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Hogwarts, A Future
Sixteen Years After the War has Ended, Two Wizarding Schools Exist. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Salem Academy
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Somewhere, Someplace
Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
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Subject: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:07 pm
Name: Jake Newbury
Age: 21
Profile: Jake start working at Clement Visuals fresh out of high school. He'd achieved a decent enough grade in his computer studies as well as business and bowled the interview panel over with his personality. Jake fit in to the company in an instant, building up a large group of friends in the company - the group that always heads out after work on a Friday to the local bar. The whole office is invited, of course, but you can guarantee it'll be those that are left standing by the end of the night.
This is not to say, however, that Jake takes his work lightly. Throughout the week he is working his ass off, making sure clients are satisfied with their service. Most days, Jake is working overtime, trying to impress his boss for the upcoming promotion in the firm that almost doubles the pay he's currently on. That position, of course, is not coming uncontested, these things never do. So for the last few weeks, there has been competition in the office to get the place in Hong Kong on one of the biggest sales deals Clement Visuals has known.
It was a typical Friday afternoon, whilst most of the office was kicking back in to relaxation mode, Jake was bent over his work, furiously scribbling so many slogans for a business he had lost count. They wanted something really catching, short, punctuated heavily, Jake was getting there, but it was difficult. 'Think Car? Think Pink? Think Shiela's!' was about the only one he could think of right now. Shooting that off with a runner, Jake opened his emails quickly, knowing the announcement meeting was coming up. There weren't any new projects in just yet, so he had time.
"Jake, man, cool it, it's a Friday!"
"Working, Dave!" Jake shot back, concentrating enough to get through the paperwork on his desk. This job, if not controlled, was a killer, but Jake knew what he was doing. He had control of everything.
"You're coming out tonight though, right? I've had Sarah from Reception on the phone all day making sure I get you there. She's bringing Fiona, so you have to, otherwise I'm never going to get my time alone!" Dave insisted, rolling his seat to sit by Jake's desk.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be there. I'm always there, nothing is going to change that!" Jake replied, swatting his friends hands away as he tried to steal his paperwork to get him to concentrate. "Seriously, Dave. Big contract I have to win this one. Then I can finally get out of mom and dad's house. This... This could be my big break!" Jake insisted, and Dave let up with a chuckle.
"You work too hard, man! Montez already has that one!"
"You work too little, Dave! And, Montez hasn't got a hope in hell on this one." Jake countered.
"Apart from the fact she's sleeping with the MD."
"Apart from that, she hasn't got a hope in hell." Jake rectified, shaking his head as he returned to his work.
It was an hour later that the whole team was called in to the meeting room, standing until the owner of the Clement Visuals chain came in. Louis Clement. Most people were some what intimidated by the man, but Jake still wasn't sure as he took the man in, only sitting when Louis had.
"Good afternoon everyone."
"Good afternoon, sir." The chorus of employees replied.
"A good week, I can tell you, sales up, customer satisfaction up. Only one thing left for the week before I let you all go. Hong Kong." Louis explained, his features moving to something less serious, but not quite a smile. "As you all know, one person will be getting this job. It's a doorway to promotion if it goes well, so the person has a lot on their shoulders.
"Now, I want all of you to know your performance hasn't gone unnoticed this week, but my decision has been made. The lucky soul jetting off to Hong Kong on Monday morning... Miss Montez." Louis explained, waving his hand towards the girl to his left. A general murmur filled the room, mostly of discontent, and Jake sat back in his chair with a huff.
"Told you there was no hope against Montez." Dave quipped at his side.
"But, I've decided one more person will be accompanying Miss Montez. Perhaps one of our best people in customer satisfaction, Mr Newbury." Louis added, positively grinning as he saw the shock and then delight cross Jake's face.
"Thank you, sir!" Jake replied, catching 'Miss Montez's' eye and winking in her direction. She was totally screwing him to get this opportunity, nobody else knew anything about her. But, Jake would soon show her she'd need more than a pretty face and wide spread legs to beat him this time.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:32 pm
Profile: Marilyn Montez-Caldwell
Age: 21
Profession: Works in sales deparment of Clement Visuals, has worked there since she was an intern at 18. Her family, owners of Caldwell Corp., a company that sells pharmaceuticals, has partnered with Clement Visuals since the dawn of time, which is how she got the internship in the first place. Not to say she isn't compentant, she is very talented and persuasive, if also a bit intimidating.
Reputation: After being with the company for three years Marilyn is one of the top sales reps in the business, tied with only one person. However she has absolutely no friends that anyone is aware of, is extremely high strung, a workaholic and cold.
She doesn't take no for an answer and when someone crosses her she has no problem effectively nullifying them as quickly as possible. Not to mention her close relationship to the owner of the company, leading to many, utterly unfounded, rumours.
Everyone in the office, in her presence, is utterly aware of how attractive she is, a fact she herself is highly aware of and not afraid to use. Mostly though, the staff thinks she's terrifying and certainly not someone they want to be friends with.
Apart from her wealthy grandparents and Louis Clement Marilyn has no family, her parents died when she was five in a car crash, leaving her to grow up in boarding schools and private high schools. In the office she goes by Montez, her fathers last name. She's aware of the rumours floating around the office and doesn't want anyone to know who she really is.
Sitting in her office on a friday afternoon Marilyn was putting the final touches on the drafts for her most recent client, cool and collected as the day had passed as per usual. The woman was extremely bright in her field and thus tended to get the biggest clients.
And this had nothing to do with her close relationship to Louis Clement. He'd known her since he was 18, since she was born. And when her parents died he'd stepped in alongside her grandparents and practically raised her. For all intents and purposes he was like a father to her. But appropriately he also held her to a higher standard, nothing was given to her without intense work.
Her rolex beeped and she stood, straightening her desk briefly before the clack of her heels announced her presence in the hall on her way to the meeting, breifcase in hand before taking her usual seat beside Louis.
"Now, I want all of you to know your performance hasn't gone unnoticed this week, but my decision has been made. The lucky soul jetting off to Hong Kong on Monday morning... Miss Montez.
Marilyn smirked happily, "
Thank you, Sir."
But her happiness was shortlived. Jake. Newbury. Was to accompany her. Assist her.
Her smile was tinged with disgust at his wink. Ugh. He was a walking harrassment suit waiting to happen. Well, not particularily clever that one, she thought, she could take him apart. He had no idea what was coming to him.
That being said... Marilyn stayed behind after the rest left, to talk to Louis, who instantly knew what she wanted to discuss.
"Marilyn, don't look at me like that."
He said without looking up from his papers.
"Louis, he's a walking liability. I can handle this client on my own-"
"But you won't, because he will be with you. He's a people person-"
"And I'm not? I work in marketing for christs sake."
he put his hand on her shoulder,
"This isn't personal. He works hard. He deserves this chance. Now go home, I'll see you tonight, do tell your grandparents I'll be a bit late for dinner."
Grumpily she nodded but let him give her a fatherly kiss on the forehead before she turned and left, silently fuming.
And she was all ready to get into her lovely silver mercedes and drive home, but no. Such simple pleasures were never granted.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:54 pm
Jake had watched the woman he would be working with as his name was called out and the 'eww' that had left her lips had brought a smirk to his lips. She was not happy, that much was quite clear, but in all honesty, Jake didn't care. He'd wiped the smile off of her lips and that was enough to bring him a lot of happiness.
"Don't go there, Jakey-boy. You don't stand a chance. And if it goes wrong, you'll be out of here before you can say 'sales pitch'!" Dave told him, almost acting as a good influence on his shoulder.
"Who said I was going anywhere? She's not attractive!" Jake retorted in a low whisper before they were dismissed. Whether that was the complete truth, though, was remaining to be seen. "But, I'll see if she wants to come for drinks later, might work her out before I have to spend twelve hours with her on a flight."
"Rather you than me." Dave replied, leaving Jake by the door on his own. Thankfully, the door was thick enough to block out the conversation on the other side of the door, so Jake hadn't heard absolutely anything.
When the door opened, Jake put on a warm smile as he turned to the woman. "Hi, I'm Jake, it's good to see I'll have someone to keep me company on the trip." He told the woman, offering his hand out to her to shake. "Umm, I was wondering if you want to come for a drink with the rest of the office this evening, get to know each other before we jet off?" He proposed, quite sure that it was a decent proposal, surely she couldn't bypass that?
Last edited by Jake Newbury on Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:21 am; edited 1 time in total
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 5:04 pm
"Hi, I'm Jake, it's good to see I'll have someone to keep me company on the trip."
Marilyn rolled her eyes and shouldered her bag with an unmistakeable look of disdain on her pretty features. Keep him company? As if. That neanderthal would be content to just play with his own-
Her grip on her bag didn't tighten or reveal any more of the disgust she felt for him. She worked her ass off for this job, she had nothing handed to her and didn't want it. She knew his type. Sure he worked well, but was a complete player. No wiser than the carpet beneath her Jimmy chu's.
"Umm, I was wondering if you want to come for a drink with the rest of the office this evening, get to know each other before we jet off?"
Why, why was it talking to her?
"Right. This is all you need to know about me."
Her expression remained neutral, but serious,
"Don't. Get. In. My. Way. If you set one lady-killer-wannabe toe out of line on this trip so help me God I will ruin you."
And all at once her sweet smile was back in place,
"Now you can go back to the rest of the herd and tell them all about how mean the big bad wolf is because there is nothing I need to know about you that I haven't found out already."
With that she turned on her heel and click-clacked all the way to her car, silent all throughout dinner and soon back to pouring over client files and proposals.
And all too soon Monday came around and she was being driven by her grandparents chauffeur to the airport and even sooner she was standing at the gates waiting for her...partner.
(Plane Marilyn)
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 5:27 pm
"Don't. Get. In. My. Way. If you set one lady-killer-wannabe toe out of line on this trip so help me God I will ruin you."
Jake simply stood stunned, his hand slowly moving back to his suit pocket when she didn't take it. Of course, he'd be polite and she'd throw back a whole load of shit in his direction. He opened his mouth to reply, but closed it soon after as she kept speaking.
"Now you can go back to the rest of the herd and tell them all about how mean the big bad wolf is because there is nothing I need to know about you that I haven't found out already."
That... was not something Jake was expecting as he watched Marilyn walk away. Stunned probably didn't cut it, if he was honest, blown away, yes. He had not been given a single change to do or say anything, she'd simply put herself above everything in that moment, which only solidified Jake's idea of her. And it wasn't anything nice, either.
"Come on, Jake, you'll be last one, again!" Dave called and Jake hurried off to collect his briefcase before they headed out towards the bar.
"I can assure you, you're not going to out do her, Jake!" Dave told him for the umpteenth time.
"Her records show she has a margin over you." Sarah added.
"How much?" Jake asked.
"Only just under one percent higher. That's why you're both going, it's too close to call." Sarah replied, she'd managed to get a copy of the report, though Jake didn't care how, or why.
"So, it's a margin. I can out do that. Work a little harder, no big deal." Jake replied, shrugging the whole ordeal away.
"And how about next week, if you come back alive I think you'll be lucky!" Dave retorted, shaking his head. "She's crazy, everyone knows that!"
"Perhaps, but I'm going to show her she's not as special as she thinks she is." Jake supplied, sipping his beer. "Two weeks time, I'll have Monsieur Clement eating out of my hand!" He insisted, putting a fake French accent on to his employers name.
"Yes, mom!" Jake insisted as he hurried through the terminal, cell phone in hand. "I've got everything, my passport is in my pocket. Now please, I have to go or I'm going to be late!" He told his mom through the phone, getting more frustrated as she kept pestering him. "Yes I'll wear the suncream, mom. I love you too, tell Victoria I love her, and dad. I'll see you in ten days. Bye... Bye... yeah, bye!"
Hurrying through the terminal, Jake finally caught up with his partner for the trip. "Hey, sorry, my bus was delayed. Shall we head through?" Jake asked, he hadn't yet sorted the car situation, and his dad had the car so he couldn't borrow his own. But they were working on it. "Did you have a good weekend?" Jake added as they moved through the gates to their departure lounge. They'd been booked on a top class flight, and almost as soon as they got through, they were being put on the plane. This was Jake's first time out of the country, first time on a plane, actually, but he was playing it cool.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 5:36 pm
"Hey, sorry, my bus was delayed. Shall we head through?"
Marilyn simply nodded and turned, going through security without problems and walking through to, eventually, their seats on the plane,
"I was working."
was her only reply to his question of how her weekend was, and working she had been, absolutely pouring over her notes and the personal files on each specific person in the client group. Their hobbies and most importantly their weaknesses. The boss, Mr. Wang, had a hanker for gambling and for sleeping with his secretaries. His assistent Mr. Lin was a collecter of rare coins.
Thus Marilyn had appropriate arrangements made.
"This is our itinerary, no time to get used to the time difference so if you don't drink coffee I suggest you start, our first evening is a get together at a high end casino, I hope you packed something suitable,"
the rest of the paper listed each meeting they'd be having with whom, when and where.
Without further ado Marilyn set her watch timer to wake her up exactly 30 minutes before landing so she would be as fresh and awake as possible, reclined her seat and pulled her black sleeping mask over her eyes,
"And unless you are dying do not wake me, Newbury."
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 5:45 pm
"I was working."
"All weekend?" Jake replied, looking thoroughly stunned at that idea. He'd heard of people working Saturdays, he'd worked many himself, but Sunday too? This woman needed to sort out her priorities.
"This is our itinerary, no time to get used to the time difference so if you don't drink coffee I suggest you start, our first evening is a get together at a high end casino, I hope you packed something suitable,"
"Course." Jake replied, taking the papers she'd sorted so he could read through them. He might not have taken the time to personally study everything, but he could study the itinerary to make sure he was ready for what was coming. The comment on coffee he ignored, Jake avoided almost every caffeinated drink except tea, which he drank sparingly at best.
"And unless you are dying do not wake me, Newbury."
Watching the woman settle down to sleep, Jake leant back in his chair and started flipping through the notes, memorising what he could before he fell asleep too. However, Jake's sleep was interrupted as they flew through a spot of turbulence, his body jumping at the feeling and looking around. Nobody else seemed to be aware of it, but he was quite sure. Reaching over to the woman beside him, Jake shook her shoulder.
"Montez, Montez, did you feel that?" Jake asked nervously, looking around. "I swear to God the plane just shook!" He added, looking around again. Was that safe? God only knew.
Last edited by Jake Newbury on Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:22 am; edited 1 time in total
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sat Oct 18, 2014 5:52 pm
"Yes, all weekend, some people actually enjoy their work."
After that Marilyn enjoyed her sleep, having gotten up at the ass crack of dawn, but it was, as many pleasures lately, short lived.
"Montez, Montez, did you feel that?"
"I rectify my earlier statement, Newbury,"
she growled, lifting the sleep mask, "
If you wake me again and you're not dying I will kill you myself. What is it?"
"I swear to God the plane just shook!"
Marilyn let her head fall back onto the pillow, "Of course it shook, we are on a twelve hour flight through different climates. It's just turbulance, have you never flown before?"
Mari inquired, though it was mostly rhetorical seeing as she didn't legitimately care whether or not the neanderthal had ever left his cave.
"Now do calm down, go to sleep, I'm serious, you're going to need it, I won't be carrying your dead weight during this trip. Oh and Newbury,"
She added, slipping on her mask again,
"Don't touch me again."
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 4:22 am
Jake ignored the comment on enjoying work. He did enjoy his work, a hell of a lot, otherwise he wouldn't be successful. He simply had things to do at the weekend, so didn't make a habit of working over the weekend unless he was tight on deadlines.
"Of course it shook, we are on a twelve hour flight through different climates. It's just turbulence, have you never flown before?"
"No, this is my first time..." Jake told the woman before him, but he didn't think it would matter to her. He was right, as she told him once more to get some sleep and then quite fiercely told him to not touch her again. Jake gave it little and less thought as he slipped back in to the bed-like chair, trying to get to sleep. However, with every shudder of the plane, he woke up, checking that everything was okay before settling again.
Twelve hours had never gone so slow.
When they'd finally touched down in Hong Kong, Jake felt more exhausted than he had before, managing to get through the baggage collection and then through to their taxi quite simply. The drive to the hotel was quiet, Jake staring out the windows in awe as they moved through the city until they finally pulled up outside the hotel they'd been given. Jake had moved to the front desk, explaining who they were and asking for their room keys. But, he was only handed one.
"And for my colleague?" Jake asked the man behind the desk.
"Oh no, you stay in one room. Together." The man told him.
"I think there is a mistake, we should have separate rooms." Jake insisted, but the simple explanation was that they'd only been given one room, and there was no space to get them a second.
Jake had merely followed the valet up, trying to not look too wide eyed at the fact they were in a luxurious place, five star... Jake had never imagined this in a million years. As the elevator stopped, they were shown down the hall to their
and Jake felt as if his breath had been taken away. Moving straight to the view of the harbour, Jake let out a soft 'wow' as he took it in. This... was unreal.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 4:56 am
Marilyn's timer went off at exactly 30 min before landing, giving her ample time to freshen up in the bathroom before they actually landed. Which was more than she could say about her coworker, who looked exhausted. She'd warned him...
Oh well. The next stop was their hotel and Marilyn felt like she'd been slapped when she saw the single key.
"You've got to be kidding me."
But there was nothing to be done, no extra room for her companion.
she grumbled under her breath, she'd definitly be calling him later to see what the big idea was, sticking them in one room- one bed.
Walking into the suite Marilyn ignored Jake's wonder and set her briefcase on one of the desks, stuck her phone in one of the chargers and set her suitcase on one side of the bed. They had three hours until the more elegant part of the evening and in her usual efficiency Marilyn was making use of every moment. So while Jake was caught in wonder she grabbed her clothes and went to the bathroom, the sound of a shower running following.
About half an hour later Marilyn wrapped a towel around her figure and began doing her hair and makeup, leaving her hair perfectly coifed in curls that framed her face, blood red lips setting the look off as she slid into her robe and heels. Her dress was in a bag, spread on her bedside, she'd only put it on before they went so as to not wrinkle it. So that was how she walked back to her desk and started unpacking the files she'd brought with her and packing her purse bag. The gift for Mr.Lin, a bicentennial coin in mint condition, then the notes on cultural differences and how to act accordingly... Marilyn crossed her legs as she grew more focused, murmuring notes under her breath until a ding from her phone alerted her of a message.
"Arrived well?"
Marilyn scowled as she texted: "Why do we only have one room, Louis?"
"Cost managing."
Marilyn: "Bull."
He didn't reply and the woman didn't check her phone again.
Since Jake still seemed to be in the bathroom she dropped her robe, back to the bathroom and stepped into her dress, hands correcting her hair after she pulled the deep cut of the dress to where she wanted it.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 5:34 am
As Jake had stood on the balcony, his phone had begun to ring. Lifting it from his pocket, he'd chuckled at the name that came up. "Missing me already?" Jake asked as he answered the phone.
"You know the office isn't nearly as exciting without you, pal!" Dave retorted on the other end of the phone. Jake laughed at that, moving to close the door so he couldn't be overheard by his partner.
"Yeah, yeah, enough of the crap. What did you want?" Jake asked, leaning on the balcony and enjoying the view.
"Just checking you got there safely. Guessing she didn't kill you on the flight?" Dave joked.
"Nah, not quite. Threatened to do so though." Jake replied, his amusement clear in his tones as he spoke.
"Did tell you she was crazy, man."
"Not crazy, just thinks too highly of herself." Jake replied, shaking his head. "You'll never guess what happened by the way, Dave. One bed for both of us!"
"You've got to be kidding me?"
"Nope, I will be sleeping with Montez in at least one sense of the word!"
"You're not gonna try, Jake?"
"Why not? Everything is fair game, isn't it? She's pretty enough, and it's better than the alternative I have on offer."
"She's gonna kill you before you get that chance."
"We'll see, we'll see. Anyway, I have to go, her majesty won't like it if I'm late. Have a good day, say hi to Sarah for me, keep her sweet." Jake insisted, ignoring the comment Dave made about his mannerisms before they said good bye and hung up.
Jake made his way to the bathroom, via his suitcase to get his tux. Spending more than an ample time in the shower and then perfecting his perfectly mussed up hair style, Jake had pulled on his
and left the bathroom, checking his watch.
Slipping his phone in to his pocket, Jake had looked up when Marilyn had entered the room, blinking as he took her in. "You look... great." Jake told the woman with a warm smile, he meant it, not in a leering way, but she did look. "Our taxi is going to be here soon." He added a moment later, drawing away from the fact he was quite evidently impressed with the look. "Anything I need to know before we get there? Coin collector, gambler..." He summarised as they moved to the door, Jake holding it open for her and following her down to the main reception.
This was a social call, but they still needed to be on top of their game.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 6:53 am
"You look... great."
Marilyn drawled, not looking up from her phone where she kept a shorthand version of all of the notes. Walking through the door without giving him a second glance the business woman replied.
"Lin is the collector, I've got him taken care of, Wong is the gambler, hence why I orginised the casino night, he also has a penchant for young women, also taken care of. Lin is single,"
her voice turned wry, "
You can take him."
"Also if they seem to have a thing for illegal substances, don't accept any, also don't eat the blowfish,"
Mari stepped into the cab, waiting for him to sit next to her,
"It's poisonous."
Letting him digest that she carefully set her phone on vibrate and checked her bag again, double checking that she had everything, which she thankfully did and mentally checking her language skills.
Perhaps it had been arrogant to a certain degree, but Marilyn had been 100% sure she was going to get this job and had thus taken an eight week language class, every night, seven days a week, prior to this trip. A skill she was certain would be very handy now.
Stepping out of the cab she was greeted by a face familiar only through pictures.
"Nín hǎo, wáng xiānshēng, zhè shì yīgè hěn gāoxìng zhōngyú kěyǐ miànduìmiàn"
Marilyn smiled and bowed slightly before shaking his hand as commanded the etiquette, greeted by a happy and smiling Mr.Wong who clasped her hand in his.
"This one knows her chinese!"
He grinned,
"Hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ, méngtè zī xiǎojiě, wǒmen yǐjīng tánle nàme jīngcháng zài shǒujī gǎnjué shàng hǎoxiàng wǒmen zhīdào duìfāng hěn qīnmì"
Marilyn laughed and nodded before giving Mr. Lin the same greeting,
"And of course, we could not possibly come without bearing gifts, Mr.Lin, for your collection, I believe.
" The woman presented him with the velvet box holding the coin, much to his pleasure,
"And Mr.Wong, the company would be honoured if you played on the account we provided, on the house, so to say."
Her smile was smooth as her voice and the clients looked very pleased, motioning their thanks and for the two to join them inside.
Casting a smooth smirk in Jake's direction she graciously took the arm offered her by Mr. Wong and walked inside.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:17 am
As they got in to the taxi, Jake listened to the information he was given, nodding slightly. Collector and a gambler with a like for women. Well, he could work with the latter, bar not being very good at gambling he could work on the ladies side of things. "I'm not taking the guy, definitely straight." Jake told the woman, motioning to himself. The notion of accepting illegal substances was also vastly annoying. "I'm not stupid." Jake shot back, shaking his head slightly at the insinuation.
The moment they stepped out of the taxi, Jake was stunned as Marilyn set off in Chinese. Of course she would. Jake kept a polite smile, greeting both men in English with a slight bow and a handshake. Marilyn took centre stage with the greeting and the presenting of gifts, thankful when the conversation turned back to English.
One-nil Marilyn
, Jake conceded as she threw a smirk in his direction. He simply smiled back, not letting her get to him. Following her and Mr Wong in to the casino with Mr Lin at his side, Jake decided to start up conversation with the collector. "So, how is the collection going, Mr Lin? Marilyn informs me you're quite the enthusiast when it comes to coins."
And he was, because for the first half an hour of their meeting, Jake had been pulled in to an in depth conversation on the different types of coins Mr Lin had been collecting for most of his adult life. Jake, of course, was not in the slightest bit interest in any of the conversation, but put on a good show of seeming it. Marilyn had, in all intents and purposes, screwed him over on this one.
Thankfully, Jake was saved from much more, as Mr Wong asked if they'd like to go and get a game of poker in. Jake had agreed after an appropriate pause, not wanting to look too eager and hurt Mr Lin's feelings, but also wanting to get the hell away from the man who had the worst hobby in existence. Poker meant little and less talking, he hoped. "After you, Mr Wong, I'm sure Miss Montez and Mr Lin will join us when they're ready." Jake told the man, standing from his seat and taking his cocktail with him.
Sitting beside Mr Wong at the table, Jake leant over a little bit. "I hope you don't mind, sir, but I play an awful hand at poker, but I'll see that we get a high return on your hand, much as we will with the project." Jake told him smoothly, noticing a group of young Chinese women not too far away. "And after that, I'll make sure you're certainly going home with one of them too." Jake added, a wolfish grin on his lips that was somewhat mirrored on the Chinese man's lips.
One all,
Jake thought to himself. Marilyn could throw himself at the man, but Jake, Jake could most certainly make sure Mr Wong went home with someone.
Last edited by Jake Newbury on Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:22 am; edited 1 time in total
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:37 am
Marilyn spent the first minutes letting the boss relentlessly flirt with her, playing coy and laughing at his jokes whilst leaving Jake to Lin's devices with only the tiniest bit of amusement. But this evening was important, absolutely key to the future business. The Chinese didn't do short term, there was only room for long term partnerships in this business. And that was simply not built in a day.
Or night. But Marilyn was hard at work to build up their trust over the next ten days, that was her goal and she refused to fail. So she smiled politely, bowing out as Jake and Wong went to the poker tables and she and Lin decided to get another drink and discuss the ups and downs of the coin collecting scene. Sure, Mari didn't actually care, but she was a damn good actress and she'd done her research.
But even she could only hold out for so long, thus moving Lin and herself to the poker table, just in time to hear the word 'project' fall from Newbury's idiotic lips. That imbecile, did he not read the information packet she'd written? No. Talk. Of. Business. Wong seemed to have noticed it as well, but thankfully something charmed a smile on his face again.
"I hope you're not boring our new friend with business talk,"
she purred, sliding in to sit right next to Wong, just as Wong revealed his cards and the turnout seemed to be good as the chips were pushed to him,
"Miss Montez, you seem to be my lucky charm,"
he grinned at her and she chuckled.
"Let's test that theory then."
And another round began. Much to Marilyn's relief he won the next game as well, only stopping to order and toast another round of drinks. When Wong excused himself to go to the bathroom Lin followed, leaving Jake and Marilyn alone.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:45 am
"I hope you're not boring our new friend with business talk,"
Jake shook his head at the insinuation, he'd simply dropped the word, not progressed. This was his night off just as it was Mr Wong's, but they surely couldn't deny that this was what they were here for. Business. Jake didn't understand why that had to be carefully stepped around like a ticking time bomb, at all.
After another couple of hands - in which Jake had won nothing - the Chinese men had left for the bathroom, leaving Jake and Marilyn alone. Throwing his cards away after the first glance because he had nothing, Jake turned his attention slightly to Marilyn. "Get off my back, Montez. I know what I'm doing." Jake told her in hushed tones, not looking at her because she was going to be one of those annoying people that turned up when he was just about to get on the right side of someone.
"Also, if you don't plan on fucking him, stop throwing yourself at him, I can get him a number of hot girls in here, but the lecherous bastard won't look away from you with you playing coy." He added, because he could see quite clearly what she was doing, and it was going to backfire on them.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 7:53 am
"Get off my back, Montez. I know what I'm doing."
she drawled, unworried and undaunted, smiling as she took another sip of her drink. He had no idea about doing business with the Eastern World and it was becoming despairingly clear. And whilst for her personally she didn't care of he made a fool of himself on his own time, but this was the company, Louis' company he was representing here.
"Also, if you don't plan on fucking him, stop throwing yourself at him, I can get him a number of hot girls in here, but the lecherous bastard won't look away from you with you playing coy."
Rolling her eyes slightly she set her drink down,
"I'm not supposed to fuck him, we're here to stroke ego not cock. He has a wife and a child, we're supposed to make him happy not get him a lawsuit on his hands. He's a very prominent figure, I'm supposed to be coy, make him feel flattered. Not shove him at a prostitute, good grief, do you have any idea how much that would ruin? To be pulled into a sex scandal on that level?"
she lifted the drink to her lips and put on a smile for the approaching guests.
"As always I'm two steps ahead of you, Newbury."
Mari added under her breath.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:12 am
If there was one thing Jake hated in the world, it was sarcasm, and this woman was the most sarcastic bitch he'd ever met. He disliked her, quite a lot, for that reason and the fact she was here with him, pestering him, making him feel small at every opportunity.
Which, of course, only continued a moment later as she decided now was a good time to tell him that Mr Wong had a family.
Jake was not impressed that she'd kept that important nugget of information from him, of course he'd be married. As she spoke, Jake's jaw began to set with frustration, trying to reign in his anger towards the woman beside him.
"As always I'm two steps ahead of you, Newbury."
"For now." Jake replied evenly, forcing a smile back in to place as Mr Wong and Mr Lin joined them once more. Poker resumed, and Jake left Mr Wong alone, knowing he'd probably said enough for that evening and leaving him to the abysmal flirting with Marilyn that seemed to make him happy.
Mr Lin, however, Jake remembered to be single. He'd definitely been told that, and after checking the man's hands for a ring, Jake had concluded that he was at least not married. Turning his attention to the collector, Jake played his hand whilst keeping up conversation with the man in regards to his social life. Karaoke and drinking featured heavily, with Mr Lin insisting they had to go out some time later in the week. Jake had agreed with good grace, knowing that they had to do anything presented to them to make sure they got the deal accepted.
It was towards the end of the night that Mr Lin finally one his first hand of poker. A rather resounding win too, and the Chinese man knew it. However, the reaction was one that Jake had not anticipated for a moment. The Chinese man's hand had moved to his thigh, quite a lot higher than Jake found comfortable and a squeeze ensued when he won, Mr Lin's eyes moving to Jake as he grinned. "I won!" Mr Lin insisted and Jake nodded eagerly, trying not to think about the hand on his thigh that was much too familiar for someone he'd just met. Mr Lin had moved it begrudgingly a few moments later to collect his winnings, and Mr Wong had decided that it was enough for that evening.
Getting to his feet, Jake had followed both men to the cashier and converted the chips in to cash and Mr Wong and Mr Lin had gone off in their cars after a very long goodbye. When they were finally gone, Jake let out a deep sigh, leaning against the pillar outside as they waited for their taxi. "This is going to be a long ten days." He muttered to himself, thoroughly disgusted with Mr Lin's actions, but knowing he couldn't say anything right now.
Dave: How is she?
Jake: A pain in the ass as usual?
Dave: Going well then?
Jake: I just got touched up by a gay dude. She's breathing down my neck like an angered dragon, and I'm fucking exhausted.
Dave: Hang in there, pal. This is yours for the taking! As is the job
Jake smirked at his phone as they got in the taxi, typical Dave to be so crass. Jake didn't speak all the way home, pointedly ignoring the woman beside him, because he really was not interested in anything she had to say.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:23 am
Marilyn had rarely been so proud of her self control as when she saw Lin's hand on Jake's thigh. It took every ounce to not choke on her drink with laughter, instead just smirking and laughing at whatever Wong had just said.
Luckily the evening didn't drag on, as they all had meetings the next morning, and soon Marilyn was back in the cab with Jake, both on their phones. Jake pointedly ignoring Marilyn and Mari had a smug aura about her as she texted Louis.
Marilyn: Louis, he's an idiot, he nearly screwed up the whole meeting on the first night!
Louis: Patience, Mari. Was it that bad?
Marilyn: Worse. He nearly threw Wong at a hooker.
Louis: ...do try to control him better, then.
Marilyn: It's not my fault he can't see what's blatantly in front of him, his head's too far up his ass!
Louis: Get some rest, love. You need your strength.
Marilyn begrudgingly texted the man goodnight and put her phone away, just as they pulled up. Without another word she grabbed her night bag and strolled into the bathroom to get ready for the night. Then she realised the fact that a) she wasn't exactly dressed for company and b) that they had to share a bed. Ugh. Grand.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:34 am
When they got in, Jake threw off his suit jacket on the nearest chair and undid his tie, heading straight towards the bedroom. He wasn't in the mood for the whole situation anymore, he'd much rather be at home with his family, but of course, this was the joy of working in an international company. Unbuttoning his shirt and discarding it on the floor, Jake took a seat on the bed, undoing his shoes and letting them fall to the floor before discarding his socks.
The suit trousers followed and Jake slipped under the bed sheets, ready to get some much needed sleep.
He'd forgotten about the fact they only had one bed, only remembering when the door opened to admit Marilyn. He was about to ask her what she wanted when he remembered. Opening his eyes once more, Jake's lips settled in to a smirk. "Is this my reward for the evening?" He teased, bringing one knee up subtly so that the covers weren't flush against his body. Of course, she would be the kind who wore such things to bed, not the normal pyjama type. Probably a present from him, too.
Jake simply watched her walk around the bed, smirk in place still. "What will we be doing tomorrow after we've slept together?" Jake asked, purposefully trying to press buttons even if he literally only meant sleeping, it was fun, watching her reaction.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:55 am
"Is this my reward for the evening?"
Marilyn rolled her eyes and slipped out of the robe that had been covering the pale pink silk garments that she wore and setting it on the chair next to the bed, somewhat oblivious to the fact that her garments and underwear didn't quite match up and the top of her thong was ever so slightly peeking out of the top of her shorts.
Then she slid into bed, pulled her reading glasses on and set a huge pile of files onto her lap along with her iphone, comparing data and making notes of their various appointments, checking in with the places that Wong had booked for them the next day. Ever prepared.
"What will we be doing tomorrow after we've slept together?"
Sighing in frustration Marilyn lowered her glasses to look at him sternly,
"Tomorrow we have a luncheon at three with the exectutive board, then a tour of the city and finally..."
she scrolled down,
"...dinner at a karaoke bar with Wong and Lin."
Shuffling her paperwork together she set it on the table with her glasses and got comfortable.
"And don't flatter yourself, Newbury, if you actually slept with me you wouldn't be capable to doing anything the next day."
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:11 am
There were absolutely no rules in Jake's head about looking at women. Therefore, if Marilyn was so eager to present him with her... attire, Jake was going to lap it up where he could. As the woman took off her robe, Jake couldn't help but feel like this was something like heaven. He'd already guessed she'd have underwear as expensive in taste as the rest of her wardrobe, and it was not lacking in the slightest.
Watching her sit down, Jake noticed the type of lingerie she wore and couldn't help the smug smile on his lips. His eyes adverted as she turned in the bed, pulling on a pair of glasses. Jake was almost certain she only had those to appear smarter. The information on what they were doing made Jake nod, a little annoyed that he would have to put up with a drunk Mr Lin again. Joy.
Karaoke made it no better either.
"And don't flatter yourself, Newbury, if you actually slept with me you wouldn't be capable to doing anything the next day."
"I'll look forward to Thursday night then." Jake replied, smirking at the woman before rolling over and shutting off the light on his bedside. He did wish the woman a goodnight, and soon, Jake was asleep, quite deeply asleep. Despite being exhausted, Jake was still up early the next morning, sneaking out of bed, stealing the notes from Marilyn's bedside and heading through to the sofas in the adjoining room to study up on what they would be doing. He didn't bother waking the woman, she would be up, or he would head out on his own, it didn't matter which to him. Breakfast had come and gone, along with a newspaper which Jake had been pouring over after he finished the notes, looking for anything interesting that he could possibly bring in to conversation later that day.
Politics, he knew, he had to stay away from to avoid controversy, but apart from that the newspaper seemed pretty lacking in subjects to talk of. With a sigh, Jake moved to his phone, scrolling through the internet for topics that might come in useful. It was a lot of work, but hopefully, it would bring him something.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:32 am
"I'll look forward to Thursday night then."
Without response the woman turned her light off and went to sleep after setting her watch alarm for seven. And seven came, far too early, but that was the price that came with her job. As much as she hated getting up she knew she had to so she went to the bathroom to get ready and emerged thirty minutes later, grabbing her phone and an apple from the kitchen.
"Are your notes not sufficient, Newbury?"
Mari remarked dryly, having noticed her notes gone from her bedside before, and now strolling into the area Jake was sat in, her eyes on her phone as she skimmed the stock market news. Their company had gone up 2%, that was good, and Mr.Wong had remained stable, also good.
"We'll be back here after the tour to get ready for the evening. Hope you like singing."
She quipped before sitting opposite him.
The lunch went by without anything spectacular. They were polite, they made connections and didn't mention the deal once, so Marilyn, reporting back to Louis simply texted
"He hasn't fucked up, yet, today."
. The tour was something Marilyn actually enjoyed, though she didn't show that to Jake, but Marilyn loved travelling. And through she missed Louis and her grandparents, she had an 'advantage' towards her coworkers. They had families to come home to. Parents. Siblings. Marilyn didn't have that, She lived on her own in a huge penthouse apartment above Central Park.
So travelling was her favorite distraction.
That afternoon they returned to the suite and again Marilyn got ready. This time pinning her curls into
a wavy faux bob
and smirked at her reflection, satisfied in knowing she looked jaw-droppingly sensual and elegant at the same time. Perfect.
"Alright, Newbury, let's get this show on the road,"
she called out, sauntering into the living room.
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:59 am
"Are your notes not sufficient, Newbury?"
Jake ignored the words from his partner. He didn't wish to explain that he'd left his own on the dining table back home as his mom had been so nice to text him that morning. It had been stupid of him, but he could get by, he'd been left shorter before and he had the internet to get what he needed, and Marilyn's notes for what the internet couldn't give him.
"We'll be back here after the tour to get ready for the evening. Hope you like singing."
"I'm pretty sure it won't be my singing that will be watched quite so closely." Jake quipped back, not rising to the bait as he moved off to get ready, pressing the notes in to her hands a little more forcefully than he'd meant to. She was simply getting under his skin, and he didn't like it.
Lunch was okay, making connections wherever they could and doing so quite capably in Jake's corner. His charisma was always the selling point in most deals, and Jake had practically the whole room eating out of his hands from his jokes and his simply well equipped mannerisms of including everyone in a conversation. By the time they were finished Jake was grinning to himself because he'd done good, he knew he'd done good and nothing, not even Marilyn could tell him otherwise.
The tour had been quite something too, and Jake had made sure to get a tonne of pictures so that he could show Victoria when he got home. Jake hadn't really spoken to Marilyn the whole day, which suited him quite nicely, he'd had distractions and they hadn't needed to talk too much.
However, that was always going to be short lived, so after they'd gotten back and Jake had changed in to a simple shirt and tie with smart trousers and shoes, he'd been sat around waiting for Marilyn to get ready.
"Alright, Newbury, let's get this show on the road,"
"Jake. My name is Jake." He told her shortly, pocketing his phone and wallet and picking up a jacket. Not waiting for the woman, Jake headed out of the room and off towards reception, pulling his phone out halfway.
Jake: Swear to God I'm going to be in prison by the end of the week for murder.
Dave: That was a 'bail me out' right?
Jake: You got it.
Dave: Chill, your job is resting on this. Stop trying to out do her and work with her.
Jake: Work with her? Are you serious?
Dave: Try it, nothing people like that hate more.
Jake: You've got to be kidding me.
Dave: Try it.
Sighing, Jake waited for the cab in silence, trying to work out how in the world he could pull that off. An opportunity would arise at some point, wouldn't it? He didn't have a clue.
Mari Caldwell
Auror In-Training
Join date
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:16 am
"Jake. My name is Jake."
"And mine is Marilyn, not that you've made use of that fact,"
The woman quipped without missing a beat. But she could tell that he was starting to lose his nerve. Perfect. The sooner he realised he wasn't cut out for this job the better.
The cab drove them to the downtown area, right up to a large karaoke bar where Wong and Lin were already waiting inside. After the appropriate greetings Marilyn sat down next to Wong, leaving the seat next to Lin free with a small smirk. Two rounds of drinks and a soup later, (wonton, Marilyn loved Chinese food) Wong was up for a song and Marilyn clapped along with the rest of the bar, enduring his poor rendition of 'I was made for loving you' with a steadfast smile.
Wow, he really butchered that song, she thought, but he was having fun and the rest of the bar cheered when he finished, and she cheered with them. The atmosphere was warm and light and it was clear that everyone in the bar was enjoying themselves immensly, which brought a polite smile to Marilyn's lips, who for her part was content to not have to sing.
But, as per usual, that simply wouldn't do.
"You next, Miss Montez, such a pretty lady must amuse herself."
Somehow Mari had the feeling it would not be herself she'd end up amusing. Anything for the client...
"As you wish, Mr.Wong."
She complied and took the stage where her eyes widened momentarily at the song she was given. The woman knew it by heart, due to her love of cheesy films. But this...oh this was going to be mortifying.
She gave it her best, really coöperated with the situation. And she had a nice voice, that she knew, and a bombastic figure, so the woman decided to just use what she had.
"They all say "Darling, what did you do for those pearls?"
What?! I am a good girl..."
-Auror in Training
Made by Me
Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:38 am
As they entered the bar, Jake had greeted the two men warmly, taking a seat after the formalities. He didn't miss that Marilyn had purposefully stitched him up with sitting next to Mr Lin, but he didn't rise to the bait. Two drinks down and the start of dinner, karaoke began. Jake was not up for this in the slightest, especially when Mr Wong crucified a very good song.
Clapping him from the stage, Jake simply gave him a smile and told him he'd done well.
The notion of Marilyn going next pulled Jake's attention though, and as she moved to the stage he subtly drew out his phone and set it to record the whole ordeal. This, was going straight back to the office, of that he was sure. Smirking to himself as the ending came in a flurry of very sexualised sounds, Jake slipped his phone back in to his pocket for later use.
It went without saying that Mr Wong had enjoyed her display greatly, and Jake couldn't deny it had been... well, it had been something he wouldn't mind seeing again, if he was perfectly honest. Thankfully, Jake was saved from having to go up next as a group of young Asian women took to the stage, drunk he was sure from the giggling to sing a song in Chinese that Jake obviously didn't know.
"So, Mr Wong, Mr Lin, I was thinking that if you weren't busy tomorrow morning, we could go to the golf club here. I have a meeting at midday, but I'm sure we could get a round of golf in. Does that sound good to you?" He enquired, looking between the two men.
"Of course!" Mr Wong replied, smiling warmly as Mr Lin also agreed.
"Great! I'll arrange a car for all three of us in the morning. Say nine o'clock?" Jake suggested, purposefully leaving Marilyn out. This would be his time to shine.
"Nine sounds fine!" Both men agreed, and Jake sat back with a smile playing on his lips. "But for now, let us eat!" Mr Wong continued just as the next course was served. It was a mix of different dishes, and Jake made sure to stay away from the things he didn't know what they were. Once Jake had cleared his second plate full (Mr Lin had insisted he ate up, because the food was excellent), the stage seemed to have a shortage of karaoke people.
"Jake, come and sing with me!" Mr Lin insisted and Jake's eyes moved uncertainly to the man but he knew he couldn't deny the man. But as they got to the stage and heard Mr Lin's choice of songs, Jake wanted a very big hole to curl up and die in.
"You do the guys bit!" Mr Lin insisted as the music started. Well... that was better, he guessed.
"Hiya, Barbie!"
"Hi, Ken!"
"You wanna go for a ride?"
"Jump in!"
Never in his whole life had Jake been so mortified, until now. The whole song was the most cringe worthy thing he'd ever done, and for Jake, that took some beating. The reception they received when they finished was outstanding though, and with very, very pink cheeks, Jake sat back at the table.
I want to go home, right now.
Jake told himself, not daring to look at Mr Lin. At. All.
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Subject: Re: Office AU (Marilyn & Jake)
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text:
miércoles, 10 de julio de 2013
Hello there! It's been a while, I've been drawing non stop but I haven't quite scanned all those sketches! So I'll be posting them later (:
In the meantime here is a character design of a girl named Callie (short for Calliope), kinda of a tomboy but still a little feminine deep down, it was for a project that hasn't really took off so...
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
grand inquisitor
(often initial capital letters) the presiding officer of a court of inquisition.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for grand inquisitor
Historical Examples of grand inquisitor
As the office of grand-inquisitor was vacant, he wished to suppress it, and place Portugal under the dominion of that of Spain.
But the stuff of which a grand-inquisitor is made is not apt to be of the yielding sort.
In such a light, we may be quite sure, it would be viewed both by Philip and his minister, the grand-inquisitor.
The grand-inquisitor was clothed with an authority before which the monarch himself might tremble.
Among the enemies raised by Carranza's success, the most implacable was the grand-inquisitor, Valds.


text:
this is an unfinished version of my movie poster
I'm in the midst of writing the full screenplay before approaching the relevant people and finding my Director and Production Manager.
I have been nominated for "Best Song Of The Year" award
and I will find out for sure this coming 28th April at the Anugerah Industri Muzik Awards final night!
You can also find out more about this at BlueHyppo
Results at the 14th A.I.M : I didnt win. I lost to M.Nasir. Ah well..life goes on. This only spurs me on to keep working hard and getting more of my songs out there!.
Hopefully Amber_Mae will enjoy continued success and this may be the start of better things as far as shoots for adverts being shown overseas.This shoot was ( see a couple of photos from FRIM where the shoot was taking place on the 22nd & 23rd of March )for Johnson & Johnson to be shown in India.
Hopefully I will be within a month be displaying an embedded video of the finished advert for you all to view and enjoy. Believe me when I say that this was one tiring adventure!. Lets hope and pray that Amber_Mae will get more offers to be a star in more adverts for the International market!!.
If you are in need for a people-friendly, highly intelligent, well trained and disciplined dog with a big heart to grace your TV advert or Print ad then why dont you give us a call at the following handphone numbers:
Helena: 012 914 7868 Ross : 012 914 8224
Amber_Mae Wins Top Prize Again!!
amber_mae clinches top prize as "most intelligent dog" and "miss k9" at puppy.com's recently held carnival. amber_mae was also featured in the NST and Berita Harian. this is her second award at puppy.com events. how many more can she win?. keep a lookout for her in the near future!
This album is powered by BubbleShare - Add to my blog congratulations to melissa and amber_mae and hearfelt thanks to Puppy.Com
amber_mae in the NST!
amber_mae looks so proud!
this photo speaks for itself!
This album is powered by BubbleShare - Add to my blog
more fotos of our dogs and others!
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fotos of our Chloe!
This album is powered by BubbleShare - Add to my blog
more fotos of our dogs and others!
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fotos of our Chloe!
This album is powered by BubbleShare - Add to my blog
Escort Services ( Canine Division )
CALL Toll Free: 011-8899-DOG-ESCORT-MY
Youre most welcome to drop by anytime. This blog updates regularly mind you.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Is Taylor Hicks the first 'Idol' fluke?
NEW YORK (AP) — "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks needs his Soul Patrol to step up. They were certainly there for him around this time last year, when he was building up a feverish fan base, named the "Soul Patrol." The things about him that irked Simon Cowell — that mop of gray hair and the herky-jerky dance moves that conjured up images of dorky dads loose at a wedding reception — were instead embraced by millions, who later handed him the "Idol" title over the likes of talented hotties Katharine McPhee and Chris Daughtry.
It was like a made-for-primetime fairy tale, starring the soulful-voiced Hicks. But as the all that hoopla died down, Hicks faced a tougher task: making the transition from reality TV star to established soul singer.
So far, not so good — well, not Carrie Underwood "good."
His self-titled, post-"Idol" album, released in December, debuted at No. 2 on the charts. While it has sold a respectable 640,000 copies, it has slid significantly to a dismal rank: 136 this week. Discs by previous winners Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Ruben Studdard performed a lot better in the weeks after they were issued. And finalist Chris Daughtry is near the top of the charts with the self-titled debut of his band Daughtry — they have sold over 1 million records.
Geoff Mayfield, a senior analyst at Billboard, said he's got "a strong suspicion that (Hicks) might be the first winner who falls shy of a million units."
There's a reason for that, said Tom Corson, executive vice president of J Records, a label within Sony-BMG, which signs the show's singers. Hicks took a little longer than some of the other Idols to complete the album, he said, and his first single, "Just To Feel That Way," debuted on radio's airwaves only three weeks ago.
"It's a work in progress, and, would we have liked to sell a little bit more? Yeah. But (the album is) still gold and on its way to platinum," Corson told The Associated Press this week. "And, if the single performs, we'll turn it around, so we're quite — we're quite optimistic about things as it stands right now."
The power ballad "Just To Feel That Way," in which he urges a lover to try to make the relationship work, sits at No. 26 on the adult contemporary radio charts, Mayfield said.
"With Taylor, you're going into an adult format," Corson said. "We hope it translates younger, but the music right now is much more adult. It's a longer burn, a longer process."
Hicks' target audience is a bit more passive, said Corson, who noted that "it just takes a little longer to get those people to buy."
And Hicks, who is out on a nationwide tour in support of the album, has a plan to boost sales.
"It's slow and steady wins the race," he said Tuesday in a phone conversation with the AP. "You know, to have overnight record success, you know, it's tough to do. You have to massage the record buying audience as much as you have to massage the live performing audience, you know?"
So he's going to take a grassroots approach.
"I think the best thing for me as an artist is to get out and be with the people and tour the record," he said. "And go to the radio stations and be personable."
Is the Soul Patrol, whose members proudly brandished "Pick Hicks" signs on "Idol" last year, still going strong?
"I mean, it's been a packed house every night," said Hicks. "It's a very musical show and it's very real and very raw. And that's who I am as an artist."
Hicks, who has studied the stage moves of passionate, soulful performers like James Brown and Sly Stone, could have a better shot at success in front of a live audience than on the radio, said Mayfield.
"I think he could have at least some legs as a live performer," he said. "The one thing I can tell you is I'm sure that a lot of thought was given to this album, and it just doesn't appear to be a particularly friendly radio climate for whatever niche you would assign to what he does. And I'm not even really sure how to classify him."
That could be the problem, said Barry James, a program director at the Chicago-based radio station 100.3, which plays a boomer-friendly mix of classic dance and R&B hits.
"Taylor is a terrific club, local band singer," James said in an e-mail to the AP. "He is, however, so narrowly imaged that he'll never break out of it. He's Michael McDonald's little brother (for lack of a better term)."
James said he HAS an image, "but it's not one with broad appeal. Is he sweet? The bad boy? The sexy chick magnet? The whacked out artist? The `dark' one? The answer is none of the above."
One thing, though, is certain: The guy needs a radio hit if he wants to make on impact on major markets, said Sharon Dastur, a program director at the New York-based radio station Z100, which plays Top 40 songs. His chances for that are hampered by the album's classic rock feel, she said.
"I think that if he just made it more of a current pop sound, but still he could showcase his soulful vocals in a more current way, that it would still be true to the way he writes and the way he performs," Dastur said.
It's too early to tell how things might end up, said Hicks, but, in the meantime, he's happy to be onstage. And he's very thankful for that moment on "American Idol," an undeniably successful launching pad.
And he knows his "Idol" win was no fluke.
"I think you have to set yourself apart," Hicks said. "And, you know, you really can't pull the wool over 34 million people live. That's just tough to do, you know?"
On the Net:
Taylor Hicks Official Site
American Idol
Posted by Ross Ariffin at 5:16 am
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James E. Slovak, 86, of Patterson Heights, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 24, 1927, in West Mayfield, he was the son of the late Martin and Frances (Kozumplik) Slovak. James was a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC Local 9) for over 60 years and a member of the West Mayfield Vets Club.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemarie (Tribone) Slovak whom he married September 27, 1947; two sons and daughters-in-law, James E., II and Christine Slovak, Wexford and Raymond and Lisa Slovak, Brighton Twp.; a daughter, Marilyn Slovak, Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren, Bethany, Sarah, Douglas, Steven and Gregory; three great-grandchildren, Maren, Mina, and Skylar and two sisters, Mary Belkowski, Norristown, PA and Frances Majcher, Allison Park.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Martin Slovak, and two sisters, Sylvia Trn and Adele Conti.
James donated his body to science through the Humanity Gifts Registry.
Friends will be received Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 3 p.m. until time of memorial service at 4 p.m. in the HILL & KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls, with the Rev. Steve Maker, of Chapel P.C.A officiating.
The family request no flowers; memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite 201, Monaca, PA 15061.


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STRASBURG — A committee set up to make changes within the Strasburg Fire Department following the arrest of six department members has forced the removal of the department's president and vice president.
During the first meeting of the Strasburg Fire Department's Restructuring Committee on Monday, the committee voted unanimously to remove Glenn Mason from his position as department president and remove David Atchison from his position as department vice president, Town Manager Wyatt Pearson and Mayor Rich Orndorff said. In their place, the committee voted to install Vince Poling, a committee member and former department member, as interim president; and Milton Painter, a department member, as interim vice president.
Pearson said that most of the discussion about Mason and Atchison occurred in a closed session, so he could not say why the committee voted to oust the two from their positions. Instead, he stated the concerns he said members of the council had expressed during an earlier closed-session meeting.
"When you have Mr. Mason at the head of that organization…and no action was taken regarding the arrests and that disciplinary action may not have been implemented effectively over there to ensure that these sort of things did not happen regarding the Fire Department, that's the most logical choice is to give [department members] a change of leadership," Pearson said.
Mason has not responded to a request for comment.
Pearson initially said that Monday's meeting was not open to the public but later indicated that he had made a mistake in interpreting whether the committee's meetings are open to the public under Virginia's public records law. He and Orndorff later summarized the meeting to the Northern Virginia Daily.
Pearson and Orndorff added that the committee appointed George Rathore as interim secretary and Wendy Williams as interim treasurer for the department. Rathore was previously the department secretary, while Williams was treasurer.
In addition, the department set a process for appointing operational officers within the department, which Pearson said would allow the department to vote to install an operations captain during its next meeting. The department does not have an operations captain because Chris Pangle, who was charged in December with a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resigned from his position, Orndorff said.
Pangle and former Fire Chief Dale King are still members of the department, Orndorff added. But that could change during the department's next meeting. Mason said in an earlier interview with the Northern Virginia Daily that by the end of the department's April meeting, the department will likely have removed all six members who were charged in December.
The restructuring committee's moves on Monday come less than a month after Pearson and Orndorff presented Fire Department members with a letter from the town. That letter demanded that the Fire Department allow the Town Council to appoint an interim chief and appoint a committee to enact changes to the Fire Department's bylaws and rules.
In addition, the committee has administrative authority over the department for as long as it remains in place. During Monday's meeting, Pearson said, the committee agreed that the department would have to seek approval for any expenditures over $3,000.
Orndorff said that Williams' position of interim treasurer, Poling's position of interim president and Painter's position of interim vice president are all meant to be temporary.
"We reaffirmed there's no desire for the town to operate a department fire and rescue," Orndorff added. "We believe in the volunteer system, and we want the volunteer system to work."
Correction: This article has been corrected to reflect the spelling of Vince Poling's name.


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Diving in Thailand
When most people talk about diving in Thailand, the chances are they're talking about Koh Tao. This island is the main diving destination in the entire gulf of Thailand; in fact it is the number one place in the world to 'get your PADI'. The entire island is surrounded by rock pinnacles, reefs and shallow bays, perfect for new divers in training or seasoned divers alike.
We own our own villa on Koh Tao, and this is now available for all Orca Scuba customers. If you'd like to explore Koh Tao, this is a great place to start, and we'll manage everything on your behalf from the moment you decide to book. From accommodation and activities to transfers and general holiday advice, we're always ready to help you. We use Cape Shark Villa frequently ourselves - it's truly a wonderful home-away-from-home.
Koh Tao is not only visually stunning, it also has a lovely, laid back atmosphere and friendly feel. The island is typically filled with divers, and it's common to overhear stories of sharks, turtles and whatever other critters have been spotted that day. We think you'll love it.
"It's easy to see why travellers come to Koh Tao seeking a few days' R-and-R and end up staying for weeks or months at a time. The island's laid-back vibe is catching, the food surpasses expectation and the diving is out of this world." TripAdvisor
When is the best time of year to dive in Thailand?
Koh Tao offers diving opportunities all-year-round, but one of the busiest times is July-to-August. The visibility at this time is around 20 metres, and the water temperature is a comfortable 29C or so. Above water, the temperature is a bit cooler than at other times of year, often with a nice cooling breeze.
Monsoon season is around November or December. At this time the water is not as calm, so visibility and temperature drop a little, but the ocean is still diveable in the many sheltered bays.
Mid-February-to-May brings hotter weather. Most spring days offer sun all day long. At this point the viz can be up to 30 meters and water temperature goes up to 31C. The island is quieter at this time of the year, with fewer tourists, fewer dive boats and thus fewer divers at dive sites. This is also the predominant breeding and mating season, which means you'll see very large schools of small fish. Spotting of whale sharks is also more frequent, although whale sharks can be spotted at Koh Tao at all times of the year.
Activities for non-divers and families
Not so keen on trying diving? No worries, the island offers a vast array of activities for the non-diver. If you don't want to dive but still enjoy the water, there are literally dozens of pristine snorkelling locations, just off the shoreline. Also, with several hills and hiking paths, Koh Tao is an ideal place for those who like to strap on some walking shoes and get away from it all.
Thailand is well known for great massages and Koh Tao offers plenty of reputable, family-run places that offer a professional massage service. For those keen on staying in shape, there are plenty of gyms on the island, most of which offer weekly as well as monthly memberships. You can also do rock climbing, Muay Thai / MMA, yoga, cooking classes, kayaking, mini-golf, shooting, cliff jumping, flying trapeze...
What facilities are there on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao has most of the facilities you would expect from a well developed resort island: a few smaller supermarkets, plenty of bars and restaurants, a clinic with a few beds to stay overnight, and emergency services. Visitors in need of serious medical assistance are usually transported to Koh Samui, where there is a hospital.
For those seeking night life, there are a few clubs in the area of Sairree beach, leaving the rest of this tiny island quiet and peaceful at night. There are plenty of taxis to drive you where you want to go and, for those keen on their own transportation, scooters can be rented on every corner of the island. (Please do keep in mind scooter accidents are plentiful on Koh Tao island!).
Food-wise, Koh Tao has a great selection, with a good mix of Thai, international and fusion menus. Here's a review of some of the best restaurants, which you might find useful.
What's the diving like on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is renowned as a dive capital in SEA. In fact, it is believed that 15% of all diver certifications worldwide come from this tiny speck of an island in the gulf of Thailand. Yes, this does mean that it is a busy place to dive, but why do so many people go year-after-year?
First of all, the diving is very easy on Koh Tao. There is little-to-no current, all diving is done from a boat, and the boats run like clockwork, making it some of the most convenient diving you are ever likely to encounter. The island's shallow bays are perfect for straightforward dives and training, and there are plenty of healthy coral reefs and reef fish.
Because the island is so small you'll never have to travel far. Dive shops are normally just a short hop from the boats and within 15-30 minutes you can reach almost all of the dive sites
Koh Tao's Best Dive Sites
Satakut 742
The depth and condition of Koh Tao's dive sites makes them perfect for beginners, but they're also interesting enough for more advanced divers too. One favourite is a fantastic, east-to-reach wreck called the 'Satakut 742'. It is a 42-metre-long World War 2 infantry carrier, with an impressive cannon on the bow. This wreck often shows up as part of the PADI Advanced course, but it makes for a great fun dive, for those who are already certified.
Twins and White Rock
'Twins' and 'White Rock' are two of the most popular dive sites - perhaps because they and are only a ten-minute boat ride from shore. Though quite busy they are still a treat. Both sites have many large coral heads covered in colourful Christmas tree worms. There are also schools of squirrelfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish, triggerfish, bannerfish, angel and butterflyfish, groupers and snapper. As if that weren't enough, there's also a decent chance of seeing blue spotted sting rays, moral eels, turtles, sea snakes, pipefish and cleaner or boxer shrimps. White rock offers amazing night dives with many great barracuda hunting around you at an almost uncomfortable distance. Right next to twins (even possible to do on the same dive) is 'buoyancy world' - a man-made assault course for practicing your buoyancy control. Great fun!
Tao Chumphon Pinnacle - one of the best dives you'll ever do?
Many people say this about the North East of Tao Chumphon Pinnacle. It's a huge set of pinnacles, like the tip of a mountain range sticking up from the bottom at depths of between 30m to 15m. Suitable for all levels and often used as the final dive on the OW course, this dive is also just a 30-minute boat ride from Koh Tao.
Tao Chumphon Pinnacle is largely covered in sea anemones and clownfish and has many canyons, troughs and gullies. These make convenient hiding places for crustaceans, eels and some huge Malabar groupers. Head south west to Barracuda rock and hang out at around 25 metres for the chance to see some big stuff, such as schools of Fosters and Chevron barracuda, giant groupers, cobias, queenfish and, if you are lucky, perhaps sharks.
From time-to-time big bull sharks are spotted visiting the site. These may hang around for a few weeks before disappearing again. Chumphon is also one of the places you are most likely to see whale sharks.
Koh Tao whale sharks
Koh Tao is renowned for its whale sharks, of which more and more seem to appear every year. The best time to see them is May, although they can be spotted all-year-round.
South West Pinnacle
Southwest of Koh Tao is the aptly named South West Pinnacle - another breathtaking site. Quite similar to Tao Chumphon, except a single giant peak, South West Pinnacle emerges from the sea bed at around 25 metres, and stretches all the way up to about 5 metres below the surface. The main pinnacle is surrounded by a batch of smaller peaks and a huge boulder garden, where you can find sea fans, large groupers and large schools of smaller reef fish. This is also a good site for whale sharks and large schools of chevron barracudas.
Take a dive course in Koh Tao, Thailand
Although headquartered in Singapore, with our main dive centre on Pulau Rawa, Orca Scuba also offers a complete range of dive courses in Koh Tao. We have a fully equipped dive room, with compressor, at our base there, plus the ability to dive directly in front of your accommodation. Our approach to instruction in Thailand is flexible - but typically when our customers travel to Koh Tao to dive, our dive instructors will be based on site. That not only means our people are always on hand for help and advice, but also it means that they can tailor the dive schedule to suit your specific requirements. If you're interested in a dive course in Thailand you can find more course information here.
What's the easiest way to get to Koh Tao?
There are three main options for travelling to Koh Tao, depending on your budget and preference:
- The quickest and easiest, but also the most expensive option, is to take a flight to Koh Samui and then a ferry to Koh Tao
- A second option is taking a flight to Chumphon, then a bus to the pier and the ferry to Koh Tao
- Many backpack travellers travel by bus or train to Chumphon to take the ferry to the island
At Orca scuba we offer a fully customised booking process. Let our team do the heavy lifting in helping you plan your travel at no extra cost. You can contact the team here - just give us a call or request a call back at a time that's convenient.
"For an island of only 21km squared, Ko Tao packs a punch..."
What accommodation do we offer on Koh Tao?
Orca Scuba Koh Tao offers its very own private 4-bedroom villa. Situated in the quiet, southernmost corner of the island, it offers private access to the ocean at Shark Bay, and sits within the small, friendly neighbourhood of Cape Shark. Watch our video here.
The main house features three bedrooms, each equipped with a double bed. There's also a fourth bedroom with two single beds down by the ocean. Customers can rent all four rooms themselves, or may want to reserve the fourth room for their Orca Scuba dive crew. Whatever your preference, each bedroom is well appointed and has a private bathroom with shower.
The main house has a splash pool, indoor and outdoor living area, and fully appointed kitchen, with a large fridge, dishwasher, oven, toaster, microwave, plates and cutlery.
If you'd like to rent more than one villa, or need something a different size, we can arrange the rental of other buildings within the Cape Shark complex. Please just let us know your requirements and we'll make sure you have the ideal set-up.
To find out more information...
Dive & Stay in South East Asia
For diving holidays in South East Asia, you're in the right place. Orca Scuba is a Five Star PADI centre, offering the very best dive trips in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond.
Diving in Singapore
Orca Scuba provides diving in Singapore. Founded in 2014, its goal is to provide the highest quality fun diving and dive courses Singapore has ever seen.
Diving in Malaysia
Orca Scuba currently provides diving in Malaysia from two locations - Kuala Lumpur and Pulau Rawa. Here we cover all aspects of diving and instruction.
Special Dive Programs
Orca Scuba offers special programs, like dive camps and team building, for private customers, schools, universities, companies and other organisations.


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South Africa
Christmas came early this year for the homeless in Cape Town when volunteers organized a free lunch for them. Over 700 meals of roast chicken, potatoes, pasta and salad were served.
Many of the recipients of the lunch were migrants who came to South Africa looking for work and opportunities but found themselves on the street with no exit plan.
According to census data, South Africa has an estimated 1.7 million foreigners living within its borders, most of them from countries like Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.
I left Mozambique to come to Cape Town because of jobs and I was working the very first time I came here because I wanted to work doing a catering job, I wanted to do hotel management and work at the big restaurants.
"I left Mozambique to come to Cape Town because of jobs and I was working the very first time I came here because I wanted to work doing a catering job, I wanted to do hotel management and work at the big restaurants, I had that dream, I started at a few restaurants and then I ended up doing drugs," said Reuben Mendez, a homeless man living in Cape Town.
It is estimated that there are over 7000 homeless people living on the streets of Cape Town.
State authorities say they the 2000 beds available at night shelters in The Salvation Army and The Haven are far from enough.
"There was a figure of seven and a half (thousand) homeless people, and then to make matters worse there are only about two thousand beds for them to sleep on so you can imagine we have about five thousand that literally sleep on the streets," explained Doppio Zero restaurant owner.
Although it is one of the continent's economic power houses, South Africa is grappling
with high unemployment, poor public services and crime.
"When we wake up in the morning, we have to pack our clothes and blankets and
then we hide them in the drains, it's like we are stealing from each other you
understand," explained a homeless mother, Nonzami Ndiza.
Immigrants have in the past been targeted in violent xenophobic attacks intended to force them out of the country.
In October, South Africa cut it's GDP growth forecast by half to 0.5% due to contractions in agriculture, mining and manufacturing as well as perceptions of elevated political risk.


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Latest update for classes bug
Jennie — Feb 15, 2017 05:39AM MST
When is the update going to be completed resolving the issue with the group classes booking as it has now been a month with no reponse and it was promised January. I have a very agitated client who needs this resolved.
3 Community Answers
Abel - Feb 17, 2017 at 11:47AM MST
WP Events Planner Agent
Hi Jennie.
Very sorry. As with most software projects, it takes longer and is harder than anticipated. I am getting very close.
Let's do this. Please set me up with a temporary WP admin and FTP access and I will fix it until we get v3 rolled out. I will reach out to you via email also.
Thanks, Abel
Jennie - Jul 05, 2017 at 01:00AM MDT
Nothin done here?
Jennie - Aug 09, 2017 at 07:32AM MDT
Is there any resolution to this please as there have been no updates and 6 months later it is getting a bit tiresome.


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Ed Snell's Pharmacy Shop
Pocatello and surrounding communities have supported our little personal store since March 1988. You have seen us through many trials including my daughter Ambie's brush with death. You have been there to celebrate the marriage of our kids and the birth of 23 grandkids. 18 of Ed's and 5 of Roger's. Wow look what happens in 23 years! We have truly been blessed to share all this with so many of you. We look forward to decades of service yet to come.
Many of you were there when we opened the store on 8th street. That was a small energy efficient store where we offered only prescriptions. The community asked for more and we kept bringing in more products and services so we outgrew the building in no time. So when Floyd and Peggy Anderson decided to sell the Cinnamon Tree building we were fortunate enough to make that happen. We now occupy five time more space than that first store and we get to supply our customers with lift chairs, home IVs, compounded hormones, C-PAP and home oxygen. We were really blessed when Big John closed down his retail store and we were able to hire Jerry Conlin to manage our huge supplement center.
Today, pretty much anything you need for your health we have in the store. If we don't, we can get it. Your one stop shop for all your health care needs.
Phone Number: 208-232-0049
Address: 1015 East Young Street, Pocatello, ID 83201
Map: click here


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Tajibayeva Lola Alisherovna
University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities National University of Uzbekistan named. after M. Ulugbek, the department of sociology. After graduation worked in large companies - JSC «Avesta Investment group» Center for Economic Research, InfoCapital Group, specializes in large market and public opinion research. Has experience in several national and international projects. In 2015 has received a master's degree on the Faculty of Philosophy in "information-psychological security of social processes and systems." Thesis: "Environmental Safety in providing water resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan". Since September 2015 working as a teacher of sociology at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.
Research Interest
global and environmental challenges of our time, water resources, security and psychological security.
Водные ресурсы как фактор экологической безопасности. Национальный Университет, 2015 г.
Экологическая безопасность в обеспечении водными ресурсами в Республике Узбекистан. Сборник Национального Университета, 2014 г.


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The Best Mobile Solution for Managing Prospects
Close business anytime, anywhere from your smartphone and desktop.
Close business anytime, anywhere from your smartphone and desktop.
IF YOU ANSWERED YES - OA Mobile is a game changer. Sales will soar and your business will never be the same.
OA Mobile is the easiest and fastest way to close prospects. Here's how.
With phone in hand, simply tap 'Add Prospect' to add the name, phone number, etc., then select the sales goal and interest level if any. Automatically you're prompted for your next action. Actions include: call now, schedule a call, send an email and more. Your actions automatically appear on your prospect to do list on the day you select.
When the time is right, pop into to your Prospect To Do List to keep your prospects moving forward and close more business.
Gain the competitive advantage with the perfect one-on-one mobile sales process. Whether you spend 1 or 50 hours a week on sales, OA Mobile makes every minute count.
OA Mobile learns from you! As you use OA Mobile, it adjusts itself to work the way you do.
View and share prospects with any co-worker. Vacation time, no problem. Quickly and easily move a prospect from one co-worker to another.
We combine the activities of each Prospect Sales Log to create an easy-to-use, daily Prospect To Do List. You don't have to remember anything since OA Mobile remembers for you. What to do now and what to do next, you are always covered.
OA Mobile works great and looks beautiful on any smartphone, tablet or computer. Wherever you go your prospect to do list is with you.
Since 1991 companies world-wide have trusted us with their data. Unlike other internet services your data is never sold, rented or otherwise available to anyone. It is your critical asset and we keep it that way.
With OA Mobile, create email newsletters, custom email templates and marketing campaigns that keep you in front of your clients and prospects. Advertise your current offers and OA Mobile will let you know who is interested so you can easily add them to your Prospect Manager to follow-up.
Easily create and organize your mailing lists like no other product. Since its beginnings in 1991, our award-winning designs make for the best address book ever.
Organize your contacts your way with categories and sub-categories. Create categories for occupations, events, products or anything else you can think of.


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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is open to the possibility of one day coaching in Major League Soccer but says there is no chance of him heading Stateside while his hunger for success in European club football remains.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is open to the possibility of one day coaching in Major League Soccer but says there is no chance of him heading Stateside while his hunger for success in European club football remains.
Jose Mourinho, widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football, said he would be interested in coaching in the MLS to "give something back" to a developing football community.
But just as Jose Mourinho has rebuffed opportunities to coach at international level, he has ruled out a switch anytime soon. Asked if he ever saw himself coaching in the MLS, Mourinho told reporters: "One day, not now, for the same reason I say 'one day, not now' for national teams.
"Because for national teams it's one game every two months, one big competition every two years. Yes maybe I would like that one day but not now. For the MLS, yes, one day. But why not now? Because I want to be in the best competitions. I want to be in the Champions League, the Premier League, I want to have the biggest challenges."
But Jose Mourinho admitted he was attracted by the idea of helping the MLS develop.
"I would like to contribute with something where lots of people are loving the game. We feel we have to give something. Why not try to give something back?"
Several high-profile European and South American stars such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka have all headed to the MLS in recent seasons, a trend that Mourinho applauds.
"We still miss these guys Kaka, Lampard, Gerrard," said Mourinho. "But to have these guys can only help the league."
Jose Mourinho said as the global profile of the MLS improved it had given younger players "the idea of what the MLS can be.
Not just the end of their career for some but the beginning of their career for many," Mourinho said.
"I think the league is going in the right direction. Soccer can't compete to be the number one in North America. But if I compare soccer now with 2004, which is when we came here for the first time, it's much bigger."
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My Favorite Crochet Afghans
Do you have a favorite crochet book? Maybe it's the beautiful images that draw you back again and again, daydreaming about the gorgeous projects you have envisioned. Perhaps you placed every pattern in its pages on your queue, or you have a few projects you have made over and over again for yourself and as gifts.
One of my all-time favorites is Unexpected Afghans by Robyn Chachula. Crochet afghans are a fantastic gift, a great way to stashbust, and an unparalleled way to stay warm. The twenty-nine pillows and blankets are broken down into five categories: Cables, granny motifs, color, lace, and Tunisian. And at least one afghan in each category is in the running for becoming my next afghan project.
First there is the Croises Cable Afghan by Annie Modesitt. The allover cables make this solid-colored blanket interesting and provide plenty of front post treble crochet practice. The intertwining cable pattern is easy enough to memorize but intricate enough that crocheting this afghan will never be boring. This would also modify beautifully into a gorgeous baby blanket.
The Dots + Poppies Baby Blanket by Linda Permann is another fabulous option for a baby afghan that is not quite typical. It's also a great way to have fun with color and use up leftover yarn. I think this mod blanket would also be a showstopper as a full-size afghan for the living room or bedroom.
Mary Beth Temple's Bethlehem Star Afghan was inspired by the quilt pattern of the same name. The classical warmth of this afghan, worked in individual blocks of color, is a stark contrast to the vibrancy of the Dots + Poppies Baby Blanket, but this afghan makes me want to curl up on the porch on a cold winter evening. I'm thinking cool blues and warm browns.
Afghans aren't relegated to cold weather though. A great option for spring, the Damask Afghan by Marly Bird encases three panels of delicate lace in bands of cluster stitch. The lace panels are created from lightweight motifs that are joined as you go. This afghan would look gorgeous draped across my bed.
My final contender is the Starburst Entrelac Afghan by Megan Granholm. This Tunisian crochet afghan is worked in entrelac rows of diamonds in alternating colors to create a brilliant starburst. The resulting octagonal afghan is a showstopper in any room. And the colors are perfect!
I'd love to know which afghan is your favorite! Let me know which afghan you would start first. Order or download your copy of Unexpected Afghans today.
Best wishes,


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Here we are in the middle of July already, and another Tuesday has arrived. That means there is a new colour challenge at The Outlawz.
This week Penny chose the inspirational photo, colour palette and twist, to create your own background, for the wonderful cards made by the DT. Come and have a look at their cards, and then we would really love you to join us in this challenge.
The sponsor is once again Bugaboo Stamps and I have used the image Bug Brat - Jesse Moon, which you can find HERE
Isn't it amazing how sometimes you can have a plan in your head and none of that will work when you start making the card, and not anything that you haven't done before, but somehow it just doesn't come together.....well this was one of those, so after a few attempts I just went with this one
Paper - green cardstock, matted with my background, which was coloured with Pan Pastels and then with a stencil and gold pan pastel created the stars, which don't show up too well. I then added a few peel-off stars.
Image was coloured with Distress inkpads, added glitter on the wings and a light pearly layer on the clothes, but this doesn't show up on the photo.
Sentiment - Just Right stamps
I will enter this in some challenges:
Cutie Pie challenge #73...Use a cute digi
Love to Scrap challenge #33...Anything goes"
My Craft Creations ...Anything goes
Chalk-ah-lot challenge #62 ...Anything goes with chalk
Crafting at the Weekend #3...Anything goes
Pumpkin Spice challenge #78...Anything goes


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Today was the rescheduled kids' Christmas party at Adam's work. Unfortunately, Adam couldn't go, so Nan came with me and the kids. It was the same old fun...basketball net, jumping mat, crafts and colouring. Harrison and Ella both had fun...Benny seemed indifferent.
Even Santa showed up! He knew all the kids' names (which really impressed Ella) and where they live.
Harrison had the most fun running around after his pal Carson. He had a little trouble keeping up...
...but he did okay. Luckily there was a ton of room in the cafeteria where the party was held, for the kids to run around.
After Santa made the rounds, he sat down by the tree and gave each child a gift. Harrison amazed me by going right over and sitting on Santa's knee.
Benjamin also sat with Santa, but Ella would have no part of it. I held her hand and took her over to get her gift...there's no picture!
Before we packed up to go home, Ella decorated (and gobbled up) a gingerbread cookie. These little guys sure put my cookies to shame - they had a bit more meat on their bones.
We were glad the party worked out after the previous week's snow day - it's great tradition for the kids!
Thanks for reading :D


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. The linkages between water, energy, and climate emerge on a tactical level for business. Both water and energy are essential to every aspect of life: social equity, ecosystem integrity and economic sustainabilityWater is used to generate energy; energy is used to provide waterBoth water and energy are used to produce crops; crops can in turn be used to generate energy through biofuel and caloric intake.
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Size: 6 / 750 mL
Grape Varieties: Several local varieties, in traditional vineyards, where predominates the Touriga Franca grape variety. Vines are over 90 years old.
A deep ruby color, with a narrow halo of violet / blue. Flavor is fresh, with ripe black fruit, integrated tannins and soft and slight vanillic. Long finish of great elegance.
Aged 15 months in 2251 new French oak barrels
Goes well with red meat, gamey and seasoned dishes. It is also a good match for traditional Mediterranean dishes.