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Casio Privia PX-350
Description: The new PX-350 represents a significant step in the continuing evolution of the Privia digital piano line. A combination of a new keyboard action and a powerful new sound engine provide a new level of detail, nuance and expression for a superior grand piano experience in the lightweight and stylish design that Privia is known for. The award winning grand piano sound in Privia has been dramatically improved. The new PX-350 utilizes more than three times the memory of the previous generation for a more natural piano tone. In addition, Casio's new proprietary sound source "AiR" (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) provides unmatched realism and detail. This engine provides seamless dynamics for a remarkably expressive and powerful performance. For further realism a new Damper Resonance simulator provides the rich sound of the strings when the sustain pedal is used. The PX-350 has a total of 250 instrument tones built-in. Strings, organs, electric pianos, brass, drums, bass and more and with the PX-350's registration capability you can store your favorite splits and layers for live performance use. Casio's new Privia PX-350 will be available at music dealers in either black or white.
Price: $1,099.99 Visit the Website
ENVY By JOPEN
Description: Talk about strong vibrations! ENVY by JOPEN is the strongest rechargeable massager on the market. The classic design is elegant and minimalistic, which adds to its appeal. ENVY is easy to operate and features seven functions with incremental speed control. The simple touch of a button you speeds up and slows down until you find the right level. A state-of-the-art memory chip resumes the last function used so you can pick up where you left off. Oh baby, this isn't your gramma's massager! ENVY comes in three sizes, the ENVY I, II, and III. Waterproof, security travel lock, USB charging cord, and virtually seamless satin-finished premium silicone--that's why they call it ENVY, it makes all the other massagers jealous.
Price: $124.00 to $125.00 Visit the Website
Match.com 6 Month Subscription
Description: Match.com, the world's largest dating site, is a place to create romantic opportunities so singles are more likely to find someone special. Throughout its 15-year history, Match.com has helped redefine the way people meet and fall in love. Match.com provides a rich tapestry of ethnicities, interests, goals, ambitions, quirks, looks and personalities from which to choose. Match.com offers a fun way for singles to meet other singles with whom they might otherwise never cross paths, and a subscription makes for a great gift for anyone on the search for love!
Price: $120.00 Visit the Website
KEY By JOPEN Io--interchangable Sleeves Double The Pleasure
Description: Lift off happening in 3, 2, 1...it's the Io! A handy little massager from KEY by JOPEN, the Io includes two sleeves that are removable and textured for added sensations. Io is the perfect gift for the first-time and experienced toy user. It features five intense patterns, is water-proof for fun in the shower or tub, and comes in the three signature KEY colors: plush pink, robin egg blue, and lavender. Learn more about KEY and other premium pleasure products by visiting www.JOPEN.com.
Price: $49.99 to $50.00 Visit the Website
LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE Set 1 Anime On DVD And BLU-RAY
Description: Science fiction and anime fans will love this 2-disc set featuring the first 12 episodes of the anime series LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE depicting the adventures of a 17 year-old girl whose mission becomes to defend her city from invading space aliens. Take a journey to the coastal city of Kamogawa, Madoka an energetic high school girl, who is one never to turn down a request for help, has her life turned upside down when she's asked by a mysterious girl named Lan to defend the city from invading space aliens. Madoka agrees to pilot the resurrected Vox robot, and life will never be the same! This new visually rich DVD and Blu-ray release hosts a cast of stylish lead characters and innovatively conceived robots. The series delivers a colorful and spunky mix of action, comedy, drama and science fiction filled with interstellar alien battles, laughs and fun. Produced by Studio XEBEC, created by the famed animation studio, Production I.G. and directed by Tatsuo Sato. The robots were designed in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co., LTD's creative team and selected from more than 60 designs from an internal Nissan design competition. Bonus features include: Production Art, Clean Opening & Ending sequences, as well as 6 extra "Omake" shorts. The set features both original Japanese (with English subtitles) and dubbed English dialogue options. This anime is rated 'TV-MA' for Mature Audiences DVD: $44.82 U.S. – Canada - $43.24 / Blu-ray: $54.97 U.S. Canada $66.15 To view trailer: http://youtu.be/vsEkel0pFYw
Price: $44.82 to $66.15 Visit the Website
KEY By JOPEN Charm--Plush Pink Massager
Description: Are you ready to be completely charmed? The Charms are bite-size vibes under the KEY by JOPEN Collection of pleasure products. Discreet, this little guy looks like a fancy tube of lip gloss, they are perfect for travel and fit neatly inside your purse. Looking for a romantic gift for that special someone? KEY by JOPEN is affordable luxury at its best. Made of body-safe, Shin Etsu silicone (the best quality in the world) these adorable massagers scream opulence at a pleasing price. The Charms come in a variety of colors: plush pink, robin egg blue and lavender, and in several different designs. Learn more about the Charms and other toe-curling toys at www.JOPEN.com.
Price: $39.99 to $40.99 Visit the Website
Tarot Card Reading From Elite Tarot Over Phone Or Internet
Description: Unlock your subconscious with a professional tarot card reading that utilizes the power of tarot to shed light on a situation. If you have a question about love, career, travel, or anything along life's journey, consider having a professional, in-depth tarot reading by Elite Tarot. Purchase a tarot reading for yourself, or give as a gift as tarot readings are done worldwide via phone or internet. In addition to an in-depth reading, you will receive an mp3 recording of the reading afterwards.
Price: $35.00 to $110.00 Visit the Website
Please Me Game
Description: Please Me is a mature board game that is unlike anything on the market – it is a mature board game that can be the catalyst for healing a struggling marriage, for creating more communication and intimacy in even the most strongest of relationships, or just for having a night of amazing fun with your partner. You can use Please Me as a tool for teaching your partner more about what you want and need (do you miss having your hand held? Do you need something sweet whispered in your ear?), or it can be used to reignite a spark that may have gone cold, or that struggles to find a spark with a house full of kids all day. You can make your Please Me game G-rated, or whatever you and your partner choose as each game is completely custom to the choices the couple makes. Having been successfully used by marriage and sex therapists and with many, many happy couples now behind it, the creators of Please Me invite you to explore your intimate and sensual side in a whole new way, and enjoy being pleased like never before!
Price: $34.99 to $39.99 Visit the Website
But By The Chance Of War
Description: "But By the Chance of War" by Richard C. Lyons, a new book coming out Fall, 2012 is a uniquely different type of book. Between its covers, the book presents four dramatic stories of war from India's fight with the Ephalite Huns, to the Fall of Fort Niagara, in the Seven Years War, to the trenches of World War I, and finally to modern day circumstances and actions in the Middle East. Author Richard C. Lyons took a creative approach to presenting his stories by writing in a dramatic poetic style. This rhythmic style is not only entertaining, but also enlightening to the tragic and sometimes violent stories presented. The reader cannot but marvel at his use of words and poetic timing.
Price: $26.00 to $26.99 Visit the Website
Spicy Subscriptions' Spice Box
Description: Spicy Subscriptions is the best and most convenient way to Spice Up Your Love Life. It's an online monthly subscription service that brings romantic surprises discreetly to your door, with Free shipping. Every month you'll receive a Flirty Surprise and a curated collection of Romance, Intimacy, and Beauty products hand-picked from the Spice Shop. The Spice Box contains an assortment of Flirty Surprises, Sexy Lingerie, Massage Oils, Sensual Lubricants, Romantic Fragrances and much more! You can choose from the Premium ($20.95) or Deluxe ($34.95) Spice Box. Give it a try and spice up your love life!
Price: $24.95 to $34.95 Visit the Website
Pure Romance Burning Desire Massage Candle
Description: This holiday season, give the gift that keeps on giving: improved intimacy. What better way to increase communication between a couple than through a sensual massage. With Pure Romance's Burning Desire product you can burn this soy massage oil candle and let the sweet, fragrant oil take over your body. Melted massage oil is great for doubling as a warm, rich body balm to heat your holiday up.
Price: $24.00 Visit the Website
Promescent - Ultimate Relationship Enhancer
Description: Promescent is the only FDA-approved topical treatment used to prolong sexual encounters allowing a longer, more intimate session. Promescent works by calming the inner nerves that cause climaxes in men. Both parties can appreciate a more intense session with each other. Fighting away "early release," which affects approximately 25% of men, Promescent is available in a trial size, individual, and three pack. Promescent is available over-the-counter, at www.promescent.com, through select doctors' offices, and in pharmacies across the country.
Price: $20.00 to $209.00 Visit the Website
Love Coupons And Date Ideas--Datevitation
Description: Datevitation is the first and only fully customizable book of date coupons with the tools to create a one-of-a-kind gift or your special someone. The library is full of hundreds of date ideas from simple gestures of love (stargazing, cuddling) to adventurous and exotic ideas for memorable dates (skydiving, scuba-diving) even adults-only date nights! And Datevitation is perfect for same-sex couples since you select gender for both the giver and receiver! You pick the dates to compliment your relationship. Books start at $20 and you can create your very own at http://www.datevitation.com
Price: $20.00 to $50.00 Visit the Website
BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I-THE EGG OF THE KING-anime DVD (for Adults-Ages 18 And Up)
Description: Combining a foreboding medieval European-inspired setting with fantasy and exquisitely detailed swordsmanship, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I– THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group "The Band of the Hawk," and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith's dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both. Based on the ongoing manga (graphic novel) series by Kentaro Miura which debuted in Japan in 1989 and quickly drew a devoted following, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. The BERSERK series has also inspired a popular anime television series, a variety of related video games, collectable figures, toys, music soundtracks and this current BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy. Rated for Mature Audiences (Adults ages 18 and up) price $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 Canada and a Blu-ray $24.98 U.S. / $27.50 Canada.
Price: $19.98 to $27.50 Visit the Website
BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II- THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY For Fans Ages 18 And Up.
Description: New Anime release - BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II- THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY- from VIZ Media- Anime fans won't want to miss this action packed sweeping epic of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II- THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY as The Band of the Hawk faces an army 30,000 strong in an effort to take the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey in the exciting second chapter of the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC trilogy. For three years, Guts (a battle-hardened mercenary) believed his mission was to pursue Griffith's (leader of the Band of the Hawk mercenary group) dream together with him through all the fierce battles and struggles. But in order to become Griffith's equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The BERSERK series combines a foreboding medieval European-inspired setting with fantasy and exquisitely detailed swordsmanship. Based on the manga series (which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide) and has inspired a television series, video games, collectable figures, toys and music soundtracks. Rated 'M' for Mature Audiences DVD -$19.98 U.S. - $24.98 Canada Blu-ray - $24.98 U.S. - $27.50 Canada
Price: $19.98 to $27.50 Visit the Website
New Book Streamlines California Wine Country Travel
Description: How do you visit 300+ California wineries in 3 days?? The Dilemma—Most wine tasting holidays last for only an extended weekend. With over 300 wineries in California's burgeoning Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles wine country… where do you go? How do you choose? The biggest mistake visitors make is wasting precious time trying to navigate this vast maze of choices by themselves. But help is on the way… Enter The California Directory of Fine Wineries, Second Edition—the latest release in the bestselling travel series from California wine travel insider Tom Silberkleit. It's designed to maximize your vacation time while helping to create lasting memories in California's "new frontier" wine country! Writers K. Reka Badger and Cheryl Crabtree reveal winery back-stories and concise tools for quick and easy travel planning. Photographer Robert Holmes takes readers on a stunning visual expedition of each winery. He's been named Travel Photographer of the Year a record three times. Not meant to be an encyclopedia, The California Directory of Fine Wineries is a stylish, lightweight, hardcover book that's easy-to-use and portable. Carry it with you in your car or pack it in your suitcase — and let your California wine-venture begin!
Price: $19.95 Visit the Website
Fundamentally Female
Description: Fundamentally Female is written work of art by acclaimed author, speaker and master storyteller, Reneé Rongen. You will find Fundamentally Female a feast of quips and quotes, provocative vignettes, and tender stories that spans the gamut of the female experience. It is a global collaboration by, for, and about women wrapped in delicious, unique artwork providing texture and color that brings each word to life, created by artists from around the world. This unique book offers a completely new and interesting approach to women's writing, this book covers many topics. Each story, quote or vignette is written to a specific word and enveloped in eclectic artwork that represents each fundamental word describing elements of a female. You will find this book to be the perfect gift for any female in your life! 25% of proceeds are contributed to support breast health efforts and domestic violence shelters across the country.
Price: $19.95 Visit the Website
Cozy Cuffs
Description: A greay way to improve your sexual experiences during foreplay, these seductive and strong, Cozy Cuffs Handcuffs are perfect for when the two of you want to get extra cozy. Handcuffs' faux fur lining is sexy and soft. Each pair of handcuffs includes two keys. For adult use only. Not to be used for extended periods of time. Cuffs should not be secured too tightly around wrists, release cuffs if you experience pain or discomfort.
Price: $18.00 Visit the Website
Description: How does a middle-aged, married (with children), man of the cloth, marred by post-traumatic stress from military service in Afghanistan, make a spectacular return to society after years of a quiet, reclusive existence? Not quietly, that's how. Author Tariq Rana takes an unconventional look at the polygamous relationship between a married Muslim and a blonde bombshell in his sensational new release, A Model Wife for a Gentle Imam. (An Imam. A Model. A Dream. A Novel.) The Imam of Breezewood, a retired veteran of Coalition involvement in Afghanistan, while living a simple life in a small community, discovers a fashion model in one of the clothing magazines for a local high-end clothing boutique. In spite of the profound differences in ethnicity, religion and society, the model bears a striking similarity to the Imam's wife. Struggling with the expectations of marital fidelity but unable to ignore a growing fascination with the fashion model, he makes a life-changing decision by taking up with a woman of a different faith. A naturally furious wife and an alienated congregation both decry his lack of discretion in a battle between liberal, secular values and the fundamental prerogatives of divine decree.
Price: $17.99 Visit the Website
The Grey Revolution: Tickle & Whip
Description: Tickle and Whip, inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey, leads to fun, playful, passionate nights! With soft feathers on one end and rubber strands on the other, this two in one toy is versatile enough to tease and please, tickle and whip, no matter the mood. From light-as-a-feather touch to exciting tingles, you decide how light or intense you want the fun to be. To further intensify the tickling or whipping fun, you can blindfold your partner so they can focus on the pleasurable feeling.
Price: $15.00 Visit the Website
INSANE: A Novel By Radio Personality, Terry E. Lyle
Description: Many people have deep rooted insecurities. This realization led radio personality, Terry E. Lyle to write her latest book, "INSANE". "INSANE" is a collection of short stories and poems about issues that impact all generations. The book takes an open minded and nontraditional stance on topics such as religion, money, race and sexual encounters. Weaving life lessons through poetry, the book provides poignant social commentary about the ramifications our decisions and our social responsibilities. Lyle writes about subjects that many consider taboo in the hopes that she will be able to shed light on hidden aspects of today's culture.
Price: $15.00 to $15.01 Visit the Website
Poster Girl By Joni McPherron
Description: A sensational and provocative modern romance novel, Poster Girl is a fun, wild, and witty tale. Steamy, spirited, and oh-so-spicy, Poster Girl is an irresistible debut that heralds a fine entry into the world of smart erotic fiction. Find out what happens when Dr. CJ Jones becomes the patient of to oh-so-handsome, and oh-so-charming Dr.Dan Brown. CJ Jones might not need a man, but want? Well, want is another story...
Price: $14.95 Visit the Website
Vanilla Bondage Kit
Description: The use of dominance is a fantasy enjoyed by both men and women. Inspired by best-selling Fifty Shades of Grey, doesn't everybody love a little vanilla? The Vanilla Bondage Kit makes it easy to bring your fantasies to life. Silky vanilla-colored and scented blindfold included. Set contains silky ties that can be used as wrist and/or ankle restraints. Realistic ice cream pint packaging makes this sexy kit a perfect gift.
Price: $13.00 Visit the Website
Tie Me Up Tape
Description: Did you know that fantasy play can help enhance your sexual experiences? You and your partner can explore your wildest fantasies with Tie Me Up Tape, a product used to gently restrain you from one another. Because this non-stick tape sticks only to itself, it is more than safe to use and easily comes off without pulling hair or delicate skin. 60 ft. (18 m.).
Price: $12.00 Visit the Website
Use LOVE OILS To Make Your Love Organic: GOOD CLEAN LOVE
Description: Good Clean Love's Love Oils are made with therapeutic grade essential oil formulas that are made to stimulate arousal through scent. Our Love Oils respond to individual pheromones and body chemistry to create a completely unique scent for each person who uses them. When a couple uses them together, they create a unique scent bridge between them that enhances their experience.
Price: $10.00 to $24.00 Visit the Website
"A Southern Solution" By Alan Beck
Description: Laugh Or Else It Will Hurt Given all the turmoil in our country today about the economy, our debt, foreign policy, you name it - there is only one possible solution, says satirist Alan Beck. Laugh. "If you can't laugh at it, it's only going to hurt," says Beck. "Conveying the message of our downward spiral is important as we seem to stall at any important decisions in our society." A Southern Solution is a dark satire about the disappearing American Dream. The main character's plans for a lazy, margarita-fueled retirement are thrown into chaos when a zany cast of characters steps into the picture. Both the FBI and the Chinese government seem to have bigger plans for him, and Kopfklopper soon finds himself in a dizzying whirlwind of political intrigue. As he works his way through the mess, he finds the key to balancing America's national budget without negatively impacting anyone, and now the clock is ticking as he decides whether to become the next big politician or to stick with his new life of leisure on the beach. Beck believes A Southern Solution will appeal to mature audiences disillusioned with the current political, economical and ethical state of America, much like his main character. He takes serious events happening around the world today and puts a humorous twist on them in order to engage readers, rather than bore us with a recap of the events we live through day after day.
Price: $9.99 Visit the Website
Reflected In You: A Crossfire Novel
Description: THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine. My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...
Price: $9.99 to $15.00 Visit the Website
Masque Sexual Flavors
Description: As seen in the pages of Redbook, Women's Health and Cosmo, Masque Sexual Flavors is the first oral sex strip that dissolves on the tongue, blocking the salts, proteins and bitter tastes sometimes associated with oral sex on a man and helping improve the overall experience for both partners. Designed with couples in mind, Masque aims to increase intimacy between partners and encourage sexual exploration. Masque is available in watermelon, mango, strawberry and chocolate flavors. The oral sex strips can be purchased on the company's website, www.yourmasque.com, on Amazon.com or at select retailers for $9.95 per pack. Each pack contains three individually-wrapped gel strips. Masque Sexual Flavors is the first oral sex product of its kind, developed to neutralize the tastes associated with oral sex on a man. Several years of research went into testing and manufacturing the oral sex strips. Masque operates its business with one goal in mind: to make quality products to enhance personal intimacy and bring couples closer together. For more information, visit http://www.yourmasque.com. Follow us on Twitter: @YourMasque
Price: $9.95 Visit the Website
Diary Of A Beverly Hills Matchmaker
Description: In Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker, Marla takes her readers for a hilarious romp through her days as an L.A. matchmaker and her daily struggles to keep her self-esteem from imploding in a town where looks are everything and money talks. From juggling the demands her out-of-touch clients to trying her best to meet the capricious demands of an insensitive boss to the ups and downs of her own marriage to a Latin husband who doesn't think that she is 'domestic' enough, Marla writes with charm and self-effacement about the universal struggles that all women face in their lives. Readers will laugh, cringe, and cry as they journey with her through outrageous stories about the indignities of dating in Los Angeles, dealing with overblown egos, vicariously hobnobbing with celebrities, and navigating the wannabe-land of Beverly Hills. In a city where perfection is almost a prerequisite, even Marla can't help but run for the Botox every once in a while.
Price: $9.95 to $10.00 Visit the Website
As Natural As Nature: ALOE CADABRA
Description: There have been studies on the growing lubricant market. Proof reveals that $82 million worth of lubricants were sold in US drug stores last year alone. If you dig further, you discover that most of these lubricants are bodily harmful, and contains chemicals found in oven cleaner and antifreeze. These hazardous lubricants have the potential to damage your sensitive genital tissues, and may increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even HIV. ALOE CADABRA is the only brand certified to new Organic Standards. It is the only brand made with 95% of organic Aloe Vera. These Peppermint Tingle Sensation, Tahitian Vanilla Flavor, Pina Colada Flavor, French Lavender Scent, in addition to the Natural Aloe Unscented lubricant.
Price: $9.95 to $29.95 Visit the Website
Nail-biting Thriller Leads Reader On The Greatest Treasure Hunt Of All Time
Description: One man's distress over the explosive standoff that dominates the current Middle East conflict is the backdrop for this rollicking adventure, in the mold of the most exciting exploits of Indiana Jones. Combining historical, biblical and present-day political realities, The Countershaded Ibex by Andrew Warren is filled with nail-biting action, murder, Middle Eastern conflicts and Vatican secrets. The plot begins when Max Gilbert, a renowned professor of Middle Eastern studies and intrepid explorer, receives a middle-of-the-night phone call from a stranger half way around the world, who claims to know the secret of the vast buried treasure described in one of the Dead Sea scrolls.
Price: $8.99 to $24.95 Visit the Website
INDIAN AFFAIRS ~ Can Love Triumph Over Destiny?
Description: Turning conventional wisdom on its head, Washington socialite Alessandra O'Quinn and her lover, Indian shaman Manuel Mondragon, defy time, space, politics and family to come together in the sweeping canvas of the 1920's New Mexico outpost of Taos. The question is: Can they defy destiny to stay together? The story follows Alessandra, who has been exiled to Taos to either recover from tuberculosis or die. Her lover, Manuel, battles for her health and her love as Alessandra in turn battles her father and her husband for her right to independence. Alessandra willingly takes on the Bureau of Indian Affairs on behalf of the Taos Indians who have been fighting for rights to Blue Lake - the lake revered by the tribe who believe their ancient culture was created out of its sacred waters. As a place of ritual worship, the Indians also believe the lake is essential to their religion and everyday life. Against this beautiful, historic backdrop, pass Mabel Dodge Luhan, Willa Cather, Dr. Carl Jung, Georgia O'Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence, among other prominent personages of the day.
Price: $5.99 Visit the Website
Make That Kiss Memorable Forever: KISSTIXX Lip Balm
Description: KISSTIXX® flavored lip balm comes in complimentary flavors that combine and react when two partners kiss. Designed and manufactured in Utah, KISSTIXX® distributes its groundbreaking lip balm to retailers and consumers around the world to take lip locking to the next level. These beeswax-based balms also have coconut oil, Vitamin E, aloe, and SPF 15 and come in flavor combinations like Fire & Ice, Peaches & Cream, and Sweet & Sour.
Price: $5.99 to $50.00 Visit the Website
Description: With over 40 successful novels to her credit the spirited and sexy characters Elizabeth Lennox brings to life in her newest release The Earl's Outrageous Lover proves that love and passion rarely follow a predictable path. Jessica Mallory is outrageous, flamboyant and carefree. And… she has a wealthy father who is still trying to control her even from the grave. According to her father's will, if Jessica isn't married by age 25 – a scant two weeks away – his companies will all be dismantled, putting thousands of employees on the street. Not wanting to see so many people lose their livelihood, Jessica unwillingly puts aside her dream of finding true love in a quest to marry in fourteen days. Lord Edward Livingston - scheduled, organized and deliberate - has been enlisted by his uncle to find Jessica a suitable husband from his aristocratic bachelor pool. But even when Edward first meets her, and the crazy woman is wearing red cowboy boots, he finds himself falling for Jessica despite his better judgment. Everything about the gorgeous Jessica is the exact opposite of what Edward thinks he needs in a wife and yet neither can fight the attraction they have for the other.
Price: $2.99 to $6.99 Visit the Website


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Established in 1979, this Nazi documentation centre in Cologne is Germany's biggest regional memorial site for the victims of the Third Reich.
Since 1988 the centre has been located in EL-DE Haus, where the Cologne branch of the Gestapo was headquartered from 1935 to 1945. The documentation centre commemorates the victims of the Nazi regime, while also investigating and publicising Cologne's history during the Third Reich. In 1981 the former Gestapo prison was opened as a memorial site. As one of the best-preserved prisons from the Nazi era, it is a cultural site of national and European importance.
Opening times:
Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday, Sunday & public holidays 11am-6pm
두 가지 유용한 조합(브라우저 확대/축소):
확대: +
축소: +
다음 아이콘을 클릭하여 브라우저 공급자에서 기타 도움말을 받으십시오:

subset: commoncrawl


text: Tropical Spice Garden ADD TO TRIP PLANNER REMOVE FROM TRIP PLANNER Step into this little pocket of paradise and Nature's sights, smells and sounds will instantly take over, obliterating all traces of the hustle and bustle that is associated with urban living. It is excellently tranquil and a suitable place to immerse one's self in the splendours of Mother Nature, this veritable secret garden is the place to be. Spread over 3.2ha, this garden microcosm of diverse ecosystems houses more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and other regions. Getting Here By RoadIt's located at Teluk Bahang. From Geogetown follow the signboard heading to Batu Feringgi. It's about 20 minute. Who To Contact Tropical Spice Garden Phone: +604-881 1797 Visit website Related Brochure View all brochure


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Yeah, it's gone quiet.
– Happens here and there.
Cooking, not writing, but taking notes. Busy being busy, stay tuned, the search for balance continues….
Playing With My Food ~ An online journal about food, thought, travel, and life, by chef & internet raconteur Chaz French.
Yeah, it's gone quiet.
– Happens here and there.
Cooking, not writing, but taking notes. Busy being busy, stay tuned, the search for balance continues….
This is an ancient draft post from way back before I started culinary school. I never got around to finishing it. Here it is... Every now and then even the most experienced cooks and bakers fail. This was one of those times. "What the … [Continue reading]
I kinda forgot I was supposed to post part two... Absentia, Memoria, Florida Part Two: Memoria/Birthday I'm going to start by saying very few people knew it was my birthday, and I kinda wanted it to stay that way, but word got out. When you … [Continue reading]
As there are more and more nut allergies (or perceived to be) these days, I decided to play with a classic peanut butter cookie recipe and swap the peanut for sunflower, and then add a little something in the form of ground cranberries. They add a … [Continue reading]
Starting with silliness and at the end of the story, my flight home departs from Orlando, thanks to my friend's elite status I got priority boarding which meant having time to sit and watch everyone else board, and I've realized that there is a whole … [Continue reading]
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Warmer weather is here and so is snake season. Would you know what to do or where to turn if your child is bitten?
With copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, Texas leads the nation in venomous snake bites and most occur between April and October.
"I think one of the scariest moments is speeding down the highway at night and the thoughts that go through a young child's head, he actually asked, 'Am I going to die?'" said Cris Daskevich, mother of Dillon, a 6-year-old boy who was bitten.
Last fall, Dillon was with family and friends on a ranch in Edna when the boys, muddy from play, used an outdoor shower to wash off. Dillon reached between some rocks to grab the soap when he was bitten by a copperhead.
"When I pulled my hand up I really didn't notice it was still on my hand, but I slung it a couple of feet from the shower," Dillon said.
"I called 911, immediately asked which direction we were going to which hospital based on the question, who has anti-venom?" said Daskevich. "And 911 did not know on the phone but was able to direct me to the closest hospital and they said they did, so that's where we went."
"It was kind of scary but I knew that my mom wouldn't let me die," Dillon said.
But when they got to the county hospital, doctors were reluctant to give Dillon anti-venom because of his age.
"When someone says. 'Well, we could probably discharge you in a couple of hours and you might manage that with some over-the-counter pain medication,' watching it you just knew instantly, 'I just need a second opinion,'" Daskevich said.
As Dillon's hand continued to swell, his family called Texas Children's Hospital, which has the only board certified medical toxicologist in Houston -- Dr. Spencer Green.
"When I heard that it broke my heart that someone would dismiss a copperhead bite so quickly," Green said.
He explained that the anti-venom available now for pit vipers is the safest and most effective to date.
"Time is tissue. We know that the anti-venom is most effective in the first six hours," Green said.
Green said while the number of deaths from venomous snake bites is very low, without treatment, the damage can be devastating.
"There's the potential for tissue loss and permanent disfigurement or disability, so I think it's important to get seen right away by someone who manages snakes bites so he or she can determine what kind of treatment is necessary," Green said.
So what do you do if you or loved one is bitten?
- Do not try to capture the snake.
- Gently wash the wound with soap and water.
- Keep the limb that was bit elevated and seek help immediately.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Don't apply ice or heat to the wound.
- Do not try to cut or suck the venom.
"It's useless, all you're doing is injuring a bigger wound and potentially infecting a bite, so we don't do that," Green said.
Fortunately for Dillon, his bite is hardly even visible now.
He actually played in a flag football playoff the following week.
Green said since he's been in Houston he's seen snake bites everywhere, from rural areas to inside the loop.
Families are encouraged to make a plan and know where you can get treated quickly and effectively.
UPDATE: Where to find anti-venom
After this story ran, KSAT's viewers raised the question of where anti-venom vaccine can be found in San Antonio.
Locally, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital carries the anti-venom medication. In addition, CroFab, an anti-venom treatment used for rattlesnake, cotton mouth, and copperhead bites, is available at Children's Hospital of San Antonio, Christus Santa Rosa Medical Center, Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills, and Christus Santa Rosa New Braunfels.
University Health System has anti-venom for rattlesnake, copperhead and cottonmouth/water moccasins. However, Coral anti-venom is in very short supply nationally.
For more information, visit snakebitecare.com.
Copyright 2014 by KSAT - All rights reserved.


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Helping a partner during a ski descent
The second skier carries rope and equipment to create an anchor and belay, to be able to help the first skier in case of difficulty.
- Read the technical notice before viewing the following techniques.
- It is important to fully understand the information provided in the technical notice before using this complementary information
- Mastering these techniques requires training.
- Consult a professional before attempting to perform these techniques on your own.
Belaying off a snow anchor
If no natural anchor is available (rock horn, tree...), create a deadman with your ice axe. After tethering yourself, you can throw the rope with an attached carabiner so that the first skier can easily attach him/herself.
Do not belay directly off an anchor of questionable strength.
The belayer is tethered to the anchor, keeping the tether taut to reduce the chance of shock loading (consider the CONNECT ADJUST for this usage). The belayer takes a braced stance, possibly on a platform dug in the snow, and belays off the harness. Belaying is done with a Munter hitch as it offers adequate friction in any position. Warning: do not belay off the harness using a REVERSO, without a redirect: the rope and hand positions do not allow for adequate braking.
Belaying off a natural anchor
If a solid natural anchor is available, the operation may go faster. The anchor can be used to redirect the rope, making for a more comfortable belay position and enabling use of the REVERSO.
Movement of the second
On a fixed natural anchor, the second can set up a rappel to descend the difficult section. Otherwise, s/he should downclimb.


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Group challenges regs requiring phone companies to maintain copper networks
- 08 October, 2013 20:03
As the battle between cable providers and traditional telephone companies continues before federal regulators in Washington, a report issued Tuesday challenged old regulations that require companies such as AT&T to maintain copper-based legacy networks.
The report by industry analyst and scholar Anna-Maria Kovacs was issued by the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), a diverse consortium of 175 organizations that advocates for widespread broadband adoption. The alliance includes large companies like AT&T, some smaller carriers and nonprofit groups.
Among its findings, Kovacs' 45-page report found that only 5% of the nation's households rely exclusively on circuit-switched voice telecommunications over copper wires (commonly called POTS, for Plain Old Telephone Service). Meanhwhile, 38% of households rely on wireless communications exclusively and the remainder rely on a combination of wired and wireless services that include voice over IP.
Cable and traditional phone companies are battling over the same set of customers for Internet services that include video, social networking service and much more. Traditional phone companies are concerned they can't compete fairly because of regulations that they must spend billions of dollars providing a traditional wired network that only offers voice and slower data services.
IIA Honorary Chairman Rick Boucher, a former congressman, said in a conference call introducing the report that federal regulations require incumbent telephone companies to maintain their entire circuit-switched networks, even as wireless and other technologies have evolved. More than half of the $154 billion spent by those companies from 2006 to 2011 went for this "outdated network" based on copper, he said.
"Cable, by contrast, is not burdened by these regulations," Boucher said. "Freeing up the telcos would allow them to build ... and [they] would be a more vibrant competitor to cable."
Boucher stressed in a statement that federal and state policymakers "must modernize policies and create a level playing field for all competitors to invest and innovate."
Kovacs said the purpose of her report was not to make recommendations although she did endorse industry trials to convert circuit-switched homes and businesses to all-IP networks that would take place "in a few small controlled areas where we can retreat back to old technology if we need to." The IP platform would not have to run over wireless only, she said, but could be built on fiber or something like AT&T's U-verse service, which runs mostly over fiber with some copper in the final stretch to a home or business.
Over the past year, AT&T has urged the FCC to allow it to conduct trials in two cities that haven't been named.
On Sept. 24, AT&T CEO Chairman Randall Stephenson urged the FCC to move faster on AT&T's request for trials. AT&T has set a goal to build an all-IP, all-wireless, all- cloud network nationwide by 2020.
The IIA said the Kovacs report was not funded by any single member of its broad-based group. The group of 175 members includes companies in the telecom manufacturing area such as Alcatel-Lucent, but AT&T is the only large incumbent carrier. Other members include the Americans for Tax Reform, the American Conservative Union, the Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Touched by an Angel Ministries.
Matt Wood, policy director of the public interest group Free Press, said the report and the IIA's position are headed toward urging government support of a wholesale deregulation of all communications providers. "There's room to talk about modernization in the industry, but not a race to the bottom where we deregulate everybody," he said in an interview.
Traditional carriers "should not be required to offer copper, but they should offer universal connectivity and interconnections with other carriers."
Wood said the FCC and state regulators should maintain a commitment to service all people and businesses under universal service principles that don't discriminate on where a person or business is located -- whether it is on a remote Indian-American territory or a West Virginia mountainside. Free Press also supports interconnection principles, which means that if a customer has Verizon Wireless service, Verizon must connect with other services such as AT&T.
"Principles like universal service, nondiscrimination and interconnection are not outdated legacies," Wood said. "They are the foundations for competition in a strong economy and free expression in a democracy. We can talk about modernizing and even eliminating special regulations, but can't toss out any of these bedrock principles or the FCC's authority to enforce them."
Boucher said the IIA does adhere to the principles that Free Press espoused. "Nobody is proposing a flash cut [to free up carriers], and it would happen over time," he said.
"A number of consumer values must be addressed and protected and no one left behind. Universal service must be preserved. Everyone should receive a service at least as good as [their] service today. Everyone will have continued access to 911 and access for the disabled would have to be preserved for the vision and hearing impaired. And there needs to be a place to make complaints. The FCC needs to conduct trials," Boucher said.
This article, Group challenges regs requiring phone companies to maintain copper networks, was originally published at Computerworld.com.
Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at @matthamblen or subscribe to Matt's RSS feed. His email address is firstname.lastname@example.com.
See more by Matt Hamblen on Computerworld.com.
Read more about wireless carriers in Computerworld's Wireless Carriers Topic Center.


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Dmx Spazzes Out On The Industry On Tim Westwood Radio! "The Industry Is Full Of Homo. Hatin a$$ Niccas" [Throwback 2004 Footage]
DMX in 2004 with Tim Westwood
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Incense Shop
A freshly cut wood smell. This sandalwood scent can either be described as piney with a little varnish to it, or spicy.
A popular choice of tea and flower, chamomile brings a fresh, unprocessed scent right to your home. Enjoy the crisp smell of herbs, flowers, and nature.
Jump right into fall with our Pumpkin Spice incense. This warm, spicy, sweet scent will be perfect for any occasion, especially cuddling up with a nice hot beverage.
Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee brewing every morning with our Coffee incense sticks.
Cinnamon Apple is a sweeter, fresher counterpart to Cinnamon, as it has the fruity, sweet, natural aroma of apples mixed with the more spicy aroma of cinnamon.
The tangy, citrus-like smell of orange melded with the aromatic spice of cinnamon makes for a perfect harmony of zesty, sweet, spicy flavor.
Cinnamon is a warm fragrance guaranteed to bring spice and a very familiar, cozy scent straight to your home.
Unwind and enjoy the sweet, classic scent of vanilla with our Vanilla incense.
Apricot is a sweet and tangy fragrance, almost a mixture of peach and orange. This scent is inspired by the apricot fruit and is a perfect summer scent.
Directly from the resin of coniferous trees, Amber is warm, spicy, and sweet. These incense sticks give off a scent of pine and spruces with a hint of spice.
One of the most known scents in the world, spearmint. This fragrance is one of the most refreshing scents in our shop.
Pine, a favorite scent across the nation. This fragrance will most likely remind you of that new Christmas tree scent.
Patchouli plants have a unique leaf that gives off a piney scent similar to a rain forest after a long rain storm.
This fragrance is quite similar to the scent you smell when you walk outside after a rainstorm passes over.
Directly from China, this scent is based off of feng shui wood. A relaxing scent that smells of the gardens of China.
Allow the smell of fresh air, leaves, and soft rain to fill your senses. Bring the smell of nature to your own home.
Commonly found in soaps and perfumes, our Eucalyptus scent will bring a fresh, clean aroma to your home.


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Marking the season with artistic flair can mean many different things in the Peninsula's arts community. There are several performances of the "Nutcracker" ballet, of course, and more than one chance to let your singing voice out to play in the rippling vocal runs of the "Messiah."
For something a little different, families might check out a LEGO-brick holiday display, a latke cook-off or a performance by 20-plus harps. A list encompassing many of the options begins below.
The Ragazzi Boys Chorus sings festive music from the last thousand years (chants, hymns, carols and more modern adaptations) in "Christmas Classics: A Millennium of Song." The holiday show is 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $25 reserved, $15 general, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Go to ragazzi.org or call 650-342-8785.
Selections from Handel's "Messiah" pair up with Mozart's "Requiem" at the Peninsula Cantare choral group's concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Joined by musicians from the Redwood Symphony, the group will perform at the First Baptist Church of Palo Alto, 305 N. California Ave. Tickets are $20/$15. Go to peninsulacantare.org or call 650-593-4287.
Spanish villancicos -- works that combine the sacred and folkloric -- from the 16th to the 18th centuries are the focus of the California Bach Society's holiday concert. "A Belen (To Bethlehem)" will be performed with Richard Savino on Baroque guitar and Peter Maund with Renaissance drums at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Tickets are $25 general, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. Go to calbach.org or call 415-262-0272.
"Christmas 3D" means holiday music from composers including Bob Chilcott and William Hawley, sung by Soli Deo Gloria. The audience gets to join in on carols. The concert is at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets are $25 general, $20 for students and seniors, and free for students up to eighth grade. Go to sdgloria.org or call 888-734-7664.
Mountain View's East West Books hosts the Celtic/medieval ensemble Broceliande for a winter-solstice concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Traditional and early music will be sung and played on Celtic harp, recorders, mandolin, fiddle and other music-makers. Admission is $15 through Dec. 2 and $20 on the day of the concert, which is at 324 Castro St. Go to eastwest.com or call 650-988-9800.
The San Francisco-based Symphony Parnassus plays a holiday concert featuring Respighi's "Trittico Botticelliano," the Viva la Musica! Choir and cellist Amos Yang (in Dvorak's Cello Concerto). The performance is at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. Admission is $22 premium, $20 general and $15 for seniors and students. Go to symphonyparnassus.org.
Classical harpist Natalie Cox joins a studio ensemble of harps in the annual concert "20 Harps for the Holidays" at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. The performance starts at 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and benefits the Harpeggio Music group. Admission is $12/$15; go to harpeggio.com or call 408-366-8810.
Seasonal carols and sacred works drawn from many Eastern European traditions make up "Wintersongs," a concert given by the Kitka women's vocal group at 4 p.m. Dec. 4. The venue is St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. Tickets are $15-$27 in advance and $15-$32 at the door ($5 for kids under 12). Go to kitka.org or call 510-444-0323.
San Francisco Choral Artists looks at the Christmas story from an earthier point of view -- that of the animals, shepherds and farmers -- in Daniel Pinkham's "Company at the Creche." The group will perform the premiere work with handbells at 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets are $12-$25. Go to sfca.org or call 415-494-8149.
J.S. Bach's epic Mass in B Minor will fill the First United Methodist Church at 625 Hamilton Ave. in Palo Alto at 8 p.m. Dec. 6, presented by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, the Philharmonia Chorale and four vocal soloists: soprano Sherezade Panthaki, countertenor Daniel Taylor, tenor Thomas Cooley and baritone Nathaniel Watson. Tickets are $25-$100. Go to philharmonia.org or call 415-392-4400.
"Weinachtsfest" is the name of the Bay Choral Guild's holiday program this year, featuring J.S. Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" and other works. The Jubilate Baroque Orchestra and four vocal soloists -- soprano Helena Zindarsian, alto Dianne Terp, tenor John Davey-Hatcher and baritone Jeff Fields -- will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at the First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets are $25 general and $20 for students. Go to baychoralguild.org.
Prokofiev and Loesser are among the composers to be represented at the Menlo Park Chorus' eclectic "Welcome Winter" concert. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, with refreshments following. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. The chorus will also perform the program as a free holiday concert at 11 a.m. Dec. 3 in the Menlo Park City Council chambers, 701 Laurel St. Go to menloparkchorus.org or call 408-314-7589.
The Friends of Music at Stanford hosts its yearly "Holiday Musicale" at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the university's Memorial Church. Featured performers include the Early Music Singers, organist Adam Detzner and harpist Alessandra Serrano. Admission is $10 general, $5 for students and $9 for seniors. Go to music.stanford.edu or call 650-725-ARTS.
Stanford pipe organist Robert Huw Morgan directs the annual seasonal "Service of Lessons & Carols" at the university's Memorial Church at 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. Admission is free. Go to music.stanford.edu.
A trio of "Ave Marias" (by Poulenc, Biebl and MacIntyre) is featured along with medieval and Renaissance music in the Peninsula Women's Chorus holiday program "Sweet Joy." Concert times are 4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto; and 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at St. Patrick's Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Tickets are $10-$35. Go to pwchorus.org.
Palo Alto High School's choirs present a circa-1545 "Madrigal Feaste" of song and dining at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 11. The Tudor-style "banquet" is in the high school's small gym at 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $75 to sit at the king's table; $40 general and $25 for seniors and students to dine with the plain old nobility. Go to palymadrigals.com.
Irish singer-songwriter Mary Mc Laughlin brings her Irish Gaelic holiday choir to the Vallombrosa Center at 250 Oak Grove Ave. in Menlo Park for the concert "A Gaelic Christmas" at 2 p.m. Dec. 11. The program features traditional Irish carols along with other seasonal songs translated into Irish, with the singers accompanied by Celtic harp, flute and whistle and other instruments. Tickets are $18 general and $12 for students and seniors. Go to coraingli.com or call 831-227-6049.
"A Schola Cantorum Christmas" happens at 3 p.m. Dec. 11, with Oxford Street Brass along for the ride. The concert includes "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and takes place at First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Road. Adults pay $20 to get in, and kids pay $5. Go to scholacantorum.org or call 650-254-1700.
"A Holiday Celebration!" is a program of festive music presented by the Stanford Chamber Chorale, Bay Brass and Stanford pipe organist Robert Huw Morgan. Music includes Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata." Admission is free to the 1:30 p.m. Dec. 11 concert, held at Memorial Church.
Schola Cantorum's Gregory Wait conducts the group's "Messiah Sing" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Loaner scores will be available. Admission is $20 general and $16 for seniors, students and children. Members of groups of 10 or more get in for $12. Go to scholacantorum.org or call 650-903-6000.
The Magnificat Baroque ensemble will perform Henrich Schutz's Christmas oratorio "Weihnachtshistorie" together with the Palo Alto-based ensemble The Whole Noyse (which performs on reproductions of 16th-century instruments). The concert is 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at the First United Methodist Church at 625 Hamilton Ave. in Palo Alto. Tickets are $35 general, $28 for San Francisco Early Music Society members, $30 for seniors and $12 for students. Go to sfems.org or call 510-528-1725.
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sings gospel arrangements of traditional holiday tunes in its "Gospel Holiday Concert" at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Admission is $36 general, $31 for seniors and students, and $28 for children 12 and under. Go to oigc.org or call 650-903-6000.
The ebullient Stephen M. Sano is back conducting the annual "Messiah" Sing-Along/Play-Along" at Stanford's Memorial Church at 8 p.m. Dec. 16. Attendees bring their instruments and/or voices, with orchestral parts provided. Tickets are $10 general, $9 for seniors and $5 for students. Go to music.stanford.edu or call 650-725-ARTS.
The clear-voiced men of Chanticleer return to Stanford's Memorial Church for the annual "A Chanticleer Christmas" concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Carols, gospel classics and chant are on the program. Admission is $52 general and $10 for Stanford students. Go to music.stanford.edu or call 650-725-ARTS.
It's a holiday homecoming for violinist Krista Bennion Feeney, who was once music director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra and now returns as a soloist for the "Celebrate the Holidays" concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing Arts, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. She will solo in Haydn's Violin Concerto in G Major; the program also includes Corelli's "Christmas Concerto." Tickets are $29-$59; go to ncco.org.
Festive tunes played only on trombones -- that's the plan for the Gordon Stewart Peninsula Trombone Choir's free holiday concert, to be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Holiday music with traditional, jazzy and classical flavors will be played at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 4111 Alma St., Palo Alto. Call 650-493-4257.
The Congregational Oratorio Society and Orchestra, with Joe Guthrie on the pipe organ, will play holiday music by Buxtehude, Charpentier and John Rutter in a concert called "My Soul Doth Magnify." The performance is at 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Admission is $15 general and $10 for students and seniors. Go to fccpa.org or call 650-856-6662.
"Falling Snow," the tale of a jewelry-box ballerina who comes to life, is on the program for the Foothill College Repertory Dance Company's "Jingle & Mingle Holiday Open Studio" at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. Led by dance-department director Bubba Gong, the program also includes a jazz suite, a hip-hop duet and a tango tap number. The event is in the Dance Studio, Room 2504 at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Admission is free, and parking is $2. Go to foothill.edu or call 650-949-7354.
The Western Ballet Company leaps into its performances of "The Nutcracker" on at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, at 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3, and at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Tickets are $25-$30; go to westernballet.org or call 650-903-6000.
Another "Nutcracker" will be presented by Dance Connection of Palo Alto at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 through Dec. 4, at Spangenberg Theatre, 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Admission is $15-$25. Go to danceconnectionpaloalto.com or call 650-322-7032.
Smuin Ballet dancers will take the stage to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson's version of "Oh, Holy Night" as part of the company's annual "Christmas Ballet." The eclectic program will be performed at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. from Dec. 7 through Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. weekdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $23-$65. Go to smuinballet.org or call 650-903-6000.
The Bayer Ballet Company will perform "A Winter Fairy Tale," a Russian forest tale set to music by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Performances are 5 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18; tickets are $30 general and $25 for seniors and children 12 and under. Go to bayerballetacademy.com or call 650-903-6000.
Arts & crafts and exhibits
Artistic nativity scenes from a wealth of nations, incorporating such materials as bamboo, crystal, driftwood and eggshells, are on display in the 24th annual Christmas creche exhibit at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 3865 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. The free exhibit can be viewed noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 through Dec. 7. Periodic special events during that time will include choral performances and daily marionette shows. Go to christmascreche.org or call 650-856-3781.
Gallery House is holding a holiday show through Dec. 24, with extended holiday hours for showing and selling art beginning after Thanksgiving: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The gallery is at 320 S. California Ave. in Palo Alto; go to galleryhouse2.com or call 650-326-1668.
Palo Alto's Cubberley Artists and the Palo Alto Art Center team up to hold a family day and open studios at the Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. Artwork will be shown and sold, with artists available to answer questions, and craft activities for kids will be held. Admission is free. Go to cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter or call 650-329-2366.
Handcrafted gifts will be for sale against a background of student performances and live music at the German Holiday Market from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the German International School of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St., Mountain View. Admission is free. Go to gissv.org or call 650-254-0748.
Peninsula School welcomes its annual December craft fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at 920 Peninsula Way in Menlo Park. In the company of strolling singers, artisans will show and sell textile art, jewelry, ornaments, handmade toys, body products, ceramics, glass art and other items. Admission is free. Go to peninsulaschool.org or call 650-325-1584.
Kids and families
Hanukkah arts and crafts, carnival games and, of course, lots of prepared potatoes will abound at the "Whole-Lotta-Latke Cook-off" at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Intended for families with preschool or school-age children, the event goes from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall. Admission is free; latke-tasting tickets are a quarter each. Go to paloaltojcc.org.
Kids' games, pony rides, craft tables, a petting zoo and face-painting are among the activities planned for the free holiday barn-lighting at Westwind Community Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills. The event goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 and also includes wine tasting for the parents, along with hot-cider tasting. Go to losaltoshills.ca.gov or call 650-947-2518.
The trains will be rollin' again soon at Palo Alto's Museum of American Heritage. The annual "LEGO Holiday Extravaganza" exhibit, a huge layout featuring Bay Area landmarks done up in LEGO blocks with model trains passing through, will be open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 through Jan. 15, Friday through Sunday. The museum is at 351 Homer Ave.; admission is $2 general and free for members of the Bay Area LEGO User Group and the Bay Area LEGO Train Club. Go to moah.org or call 650-321-1004.
More trains are planned for the free holiday model-railroad show put on by the West Bay Model Railroad Association at 1090 Merrill St., Menlo Park. Trains in three scales will run along, with railroad memorabilia on exhibit, 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 10, and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Go to wbmrra.ning.com or call 650-322-0685.
For a puppet "Nutcracker" version, families can attend several holiday puppet shows at Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. The shows are intended for children ages 3 and up, with light refreshments served; performances are at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Admission is $15 general and $10 for members. Reservations are required; go to gamblegarden.org.
Marley may be dead, but "A Christmas Carol" is very much alive at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts' SecondStage at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10, presented by Peninsula Youth Theatre. Admission to the shows at 500 Castro St. is $8 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Go to pytnet.org or call 650-903-6000.
In a Secret Santa drawing, protagonist Junie B. draws antagonist May's name. The drama unfolds in the kids' play "Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells," presented by the Palo Alto Children's Theatre at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. The show runs Dec. 8 through Dec. 18 with afternoon and evening performances; tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. Go to cityofpaloalto.org or call 650-463-4930.
Holiday-bedecked homes in Atherton will be in the spotlight during the Junior League of Palo Alto/Mid Peninsula's "Finishing Touches: A Holiday Tour of Fine Homes and Boutique." Tours are planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3. Tickets are $40-$65. Go to juniorleaguehometour.com.
The historic Rengstorff House offers up refreshments and carols during its free holiday open house from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. The house is at 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Mountain View. Go to r-house.org or call 650-903-6392.
Ever since 1940, a two-block stretch of Fulton Street between Embarcadero Road and Seale Avenue has taken on a different name this time of year: Christmas Tree Lane. Festive trees, lights and other decorations will proliferate this season from Dec. 10 through New Year's Day. Drive carefully. More information is at christmastreelane.org.
Walkers will tour seven houses in Palo Alto's College Terrace neighborhood at the 24th holiday hour tour from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. The event is organized by Palo Alto Stanford Heritage and features many architectural styles. Tickets are $25 before Dec. 1 and $30 on the day of the tour. Go to pastheritage.org.
Local folks who don't celebrate Christmas often spend Dec. 24 at "Chopshticks," an annual comedy night. This year's event features comedian Brad Zimmerman, who has performed in New York comedy clubs and appeared on "The Sopranos." The event, which includes hors d'oeuvres and dessert, starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Admission is $55 general and $50 for JCC members in advance, and $65 at the door. Go to paloaltojcc.org or call 650-223-8609.


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Bletchley Park Could Open as a Free Cybersecurity College in 2018
The famous central site of code-deciphering projects during World War II.
The famous central site of code-deciphering projects during World War II.
There were many fronts of battle in World War II, and military intelligence had a part to play in all of them. Scattered all over the country were bases and labs where spies, analysts and technicians feverishly worked on cracking codes, studying photos, making maps and designing weapons. Here's a list of the five most important.
Google's got a bit of a soft spot for Bletchly Park, known for being the British code-cracking institution of WWII. What you might not realise is that Bletchly was also the birthplace of the modern digital, programmable, electronic computer back in 1942 with Colossus. Google's put together a beautiful short film looking back on the pioneering work that paved the way for what we all rely on today.
That rather grim lump of concrete is one of the country's newest Grade II listed buildings. It's the Block C group of builidings at Bletchley Park, where the Nazi codes were crunched.
Google's been hovering around Bletchley for some time, helping with previous fund raising efforts and donating various skills. But now it's just taken the Route 1 approach and handed the Bletchley Trust a massive lump of cash.
If you have a passing interest in the life of Alan Turing and the great innovations he was responsible for, there's some small way you can help -- signing a petition to have him pardoned of his "crime."
Full details of the route the Olympic Torch will take as it criss-crosses the country on its way to London 2012 have been revealed, with The Flame set to pass through a part of Milton Keynes known as Bletchley Park.
The historic monument known as Bletchley Park has had all sorts of do-gooders rallying for its place in the future, after a lack of funding slid it into a state of neglect. With this £4.6m Heritage Lottery Fund, the old WWII codebreakers' building can be restored and turned into a tourist attraction.


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Gallery fire suspect likely to never face trial
In the four years Robert Gillham spent behind bars unable to make a half-million-dollar bail, he was on the verge of trial twice, was declared mentally incompetent and had a golf ball-size brain tumor removed.
Lawyers Wednesday said the 70-year-old former Gallery Furniture employee, accused of starting a four-alarm fire that caused $20 million in damage at Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale's flagship store, was unlikely to ever face a trial.
"An expert has found him incompetent and unlikely to regain competence and neither side is disputing that," said Brett Podolsky, his attorney. "Both sides are working on an agreed order for a lengthy civil commitment."
The declaration sets in motion court orders that will likely send Gillham to a mental hospital for the rest of his life.
The former furniture salesman accused of setting the May 21, 2009, fire had been declared incompetent to stand trial last year because of a brain tumor that has since been removed.
However, the damage the tumor did, the trauma of brain surgery and Gillham's age have contributed to his deteriorating condition, Podolsky said.
State District Judge May Lou Keel is expected to sign legal filings next week ratifying the psychiatric findings and clearing the way for Gillham to be committed, Podolsky said.
Gallery Furniture and McIngvale, its colorful pitchman, are well-known Houston icons. He said Wednesday he was disappointed by the development, but had no quarrel with the criminal justice system.
"We wanted to get this behind us, and get some closure on this," McIngvale said. "But the court system is the court system and if they say he's incompetent, we certainly respect whatever the court system rules."
McIngvale said subpoenas and witness summons were sent out several times for expected trials that did not materialize.
"We've been through so many ups and downs with this thing since it first happened," McIngvale said. "But that's life. You take your licking and keep on ticking."
Assistant Harris County District Attorney Steve Baldassano said the unsatisfying conclusion to the lingering case is unfortunate for everyone involved, including Gillham.
"It's not good for him, it's not good for anybody, to have a guy in jail without a trial," the prosecutor said. "Legally, there's nothing we can do if he's found incompetent."
Gillham has remained jailed since his 2009 arrest. His bail was set at $500,000 after prosecutors said he told a relative visiting him in jail that he planned to kill McIngvale.
To be committed civilly, Gillham has to be certified by two mental health professionals before the deal is final, which Baldassano said is the next probable step.
"I think they're going to say he's incompetent, but I can't know, until they do it," Baldassano said. "That seems to be the course of the thing, unfortunately."
Once Gillham is committed, he will be moved to a state mental hospital. If doctors there ever decide he has regained competency, he will again face charges of criminal mischief for the fire. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Generally, arson is a second-degree felony with a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Criminal mischief that causes more than $200,000 in damages is a first-degree felony with a maximum life sentence.
Gillham worked at the North Freeway store from 1989 until 2007 when he was fired for allegedly running a loan-sharking business.
Later that year, the company obtained a restraining order against him after he was accused of threatening an employee at the store.


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They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world. Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.Allan K. Chalmers
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge [Samuel Coleridge] (1772-1834 / Devon / England)
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The Dungeon
And this place our forefathers made for man !
This is the process of our Love and Wisdom,
To each poor brother who offends against us--
Most innocent, perhaps--and what if guilty ?
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A guy like Terrence Malick all but drops out of sight for a few years, and it's natural to wonder what exactly it is that he's been doing. Well, it would appear that he was writing.
Word came out of the American Film Market that Film Nation Entertainment will distribute Malick's next film, "Lawless," which stars Ryan Gosling, and an amazing supporting cast, including Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Rooney Mara and Haley Bennett.
Bale will also star in Malick's "Knight of Cups," which also has Blanchett in a supporting role, as well as Isabel Lucas. "Lawless" and "Knight of Cups" will shoot back-to-back during the summer of 2012.
U.S. & World
This is all very good news, but we're wondering what any of it has to do with Bale and Malick being seen earlier this year with a film crew at Austin City Limits during a set by Arcade Fire.
But next up for Malick is The Film Formerly Know as "The Burial," starring Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Olga Kurylenko, as well as Rachel Weisz, Javier Bardem, Barry Pepper, Charles Baker and Jessica Chastain. Affleck plays a Lothario who travels to Pairs, where he has an affair with a European woman, whom he ends up marrying, in part because of visa issues. But when the return home, things sour, and Affleck rekindles his romance with an old flame, according to 24 Frames.


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Journal Highlight
Alexa Fluor® Dyes Shed Light on a New Actin Assembly Factor
Zuchero JB, Coutts AS, Quinlan ME et al. (2009) p53-cofactor JMY is a multifunctional actin nucleation factor. Nat Cell Biol 11:451–459 .
What cellular factors regulate the assembly and function of actin structures? Actin filaments are the basic building blocks for a wide array of cytoskeletal features. Several classes of proteins have been identified that direct the assembly of these building blocks into macromolecular domains, including Arp2/3, which serves as a template for branched filament formation, and Spire, which nucleates unbranched filament assembly. Given the wealth of genome data available to researchers, database searches are turning up proteins whose sequence homology to these known actin nucleators suggests potentially related functions.
In their current report, Zuchero and colleagues investigate the actin assembly role of JMY, a protein previously known as a transcriptional activator but with sequence homology to the WASp Homology 2 (WH2) domain, an Arp2/3-activating sequence. They observed that JMY is capable of accelerating actin assembly in a dose-dependent fashion, either in concert with Arp 2/3 or on its own, as visualized in several cell types by labeling with Alexa Fluor® phalloidin conjugates (Figure 1). This acceleration was shown to be a consequence of nucleation of new actin filaments rather than enhanced elongation. Supporting this, sequence analysis revealed homology between JMY and Spire, and kinetic assays demonstrated the two proteins possess nearly identical actin nucleation activities. The authors observed that JMY is largely localized in the nucleus of relatively nonmotile cells, but is found more prominently at the leading edge of growth regions in highly motile cells such as neutrophils, suggesting a role in cell motility.
Other experiments showed significantly reduced rates of wound healing in cells when JMY expression was suppressed by RNAi knockdown. Given the known transcriptional function of JMY combined with its actin-nucleating activity demonstrated here, impaired healing could be attributed to either decreased motility or altered transcription, or some combination of the two. The authors present the clearly defined transcriptional and cytoskeletal roles of JMY as evidence that it represents a new class of actin assembly factor.
Figure 1. JMY nucleates actin filaments and activates the Arp2/3 complex. Expression of haemagglutinin (HA)-tagged JMY (top panels; revealed by indirect immunofluorescence of HA, green) in U2OS cells induces the formation of filamentous actin structures (revealed with Alexa Fluor® 568 Phalloidin, red). These elongated actin structures colocalize with JMY and are not seen in untransfected cells (bottom panels). Nuclei were revealed with DAPI (blue). Scale bar, 10 μm. Reprinted by permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: Nature Cell Biology 11:451(2009).


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Classes are currently being taught online. All physical facilities are closed to the public at this time, and employees are working remotely.Please visit
dcccd.edu/coronavirus for additional information and to
find contact information for various departments.If you need additional assistance, please visit
My Community Services and our
Community Employment Resources.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to find a resource that could help you find your perfect career and guide you through the steps to begin it?
You have one — your Guided Pathway to Success!
A guided pathway will help you earn a college credential and build a career.
Are you ready to combine your intelligence with your imagination?
Perhaps to write a novel? Capture a stunning sunset? Produce an award-winning play?
Arts, Humanities, Communications and Design career path offers lots of exciting options to develop your talents and then channel them into a rewarding career. Whether you want to speak with movement, inspire through visual art or rely on the power of the pen, this career path is fueled by ideas and discussion.
Imagine better.
Back to the top
The ability to organize, plan, manage teams and projects ...
The skills you'll build in our
Business career path are in high demand among employers in virtually
any industry. That is what makes the Business career path so flexible! You will learn skills that help you succeed in college, in your career and in everyday life.
Let's get down to business.
From kids in pre-K to high school teens, children are eager to learn and grow (and one day enter the workforce). But they can't do it alone. They need strong teachers — ones who are college-trained and student-focused — to help them reach their full potential. Because better education means a better life.
Do you believe quality education matters? Are you ready to inspire the next generation?
Build your skill sets with the
Education career path. There are lots of areas within the career path for you to explore.
Teach well.
Are you motivated by the desire to help others? That trait is extremely valuable, especially in today's economy! The demand for health care workers is rapidly growing as the population ages, life expectancy increases and more Americans have insurance coverage.
Health Sciences career path allows you to follow your calling and lead your career in a direction that pays well. There are numerous specialties to choose from.
Realize your full potential to help others. Get training that is meaningful and hands on.
Make a living making a difference.
Thoughts are just that — thoughts. But actions, now those take you somewhere!
Industry, Manufacturing and Construction career path is all about action. It is for those who want to think and do. Those who want to grow a project from an initial concept to a permanent, finished product. To take pride in their work but continue exploring new skills every day.
A substantial number of workers in this career path are entering retirement. New "doers" are needed to complete projects and to supervise workers. If you build the right skills and knowledge now, job opportunities are everywhere.
Protective gear required!
Are you a people person? The
Social Sciences and Public Service career path offers the opportunity for you to build skills that will better the lives of people in your community. You will explore relationships, patterns and trends in society (and among individuals), then use that information to make a difference.
You could help establish justice as a paralegal. Protect children or the elderly as a social worker. Or advocate for change at the state or federal level by serving in government. There is a vast range of opportunities in this career path, but they all share one thing in common: servant leadership.
Do more good.
Got questions? Go ahead, ask away.
STEM career path is for the curious! It is a career path where inquiry fuels discovery and the natural world collides with a world that is man-made.
If you are ready to innovate, to educate and/or to lead in the sciences, technology, engineering or math, the STEM career path is your first step. Because it's not about what STEM can do. It's about what you can do with STEM.
Break your limits.


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Dear From the Heart reader,
It is my privilege today to introduce to you author Cerella Sechrist. Cerella lives in Pennsylvania not far from the town of Hershey where her story is set for her soon to be released title.
Cerella, your title Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania will be released February 1, 2010 by Summerside Press. Where did you get your inspiration from for this fun story?
I'm a bit of a foodie, and I used to have an obsession with the Food Network. After years of writing historical fiction, I wanted to try something different. When I started thinking about a contemporary story to tell, it didn't take long for me to gravitate to food! And from there, the progression to desserts wasn't too large a leap.
You must have had fun researching for this book.
Like building a recipe, I pulled a dash here and a dash there – and made many trips to nearby
A February release is a great time for a romantic tale to find it's way to the shelves. I would imagine that lends itself to some fun marketing. Do you have any plans already underway?
There will be some chocolatey giveaways going on through my website (www.cerelladsechrist.com) during the month of February as well as some foodie events where you can learn to make a dessert or two. Additionally, I'll be offering some fun merchandise surrounding the book's themes of food, romance and chocolate! I encourage readers to join my Facebook page and sign up for my newsletter through the website (see all links at the end of this interview) to keep up to date with all the yummy goodness. :)
What has been the hardest part of writing your novel and how did you overcome it?
Well, desserts are a dominant theme, so the hardest part was the research. =D
What do you hope people will take away from reading your book?
First and foremost, I simply hope people come away feeling lighter for having read it. If it makes you laugh or smile, then it was worth the effort. Secondly, if you find a little of yourself in the story and know yourself a little better once it's over, then so much the better. Thirdly, if it gives you an insatiable craving for chocolate…I apologize.
What new projects are you working on, are they in the same genre?
Currently, I'm working on a contemporary series about three sisters who are working at mending their broken relationships with each other. It's filled with a little bit of everything: elements of humor, touches of mystery and a lot of relational drama as the three try to come to terms with their own personal betrayals and failures.
I would imagine like most authors, once people know you are writing you get a lot of advice. What is the best and worst writing advice you ever got?
The best comes from my own sister, who constantly encourages me. She's never been afraid to tell me, "This isn't working, and I know you can make it work. Stop procrastinating and do it right." She's like my personal cheerleader and drill-sergeant fused into one.
There's been a lot of advice I may not have agreed with – but you have to take into account that different things work for different people. What may be bad advice for me might be brilliant for someone else.
Are you using state-of-the-art technology in your everyday writing life?
My favorite thing right now is the digital readers – like the Amazon Kindle, which allows you to instantly download books to a personal handheld device. It allows me to carry dozens of books at my fingertips – it saves a lot of luggage space when you're hauling reference books around!
Is there an area in your writing that you are working on improving?
I love the challenge of writing – finding my weak spots and making the effort to tighten them up. Lately, I've been trying to tone up particular plot details – especially that dreaded middle section where writers tend to get a little hung up on moving your characters from points B to C to D.
Cerella, I am sure you have your favorite reference books or 'how to's' on the subject of writing. What books do you recommend to our readers?
For those just starting out, I highly recommend finding a used copy of "How to Write and Sell a Christian Novel" by Gilbert Morris. It's out-of-print now but worth finding a copy to familiarize yourself with the beginner's writing life. He offers a lot of basics to get you started.
For those who have been at it a little longer, I recommend Heather Seller's books "Chapter after Chapter" and "Page after Page." They appeal to novices and experts alike, but I appreciate them more now that I've been writing for several years.
What obstacles have you run up against in your writing journey?
I think the universal answer is…rejection. It's certainly a lesson in humility, patience and perseverance.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
I try to keep lots of fun content on my website that relate to my novels (soundtracks, recipes, backgrounds, merchandise, etc.) Check it frequently for updates at: www.cerelladsechrist.com
Also, join me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/thecerellalife and follow my blog at www.thewaterportal.net
My main character, Sadie, in Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania even has her own blog at: www.suncatchersadie.blogspot.com
Cerella, thank you so much for joining us here today and I hope our readers will check out your sites and your title. I have the sudden urge to go find my chocolate stash so see y' all later…
From my heart to yours,


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WASHINGTON - After a long and chilly four years, Barack Obama hopes to reset his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he makes his first trip to Israel as president this spring.
Obama won't be carrying any big new Mideast peace plans when he embarks on the trip, which will also include a stop in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, officials say. But repairing the relationship with Netanyahu, a key ally with whom Obama has often been at odds, could itself be a crucial step toward reopening a pathway to peace in the region.
In his meetings with Netanyahu and Palestinian leaders, Obama will stress the importance of getting the parties back to the negotiating table. But U.S. officials caution that no breakthroughs are expected to emerge during the president's trip and reviving the peace process in the near term is not seen as realistic by the Obama administration.
"That is not the purpose of this visit," White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday.
Despite the deep ties between the U.S. and Israel, traveling to Jerusalem is always a tricky prospect for American presidents, given that their visits often raise expectations for U.S.-brokered peace deals. Only four U.S. presidents have visited Israel since the country was formed: Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who visited twice in the final year of his presidency.
Seeking to temper expectations, the White House is emphasizing that the president's focus will be brokering a new beginning with his Israeli counterpart. Both men are freshly re-elected and stuck with each other for the foreseeable future, though each may have hoped for a new negotiating partner.
Obama will enter the one-on-one talks in a position of some strength, having solidly won re-election in November by defeating Republican Mitt Romney, whom the Israeli leader all but publicly endorsed. Netanyahu, despite embarking on his third term as prime minister, was weakened by last month's Israeli elections. A new centrist party had an unexpectedly strong showing, and that probably will force Netanyahu to form a coalition government in the coming weeks.
Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations at Israel's Bar Ilan University, said the talks between the two leaders "could lead to a new page in American-Israeli relations, and personal relations between Obama and Netanyahu."
Obama and Netanyahu last met in person in Washington last March, though they have spoken by phone several times since.
The tensions between the two leaders bubbled up early in Obama's first term. On one visit to Washington, Netanyahu lectured the president on the pitfalls of peacemaking, and gave a speech to Congress in which he appeared to be rallying support against Obama.
And Netanyahu's election-season praise for Romney, a longtime friend of the Israeli leader, irked the White House.
Obama and Netanyahu have also differed on key policies, most notably Israel's continued settlement building in the Palestinian territories and plans for responding to Iran's disputed nuclear program. Netanyahu has pressed for swift action, including perhaps a military attack, against Iran, whose leaders have called for Israel's destruction. Israeli leaders have also said they could use military force against Iran unilaterally without first alerting Washington, despite the likelihood that the U.S. would be drawn into the conflict that could follow.
Obama's preference for using economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, not military force, against Iran has also raised suspicions in Israel about his level of support for the Jewish state.
Part of Obama's mission during his trip will be to change that impression among the Israeli people, said Dennis Ross, who served as a Middle East adviser to Obama. Ross said connecting with the Israeli people could give Obama more space for dealing with Iran and will "signal that he's still interested in peace to those who think he's given up on it."
Obama sought to restart peace talks in 2011, but the effort collapsed within weeks. Palestinians refuse to resume negotiations unless Israel stops building settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Netanyahu says talks should resume without any preconditions, and he has even allowed stepped-up construction in the territories since the United Nations moved to recognize a de facto state of Palestine in November.
The White House hasn't officially announced dates for Obama's trip, though Israeli media said the president is due there on March 20. In addition to his stop in the West Bank, Obama will also visit Jordan, key U.S. ally in the region that could help persuade Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to engage in peace talks.
Newly sworn in Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to visit Israel, the Palestinian territories and other countries in the region this month to lay the groundwork for Obama's trip. Kerry also spoke with Netanyahu and Abbas over the weekend to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the peace process.
Beyond discussing Iran and the status of peace talks, Obama and Netanyahu are expected to discuss the violence in Syria and the political tumult in Egypt, the first Arab country to have a peace treaty with Israel.
Dan Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, described Obama's regional agenda in Israel as "very urgent."


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Playboy Enterprises Inc. said Monday that its iconic founder is offering to buy the remaining shares of the media empire, taking the company private, in a deal that values the company at $185 million.
Hugh Hefner, 84, founded Playboy in 1953 and turned the publication and its scantily clad models into a cultural mainstay. But in recent years, the company has faltered as advertising revenue dwindled.
Playboy said Hefner — now its editor in chief and chief creative officer who's known mostly for his silky pajamas and young, curvaceous girlfriends — plans to team up with private equity firm Rizvi Traverse Management LLC for the deal. Based on the number of shares outstanding on April 30, the proposal offers $122.5 million, or $5.50 for each share Hefner doesn't already own — a nearly 40 percent premium above Friday's closing stock price of $3.94.
At the end of April Playboy had 33.6 million shares of stock outstanding, of which Hefner owns more than 4 million shares in two stock classes.
In his proposal letter to Playboy's board of directors, Hefner said he has no plans to sell his shares or the company and also rebuffed any suggestion that there should be a merger between Playboy and other potential suitors.
Coming right on the heels of Hefner's announcement, Penthouse Magazine's parent company Friend Finder Networks Inc., said it was preparing a rival bid. Marc Bell, CEO of FriendFinder told the Chicago Tribune that the move would make sense.
"We always knew it would be a good fit (with FriendFinder)," Bell told the Tribune.
The company's shares climbed $1.37, or 35 percent, to $5.31 in Monday premarket trading. Playboy's corporate headquarters are located in Chicago.


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New Name • Same Location • Same Quality Products and Services
ARTini-Paint like Monet
Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Let your Happymess teacher guide you through the entire process of making your own "mess"terpiece. We will provide all supplies needed as well as a happy-go-lucky environment. All you need to bring is an open mind and the beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non).
Instructor : Christy Holton
We're sorry but registration is now closed for this event. Please check our calendar for our other class offerings


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- Promaster - Citizen Watch Eco-Drive Promaster (CZ-572)
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Citizen Watch Eco-Drive Promaster BJ7111-86L. It starts with a simple, yet revolutionary concept, a watch that never needs a battery. Citizen watches Eco Drive technology harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy.
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tmux is a terminal multiplexer, resembling screen and seemingly straight-forward to configure.
Now, those of you paying attention will know that I use wmii, a tiling window manager, and you may ask what the difference is between creating one big tmux window and laying out a couple of terminals in that, or letting wmii place those terminals beside each other itself.
The answer is that for most instances, wmii will be enough, but just a little while ago I discovered a killer feature (one which makes me wish that tmux was available at work), namely the abililty to perform:
C^b:setw synchronize-panes
(demonstrated here) which simply outputs whatever you type into one of the terminals, into all the other terminals in this tmux instance as well.
How is this useful? If you have a couple of servers, on which you need to execute the exact same command, you simply start tmux, create a terminal for each server (and log in to that server) and then ask tmux to synchronize the panes, and then you type in your commands.
(Yes, this could probably be easily solved with a bash for-loop as well, depending on the amount of commands and their complexity)
Stupid Shell Tricks
I've known about ^foo^bar for a while (i.e. you type
$ some-command wif a typo
and you then do
$ ^wif^with
to have the shell replace the first instance of that typo with the correct spelling (hopefully ;D)
But, this is really only good for typos or when there is ONE instance to replace. ^foo^bar won't replace EVERY foo with bar, only the first occurrance. Which is sometimes now what you wanted.
!!:gs/foo/bar which replaces ALL instances of foo in the previous command, with bar, and re-executes it. Thanks to http://blog.urfix.com/25-linux-commands/ for that.
I think I have touched upon this before, but here we go anyway: it is possible to export an environment variable called "LESS" and less will read this and determine any runtime special behaviour based on the contents of the variable.
I am currently trying out
export LESS='FiX' where F makes less exit if the contents are short enough to all fit on the screen, i is for case-insensitive search and X for stopping less from sending the termcap initialization and deinitialization strings.
This means that when less exits, it won't clear the screen (which would be a bummer if using F and less:ing short files…)
A pretty interesting read about how one could "work in the cloud." I would have chosen other hardware/software (except for vim of course) but to all his/her own, right?
This sounds as if it could be useful for making sure that your logs are really your real logs. Makes sense, right?
From the reptyr readme: reptyr is a utility for taking an existing running program and attaching it to a new terminal. Started a long-running process over ssh, but have to leave and don't want to interrupt it? Just start a screen, use reptyr to grab it, and then kill the ssh session and head on home.
I am apparantly not the only one to get the idea of describing their software stack.
A pretty cool more-utils command, ifne, which continues execution of the rest of the command, iff data was coming into ifne's stdin.
Tags: cloud-computing, ifne, logging, more-utils, process, reptyr, security, shell-tricks, software stack, synchronize-panes, tmux