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For starters, if you have ever read the Inheritance Cycle, some of these names might sound familiar. When I started writing this story I sat down with one of the books and looked at the maps for named.
Second, pronunciations:
Eliana: Pretty simple. But her nickname Elia is pronounced El-ee-ah and Eli is pronounced El-ee
Leona: Lee-oh-nah. Again, simple. Though, when Eliana calls him Leon it is pronounced just like that…Lee-on
Arlen: Are-len
Kausta- Cau-ss-tah
Mynor: This one is kind-of phonetic
Aynor: Ayy-nor
Essah: Es-ah. Again, phonetic.
Ceris: Okay, this one is kind-of hard to explain. Ser-iss. The iss would be kinda like a snake sound, I guess.
Tanag: Tah-nag. The tah sound would be like when you say tang, if that helps.
Arianna: Are-ee-ana
Aileen: I-lean
Adelian: A-dell-ee-on
Slyder: Slide-er
If I missed any that you have questions about, let me know. I will add other names as they crop up.
Also, this story is not one of my completed ones. It is only 115 pages and only has twelve complete chapters, but I wanted to post it anyway. Read on if you want. :)
Chapter One
I ran through the woods, leaving behind what I did not want to see. It felt as if my feet weren't even touching the ground. My dark hair trailed behind me, not held in by a ponytail. I looked back quickly to make sure they were not following me, and then sped up. I heard a roar overhead and looked up to see Aynor. He looked down at me but I ignored his presence, keeping on track towards home.
"Eliana, what's wrong?" Arlen asked as I ran into the house. He's my father and can be very protective.
"Nothing, and you don't need to keep sending Aynor out to check up on me," I replied, straightening up and crossing my arms over my chest. Arlen sighed.
"I'm sorry, sweetie," he added, kissing my forehead.
"You can't blame us for worrying," Kausta, my mom, added as she walked into the room. I sighed and walked to my room, my footsteps light against the wood floor.
"What trouble you get into now?" my brother asked as he passed me.
"Shut up, Ceris," I replied, shoving passed him to go into my room. He gave me a look, his slanted blue eyes slightly confused. Then, he shrugged and walked off. I rolled my eyes and shut my bedroom door. I looked around my room and sighed before collapsing down onto my bed and burying my face in my blanket. I sighed again, thinking about what I'd just seen. I sat up slowly and leaned back on my palms, slanted eyes closed as I turned my face towards the ceiling.
Then, I got up and walked towards the lone dresser in my room. Above the dresser on the wall was a mirror. I looked into the mirror, and as I thought about what I had just seen, my sapphire eyes began to tear up. I leaned against the dresser with my hands and looked back up at the ceiling, willing myself not to cry. It didn't matter anyway. I wasn't with Mynor, but he had led me on, letting me believe something was there, and now he was holding Arianna in his arms. I sighed again and then walked out to the porch off of my room. As I sat down, legs hanging over the edge of the porch, Aynor walked towards me. I looked away from his big, green eyes deliberately. He was Arlen's dragon, and he was always concerned about me. He blew a hot breath onto my leg and I looked at him.
What is wrong, Elia? he asked me. I sighed and looked at him.
You really want to know? I don't want to trouble you, Aynor, I replied. I was the only one, other than Arlen, that Aynor talked to off his own free will when he did not have to.
Anything that troubles you is my concern, young one, Aynor told me. I looked down, sighing again.
Mynor, was all I said.
Ah. That boy is more trouble than he is worth. Do not make yourself devastated over him, Aynor told me. I smiled slightly. Aynor was never fond of Mynor, and he had his own reasons. Mynor had hurt me more than once, but me being me, never learned.
I know, but it's hard, Aynor. He's usually always there when I need someone, I said. Aynor looked at me seriously with one giant green eye.
He is never there for you when you really need him, like now for example, Aynor told me. I smiled slightly.
That's true. Thank you, I said.
You are welcome, Elia, Aynor told me before puffing another warm breath onto me and then walking off. I smiled and tucked my dark hair behind my pointed ear. Then, I got up and carefully climbed down the tree.
Once on flat ground, I began walking towards the center of where we lived. I passed others on the way and we all waved to each other. As I walked, I spoke a few words and a flower drifted into my hand. I smiled. The one advantage to being an elf rather than a human was that we could do magic, whether or not a dragon chose us.
"Eliana! Wait up!" Arianna screamed from behind me. I rolled my eyes and sped up my pace, knowing she would be able to catch up with me anyway. "Eliana! Wait!" she screamed again. I just stuck my nose in the air and kept walking, my hair beginning to blow slightly behind me. I used magic to make a picture on the flower and then threw it over my shoulder, leaving it for her to see. I'd made a picture on it, showing I felt betrayed and hurt.
"Eliana! Wait! What is this about?" Arianna called after me. I ignored her and kept walking.
"Hey, Eliana!" I heard my friend Leona say. I smiled and stopped to turn towards him.
"Hey, Leon," I said as he reached me. He smiled back as he reached me.
"Where are you going?" he asked me.
"To the main area," I replied, seeing Arianna a few feet behind us, the flower hanging limply in her hand and her expression hurt. I smiled and then looked up at Leona, seeing my sapphire eyes reflected in his brown ones. "Come on. Let's go. Just me and you for once."
"Okay, Eli. I'm okay with that," Leona laughed as we began walking.
"Eliana! Wait!" Arianna screeched, starting to follow us. I turned around quickly to look at her, my eyes angry.
"I don't want to talk to you, Arianna!" I screamed before turning around and grabbing Leona's hand as I started forward again.
"What was that about?" Leona asked. I sighed and let go of his wrist.
"Her and Mynor. I saw them today," I replied.
"And..?" Leona asked.
"They were all over each other," I told him. Leona's face immediately became angry.
"I swear, one day that kid is going to pay for doing this to you repeatedly," he said through clenched teeth. I smiled.
"Thanks for the concern, Leon, but I think Aynor's got that covered," I told him.
"Good. He can do way more damage than I can," Leona laughed. I smiled and hugged him as we walked. He hugged me back.
"You're the best friend anyone could ask for, Leon," I told him as we reached the main area.
"You too, Eli," he replied as we stopped to stare at the dragon eggs that were to hatch soon.
"I wonder who they will choose," I breathed as we looked at each of them. One of them was Aynor's offspring and was the green egg.
"Me too," Leona agreed. "It would be funny if Aynor's chose you."
"Mhm," I agreed, looking at all the others. There was a red colored egg, which was in between a black one and a gold one. Next to the gold one was a purple one, and next to that one was a blue one. Then, at the very end was an orange one.
"What would happen, if we both got chosen?" Leona asked. I shrugged.
"We'd have dragons," I added, smiling. Leona chuckled.
"Obviously," he said. Then, Mynor walked towards us. Leona glared and I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Hello," Mynor said cheerfully. Both Leona and I looked at each other.
"What do you want?" Leona asked. Mynor looked at Leona, eyebrows raised.
"I was hoping to talk to Eliana, not you," Mynor said.
"Well, I don't want to talk to you, Mynor," I told him, moving slightly closer to Leona.
"And why not?" Mynor asked.
"Take a wild guess," I replied, my eyes narrowed at him.
"I have no idea," Mynor replied after a few seconds.
"I know where you were this morning, and who you were with," I told him acidly. Mynor looked at me.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he said. I rolled my eyes and Leona took a deep breath.
"Do you think I'm that stupid, Mynor? I saw you and Arianna," I said. Mynor looked at me, his face blank. I just rolled my eyes again and pulled Leona away.
"Hello, Eliana. Hello, Leona," Tanag said. He was one of the head elves.
"Hello, Tanag," we replied, smiling.
"What brings you down here on this fine day?" he asked cheerfully.
"What else?" Leona asked in response, gesturing towards the eggs on display.
"Ah, yes," Tanag laughed.
"When will they choose?" I asked.
"Within a few days, my dear Eliana," Tanag replied. I smiled and looked at them in wonder.
"I hope you get chosen, Leon," I giggled. He smiled.
"As I do for you, Eli," he added. I smiled.
"Ah, that is every young elf's wish, young ones," Tanag said, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. We smiled.
"But everyone is not fortunate enough," I said, smiling.
"No. Only seven will be chosen this year from here, more of them went to the humans this year," Tanag said, eyeing the eggs. Leona and I looked at them again, both our eyes longing. Tanag chuckled and placed a hand on each of our heads. "Let's hope these eggs choose trustworthy younglings."
"Yes," Leona and I agreed before Tanag walked off to go talk with Mynor and Arianna, who were standing together and looking at me, confused. I rolled my eyes and then looked up as I heard a familiar roar. I smiled as I saw Aynor above and giggled.
Hi, Aynor! I screamed with my mind.
Hello, young one! You and young Leona may come and ride with me, he told me, lowering his long, green tail to the ground. I smiled and grabbed on to the first available spike.
"Come on, Leon!" I exclaimed happily, beginning to climb up Aynor's tail. Leona chuckled and began to follow me.
Where are we going? I asked Aynor.
You will see, was all he said. I made a face as Leona settled into place behind me. I sat up straight, as Arlen had taught me, and Leona did the same, wrapping his arms around my waist lightly to help insure he did not fall off. I smiled as Aynor flapped his wings and ascended higher into the air. Leona laughed gleefully and let go of me momentarily to throw his hands up in the air. I giggled and did the same. Aynor growled a laugh as he eyed us on his back.
You two are very spirited, he said to me. I smiled, closing my eyes as wind brushed across my face.
Always have been, I added, clutching Aynor's sides with my knees tightly as he took a sharp turn. Leona did the same, bringing his hands back down to my waist while I clutched onto one of Aynor's neck spikes. Aynor laughed in his way again and then let out a short jet of red fire. Leona and I both laughed with glee as we held on tightly to Aynor with our knees.
You two are natural born flyers, he told me. I smiled.
Don't get my hopes up, Aynor. It's not nice, I said to him. He smiled and then started into a shallow dive. Both Leona and I closed our eyes. This was our favorite part, and if you closed you eyes, it felt as if there was nothing beneath you.
You never know, Elia. You have just as good of a chance as everyone else, Aynor said to me as he leveled off before landing on the ground. I just smiled and followed Leona as he slid off of Aynor by going down his leg.
As we hit the ground, I looked towards the sky, my eyes shut against the bright light as I took in the warmth. Leona chuckled and ran across the field, ending with a flip.
"Showoff!" I laughed at him. I heard him chuckle.
"Hey, you can do the same thing!" he added as he ran back over to me.
"Not in a skirt," I replied. He smiled and rolled his eyes.
"So, you won't do a flip in a skirt but you'll ride your father's dragon?" he asked me.
"Yes," I replied, smiling. Next to us, Aynor rolled his eyes and laid down, his head rested lightly on a rock. I looked over at him. "Why did you bring us here?"
To get you away from Mynor and Arianna, Aynor replied. I smiled and walked over to hug him as best I could.
I love you, I told him.
And I, you, he replied, growling intently. I smiled and then walked back over to Leona. He smiled and we both sat down, leaning back on our palms. I crossed my feet and tuned my face towards the sky, closing my eyes against the bright sun. Leona laid down next to me, hands beneath his head, his blonde hair glinting in the sunlight. I smiled and looked over at Aynor, his green scales sending reflections onto us from the sunrays. I leaned back again, smiling as I took warmth into my skin.
"Ceris!" I screeched, running towards him a few days later. He turned.
"What?" he asked.
"Have you seen Leona?" I asked. He nodded and then pointed. I smiled and thanked him before running off. "Leon!"
"Hey, Eli," he laughed as I ran up to him. I smiled broadly as I stopped in front of him.
"They were out this morning!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"How do you know?" Leona asked.
"Arlen left the house early, saying he had to take care of something and he was headed towards the main area!" I replied. Leona smiled.
"That's good news!" he exclaimed.
"I know!" I laughed, jumping up and down slightly.
"Come on. Let's go down to the main area. Maybe they've got them all delivered already," Leona said, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. I giggled and caught up to him before we took off, running at in-human speeds. We both stopped as we reached the main area, not even out of breath. We looked around, seeing the eggs had disappeared from their displays. We looked at each other excitedly and walked up to our friend, Essah.
"Arlen came and took the last one about five minutes a go," Essah told us.
"Which egg was it?" Leona asked.
"The purpley one," Essah replied, turning towards us. "I'm so anxious I don't even want to go home."
"I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement," I giggled. Leona looked at me, smiling and rolling his eyes.
"Deep breaths, Eliana," he told me. I made a face at him briefly before smiling again.
"Good luck, kids," Tanag said as he passed us.
"Thank you," we replied as Essah and I looked at each other nervously and began giggling.
"Deep…breaths," Leona told us, taking a deep breath in between his words. We both gave him a look.
"We. Know," we replied.
"Well, I'm going to head home and check. Good luck guys," Essah said to us.
"You too!" we told her.
"Your house first," I told Leona. He rolled his eyes.
"Okay, fine," he added as we started walking.
"I hope you get one," I said.
"Me too, but we can't always get what we want, Eli. Keep that in mind," he told me.
"I know," I sighed as we walked. He chuckled and took my hand into his.
"Calm," he told me, squeezing my hand. I giggled.
"I know," I repeated, squeezing his hand back as we reached his house. I looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back. "Good luck to you."
"Thank you, and let's go," he laughed as we began to walk up the steps. He took a deep breath before opening the door. His eyes immediately went to the table in the front hall, which is where they usually placed the egg if someone was chosen, with their name next to it. I screeched and hugged him as I saw the gold egg on the table with his name next to it. He hugged me back, his expression shocked but happy.
"Congratulations, sweetie," his mom, Aileen said, kissing his forehead.
"Thank you," he breathed, his brown eyes sparkling with excitement. I giggled happily, jumping slightly in place.
"I can't wait until it hatches!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"Me either," Leona agreed. "Come on, time to go to your house."
"Okay," I replied, pulling him out the door. He waved good-bye to his mother quickly before he closed the door.
"Slow down, Eli," he chuckled as I pulled him down the path towards my house.
"Speed up, Leon," I replied, still pulling him along behind me. Leona just laughed and sped up his pace to match mine. When we reached my house, I stopped outside the door and stared at it.
"Deep breath," Leona reminded me. I obeyed and then opened the door. My face immediately fell. There was no egg on the table with my name on it. Leona pulled me into his arms. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," I said before pulling out of his arms. "I'll be right back, okay?"
"Okay, Eli," Leona said, watching me carefully as I walked towards my room. I sighed. This was the only year that I could have possibly received an egg, and I didn't get one. Just like Ceris when it had been his chance. I didn't look up from the floor until I was actually inside my room. When I looked up, my eyes widened and a smile broke across my face and then I screeched happily.
"Leona!" I screamed happily, looking at my bed. Leona came rushing to my room and then a smile broke across his face. I giggled happily and jumped up and down. Leona laughed and pulled me into a hug. I smiled and hugged him back tightly before walking over to my bed to run a hand over the surface of the purple egg.
"Congratulations, sweetie," Arlen said, appearing in my doorway.
"Thank you!" I screeched, flinging myself at him and hugging him.
"Why are you thanking me? It wasn't my choice who to give it to," Arlen laughed.
"I know…but thank you!" I screeched before releasing him. He chuckled and kissed my forehead.
"Be responsible. Young dragons are a handful, as I would know," Arlen told me. "Same to you, Leona."
"We know," we replied, smiling. Arlen chuckled, ruffled each of our hair and then left. As Arlen left, I took in a deep breath, still smiling. Leona chuckled and hugged me again. I hugged him back and then walked back over to my bed to run a hand over the egg's smooth, purple surface. As I did, the egg moved. I jumped slightly and Leona's eyes widened with shock. He slowly walked over towards me, watching the egg as it moved and then a crack appeared on the surface. I screeched and jumped slightly as a piece of the egg came flying off and flew across the room, hitting the wall. Leona dodged out of the way and looked at me nervously. I giggled and looked back at the egg as a hole began to appear on the surface of the egg. Leona took a few more cautious steps forward. I giggled and pulled him to the floor next to me. He smiled and rolled his eyes before returning his attention to the egg.
Then, a few seconds later, we saw the tip of its nose. Leona and I looked at each other, excited, before we turned our attention back to the baby dragon fighting its way out of the egg. As we watched, the dragon slowly made its way out. Once it got one of its wings out, it broke its head through, and then the rest of its body. It looked up at me with deep blue eyes that matched my own. I smiled and it walked towards me unstably across the bed. I giggled as it crawled into my lap and sat there, looking up at me and humming. Leona watched in wonder, smiling. Then, Ceris walked passed my room. He doubled back and his jaw dropped.
"No way," he breathed. I just giggled and reached my hand out for the baby dragon to sniff. "It hatched already?"
"Obviously," Leona and I replied, looking up at Ceris as he stared in wonder. Ceris whistled and then turned to leave. I giggled and then stood up, pulling the baby dragon into my arms.
"Come on. Let's go back to your house and see what happens if you touch the egg," I said as Leona stood up.
"Okay, but I doubt the same thing will happen," he said, shrugging. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't be so negative," I said, pushing him lightly through my bedroom door. He chuckled and walked through the house. "I'll be back later, Kausta!"
"Okay. No trouble, please!" she called out before I closed the door behind Leona and me.
"This is so exciting," I giggled as the baby dragon curled up in my arms, still humming. I smiled and held it closer to my chest. Leona looked over at me and smiled also. I smiled back at him and moved the dragon away from my body slightly as it stretched out its wings. Leona and I laughed as it stretched, making sure to stay in my arms. Then, Arianna and Mynor appeared in the path ahead of us. They looked at me, then at the baby dragon, and then at Leona. Leona rolled his eyes and pulled me over to the side of the path. The baby dragon looked up at us with sapphire eyes and hummed. We smiled as Arianna and Mynor stopped in front of us.
"Well, aren't you lucky," Mynor sneered. I smiled.
"Yes. I see you aren't," I replied before whispering to Leona, "Not that any dragon would want to be close with him."
"That's very true," Leona snorted so only I could hear. Arianna glared at us.
"Oh, you didn't get one either, it seems, Leona," she said. Leona turned his attention to her.
"I did. I just don't have the egg on me," Leona replied.
"Yes, I'm sure," Mynor said, rolling his eyes.
"He did, Mynor. He got the gold one," I said, my eyes narrowing as I looked at him. As I did, the baby dragon in my arms looked up at me, and then over at Arianna and Mynor. It looked at them for a few seconds and then curled its top lip, exposing its white fangs. Arianna and Mynor each took a small step back and Leona and I laughed slightly.
"Scared of a baby dragon. Wow," I snorted as we walked away.
"I know," Leona agreed, making sure they heard him. The dragon looked up at us and then began humming again, its eyes closing as it smiled in its own way. Once we reached Leona's house, the baby dragon lifted its head and began to look around, sniffing slightly. I smiled as we entered Leona's house and he walked over to the egg and picked it up before walking over to sit on the couch. I walked over and sat down next to him, the dragon in my lap.
Once I sat down, the baby dragon began to sniff the gold egg curiously. I giggled and Leona ran a hand over the surface of the gold egg. Leona watched the egg carefully, along with the baby dragon. Then, the dragon reached over and touched the tip of its nose to the gold egg. The egg immediately began to shake slightly and Leona jumped slightly before chuckling. I giggled and pulled the baby dragon back into my lap. It looked up at me and hummed, its eyes closing again. Then, I returned my attention back to the egg in Leona's lap.
Eliana, where is your egg? Aynor's voice sounded in my head.
Hatched and in my lap. Leona's is hatching right now, I replied. I felt Aynor's shock and surprise mentally and I giggled.
That is good news for you two. You will progress faster and therefore go through training faster, Aynor told me. I smiled.
Yes. I know, I added. Aynor chuckled.
By the way, they are both males. Just some information to help you two find names easier, Aynor said.
Aw, thanks, Aynor. I'll talk to you later, I said, watching as the wing of Leona's dragon began to poke through the shell. Then, I looked at Leona.
"Aynor just informed me that they are both males," I said to him.
"That's good," Leona said, smiling. "Now we can pick names, right now."
"I know. You go first," I laughed as I eyed the gold baby dragon starting to emerge from the egg. Leona looked at me, and then put on his thinking face. I smiled as he thought for a few minutes.
"Slyder," he finally said. I smiled.
"That's a good name," I told him. He smiled.
"Thanks. Now, your turn," he told me. I made a face and then tapped my chin, looking down at the dark blue dragon in my lap. He looked back up at me, his sapphire eyes curious.
"Adelian," I said, smiling. The dragon immediately began to hum and curled up in my arms. I giggled and hugged Adelian closer to my chest. Then, the gold dragon burst out of its egg and Leona flinched, trying to avoid getting hit by shards of the gold egg. The gold dragon looked up at Leona and closed its eyes, content.
"Slyder," he said to the gold dragon and it immediately began to hum. Leona smiled, pleased. Then, Aileen walked into the room. She looked over at us and immediately stopped. Leona and I smiled.
"I introduce you to Adelian," I said, hugging him closer to my chest.
"And Slyder," Leona added, smiling widely.
"Well, that was fast. Congratulations," Aileen told us, smiling.
"Thank you," we replied, smiling widely as Adelian and Slyder began to sniff each other, making sure the other was safe. Leona and I laughed as they spread their wings and flew up to circle around our heads. We looked up, smiling.
"They will be quite a pair, seeing as who they are connected to," Aileen laughed. Leona and I looked at each other and smiled.
"Yes, they will," we agreed after a minute and Slyder and Adelian sank back into our laps.
"I wonder if Essah got one," I said as Adelian began to circle his tail around my forearm.
"Hm. Me too," Leona agreed. "Want to go check?"
"Yes," I replied, standing up and making sure Adelian was in my arms. Leona did the same with Slyder before we left his house. Once outside, the two dragons looked at each other and then took off to fly next to us. Leona and I smiled, making sure they didn't get hurt. Then, Tanag walked up to us, eyes wide with shock.
"Well, congratulations kids," he said, eyeing the gold and sapphire dragons circling our heads.
"Thank you, Tanag," we replied.
"Do they have names?" Tanag asked. We nodded.
"He's Slyder," Leona told Tanag, indicating the gold dragon.
"And he's Adelian," I added, watching him as he circled my head. I smiled and reached up at run a hand down his tail, being careful of the spikes, which still had to sharpen and grow.
"Well, it's nice to see two of our own progressing so fast already," Tanag chuckled.
"Thank you," Leona and I replied again.
"Well, I will let you two be off. Keep those two in line," Tanag told us before walking off.
"We'll try," we replied before starting towards Essah's house. When we reached her house, Slyder and Adelian flew up to the door, humming. Leona and I looked at each other and smiled, knowing Essah had been chosen.
"Hey guys!" Essah said excitedly as she opened the door. We smiled.
"Congratulations!" we told her. She giggled.
"And do you two get the same?" she asked. We both nodded and then pointed upwards towards Adelian and Slyder. She gaped and then looked back down at us.
"Which one is whose?" she asked.
"Take a wild guess," Leona laughed.
"Sapphire one is Eliana's," Essah laughed. I nodded.
"His name is Adelian," I added as he flew down and landed on my shoulder carefully.
"And mine's Slyder," Leona said as Slyder landed on his shoulder as well.
"So, which one did you get?" I asked. Essah giggled.
"Aynor's offspring," she replied. I smiled.
"Now you guys are distantly family," Leona chuckled. We both rolled our eyes.
"I wonder if Aynor knows the gender. He knew ours," I said.
"Ask him," Leona and Essah replied.
"Fine," I sighed before contacting Aynor.
Yes, youngling? Aynor asked.
Do you know if your offspring is a girl or a boy? I asked. Essah is wondering. She is now in charge of your son or daughter.
Ah. Well, in that case, it is a girl, Aynor informed me.
Thank you, Aynor. I will see you later. Tell Arlen not to worry about my egg if you haven't already told him, I said.
I will do so. Be careful, Eliana. I will see you soon, Aynor replied before pulling his mind away from mine. I looked over at Essah.
"It's a girl. Aynor told me so," I told her. She giggled with delight.
"I think I'll name her…Grayce," Essah said after thinking for a few seconds.
"That's pretty," Leona told her as Slyder coiled his tail around Leona's neck loosely.
"Yes, it is," I agreed as Adelian curled his tail around my upper arm.
"Thanks guys," Essah said, beaming. "Well, I need to get back to cleaning. See you two-or rather, four-later."
"Okay. Bye, Essah and hope your little Grayce hatches soon," I said.
"Thanks," she replied, smiling before Leona and I walked down back to the path. Then, Leona looked over at me.
"Come on, let's go out to an open field so they can stretch their wings out," he said to me. I smiled.
"What a good idea," I agreed as we began down the correct path, Adelian and Slyder riding upon our shoulders.


text:
Chapter One
Sitting alone on a brown wooden bench, the petite, jovial Myra Boutros Boutros Monkhouse snapped her head to the left, shifting her eyes to the horizon in search of the white and red stripped bus that would take her back to her home in Chicago, a place that Myra had not seen for five months. Those five, long, agonizing and cruel months were spent in jail, due to the sentence given to Myra after being arrested at Amore's restaurant those six, unforgettable months ago. She was convicted of stalking her one and only lover that she adored with all of her heart.
Steven Quincy Urkel.
She couldn't believe how ridiculous and stupid she had acted from fighting over "her Steven" with that "she-devil" Laura Lee Winslow. It was definitely unlike her. Myra let out a low grunt, thinking back to that catastrophe at Amore's that she wished had never happened. Myra began to casually pat her hands on her blue, baggy pants that were almost a black hue and released a long, quiet sigh. Although Myra was smiling on the outside, her heart felt so frozen due to being in such an uncaring and unpleasant environment. Adjusting the collar of her matching blue shirt, she raised her head to let the cool breeze blow calmly on her face and help her relax. Although the warm sun's rays landing gently on her forehead bothered her a little, Myra felt glad to be back in society. She did not want to spend any more time trapped in an institution that told her when to eat, when to sleep and when she could have time to socialize and talk with her cellmates. Myra let her legs dangle freely from the bench that she was sitting on, her dark black tennis shoes that were on her feet barely touching the ground. She placed her chin in the palm of her hands, resting her elbows on her thighs. She felt like crying and letting loose the tears she had held in for five months, but she knew that it would be for naught. It was time to move on from what happened and start over. Today would be the start of a new chapter of her life. She couldn't wait to get back home and talk with her mother. However, she wished that she could converse with another person that was still important to her.
Steven Q. Urkel.
Steve visited Myra once, a few days after she was placed in jail. She could remember it like it was yesterday. Closing her eyes, she let her mind drift back to that specific memory that took place six months ago.
"Uh, Myra?" Steve held the phone up to his ear with uncertainty, looking on at Myra on the other side of the counter through the glass window with various scratches and graffiti scattered on its surface. Sitting in his chair, he could tell that the woman sitting before him was a shadow of her former self. Instead of seeing her peppy smile flashing bright enough to light up a room, he was greeted by an uncharacteristic straight face that looked that it would break into a fit of crying at any second. Her shoulder-length black hair was not as elegant as it used to be. Instead, it had looked as though someone had blown a hair dryer with an electric shock as an added bonus. Picking up her phone, Myra's lips quivered as she began to speak, a pout forming on her face.
"I'm sorry about what happened…you don't deserve to be here, Myra…"
"Steven. What I did was wrong. The judge and jury knew that what I did was wrong, and I am to be punished," Myra let out in a low voice, trying the best she could to drown out the other voices mumbling behind her and focus on the man of her dreams sitting before her.
"But Myra…I-"
"Stevie, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it."
"…Laura also wanted to tell you that she was sorry about this too."
"…Oh…" Myra finally answered after a long, eerie pause, a single tear descending down her cheek. 'I guess he's chosen HER,' she thought.
"Yeah…" Steve said, almost shocking Myra. It was as if he was able to read her mind at that particular moment.
"Steven…" Myra whispered after another awkward silence between the two, weakly placing her hand on the bulletproof window in front of her. Her time was up. She had to go. "…Don't forget about me."
Steve nodded as he hung up the phone and stood up, brushing the dust that had gotten onto his blue sweater from the seat he was sitting in before leaving. Myra sat there for a few more moments before she had to leave, wondering whether Steve would actually marry Laura. It hadn't hit her until that moment. Steve would be taken by her enemy, Laura Winslow. And there was nothing she could do about it. Sobbing, she was led back to her cell along with her cellmate ironically named Laura, who was as small as she was, but she found out right away that she had a bad temper and chose not to talk to her. Crawling into the bottom bunk which was designated as where she would be sleeping, she curled up into a ball and quietly cried to herself. She shuddered when she heard the jail door slam shut with a loud clink and made a quiet whimpering noise. Closing her eyes, she knew that five months would be almost an eternity. An eternity she wished she did not have to spend in a jail cell.
A loud hissing noise startled Myra, causing her to exit her memory of that horrible day. Looking up at the large bus that had stopped to a squeaky halt in front of her, she got up from the bench and slowly stepped up to the door that had automatically swung open for her. Looking at the blond female driver that was loudly and obnoxiously smacking the pink gum she chewed animatedly in her mouth, Myra reached into her pocket and pulled out her CTA bus card to show that she was allowed to take the bus and take it to her stop. Myra felt somewhat relieved after looking around at each seat and noticing that she was the only one in the bus. Sitting right behind the driver, she rocked a little as the bus quickly took off from the side of the road and made its way onto the street with a loud rumble.
After almost an hour of riding on the bus, Myra decided to get off on a corner stop that was closest to where the Winslow house was located instead of the stop by her own house. She felt that she ought to visit Laura and Steve first and get what she had to say off of her chest. She thanked the driver and hopped off, waiting for the bus to depart before crossing the street. Even though there were a few kids and adults here and there, the streets seemed to be too empty for a hot July afternoon. Myra kept a solemn expression on her face as she walked to her destination a few blocks ahead, her arms wrapped around her body. She felt the warm winds fiercely breeze by her and winced, not prepared for the air that was blowing right into her face. 'They didn't call Chicago "The Windy City" for nothing', she thought to herself. Finally reaching the Winslow's residence, she climbed the stairs and made her way up to the front door. Pushing the button for the door bell, she took a few steps back and placed her hands on her hips, wondering who would answer the door. Hearing a click and the door knob turning after a minute of waiting, Myra almost flinched, nervous about whom it would be. Would it be Steve, or maybe Laura?
"Myra?!" A familiar voice asked out loud in surprise. As soon as Myra saw the person in front of her, she smiled in the inside but kept her face straighter than an arrow. She knew now was the time to get things straightened out.
"Yes, Steven, it's me. And we need to talk," Myra suggested, stepping inside the living room and lightly brushing past a surprised Steve, who was dressed in his usual red sweater, white button up shirt, khaki pants and white and black saddle shoes. Nervously reaching his hand up to his face to adjust his red glasses, he stared at Myra Boutros Boutros Monkhouse who was not in her Sunday's best, but someway, somehow she still managed to bring a warm feeling that began to surge through his heart.
"You're right, Myra…we do…" Steve managed to let out after a silent gulp, staring across the room at an astonished Myra. She had expected to let Steve have a piece of her mind, but she did not expect Steve to have something of his own to say.
"Steven, I know you said you were engaged to Laura, but…I still have feelings for you…I still love you, and…" Myra hiccupped, knowing that she had some more tears in store to release. "…I'm sorry for that mishap we had those six months ago…so if you don't want to see or speak to me again, I understand…" Myra turned around and crossed her arms, almost embarrassed that she had let her feelings out about Steve. She was afraid that he would not feel the same about her.
"Myra, about Laura…after that date we had, we decided-"
"I know, Steven, you two are going to get married…"
"But Myra, Laura and I…" Steve said with sadness in his voice, taking a few steps over to Myra, but she began to interrupt him once again. "We-"
"It's okay…you don't have to lie about liking me…" Myra turned to face Steve, a tear sliding down each cheek. "I know you love 'Laura' more than me…" Myra mentioned Laura's name with pain in her voice, heading toward the door to leave. She was afraid this would happen. Steve still loved Laura. He didn't have to tell her. She could feel it.
"MYRA, LISTEN TO ME!" Steve yelled as he firmly grabbed Myra's shoulders, looking her dead in the eyes. Myra almost gasped as she saw his eyes become almost as teary as hers. "LAURA BROKE UP WITH ME!"
To Be Continued…

subset: commoncrawl


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190€ 50% off
Black little drawings on a warm brown background: this is Tabacco, a 100% crêpe de chine silk kimono. Longer, wide and light. The finest silk and highest quality printing details made in Como, Italy. Sewed by Italian tailors with refined French seams and produced in limited quantities.
100% silk crêpe de chine | Dry clean only
Dimension: 77cm x 113cm | One size (model is 174cm tall)
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text:
Novelist Salzman (Lying Awake, 2000, etc.) chronicles his experiences as a teacher of writing to young defendants held in Central Juvenile Hall, Los Angeles.
It makes quite a contrast with the gentle tone of Salzman's memoir about teaching in China (Iron and Silk, 1986), having more in common with the how-I-survived-in-a-tough-classroom accounts of George Dennison and Jonathan Kozol. In 1997, needing background for a juvenile delinquent character in his novel-in-progress, the writer visited a class of juvenile criminals taught by a friend and began teaching his own group after succumbing to some arm-twisting from the friend and from a dedicated nun, Sister Janet, who appears throughout the text. An author's note informs us that he "re-created from memory" the conversations he held with these tough young men (most accused of murder), and he must have quite a memory, for the narrative is principally dialogue. Salzman held two one-hour sessions per week as part of a project sponsored by a nonprofit foundation. Here, he describes individual class sessions and reproduces (verbatim, he says, with only the spelling and mechanics standardized) some of the pieces the students wrote during the class. Their work ranges from angry to poignant to ugly to horrifying to horrible to pathetic. Salzman occasionally takes us outside—a particularly effective instance involves watching a meteor shower with his father in Arizona—but for the most part he confines his story, like his students, so readers feel the institutional claustrophobia. The author carefully documents his insecurities, his frustrations, and his occasional inability to coax much work or interest—or even civility—from the class, but he also describes in great detail his many successes, most notably a "retreat" that he helps arrange with writing students from other units in the facility. Neither does he neglect to record numerous laudatory comments about his work from colleagues, students, and corrections officers.
A captivating story of hopeless young men whose committed teacher listens—and thereby learns as much as he teaches.


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What's New:
2018 Bead&Button Show Registration will be open on January 9th
I will be teaching three new classes at the 2018 Bead & Button Show: Eruption Bracelet (top photo) on Tuesday night June 5; Gradating Elegance Necklace (middle photo) on Wednesday June 6; Spiraling Along Bracelet (bottom photo) on Wednesday night June 6. I hope to see you at the show!
Baltimore Bead Society Winter Show, January 20-21st, Howard County MD Fairgrounds
I will have a booth at this show for the first time! I will have my kits, my new handmade cabs and kits with the cabs, vintage glass cabs, and seed beads to sell. (I'm not sure how this will all fit on a 6' table)! So if you can't make the bead blast, come see me at the show. Click the link for $1.00 off admission.
8th Annual Bead Blast
On Saturday January 27th, 2018, Amy Katz and I will hold our 8th annual Bead Blast at Amy's home in Northern Virginia. Bring your beading projects or purchase a kit and spend the day with fellow beaders, socializing and snacking. There will be door prizes and great items for sale too (including my new handmade cabs along with lots of vintage beads). If you want more information about the Bead Blast, email me at email@example.com. I will provide you with the address and some further information.
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Content Management and Ecommerce Systems
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Just got this from GameStop tonight. Comes in a nice box I can put on my shelf and a new poster. Alot better than an online transaction…
GTA IV L&D DLC Retail Package
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text:
The barrage was a mirage.
Rangers coach John Tortorella, needing hands quick as Erik Christensen's to win a shell game that inevitably turns fraudulent in the absence of a pea, last week moved Sean Avery and Christensen up with Marian Gaborik.
If that weren't a real first line, it sure fooled the Islanders. Gaborik scored three times, Christensen picked a top corner from a tough angle and Avery cycled better than Lance Armstrong as skill won a game for the Rangers for a change, 6-5.
If it were too soon to call this the Stanley-Cup-contending No. 1 unit the Rangers haven't had since Mark Messier and Adam Graves, or even a scary No. 1 line they haven't had since Michael Nylander set up Jaromir Jagr, it at least looked like three guys who could stay hot enough to sustain a good Rangers run.
Gaborik, Christensen and Avery haven't scored since, not in the 2-0 win over the Islanders on Friday night when it wasn't necessary and not in last night's 3-1 loss to the Senators, when it was.
The Rangers, coming out flatter than a Wade Redden EKG, lost it early and then lost it late when their first line couldn't keep up with Chris Kelly with 2:44 to go. But they also lost because their No. 1 scoring unit was lost for most of the night.
Gaborik got taken down, enabling Kelly to score shorthanded to open the scoring and may have been tripped on a second-period breakaway. But he and his linemates had one shot on goal.
Hard to win like that, almost as hard as winning 2-1 every night. Somebody has to score, and if, like last night, it's Brandon Prust and only Brandon Prust, the Rangers will be straining to make the playoffs in Game 80.
"We got our legs under us, got some good looks on the power play," said Tortorella. "But you could just sense when we didn't score that second goal, something was going to happen."
He didn't mean something good, not when the grind had showed up late and the latest version of a first line, centered by a career heartbreaker like Christensen, didn't show up at all.
"We have to do more simple things," said Christensen. "In that first period we couldn't even get out of our own end."
Eventually they made it to the other end, to no avail.
"Awful play by Gabby passing the puck to Step [on the short-handed goal]," said Tortorella. "They had some good shifts, but with two minutes left they have to defend.
"I didn't have that line against [Daniel] Alfredsson and [Jason] Spezza, it was against [Jarkko] Ruutu, Kelly and [Chris] Neil. They need to defend that play."
Failing that, they need to make the play that cancels out the bad play, but you don't blame that on the foot soldier [Avery] or totally finger a premier finisher [Gaborik] if he's not getting the puck in scoring position.
So round up the usual suspects, the Rangers in the middle.
"I don't think there is one head-over-shoulders over the others," Tortorella said before the game. "But Erik has contributed the last few games, Step, a young guy, has 16 points.
"Artie [Anisimov] contributed early, struggled a little bit but played very well [Friday] night. [Brian] Boyle has 11 goals.
"So you do it by committee. It's our team."
For better, generally, through a 16-12-1 start. Last night for worse.


text: DigitalHome Design Returns in LAT Sunday MagazineBy FishbowlNY|October 12, 2007ShareBy FishbowlNY|October 12, 2007ShareThe Los Angeles Times Magazine, once known as West, returns on Sunday, and the theme is Home Design.Home away from home, more accurately."Home Design" issue is devoted to "The Baja Plunge" and features a special report by senior style editor Barbara Thornburg on five Mexican beach homes purchased and decorated by Southern Californians at various price points with striking home and landscape photography by Joao Canziani.Mexico City-based staff writer Reed Johnson travels deeper south into Baja California Sur to take the pulse of coastal Mexico's next big boom spot and examines the costs, benefits and challenges of developing in the area.Tips and ideas on how to get the Mexican beach house look without leaving town.A trio of Baja getaways for food and wine enthusiasts with delicious off-the-beaten-track adventures.The New York Observer had a special section included in the print edition, but not online, The Home Observer , edited by Tim Street-Porter and Annie Kelly. Included were a look at a new book by Diane Keaton and D. J. Waldie, California Romantica, and Wendy Goodman's book, Tony Duquette. There's also a look at Jonathan Adler's beach house and design doyenne Marian McEvoy's 18th century house in upstate NY. Try to scrounge one up, as it's fabulous. Sharehttp://adweek.it/2kZmV0y copy Adweek Adweek


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I am setting up SP 2007 on a Win 2003 R2 in a Win2003 domain. SP is using a small farm with one server for the DB and another for everything else.
When I open the Central Admin page I get in large red letters "Server Farm Configuration Not Complete." But as far as I can see it is. Both the application/web server and DB server are listed correctly under "Farm Topology."
I can't find anything that tells me what to do!
After reading through some of the posts about Sharepoint 2010's weaknesses with internal (Admin Console) backups, and discovering that a full Configuration Backup is necessary (see: http://www.benjaminathawes.com/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=10 and http://sharepointinterface.com/2010/09/10/configuration-only-backup-and-restore-in-sharepoint-2010/
), I'm a bit concerned.
Is it the case that running the powershell utility (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff645391.aspx) is sufficient for restoration purposes (does it capture all the essential data?) OR do we need to go through and take screenshots of all of our
config screens?
What does your backup strategy?
Efficient testing can require many different machine and server configurations but the effort needed to manage these test environments can take a toll. Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 simplifies the provisioning and management of testing environments. This article demonstrates how the extensive Virtual Server COM API can be used to create an automated application testing environment to make your testing chores a whole lot easier.
Ben Waldron
MSDN Magazine August 2004
please help - the problem is in post subject.
I have lots of warnings with following text:
"Warning 10 Element 'HyperLink' is not a known element. This can occur if there is a compilation error in the Web site, or the web.config file is missing. C:\Users\Pavel\Documents\Visual Studio 2010\WebSites\BioWebSite\ToScientist.aspx 26 18 C:\...\BioWebSite\"
But web.confg is there! And there's no compilation error!
Site builds just fine. And If I upload it to my hoster - it works!
But with all these errors I cant add controls to pages - VS2010 adds hyperlink without ID, and intelisens stoped to work.
Strange, but in my other project (web-application) I have no such difficuty.
Had a Sharepoint farm I inherited that was running on ____ hardware in a ____ setup- raid controller failed, and the rack was setup so that I have to down 15 servers that might not come back up, just to get at the server... Complete, unrecoverable failure.
This server was a member of our Sharepoint 2007 farm, and had Reporting Services on it. There are a lot of little pieces that are still referenced in the Central Configuration. I removed the server forcibly, and need to know next steps, specifically:
1. I tried to move Reporting Services to another server, but I get an error in the Grant Database privileges that I cannot connect to the Report Server's WMI Provider. I created a SPN on a DC, forced a replication a few hours ago, and still no luck. Any
2. How do I fix all the little things that reference that server? Anytime Sharepoint initiates a web page to Central Administration, it tries to use that server address.
I think the failed server was running SQL 2008 or SQL 2008 R2, and the server I am moving this to is SQL 2005 SP2. I have installed the correct Reporting Services for Sharepoint. Have I missed something?
Time is of the essence because management relies on Reporting Services and I am under a great deal of pressure to fix this. I appreciate any help I can get.
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text: this is my story , i have one client website it has been 2 years i never linkbuilding / promoting again after 1 years pass . they keyword is good rank 1 on google original ugg boot , ugg original , original ugg, ugg houston, ugg newyork, etc . yesterday i get supprise from mr g my client site get sandbox u g g o z c0m what do you think guys


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Domestic violence in black and ethnic minority communities
'Domestic violence claims the lives of two women a week'
In January 2006, our film Love, Honour and Disobey was published by Faction Films. Love, Honour and Disobey is essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand domestic violence within black and minority ethnic communities. It will be useful for training teachers, social workers, police, lawyers, health workers and any other professionals, refuges and women's groups.
Love, Honour and Disobey tells the story of domestic violence in Britain's black and ethnic minority communities through the eyes of Southall Black Sisters.
The film interweaves powerful personal testimony from abused women with a forceful analysis of the issues that make domestic violence an even more terrible experience for minority women.
Getting to the heart of the multicultural debate it looks at all forms of domestic violence ranging from honour killings to forced marriages. And it examines the role of immigration controls, culturally sensitive policing, religious fundamentalism and the attitudes of minority communities themselves in continuing to endanger the lives and well being of many women.
Running Time 58 mins
Director: Saeeda Khanum
Producer: Sylvia Stevens
For Atlantic Philantropy 2005
Order Love, Honour and Disobey
£95.00 + Postage and packaging £3.00 per copy
£40.00 + Postage and packaging £3.00 per copy [Individuals and Concessions Price]
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£100.00 + Postage and packaging £3.00 per copy
£50.00 + Postage and packaging £3.00 per copy [Individuals and Concessions Price]


text:
I recently had a Gmail image download lock up on my Android, with the download continuing for nearly an hour, even after the image was safely stored in the download folder. When turning off mobile data and Wi-Fi, doing several restarts, and removing the battery proved ineffectual (although after each restart, it was a couple minutes before the download resumed), I searched the web for an answer. Efforts to find an online solution proved equally fruitless, as they generally applied specifically to app downloads. In addition to the inconvenience, I assumed that–as long as the download persisted–it would also continue to drain the battery.
So, the following steps (in Android 4.0) were taken and the download finally stopped.
Below, you can see the download running.
In the Device section of Settings, open Apps.
From there, select All apps (upper right), scroll down, and tap Download Manager. You can see the download running in the background (upper left).
As the apps cache had already been cleared with the History Eraser, I tapped the Clear Data button.
The warning below caused some consternation, but something had to be done, so I tapped OK.
Tap the menu button and select Settings. In Settings, choose Applications.
In Application settings, tap Manage applications.
Scroll down, open the Download Manager, and tap the Clear data button.
After clearing the data, the download stopped, new downloads are completing error free, birds are singing, and all seems right with the world.


text:
Diving in Manado was one of those boxes that I should have checked off long ago, rather than waiting for 'things to happen'. Now that I've made the decision to relocate, I want to make time for all those dream trips, and can manage only a fraction of them in the few weeks left.
While I had no success with underwater photography, being 'grounded' for a day before the flight with a tour in the highlands was totally worth it, and highly recommended for all Manado visitors.
Sulawesi, called Celebes by the Portuguese, is an island with some interesting and some mind-boggling features. Some say it looks like an orchid flower on the map. It is home to some of the most unique and diverse life forms, both over land and under water. There are fascinating ethnic cultures all across the island, and I literally just scratched the northern tip of the land.
The half day drive is near perfect, self-contained with a mix of adventure and entertainment, vast landscapes and scenic villages, the ordinary and the bizarre. No sighting of the famed tarsiers or the maleo birds though – that would take a proper trek through the forests.
There are the ubiquitous farmlands:
The 'Pasar Extreme' is not for the faint-hearted, where roasted whole dogs vie for shelf space with bats fried mid-scream and pythons spilling their guts. I'm sparing you the gory sights, but after walking through the extreme-meats lane, I remember thinking that self-mutilation aka tattooing was probably the gentlest activity of this region.
Clouds played spoilsport on the vista views, but made some nice 'atmospheric' shots:
The villages – Tomohon and others – had this European quality about them, with highland-type blooms and cute cottages.
Then I came upon this:
Don't know what they use it for, but it's my idea of a perfect vacation homestay!
Coffee by the changing-colour Linow lake was so pleasant, I never wanted to leave, even though I saw only 2 of the 3 colours.
A couple of quick stops to see the wooden houses being constructed in the village of Woloan:
And a copra processing unit by the roadside, with a beautiful cacao pod as a sideshow:
If I were a pescatarian, I would be over the moon at the last stop, but I'm just a live-fish lover so I let them go by.
Goodbye, dive boat. So long, Manado.


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Potential GOP 4th District candidates praise Geoff Davis as they mull running in '12
Surprised by the announcement that Congressman Geoff Davis won't run again in 2012, Northern Kentucky Republicans burned up the phone lines Thursday night buzzing about possible candidates to succeed him.
The list of potential candidates on the GOP side already includes several county officials, a former secretary of state, lawmakers and former political aides.
Kevin Sell, a Campbell County businessman who is vice president of United Group Services, said he plans to make a decision about running by the end of the weekend after talking with his family.
"I firmly believe that a quick decision is necessary from a strategic sense," he said in a phone interview after talking it over with family members at his mother's house in Silver Grove.
Sell, who narrowly lost a GOP primary in 2010 for Campbell County judge-executive, has been a close ally to Davis. He has served as his 4th District campaign chairman.
Sell said Davis broke the news of his decision to him Thursday morning. But the two didn't talk about Sell potentially running next year. Sell said he has been contacted by friends and Republican consultants about making the run.
As for his friend, Davis, Sell said his legacy would be focusing his congressional office budget on field offices across the Northern Kentucky district.
"He is known throughout the Congress as having the finest constituent services," he said.
Many others being mentioned as potential candidates told Pure Politics that they would be discussing it with their families and with Davis in the coming days and weeks.
UPDATE: Boone County Clerk Kenny Brown said Friday morning he is considering it. "I'm very happy being the clerk … but this is a rare opportunity," he said. "I'm going to be taking a look at it."
State Rep. Alecia Webb Edgington of Fort Wright is the Republican Party's 4th congressional district chairwoman. She said in a phone interview that she greatly respects Davis and was "taken aback" when learning he wouldn't be running again in order to spend more time with his family.
"Politics takes a large toll on your family," Webb-Edgington said.
She said she would "begin discussions with my family in the next couple days."
Lewis County Judge-Executive Thomas Massie, a Republican first elected in 2010, said he wants to talk with Davis and his staff in the coming days.
"I had thought about this maybe further down the road," Massie said in a phone interview. Massie said he has been "networking with a lot of tea party groups" throughout his first year in office.
Massie said he already had received messages and calls from friends and supporters urging him to run.
Hunter Bates, an Oldham County resident who runs the lobbying firm Bates Capitol, called Davis "one of the finest men I have ever known, inside or outside of the nation's capital" and said his "intellect, experience and values cannot be replaced."
Bates, a former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, also didn't rule out running for the 4th District next year.
"The most important thing in my life is my wife and three children," he said. "We will prayerfully consider whether this is the right moment to re-enter the political arena."
Bates' only experience as a candidate was brief. In 2003 he ran as lieutenant governor candidate on the slate with Republican Ernie Fletcher. But Bates dropped off the ticket after a judge ruled he didn't meet the residency requirements for a statewide candidate.
Another name being mentioned is former Secretary of State Trey Grayson, who currently serves as director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Grayson has been living in Massachusetts, but as of this fall had not yet sold his house in Boone County. In addition, rules for congressional candidates only require a candidate to have an address in the district when they file their candidacy papers.
Other names being mentioned by Republicans include Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore; state Rep. Adam Koenig of Erlanger; and Rick Robinson, former aide to Sen. Jim Bunning.
Below the Fold
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Axford Renovations is a full service General Contractor that has been servicing Edmonton and the Edmonton area for 19 years. Axford Renovations offers a wide range of services in all aspects of renovations:
Free Estimates
If you need a quote on your next project, get in touch!
Today's kitchens are often referred to as the "heart of the home". The kitchen is the place where everyone wants to gather. With a perfect balance of function, flow and beauty, the kitchen provides a comfortable space to eat breakfast, make lunch, see to homework, share snacks, prepare dinners, and share the highlights of your day over coffee or a glass of wine.
Because of its importance in your home and most people remodel their kitchens only once in a lifetime, it makes sense to invest in a kitchen remodel that reflects your personal tastes and lifestyle. At Axford Renovations, we have perfected the art of kitchen design and craftsmanship. Our design team will guide you through every step of your remodel process from layout and design, to kitchen cabinets, countertops, tile design and flooring options.
Whole House Renovations
A full house renovation usually encompasses many areas of the home. It may be as extensive as totally removing all interior finishes down to its framing, or involve extensive renovations that keep some of the homes original make up i.e. drywall, flooring, trim work, etc. Typically though, most whole house renovations involve at least the kitchen and bathrooms. They may also include improvements to other areas of the house including basements, laundry rooms, bedrooms, and other common areas that involve the painting, trim work, and flooring.
Whatever the extent of a whole house renovation, Axford Renovations can provide all the services required to transform your home into a new home with finishes and upgrades that meet your needs.
When it comes to full house renovations, trust your home to the experts. Whatever your vision for your home, we can turn it into reality.
As the smallest room in the house, a remodelled bathroom must be designed with just the right balance of comfort, function and beauty. Perhaps you are looking to create a luxury master bath retreat that doubles as your own private spa, or maybe your bathroom needs updating for the safety and ease of your growing family. Starting with a no obligation in home consultation, our experienced designers will listen to your needs and budget.
With Axford Renovations you will know exactly how much your project will cost up front. In order to help you stay on budget, we will assist you choose different materials to use for counters, tiles, etc. while showing you the best possible options.
All of this is completed by expert craftspeople using only the best materials, and it's all backed by our exclusive 10 year written warranty.
Basements/Basement Suites
Are you looking to finish your basement or maybe give it a new modern look? Axford Renovations is a well-known renovator of basements in Edmonton. Whether you are planning a renovation or building a custom basement, we will create a basement that suits your lifestyle and reflects the latest advances in rec room, living space and home theater design and technology.
Our renovations team can easily transform your basement into an extra living space for the family or into a legal suite for extra income. We carefully plan and strategically design a brand new layout to create a comfortable and convenient living area and provide you with a great functioning basement suite. The basement is separated into individual living rooms, bedrooms, as well as fully-operational kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and saunas. At an affordable price, we consider your needs and turn any size basement into a single or double apartment inside your own home.
If you are thinking of making an investment and turning your basement into a potential apartment, give us a call for a free estimate and consultation on your future renovation.
Love your neighbourhood and location? Then there's no need to sell your home to get more space. Trust Axford Renovations to seamlessly integrate an addition or additions with the existing infrastructure of your home and create a warm and welcoming new space for your family's enjoyment.
Add a beautiful new living space that blends into the look and feel of your existing home. Maximize your living space and add value to your home with an addition.


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The S&P 500 soared more than 32% in 2013, and several big pharma companies also soared. Some, however -- namely Sanofi (NYSE:SNY), Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), and Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) -- significantly trailed their peers. To find out why these stocks stumbled last year, and what they need to do to soar this year, click on the following slideshow.
Max Macaluso, Ph.D., and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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CONASYS has reset the bar in terms of Homeowner Care… their platform will allow us to provide an enhanced home ownership experience to our residents.
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) January 22, 2014
CONASYS, developers of a cloud-based platform designed to enhance the homeowner care and communication initiatives for new home builders and developers, are pleased to announce a new partnership with Townline Homes Inc. This represents yet another high-profile developer that has chosen the industry-leading CONASYS platform to be the backbone of their homeowner care efforts.
Townline, widely regarded as one of the most innovative real estate developers in BC, pride themselves on challenging convention and building homes that combine both form and function in equal measure. A self-professed down-to-earth company, 'livability' is a fundamental feature of each Townline development and their upcoming projects, 999 Seymour, The Gardens and Harmony, are an embodiment of that mantra. While each project was designed to appeal to a specific buyer, each is home to a host of design elements that have helped the Richmond-based firm become synonymous with both innovation and quality.
While Townline's commitment to architectural innovation is obvious, no less impressive is their commitment to homeowner care. Indeed prior to working with CONASYS, Townline had already acquired a reputation for excellence in customer care. That said, they saw an opportunity to further enhance their well-earned reputation through partnering with industry-leader, CONASYS, to deliver their residents a cloud-based interactive portal, that will come loaded with a host of unique features, including instant access to vital home information such as operating manuals, manufacturer warranties or even paint codes. The platform will also send residents recommended maintenance alerts and will allow them to connect with Townline through a 1-click service request function.
CONASYS' intuitive portal was designed to enhance understanding of the home and empowers users to become more self-sufficient, which was a key feature for Chris Colbeck, VP of Sales & Marketing at Townline. "CONASYS has reset the bar in terms of Homeowner Care, and their platform will positively impact almost all facets of our business, from how we engage and interact with our homeowners to how we are perceived as an industry innovator. But more importantly it will allow us to provide an enhanced home ownership experience and allow our residents to better understand and enjoy their home."
CONASYS is naturally excited about the prospect of working with such a prominent developer, whose unwavering commitment to quality is something it has long since admired. Jerry Bauer, CONASYS CEO, sees the opportunity as a validation of their evolution, "We are delighted to be working with a company as forward-thinking as Townline. For us, this opportunity is a real-life endorsement of the enhancements we have implemented, and the direction we have taken our platform. Working with an industry-leader such as Townline will allow us to further enhance and refine our product, and enhance their reputation in the process."
About CONASYS: CONASYS Inc. (http://www.conasysinc.com twitter:@CONASYS) is a forward-thinking technology company whose cloud-based platform, designed for new home builders and developers, arranges home-specific property information into an interactive portal that allows users to better understand, maintain and enjoy their home. Their interactive Building Care Solution facilitates key building processes including documentation storage and maintenance scheduling. Since their inception in 2006 they have built a client portfolio of over 400 builders and real estate developers and have brought over 40,000 homes online.
About Townline: Townline Group of Companies (http://www.townline.ca twitter:@townline_homes) is a down-to-earth and innovative Real Estate Development firm with a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge projects in Metro Vancouver and Victoria. Townline began life as a one-man operation in 1981, and since then the multi-award winning company has grown to a team of professionals that handle all aspects of development, construction, finance, marketing, sales and customer service.


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A sparkling Vintage Celluloid Bangle is presented with four rows of bright and shiny rhinestones, all perfect!
Circa 1930's, this Celluloid bangle just under ¾ of an wide. The inside diameter is 2 ½ inches. The domed surface, creates a perfect area for the four rows of bright and shiny faceted vintage rhinestones, way to numerous to even count! All are bright and shiny with no darkening and are original to the bangle. The facets on each of these vintage rhinestones, show their brilliance even more.
Celluloid, invented in 1869 and saw its popularity in Vintage jewelry from the Victorian period and even through parts of the Art Deco era. This fabulous Celluloid bangle with its bright and shiny rhinestones is a wonderful example of Celluloid jewelry at its finest.
The entire Celluloid bangle is in perfect condition and ready to be worn and enjoyed!
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I have needed to clear my conscience about something for some time. Up until the last few years, I have given clients with minor children poor advice with regards to how to set up beneficiaries of life insurance policies. My advice had always been to name your spouse first and, for a contingent/secondary beneficiary name the "estate." This way, I explained, the Will would control with regards to how the insurance proceeds are to be dispersed to minor children.
This is the problem. If the estate is the beneficiary of life insurance, the proceeds are no longer "creditor free," which is one the biggest benefits of life insurance (it passes to the intended beneficiaries free from any of your creditor claims). If the estate is the beneficiary of the life insurance, then the life insurance proceeds are added to the general estate. All of the general estate is subject to creditor claims. There are many ways in which there can be creditor claims against an estate 1) outstanding credit card bills; 2) medical bills arising from a long illness or lack of health insurance; 3) a suit or cause of action filed by a third-party; or 4) general hard times caused by lack of employment, to just give a few examples.
If the estate should not be the beneficiary of life insurance policies, who should the beneficiary be? Here are some options:
1. Name the person whom you presume would be the guardian of your minor children. This is a VERY BAD idea. By naming a third party to directly receive funds on behalf of your children, you are creating a moral obligation that the individual will actually apply the funds for the benefit of your children. Obviously, even if the individual told you now that he or she would do just that, such a promise is not enforceable. Also, that individual's financial circumstances could be drastically different at the time of your death and he or she could be desperate enough to rationalize using the money to bail them out of the hardship. Another possibility is that the individual could be incompetent at the time of your death. That individual's fiduciary (guardian or attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney) could have no idea of the prior moral agreement. Even if they did, their obligation would not be towards your children. On the other hand, even if the individual followed through by using the funds to provide for your children, that could create gift tax complications for him or her, should any of your child receive more than $13,000.00 from your named beneficiary. In short, this arrangement is a VERY BAD idea.
2. Name the minor children themselves as the beneficiaries. This is a BETTER idea. However, no insurance company will issue a check payable to a minor. Thus, someone will have to petition the court on behalf of the minor(s) for the appointment of a guardian to receive and administer the funds for the minor's benefit. This process does not happen overnight and takes attorney fees to accomplish. In the meantime, the insurance company sits on the funds and the funds are not available for the support of the children. Also, when the child turns 18, the remaining insurance money is his or hers. Have you ever seen a lot of money in the hands of an 18 year old? It is generally a BAD idea. Thus, although it is BETTER to name your minor children as the beneficiaries of life insurance, it is not the BEST idea.
3. Name the Trustee of the testamentary sub-trust which you have created for your children's benefit under your Last Will. This is the BEST idea. Washington law permits you to name as the beneficiary of your life insurance the trustee of any trust which you have created under your Last Will. Thus, if you have minor beneficiaries, I recommend that the beneficiary designation be changed as soon as possible to read similar to this:
"100 percent (100%) payable to Bill Smith, Trustee in the Last Will and Testament of the insured or his successor(s) in trust for the benefit of Catelyn Johnson and Aiden Johnson, minor children of the Insured.
LIFE INSURANCE PROCEEDS. My trustee shall collect the proceeds of any life insurance policy for which my trustee is the beneficiary, and shall hold those proceeds under the terms of this instrument. Payment to my trustee shall be a full discharge of the insurance company on account of the policy, and the insurance company shall not be responsible for the proper discharge of the trust. My trustee has no duty to begin collection proceedings or litigation to enforce payment of any life insurance policies until reasonable provision has been made to indemnify my trustee for all anticipated expenses and liabilities. Any proceeds of life insurance, retirement benefits, annuity payments or other benefits which are made payable to the Trustee named in this Will shall be allocated to the specific sub-trust indicated in the beneficiary designation, or if none, as if the proceeds or benefits had been a part of my estate at the time of my death."
This trust is a "sub-trust" because it is created under your Will. It is a "testamentary trust" because it is created upon your death. By having the Trustee receive the money directly, the Trustee can immediately apply the money for the benefit of your children according to the directions you have provided to the Trustee in your Will. In your directions, you can also select how old your children will be when their trust comes to an end. In most cases, I recommend to clients that it be at the age of 25. This way the Trustee can make sure the children get through college and hopefully the children are much more mature than they were the age of 18.
In order to name the Trustee under your Will, you of course must first have a Will. A Will is absolutely essential especially if minor children are involved. I am happy to help with that process. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding minor children and life insurance beneficiary designations or Wills.


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Impossible Standards
There's been a bit of controversy that got started during last weekend's Super Bowl halftime show featuring Lady Gaga. There were a number of people on social media sites who were deriding the performer for her "flabby" stomach, which was a bit shocking to those of us who would love to be in that great of shape!
What does this and other "body-shaming" incidents say about our culture? We discussed the issue from multiple angles on The Drive-Home, including our tendency to set impossible body standards for others and ourselves, the perpetuation of the (very) false idea that the only thing of value women have to offer is their physical appearance, how to best encourage and support others who are struggling with body image, and even the fact that this issue doesn't only affect women!
Take a listen to the recap below...


text: What is Cursillo? Cursillo is a three-day presentation designed to build enthusiasm for and to renew your commitment to your faith. It is especially helpful for those who take an active role somewhere in the life of the congregation. Why? History has shown us that people who attend Cursillo return from the event highly motivated with a strong desire to serve in the parish and share their experience.


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Today while at a meeting at work, where all offices & meeting rooms are glass – (oh joy) there were 2 women a blond & a brunette. No that's not it, I started noticing all the men at work hovering around the meeting room they were in. and not in a subtle – ooh I'm just walking through here – but rather in the –holy f*ck there's a female & I'm gonna be a creep and just walk back and forth awkwardly while staring.
I was thinking to myself, are the women THAT gorgeous? And I asked one of the guys who was calmly going through his computer, he looked at me then at them and said "who? Oh the girls, meh." And I was impressed there were 2 guys and half the girls uninterested by the presence of these normal looking female homosapians!
I looked at the guys again; married, married, engaged, engaged, sleaze, butthead, jerk..then when they all huddled in front of the office these 2 very normal looking – decently dressed women. I called one of them and said stop drooling your wife gave birth to twins last month!!!!!
1. I am sitting here
2. You're married and a dad
3. You're not that type – at all
4. It's Ramadan & your fasting
5. I am sitting right here
I wonder what those girls felt like; I mean sure walking down the street you'd get stared at & ogled, but they were at an office, and these were employees!!!!


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Why would cyber criminals attack hotels? It´s often thought that they only target financial institutions and large multinationals. However, times have changed. To understand what is happening, we have to recognise that SMEs are also increasingly being targeted today. According to a PwC study*, the financial costs of security incidents have increased by 100% for SMEs, while those for large organisations have fallen by 20%. With regard to the major hotel chains, the story is the same: it´s easier to attack an unprepared target than one that is used to dealing with attacks and well protected.
Sensitive data
Handling very sensitive client data (credit cards, personal data, client preferences, etc.) is also in the nature of the hotel business. This is a gold mine for cyber criminals, who can reuse such data for other attacks, sell it to criminal groups or publish it on the `dark web´.
The best known method - spear phishing - consists of obtaining information from a specific person in order to manipulate him or her and extort money. One tried and tested fraud technique is `social engineering´: a hacker usurps the identity of a rich client by using personal information acquired previously - stolen from a hotel, for example - in order to get an employee of the client´s bank to send money.
Let us look at some actual examples. Early in 2015, White Lodging Services Corporation of Indiana, a hotel chain that includes Marriott properties, reported a cyber breach (a breach that enables criminals to access a network and the data it contains) that had lasted seven months! In 2016, it was the turn of the Hyatt chain to announce a massive theft of credit card data and client information involving over 250 establishments worldwide.
This sort of event is the hotel industry´s worst nightmare . . . but it is not alone. According to the 2016 PwC Global CEO Survey, which gathers the responses of 1,409 CEOs in 83 countries, 59% of CEOs rate cyber risks among the top three threats to the development of efficient and secure business.
They are right! The arrival of the `Internet of things´ is opening up almost limitless opportunities for hackers today. As the number of connected objects continues to grow - it will reach over 30 billion by 2020 - the network security challenges multiply. The investments needed to address these challenges doubled in 2015, and yet only 36% of survey respondents have a dedicated strategy to deal with the Internet of things.
In addition to having to protect a much wider perimeter, we also note that the number of cyber attacks reported increased by 38% globally in 2015. On the other hand, the information security budgets of organisations only grew by 24%*.
Two observations
This leads to two observations: security-related investments are more often driven by regulatory requirements rather than the desire to protect company data; and hotel managers tend to believe that `outsourcing´ is the solution to such problems. It´s time for a change of mindset: hotels not only have to manage the financial and personal data of their clients, but also have to integrate cyber risks into their working methods.
To this end, hotel managers need to ask themselves a few questions:
- Have we defined, validated and reviewed an overall security policy based on a security standard (e.g. ISO 27000)?
- Do we have someone who is responsible for information security (i.e. CISO/CSO)? Do we have the resources required in terms of competence and ability?
- Do we perform an annual assessment of the internal and external risks affecting data confidentiality, integrity and security?
- What are our `crown jewels´? Do we have a precise inventory of these (e.g. client data, employees, intellectual property)?
- What are the major technological measures we have defined to prevent and detect security incidents, such as a data leak?
- What controls do we have in place to minimise human error, especially where key employees are concerned?
- Which of our external service providers stores our key data? Do we have a precise inventory?
- Do we perform internal and external penetration testing on our key applications and infrastructure in order to assess our weaknesses?
- Have we defined a cyber-incident management process and, if so, do we test it regularly?
- How do we collaborate with our peers?
The good news is that there are also new approaches that enable organisations to anticipate threats by making use of `threat intelligence´. This comprises threat information systems based on the analysis of vast volumes of data gathered from the Internet, cloud environments, hidden areas of the net, social networks and other sources. Thanks to such systems, organisations can identify what threats they face in advance and thus respond to them proactively rather than reactively.
To finish on a hopeful note, despite the alarming situation in which hotels find themselves, we are sure recent events have triggered greater global awareness for the nature of the threat thus leading to improvement in the coming months.
It´s now time to act! Because the question is no longer whether your organisation will be a victim of a cyber attack, but rather how to prepare for one and how to respond when it happens.


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Mark Steyn seems to have been inspired by recent disclosures involving Labour MP George Galloway: "I have excellent Korea prospects — I mean career prospects." William Safire, on the other hand, has been inspired by the invective aimed at Newt Gingrich that Deacon referred to below: "Invective's comeback."
On National Review Online, Professor David Schaefer offers an informative history lesson on the intellectual perils of pacifism: "What did Gandhi do?" Was it not our political hero Winston Churchill who called Gandhi a half-naked fakir?
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Rugged portable LED worklights designed to provide 10 years or more of optimum clarity and safety around campsites, caravans and recreational vehicles are being introduced to Australasia by GO Distribution.
The new Hemipro high power worklights incorporate high power LEDs of a type originally designed to provide maximum safety and clarity standards for demanding tasks in the automotive and industrial maintenance market.
Using either two or three high power LEDs, the Hemipro 2 LED and 3 LED worklights provide powerful beams which, respectively, equal or exceed the light area intensity of a 60W or 75W beam, says GO Distribution Director Gary Oborne.
The highly modified lens design captures and transfers the powerful LED light into a super-wide 70° beam, while also eliminating hot spots, dull areas or irritating halo rings.
"This makes them brilliant for use around vehicles, awnings, barbecues and the myriad tasks around a campsite at night. Whether you are a parent caring for young campers, or a mature age camper wanting clear light, these are some of the best lights you will get".
Designed to provide high performance for 10 years or more of normal use, Hemipro incorporates features to help ensure its longevity including:
Tough polycarbonate patent-pending Lumiguard lens shield: This protects the lens and can be easily and quickly replaced if it gets scratched, cracked or tarnished. Rather than throwing away the entire work light, users can simply replace the Lumiguard in less than two minutes.
Similarly, the super strong NiMH 2500 milliAmp hour battery in the 2 LED and 3 LED cordless models are rechargeable and replaceable.
However, replacement will not happen too often, says GO Distribution, because as the battery has a life expectancy of three years under normal use.
The 2 LED can be used up to five hours between charges. The 3 LED is good for three hours between charges. Even the 360° swivel hook can be replaced.
Designed by the international Cliplight Manufacturing Company, which is now in its fourth decade of producing top quality worklights, Hemipro complements an innovative range of HVAC products available from GO Distribution including Super Seal sealants that help remove the need for expensive fault-chasing and repairs to commercial, industrial and automotive air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including car, motor home and caravan systems.


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Hello! I have changed the country of living and my blog is now on new domain. I plan to make it bigger and better, so check it out, like, follow, etc. – mygreen.house
Hello! I have changed the country of living and my blog is now on new domain. I plan to make it bigger and better, so check it out, like, follow, etc. – mygreen.house
We all know that kale is super healthy, but I always found it a bit bland and uninteresting. Until I have tried to bake it that is. I've experimented quite a lot with different flavours and found this particular one to be the best for my taste, as it is both spicy and cheesy. Speaking of cheesy – this recipe is vegan, with the cheese flavor coming from nutritional yeast flakes, that can be bought at any health food store or online.
Make sure that you drain and pat dry kale properly. The leaves can be damp, but not wet, otherwise it will steam in the oven and will be less crispy. If you don't like it spicy, add 1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper.
Spicy & Crispy Baked Kale
2016-05-19 12:12:57
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Artisan Cook http://artisancook.co.uk/
This is the best bread I've ever made. It is so good that I have been making it twice a week for over a year now, so it's a bout time I shared it. I discovered it in the book called Cooking Help for Parents (Mathjeplen til Foreldre), which promotes cooking healthy home-made food for children (and adults) and involving chilren in cooking. A highly recommended book. Their website (in English and Norwegian) have a lot of excellent advise on child nutrition, growing your own veggies and educating children about cooking and nutrition.
The beauty of this bread is that there is no need to knead it and preparation only takes ten minutes tops. All you have to do is prepare the dough, put it into your baking trays and forget about it for 8 hours or longer. Then just bake it. That's it! Sometimes I make the dough in the evening and bake it first thing in the morning, sometimes I make the dough first thing in the morning and bake it in late afternoon to enjoy for dinner. Easy! Oh, and it is pretty much only flour and water. The bread does taste great though! This is because over 8 hours the yeast would have done its magic, so the bread aquires the special taste (and smell) of sour dough.
The simplicity of the recipe allows room for experiments. I have used wholewheat and rye, spelt and rye, wheat and wholespelt combinations. You can also made bread rolls and focaccia from the same dough. I would recommend using organic, stone ground flour for this recipe.
Lazy Sourdough Bread
2016-03-04 08:07:30
Yields 2
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Adapted from Geitmyra matkulturcenter for barn
Adapted from Geitmyra matkulturcenter for barn
Artisan Cook http://artisancook.co.uk/
The recipe is adapted from beautiful Yotam Ottolenghi vegetarian cookbook. It was perfect, as I haven't used saffron for a while and wanted to dress up my cauliflower side, so it wouldn't be plain. Plain cauliflower is a bit boring…unless it's raw, then it can be munchy. Especially with hummus.
I buy spices (and other good things) from iHerb.com and I love Frontier Natural Products in particular. There is a real difference between high quality, organic if possible, spices and the stuff from supermarket. The smell and taste is completely different. I love my Frontier ground cumin, it smells and tastes fantastic! In this recipe, cauliflower is infused with saffron and mixed together with sweetness of raisins and tartness of olives. This "one pot" dish is not difficult to make and it just makes cauliflower a bit less boring.
Pre-soak saffron until water is nice golden colour.
Add raisins and leave them to soak for a couple of minutes.
Mix together the rest of ingredients in a large bowl, then add saffron water (with strands) and raisins.
Mix everything well.
Put everything into a large(ish) baking dish. I use square Pyrex dish here. Cover with foil and bake at 200C for approximately 40 minutes. Do keep an eye on it however, because the cooking time depends on the type of oven used. I use fan oven, so I do not preheat.
When ready, take cauliflower bake out of the oven and remove the foil to let the steam out. Otherwise it will continue cooking and become soggy. Unless soggy is what you want of course. Let it cool a little before serving with anything. I've had it with some roasted aubergines, tahini sauce and marinated tofu. Yum!
Very easy to make, comforting and warming, yet light enough dish. Ultimate autumn/winter fast food. This hash can be made with any combination of seasonal root vegetables and spiced to anyone's taste. I prefer a hint of Mexican, so I use beans and Mexican spices such as cumin, cayenne and coriander. I think Italian version, with white beans and chopped tomatoes, spiced with dried herbs could also be very nice.
This is a throw-everything-in-a-pan, very low maintenance dish. Once you prepare and chop everything, it will just sweat in a covered pan until ready. All you have to do is to stir it once or twice. It is packed with protein, fiber and beta-carotene, and works well with wilted spinach or kale on a side.
Serves 4:
This recipe is: gluten free, dairy free, vegan, low GI, low fat.
What is the healthiest choice when it comes to using soy sauce in recipes? I have used various types of common soy sauces, Braggs liquid aminos and tamari sauce in my cooking before, but as I try to watch my sodium and gluten intake, I wanted to know which one is the better choice. So I did some digging and Tamari seems to be the healthiest option of all soy condiments.
Braggs Liquid Aminos taste like soy sauce and just like soy sauce it is very high in sodium. The difference between liquid aminos and soy sauce is that most soy sauces contain wheat and, subsequently, gluten, as well as colour and sometimes even preservatives. In this respect, liquid aminos are cleaner, since it is just isolated amino acids from soy, but due to high sodium content, not the healthiest of options. It is also the most expensive and hard to find of all three, so really, not worth the effort.
Tamari's recipe is closest to the original soy sauce that was introduced to Japan from China. It is brewed by fermentation process from miso and therefore contains much less sodium and no wheat or gluten. It also should be free of any colours and preservatives. It is thicker than conventional soy sauce and tastes stronger. Tamari can be found in most well-stocked health food stored and in supermarkets gluten-free section.
First time I've made this cake, I have used flour and more sugar than I would usually use in a recipe. The teacake came out so delicious that I thought: "if I'm going to make this often, it ought to be healthier than this", so I've tried to improve on ingredients and to my surprise it came out even more delicious! Granted, I do prefer tartness to sweetness when it comes to dessert, but even my "sweet toothed" husband liked the healthier version more. It also came out much lighter, not as filling as the original version. The major difference was in texture though. Flour cakes tend to keep a nice shape even straight out of the oven. This lighter version was much more crumbly (well, it is a crumble cake after all), so I had to serve it with a spoon rather then slice it with knife. It did become more dense the next day though and I really don't consider such things important, but I thought its worth mentioning.
Serves 2 gluttons (ahem!) or 6 people that can be satisfied after just one slice.
For the cake:
For the crumble:
Assuming it will last that long, this cake is even better the next day.
This recipe is: wheat free, dairy free, vegetarian.
This healthy quinoa salad is bursting with flavour of fresh herbs and spices. It is excellent for a lunch base, main side dish or a light summer salad. Prepared in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in a fridge and used for a variety of lunches. Just add eggs, fish, tofu or whatever else you fancy.
Boiling quinoa, or any other grain/seed, with spices allows it to adsorb the flavour, making it less bland. I always add cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks to rice and various other spices to millet, quinoa and lentils. Adding saffron, or turmeric if you are on the budget, to lightly coloured grains turns them into a lovely golden colour.
Almonds and pecan nuts also go well with this salad and you can experiment with various herbs. Make sure to toast nuts lightly and not to burn them. They should not change colour at all.
Serves 2 as a light salad or 4 as a side dish:
This recipe is: gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, sugar free, vegan.
Quinoa is not a grain, but a seed. As most seeds, it is wheat and gluten free and contains protein. In fact, Quinoa contains all essential amino-acids, which makes it a complete protein. It is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and B vitamins, including folic acid. It is low fat, easy to digest, and doesn't raise blood sugar level like wheat based grains and white rice.
Quinoa comes in yellow, red or black color, but it doesn't vary in taste, so it is possible to combine different types of quinoa in one dish. It looks good. Texture wise, in my experience, red and black quinoa types are more chewy than the yellow one.
I love cooking with quinoa because it is so versatile! It can be a great substitution for cous-cous, bulghur wheat or rice and it tastes great. It can also be served cold of hot and is suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Quinoa can be served as porridge for breakfast, as a side dish or as a salad, made into sweet pudding for dessert, and it is possible to even bake with it!
Quinoa is cooked by simply boiling it in water just like rice, but for a shorter time. It is ready when the germ is separated from the seed, which should take about 10 minutes after the water is boiling. It can also be sprouted. It takes 6 hours to soak one cup of quinoa. Sprouts will appear in less then one day and will yield 2.5 cups.
I love wasabi and don't like the taste of spinach, so this is my solution to eat more of these healthy, but – in my opinion – bland leaves. My wasabi dressing recipe inspired me to try this, and I was so pleased with the result, I now cook most of my green leafy veggies this way. Kale, chard, spring greens – all go excellent with a combination of wasabi and coconut oil. If possible, choose a good quality wasabi powder instead of paste, as premade pastes often contain sugar and salt. I highly recommend Clearspring powder.
I prefer strong wasabi taste, so I don't use any salt here. The whole cooking process should take a couple of minutes. You don't want to overcook spinach, just heat it through. The wasabi measurement in this recipe do not provide that characteristic spicy kick. If you like to make it stronger, double the amount of powder.
Measurements for small (100g) bag of spinach:
Serve with fish or brown rice…or both.
This recipe is: gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, sugar free, low fat, vegan.