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ICE removes Guatemalan national wanted for attempted homicide
Dalvis Hernandez-Ixcoy, 30, a native of Guatemala, was removed by ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) via an ICE Air Operations charter flight without incident from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Guatemala City, Guatemala. Once in Guatemala, ERO officers turned him over to law enforcement authorities.
ICE removes unlawfully present Salvadoran national from Massachusetts wanted for murder in his country
Marvin Alexander Figueroa-Mazariego, 40, was flown on a charter flight coordinated by ICE Air Operations from Alexandria, Louisiana, to the El Salvador International Airport in San Salvador, El Salvador. Upon arrival, he was turned over to Salvadoran authorities.
ICE removes Mexican fugitive wanted in Sonora for possession for military firearms
On Oct. 15, 2019, the Sixth District Court in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, issued an arrest warrant against Aviles-Yocupicio. The warrant alleges he carried firearms and firearm cartridges designated for the exclusive use of the Mexican military.
ICE removes murderer from Washington state to Mexico
On Jan. 9, 1996, Adrian Andrade-Mora, 41, was convicted of murder and assault in the first degree. He was sentenced to 250 months and 93 months confinement, to be served consecutively.
ICE removes Mexican man convicted of kidnapping in Oregon
On Oct. 4, 2018, Gerardo Muniz-Vazquez, 28, was convicted in the Umatilla County Circuit Court for kidnapping and assault and sentenced to 34 months confinement.
ICE removes child molester living illegally in Washington state
On May 5, 2019, Ricardo Arturo Santiago-Silva, 46, was convicted in Skagit County, Washington, of child molestation and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. He was sentenced to 31 months confinement and transferred to the Washington Corrections Center in Sheldon.
ICE today announced an extension of the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance that was granted earlier this year. Due to the continued precautions related to COVID-19, DHS will extend this policy until Jan. 31, 2021.
FY 2020: ICE annual report highlights operational successes in year shrouded by COVID-19
|Operational
ICE announced Wednesday the agency's fiscal year 2020 annual report numbers, highlighting trends that underscore the administration's focus on enforcing immigration laws and leading investigations that threaten or exploit the customs and immigration laws of the United States.
ICE Atlanta announces latest results of operation targeting aliens who failed to depart US voluntarily
From Monday, Dec. 7, to Tuesday, Dec. 17, ERO Atlanta officers arrested seven individuals who failed to depart after being granted voluntary departure. All seven of those arrested had prior criminal convictions.
ICE launches billboards in Asheville featuring at-large public safety threats
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a billboard campaign today in Asheville, North Carolina, to alert the public of at-large immigration violators who may pose a public safety threat to the community. Several of the individuals were previously arrested or convicted of crimes in the U.S., but were released into the community instead of being transferred into ICE custody pursuant to an immigration detainer.
ICE announces the latest results of Operation Broken Promise, targeting aliens who failed to depart US voluntarily
From Monday, Dec. 7, to Tuesday, Dec. 17, ICE Enforcement and Removal (ERO) officers arrested more than 150 individuals, including 117 who failed to depart after being granted voluntary departure. About 71% of those arrested had criminal convictions or pending charges.
Bahamian man in ICE custody passes away in Mississippi
|Detainee Death Notifications
Anthony Jones, 51, was pronounced dead at 9:59 a.m. (CST) by medical professionals responding to the Adams County Detention Center emergency room, where Jones had sought treatment that morning.
ICE investigation led to seizure of 2 fraudulent websites purporting to be biotechnology companies developing treatments for COVID-19 vaccine
|COVID-19, Cyber Crimes, Intellectual Property Rights and Commercial Fraud
"This operation illustrates the ongoing efforts of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, private industry and international law enforcement agencies in keeping our communities safe and free from corruption."
ICE, CBP and LAPD seize counterfeit Viagra pills, footwear, belts, car emblems and headphones worth more than $32 million at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport
The counterfeit items included more than one million erectile dysfunction pills, footwear, belts, purses and headphones in violation of registered and recorded trademarks. If genuine, the seized merchandise would have had an estimated MSRP of $32,161,194.00.
15 named in $26 million international trade fraud scheme
Law enforcement arrested Zheng "Miranda" Zhou, 53, of Missouri City, and Kun "Bruce" Liu, 40, of Sugar Land, Dec. 14. Both made their initial appearances in Houston federal court Dec. 15, at which time the criminal indictment was unsealed.
ICE removes convicted murderer to Mexico
In August 1998, Arturo Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 47, was convicted of murder in the first degree in the Washington State Superior Court for Yakima County and sentenced to 320 months of confinement.
ICE removes previously deported criminal alien to Mexico convicted of luring a disabled child
Eduardo Flores-Rodriguez, 33, was removed from the United States via an ICE Air Operations charter flight and transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.
US and the UK sign the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement
|National Security
On behalf of the United States and the United Kingdom, officials from CBP and ICE signed a CMAA on Dec. 16 to further enhance bilateral efforts to secure and facilitate lawful trade. The U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson and The Rt. Hon. Jesse Norman, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, signed the agreement in London.
ICE removes child molester convicted in Washington state to Mexico
Horacio Ornelas-Lomeli, 38, was removed from the U.S. via an ICE Air Operations charter flight and transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.
ICE publishes monthly report on enforcement actions due to 287(g) cooperative agreements
ICE's 287(g) reports detail examples of enforcement actions made as a direct result of the cooperative agreements between state and local law enforcement partners and the federal agency.
ICE detainer not honored, convicted child murderer released
On Jan. 9, 1998, Morales-Ramirez, now 44, was convicted of second-degree murder, assault on a child causing death, and great bodily injury to a child causing death by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
ICE warning on fake COVID-19 vaccines, counterfeit PPE, bogus preventive medical treatments
Fraudulent schemes may include the sale of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and so-called preventive medical treatments. ICE HSI El Paso seeks to identify people who may be victims of COVID-19 related fraud.
ICE Newark and local law enforcement seek escapee from Essex County Correctional Facility
Update: On Saturday, Dec. 12, ICE officers arrested Luis Cordon-Guzman, 31, who escaped from Essex County Jail on Dec. 4 while facing pending removal proceedings.
2 arrested for human smuggling conspiracy and defrauding US government agencies
A six-count indictment was unsealed in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) Thursday charging Dat Tat Ho and Manh Ngoc Nguyen with conspiring to defraud U.S. government agencies and alien smuggling for financial gain, and related crimes. The defendants allegedly smuggled Vietnamese aliens into the United States to work for illegally low wages at hair and nail salons in New York City and on Long Island.
ICE removes convicted murderer to Guatemala
On Dec. 13, 1985, the Portland Police Bureau arrested Luis Lopez Carrasco, 56, for murder and other local charges.


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Biosensors in contact lenses can monitor IOP and diabetes
Laird Harrison
Work is progressing on contact lenses that can monitor biomarkers in tear film for intraocular pressure, diabetes mellitus, and other health conditions.
Work is progressing on contact lenses that can monitor biomarkers in tear film for intraocular pressure (IOP), diabetes mellitus, and other health conditions.
"Assuming that the technology performs as intended, the widespread use of contact lens sensors could provide a paradigm shift in clinical management of a variety of diseases," wrote Chau-Minh Phan and colleagues of the Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometery and Vision Science, Waterloo, Canada in Optometry and Vision Science.
Related: Continuous IOP monitoring: Tools for addressing an unmet need
Although the investment of Alphabet (the parent company of Google) in the technology has attracted headlines, multiple other companies are working on competing versions. Yet none has completely overcome the significant technical and clinical barriers to widespread use.
Because IOP can fluctuate during the course of a day, the gold standard for its measurement, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gives an incomplete picture. Measurement position can also influence results.
In 2009, Sensimed (Lausanne, Switzerland) launched the Triggerfish IOP-monitoring contact lens to address this challenge, the authors wrote. The device won approval from Conformité Européene in 2010 for commercialisation in Europe, but so far has not attained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.
It uses four circular strain gauges capable of sensing circumferential changes at the limbus, Phan and colleagues reported. Relative variations in IOP show up as a result of changes in ocular volume, they said.
An embedded microprocessor and antenna in the contact lens sensor transfer the data wirelessly to an external eyepiece, and the data are stored on a portable unit worn on the waist or neck.
In clinical trials, the results proved highly reproducible, and because no force is needed on the cornea, they are independent of the investigator and patient, the authors said.
More: Why choosing the right multifocal IOL patients is important
However, validation between the contact lens sensor and tonometry has proved difficult because of the impossibility of simultaneous measurement using the contact lens sensor and tonometry on the same eye.
In addition, the eyepiece as currently designed is "both crude in appearance and large," wrote Phan and colleagues. And the contact lens is larger with a higher modulus than a typical soft contact lens, making it relatively uncomfortable.
However, the Triggerfish might prove useful for use over the course of 24 hours to glean information about fluctuation in IOP, with this information coupled to conventional measurements, they reported.
Monitoring for diabetes
Diabetes stands out among the conditions that might lend themselves to longer term monitoring.
Most often patients monitor their diabetes with enzyme-based finger pricks, which are painful and inconvenient and could lead to infections.
One alternative approach is based on boronic acids, which bind to diol-containing species such as carbohydrates. One such approach uses boronic acid fluorophores (BAFs), which induce spectral changes in the presence of sugars through an excited state charge transfer mechanism. So far, though, the BAF response has not been sufficiently sensitive after incorporation in a contact lens.
Glaucoma news: New technology predicts conversion to POAG
Another fluorescence approach uses concanavalin A in a competitive assay. An attempt by Eyesense (Grossotheim, Germany) to commercialise this approach proved unsuccessful, the research reported.
Other researchers have used enzyme-electrode-based mechanisms that take advantage of oxidation of glucose by glucose oxidase into hydrogen peroxide. Further oxidation of the hydrogen peroxide at the electrode releases free electrons, producing an electric current that can be coupled with a transmission system to produce a wireless sensing device, the authors wrote.
Building on the research of others, Verily, a division of Alphabet, has developed this technology in partnership with Novartis. The system includes an antenna, a wireless sensor interface chip and a glucose sensor polymer substrate for the detection of tear glucose.
This approach has shown high sensitivity and selectivity. But the enzyme has a short lifetime, and enzymatic sensors can also be affected by the typical sterilisation methods used in the contact lens industry, such as autoclaving, wrote Phan and colleagues.
Recent: Managing ocular surface disease in patients with glaucoma
The immobilisation of the enzyme on the substrate has posed a barrier to this approach and so has enzymatically generated water, which is susceptible to interference with redox-active molecules such as ascorbic acid, said the authors. For this reason, research is now focusing on novel nanostructures with glucose-sensing properties, but this technology remains in the early stages.
Clinical difficulties have also imposed barriers to the development of a glucose-sensing contact lenses, said Phan and colleagues. To be effective the sensor must constantly monitor glucose levels and warn patients who are in danger of hyperglycemia so that they can inject themselves with insulin.
But patients who depend on insulin injection also risk developing severe hypoglycaemia, which also need to be monitored in a timely manner, especially at night when blood glucose often drops. Yet blood glucose takes an average of 20 minutes to appear in tear fluid, and then the glucose must diffuse through the contact lens to reach the biosensor, the authors reported. This lag time could make this method of glucose monitoring insufficient for patients at high risk from hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia.
Future obstacles
Continuous contact lens wear can also be uncomfortable, and increase the risk of microbial keratitis, contact lens peripheral ulcers, and inflammatory complications. In elderly patients, who are most often in need of this type of monitoring, the problems of intolerance and disabilities preventing contact lens insertion and removal are particularly common, Phan and colleagues noted.
For some conditions, however, the wearer could remove the contact lens soon after insertion allowing analysis and quantification of biomarkers outside the eye. This approach could lend itself to conditions such as dry eye and cancer that don't require continuous monitoring.
At the same time, contact lens sensor technology faces some other significant obstacles. Tear analysis can be difficult because of variations in the tear proteome, the low concentration of biomarkers in tear film, and variations with sex, age, and time of day.
Still, the authors noted, if these barriers can be overcome, contact lens sensors could produce immense amounts of information, leading to better effective treatments and improvements in individualised medicine.
GlaucomaRetinaCataract & RefractiveArticles

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Necklace Gwen Stefani Wore on 'The Voice' Is a Sweet Tribute to Blake Shelton
Grace Lenehan Vaughn Published: November 10, 2022
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images / Instagram, Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are, of course, husband and wife, but they're also co-workers on Season 22 of The Voice, as coaches. The show is currently in the Knockout Rounds, and eagle-eyed fans may have noticed Stefani wearing a piece of jewelry that is a tribute to her union with Shelton.
The piece of jewelry is a necklace with two gold pieces along the front. At first look, those layered pieces might seem like any regular necklace, but they actually represent the musical couple's relationship, according to NBC.com. One of the gold pieces reads "Stefani" and the other says "Shelton."
Stefani hasn't shared the background behind the necklace, but this season of the show isn't the first time she has donned the piece — she also wore it on The Voice back in 2020. Her apparel during the Knockouts was completed by a tight leather top from Good American, she reveals in a video detailing her look, and wide leg pants made of denim and gold material.
Stefani and Shelton met on The Voice in 2014, and they began dating in 2015 after both divorced their respective spouses. The two have coached together on five seasons since they began their relationship, and Shelton says he has no problem competing against his now-wife.
"The best part about working with my wife is that I never have to be apart from her," Shelton once shared with NBC Insider. "And she also happens to be one of the least competitive people I know. Being on a competition show with your wife, who is also not competitive, is the greatest situation you can be in."
This fall season is the first time Stefani has returned as coach since her marriage to Shelton, and she says working alongside her husband has been somewhat nostalgic.
"Stepping back on the set of The Voice this time was very surreal," she admits. "Being married, it brought back so many memories of all the different seasons that we've been on The Voice together, all the different phases of our friendship, of our relationship."
In October, Shelton announced that next season (23) will be his last as a coach on The Voice. He has served in the role since the inaugural season in 2011.
10 Blake Shelton Facts You Probably Didn't Know
In this list of 10 things you didn't know about Blake Shelton, you'll learn what the singer thought of his '90s mullet, what his pet peeves are, what songs he sang when he entered pageants as a kid (yes, really!) and more.
Source: The Necklace Gwen Stefani Wore on 'The Voice' Is a Sweet Tribute to Blake Shelton
Filed Under: Blake Shelton, gwen stefani, the voice
Blake Shelton + Gwen Stefani Drop in at 'The Voice' Alum Jay Allen's Oklahoma Ole Red Show [Pictures]
'The Voice': All Four Coaches Bring Christmas Cheer With Holiday Performance [Watch]
'The Voice': Morgan Myles Belts Out Little Big Town's 'Girl Crush' During Pre-Finale Show [Watch]
Bryce Leatherwood Performs Two Country Hits During 'The Voice' Live Finale [Watch]
Gwen Stefani's Sons Taught Blake Shelton Something Very Important About Himself
Blake Shelton Is Focused on His Family With Gwen Stefani: 'This Isn't About Me Anymore'
Gwen Stefani on Her Unlikely Romance With Blake Shelton: 'God Put Us Together'
'The Voice': Jay Allen Swaps Teams After Blake Shelton Uses His Steal Over Gwen Stefani [Watch]


Combining magnesium amino acid chelate and activated B6 in a convenient tablet, helps support a healthy cardiovascular system, muscles, nervous system and may relieve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
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- May relieve muscular aches, pains, cramps and spasms.
- May relieve PMS symptoms, including menstrual pain and cramps, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, fluid retention, bloating and breast tenderness.
- May be beneficial during times of stress, as stress has been associated with lowered magnesium status.
- Adequate magnesium levels are important for the maintenance of a healthy mood.
- May relieve symptoms of morning sickness (nausea and vomiting).
- Magnesium assists in the maintenance of healthy vascular smooth muscle tone and contractility, helping to support the cardiovascular system and normal healthy heart rhythm.
- Features magnesium Chelazome®, a patented mineral delivery system that enhances absorption and intestinal tolerance of magnesium and is more likely to be well tolerated in high doses than some other forms.


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20 Pictures of Assisi One of Italy's Most Beloved Pilgrimages
Here are our top 20 Pictures of Assisi and four reasons why yes, Assisi is worth visiting. Even if you don't give a fig leaf about St. Francis or The Catholic Church.
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy's most admirable patron saints. Over 5.5 million pilgrims, art lovers, and tourists make the journey to this UNESCO World Heritage site each year.
Assisi Italy Pictures
Dating back to 1000BC Assisi is inextricably linked to religion. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most important religious pilgrimage sites in Italy. Local shops sell religious art, jewelry, and crafts. Walking tours include museum-worthy art collections in the 10 churches and Basilicas of Assisi.
Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary the Greater), Cathedral of San Rufino, Basilica of Santa Chiara (St. Clare), Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels), Chiesa Nuova, Santo Stefano, Eremo delle Carceri, Church of San Pietro (St. Peter) and Church of San Damiano.
With so much focus on the church, it's natural for non-Catholics or less religious tourists to wonder, is Assisi worth visiting?
Old homes as seen in Assisi, Italy
Mural Inside Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Fontana dei Tre Leoni Assisi, Italy
Umbria Countryside as Viewed from Assisi, Italy
Lawn Across from Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Mural in Assisi of Saint Francis
Rocca Maggiore Castle Assisi Italy
Tower Wall of Rocca Maggiore Castle Assisi Italy
Rocca Maggiore Castle Tower Assisi Italy.
Rocca Maggiore Castle Wall Assisi Italy.
Roofline of Assisi, Italy
Italian Resident of Assisi
Assisi Italy City Walls
Assisi Italy As Seen from Rocca Maggiore Castle.
Assisi Italy As Seen from Rocca Maggiore Castle
Olive Grove in Assisi, Italy
Holiday Decorations Assisi Italy
4 Reasons Assisi Italy is Worth the Trip
The photos above illustrate the beauty of Assisi. If photographic splendor alone doesn't do it for you, here are four reasons Assisi is worth visiting.
1. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are currently 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. Understanding why Assisi is one of them can go a long way to helping you decide if Assisi is worth visiting.
Justification for Inscription
Criterion (i): Assisi represents an ensemble of masterpieces of human creative genius, such as the Basilica of San Francesco, which have made it a fundamental reference for art history in Europe and in the world.
Criterion (ii): The interchange of artistic and spiritual message of the Franciscan Order has significantly contributed to developments in art and architecture in the world.
Criterion (iii): Assisi represents a unique example of continuity of a city-sanctuary within its environmental setting from its Umbrian-Roman and medieval origins to the present, represented in the cultural landscape, the religious ensembles, systems of communication, and traditional land-use.
Criterion (iv): The Basilica of San Francesco is an outstanding example of a type of architectural ensemble that has significantly influenced the development of art and architecture.
Criterion (vi): Being the birthplace of the Franciscan Order, Assisi has from the Middle Ages been closely associated with the cult and diffusion of the Franciscan movement in the world, focusing on the universal message of peace and tolerance even to other religions or beliefs.
UNESCO World Heritage Center
Religious pilgrims have journeyed to Assisi for centuries to see the Basilica of San Francesco (where St. Francis is buried) and the Basilica of Santa Chiara (to see the tomb of St. Clare). Yet, for non-Catholics like myself, much of what makes Assisi worth visiting lies outside the churches and Basilicas.
2. Location! Assisi, Italy on the Map
Assisi is located in Central Italy, in Umbria between Perugia and Spoleto on the slopes of Subasio Mountain. Assisi's high hilltop location gives visitors a unique birds-eye view of Umbria.
Peek-a-boo views from inside Assisi's historic walls, hint at the rolling landscape below. To get the best views, you'll have to hike up a bit. Exit the Porta Perlici, the original gate of the city located close to the Anfiteatro Romano, and head up, up, up to Rocca Maggiore Castle for the best views of Assisi and the countryside below.
I know I said 10 images but I never can resist a few more! Like the one below that shows the views from Rocca Maggiore Castle of Assisi, Italy.
3. Rocca Maggiore Castle
The Rocca Maggiore Castle Fortress dates back to 1173. Legend has it in 1198 the townspeople threw Conrad I von Urslingen (the count of Assisi) out of the castle and tore it down in a revolt. Legend has it the fortress was then neglected until 1362 when Cardinal Gil Albornoz had it rebuilt.
The Rocca Maggiore Castle and the surrounding fortress is an imposing example of 14th-century military architecture. Commanding views of the Tescio River Valley stretching from Perugia to Spoleto and can be seen from the Castle Keep.
A walk along the square fortress walls to the Castle Tower feels a bit like being in a Zeffirelli film. Mainly because some scenes from "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" were actually filmed here!
4. Assisi is a Charming Picturesque Medieval City to Explore
There are no canals with gondolas, no colosseums, no leaning towers. Instead, Assisi offers a glimpse at a different side of Italy. The side Italians know and spend their weekends exploring to find this little trattoria or that little shop to recommend to friends.
Each town is a little bit different but the pattern is much the same. Wander cobblestone streets. Enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. Appreciate the balance of preservation and patina. Sit for a long lunch with a bottle of wine. Walk some more. Pop into a church to see museum-quality art. Walk some more. Admire regional architecture. Hear the church bells ring. Realize it's time for an aperitif before dinner.
One of the best parts of visiting Assisi is getting lost while exploring the historic city itself. It feels as if life just woke up from an extra long nap in Assisi.
Italy's picturesque walled towns are a paradise for photographers like my Husband. Constantly intrigued by textures, colors, and trees that take back what people and time leave behind.
Avoiding the Crowds in Assisi
Visiting Assisi in the off-season (October to early May) helps ensure the charm of this well-preserved medieval city can be fully appreciated without the hassle of summer crowds. For introverts who don't mind bundling up, Assisi has a magic charm in winter.
Fair warning though, it does get very windy on the walk up to Rocca Maggiore Castle! This photo is from the steep walk up to see Rocca Maggiore Castle at the exact moment the clouds broke and warm sunlight fell down to us, making it one of the more magical moments of our day in Assisi.
Yes, Italy has Rome, Tuscany, and Venice but for religious pilgrimages, art, or Italian lifestyle lovers, Assisi may well be the perfect day trip. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a historic medieval walled city, home to a giant castle, and offers the best panoramic views of Umbria. It's no wonder Assisi has millions of tourists visiting each year! Still, the reason Assisi is worth visiting is that despite everything else it maintains all the charm of an Italian hilltop city, perfect for an easy yet unforgettable day trip.
Follow ALOR.blog for More Traveling & Moving to Italy Stories
References Plus Other Bloggers Takes on Assisi
Inside Assisi, Italy – Umbria's Jaw Dropping World Heritage Town – Walks of Italy
The "Rocca Maggiore" Fortress – Assisi – Umbria Tourism Board
One Day in Assisi – Madonna del Piatto
5 places of St Francis of Assisi to visit in one day – Alitalia
# Italy travel# Photography# Travel Italy# Travel Photography# umbria
Why Pienza, Italy Should Be On Your List in 20 Photos
30 Vacation Inspiration Pictures of Sardinia, Italy
10 Pictures of Pitigliano a Photographer's Dream Location in Italy
MajorJangra
July 13, 2020 / 10:10 am Reply
It certainly is a beautiful place! Have you been?


Planting peach trees on their farm makes more sense for the Johnsons than planting apricot trees. Although fresh, locally grown apricots are very popular in this area, the same is true of peaches. However, individual peach trees cost much less to purchase and plant than do apricot trees, and peach trees also begin bearing fruit at a much younger age.
Which one of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument?
(A) Fresh, locally grown apricots sell at a much higher price than do fresh, locally grown peaches.
(B) Apricot trees tend to stop being productive at a younger age than do peach trees.
(C) It costs as much to water and fertilize peach trees as it does to water and fertilize apricot trees.
(D) The market for fresh, locally grown apricots has grown in recent years as awareness of the health benefits of eating fresh fruit has increased.
(E) Peach production has decreased dramatically over the last several years.
The grown market for fresh, locally grown apricots could make some influence on the profits. However, those effects are on the long term, and we can't know whether the farmers could earn more profit from apricot trees than from peach trees.
Thoe prodection has decreased dramatically so the supply will be not enough to satisfy the demand. Thus, the sell price will increase so the farmers will earn more profits. This choice strengthens the argument.


Nature elements can always be incorporated in interior decoration for many purposes. Functional aspect alongside decorative matter will surely be the reason for using natural elements such as rock even for interior decoration. Among the many possible natural materials that can be incorporated in interior décor, there are agates and geodes. Those things are considerably rocking hot to be adopted in any interior décor of any style. Glamorous accents or boho feel can be the outcome when adding those so-called beautiful rocks in any décor. So, how to really rock them out in any interior space?
The simplest way possible to add geodes and agates in any interior space is by using them in form of accessories. Many possible items could be made of those rocks. Candle holders, coasters, window hangers, or even handles and knobs of drawers are the examples. A small piece of accessories made of geodes or agates can always be added to any interior to enhance the overall appeal. Modern décor in a rather plain color scheme can definitely use that idea, right? It is quite possible though to go search for geode lights out there. The base of a table lamp can actually be made of either agate or geode. It can be of any shape, size, and color that will be a showstopper in any interior décor where it is placed.
A table with geode or agate base can be an excellent addition to any interior décor as well. The base made of such material will always be looking so great with the use of glass tabletop. Additional lighting can even be added to accentuate the geodes and agates further. Coffee tables and dining tables will look nice with the base of agate or geode for sure in any possible options available.
Another smart way of incorporating agate or geode is to make use of them as artwork pieces. Framed geode display could be a decent way to create a focal point in any décor of interior space. There are many works of art inspired by these elements that can be combined for this purpose. There are so many artworks inspired by those elements to incorporate for this purpose. One last option to get the best appeal of geode and agate is to bring it to a bathroom. The outcome could really be jaw-dropping. It can be used as a bathtub with a pretty beautiful inner color. Additional lights can be added to get the ultimate appeal of it for sure.


This prompt is here to get your mind on sentence structure.
As you already know, sentence structure is a huge part of writing great fiction. Who wants to read a book that isn't clean and well-presented, placing great emphasis on clarity, flow, and precision?
Not us. And you shouldn't, either.
When you dive into this prompt, think about the length of your sentences. Think about replacing some of your commas with periods – especially if a sentence feels clunky or too long. Think about where these varied sentence lengths take place – and what that means for the reader. And also don't forget to include a very short sentence here and there that really delivers shock value.
That's how you play the game of sentence structure. Just be sure that with every step, you're moving forward with clear pacing and precise purpose. You can figure the rest out once the sentences are clean and polished. It's easier that way.
It was his fault, actually. She shouldn't have to tell someone no so many damn times. This guy just didn't get the memo. And so now, here she was… dressed as a different woman. A woman pretending to be interested in him.
Why? She had no idea.
That part she'd figure out later, when she finally got him alone.


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Home » Reviews » Review: NCISLA "Expiration Date" (S6E16)
Review: NCISLA "Expiration Date" (S6E16)
Posted on February 24, 2015 by Diane in Reviews // 32 Comments
There has been a lot of buzz on the social media circuit surrounding this episode. Not only do we get to see the return of the fabulous Ernie Reyes, Jr. but we have another Dave Kalstein script that features the first real spat between our lovebirds, Kensi and Deeks. A Densi bedroom scene in the previews helped to send the fan frenzy off the Richter scale as well. No metaphors needed here! For all their fans, the Densi subplot had the propensity to overshadow any real storyline going on particularly with Sam being shot and critically injured by a renegade spy. Do we care? Not really, because there was never any real doubt that Sam wouldn't pull through in the end. Let's admit it, the previous Sam/Callen-centric episodes have been just ok. But Kalstein's gift to Densi fans was allowing us to concentrate on Densi this time around. Grateful for any morsel the writers will send our way, this look behind the scenes was certainly revealing.
Sure, we have seen little nods to the love story here and there but we haven't witnessed any character development since their 'thing' became official. After all these years of waiting for something to happen we have had to fill in the blanks ourselves for the most part. But to actually see the relationship in full bloom was worth the wait… even if it did end with their first tiff. Negative Nelly is at it again and Kensi takes Deeks' jokes about her friends out of context. Deeks is obviously having fun at her expense but then all of a sudden, according to Kensi, the relationship is moving too fast. Being in love is still a scary thing for Kensi and she still hasn't figured out yet what is normal in this new love affair she shares with Deeks. We finally get to see how their relationship works outside of the Mission and despite some bumps in the road it's a Densi shipper's dream!
Can I also add what a joy it was to see our favorite guest star, Ernie Reyes, Jr. return to reprise his role and get to kick ass on set? His fight scenes are always exciting to watch and the homecoming added a lot more action and fun to this episode. It was also wonderful to see Ernie's character at the heart of this story while allowing him to display more of his acting chops. His easy going relationship with Deeks quickly took up where it left off in "The Frozen Lake" and I enjoyed their banter and private conversations more than ever. Deeks still trusts his Gurkha buddy and their short-lived reunion warmed my heart. (Deeks: How's that blade of yours? Thapa: Sharp. How's your partner? Deeks: Sharper.) Thapa is still giving Deeks love advice but this time he actually sides with Kensi on this argument. (Thapa: It feels real before it becomes real.) Deeks has to think his advice over a bit but before the mission is over, he will understand.
One of the best scenes of the episode had Kensi seeking out Thapa's advice on love. This is Kalstein weaving his Densi magic and making me smile. When he is at the top of his game, nobody writes Densi better. Kensi has her light bulb moment agreeing that men just need to listen to women (thank you!) and Deeks unfortunately suffers at the hands of Thapa's turncoat tactics. Deeks just can't get a break, but it was a brilliant moment on screen. (Deeks: To be continued, your holiness…)
Deeks gets a chance to continue that conversation in the firing range with Thapa. It's these moments of reflection that allow our wistful Detective to learn what's really going on in his heart and in his head. Thapa succeeds in getting Deeks to realize what's important in his world. In another sweet KungFu/Grasshopper moment, Thapa explains that home is the heart, which Deeks always knew deep down inside. He will need that memory to evoke the wise words of Thapa as he steps slowly into his future with Kensi. As the episode fades to black, I am reminded at this point there is no one in the world who can play Deeks better than the incomparable Eric Christian Olsen. He goes from glib one liners to an emotional declaration of love so effortlessly. He can turn a scene around on a dime. The emotion that emanates from Olsen in the final moments of the show was so memorable and heart breaking that it left me stunned and teary eyed. One of the best ECO scenes ever. I hated to see Thapa killed off at the end but to get these kind of sweet emotions from both Kensi and Deeks… it was worth it.
This is Terrence Nightingale's first time in the director's chair for NCIS:LA but he already has numerous credits to his name as a cameraman on the show and his work here was commendable. There is no doubt he understands the heart of this procedural and can convey what's on the written page. Since I have officially declared this my favorite episode of the season, I'm more than satisfied with Nighingale's first time efforts. This might also be my favorite Kalstein script after "The Frozen Lake" as well. Only Dave can make me laugh and cry and stop my heart from beating all in one hour. He has restored my faith and proved my constant assertion that when you concentrate on these characters and not the storyline then you have one hell of a show! Thanks Dave.
One of the more exciting openings! The Gurkha returns! Sam is down!
A mother's work is never done. Is that Granger worrying over Hetty? Will wonders never cease?
Callen's concern over his partner was intense during the interrogation of the spy but when it comes to the safety of his partner, we expect no less. Let's hope we never see Sam Hanna dead; I don't think the man could handle it.
Wow! Kensi is amazing with that knife! Another terrific scene with the new three musketeers in the warehouse. Thapa is the target and his last message to the ex-Gurhka was moving.
It's still early but that's my pick for understatement of the year. I think that was my first laugh out loud Granger line! Still makes me giggle.
The spy game has more in common with selling used cars than any of us would like to admit. I missed the long conversations Callen used to have with Hetty. It was nice to witness this think-tank session between the two again. More please!
Sam may be down but the banter between him and Callen continues. That's when you know everything is going to be alright! (Being shot is very bad, your cooking is very bad, Granger after two drinks is very bad. I need you to be more specific G.)
Deeks Moments
Kensi: You don't even remember their names…..
Deeks: Kat, Mindy, Mandy, Tiffany and Tiffany. How can you forget such a pantheon of crazy girl names?
Deeks: As much as I would love to wrap up today with two Gurhkas singing "Give Peace a Chance" over a pitcher of beer, Brother…. I don't think that's going to happen.
Densi Moments
"Good Morning, Detective Deeks." How many of you wish you could say those words in bed first thing in the morning?
"Yes, you make me happy, but it's a different kind of happy." Isn't Deeks' love the best kind of happy, Kensi? Ouch, indeed!
Kensi: What did he just call me?
Deeks: I don't know… I didn't hear it… because there was so much traffic…
Kensi: There was no traffic….
Deeks: …and a truck came by and honked his…
Kensi: Do you think this is funny?
Deeks: He thinks it's funny, but he's from Nepal, he's got Nepalese humor… it's very distinct.
Kensi: Yeah, See I'm laughing… but I'm not finding this funny!
Deeks: Your smile is so perfect… and there it is.
Kensi: You should go home.
Deeks: I'm already there.
We have to wait another two weeks but the show returns with a new an episode entitled "Savoir Faire". Join me then for our review and don't forget to stop by for Deeks' Surf Log and Kensi's Journal later this week. Ernie Reyes, Jr. will also join us again for an exclusive follow-up interview to discuss his return to NCIS:LA. We look forward talking to Ernie and sharing it with all his fans out there in the near future.
Title: "Expiration Date"
Writer: Dave Kalstein
Director: Terrence Nightingale
Original Air Date: February 23, 2015
Diane Volpe is a Contributing Editor at wikiDeeks.com. Follow her on Twitter: @phillydi
Dave Kalstein
Eric Christian Olsen
Ernie Reyes Jr
About Diane (384 Articles)
Founder, Writer and Contributing Editor of wikiDeeks. Always wanted to put together a talented team of writers and graphic designers who loved NCISLA and Marty Deeks in particular! My dream came true! Hope you enjoy what we have created!
32 Comments on Review: NCISLA "Expiration Date" (S6E16)
Kara // February 24, 2015 at 2:17 PM // Reply
I basically have nothing but praise for this ep so my comments really will be short this week. The "Good Morning, Detective Deeks" may be my new favorite Kensi line ever. I was very happy with the way their "fight" played out. It was realistic and they handled it with real words and like adults.
I loved that Thapa started calling Kensi, KayKay. Poor Deeks!
Granger's line about Callen's "I didn't make the best first impression" being the understatement of the century was amazing.
Kensi chucking her knife in the warehouse to kill the Gurkha was so badass. I also really liked the way the knife fight in the hospital was executed.
The low point was obviously the "expiration" of Thapa. Deeks was so heartbroken and I felt so terribly for him.
I was conflicted about Densi parting ways at the end of the day. I love that Deeks came to respect Kensi's need for a little space and was the one to suggest their night off. However, I found it a tad odd that after the day they had that either of them would actually want to be alone or that Kensi, who was so relieved at the suggestion, wouldn't have insisted that their night off could wait. I feel like in reality, they would have wanted to lean on each other after almost losing Sam and Thapa's death.
One of my top three eps this season (up there with Humbug and Praesidium)
Or understatement of the year. Whichever it was.
lamoure // February 24, 2015 at 5:02 PM // Reply
I totally agreed with you on the ending scene. Kensi reaction to Deeks suggestion of taking a night off was a bit disappointed for me. Yes, she wants to spend time apart but definitely not that night knowing how brokenhearted Deeks is. I guess he seems to be the one in the relationship to push a bit more when he know she's comfort. Maybe a hug and a kiss on the cheek would make it a bit more heartwarming.
My view on Kensi in this relationship starting to take turn for the bad ( or disappointment).
Owen // February 25, 2015 at 1:44 AM // Reply
Enjoyed reading your review Diane! It was definitely one of the best shows of this season..
Like a lot of fans.. I was also disappointed that Thapa died. His friendship & interactions with Deeks….were fun to watch…so it's sad that Deeks won't have his buddy Thapa around anymore …to give him more sage wisdom & advice about women and on how to deal with Kensi.
I really liked the episode.The only two things that rang false to me…was the fact that Sam & G…didnt bother putting on their bullet proof vests before going into that warehouse..
My guess why they didn't…is maybe because Sam & G have been reading our comments …about how they seem almost bullet proof..and the poor guys…. actually believed it to be true!!
The other moment that felt.. wrong and didn't ring true and left me feeling …….was the ending.with Kensi & Deeks.
I understand..Deeks wanting to give Kensi her space…especially after their bedroom discussion.
But he clearly..gives Kensi plenty of verbal clues..he was open to the idea of being with her…but…Kensi declines his offer.
The fact that Kensi decides to leave Deeks alone..while knowing how much the passing of Thapa hurt Deeks.,…almost made Kensi looked uncaring and selfish……..and not exactly…..GF of the week material.
Worse I think…was how she walked out..without so much as a hug ..a kiss on the cheek…a hand on the shoulder and maybe a few whispered words of love & support for Deeks.
Kensi just walked away from her boyfriend…and acted like.they were still just buddies & partners…not lovers…who are in a romantic & committed relationship.
As Kara pointed out.. …it was odd & unrealistic…. how Kensi chose to walk away from Deeks…after what happened to Sam & Thapa…..even after Deeks hinted loudly…that he wanted and maybe…needed to spend time with her that night..
It seems in his effort to make Kensi happy…Deeks told her he was ok…and thats why he didn't bother to try harder to change Kensi's mind.,
.I think like Lamoure wrote….a hug and a kiss on the cheek would have made that last Densi moment…feel more heartwarming.
The absence of so much as even a quick peck on Deeks cheek from Kensi….was a reminder to me….on how the writers & powers that be on the show….have trouble or are uneasy……showing these small type of human PDA moments…that can help to make the characters feel more real & human;.
Then again…maybe I'm the one who has it all wrong….and Kensi walking away…and Deeks being ok with it…was the lesson and moral of the story.
Kensi's smile…was a reminder to Deeks,.,,of what Thapa said to him…about how your home…is not an actual physical home…but feelings we have for our loved ones……and home…..is not a actual place,.,,put is your heart
Deeks seeing Kensi's smile & knowing her feelings of love for him and his for Kensi..was all Deeks needed.. .to make it through the night.
Anna // February 25, 2015 at 12:26 PM // Reply
Couldn't agree more with Lamoure! I also didn't like her relief when Deeks suggested the night off. And the final scene shows Deeks saying he's "already there" (home) but his expression was a bit serious, a bit sad, a bit lonely. I felt really disappointed with Kensi. Everything is always about her – she needs him to be patient and he is; she needs space and he gives. And she seems astonishingly relieved and not caring at all about his feelings at that particular moment. I think Deeks deserve much better than this.
dekay11 // February 24, 2015 at 3:38 PM // Reply
Lots of good stuff in this episode. The opening scene dovetails quite nicely with the deleted scene from last season that has gone viral (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfl-icO0Txw) . A lot of questions were answered, and Densi fans everywhere should be pleased and ready for more. A kiss and an "I love you" exchange wouldn't have been out-of-place at all after the "perfect smile" comment. But we can play the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" game all day.
I was quite saddened that they killed off Thapa, especially since we found out in this episode that he leaves behind a wife and two children. I was looking forward to him becoming a recurring character on the show, something like Tobias Fornell is on NCIS and NCIS-NO. Hmmm…I wonder why Tobias hasn't made an appearance on NCIS-LA? Or, why Nate Getz hasn't made an appearance on NCIS and NCIS-NO? But I digress.
This episode is indeed a favorite one, which will give us some needed information for the episodes to come. A very heart-warming episode for sure. And the first fight…it was almost adorable!
Elliesam // August 26, 2016 at 4:16 AM // Reply
And why is Granger never called to NCIS when Leon Vance is out of commission? He's the Assistant Director yet Gibbs always fills in? Perhaps Hetty won't let him leave LA!!
Lindy D. // February 24, 2015 at 4:33 PM // Reply
Nice review, Di. It's one of my favorites, too. I wasn't aware the director had been a cameraman, but as I watched it a second time I could see his eye at work. When Sam and Callen enter that warehouse, they are silhouetted against that shaft of light across the brick wall and it was beautiful. He used the lights on their weapons to highlight that whole scene, heightening the tension. It was terrific.
Dave Kalstein was at the top of his game on this one, giving us that long awaited opening scene with Deeks and Kensi…my only complaint was Deeks' shirt….sorry, but that is one ugly tank top. I would have preferred no shirt, but if they were afraid to give us a half naked Deeks, then I would have liked a solid colored one. It was distracting. What I did like was how contented Deeks looked waking up to Kensi. It was so sweet and he looked so happy. The argument wasn't much, but totally believable and one easily overcome.
I was very sad that Thapa died. His unexpected connection with Deeks was so wonderful to watch and I was hoping for more. Their conversations about relationships were special, and the kind of thing I can't picture him having with either Callen or Sam, let alone Eric or Granger. Seeing how emotional Deeks became at Thapa's death got me through that scene. He teared up for all of us.
Of course the final scene between Kensi and Deeks was the best. It was straight forward, crisp and so very touching. Great lines written for them to speak, especially the one about her smile being perfect. I immediately flashed back to the end of Descent when he told her he got through the torture thinking of her…her smile…her laugh…and it worked the same magic here, only now they know where they stand…he only has to see her smile and he's home.
Karen P // February 24, 2015 at 11:13 PM // Reply
Lindy I couldn't agree more about that shirt- what the heck was that thing? But luckily, his arms were amazing enough to distract me from his wardrobe.
Daisy's World (@daisyt13) // February 24, 2015 at 5:01 PM // Reply
Great episode. ECO was great. I felt, however, that the "fight" was forced and not believable to me. It seemed out of character for Kensi to be into fantasy engagements since she's usually portrayed as closed off, a loner, and so much more serious than how her "best friends were being portrayed." I just think that scene could have been better. I wish I could explain myself better. The end scene was great, though. ECO is so good at those delicate, vulnerable scenes.
Part of me wishes that Kensi would have appreciated his gesture of taking the night off, but insisted that she stay with him to help him deal with Thapa's death. Didn't seem to ring true to me that she would leave him alone. Again….just me.
I'm so glad I found this site.
Brenda (@bpnp) // February 24, 2015 at 5:16 PM // Reply
I loved this episode! It was all the things that hard core fans want and expect and satisfying for Densi-shippers too!
I actually appreciated the tank tops in the bedroom scene instead of naked Densi. I'm happy they are together, but as I've said previously, don't need it to turn explicit. That's what Lindy's fan fic is for!
I was perplexed by Kensi's sudden friend group – I thought her and Hetty previously spoke of how hard it is to have friends in their line of work – the ep where Kensi was pretending to be a curator of an art museum. I know… plot vehicle.
I will put my complaint in the middle so I can finish on a high note. I was so bothered by Thapa's death. People do not die on the floor of a hospital without someone trying to do something. They just don't – and every layperson knows that. (Or if they do, there are hordes of lawyers swarming around!!!) I get they wanted the dramatic final scene but that could have just as easily been accomplished by the team yelling for medical attention and Thapa being wheeled off into surgery, never to return, while uttering those same words. I don't understand the commitment to getting the Sayoc moves right, which few would know if they were off, and then rendering this otherwise beautiful scene utterly implausible. Sorry Karen, no deep breathing could get me through that one. I will however offer a standing invitation to the writers to be their medical consultant! 🙂
What I liked the best about this ep (and there was so much to like!) was Thapa's handling of Densi. I also wish that he had lived. He would have been such a great recurring character – like Fornell! What I saw in the talks he had with Deeks and Kensi was first convincing Deeks of his immense wisdom about women and relationships, and then in his "turning on" Deeks, he demonstrated to Deeks exactly how to handle a woman like Kensi. It was lesson and demonstration. Great teacher! And the annoyance factor will make the lesson stick.
Further, when he speaks of what/where home is, he really gets at the heart of these characters' issues: their childhood home/family of origin issues. They didn't come from stable homes and often children from such traumatic backgrounds struggle to find stability and feel safe as adults. Thapa told them so eloquently that home is not a place they need to search for, home is in the smile of a loved one, present or remembered. It is a perfect way for them to remember him, as well as a release from the need to search or fix the broken home of the past. Home is here, now. And that's why – though I was initially a bit puzzled – I decided the end was perfect. Because he also let them know that their love is real and strong enough that they don't need to desperately cling to each other every moment, but that they can take their time, let it grow, and remember their spiritual connection and home with one another even when apart.
The final scene evoked both the talk they had when Deeks said he remembered Kensi's smile while he was tortured, as well as his comment to her "There she is" when she returned after her torture. It really was perfectly woven together. Lastly, although I am so sad that Thapa will not return, I wonder if the implicit message in him leaving them behind is that they really are strong enough now to grow their relationship on their own. The lake is crossed, the home is found, and they are all in.
(Sorry this is so long. Haven't been commenting for a while – it was pent up)
Brenda, I love your interpretation of the Thapa/Densi scenes and even Thapa's lasting effects on the Densi-end scene. I totally agree with you. He was such a fantastic character for them and their relationship and I'm sad that he can never come back.
And YES about Kensi's friends. She really has these *five* "best" friends whom we've never even heard about before? And after all the talk about not getting to have real friendships outside their jobs? And I also felt like it was implied that they were a shallow bunch and while I wouldn't blink an eye at Kensi's friends being more girly than she comes off at work, I have a hard time believing she's go for the shallow types (I realize I'm grossly stereotyping based on Deeks' mocking of them and their names, but that's all we were given and I feel like that's what they wanted us to think about them).
Brenda that's some wonderful analysis. I totally agree about the meaning of home for these two damaged people who didn't have a "normal" home life growing up. If only they'd take you up on your offer for medical advice! My take was that the bad Ghurkas had chained off the area, plus the medical staff was staying away until the coast was declared clear of knife-wielding bad guys. Still, it was one quiet hospital wing with two other patients and two (dead) clinical staff.
Lindy D. // February 24, 2015 at 11:24 PM // Reply
Brenda your comments and observations were so beautifully expressed, and added depth to my appreciation of this episode. We don't agree on the stripy shirt, but that's okay…but really, they let us see Granger without a shirt, which was disturbing. So, I'm wondering why no shirtless Deeks here? That is my only small complaint. Everything else I allow for creative expression.
Laura Ann // February 25, 2015 at 9:26 AM // Reply
Brenda – just maybe giving your hospital a break – after all the floor people all seemed to be dead and all the doors but one were chained shut? The team was barricaded in the room with Callen still at the door with a gun. Just saying LOL!
Brenda (@bpnp) // February 25, 2015 at 10:17 AM // Reply
I know… except where I work, every single person coming in has to get by four security guards in bullet proof vests before they ever say hello to me. So… they would have seen those dudes coming into the facility and had police SWAT there before doors could have been chained. When patients raise their voice at me I've got big burly security guards wandering over to check that I'm safe. I've also got a panic button under my desk. Violence in hospitals in North America is real and rising so most places have policies and practices to protect staff, otherwise they are being sued for failing to provide a safe work environment. I know… over-thinking. lol Just SOOOOO unrealistic.
Karen P // February 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM // Reply
Fantastic review Di. I really liked your use of "wistful" to describe Deeks. It's perfect. This episode was easily my favorite of the season so far. It did a lot of things right, things that we've all been clamoring for. And I also found it fascinating just in the context of all of Dave Kalstein's work to date.
First, the good stuff that we've all been wanting to see included the personal focus of the story (plural- Sam gets shot and the Ghurka returns to counsel Densi), non-bulletproof characters (plural), interesting bad guys (plural), people communicating nearly metaphor-free (plural), and exciting action scenes (again, plural). For me this Kalstein episode had all the excitement of "Kill House" but with the emotion of, well, not quite "The Debt," but certainly "Disorder."
Of course Sam didn't die, but to open the show with him coughing up blood at least helped us to see the seriousness of his injury, and to have a feel for what Callen was going through. The second shoot-out in the warehouse was exciting because Deeks, Kensi and Thapa were outnumbered, which did make me worry about them. It was also interesting because they screwed up by not waiting for back-up, and allowed themselves to be cornered- in other words, imperfect decisions from imperfect characters. (On the other hand, that knife-throwing from Kensi was, as Kara said, so badass. Maybe one of the baddest, right up there with that S2 episode where she leaped up onto the top of a van to take out a shooter while he was reloading his weapon. I only wish we could have seen that other badass female agent, Michelle, in this episode. Wouldn't it have been awesome to see her defending Sam in the battle at the end?) The knife-wielding masked bad guys weren't exactly what we've had in mind when calling for more distinct bad guys like Sidorov, but the fact that they came in such great numbers, in such a relentless manner, with those distinctive knives, definitely made them scary and um, stylish?
So sad that Thapa died. One or more of you (is it Tess?) has been making the great comment that the show needs more recurring characters, people we recognize and like, but who are expendable. Like Thapa. Sadly you could see how valuable such characters are because we actually do care when they die.
I loved how well Deeks and Kensi communicated, even when they were fighting. In the opening scene, she was even about to explain why his comments upset her before their phones went off. That seems like good progress. (And yay- confirmation that they were spending every night together, just as I had imagined. But random question- what were those other things on the nightstand behind his guns and badge?)
That ending scene was beautifully done, and Deeks had me all teary. Like Lindy mentioned, it was such a throwback to "Ascension", in a wonderful way, since we can see how far they've come since that night. I do totally agree that Kensi should have rainchecked the night off. She seemed to go out of her way to push him away, first by expressing enthusiasm at the night off idea, and then brushing off his suggestion that the night ended at midnight. I think it's part of an unfortunate pattern with her which also goes back to "Ascension", and pre-"Impact" as well when she let him keep her at arm's length all too easily. She's quick to give him a public reassuring shoulder squeeze, or try to reassure him like she did in "Black Wind" when the kid was going to get sent back to Mexico. But is she frightened at the possibility that things could get more intense and emotional? I don't think she's comfortable with that idea, and isn't sure how she would deal with a distraught Deeks. Maybe our Kensi experts can tell us more.
Then there's the meta aspect of looking at Dave Kalstein's other work, as well as some of his public comments. Previously in "Spiral" Deeks joked about Kensi's metaphors, which seemed to be Kalstein talking to those fans who had criticized his metaphor usage in the past. But what he was trying to say was unclear. Was it that he understood their criticism or was he just teasing them? This episode, on the other hand, felt more like he had heard some criticisms and really made an effort to get back to his previously winning ways. (And his latest tweet acknowledging the nickname that some have given him seems to be another indication that he at least reads social media posts.)
In this episode, Deeks and Thapa had a great talk in the gun range. They discussed what was in a warrior's heart, and how home was the heart itself, but unlike in "Three Hearts," it felt more honest and dare I say, "heartfelt". It felt like Kalstein was putting a new, or at least better, spin on something that had received criticism in the past. I'd also like to imagine that the quote "And there it is" from the ending was a deliberate callback to the "And there she is" from "Windfall." Since Kalstein didn't write Windfall, I don't know how much thought he put into repeating Deeks' line. But I really want to believe that he did it on purpose, and wanted to show how Kensi had moved from punching Deeks as her defining trait, to smiling at him instead. How awesome would that be?
Sorry for the lengthy ramblings! But isn't it fun to have a really good episode to discuss? I was beginning to lose hope that it would happen!
Kara // February 25, 2015 at 2:51 AM // Reply
I actually didn't view Kensi leaving at night as such a negative thing. I mean, I do think it was odd and would have been more realistic if she'd insisted they do their night off another night. But I didn't get the impression that she was quick to leave despite knowing Deeks was probably struggling or that she was running away from handling a distressed Deeks or anything.
I think a big part of it was him being the one to suggest it. I felt like maybe she assumed a bit that he needed or wanted some space after everything. He was a lot closer to Thapa than she or anyone else was. Two things gave me that feeling – her being the one to first ask whose place they were going to. I think that was part, "this is just what we do" and part "I think we need each other tonight". Yes she was relieved that he brought up the night off but I didn't take her relief to be specific to that night but just that he was bringing it up at all. I also interpreted her comment that he call her if he needed to talk to mean that she knew he might need her and was just reminding him that she was just a phone call away.
I felt like Deeks' comment about the night ending at midnight was nothing more than him being cheeky and hinting not that he needed her that night specifically but just that he still thought it was totally and completely awesome to spend every night together.
tom // February 25, 2015 at 3:43 AM // Reply
We really loved this episode (and by we I mean my whole family), it was awesome we laughed a lot, I was great to see an episode not all about callen and sam. My wife and I talk a lot about cross overs, and think it would be cool if kensi and deeks had to go on assignment to say oh I don't know say new Orleans, they would just click with them wouldn't they?. To answer the question that was asked about what were the other things on the night stand by their badges, one was a cars alternator. sorry I was rambling
just wanted to say love the site, love the episode
the writers should really think about a cross over I know they did one with Hawaii 5-0 and the banter with deeks was cool but they should think about a cross over with nci:no
Reader1976 // February 25, 2015 at 6:36 AM // Reply
As usual, I loved reading your review, Di! Great points and comments from everyone.
I loved this episode except for the fact that Thapa died. I'm a fan of Kalstein's work and have enjoyed all the metaphors in the past episodes (I know I'm in the minority). I am soooo sad that Thapa died yet I see the end purpose. I loved that Deek's picked up where he left off with Thapa. The unwavering trust and friendship was wonderful to watch throughout. The connection felt so real and honest. I was hoping that Thapa would be around in future episodes to show us what friendship and mutual respect would be. I enjoyed the juxtaposition between the (seemingly shallow) friends that Deeks teased Kensi about in the opening scene against the very solid friendship that Deeks had with Thapa. When the team felt mistrust at seeing Thapa inside the Mission, Deeks's greeting made me feel that I could trust Thapa and I was in for the ride.
The entire episode was wonderful to watch. Callen's emotions and actions was intense and awesome. Granger's comment to Hetty about a Mother's worry made me like him more. The scene where Hetty brought in the best surgeon possible to save Sam made me think of Fanfic stories (I know..fan fic stems from the all connected powerful onscreen Hetty) and it was great to see that Hetty always makes sure her team has the best.
The ending made perfect sense. I loved that Deeks recognized and gravitated towards Thapa's wisdom beginning in "frozen lake" when the Densi relationship was still fragile and that this storyline carried on throughout this episode amidst the case of the week and the threat of Sam losing his life. Thapa's comment that "it feels real before it becomes real" and the entire dialogue about heart and home was brilliant. Deeks lost a friend and mentor in the ways of the heart and he needed time alone to absorb the loss. That Kensi understood was beautiful. The end scene was perfectly written and well played.
Great comments everyone!
Reader, I agree with you on the end scene. You just put it into words better than I could! I didn't at all see it that Kensi was leaving Deeks in his time of need or anything like that. He was honoring Thapa, in a way, by heeding his advice to take their time. Deeks knows that if he really needs her, she'll be there. I think if he REALLY didn't want to be alone, he would have said so.
I imagine it's probably difficult for both Deeks and Kensi to balance being in an intimate relationship with the fact that they've been partners and best friends for years now. It may *seem* like they're not going too fast, but it's still a whole new level that they need to respect and it only makes sense that they still need to pace themselves.
Cladani // February 25, 2015 at 11:56 AM // Reply
Thanks for a terrific review, as the episode was.
I think in life it's never easy being with someone else, let alone when two people have very complicated lives and jobs as Kensi and Deeks, but the adult and mature thing is that they are trying to find a new balance together.
This doesn't and can't imply that they are not who they were before starting being together, they still are who they were, with their personalities and feelings and backgrounds. This is probably what makes them more realistic even if we are talking about two fictitional characters.
In this episode they seemed to have been portrayed realistically and this is probably what I liked the most. They wake up in the same bed (cuddly Kensi is now my favourite Kensi!), they admit spending all of their time together and this is a bit worrying at least for Kensi (is it too much, where lies the right boundary between normal and abnormal?), they quarrel, as routinely, daily, millions of couples do (too pessimistic maybe 😉 ), they have a very tough day and at the end they go home separately.
Nothing seemed out of character to me. More out of character would have been a sudden and unrealistic romance two hearts and one soul.
They are proving to each other that they are the most important person in the world to the other (soulmate?) and they are proving they are both in a committed relationship. This time they could actually communicate, which is a huge step forward for both of them.
And Kensi's progression is outstanding: her romantic side wakes Deeks up with kisses, she never responds with violence, punches or whatever even if I think she's still struggling with letting out too much of herself. She was severely wounded once and probably is still scared by feeling so deep feelings for a man, but when at the beginning of the episode she said "You make me happy" I think I was going to melt and although there were more memorable lines this time, the fact that she admitted so openly that he makes her happy made alone the episode worth-watching!
Diane // February 26, 2015 at 2:48 PM // Reply
Thanks for all the great comments everyone! Great to read!
Natalie Ryan // February 26, 2015 at 3:02 PM // Reply
This is a great review of Moday's episode and I think that this is one of my fav episodes so far.
You captured the important moments of the episode. My favorite moment was the scene with the wake up (all the kisses and Cat, Mindy, Mandy, Tiffany and Tiffany thing). And I cried when Thapa died. They shouldn't have killed him off, but still it was an outstanding episode. Thanks to Dave Kalstein that wrote another great episode. I never doubted that.
Chris // February 26, 2015 at 3:31 PM // Reply
Your reviews of THE ep,guy, are all so good…
It's actually my first time commenting here because as much as I love this show and the writers for making me just a tad happier,they can make me so mad at times…-and Mr.Kalstein did both with his ep!
Of course it was one of the best-we finally got to actually witness some of the love (so masterfully disguised for sooooo long-and shirt or not Mr. Olsen is just…well,just…) between our beloved Kensi and Deeks and Thapa was adorable (I mean the whole Dr. Love thing was really hilarious)…Not convinced with the whole Sam incident of course (OK the guy had to prepare for the Grammys or sth we get it!) OR the whole "Kensi's crazy girlfriends",I mean come on!- the fight thing was still adorable though…
BUT- the last scene was so wonderful and so frustrating all at the same time. I still can't get over the "perfect smile" and "already home" lines and Deeks' eyes/expression (how can ayone really??)-he was saying so much more just by looking deep into her eyes…I'm actually pretty sure I "heard" an "I love you so" there at one point(!) and I have to be grateful to D.Kalstein for the much-awaited words but
1.I just do NOT get why they have to be so rare (and no- I don't buy the whole action-centered series)
2.I couldn't agree more with the above comments on how unbelievable Kensi's reaction was with the whole night off thing- I mean I was pretty looking forward to them taking it all back-at least for THAT particular night-when Deeks suggested a celebration…Instead,it was as if Thapa hadn't died,Deeks wasn't hurt,Kensi didn't feel his pain.From extraordinary feels to disappointment really.
Anyway,I just hope they give us so much more on Densi coz it's obviously what fans really look forward to and I think it's really a talent to integrate some truthful emotions to such a show (which they have done at times-or moments for that matter). It'd be just great to use plots as a means of revealing aspects of these amazing characters(and I mean all of them)on a regular basis.
ps- the fact that Expiration Date caused so much discussion(positive for the most part of course) (even made ME comment) proves it was an episode to remember.I just hope we get more of those.Not that hard,is it??
hermionesmydawg // February 26, 2015 at 8:32 PM // Reply
Great review for a pleasantly surprising episode (for me).
I feel like I want to share my mindset on the end scene, since it seems like some people didn't like it. Kensi didn't say she wanted a night off, Deeks did. Her relief was more because she realized that they were actually on the same page about not needing to spend every hour of every day together. She still managed to show support for him…"call me if you want to talk."
Think about Deeks when he is conflicted…after Ascension, he pushed everyone away and she had to force her way back into his life. Every time something happens that saddens him (think Black Wind), he becomes quiet and withdrawn. The way I see Deeks is as somebody who doesn't like to show his weaknesses unless it's necessary. Kensi has known him long enough to figure out these little details. So to me, I found their interaction to be very much in character and not at all surprising. As far as Kensi not kissing him goodbye? I'm assuming they were about to walk out together and would probably say their goodbyes when she drops him off at home since they probably drove to work together.
This is just how I saw things. YMMV.
Lindy D. // February 27, 2015 at 11:14 AM // Reply
I'm with you H-dawg. I think we all need to cut Kensi some slack. You're right about Deeks pulling away in times like these. Plus, I don't think they have made the change in their relationship public, so kissing at work would not be something they would do. Too many eyes watching. They are feeling their way through all of this, so there will be ups and downs and adjustments along the way. We just need to enjoy the journey. I'm just happy we are on one with these two, cause more contented Deeks is just too adorable. Sans shirt of course.
NJ // February 28, 2015 at 10:25 AM // Reply
I think if she really did leave Deeks alone that night it is a real tell concerning her commitment to him. It hasn't been that long ago that he had PTSD (and most likely to some degree still has it) so how could she just leave him alone. We always hear about how she puts up walls but I think really nobody puts up walls and hides their true self better than Deeks. We know a lot about her past from things she has shared, but very little about his except from what others have shared (or found out) about him.
What do we really know about his mom, dad, relationships, being a lawyer, friends … We know about Ray and Kip because they were involved in cases, but really he hasn't shared much. After what happened to Sam and Deeks he shutdown for a really long time. I think if she had said she would take him up on his offer but tomorrow not tonight that would show more that this "thing" isn't so one sided.
Cladani // March 1, 2015 at 12:03 AM // Reply
Watching some scenes of this episodes over and over again (guess which ones… 😉 ) two things have come to bother me a little, more as curiosities and doubts than real worries, though:
1) The five Kensi's friends came out of nowhere, literally. We didn't expect Kensi to have so many female friends and so much "social" life. In "Seal hunter", this season, so not many episodes back, this was the dialogue in OPS between Callen and Deeks when Sam was accused of murder:
Callen: "You know all of Kensi's friends?"
Deeks; "Yeah, cause I'm the only one"
To which Kensi had replied with something like "thanks for pointing that out".
So now I'm wondering: was Deeks really unaware of this part of Kensi's life? had Kensi kept these friends secret even from Deeks?
And more: we had always thought that Deeks and Kensi spent most of their free time together (before they were All in), so when did Kensi find the time to meet her friends too? When Deeks spent time with Kip, maybe? This opens the scenario that at that time they probably spent together less time than fanfiction writers thought!
2) During Kensi's and Deeks' morning argument, when she blurts out "You make me happy but that's a different kind of happy".
This statement to me seemed crystal clear, it's obvious that friends and boyfriend give you two different kinds of happiness in life, so I'm wondering why Deeks looked so offended and why Kensi, understanding his reaction, felt the need to say "It came out wrong" and went back on the bed to kind of apologize. I don't think that what she said was offensive so why did Deeks look so hurt and commented "Wow.. ouch…"?
Kara // March 1, 2015 at 6:24 AM // Reply
Cladani, I have the exact same questions about those two scenarios. I was very confused about why Deeks was so hurt by her "different kind of happy" statement. The conclusion I came to was her tone? It did come out rather snippy and it fits with her "that came out wrong" semi-apology. But I was thinking that of course it's a different kind of happy – and it should be!
The friends thing still baffles me a little. Mostly because there are apparently five of them. If it had been two or even three, I wouldn't be so confused. I've even made more sense of it in my head they seem to be overly girly and shallow though I initially wouldn't have pegged Kensi for having friends like that. But five of them? Her "best" friends? Sort of like how they threw Kip at us, I think they needed something fairly minor to base their fight off of but I think they went a tad overboard with the details. It would have been just as believable if it had been just one or two best friends. Probably more believable actually. Or maybe if she hadn't referred to them as best friends but just "friends".
Anna // March 1, 2015 at 7:21 PM // Reply
I think Deeks got upset because the way Kensi said about different types of happiness seemed that she could not have her "two hapinesses" together, at the same time.
Yes, our friends and our love give us different happiness, but we always want our love meet our friends and vice versa. We always want our love to approve our friends and vice-versa. We always want them to get along so we can have them all together every now and then.
And it seemed that Kensi ways saying it is impossible.
It also seemed that she thought Deeks not "behave" well during the meeting with the five. And for all that we know about Deeks it is hard to imagine he was not polite, kind, caring and fun – not only for who he really is, but also because of his love for Kensi. I believe that's why Deeks got upset.
And about the five Kensi's friends, it seemed the writers needed to create a reason for a fight between Deeks and Kensi and they messed up. I believe they have not convinced anyone. It does not seem real at all, for several reasons.
The only previous mention I remember of a Kensi's friend was when she was going to meet a childhood friend, who thought she worked in an art gallery. And returned from the meeting saying that everything had gone wrong.
The times we know she went out with girls it was Nell and Rosie. And even about boys, she was always complaining she had never a second meeting.
We also know that these friends doesn't come for her childhood because she lived in the streets for a year or so and this makes us think she had no one close enough for her to turn to.
In addition, we know that until recently she was totally focused in discovering what really happened to her father. Deeks really pointed out he is her only friend and she didn't deny it. And all of a sudden she has five friends? Not just friends, but best friends?
I didn't buy it at all. Maybe if it was just one, two at the most. Even so, it would have been really odd. But five!…
dekay11 // March 2, 2015 at 1:18 AM // Reply
Perhaps we'll know more about these friends as time goes on. They could have been a group from the past living out-of-town who made a trip together to LA to see Kensi. Since Kensi was a military child, she would have traveled all over the place with her family, and these could have been a group of other military children she had come to know.
I think Kensi was very apprehensive having Deeks meet these girls, because it is another part of her life she is sharing with him. What kind of impression would they make on him? What kind of impression would Deeks make on these girls? From the way Deeks was talking, things probably went just fine. But Kensi was still nervous and on edge.
I remember another one of Kensi's friends being mentioned, probably a college friend. It was during the episode "Neighborhood Watch" (S3 Ep22) when Kensi and Deeks were leaving Brett and Paulina's house after they were introduced to the sex dungeon in their basement. They had received a text message that they had "been made" by the Russian handler. Here is their dialogue:
Deeks: Okay, we need to talk about that.
Kensi: Ya think? Who has a sex dungeon in their house?
Deeks: You're thinking about the room; I'm not talking about that; I'm talking about the kiss.
Kensi: The cover kiss?
Deeks: That's an interesting tactic for cover.
Kensi: Worked, didn't it?
Deeks: Yeah; well….
Kensi: (Jealous tone) Actually, what I want to know is how you were two seconds away from being Paulina's whipping boy.
Deeks: Well, I can think of a worse way to spend a Tuesday evening….What? Kensi's…uh… private time needs a little spicing up, does it?
Kensi: Hey, if you knew about Kensi private time, your head would explode.
Deeks: Okay…
Kensi: I can be sexy and wild.
Deeks: Of course you can (sarcastically).
Kensi: I can.
Deeks: Okay….(looking skeptically)
Kensi: You don't believe me? All right, fine. I'm going to tell you a little story; BUT no judging!
Deeks: No judging.
Kensi: Okay (sigh). So, my friend Monica and I, we met this guy over spring break, and we both liked him; but we didn't think it was fair to make him choose between us, so we….did you hear something?
Deeks: No, I think you should keep going.
Okay. Anyway, she was really, really pretty, and she had a body t….(interrupted by automatic weapon firing).
(Later at headquarters)
Deeks: So, you and Monica met a guy…
Kensi: I do not want to talk about this now.
Deeks: Maybe it would be cathartic.
Kensi: Good night, Deeks.
Deeks: No, come on…
Kensi: 'Night, hubby!
Deeks: Wife-y! Light of my life! Sugar bear!


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