text:
Thinking About Fascism
Cynthia Kaufman
Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in Munich, Germany. (Photo: National Archives)
The 2016 presidential election made me think about 1933 and Hitler's rise to power. I've known that he came to power through constitutional means and then used that power from the inside to destroy a constitutional system of government. This seemed like a good time to better understand the way that someone who was a megalomaniac, not taken seriously by elites, brought to power by pandering to people's fears, could take control of the levers of power.
I just read Robert O. Paxton's The Anatomy of Fascism. For me it helped clarify the tasks before us. In discussing Hitler's and Mussolini's rise to power Paxton says it is important to look at the means through which these fascists translated an ability to mobilize popular discontent into an almost unlimited ability to control the machineries of governmental power.
His core claim is that both Hitler and Mussolini gained support by being emotionally satisfying nationalist alternatives to the left. Mainstream conservatives were willing to go along with their programs, distasteful as many found them, because working together in coalition, they were the only viable way to keep from making concessions to economic policies that would favor the working class over the elites. The mainstream conservatives and business elites made a pact with the devil in order to gain power.
Once they had control of the machinery of the state, the fascists were able to control those mainstream abettors through fear and intimidation. Fascist parties were able to mobilize supporters to engage in violent intimidation in the streets, and their inside conspirators intimidated other members of the ruling coalitions through violence and threats to violence.
While this may not be the exact situation we are in right now, there are important resonances. Trump has offered the right wing in this country a path to power. He has offered a lifeline to the fossil fuel industry, which would likely have been pushed to margins by a Clinton administration. And he was able to offer popular support for a whole set of policies promoted by think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and super rich bad actors such as the Koch brothers, policies which are in the interest of no one outside the 1%.
And the Republican Party has done a masterful job distorting the electoral system such that the machinery of the state is already stretched against the limits of what could plausibly be considered constitutional. Millions of people have been disenfranchised through a variety of forms of voter suppression: from mass incarceration and felony disenfranchisement, to blatantly discriminatory voter identification laws. Republicans have also engaged in gerrymandering of congressional districts, redistricting with scientific precision and leaving many states with majority Democratic voting populations and strongly Republican majority congressional delegations.
One of the lessons we need to draw from the experience of early Twentieth Century Fascism is that we need to be very vigilant about protecting our constitutional system. People who live under the new right wing nationalism, such as Hungarians under Orbán and Italians under Berlusconi have been telling us to not be smug about the stability of our constitutional system. Just as an earthquake can turn what seems like firm ground into a runny liquid in a matter of moments; so too can constitutional systems, which have seemed well rooted and stable, under the right conditions, come to allow for all sorts of horrors.
The other lesson to be drawn from early twentieth century fascism is that people need a sense of belonging, and if the fascists are successful at offering that to people, then they will get support. Fascism in Germany and Italy ran those countries into the ground. Any yet support for those regimes and the parties that led them rose as the regimes became more extreme.
The German population at the turn of the twentieth century were highly educated, and had pride in a rationalist enlightenment worldview. They did not fall for fascism because they were uneducated. And it is important for us to not be fooled by what is attractive to people in the US about our country's emerging right-wing nationalism.
In his classic study of nationalism, Imagined Communities, Benedict Anderson talks about the ways that people become a nation by telling themselves stories that weave a sense of common purpose and meaning. Those stories often focus on heroic past accomplishments and mistreatment on the part of others outside the boundary of the imagined community of the nation.
One problem for the left in Europe at the dawn of the fascist period is that leftists were seen as supporting an internationalist ideology over a nationalist one. And when people felt that their homelands were being mistreated in the aftermath of World War I, they were open to the narratives of belonging that the fascists offered.
Fascist leaders offered a sense of pride and purpose to people in societies with a sense of chaos. The left tried to engage people with an alternative narrative of belonging to an international working class. That narrative did have a lot of support. In the early days of German fascism, more people were on the left than were fascists. But the left was divided between different competing parties. And support for the left was not enough to fight off the growing power of the coalition of fascists and pro-capitalists. As street violence of the fascists and the more organized violence of the police were unleashed against the left, the left became the first victims of fascist power.
The people who supported Trump based on the desire to "Make America Great Again" have a lot in common with Europeans who support Le Pen in France, Farage in Britain, and Orbán in Hungary. On both sides of the Atlantic, people see their future prospects diminishing. The new right-wing nationalism is a mixture of two major strands of resentments. One has to do with a sense of displacement from cultural centrality that many white people feel as their countries become more multicultural. The other key ingredient is something that many on the left have more sympathy with: the sense of a lack of control over the conditions one one's existence under neoliberal capitalism.
We are living in a world where communities have been destroyed by global capitalism, and where mainstream liberals and the mass media do little to help people to understand the complex conditions under which they live.
In The origins of Totalitarianism, a reflection on the Nazi rise to power, the great German Jewish Philosopher, Hannah Arendt wrote,
In an ever-changing, incomprehensible world the masses had reached the point where they would, at the same time, believe everything and nothing, think that everything was possible and nothing was true… The totalitarian mass leaders based their propaganda on the correct psychological assumption that, under such conditions, one could make people believe the most fantastic statements one day, and trust that if the next day they were given irrefutable proof of their falsehood, they would take refuge in cynicism; instead of deserting the leaders who had lied to them, they would protest that they had known all along that the statement was a lie and would admire the leaders for their superior tactical cleverness.
People who feel displaced and dishonored and who have no understanding of the complex processes that impact their lives are ripe for fascist ways of thinking. Those of us who want to oppose the drift toward fascism, need to engage in work to help people understand the complex conditions of their lives, and we need to build ways of understanding the world that give people a sense of meaning and purpose in life that is emotionally satisfying and helps people to see the realities of our political situation. Many people live in communities that have been devastated by neo-liberalism. Vague calls to be kind and tolerant and multicultural will not resonate as the way out of that problem. A plausible story about the current situation needs to include an honest description of the ravages of global capitalism.
Part of rebuilding our social fabric involves building our civic culture. Consumer culture promises that we all deserve an unlimited and effortless satisfaction of our individual desires. Advertisers feed that story every day, and everywhere we turn. The right wing media has fed a compatible story about government. Grounded in the Reagan revolution, it claims that government, and therefore civic life, is corrupt and pointless. Missing is any idea of a civic life through which we build a common social fabric that can meet our ever changing needs. People are moved from being citizens who feel an obligation to be informed, engaged, and make thoughtful choices, to becoming consumers who feel entitled to have their needs met, and are ready to rail against the incomprehensible structures that get in the way of those satisfactions.
We need to explain how people's communities, sense of purpose, and sense of a possible desirable future have been destroyed, and what can be done to reverse that damage and rebuild people's communities and their sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. According to Anderson, newspapers were an important part of what wove together a sense of belonging to a common community in the early part of the twentieth century. An important question for our time is: how can the forms of media that people now use connect them with a world greater than themselves and their sphere of private concerns. How can we build a progressive and satisfying public sphere?
Social media are likely to be a part of that, but our habits of how we validate information, what we share, and how we build a shared and common understanding of the world all need to improve drastically.
One advantage we have in the United States over the early Twentieth Century German and Italian left is that we live in a very multicultural society. The demographics do not actually bode well for the Republican Party. We don't need to win over all of the people who are inclined toward right-wing nationalism to keep them from destroying our country. But we do need to have political narratives that will motivate enough people to stand up for something else in the way they engage the government: through street action and pressure campaigns, as well as through running for election, helping progressives get elected, and challenging the political structures of disenfranchisement. And we need to understand and promote the many real alternatives that exist to the global capitalist framework that is in fact destroying the economic future of people in our country.
Cynthia Kaufman is the author of Getting Past Capitalism: History, Vision, Hope and Ideas for Action: Relevant Theory for Radical Change. She is the Director of the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action at De Anza College. She blogs at cynthiakaufman.wordpress.com.
This entry was posted in Current News and tagged activism, Domestic Issues, fascism, Politics, trump by TD Daniell. Bookmark the permalink.


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text:
Acid West
Joshua Wheeler
MP3 CD (4/17/2018)
A rollicking debut book of essays that takes readers on a trip through the muck of American myths that have settled in the desert of our country's underbelly
Early on July 16, 1945, Joshua Wheeler's great grandfather awoke to a flash, and then a long rumble: the world's first atomic blast filled the horizon north of his ranch in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Out on the range, the cattle had been bleached white by the fallout.
Acid West, Wheeler's stunning debut collection of essays, is full of these mutated cows: vestiges of the Old West that have been transformed, suddenly and irrevocably, by innovation. Traversing the New Mexico landscape his family has called home for seven generations, Wheeler excavates and reexamines these oddities, assembling a cabinet of narrative curiosities: a man who steps from the stratosphere and free-falls to the desert; a treasure hunt for buried Atari video games; a village plagued by the legacy of atomic testing; a lonely desert spaceport; a UFO festival during the paranoid Summer of Snowden.
The radical evolution of American identity, from cowboys to drone warriors to space explorers, is a story rooted in southern New Mexico. Acid West illuminates this history, clawing at the bounds of genre to reveal a place that is, for better or worse, home. By turns intimate, absurd, and frightening, Acid West is an enlightening deep-dive into a prophetic desert at the bottom of America.
Praise For Acid West: Essays…
Joshua Wheeler's essay collection Acid West is alive, unglamorous, funny, visceral, American, a Martin Parr-esque look at a country that has always been in the business of redefining itself. —Literary Hub
"His narrative voice is funny and approachable throughout, which keeps the book lively and light even while demonstrating Wheeler's intelligence... His prose is superb... Acid West stays engaging and Wheeler's confidence in his wordsmithing never wanes. Wheeler is artful with such nonchalance that he can focus his writing on crafting imagery and constructing metaphors." —Spectrum Culture
"Wheeler's essays limn this American outback and its unsettled and sometimes-unsettling ways . . . In a dusty rejoinder to Chuck Klosterman's Fargo Rock City, Wheeler shows a fine eye for the stranger aspects of this country . . . His account of digging ditches in the caliche soil to repair water lines is a masterpiece of proletarian wistfulness.." —Kirkus
"Acid West is a freaky, stylish, heart-cracking-open book about the beautiful and bonkers badlands of the Southwest. Josh Wheeler's essays throb with radioactive resonance and the Technicolor brilliance of a desert sunset. I'm in awe of this book." —Claire Vaye Watkins
"It's been a long wait for Joshua Wheeler's first book, but it would have been worth the wait even if we'd had to wait twice as long. Full of fine lines mined by a still-young writer, Acid West is worth its weight in gold." —Geoff Dyer
"In a captivating, beautifully wrought voice, Joshua Wheeler creates precise, intuitive essays about his Land of Enchantment that reveal its haunted and marginalized history. Acid West is a protest love song by a virtuosic storyteller who makes me laugh and marvel at the overlooked wonders and weirdness of New Mexico and its borderlands." —Carmen Giménez Smith
"Joshua Wheeler and his marauding curiosity make a spectacular debut in Acid West, a collection of essays that raids American history, cosmology, family lore, Hollywood, aeronautics, video games, and even the landscape itself in order to fashion for his beloved Southern New Mexico a vision of the world that could not exist without it. And in the thrall of Wheeler's beautiful, bawdy, and roguishly charming essays, you're going to believe it." —John D'Agata
MCD x FSG Originals, 9780374535803, 416pp.
Joshua Wheeler is from Alamogordo, New Mexico. His essays have appeared in many literary journals, including The Iowa Review, Sonora Review, PANK, and The Missouri Review. He's written feature stories for BuzzFeed and Harper's Magazine online and is a coeditor of the anthology We Might as Well Call It the Lyric Essay. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, New Mexico State University, and has an MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of Iowa. He teaches creative writing at Louisiana State University.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Highclare Sixth Form students have made over £100 for Comic Relief by painting nails and selling cakes in school. Students on all 3 sites have enjoyed a non-uniform day. Highclare Woodfield children have also been selling cakes and at Highclare St Paul's, the children raised money by wearing their pyjamas, making 'Red Nose' cakes and holding a cake sale.


text:
14th President of the United States
(March 4, 1853 to March 3, 1857)
Full Name: Franklin Pierce
Nickname: "Young Hickory of the Granite Hills"
Born: November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough (now Hillsboro), New Hampshire
Died: October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire
Father: Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839)
Mother: Ann Kendrick Pierce (1768-1838)
Married: Jane Means Appleton (1806-1863), on November 10, 1834
Children: Franklin Pierce (1836); Frank Robert Pierce (1839-43); Benjamin Pierce (1841-53)
Education: Graduated from Bowdoin College (1824)
Occupation: Lawyer, public official
Political Party: Democrat
Other Government Positions:
Served in New Hampshire Legislature, 1829-33
Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 1833-37
Unites States Senate, 1837-42
Presidential Salary: $25,000/year
Presidential Election Results:
Popular Votes
Electoral Votes
1852 Franklin Pierce 1,601,117 254
(map) Winfield Scott 1,385,453 42
Vice President: William R. King (1853)
William L. Marcy (1853-57)
Secretary of the Treasury
James Guthrie (1853-57)
Secretary of War
Jefferson Davis (1853-57)
Caleb Cushing (1853-57)
Postmaster General
James Campbell (1853-57)
James C. Dobbin (1853-57)
Robert McClelland (1853-57)
Supreme Court Justices:
John Archibald Campbell (1853-1861)
Notable Events:
On December 30, the Gadsden Purchase signed with Mexico adding 29,670 square miles of new territory in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.
On March 31, Commodore Matthew Perry signed the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan, marking an end to three centuries of Japanese isolation.
On May 30, Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act intended to resolve the issue of expanding slavery into the territories.
Ostend Manifesto written to advocate for the purchase of Cuba from Spain.
Internet Biographies:
Franklin Pierce -- from The Presidents of the United States of America
Compiled by the White House.
Franklin Pierce -- from The American President
From the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, in addition to information on the Presidents themselves, they have first lady and cabinet member biographies, listings of presidential staff and advisers, and timelines detailing significant events in the lives of each administration.
Franklin Pierce -- from Encyclopaedia Britannica
Facts about Pierce and his presidency.
The Life of Franklin Pierce -- by Nathaniel Hawthorne
This detailed biography, written in 1852, is in the public domain.
Hon. Franklin Pierce: Death of the Ex-President -- from The New York Times
The obituary text from The New York Times archives.
#14 Franklin Pierce
America's Presidents - Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce | 60-Second Presidents | PBS
American President #14: Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)
Historical Documents:
Inaugural Address (1853)
Some Papers of Franklin Pierce (1852-1862)
Franklin Pierce Digital Collections - from the Library of Congress
Other Internet Resources:
The Best Biographies of Franklin Pierce
In 2012, Stephen Floyd started his search for the best biography of each president. He usually has reviews of multiple biographies for each president.
Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site
Pierce's home from his infancy until his marriage in 1834.
Franklin Pierce: NH's Forgotten President
Written by Brady Carlson, this article paints the picture of one of the nation's most obscure presidents.
The Franklin Pierce Pages
This site is a tongue-in-cheek "moving tribute to America's most obscure (and best looking) president."
Health and Medical History of Franklin Pierce
Medical background of each president with references. Compiled by John Sotos, MD.
The Pierce Manse
The historic home of Franklin Pierce located in Concord, New Hampshire. Tourist information and historical context can be found at this web site.
Points of Interest:
Additional Facts:
Pierce was arrested while in office for running over an old woman with his horse, but his case was dropped due to insufficient evidence in 1853.
He defeated his old commanding officer from the Mexican War, Winfield Scott, when he was elected president.
Pierce was wounded during the Mexican War.
One of the Democratic party's slogans during Pierce's campaign for president was: "We Polked you in 1844; we shall Pierce you in 1852."
Benjamin, Pierce's third and only surviving child, died in a railroad accident two months before his father's inauguration.
Because of religious considerations Pierce affirmed rather than swore the Presidential oath of office.
Pierce gave his 3,319-word inaugural address from memory, without the aid of notes.
Pierce was the only President to have no turnover in his cabinet.
Pierce was the only elected President who sought but did not win his party's nomination for a second term.
During his second year at Bowdoin College in Maine, Pierce had the lowest grades out of anyone in his class. He changed his study habits, and graduated third in his class. Among his class mates were Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Franklin Pierce was the first President to have a Christmas tree in the White House.
He installed the first central-heating system and the first bathroom with hot and cold water in the White House.
Pierce was an avid fisherman.
Pierce died of cirrhosis of the liver as a result of years of heavy drinking.
Facebook Feed:
https://www.facebook.com/PierceManse/
"While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles."
— Franklin Pierce
"Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion."
Previous President: Millard Fillmore
Next President: James Buchanan
Contact. Copyright © 1996-2019. Robert S. Summers. All rights reserved.


I also have the pleasure to Inform your Excellency that some Hundred stand more may be had here which with a Little Improvement will be fit for Service.
The day after tomorrow I march with the Detachment of my Battalion now on the spot, The Other part of the Brigade are either gone or go tomorrow with Genl Sullivan.
We have Disagreeable Intelligence from Canada—the particulars of which I doubt not but you are acquainted with before now—we keep it as Secret as possible here.
ALS, DLC:GW; copy, written and signed by Wayne, PHi: Wayne Papers. The postscript appears only on the ALS.
1. Francis Johnston (1748–1815) of Chester County was elected to the Pennsylvania provincial conventions in 1774 and 1775, and in January 1776 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of Wayne's 4th Pennsylvania Regiment. Johnston became colonel of the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment in January 1777 and served in that capacity until the rearrangement of the army in January 1781 obliged him to retire. Returning home, Johnston was appointed receiver general of Pennsylvania in April 1781.


The "summer slide" is when a child regresses -- and forgets some concepts that he or she has learned over the school year. While summer should be mostly about fun and relaxing, you should still try to do some skill work with your child over the summer.
For some fun with sidewalk chalk, click on this link!
If you are crafty, you can make your own!


Swapping recipe ingredients for lower calorie/healthier options?
I've gotten into making breads, wheat/white, banana, apple, etc. I'm also about to start dabbling in cookies.
A single slice of apple bread can be 250cal.
I'm curious about replacing certain high-calorie ingredients with ones more in line with weight management, both for me and my family. What are some good replacements for sugar and flour; preferably swapped 1:1?
Sugar = any sugar type substitue like splenda.
In baking its the fats that add calories real real quick.
Agreed that it's the fats that do in the calorie count quickly.
Be cautious with baking with "healthier" flours. Low carb/Paleo people will use almond and coconut "flours" (others might encourage chickpea "flour"). Those have higher protein, some fiber, a lot more fat and fewer carbs than wheat flour (but pretty much the same number of calories). Some will therefore designate them as "healthier". Typical flour has gluten. Gluten is what gives your baked goods the texture/substance you like. It's what makes bread chewy. You can find all kinds of recipes using alternative "flours" (which are just ground up ______), but the texture of your baked goods will suffer workout the gluten. Edible? Sure. But for no real health or calorie benefit? Not woth it.
Be aware of low fat anything, it's most likely to contain some form of msg. There are many names. Fat is good for you if you want to lose weight or not, limit the carbs and sugar.
Lately when i make cookies, i add more walnuts and almonds as well as high cocoa % chocolate chips, that way i lower the amount of flour i have to use (usually lowers flour by half). Calories will only slightly go down, but carbs go down by a lot. They're not carb free cookies, but have less than before.
I have a collection of Lighty & Tasty annual cookbooks. What I enjoy is taking a recipe and finding a way to shave the calories and fats without sacrificing flavor 👍🏻. This way I can still enjoy the things I love like lasagna and chicken fettuccine.
swap unsweetened apple sauce or purred pumpkin for cooking oil. Equal amounts are perfect for bars and cakes.
FYI The pumpkin is fine for something with chocolate flavor. I don't like applesauce with chocolate flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt in place of the oil in some baked goods works well. I especially like to do this with corn bread.
You can make really moist cupcakes by mixing a box of Devils Food Cake mix with a single can of Pumpkin Puree and then baking them.
I use splenda to bake with. The only time Splenda doesn't work for me is when making Pineapple Upside Down Cake. It just doesn't carmelize like real sugar.
The issue with pumpkin is that it can easily make something very pumpkiny unless there's another flavor that is masking it. Chocolate makes total sense. Using it in say, coffee cake, would not end well unless you wanted pumpkin coffee cake (which I could see being very tasty).
You can do the same by mixing it with a can of coke or pepsi for 0 extra calories. You can do this with any of the box cake mixes.
Actually I believe using fruit or coconut sugar or something like that would ultimately be better in the long run. 0 calorie drinks only have 0 calories because they use fake sugars to replace real ones. When you digest it, your body releases a bunch of leptin thinking that it's about to digest real sugar. When it doesn't find any real sugar to digest, everything you just consumed is stored as fat. Basically because your body has no idea what it is. 🤷🏼♀ That's my recent research anyway.
I would try to do more cooked Berries topped with a little Organic low fat Granola. I only add a teaspoon of sugar per cup of berries if needed and sprinkle of cinnamon.
I found this. Single servings keep you from getting into too much trouble.


Carlsbad is often called the Village by the Sea and offers old world European charm in the infrastructure and convenience of a big city. Carlsbad has just about everything, from wide open spaces and beautiful beaches to world class restaurants and unique shopping experiences.
Carlsbad is home to over 113,000 residents and counting with a mix of young families, children, and seniors. Home types and styles vary thanks to the increased housing development projects throughout the area. You can generally expect plenty of Spanish- and craftsman-style homes.
Carlsbad has just about everything you could need. The most famous attraction is the flower fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which blooms in the spring and offers over 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, giving you an amazing show of colors and smells. Right next to the Carlsbad Ranch are the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, which offer great deals from some of the best known brands in the world.
Carlsbad Village is the heart of the Carlsbad coast. The village itself features beautiful architecture and an easy walk to antique shops, boutiques, historic buildings, and restaurants. Start at the Santa Fe Depot to pick up a walking tour map. The Magee House houses the Carlsbad Historical Society and serves as a museum, offering in-depth exhibits about the area's history. Along the beach, you can surf, swim, and sunbathe or visit one of the lagoons for fishing nature hikes, and bird watching.
A few miles southeast of downtown Carlsbad is Legoland, an exciting theme park centered around everyone's favorite colorful, buildable bricks. The park offers water rides and rollercoasters among some amazing Lego creations, including Miniland, an amazingly detailed replica of famous cities and attractions throughout the U.S.
Carlsbad also features an amazing array of delicious eateries. Pick up a pastry at Carlsbad Danish Bakery or head to Pizza Port for a fresh slice of pie and refreshing beer. From carnitas at Fidel's or gyros at Armenian Cafe, there is no end to the variety of diverse dishes and rich flavors throughout Carlsbad.
Carlsbad is home to a huge variety of schools thanks to its high population of families with children. There are actually four districts that service schools throughout the city: Carlsbad Unified School District, Encinitas Union School District, San Dieguito Union High School District, and San Marcos Unified School District.
The home value in Carlsbad is generally high with the median home price estimated at $790,500 with predictions suggesting a slight increase over the next year. The median price per square foot is estimated at $380, which is higher than the average in the San Diego metro area.
If you are interested in investing in a home in the beautiful Village by the Sea or if you have any questions, contact Revestor today.
Brokered by Mills Management Services Inc.
Brokered by J Wolf G, Inc.
Brokered by Hanson Real Estate, Inc.


One of a kind, girly full print dress! Light and not constraining kid's movements. Perfect as a present, with a print featuring a favourite character, pet or holiday photograph. Stylish and comfortable - no matter how often you wear it, the quality of the print will be the same!
The back of product is mirrored.


Michael Strelow has a Ph.D in Literature, and has published poetry, short stories, and non-fiction essays in literary and commercial magazines. He hosts creative writing workshops in universities and writing groups, and his 2005 novel The Greening of Ben Brown was a finalist for the Ken Kesey Novel Award. Michael lives in Salem, Oregon, USA. His latest novel, Some Assembly Required, explores artificial intelligence mental illness, and, maybe, the end of the world.


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Kazuhiro is the kind of guy that argues for fun.
Aaron and I aren't the same.
Wasn't Suu supposed to be here?
Sheila is almost as tall as his father.
Bob has been like a father to me.
Dawson threw the Bible in the fire.
Let's hope Antony finds something.
Ofer said he saw Earl yesterday.
Barton killed Marnix in self-defense.
Vince was absolutely sure of himself.
I should probably spend some time with Danny.
It's no use talking to Ernst.
Carole just got a great job.
Irfan asked Jinchao to cook dinner.
Drew stepped inside the room.
Randall should get some rest.
I was really happy for Hy.
I think Carter should see this.
Teriann doesn't even bother to insult me anymore.
When did Anne get back from Boston?
Ssi is doing a great job.
You remind me of Panzer.
Shane carried everything he owned in a small suitcase.
Amanda told me what he saw.
Tricia sent Saumya's letter back unopened.
Roberta pushed his plate away and said that he had eaten enough.


text:
Meet the Celebrities
Celebrity Hosts
Mary Ann Esposito
Mary Ann is the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series, Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito and the author of 13 cookbooks including her most recent, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy.
This year, the series celebrates its milestone 30th year of production; making it America's longest running televised cooking series.
Through Ciao Italia and appearances on other programs including The Today Show, the Food Network, Discovery Channel, Fox, RAI International, The Victory Garden, and many others, she has shared traditional Italian cooking, history and culture with audiences around the world. Mary Ann has worked beside world-renowned chefs like Julia Childs and Jacques Pepin.
Evan Hennessey
Evan is the Chef/Owner of STAGES at One Washington and THE LIVING ROOM, in Dover, NH. A Dover native and a student at Le Cordon Bleu at the Atlantic Culinary Academy, Evan has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens across the country including Aureole, Trio, Café Boulud, Clio, and Per Se. Locally, he was the Executive Chef at 43 Degrees North and The Dunaway Restaurant before opening Stages.
In 2014, he was named StarChefs Coastal New England Rising Star Chef and a semi-finalist for James Beard's Best Chef, Northeast. Evan is a 3-time Chopped Champion on the Food Network's nationally acclaimed cooking competition show.
David Crinieri
Current Position: Culinary Director, Tuscan Brands
David grew up outside of New York City in a large Italian family. His love for cooking was inspired by his grandfather, with who he worked closely by making homemade sauces for family dinners. In his teen years, David then moved to New Hampshire and began working as a dishwasher, quickly moving up to line cook and eventually sous chef. He worked as the Executive Chef at Tuscan Kitchen in Portsmouth, NH for six years and transferred to the position of Culinary Director for the brand in 2019. He also competed in and won the 2016 Steel Chef Challenge to benefit the NH Food Bank.
Jay Curcio
Current Position: Executive Chef/Owner, White Apron Catering
Jay graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and during his time there, completed an internship at Restaurant Spiaggia in Chicago under the guidance of James Beard award recipient Paul Bartolotta. Upon his graduation from the CIA, he worked at the Charlestown Figs restaurants in MA and then transferred to L'Espalier, where he worked under James Beard award-winning chef Frank McClelland. He became sous chef at Ascari in Braintree, MA, and then opened his own business, White Apron, in 2004. He is the current owner and executive chef.
Julie Cutting
Current Position: Executive Chef/Owner, CURE Restaurant
Julie knew she wanted to open her own restaurant the day she began culinary school back in 2004 at the Atlantic Culinary Academy. Growing up, she got her first cooking experience on her grandmother's canning farm in rural New Hampshire. Since then, she has also attended the famous Cordon Bleu Culinary School, competed on multiple episodes of Chopped, and got to the final round of Cutthroat Kitchen. Cutting prides herself on creating a restaurant environment where every customer is greeted with a smile and leaves feeling satisfied.
Dave Vargas
Current Position: Chef/Owner, Vida Cantina
Dave is a two-time James Beard-nominated chef (2019, 2020), is the current owner and executive chef at Vida Cantina, which is also co-owned by Jay McSharry, owner of Vida Tortilla and Ore Nell's BBQ. Dave is originally from Southern California, where his family owned a taqueria, which is where Dave's love of cooking came to life. Dave makes sure to bring flavors from his Mexican heritage to the menu at Vida Cantina with fresh and local ingredients. Dave has earned countless awards for his dishes at Vida, including ones from Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe, Taste Magazine, etc.
© Wentworth-Douglass 2023. All rights reserved.


In a marketplace with increasing competition, Kelmann recognized the need to increase the visibility of the firm with an energized and renewed brand identity program.
Research defined company value and lead THIEL to develop a dynamically updated brand identity designed around the company name. Other integrated communications define capabilities and customer value. Fleet vehicle graphics make a strong statement in the community, turning vehicles into rolling billboards. The company has a dramatically increased presence in the competitive restoration landscape.


text:
Wheaties - Features Ironman World Champion
Wheaties has announced the champion of the world's most challenging endurance event, the Ford Ironman World Championship, will be featured on the famous orange box in the coming months. This announcement marks the first time an Ironman World Champion has been honored with an appearance on a Wheaties box.
Chris McCormack finished the grueling 140.6-mile race in just over eight hours, at 08:10:37 to break through the finish line tape first of the approximately1800 of the world's top professional and age group athletes competing in the 2010 championship event. McCormack finished strong in the 2.4-mile swim with 51:36, and maintained a front position during his 112-mile cycle leg of 04:31:51. He finished ahead of the competition with a 02:43:31 26.2-mile run. This marks McCormack's fourth top-10 finish and second championship at the Ford Ironman World Championship. McCormack also holds five Ironman Australia titles.
"We are so excited to welcome Chris into the Wheaties family and celebrate his tremendous achievement in winning this highly competitive championship," said Wheaties Marketing Manager Dan Stangler. "The Ironman triathlon competitors are some of the toughest and most fit endurance athletes in the world, and each competitor to complete an Ironman competition is a champion in his or her own right. It is with great appreciation for what they do that we are showcasing a true Ironman champion on the Wheaties box."
"Wheaties has long been known as the 'breakfast of champions,' which makes it an excellent choice for Ironman competitors," said Ben Fertic, chief executive officer, Ironman. "The state-of-the-art nutrition in Wheaties FUEL® can help today's world-class athletes train for success."
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Greg and Gary all smiles on Wolverine for the first lift of the season.
The hiking blogs are sidelined with Sunshine Village surprised opening, one week earlier than planned. A good crowd was on hand for opening day. We arrived at the parking lot at 8:30 and were well down the lot. No snow in sight at the Gondola Station. Decided to drop off at Goats Eye and miss the crowds at the upper village. It already looked skied out at 9:00 but where there was some fresh powder it was crusty and heavy. Legs were burning half way down a short run. Moved on to Wawa to join the crowds and the snow was much better, not as heavy. Spent most of the day on Wawa with a couple of runs on Strawberry. Snow depth is fine for this time of year. Now it is all packed down it will be well set up for the season. Looking for some cooler weather and fresh snow. On Friday afternoon they opened Standish. Grooming is on going up on Angel and the Divide. Yesterday (Friday ) I was back out hiking and the temperature was 13 C. Lifts opened Wawa, Strawberry, Jack Rabbit and Wolverine.
Standish in the sun. Not yet open. It opened Friday afternoon.
Wawa. Warm weather made the snow a bit heavy.


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Humpday Story: The Sexy Umbrella of Doom
Rain marks the beginning of Charley Vaughn's vacation. The kind of rain fit for an epic nap interrupted by coffee breaks. But no matter, Miami offers Charley endless fascination.
Magical fascination, as it turns out.
Talking dogs, alligators singing opera, and street magicians. And one sexy umbrella that purrs like like a kitten when opened.
One look upwards into the transparent blue plastic, and Charley finds herself walking on the clouds with a strange and alluring man. Soon enough, they do a lot more than just walking.
If you enjoy quirky and humorous erotic fantasy, be sure to read The Sexy Umbrella of Doom.
In the rain
On Wednesday evening, despite the downpour, Charlene Vaughn felt like she was walking on the clouds. Tomorrow began her long needed vacation. She packed up her legal brief and memos into her messenger bag, hooked her magical umbrella on her forearm, and headed down to the lobby.
The rain started at three in the afternoon, and didn't seem to want to let up. Rained cats and dogs, maybe literally. Charley wouldn't have been surprised. In her three weeks of living in Miami, she witnessed at least one magical event per week.
Always small, yet wondrous things. A man who pulled a hot dog out of his sleeve, and gave it to a homeless guy. A dog who talked in short, mostly one word sentences. (He liked the word yes, for some reason.) The world's smallest alligator, which fit in the palm of a woman's hand and sang high pitched opera.
Maybe the hot dog man was just a regular street magician who did nice things for people. Maybe the alligator was only a ventriloquist act.
But dammit, that dog was mighty convincing.
Aside from watching Burn Notice, Charley had no idea what Miami was like until she moved there. She never expected this. Miami was full of amazing secrets and wonderful magic. Granted, she hadn't yet experienced the summer humidity, or lived through a hurricane, or had a real alligator swim in her pool. But Miami was just freaking cool in so many ways.
She hadn't quite expected it to rain so much though. Today, it was a steady downpour that thumped against the office windows in a constant rhythm. Charley wanted to take a nap. Coffee helped. So did a dinner of left over pasta with marinara sauce, heated up in the microwave.
She waited at the revolving door in the lobby, hoping the rain would stop. Or at least slow down so she wouldn't get so wet.
Charley wasn't dressed for getting wet today. She wore a navy blue pinstripe suit, with a short skirt three inches above her knees, no pantyhose, and a thin pink blouse that revealed a fair amount of cleavage. Her waist length blond hair was pinned up into a tight bun. Her navy pumps were in one hand, a pair of soft leather flats on her feet.
A leather messenger satchel was slung over her shoulder, full of all the legal briefs she'd been working on.
On her opposite arm, the magical umbrella of doom hung over her wrist.
Charley didn't really believe it was magical. Who would think of a making a magic umbrella? Of all the silly magical items.
But the Cuban lady who sold her the umbrella insisted it had powers from the great beyond, or something like that. She had a rather broken accent, and it was hard to tell what she was really saying. Plus, Charley didn't speak a word of Spanish, which didn't help matters at all. Four years of French in college helped some, but not enough to get past the Cuban lady's thick accent.
All Charley could tell for sure, was the umbrella was cute. Very sexy. She had to have it, even though at the time the weather man had been predicting sunshine all week.
It had a sleek wooden handle, maybe walnut, stained dark and smooth to the touch. The wires made a soft popping sound when opened, almost more like a purr if done slowly. And the top was a transparent blue. She thought a lot about looking up and watching the rain pelt down on the umbrella. She imagined the pretty streaks of rain water as seen from underneath, tinted blue.
Or, at least watching that in much calmer rain.
This rain smacked against the windows with a vengeance, like a thousand people tapping on the glass in rapid fire unison. The street outside was like a swimming pool. Charley half expected an alligator to swim by any moment now.
She wanted to leave work. Go home and stop thinking about intellectual property law for a change. Maybe watch some TV, with a little popcorn, and flake out with Rosa Bean the tomcat without having to worry about anything at all.
Sounded nice.
And once she scooted Rosa Bean off the bed for a bit, she could load up a porn DVD and lube up her vibrator.
That sounded really nice.
She squeezed her thighs together, thinking about that a little more. Which porn would she watch? Clearly, with this stormy weather, this was a wonderful night to spend with Trey Longchamp, her favorite porn actor. He was tall, well muscled, but not overly bulky like some of the meat-heads porn studios cast.
And he seemingly always got paired with pretty blonds. Women who might've been stand-ins for Charley when she was in college, if she'd had a boob job.
But now, in her mid-thirties, Charley had no hope of ever being in a porn, except maybe as a MILF, which didn't appeal to her at all. At least she still had the right hair color for Trey, and that's all that really mattered for her late night vibrator fantasies.
The rain let up, a little anyway. Charley stuffed her pumps into the messenger bag and pushed at the revolving door. Once outside, the cool mist of the rain steamed off her hair and skin.
She opened the sexy umbrella, enjoying the little purr sound. Then she looked up. The rain still fell, and it made beautiful streaks down the umbrella top. The patterns had a life of their own, like a shifting one-color kaleidoscope. It was like looking up at a stained glass window.
She imagined what people driving by might think of the crazy blond lady looking up into her umbrella. But she couldn't help but stare, at least for a minute.
Besides, she was too old to give a shit what people thought of her. She had firm legs and a well shaped ass, which was more than enough to get her laid now and then. And she made more money than every one-night stand she ever attracted, even in the nicest clubs and bars she ventured into.
Charley was her own damn woman. She could stare up at her so-called magical umbrella if she wanted to. And then she had a cat to go home to and feed. And then a pussy to feed after that.
The air felt calm. Breezy, with the mist of hot rain. Then the rain's vengeance returned, stronger this time. Drops fell like tiny comets, pelting against Charley's legs.
She stopped looking up into her umbrella like a doofus, and ran. Water splashed around her ankles as she managed to step her feet into every puddle on the sidewalk. She was parked in the public ramp two blocks over, the best place she could get without parking privileges closer to the office. Those privileges would come with a partnership, and that wasn't even a reality for a long time yet.
So much for the umbrella being magical. The faster she ran, the more wet Charley seemed to get.
She was soaked through. Her bun came undone, long strings of hair got into her eyes. The suit probably needed to be dry-cleaned now. Even her panties oddly felt wet.
Which, in a way, felt kind of stimulating, though a bit embarrassing.
The vibrator at home was suddenly all the more enticing.
She just needed to cross the street and turn down the alley to the parking ramp.
Crossing the street wasn't so bad. She made the crosswalk with a little time to spare. And then the alley wasn't far after that. Her suit stuck to her now, hopelessly wet. She may as well have taken a dive into a swimming pool with her suit on. At least she wasn't dumb enough to insist on wearing her heels to her car. They would've been ruined for sure.
Whoever thought of putting the entrance to a parking ramp down a dark alley needed to be sued. Badly. Tonight, the alley seemed extra dark.
Her eyes needed a moment to adjust to the dim light. The rain was less harsh here. But she didn't close her umbrella yet. If nothing else, she could use it to fend off an attacker. She closed a fist around the pepper spray in her jacket pocket anyway.
At least the parking ramp door wasn't far. Just a few steps, and she'd be dry and in better light.
She stole one more glance upwards at the droplets running down her umbrella. A streak of lightning flashed overhead, followed by a clap of thunder. The blue plastic of the umbrella seemed to turn a lighter shade in the lightning. A cool breeze whisked her legs and up her skirt.
When she looked down again, the alley was gone.
Her brain couldn't make sense of what just happened.
Instead of a dark city alley in Miami and wet pavement, Charley stood on a cloud.
A big, white fluffy cloud that spread out to the horizon.
She spun in place a few times. The air was crisp. Her head felt light. She thought she should be scared, but she wasn't. Charley laughed.
Maybe laughter was a defense mechanism. In the back of her brain, she thought that was funny, to be thinking about defense mechanisms while standing on a cloud with a magical umbrella.
She couldn't help it.
And then she got kind of serious.
"Well, shit," Charley said. "How the fuck did this happen?"
"Hey!" said a man. "Want to watch the language?"
Charley spun around. Nobody had been behind her, or anywhere near her, just a moment before. But sure enough, there was now a man lounging on a fluffy divan made of clouds. He wore red sateen pajamas. The top three buttons of his shirt were opened, revealing a smooth and well muscled chest. He sported a gruff beard that was little more than a glorified five o'clock shadow. The tops of his bare feet had dark hair.
The guy was no Trey Longchamp, but he was definitely hot. His black hair was slightly long and curled behind his ears. He had smooth green eyes, the kind Charley could get lost in.
And then he smiled.
His smile was lazy, like an after-thought with cute dimples and white teeth.
Charley melted a little. She didn't want to, but she couldn't help it. It was like being in a cheesy romance story. Or better yet, a cheesy erotica story. Except if Charley were writing the story, the guy would be played by Trey.
This guy in front of her would have to do.
Oddly, an umbrella matching the one in Charley's hands lay near his feet. Water droplets dripped off his umbrella and soaked into the cloud.
"Fuck no," said Charley, returning the smile. By comparison, her smile felt a little weak, like she was trying too hard. But it still felt good. Being in the clouds certainly loosened her up from her normal lawyer-self. "I'll say whatever the shit I want."
She thought about closing her umbrella, given it wasn't raining up here. Instead she twirled it above her head.
The guy frowned, but his dimples were still there. Then he stood up and walked toward her. He made no sound as he moved, but then he was walking on a fluffy cloud. He was a head taller than Charley. Up close, he smelled wonderful, like he'd just gotten out of a bubble bath.
She glanced down. The front of his pajama pants bulged upwards at her. He was clearly well endowed. Perhaps not as big as Trey, but then again few men had porn star cocks. Charley had reasonable expectations in bed. But this guy in front of her probably came close to the outer limit of her normal expectations.
Charley wanted to find out.
He held his hands in front of his waist. A failed attempt at covering himself up, and he seemed to know it by the wicked curve of his lips.
"You can't even help it," he said.
"What?" said Charley. "Stare at the tent pole in your pants?"
"No, silly. Curse like a sailor."
"Oh, that too." Charley shrugged and stepped away. Sure enough, he took a step towards her. She held out her hands, palms out. "Look buddy, as far as I'm concerned, I blacked out in the rain and am now having some kind of weird coma dream. So I'll freaking curse if I want to."
That made him laugh. He had a cruel yet gentle laughter, one that sort of rumbled from his belly and came out with a sigh.
"That's precious," he winked at her. "But you can't help it. I can prove it."
"Wanna fucking try me?" She emphasized the word fucking. She wasn't entirely sure what he was trying to prove either. She wasn't entirely sure she cared.
He took her by the hand. He was warm to the touch, palms sweaty enough to be slick. He gripped her firm, but not too strong. And then he led her to the edge of the cloud.
Charley really didn't want to look down. Really, really. One of her one-night stands had tried to convince her to go sky-diving with him, which she quite firmly turned down. Looking out the office window at the street below was bad enough. Seeing a satellite image of Miami on her laptop made her nervous within the comfort of her own living room.
Even without sort of glancing down, she felt the overbearing need to pee. Which would've been funny, given she was high above the ground standing on a cloud. Charley laughed hysterically and covered her face in the man's shoulders.
He patted her on the back as if to comfort her.
"See," he said. "Told you."
"Told me what?" She sob-laughed against his smooth pajamas. "I didn't curse when I looked down below."
He shrugged one shoulder against her face. His neck blushed, which made his smirk all the more amusing.
"Yeah," he said, "not sure what I was proving either."
"You're a weird man," Charley said.
"Mostly I just wanted to say hi."
"Hello," she said. Then she pushed him back away from the edge of the cloud. "So, umm, how did we get here?"
"On this cloud?"
He thought for a long minute, scratching his chin and clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
"Truth is," he said slowly, drawing out each word. "I have no idea. I was in the rain with my umbrella, and I looked up and then…"
"Here we are," Charley spread her arms out. "Same thing happened to me."
She liked the way his eyebrows arched upwards while he thought. He seemed deep in concentration, like he was trying to remember something, or think of something snappy to say. Charley didn't want to disturb him. So instead, she watched.
"My name's Hunter," he said at last, then nodded his head, smiling widely.
"Charley," she said.
"You say you were in the rain, with your umbrella?" He stepped a little closer to her. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and inhaled his scent. He touched her lightly on the arm. "I was in Miami for the weekend, looking for an apartment. I walked back to my car, then bam! Downpour."
"Miami? That's where I'm from." Charley twirled a finger through her hair, which wasn't wet anymore. In fact, she hadn't noticed until now, but she felt dry and cozy. She glanced down at herself.
"Oh God," she said.
She was dressed in red sateen teddy, the same color as Hunter's pajamas.
"I know, right?" said Hunter. "Seems like a long ways down."
"What? Oh. Not that. My clothes."
"Oh," he snorted in contained laughter. "Umm, yeah I was wondering why you were out in the rain in that."
"I wasn't." Charley bit her lip. What was going on? Her lip hurt from being bit. This couldn't be a dream and feel so real.
Hunter sat back down on his cloudy divan, which happened to be big enough for two to sit comfortably. He patted the spot next to him. Charley looked at him askance, uncertain of what to do next. He was attractive, for sure, even if a bit weird and lacking in social skills. But from all the dates she'd been on and the all the guys she'd met in clubs, Charley knew how to spot a true creep. Hunter wasn't dangerous.
Charley snapped her umbrella shut, then sat next to him. He slipped an around her waist, above the hips. Polite enough, but close enough to make the gesture less polite if the situation turned that way. Charley snuggled into his embrace.
Somehow, it just felt right. It was stupid and unexplainable, but it was very much right.
She snuggled her head against his shoulder.
"So," she said. "Since we're literally in the clouds…"
"And this never happens in real life, right?" he said.
"And won't ever happen again, we can safely assume."
"Wanna do it?" he said.
She laughed. Any other situation, she would've turned him down, or at best given him the run around to make sure he was genuine.
Besides, it was as if he read her mind.
She answered him by grabbing his pajama shirt in one fist and kissing him hard on the lips. He stiffened at first, both in the pants and in the shoulders. Then he loosened up into her kiss, and held her close. His body heat warmed her. His breath tasted like peppermint and coffee.
When they parted, Charley glanced around as if to look for any onlookers, which would've been silly given where they were. To her amazement, the clouds parted some under their feet.
Now they were on a fluffy cloud island, surrounded by an ocean of sky with a rather stark and beautiful view of the ground far below.
Charley wasn't scared anymore. Not of falling.
She was already fallen anyway.
The rain kept coming…
Charley tore open his top, the buttons popped off rather easily, as if they were made to be popped off. They bounced along the cloud's surface, and then fell through. She suppressed a giggle at the thought of buttons falling from the sky. She wondered what else might fall, or drip, through the cloud.
His chest was firm and smooth to the touch, with only some light hair above the collarbones. Charley kissed him starting at the neck. Never before had she been this adventurous so quick, even on one-night stands. At least with the one-nighters, she'd get a drink and some light hearted conversation. Here, on this cloud, with this man, she felt frisky enough to cut straight to the punch-line.
And Hunter didn't seem to mind too much. He tensed up as she kissed downward, past his collarbone and to his nipple. But he massaged his fingers across her shoulders and down her back. She felt his heart race with her lips. He wiggled and squirmed when she tickled his ribs.
And then he inhaled and exhaled deeply, and ran his fingers through her hair. He held her close while she traced her tongue across and around his nipple.
Leaning against him, she could feel him stiffen between her breasts. She made a move to kiss down his body.
But he took her by the shoulders and pushed her away, holding her at arm's length. They stared at each other for an intense moment. Charley licked her lips, hoping like hell this was just a bump in the road and not the end.
Hunter slid off the divan and got down on his knees. He pushed her chest, motioning with his eyes that she should lie down. Charley obeyed, almost trance-like, and settled down on the cloudy floor. The cloud was softer than carpet, without the nasty burn, and fluffier than the best pillow. Right at the moment her back touched the billowy surface, she wondered if her panties were still wet from being out in the rain. She still felt a little wet down there, but the warm kind of wet.
When Hunter placed his head between her legs and ran his tongue across her slit, Charley realized she wasn't wearing panties anymore. Figures–if this were a dream, which it must've been, it'd only make sense she changed from a business suit to a teddy and forgot her panties in the blink of an eye.
That's how dreams worked? Right?
And if this were a dream, it was a dream come true given how talented Hunter was at oral.
He took his time with her and knew exactly how to touch her and when. A little pressure from his tongue on her labia. The feel of his stubble on her smooth skin. His rough fingers caressed the insides of her thighs. He opened her petals with two fingers. He found her clit with his tongue. Her body was tense with electricity and at the same time perfectly relaxed. When he entered her pussy with his middle finger, she gasped. She loved the way he played, how wonderfully his finger fit inside her, and how magical other parts of his body might feel. He curled his finger against her G-spot.
The first orgasm was sweet.
Charley wrapped her legs around his head and gazed up into the blue sky. Her body sizzled with heat. Pressure built up within her pussy, until she couldn't take anymore. And then she squirted into his face.
That didn't stop Hunter. He continued softly licking and fingering her.
Right when Charley was bored with him eating her, he lifted her into his arms. And then held her close, playing with her hair and kissing her.
"I think it's your turn," Charley said in his ear, surprised at how husky her voice sounded.
"My turn?"
"On your back." She smacked his shoulders with both hands.
He complied. Charley tugged on the drawstring of his sateen pajama pants, as if she were opening a gift. He waited with his arms tucked behind his head, impatience in his eyes. She teased him by tugging on the front of pants, then by tickling his waist. His lack of patience wore thin. Hunter helped her undress him with a final sweep.
He was just the right size, exactly as Charley imagined. Not freakishly big, like some of the porn actors. Not as big as Trey Longchamp. But big enough for Charley. She savored the sight of his cock in her hand, and cupped his balls in the other. She loved the thin streak of trimmed pubic hair. A little bit of precum wetted his tip and dripped down the shaft. He smelled wonderful.
Charley went down on him. She felt like a slut and a sweet lover at the same time, going down on this strange man in this strange circumstance. The feeling was weird and alien, but familiar at the same time. She licked him from tip to balls, so slowly, teasing him with her tongue and teeth.
Before he could climax, she took him by the cock and straddled him. Squeezing him with her legs, she slid him inside. The way he stretched her was perfect. Just the right size and shape, he filled her in a way she never imagined a man doing for her. Normally, Charley required a sex toy to feel quite this good.
Charley pulled her teddy's straps down, revealing her breasts for him. To her surprise, her boobs seemed… bigger. Not unnaturally larger, but fuller and as firm as they were when she was younger.
Hunter wasted little time in reaching up and grabbing them with both hands. He covered them, pinching the nipples while she rode him.
Sex hadn't felt this good in so long.
Like they already knew each other's bodies. Already knew how to please one another. Like they were made to fit each other.
Charley rode him even harder. Faster. She had to have every inch of him. She threw head back and screamed in pure pleasure.
Hunter rubbed her clit while she fucked him. The pleasure intensified a notch. The second orgasm peaked and rattled her body to the core.
And then another orgasm rocked her. When the shock wore off a little, yet another jolted her. Her pussy tightened on his cock, then spat him out with a gush.
Charley collapsed into his arms. Her scent was all over him, and his scent was on her.
He massaged her back muscles. Just being held close felt wonderful while the afterglow wore off. She craved more, but didn't feel physically capable of it yet. Just a little rest.
She closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she was standing upright. In the rain. Soaked through to the skin.
Her body still felt the glow of great sex, from the tips of her hair to her toes. She grabbed her breasts–they were the correct size and shape within the bra she put on this morning. Charley even reached up her skirt and felt her wet panties clinging to her curves.
She was back in the alley next to the parking ramp. She had her satchel and the umbrella above her head, blue tinted streaks running down above her, as if nothing more had happened than a lovely daydream.
It was like being yanked out of a warm bath and tossed into a freezer. She longed for Hunter's touch, and half hoped he was somewhere nearby, looking for her.
She wasn't done with him yet. Her heart ached. Hell, her pussy ached. It felt like she really had sex just now, with all the scents on her and the sore thighs from riding Hunter.
A Trey Longchamp video no longer sounded like a wonderful way to spend the evening.
But neither did sleeping alone after being with Hunter, even if that only happened in Charley's mind.
She sighed, bit back an unexpected sting in her eyes, and walked into the ramp to find her car. A hole was in her heart. She had no idea how to fill it. Charley didn't know if she wanted the hole filled, after what she had experienced on the cloud in her magical daydream.
No real man like Hunter existed. Did he?
Her vacation went by faster than she wanted, but not fast enough. Charley longed to find Hunter in her dreams, to maybe recreate that experience in the rain with her umbrella. But during the entire week, no rain fell, and there was not even a cloud in the sky.
On the last day of her vacation, Charley decided to stop pitying herself.
She grabbed the umbrella, even though the forecast called for more sunshine with only a very slight chance of precipitation, and headed to the supermarket. She wanted pasta with homemade marinara sauce and mushrooms. Perhaps garlic bread and a mixed salad.
She was spending this night alone, so dammit she was making the most of it.
Once Charley had the shopping cart loaded with everything she needed, she returned to the front of the store.
And her heart rose into her throat.
There, right front of her, was a dream come true.
A man who looked like Hunter from behind stood in the checkout line. He was less dreamy perfect than the man on the clouds, not as tall or as broad shouldered. But he had the same rough five o'clock shadow and the V-shaped back. In one hand, he held a blue umbrella identical to Charley's, just like on the clouds.
When he turned around and noticed her behind him, he had the same handsome, dazzling green eyes.
And then he smiled at her. A broad, friendly smile, as if they were old friends.
"Charley?" he said.
"Hunter," she said. His smile brightened even more when he saw that she recognized him. Charley's heart thundered so loud, she wondered if he could hear it. She placed a hand on her chest. "My God, it is you."
"I've been…" he started. Hunter cleared his throat and stammered a bit. "I've wanted to see you again."
"I thought of you every day," Charley said.
A tense moment passed. They stared into each other's eyes. The checkout clerk coughed.
And then Charley grabbed him by the front of the shirt. He wrapped his arms around her.
She kissed him.
And Charley knew she wouldn't have to be alone tonight. Or any other night.
Charley was in the clouds again, metaphorically if not literally, and never wanted to come back down.
Cover image © conrado/BigStockPhoto
Author David Anthony BrownPosted on May 6, 2020 May 6, 2020 Categories Humpday StoryTags fantasy, short stories
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text:
Paratrimma is a genus of gobies endemic to Chile where they are only found around the Juan Fernández Islands and the Desventuradas Islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

Species
There are currently two recognized species in this genus:
 Paratrimma nigrimenta Hoese & Brothers, 1976
 Paratrimma urospila Hoese & Brothers, 1976

References

Gobiidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
In nuclear physics, neutron decay may refer to:
 Neutron emission by an atomic nucleus
 Free neutron decay
 Beta decay of a neutron inside an atomic nucleus
 Baryon decay, as predicted by grand unified theories, also involves neutron decay


text:
package com.blamejared.compat.betterwithmods;

import betterwithmods.module.hardcore.crafting.HCFurnace;
import com.blamejared.ModTweaker;
import com.blamejared.mtlib.utils.BaseMapAddition;
import crafttweaker.annotations.ModOnly;
import crafttweaker.annotations.ZenRegister;
import crafttweaker.api.item.IIngredient;
import crafttweaker.api.minecraft.CraftTweakerMC;
import net.minecraft.item.crafting.Ingredient;
import stanhebben.zenscript.annotations.ZenClass;
import stanhebben.zenscript.annotations.ZenMethod;

import java.util.Arrays;
import java.util.HashMap;
import java.util.Map;

@ZenClass("mods.betterwithmods.Misc")
@ModOnly("betterwithmods")
@ZenRegister
public class Misc {
    @ZenMethod
    public static void setFurnaceSmeltingTime(IIngredient ingredient, int time) {
        HashMap<Ingredient,Integer> map = new HashMap<>();
        map.put(CraftTweakerMC.getIngredient(ingredient),time);
        ModTweaker.LATE_ADDITIONS.add(new SetSmeltingTime(map));
    }

    public static class SetSmeltingTime extends BaseMapAddition<Ingredient,Integer> {

        protected SetSmeltingTime(Map<Ingredient,Integer> map) {
            super("Set HCFurnace Smelting Time", HCFurnace.FURNACE_TIMINGS, map);
        }

        @Override
        protected String getRecipeInfo(Map.Entry<Ingredient,Integer> recipe) {
            return Arrays.toString(recipe.getKey().getMatchingStacks()) + " -> " + recipe.getValue(); //Fortunately mojang is adding a toString method to Ingredient
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Related Post "11 Royal Sundaram Health Insurance Claim Form Download"


text:
Q: JSF How to save the current state before navigating to other page on error cases I have a multi page application form (jsf 1.2) with next and prev buttons for navigation.
These pages should adhere the below requirements.
1) User should be allowed to move back and forth on those pages even with partially filled pages. The mandatory field validation should not stop him moving between screens.
2) Also the data he entered on a page should be restored back on his return to that page.
On an error case, jsf will postback to the same view always, but I solved this by using navigation handler inside a phase listeners after process validation callback.
But how could I save the current state before rendering the new page. I tried calling saveState on UIView before render phase, but that didn't work. How can I solve this?
What is the best way to address these requirements.
I would very much appreciate an answer for this. Thanks.
Constraints :
I have to address this in jsf 1.2, can't go for jsf 2.0 conversational state or third party solutions like tomahawk savestate :(

A: If you just have to stick with JSF 1.2, then you can't. You have to save all the data you handle in the bean into the session, and recover everything in the bean constructor. If you can use a third party library, I'll recommend you RichFaces 3.3.3, it has a KeepAlive annotation that you can put on your request managed bean and turn it into a ViewBean (by saving the whole request bean in session and loading it if you're in the same view).
Example of KeepAlive annotation (as simple as it looks):
@KeepAlive
public class MyViewWannaBeBean {
    private String name;
    public MyViewWannaBeBean() {
    }
    //getters and setters...
}

Define the bean in the faces-config.xml like a request managed bean
<managed-bean>
    <managed-bean-name>myViewWannaBe</managed-bean-name>
    <managed-bean-class>mypackage.MyViewWannaBeBean</managed-bean-class>
    <managed-bean-scope>request</managed-bean-scope>
</managed-bean>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Throwing Uncle Joe under the Bus
September 26, 2019 By Debbie Young
Joe Biden, the 47th vice president of the United States, was the featured guest for the Tom Johnson Lectureship at the LBJ Presidential Library on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. 10/03/2017 LBJ Library photo by Jay Godwin
Or to put it another way: "If somebody has to be put on an ice floe, it's going to be Joe Biden," writes Kevin Williamson in NRO.
The cynic in me guesses that the Ukrainian gambit serves a dual purpose:
First: It provides a pretext for a pre-election impeachment inquiry against the incumbent president — which, given the current composition of the Senate, is unlikely to end in action before the election, or after that, either, unless there is a Democratic majority seated in the Senate.
Second: The likely collateral damage to Joe Biden probably is not entirely unwelcome in some Democratic circles — he already is sliding vis-à-vis Senator Warren, and to many Democrats he already has the look of a likely loser should he be the nominee.
If you're willing to fight for Main Street America, click here to sign up for the Richardcyoung.com free weekly email.
This Guy Is America's New President: Shotgun Joe
Joe Wilson
RIP Joe Cocker
Debbie, editor-in-chief of Richardcyoung.com, has been associate editor of Dick Young's investment strategy reports for over three decades. When not in Key West, Debbie spends her free time researching and writing in and about Paris and Burgundy, France, cooking on her AGA Cooker, driving her Porsche Boxter S through Vermont and Maine, and practicing yoga.
Latest posts by Debbie Young (see all)
Oh Yes! It Can Get Worse - February 1, 2023
"I Will Veto Everything They Send Me" - January 31, 2023
How to Fight Wokism Idiocy - January 30, 2023
A NEW CONTRACT WITH AMERICA: Rick Scott Finally Gives the GOP Something to Run On
The Armed American Family: Part I
Government Should Be Small, Laws Unobtrusive, and Men Left Alone
YOU DESERVE FREEDOM: Your Hard Work Will Make It Happen
A Cashless Society Is A Debacle for Americans
Hungarian Hardliner Viktor Orban Shows European Globalists the Way
My Battle-Hardened Stock Market Strategy for the Worst of Times


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text:
Safe Gambling
Israell – 'Acquittement Karmique' and 'Safe Gambling' ft BOEMI
The music world has seen artists of all kinds, some of whom are very drawn to issues such as human rights, spirituality and can convey such vision through their art & music. Canadian recording artist Israell is one of those. Israell has developed a passion for songwriting & acting in the early nineties, studied theatre, voice, has some film credits and wrote many songs over the years. Israell's music is not limited to one genre. It's mainly rock, but it...
Chaz Ultra releases "On Her Way"
© 2021 ToneFlame. All Rights Reserved.


Sometimes, I do wonder if you are really, really with your senses. How Could you keep trusting people and at the end you will loose your hard Earned money, or are you being deceived by their big names? They Impersonate on many offices, claiming to be Governors, Directors/Chairmen of one Office or the other. Their game plan is only just to extort your hard Earned money. Now, the question is how long will you continue to be Deceived? Sometimes, they will issue you fake check, introduce you to fake Diplomatic delivery, UN-existing on-line banking and they will also fake wire transfer of Your fund with Payment Stop Order and even send you fake Atm Cards etc. Anyway, by the virtue of my position I have been following this Transaction since President Obama nominates me as the next Director of the FBI speaks at the White House when Director Robert S. Mueller's term ends on September 4, I sit down and laugh at your ignorance and That of those who claim they are assisting you, it is very unfortunate That at the end you loose. Although, I don't blame you because you don't know the truth about your compensation fund and is because you have believed them that is why they decided to Be extorting your money. The most annoying part is even fraudsters Have really taken advantage of this opportunity to enrich them selves At your expense.Those you feel are assisting or working for you are Your main problems. I know the truth surrounding this payment and I am The only person who will deliver you from this long suffering if you will abide by my advice. I also know that recently you have been dealing with people claiming to be the EFCC FBI AGENT. They claim that they are helping you and you forward all the fraudulent e-mails you receive to them. At the end they do nothing about the fraudsters. Soon they will ask you to pay money to receive your compensation, Do not pay any money to them because they are only interested in your hard earned money and you will never receive any compensation in return, they will always keep coming back to ask for more money. Please I beseech you to stop pursuit of shadows and being Deceived.Feel free to contact me immediately you receive this mail so that I can Explain to you the modus operandi guiding the release of your Payment. Do not panic, be rest assured that this arrangement will be Guided by me. However, we have finalised every arrangement to make sure that the ATM CARD gets to you through FedEx Express so that you can start withdrawing from any ATM MACHINE close to you.Also the ATM CARD is containing the sum of $2.5m which you will be withdrawing a maximum of $10,000 per day until the total funds is withdrawn from the ATM CARD.
Contact Mr. Peter Campos Now!!!


text:
Bona Law Attorney Jarod Bona Named Fellow by Litigation Counsel of America
Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) recently named attorney Jarod Bona as Fellow of their prestigious society.
Recognizing the country's top trial attorneys, the LCA evaluates Mr. Bona and its other fellows based on 'effectiveness and accomplishment' in litigation, including both trial and appellate work, along with ethical reputation.
The LCA is a peer selected, invitation only, diverse honorary society of 3,500 of the best trial attorneys in the country. Comprised of less than one-half of 1% of American attorneys the LCA is an established trial and appellate lawyer honorary society.
The purpose of the LCA is to "recognize deserving, experienced, and highly qualified lawyers, to provide an outlet for scholarly authorship of legal articles on trial and litigation practice, and to provide additional sources for professional development."
Jarod Bona represents clients in antitrust, complex litigation, and appellate matters. He graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2001, which he followed up with a clerkship for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He practiced law at large international law firms Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and DLA Piper for a dozen years before starting Bona Law PC.
Mr. Bona represents clients from all over the world in antitrust and litigation matters and has worked with his team to develop Bona Law into a national antitrust boutique firm that is called upon to handle some of the most interesting and complex antitrust and competition issues that arise. These matters range from antitrust counseling for distribution contracts to defending class actions involving allegations of global price-fixing conspiracies to seeking relief on behalf of companies that have been damaged by anticompetitive conduct by their competitors, and much more.
Mr. Bona is also the editor for two legal websites: The Antitrust Attorney Blog and Titles & Deeds.
With offices in California and New York, Bona Law is committed to addressing client concerns with innovative solutions to matters involving antitrust, appellate litigation, business litigation, and challenges to government conduct.


We are hiring FOREMAN, CARPENTER and SKILLED LABOURER positions to work in the Eastern Suburbs on high end residential projects. While we our serious about our work, we also have a ton of fun in a culture that believes in family and work/life balance. We are tightly knit with our design team integrating our architects, designers and builders in a creative and collaborative team environment.
Hours and salary will vary with the position and your current level of experience. To apply please introduce yourself via hello@designtribeprojects.com.au with a copy of your current CV and note the position you are applying for.


The physical act of meditation involves putting aside time to reach a state of physical relaxation, and focused attention, this can be done by just sitting quietly or standing and focusing on one's breath, word or phrase. By engaging in this practice for 15 – 20 minutes a day, research has proven to improve brain functioning.
Nevertheless, there is a ton of research that confirms meditation will keep your brain healthy, make you happier and improve your overall physical and mental performance. But, in order to really experience these benefits, meditation should be practiced daily and long term. I recommend choosing a time that works best everyday, maybe after you wake up or before bed, start off with a few minutes than gradually move on to longer periods of time. Gradually, you will begin to feel the benefits of meditating.


text:
WORCESTER — The Worcester Art Museum has some impressive nudes in its collection. A 16th-century oil painting of a reclining Venus stealing Cupid's bow. An Edward Weston platinum print of a woman posing by a pine bough. A William Morris Hunt painting titled "The Bathers."On Thursday afternoons, the museum also has a live nude: a model who strikes poses in its galleries.
Since 2013, the museum has been offering nude-figure drawing classes once a week. While nude-figure drawing is a rite of passage for fine arts majors in studios, this appears to be the only museum in the country to offer it in its galleries to the general public. The museum provides pencils, paper, drawing boards, erasers, and a live model — all for the price of general admission (which is free for members, and for all visitors in August).
Attendees can come and go from the classes between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., though director of audience engagement Adam Rozan said that most stay for the full three hours. Encouraging people to linger in the galleries is one of the main goals of the program.
"The averages are really low for the time people spend looking at artwork in galleries," Rozan said. "It's like 3 to 6 seconds. People are often looking for specific works, so they'll stop and say, 'Oh, that's a Picasso,' and they'll look at it and then keep going.
Rozan wanted to find a way to increase the average time spent looking, and also to make the experience more active. "Galleries have become a very passive space. People move through and are passively looking at art. And why? Who decided that?"
Randy LeSage, of Lancaster, sketched a live model during a nude figure drawing class at the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester last month. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Leadership at the museum is trying to un-decide that in a number of ways. They've brought live cats to the museum as part of its "Meow" exhibit. They have regular arms and armor demonstrations. They tried holding meditation sessions in the galleries (a failed program, Rozan said, but one he's thrilled they tried). In August, they'll start hosting yoga classes.
The nude-figure drawing classes are one of the most successful and long-term programs aimed at making the museum experience more active. The first class was held, fittingly, near a nude: "Venus Disarming Cupid," by Paolo Veronese. Now, classes rotate from gallery to gallery, so that visitors who come back can get a new experience. The museum has tracked over 2,000 participants in the classes, many of whom are repeat visitors. Some come nearly every week.
"It's become a kind of community," Rozan said. "During breaks the model will be talking to the regulars."
One of the models, some regulars, and a few newcomers convened on a recent Thursday: 15 people gathered on stools in total silence, bent over drawing boards. A 60-year-old model named James sat naked and still on a sofa, hands clasped around his knees, against a backdrop of Renaissance paintings. James held the pose for several minutes, as participants drew, erased, re-drew, shaded, and drew. Then a museum administrator called "Break!" James stretched his arms and slipped into a blue robe.
John Garton, a professor of art history at Clark University, said he liked this particular gallery. He comes often, so he appreciates the frequent rotation. He said he's usually looking at the model more than the art, but that it's nice to pause sometimes and look around. "I tell all my students to come," he said.
Rozan said that many students from the colleges in the surrounding area do take advantage of the free classes when school's in session. In the summer, though, the crowd was mostly local professionals and retirees.
"We're all part of the original crew," Louis Burwick, of Worcester, said, gesturing at a group around him. "Us, Joseph, Sharon over there. We've been coming since 2013." Burwick is retired, and tries to come weekly except during the winter, when he's in Florida. He was delighted when he first heard about the classes; he's always been an artist, but his career led him away from it. "This was a great way to get back into it," he said.
James removed the robe and re-positioned, this time in a sort of yoga pose, and people picked up their boards. Silence fell.
The complexity of the human figure is easy to forget, until you're drawing it. The lines and shadows are tough to translate onto the page, and the interconnected angles are maddening. If the placement of a knee is off, you might find yourself erasing a hand. The dimensions that seem almost photoreal in great works of art can look more like glorified stick figures, if you're out of practice.
"I love to draw and paint, and the human figure is the most difficult thing to draw," Steven Perkins, of Holden, said. "It's a real challenge."
It gets easier, with concentration. The model's body starts to look more like its composite parts, and some of those parts might start to resemble themselves on the page. Perkins, and a number of others who frequent the class, draw confidently and skillfully.
Perhaps that's one reason why people keep coming back. "It takes many, many countless tries," Perkins said, "to get better at it."
A model held a pose as people drew during a nude figure drawing class at the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester last month. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
Sophie Haigney can be reached at sophie.haigney@globe.com . Follow her on Twitter at @SophieHaigney.


Discover the first-ever extensions to ZOEVA's bestselling Caramel Melange and Cocoa Blend eyeshadow palettes: highlighting palettes that pair perfectly with the originals. Also included in this chic collection set is the Spice of Life Highlight (Face Palette), part of a brand-new collection featuring warm, spicy shades. In each of the three palettes, which flatter every skin tone, the shades work in harmony to create and build radiant dimension, add a pop of color to cheeks, and illuminate features like never before.
What else you need to know: Made in Germany.
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COCOA BLEND HIGHGLIGHTER PALETTE NET WT. / POIDS NET 2 x 3.2 g / 2 x 0.11 OZ.
SPICE OF LIFE HIGHLIGHTER PALETTE NET WT. / POIDS NET 2 x 3.2 g / 2 x 0.11 OZ.
INGREDIENTS / INGRÈDIENTS / INHALTSSTOFFE: SWEET RELIEF: MICA (CI 77019), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC/SUCCINIC TRIGLYCERIDE, ZINC STEARATE, ISOPENTYLDIOL, SILICA, LEVULINIC ACID, p-ANISIC ACID, SODIUM LEVULINATE, TIN OXIDE, GLYCERIN, AQUA/WATER/EAU, MALTODEXTRIN, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 75470 (CARMINE), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5 LAKE). // SINFULLY DELICIOUS: MICA (CI 77019), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC/SUCCINIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, ZINC STEARATE, ISOPENTYLDIOL, SILICA, LEVULINIC ACID, p-ANISIC ACID, TIN OXIDE, SODIUM LEVULINATE, GLYCERIN, AQUA/WATER/EAU, TALC, CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE), CI 19140 (YELLOW 5 LAKE), CI 15850 (RED 6), CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES), CI 15850 (RED 7 LAKE), CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES).


Article abstract, "Cyberbullying (CB) has established links to physical and mental health problems including depression, suicidality, substance use, and somatic symptoms. Quality reporting of CB prevalence is essential to guide evidence-based policy and prevention priorities. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate study quality and reported prevalence among CB research studies conducted in populations of US adolescents of middle and high school age."


Google. Every knowledge worker's best friend. You have been tasked with finiding a document management provider. The office is filling up with documents.
Your colleagues are complaining that mission critical documents either cannot be found or are taking an unacceptably long time to find. Just the cost of storing the documents on your premises is making the MD's eyes water.
So, it begins. Google search 'document storage'. Now, we all know that you're not going past page 1. Who does unless they have a really burning existential question about their very existence?.
This is NOT that situation. This is box storage. So top half of page 1 at a push.
First 2 positions are taken by the market leader.
Your instinct? Click, call, get a quote and satisfy the ever increasing number of people complaining about the state of your offices or your lack of 'efficiency' and 'streamlined processes'.
Happy days. or is it?
For starters, there is something to be said for making a calculated decision based upon evidence and weighing the pros and cons, especially with a particularly important decision, like who to trust with your valuable corporate assets.