you use something like SVN.
3. Make sure it says "Type Git"
4. Mark the repository entry and hit backspace or delete (on mac)
5. Done


text:
Release Candidate of KOffice 1.5
Things are getting closer. The KOffice team is proud to announce the release candidate of KOffice 1.5. With lots of good feedback from the users of beta 1 and beta 2, the release candidate is better than ever. We now invite the user community for the final round of testing of KOffice 1.5 before before the suite is finally released. Read the full announcement, the changelog, download the release, and give it some real world testing for us!
In this release, the OASIS OpenDocument support is improved even more, especially in KChart. It's still not perfect, but we have improved interoperability with OpenOffice.org a lot. Krita has gotten faster and more stable and KFormula has a new maintainer that has really come up to speed quickly. And that's just the highlights: across the board, we have improved all applications, making them better and more polished.
Debian packages already available
I've just uploaded Debian packages to unstable.
They should be available tonight, in the meantime you can get them from:
I'll try to get packages for Sarge ASAP to have up-to-date kliks.
Best regards :)
By Isaac Clerencia at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: Debian packages already available
Great, great, great!
I'll do my best to have kliks available half an hour after you announced your Sarge packages then.... :-)
Cheers, Kurt
By Kurt Pfeifle at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: Debian packages already available
Oh, and I forgot to ask one thing: what about the "MS Access Import Driver", described here:
Would it be possible to provide *.deb packages for this too? (I must be blind if they are already out there, somewhere; I didn't find any).
By Kurt Pfeifle at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: Debian packages already available
I'll give them a try after I finish with Sarge packages.
By Isaac Clerencia at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
Re: Debian packages already available
Yes! Please do... the mdb drivers would be great to have!
By ealm at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
1.5's use of fonts
Hats off to all of the Koffice developers for moving us closer to what I'm sure will be a great release. There is just one thing keeping me from using Koffice (mostly Kword) on a daily basis instead of OpenOffice. For some reason or another whenever I use Kword it always seems to leave an irregular amount of space between letters. Sometimes letters are mashed together without enough space between them and other times there is a noticeable gap between letters. I'm sure I'm not using the proper nomenclature to explain this, but surely someone knows what I am talking about. Are we to expect any changes with respect to this issue in this release? If not, are there plans to address this in the future. I really would like to use Kword instead of OpenOffice Writer on a daily basis, but I do a lot of printing and this issue comes up a lot for me. In any event, thanks again for all the hard work!
Adam York
By Adam York at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Hmmm. Wasn't that planned to be fixed? I can't check right now, but I thought it would was being worked on. Ohh, I think it might be something that requires Qt4, so you'll see it fixed in KDE4.
By Lee at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
I read a very very long time ago, that there was some flag in XFree86 which if set at compile time would include a good font-kerning in it, but because of some licensing problems it was off by default. Then I read something about Trolltech telling they would include real font-kerning in Qt4.
I Hope it will get better, because that is something I think Linux still lacks, it has become a little better with those anti-aliasing, but still I have the idea that under Windows or MacOSX the fonts look generally better...
Don't come with well those fonts are better, because I'm just importing the windows fonts, and it still looks better under Windows...
By boemer at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Hmmm. Well I guess KDE4 with Qt4 won't be that far away. I'm really looking forward to fonts looking better in Koffice.
By Adam York at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
To make your post a bit more precise ;-)
Professional TrueType fonts (like those from Microsoft or Adobe) usually contain additional information on how to optimize the look of the
Not all fonts use these commands but most professional ones do. So if FreeType encounters such a command it can skip this command (but this usually yields unusable, ugly results) or totally ignore the complete hinting information including the known commands. This is what usually happens. To prevent the fonts from looking extremely awful, FreeType can "invent" its own hinting code automatically (called auto-hinting) which is not as good as the real deal but much better than no hinting at all.
So, if you have problems with fonts you might want to try recompiling
/* #define TT_CONFIG_OPTION_BYTECODE_INTERPRETER */
from the source-code of FreeType and recompiling the whole thing.
Search for TT_CONFIG_OPTION_BYTECODE_INTERPRETER and your distro on
Caveat emptor: This will of course only improve TrueType fonts and only
By Martin at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Thanks Martin. I'll certainly try this out.
By Adam York at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Mandrake/iva doesn't support this hinting thing? I thought they did, since it is a French distribution (they don't have to fear patents, and, in fact, include support for MP3/DVD and all out of box) and fonts in it look much better than in Suse. So, fonts could be rendered even better?
By blacksheep at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
> I thought they did, since it is a French distribution (they don't have to fear patents,...
How do come to this idea? Patents exist in Europe as well and the patent holders in case of mp3 are french and german. Mandriva will pay for the mp3 license.
By Carlo at Sat, 2006/04/01 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
I was obviously referring to software patents. Their holders might be french and german, but they are only filled on countries that have them (USA, Australia, etc).
By blacksheep at Sat, 2006/04/01 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
When you refer to software patents, you shouldn't have mentioned mp3. And no: In Europe there are already thousands of software licenses filed and (questionably if legally) granted by the european patent office. It's just nearly impossible to enforce them, since there's no common european patent law.
By Carlo at Wed, 2006/04/05 - 5:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
This is all quite true but it isn't relevant for printing. Hinting is for the low resolution screen display.
For printing the fonts should be spaced without hinting and Qt 3.x is not able to do this.
By James Richard Tyrer at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Yeah. The I've been trying to use KWord to, but have been unable to because of the font spacing issue. I did some reading and also figured it must be the freetype glyph hinting thing. So I downloaded the freetype source deb (I'm using the unstable Debian release) planning on enabling it, and discovered it already was.
As the freetype changelog says (or as you can deduce from debian/rules and debian/patches/030-bytecode-interpreter.diff in the source package):
freetype (2.1.2-10) unstable; urgency=low
It seems from the source package that the only other Debian specific things are a backwards compatibility patch (adding back in some dropped API), some consistency checks (underflow and overflow checks for BDF glyphs), and an X related rpath linking option. So, unless I've missed something, I'm thinking it is a QT/KWord thing.
In fact, from James post, it almost sounds like I should just disable hinting (I have a high resolution display) and everything will be fine. Maybe I'll give that a go.
By Tyson Whitehead at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Okay tried recompiling without the bytecode interpreter. It changes the output (both on the screen and on the printer) for sure. Some parts are better and some parts are worse. For example, if you use the Times New Roman font at 12pt, a printout of the word "away" will have excess space between the 'w' and the 'a' with the Debian stock freetype. If you recompile it freetype without the bytecode engine this goes away, however, the word "serious" acquires a space between the 'o' and the 'u'.
After digging into it a bit, I was left unclear over whether the the full bytecode interpreter is enabled by default (due to the inclusion of the autohinter). For completeness, I tried a version compiled with the bytecode enabled (i.e., TT_CONFIG_OPTION_BYTECODE_INTERPRETER defined) and the autohinter disabled (i.e., TT_CONFIG_OPTION_UNPATENTED_HINTING undefined). I couldn't tell any difference over the stock version (i.e., both defined).
By Tyson Whitehead at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Hmmm... I have a good set of fonts (Microsoft's "web core" fonts - Arial, Times, Courier New etc) and I tunned up autohinting in my freetype. The combination of both gives me an almost perfect rendering and spacing of letters on the screen, and on (rare) printouts)
Have you tried using good fonts?
By Daniel "Suslik" D. at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Yes I've tried a variety of fonts and it's still never looked as good as in OO. I'll try some others though.
By Adam York at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
How do you mean by tunning up autohinting? Were or how can you do that?
By boemer at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
The font problems in KWord and KPresenter will indeed be fixed when we move to Qt4. And today I spotted the first relevant commit in svn trunk :-). In any case, you can mitigate the problem by using good quality fonts (Monotype or Adobe) and a high resolution (that means, lots of dpi, not just
I've noticed the problem with OO2 and Abiword, too, by the way. Only Scribus seems immune at the moment.
By Boudewijn at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
Font problems in Abiword are most often due to using Zoom to page width rather than Zoom to an even number like 100%. There may be other issues too but like I said most font complaints about Abiword go away when users change their zoom level.
By Alan Horkan at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
The same is true to a certain extent for KWord. In any case -- I wouldn't work with anything but zoom to page width in any word processor. I'm so happy that Thomas added that zoom level to KWord :-).
By Boudewijn Rempt at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: 1.5's use of fonts
I have only seen this problem with MS fonts. Other fonts like Nimbus work just fine both on screen and in print.
By yaac at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
kpresenter and OOo2 impress problem
1) I created an odp file with OOo impress. When I tried to open it with kpresenter, it's a mess. The title with a font 36 in OOo does have a font 11 and are not anymore center for example. The strange thing is that the effect is not systematic but depend on the slide.
2) I tried to do the opposite and save a file create with kpresenter in odp and open it with OOo2. The first thing I saw is that the bullet are missing. I didn't push to much the test after it. It's a shame but opendocument between the two most pro-eminent open-source office suite gave to very different result. In the state it's not possible (in my opinion) to tell that the ODT format is an exchange format.
3) I tried to do a bug report but I don't know where...
Your softwares are very cool, the critisim above are only to help to have the best office suite :). Thanks again.
ps: I'm using package from kubuntu
By Nicolas at Wed, 2006/03/29 - 6:00am
Re: kpresenter and OOo2 impress problem
By aleXXX at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
Re: kpresenter and OOo2 impress problem
> It's a shame but opendocument between the two most pro-eminent
I'd like to emphasise here that problems exchanging OpenDocument documents between KOffice and OO.org usually indicates a bug in software at the moment. The OpenDocument specification itself is a very good thing.
OpenDocument documents may fail to load correctly for a variety of reasons:
- Architectural issues. For example the way KSpread stores formatting information currently scales very poorly. When OpenOffice.org produces spreadsheets, it assumes that assigning a particular format to a large area of otherwise empty cells is 'cheap' in terms of memory and time when loading - not true in KSpread. This should be fixed in the 2.0 release.
The problems concerning OpenDocument support are in some ways similar to achieving compatibility between web browsers when dealing with HTML/CSS. Although both formats are well defined, open and stable, there is a lot of work required to support all aspects of them and even small flaws can produce big visual changes.
The good news is that a large set of test documents are being compiled at the moment so in the future we should have a good set of reference documents to test against.
By Robert Knight at Thu, 2006/03/30 - 6:00am
Do file->new and file->open still take you to the same place in the same widget? It's a small thing, but that redundancy really annoys me, especially since its smallness makes it likely to be ignored.
http://osnews.com/permalink.php?news_id=13975&comment_id=104819 <- how to reproduce my gripe.
By jason at Fri, 2006/03/31 - 6:00am
Re: new/open
This is a bug indeed; I'll take a look.
I must have missed the report when you reported it to http://bugs.kde.org :)
By Thomas Zander at Mon, 2006/04/03 - 5:00am
Tables in KWord - extremely inconvenient
You have to do a good lot of clicks just to append a row to a table. MS Office / Open Office allow you to do this with single "Tab" press.
By Alex at Sat, 2006/04/01 - 6:00am
Re: Tables in KWord - extremely inconvenient
Is it really so hard to dive into the code and come up with a patch? We know the current table implementation is very limited in reliability, in usability, and in many other respects. Doing a new table implementation is hard work, much harder than you seem to appreciate. Suggestions, help with testing, that's all welcome. Sneering is not.
By Boudewijn Rempt at Sat, 2006/04/01 - 6:00am
Re: Tables in KWord - extremely inconvenient
Unfortunately, I've got no spare time to dive into the code.
By Alex at Mon, 2006/04/03 - 5:00am
Re: Tables in KWord - extremely inconvenient
A classic example of the importance of design.
'Design twice, code once'
By James Richard Tyrer at Sat, 2006/04/01 - 6:00am


text:
The streak is alive for Landon Donovan.
On Friday, the LA Galaxy and MLS announced that MLS Commissioner Don Garber has selected Donovan as an injury replacement for LA forward Robbie Keane. Donovan will be making his league-record 13th consecutive MLS All-Star appearances, dating back to 2001.
"Landon (Donovan) is a great addition to the MLS All-Star team. Obviously his form is fantastic right now and his impact and representation of Major League Soccer throughout his career is immeasurable," All-Star head coach Peter Vermes said.
The fact that Keane has pulled out of MLS All-Star Game places a serious doubt on whether he'll be available for selection for this Saturday's match against the Colorado Rapids or next week's Guinness International Championship Cup matches.
Proud to see Donovan make the squad? Think Keane will play on Saturday or next week?
Share your thoughts below.


text:
The Camel community announces the immediate availability of the new patch release Camel 2.23.3. This release contains 32 fixes applied in the past few weeks by the community on the Camel 2.23.x maintenance branch.
The artifacts are published and ready for you to download either from the Apache mirrors or from the Central Maven repository. For more details please take a look at the release notes.
Many thanks to all who made this release possible.
On behalf of the Camel PMC,
Gregor Zurowski


text:
I am writing to alert Butler County residents that we have reached the end of an era for bus transportation on the State Route 8 corridor that began in the early 1960s.
Since then, all Butler County residents, myself included, have taken for granted this bus transportation route and the availability of bus travel between Pittsburgh and Butler County on a weekday basis.
I began using the bus in 1980, when I started college in Pittsburgh. I continue to use it on a daily basis to commute to work in Pittsburgh, along with a number of Butler County residents. Over the years, we have forged many friendships with people from Butler and Allegheny County, both young and old, and from all walks of life. Sometimes there are people who routinely ride, but only sporadically; sometimes there are people you recognize from Butler but you do not know; sometimes there are people you never see again. The seniors ride free, and the transportation for shows, shopping and medical appointments is tremendously helpful to them.
It has come to the point where none of us can take this transportation for granted any longer. Myers Coach Lines, which has provided the service since 2000, when it took over from Blue & White/Lincoln, announced this past week that it will no longer be providing bus service to the Route 8 corridor. Friday was its last day. Thankfully, Butler County Commissioners Kevin Boozel, Kim Geyer and Leslie Osche, without regard to political affiliation, have graciously accepted and returned calls from concerned regular Myers Bus riders to answer questions about the new Butler County Transit Authority and its new runs down the State Route 228/I-79 corridor, which begins Monday.
A brochure from the Butler County Transit Authority and information about the new bus schedule are available on its website. If you have trouble finding it, go to the Butler County Commissioners' website. There is a link.
John Paul, the executive director of the Butler County Transit Authority, has been very helpful to riders in explaining matters. I also understand that state Rep. Brian Ellis has been very involved in helping to preserve a necessary transportation artery to Pittsburgh from the Butler County Transit Authority. I am sure that other representatives and senators, as well as township and city officials past and present, have been vital in creating this transportation option.
We routine riders are very grateful to these hard-working individuals, who are to be commended for working, without regard to politics, to make sure that no person in Butler County is left without a ride to Pittsburgh when Monday rolls around. They had been planning the new Butler County Transit Authority buses and runs to Pittsburgh, and only on Friday, Dec. 1 learned that Myers was discontinuing its bus service to Pittsburgh. We appreciate the pressure under which these individuals are working to create a bus service that will accommodate the need.
So, to the people in Butler County who need bus service to Pittsburgh, this goes out to you: please let your commissioners, state representative and state senator hear your voice. Putting it in writing is helpful; use their e-mail addresses. There are matters of funding from PennDOT that are involved. If the political representatives can prove the need, they can, hopefulIy, get funded for more runs. If we do not ride the new service and think that it will be there when we need it — it won't be. Use it now, and let your representatives in government know your needs so that they can speak for you.
Finally, I would like to commend the Myers bus lines and its drivers for the excellent service it provided Butler County for almost 20 years. It is the sad end of an era and a new beginning.


text:
Next Episode of Knightmare is
not planed. TV Show was canceled.
Knightmare is a fantasy adventure game show and was broadcast on Children's ITV in the UK between 1987 and 1994 spanning 8 seasons with the final episode being aired on 11th November 1994. A team consisting of four 11-16 year olds was tasked with recovering a quest item by sending one member, blind-folded, into a virtual reality dungeon. The dungeoneer was guided by the fellow team mates who observed the quest from an ante-chamber. Sparked heavily by the video game boom of the late 80's and 90's, Knightmare is still considered to be one of the most influential and technologically advanced television shows created to this day.
Cliff Barry(Brother Strange/Lissard)
Anthony Donovan(Grimaldine)
Hugo Myatt(Treguard)
Mark Knight(Lord Fear)
Jackie Sawiris(Majida)
Joanne Heywood(Stiletta)
Clifford Norgate(Hordriss)
Jacquelin Joyce(Marta)
Erin Geraghty(Mistress Goody)
Paul Valentine(Motley)
David Learner(Pickle)
Edmund Dehn(Gumboil/Automatum/Igneous)
Looks like something went completely wrong!
But don't worry - it can happen to the best of us,
- and it just happened to you.
Please try again later or contact us.


text:
Daniel "Big D" LichtmanPDGA#25509 Open Division
Began playing disc golf?: I first found disc golf at Campland by the Bay in PB. They had a few baskets in the middle of the park, I was 10 or 11 and had a beach Frisbee, and I had a blast. The next time I saw disc golf baskets was in 1994 at Morley field, but it was a couple more years before I started playing there. Once I started playing Morley, I had the sickness, and now I can't stop!
First Disc: DX Cobra. Dark green. (thanks Snapper!) Horrible disc, but it were great to own one, and not rent anymore!
Favorite Morley Field Hole: Hole 11 without the shoe tree on hole 2. Hole 11 is the most recognized and social hole. I've met plenty of cool people there over the years. It's also the hole where I skip aced E position in a first round, and hit chains on the same basket during a second round in league.
Morley Field Aces: 15 Aces at Morley Field. Hole1(2), 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13(3), 14(2), 16, 17, 18. It seems like 13 should be my favorite hole, having aced it three times now!
Favorite Disc: Star T-Bird. I found one on a course in Indiana a few years ago, started throwing it that day, and loved it. I've replaced it a couple of times, but can't imagine my game without it.
Favorite Driver: I always waiver between the Star Destroyer and ESP Surge
Favorite Midrange: The Crystal Buzz is by far my favorite midrange, but the Comet and Gator are discs that have to go in the bag too
Favorite Putter: JK Aviar is the best piece of plastic in the bag
"In My Bag?": Champion Stingray, Champion Viking, First Run ESP Surge, Star Destroyer, Champion Orc, Sparkle Tsunami, Star T-Bird, Champion Firebird, Star Monster, Champion Gator, Crystal Buzz, First Flight Shockwave, ESP Comet, KC Pro Aviar, JK Pro Aviar, Soft JK Pro aviar
Tourney wins and / or Top 5 finishes (not necessarily from Morley): Top 5 Finishes: 2002 Spring Fling Novice 2nd Place 2004 EIEIO Intermediate 3rd Place 2004 Las Vegas Halloween Classic Intermediate 4th Place 2005 Plastic Pilots El Dorado Open Intermediate 2nd Place 2005 Emerald Isle Open (EIEIO2) Intermediate 2nd Place 2005 Morley Field Spring Fling Intermediate 2nd Place 2005 Waller Pines Open Intermediate 4th Place 2005 Casitas Coyote Classic Intermediate 1st Place Winner! 2005 Southern California Championships Intermediate 1st Place 2006 Summertime Open Advanced 4th Place 2006 Southern California Championships Advanced 3rd Place 2006 Morley Field Course Championships Amateur Champion 2007 Ice Bowl in Paradise Advanced 2nd Place 2007 Sun Valley Open Advanced 4th Place 2007 Coyote Classic Advanced 2nd Place 2008 Morley Field Course Championship Open 5th Place
Favorite DG Website: The PDGA website is the most useful website, having all the past tournament results and upcoming tournament info. Without it, I may never remember what year I placed fourth at Mountain High! DiscGolfersRus is much more social, and is a great website too. It's nice to have an outlet for pics and videos, and a place to talk disc golf trash with friends.
Favorite Pro Player: My favorite pro to play with Micah Dorius. He and I have had a lot of good times as partners on Wednesday doubles, and he has taught me quite a few things about the game. Dave Feldberg is my favorite pro to hang out with off the course. He's a goofy, fun guy who likes to party, play poker and tell lame jokes. But technically, as I must play Pro at Morley, I will have to say that my favorite pro player is Big D!
Tips for other players that have helped you: Slow down, focus and follow through... slow down your motions and follow through. Most pros look almost like they're in slow motion until the point of release, and then all the momentum you create needs to follow through your shot. Focus on your line before you even think about throwing. Visualization is key to the game. When I stand at my lie, I see the shot I want happening in my mind over and over, until it's all that I can focus on, then throw that line just like it happened in my head. Sometimes I know it's in the basket just a fraction of a second after released, since I feel the shot hit the line just like in my head.


text:
Canada's all-wheat production grew by 50,0000 metric tons, while canola production declined, according to final 2012 estimates, released Dec. 5.
According to Statistics Canada's, all wheat production of 27.2 million metric tons was close to the expected 27.1 million tons but nearly 2% larger than the previous report released in October. In July, Statistics Canada was expecting a total wheat crop of only 24.8 million metric tons.
Durham wheat production of 4.63 million metric tons was higher than the average trade guess of 4.5 million tons and 232,000 tons larger than the previous estimate.
"Durham had a slightly better finish," says Neil Townsend, market analyst with the Canadian Wheat Board, and the commentator on an MGEX conference call following the release of Canada's Production of Principal Field Crops report. "Extra wheat will have a home in the offshore markets," says Townsend.
With Australia production expected to be smaller, Argentina's wheat harvest running into weather issues that have decreased the quality of the crop there, the smallest stocks ever in Europe since the formation of the EU-27, and Russia and Ukraine out of the export market, the United States will be the primary source of exports moving forward, he adds.
"I don't expect huge premium to be built into the market or to be sustained," he adds.
A slowdown in world wheat exports is anticipated, which could mean that the price highs for the year are in, says Townsend. At the same time, though, hard red winter wheat condition in the United States is the worst on record and drought continues to persist and worsen in all six major wheat-growing states.
Canola production of 13.3 million metric tons was lower than expected but slightly larger than the government's previous estimate of 13.2 million metric tons. Analysts had been anticipating a crop closer to 13.7 million metric tons.
"Canola is the rock star of Canada," says Townsend. "That's what people want to grow."
Townsend expects Canadian soybean crushers to offer incentives to growers next spring during planting season to ensure enough acres are planted to canola. "It will be difficult to add to canola acres, but canola won't lose a lot of acres," says Townsend. "Canola will hold its acres. The crushers in Canada don't want to lose any acres of canola."
Barley production of 8 million metric tons is up 1.5% from 2011 output, but still small compared to historical production. Manitoba farmers reported barley production more than doubled from 261,300 tons last year to 618,300 tons this year.
"We've had two consecutive small barley crops, which means there will be less feed grain in Western Canada," says Townsend. "We'll have to watch that carefully."
Corn and Soybeans
A record-large corn crop, however, will help Canadian livestock producers. Corn production for the current crop year hit 13.1 million metric tons, a 15% increase from last year. In Ontario, corn for grain production jumped 11.3% to a record 8.6 million metric tons. Quebec farmers increased corn production by 12.2% to 3.5 million tons.
Soybean production increased 14.7% to a record 4.9 million metric tons. Ontario soybean production of 3.3 million tons was both a record and 8.4% larger than a year ago. In Quebec, soybean production increased 3.1% to 825,000 tons, and Manitoba farmers reported record soybean production of 759,300 metric tons.
Canada's corn production is consumed primarily in Canada, but surplus soybeans are being exported. "We are now exporting soybeans out of western Canada, which is rare," says Townsend. Regardless of one's views on climate change, for the past few years, Townsend says weather conditions in Manitoba have favored planting corn and soybeans.


text:
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- Public Notices
When Christine Barrett stepped on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University, she was taking classes with people nearly 60 years younger.
It didn't bother the 80-year-old Gastonia, N.C., resident that she was old enough to be many of her classmates' grandmother. She was thrilled to have the chance to attend college.
Now with a high school diploma and college degree under her belt, Barrett stands as an example that you can achieve your biggest goals if you have faith and work hard.
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Wayne Houchin reports that a book-binding error has pushed back the release of Sinful: A Graphic Novel for a few weeks.
Houchin made the announcement in a daily update on his Web site. The video includes a painful demonstration of how the covers peeled away from the main book.
"I'm really not looking for a whole lot of things when it comes to a book," Houchin said in the update. "A book is a book, it's a pretty simple thing. But one of the things I'm not looking for is the cover to come off. It shouldn't be detachable."
Because quality is paramount to Houch, another run of books is in the works. Which means we have to wait another few months for this incredible book. Darnit. We've been stoked about this project ever since we heard about it.
Sinful: A Graphic Novel goes a step beyond the Sinful you learned back in the day — the original coin through soda can that helped make Criss Angel legendary. Drawn by artist Josh Funk, the book re-imagines a performance of the effect at a fictional club, then goes into incredible detail to teach the effect — including new ideas, alternate moves and a rare look into the creative process. The book also comes with a DVD that features new performance footage and an interview between Wayne and legendary close-up magician Paul Harris.
We know that the final product is going to be awesome. Until then, this behind-the-scenes with Funk will have to tide us over.


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Star Wars: When Astronomy & Religion Mee
Title: Star Wars: When Astronomy & Religion Mee
Location: The University of Charleston
Link out: Click here
Description: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The University of Charleston Speaker Series will take attendees to the heavens, stars and the Vatican as President of the National Committee for Astronomy, Vatican City State, Father Christopher Corbally speaks on Tuesday, March 26, on both the UC-Charleston and UC-Beckley campuses. The event, titled "Star Wars: When Astronomy & Religion Meet," will focus on the connections between space and religion. Father Corbally will first visit UC-Beckley, speaking at Carter Hall from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., with a short reception to follow. There is limited seating for the event, so interested parties are asked to call 304-929-1478 to RSVP. He will then visit UC-Charleston for a 90-minute presentation and discussion, moderated by UC President Ed Welch, at 6:30 p.m. in Riggleman Hall's Geary Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Born near London, Father Corbally entered the Society of Jesus in 1963, and holds degrees in philosophy, physics, astronomy and theology. After ordination, he obtained a PhD in astronomy at the University of Toronto (Canada) in 1983. Since then Fr. Corbally has been a research astronomer of the Vatican Observatory and was its Vice Director for the Vatican Observatory Research Group in Tucson until 2012. Father Corbally is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society, the American Astronomical Society, the President of the National Committee for Astronomy in the Vatican City State for the International Astronomical Union (IAU). He was the president of the IAU's Division IV (Stars), 2009-2012. He is a member of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science, for which he was president from 1999-2002. The UC Speaker Series is in its 11th year and is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Foundation. For more information, contact Scott Castleman: 304-421-2057.
Date: 2013-03-26


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By Jennifer Riley
CBS reportedly told a gay dating site that its proposed Super Bowl ad would be reviewed for possible airing and would be considered if a spot becomes available.
ManCrunch.com submitted a 30-second commercial to CBS on Jan. 18 and, as of Jan. 22, CBS reportedly said "the spot hadn't been officially approved yet" by the network standards and that all spots for the big game on Feb. 7 had been sold out, according to Fox News. But CBS agreed to consider running the ad if an advertiser dropped out.
The ad involves two men watching the Super Bowl when their hands touch as they reach into a chip bowl. The two men then begin to kiss each other as another man sitting nearby watches in shock.
In response to the purported ad, a spokesperson for the conservative pro-family group American Family Association said it would be "totally irresponsible" of the network to air the ad during the most watched TV program of the year.
"CBS should not put parents in the position of answering embarrassing and awkward questions from their children while they're just trying to enjoy a football game," said Tim Wildmon, president of AFA, in a statement Thursday. "CBS should quit dithering around and reject this ad out of hand."
In addition to pressure from pro-family groups, CBS is also coming under fire from pro-choice groups for approving an ad featuring college football star Tim Tebow and his mom, Pam.
Though the exact content of the ad has not been revealed, many are speculating that it will recount Pam Tebow's refusal to have an abortion while she was pregnant with Tim despite having suffered from a life-threatening infection at the time.
Focus on the Family, which produced the ad, said earlier this month that Pam Tebow would share a personal story centered on the theme of "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life."
"The Tebows said they agreed to appear in the commercial because the issue of life is one they feel very strongly about," Focus on the Family reported.
"Tim and Pam share our respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive," added Focus on the Family president and CEO Jim Daly.
Focus on the Family's Super Bowl ad, which still needs to receive final confirmation, will be Christian group's first Super Bowl commercial.
Super Bowl broadcasts are typically viewed by over 90 million people each year.
This year's Super Bowl, which pits the Indianapolis Colts against the New Orleans Saints, will kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 7.


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Working in physics: Astronomy for all
Showing members of the public the wonders of the universe is one of the best things about being an astronomer - and retirement can lead to even more outreach opportunities, as Stephen and Irene Little explain.
Most people's reaction to their first view of Saturn through a telescope is simply "Wow!". This is true whether they are five years old or heading into their ninth decade. As professional astronomers for 25 years, first at Wellesley and Bentley College in Massachusetts and then at the University of Colorado, we found that experiencing this sense of wonder through the eyes of others was one of the best parts of the job. So when we retired in 1990, it seemed natural for us to continue communicating our enthusiasm about the universe to the public. The only question was: how?
When we retired, we moved to Estes Park, Colorado, a town of about 6000 people located 70 miles northwest of Denver. Estes Park is a good place for astronomy. It is at an altitude of 2300m and is located right on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park, which boasts some of the darkest skies in the region. So when a friend who worked in the park's administration department asked us for help in setting up an astronomy observing programme in the park, we were more than willing to oblige.
Getting started
In our first year, we had just two old, rickety 15cm-diameter telescopes that had been donated to the park years earlier. Telescopes of that vintage do not track well, and even a breeze or a "nose bump" can knock them off the celestial object at which they are pointed. It would often take us up to 10 minutes to re-find fainter objects, with a group of impatient people watching our every move.
But by the third summer, we were better prepared, having applied for and received a $20,000 grant from a local private foundation. This grant allowed us to buy four "go to" telescopes, which have built-in computers with the co-ordinates of thousands of stars, galaxies and nebulae. Telescopes of this type are really easy to use - you just select an object and the telescope will "go to" it automatically. We were also able to build concrete bases for the telescopes; purchase accessories like steel piers, eyepieces, star charts, books and a portable power supply; and establish the observing programme that we still use today.
The park programme meets twice a month during the summer in a remote picnic area and sessions start at dusk. During dark nights, we observe fainter objects such as the Ring Nebula, star clusters like the globular cluster in Hercules, and galaxies like the Whirlpool Galaxy. Moonlit nights feature the Moon's craters, mountains and maria (seas), plus any visible planets and double stars such as Alberio, the eye of Cygnus the swan. For many visitors, this is their first experience of looking through a telescope and learning about the constellations. They are astonished to learn that stars have colour, that Saturn has easily seen rings, that Jupiter's Galilean moons line up perfectly with its equator and cloud bands, that stars in clusters are millions to billions of years old, and that the light that reaches our eyes left the galaxies millions of years ago.
On a good, clear night we can get up to 100-150 people attending, including a dozen amateur astronomers who regularly bring telescopes ranging in diameter from 7.6-63.5cm. The only downside to having so many attendees is that parking is a real problem, and people who leave with their car lights switched on destroy the dark adaptation of our eyes.
Building a community
Once started, projects like the park's observing programme have a life of their own, are relatively easy to maintain, and offer tremendous benefits. However, the people who participate in these events are mostly park visitors, who come from all over the US and beyond, and are just passing through. This makes it hard to help them explore their new-found astronomical interest further, or to build up a coherent local community of astronomers.
With this in mind, in 2006 we joined a dedicated cadre of local amateurs to form the Estes Valley Astronomical Society. Thanks to a series of articles about astronomy and the club in the local press (and the efforts of one particularly enthusiastic amateur astronomer) the society has grown to some 40 members. Over half of them bring their families along to our monthly meetings and observing sessions.
One big factor in the society's growth has been the construction of a dedicated observing facility, the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, which was completed in 2009. Built with private funds on the grounds of a local school, the building owes its existence to a tragedy: two of the principal donor's three children were killed in a single motorcycle accident. The observatory is dedicated to their memory. The observatory's facilities include a 30.5cm telescope (housed in a 4.9m dome) and a large room for presentations. It offers solar-observing capabilities as well, so students can attend during the daytime - either as part of the formal astronomy courses offered to high-school pupils, or with the astronomy club for younger children.
Beyond the school, the wider Estes Park community has also embraced the new facility. At the grand opening last April, more than 400 people came to see the observatory. To build on this success, we offered twice-monthly "open house" nights during the summer of 2009, in addition to the club's regular meetings. A typical open-house session starts with an introduction to the observatory, followed by observing with the telescope in the dome. Weather permitting, we also set up some of the 10 or more small telescopes that have been donated to us by members of the Estes Park community. While some people look through the telescopes, we and our fellow volunteers show others the constellations - a bright green laser pointer works amazingly well for this. Saturn and Jupiter are usually the main prizes for those observing - although of course astronomers (both amateurs and professionals) really dote on the faint, fuzzy objects like nebulae, clusters and galaxies, since these show what the universe is all about.
We are continuing these open-house sessions during the winter, and we will see how many people are willing to brave the cold to see the stars. January temperatures here range from a bitter -25 deg C to a relatively balmy 15 deg C, and the dome must be kept in equilibrium with the outside temperature to keep air currents (and hence twinkling) under control. Fortunately, we have a heated room where people can warm up, and if the skies do not co-operate (as happened quite often in 2009), then we can show a video there on some topic of astronomical interest.
Back in the classroom
As a consequence of these various programmes, we have garnered a following of people that want to discover more about the universe, to learn about constellations and be able to look through telescopes. In the spring of 2009 we decided to teach an elementary astronomy course through the local school system's adult-education programme. This four-week course consisted of a two-hour lecture, followed by observing, for one night each week. Places filled up immediately and we had a waiting list, as did a second course offered in the autumn of 2009 - this time the waiting list was even longer. We will offer the course yet again in the spring of 2010, and by popular request, we will also be teaching a follow-up course on black holes, supernovae and other exotic wonders of the universe.
If you had asked us two decades ago what we planned to do when we retired, "reading" and "hiking" would have featured higher on our list than astronomy outreach. We never anticipated the extent of volunteer work that we do in our community, and we have encountered a few difficulties (including persuading other people to do things we think need to be done). Still, the work is full of rewards from people who express their appreciation of what we offer, and we are glad we have been able to carry the banner of astronomy to Estes Park.
Tips on setting up an astronomy club
- Most important: find a dedicated, energetic, enthusiastic group of amateurs. The group can be as small as three or four people
- Identify people who will be willing to serve on the board of the group, who have telescopes or good binoculars, or who know the sky well enough that they can point out constellations and find fainter objects
- Find a location to meet. Having a place where people can warm up is wonderful. Even during our summer programmes, we tend to lose over half the people with children because they are not dressed warmly enough
- Develop a programme to bring in more people. In addition to observing, host lectures on recent astronomical discoveries and accessible topics like "calendars and time" and "2012"
Tips on setting up an observatory
- Most important: identify a funding source and volunteers- including builders, electricians and labourers - who can help with the actual construction of the observatory
- Find a location for the building. Schools are an excellent place to start; if you offer students the chance to use the observatory for special events, then the school is more likely to allow you to use its site, and may even pay for part of the upkeep
- Make it available to the community so that local residents will "buy into" the facility and help support it
- Develop a cadre of volunteers that can run the telescopes and help with "open house" sessions
About the author
Stephen and Irene Little are retired astronomers based in Estes Park, Colorado, email email@example.com.
This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of Physics World
last edited: September 11, 2018


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More JLH Video & Media
The Let Go - new full length out now!
Available on CD + digital
"Boston based artist Jamie Lynn Hart creates a seamless blend of rock and pop that backs up her powerhouse belt and infectious melodies. With her captivating voice, poetic lyrics and mastered musicianship, she creates a commanding sound reminiscent of Joss Stone meets Grace Potter." -Nashua telegraph
*New England Music Award Nominee for Best Female Performer
View Jamie Lynn Hart's Electronic Press Kit
with bio, reviews, photos & more.


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Search for great DIY Ideas and Tutorials from Pinterest - Female preferred
Bütçe $10-30 USD
Need one freelancer who has interest in DIY crafts and projects and search for best ideas from the internet. We will provide the topics, you need to search for 20-40 ideas and tutorials for one single topic and send the links in a word doc.
We have around 200 topics
You will be paid 10 INR for a single topic (20-40 ideas)
Preference will be give to the one who can do good search on net and has interest in DIY crafts and projects. The categories are home decor, fashion, gifts, hacks, crafts and projects.
Initially we need 100 topics and you will get $15 for 100 topics with 20-40 ideas each.
Need 1-2 topics per day, we'll be providing you the categories.
Bu iş için 7 freelancer ortalamada $22 teklif veriyor
I am a very creative person who loves to find DIY projects and work on them and also search for life hacks this job is according to my nature of work I am interested in getting this project
I'm interested in this work. I have did lot of arts and crafts to surprise friends and family. Looking forward.


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If you are HIV-positive and employed, you may be entitled to unpaid leave to look after your health.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) both allow certain employees to take 12 workweeks of unpaid job-protected leave per year.
This article presents some of the most common questions about taking this type of leave. It is merely an informational overview of these acts, and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions about your circumstances, please contact an attorney.
Who is eligible to take this leave?
Lots of people are eligible. Regarding HIV/AIDS, you are eligible to take this leave if you have a serious health condition that prevents you from working, and:
you have worked for that employer for at least 12 months; and
you have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the leave; and
you work at a location where the employer employs at least 50 people; or, your employer has at least 50 employees working within a 75-mile radius of your worksite.
Do the 12 months of service with the employer have to be continuous or consecutive?
No. The 12 months do not have to be continuous or consecutive. All time worked for that employer is counted.
Do the 1,250 hours include paid leave and other vacation days?
No. The 1,250 hours include only hours actually worked for the employer.
Do I have to take all 12 weeks leave at one time?
No. You can take up to 12 weeks off at one time if you need to or you can take the time off on an intermittent basis or as a reduced work schedule, depending on your needs.
Do I have to tell my employer what my illness is, that I'm HIV positive?
No. You do not have to tell your employer you are HIV-positive or have AIDS. If you request leave, your employer may ask you to provide medical certification of a serious health condition, to ensure you are eligible for this leave, but you do not have to disclose your HIV status. The medical certification should contain the following:
The date your serious health condition began.
The probable length of your condition.
The probable length of your needed leave.
A statement that your condition makes you temporarily unable to do your job.
The type of treatment required, in general terms (such as prescription drugs).
A statement verifying your need for periodic time off, or a reduced work schedule (if this is applicable).
Do I have to give my employer a copy of my medical records or sign a release of medical records?
No. The employer may request a certification of a serious health condition. This is a statement from your doctor stating that your medical condition makes you temporarily unable to do your job; it does not need to state the exact specifics of your illness.
What if my employer doesn't believe my doctor's general statement, can he force me to go to the company doctor?
No. Although the employer is entitled to get a second opinion from another doctor, you don't have to go to a "company doctor" or a doctor employed by your employer. If the employer insists on a second opinion you should tell the second doctor that she may only verify (or deny) your need for leave and she may not disclose your illness or other medical information to your employer. The employer must pay for the second-opinion doctor.
What happens to my medical benefits while I'm on this leave?
Your employer must provide you with the same medical coverage while you are on FMLA or CFRA leave as you had when you were working. For example, if your employer paid all your health insurance premium while you were working he must continue to pay the entire premium while you are on leave; if you paid a percentage of the premium while you were working, you must continue to pay that same percentage while you're on leave.
Does my employer have to keep my job open for me so that I can return to the exact same job?
The law requires that an employee who takes this type of leave be restored to the original position held by the employee when the leave began or to an equivalent position with equivalent pay, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.
Can my employer refuse to grant me a leave?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for this type of leave, and have not already used up your available leave under these acts, your employer may not deny you the leave.
What do I do if my employer or supervisor won't let me take the leave?
If your employer has a Human Resources Department you should discuss the matter with a HR manager. If not, or if you have other questions contact any of the following:
HIV/AIDS Legal Services Alliance (HALSA) at (213) 201-1640
The Department of Labor at 1-866-4-USA-DOL
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing at (800) 884-1684
An attorney
Can I be fired for requesting this type of leave?
If you and your employer meet the criteria described above you are entitled to this leave by law and you cannot be fired for requesting it.
Do I have to use up all my vacation time or accrued sick leave before I can take this type of leave?
The employer can require you to substitute your accrued paid vacation days and other accrued leave for FMLA or CFRA leave.
Do I have to give my boss notice before I take this leave?
If the need for the leave is foreseeable you must give written notice to the supervisor or person you usually notify when taking vacations or other leave. Give your employer at least 30 days notice of your intent to take this leave and if possible submit the medical certification with your written notice.
If the leave is not foreseeable and must be taken in an emergency situation, then you should contact the employer as soon as possible to give oral notice of the need to take this leave, and you should provide written notice within two working days.
How do I give notice or request the leave, do I have to use a special form?
No, you do not need a special form. Quite often employee handbooks contain sample request forms for FMLA or CFRA leave, so you should check there.
If there is nothing in your employee handbook, or you don't have an employee handbook, you can write the request letter yourself. It should contain the following information:
The name of the person to whom you're submitting it.
Your name and job title.
The date you're making the request.
The type of leave you want (i.e., temporary leave under The Family Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act leave).
The dates you require leave from and when you expect to return, such as June 12 to Aug. 16.
A copy of the medical certification.
A request for a written response to your request for leave as soon as possible.
You should also ask for written verification of the status your benefits, health insurance, etc., while on leave.
For More Information
Family Medical Leave Act
or call 1-866-4-USA-DOL
California Family Rights Act
or call (800) 884-1684
The information in this material is for the sole purpose of providing general information and must not be construed as legal advice. It is not legal counsel and, the dissemination of the information does not create an attorney-client relationship. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information given is current, the law does change and information given above may become dated. Consequently, you should seek legal counsel for advice specific to your situation before acting.
The HIV/AIDS Legal Services Alliance (HALSA) is committed to providing high quality legal service, that is HIV/AIDS-related, to members of the HIV/AIDS community living in Los Angeles County. HALSA can be reached at (213) 201-1640.
|Michael O'Connor is an attorney who deals with discrimination issues in the HIV/AIDS Legal Services Alliance (HALSA). To reach HALSA, call (213) 201-1640.
This article has been reprinted at The Body with the permission of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).


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Country superstar Garth Brooks' comeback concerts in Ireland have sold out in less than an hour after fans camped out for days in a bid to land tickets.
The singer boasts a huge fan base in the country and is set to perform in Ireland in July, for the first time since 1997.
Devotees began sleeping on the streets outside ticket-selling venues across the country earlier this week to buy passes for his three shows at Dublin's Croke Park on Thursday morning.
It has now been confirmed that the 200,000 tickets available sold out within 60 minutes.
Brooks announced his Irish comeback in person at Croke Park earlier this month, insisting the dates will be a warm-up ahead of his world tour in the autumn.
He said, "Before we go back on tour in the fall (autumn) of 2014, I want to challenge myself, the
band, and crew. In '97, we were lucky enough to play Croke Park, the stadium was under construction. … I was quoted then as saying 'When this stadium is finished, I would love to come back and try to fill it again … this time to the brink.'… And we're back to do just that."
The shows will take place July 25–27.
Brooks previously retired from touring and recording music in 2001 to focus on raising his three daughters with wife Trisha Yearwood.


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Fiering House
THE JOHN CARTER BROWN LIBRARY substantially expanded its functional space by opening a residence for its research fellows at 79 Charlesfield Street, less than four blocks from the Library. This three-story Victorian house, built in 1869 and beautifully renovated in 2007, includes large meeting areas on the ground floor and serves as an intellectual and social center for the Library's scholars in residence from month to month.
On October 21, 2009, the Library dedicated the house to Norman Fiering, Director and Librarian of the John Carter Brown Library from 1983 to 2006 in honor of his instrumental role in making the scholars' residence a reality. During his tenure, the fellowship program at the Library was enlarged and invigorated.
79 Charlesfield has ten spacious bedrooms–six with private bathrooms, four with shared bathrooms. In addition, it has a special handicapped-accessible unit on the ground floor. You may look at photographs of interior rooms by accessing the Gallery.
Some Fellows choose to make their own arrangements for housing. Some bring family or pets, for example, or may not be able to be booked into Fiering House.
For more information about Fiering House, please contact Valerie Andrews.