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The Metro Council met earlier this week to decide on the level of funding they'd like a proposed May 2013 levy to provide for operating and maintenance funds for open space the regional government owns.
The council voted unanimously on Tuesday set the rate at 9.6 cents per $1,000 of valuation. The levy would raise $10 million annually for five years. The owner of a $200,000 house, for example, would pay an extra $19.20 a year.
But if Metro moves forward with the levy, it will do so despite the objections of 19 mayors within Metro's three-county service area, including those in Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego—effectively every city of any size except Portland within Metro's boundaries.
Here is the letter the mayors sent Metro Council President Tom Hughes on Nov. 30:
November 30, 2012
RE: Metro Natural Area Levy Dear President Hughes:
Please accept this letter into the record for consideration on your proposed Metro Natural Area Levy scheduled for a Metro Council meeting in December.
The Regional Mayorsâ group met and discussed the Levy proposal at its meeting in November. Metro Council President Tom Hughes and COO, Martha Bennett were in attendance and discussed the proposed Levy. Significant concerns were raised by the Mayors at that time and the group is unanimously requesting a delay in the Levy decision until further impacts to cities are evaluated. The current compression analysis was conducted using last yearâs tax data and did not include the results of the tax measures passed in November (emphasis added).As you are aware, some Metro area cities are more impacted by compression than others. As a result, the financial burden for the levy would not fall evenly on households and their communities across the region. Some cities would have their ability to raise revenue for vital police and fire protection services substantially limited as a result of having additional regional levies on the books.
In addition to concerns regarding compression, the plan for the remaining natural areaâs bond purchases and impacts on long term maintenance needs are still unclear to our group. Without further information and clarity regarding the plan for past voterâapproved investments, it is hard for us to see the value in asking voters for additional resources.
We also feel that, preceding any discussions about future revenue for Metro, we would encourage the Metro elected officials to sit down early next year with local elected officials to review and discuss their respective governmental roles in the region; where are they aligned, and where is there conflict, potential or actual. We believe that Metro can be helpful in a
number of areas, but we remain concerned that those areas of assistance should be in partnership and coordination with local government.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide our input. Sincerely,
Jerry W. Willey, Mayor City of Hillsboro [and 18 others].
"Your letter would take us back to the 1980s when petty parochialism led to a lack of consensus on the importance of a regional approach to natural area parks and natural resource management," Houck wrote on Dec. 5.
I have reviewed both the research conducted by Metro staff and heard how the levy will be spent.
"The research regarding alleged fiscal impacts on local jurisdictions reveals that concerns over compression is clearly a red herring. Data demonstrates that compression is not an issue in many communities and that even in communities currently under compression the impacts are negligible---with the exception of Portland and, ironically, Metro itself."
December 6, 2012
Dear Mayor Willey: Thank you for your letter regarding Metroâs proposed natural areas levy.
In 1995, and again in 2006, the regionâs voters approved bonds to acquire and protect regional natural areas and open spaces. Since then, Metro has acquired more than 12,000 acres of undeveloped land in order to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for our regionâs residents. Furthermore, the protection of these places is an essential component of our 2040 vision of preserving open space within our urban growth boundary. These natural areas, combined with our regional parks, make Metro the largest public landowner in the metropolitan area.
These investments are not without ongoing obligations and costs. Invasive species and trespassing, along with routine maintenance needs, create preservation challenges that cannot be supported by the bond program. Metro engaged with elected officials from around the region early on to discuss potential funding solutions. An independent advisory committee, with representatives from both the public and private sector, was convened in June 2012 to help guide Metro in moving forward with the maintenance of these regional assets. They unanimously recommended that the Metro Council refer a five-year levy to the regionâs voters to restore and operate these parks and open spaces.
As you are well aware, local option levies are not a perfect solution. We agree our tax system needs reform and that the more than two dozen separate local governments in our region complicate the efficient collection and use of tax dollars for services that cross city and county jurisdictional boundaries. We look forward to working with you and others to improve that system.
While the impacts of compression are important, also important are the opinions of the voters. At every step of the way, they have affirmed that the protection of open spaces and habitat for fish and wildlife is a top priority. We have an obligation to our regionâs voters to
make the most of these natural areas by removing invasive plants and investing in basic maintenance now. Acting today will reduce long term costs and improve opportunities to enjoy them for our entire community.
Again, thank you for your feedback.


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Edinburgh happy to see straight-talking Hill back in the game
PUBLISHED: 12:00 14 November 2018
©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468
The O's boss discussed Garry Hill's return to management and backed his predecessor Daryl McMahon to find work sooner rather than later
Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is pleased to see Garry Hill back involved in football after he was recently appointed manager of the O's National League rivals Ebbsfleet United.
The Kent club parted company with Daryl McMahon last Wednesday (November 7) by mutual consent and acted quickly to replace him with ex-Dagenham & Redbridge boss Hill taking over.
On Saturday the 59-year-old, who worked with Edinburgh at Rushden & Diamonds, took charge of his first match as Fleet manager and earned a 0-0 draw at home to League Two club Cheltenham Town in the first round of the FA Cup.
Hill has appointed former Orient head coach Ian Hendon as his assistant and the pair will host the O's in the National League on January 19.
Edinburgh is already looking forward to the game, he said: "I know Garry very well, I worked with him and I have a lot of time for him, so it is good to see him back in the game.
"He has done a lot of good work over a long period of time and I wish him the best. He will go in and be straight with the players.
"They will know where he stands and what he wants from them, so I wish him all the best and look forward to going up against him in January."
While one-time Hornchurch manager Hill will be happy to be back in the game, his predecessor McMahon is now out of work.
It was something of a surprise to see the former Orient midfielder depart Fleet after a successful three-and-a-half year spell.
McMahon led Ebbsfleet into the National League South play-offs in both the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns – winning promotion in the latter.
He also took the club into the top seven of the National League last season, but they lost out in the play-offs to Tranmere Rovers, who won the final in Wembley.
Edinburgh admitted little surprises him in football, but he didn't expect McMahon to leave Ebbsfleet, though he doesn't envisage him being out of work for long.
He said: "It is very difficult sometimes to read what is coming out, but I'm sure Daryl will be back in the game soon.
"It was a surprise because if you look at what he achieved there, they have been consistent in winning games.
"Three play-offs and one promotion was his record, so surprising in a way, but on the other hand nothing surprises me in football.
"I have been in positions where I wouldn't have thought I would be sacked, but I have and I guess it is different ideas and different reasons. I am sure he will work his way back in sooner rather than later."
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the East London Advertiser. Click the link in the orange box above for details.

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In this video of a TEDGlobal 2014 talk, Jorge Soto shows off a mobile app designed to pick up on early signs of cancer ~ The Future of Early Cancer Detection?
With more than 100 million patient referrals being done per year, it might be time to fortify these all too common calculations with evidence, Niteesh K. Choudhry, MD, PhD, writes in JAMA ~ Selecting a Specialist: Adding Evidence to the Clinical Practice of Making Referrals
Louise Radnofsky writes about how Medicaid expansion has affected primary care providers in this Wall Street Journal article ~ How Health Law's Medicaid Enrollees Strain the System
When you ask patients, access to providers hasn't been so bad under the ACA, Austin Frakt writes in The New York Times ~ Shortage of Medicaid Doctors? Not If You Ask Patients
Robin L. Rose, MBA, drills down the numbers on why Retail Based Clinics (RBCs) are popping up and doing well in Becker's Hospital Review ~ Attention Shoppers: There's a Special on Flu Shots and Corn Chips in Aisle Three
Kavita Kumar, in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, writes about Target's in-store health clinic partnering up with Kaiser Permanente ~ Target to Offer Primary Care Services in New Clinic Model
Fred N. Pelzman, MD, of Weill Cornell Internal Medicine Associates, and weekly blogger for MedPage Today, follows what's going on in the world of primary care medicine. Pelzman's Picks is a compilation of links to blogs, articles, tweets, journal studies, opinion pieces, and news briefs related to primary care that caught his eye.


text: Enclosures Unloaded Radio Replacement Kit 2004 Nissan 350Z Car Audio Upgrades The Nissan 350Z (originally Datsun 350Z until the early 2004s) is an automobile nameplate that has been used on various export specification Nissan automobiles between 1975 and 2002. Here at HifiSoundConnection.com, we have a full selection of Nissan 350Z and Packages that will suit your car audio needs. These products were made to its finest by the leading names in car audio products today. Feel free to browse at HifiSoundConnection.com and purchase your very own Car Audio Upgrades at its lowest prices ever!


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The network of community groups committed to the care of the environment, greener living and development of the local economy in Berkshire
Get Involved
Community Organisations
Conservation Volunteering
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Energy Efficiency
Environmental Education
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Nature Conservation and Wildlife Rescue
Recycling and More from Less
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Travel and Getting About
Contact Us
Bucklebury Heathland Conservation
Bucklebury Heathland Conservation is a group within the West Berkshire Countryside Society.
The Bucklebury Heathland Conservation Group hold regular working parties to restore and conserve the heathland habitat on Bucklebury Common. Over the past winter volunteers have enabled a large area of birch scrub to be cleared which will be monitored for future heather regeneration.
Berkshire's remaining heathlands are just 2% of what they were in 1761 and Bucklebury Common forms an important part of what remains. Some of the Biodiversity target species which we hope to help are the nightjar, sand lizard, woodlark, silver-studded blue butterfly, marsh clubmoss and large bumble bee.
Volunteers are needed for the new season which starts in September - tools and training are provided, all skills and none catered for.
For more information e-mail: email@example.com
Elm Farm Research Centre
Elm Farm Research Centre is an international research, advisory and educational organisation based in the village of Hamstead Marshall near Newbury. The business of Elm Farm Research Centre is to change agricultural practice and policy to bring about a greater uptake of organic farming as a way of contributing towards sustainability in farming and land use in the UK and internationally. Elm Farm welcomes visitors on Open Days and at special events. School visits can also be arranged.
Further info on opening times, courses and events visit website
Five-a-Day Market Garden
We are a not-for-profit gardening and environmental art project situated in Englefield. We grow fruit and veg for sale in the community shop.
Contact: Pam Goddard 07939 676050, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
More about what we do at
Goring and Streatley Environmental Group
Goring and Streatley Environmental Group are small but active. In the past year they have carried out surveys of hedgerows and field boundaries and other features of the natural environment and planted a 400 metre hedge along a lane.
They recently purchased a meadow with grant funding from Thames Water and the landfill tax which will be managed in partnership with the Local Wildlife Trust and Environment Agency. Contact the Secretary, Kay Baker on 01491 872169 or the Chairman, Brian Baldwin on 01491 872797.
Greenham and Crookham Conservation Volunteers
Voluntary conservation work on Greenham and Crookham Commons near Newbury, West Berkshire. Much of the site is the former Greenham Common Airbase, famous for cruise missiles and peace protesters, but a parish boundary runs right across the area so it is actually two adjacent commons, hence our name. The commons are now owned by West Berkshire Council, and we work with the site Ranger.
We meet at 10 am on the third Sunday of each month and usually work until about 4 pm, but there is absolutely no obligation to stay all day. Much of the work is the good ol' favourite: tree and scrub-bashing to prevent the heathland reverting to woodland, but we do a range of other tasks too.
See our website
for more detail including information about Greenham Common, dates, directions etc.
Hungerford Environmental Action Team
The aim of HEAT is to reduce the impact of the Hungerford area on climate change through meeting targets for the reduction of CO² emissions, specifically reduction of 50% by 2016.
HEAT pursues an inclusive partnership with community groups, forums and markets, schools and businesses. Visit us at the monthly Hungerford Farmers' Market where we have a stall or join us on one of our guided walks.
Further information at
Pangbourne and Whitchurch Sustainability Group
The Pangbourne and Whitchurch Sustainability Group (PAWS) was founded in 2010. It is a not-for-profit community organisation with the aim:
To promote and encourage the development of a sustainable local community.
PAWS draws together the communities of Pangbourne and Whitchurch to work towards a common purpose. It is independent of, but supported by, both parish councils.
More information at:
Rushall Manor Farm
Situated in the heart of the Pang Valley, Rushall Manor Farm is the home of the John Simonds Trust, an educational charity with a desire to promote a love and understanding of farming and the countryside. In partnership with the Pang Valley Countryside Project, the Trust welcomes around 6,000 children a year to the farm and other sites in the Valley.
Rushall Manor Farm enables visitors to compare new with old by exploring the old agricultural techniques alongside a modern largescale lambing and grain processing operation. Throughout the year the site is used extensively for a large range of activities by youth groups, churches, scouts and parents.
The working farm has an outstanding reputation for conservation, maintaining 100 acres of woodland alongside the 800 acres farmed. This mixed farm of sheep, cattle and cereals is in the process of conversion to organic methods of production and seeks to maintain a high standard of care for wildlife and the environment.
The dedicated team of staff offer children hands-on experience of the countryside with activities carefully tailored to the particular needs of visitors. Enquiries to the John Simonds Trust on 0118 974 4547 or e-mail email@example.com or visit
Sheepdrove Organic Farm
Sheepdrove organic farm covers 1850 acres of chalk grassland and arable farmland on the Berkshire downs near Lambourn. It is a traditional mixed farm with sheep, beef, poultry and mixed cereals, a member of the Soil Association's Organic Farms Network. The farm has recreated a vast area of chalk downland on former arable land which now holds a wide range of grass and wildflower species whilst its resident birds of prey include barn owl, tawny owl, little owl and kestrel. Other wildlife at home on the farm are skylark, lapwing, curlew, brown hare and badger.
Sheepdrove Farm runs an interesting composting project which recycles local waste. 25 tonnes of manure a day created by nearby racehorses on Lambourn Down, large amounts of coffee grounds from a local chocolate factory and left-over green waste from Sainsbury's is turned into top quality compost for use in organic production.
Sheepdrove's eco-conference centre offers state-of-the-art facilities for hire in a wonderful setting overlooking the downs.
Groups and parties visiting the farm are welcome but must be by prior arrangement. Contact: Farm Manager on 01488 71659 or by e-mail or visit
Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre
Now under management by BBOWT, the local Wildlife Trust, Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre offers a year round programme of events, workshops, special exhibitions, walks and talks for children, families and adults. The eco-designed Centre is situated off Lower Way on the northern side of Thatcham Lake close to Thatcham Reed Beds Local Nature Reserve and is a partnership between West Berkshire Council, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and English Nature. Opening hours and events information see
Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre
The area is of outstanding importance for nature conservation, with the reed beds representing one of the largest stands of inland reeds remaining in the country. The area is home to a variety of birdlife including large breeding populations of Reed and Sedge Warblers. Many rare insects can be found at the Reserve, including the spectacular day flying Scarlet Tiger Moth.
heale Area Bird Conservation Group
Theale Area Bird Conservation Group meets for weekly work parties to enhance and actively manage wetland habitats around the Theale Gravel Pits. They also run a local bird information line and undertake census work.
Indoor meetings are held in the winter months and there is a monthly newsletter for members.
Contact: Brian Uttley, Group Leader, tel: 0118 941 5792 or Cathy McEwan, Group Secretary at e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
West Berkshire Green Exchange
West Berkshire Green Exchange is an information sharing forum for West Berkshire's sustainability and greening groups.
Contact: Anthony Armitage, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Tel: 01635 503267
West Berkshire
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It has been one week since Nandamuri Natasimham Balayya Babu's Legend fever is prevailing in the state. The film has emerged as the biggest hit of the season right from its first show. Amidst increased anticipations of this high voltage entertainer heading towards the prestigious '50 crore' mark, the makers have officially released a collection report stating that the film has grossed a total estimate of about Rs. 33.8 crores so far in its first weekend.
Nizam - Rs. 6.58 crore
Ceded - Rs. 6.49 crore
Vizag - Rs. 2.73 crore
Guntur - Rs. 3.66 crore
East Godavari - Rs. 1.49 crore
West Godavari - Rs. 1.36 crore
Nellore - Rs. 1.23 crore
Krishna - Rs. 1.64 crore
Karnataka - Rs. 2.65 crore
Overseas - Rs. 5.02 crore
Rest Of India - Rs. 1.08 crore
However, there is a contradiction and difference in the estimates in the market sections over the estimates of Legend First Week Collections. According to some estimates, the film has minted just around Rs. 27 crores much against to the released figure. Most sources turn down the version that the movie can actually make it to the prestigious '50 crore club' and opine that the current estimation is just an inflated one.
Irrespective of the collections, the fans are super happy that the Nandamuri LION IS BACK!
Irrespective of the collections, the fans are super happy that the Nandamuri LION IS BACK!


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Earlier, we introduced you to our 12 favorite music photographers in North Texas. We got more than 50 nominations, and our team of expert judges narrowed it down to these 12. Over the next two weeks, we'll be introducing you to each of the finalists in turn by having them share five of their favorite concert photos and answering a few questions about their process and passion. Next up is Karlo X. Ramos, whose work can be viewed from his website, karloxramos.com
See also: -Finalist Profile: Mike Brooks -Finalist Profile: Mike Mezeul II -Finalist Profile: Bill Ellison -Finalist Profile: Andi Harman -Finalist Profile: Kevin Buchanan
Karlo, what's the best thing about live music?
I think that the best thing about live music is the effect that it has in your mood and how that translates to the collective. To me live music and shows serve the purpose of uniting people though experiences. It gives people something to talk about and to relate creating memories by association of times good or bad.
What makes a great concert photo?
I think what makes a great photo is the element of connection. It doesn't matter where it comes from. Whether is the performer connecting with himself during a very personal song or just exploding, raging and flying off the stage and into the crowd it doesn't matter as long as there's that exchange of emotions. To me that comes first because if you can spot those moments then I believe you have given a meaning and a purpose to your capture. Granted, you have to know the settings of you camera and a knowledge of how things work in order to create a exposure but like anything mechanic those skills come with practice you'll find that the more you do it the better you get, like most things.
What drives me when photographing, I guess is the feel that you are embracing the unpredictable. The rush of making a work of art that documents the moment in time. Out there you have no control over lights, over posing, over the amount of time you are in the pit. NOTHING! The only thing that you control is when your shutter clicks and how much light you let in. I think that's enough to make magic.
What's the strangest thing that has happened to you while photographing live music?
I think the strangest thing lately was fans throwing panties and bras to the stage i though it was a lost form of admiration from old rock and roll days. However it seems to be making a comeback. Other than that business as usual beer cans flying, people getting drop kicked and tackled while couples make out in the pit. You know normal stuff.
What makes a professional photographer as opposed to an amateur?
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I guess what makes you a professional is the way you carry yourself when you are doing work in exchange for payment. I mean when you are out there shooting you see everything sex, drugs, fights you name it. However when you are pressured and expected to deliver and you are carrying over $5,000 in gear on a given night, you just can't act that silly and get shit faced or black out you gotta be on top. You have to find a sweet spot between having fun and being a cool guy to be around with and on the other hand be the cutthroat, take no bullshit photographer that takes care of business.
Anyway what I'm saying is that your ethics and the commitment to your craft should come through in what you do. From delivering and showing up on time. to creating a balance between, generating the captures needed for editorial purposes against those shots you want with an artistic edge. To me that is what determines whether you will become are a successful professional or not. That or wining the lottery.
Pick one of the photos you've submitted and tell us a little about it: Where was it shot, who is featured and (most importantly) how did you capture it? We'd love to hear logistical description or technical breakdowns or whatever else you want to tell us.
I think my favorite photo is the Ty Segall one. I mean there's no flashy technical aspects here other than the fact that I stood my ground as the guy sprayed chloraseptic on my lens. To me that picture is important because it means that ill get the picture I want, no matter what. Anyway so after he was done he kindly smirk at me went back to tune his guitar for the next song. I spit on my lens, clean it with my sweaty shirt and kept shooting. Later after the show he apologized and asked about the camera we talked a little then he gave me a vinyl and sign it.


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Sept 25, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka's state-run National Savings Bank (NSB) is starting a three-month savings drive from October 01, to coincide with World Thrift Day, officials said.
The bank was also offering gifts ranging from bicycles and gift vouchers for new Hapan branded children's accounts and was launching a new Sthree branded accounts targeted at female savers through the postal service.
General manager Sunil Perera said the savings drive had no specific deposit targets but it is intended to broaden awareness and deepen the savings habit of people in Sri Lanka.
Chairman Upali Gunaratne said there were complaints that the bank's interest rates were too low but a recent collapse of a high interest rate deposit scheme showed the dangers of going after "bogus" very high interest rates.
Gunaratne said rural savers wanted a safe route to deposit their money and NSB had a high 'AAA(lka)' rating at a time when global banks were under pressure.
The bank's recently launched 'Happy' branded savings account which gave higher intere


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Yvonne Baxter-Bentley
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
I, Yvonne Baxter Bentley, native of Ft. Lauderdale Florida, mother of three beautiful children, grandmother of Jahari Brown, daughter of Rev. Joseph V. Baxter and the late Lillian Smith, eight sibling of eleven children, educator of 21 years, Broward Co. School Board Physical Education teacher, BS degree at Claflin University, Master in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, CEO and Founder of The International Kingdom Connection, Inc., The United Kingdom of God: Gentle Movement, author of four books, published at Xlibris.com, a Prophet Student of ECT Prophet Institution under Pastor Billy and Prophet Cynthia Thompson. Member of JPPIMC Boca Raton, Florida. jpproclaim.org


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You know it's the Halloween season when the local news stations spend time on fluff pieces of suddenly haunted stores. Such is the case when KGW8 in Oregon City reported on a spooky video from a local marijuana shop, Five Zero Trees. When this story first popped up on my social media feed, I must admit that I giggled; I mean, come on … it's a marijuana shop, and they're claiming weird stuff was happening. Never fear, my inner child soon calmed down and I clicked on the link in my newsfeed to take a closer look.
According to the story, "Andy Gomez was working at the counter of the marijuana store by himself when surveillance video shows a glass tip jar slowly slide off the edge of a level counter" (Cook 2018). Even before watching the video, we learn that the events featured in this video took place two months ago on August 28. That's a long time to wait to mention it, unless you're trying to coincide with a major spooky-themed holiday (the news loves these type of fluff stories). The issue here is that the alleged paranormal activity doesn't seem to have been addressed immediately after the "strange" events occurred. It is crucial to be able to investigate such claims as soon as possible. Conditions can easily change in that amount of time; furniture could be rearranged, replaced, or modified; the particular tip jar could have been replaced. Timing is always critical.
After reading the article, I clicked on the video and watched the event unfold. We see Gomez (the employee) moving a digital scale, a cup filled with pens, and tip jar from the cashier's counter to the counter top of a display case beside it so he can clean the first counter. As soon as he puts the tip jar down, the video is sped up and the reporter's voice over tells us "watch the glass tip jar on the counter, slowly it starts to move." This is true, it slowly starts to move—really slowly; even though it only takes us about eight seconds to view the footage, the counter at the top of the screen tells us that an entire seven minutes has passed (11:42:12 to 11:49:12). The footage is sped up significantly, so the movement of the jar is more easily noticed (and dramatic, and to fit the whole clip in the short time segment). As you can see from the image below, the countertop was not much wider than the jar itself, which I'm estimating to be no more than a foot wide.
Gomez first places the tip jar on the display case counter top.
Gomez tells the reporter "As it happened, I kind of felt like someone was standing next to me like somebody was right here" as he waves his hand over the area in front of the display case, the side where a customer would stand. The issue I have with his statement is that in the surveillance video when the tip jar falls over the edge, Gomez is not actually next to the area indicated and even more importantly, he's not even paying any attention to it. He can be seen holding onto both sides of a digital scale on the cashier's counter, preoccupied with staring at the display/buttons. He only reacts (looks up) after the jar falls over the edge. He doesn't act like someone who felt like an unseen presence was standing next to him; he was acting like a normal person trying to figure out how a gadget (the scale) worked.
So, what could have caused the jar to slide across the countertop and fall over? We can see from the video that there wasn't any strong force behind the movement. The jar didn't shoot off the display case and across the room; it didn't vomit pea soup or emit a spooky hellfire. It just tipped over the edge and landed on the cover about few inches below, rocking softly on its side and coming to a stop. The most likely cause is a combination of vibration and a slanted countertop.
We can see that this particular display case has several lights inside of it, possibly three or more. There's also an outlet on the lower rear corner of the case with several cords plugged into it to it, although we can't see what the power cords go to. These display cases can often create vibrations from the interior lights (the ones with that low buzzing sound), fans, motors, or other devices that may be on the lower shelves. Of course, without being able to check the display case myself (it's about 2,800 miles from me), I can't say with any certainty what could be causing it.
Looking at the various images provided by the news crew and surveillance video, the narrow counter top on the display case appears to be slanted, rather than "the level surface" the reporter describes. I took a screenshot of the video as the news camera was positioned parallel to this counter top. When compared to the other counter in the background, this display case top is slanted toward the front—exactly where the tip jar headed during its seven-minute journey to the floor (and into internet infamy).
View of the back of the cabinet, showing an electrical box with four outlets and various power cords. We can also see the interior is illuminated from inside.
Gomez pointing to where he believes he felt someone standing next to him. We can also see the slant of the counter top he is leaning on.
As the video continues, we see two more short clips, recorded eleven hours after the initial event, in which a few pens and a pair of scissors kind of jump inside of a cup (there are a bunch of pens in the cup). The first clip honestly looks like they were in the cup but not completely settled, and a little vibration made them settle down. The second clip appears a bit more staged; three pens jump from one side to the other. When I played the video over and over several times (because that's what I like to do), I believe there is a small light reflection off a line attached to one of the pens. It appears higher than the height of the pens and is only there for a fraction of a second. These video clips are already cropped down, causing a decrease in image quality. Screenshots were not suitable to point out anything clearly. Is this proof of a hoax? Certainly not, but it does makes me suspicious.
The reporter continues, "If you think the video has been doctored, as a cannabis shop, that would be against the law." I'm happy that they at least addressed one angle, since comments like "they probably used CGI" are bound to come up. Rest assured, one doesn't have to "doctor" the video to create these effects. Many practical effects with thin string or fishing line attached to a pen of scissors, would be enough to cause the "spooky" effects seen in the video. We've seen similar effects with a viral "haunted hotel room" video I wrote about last year (Biddle 2017). Such practical effects would not be tampering (doctoring) with the video itself.
The reporter then interviews Rocky Smith, a local historian and paranormal investigator (Smith 2016) who happens to work down the street from Five Zero Trees. Smith claimed, "The activity that happens in downtown is because of all the rebuilding over the top of old buildings." This, honestly makes no sense whatsoever. If that were the case, there would be a hell of a lot more haunted buildings in every city and town across the globe. Rebuilding over top of older buildings is called progress not paranormal.
When we take a closer look at the video, without any thoughts of Halloween, we don't see much more than a jar (very) slowly sliding off a slanted counter top. Vibrations from the display case, or even the street outside (trucks rumbling by) probably helped it along. The pens and scissors in a cup probably just settling, or they might have had some help. Whatever the actual reason, we need to keep in mind that this news coverage did nothing to investigate the claim; they simply promoted a fluff piece for the coming holiday. It would be nice if one day, a reporter of one of these stories spent a few minutes to investigate and maybe—just maybe—solve a mystery.
- Biddle, Kenny. 2017. The "Haunted Hotel Room" Hoax. Available online at https://anomaliesresearchsociety.wordpress.com/2017/08/05/the-haunted-hotel-room-hoax/.
- Cook, Katherine. 2018. Is an Oregon marijuana shop haunted? Watch surveillance video. Available online at https://www.kgw.com/article/life/is-an-oregon-marijuana-shop-haunted-watch-surveillance-video/283-608226136?fbclid=IwAR3zOnTmHcRh4apTIV-pjhB078swJwG0bHmCggRC17w1CZ6H_WrytwLJALc; accessed on October 26, 2018.
- Smith, Rocky. 2016. Your guide into Oregon City's Haunted History. Available online at http://www.nwghosttours.com/.


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Here's one of my favorite major essays on Biblical interpretation. Lots of important ideas here that I've put together in my own approach to scripture. Yes, it's a long one, but I think it will be worth the time for those interested in the subject.
Learning to read the Bible in a way that puts the focus where it is supposed to go- on the Lord Jesus Christ, our Mediator- is an important step in Christian growth. So many of evangelical problems come from simple mistakes in reading the Bible as a collection of verses, rather than as a collection of books.
Read: Magic Books, Grocery Lists and Silent Messiahs: How Rightly Approaching the Bible Shapes the Entire Christian Life.


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If your student needs breakfast or lunch tomorrow, our fantastic food service staff will be ready to serve you.Meal pickup will be Wednesday morning between 8am - 9am behind Snyder Primary School in the bus line. Please provide the student's full name and ID number. READ MORE >
Based on information received from the National Weather Service, another wave of snow and ice is predicted tonight. Therefore, all on-campus classes for Wednesday, October 28th have been canceled. However, classes will be held virtually. Please have your student login and complete his or her assignments online. Hopefully, by early afternoon the roads will be clear... READ MORE >
Due to the virtual instruction on Tuesday, October 27th, Southwest Foodservice Excellence will be providing meals to SISD students. Breakfast and lunch meals will be available for pick up from 8am until 9am at the Snyder Primary location through the back bus lanes for Snyder ISD students. If your student(s) already picked up meals today, they will be charged for... READ MORE >
On-campus classes and activities for Tuesday, October 27th have been canceled, however, students will need to complete their assignments virtually. Please have your student login and complete his/her work online. Attendance will be taken based on the completion of assignments. If you have any questions, please message your child's teacher directly through... READ MORE >
Attention families: All after-school activities have been canceled today, Monday, October 26th. This includes practices, events, and ACE. This includes practices, events, and ACE. School will dismiss at the regular time. https://www.snyderisd.net/o/snyder/page/arrival-dismissal-schedules--3. We will make an announcement regarding tomorrow's plan for school and... READ MORE >
SISD has moved to e-ticking that we will use for all HS and JH sporting events. All tickets will go on sale a week before the scheduled event.All junior high and high school athletic tickets will be sold as general admission through an e-ticketing service. To manage capacity restrictions, all fans, including students, must purchase a ticket. Unfortunately, season... READ MORE >
Picture day for Sndyer Junior High School is October 9, 2020. Picture order forms have been sent home over the last few days. You can also go online to place your orders. Picture packet order forms--They MUST be turned in with money in them at the time the student's picture is taken. You will not be allowed to bring the money at a later time. Online orders--Go to... READ MORE >
SISD families, Please take the time to thoroughly read the attached statement. If you have questions or concerns please email email@example.com. READ MORE >
TEA requires school districts to submit a weekly COVID-19 report. This report includes students participating in on-campus instruction and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19. When a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, families and staff for that specific campus are notified. These notifications are sent directly to families and staff... READ MORE >
Welcome back, students! Here are a few last-minute reminders: Be sure to allow for extra time and patience tomorrow morning. Students in grades 4-12, remember to wear your mask. Masks are optional for students in grades PreK-3. We will take student temperatures prior to boarding the bus and exiting the vehicle. High school students will be screened at the... READ MORE >
District-wide Arrival & Dismissal SchedulesFamilies, please read the information below and take note of the arrival & dismissal schedules for the first week of school. Be sure to allow for extra time and patience during student drop-off and pickup as we all adjust to new routines and procedures. Arrival and dismissal schedules are also on our website:... READ MORE >
Junior High Laptop Distribution - Drive through service! You need to stay in your car and the staff member will come to you and hand you a Chromebook, charger, and case. You will also need to sign for your Chromebook.All virtual learners will need to enter from the normal car ride entrance and use the circle drive and exits. Chromebooks will be distributed in... READ MORE >
Answers to your questions have been posted to the FAQ section of our Smart Start Guide! As always, feel free to email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or send us a message on Facebook. We're here to help! https://www.snyderisd.net/o/sn... READ MORE >
Meal pickup for virtual students: In order to plan for virtual student meal pickup, please complete a meal survey at https://forms.gle/Eo73f2zKAwDA5MEG7 by Friday, August 28, 2020. Snyder ISD will distribute breakfast and lunch meals for virtual learners starting Tuesday, September 8th at the back of Snyder Primary School from 11:45AM until 1:00PM.For more... READ MORE >
If you haven't already, you will soon receive an invite to ParentSquare! This is the primary communication tool our schools will use to communicate with families. To get the most out of ParentSquare and to set up message preferences, download the app today. Please watch this 3 minute video for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOaxk_u0mqA READ MORE >
We know many of you have questions about the 2020-2021 school year. Please submit your questions and we will respond as soon as possible. Questions received by Wednesday, August 12th will be assembled into a Q&A document that will be posted on our website. Link: Q&A READ MORE >
The 3rd Annual Back to School Bash is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st! We look forward to seeing you there! READ MORE >
SISD 2020-2021 School Calendar Update:After reviewing results from staff and family surveys, consulting with local health officials, and hearing recommendations from SISD administration the SISD Board of Trustees approved an amended Snyder ISD calendar for the 2020-2021 school year with the first day of school for in-person and virtual classes being moved to... READ MORE >
School systems must notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a school if a lab confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among students, teachers, or staff who participate in any on-campus activities. Should a staff member or student be at risk of exposure because they were in close contact with the individual who tested positive, the Scurry County... READ MORE >
Dear Snyder Family, I am sorry to release such sensitive information in this way, but I want to make sure that everyone is aware. It is with deep regret that we inform you about a death in our school community. Mays Villarreal, who would have been a freshman at Snyder High School this fall, was in a serious accident over the holiday weekend and died. This loss... READ MORE >
Mark your calendar! Registration dates have been set. New student registration begins July 6th and returning student online registration begins July 15th! Visit the "Back to School HQ" on the SISD website for a step-by-step guide to registration. New student registration opens Monday, July 6, 2020 from 8am-3pm Monday through Thursday. Please come to the... READ MORE >
Family Check-In: Fall Planning In 20-21, all students will be expected to attend school on a daily basis. Snyder ISD will return to a standard grading policy that measures student understanding of grade-level expectations. We understand most parents will want more information before they decide which option will work best for their family. As we await additional... READ MORE >
Pre-K and Kindergarten registration will be held June 22 - 25, 2020 at Snyder Primary School. We will follow CDC recommendations and limit the number of people who are in the building during registration.Monday, June 22: 9am - 3pmTuesday, June 23: 9am - 3pmWednesday, June 24: 12pm - 6pmThursday, June 25: 9am-3pmDocuments to Bring:Birth certificateSocial Security... READ MORE >
Stay connected this summer! Through July 10th, all Snyder ISD Summer Camps and Programs will be held virtually. If you do not have a strong internet connection, Snyder ISD has installed hotspots that you can use to connect to the programs. Intermediate school front parking lot 3600 El PasoDAEP campus parking lot - 3600 AppleSnyder ISD Bus Barn-1600 Scott... READ MORE >
Breakfast and lunch distribution will continue! Attached are the June menus. Please take note of a few changes. Beginning May 26, Coliseum will no longer be a pickup point. May 26 - May 29: Continued operations with the exception of the Coliseum June 1 - July 10: Pickup/delivery on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with two days of meals will be prepared each... READ MORE >
Graduation Update! Please read carefully! Based on Governor Abbott's order that was released on Monday, May 18, we are removing the limit on the number of people that may ride in the car with each graduate. Guests in the vehicle, with the exception of the designated driver, may accompany the graduate into Tiger Stadium to see their student walk the stage. A... READ MORE >
Don't miss this opportunity! Snyder and Roscoe High School students, take advantage of these FREE, virtual programs this summer! Summer Cert | June 1 - August 31, 2020 Juniors, seniors, & 2020 Grads through the Summer Cert program you can earn an industry certification in just EIGHT weeks in the following areas: Ag - Commercial Pesticide ApplicatorOSHAReal... READ MORE >
Registration is open for summer camps and programs at SISD! Students entering Kindergarten through 8th grades have three virtual camp opportunities to keep kids engaged and minds sharp through the summer! Summer STEM Camp | June 1 - July 31 • Online* weekly STEM challenges • Community STREAM stops • Explore careers in energy, construction, computers, teaching,... READ MORE >
The 2019-2020 school year will be wrapping up soon! SISD teachers, students, and parents have acclimated very well to the At-Home Learning experience! Thank you all for plugging in and staying engaged! As we prepare to wrap up the school year, please review the enclosed checklist for each campus. We appreciate your flexibility and teamwork!! Great job SISD!! End... READ MORE >
Snyder community and Tiger Fans, let's support our Seniors! Line the streets and cheer on our seniors as they parade through the park on their way to graduation! The graduation ceremony will be broadcast at 8 pm on SISD Youtube & Facebook channels. At the end of the parade route, graduates and their allotted guests will enter the south gate of Tiger Stadium... READ MORE >
Join us for another edition of the SISD Weekly Update Newsletter! https://www.smore.com/3ah96 READ MORE >
Beginning Friday, April 24th, Friday meal pickup will also include a breakfast and lunch for Saturday. There will be no meal pickup on Saturdays going forward. Reminders: Snyder ISD will provide FREE breakfast and lunch while the campuses are closed to students because of the COVID-19 virus.All children 18 years old and younger are eligible. Adult meals will... READ MORE >
Do you have questions on how grades will be calculated during this time and or summer learning options? SISD Assistant Superintendent Rachael McClain and Public Information Officer Valerie Morris will host a live Q&A Wednesday, April 1st at 10:00 am on the SISD Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SnyderIsd/. In an effort to be better prepared, please email... READ MORE >
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath released an official statement on the rulings on STAAR and EOC this afternoon. Please take the time to read the statement in its entirety. Should you have any questions, please send them to firstname.lastname@example.com. http://bit.ly/2QtWkaP READ MORE >
3/18 SISD Update: Snyder ISD families, thank you for your patience as we make these important decisions to protect the health of our students, staff, and community. We have made the decision to remain closed through Friday, April 3rd. On Wednesday, April 1st, we will make a decision whether or not to reopen the week of April 6th. Expect a call over the next few... READ MORE >
Update from Snyder ISD - March 15, 2020SISD families, I know you are eager to hear an update from our district. Over the weekend, SISD officials have been in regular communication with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Scurry County Health Unit, and medical experts. As of Sunday, March 15th, Scurry County does not have any confirmed active Coronavirus/COVID-19... READ MORE >
The SISD Weekly Update Newsletter is packed with information and updates on the recent developments surrounding us. Superintendent Eddie Bland and staff are working hard to keep everyone up to date. Please take the time to read the newsletter in its entirety. Staff and faculty will be teaming together on Monday and Tuesday for preventive measures planning. Dr.... READ MORE >
SISD officials have decided to hold a teacher workday on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th (meaning no classes for the students) to plan and prepare should we need to offer instruction online or by alternative methods. This will also give SISD administration an opportunity to identify and communicate with staff and families who have traveled to areas where... READ MORE >
Message from SISD Superintendent, Dr. Eddie Bland Good afternoon parents, students, and community members, I know many of you have questions about the Coronavirus / COVID-19 and how it will impact our schools. We are doing our best to prevent and plan. We receive updates throughout the day from multiple sources and we send SISD representatives to the Scurry County... READ MORE >
All 6th - 12th graders will be offered the AIM for Success Relationships and Sexual Health Program under the facilitation of SISD nurse Chris Bane and staff. This program will be a little different than years past. The ONE DAY presentation will provide your students with tools to help prepare for successful relationships. A parent meeting will be held on March... READ MORE >
Learn the secret to why students at Snyder Primary School LOVE to read! Find out how you can help your child read at home and foster a life-long love of reading! READ MORE >
Incoming 9th graders and parents: Were you unable to attend one of the previous parent/student PTECH meetings? Do you or your student have unanswered questions about pathways and endorsements? Dive deeper into the scheduling opportunities for your incoming 9th grader and join us at The Cube (C^3) /Room 111 at the SHS campus on Thursday, March 5th. The meeting will... READ MORE >
Spring break is on the calendar for March 9th-13th. Don't forget about the extra day off for students on March 6th. This will be a PD day for staff and faculty. READ MORE >
A yearbook is not so much for TODAY as it is for TOMORROW - 10, 20, 30 years from now when you've lost touch with those close friends you know now. The yearbook is the ONLY place that captures all of the memories and the history of THIS school year! Snyder Junior High yearbooks are $30.Online orders can be made at www.balfour.comCash or check is accepted at... READ MORE >
Snyder ISD Communications is excited to announce our weekly newsletter! Within the newsletter you will find quick links to the school lunch menu, important upcoming changes/events and of course and an update on SISD from Superintendent Eddie Bland. Be sure to pay close attention to the Ask Us! section located at the bottom of the newsletter. Your feedback is... READ MORE >
¡Los estudiantes de Snyder Primary Dual Language necesitan tu ayuda! Ayúdenos a ayudarlos mientras aprenden sobre el reciclaje de productos electrónicos para preservar nuestro medio ambiente. Tome su electrónica usada o no deseada de cualquier tipo y diríjase a los lugares de entrega en cualquier oficina del campus de SISD. ¡Los teléfonos celulares,... READ MORE >
Snyder Primary Dual Language students need your help! Help us help them as they learn about recycling electronics to preserve our environment. Grab your used or unwanted electronics of any kind and make your way to the drop off locations at any SISD campus office. Cell phones, VCRs, earphones, and any other small electronic devices are greatly appreciated!... READ MORE >
On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath notified Snyder ISD of his intention to honor the parent petitions requesting he close Snyder Junior High. SISD believes we have proposed a strong plan, however, Commissioner Morath informed the district that he would not approve the proposed realignment plan that would create two educational pathways for... READ MORE >
We've been asked for clarification regarding the upcoming community meeting with potential innovative partners. An innovative partnership is an option we are exploring to assist SISD in rolling out the 2 pathway programs for the 20-21 school year. Three companies have submitted applications and will present their ideas to the community at Snyder Junior High on... READ MORE >
Due to scheduling conflicts, the January 16th community meetings have been canceled. So that we can still provide the necessary information to as many people as possible, we will soon release the updated information to you online via video. We will share this informational video on the SISD social media outlets as well as the SISD website. Please help keep your... READ MORE >
Due to scheduling conflicts, the January 16th community meetings have been canceled. So that we can still provide the necessary information to as many people as possible, we will soon release the updated information to you online via video. We will share this informational video on the SISD social media outlets as well as the SISD website. Please help keep your... READ MORE >
Experts from Experiential Learning Institute & Marzano's High-Reliability schools presented to Snyder ISD teachers on Tuesday. They provided an introduction of how the educational philosophies can be implemented in each pathway program.To learn more about the plans for the 2020-2021 school year, we invite you to attend upcoming community meetings hosted by the SISD... READ MORE >
SISD students grade K-12 CHARACTER EDUCATION Day is coming soon! Participate in the statewide Color the World with Character poster contest. The contest began on November 15 and concludes February 7, 2020. It's open to K-12 students and college students. Click here to learn more. https://www.txcharacterday.com/contest-registration/ Become a Character Education... READ MORE >
Click the image to enlarge. READ MORE >
Click the image below to read the December 2019 Newsletter. The newsletter will update you on the recent TEA visit and provide you with information for the Community Meetings in January 2020. READ MORE >
Snyder Junior High would like to invite to all Veterans to the SJHS Veterans Day Concert at Snyder Junior High on November 11th. The concert will begin at 10:00 in the SJHS Cafetorium. READ MORE >
You have a say, but time is running out! The deadline to submit parent petitions is Thursday, October 31, 2019. Parents and guardians of current Junior High Students may either: 1. Sign a petition for a Board of Managers 2. Sign petitions to close and reopen the school, with the majority of the grades realigned. Community members and parents of Snyder... READ MORE >
School Administration will answer questions about the TEA sanctions and explain the difference in the the pathway options. Los Adminitrados escolar respond eran preguntas sobre sanciones del TEA y explicaran la diferencia en las opciones de vias. You have a say! Parent petitions for the two options are due on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Petitions will be... READ MORE >
La Administración de SISD llevará a cabo una reunión comunitaria el martes 22 de octubre de 6 a 7 pm para discutir el marco educativo para las dos vías discutidas durante la reunión comunitaria del 7 de octubre. Únase a nosotros en la cafetería SJHS de 6-7. Se proporcionará una comida ligera para llevar a las 5:45. READ MORE >
La Administración de SISD llevará a cabo una reunión comunitaria el martes 22 de octubre de 6 a 7 pm para discutir el marco educativo para las dos vías discutidas durante la reunión comunitaria del 7 de octubre. Únase a nosotros en la cafetería SJHS de 6-7. Se proporcionará una comida ligera para llevar a las 5:45. READ MORE >
The SISD/ACE sponsored Lights On Afterschool will take place on Thursday, October 24th from 5-7 at the Snyder Primary Cafetorium & Gym! Grab your friends and come explore the world that awaits you! Career booths, photo booth, games and snacks! Admission is free and open to all ages! READ MORE >
SISD Administration will hold three community meetings to discuss the educational framework for the two pathways discussed during the October 7th Community Meeting. Please make an effort to attend one of the meetings. Each meeting will provide the same information. Please join us in the SJHS cafeteria from 6-7. READ MORE >
Does Anatomy & Physiology peak your interest? What about virtual reality?? Combine these together and you will have one amazing time at the Health and Wellness STREAM Stop! Join us at Towel Park from 9am to noon! The mobile library will also be open! Stop by and enjoy a great STEM book! It's healthy for your brain! READ MORE >
Do you have questions about the Improvement Required Status at the Junior High, the A-F rating system, and the future of the District? Please join us for an important community meeting. Monday, October 7th, 2019 6pm - 7pm Worsham Auditorium at Snyder High School A light, grab-and-go meal will be provided beginning at 5:45 while quantities last. The district... READ MORE >
8th-grade Principles of Engineering students presented their Innovative Process Proposal to the SJHS Administration. Their task was to find ways to streamline processes at SJHS. This team proposed an idea to scan student ID barcodes to take attendance. READ MORE >
Our Tiger Football Team has a bye and your Snyder ISD STEM Team is ready to get our game on! What is a Maker Friday? Hands on activities that encourage you to show off your creative confidence! Who's Invited? All members of the community from ages 0-99+ What are some Activities? Build Your Own Football Stadium, Robotics, Engineering Challenges, Photo Booth, JH... READ MORE >
All SISD campuses will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in reverence of Labor Day. Please take this time to sharpen your saw and enjoy your family time! We will see you back on Tuesday, September 3rd. READ MORE >
SISD will begin the new year with the new arrival/dismissal schedule. Please be sure to travel when in the school zones! As a reminder, Texas school zone law, under HB 347, prevents using a cell phone when driving through an active school crossing zone. This includes property of a public elementary, middle, or junior high school for which a local authority has... READ MORE >


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It's almost 2017! Can you believe it? It's been an incredibly challenging year for me in so many ways. Creatively, I was definitely it was a bit of a nadir while I worked on life stuff. But I feel something more positive around the corner, so I thought I'd drop little hints in this, my final holiday short, 'Holdin' it Down'. I hope you enjoy, and if you spot the hints of future works to come, I'd be interested to know what you think they are.
Happy Reading, and (less than a week from today) Happy New Year!
Holdin' it Down
"You should have seen what your son just had me doing."
Robyn came breezing into their suite, the remnants of a smile still on her lips.
Chris smiled back at her, thinking for the hundredth time that day how beautiful his wife was. Beautiful and unflappable. They had had a full house for Christmas dinner—seventeen people including the kids—and now had six remaining houseguests, if you counted his two middle children Jasmin and Kaden as "guests".
And yet, Robyn had done nothing but smile all day and look as cool as a cucumber. Even now, hours after the meal, she looked as fresh as she had when she first emerged from her dressing room around one that afternoon, her fire-engine red dress swishing about her knees, her shoulder-length hair still bouncy and full.
"Which son are we talking about?" Chris asked.
"Landyn. To be only one-and-a-half, he is so much like you sometimes it's scary. I had to literally crawl on my belly just now to escape his room. Whenever I put him down, he just sat up and gave me this look, like, 'woman, who said you were free to go?' and then he'd reach up to me like this …" Robyn shook her head. "I had to pick him up again like six times before he finally stayed down. I had crawl out of there so he wouldn't see me leave the room."
Chris shook his head. "That's because you let him play you. I would've left his little ass in there, even if he was bawling his head off. Bedtime is bedtime."
"Yeah, sure you would've," Robyn said rolling her eyes.
"And how does that make him like me? I can't remember the last time you did anything just because I wanted you to."
Chris watched as Robyn slid the dress over her shoulders and let it pool on the floor at her feet. Since they'd been married, her hips were a little wider and fuller. Her breasts larger, and she was curvier in general. Chris loved the changes, especially the way most of the new weight settled in the places he enjoyed most—her ass, her breasts, and hips.
"Demanding? Stubborn? Has to have everything he wants, when and how he wants it?"
"That's like all my sons," Chris said, unable to keep the pride out of his voice.
Just four years ago, if anyone would have told him he would be the proud father of five kids, he would have laughed in their face. The three he had when he and Robyn got together, he fully intended to be his only children. But she had changed all of that. And many other things about his life as well.
Robyn thought for a second. "Yeah you're right. Kaden is coming into his own a little more. Did you notice how he challenged Deuce earlier when they were playing on the Wii? Used to be he would have just lost the game and cried about it. Now he's giving back as good as he gets. Trash-talking and everything." She smiled and shook her head, her expression as indulgent as though Kaden was her own child. The way she loved his kids, even the ones who weren't hers, only made Chris love her more.
Sitting on the edge of the ottoman, Robyn reached behind her to unsnap her bra. Chris kept his eyes on her, waiting for the moment when, once the bra was removed, she would briefly massage the mounds of her breasts, and issue a contented sigh. He smiled. She would never guess how much watching that turned him on. To her, it was just a mindless habit that meant she was getting comfortable and ready for bed at the end of the day.
"Speaking of Deuce," she said. "He's still downstairs with his friend watching a movie. I told him to let us know before they leave, but you know how he can be. So don't forget to check on them before we fall asleep. Last thing I want is for you to get an angry call from his mother at one in the morning because he's still hanging out here."
"Sheryl's got a new man. She'll be cool if he stays here tonight. I just hope he knows he better not be fuckin' his girlfriend in the home theater."
Robyn spun in surprise. "Wait. You think him and Zora …"
Chris gave her a look.
"But she's so against type for him. And he introduced her just as a friend from school who he drove down with, so …"
"She's got his nose wide open," Chris said scoffing. "You telling me you didn't see that?"
"No. I didn't." Robyn looked thoughtful. Standing, she began peeling off her underwear. She generally slept without undies, which worked out well for those mornings where Chris woke up, rolled over and helped himself to sleepy morning sex.
The way his wife responded to him, purely on instinct, never failed to awe and humble him. He knew she was his. He said as much to himself—and to her—often. But to roll over in the half-dark of the early morning, touch her low on her hip and just have her turn over to kiss him lazily while still not fully awake; or to feel her part her thighs at the barest pressure of his morning hardness against her made him feel how much she was his. The way she submitted immediately to his touch, let him do as he wanted, issuing soft, cooing like sounds while he stroked deep inside her, was sexy as hell and gave new meaning to the words 'my woman' and 'my wife'. At times like those, he felt like he and Robyn were one. Not just joined in heart and head, but in their souls.
Shaking the sappy sentiment from his head, Chris brought himself back to the here-and-now.
"I hate to say it, but she is going to run circles around his ass. You didn't see the way he looked at her?"
Naked and unselfconscious, Robyn shook her head. "No. How did he look at her?"
Chris mimicked a simpering, lovesick look and Robyn spluttered into laughter.
"He did not! Deuce is cool as hell. He would never come across that thirsty." She headed for their en suite and Chris watched her go, eyes on the little jiggle of her behind.
"Yeah, well you mark my words. This chick is going to have his gut tied in knots. I almost pulled him to the side and counseled him to up his game."
"Deuce doesn't need your help in that department," Robyn said teasingly. She paused at the door to the bathroom. "He's got way more game than you ever did, Mr. Scaife."
Chris laughed. "Yeah, okay."
"Have to wash off this makeup," Robyn said just before she disappeared. "So I may as well jump in and take a quick shower."
As the sound of the water started, Chris thought about who did come across thirsty. No question about it, his brother-in-law Nate's girl, Presley, that was who. She was a very nice-looking woman, and seemed to be a nice enough person, but a little too starstruck with Shawn and Riley. And asked way too many questions about people in the business. She had that look in her eyes of unbridled ambition and fame-seeking that Chris had become adept at detecting, especially among the beautiful women he met in his line of work, or rather his former line of work.
Though it was obvious she was into Nate—maybe even very much into him—she was the type of chick who would always be yearning for something bigger and better, something that she hadn't even yet defined, but which she believed was perpetually around the next corner. A man could spend time with a woman like that, and he would probably even enjoy that time. But he would do well not to get too attached to her, because the gratification of just one person's approval would never be enough for women like Presley—what she was looking for was mass adulation.
She couldn't have been more different from say, Jamal's wife, Makayla. Once she shed her shyness, Makayla pretty much didn't seem to give a crap about the fame, wealth and the high-rolling lifestyle she had married into. Even though married less than a month, those two were finally starting to settle into being a couple. All through dinner, Chris couldn't help but notice how many times Turner had looked his wife's way, trying to catch her gaze, and winking or grinning at her when he did. Like she was a gift he couldn't wait to get home to unwrap. That shit still messed his head up. They were all getting old if Jamal Turner, eternal bachelor and New York's favorite dark chocolate pretty boy was out of the game for good.
Still, for the past several months, it hadn't looked like it was going to turn out that way. Especially not after that new situation with the ever-present and always-difficult Devin Parks. Although to be fair, this time the drama was not of Parks' making, but someone else's handiwork. That shit … that had been nothing less than an attempt at a takedown.
But Chris had to hand it to Turner. He had managed that whole thing like a pro. There had been a few days in the past month, before things died down, when Chris couldn't pretend he hadn't been tempted to step in. In the end, there had been no need, and he was both disappointed and relieved. Disappointed because it was a strange feeling to be superfluous in his own company. And relieved because the way Turner handled himself proved once and for all that he had picked the right man for the job. It also confirmed that he needed to turn his focus one hundred percent to his new venture. He was going to have to come to final terms with letting go of the business he had built from practically nothing into the mega-machine it was today.
"That was so good." Robyn came padding out of the bathroom, damp and fresh-faced, her skin boasting a slightly pink undertone. "I turned it up as hot as I could stand it and I felt all the tension just melt out of my muscles."
"You were tense?" Chris shoved aside the iPad that he hadn't even been looking at anyway.
"Couldn't you tell? I wanted this to go well, especially with Kaden and Jasmin here for the first time. And all those toddlers running around … and then my mother and Ollie unexpectedly joining us … If Tracy hadn't come early to help me cook I would've lost my mind. By the way, I think she's pregnant again, did I tell you?"
"Nah," Chris said, uninterested. He was watching Robyn release her towel from around her, toss it into the hamper in the corner and reach for her body lotion. "What makes you think that?"
"Didn't you see the way she avoided the wine all night? And I saw her massaging her stomach a few times when she thought no one was paying attention. And Brendan was all over her."
"Brendan is always all over her," Chris pointed out.
"Yeah. True."
Hearing what sounded like a little wistfulness in her voice, Chris turned his attention from her naked body and toward her face. He didn't always tell Robyn what he felt for her. In fact, he wasn't so sure he had words that could adequately express it. Every once in a while, he wished he had those words, so she would know. His life before her had been a half-life; and now, with her he felt like he was finally fully living. But who said that kind of thing out loud? Maybe dudes like Brendan, but not him.
Luckily, Robyn never seemed to care about that. She understood him in a way that transcended what he said, or didn't say. All he knew was that sometimes, he would happen across old pictures of himself in the press or online, something old being revived to make a point about something new that was happening in the music business. And he would see in those pictures, a man who no longer existed. That was almost all because of Robyn.
"She and Brendan are doing brunch at their place in Brooklyn on New Year's Day. I told her we would definitely be there. We're going, right? We don't have any other plans?"
Chris nodded absently. "Yeah, we'll be there. C'mere."
"First let me find my …" Robyn was reaching for the dresser, no doubt about to find and put on one of the wispy little nightgowns she wore to bed these days.
"Nah. Don't put anything on," Chris said. "Just come exactly as you are."
Robyn didn't hesitate. With a bemused expression, she took two steps toward the bed, then another two. And then three, deliberately teasing him with her slowness. Then she seemed to think of something else.
"Did you feel like things were kind of … off between Riley and Shawn? I sensed a little … I don't know, something," she mused.
Chris smiled and shook his head.
"I don't know. And if there was something, they'll work it out. Those two are rock-solid. Now shut up and c'mere."
Climbing onto the bed, Robyn got on her hands and knees and began crawling toward him. Soon she was only inches away, or at least her breasts were, when she raised herself onto her knees, her torso upright.
"What do you want?" she asked, her eyes were mischievous. She pulled in her lower lip.
Without answering, Chris tossed back the sheets and released the erection that had been growing from the moment she first entered their bedroom and started shedding clothing. Robyn looked down and then back up at him. Without a word, she slung one leg over his so she was straddling him, weight still on her knees.
"This?" she asked, her eyes never leaving his. "This what you want?"
Chris nodded, and his eyes fell to the apex of her thighs. With a thumb he touched her, moving it in small circles. Robyn tried to lower herself onto him, hoping to supplement whatever sensation it was that had caused her eyes to flutter shut. But with his free hand, Chris grabbed her hip and stopped her.
"No," he said. "I need you to come at least one time first. So you'll be really wet …"
"I am really wet," Robyn groaned. She grasped his wrist and moved his hand back farther. "See? You feel that?" She impaled herself on his middle and forefinger, rolling back and forth. She was hot, grasping and pulling his fingers in, and with each clench, she moaned, deep husky tones that made him want to watch her face, even as he felt compelled to look down.
With her eyes shut, and her lips slightly parted, Robyn looked wildly beautiful. He wanted to kiss her, suck on her full lower lip, bite her neck and bury himself inside her. But he wanted to see that first explosive orgasm. Her first one was always noisy and profound. After that, the others, later, would be quieter, longer, and harder to earn. But he loved putting in the work to get her there.
Leaning in, he captured a nipple between his lips, playing with it and feeling her hips jerk in response. With one hand, she held his head to her chest, asking without speaking, for him to be rougher with her. He nipped her a little and she gasped, then he felt her free hand, clamp around his wrist and he got that noisy, explosive orgasm he'd been working for. Wasting no time, Chris removed his hand, prying it loose from her grip and without losing the contact between his lips and her breast, arched upward and lunged deep inside her.
Robyn cried out, and both her hands grabbed his biceps, her fingers digging into his skin. She was completely still, but where Chris was deep inside her, there was nothing but movement.
Grip. Release.
Grip. Release.
Grip. Release.
Chris' eyes met his wife's and held. Both of them were frozen in the moment, their breathing labored. When Robyn shifted, he held her still once again.
"No," he breathed. "Don't move. I just want to feel you. Just like this."
Robyn smiled and leaned in, cupping his face and sliding her tongue between his lips. She was warm, minty, and sweet all at the same time. They kissed the way they were making love—with sensual slowness, reading each other and responding. As her lips and mouth grew hungrier, it became more difficult to keep still, especially with Robyn twitching and shifting on top of him. Chris wrapped both his arms around her in a bear-hug, forearms crossed at her lower back, hands cupping her ass.
"Some people just can't follow instructions," he said against her neck. "I said …don't move."
Robyn was almost panting with need. "Don't think I can," she said. "You feel so good, baby. So … so… good."
Chris bowed his head, playing with her nipples again, moving from one to the other and back again. As she panted, Chris felt himself getting even harder. Not too long now. He was going to have to let go. But he didn't want to, because then it would be over, at least for a few minutes. And that was about as long as it would take for Robyn to fall deeply asleep. He knew his wife. She was always a little bit of a babbler, but her frenetic chatter was a signal that she was close to exhaustion. Like a little kid, she always had one last burst of adrenaline before sleep grabbed ahold of her and didn't let go. But tonight, he had better uses for that last gasp of energy than letting her run off at the mouth.
Holding her by the waist, he lifted her off him. Robyn's eyes opened wide in disappointment and alarm.
"What're you …?"
Chris turned her onto her stomach, sliding a pillow beneath her pelvis and entering her once again. Robyn gasped, looking at him over her shoulder, her eyes hooded and clouded over with pleasure. Whatever he gave her, she was throwing right back at him, until tiny puddles of perspiration pooled in the dimples at her lower back. Her hair stuck in curly ringlets at her temples and the back of her neck, and she flung her head back and forth to keep the rest of it from sticking to her back. Leaning forward, not missing a stroke, Chris lifted her hair, wrapped it around his hand and tugged it, then blew on the back of her neck.
When he grabbed and pulled harder, Robyn's moans grew louder. She was almost there, so he increased the pace, wanting to get there with her. In that last few seconds, when he knew his climax was upon him, Chris leaned in, grabbed ahold of his wife's chin and turned her head so he could kiss her. He felt her shudder wrack her entire body just as his tongue met hers, and then, his own eruption followed, close on the heels of hers.
Collapsing on top of her, resting most of his weight on her forearms, it took Chris a moment to regain his breath. Beneath him, Robyn made that purring noise she often made when he'd put in some serious work.
"Hmm," she said. "That's what I needed. But now my shower was for nothing. I'm all sticky again."
"Take another one," he murmured against the shell of her ear.
"Can't. Too tired."
"Doesn't matter. We're good. You're good." He rolled off her and instead wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him spoon-fashion.
They were sticky, but like her, he couldn't muster the energy to care enough to do anything about it.
Just as Chris was sure she had drifted off to sleep, Robyn sighed.
"Baby?" she said.
"What were you and my mom talking about in the kitchen?"
Chris froze. This was the conversation he'd been hoping not to have until tomorrow. This was the conversation, he'd been hoping not to have at all. He told Carolyn that he thought she should be the one to have it, but she said she didn't mind him broaching the topic if it came up. More likely, she wasn't looking forward to breaking the news and hoped Chris might prime the pump for her a little.
"Paris," he said. "You know she was supposed to go for the holiday, so …"
"Yeah, that was weird. How Oliver just showed up like that when she was supposed to go. Is everything alright between them?" Robyn turned in his arms so she was facing him. Her lips were bee-stung and her hair was a mess. But yeah, still beautiful.
"He wanted to surprise her," Chris stated the obvious, stalling.
Oliver was Carolyn's "gentleman friend" whom she'd met when she moved to Paris a couple years ago to support Robyn through a career change that had turned out to be a life-change. Not only for Robyn, but for Chris, and for their relationship. Since then, Carolyn and Oliver's relationship had been long distance, with Robyn's mother traveling to France once every three months, and Oliver coming to the States as often as his time and business interests would allow.
"So they're okay, then? Everything's cool with them? I know my Mom loves him. I would hate for him to have flown all this way to let her down easy or something."
"That's not why he's here," Chris said.
Alerted by the certainty in his tone, Robyn sat up. "What's going on? What do you know?"
Chris sat up as well. "You have to promise not to trip."
"Chris, tell me."
"He's … he asked her to marry him."
Robyn squealed. "Oh my god! Are you …" Then she paused and straightened her back. "But that would mean …"
"That she would be moving to Paris."
Robyn blanched.
Chris knew she was attached to her mother. When they'd first gotten involved, it was clear to him that her mother's approval would mean everything, and her disapproval could be the death knell. Luckily for him, Carolyn Crandall was the chillest of people. He was lucky, as far as mothers-in-law went, because she had never been anything less than supportive of his and Robyn's relationship.
"And what did she say?" she asked, her voice small.
"She loves him." Chris shrugged. "They want to be together."
Robyn's eyes filled. "She'll miss my kids growing up. And if Nate gets married …"
"Robyn," Chris said her name with a little more force in his voice, the tone he used when he needed her to focus. And sometimes when they were arguing. "She deserves to have her own life. Not just be your mother, or our kids' grandmother."
"I know that. But is she thinking this through? I mean …"
"I've never known you to be selfish, Robyn," he said.
She looked at him in surprise, but said nothing.
"Because that's what it would be. If you respond to this news with anything other than complete happiness for this change in her life, that's what it would be. Selfish."
Robyn sighed, and looked chastened. He knew his opinion of her held a lot of sway over his wife, but he rarely wielded that power to change her mind, or behavior. Because he respected her as well. The nature of their relationship was to allow each other plenty of breadth to make their own individual decisions, and even mistakes. So the significance of him saying this, and saying it in this way was not lost on Robyn.
"Is she sure?" Robyn said. "Did she tell you she was …?"
"She's excited. And she speaks French fluently now. And has her own neighborhoods and hang-outs over there. Her own friends. Every time she comes back here, her life is grocery shopping and television, looking after Caity and Landyn when we've got stuff to do. It's a smaller life than she wants, Robyn. Smaller than she deserves."
"I guess she never thought she would have this again. Someone who loves her. And for him to want to take her to live in Paris …"
"Yeah." Chris nodded. He watched his wife processing, as she did, quietly.
"And we'll go see her. Maybe summers or something."
He nodded.
"I am happy for her," Robyn said. "I am."
It sounded like she hadn't completely convinced herself yet, but was working on it. She leaned into him, her head on his shoulder and Chris wrapped an arm around her.
"So tomorrow. Nothing but smiles when she tells you, right?"
"Nothing but smiles," she confirmed. "But I'm going to miss her so much, Chris." Her voice broke a little.
"I know. But that's later. Right now, we're here. Our entire family is here. Under this roof. And the Scaifes are holdin' it down."
At that Robyn smiled a genuine smile. She let her head fall back so she could look up at him. Chris saw the love in her eyes. And felt it in his chest. He smiled back.
"Yeah, we are," she said. "We're holding it down."


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Governor Udom takes campaign train to Nsit Ubuim and Etinan
Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised to award a contract for the construction of an ultra modern Police station in Nsit Ubium local government area in order to boost the security Architecture in the area and ensure the protection of lives and properties.
Governor Emmanuel who made the pledge during his Gubernatorial campaign rally in Nsit Ubium, also assured the people that the next human driven foreign investment to be attracted to the State will be cited at Nsit Ubium. In Etinan local government area, the Governor sued for continuous support for the PDP to enable him do more for the people of the area.
Earlier in their speeches, the Director General of the Divine Mandate campaign organisation, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and the state chairman of the PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, expressed optimism that Governor Emmanuel will emerge victorious in the polls owing to his record of superlative performances in the last three and a half years.
In their goodwill messages, the people of Nsit Ubium and Etinan local government areas who lauded the Governor for the landmark achievement recorded in the areas, including the renovation and revamping of the general hospital, Etinan institute and road projects amongst others, stressed that the massive investments and life touching projects across the state has given them the conviction that the Govenor deserves their support for a second term in office.
Government House correspondent Jane Uwa reports that the event which also featured presentation of flags to candidates of the PDP while the governor consulted paramount rulers of both local government areas on his re-election bid.


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« пЯОГЦОЩЛЕМГсУМщВЕИА »
A FTER the foregoing sheets were printed off,
A I was favoured by the very worthy descend: ants of the pious and learned Archbishop SHARP, with the present of a small but curious work lately published, which belongs to the ecclesiastical history of the xyiiith century. It contains an account of the measures that were taken, and of the correspondence that was carried on in the years 1711, 1712, and 1713, for the introduction of the liturgy of the church of England into the kingdom of Prussia, and the electorate of Hanover. To this historical account are annexed several letters and original papers that are very interesting, more especially a plan of ecclesiastical discipline. and public worship, drawn up by the learned Dr JABLONSKY, and some other papers of the same au. thor, concerning the nature of episcopacy, and the manner of rendering it compatible with the interests of the sovereign, and the religious liberty of the people..
This publication, which is chiefly designed for the use of the Protestants in Prussia, is drawn from MS.' memoirs of the life of Archbishop SHARP, who was principally concerned in the transactions and correspondence above-mentioned. These me. moirs were composed from the Archbishop's journal by his son, the learned Dr THOMAS SHARP, arch. deacon of Northumberland, and the historical account drawn from them, of the project for introducing episcopacy into Prussia, is published in a French translation, done by the Rev. Mr MUYSSON, minister of the French chapel at St James's, &c.


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Photo 120-TLU-34
Copyright © Vintage Aerial. Duplication strictly prohibited. Sharing encouraged. Photo not shown to scale.
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current offices of Highland Memory Gardens cemetery
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