text:
It was too cold. Rachel twined her fingers together and wriggled her toes, but it didn't help much. She probably just needed to go put on socks, but it was still strange. The rest of her family didn't seem to mind, as they sat in the living room with her, watching some stupid movie. Even Raven was fine, and Rachel thought it was somehow unfair she of all people could better tolerate a chill. "Does it feel a bit cold to anyone else?"
"Nah, I'm fine." Her dad shrugged.
"Oh, no. But do you want me to turn up the heat?" Her mom looked at her, about to get up off of the couch.
Rachel waved a hand dismissively. "No, that's fine. I'm just a little chilly. I can put on some heavier clothes, we don't need to bake everyone for my sake."
Raven giggled. "Yeah, thanks for taking one for the team. I think the temperature is finally starting to catch up to the time of year. I wonder if the weather will, too, or if we'll just get another storm tonight."
Rachel all but groaned at the thought. "I sure hope not. I really don't need a storm waking me up early for the third night in a row." She got up out of her comfy chair, and stepped over to the window to look outside. It was dark out already, and she could see the room reflected in the glass. She tried to look past the four seated figures, to peer into the yard. But there wasn't much to see, no hint to how the weather was going to pan out. Rachel stared for a few long moments anyways, before a chill crept up her spine. She shifted her eyes a little.
There were four seated figures in the reflection. Her mother and father on the couch, and Raven in one of the chairs, looking towards her. Her own pale face stared back at her at full size, with all her familiar piercings and a slightly unnerved expression. And in her chair, where she couldn't quite focus her eye— she spun around to confront the empty recliner. Of course. She took in a deep breath, and put a hand to her forehead.
Raven furrowed her brow. "Hey, Rachel. Is everything okay?"
"Oh, yeah. Sorry, I just thought I saw something." She regretted that as soon as she said it. Her parents were both looking over at her too, now. "I think it was a bug. Anyways, I'm going to go get some socks already." That seemed to settle things satisfactorily for her parents, but Raven was still looking at her with some concern. Why did her twin sister have to be so perceptive when it came to her, specifically? It was stupid to be annoyed, but Rachel didn't want anyone worrying over her. It was nothing. It almost felt like other people acknowledging it would make it something, somehow. She was being stupid, but...
She walked over to her room. She rifled through a dresser drawer to find a pair of socks, and settled on a pair of thick black ones. She bent down to put them on, but then stood back up. She stepped to her windows and pulled her curtains shut. Then she put her socks on, and that little bit of her brain that screamed she was being watched didn't go off. That was better. She stretched and yawned, and then dug out her phone. It was 9:29, apparently. Too early for bed, but she felt like she could go to sleep. And what did her schedule even matter anymore? Besides, it had been dark for like three hours already.
She headed back out to get some water before bed. While she was in the kitchen, she looked over to the living room. "I'm going to go to bed. Night, everybody." Her family wished her goodnight back, and Rachel yawned again. She went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth, then slowly looked up to the mirror. No surprises.
She went back into her room, and shut the door behind her, with a good click. She yawned again, and went about changing into a pair of warm pajamas. Then she spied one of her curtains wasn't quite covering the window fully. She stepped over to fix it, and saw her reflection in the glass. And behind her, she could see an indistinct round silhouette, like a head looking over her left shoulder. She wasn't directly looking at it, but it wasn't hiding at the edge of her vision either. She took care not to move her eyes to look closer at it or turn her head back towards it, and slowly reached back with her left arm. She moved it to where the silhouette would have been, roughly. She only touched air, of course. But the silhouette moved away from her arm, as though it was being pushed, and a whole humanoid figure was pushed out from behind her. Rachel's eyes instinctively tracked it, and it didn't go away when she looked directly at it.
Even when in focus, it looked indistinct. It kept moving, stepping backwards and away from her arm, then darted out of the span of the reflection. Rachel swallowed, and turned around. Her room was empty. Of course. She sighed, and rubbed at her eyes. She couldn't quite brush that aside. Was it just sleep deprivation? Or was this something serious? Rachel sighed, hit the lights, and got into her bed. She could try to figure that out after a good night's sleep.
But when she closed her eyes, she couldn't get the creepy images out of her head. She tried to think of nothing, counting sheep, happy memories, but nothing barred the thoughts of imaginary monsters from slinking back into her mind's eye. Further reinforcing them in her subconscious was definitely the last thing she needed. Rachel eventually gave in, and got up out of bed.
She plodded back into the living room, yawning again. "Hey, Raven. I changed my mind. Could I borrow your radio? I need something to fall asleep to."
"Oh, yeah of course. Here, I'll go get it." She smiled warmly, and got up off the couch. Rachel wanted to say she didn't have to get up, but it didn't really matter. And maybe Raven would rather be the one to take things out of her own room, anyways. It only took a moment for her to come back out and hand over her small silver radio.
"Thanks a bunch. I'm actually going to sleep, now. Night, everyone, for real this time." Rachel lazily waved, and went back to her room.
She shut the door and listened for the click, and then saw that her curtain was half-open. Hadn't she just shut it? Rachel shook her head, and walked over to pull it closed. She made a point not to look for any reflection. Then she pulled out the antenna of her radio and turned it on. Instantly, there was a young woman's voice listing off numbers with no inflection or emotion. "Two six four one two one four" Rachel turned a dial on the side, and the numbers were replaced by static, and then an advertisement. After some hunting between the stations, she found something playing classical music, and lowered the volume a little. That would have to do for lullabies.
She climbed into bed, shut her eyes, and let her thoughts focus on the soft sounds of string instruments and woodwinds. It made for a good distraction, and she managed to finally drift off to sleep.
A sudden crash woke Rachel up, a clatter and metallic hiss ringing in her ears. Then came another crash, and this time she realized it as the clap of cymbals coming from the radio. She was suddenly relieved, and almost laughed it off. But she didn't laugh. She couldn't laugh. She couldn't move. All she could do was look around the dark room, hear the music swell to a thundering imperious march through the tinny speaker, and wait to fully wake up. She tried to stay calm and collected, and made sure to breathe, despite the feeling of weight on her chest.
Her door was shut. The curtains were drawn closed. There was just barely enough light in the room to tell. Something was glinting off the doorknob, though she couldn't see its source. And then it went dark, no longer reflecting that spot of light. Rachel watched as the glint came back, testing her fingers and failing to move any of them. The music on the radio reached a crescendo, with more cymbals, triumphant horns, frenetic drumming and a sound like sliding fabric that somehow stood out above all the rest. More light started to shine into the room. At the other edge of her vision, Rachel could see that her curtains were now open, and the moon was shining through the window.
And in the glass was a dark silhouette. It looked like a human figure, flat and indistinct. It moved in the window, and then reached out an arm. It seemed to stretch and warp, and then Rachel realized it was coming out of the window. The music started to trail off in a final blast of sound as another arm was thrust forward, and the shape peeled itself off of the window. It staggered and fell out of sight, then rose up in front of her bed.
It was dark and indistinct, even when she looked directly at it. A gap started to form in its head, stretching into the form of a grin. Then its face started to twitch, and Rachel watched it mime laughter. Her heart started to race, and the hallucination started to reach towards her. It was slow and drawn-out, and she watched the arm stretch out inch by inch, as though it was a shadow falling over her bed. She tried to will herself to move and bat the hallucination away, but she couldn't. She just had to watch the arm stretch closer and closer with a long, low creak, which felt hauntingly familiar.
Her eyes flit over to her door, which was slowly opening itself. The silhouette paused for a moment. The radio started to play a new song, with a quiet, shrill opening. Some of the tension was easing out of Rachel's mind. There was nothing to worry about. She was just getting jumpy about hallucinations and one defective door. And looking at it, a blurry silhouette wasn't actually frightening. It was just... there. She wanted to laugh again, overcome with relief. She had to be about to wake up, because she was coming back to her senses.
And then an arm reached through her doorway. It was slender and pale and stretched out too long, ending in a disturbingly familiar hand. The spindly fingers bent at odd angles and gripped around the door. Then those fingers tensed, and the arm wrenched itself forward. The thing fell into the room, lurching forward. It was larger than a human, and Rachel watched it stretch and compress seamlessly as it unfurled itself from the ground. Rachel's heart fell just looking at it. It was the monster from the other night, but now there was enough light to see by.
Rachel could see its legs now, long and gaunt things that bent sharply at too many points, and standing on five spindly points that couldn't have held its weight. Instead it hunched and leaned on its hands, fingers splayed out unnaturally to drag it forward. Its head extended out, almost all hidden behind a mess of dark hair that trailed on the ground. Its neck stretched out, and then bent sharply to point its face towards her. The hair fell out of the way, exposing a massive, bloated eye. It was staring straight at her. Rachel's heart was starting to pound, and she still couldn't move.
Her eyes flitted around her room, and saw the silhouette was still there, now moved back to the window. It almost looked like it was cowering. Rachel turned to look back at the other monster, and its eye wasn't looking at her anymore. Instead, it was staring at the shadow by the window. It raised itself up on its hind legs, then moved forward alarmingly fast. It fell, almost spilled forward, and it grabbed the silhouette in its too-long fingers. The silhouette contorted itself and pantomimed a struggle, but the fingers just wrapped around it more tightly. The song from the radio played an ill-fitting accompaniment to the silent struggle.
The monster finally dragged the squirming silhouette towards the curtain of hair, and then it kicked wildly, and went limp. Rachel couldn't take her eyes off of the thing as it devoured the shadow. She couldn't actually see it happen, but the memory of its yawning jaws, full of sharp, misshapen teeth filled her mind's eye. Eventually, it finished, and set its hands down on the ground. It swiveled its head around, fixing her with one half-lidded eye. Rachel stared back for a moment that seemed to stretch on endlessly, than squeezed her eyes shut. She tried to focus on the song, and to fall back to sleep.
Eventually, she managed to calm down and drift off, as the song came to an end.


At the 11th annual Telecom Review Leaders' Summit, An Jian, President of Carrier Network Business Group at Huawei Middle East, delivered a keynote on the theme "5G Inspiring the Future" to highlight the progress made in the Middle East on 5G. Held at the Dubai Meydan Hotel on December 10th and 11th, the Telecom Review Leaders' Summit was a platform for high-level industry and government leaders to discuss how the ICT industry can support the successfully realization of government plans for economic growth and development.
In recognition of the outstanding contribution to building an innovative ICT ecosystem in the Middle East and the role played in positioning the region among the global pioneers in 5G; Huawei received two awards "Best Industry Vendor" which was accepted by Charles Yang, President of Huawei Middle East, and "Best 5G Innovation" which was accepted by An Jian, President of Carrier Network Business Group at Huawei Middle East.
According to An Jian, the 5G revolution will bring changes unlike anything humanity has seen before. In this new world, connectivity will be a platform and not a pipe. By 2025, Huawei predicts there will be 100 billion connections. Everything will be online: 5G will enable 40 billion smart devices to be constantly connected. The cloud will be the backbone of this new ICT world, leading to intelligent on-demand for everything, everywhere. According to Huawei, thanks to 5G's ultra-high connectivity and ultra-low latency, by 2025 100 percent of enterprises will be using cloud, and 86 percent of enterprises will be using AI. In the Middle East, An Jian predicted that Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Cloud PC, Cloud Gaming, Cloud AR/VR, and connected drone will be the first sectors to feel the impact of 5G driving industry progress.
This year alone, Huawei has already shipped over 10,000 5G base stations, evidence that 5G progress is accelerating. The Middle East is leading the way: over 7 countries and 15 operators in the region have launched 5G trials and field trials using Huawei's E2E 5G systems, effectively promoting the development of 5G in the region. In a groundbreaking global milestone, in the first half of 2018 Huawei supported leading operators in the region to launch the world's first 5G commercial network.
To discuss the best path forward to bringing 5G to the Middle East, on the first day, Dr. Mohamed Madkour, VP Global Wireless Networks Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Middle East, joined a panel entitled "5G: Recalculating routes for new economic value." On the following day, Safder Nazir, Vice President of Digital Industries at Huawei Middle East, took part in a panel discussion on the theme "Characteristics of leading smart cities" to drive forward Smart City progress in the region.


When you're living in Australia and you're interested in cougar dating, then you will want to know more about cougar dating in Australia. If you know the best hang out places all over Australia, you will be able to find your possible soulmate or even just find someone to have a great time with.
It is important to know how and where in all the biggest cities in Australia you can find all kinds of Australian cougars or even cubs. This can be hard to know the places where hot cougars and cubs hangout in all the different cities. Here's some more information about the five biggest Australian cities where you can find cougars or cubs. It isn't necessary to go through life alone, because you don't know the hangout places.
The biggest city in Australia is most definitely Sidney. And, even if this is the biggest city in Australia, it doesn't mean that cougar dating in Sidney will be easy. There's not that many place where you can find cougars or cubs.
You need to know more about all the different kind of places where hot Australian cougars and cubs are hanging out, to know where you can find them. The best place is art galleries. Most cougars love going to art galleries. You can also go to places like the Golden Age bar or the establishment bar. You will most likely find cougars and cubs there. There's also some speed dating services that you can use to meet up to ten cougars or cubs in one night.
Cougar dating in Melbourne is a bit harder than in Sidney. Even if Melbourne is just as a large city as Sidney. If you're looking for a relationship with a cougar or a cub, then the best option will be to go online and make use of the best possible cougar dating sites or forums. There's many online cougar dating sites in Melbourne, you should just do some research and find the best site for you personally.
Other ways to find a cougar or cub in Melbourne are by going to high society clubs and bars. This is normally places where cougars and cubs hang out. You can also check the local newspapers for speed dating events that's happening in your area. These events will let you meet up to ten cougars or cubs in one night. Finding cougars for cougar dating in Australia, you need to know where to start looking, otherwise you're going to struggle to find any cougars or cubs to date.
There are great places for cougar dating in Brisbane. You just need to know where to look. Clubs like the Alhambra Lounge, Basement 243 and Cloudland is great places to find all types of cougars and cubs. There's many other clubs where you can go to, to find all sorts of different people that's interested in cougar dating.
If you don't like going to clubs, then using the internet for online cougar dating in Brisbane is your best bet. There's many online dating sites for cougars and cubs that's living in Brisbane, Australia. It is just recommended that you make sure that you're using websites that's legit and trustworthy before you give any of your personal detail to the site.
Living in Perth and interested in cougar dating, will give you some great options. Perth has many bars where you can find cougars and cubs, if you're looking for someone to love. There's many bars, but the best bars where you can find other people that's interested in cougar dating are; Room 60, Dandy's Rooftop Bar, Glass Bar and Kerbside Lounge Bar. If you're not interested in going to bars, then there's also some clubs where you can find people that's interested in cougar dating.
If you're looking in the local newspapers, you will also find regular speed dating nights where you will be able to meet lots of cougars or cubs, in one night. This is a great way of getting to know new people that might be your soulmate. Online cougar dating sites might also be a great option if you're a shy person. You will find many trustworthy and legit cougar dating sites in Australia, where people might live in Perth.
Adelaide isn't a famous city in Australia as Melbourne or Sydney, but if you know where to look, you will be able to find some cougars and cubs. If you're looking for cougar dating in Adelaide, then the internet might be your best bet.
Adelaide is a great and big city, but there's isn't many clubs and bars where you can go to, to be able to find other cougars dating people. If you're making use of online cougar dating, you will find that there's actually lots of people interested in cougar dating that's living in Adelaide. You just need to make sure that the site that you're going to use has great reviews, and is verifying all the profiles on the site. This is the only way of knowing for sure that all the profiles are legit and real. So many people is lying on cougar dating sites, just to be able to chat to other people. And, you can't take changes if you don't want to be lied to. The best option is if you're going to use the sites that's known as the best Australia cougar dating sites to be sure that you're not giving out information that could harm you in any way to other untrustworthy sites.
Australians are open for the older women younger men relationship. There are some famous celebrities indulge the cougar relationship with some handsome younger guys. According to a post Top 10: Australian Cougarson the AskMen, there is a top 10 Aussie cougars women list in which celebrity Elle Macpherson ranks the top Australian cougar lady. And the rest for best cougar in Australia are Kylie Minogue, Naomi Watts, Charlotte Dawson, Dannii Minogue, Gretel Killeen, Natalie Imbruglia, Sami Lukis, Tara Moss and Charmyne Palavi. There's not many people that's interested in dating cougars. And, if you're dating a cougar in Australia, then you will need to know more about all the different hangout places in the big cities in Australia to be able to find cougar dating people. Some people are just using online cougar dating sites in Australia, while other people want to meet face to face. The best places to meet cougars are by going to high society cougar clubs, bars or speed dating nights.
This entry was posted in Cougar Dating, Cougar Dating AU and tagged Australia cougar club, Australia cougar dating site, Australian cougar, cougar dating Australia, cougar forum Australia, dating cougar in australia on December 10, 2015 by cougardatingsites.


Lovely Aquamarine with Deep Violet and Pinks lull in morning sunlight of verdant green lily pads.
This mural sized interpretation is available up to six feet tall. Dorothy recommends the pewter float frame, for a beautiful contemporary presence.
See more room ideas in detailed description below.
Fine Art Prints are created with highly-pigmented, archival inks, rated to stay vibrant and true for a hundred years.
Our heavy weight archival canvas is coated with a satin finish, non-yellowing UV resistant varnish for protection, durability, and long life.
Our frames are heavy-weight solid wood construction. Contemporary in style, the black, natural wood, pewter, or white blends with most decors.


Nov. 12, 2013, 11:15 p.m.
Starbucks Corp said on Tuesday an arbitrator has ruled that it must pay Kraft Foods $2.23 billion in damages plus $527 million in prejudgment interest and attorneys fees after ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 10:52 p.m.
(Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson will pay more than $4 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits over its recalled defective hip implants, Bloomberg reported late on Tuesday, citin ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 10:51 p.m.
Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) will not recall its Model S electric car despite three vehicle fires that raised safety questions and hurt the automaker's stock price, CEO Elon M ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 10:37 p.m.
Chevron Corp (CVX) is bringing its enormous resources to bear in a court case in New York in which it has accused a U.S. lawyer of using fraud to win a $19 billion environment ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 10:35 p.m.
MONTGOMERY, Ala./ST. PAUL, Minnesota (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve should keep monetary policy ultra-easy given the economy's tepid growth and an uncertain outlook for ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 10:16 p.m.
Young people turn to crowdfunding to finance big moves. Innovative or lazy? ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 9:34 p.m.
IntercontinentalExchange Inc's (ICE) takeover of NYSE Euronext (NYX) is complete and stock of the combined company will begin trading under the symbol ICE on Wednesday, s ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 9:07 p.m.
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a bid by former MF Global Holdings Ltd chief executive Jon Corzine to dismiss investor litigation seeking to hold him, other executives and ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 8:59 p.m.
(Reuters) - A former hedge fund administrator has reached an agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that marks the first time the regulator agreed not to begin ..
Nov. 12, 2013, 8:47 p.m.
MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - Cash-strapped Italian airline Alitalia is planning the first mass firing since its it was privatized in 2008 to cut costs, but a source said it was unl ..


Scary leader Taeyeon grabs Yoona's collar?!
A photo of Taeyeon grabbing Yoona's collar has attracted attention from fans.
A forum uploaded a short video with the tittle 'Scary leader Taeyeon grabs Yoona's collar'. It was taken when SNSD made a surprise visit to SMTOWN Pop-up store to promote I Got A Boy.
They were surrounded by security guards when suddenly Taeyeon grabbed Yoona's collar and 'angrily' shaking it. Then when Yoona started explaning something, Taeyeon put her hands down and showed a mischievous laughing expression.
Gangster Taeng in action!! Lol..
Ha ! Ha ! That's a really good one, Taeng 😀 .
These 2 kids always make me smile ^^.
Is she insecure with yoona? Everyone thought yoona is the leader of snsd.


Synopsis: Ree Reyes, urban fantasy heroine of Geekomancy, is working her regular barista/drink-slinger shift at Grognard's when it all goes wrong. Everything.
Review: I must admit that I enjoyed the first volume as we had such a highly original world, but I was a little disappointed by the second novel. So when the author proposed a novella, I was immediately curious to see how it was going to be. And I must say that this novella was finally a nice surprise.
I was quite impressed by the pace of the story as everything happens really fast. There is no downtime and it is true that there is always something going on for Ree. Indeed, our heroine finds herself working when an attack occurs, and while they think they can get by, it seems that everything is much more complicated than expected. Whenever a threat is resolved, a new one appears even more terrible than the previous and the young woman and her friends will soon have to find solutions.
I admit that I was curious to see how our characters would get out of this event, because I have to say that they have plenty to do. Fortunately for them, they still have artifacts on hand, as well as movies or comics to help them to defeat their enemies. But they also learn that this attack has a fairly specific purpose which I think ultimately will be reflected in the next novels. So a new idea appears here and I'm curious to see what will happen. Of course we also have questions about the relationship between Drake and Ree as it is quite complicated, especially for Ree … To be continued in the next episode.
I admit while I enjoyed the first book, D., I didn't have an inclination to read further. Still, this sounds like a nice novella!
huh, funny title! glad that this one was enjoyable and fast paced at the same time.
That cover is so cute! Great short review. I haven't heard of this series or author. I'll add it to my one-day pile.
I haven't heard of this series before, thanks for bring it to my attention Melliane! Glad that this novella made up a bit for the disappointment you felt after book two, so I hope that trend continues and the next book is the best one yet!
I have seen this series around and have been tempted to pick it up because it seems light and fun. I am glad that you enjoyed the novella, I am usually not a fan of novellas as they are short and I don't get much from them.
Sounds like a pretty decent novella. I so need to get on to reading that first book in the series!
Is this one of those serial type of deals? I'm glad you're enjoying them, Melliane. If it is a serial, I'm afraid I don't have much patience to wait for each instalments! Lol.
I don't think I understand the question… But it's a series like any other.
Yeah I also love title on this one, all the books sound really fun and the covers are appealing. I'm glad the novella kind of made up for the second installment! I'll definitely have to check these out.
I am really glad the novella worked and hope the series continues to improve for you after the disappointment of book two. I love the premise..these sound fun!
Pacing is always a little tricky in novellas, it's rare when it's done well. I'm glad you liked this overall, though, despite a few quibbles.
I know what you mean about liking a first book and then a second one can disappoint. It can definitely go either way. I'm glad that he was able to turn things around for you in this one. I definitely plan on reading the first book.
Did you see his youtube video that he did of his reaction when he got signed for the first book!? It was so adorable!
Oh no, I didn't, but now I'm curious!


Notes: Will Not fit Diesel Engine.
Our 1973-1993 Dodge Full Size Truck, Extended/Quad Cab carpets are Heat and Pressure Molded to the original floor pan, and are made with Top Quality auto carpet materials. This aftermarket carpet fits your Dodge Full Size Truck, Extended/Quad Cab 2 Wheel Drive, Automatic just like OEM when installed and is Guaranteed to fit, with no defects. May require trimming to install. See our Auto Carpet Install Instructions for details. Unless otherwise noted, the mildew resistant jute padding is heat bonded to the backside of the carpet and a heel pad is welded to the correct location. This item will fit the following years: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993. This item is custom made after the order is placed, and typically ships within 2 business days. Optional custom Embroidered Logos are available for select years of Dodge Full Size Truck, Extended/Quad Cab Floor Mats!


Established in 1840, the Ferret Estate cultivates 17 hectares of vineyards of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. Taken over by the Jadot House in 2008, it is now run by Audrey Braccini. The Ferret Estate vinifies the different plots separately, in order to emphasize the different typicities in the cuvess, amon which the renowned "Les Ménétrières".


Emotionally damaged by her parents' divorce, physically and psychologically damaged when she was caught up in the 2002 Bali bombings, and with her father-substitute facing terminal cancer, 32-year-old American adventure guide Jamie has a lot of baggage. Nevertheless she returns to Bali for the ceremony which will mark the first anniversary of the bombings, still grieving for her boyfriend who died there, and yearning to find Gabe, who helped her rescue people and then rescued her.
Ever since Eat Pray Love, Bali has entered literary mythology as a place of spiritual healing, a place just sufficiently exotic and mysterious but with enough home comforts to keep a Westerner comfortable (Jamie's cell has a signal pretty well everywhere on the island, enabling her constantly to phone her mother and dying friend in the US). Ellen Sussman accurately describes the chaos, multi-culturalism, corruption and beauty of the island, but not in a way that comes to life, more as hooks to hang her plot on.
But a novel is not a travel guide, or a cultural study. Jamie is on a journey towards healing and adulthood and that is where the true interest of the story lies, or should lie. Instead Sussman reaches for the easy option and writes a conventional romantic novel, selecting from the standard tropes. Jamie is feisty but vulnerable, and come to that so is Gabe – they are both Broken Birds. She is beautiful, despite her facial scar, and he of course is tall with a lock of hair that flops forwards. After the bombing, once her wounds are dressed, he takes her to an idyllic hidden cottage which remains untouched by the chaos everywhere else and their romance begins. But she runs away, back to the US, while he stays on Bali where he has a teaching job.
Jamie struggles with her issues, longing to have a close family life such as she sees on Bali, and yet unable to spend more than a few days with her mother and barely in touch with her father.
The question at the core of the book is whether Gabe and Jamie can form a relationship built on spending a few days together at a time of intense trauma followed by a year with no contact, but the answer is not explored with any depth or any great level of insight. The ending is heavily signalled from the start, and although there is a twist in the plot towards the end, it never convinces.
Still The Paradise Guesthouse has a page turning quality. Sussman's Bali is an interesting place to spend an hour or two, and her characters are moderately engaging. The most interesting of all is Bambang, the 14-year-old street boy who helps Jamie track down Gabe. His story is tragic, his resilience is impressive, but he is only a minor character who feeds into Jamie's journey without travelling very far himself.
So, if you're having a staycation this year, and would like to escape into an exotic dream world while the summer rain pours down on the caravan roof, you could do worse than take The Paradise Guesthouse along with you.


Thanks for reporting this. We are trying to understand what was wrong during your installation, meanwhile, can you try to install the CLI in a virtual environment following these steps, please?
just install floyd using "sudo"
but I can not keep this path into $PATH permanently (I have to add the path e and login every time) , do you have any idea. I am using MACPORTS.


text:
6 Things You Can Learn From Shed Antlers (And 1 You Can't)
| By Kip Adams
Deer season is over. Turkey season is on the horizon. That wonderful season between the two has arrived –– shed season! Social media is exploding with pictures of shed antlers, and Whitetail Properties' annual Shed Rally has become a big event. Given that more outdoorsmen and women are picking up sheds today than ever before, here are six things you can learn about the bucks that dropped them.
Survivor's List
Most hunting seasons end before bucks cast their antlers, so a shed antler is a strong sign that a particular buck survived the gauntlet of hunters in his neighborhood. He's not guaranteed to survive winter and escape predation, but research shows if we don't hit them with a bullet, arrow or a Buick, the majority will still be alive on day one of the next hunting season.
Every shed is the sign of a buck that survived hunting season and will most likely be back for the next one.
Better Scoring Skills
If you have a trail-camera picture of the buck, you can learn to better estimate the buck's antler score on the hoof. There is no better way to practice than to estimate score from a picture, score the actual antler, and then compare the score to your estimate. Just as you can estimate a buck's age by body characteristics and verify that age with his jawbone, you can estimate a buck's score from a photo and then verify with a shed antler. Unless you harvest the buck, there is no better way to become proficient at estimating score on the hoof
Healthy Bases
You can learn about the health of the buck by studying the base of his antlers. Healthy bucks will have bases that are rounded and convex (see below). Injured or nutritionally stressed bucks often have bases that are irregular, oblong and/or concave.
The base on the left is rounded outward or convex, a sign of good health in the deer that dropped it, while the base on the right is concave, a good sign of an injured or nutritionally stressed deer.
Another view of a concave base, which often suggests the buck that dropped it was stressed or unhealthy.
We can learn a little more about a buck's health by assessing the relative weight of the antlers. In general, healthy bucks have antlers that are well mineralized and dense. These antlers feel relatively heavy for their size as compared to nutritionally stressed bucks whose antlers often are more porous and thus feel light for their size. There's not a particular weight an antler should reach, rather it's clear if you've held many antlers when one feels unusually light or heavy.
Brain Abscess Checkup
Brain abscesses have gained a lot of attention from deer hunters and managers in the past few years. In general, a brain abscess is a bacterial infection in a deer's head. They can cause nontypical antler growth, and in extreme cases death. Signs of brain abscesses include infection around the base of an antler, so you may see "pus" on a deer's head, or a piece of the skull may actually still be attached to a shed antler (like the antler below).
A significant portion of the skull plate is still attached to this shed antler, a sign of a brain abscess, which can erode the bone around the antler bases. The deer that dropped this antler likely died soon after losing it.
Drop Timing and Health
A final health tip you can learn involves the timing of the shed antler. In general, in the North mature bucks cast their antlers earlier than young bucks, and in the South they cast them later than young bucks. However, a buck that drops his antlers much earlier than normal is likely suffering from an injury or nutritional stress. A buck that holds them longer than normal is likely exhibiting a sign of good health. If you find the shed in April or May, that doesn't help much with the timing unless you know when the buck lost it from sightings or trail-camera pictures. However, a December or early January shed is nearly always a sign of trouble.
One Thing You Can't Learn
One final item that you cannot tell from a shed antler is a buck's age. You may be able to estimate relative age if you've been collecting antlers, trail-camera pictures and jawbones, but there's too much overlap in the age classes to assign an exact age to a buck based on a shed antler.
Good luck shed hunting this spring, and be sure to take someone to the woods with you to share in the enjoyment of the wonderful shed season.
How to Read Shed Antlers for Health and Habitat Clues
Weird Ways to Find Shed Antlers
Why We Don't Recommend Antler Traps
Turning Shed Antlers Into Skinning-Shed Bucks
6 Shed-Hunting Tips
Shed Hunting Tips by Region, Part 6: Northern Great Plains
Shed Hunting Tips by Region, Part 5: the Northeast
About Kip Adams
Kip Adams of Knoxville, Pennsylvania, is a certified wildlife biologist and QDMA's Director of Conservation. He has a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University and a master's in wildlife from the University of New Hampshire. He's also a certified taxidermist. Before joining QDMA, Kip was the deer and bear biologist for the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department. Kip and his wife Amy have a daughter, Katie, and a son, Bo.
View all posts by Kip Adams →

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Not even if Andrew Cuomo seems ready to shift from abortion to infanticide? No, says New York City's Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who complains in this clip from The Catholic Channel about the "far right" demanding such action. "Excommunication should not be used as a weapon," Dolan argues, and points out that canon law in the Catholic Church doesn't support such an action anyway.
I'm a great admirer of Cardinal Dolan, but he's wrong here, and wrong to cast this as a "far right" issue as well. Dolan's not incorrect about the issue with canon law, which is as binding on the episcopacy as much as Catholics in the pews. Last week, I wrote a lengthy explanation of the difficulties in using excommunication over political positions, difficulties which Dolan would understand in much greater detail than a member of the laity.
In brief, canon law and the catechism hold that procuring or directly assisting in the procurement of an abortion amounts to an excommunicative act "latae sententiae," or in the commission of the act. In other words, it doesn't take a bishop or the Vatican to issue a declaration of excommunication under those circumstances — it happens on its own. But that only applies to specific acts of abortion and specific acts of facilitation thereof, not votes or political positions in general.
Well, maybe. Having one politician win one election isn't much more than an anecdote. The dangers of having the Cuomos and Nancy Pelosis continuing to represent themselves as pro-abortion Catholics — to the point of celebrating the grotesque legalization of abortion up to the moment of birth — goes beyond elections anyway. These high-profile Catholics lead others astray on Catholic teaching on life (and family issues too, for that matter), and the lack of formal response bolsters that impact. If Cuomo remains in good standing with the church after last week, other Catholics might rightly assume that they also can pick and choose which teachings they'll abide and which they won't without any consequences.
The "far right" is hardly the only group who's noticed that Cuomo has begun to "brag … about his dissent from timeless and substantive church belief" even without punitive action within the church. A New York Post op-ed took Cuomo to task for that as well as misrepresenting Pope Francis and blaming the bishops for a failure of a bill on sexual abuse of minors.
Then our governor insults and caricatures the church in what's supposed to be an uplifting and unifying occasion, his "State of the State" address.
The bishops of this state have long supported a reform of the inadequate laws around the sexual abuse of minors. Yes, we and many others expressed reservations about one element, the retroactive elimination of the civil statute of limitations, but urged dramatic reform that, in many ways, was tougher than what was being proposed by legislators. A month ago we renewed that stance, and even dropped our objections to the "look-back" section if all victims would benefit. The governor was aware of all this.
I'm a pastor, not a politician, but I feel obliged to ask these questions, as daily do I hear them from my people, as well as colleagues from other creeds. I've been attacked in the past when I asked — sadly and reluctantly — if the party that my folks proudly claimed as their own, the Democrats, had chosen to alienate faithful Catholic voters. Now you know why I asked.
Does this description sound like a politician who has any desire to remain in communion with the Catholic Church? Not at all. Want to know who wrote this? That figure of the "far right," Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
The answer may not be excommunication under Canon 1398, but the Catholic Church has to answer Cuomo somehow. Wringing hands on The Catholic Channel is all well and good, but it's clearly not more effective than what Bishop Maher did with Lucy Killea. In fact, as Cuomo slouches towards straight-out infanticide, it's become clear that ignoring the issue of pro-abortion Catholic politicians over the last five decades has only made things worse — much much worse.
It's time for the bishops to come up with a formal process to deal with this problem, whether based on Canon 1398 or a new canon law that directly touches on the issue. That process should be just, provide opportunities for mercy and conversion, but make it clear that embracing the culture of death means making a choice to leave the communion of the Catholic Church. That's not "bullying" — it's accountability, especially in Cuomo's case.


text:
Become An Authorized HOS Reseller
Manufacturer Of The World's Finest Chess Products
Select Currency Australian Dollar - AUD British Pound Sterling - GBP Canadian Dollar - CAD Euro - EUR Indian Rupee - INR Japanese Yen - JPY Mexican Peso - MXN Russian Ruble - RUB US Dollar - USD
The Collector's Club
Artistic Chess Pieces
Luxury Wood Chess Boards
Chess Opening DVDs
Chess Middlegame DVDs
Chess Endgame DVDs
Chess Biography DVDs
Chess Strategy DVDs
Chess Tactics DVDs
Chess DVDs for Children
Score Books & Club Supplies
Custom Printed Chess Products
Free Worldwide* Shipping
Remove This Item Author/s: Steve Giddins
Remove This Item Author/s: David Daniels
Move by Move (4)
Paul Keres (9)
$1 Magazines.
$10 Books
Chess Middlegames
Chess Endgames
General Instruction Books
Chess Tactics
Chess Strategy
Chess Rules
Chess eBooks
Chess Match & Tournaments
Miscellaneous Chess
Chess for Children
How to Teach Chess
Chess Life Magazine
New in Chess Magazine
Shopworn Books Save up to 50%!
Clearance Books Up to 80% off!
Side-Stepping Mainline Theory
Cut Down on Opening Study and Get a Middlegame You Are Familiar With
Catalog Code: B0223NIC
Side-stepping Mainline Theory will help you to focus on what is really decisive in the vast majority of non-grandmaster games: tactics, positional understanding and endgame technique.
Strategies, Techniques and Surprising Ideas
The Tarrasch Defence is one of the most ambitious ways to play against 1.d4. Former Russian Champion Alexey Bezgodov has more than 30 years of experience with the Tarrasch and is one of the world's greatest experts. The Art of the Tarrasch Defence is a deeply researched journey into the positional structures, the key moments in the fight for the initiative, the players and the variations.
The New in Chess Book of Chess Improvement
Lessons from the World's Best Chess Magazine
'The New in Chess Book of Improvement' is a treasure trove of study material and has chapters on attack and defense, sacrifices, material imbalances, pawn structures, endgames and various positional themes. It includes masterclasses by no fewer than eight World Champions: Tal, Smyslov, Karpov, Kramnik, Anand, Topalov Carlsen and Kasparov. But also chess legends such as Larsen, Kortchnoi, Timman, Ivanchuk, Short, Aronian and Shirov. Together they represent an exciting picture of modern top level chess.
SHOPWORN - The New in Chess Book of Chess Improvement
Catalog Code: SWB0187NIC
Catalog Code: B0307IS
This major work of the famous Russian chess openings theorist Alexei Sokolsky is distinguished by its original approach to the subject. Whereas other standard books deal with openings mainly in the form of lines and variations, Sokolsky's is a distinctive and analytical treatment. The effect of the openings on the game as it proceeds is explained and developed.
Alekhine - Move by Move
Catalog Code: B0430EM
In this book, FIDE Master Steve Giddins invites you to join him in a study of his favorite Alekhine games, and shows us how we can all learn and improve our chess by examining Alekhine's masterpieces.
CLEARANCE - The Lazy Man's Silcilian
Attack and Surprise White with the Basman-Sale Variation
The Basman-Sale Variation is a relatively unexplored weapon for Black in the Sicilian Defence. After the perfectly normal moves 1.e4 c5, 2. Nf3 e6, 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Black lashes out with 4…Bc5! English IM Michael Basman and Croatian IM Srdjan Sale were the pioneers of this cunning chess opening system. The advantages are clear: it is surprising, aggressive and easy to learn. Compared to the complexity of mainstream Sicilian variations it requires little theoretical preparation, while you don't run excessive risks. That is why The Lazy Man's Sicilian is ideal for club players who don't have much time to study opening theory (or are not too fond of hard work anyway).
SHOPWORN - The Lazy Man's Silcilian
A Surprising and Complete Black Repertoire Against 1. d4
In many 1.d4 openings, Black has trouble getting his bishop on c8 into play. Former Russian Chess Champion Alexey Bezgodov presents a radical solution to this nagging problem; liberate your bishop right away and put it on f5 on the second move! Play 2...Bf5! against either 2.c4 or 2.Nf3 will surprise your opponent and is also a great way to support your development, because the bishop takes control of the important square e4.
Nimzowitsch - Move by Move
Aron Nimzowitsch is one of the most important figures in chess history. He was one of the World's strongest players and contributed enormously to the development of chess both through his games and his writings, which influenced many grandmasters who followed him. In this book, Steve Giddins selects and studies his favourite games by Nimzowitsch and examines Nimzowitsch's skills in the vital areas of attack, defence, strategy and endgame play. He demonstrates how we can all improve by learning from Nimzowitsch's masterpieces.
E-BOOK Nimzowitsch - Move by Move
Catalog Code: E-B0402EM
EBOOK - The French Winawer - Move by Move
This series provides an ideal platform to study chess openings. By continually challenging the reader to answer probing questions throughout the book, the Move by Move format greatly encourages the learning and practicing of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of opening knowledge.
EBOOK - The English - Move by Move
EBOOK - The Greatest Ever Chess Endgames
Chess players are known to be obsessed by openings. However, world champions have recommended that up-and-coming players should actually begin by studying the endgame first.
Choose from a huge selection of chess books, including a wide variety of topics, players and strategies from The House of Staunton. There is a chess book for nearly every chess move or chess defense you can think of. Looking for a chess book talking about a specific chess player? Browse the many different miscellaneous chess books available. Need to strengthen your opening game? Middle game? Or maybe your end game is lacking. There are chess books covering all of these topics and much more. The purpose of a majority of the chess books available is to serve as guides for beginners and advanced chess players alike, and to address different tactics and strategies to help improve your game. There are also biographical chess books that talk about specific Chess Players such as Magnus Carlsen or Vishwanthan Anand if you are interested in reading about a chess player and their life.
What Our Customers Are Saying About The House Of Staunton
P.C. from LA writes, "I knew I had to buy your set of chessmen. They are fantastic. The case is gorgeous. And even the chess board is beautiful, despite it being one of your least expensive chess boards."
R.H. from NY writes, "The chess set came yesterday and it is so beautiful!!!!! It was a dreary dismal day here, cold and rainy and receiving the set made it feel like the sun had come out."
D.B. from WA writes, "The Marshall chess set arrived last weekend. Opening the package was better than Christmas. To cut a long story short, this set is the finest I've ever seen or even held in my hands."
S.L. from CA writes, "The 4"Collector chess set that arrived at our home in Davis, CA is incomparable! My son & I joyfully unwrapped the boxwood & ebony pieces & admired their graceful beauty, pawn by pawn, piece by piece."
M.N. from TX writes, "The chess sets arrived today. WOW, I had heard that the House of Staunton chess sets were the best around and now I can see why! Both sets are absolutely beautiful. I know I'm going to enjoy the Zagreb set."
B.R. from IL writes, "I just received the new chess board and it's just beautiful! The new chessmen look great sitting on it, and I'm sure it will give me hours of pleasure playing the greatest game of all !"
D.L. from SC writes, "The chess pieces arrived and are absolutely beautiful. I may not play like a grandmaster, but I will feel like one. Thank you for your help and prompt attention."
E.V. from CA writes, "I've just received my chess men : they are absolutely astonishing! I knew from the pictures that they were beautiful but they are much more than this: they're real masterpieces!"
R.G. from Alaska writes, "I have just received my order of Professional Series chess pieces. I must say that they are gorgeous! I felt I was treated as if one of the family in the way the order was taken and delivered. I'm a very happy customer!"
D.O. from NJ writes, "The chess set and chess board are incredible. The pictures looked great, but they don't do this set justice. I can't believe there is a finer classic Staunton chess set out there."
B.O. from CO writes, "I am writing to you to express my deep satisfaction with the House of Staunton chess set I received from my wife as a 40th birthday gift. It is truly beautiful. Thanks"
G.M. from MS writes, "I received the Rosewood Players chess set today and all I can say is... outstanding! It is a magnificent set. I couldn't ask for a better chess set, it puts my set from the USCF I got in the 80's to shame."
P.M. from OK writes, "The chess set I ordered from you came in mint condition, expertly wrapped and it is a work of art. It is rare to find items crafted so well and I will certainly recommend The House of Staunton to others."
B.W. from CA writes, "I just received the chess set (Players Series) and I could not be more pleased! The quality and workmanship for a set in this price range is amazing. I am looking forward to my next purchase."
R.R. from CA writes, "The chess set arrived today. Was struck by overall superior quality and weight. The Rosewood is quite beautiful. More than I expected. Thanks for accommodating extra queens."
R.B. from OR writes, "I received my Players Series set today and just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with these pieces. They are beautiful. Thank you for a fine product. Worth every penny."
P.G. from OR writes, "The set arrived today, and words fail to describe how gorgeous it looks. You've done something that I've always wanted to do: take an object I care about, and raise the world standard for functionality and aesthetics. Well done."
L.L. from NV writes, "I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with the chess set which arrived today. It's so exquisite, I can't stop looking at it. Though the pictures on your website are beautiful, they don't do justice to actually seeing them in person."
L.L. from AZ writes, "This chess set exceeded all my expectations. I've been looking for a red-lacquered chess set for quite sometime, and this is the most beautiful I've ever seen. Thank you, also, for meticulously wrapping each piece."
R.A. from AZ writes, "I can honestly say that all things considered your chess sets are better than Jaques, because you provide the same if not better quality, but at a price that is much easier to bear."
F.B. from UT writes, "Thanks so much! My brother is going to love his first real chess set. You are the best. But you know that already. Keep me in the loop on how you plan to overtake all the crap plastic sets out there."
R.F. from WY writes, "Just a note to thank you for the beautiful chess set I received, and the great(!) service that your business delivers. You were very patient and accommodating during my selection process. Now if I could only learn how to win a game..."
B.F. from Idaho writes,"My plastic Collectors chess set arrived today, and I must tell you, Yes, to me it IS well worth what I paid for it. It is massive, heavy, elegant and high-class. A true work of art."
A.S. from ND writes, "I just received my Plastic Collector's set and it's every bit as impressive as I had expected it to be. Not only is it the finest plastic chess set I've ever seen, but the biggest bargain, as well. That's a rare combination."
H.O. from ND writes, "Received my beautiful ebonized Winsor chess set today. It is awesome. A work of art I will treasure & play with. I can't wait to save up enough for my House of Staunton chess board."
J.E. from SD writes, "I recieved my chess set yesterday, I could not be happier. The quality is above what I expected. I would like to own a Jaques set someday but until then I will be perfectly happy with my Reykjavik II Chess Set."
M.M. from KS writes, "I received the chess set today! I can only say that the photos on your web site do no justice to the Collector Series chess pieces. I hand waxed them as you instructed, and they are truly exceptional."
B.B. from OK writes, "Thanks again, the chessmen and the chess board both got much praise when I took them to work today. Everyone was as impressed as I was, with the beauty and quality of both my chess board and the wonderful chessmen."
A.F. from TX writes, "I think you've hit a home run. HOS' chess boxes are beautiful. Absolutely the best I have ever seen in this price range. Will definitely be ordering some more."
Home of the World's Finest Chess Pieces, Chess Boards and Chess Sets
Welcome to the official website of The House of Staunton. The House of Staunton has firmly established itself as the gold standard by which all chess pieces, chess boards and chess sets are judged. All of our luxury chess products, including our chess pieces, chess boards and chess sets, have been produced with the discerning chess collector in mind. We adhere to the highest quality standards and our master artisans handcraft our chess pieces, chess boards and chess sets out of such luxurious materials as Porcelain, and Walnut Burl. We invite you to indulge yourself and discover what countless other chess enthusiasts know – The House of Staunton is the finest chess supplier, offering chess pieces, chess boards, unique chess sets, accessories and equipment – bar none! We're also one of the largest wholesale suppliers of chess equipment in the U.S.
Why settle for less when you can own a legendary chess set from The House of Staunton!
customerservice@houseofstaunton.com
Our *NEW* Affiliate System
Chess Antiques
HOS Blog
We Will Not Be Undersold!
Copyright © 2019 - The House of Staunton


The young man giving finishing touches to the Ganesh idol wasn't infuriated, he didn't mean to offend me but that was his reply – simple and straight. He anticipated a reaction and waited for a couple of seconds before getting back to his work again. I kept quiet. I looked at his father who was friendlier. He was the one I had struck the conversation with before approaching the son.


text:
Persian MMA \ Archive for category VIDEOS
April 24, 2012 Posted by Michael Zand in VIDEOS
VIDEO: DOS SANTOS REACTS TO OVEREEM/MIR SWAP: "KNOCKOUT, DOESN'T MATTER WHO"
Junior Dos Santos gives his reaction to the announcement that his next challenger will be Frank Mir and not Alistair Overeem as originally planned.
Overeem was pulled from the May 26 bout last week amid fears on the UFC's part that he would not be able to obtain a license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he appears before the body tomorrow to explain why he had a 14:1 testosterone ratio following a test administered late March (the upper limit is 6:1)
Video: UFC 147: Vitor Belfort vs. Wanderlei Silva Feature
Ohio fines Andreas Spang 20% of purse for post fight fracas
Andreas Spang will still fight in Bellator's season-six middleweight-tournament finale, but he'll do so with fewer bucks in his pocket.
Ohio Athletic Commission Executive Director Bernie Profato today told the media that Spang has been fined 20 percent of his $30,000 fight purse ($6,000) for instigating a post-fight scuffle at Bellator 66 with .
Spang also shoved opponent Brian Rogers at Bellator 66's weigh-ins.
Bellator 66 took place at Cleveland's I-X Center, and the night's main card aired on MTV2. Spang (8-1 MMA, 1-0 BFC), a late replacement for injured Bruno Santos, survived a two-round beating before scoring a shocking comeback-knockout of Rogers in the night's co-headliner and a tournament-semifinal fight.
However, after the fight, Bellator officials brought in his Bellator 70 opponent for the tournament finale: Maiquel Falcao, who defeated Vyacheslav Vasilevsky via unanimous decision earlier in the night. But like he did to Rogers, Spang immediately shoved Falcao (30-4 MMA, 2-0 BFC) once the fighters went forehead to forehead.
That prompted a brief scuffle (watch the video), though Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith and matchmaker Sam Caplan helped quickly separate them.
"When you come here to fight, we ask for four things: self-respect, respect for your opponent, respect for those who regulate and promote the sport, and self-discipline," Profato said. "He went zero for four."
Profato said he initially planned to suspend Spang six months because of the shoves. However, after an unofficial appeal from Bellator officials and Spang, who would have been forced to scratch from the tournament finale, Profato gave the fighter the option to choose a 20 percent fine or the suspension.
"When you get in their pockets, that can be a true eye-opener," said Profato, who said the fine goes to a general state fund and not to the Ohio Athletic Commission. "We're just not going to stand for that stuff. ... He took away from a great event."
Profato said Spang has the option to appeal the punishment, but as he told the fighter, two Ohio commissioners were in attendance at Bellator 66, and, "I guarantee you they will hold [the fine] up since that crap doesn't fly here." Additionally, Profato plans to contact the Louisiana Boxing & Wrestling Commission, which regulates the tournament finale at Bellator 70 on May 25, and suggest they give Spang a short leash for any future infractions.
Spang earned $30,000 ($15,000 to show and $15,000 as a win bonus), and he was fined 20 percent of the full amount. Falcao received no punishment because "he was only protecting himself," Profato said.
Wanderlei Silva: God has been really good to me
Having come from where I came from, and being who I am, God has been really good to me. By giving me a gift, with which, I've built up my entire life. I am very proud of that.
And I hope to awaken this gift in an entire generation.
I've heard many people say they started to watch MMA after they saw a fight of mine. Or after they met me. There are people who watch my videos to train. There's the guys, who don't know who I am, then look at my fight and say 'Wow, who is this guy? I'm going to cheer for him!'
Some people identify with the way I talk. I am a person who has a lot of friends. Through my work I've built a legion of friends around the world.
This is another philosophy of the Silva - 'Who has friends is never alone.' With so many fiends, I know I will never be alone.
They follow me, they motive me, they fight for me. I'm very grateful for having all of these guys with me.
And I'm happy when I give them the joy they deserve. When it's fight time, that's my biggest pressure - to please those who like me.
I take that responsibility, and every day I win the fight a little bit more.
… I will represent
Funny Video: Impersonation of 11 Famous UFC Fighters
Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans FULL Fight Video Highlights
Video: Bellator 66 HighLights
Fight Video: Buakaw Banchamek Destroys Latest Opponent
If like us you are fond of some Muay Thai and K-1 kickboxing as part of your fightsport diet, you might have been following the recent trials and tribulations of Buakaw Banchamek nee Por. Pramuk.
The fighter formerly known as Buakaw Por. Pramuk split ways with the Por Pramuk team recently amid allegations that he was being treated improperly and had been the victim of financial irregularity - like most thai boxers, Buakaw grew up in the camp and lived in its dormitories, with the management handling his income and earnings.
Having gone AWOL and off-radar for a bit he then popped up with a new gym all of his own, courtesy of his sponsors Yokkao Fight Gear. He had long been scheduled to fight on the major Thai Fight event in Pattaya this past weekend but his appearance was thrown into doubt because of his issues with the Por. Pramuk camp.
There were allegations his safety was under threat for going public with his allegations against Por. Pramuk but he was also under fear of arrest for taking part in the event. But in the end he decided to go ahead - much to the detriment of his opponent, who took one of the worst beatings Buakaw has dished out in year.
Bellator Video: Eddie Alvarez Vs. Shinya Aoki 1 Fight Video (2008)
UFC 145 Dana White Vlog Part 1
This video features backstage footage from last Saturday's UFC on Fuel TV 2 in Sweden. Highlights include a busted up Thiago Silva getting stiches after his decision loss to Alexander Gustafsson
Pages:12...391392393394395396397398


text:
Money Can't Buy You Class: Aviva Versus Ramonja
Jessica Kleinman September 11, 2012
The ladies say goodbye to St. Barths in this week's episode of The Real Housewives of New York City. But they aren't leaving without a bang, particularly Aviva. I'm not sure what prompted the sudden change in Aviva from Ramona's defender to her attacker, but damn, the girl has some serious anger issues. Watch out Ramonja, Aviva is coming for you.
Eavesdropping Aviva
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY — Season 5 — Pictured: Aviva Drescher — (Photo by: Xavier Merchet-Thau/Bravo)
After hearing that Carole, Russ, Aviva and Reid have made plans for a couple's dinner, Ramona wanders off to find Sonja to complain about how their "girls trip" has been compromised. Unfortunately, Aviva happens to "passing by" (aka standing at) their door and hears everything. Waltzing into the besties room with a cold "I hate to have overheard," Aviva lashes out at Ramona and Sonja (well, mostly Ramona.) But this argument has nothing to do with dinner plans. Instead, Aviva uses it as an opportunity to make it known how "disgusted" she is with the way Ramona and Sonja greeted her when she arrived in St. Barths.
Aviva, I think it's time to move on. Your "disgust" was heard loud and clear when you called Ramona and Sonja white trash. Now it seems like you're just using any possible excuse to fight with the two. Actually, I wouldn't even call it fighting. It's more like a lecture particularly considering the fact that Aviva refuses to let Ramona or Sonja get a word in edge wise. Oh, and I'm sure that she (meaning Aviva) was just "passing by" the besties door. C'mon, Aviva. We all know that you were eavesdropping. You might as well own up to it.
Flying Phobia
Then there's lunch at Le Tamarind. Feeling the tension, LuAnn whisks Ramona and Sonja away for a photo opt before Aviva can pick up the screaming match from where she left off. While the three are gone, Aviva turns the conversation to her experience on the tiny plane coming into St. Barths. Wait a minute, haven't we already heard about this? Aviva: we know you have a phobia of flying, we are proud of you for making it to St. Barths, now it's time to shut up. We don't need a play-by-play of the flight. It's over and done with; you can enjoy your vacation now.
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY — Season 5– Pictured: (l-r) Heather Thomson, Ramona Singer, Aviva Drescher — (Photo by: Xavier Merchet-Thau/Bravo)
Turtle Time
That night, the ladies meet for evening cocktails before heading to Russ Irwin's concert. But after a few drinks, Ramona and Sonja decide to ditch the rest of the gals and head back to the house to get their booze on. By the time the ladies return from the concert, Ramona and Sonja are visibly s**t faced. In fact, Sonja is so intoxicated that she topples down onto the floor in a drunken stupor. Classy. Miraculously, she picks herself up and makes it to the dinner table. But apparently the journey has made Sonja thirsty, as she asks LuAnn to pass her a Martini. Sonja: you don't need any more alcohol. Watching you drown yourself with booze is depressing. It also makes me question your sobriety.
Luckily Heather is there to lighten up the mood and jumps into the pool fully clothed. While I'm not sure what provoked her to do so, I am glad that at least one of the women can have a good time without the need for alcohol. Carole is quick to follow Heather's lead and eventually the entire group is in the pool (minus Ramona.) That is until Heather pushes Ramona in the pool, prompting the greatest belly flop in housewives history. I couldn't think of a more perfect ending to the St. Barths trip. Seeing Ramona's flailing body smack the water brought a smile to my face. Next week, the ladies are back in New York. With the dynamic now completely changed between Ramona and Aviva, I am excited to see how the two will hash it out back in the big apple.
Jessica Kleinman is an art and culture intern/writer for 303 Magazine. She is currently studying journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Follow her posts on Twitter.
AvivaAviva DrescherBravoCaroleHeatherHeather ThomsonLe TamarindLuAnnnew yorkRamona SingerRamonjaReidRussRuss IrwinSonjaSt. BarthsThe Real Housewives of New York CityXavier Merchet-Thau
Previous ArticleSports That Inspire: Denver Bronco Gives Back to Kids with Cancer
Next ArticleWeekend Escape: Sarasota, Florida
Jessica Kleinman
The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen is Still Everything All at Once
Colin Wrenn July 19, 2022
All of the 2022 Red Rocks Shows Announced (So Far)
Mariah Hansen November 17, 2021
Joseph Pope III of the Night Sweats Creates Coronavirus Mural
Kori Hazel April 2, 2020
Get To Know The Couple Behind Bay Area Bakery, Third Culture and Their Denver Endeavors
Kalley Velarde June 7, 2019
Review – Erik B. & Rakim Threw it Back at the Gothic Theatre
Denby Gardiner April 10, 2019
CU Boulder Student Helps the Stories of the Homeless be Heard
Kalley Velarde March 29, 2019


Tales of the Flowers: Halloween Pump-"cake" Patch at the Grand Californian - Where are the Hidden Mickeys?
Halloween Pump-"cake" Patch at the Grand Californian - Where are the Hidden Mickeys?
In the Grand Californian lobby is a giant 4 foot pumpkin made out of cake! I think it's awesome when limited time things like this make their way to Disneyland. There's just one thing that I'm having a hard time figuring out. Where are the hidden Mickeys?
On a board, right beside the cake, are details showing everything that went into making this amazing creation. But it also encourages you to look for 13 different hidden Mickeys.
Some aren't too hard to see. Like the gray Mickey rock on the left column. Or the Mickey hidden between the D and C in GRAND CALIFORNIAN.
Some were a little more difficult to find, like this one on a tree-trunk. And I would also hesitate to call this a hidden Mickey if I saw it anywhere else. Yes it's 3 circles, but a Mickey is supposed to have one of those circles be larger.
On the back of the column there's another Mickey.
I don't know if these pumpkins count as Mickey heads or not.
This pumpkin's stem kinda looks like Oogie Boogie.
So 13 hidden Mickey's? I couldn't find anything more than these. Anyone else know where to find more?


There is a lot of competition for this winter's Christmas market. Andrea Bocelli, Faryl Smith, and even Sting are trying for a successful Christmas release and Hayley Westenra may have difficulty selling her album amongst them, especially with new golden girl Faryl Smith. But Winter Magic will sound different to other classical crossover efforts, as this album sounds as if it would have been released by Eva Cassidy if she were still alive. It is the exact opposite of Sarah Brightman's overblown seasonal offering last year, and focuses on the peacefulness that Christmas can bring.
Although Westenra has released a Christmas album of sorts before (a New Zealand release called My Gift To You), her previous effort was inconsistent and rushed out in a matter of months, though it was certainly acceptable for somebody her age (she was fourteen at the time). It is of no big surprise that Westenra felt that it wasn't the best she could come up with for the holidays and started to work on this album earlier in the year. The fact that Christmas albums are often pushed out to capitalise on people's willingness to empty their pockets towards the big day has never been much of a secret, but Westenra's interpretation of the season is thoughtful and she has clearly spent time and effort on the album.
The strength of this release lies in Westenra's rounded idea of how Christmas should sound, and then remaining loyal to that conception. The arrangements are reigned in to often simple guitar and string combinations (with the help of ever faithful violin player, Fiona Pears) and Westenra has picked a wide variety of songs from the Christmas repertoire, including four of her own compositions. Every song sounds different to the other (something that previous Westenra albums have struggled with) and she relishes the different lyrics and tempos. Her vocal is as clear as ever, and is as able to make standards like 'Silent Night' even more angelic, as she is to make a song like 'Sleigh Ride' immense fun (in a restrained kind of way).
The biggest revelation of this album is the demonstrated growth of Westenra as an artist. Not only in understanding how a body of work comes together, but also as a songwriter. There are four songs here that she has co-written, and they are among the strongest tracks on the album. The stunning 'Christmas Morning' epitomises the atmosphere of Christmas for a child and the louder 'Peace Shall Come' shows her talent for more poppy compositions. The piano led 'All With You' also has a catching chorus and the stirring 'On the Wings of Time' focuses more on instrumental composition rather than lyrical.
As with any Christmas album, there are many songs to be expected but Westenra gives them all new life. The aforementioned 'Silent Night' is a fine example, but 'Carol of the Bells', 'The Little Drummer Boy' and 'The Coventry Carol' are excellent highlights of the album. She performs a lovely vocal on 'The Christmas Song' too, but she had already recorded it on her previous Christmas album so it may seem redundant to loyal Westenra fans. Less heard Christmas songs 'Winter's Dream' and Joni Mitchell's 'River' are also welcome additions; the choral clips on 'Winter's Dream' are particularly wonderous.
Winter Magic is one of the strongest Christmas releases and is recommended to those that like to relax and sit by a fire but should be avoided if Christmas music is something you want to party to. It avoids the repetition of Enya and the campness of Brightman and most importantly, it offers something different along with the familiar. This album will definitely be cherished by Westenra's loyal fanbase as it serves up everything her image stands for: the humble, the pure, the beauty and the elegant.


It is rare for an artist to have a say about the presentation and marketing of their music. Often important decisions are made behind their backs and to their disadvantage. However, we see ourselves primarily as providing a service for the musician and his creativity. At Silver Lining Music we utilize the ingenuity of our artists in close cooperation with our partners to fuse their wishes and ideas with our experience to reach a perfect strategy.
Our contractual partners are allowed access to figures, operations and promotional strategies to avoid discontent or issues caused by a lack of information. In addition, the artist can always add their influence to current work processes and develope their own ideas. Silver Lining Music also offers bands the unique opportunity to release their music under their own customized brand name.
Every band and every artist is unique. Why shouldn't the entire marketing and advertising of the product also reflect this individuality? We offer each of our contractual partners a package specifically tailored to them and developed together, from the design of the product to the promotion and marketing, all the way up to the appropriate distributor, to present their work in the best possible way.
The production path, from basic idea to consumer is a long process, and holds many risks and problems. We advise and support our artists at all stages of this journey competently and comprehensively to ensure a smooth process and a first class product.
Our strategy of avoiding long-term contracts is in the best interest of the artist. The rights to their works revert back to them in a much shorter time period without their having to provide a long-term commitment to Silver Lining Music, allowing them to be convinced quickly of the quality of our work. As a result artists are subjected to less pressure and win the freedom to concentrate strongly on creative work.


❶It will probably not come as a surprise to you that most job hunters are failing to sell themselves in a way that wins over the employer.
We are London's best and only personalised FACE to FACE CV writers. With 10+ years of expertise in tailoring CVs to secure interviews and instilling interview confidence for our clients. Our professional CV Writers have a successful proven track record in securing job interviews with leading companies such as: "I would recommend this service to anyone.
Professional CV writing services London and the UK can rely on. When we write a CV its written to demand the attention of recruiters, services and potential employers. Its estimated that London has a working age population of over million people.
Professional CV Writing Services London. We are a well-established professional CV writer in London covering Greater London, United Kingdom and selected international countries. Benefit from high specification CV services London covering areas such as the City of London, Putney, Fulham, Wimbledon, Shoreditch, Greenwich, Holborn, Chiswick, Finchley, Hampstead, Ealing, Hammersmith, . Our CV Writing Service London offers you an opportunity to work with CV writers who are used to writing professional CVs for the London Market. It is very important that your CV is pitched at the right business level and written in a style that suits your target market audience.
CV writing service from StandOut CV - The UK's best professional CV writers A CV writing service that gets you results If you want to land job interviews in today's job market, you need a high-quality CV that attracts recruiters and employers. Our CV writing service is provided by the Industry's leading CV experts and comes with a % Satisfaction + 1 Year Guarantee. LinkedIn Profile Writing With m members your LinkedIn Profile needs to stand out.


In an effort to keep AES Cayuga open, the bankrupt coal-fired power plant in Lansing, Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, Seneca County, purposed legislation Tuesday to aid the plant.
AES Cayuga has not produced power since early March because it cannot compete with power plants using lower cost natural gas, AES Cayuga Plant Manager Jerry Goodenough told The Journal last week.
This proposed legislation, titled S.6842, recommends the establishment of a power purchase agreement with the New York State Power Authority. The legislation would ensure that the AES Cayuga plant reopens and remains operational for a minimum of three years.
Under the legislation, energy purchased from the AES Cayuga plant would be directed to supplement the state's ReCharge NY program. The ReCharge NY program allocates low-cost power to New York State employers.
The plant filed for bankruptcy in Dec. 2011 citing persistent adverse conditions in the New York power generation market. The company has sustained losses of tens of millions of dollars since 2010.
But there is good news in all of this... the Republicans and Democrats continue to lose members to the Independents.
Not sure what it means.... but it couldn't hurt.


text:
America: Land of racism, misogyny and toxicity
Antonia Williams-Gary, July 12, 2019
Fake racism used as a weapon
Barbara Howard, July 12, 2019
Florida Republicans perpetuate racism with ex-felon voting bill
Mohamed Hamaludin, July 12, 2019
Black church, community not forgotten in Greene County
Staff Report— February 15, 2018
The former Bethel AME Church shows the building's collapsed foundation in Waynesburg, Pa.
PHOTO COURTESY OF REGISTER CITIZEN
By TRISTA THURSTON
(Washington) Observer-Reporter
WAYNESBURG, Pa. – For William Davison, honoring Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is personal.
"I had to do something," he said. "I wanted the church to be remembered."
A sapling willow tree and a plaque in Waynesburg's College Park near the pond and fountain now memorialize a structure once integral to black life in Waynesburg.
"This weeping willow tree in honor of Bethel A.M.E. Church by Amanda and Bill Davison," the marker reads.
The Franklin Township resident wrote a letter last year to Waynesburg council requesting an honorific for the church, which was demolished in 1984, just a year before its 100th anniversary. The foundation was beginning to collapse, and the building sat unused for several years before it was torn down.
But though the physical building is gone, the memories and legacy live on.
"It was an important part of the community, and I just don't want it to be forgotten," Davison said. "It's to remember the church and remember the black community."
The plaque is from Davison and his 12-year-old daughter, Amanda. Davison is passionate about his lineage and genealogy. When it comes to local black history, he's somewhat of an expert.
Davison said he put a lot of thought into which tree would be best, and the weeping willow had a lot of personal significance for him. He can't wait for it to grow and for his daughter to see it.
A weeping willow grew in his aunt's yard on Franklin Street nearby. His mother, as well as his mother's mother and father, all lived on Franklin Street, too. He remembers that tree fondly.
"Everyone played up here," he said, motioning to the area of the college park and neighboring Franklin Street. "Because of that weeping willow, I thought this might be a good choice."
The AME church was constructed on the corner of West Franklin Street and an alley known as Fruit Street in 1885, rebuilt after arson destroyed Waynesburg's first AME church on North Morris Street, Davison previously told the Observer-Reporter. Both properties now belong to Waynesburg University, he said, and Davison would love to get markers at each site.
A drain in the AME church basement caused the damage to the foundation, and when the wall gave way, there wasn't any one left to make repairs. Most everyone had moved out looking for jobs elsewhere, and it wasn't a gathering space anymore, Davison said.
"Well, now it's my turn," he said. "This is just home."
Passing on his legacy to his daughter is extremely important. And not just their history, but the history of black people in Greene County.
"I tell her her story," he said. "It's important that she knows everything I know."
He's traced his family back as far as 1779; his great-great-great-grandfather was the son of a slave named Jane, purchased by Thomas Hughes of Greene County. Davison didn't know much about his ancestry until the late 1990s. He suspected he descended from slaves. Things had been kept secret, with lots of unknowns and family stories.
"I didn't ask, and nobody was telling me," he said. "I just want to find out everything."
Black life in Greene County Now, Davison works to lend credence to those stories, because there is a kernel of truth behind each. It can be difficult to find documents and news stories that validate what's been whispered among relatives for generations, especially the stories of people who were once considered property rather than citizens.
Davison said there were slaves in Greene County, but they were not numerous.
"But one is somebody's heritage. To us, it's not the numbers. It's the history."
There are some former slaves for whom he cannot find records, especially women. Some had children who were sold South. There's evidence of slavery and early African-American life all across Greene County, and he finds that information through obituaries, stories, funeral records and more.
He detailed the evidence in his book, "Early African American Life in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania," co-written with Marlene Bransom. A copy is available at Eva K. Bowlby Library in Waynesburg.
"The main cemetery for African American burials in Greene County is located in Waynesburg on North Morris Street and is called Green Mount Cemetery," reads a section on African-American burial grounds throughout the county. "Although Green Mount Cemetery has been burying all races since the late 1800s, it is racially divided with the African American graves going in a direction opposite than that of the white graves."
"Colored" cemeteries or sections in cemeteries for black people dot the countryside. There's evidence of a schoolhouse that served black children and information about freed slaves traveling through Southwestern Pennsylvania.
There are stories of the Underground Railroad running through Greene County, but Davison said it's hard to find concrete evidence of that.
"It was active here," he said with a wise nod. "This was freedom."
He said he's heard Waynesburg University had been part of the route, but can't find solid proof. Lots of people may have hidden compartments in old homes, but it's hard to verify if those were used to hide slaves or to hide booze during Prohibition. He comes across lots of those dead ends.
"We listen to them, you read them and you file them away," Davison said.
To anyone else wanting to dive deep into their heritage, Davison suggests becoming acquainted with local resources, like the courthouse, historical societies and libraries. He's spent plenty of time looking at microfilm at Cornerstone Genealogy Society. The internet, too, can provide a wealth of knowledge, and chances are good there's someone else out there looking for information about the same person.
"It's a little hard for African-Americans because we had no surnames," Davison explains. "That's part of the mystery."
DNA also has been instrumental in debunking myths and stories. Davison had been told he had American Indian ancestry, but a DNA test proved that to be false.
The research never stops, though. "I've got several more years to do it, and then it'll be Amanda's turn," he said. "These are things that anyone who lives here has a right to know."
Next post Longtime Georgia mayor dies at 77
Previous post George Benson
About the Author Staff Report
Richardson becomes senior bishop of the AME Church
Universal Truth Center invites humanity
Legacy of slave rebellion lingers as Turner reminders disappear
S. Florida Times, May 10, 2019


text:
Kanchanaphisek Bridge, Bangkok
Holidayen / Bangkok / Places to Visit / Kanchanaphisek Bridge
About Kanchanaphisek Bridge
Bang Khae, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร Thailand
Kanchanaphisek Bridge and Nearby Sights on Map
Sunthorn Museum
This is a private museum operated by Mr
Wat Chai Chana Songkhram
This third class Royal Temple dates from 1848, the reign of King Rama III
Rama IX Royal Park
Built in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of the present HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Rama IX Royal Park is the largest public park in Bangkok
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Ban Silapin Artist House
Asiatique Sky
The Asiatique open-air mall on the Chao Phraya riverfront has a giant ferris wheel that offers great views from the top at a height of 60 metres
Museum of Thai Pharmacy
The museum is on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage Building
King Taksin the Great Monument
This is an equestrian statue situated at the Wongwian Yai Circle near the railway station of the same name
Wat Kalayanamit
Situated on the mouth of Bangkok Yai canal at the west bank of the Chao Phraya, this massive temple is popular among the Thai-Chinese community
Wat Arun, often called the Temple of Dawn, is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, you can find more information in that district article


text:
Erika Gasche (* 1. Juni 1920 in Biberist; † 18. März 2016 in Saanen), verheiratet Paroni-Gasche, war eine Schweizer Skirennfahrerin und Mitglied der Schweizer Ski-Nationalmannschaft. 1944 wurde sie Schweizer Meisterin in der Kombination.

Erika Gasche war eine erfolgreiche Schweizer Skirennfahrerin und belegte an den damals bedeutenden nationalen und internationalen Skirennen oft eine Platzierung unter den ersten drei. Sie war bis zu ihrem Rücktritt sechs Jahre Mitglied der Schweizer Ski-Nationalmannschaft.

Während der Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges fehlte den Schweizer Skirennfahrern die internationale Konkurrenz, mit der sie sich auch in einem internationalen Rahmen hätten messen können. Da damals die Grenzen geschlossen waren, bestand kaum die Möglichkeit, an Skirennen im Ausland teilzunehmen, und während der aktivsten Renntätigkeit von Erika Paroni-Gasche wurden auch die Alpinen Skiweltmeisterschaften und die Olympischen Winterspiele nicht durchgeführt.

Sportliche Erfolge
Am 34. Schweizerischen Skirennen 1940 in Gstaad belegte Erika Gasche bei den Juniorinnen in der Abfahrt und im Slalom den zweiten Platz und fuhr damit bei den Damen die fünftbeste Zeit in beiden Disziplinen. Am 35. Schweizerischen Skirennen 1941 in St. Moritz, fiel sie aus, aufgrund eines Schienbeinbruchs im Abfahrtstraining.

Am Grand Prix de la Légion in Megève, 1942, wurde Erika Gasche hinter den beiden Französinnen Georgette Thiollière und Colette Schmid Dritte in der Abfahrt.
Kurz darauf war sie am Ski-Länderkampf Frankreich–Schweiz in Wengen, 1942, erfolgreich im Team Schweiz I (Verena Fuchs, Elisa Darnutzer, Erika Gasche) und fuhr u. a. im Slalom auf den dritten Rang.

Die verheiratete Erika Paroni-Gasche belegte an den 37. Schweizer Skimeisterschaften in Arosa den vierten Platz in der Kombination, den 2. Platz in der Abfahrt und den 6. Platz im Slalom. Ein Jahr darauf wurde sie 1944 an den 38. Schweizer Skimeisterschaften in Gstaad, Schweizer Meisterin in der Kombination.

Weitere Erfolge
 Sieg in der Abfahrt am Rinderberger-Derby, Zweisimmen, 1939
 Sieg in der Abfahrt am Elsig-Derby, Frutigen, 1939
 Sieg in der Abfahrt und Slalom am Wispillen-Rennen, Gstaad, 1940
 Sieg in der Abfahrt und Slalom am 22. Oberländischen Verbands-Rennen, Zweisimmen, 1941
 Sieg in der Abfahrt, Slalom und Kombination an der Wengener Abfahrt und Slalom, Wengen, 1941
 Sieg in der Abfahrt und Kombination am 23. Oberländischen Verbands-Rennen, Mürren, 1941
 2. Rang in der Abfahrt auf der Piste des Bouquetins, Villars, 1941

Sie war die erste und bis heute die einzige Schweizer Meisterin im alpinen Skisport aus dem Saanenland. Am Ende der Wintersaison 1943/1944 trat sie vom Skirennsport zurück.

Erika Paroni-Gasche lebte in Saanen. Nach ihrer Skirennkarriere war die dreifache Mutter als Damenschneiderin tätig. Mit Beginn der 1960er-Jahre war sie für den international renommierten Florentiner Modedesigner Emilio Pucci, der damals mit seinen farbenfrohen Paisleymustern zu Weltruhm kam, in der Boutique in Gstaad tätig. Als berufstätige Frau emanzipierte sie sich schnell, und einige Persönlichkeiten aus dem Showgeschäft zählten zu ihren Kunden. Sie blieb bescheiden und war ihr Leben lang als Damenschneiderin tätig, der Beruf, den sie bis ins hohe Alter noch gelegentlich ausführte.

Einzelnachweise

Alpiner Skirennläufer (Schweiz)
Schweizer Meister (Ski Alpin)
Schweizer
Geboren 1920
Gestorben 2016
Frau

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Two business grads give back
Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
October 7, 2021 - Natalie Bruckner
Zhu and Thom play with their children. Credit: Holly Restani Captured Moon Photography. Originally published in the Summer 2021 issue of Business Class Magazine.
At first glance it may seem like Judy Zhu, BCom '03—a financial technology specialist, CEO of MoneyGirls and member of The Fund Rockies—had her career path mapped out early on. The reality is very different.
"My career has been more like a jungle gym than a conservative, linear ladder," she says. "Since I entered into business, I have been very free and nimble. I believe that every move you make is positive; it gets you closer to where you want to be. The risk-taking comes from me knowing I am smart enough to figure things out and that no failure is ever catastrophic." It's an attitude that Zhu says is common among immigrants because "moving to a whole new country and starting all over again, well, that's about as scary as it can get!"
Zhu immigrated to Canada from China at the age of nine. She attended Mount Douglas Secondary School in Victoria and then enrolled in Gustavson's Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program specializing in international business. During her third year, she met her husband, James Thom (BCom '03).
The most seminal experience at UVic was during my international exchange. I did my internship at the Canadian embassy in Beijing; it took me out of my comfort zone. I had to just figure it out. It also helped me realize a few things. I went into the program thinking I would end up in a foreign service, but soon figured out that [career] wasn't for me.
—Judy Zhu, UVic business alum
Thom also specialized in international business during his Gustavson studies. He connected with Zhu while collaborating on a project in a Business Law class. "She wouldn't argue with the fact that, really, she was just trying to copy my notes!" Thom jokes.
Thom regards the school's business case competitions as his most formative training. "It was a phenomenal experience in building the muscles for fast analysis and concise communications." Thom has put those analytical muscles to work ever since, including eight years at the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, and now as chief product officer at Vertafore, an insurance-technology company. Prior to his current role, he also led corporate development at Vertafore and oversaw the company's $5 billion acquisition by Roper Technologies last year—a deal that was done from beginning to end during the pandemic.
But back when they were graduating from UVic, Thom and Zhu's future careers were still just a wealth of ideas and potential. The first move post-UVic was Zhu's sales-and-marketing role with L'Oreal, which took the couple to the east coast. Eventually, she and Thom both decided to pursue their MBAs at Harvard Business School. During their studies, Zhu interned at Louis Vuitton in New York: "I thought I had this affinity with French luxury brands and that was it!" Zhu laughs.
In 2009, as she and Thom completed their MBAs, the financial crisis caused the bottom to fall out of the retail market. It was also a year that saw the rise of entrepreneurship. "My graduating class at Harvard was incredibly entrepreneurial. They kept telling me that I was an idiot if I returned to retail and mentioned I should look into tech and e-commerce. I was introduced to the founder of diapers.com who was incredibly successful. At first I thought, 'Excuse me! I don't think so.' But a friend persuaded me—so I joined them. It wasn't glamorous, but then, entrepreneurship rarely is. The company was later bought out by Amazon for $600 million. That was the genesis of my next decade in consumer technology."
This entry into the tech world opened up new doors for Zhu. And from each new position, Zhu soaked up the lessons. It was during this journey and as she transitioned into financial technology (fintech), working for companies including Uber Technologies and Quidsi, that she had a revelation.
"When I joined Uber, overseeing fintech business development, it really hit me that everyone I was working with were dudes!" syas Zhu. "I found it fascinating that all builders and users of fintech products were male, and that didn't sit too well with me."
In her own life, money discussions would often involve her parents or her husband, reinforcing the concept that even today, women aren't the first to manage their own money. "I admit that I had very little interest in personal finance previously, but I was starting to get impatient with my own lack of confidence on such an important topic. The older you get the less of a right you feel you have to ask dumb questions; you end up being 35 and too afraid to ask. I didn't understand investing when I was younger and I knew I wasn't the only one," Zhu says.
This inspired her to start MoneyGirls, a place where women could talk about money. She started to write angel checks to female entrepreneurs, and then the opportunity came along to join The Fund in Colorado—an early stage venture capital firm. "They asked if I would be interested in joining as an investment partner because they were trying to create an investment team that was more diverse. They had found their 'two middle-aged white men' very quickly and, to their credit, they were looking for more diverse investors; only investors with different perspectives are going to enable the full spectrum of founders, building products the world needs."
Today, Zhu's time is committed to giving start-up entrepreneurs who may not have had the same stability as her the chance to dream big. She balances this with raising two children and undertaking her passions of hiking and skiing. From beauty to fintech to venture investing—it continues to be quite the journey for Zhu. And while she is proud of her confidence to take those risks, she also acknowledges that she has the privilege of having parents who are emotionally supportive, giving her added confidence. Her husband is her scaffold, too.
"James is the stable one and I'm the risk-taker. Because we've been together since UVic, we completely credit each other for giving the push needed to achieve any success we claim. I also benefit hugely from my network. I worked my buns off throughout my career, but with that comes the security of having peers and mentors who have your back as well. Not everyone has that."
That is why Zhu and Thom set up the Judy Zhu and James Thom Business & Entrepreneurship Award, a scholarship given to a new UVic business student who is the first in their family to attend a post-secondary institution or is an immigrant.
We have such great memories of UVic and the stepping stones it created for our careers. The award is a way of giving someone who may not have that safety net an opportunity. For me, being an immigrant, it means a lot, and for James, being the first in his family to go to post-secondary, the award was a no-brainer. When you're the first in your family to do something, there is a level of daring and risk-taking. We want the award to enable someone with that mindset to succeed.
Keywords: business, technology, alumni, philanthropy
People: Judy Zhu, James Thom
Publication: Business Class
Taking on climate challenge
UVic researchers are at the forefront of initiatives aimed at assessing and addressing the climate crisis—from exploring methods of protecting habitat to sequestering carbon beneath the ocean floor to mobilizing financial markets to act.
From coffee to career
Paige Cey, who graduates this fall with a Bachelor of Commerce, earned recognition by BC Business magazine for a podcast she created for female entrepreneurs and professionals.
A look at deepfakes with Jan Kietzmann
Jan Kietzmann (BCom '98), Associate Professor of Innovation and Information Systems at the Gustavson School of Business discusses the potential benefits and risks of deepfake technology.


This year you will hear a new acronym which I hope you will take to heart. TWYRP stands for "Thanks for Wearing Your Rotary Pin." I encourage you to wear your Rotary pin at all times - not just at your club meetings - and show everyone you are proud to be a member of our great organization.
I am very pleased that Jennifer Kendrick of the Charlotte - Dilworth South End Club is serving as our Newsletter Editor for 2018-19. Please send information to Jenny (jakendrick@outlook.com) about any special activities, milestones, etc., in your club so she can publish details in future newsletters.
To see our most recent newsletter on the website, please click on 'District Newsletters' under' Our District', for information about activities in our District and much more.
In the July 2018 issue, please check out the videos included in the link for the Rotary International Convention in Toronto. What a wonderful experience sharing fellowship and cultures with 25,000 fellow Rotarians from over 200 countries. I was fortunate enough to spend an evening with Rotarians from different clubs in Russia - a really educational and inspiring event.
Start making plans for the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg (Capture the Moment) next year to celebrate our year of inspiration!
Finally, mark your calendars for October 13 and the Duck Race for Polio. Plan to bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun and activities. Details below and at bit.ly/duckraceforpolio.
I look forward to working together to "Be the Inspiration" in 2018-19.