text:
I sure hope Florence and her Machine know what they're talking about. Anyone else feel stagnant? Lethargic? I'm blaming it on the "dog days."
Typically, we reserve that title for the sultry, uncomfortably warm days from early July to sometime in September...well, at least in the part of the US in which I currently live. But, the term also lends itself to "a period marked by inactivity."
I'm going to go with two thoughts here today. And trust me...they're hot.
First, I have been doggin' it this summer. Or, maybe - more appropriately - "dodgin''" it. Allowing anything uncomfortable to often deter me from doing what I need to be doing. From being productive. Definitely inactive. A couple of summers ago, God allowed skunks to take residence under my house to remind me of all of the things we become distracted by in life. So, you'd think I would remember that stench...and know better.
We are so "feelings-driven." "I don't feel like doing it." "I don't like that." "I don't love them." "I'm too angry to forgive." "I'm too hurt to move on." "I'm too tired to do the laundry." (I use that last one a lot.) And tired is not just an emotion...I am aware it can absolutely be a physical state. But, still...
Darned emotions. Dirty dogs. Grrr.
Second, I hate the heat. Physically and spiritually. Even though I grew up and have lived in more than one geographical location where temps and humidity often soar...I hate it. When people talk beaches...I chime in about how much I love them. But, not the kind most adore. I wistfully long for a beach on the Oregon Coast with its gray skies and cold waves crashing up against the rocks. Me on a blanket, wearing a fleece jacket...sipping on cocoa. I've tried to talk my husband into moving to Alaska on more than one occasion during our 26 years together. I'm that girl.
Anyway...I also dislike spiritual heat. I mean, we all hate the thought of hell...but, that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about the heat that refines us. The heat that causes the impurities to rise to the top.
As much as it makes me want to stop...be lethargic...take a nap...as much as it makes me uncomfortable...I need the heat. The "dog days" are the proving ground of my faith.
God uses heat - or fire - to speak to His people all throughout the Old Testament. For real. Here's just one example:
"You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire." Deuteronomy 4:35-36.
God uses heat - or fire - to speak to His people in the New Testament. Here's just one example:
"If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward." I Corinthians 3:12-14.
Wow. That's like the perfect Dog Days' verse. The "day" will bring it to light...the fire will reveal...the quality of each person's work. What I really believe. How strong my faith in Christ truly is. And survival equals reward.
And the the biggest hope in these warm days...
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:' Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God,'" Isaiah 43:1-3
It gets uncomfortable at times. A little heated. But, He is with us.
And if we trust that He is...when these doggish days are over...we will shine. Who knows? Maybe others will see us shining just a little bit, right in the middle of 'em.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Dog Days
Posted by KyAnne (like the pepper...or the Porsche) at 1:38 PM
6 comments:
- AnonymousJuly 18, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Wow! This is such an amazing reminder to just trust and press on through to the things I know God is doing in my life. Thanks for the "refreshing" word!ReplyDelete
Thank you for reading! God's Word is definitely the ultimate thirst quencher when life leaves us parched! :)Blessings!ReplyDelete
AMEN! I love your posts, KyAnne! Most of them hit me right where I am at that point in time! Praise our Holy God for His use of such a willing servant as you! Keep 'em comin'!ReplyDelete
Thanks, Lisa! I am so thankful you take the time to read and respond! God is so good to us...in spite of us! :)ReplyDelete
Amen, Sister!ReplyDelete
Great reminder!!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
The World Wide Web can be an exciting and somewhat unpredictable place – a place that constantly changes and grows by the day. It's the nature of the medium.
If you've hesitated to take the leap into the www world, have no fear. Whether you're seeking a simple informational website or a fully functional e-commerce engine, you can be assured that Graphcom Creative can create a web design unique to you and your brand.
We unite stunning graphic elements with solid code to design a site that is not only visually dynamic but one that will make your audience members return again and again.
What Are Your Web Needs?
Need a new website designed or are you looking to spruce up your existing site? We have the ideas and solutions needed to engage your web audience members.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
PHOTOS - Irish Dance World Championships photo gallery - Day 3
Read more: Five siblings dance at the World Irish Dance Championships
Read more: Flying the flag for Boston at the World Irish Dance Championships
They are among the elite of the world's budding Irish dancers, but there's nothing Irish about these talented youngsters. Meet Kaitlyn Sardin, Mandi Nishimori and Kristyna Pruzinova, a new breed of Irish dancer who have no connection to the Emerald Isle.
They are among a growing number of foreign participants who have been lured into the phenomenon of Irish dance thanks to the international success of shows like Riverdance.
13-year-old Kaitlyn Sardin's roots don't even have a hint of green, but it didn't stop her becoming utterly enchanted by Irish dance.
She told the Irish Voice: "When I was little I saw Riverdance and then when I saw an ad for the Watters school of Dance in the newspaper I decided to start classes. I've no Irish roots. My mum is from Georgia and my dad is from Chicago with African and Asian roots".
Kaitlyn, from Orlando, Florida, has been a member of the Watters School of Dance since the age of six.
Her dedication to her art has definitely paid off as she took to the stage today in the Girls 13 – 14 category of the World Irish Dance Championships in City West.
However, she modestly insisted: "I'm not expecting anything, I'm just enjoying myself. Tomorrow I plan to go to the city to see a little bit of Dublin".
The Girls 13 – 14 competition also featured a flavour of Japan courtesy of Mandi Nishimori. The 14-year-old is a member of the popular Claddagh School in Venturo, California and already has a title to her name as she was part of the figure choreography group which won the World Championships two years ago.
Her love of Irish dance is due in no small part to her teacher Maire O'Connell, originally from Salthill in Galway.
Maire explained: "I went to college in Galway and then moved out to California 30 years ago and set up a dance school. Now that I'm back home I'm getting to meet a lot of nieces and nephews this week which is great".
She added: "I have five teams over here for the World Championships so it's a busy week. Mandi is competing in the solo competition but she's really into the group competitions and she was part of the figure choreography team which won the World Championship two years ago".
According to Maire, Irish dancing has never been so popular, and students who don't have Irish roots are increasingly drawn to it.
She revealed: "I have people from all backgrounds in my school, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and Hawaiian, you name it. They just love Irish dancing. The oriental students in particular come for the discipline".
Such is the popularity of Irish dance that countless schools have been set up across central and eastern Europe and throughout Russia. One of these is the Ronan Morgan school in Prague in the Czech Republic, where 13-year-old Kristyna Pruzinova learned her first dance moves.
She explained: "I don't have any Irish connections but I think it's a gorgeous dance, I just love it. I started dance school when I was seven years old. Her perseverance has been worth every long hour and blister, as she is now competing in her first World Championships in Dublin.
PHOTOS - Irish Dance World Championships photo gallery - Day 3
Read more: Five siblings dance at the World Irish Dance Championships
Read more: Flying the flag for Boston at the World Irish Dance Championships


text:
Most of my life I've heard teachers moan about their low pay. In many cases -- maybe most -- the moaning is justified but, in my view, much of the fault lies in the locked-in ideas of the past. Teachers refuse to face up to the real world of economics.
As in a lot of other areas of government-sponsored public service, that real world will be forced upon the teaching profession one day and all of us will be better for it.


text:
Mark 4:38
And He Himself was in the stern asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
Until you understand the importance of Jesus' deity, true peace will not be something you ever experience.
The disciples had to learn this early on in their ministry with Him. Their lesson arrived as a huge storm violently tossing their tiny boat. Because they had not yet understood the deity of Jesus, panic and fear were their only options. Jesus, their "teacher," must have proved to be quite the enigma to them as He peacefully slept in the bottom of the boat. Eventually they couldn't take it any longer and woke Him up. They frantically asked Him, "Do You not care that we are perishing?" They asked Him, not because they wanted His help, but because they were dumbfounded by His seemingly apathetic response. "How can you be sleeping during this!" I can picture the looks on their faces when the storm immediately stopped after Christ commanded it to "Hush and be still." They were no longer in the presence of a mighty teacher, but with someone who could control the wind and the rain! In a matter of seconds… everything changed. Their lives would never be the same.
When Jesus is no more than a teacher or a godly man, life can be hectic and you will likely become frustrated with others who ask, "How is it that you have no faith?" (Verse 40) All of this will change the first time you experience the power Jesus Christ working in your hectic life. Only one question now remains:


text:
Due to oversight and buy back nearly half-a-million of the vehicles it has recalled, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will pay up to $105 million in fines and penalties to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Penalties are issued Sunday for the auto company's lax attitude toward addressing safety issues in millions of its vehicles. Reported … Baca lebih lanjut
The big news comes from the celebrity couple, Ice-T and wife Coco Austin. They made the announcement during a taping of "Ice & Coco," their new talk show, which premieres Monday, Aug. 3 on Channel 10. TMZ reported that Coco is currently pregnant. Daily Mail reported that the 57-year-old actor and rapper and his 36-year-old … Baca lebih lanjut


text:
The Ultimate Guide to Online Shopping in Nigeria - FashionJuly 14, 2017
Hey guys,
Today I'm sharing a little knowledge with you. This topic has been on my mind for quite a while now, and I've just been drafting and saving these ideas. If you know me personally, you'd know that I'm really into online shopping, maybe because I find it hard going into walk in stores or probably because I'm an online sales consultant. Yes guys, I don't really say this a lot, but yeah, I've been an online sales consultant since 2014. But seriously though, it's a lot easier to change your mind when shopping on your computer than when in an actual store. I mean, among other reasons, it's either the sales rep/marketer in the store convinces you to buy what you don't really like/need or guilt will make you buy as you might not want to leave the store without purchasing anything. Well, this would be a discussion for another post. For now, I'd love to share these nine guides to online shopping, Nigeria as a case study.
So we all know shopping online has its pros and cons especially when buying fashion items. Well, these guides should help you shop hassle free. Also know that I'm not claiming to be a pro in this, I just want to share what has worked for me over the years shopping online in Nigeria.
Know what you want/need: Except you're on a shopping spree with lots of cash to spend, you might want to be a bit specific with what you need - especially when on a budget. This will help you stay focus and decisive once you find what you need.
Use the right search terms or keywords: So maybe you need a yellow dress. You don't need to search for all dresses, it's best you stream line your search by typing in what you're looking for in the search box. Also, avoid typing in plurals when you want to search for items in the search box. That is, type in "yellow dress" instead of "yellow dresses". I understand you want to see all the yellow dresses on the site in order to make a decision, but the computer may not interpret that rightly. While it doesn't matter on most websites, some sites still may not produce the list of yellow dresses you want to see. As these products are individually titled. You'll see a product name with for instance "XYZ Yellow Dress" not "XYZ Yellow Dresses". So what I'm saying is when you search in single terms, it's easier for all the products you're searching for to appear.
Know your size: Guys, I don't know how else to say this, but this is crucial and cannot be over emphasized. It is important you know the size that's right for you. It's one way you'll be satisfied with your order. Imagine receiving that dress or shoes you've been dreaming about only to discover it doesn't fit when delivered. Apart from feeling disappointed, you'll have to start dealing with returns/exchanges. And that's one hassle no one wishes to go through. In order to avoid this, if you're not sure of the size conversions you see, then you need to check the size guide on any website you're shopping from. I'd share more details, but to save you the read today, I'm going to dedicate a post on a guide to knowing your right cloth and shoe size.
Read product description: So you're about to get this gorgeous dress you just saw on the site and you're not sure of the fabric type. Well, I'm glad to tell you that you can get more details about an item on the item description. All you need to do is take your time to read. Pictures can be deceiving, you might think you're seeing cotton, you'd be surprised to see polyurethane when delivered. So always try to read product description when shopping online.
Read product reviews: We learn from other people's experience, not so? This is why it's also advised that you read product reviews. You get to know more about the quality/durability of a product from reading a few reviews about it. Now you want to look out for verified buyer's reviews and not just any market spoiler's reviews. I hope you get that? Reviews go a long way in helping us decide whether or not we will get a particular product. So it's good to identify these trusted reviews as well as sharing honest reviews when possible.
|Sample review. Participants' names have been wiped off.
Take note of product title/name/colour: You don't want to rely on only the image you're seeing. As earlier said, pictures can be deceiving, you'll think you're seeing a white dress, meanwhile it's actually ivory. But due to image quality, you think it's white. Now be informed that the colour of the product is usually stated in the product name and/or description. So try not to miss that.
Read return policy: This is also important. You may not know, but there are some products that do not accept returns after purchase. Unlike clothing that one can easily return after trying it on and discovering it doesn't fit, it is usually not possible with some health and beauty products. Especially when the item has already been opened by the customer. Oh you opened the cosmetic foundation and realized it's too dark/light for you? Been there, done that. Nobody answered me for return/exchange. All I was told is that it wouldn't be possible as no one would want to purchase a product with broken seal. So I was advised to always try to read return policies before placing my order. Well, here you have it, now you know.
Get the best deal: It's quite upsetting to find out the item you just paid for on site A is being sold a lot cheaper on site B. To be sure you're getting the best deal, you need to compare prices with other stores. When it comes to this, I seem to always be in luck or I probably don't get to find it cheaper elsewhere.
Shop Securely: This should have been top of the list considering its importance. But I think due to "PAY ON DELIVERY" people aren't all that concerned about security. Well, if I must say, security is not a choice, we just have to be cautious. So to be safe when shopping online especially if you're going to make your payments online, you need to use your personal device. Now I don't know if people still make use of public computers, but I'll advice you don't use them for online transactions. It's important you use/stick to using your personal device when paying for your items online. Although I don't support the use of public computers for these transactions, if at all you ever needed to, then please, ensure you clear all your input details and don't forget to log out. Oh and before I forget, you need to make sure that the website is also secured. Check for HTTPS on the link bar.
After all that's been said, keep in mind that it's possible for a few errors to occur every once in a while. Humans are prone to errors no matter how meticulous one is. It could be packaging error, I remember when two left foot shoes was delivered to one of my clients. And most recently, I ordered two similar but different items, yet two units of just one of the item was delivered to me. I wanted two deep moisturizing creams, one for normal skin and the other for oily skin. But I received two for normal skin. So although errors like these may occur, it's possible that you may never experience such. I've seen people who have never experienced any problem at all with shopping online.
So this is where I'll stop for now guys. I hope these guides have been helpful? I'll be glad to share an updated guide whenever I have new tips. But feel free to share some of the tips that has helped you with online shopping.
Until next time
Much love,


text:
Student Focus
At CSC ServiceWorks, we believe that the most successful laundry programs are created with a focus on student training.
Got Dirt? Here is a quick video tutorial on how to do laundry!
RA Training Materials
Student Training
Click to download ASI / Mac-Gray's laundry room flyers
Stain Removal Tips
The Campus Clothesline
Commercial machines can be intimidating for first-time users. This online guide offers operational equipment instructions and helpful tips can make the chore of laundry just a little easier.
Visit www.campusclothesline.com and learn easy ways to green your laundry routine, watch the laundry training video, learn the ins-and-outs of the washers and dryers on your campus. You can even get laundry advice from a pro ! You will learn and laugh at this helpful and thorough animated video narrated by our very own Clothing Doctor, Steve Boorstein! The video outlines proper garment care and stain removal advice.


text:
Architects Keen on ADA Ramps Design
ADA ramps are being specified in architectural design with increasing frequency these days, now that the truth is out there. With greater awareness comes greater implementation! Architects are finally becoming more educated on Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), as well as, the different materials available for ADA ramps and other detectable warning systems. During the infancy of ADA ramps, architects didnt want to be held accountable if their buildings failed to meet federal regulations, meaning increased costs and inconvenience for their clients. In response, and addressing their fear of the unknown, some manufacturers provided free seminars to architects, presenting different materials and regulations for AIA credits.
Cost and maintenance issues can arise, almost unknowingly, if no particular detectable warning system is specified. In this case, the job contractor is likely to employ the least expensive system. This may include stamping the concrete, or the use of pavers, and in either case, will not stand up to certain, harsher outdoor environments. This has proven to be the case in numerous instances over the past five years of experimentation and limited implementation. When stamping is used, it is rarely compliant right from the get-go as it is too difficult to create the exact dimensions of the domes as specified. Stamping and pavers can exhibit breakage of domes and fading of the material in a short period of time. Aside from all that, theyre also not nearly as aesthetically pleasing as high-end ADA ramps.
Architects and structural design companies are now behind ADA ramps 100% because, after being tested in the field, have proven to be much more durable in material and appearance than their flawed predecessors.
Purchase ADA Ramps


text:
Farewell Les Murray - humble, gentle, funny, icon...
AUSTRALIAN football broadcasting icon Les Murray, who was a Special Guest Speaker at the Football Hall of Fame WA's 20th anniversary last November, has died. He passed away on July 31 at the age of 71.
Along with former Perth Glory coach Bernd Stange, the very popular Les brought an extra dimension to the Hall of Fame Induction Night, which was held at Crown Perth on November 26, 2016.
Many in the record crowd of over 430 swamped the former SBS broadcaster with requests for autographs and photographs.
"It was all a bit overwhelming," said Les at the time. "But a wonderful night and one I shall treasure."
It was one of his last public speaking appearances and he was full of praise for the efforts of the Football Hall of Fame WA in helping to preserve the history of the game in the west.
His death came as a great shock to Australia's football family, although it's believed he had been ill for some time.
On being approached last year to attend the Hall of Fame anniversary celebrations, Les said: "It is with great honour that I attend the 2016 Football Hall of Fame Western Australia celebrations. From afar I have long watched with admiration the great work being done by the football community of Western Australia.
"Much has been achieved ever since the Western Australian Soccer Football Association was formed in 1896. Many of our greatest Socceroos came out of the West. The creation of Perth Glory in 1995 was one of the benchmark, pioneering events in our country's football history.
"I look forward very much to catching up with my many friends in the West."
Football Hall of Fame WA chairman Louis Prospero said on hearing of the death of Les:
"It was an honour and privilege to meet him. He was a humble and genuine man. Had a great sense of humour, he wanted to know what your thoughts were on football. We were so fortunate to have him at our Football Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary function.
"He didn't want an appearance fee, he just wanted to support us and said that anytime we needed him, he was there for us.
"I was lucky to spend time with him and show him around Perth. We had dinner at Kings Park and then walked to the War Memorial to the lookout over the city. To my amazement it was the first time he been there, given that he had been in Perth on numerous occasions.
"His favourite spot was in Fremantle where we had a wonderful lunch. The World Game and World Football has lost an icon who will be dearly missed, but never forgotten."
**Former Socceroo and SBS broadcaster and football analyst, Craig Foster, said the game had a lost a "football colossus" in a series of tweets paying tribute to Murray.
"The world lost a football colossus this morning, Les Murray AM. He fought well into extra time but whistle has blown. His legacy is lasting," Foster tweeted.
"Les left family that loved him, colleagues adored him, futbol community that revered him. Well played old friend. Extraordinary performance."
**Football Federation Australia chairman Steven Lowy said: "This is a very sad day for football. Few people become synonymous with their sport…but Les was one of those few.
"He made an immense contribution to football in Australia through his professional work but above all through his passion... he literally brought the game to millions and connected us to the biggest sport in the world."
**Les had retired from his role on the The World Game in July 2014, having played a major role in the game's development in Australia since the 1980s.
In a statement SBS said: "Les will be remembered not just for his 35-year contribution to football in Australia, but for being a much-loved colleague, mentor and friend who has left a unique legacy. To say he will be sorely missed is an understatement.
"Many Australians know Les as Mr Football, who began working with SBS when it launched as a television broadcaster in 1980. His role went far beyond being a football commentator. The growth, popularity and success of football in Australia today is absolutely a reflection of his passion and advocacy for the game that he loved."
**Murray pioneered football broadcasting in Australia following the launch of the National Soccer League in 1977, initially on Channel 10, and went on to become the voice of World Cup coverage on SBS for several decades. He hosted eight World Cups in total, his debut coming at Mexico 1986.
He sold Australia a vision of the world game – a phrase he coined – rather than just a British game.
"I started on this mad mission to convert Australians to football in the schoolyard," he said in a Guardian video last year. "That's where it started, not when I became a broadcaster, that was just a continuation of it."
In partnership with his fellow commentator and former Socceroos captain Johnny Warren, Murray tirelessly promoted football as a game that could be accepted by Australia's sporting mainstream, and sold a love of the game outside the narrow confines of the UK. The pair became known as "Mr and Mrs Soccer", also the title of the 2004 book about them by Andy Harper.
"Johnny and I were soul mates... He was my mate and brother," Murray said of Warren in Harper's book.
**Les, who was born as Laszlo Urge in Budapest, Hungary, in 1945, came to Australia at the age of 12 and settled in Wollongong. He became a journalist in 1971 - he was also the lead singer with a band - and initially joined SBS as a translator and a Hungarian caption writer.
He went on to receive many honours for his contribution to the game and was a member of FIFA's Ethics Committee for a spell.
In 2006 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and was also inducted into Football Federation Australia's Hall of Fame.
He was a former chairman of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Sports Group and was a director of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation. In 2009 Les received the Australian Sports Commission's Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to sports journalism.
Les's authority and rich experience in sports journalism, broadcasting and business, made him a much sought-after figure, opinion-maker, writer, raconteur and skilled speaker. He spoke at the United Nations and at many international forums.
PIC ONE: Les Murray (left) with Louis Prospero and Bernd Stange at the Hall of Fame's 20th anniversary. PIC TWO: Les in great form at the anniversary dinner. PIC THREE: Amusing moment as Les gets the "order of the old boot" from MC John O'Connell. PIC FOUR: Emotional moment as Les makes a Hall of Merit presentation to Jim Tombides, father of the late Dylan Tombides who had been posthumously inducted.
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.


text:
The picture below entitled with Decor That Keeps You Organized: Declutter All The STUFF With These …. This photo was upload at August 17, 2018 upload by Catherine Few in Planning & Ideas category.
You can save Decor That Keeps You Organized: Declutter All The STUFF With These … photos in your computer by clicking resolution image in Download by size line below. Don't forget to rate and comment if you interest with the photograph.
You can search for pictures above in Google with the following keyword tags : images of laundry mud rooms, images of mud rooms, images of rustic mud rooms, images of small mud rooms, pictures of country mudrooms, pictures of great mudrooms, pictures of laundry rooms/mudrooms, pictures of mud rooms, pictures of mudrooms and laundry rooms, pictures of mudrooms ideas, pictures of mudrooms with laundry, pictures of organized mudrooms, pictures of small mud rooms, show me pictures of mud rooms.
Download by size: Handphone Tablet Desktop (Original Size)
Back To Pictures of Mudrooms


text:
House of DeVaughn
You want to make sure your bridesmaids look and feel gorgeous while they're standing at the altar beside you on your big day. Shop at House of DeVaughn Bridal to find the perfect fit and color for all your leading ladies. We carry Bill Levkoff and DaVinci bridesmaid dresses at our bridal boutique in Jackson, MI.
Usually, we schedule a time for your bridesmaids that's separate from your bridal gown appointment. We offer consulting services and will assist them from start to finish, to make sure everyone's dress fits properly. We also offer in house alterations.
We can help you determine colors and balance, and we'll take measurements to ensure each lady has a dress that flatters.
Bridesmaids will need to make a deposit by the designated date, and they can take advantage of our flexible financing options.


text:
The adidas Ace 16+ PureControl Ultra Boost released not very long ago for the first time right after the Euro 2016 finals in black and neon yellow. The Adidas Ultra Boost has an additional 20% of that energy-returning power and responsive feel, more than any other Energy Boost model before it so think supreme levels of responsive, consistent, and durable comfort.
Write a reviewYour Name:
Your Review: Note: HTML is not translated!
Rating: Bad Good
Enter the code in the box below:


text:
Blood Beyond Darkness (Darkness #4) by Stacey Marie Brown
Published: 28th August 2014
After months of searching, Ember and her friends have finally located the Sword of Light, the only weapon capable of destroying Queen Aneira and ending her rule. This is Ember's destiny. Or so she thought. Now a pact to save the man she loves changes everything.
In this final installment in the Darkness Series, when the truth comes to light, Ember will learn some things are better left in the dark as her world is ripped even further apart. It is no longer a rabbit hole, but a never-ending black void full of endless lies, betrayals, and secrets.
The fight for Earth has begun, and Ember will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save millions of innocent lives and those she loves.
But this price may be too high—even for her.
Book Links
Stacey Marie Brown by day is an Interior/Set Designer, by night a writer of Paranormal Fantasy, Adventure, and Literary Fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family's farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing. Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.
When she's not writing she's out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.
**Warning: The Darkness Series is not YA, but a NA Series**
Darkness of Light (Darkness #1) by Stacey Marie Brown
Ember Brycin has been called them all. She's always known she's different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.
When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for troubled teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who's hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.
Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren't always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she'll definitely wish she could.
Fire in the Darkness (Darkness #2) by Stacey Marie Brown
It's been four weeks since Ember Brycin witnessed what her powers are capable of. The Electrical Current Storm has turned Seattle, Washington into a natural disaster zone. The death toll is in the thousands with countless others homeless and hungry.
And Ember is the one who caused it. Something she will have to live with every day.
Those people who were unable to escape either turned quickly into gangs or live in shelters. Ember, on the other hand, can't do either. With a price on her head and a Dark Dweller on her ass, she is constantly on the move. Both Light and Dark are hunting her for their own purpose to use her as a weapon or a pawn in the war between the Unseelie King of the Dark and the Seelie Queen of the Light.
Em needs help but doesn't know who to trust: Lars, the mystery man Torin told her to find? Torin, the Seelie Queen's personal knight, who has sworn to keep Em safe? Or Eli, who wants to turn her over to the Unseelie King, but whom she has an undeniable, intense connection with?
No matter what she chooses she will probably lose—her life or everything and everyone she loves.
Beast In The Darkness (An Elighan Dragen Novelette) (Darkness #2.5) by Stacey Marie Brown
We know the story from Ember's POV, but what happens to Eli after Ember disappears? Crawl inside Eli's mind and experience what he goes through. Be warned his mind in not a fuzzy warm place to be....
Dwellers of Darkness (Darkness #3) by Stacey Marie Brown
Some days feel like years, but in Ember Brycin's case just the opposite is true. Em would be 22 now—if she were human. She's not. She is a Dae—part Demon and part Fay—with a little Dark Dweller thrown in to make her more of a freak.
Life has become further complicated for Ember since returning from the Otherworld. Besides being continuously hunted by the Seelie Queen, Ember is at the top of the Unseelie King's list, after breaking heroath with him. No one breaks a vow with the Unseelie King without extreme consequences.
Adding to Ember's problems is a certain Dark Dweller whose mood has become violent and cruel. As much as she'd like to deny it, there is an undeniable connection between them. Eli is sexy, gorgeous, and frustrating as hell. She also knows he is holding something back, something that could change their relationship forever.
But her problems go way past him. As the tension for war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark), the tension at the Dark Dweller's compound escalates even more as they prepare to obtain the Sword of Light—the only weapon able to kill the Queen.
But is Ember the answer to the location of the sword? Is she the one to fulfill the prophecy? As usual nothing is ever what it seems.
Blitz-Wide Giveaways
$20 Amazon Gift Card + Signed Paperback from Stacey and a Darkness Series Tank Top
-US Only
-Must be 17+ to enter
-Ends 2nd September 2014
3 winners will receive their choice of e-book by Stacey Marie Brown
-Must be 17+ to enter
-Ends 2nd September 2014


text:
Afghanistan defends India's surgical strikes in PoK
Afghanistan on Friday backed India's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK, terming it as an act of "self-defence", and in a strong message to Pakistan asserted that time has come to take "tough" and "risky" decisions to deal with the menace of terrorism.world Updated: Sep 30, 2016 16:58 IST
Afghanistan on Friday backed India's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK, terming it as an act of "self-defence", and in a strong message to Pakistan asserted that time has come to take "tough" and "risky" decisions to deal with the menace of terrorism.
Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Shaida Abdali said his country does not make distinction between terrorist groups and is against all such organisations that pose a danger and threat to any country in the world.
When asked about Afghanistan's stand on the surgical strikes undertaken by India in PoK, Abdali told reporters at The Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia,"We hope that no one will allow its territory as a safe haven for terrorists to be used against neighbouring countries."
"If terrorist groups continue to exist without action, no wonder self-defence against such terrorist groups will be in the form of action that we saw," he said, referring to the surgical strikes conducted by India on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Abdali said it was "high time we take tough decisions" and they may be "risky" but are needed to be taken to end terrorism.
He said such decisions may have a cost but the cost is worth it because "we have to end this continued terrorism that affects our people, our lives every day and is taking our vision backward day by day."
"We have to fight a phenomenon that is going to inflict us in a much bigger way....the core is that we have to act. The problem that we have is that it is increasingly taking our lives so at whatever cost, we have to end it," Abdali said.
After India, Afghanistan was among three other countries which pulled out of the SAARC summit to be hosted by Pakistan.
In a terse statement Afghanistan said, "Due to the increased level of violence and fighting as a result of imposed terrorism on Afghanistan, the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani with his responsibilities as the Commander in Chief will be fully engaged, and will not be able to attend the Summit."
The Afghan envoy said he can see Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking "bold decisions" and emphasised that there was a need for the leaderships in the region and the governments to take bold decisions and "risks in order to free ourselves (from terrorism) for good".
Asked about the situation in Balochistan and the human rights violations there, Abdali said, "We have a problem of terrorism and Balochistan is our neighbour. We are being affected from our neighbourhood. Terrorism exists and at the same time people suffer there."
"We want to fight terrorism for the sake of all of us. For the sake of the common people of Pakistan, for the Balochis there and for all others living there, especially the Pashtuns. So we would like to end the atrocity, the wars in whatever forms there may be in order for the people to live freely," the Afghan envoy said.
First Published: Sep 30, 2016 16:58 IST


text:
My basket full, I stepped up to the back of the line at register two. In front of me was a young man buying ramen and Gatorade; in front of him, an old woman who only spoke Spanish and who seemed to be paying with some form of obscure government documentation that required several witnesses. I was fine with this delay, because I came here with a mission and I needed a little time to accomplish it. I brought my own bag, and damned if this cashier was going to make me put my groceries in it yet again.
I have been a whole-hearted supporter of the bring-your-own-bag movement. Being both practical and environmentally-minded, I never threw away plastic bags. I never used them either, which meant that several cubic yards of any home I've had as an adult were dedicated to plastic bag storage. Since it has become generally accepted to bring a bag from home, I haven't touched a plastic bag in years and I have oodles of storage space for other things I never use.
The only problem with bringing your own bag is that cashiers seem not to have gotten the memo that times are a-changin'. They view bags from home as some alien intrusion into their workplace, some strange new math far above their pay grade and training that requires advanced philosophical understanding and strange Eastern mysticism to truly grasp and utilize.
In short, they won't touch them and generally stand there texting while you rush to put your groceries into this strange thing with which you've violated their place of business. This was especially true for the cashier in whose line I now waited.
Really, it's just a bag, and that word has a loose definition. They're lucky I don't bring a sheet with me, lay it at the end of the counter and ask them to tie it up like a hobo's bindle when they're done. That, too, would more or less fall under the category of "bag," but semantically I'm sticking very close to the device they understand to be a bag.
Back to the line: I wanted a little extra time. If there's no wait, as I'm unloading my basket they start scanning and attempting to put my food in plastic. I have to tell them I brought my own bag, at this point still folded under my arm, which always translates to "please, don't do your job. I'll take it from here." No, I wanted to unload the basket while the cashier was dealing with the young man's sad, sodium-packed dinner, so that when it was my turn I could put my open bag on the counter and watch her do her thing.
The old woman was wrapping up her transaction. Translators were indicating that the proper paperwork had been notarized, and witnesses and judges all agreed that this served as legal tender for her food. I quickly unloaded my basket while the cashier swiped the young man's items, stowed the basket under the counter and snapped open my own shopping bag with a flourish. Today would be the day.
Before the cashier's hand even touched my yogurt, I blurted "I have my own bag" as I raced to set it on the counter, holding it open with patient optimism. I watched as she scanned each item, sliding them down next to the stack of New York Posts screaming the headline "BOFFO BLOOMBERG BLASTS BUS BUSKER BUSTERS," which means nothing in any language I know. I twitched my bag a little, indicating that she was free to put my groceries in there rather than letting them pile up. Piling up they were. This was a full trip. I'd depleted my cabinets with the intention of going for broke today. Two, then three people formed a line behind me as the cashier kept scanning. The master of efficiency inside me wanted to start bagging, to get out of the way as soon as possible, but no. I wasn't here to be polite. I was here to make a statement. I was here to win.
Everything scanned, the cashier announced my total. I gave my bag another feeble twitch before swiping, but she stood idly as I punched in my PIN. The true test was beginning. She handed me my receipt. Our eyes locked. She was on to me. We each stood unmoving, daring the other to admit defeat. We did not break our gaze. Time stretched, slowed; the store became quiet. The world at large had ceased to exist. There was just me, the cashier, my bag, and a pile of food that wanted to go home.
We stood there like two samurai, knowing the first to move would lose the struggle. We exchanged whole paragraphs without speaking a word. I could feel the tension, the energy between us shifting, first towards her, then towards me, then holding in the middle. It was an even match. A single bead of sweat ran down my temple. She gave her eyebrow the subtlest of arches, as if to say "had enough?" I narrowed my eyes—never.
The fool behind me spoke up. "What the hell are you doing? Get out of the way!" We paid him no mind. If he couldn't understand what was happening here, then no explanation we could provide would make sense. The loudspeaker crackled. "Register one is open with no waiting." Grumbling, the line behind me shifted over. "I just don't understand some people." "Is this performance art?" They were as ants to us.
Time passed. I was exhausted. The strain was mounting, but I could tell the same was true for the cashier. My yogurt was now as sweaty as me. My bananas called out. I could practically hear them ripening, begging to be eaten. My mind started to wander, and I imagined myself on my couch, ripping into these Cool Ranch Doritos as the title screen to Assassin's Creed flickered on my television. I snapped back to the present, waiting. A big bald man in a short-sleeved shirt and tie came over to the register. "Lydia, what the hell is this?" The cashier's eyes flicked over to him, then back to me. I had the upper hand and she knew it. Yet she didn't move. "Lydia, bag those groceries." She was a statue. For the first time in what felt like hours, I smiled. I saw the end, and I liked it. "Lydia, I'm counting to three. One." She looked to the manager, then to my groceries. "Two." I nodded towards my bag. She had no choice now. "Alright. Three. Turn off your light and go home. You're done here. We don't have time for crap like this." The cashier smiled at me, turned off her light, brushed by the manager and marched right out of the store without a single backward glance.
The manager started bagging my groceries for me. "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over her. She's never acted like that before. I'll give you a five dollar coupon for your trouble, sir." I just nodded faintly. I was shocked. Lydia had known exactly how this would play out. She was ready for me, and she knew the only way to defeat me in a place where the customer is always right. She let me take her land, but she salted the earth and slaughtered her animals before letting me in. Technically I had won, since I didn't bag my own groceries in the end, but it was a hollow victory. The manager pushed my bag towards me. "There you go sir. Are you OK? You look pale." I made a noncommittal sound and shambled towards the door, replaying the events of the day in my mind. I looked for any way I could have truly succeeded, anything I could have done differently. There was nothing. Lydia had locked it all down before I even showed up.
I began the long walk home.
Colin Fisher is many things to many people, but mostly he's an actor and writer.
Monday, January 28, 2013
A Struggle of Wills at Gristedes
4 comments:
move to austin where they scoff if you didn't bring enough of your own bags (also there's now a city ordinance in effect banning plastic bags)ReplyDeleteReplies
I'm assuming this plays out on a daily basis in Austin: http://www.ifc.com/portlandia/videos/portlandia-no-grocery-bagDelete
Good use of the term 'bindle'. I always wanted to design a line of upscale designer bindles and convince rich people that hobo chic was the new thing.ReplyDeleteReplies
Oh, that will absolutely happen at some point in our future. I'm picturing like an Hermes scarf tied up at the end of a nice mahogany dowel or something. I can see them bouncing up and down Fifth Avenue as I write this.Delete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
- bed & bath
- comforters & bedding sets
full comforter sets
- Bed Size:full
- from$62.99after couponwas $180 - $240
JCPenney Home Creston 7-pc. Embroidered Comforter Set(8)
- from$104.99after couponwas $260 - $300
Home Expressions Nina 10-pc. Midweight Embellished Comforter Set(48)
- from$97.99after couponwas $219 - $259
JCPenney Home Crushed Velvet 3-pc. Comforter Set(2)
- from$38.49after couponwas $110 - $170
Home Expressions Tiles Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(224)
- from$62.99after couponwas $180 - $240
Home Expressions Gold 7-pc. Reversible Comforter Set(47)
- from$48.99after couponwas $140 - $180
Casual Comfort™ Premium Ultra Soft Wrinkle Resistant Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(19)
- from$122.49after couponwas $380 - $420
Madison Park Whitman 12-pc. Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(104)
- from$104.99after couponwas $260 - $300
JCPenney Home Emmett 10-pc. Embroidered Comforter Set(6)
- from$104.99after couponwas $260 - $300
JCPenney Home Japanese Cherry Blossom 10-pc. Floral Comforter Set(21)
- from$13.99after couponwas $40 - $60
Casual Comfort™ Premium Ultra Soft Wrinkle Resistant Duvet Cover Set(24)
- from$38.49after couponwas $110 - $170
Home Expressions Bingham Medallion Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(10)
- from$104.99after couponwas $260 - $300
JCPenney Home Mercer 10-pc. Embellished Comforter Set(8)
- from$62.99after couponwas $180 - $240
JCPenney Home Nicholai 7-pc. Embellished Comforter Set(4)
- from$104.99after couponwas $260 - $300
JCPenney Home Adriana 10-pc. Embellished Comforter Set(1)
- from$125.99after couponwas $350 - $420
Madison Park Wellington 12-pc. Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(70)
- from$38.49after couponwas $110 - $170
Home Expressions Tiles Geometric Complete Bedding Set with Sheets(34)
Upgrade Your Bedroom with Full Comforter Sets
Does your bedroom need a fresh infusion of comfort? Our full comforter sets include everything you need to upgrade your bed. At the end of a long day, you deserve to escape to a sleeping space that's designed to siphon off your cares and envelop you in laid-back pleasures. Get everything you need from our comforter collection.
Pick Soothing Shades for Sleep-Time
The right colors make all the difference in your bedroom. Choose hues that are inspiring, comforting, and altogether relaxing to you. This is an extremely personal pick, so we have a little of everything. Indulge in royal comforts with a rich paisley print in sophisticated silvers, or go with a colorful pop of Moroccan inspiration in warm oranges and golds.
Enjoy the simplicity of neutrals and single-color comforters that make decorating a breeze, or choose a pattern that's more intricate and indulgent. From richly embroidered chenille to triangular tufts, you'll find accents that can dress up any style. Explore sets with scalloped edging, alluring ruffles, and more. Whatever it is that soothes you, we have it in our collection of full comforter sets.
Cozy Up in Quilts
Do you thrill to traditional looks? Give your bedroom timeless appeal with an intricate quilt. You don't need to put in the hours of cutting and sewing to enjoy this classic bedding pick. We have a wide selection of ready-made quilts in a diverse range of color palettes and patterns. A cozy quilt is just the thing for simple appeal that will last through the ages.
Pull it Together with Multi-Piece Sets
Our full comforter sets include everything you need to put together a fresh bed. Standard sets include a comforter, quilt, or coverlet, and most come with one or two standard shams. Several of our sets have additional bedding items to complete the set. Read the details carefully so you know what you're getting with your comprehensive bedding set.
Many of our full comforter sets include a selection of decorative pillows for added appeal. Some come with a fitted and flat sheet so you'll have every layer of the bed taken care of. Select packages have a bedskirt as well to cover that extra space from the mattress to the floor. Matching your existing bedding can be tricky business. Get a flawlessly matched set from the very beginning with bedding elements that are made to go together.
If your bedroom needs a new look, our full comforter sets are just the thing. You can get all the pieces you need to give your bed a comfortable overhaul that will have you sleeping better than ever. Update your bedroom right now with a stylish comforter set while shopping at JCPenney.


text:
Board of Supervisors Offer $10,000 Reward For Information In Long Beach Murder Case
2011-07-27 · By Editor
On Thursday, March 24, 2011 at approximately 10:26 p.m., Long Beach Police were dispatched to an alley in the 1500 block of Pine Avenue regarding a male subject that had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim, later identified as 29-year-old Los Angeles resident Philip Victor Williamson, was transported by paramedics to a local hospital in critical condition, and was pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries the following evening.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has now issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person or persons responsible for his murder.
Victim Williamson, who was not known to frequent Long Beach, was shot shortly before being found in the alley by a passerby. Investigators have discovered that the victim was involved in the distribution of marijuana, which he obtained in the city of Chico, to various medical marijuana collectives in the Los Angeles County area. They have learned that he may have had several pounds of marijuana and up to $500,000 in cash in his possession at the time of his death, and those items have not been located.
With these new developments in the case, detectives are again traveling to Chico to continue their investigation into this case, and in hopes of locating anyone with information relating to this victim, where he was and who he was with in the days prior to his death.
Anyone who may have information or who can identify potential suspects in this case is strongly urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Scott Lasch or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7244. Anyone tips may be submitted via text or web by visiting the Long Beach Police Department website, www.longbeach.gov/police or directly to www.tipsoft.com.


text:
NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) and officials at Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BK.N) on Wednesday won the dismissal of lawsuits accusing them of overcharging clients for trading currencies.
U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan threw out a lawsuit that accused the largest U.S. bank by assets of breaching a fiduciary duty to custodial clients by charging "hidden and excessive mark-ups" on currency trades.
Hours earlier, Cote's colleague, Lewis Kaplan, made public his dismissal of a lawsuit by Bank of New York Mellon shareholders accusing bank officials of ignoring "red flags" or knowing that trades were being processed at the worst or near-worst prices of the day. Chief Executive Gerald Hassell was among the defendants in that case.
The JPMorgan lawsuit was led by the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, and sought class-action status on behalf of pension fund custodial clients.
Meanwhile, the Bank of New York Mellon lawsuit was led by the Iron Workers Mid-South Pension Fund and by California resident Marilyn Clark, and sought to force executives and directors to reimburse the bank for damages.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs in both cases did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuits are among several in the last few years where federal and state regulators, customers and shareholders have accused custodial banks of defrauding clients of millions of dollars through overcharges on foreign exchange trades.
Custodial banks provide back-office and other services including accounting, asset valuations, currency trading, portfolio servicing and stock lending. Bank of New York Mellon is the world's largest custodial bank, while JPMorgan is the third-largest.
In her decision, Cote rejected allegations that the underlying JPMorgan custodial agreement obligated the bank to process trades at "the best available market rate" or by any other particular measure.
She also said there was "nothing secret about the mark-ups" charged because they were disclosed in public databases and on trade confirmations.
Kaplan, meanwhile, said it is improper to hold Bank of New York Mellon executives and directors responsible for practices that the plaintiffs said resulted in more than $2 billion of liabilities, and damaged the bank's bottom line, credit rating, reputation and stock price.
In his decision dated July 2, Kaplan said the lawsuit did not create "reasonable doubt that the board's inaction was a valid exercise of business judgment," and that shareholders should have demanded that the board take action before filing the lawsuit.
Kaplan handles nationwide civil litigation over whether Bank of New York Mellon from 2000 to 2011 overcharged pension funds and other clients on currency trades.
One such case was brought in 2011 by the U.S. government. Kaplan in April let it pursue the main claim, that the bank had fraudulently misrepresented that it would provide "best execution" to its trading clients.
JPMorgan spokesman Justin Perras said in a statement that the bank is gratified by Cote's decision, which "vindicates our position and our business.
Bank of New York Mellon spokesman Kevin Heine said that the bank is pleased with Kaplan's decision. A lawyer for the Bank of New York Mellon officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Kaplan's decision.
The cases are Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System et al v. JPMorgan Chase & Co et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 12-06659; and In re: Bank of New York Mellon Corp Shareholder Derivative Litigation in the same court, No. 11-08471. The nationwide litigation is In re: Bank of New York Mellon Corp Forex Transactions Litigation in the same court, No. 12-md-02335.
Editing by Gerald E. McCormick and Matthew Lewis


text:
Kostmayer's article expresses my own feelings regarding Helms' misguided efforts to alleviate suffering and improve human conditions around the world.
Overpopulation, Kostmayer points out, is a cause of hunger and famine. A little-known fact is that hunger and famine also contribute to overpopulation. At no time in history has a country reduced its birthrate before it reduced its death rate. When the death rate is reduced, a period of increased population does occur, but fortunately this period is followed by a drop in birthrate. People tend to have fewer children when they become more confident that their existing children will survive.
History has shown in the era since World War II that when overall death rates drop to around 15 per 1,000--which is about where it is in developing countries now-- then each additional fall of one point in the death rate has usually been accompanied by an even larger fall in the birthrate. Thailand's 7-point fall in death rate (15 to 8 per 1,000) between 1960 and 1980 was accompanied by a 14-point fall in the birthrate. In the same time period, Costa Rica's 5-point fall in death rate (10 to 5 per 1,000) was accompanied by an 18-point fall in the birthrate.


text:
It's spring cleaning time! No. Not what you're thinking. I'm truly no Suzy Homemaker, so the thrill of pulling out the sweeper, duster, polish, cleaners, sponges ... Yuk. Not even a hint of excitement there. Instead, I will gather my books, bookmarks, posters, book stands, fliers, sign-up sheets, my notes, and all author swag ... oh, and my roll-away suitcase to put said items into thus making it easy to transport the whole thing to my ... drum roll please ... AUTHOR EVENTS! Yes indeedy! I'm giddy just thinking about it.
Spring is my time, my venue, the beginning of my yearly trek. Time to roll out the carpet and send my book babies out into the world of wonderful readers. I've come out of winter hibernation, yawning, sleepy eyed, and grumpy, but now I'm fully alert!
So, ahem, I'd humbly like to share what experience has given me with regard to those glorious opportunities when authors may present their work, share their experiences in writing, in publishing, and a whole bunch of stuff readers want to know. It's not so hard really. Frightening? Yeah, it can be. Many writers are shy creatures. We hide behind our stories, or in them *grin*. It's much easier dealing with our characters, the ones we like to think we control -- what they do, say, feel. Oh, and they don't talk back! Well, most of the time. But it's not so hard. Discouraging? Well, yeah. It can be that, too. You may end up with only a couple visitors. Still, you talk to them, even if only one shows up! It's not so hard. In fact, it can be the best experience ever. Sharing what you love, talking about it to people who are truly interested, that's like the joy of Christmas, New Years, Easter, Fourth of July and all holidays put together!
Now is the point when I say what works for me may work for you. Or not. Everyone is different. It's my nickle, so here goes:
*Think of what you'd like to talk about, (include a brief bio; readers love to know you as a regular person). Library signings give you this opportunity more so than at retail venues like bookstores and coffee shops or at multi-author events. In preparing for this, I might practice in front of the mirror. Yeah, I know, rather silly, but it helps me. Also, I try to list some possible questions people may ask. Here are a few:
--- What inspired you to start writing?
--- How did you come up with the idea for this book?
--- Do you base your characters on any people in your life?
--- How many books have you written?
--- How do you feel about self-publishing vs. traditional?
--- Do you have a favorite author?
--- What are you writing now?
*And ALWAYS set aside time for guests to ask those questions.
*IF no one asks, here's where you say, "One question I often get asked is _______." And then answer it. (Classic teaching strategy I used in the classroom. It works great to kill the silence.)
*OR turn the tables on them and ask your guests questions. Who's your favorite author? Do any of you write or plan to pursue publishing a book or story? Just a couple examples.
*Consider reading a passage from your book, if there's time. (Again, this caters to library signings.) But please keep it short -- five minutes works for me. You don't want to see the guests' eyes glaze over, right?
*Bring dollar bills. If you plan to sell your books and if people pay cash, you may need change.
*Remember to thank everyone for coming!
*Oh, and arrive early. You want to set up your space with all the pretty books, bookmarks, posters, book stands, fliers, sign-up sheets, author swag ... Yeah, you got this! Now, rock on, wonderful authors, and dig into your spring cleaning!


text:
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Hartford County until 7 p.m. today. Residential students are asked to postpone their return to campus to Monday afternoon or, for those whose class schedules allow, Tuesday. Students, please do not travel to and arrive on campus today.
Hartt Community Division activities today and this evening are canceled.
The University of Hartford's Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies will host a public lecture by Martin Dean, Applied Research Scholar at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and editor of the recently published Encyclopedia of Concentration Camps and Ghettos, Volume II. The program, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Monday, October 28,, 7 p.m., Wilde Auditorium, Harry Jack Gray Center. The lecture is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation Association of CT and Voices of Hope.
The USHMM Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos is the result of over a decade of research by editors Geoffrey Megargee and Martin Dean and a team of researchers at the USHMM. Prior to joining the United States Holocaust Mémorial Museum's Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies in Washington, Dean worked as the Senior Historian for the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit in London.
For more information about this program, please contact the Greenberg Center at 860.768.4964 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
On that same day, Dean will speak at the Greenberg Center's 14th Annual Holocaust and Genocide Educators Workshop. The workshop is designed to prepare area educators for excellence in teaching about the Holocaust and genocide. At the day-long workshop, area teachers are able to study both pedagogy and special units on how to teach about the Holocaust and genocide in middle and high school curricula in Social Studies, Language Arts, Art, History, and other disciplines.
Workshop faculty includes award winning middle and high school teachers, as well as outstanding academics from universities across the United States. This year's workshop will also feature a tour of the new exhibition, "Genocide: Israel W. Charny and the Scourge of the Twentieth Century" in the University of Hartford's Museum of Jewish Civilization. The workshop and evening lecture continue the new initiatives in Genocide and Holocaust Education in the region announced during the visit of the President of Rwanda to the University of Hartford on March 12.
Dean's publications include: Collaboration in the Holocaust: Crimes of the Local Police in Belorussia and Ukraine, 1941-44 (2000); Robbing the Jews: the Confiscation of Jewish Property in the Holocaust, 1933-1945 (2008); and The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos 1933-1945, vol. 2 Ghettos in German-Occupied Eastern Europe, vol. ed. Martin Dean, series ed., Geoffrey Megargee (2012). He has also written many book chapters and articles on the Holocaust focused mainly on the issues of Ghettos, Collaboration, War Crimes, and the Confiscation of Jewish Property.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum researchers Geoffrey Megargee and Martin Dean have recently been interviewed by The New York Times, The Independent, NBC Nightly News, and The Huffington Post about their work documenting Nazi camps and ghettos. The New York Times reports, "When the research began in 2000, Dr. Megargee said he expected to find perhaps 7,000 Nazi camps and ghettos, based on postwar estimates. But the numbers kept climbing — first to 11,500, then 20,000, then 30,000, and now 42,500."
The results of this Holocaust research are presented in two of seven planned volumes of The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos, 1933-1945. The result of years of work by the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, these encyclopedias describe the universe of camps and ghettos that the Nazis and their allies operated, from Norway to North Africa and from France to Russia. Volume II of the Ghettos encyclopedia provides a comprehensive account of how the Nazis conducted the Holocaust throughout the scattered towns and villages of Poland and the Soviet Union. It covers more than 1,150 sites, including both open and closed ghettos. Documentation of hundreds of smaller sites—previously unknown or overlooked in the historiography of the Holocaust—make this an indispensable reference work on the destroyed Jewish communities of Eastern Europe.


text:
By Tommy Noel
MENAN - Jefferson High School in Menan was put on lockdown Wednesday
after a man with a gun was spotted walking around campus.
The man walked across the parking lot and basketball court with his dog.
School officials called the Sheriff's Office and put the school on lockdown.
When deputies arrived, the suspect was ordered to drop the gun, which he did.
Turns out the man was duck hunting and walked across the school grounds to get to his destination.
The suspect, who didn't realize school was in session, was released.
This was a call that I didn't go to, but I was working that day. I all turned out well, and some older gentlemen probably got the start of his life, when the deputies drew down on him.


text:
1999 Buick Park Avenue 4dr Sdn
|Price : $2,395
|1999 Buick Park Avenue ** GREAT SHAPE ** CLEAN TITLE **
Maroon / Tan
145,277 Miles / VIN: 1G4CW52K2X4603134
Phone : (503) 844-2777
1131 Sw Baseline St. , Hillsboro, OR 97123
|Maroon / Tan 1999 Buick Park Avenue ** GREAT SHAPE ** CLEAN TITLE **
|Sedan, 4 Doors, Front Wheel Drive, 3.8L 205.0hp, 6 Cylinders, Automatic Transmission
|Stock: 1101
Price is our Internet Special
At Car City LLC, we are here to make purchasing your vehicle as easy as possible. We partnered with some of the leading financing institutions to make it happen.
Please, apply directly with the following institutions.
Of course, if you need further help, do not hesitate to contact us and we will do everything we can to get you approved.


text:
From the very beginning it is important to say that we all need to have a good lifestyle, to take care of our body or our daily diet but in order to be sure what is good for us or not we must be aware of some considerations for a good and balanced nutrition – buy fitness vitamins. Our food choices are important on daily basis for all of us, we must understand that in order to have a healthy body we must decide to organize ourselves, to know what is good to eat every day, to have time for sport activities, here including some gym and fitness actions.
Buy fitness supplements online
Only after we have this schedule we can think forward, to learn and read more or better to dicuss with our doctor about option to buy fitness vitamins online. It is very easy to shop online such products but it is difficult to be sure what your body need for such activities – buy fitness vitamins online.
For a good and balanced nutrition we need on daily basis fluids, solid meal and to have a general plan regarding vitamins, minerals and one fitness supplements. Is not important only to practice sports and fitness activities if you want to reduce your weight, losing weight it is a comple process which include a lot of factors such as:
* foods low in calories
* be aware and learn more about dietary guidelines
* eating and learning about foods and vitamins and supplements alternative.
Our main recommendation is to identify and to eat on daily basis foods low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals – buy fitness vitamins. If you have sufficient vitamins and minerals this will enable the body to function properly, for this it is better to include in your diet vegetables, whole grains, low-fat products, fruits and similar products. Your eating routine must include a mix of all these recommendations, only in this way you can obtain a healthy lifestyle for you all the time.
Generally speaking we must understand that vitamin supplements are no substitute for our food, for nutrients from our food, but they are good to cover daily bases – buy fitness supplements online. For us and our family it is good to shop genuine products, from quality manufactures, this can be a wise decision for long term.


text:
Gold tumbled 4 percent on Wednesday, taking it near a three-year low as a rallying U.S. equity markets further cut into demand for bullion as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
Silver dropped 5 percent and platinum group metals also declined sharply. Bullion tumbled again even after the U.S. government slashed its estimate for first-quarter economic growth, which made investors less worried that the Federal Reserve would move soon to end its U.S. economic stimulus.
Bullion has slid around $125 an ounce in four sessions since the Fed signaled it plans to wind down the era of easy money. With two trading days left in the second quarter, gold was down 23 percent for the period, on course for its biggest quarterly decline since Reuters began tracking gold prices in 1968.
"We bought gold for two reasons: because we were worried about the inflationary impact of policy and because we thought the financial system was going to fall apart," said Sean Corrigan, chief investment strategist at Diapason Commodities Management.
(Read More: Gold Will Break $1,200: Pro)
"Although it may be completely the wrong judgement, the market has decided that none of those at the moment is a concern," Corrigan said.
Spot gold slumped to its lowest since August 2010 at $1,223.54 an ounce. It was last down 4.2 percent at $1,223 an ounce. U.S. gold futures for August delivery settled down $45.30 to $1,229.80.
Trading volume exceeded 315,000 lots, sharply above its 30-day average of 211,000, preliminary Reuters data showed. Gold, which has lost more than a quarter of its value this year, accelerated losses during Wednesday's session as the S&P 500 rose.
The benchmark U.S. stock index was up more than 1 percent in late trade.
"People want risk-on and gold is therefore seen as a source of cash and not as a safe haven, because that's not needed," said Simon Weeks, head of precious metals at the Bank of Nova Scotia.
On Tuesday, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund posted its biggest outflow in two months. Holdings in SPDR Gold Trust fell 16.23 tons, 1.65 percent from the day before, to 969.50 tons, their lowest since February 2009.


text:
At the Rink: Red Wings at Oilersby Derek Van Diest
EDMONTON -- Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin last played against each other at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship in January.
On Wednesday, (9:30 p.m., ET; SN1) the two standout rookies meet for the first time in the NHL as the Oilers (2-4-0) attempt to extend their win streak to three games while the Red Wings (3-2-0) look to end a two-game losing streak.
"We know each other a little bit," Larkin said. "I wouldn't say [our careers] have been really parallel until this year. But he's a generational talent and he's a first-overall draft pick and he's off to a great start. I got to meet him this summer for the first time in person. I was very impressed with how nice he was as a guy and it's cool to see a guy like that be so good at something he's always wanted to do."
Larkin, 19, has two goals and four assists in five games and enters play Wednesday tied for fourth among rookies with six points. McDavid, 18, has three goals and two assists in six games and is sixth in rookie scoring with five points.
"I played against him [at World Juniors] but I didn't know him personally," Larkin said. "I've been playing against him since I was probably 12 or 13 and he was always the talk of the rink and the player to watch. I'm excited to see him [Wednesday]. He does everything so well; he skates with the puck at a speed that not many people can do and keep up with. He makes passes that you can't even see, when the guy is coming behind you. You can't check him; he's too shifty. He's a tough player to play against."
Larkin also has been tough to play against this season. He is the first teenager to make the Red Wings' season-opening lineup since Mike Sillinger in 1990-91.
A native of Waterford, Mich., Larkin was selected by the Red Wings with the 15th pick of the 2014 NHL Draft. He had 15 goals and 47 points in 35 games as a freshman at the University of Michigan last season and also played for the United States at the 2015 World Juniors and the 2015 IIHF World Championship.
"One of the reasons he's allowed to step in right away and play is because he has a great 200-foot game," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "A lot of good, young players have to learn how to play defense the right way. How to play a 200-foot game, how to play from the defensive side of the puck, how to not turn pucks over. He seems to have a lot of that already and that's allowed him to be an impactful player. I have tons of confidence and am not scared at all to put him on the ice in any situation."
Larkin is playing left wing on the Red Wings' top line with center Henrik Zetterberg and forward Justin Abdelkader.
McDavid is centering the Oilers' second line, between left wing Benoit Pouliot and right wing Nail Yakupov.
During Edmonton's two-game road trip at the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks last weekend, McDavid had two goals and two assists.
Growing up in Richmond Hill, Ontario, about 240 miles north of Detroit, McDavid said he is looking forward to playing against the Red Wings for the first time.
"They're a team and an organization that had a lot of success over the past decade," McDavid said. "They're certainly a team that I used to follow and it's going to be cool to play against them."
Petr Mrazek will start in goal for the Red Wings, Cam Talbot for the Oilers.
Here are the projected lineups:
Dylan Larkin - Henrik Zetterberg - Justin Abdelkader
Tomas Tatar - Riley Sheahan - Gustav Nyquist
Darren Helm - Brad Richards - Teemu Pulkkinen
Drew Miller - Luke Glendening - Landon Ferraro
Niklas Kronwall - Jonathan Ericsson
Injured: Pavel Datsyuk (ankle), Johan Franzen (concussion-like symptoms)
Scratched: Brendan Smith, Joakim Andersson, Tomas Jurco
Taylor Hall - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Andrew Miller
Benoit Pouliot - Connor McDavid - Nail Yakupov
Lauri Korpikoski - Anton Lander - Teddy Purcell
Anton Slepyshev - Mark Letestu - Rob Klinkhammer
Justin Schultz - Oscar Klefbom
Injured: Jordan Eberle (shoulder), Matt Hendricks (foot), Griffin Reinhart (undisclosed)
Scratched: Luke Gazdic, Brandon Davidson
Status report: Miller was recalled from Bakersfield of the American Hockey League on Monday to replace Hendricks in the lineup. It will be his first game this season; he played nine games for the Oilers last season. … Ference will play his second game of the season, replacing Reinhart. Ference was a healthy scratch in five of the Oilers' first six games.
Who's hot: Larkin has at least one point in all five games. … Zetterberg entered play Wednesday tied for third in the League with nine points. He has at least one point in all five games. … Korpikoski has two goals in his past three games.


text:
While Bradley Wiggins and the rest of Team Sky's Grand Tour riders gather in Mallorca, the team's Classics contingent has spent the last few days in Belgium as they prepare for an assault on the Spring Classics.
It's fair to say that the British team have failed to apply the same dominance to the one-day scene of Belgium as they have to stage racing, and in 2013 the team are determined to improve their Classic form.
Geraint Thomas, who is returning to the Classics after his Olympic year, Ian Stannard, Bernhard Eisel, Luke Rowe and Edvald Boasson Hagen formed the core of team who spent the last few days riding reconnaissance over the Tour of Flanders course with Rod Ellingworth shepherding the riders from the team car. Another participant in the mini-training camp was Gabriel Rasch, who signed from FDJ in the off-season.
To see the gallery, click here.


text:
March 24, 2011
Being in Arizona is like being home. In fact, this will be my home for the last month of my trip. I love the desert, the quail, the heat of the southwest in the winter. When everyone up north are still huddling in their blankets, it's been a comfortable 80 here. Am I rubbing it in? I sound like I'm rubbing it in! I know that all too soon I'll be the one trying to stay warm up north so - I'm gonna rub it in a little bit!!
Spent a little time in Tucson. Took some nice walks of course! Went to the Desert Museum and the Pima Air and Space Museum. Tried to go to a restaurant I've been trying to go to for quite sometime and was unsuccessful once again so went to restaurant number two and it was surprisingly good, although probably twice as expensive as restaurant number one would have been. We could have waited the hour to get into restaurant one (at 3:30 in the afternoon, no less) but we'd already left our dogs for 6 hours alone in the motorhome and to chance another 2-3 hours? Uh....no!
I had to get the cooling unit in my refrigerator fixed in Tucson. It went out while I was still in Big Bend so I'd been bagging ice for the last week until I could get it fixed. Cooper and I spent the day lounging around in the parking lot while they serviced my fridge. I'm happy to say it works perfectly and unhappy to say I'm in-the-hole with my budget!
After leaving Tucson I drove to Gila Bend to meet up with mom and dad for the night. While they stayed on before moving west, I chose to drive north to spend the month of March in Buckeye. So this is the part in the trip where we had to part ways. It's been great traveling with my parents over the past year. I chose to take advantage of an opportunity to be able to travel to Alaska and the Gulf Coast with them while we were all still able and willing to do so and I don't regret it one bit. It's been a trip full of learning experiences and memories and even though the price of gas was a budget breaker and the weather was "40 degrees below normal", I'd do it all again. I mean, look......sitting in a cubicle staring at a computer screen or driving the vast and open road.....from the great Mount McKinley in Alaska, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the miles of solitude walking the beach at Padre Island, the very friendly Winter Texans in Del Rio, Tx the desert sunsets of Arizona. Which would you choose?
So now I'm really on my own! The RV park where I'm located is nice. It's big with full hook-ups. I pay electric once a month. They have a pool, a rec hall (which they call The Barn), a laundry, secure bathrooms, a convenience store. Not a lot of tress, but what can you expect in Arizona?
There is a lot of land around the park where I can let Cooper run off leash. He loves to chase all the rabbits and quail - like he thinks he can really catch them! Cooper and I do a LOT of walking, since I'm living the life of luxury and have little else to do during my day. I've caught up on my reading and lately I've taught myself how to crochet a blanket. Thanks to Google and U-Tube, I've mastered the double crochet cross-stitch! So far my blanket definately looks like amatuer crocheting but I figure practice makes perfect. During the one day of rain last week I spent all day practicing!
I have friends arriving by plane on April 2nd. They own a home around here and so I'm going to park in their driveway so we can catch up and party! I'm so excited to see everyone I haven't seen for 6 months and to have real adult conversation! Cooper is great but doesn't talk back. (hum....maybe that's a good thing!)
After a week with good friends I'll be heading north again, leaving the warmth of the desert for the rain of the northwest. But all good things on the road must come to an end I'm afraid. This has been the trip of a lifetime and I've learned so much about owning and driving a motorhome. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Unfortunately, this girl has to earn back the money she spent in gas to travel the country and therefore must find a job.
While this adventure is almost over for me, there are new and exciting things on the horizon. Life is always an adventure. Life is good.
Hasta la próxima vez, mis amigos


text:
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
have you heard?
this is going to be just about the most fun you will ever have raising money for cancer research!
i would say that if you are in a 300 mile radius you should probably click HERE to register.
you can camp out in my back yard. i'll make bacon in the morning. seriously.
it is going to be awesome!!
here is the link again, you know, in case you missed it...
checkity check check out this lady if you want to see more cool people who are involved in this.
1 comment:
- PRP said...
I'll sleep at my own house, but can I still come over for bacon in the morning?
I heart you. Thanks for being my partner in all this.
- May 8, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)