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Summer break begins tomorrow, when the school year officially comes to a close. (But, we started celebrating weeks ago and our kids have not been to bed before 9:30 at night since, basically, the time change and, at some point, we just kind of stopped doing homework so summer break began awhile ago, if you catch my drift.)
When you have babies and toddlers, the end of the school year doesn't necessarily mean anything. Summer routines for wee little kids are just like rest-of-the-year routines – days strategically planned around the dual schedule anchors of naps and mealtimes. June, July and August with tiny ones means doing everything you normally do the other nine months of the year only with 95 percent more sweating and a never-ending alternating application of bug spray and sunscreen.
But, we no longer have babies or toddlers! Everyone in this house can, for the most part, apply their own bug spray and sunscreen. And, they almost never get it in their eyes. Also, all of my children are capable of getting their own meals and snacks. While I still have to remind them to eat something other than a plate full of potato chips, I can yell that in the direction of the kitchen from the living room sofa so I consider it a win. And, the only one that really naps anymore is Bob so that's good. Our summer breaks look so different now with these older kids and the freedom and relative autonomy that affords.
We've somehow found ourselves in that magical window of time wherein our youngest child is old enough to be in control of her own bowels but our oldest child is still young enough that he hasn't begun to resent us with every fiber of his being. There's an opportunity here to make some memories and I'm planning on taking advantage of it this summer.
Some things on our summer bucket list that my kids will probably complain are super boring but, one day, I'm confident they'll look back upon and remember how super bored they were:
James River Plantations – Dotting the James River, southeast of Richmond, Virginia, is a stretch of plantations and historic homes open for tours. The buildings are impressive and I look forward to whisper-yelling, "DON'T TOUCH THAT!" to my children as we tour them. I remember visiting the area with my parents more than twenty years ago, when I was still a college student. I'm looking forward to making my own kids pose on this same boulder, which I assume has not been moved since this picture was snapped sometime around 1996.
Washington Nationals Game – This is not my idea. This request came from Henry and Charlie so I'm pretty sure that I'll actually be the one that will be bored and miserably hot. Baseball just isn't my jam but I will feign a good attitude and also I have heard there is really delicious food at the park so that's something.
Movie Blockbusters – Nothing screams SUMMER like a well-made documentary! Am I right? I'd like the kids to see the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary, "RBG" and the film about Mister Rogers titled, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" I expect both will elicit tears from me and eye rolls from my children. I'm kind of okay with that.
Hershey Park – I grew up going to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and feel strongly that amusement parks are SUCH a SUMMER thing. I don't think the kids have ever been to one so I plan on taking them this year. I mean, it's not really summer until you momentarily lose one of your children in a massive throng of strangers. (Aside: do people still wear matching outfits to amusement parks? I think I could get Bob on board with at least matching shirts. Yes, absolutely, I think he will LOVE that.)
Historic Route 11 – Route 11 stretches the length of Virginia (and beyond) and is the original and non-infuriating version of Interstate 81. We've wanted to explore the route for years now and are planning a few days this summer to do just that. We're planning to begin in Abingdon, in the southwest corner of Virginia, and make our way north from there with overnight stops along the way in Roanoke and Lexington, eventually making our way to Winchester. I will probably find all of this way more fun than my children and that's fine. The Route 11 Potato Chip factory is somewhere along this road and open for tours so that should make them feel right at home.
And, since I frequently field messages from friends looking for trip tips in our corner of Virginia, I thought I'd compile a list of some of our family favorites in case you need to add to your summer bucket list. All of the places detailed below are super kid-friendly which means they have easy access to bathrooms and snacks. Also, it will not surprise anyone that battlefields, heavy artillery, and (Civil War) history feature prominently in this list so your mileage may vary, etc.:
- Antietam (Maryland) – I like to say that Gettysburg gets all of the Civil War glory around here but Antietam should absolutely not be missed. It's incredibly moving.
- Appomattox Court House (Virginia) – Appomattox is where General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. It's worth the drive for the history and to see this part of rural Virginia which has it's own unique beauty.
- America's Historic Triangle (Virginia) – Encompassing Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Go see this! Colonial! History! Everywhere! It's so fun! (Also, Williamsburg will be super busy but hanging out with our kids by the river in Yorktown was always our favorite part.)
- Cumberland (Maryland) – Bob said I should put this on the list so, you're welcome, Bob. He's biked the C&O Canal to Washington, D.C. a few times and Cumberland is where they always begin their journey. We've stopped once with the kids and there's a neat museum here and lots of trains!
- Ohiopyle State Park (Pennsylvania) – Bob and I were married close by Ohiopyle and we're making a return pitstop here in a couple of weeks with the kids. The Youghiogheny River runs through the park and affords lots of outdoor adventure opportunities. There are fun little shops and yummy places to grab a bite to eat. Highly recommend!
- Harpers Ferry (West Virginia) – Harpers Ferry is so easy to explore with kids. There are trains and trails and rivers and old houses and people wearing historic clothing and, like, five places to procure ice cream. It's a win all around.
- U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center (Pennsylvania) – We spied this from the interstate and eventually made it back to visit a couple of years ago. There's a little museum and loads of outdoor installations to explore that tell the history of the U.S. Army's conflict involvement.
- Frontier Culture Museum (Virginia) – You should totally visit this place. Read all about it here: Worth Doing Also, the nearby town of Staunton is adorable. Make a weekend of it! There are wineries close by!
Okay. I think we're ready for summer, guys. LET'S DO THIS.


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We're into real estate investing. We're also into keeping it real.
Our goal is to feature products and services we think you'll find useful. Some of the links in this article may help to financially support this website, but the real-world guidance is all REtipster.
In my first few years as a real estate investor, one of the biggest time-wasters I had to deal with was my research process.
In my mind, in order to feel comfortable sending out an offer on any property, I had to know everything there was to know about the deal (this was my first mistake).
As a result, I would spend a ton of time making sure I understood every possible detail about a property before making an offer. I left no stone unturned.
Now, an abundance of caution isn't a bad thing per se, but I eventually realized this approach was hurting me.
You see – in order for me to be profitable in my business, I actually had to close a deal every once in a while. And in order to close a deal, I had to get some accepted offers.
For every ONE accepted offer I got, I usually had to send out a lot of offers, and I had to do this on an ongoing basis (not one offer per week… but more like a DOZENS of offers per week).
If I wanted to crank out this kind of volume all by myself, it wasn't a good use of my time to spend several hours researching each property before I felt comfortable enough to send out one offer.
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The math just didn't work! If I wanted ANY hope of getting anywhere in this business, something had to change.
When you're offering somebody 10% – 30% of their property's market value (like I do), a lot of them are going to say "No." That's just part of the deal when you're fishing for motivated sellers and offering them virtually nothing for their property. A general lack of acceptance shouldn't take anybody by surprise.
RELATED: How Much Should You Offer For That Property?
Once I came to this realization, I knew that I had to cut the fat out of my research process – big time. I couldn't spend a full hour (or more) researching every property I came across. If I didn't make some drastic changes, I wasn't going to survive as a real estate investor.
After a lot of fine-tuning and experimentation, I was able to whittle down my research process to what I considered to be the most important factors. These were the essential pieces of information that needed to be known in order for me to determine:
- Whether Or Not To Make An Offer
- How Much To Offer
This list of "bare essentials," i.e. – the checklist that I followed to research each property, is outlined in the video below (Hint: View this video in FULL SCREEN in order to see all the nitty-gritty details).
RELATED: Are You Using the Best Real Estate Data?
Now… is this process perfect? No.
But does it tell the story and get to the bottom of the most common issues VERY quickly, thereby allowing me to send out 10x more offers as a result? Yes.
The reason I feel comfortable gathering ONLY the bare essential information is because I have a purchase contract that gives me a "back door". In order to send out dozens of offers simultaneously and not be locked into each one, there must be a way to make non-committal offers (think of it as more of a "letter of intent"), all while being very clear about this fact and get the seller's consent on this.
By doing this, it has allowed me to get much further in my acquisition process without having to invest countless hours of my time before the seller makes a reciprocal commitment back to me. With this approach, I can make offers on each property BEFORE I know every last detail about it, and put together the remaining pieces after I've gotten each acceptance and before I close on the deal.
Consider this insight from Ken McElroy, author of The ABCs of Real Estate Investing:
"Analysis is paralysis. I move on a deal when I know 70% of everything. More than that takes too long and less is too risky."
We don't need perfection – we need just enough information to make a reasonably educated offer.
RELATED: The Only 3 Things You Need To Make An Offer (It's Simpler Than You Think!)
From my perspective (knowing how much time can be wasted in the research process), this approach is the only thing that makes sense to me.
Once I get an acceptance, THEN I can invest more of my time into evaluating a deal… but only if I know that I've got a serious seller on the line. My goal is to never spend more than 15 minutes gathering the basic data on any individual property before I make an offer. This basic data is very important and helpful, but anything beyond this tends to be overkill (especially when you have no idea whether or not a property owner will actually accept your offer).
Let me reiterate – I'm not saying YOU need to research your properties this way. This is simply my opinion, which has been formed after several years of experience and sending out tens of thousands of offers to virtually every kind of seller in the market.
If you're looking for a "bare essentials" due diligence worksheet just like the one I use, you can subscribe to the REtipster email list and download it for free right here:
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Need Help Finding Real Estate Deals?
One of the most important skills every real estate investor needs to learn is how to find great real estate deals. This is the bedrock of every successful real estate business.
I struggled for years to figure this out, but when I finally did - everything changed. The ability to find super-profitable deals consistently is a milestone that made all the difference to me, just like it can for you.
If you need help finding better deals - you need to know about The Beginner's Deal Finding Guide. This is a premium course from REtipster, all about getting you intimately familiar with the multitude of ways you can find incredible deals on any type of property in any market conditions.
We'll show you the essentials you need to know so you can put together your action plan and start finding deals today. Come check it out!

subset: commoncrawl


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Falkensteiner Summer resort
Summer and freshness. A connection with lush natural and refreshing way of life.
A holiday, as he could not be nicer.
The Salzkammergut region, where many paths cross, where to connect the mind and body, culture and history, culinary arts and the art of living in an unusual way .
Summer promised once the guests exactly what their urban world was missing: the encounter with nature healthy, carefree cultural enjoyment and comfort in a manageable life world.
Here in our private rooms and apartments you can get to know all in the holiday tradition of the summer the pleasant feeling of the relaxing way of life. Hiking on the mountains, swimming in the lake, sailing, diving or cycling.
Whether you are discovering the new slowness or prefer to conquer the beautiful Upper Austrian countryside around Lake Attersee - explore for yourself what you understood here with us under " summer " .
We look forward to when you get inspired with us something special. If you are with us find relaxation and peace - in a house that exudes positive life with its simplicity. In a region that is still one of the most beautiful in Austria .
Your Falkensteiner family!
Apartment "Blaumachen"
On 1st floor north east side overlooking the lake
A "Blue Monday" the whole holiday long. With views of the lake. Blue at its best. Light cream and white tones give the device so much ease that even a sometimes-winding cloud can not work hard.
room Types: 1 bedroom | 1 living room| | kitchenette | 1 Shower | 1 WC
from € 89,00 per day excl. 2,00 tourist tax per person (from 15 years) and night
- Size: 35m²
- Persons (max.): 3
- Rooms (total): 2
Apartment "Müßiggang"
On 1st floor, north-south side
Idleness. A form of life immersed in nature abundance and diversity. Accents of vibrant reds and mild green, lots of white and light wood: an atmosphere that allows free and independent, active and dreamy to unfold.
room Types: 1 bedroom | 1 bedroom / living room | 1 kitchenette | 1 bathroom (2 toilets) | 1 hall / foye
from € 89,00 per day excl. 2,00 tourist tax per person (from 15 years) and night
- Size: 42m²
- Persons (max.): 4
- Rooms (total): 2
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Toilet
Aparment "Nichtstun"
On 1st floor, south east side overlooking the lake
Only those who can do nothing for once, get to know the time and leisure. Here even this difficult decision; should be given the morning sun on the balcony overlooking the lake preference or enjoy the sensual warm atmosphere in the bedroom.
room Types: 1 bedroom | 1 living room | 1 kitchenette | 1 Bathroom | 1 closet
from € 89,00 per day excl. 2,00 tourist tax per person (from 15 years) and night
- Size: 35m²
- Persons (max.): 2
- Rooms (total): 2
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Toilet
- Lake view
- number Holiday Appartement: 3
- number Persons (from): 4
- number Persons (to): 1
- Size (From): 42,00 m2
- Size (until): 35,00 m2
- Lounge
- Library / reading rooms
- Garden
- Grills / BBQ
- Internet corner
- Washing mashine
- Fridge
- Kitchen
- Coffee mashine
- (electric) Cooker
- Towels
- Dishwasher
- Blankets available
- Bedcovers available
- Ping-pong table
- Drying room for sports equipment
- Transfer (airport, train station, ...)
- Without board
- Breakfast service
- Breakfast
- Center: Near by
- Lake: Near by
all year
- holiday suite (unit price): From € 89,00 (per night)
For each additional person we charge € 15.00 per day
For a dog we charge a surcharge of € 35.00
€ 2.00 tourist tax per person (from 15 years on) and day. Prices are exclusive city tax.
Austrian Hotel regulations apply for cancellation conditions.
- Privatvermieterverband OÖ
- Pets allowed
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
Please get in touch for more information.
Falkensteiner Summer resort
Seepoint 5
4865 Nußdorf am Attersee
+43 664 4225377
+43 7666 8258
Contact person
Family Monika Falkensteiner
Seepoint 5
4865 Nußdorf am Attersee
+43 664 4225377
Legal contact informationFalkensteiner-Sommerfrische
Mag. Monika Falkensteiner
Seepoint 5
AT-4865 Nußdorf am Attersee


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Innovation Awards 2020
Finalists Announced
EDGE 2020 Goes Virtual

Hitachi Data Systems, provider of Application Optimised Storage™ solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), today announced the appointment of Wendy Watkinson as Channel Manager for NSW.

Wendy is responsible for executing Hitachi Data System's channel strategy in NSW, developing and implementing partner programs, and managing distribution activity in the state.

Wendy brings with her 10 years of channel and business development experience from Nortel, where she held numerous roles with responsibilities include developing sales strategy, business planning and growing Nortel's partner ecosystem.

Wendy holds a Certificate in Business Marketing from the Australian Institute of Management.

About Hitachi Data Systems

Hitachi Data Systems leverages global R&D resources to develop storage solutions built on industry-leading technology with the performance, availability and scalability to maximise customers' ROI and minimise their risk. By focusing on the customer's perspective as we apply the best hardware, software, and services from Hitachi and our partners, we uniquely satisfy our customers' business needs. With approximately 3,200 employees, Hitachi Data Systems conducts business through direct and indirect channels in the public, government and private sectors in over 170 countries and regions. Its customers include more than 50 percent of Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.hds.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen (US$84.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Website at http://www.hitachi.com.

© 2006, Hitachi Data Systems Corporation. Hitachi is a registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Hitachi Data Systems is a registered trademark and service mark of Hitachi, Ltd. in the United States and other countries. All other trade names, trademarks, and service marks used herein are the rightful property of their respective owners.


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We receive a few phone calls each day from someone who has allowed a judgment to be entered against them. What do I do now? is the question that is most often asked. Well, it depends upon your timing. If the judgment was just entered, then you might be able to file an appeal. Generally, you have 30 days to file an appeal from a judgment that is filed at the local district justice. If the judgment is entered at the Court of Common Pleas level, then you may have only 10 days to file a motion/appeal, depending upon circumstances.
If the judgment is older, we can take a look at the court process to search for errors. For the most part, the errors that we would be looking for are defective service, or, defective notices. Defective service simply means that you were not served. Defective notice means that you received a notice that was not correct, that is, one that didn't fully explain your rights. With a defective notice, we can attempt to strike the judgment and re-open the case for you. What we cannot do, and what most people want us to do, is argue the merits of the case. Many clients call me and say that the lawsuit was filed after the statute of limitations expired. While that may or may not be true, it doesn't matter if you didn't properly defend yourself when you had the opportunity. What does matter is whether you were served properly, and whether you received the proper notices.
In the absence of an error, the only choices, unfortunately, are to settle or to do nothing. There are pros and cons to each. Contact my office for a free, no obligation review of your consumer law issue. 412-823-8003


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The Christmas Voyager Westchester Broadway TheatrePublished: Monday, December 11, 2017 By: Gerard Falco Source: The Theatre Guide
The Christmas Voyager, a Christmas holiday musical, is currently running at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, N.Y. through Saturday, December 23rd. The production is based on a book written by Robert Fitzsimmons and Kathy Wheeler. The theme revolves around the intergalactic journey of "Starman" (Zach Trimmer), who travels through time trying to find his way home by searching for the alignment of the three stars that come together on Christmas Eve. As you probably already surmised and without giving too much away, his time travels bring him to the origins of some of our best known Christmas traditions. The theme is a bit simplistic, but then again, it is really intended as wholesome family fare.
Most of the songs rely upon the collective voices of the company. Their individual voices are delightful as is their resulting harmony. During the first act one got the feeling there was much more under the hood of this musical vehicle and in the second act those voices came to life. The voice of Zach Trimmer is strong and powerful as is the fantastic operatic voice of Bonnie Fraser.
The play is nicely directed by Richard Stafford, and the costumes by Claudia Stephany are varied and fun. The stage settings and the initial mood of the play start slowly. The play builds momentum before the second half and ends on a very nice note. The players' voices were sometimes difficult to understand. The choreography is creative without being too complex. There is even some tap dancing and a sing-along at the end of the production.
Overall, the theatre projects into the theatre space and is quite comfortable with a clear view of the stage. The served dinner is satisfying. The Christmas Voyager is an enjoyable and entertaining holiday event for the entire family!


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Most often, sports channels and competitions are subjected to regional blocking. This can be a real tragedy for someone who is a fan of a foreign team or just wants to be aware of the what's happening in the real world.
RUSVPN will help you watch live sports broadcasts online without restrictions and will allow you to stay up to date with all the events.


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Feel free to reach out to us at anytime! At RJS Pest Management we pride ourselves on offering the best customer service in the industry.
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Bruschetta With Gorgonzola And Honeystarter
- Prep time:
- 20 mins
- Cook time:
- 15 mins
- Suitable for:
- Everyone
- Serves:
- 6
- Provided by:
- Giada De Laurentiis
The subtle sweetness of the honey really compliments the strong and creamy Gorgonzola cheese.
Such a very simple snack to make for a quick lunch or late night treat..
- 36 slices (1/2-inch thick) baguette bread, about 1 loaf
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces Gorgonzola, sliced
- 3 tablespoons of Haughton Honey
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.
- Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Arrange the cheese on the toasts and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
- Drizzle the toasts with honey. Place on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes for the cook: if you have a fan-assisted oven then reduce the specified temperature in the recipe by about 15% ~ 1 teaspoon = 5ml and 1 tablespoon = 15ml ~ some ingredients are measured in cups and some equivalents are; 150g, 6oz (1/2 cup) = 120ml, 4fl oz


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|Kiddie picnic tables
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These picnic tables are great for children's birthday parties. Our tables are always clean and stable. And of course, they're only $9.50!
How can this deal get any better? If you pick up these tables from our warehouse, you may keep them for the weekend! You won't find a better
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I-20 Exit 92 (Alcovy Road)
|Pick-up for the Weekend Pick up an inflatable from our warehouse and keep it for the weekend


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You are here
Business Tax Preparation and Compliance
At Wolf & Company, our niche-based focus for business tax preparation, consulting, compliance, and other services ensures you're working with industry experts who understand your business, are aligned with its goals, and can help you plan for future needs. Whether your business is a corporation, partnership, or LLC, you require a skilled tax resource that provides a wide variety of planning and compliance services.
Our Approach
Clients have direct access to decision makers at our firm and owner-level involvement throughout the engagements. Because we know that timing is a critical element of business tax preparation and planning, our business tax accountants stay in frequent contact with you throughout the year.
Our membership in Allinial Global, an association of legally independent accounting and consulting firms, gives us access to a depth of resources on par with much larger firms while allowing us to maintain a one-on-one relationship with our clients.
Business Accounting Services Offered
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Forty-five years ago, Gay Talese redefined essay writing.
I came across this yesterday – hadn't seen it in years – when I was writing about Harlan Ellison. Ellison plays a small role in the story, a then lesser-known writer who just happened to be sharing a poolroom with Frank Sinatra when Frank was in one of those moods. It's a scene in a film-length story about Talese trying to get access to Sinatra for an article assignment from Esquire. Sinatra declined to be interviewed. So Talese wrote around him.
I don't know if it lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest article ever written, but it is damned good, with a pulse and cadence that combines humor, pathos and even a bit of suspense here and there.
On a much smaller level I had to do the same thing once, when assigned to cover The Hives on their first tour. Although a band member did pick up the phone, they were so disinterested in participating, every question was answered with two or three words. No comebacks. No tangents. No plugs for new material. In fact the only time there was any exchange was when I asked them about their fictitious Svengali, who they purported wrote all their material and choreographed their every move. But even after that two sentence retort, there was nothing. So I tossed it and wrote around them, angling the piece as if I were a paparazzi eavesdropping on "a day in the life".
Another favorite, although there was probably no interview scheduled, was Joe Queenan's toxic Mickey Rourke For A Day. Now I'm as big a Rourke fan as you'll find – never abandoning him even through the really bad days – but I could appreciate the observance of a train wreck from Queenan's perspective.
Talese is correct – our media culture today is a machine that gobbles up rumor and gossip and innuendo and regurgitates it as news and fact, only retracting and apologizing when they need to. Society is fascinated with observances of the rich and famous, especially when they falter. That appetite has always been there, but the line between fact and fiction is now murky. Most blur the line purposefully, because they are sensationalists.
Gay Talese did it artfully, because he has talent.
And R.I.P. Jeff Conaway, dead at 60 from pneumonia and bacterial infections after being comatose for over two weeks. He played Kenickie in Grease but was more famous as the struggling actor and part-time cabbie Bobby Wheeler in Taxi. He left the show after three years – in fairness, they had run out of things to do with his character – and never really landed anything else of significance. That void led to depression and substance abuse, as it does for many who lose the limelight.
I abhor reality shows, and the lowest in the slime pit are celebrity rehab shows; they are sad and parasitical events that prey on desperate subjects for the entertainment of worthless people. Conaway had been a regular face on shows like these. I prefer to remember him from the glory days, when I was watching the man's craft, not his public evisceration.


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Little Drummer Boy performed by Faith Hill and acapella choir of men on David Letterman.
Why the little drummer boy is worthy:
The little drummer boy admits his own poverty, his lack of gift to bring the newborn King. He is humble. He is poor. He is in a perfect position to be lifted up. Mary looks to him and brings him to Jesus.
We must acknowledge our own poverty. We must acknowledge our own lack-of-gift to bring. Jesus is full of everything, and we are in lack. When we acknowledge this, we are in a perfect position to be lifted up.
"I HAVE NO GIFT TO BRING!" we declare. Then He gives us the greatest gift, He brings us into His very presence and fills us with honor and glory. We receive our gift, instead of trying to establish, mistakenly, that we have worthy gifts on our own. Thank you, Jesus!


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Moroccan Vegetable Stew with Couscous and Mint Gremolata
I love a quick, easy weeknight meal. I love a quick, easy weeknight meal that tastes great and shakes my regular rotation of flavors up even more. I don't cook with cinnamon often. It used to scare me a bit. I had never mixed what I considered a traditionally "sweet" spice with my regular savory ones until recently. I branched out last month with Chicken Tikka Masala and haven't looked back.
Moroccan Vegetable Stew with Couscous and Mint Gremolata
via garlic shoots
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, washed and sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch diagonals
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
Large pinch saffron threads
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup peas, frozen or fresh
1/2 pound spinach, washed, stemmed and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup plain couscous
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
Heat the oil in a large saucepan, 5 quarts or so, over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute, stirring frequently, until softened, about 7 or 8 minutes. Watch so they don't burn. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes. Stir in carrots, tomatoes, saffron, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add the beans, salt, pepper, and 1 3/4 cups of water. Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the peas and spinach, and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
Heat the additional oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and stir until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.Meanwhile, bring 1 1/3 cups of water to a boil. Sprinkle salt over couscous. Pour water over couscous and cover. Let the couscous stand for 5 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Make the gremolata by combining the mint, parsley, garlic and lemon zest in a small bowl. Divide the stew evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Dish couscous into the center of each bowl (a half-cup measure works wonders). Sprinkle gremolata over each bowl of stew.


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Another day, another significant development on the running-Windows-on-an-Intel-Mac front: Parallels, which makes virtualization software for running multiple operating systems on one computer, is releasing a beta of an Intel Mac version of its Parallels Workstation software today.
The young company shouldn't feel too bad about Apple stealing some of its thunder with Boot Camp, because Parallels Workstation's approach promises some significant advantages over the official Apple offering. (I say "promises" because we haven't had the opportunity to try it for ourselves yet.) Its virtualization technique (similar to the approach that VMWare has used for years on the PC platform) lets you, essentially, run multiple virtual x86 computers inside windows in a host operating system. So while Boot Camp's very name indicates that forces you to boot between Windows and OS X, using only one at a time, Parallels Workstation will let you run Windows within OS X. Which should in theory be a lot more seamless, particularly if you want to spend most of your time in OS X and Mac apps, but need to use one or two Windows programs, too.
Parallels also supports other operating systems, opening up the possibility of a tri-OS Mac that runs Windows and Linux inside OS X. And it leverages Intel's Virtualization Technology architecture (built into all the Intel Macs but the Mini, according to Parallels), which is designed to boost virtualized PC performance.
Downsides? Compared to simply running Windows natively on an Intel Mac, as Boot Camp permits, there's a performance hit with the Parallels approach. But the company says it's modest--and it should certainly be far less of a slowdown than with Microsoft's Virtual PC, which had to perform the far trickier feat of running an x86 OS on a Power PC system. The company says that there shouldn't be any driver issues (I'll be intrigued to see, though, how its support for graphics adapters and add-ons compares to Boot Camp's).
The final version of Parallels Workstation will cost $49.99, and if it's solid, it could provide a logical upgrade path from the free Boot Camp for people who want a more powerful Winapple experience and are willing to pay for it.


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Interpretive Quit Dancer Draws Hilarious YouTube Rebuttal
On Tuesday, the staff at Next Media created their own version of Kanye-inspired interpretive dancing of why they were happy with their jobs, clearly showing they wanted to have fun with the meme. "Since we have a rooftop pool and sauna, we'll call it even," read a subtitle in their version of the video, which was picked up by Mashable. The whole staff can be seen in the very same offices dancing as if their office was a nightclub.
Why even recognize an ex-coworker who released a video in which she wrote for a subtitle, "For almost two years I've sacrificed my relationships time and energy for this job. And boss only cares about quantity and how many views each video gets?"
For starters, the company may have been looking to capitalize on Shifrin's viral success. Her video has garnered a whopping 8.7 million page views since she first posted it this past weekend. And Shifrin started out her video making it clear she felt no ill will. "I work for an awesome company," was how her first subtitle read, before she broke into her full-body dance.
Shifrin, for her part, had only had further praise for her former colleagues upon hearing of their video. "Good for them. A little dancing goes a long way. Yet another example of why I love that team," she tweeted.
AOL Jobs regularly features workers who quit in style. In the past year, there's been the Bed Bath & Beyond employee who announced his desire to no longer work for his "P****k" of a boss on a pricetag at the store. And then there was the Chicago barista who quit his coffee shop gig through song, backup singers included.
The staff at Next Media Animation may have had other motivations for posting their video. After all, they need to replace Shifrin, and in their video, note, "We're Hiring."


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Located in the foothills of the Siang hills, hardly a kilometer from the Likabali, Malinithan Temple was once an extravagant site but now completely in ruins. It was in early 20's, between 1968 and 1971, all these relics were unearthed on this site. The ruins found nearby the temple indicates that it was built with granite stones during the period of Aryan influence in the region, which is quite unique as most of the temples in Northeast are build with bricks.
There's an intriguing story associated with the name of the temple, according to which Krishna eloped with Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbha, and then traveled from Bhishmakanagar to Dwarka. During their journey, they stopped at Malinithan, where they received a wall welcome and was presented with garlands made of flowers plucked from her orchard. Krishna was so much fascinated by the scent of a flower that he addressed Parvati as Malini, meaning "the mistress of the garden." That's how the place got its name - Malinithan. As per another story, the image of a female without the head was unearthed during the excavations, which represented Malini who was the lover of Shiva. The image of the goddess Durga found here is known as "Pupane", an ancient name for the Divine Mother.
At the time when the temple was in the excavation process, four sculptures of lions on two elephants was found. The granite sculptures of Indra riding his mount Airavata; Kartikeya riding a peacock; Surya (Sun) riding a chariot, and Ganesha mounted over a mouse, and a large Nandi bull were also found here. There are some erotic sculptures to see too in different postures, which means that at the time when temple was in making process, tantrism prevailed here as a fertility rite of the tribal people.
The Malinithan archaeological site is located at the base of the Siang mountains in the Likabali. Malinithan is quite a prominent attraction of Arunachal Pradesh. From all the major nearby hubs, you can get buses to reach Malinithan.
Make a point to see the relics, and sculptures that were evacuated from this site.
Throughout the year


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Ronald Roybal (HwAn-Pi-Khaw ... Red Tailed Hawk Song) is a native of the American Southwest and a renowned flutist who performs songs inspired by the region and its peoples. A descendent of Pueblo (Tewa) and Spanish Colonial peoples, he considers his ability to express both sides of his heritage to be a great gift and responsibility. A completely self-taught musician, Ronald has studied music since his youth and is widely respected as a master performer of the native american flute as well as the spanish style classical guitar.
In addition to guitar and flute, he enjoys pow wow singing and dancing.
He is a six-time Native American Music Award nominee. He was a 1998 Native American Music Award nominee in the categories of Best Flutist of the Year for Visions of the Fourth World and Best Instrumental Album for Suite Santa Fe. He was a 2000 Native American Music Award Nominee in the categories of Best World Music Recording and Best Latin Influenced Recording for Eagle's Journey into Dawn. He was a 2002 Native American Music Award Nominee in the category of Best New Age Album for Blue Corn, Red Earth. His film, The Blood Cries Out, was nominated Best Long Form Music Video in the 2007 Native American Music Awards. He was also a two-time New Mexico Music Industry Award Winner in 2003 and 2005 for Best Native American Music Production for his work on Skyfather's Dream.
Ronald has been featured twice on National Public Radio's Performance Today program for his performance at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival's Salute to Indian Art Market. His music has been included in various video soundtracks including "The Trail of the Painted Ponies", "Spanish Missions: Magnificent Restorations", "Zozobra", "Land, Water, People, Time" and "The Blood Cries Out".
He makes his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he performs extensively at area hotels, resorts, restaurants and civic events. In addition to performance, Ronald successfully operates his own recording studio and record label.


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There are many brands of car seats in the market today and they are very different in terms of design. It is because of that that we decided to scale down and make it is for you to choose the best that will suit you by writing a buying guide that will help you as a parent to make an informed ...READ MORE +
Category: Infant Car Seats
There are very many car seat brands in the market which may be very overwhelming if you are a first-time shopper. If you are buying a car seat for a newborn, then an infant car seat will be the best since it is well designed to support and hold small kids more comfortable. A convertible car seat ...READ MORE +
As a parent, the first thing that should come on your mind is the safety of your child. So when going out to purchase a car seat for your kid make sure that the one you pick meets the laid laws and regulation and is comfortable. As soon as you get news of your pregnancy, then make sure when ...READ MORE +
In places so cold, parents are forced to heavily dress up their kids in order to keep them warm. However, this may make the car seat unable to do what it was intended to. In case of a crash, the harness will make sure that your kid is held in place to avoid him from being injured. The danger of ...READ MORE +
When traveling with your kid whether an infant or a toddler in a car, his safety is paramount. A lot of kids have been reported to die during car accidents all over the world. Parents are therefore advised to take an extra step in making sure that their kids are safe. Buying the best car seat for ...READ MORE +
An infant car seat is a seat designed to protect your kid from harm or death in case of a smash or accident. The newborn baby car seats are the first infant car seat that your baby requires during the first year or so. Just like a helmet protects you from death or injury while skating, the infant ...READ MORE +
Choosing a car seat for your child can be so overwhelming especially if you are doing it for the first time. There are various brands in the market today with different styles and designs, therefore, making it hard to pick one. In some countries, emerging laws and rulings may get you confused in ...READ MORE +


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Key Advantages
- Comprehensive assessment of iodine sufficiency as well as the antagonistic halides in a single test
- Requires a non-invasive first morning void and a 24-hour urine collection
- State-of-the art urine elemental analysis
Iodine is an essential element required for normal function of the thyroid gland, immune system, and the integrity of thyroid and breast tissue. Sub-optimal total body iodine status is associated with insufficient intake of the essential element and excessive intake of the highly antagonistic halides; bromide and fluoride. Iodine sufficiency and the retention of antagonistic bromide and fluoride can be estimated by analysis of iodine, bromine and fluoride in urine.
|If you have been authorised a test by your practitioner, or would like more information on how to conduct your functional test click HERE
|If you already have a RN Labs account, please log in below.
If you do not have an account and would like to sign up for one, you can do so online HERE


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Hillside Primary School buys Christmas book for every child
PUBLISHED: 19:59 19 December 2017 | UPDATED: 19:59 19 December 2017
Christmas really has come early for over 500 children – after their primary school bought them all a book to read over the festive period.
Hillside Primary School in Ipswich is joining a new reading initiative designed to improve reading levels in all year groups.
But in order to join the Accelerated Reader programme, headteacher Lee Abbott was told the library must be updated and every book must be returned – meaning students would be left without their favourite novel during Christmas.
They take home a library book each day, not just for Christmas and other breaks.
So Mr Abbott and other school leaders decided the best way out of the predicament was to buy a book for every child – and even got Father Christmas to deliver the presents yesterday, causing a mixture of shock and delight among pupils.
Mr Abbott said: "In terms of cost, when sourcing the books in bulk, they are really quite reasonable, but the small amount of cost for providing every child with the opportunity to read over Christmas was negligible compared to the academic cost in the child not having a reading book. That's a small price to pay, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to read over Christmas.
"Reading is a priority for all schools, and raising reading standards and the love of reading is what we do best, and what we want to emphasise the most."
Year group leaders were asked what they thought would be the best books to buy for their children, and books were linked to classroom learning. The books ranged from Roald Dahl novels to Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo.
Mr Abbott said: "The students absolutely loved getting their presents from Father Christmas. Their reactions were lovely. I'm sure the parents will be pleased.
"Reading is the simplest but most valuable thing that families can do with children before they reach school, and the thing we emphasise to parents is, if you don't do anything else with the children, develop a love of reading. Let them see you reading. Have books in the house, so they see how important reading is."
The Accelerated Reader programme invites pupils to choose and read a book at the right level for them and then take an online quiz to demonstrate their understanding.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Ipswich Star. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Yearly membership
Regular price
The iHELP health card is basically safety in your pocket. Imagine that you suddenly feel sick and collapse on the street where nobody knows you. Rescuers will come and provide emergency medical assistance. The iHELP card contains all necessary data, ICE contacts and medical status, such as allergies, medication intakes, and medical conditions. iHELP card provides relevant information to doctors, first respondents and rescuers, and thus also better emergency assistance and potential error prevention.
NOTE:iHELP DINERS Credit Card can order only a person who live in Slovenia or company who is establish in Slovenia!


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In Louisville, we love our heroes big. Really big. Like plastered against the side of a building big.
For years, residents and travelers alike have been treated to murals of hometown celebrities slapped against the side of many prominent buildings, featuring each local legend professing their ownership of our fair city. The list of honorees is impressive - Diane Sawyer, Colonel Sanders, and a whole gaggle of old looking dudes who look like they had their pictures taken at one of those old-timey saloon places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Not only do these portraits bring energy and excitement to the city, but they also do a super job covering up those spooky-looking gang signs that get spray painted on everything that's not under 24-hour surveillance. (Seriously, what language is that? Some sort of Hebrew/Japanese hybrid?)
But where do we go from here? Has the city exhausted all of its viable, photogenic options? According to one supposed government official, that answer is an outwardly confident, yet truly insecure sounding, "I don't think so."
Wayne Larimore claims to be Metro Louisville's Director of Big Ass Signs. According to the somewhat shady looking Larimore, the position was created in 2001 by former mayor Jerry Abramson after he spent an entire Saturday afternoon standing in the back of a Spencer's Gifts staring at a totally awesome black light poster of a wizard riding a unicorn. "Once I convinced Jerry that black lights of that size and magnitude just weren't practical, the rest was simple."
For more than 10 years, Larimore spent his days evaluating candidates for future murals, scouting possible locations, and performing constant maintenance on the world's largest copy machine. But then one day, this dream job turned into a nightmare.
Short of exciting candidates, Larimore found himself left to choose between actor Ned Beatty and a guy named Fonrose "Skippy" Arrington III, who according to local authorities was the first man to ever put a Jolly Rancher in a bottle of Zima.
"When you think of Beatty, only one thing comes to mind - and I refuse to be known for glorifying the man who ruined 'Stroker Ace'. And Arrington? If I wanted to look at a giant douche bag, I'd just hang out at 4th Street Live."
After spending nearly 45 minutes in a state of panic, followed by a brief, yet fulfilling lunch at a nearby Wendy's, followed then by three hours of online checkers and an additional two hours on Craigslist posting personal ads under the pseudonym "dongbandit", Larimore came to the realization that he needed to get some work done.


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Immiscible liquid or even miscibility will be terms which are new to most Berry Readers. However, if we were to use layman's terms, miscibility will simply mean the ability of molecules to dissolve in other molecules. However, we're learning chemistry, so we ought to use more accurate terms. Hence, it'll be better to use the proper terms. So in this post, Part 6 of Berry Berry Easy short study notes for STPM Chemistry Form 6 on Phase Equilibrium, we'll be focusing on immiscible liquids. with immiscible liquids come the difficult subtopic of vapour pressure of immiscible liquids and Dalton's law of partial pressures. It'll be useful to revisit the concept of vapour pressure if you have forgotten about it. So please pay attention to the post below as it'll be a deceptively difficult subtopic to master.
[Tips: For those who wants to know the proper term of miscibility (for liquids), it is actually the property of liquids to mix in all proportions to form homogeneous solution. It is also useful to know examples of immiscible liquids, such as the common oil and water. Oil and water are immiscible liquids (relative to each other) as they do not mix and the oil layer floats on top of the water layer.]
STPM Chemistry Form 6 Notes – Phase Equilibrium (Part 6)
Immiscible Liquid
- Immiscible liquid – liquids do not dissolve in one another
- Two of the immiscible liquids (A & B) are mixed, it form two separate layers
- Lower density liquid – top layer
- Higher density liquid – bottom layer
- The intermolecular forces of attraction between their molecules are different
- Example: benzene and water, mercury and water, chlorobenzene and water, nitrobenzene and water
- Water is a polar molecule
- Benzene, chlorobenzene and nitrobenzene are non-polar molecule with van der Waals forces of attraction and mercury atoms are bonded to each other with metallic bond.
Vapour Pressure of Immiscible Liquids
- The total vapour pressure of the mixture is the sum of the vapour pressures of the pure components
- PT = P˚A + P˚B where PT = Total pressure of the liquid mixture, P˚A = Vapour pressure of pure liquid A, P˚B = Vapour pressure of pure liquid B
- Method of distillation and purification: Steam distillation and followed by separation process using separation funnel
- Steam distillation is used to extract fragrant oils from plants (making perfume) and purify organic compound
- To carry out this process, the liquid must be immiscible with water, have a relatively high RMM and high vapour pressure (100˚C)
Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
- P˚A = XA • PT and P˚B = XB • PT where XA = mole fraction component A in vapour and XB = mole fraction component B in vapour
- XA = nA / (nA + nB) and XB = nB / (nA + nB) where nA = number of moles A and nB = number of moles B
- (Dividing P˚A and P˚B) P˚A / P˚B = nA / nB
- Number of moles (n) = mass in gram (m) / molecular mass (M)
- Final equation, mA / mB = P˚A•MA / P˚B•MB
Water and chlorobenzene are boiled at a pressure of 101 kPa, the temperature is 90˚C and the ratio of the mass of chlorobenzene to that of water is 2.46. The vapour pressure of water at 90˚C is 72.3 kPa, calculate the relative molecular mass (RMM) of chlorobenzene.
- Use formula mA / mB = P˚A•MA / P˚B•MB
- Vapour pressure of chlorobenzene at boiling point, 101 – 72.3 = 28.7 kPa
- 2.47 = (28.7 x Mchlorobenzene) / (72.3 x 18)
Answer: Relative molecular mass of chlorobenzene = 112
So there you go, the end of this part. The next post, Part 7 of Berry Berry Easy's series of notes for STPM Chemistry Form 6 on Phase Equilibrium will be related to boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, colligative properties and conductance.


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Your typical hair color at the beauty salon cost more than $75. Stretch out the time between visits and use these tips to save money by making your hair color last longer.
Things You Will Needclarifying shampoo
water purifier
swim cap
Step 1Pre-wash with a clarifying shampoo to make your hair color last longer.
Prior to hair coloring, wash hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove hair product buildup to make hair color penetrate deeper. Hair that is often styled with hair products such as hairspray, gels, or mousses often leave build up over time on your hair. Even the environment you live in can attribute to build up such as the minerals from hard water, the chlorine from a pool, and etc. Clarifying shampoo removes this build up so that you can have a clean start before you color your hair.
Step 2Pick a permanent hair color to make your hair color last longer.
Permanent hair color such as Garnier 100% Color Vibrant Colors don't rinse out, but fade over time. An obvious color line at the roots defeats the purpose of looking more youthful with hair color and will cost you money with more frequently touch ups.
Step 3Wait 48 hours after coloring your hair before shampooing to make your hair color last longer.
Hair dye needs times to set into your hair strands.
Step 4Install a water purifier in your shower head to make your hair color last longer.
Most tap water contain chlorine. If you ever spend any time at the pool, you
would know that chlorine bleaches your hair. Consider wearing a swimming cap to minimize your new hair color from chlorine the next time you are in the pool.
Step 5Use hair styling products to make your hair color last longer.
Like chlorine, the UV rays from the sun also bleaches your hair color. Consider wearing a hat if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time to protect your new hair color from the sun.
Step 6Apply a conditioning mask once a week to make your hair color last longer.
The extra hydration of a conditioning mask makes your hair strands stronger and
less prone to environmental damage that causes fading. Or consider putting on hair conditioner until your swim cap to condition your colored hair while you swim.


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Even after eight years on the Lansing School Board, Beth Stevenson feels there is a lot left to do.
Even after eight years on the Lansing School Board, Beth Stevenson feels there is a lot left to do.
Stevenson is the only incumbent running for one of three seats in the April 2 election for the body, with Gary Courtney and Bob Nye both choosing to step down.
When she first ran in 2005, Stevenson said she was involved with the parent-teacher association and as a room mother organizing activities for the students.
"I've been involved in the schools since my children first started," in 1991, she said. "I ran for the school board as a kind of natural extension of that."
During her tenure, Stevenson said she has been a part of two different school construction projects, including Lansing Elementary School, which opened in 2008, and the new $73 million bond project that, when completed in 2015, will result in the construction of a new high school building and the current high school retrofit into a new middle school.
The design for those new projects is emerging, Stevenson said, aimed relieving many of the district's capacity issues.
"When you don't have space in your classroom, it limits what you can do," she said.
By the same token, Stevenson said district is also working toward what will happen inside those buildings once they are open.
"There's a lot that we need to do, and it's not just the physical plan," she said.
For Stevenson, the new schools represent an opportunity to adapt for new opportunities and realities, like the fact that more and more students are equipped with mobile devices, both of their own and provided by the school district.
"We're trying to integrate those things into what we do," she said.
But technology is just one part. Stevenson said she feels the district has also taken steps to broaden the number of advanced placement and dual credit options for students, expand course offerings in journalism and multimedia communications at the high school and have implemented the multi-tiered system of support at all levels of instruction.
All of this in a fiscal environment in which public schools in the state have seen their budgets cut back year after year. During those times she said the board has been able to take steps, like last year's bond refinancing, to save money. They've also brought student busing under district control in another effort aimed at reducing costs. While "there's nothing easy about education cuts," Stevenson said the measures that the board and the district have taken allow the funding coming into the district to continue going where it's most needed.
"Part of our job as as school board is giving the people who are teaching our children the tools they need to do their job well," she said.
As a current board member, Stevenson said she feels she's on the other side of the learning curve when it comes to managing a district budget or a major construction project. And though none of her children are still in the schools, Stevenson said she still has the passion that got her started.
"You do it, you serve because you care," she said.


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Australian Desserts
Aussies may be known for foods like Vegemite and throwing a shrimp on the barbie**, but we also have some pretty iconic all Australian desserts. From pavlova to Lamingtons. Even our good old Tim Tams are getting around the world. This category is your one-stop shop to the best Aussie dessert recipes.
Stop and look around. You'll find Traditional Neenish Tarts, Rose Strawberry Lamingtons and this indulgent No-Bake Tim Tam Cheesecake. But there are so many more dessert recipes here to choose from.
**By the way, Aussies call them prawns. No actual Aussie would ever refer to them as shrimp.


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Two dedicated programs are designed to address this aim:
- NOFAR Program, submitted by an academic researcher/s accompanied by a strategic industrial company or a business entity.
- KAMIN Program, submitted by an academic researcher/s.
NOFAR Incentive Program
The NOFAR incentive program provides financing of initial applied research stage at universities that has not matured sufficiently to qualify for a company to examine (MAGNETON support)
The NOFAR incentive program is limited to a period of one year.
Bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs • Reach significant milestones enabling the company to sign a technology commercialization agreement with the research institution.
Supporting company may be an Israeli subsidiary who registers its IP in Israel and serves as a partner by providing professional guidance and in setting of research goals • Participation in funding of only 10% of the project cost (Israel Innovation Authority funds 90% of the approved budget).
Ability to influence, direct and support high-quality academic research that will contribute to its future activities • First right to negotiate commercialization of research results • Commercial development in exchange for minimal financial investment.
Submission per Call for Proposals
Goal of the incentive program:
To bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. All the research activities carried out as part of this incentive program are in academic institutions, accompanied by the support of an industrial company that sees business potential in the achievements of the project. The main goal is to reach significant milestones by the end of the project, which will enable the industrial company to sign a technology commercialization agreement with the research institution. The research activities in the incentive program will receive professional support by an industrial company or a relevant business entity (such as a venture capital fund).
Who is the incentive program for?
- Academic research groups in Israel, operating as part of a higher education or research institution, seeking to carry out applied research, which is not mature enough to be supported by the industry or by the MAGNETON incentive program such as hospitals and public research institutes.
What do you get?
- The research institution supported by the NOFAR incentive program is entitled to a grant of up to 90% of the approved budget with a maximum scope of NIS 550,000 for a period of 12 months, with an option to extend the support up to 15 months.
- The supporting company serves as partner in professional guidance and in setting of research goals, as well as participates in the funding of 10% of the project cost.
- At the end of the research, the supporting company receives the first right to negotiate a commercialization agreement with the research institution.
- NOFAR research conducted in collaboration with two different institutions is eligible for funding of up to NIS 700,000.
- The grant recipients are exempt from repayment of royalties.
Why should you apply for this incentive program?
Research institutions:
- The incentive program provides financial and professional support of research processes and increases the chances for success.
- All the rights to the knowledge accumulated in the research are retained by the research institution.
Commercial company:
- The ability to influence, direct and support high-quality academic research that will contribute to the company's future activities.
- The first right to negotiate commercialization of research results with the research institution.
- Commercial development in exchange for a minimal financial investment.
KAMIN Incentive Program
The KAMIN incentive program serves as a bridge between basic and applied research and is focused on the stage of transformation and realization of basic research achievements into technologies with commercial application.
Goal of the incentive program:
To encourage applied research in the academic research institutions that can attract the investment interests of business entities willing to cooperate with the research institution towards a commercialization agreement.
Who is the incentive program for?
- Research groups from Israeli universities, colleges, public research institutes and medical centers that seek to conduct applied research, building upon the basic research. The research must be innovative and original in terms of industrial application; its results should be applicable to industries in Israel and potentially have high added value for the entire economy.
What do you get?
- Conditional grant of 85%-90% of the approved budget, up to a maximum amount of NIS 440,000 per year. A study conducted in collaboration with two different institutes will be eligible for funding of up to NIS 660,000 with a maximum sum of NIS 400,000 for a single institution.
- The support is provided for a period of one or two years, with the possibility to extend this period in exceptional cases with a reduced grant of 66% of the approved budget.
- The grant recipients are exempt from repayment of royalties.
Why should you apply for this incentive program?
Financial and professional support: The incentive program offers financial and professional support of the research processes, thus increasing the chance of success of the applied research.
Bridging the gap between basic research and applications: The incentive program increases the chances of bringing the research to the phase of commercial feasibility, and promotes cooperation between the research institute and an industrial company in order to commercialize the achievements of the research.
Rights to research knowledge: The rights to the knowledge gained during the research belong exclusively to the research institute applying for the grant.
Israeli researchers
Israeli companies seeking further information on the requirements and application process to this program, should refer to the Israel Innovation Authority's Hebrew site:
NOFAR Incentive Program: https://innovationisrael.org.il/program/2740
KAMIN Incentive Program: https://innovationisrael.org.il/program/2741


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I don't normally make meme/quiz/whatnot posts, but I thought the dungeon game was good enough (and even more, interesting/playable enough) to be worth posting about. And, of course, post my rocking score (kept as low as it was because I promised I'd stop when I hit 1000 GP). It doesn't mention, but the gods in my dungeon were kat_miller, thatcrazycajun, and, like, too more -- not sure how altars are generated.
I think it helps that my dungeon is -so- damned large. Figuring out how the game worked (more or less) helped too, but having a large dungeon meant I had, well, four altars and enough space to wander around that I could pick up lots and lots of stuff, and had places to run away and fight another day. The only enemies I refrained from fighting (when I had a lot of hit points; I refrained from fighting -anything- when I had less than 20 HP except for lowly kobolds, and then only sometimes) were cockatrices (zapped them with wands of death when I had them and they were identified, ignored them otherwise) and nymphs (ignored them; probably would have done the WOD trick if I'd had one when I met one).
The game, BTW, is very much a pseudo-roguelike -- very much in the -flavor- of roguelikes (and with monsters taken from nethack, or at least its family, like the cockatrice, the nymph, and the various elementals), but with minimal gameplay (plus, of course, the mix with LJ friends).
I escaped from the Dungeon of Mnemex!
I killed Browngirl the giant spider, Jmhm the orc, Kyri Rpg the cockatrice, Jonsinger the goblin, Mayakat the kobold, Cyan Blue the leprechaun, Feiran the kobold, Papersky the leprechaun, Womzilla the fire elemental, B00jum the gelatinous cube, Kent Allard Jr the leprechaun, Filker0 the goblin, Markiv1111 the kobold, Folkmew the cockatrice, Sombrereptiles the minotaur, Nosebeepbear the orc, Heptadecagram the leprechaun, Songspell the kobold, Dandelionreport the giant spider, Selki the rat, Stormsweeper the leprechaun, Filkertom the rat, Hawklady the minotaur, Annodomini the dragon, Ozarque the fire elemental, Madfilkentist the troll, Sammywol the gelatinous cube, Tafkad the kobold, Studiofoglio the minotaur, Kajafoglio the dragon, Freeport Pirate the leprechaun, Orangemike the rat, Crash Mccormick the floating eye, Orawnzva the minotaur, Penngwyn the rat, Avylou the arch-demon, Smalley Smoot the mind flayer, Viktor Haag the dragon, Skzbrust the kobold, The Stalwart the floating eye, Hrj the giant spider, Ringel the gelatinous cube, Galadriel13 the owlbear and Fatlefty the troll.
I looted the Sword of Ayesha, the Sceptre of Music, the Wand of Learning, the Shield of Linux, a Figurine of Teri945, the Axe of Akawil, a Figurine of Fiddledragon, the Shield of Filkerdave, the Sword of Mdlbear, the Wand of Filk, the Wand of Teddywolf, the Sceptre of Cheapass Games, the Sword of Sdelmonte, the Sword of Pagan, the Dagger of Sex, the Axe of Lonebear, the Wand of Pdcawley, the Shield of Zendo, the Sceptre of Lizzatherussian, the Armour of Braider Novel, the Shield of Dduane, the Armour of Osewalrus, a Figurine of Braz King, the Sceptre of Music, the Shield of Jslove, a Figurine of Singing Phoenix, the Axe of Madamruppy, the Crown of Gorgeousgary, a Figurine of Braider, a Figurine of Debkitty, the Sword of Babylon 5, the Amulet of Jews, a Figurine of Odiesdee, the Armour of Spiritdance, the Axe of Nrivkis, the Armour of Pola Bear, the Wand of New York, a Figurine of Catalana, a Figurine of Cflute, the Shield of Jim Vassilakos, the Armour of the Tall Man, the Sceptre of Marysuemagdalen, the Dagger of Origami, the Armour of Cyberpunk, the Amulet of Cugc, the Axe of Game Design, the Crown of Larpwriting, the Crown of Gmdraves, the Dagger of Mphopcroft and 1021 gold pieces.
Score: 1871Explore the Dungeon of Mnemex and try to beat this score,
or enter your username to generate and explore your own dungeon...


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Belgian Classic Slope Arm Customizable Sectional
$2395 - $10295 Regular
$1796 - $7721 Member
A classic interpretation of the European-inspired slope arm sofa. Low to the ground, deep in profile and sleekly streamlined for casual yet sophisticated appeal, it offers luxurious comfort. Sectional components are available individually, allowing you to customize the configuration of your choice.


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您当前的位置:Mtime时光网 >> 电影节/颁奖典礼 >> 奥斯卡金像奖 >> 第75届奥斯卡金像奖
巴里·M·奥斯本 Barrie M. Osborne,弗兰·威尔士 Fran Walsh,彼得·杰克逊 Peter Jackson
Roman Polanski was not present at the awards ceremony, being a fugitive from U.S. justice since fleeing the country in 1978. Presenter Harrison Ford accepted the award on his behalf.
Nomination and award were posthumous. His son Conrad W. Hall accepted the award on his behalf.
约翰·迈尔 John Myhre(art director), Gordon Sim(set decorator)
Felipe Fernández del Paso(art director),哈尼亚·罗布勒多 Hania Robledo(set decorator)
丹特·费雷蒂 Dante Ferretti(art director), Francesca Lo Schiavo(set decorator)
格兰特·梅杰 Grant Major(art director), Dan Hennah(set decorator), Alan Lee(set decorator)
丹尼斯·盖斯纳 Dennis Gassner(art director), Nancy Haigh(set decorator)
Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges, Hammond Peek
埃米纳姆 Eminem(music/lyrics), Jeff Bass(music), Luis Resto(music)
For the song "Lose Yourself". Eminem and Jeff Bass were not present at the awards ceremony.
John Kander(music), Fred Ebb(lyrics)
For the song "I Move On".
艾略特·戈登塞尔 Elliot Goldenthal(music),朱丽·泰莫 Julie Taymor(lyrics)
For the song "Burn It Blue".
博诺 Bono, The Edge,亚当·克莱顿 Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.
For the song "The Hands That Built America".
For the song "Father and Daughter".
Miyazaki was not present at the awards ceremony.
Whose remarkable talents have provided cinema history with some of its most memorable characters. (Oscar statuette)
For longstanding support of and service to the Academy and the motion picture industry.
For longstanding support of and service to the Academy and the motion picture industry.
For the development of a 3D animation, dynamics, modeling and rendering production tool known as Maya.
Arnold & Richter Cine Technik (ARRI)
For their continuing development and innovation in the design and manufacturing of advanced camera systems specifically designed for the motion picture entertainment industry.
For their continuing development and innovation in the design and manufacturing of advanced camera systems specifically designed for the motion picture entertainment industry.
Glenn Sanders(Zaxcom), Howard Stark(Zaxcom)
For the concept, design and engineering of the portable Deva Digital Audio Disk Recorder.
Mark Elendt, Paul Breslin, Greg Hermanovic, Kim Davidson
For their continued development of the procedural modeling and animation components of their Prisms program, as exemplified in the Houdini software package. Through a procedural building-block process, the Houdini software is used to simulate natural pheno
Leslie Gutierrez, Diane E. Kestner, James Merrill, David Niklewicz
For the design and development of the Kodak Vision Premier Color Print Film, 2393. This film stock provides filmmakers with enhanced color saturation, higher contrast and darker blacks, producing a bold, colorful "look" on the theater screen.
Dedo Weigert, Depu Jin, Franz Petters
For for the concept (Weigert), for the optical calculations (Jin) and for the mechanical construction (Petters) of the Dedolight 400D. This uniquely designed set light provides superior performance, reliability and ease of use. Combined with its excellent
For the development of the PDI/Dreamworks Facial Animation System. This effective software simulation system is used to create and control natural, expressive, highly-nuanced facial animation on a wide range of computer-generated characters.
Thomas Driemeyer(Mental Images)
For their contributions to the Mental Ray rendering software for motion pictures. Mental Ray is a highly programmable computer-graphics renderer incorporating ray tracing and global illumination to realistically simulate the behavior of light in computer-g
Eric Daniels, George Katanics, Tasso Lappas, Chris Springfield
For the development of the Deep Canvas rendering software. The Deep Canvas software program captures the original brush strokes of the traditional background artist to render elements in three dimensions for animated films.
For his contributions to the technical development of video-assist in the motion picture industry. The work of Jim Songer from 1968 through 1973 led directly to the more widespread acceptance of video-assist in the motion picture industry.
Pierre Chabert(Airstar)
For the introduction of balloons with internal light sources to provide set lighting for the motion picture industry. These helium-filled balloons with internal arrangements for tungsten halogen and HMI light sources are usable indoors or out, quick to set
Rawdon Hayne(Leelium Tubelite), Robert W. Jeffs(Leelium Tubelite)
For their contributions to the development of internally lit balloons for motion picture lighting. These helium-filled balloons with internal arrangements for tungsten halogen and HMI light sources are usable indoors or out, quick to set up, require essent


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A/N: Final chapter for you guys! I hope this is what you all wanted!
The world seemed to have stopped turning.
Everything around him, the arcade, the games, the midi music and sound effects were suddenly silenced and faded into black. All he could see was them. All he could see was her and what was happening right now.
Leo's eyes bulged in surprise and his tail went stiff as a board, the fur bristling. He couldn't believe it. This had to be a dream. He must have blacked out or something and this was all some cruel hallucination, a mocking gesture from some higher power. But the smell of her hair and feel of her hands in his own told him otherwise.
Aeris was really kissing him, him, Leo Leonardo the Third.
Despite the disbelief and utter shock, Leo felt his eyes starting to close and was about to return the affection when she suddenly pulled away, shock and embarrassment written all over her face.
Aeris broke free from their position and they stood at an awkward distance from each other. She covered her mouth with one hand, the other wrapped tightly around her waist, her eyes shining with fear and humiliation. Leo could only stare at her. He tried to speak but nothing came out. He was still in shock. The ashen cat shook his head to try and shake the surprise loose and attempted to speak again, only this time he was cut off by a gruff and elderly voice.
"Goddamnit, not again! How many times do I have to tell you damn kids? This is an arcade! Not some shack where you two can screw each other's brains out! Get the hell out!" The cashier screamed who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Both Aeris and Leo, faces flushed with embarrassment, shuffled awkwardly out of the arcade, the cashier slamming the door behind them. They stood out in the rain, staring out into the darkness, neither one speaking. They turned to look at each other and Aeris immediately looked away.
"Come on…let's go home." She mumbled and quickly started to walk back to their car she saw in the lot. Leo hesitated for a moment, the event replaying in his brain. She kissed him. Why did she kiss him? He snapped out of his haze and shuffled his way back to the car. Aeris was waiting impatiently to get in and he unlocked the doors. They both stepped in but neither said a word or looked at each other. Aeris stared down at her lap, hands wringing uncomfortably. Leo stared at the wheel for a good while before sticking the key into the ignition and driving out of the lot.
It was like this all the way back home.
Both felines did everything they could do to avoid looking or speaking to each other, Aeris more so than Leo. Leo felt his head spinning. A million questions were firing off in his brain to the point where his head was actually starting to hurt. Aeris could feel herself trembling again and it had little to do with being damp and soggy.
"Stupid! Stupid! What the hell were you thinking? Everything was fine! It was going to go back to normal again but you had to go and screw it up! Oh my God, what am I going to do? He must be so freaked out!" She thought, her hands tightening into fists of dismay.
Complete silence hung in the air until they pulled into their drive way. Leo turned off the car and neither cat moved, the pitter patter of the rain crashing upon the windows. Leo tightened his grip on the steering wheel, a soft squeaking of protest from the leather cover as the event replayed over and over in his mind like a broken record. He turned to her, his eyes full of questions and confusion.
The woman in question however did not wait for him to continue as she practically bolted out of the car and up to the front door. She couldn't deal with this. Not now. Not ever. Leo hurried out of the car and jogged up to the door, already opened.
"Aeris!" He called after her as she ran up the stairs. He followed her and came up to the second floor in time to see her make an attempt for her bedroom door. Leo felt his ears pin back against his head. Why was she running away from him? What the hell is going on? Why did she kiss him?
Tired, wet, confused and frustrated, Leo marched up to her and grabbed her arm.
"Aeris!" He shouted right at her. Aeris let herself go limp and her head fell forwards, banging slightly on the door. She let out an exhausted and pain filled sigh.
"Aeris…talk to me." Leo said, his voice gentler and friendlier. "What's going on?"
"Not tonight, Leo…I can't…"
"Yes, you can." He urged. "Aeris, it's me. It's Leo. You can always talk to me. Just tell me…"
Aeris still did not meet his eyes, her face hotter than a thousand suns and wishing someone would burst into the room and shoot her in the head. Why? Why did she have to kiss him?
"I…just wanted to show you I was sorry…" She said, looking to the side. Leo snorted in response and said, "That was lame Aeris. We both know I'm no genius but it doesn't take one to see through a fib as bad as that."
Aeris pushed him away and headed back downstairs as if trying to escape his confronting gaze. Leo kept on her heels and still continued with his interrogation.
"Why can't you tell me Aeris?" He asked somewhat forcefully, shadowing her footsteps into the living room. "Just drop it Leo!" She screamed at him. Leo latched onto her wrist and pulled her right up to his chest, her face washing over in surprise by his forcefulness.
"I'm not dropping anything!" He shouted. "This night has been the weirdest of my life. I'm cold, I'm wet and I'm damn tired but I'm not going anywhere until you tell me."
Aeris remained silent which only furthered Leo's already limited patience. If he wasn't so engrossed with the seriousness of what was happening, he would have found the irony hilarious.
"What is it Aeris? Are you ashamed? Ashamed that you kissed a retard?"
"No goddamnit! I kissed you because I like you!"
Leo made a face at her statement. "Well duh! I like you too Aeris. That's why we're friends isn't it?" Aeris narrowed her eyes at him and shook her head in disbelief.
"God, Leo are you that dense? Think about what I just said!"
Leo wrinkled his brow as he processed what she just said. His eyes then bulged and he let go of her, his arms falling limply to his side as the answer finally came to him. Aeris stood in front of him, face in her hands. There was that uncomfortable silence again. No words being exchanged or muscles moved. Leo stared at the other cat for almost a minute before speaking.
"You…like me?"
Aeris didn't say anything but she raised her head, meeting his wide eyed stare. She could have just made something else up but Leo would have called her out on that as well. There was no escaping this. There was no turning back.
"Yes." She whispered.
"But…" Leo stuttered, his mind having trouble grasping the concept of what she just said. "Why me?"
Aeris didn't answer him as she was still trying to recover from the severe humiliation of the whole thing. Leo continued to stare at her, waiting for an answer. She finally shrugged her shoulders and mumbled,
"It doesn't matter..."
"It matters to me."
"Why? Why do you care so much?" She asked him, her voice tired and broken. Leo put his foot forward to step but hesitated. It was all so strange. He should be thrilled to hear that the woman he had harbored feelings for, for all this time actually returned them. But all Leo could do was wonder why? The very reality of it seemed like nothing more than some campy eighties movie ending. That wasn't how it worked. He had to know why. A girl like her doesn't go for a guy like him. Ever.
Leo took that step and spoke just above a dying whisper, "Because I'm an idiot."
Aeris' face softened and stared at him in question. Leo had pride and dignity just as much as anyone else but he knew what he was...even if it hurt to admit it.
"I'm an idiot Aeris. I make stupid decisions, I rarely think things through all the way, I'm constantly putting my foot in my mouth and I'm always frustrating the people who I care about most. Christ, I let a hobo trick me into buying a cardboard box full of rocks." He finished with a sad laugh at his own pathetic failures.
"It matters to me because..." He paused and could only give her a fatigued and weary look before finishing, "Because how could you ever like a waste of time like me?"
Aeris was silent as she let his words sink in, her mouth slightly agape. After a few seconds, her eyes narrowed and she barred her fangs. The pink feline grabbed Leo by the shirt and screamed at him,
"Don't you ever say that! Do you hear me?"
Leo cowered back from her gaze, afraid and very confused at her sudden change. Aeris didn't let him speak as she continued.
"You are not a waste of time! You are the only person on this whole damn planet that understands me! Who knows me! You're the only guy who has stayed in my life for longer than a year! There's only one idiot here Leo and it isn't you!" She yelled.
Leo could only watch as her face sadly softened again and she relaxed her grip on him but didn't let go.
"It isn't you…" She muttered.
"You do stupid things Leo. We both know that. But you do things right too. Like when I need someone to talk to, you're always there. If I need to vent about some asshole ex-boyfriend, you listen. When I drink too much you drive me home. I've never had anyone in my life care about me like you do…how could I not like someone like you? But…I…I can't lose that." She ended with a dying sob.
Leo felt his hands rise up and grasp her arms. "What do you mean lose? Areis…don't dance around this anymore…tell me."
He could feel her shake in his hands and her eyes shined with fresh tears. Her own hands clutched at his hoodie so tightly as if she was afraid he would blow away if she let go.
"I couldn't stand not having you in my life. Being away in Japan was torture enough. I can't lose you because I was stupid enough to ruin what we had with a stupid fucking crush…"
Leo thought long and hard about what Aeris was telling him and his whole body tensed when his brain finally clued in.
"You…you think I'll just leave you because I'd be freaked out by some crush you have on me?"
Aeris said nothing and bowed her head in shame and indignity, not wanting him to look at her. Leo stood in place, dumbfounded and dazed. How could she think that? After everything he just told her at the arcade, she thought he would just walk away?
She felt her head rise at the sound of her name and her eyes looked up to him again. Something in his voice compelling her to face him. It was strong and firm with a reason behind it.
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life." He said, a disapproving scowl on his face. Aeris' eyebrows softly rose in surprise at his words.
"You tell me how much I mean to you and how much it would hurt if you lost me but you don't even consider how I feel about you?"
"What do you mean?" She asked and feeling very stupid for it.
"You never asked yourself that maybe there was a reason I never left in the first place? You never wondered why I always kept coming back?"
"You…you said it was because we were friends…"
"We are. But it went beyond friendship Aeris." Leo told her, his face now molding back into his usual calm and friendly features. "You are my best friend but you're so much more. You are the most amazing woman I've ever known and I can't stand the thought of you not being in my life too. You never have to worry about losing me Aeris…because you already have me."
Aeris felt her whole body grow warm. His statement rolled around in her head like some wonderful drug, sending joyous surprise into her nerves. He let his eyes wander down her slender frame, Aeris suddenly feeling very small and they came back up to her own. He reached out with one hand and gently placed it around her waist, pulling on it slightly. Aeris felt herself move forward, pressing against his chest, eyes never leaving his.
While Leo looked as cool as a cucumber doing this, inside he was terrified. He knew he could be an idiot but this might take the cake. But there was too much riding on this to run away from. He reached up with his other hand and cupped her cheek, running a thumb over her lips ever so softly. Aeris sucked in a breath at the contact, her chest pressing harder against his own. Leo paused for a moment, his brain focusing on perhaps the most important thought he has ever had.
"You've screwed up so many times before. Don't do it now. Not now."
He slowly leaned in and pressed his lips against her own like he had seen been done thousands of times in the movies. He hadn't kissed a lot of girls in his life and that only added to his nerves. He soon found that it was a trivial thing as Aeris wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He pulled her in closer and relished in the taste of her lips, like that of cherries. Aeris moaned softly as they moved their mouths together, a small wet pop made every time they parted only to come back together again.
Leo held her tighter and Aeris gripped a handful of fur on the back of his neck, the kissing becoming more passionate and heated. Tension and frustration that had been building up inside the both of them for so long was being unleashed and it was starting to maybe get a little heavy too fast.
Aeris mustered all the will power she could and pushed him away. They both stood there panting slightly for air, Aeris leaning her head against his chest. No words were spoken, the only sound being the rain outside.
"I think we should…take this slow." Aeris finally said. Leo only nodded. He wasn't expecting it to get that heated. Not that he was complaining.
Aeris stepped away from him, out of his arms and stood just slightly away from him. Her mind was still reeling from what he had just told her not to mention what he just did. Leo rubbed his arm in a nervous twitch. Maybe he shouldn't have done that.
Aeris saw his discomfort and as if reading his mind, she smiled at him.
"So…you like me too, huh?" She asked somewhat playfully. Leo smiled, breaking away from his uneasiness and replied, "Yeah…wasn't sure if I made that obvious enough."
Aeris laughed softly and she made her way back over to him, her arms gently resting on his chest. She leaned forward and kissed him softly, Leo wrapping his arms around her and giving a soft squeeze. They broke away and Leo stared into her eyes.
"If this is some sort of crazy dream…please don't wake me up."
"Only if you promise not to wake me up." She answered and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Leo smiled and leaned his head against hers. She felt herself starting to purr as that warmth returned. All her fears, all her misconceptions and doubts were swept away by his lips, all replaced with nothing but comfort, joy and eagerness to the events of the future. She smiled and gently poked at the bell that hung around his neck, the jingle it made being music to her ears.
"Aeris?" His voice broke her away from her thoughts as she looked up to him again.
"I want you to know that…I'm going to try real hard to be what you want." Leo told her with a nervous confidence. "I'm going to stop goofing around and try to be more sophisticated and-"
Leo didn't get to finish a she silenced him with her finger.
"Leo, if you ever change, then this will be over before it even begins." She told him. "I want you to stay exactly the way you are, goof and doofus all the way…because that is what I want."
Leo laughed and pulled her tight against him, relishing her warmth. She pushed him away and yawned.
"I think we deserve some rest. We can talk more about this in the morning." Aeris told him and made her way to the stairs. Leo felt disappointed in the absence of her body no longer against his but he nodded and made his up the stairs too. They both went to their rooms and Aeris smiled at him as she went into her own. Leo stood in the hall for a moment, staring at her door before going into his own room.
He shed his clothes and put his pajama's back on and crawled into his bed, the soft warm sheets a welcoming comfort for his weary body. Leo stared up at the darkened ceiling still wondering if he was dreaming. He felt himself smile and softly touched his lips, Aeris' taste still lingering on them.
His left ear suddenly swiveled at the sound of a door being shut and soft padding footsteps. He rose up on his elbows when he heard his own door open. He peered into the darkness and saw Aeris in her own pajamas walking towards him.
"Aeris? What's wrong?" He asked. She smiled at him and crawled underneath his covers, laying her warm body on top of his own.
"Whoa…I thought we were going to take this slow." He stammered nervously. Aeris laughed and gave his forehead a soft smack. "Easy perv. I'm freezing and want you to keep me warm tonight. You think you can handle that?"
Leo smiled as she nestled herself comfortably on top of him, head just resting under his chin. "I think I can do that." He mumbled, wrapping his arms around her. Aeris let out a sigh of content and let her eyes close, Leo's calming scent filling her nostrils and lulling her to sleep.
"Hey Aeris." She heard him say in the dark.
"Guess what?"
"You made out with a guy who used to drink pee in his coffee."
"…You really know how to ruin a fucking moment don't you?"
A/N: Well, there you have it. My most sincere thanks to everyone's kind reviews and encouragement. I hope that this story lived up to what people expected from it. It's been a blast. Until next time! Cya!