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More ENT Deals for 1-3-14

by Greg on January 3, 2014

For your reading enjoyment, add another 3 bargain books and 2 free books to your Kindle library. Please “LIKE” and spread the word about the deals at ENT.

by Mike Worley
Rating: 4.9 Stars
Genre: Mystery
Price: $0.99
Make sure price is still $0.99 before clicking “Buy”.

Retribution – Nook

“Mike Worley demonstrates his knowledge of investigation and writing skills in Retribution.” -Ken M.

Butch Agenbroad had been in trouble for most of his life. The idea of honest work eluded him, but he found his calling in his charm. He would find lonely and wealthy single women, and charm them until they married him.

Then the charm helped him gain control of their finances, after which he would disappear, often leaving the women penniless. Sharon was different, with as much charm and spirit as Butch possessed, and they soon married.

Before he could raid her finances, she divorced him, but not before she became pregnant with his daughter. Having a mere woman divorce him was more than the arrogant Agenbroad could stand.

He returned years later to murder Sharon, and in an ill-conceived act, he also kidnapped two of her children. Detective Angela Masters was soon on the case.

Will her relentless pursuit bring Agenbroad to justice? More importantly, will Masters be able to save the lives of the innocent young girls?

by Alison Blake
Rating: 4.9 Stars
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Price: $0.99 Save $3.00
Make sure price is still $0.99 before clicking “Buy”.

“A delicious read that kept me entertained from beginning to end.” -Candace

Twenty-six-year-old Annika has it all: beauty, money, a great career, and a wealthy husband who seems to adore her, or perhaps obsesses over her, might be a better description.

Finally, she’s had enough of his sexual abuse and sacrifices everything to escape. Her husband wants his sex slave back, or he wants her dead; either one will do.

Annika is running for her life when she encounters Ray O’Brien, the man she once loved with all her heart, and the man she holds responsible for a terrible deed.

Now she has a frightening choice to make. Does she let him just walk away, or does she sacrifice her own hard won freedom in order to get revenge?

Matt Archer: Monster Hunter
by Kendra C. Highley
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Genre: Young Adult
Price: $0.99 Save $2.00
Make sure price is still $0.99 before clicking “Buy”.

Matt Archer: Monster Hunter – Nook
Matt Archer: Monster Hunter – Apple iBooks
Matt Archer: Monster Hunter – Kobo

“The story line and plots have been well written and the world building is so unique.” -Twopony

Fourteen-year-old Matt Archer spends his days studying Algebra, hanging out with his best friend and crushing on the Goddess of Greenhill High, Ella Mitchell.

To be honest, he thinks his life is pretty lame until he discovers something terrifying on a weekend camping trip at the local state park.

Monsters are real. And living in his backyard.

But that’s not the half of it. After Matt is forced to kill a strange creature to save his uncle, he finds out that the weird knife he took from his uncle’s bag has a secret, one that will change Matt’s life.

The knife was designed with one purpose: to hunt monsters. And it’s chosen Matt as its wielder.

Now Matt’s part of a world he didn’t know existed, working with a covert military unit dedicated to eliminating walking nightmares. Faced with a prophecy about a looming dark war, Matt soon realizes his upcoming Algebra test is the least of his worries.

His new double life leaves Matt wondering which is tougher: hunting monsters or asking Ella Mitchell for a date?

Please make sure the price says “Kindle Price $0.00″ before clicking “Buy”. If it says “Prime Members $0.00″ “read for free”, it is NO LONGER FREE. All books are free at the time they are posted but are subject to change back to full price at any time. If you are outside of the United States, these books may not be free.

War Torn
by Hadley R. Mann
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Genre: Historical Romance
Price: $0.00 Save $0.99
Subject to change back to full price at any time.

No battles of the Civil War waged so bloody, and so personal, than at the tenuous border states. War Torn is one woman’s story of loss, painful secrets, survival, and most of all, finding love again.

Daniella had always lived a quiet life of privilege in Baltimore, but when she is thirty years old, the Kansas-Nebraska Act changes her fate.

Danny and her father soon join thousands of other passionate abolitionists who decide to leave their homes and move out West to be part of a crucial vote that will decide whether Kansas will be a slave territory.

Soon this bold, warm-hearted woman marries William Gary, a bright doctor from Independence, and they start a family, but as brutal conflicts carry on at the border, the marriage eventually begins to disintegrate and William begins to stray.

With her town soon emptied of men off to war, including William, and devastated by William’s affair, Danny comes to the aid of a friend from the past, Jack, and his young daughter, whose Arapaho mother has died.

Caught between the old life she desperately wants back, and a chance at something new with Jack, Danny must look deep inside herself to discover who she is and who she wants to be as a wife, mother and woman.

When William finally returns a war hero, he finds a town plagued by guerrilla violence and civilian attacks. Danny wants to follow General Ewing’s orders and move the children to the safety of town, but to her horror William has other plans.

What follows is Danny and Jack’s perilous journey to keep the family together as the country collapses around them, a journey that will eventually take them to the doorstep of the most sophisticated network of escape ever organized, the Underground Railroad.

Play Him Again
by Jeffrey M. Stone
Rating: 4.3 Stars
Genre: Thriller and Suspense
Price: $0.00 Save $2.99
Subject to change back to full price at any time.

It’s the Roaring Twenties but silence remains golden in Hollywood. Adding sound to movies is expensive and only two studios have installed recording equipment.

Matt Hudson, the preferred bootlegger of the film industry, wants to produce a talking picture but neither sound studio will lease him their facilities.

After Hud’s oldest friend, con man Danny Kincaid, dupes a gangster who controls a small movie studio into buying a bogus sound device, the gangster gets wise and Danny ends up dead.

To settle the score, Hud runs another con to play the gangster again. A con that will either avenge Danny and land Hud a studio, or get him killed.

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Upcoming Artist Meets Bonnie McKee | 2015 Ford Mustang | Mustang Moments

Luen Jacobs got the shot of her dreams when she recorded her demo with Bonnie McKee.

Luen Jacobs dreams of releasing her own music. After spending what seemed like a lifetime backstage in the music industry, she’s ready to sing her own tune in the pop industry. She gets music inspiration from all around her. At times, Luen even finds herself recording great ideas through voice memos, a quite useful but unconventional choice. She is not only very confident in her music, but has good, firm ideas about her work and what she wants to be as an artist. Luen has made a demo and is waiting for the opportunity to share it with the right people. This is her moment. At 24th Street Recording, Luen meets Bonnie McKee, a singer/songwriter who will be recording with her. She will then get the opportunity to play her song for a high-powered music executive, Lexi Corey-Smith, EVP of BMG Chrysalis, and Andy Grush, producer/composer. Luen has been waiting for this opportunity her whole life, but how will it go? Will Luen have the chance to impress the big game players in the music industry or will her nerves get the best of her? Watch to find out.

What does it feel like to drive a Mustang? In Mustang Moments, award-winning director Alex Gibney captures people on the brink of a personal breakthrough at their dreams meet opportunities with a chance to pursue their passion — all while they’re behind the wheel of a new 2015 Ford Mustang.

Subscribe to Ford Mustang YouTube channel:

Follow Ford Mustang online:
Website: http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FordMustang
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FordMustang
Ford Social: http://social.ford.com/

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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Posts Tagged ‘New York’

American government commemorates 9/11 with Statue of Opression

Statue of Opression

The new Statue of Opression, celebrating the inevitable defeat of dhimmi Americans.

NYC, NY, September 11th, 2010 (ESN): Thousands of people, including Mayor Bloomberg, and other prominent members of city hall, were present at the unveiling ceremony of the new Statue of Liberty, which was built to better represent the cultural diversity of America, following the demands of moderate Islamic clergy members, such as Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the Iron Sheik, and Osama Bin-Laden.

The face of the revised statue is covered with a 30-foot long burqa, its torch of freedom was replaced with an AK-47, and the tablet in its other hand was replaced with a Quran.

But despite a heart-felt speech by Mayor Bloomberg, who repeatedly said that “America is at war with terror, not Islam”, Imam Rauf insisted that the statue will not deter the Ummah from demanding more equality from narrow-minded American bigots.

“Some racists keep saying that we follow the concept of Taqiyya, which allows Muslims to deceive the Kuffar in order to achieve some sort of ‘evil’ goal, but that is entirely untrue – Islam is peace, the burqa is female liberation, and slavery is freedom.”

When asked about the next goals of the ‘obliteration of all infidels initiative’, the Imam smiled a coy, gentle smile, before sharing his thoughts with us:
“We are a simple people. All we want is to change ‘Independance day’ to ‘Public stoning day’, replace the American national anthem with ‘Mohammed my one true love’ – which can only be sung by six-year-old girls, and erect a giant black tower of understanding in the middle of Manhattan, to block out the sun, and bring a thousand years of darkness upon the kuffars.”

Mayor Bloomberg has already pledged to promote the aforementioned initiative, codenamed “project overlord”, and pay for it from his own tax-payer money.

Categories: ESN, Satire


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A digital democratic future powered by new ‘orgware’? FutureFest reflections

Showcasing a contested future: musings on Nesta’s FutureFest 2015

(*originally published on 20 March 2015 on the homepage of the Institute for Global Prosperity at UCL).

Is the future to be celebrated or dreaded? The beauty of Nesta’s 3rd FutureFest conference was that it tried hard to err neither on the side of exuberant techno-optimism nor on that of gloomy doomsday scenarios. Instead, it made a point of showcasing a deeply contested future that cannot be tamed with catchy prefixes such as ‘digital’, ‘smart’, ‘resilient’ or even ‘sustainable’. As such, it delivered an event with both strong public appeal and a critical consciousness—a genuinely rare achievement.

As was to be expected, FutureFest came embellished with some ingenious artistic and technological offerings, from a brain-controlled virtual reality machine called Neurosis to a sensual robot with nimble fingers that gently explore people’s faces (see photographs below). It was nevertheless clear from the start that the uncertain future of our digital democracies occupied the core of the conference agenda.

Access the remainder of the article here (you may need to scroll down a bit):

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One of the great mysteries of life pertains to what happens to us when we die. We know the Lord said a good bit about it, but it still has the ring of mystery because not a single one of us knows anyone who died and then returned again to tell us their experience. This mystery of the “beyond” permeates the psychology of nearly everyone,  even the atheist and agnostic. For some, the idea of ceasing to exist is troubling because of the lack of knowledge.

It is along this line that one college professor addresses his remarks concerning the afterlife. “Professor Robert Lanza is sure there’s something beyond this mortal coil. He believes the science is there to prove it.” The Scriptures teach that man’s life made up of three parts. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NKJV). The delineation (or distinction) between soul and spirit might be hard for some to make; nevertheless, the Holy Spirit declares there is a difference.

The word “body” is associated with the material aspect of man. Thus, in other words, there is more to a person than just his (or her) mind; there is the body, the material substance wrapped around the skeletal bones that allow us to stand upright, or take on any sort of posture we desire. When we observe the death of a person we take note that the body is laid to “rest” in the cold, dark earth. What happens to the body? As evidence has shown, the material substance of man (flesh, blood, bodily organs, etc.) deteriorates into the physical, visual nothingness; that which remains are the bones.

The professor thinks this is mistaken. He believes that physical/material things can’t cease to exist, but that it goes (as another man said) into a parallel universe: “When we like to joke that someone might be living in a parallel universe, this might, in fact, be ultimately true of all of us.”

A good many people of science have been seeking answers to the great questions man has attempted to face through the many generations that he has lived on this earth. Two great questions are associated with why is there existence and where does man go when existence ceases to be? In the article there is at least one attempt to answer the second of these two questions.

This is a problem that can’t be faced by science, however. Science can’t deal with the non-material, the spiritual. Not long ago I was sharing my motivation as a preacher. I genuinely seek to know answers that God has given to man’s existence, purpose, and destiny. I do this, not only to answer my own inquires, but also to help others who seek to address the same questions. I understand very well that I can’t know answers to all the questions that would be asked of me, but that has not stopped me (and neither will it) from seeking to know what I can.

When it comes to the after-life, science can’t deal with it adequately, not even a little bit! Science can’t gain knowledge in the non-material realm because it deals with the material (the nature of science). The area of knowledge I seek information from is because One already is “there.” This is beyond the material realm.  RT


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Emergency Roof Repair in Witten SD 57584

Locally Owned & Operated

Looking for the right Roofing company for your home or property? Since 1980 we have been providing Roofing services to the Witten area.

(844) 359-2189

(Witten SD 57584) –

Repairing your own roof is the only way to do it. Honestly, most roof repairs can be done yourself. With the help from the Internet, you too can easily repair a simple roof without having to rely on professional roofing contractors. Besides, calling a professional roofing company to fix a simple leaking roof could end up being quite costly. However, hiring a professional roofing contractor does have How to Get Rid of Roof Ice Dams Witten SD 57584 its advantages. For instance, do you think you will be able to handle the job if it turns out to be much larger than what you first thought? A professional will be able to.

Before tearing into the roof right away, there are steps that need to be taken. First, you need to check the weather. Do not ever try to repair a roof in the rain, unless Witten SD 57584 it’s an extreme emergency. Even the smallest amount of water can cause a slip and fall.

You never want to leave the bare wood exposed to the elements outside. In fact, as soon as you tear away any shingles, it’s recommended to immediately cover with tar/felt paper and secure it in place. Never walk on a wet, bare wood roof because it can be extremely slippery.

Roofing contractors know Easy Ways to Fix a Stubborn Roof Leak Witten SD 57584 firsthand at how slippery a roof can be. A roof doesn’t necessarily have to be wet for it to be slick. A roofing contractor usually brings a push broom to sweep down a roof before they start working on it. A professional roofing company knows the importance to safety and so should you.

Wearing work boots while walking a roof also is dangerous. The bottom soles of work Witten SD 57584 boots are hard and don’t grip the roof like a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes have the rubber soles that make walking a roof a lot safer. Running shoes enable you to somewhat grip the roof better than a work boot. There are, however, a few roofing contractors that do not agree with this.

Work gloves are also needed when working on a roof. Handling roof Witten SD 57584 shingles without gloves will cause your fingers to wear raw. Asphalt shingles are like sandpaper and it won’t be long until they turn sore.

A professional roofing company makes sure that when their roofing contractor uses a ladder they place the base of it at least three feet away from the wheel. Lean the ladder against the gutter gently enough so you won’t damage it. Take your time Witten SD 57584 climbing up and down, especially when you are carrying tools and materials.

Never try to do a big roof job on your own. You should always have a friend around; make that person your “ground guy”. The ground guy is responsible for making sure that the ground around the house is clear of roof debris and to make sure nothing gets damaged if something were to fall. A Witten SD 57584 ground guy is also good to have in case there was anything to happen to you. If you were to fall and injury yourself, your ground guy will be able to get you the immediate medical attention.

Video: Seattle Roof Repair | (206) 504-1678 | Seattle Emergency Roof Repair

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For quality workmanship and service for your residential and commercial Roofing needs, choose a company with over 38 years of service in the Witten area.

Highly Rated

Integrity, quality workmanship and attention to detail have made us one of the most reliable Roofing companies in Witten.

Quality Service

We focus on making the process as least disruptive as possible to our clients

Affordable Prices

We work hard to keep our costs low and transfer these efficiency savings on to our customers

100% South Dakota Licensed Experts

We can complete any size project  in a timely manner, without skipping any steps  or cutting any corners.

(844) 359-2189


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Memories of the Eurovision Song Contest

Posted 27 April, 2017, 17:00

Everyone has different memories from the Eurovision Song Contest. Favourite winners, favourite songs or that one special moment that you remember. But what do the artists remember from watching the show?

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Subscribe to the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel for music videos, live show footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes material and our weekly updates.

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Evening in the Garden Quilts

Adventures in Fabric Art

Sunday Stash Report and August/September Goals

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The good news is that only one quarter yard came in this week!  And I used three and a half yards to remake the Star Wars baby quilt.  Grrr.  A post about that later.  Anyway, I’m moving that stash out a little at a time.

This week:  + .25 yards,  – 3.50 yards
This year:  + 91.75 yards,  – 119.25 yards
Net fabric destashed  in 2015:  27.75 yards

PicMonkey Collage

I give myself a C- on this month’s goals:

August Goals

1.  Complete coastal wall hanging.  Almost!  I have it partially quilted.

2.  Work on UFO geometric wall hanging.  No.  Haven’t even looked at it.

3.  Make a top from my new Christmas fabrics.  Looking at these tutorials:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkm3nCferp4  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSKQhzZYwFw  from Missouri Star.  Yes!  The top is finished, as well as the back, and ready to be sandwiched.

4.  Source little zippers for earbud pouches.  No.  Kinda lost interest in these, though they are cute.

2015-08-26 11.22.23

I think I could have finished this list, think I would have, except for the commissioned baby quilt.  Still think I would have, except for having to remake the baby quilt.  And somewhere in there I took a break to make six scrappy blocks for Kat’s August block drive (mine have that blushing batik in them) .  Here is what she’s doing for September.

September Goals

  1.  Finish coastal wall hanging.
  2. Quilt and bind Christmas quilt.
  3. Make a baby quilt from some floral scraps I’ve pulled together, probably D4P.
  4. Work on UFO wall hanging

How are you doing on your sewing goals?  A busy, busy time, but things should start to settle down this month.  Good luck and enjoy!

I’m linking up to Judy’s report at Patchwork Times.

Author: Valerie

I'm Valerie, also known as Scooquilt. I am passionate about fabric and quilting. My quilts are colorful and modern, but grounded in traditional blocks. My degrees are in Fine Arts and Education. I'm retired from teaching and trying to quilt daily. Reading, gardening, and cats are also important to me.

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My parents brought me home not to a pastel themed nursery and a crib with bars, but to a berth on a thirty foot wooden pilot cutter. I can still feel the reassuring hold and sturdy give of the net that caught me if I rolled out in my slumber or if the seas were too rough. I spent my first three formative years in the womb of that craft, ceaselessly rocking on the undulating sea, the perfect bassinet.

I could swim before I could walk, wriggling through the brine between outstretched arms. In my amphibious infancy I was nicknamed froggie, as I preferred the swimming to just about anything else. My mother had to take me to my grandparents' house to force me to walk because in the enclosed space below decks and up above there was always a way to steady my steps in easy reach. I would drunkenly sway on land for the first few moments the way a landlubber would weave on a ship. My legs were sea legs.

On deck, I was strapped to the mast by a harness that I wore when we were not docked. The cutter was my home, and I navigated it as surely as any toddler in their playroom. A seven-foot bowsprit jutted out from her like the tusk of a narwhal, and I loved to cling to it, arms and legs wrapped around with my head hanging down to watch the prow split the waves... dipping and rising.

My first cognizant memory was there, riding the horn of my sea unicorn, watching a bevy of dolphins race my home, tacking back and forth and flipping to torpedo on their backs and jumping rhythmically to entertain me. Flying fast and low over the water, the churning sound of the sea being divided as the spray misted me remains one of the most exhilarating and glorious experiences of my life.

Sea" u"ni*corn (?). Zool.

The narwhal.

© Webster 1913.

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To the Perpetrator: Seriously?

Downtown LA's office skyscrapers. Including th...

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You informed me repeatedly that I have a serious challenge with, “Protecting my own interests.”

In our initial meeting I told you that I, “Offer the highest level of service and consultation in the market…am competent to generate more business than I can handle on my own and am always willing to walk away from the business.”

The above is the best way for a real estate agent to protect their interests. I’ll illustrate that point to you as your competition.


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Bangladesh Open University BBS Program Admission Circular 2016

Bangladesh Open University Bachelor of Business Studies BBS Program Admission 2016. The Authority of BOU Published Admission Circular For BBS Program. BOU BBS Admission Circular Has been Published. is Largest Educational News Portal In Bangladesh. BOU Bachelor of Business Studies Admission Program Application Will be Continue 01 December, 2015 to 07 April, 2016. So Interested Students Can Apply For BOU BBS 3 Years Program.

bangladesh open university bbs admission

Students Can Collected Application Form From the regional resource centers (RRCs) & Sub Regional centers of BOU by Paying BDT 1500.00 TK. Application Fee have to deposited to the Selected Janata Bank Branch.

Filled Up Application Form along with bank deposit slip of TK 150, Attested Copies of All Certificates, mark Sheets and Two Passport Size Photographs are to be submitted to the respective RRC or Sub Regional Center. The Program For Minimum 3 years Duration.

Bangladesh Open University BBS Admission Requirement:

Candidates Must be Higher Secondary Certificates (HSC) or Equivalent Degree in any Discipline From any Recognized Educational Institution.

Bangladesh Open University Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) Admission Details are Given above. BOU BBS Admission Updates Notice Will be Found here at


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Sylhet Education Board JSC Result 2017 Full Marksheet

JSC Result 2017 Sylhet Education Board

JSC Result 2017 Sylhet Education Board is available here. Welcome to the latest updates about JSC Result under Sylhet Education Board. We are here to inform you details about Result checking system. Sylhet Education Board established in 1999. It serves Education Service on Sylhet Division. Sylhet Board Technical Team very active. They managed the Education Board Website and Internal Result carefully. Sylhet Education Board publishes their inter-board Result on their own Website. Also, it published to Education Board Bangladesh Official Website and at the same time. If you are here for JSC Result Sylhet Board, we recommend you to check your Result with the below process. You Can Check JSC Result 2017 Publish Date by Click Here

JSC Result 2017 Sylhet Board Check Online:

Sylhet Board JSC Result 2017 will publish on the same time of other board results. If you want to check your Result only, you can easily check it from It is the official Result check portal of Education Board Bangladesh. After Visiting the Website, you will be asked some questions. That means you need to select some setting. Just select Examination, Year, and Board Name. Then provide your Roll Number and Registration Number. type the Security question answer and click submit button. Then, you will receive your Sylhet Education Board JSC Result . If you want to download Full Marksheet of Sylhet Board JSC Result, just follow the below details.

JSC Exam Result Sylhet Board Full Mark-sheet Download:

JSC Result 2017 Sylhet Board

Sylhet Education Board provides their result on the official website of Board. The Official Website is Just visit the link First. After visiting, you will see the Result Link on the left sidebar. Just Click on the JSC – 2017 Individual Result button. By clicking on the Link, the Result check portal will open on the screen. Then Enter your JSC Roll Number and Registration Number. After entering, click on the submit button. Then, you will get your JSC Exam Result 2017 Sylhet Education Board Full Marks List. You can print the Marksheet by clicking on Print button.

You can also get the Marksheet from It will provide you the Detail Marks after sometimes from publishing the Result. It is also easy. Here available all board details result. We have another post about this. Please read more from JSC Result Marksheet 2017. We hope you will get details.

Sylhet Education Board Result by SMS:

Use mobile SMS system to check Sylhet Education Board Result. When the Result will publish online, you can check it on your Mobile phone. Just send a message and receive your Result. Use Official SMS Format which powered by Teletalk. Here is the Message format of Sylhet Education Board:

JSC <space> SYL <space> Roll <space> 2017

Then, send the message to 16222. You will receive your Result soon. The Result will provide your Name and GPA. Details Result will be available at 6 PM on Mobile SMS.

Do you have anything to know about JSC Result 2017 Sylhet Education Board? Please feel free to ask. We will try with our best to serve you. Have a nice moment.


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7 Ways to Stay Slim Through the Holiday Season

stay slim

A little here, a little there

The most basic way to lose weight is to slash calories. That’s Diet 101. But how many do you really have to cut or burn to see results? It’s simple: You can drop a pound a week by trimming 500 calories each day. (Calories burned are based on a 150-pound woman.)

In fact, do a couple of swaps a day and you can drop 10 pounds in 5 weeks! So try these 25 easy tweaks—and get the slim body you want in no time.

Step away from the nuts

Especially if they’re in a big bowl. The bigger the serving bowl, the more you’ll eat, Cornell University researchers say.
Nuts have heart-healthy fats, but they’re also high in calories: 1 handful (about 1 ounce) of oil-roasted mixed nuts has 175 calories; 3 handfuls have 525. Cut out nuts altogether and save more than 500 calories.
Can’t resist ’em? Eat pistachios: 2 handfuls are just 159 calories, and the shelling will slow down your munching.

Don’t eat in front of the TV

You’ll eat up to 288 calories more, according to research from the University of Massachusetts.
Instead, eat at the table, and trade 1 hour of TV for a casual walk. Together, that’s 527 calories burned.

Focus on just one healthy habit

“I try not to give myself too many rules when at a party. Instead, I zero in on a single healthy practice,” says trainer Gunnar Peterson, whose clients include Khloe Kardashian and Sofia Vergara. “It can be anything from not drinking alcohol to skipping the passed appetizers or desserts. If you give yourself one thing, you’ll likely stick to it.”

Create a workout willpower playlist

Getting psyched to exercise when there’s so much fun to be had isn’t easy. So make a new playlist with this fresh spin: “Limit the total time of all the songs to the number of minutes you want to exercise,” says SoulCycle instructor Charlee Atkins. “Then make a promise to yourself that all you have to do is listen to the songs to get through your workout.”

Handle a buffet like skinny people do

Slim types are more likely than their pudgy peers to scout out a buffet before grabbing a plate, finds research by Brian Wansink, PhD, published in his new book Slim by Design. They also choose a small plate, sit 16 feet farther from the buffet and are more apt to face away from the food. So grab the bread plate instead of the dinner-size one, and once you’ve filled it, sit down somewhere a good distance from the spread.

Make water work a lot harder for you

Carry your clutch or your smartphone in one hand and a glass of water in the other, advises celebrity nutritionist JJ Virgin, author of The Sugar Impact Diet: “With both your hands full, you’ll be much less likely to grab whatever sugary concoction or fattening appetizer is being passed around.” Also, make seltzer with a twist of lemon or lime your go-to drink between cocktails. It slows down consumption of alcohol and helps fill you up so you don’t eat as much later, explains Brett Hoebel, who has been a trainer on The Biggest Loser.

Posted on December 26, 2014, in Weight Loss and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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Kinlin XR-22T Aivee Wheelset

Is This it? #01
In Stock Reminder

Product Description

Since 1973, the diligent experts here at Fair Wheel Bikes have been working tirelessly to hone their craft and become the go-to shop for complete builds and custom wheels. With decades of experience in the industry, our team of dedicated wheelbuilders have the knowledge and technical prowess to be able to create the ideal wheel for any rider, based on customer specifications. By utilizing their extensive knowledge of the finest parts available, our wheel department has created a fantastic stock wheelset comprised of name brand components, that is designed to be rigid, durable, and budget friendly. We believe that riders of every level, from novice to professional, can and should benefit from the feel of a well thought-out, handbuilt wheelset, regardless of build or budget.

KinLin XR-22T

With over a decade of experience producing high quality aluminum rims, KinLin has built a reputation on superior rims, at affordable prices.With the introduction of the XR-22T, KinLin follows the major industry trench for tubeless compatible, wide profile road rims. Allowing the use of wider tires on a 700c platform, the 24mm rim profile additionally benefits from maximized air volume in the tire, resulting in lower tire pressures, reduced road chatter, and minimal rolling resistance.

Aivee SR5 Hubs

Utilizing their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility based in Sainte Florence, France, Aivee creates a plethora of hubs designed to be as durable as possible, while simultaneously remaining budget oriented. Starting with the finest available tooling and materials available, each SR5 hub from Aivee is entirely machined from 7075 T6 solid aluminum stock, ensuring longevity and weight savings. Additionally equipped with a 30 tooth, nitride steel drive ring, paired with a traditional 3 pawl engagement system, the SR5 is designed to work flawlessly over any terrain and in any weather condition.

Sapim Laser Spokes

Founded over a century ago, Belgian spoke manufacturer Sapim has meticulously carved a name for themselves in the cycling industry as one of the most trusted producers of spokes. With companies like Zipp, ENVE, and Reynolds consistently using Sapim spokes for their high-end stock wheelsets, it’s no wonder why so many cyclists trust no one but Sapim. Utilizing a proprietary forging process for each spoke, the midsection of the Laser spoke is drastically tapered, resulting in maximum weight savings, while simultaneously greatly increasing fatigue life.

Custom Wheels

If you're looking for a custom version of this wheelset or want to discuss if this is the right set of wheels for you we are happy to talk. Please contact us directly (Phone: (520) 624-3045, Email: feedback@fairwheelbikes.com) or contact us via email on this form.

Product Specifications

Weight1430 grams
Front HubAivee SR5
Rear HubAivee SR5
RimsKinLin XR-22T
SpokesSapim Laser
Hole Count20 / 28 hole

Product Reviews

Write Review

  1. Super smooth, easy to service but watch out for freehub gouging

    Posted by Unknown

    I've put 1,300 miles on these since January on the greater Boston area's craptastic roads. They provide an incredibly comfortable ride that still feels stiff on steep climbs. The hub is very easy to service. I did have to true the wheel in June, but that is not surprising considering my weight (220 lbs) and the rough road surfaces I am riding. What did surprise me was the deep gouging on the freehub body. This is a typical result of a steel cassette and aluminum freehub but worse than I have seen on similar setups. These are consumable parts and typically do need to be replaced after awhile, I am hoping to find a compatible steel body.

    All in all though, I am really happy with the price/quality of this wheelset.

  2. The Price IS Right!

    Posted by BikeGuyMike

    Rolls smoothly, hubs are easy to service, and the rims are nice and stiff, all without breaking the bank. Super great as training wheels OR daily rides and they're black so they'll go with all my bikes!

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Fake Augusta Telephone Numbers, United States

Fake Number's Augusta phone numbers are recommended for drama use, such as those involving TV shows and radio entertainment, however you can also use our random phone numbers when providing documented examples on websites or in printed literature. In addition, you'll probably find us handy if you ever want to withhold private contact details when completing registration forms and online surveys.

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Hooked on Happy Pills

‘Well I’m happy for you to stay on them…’ My GP peered thoughtfully at me over the rim of his glasses. ‘I’m also perfectly fine with you coming off them. I’ll set our review for a year’s time shall I?’

And thus passed the annual antidepressant prescription review, like so many of its predecessors, proving about as useful as a chocolate teapot – and that although it’s so very easy to start taking happy pills, getting off them is another story.

Happy pills. antidepressants, SSRI’s – whatever you call them – used to be the preserve of those teetering on the edge of psychosis. These days everyone’s on them. There’s no doubting that some people in the throes of serious clinical depression really need support from medication – and drugs like paroxetine, citalopram and zoloft provide a chemical lifeline to those nosediving into a serotonin-deprived abyss. However there seems to be a worrying trend towards over-prescription. Medication being handed out like smarties for the mildest cases of the blues – and patients consigning themselves to years of pill popping.

The NHS prescribed record numbers of antidepressants in the UK last year and a recent study by women’s campaign group Platform 51 found that nearly half of those using antidepressants have taken them for at least five years, while a quarter have used them for ten years or more. The statistics are frightening, but actually being part of these numbers scares me even more. I’m eight years and counting.

I have been on and off antidepressants three times now. Having never been able to tolerate more than the lowest possible dose of my particular brand of synaptic rocket fuel, I still have absolutely no idea if they help me at all. Literally none. However the emphatic explaining away of my anxiety, depression and fatigue symptoms with ‘serotonin deficiency’ has consistently led me back to a GP-endorsed SSRI prescription.

I do know that the first two weeks of cranium electrics, nausea, sandpaper mouth and night sweats feel like a grenade has been dropped into my soul. And that once these side effects have tapered off it’s impossible to benchmark what effect the antidepressants are really having. I’m just thankful to have survived. I’m told the ‘therapeutic benefits’ of my medication can be expected to kick in after six weeks or so – but at this point I’ve usually been working so hard at getting better through exercise, meditation, healthy diet and general avoidance of stress that any number of things could be bringing me back to wellness. Drugs have always been just one aspect of a very holistic treatment plan for me and I’ve never been sure of the part they’ve really played in my wider recovery story.

My uncertainty has always sat in stark contrast to the certainty with which medical professionals have recommended drug therapy to me. All roads lead back to chemical imbalance, it seems. That knowing nod in the GP room when it’s discovered that depression reared it’s ugly head again a year after ditching my medication, the inferred conclusion that being drug free was the chip in the metaphorical mental health windscreen that led to a whole world of shattered glass. Serotonin, you see. And my counter-argument that we’re all still utterly clueless around whether or not the pills actually help me? ‘Well they really can’t hurt…’

Except for some people it seems they can. Hurt, that is. Particularly for those on high dosage antidepressants, withdrawal can be vicious. Dizzy spells, migraines, aches and pains, insomnia. If you’ve watched Leo Di Caprio sweating and whimpering his way through heroine withdrawal in The Basketball Diaries think of SSRI comedown as a vanilla version. Pretty, it is not. Six months easily turns into six years on these pills when kicking the habit is this hard. Then there’s psychological dependency. Even if you’re not chemically hooked, mustering up the confidence to throw out the blister-pack-shaped safety net is terrifying.

At this stage I have no idea what to do and neither, it seems, does my doctor. It’s definitely the easier option to keep mindlessly slipping a small blue pill under my tongue after breakfast everyday. But time’s marching on and with it the ever decreasing likelihood of a chemically unaltered future. Do I really want to remain a slave to lab-manufactured serotonin? Can I put up with the tedium and inconvenience of monthly trips to the pharmacy coupled with the expense of prescription charges? It’s a sensitive subject – a decision worthy of careful, contemplative thought with due consideration for what support might be needed further down the road – and it’s going to take more than ‘come back and see me in a year’ to get there.


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  • Start: Wednesday 21 March - 14:00
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  • Auditorium: Long Kiln

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures & Re:Bourne are pleased to offer three inclusive workshops for over 55s at Farnham Maltings this spring. Get your bodies moving and learn some repertoire from Bourne’s award-winning collection of work.

These workshops are open to all levels of ability and mobility.

New Adventures and Re:Bourne are committed to ensuring our workshops are accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Subsidised places are available at each workshop for those who would otherwise find the price prohibitive to access.

To enquire please contact Kerry Biggin, Resident Artist at


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The Flow

157 Photographs for Louis Vuitton

Following the success of I Just Arrived in Paris (Steidl, 2014) THE FLOW is the second book in the continuing collaboration between Juergen Teller and Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of Louis Vuitton. On 1 October 2014 Teller photographed Ghesquière’s Spring-Summer 2015 collection for the house, and the resulting book is a fluid mix of fashion photos in Teller’s inimitable guileless style and images of Paris shot while boating down the Seine. This combination of portraiture, still-life and landscape photography mirrors the eclectic influences and materials which Ghesquière synthesizes in his collections—a bold, unconventional flow whereby innovation unceasingly rejuvenates tradition.

Juergen Teller, born in Erlangen, Germany, in 1964, studied at the Bayerische Staatslehranstalt fur Photographie in Munich. His work has been published in influential magazines such as W Magazine, i-D and Purple, and has been the subject of solo exhibitions at institutions including The Photographers’ Gallery in London, the Kunsthalle Wien and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris. Teller won the prestigious Citibank Photography Prize in 2003, and has published numerous monographs with Steidl including Marc Jacobs Advertising 1998–2009 (2009), Pictures and Text (2012), The Master III, (2009) and The Keys to the House (2012).

Nicolas Ghesquière was born in Comines in the north of France in 1971. He began his fashion career at the age of fifteen, and in 1991 joined Jean Paul Gaultier as an assistant designer. In 1995 Ghesquière was appointed creative director of Balenciaga, where he was soon acclaimed for his sculpted silhouettes and progessive style. In 2006 Ghesquière was voted by Time as one of the world’s 100 most influential people, and in 2007 he was made a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.

Juergen Teller //  Nicolas Ghesquière
100 pages, 157 photos
Paperback / softback
27 x 18 cm
ISBN 978-3-86930-936-1
Preis: 24,00 €

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Sincerely Queens- The Nas Tee

Sincerely Queens- The Nas Tee

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Nas is considered one of the most decorated hip hop artists out of Queens, NY. From his tight verses to his grown man swag, he is etched in hip-hop history forever. Get a piece of the legend that is Nas with this awesome tee.

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On “Abstinence”

“Abstinence is the origin of fruitfulness, the blossom and beginning of the practical life.”
~ Evagrius Ponticus, Eight Thoughts.
Just like the beginning of “fruit” is a “blossom” likewise “abstinence” is the beginning of the “practical life.” It simply is not possible to practice Christianity (practical life) so long as we are full of ourselves. We must decreases so Christ can increase. We must learn to “abstain” to make room as it were for Jesus Christ in our lives.
“Against the thoughts that seek without the labour of fasting to cultivate the rational land:
Issachar has desired that which is good, resting between the inheritances. And because he saw that the resting place is good and the land is fertile, he subjected his shoulder to labour and became a farmer (Gen. 49, 14-15 LXX).”
~ Evagrius Ponticus, Talking Back, 1.1.
Abstinence does not mean cutting back on being active. To do less. It involves discipline such as fasting. Cultivating the “rational land” – receiving and providing spiritual knowledge – requires outer work. We need to gain control over our outward behavior by shedding vices and gaining virtues. This is also shown in Evagrius’ Praktikos where he begins his treatise by observations concerning monastic clothing. The same is said by St. John Cassian (perhaps even more pointedly). The “normal” clothes are taken off (shedding vices, which is the labour of abstinence) and the monastic dress is put on (gaining virtues). This does not amount to self-salvation as is clear from the fact that the new clothing is received – given – not gained.
Should the temptation (temptig thought) come up that we do not need to labour, that no effort on our part is required, we ought to block this thought’s path with the verse from Scripture concerning Issachar. The Scripture (word of God) is an effective means to stop temptations and it re-directs our attention away from the tempting thought. Our focus on the good and fertile land we can sow our seeds and grow our fruit.
Fr. Gregory Wassen

Psalmody and the Holy Rule

Steps of humility, Holy Rule, Chapter VII

For the past few days, we have heard St. Benedict tell us about the steps of humility. These are steps, which if we ascend them, lead us to “heavenly exaltation.” The latter is the eschatological goal of human life but is attainable in this life by means of humility. That is interesting. St. Benedict is saying nothing less but that humility is what leads to deification. This is the second time Benedict brings up deification. Though often not translated or even placed in a footnote Prologue 9’s “divine light” is more accurately translated as “deifying light.” In Prologue 9 there is a passivity – listening – involved which requires hard work: obedience. “For we must at all times use the good gifts He has placed in us (Prologue 6).” But here we must devote our attention to humility.

“Brothers, holy Scripture cries aloud to us …” (Holy Rule, vii, 1). The teaching on and of humility begins with holy Scripture. This is not a proto-Protestant move of Benedict. Whereas for the Reformers (including our own Anglican Reformers) Scripture always speaks to us and stays on the outside as it were (Cranmer and the Continental Reformers were committed nominalists). For Benedict Scripture is to be practiced, put on, produce an inner transformation. This is not unlike the Reformation controversy concerning justification. To the Reformers justification concerns a declaration whereas for the Catholics it concerns a transformation. John Henry Newman wrote at length about this issue in his Lectures on Justification. Benedict, being a Platonic realist (common currency in his time) views the speech of Scripture as transformative (not unlike Newman in the lectures mentioned above).

St. Benedict immediately quotes from the Gospel of St. Luke (18, 14): “for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted .“ Humility is here presented as a virtue mandated by the Gospel. In other words, the teaching to follow is, according to Benedict, to be understood as the teaching of Jesus Christ Himself mediated by the ministry of St. Benedict. The importance of humility could not be emphasized more strongly. Humility is the virtue taught by Christ Himself as the path to walk to attain to “heavenly exaltation.”

The Psalter has a key role to play here. Benedict spends no less than 11 chapters on the specifics of how Psalmody is to be performed. In fact, the recitation of the Psalms (and specifically the Psalms ! ) is so important that if a situation should occur where abbreviation of the Office is necessary it is the Responses and the Readings from Scripture that are to be shortened. Never the Psalter (Ch. XI, 12-13). Why this emphasis on the Psalter? A close reading of chapter VII will give us some important clues. As the reader will notice, perhaps aided by the footnotes in the translations of the Holy Rule, St. Benedict cites the Psalms more than 20 times in just this chapter ! Other Scriptural books are also cited but much, much less frequently. There is something peculiar about the Psalms …

Immediately after Benedict has provided the passage on humility from Luke’s Gospel he follows up with a double citation from the Psalms: 131:1 and 131: 2-3. The point being made in the Psalms is that humility implies an inner transformation. Humility is not a matter of mere outward behavior. It is an inner reality which finds expression outwardly. At the conclusion of the first step St. Benedict makes an interesting suggestion:

“In order then to keep his perverse thoughts under careful control, the profitable brother should repeat in his heart. ‘Then I shall be spotless in his sight if I keep myself in check against my sinfulness.’”

The method of “keeping control” here is that of antirhetikos (contradiction or as David Brakke translates the word “talking back” ). This method contradicts the tempting thought attacking the monk. In this case, it seems Benedict recommends that Psalm 18: 24 be used to contradict the thought which tempts the monk to “forgetfulness” (HR, VIII, 10). Here the Psalm is weaponized in the fight against sin. A major source for this practice of contradiction is Evagrius Ponticus. The latter wrote one of his longest works dedicated to precisely this practice. It is not unthinkable that Benedict was – at least – familiar with this Evagrian practice if not necessarily with his works.

Moving on in our reading of Chapter VII we find that Benedict uses the Psalms in yet another way. By means of the Psalms he tells us that God knows even our deepest thoughts and motivations (Ch. VIII, 15-18), that doing our own will is to indulge in our own corruption ( Ch. VII, 23), that God is very much aware of our inner state (whether outwardly expressed or not) (Ch. VII, 23). These verses of the Psalms (and other Scriptures passages) are to be memorized, internalized so that their “keeping them in our minds” brings about inner transformation. The Psalms are like building blocks, living building blocks, that (if Benedict’s advice is followed) will re-build our inner self. The obedience Benedict subjects us to is to break down the inner self we have constructed so that it may be rebuilt. This time not ego-centric but Christo-centric.

Something similar is going on in St. John Cassian’s Institutes. He opens his book with a prologue and immediately goes into a description of monastic dress. The point St. Benedict’s hero is making is not about monastic fashion preferences. There is no Kim Kardashian-esque obsession with what to wear. The items of the monastic dress are couched in Scripture verses and are thereby placed in a narrative which begins in the Old Testament (Elijah & Elisha), continues in the New Testament (St. John Baptist, St. Paul), and is presently represented by Cassian and the Egyptian Fathers by whom he was taught. The Scriptures cited and alluded to also serve to focus on the inner transformation of the monk. When the monk enters he takes off his old, worldly clothes and puts on the monastic dress. This indicates a break with his previous life (the old self) and the putting on of the new dress indicates an entry into a new life (a new self). Cassian uses Scripture as a tool to effect a transformation of the inner self. It comes as no surprise that Cassian too taught obedience, humility, and placed a heavy emphasis on the recitation of the Psalter. In fact, the chaotic state of Gaulic Monasticism (from Cassian’s point of view) is shown in their individualist use of the Psalms. Every monk has his own way to recite them and in so doing so shows his ignorance as to what Psalmody is even for!

Cassian is even more adamant than Benedict that Psalmody is essential to a monk’s daily practice. The correct way to recite them is given by the mediation of angels (like the Law of Moses) and thus enjoys super-human authority. Interestingly, the reading of Scripture is added by the Fathers upon their own human authority and insight. It is not essential, and it is not what the Divine Office is about to Cassian. It would seem that Benedict is a close reader of Cassian! Having arrived once again at the recitation of the Psalter it is now time to reveal why in the Office it is more important to recite the Psalms than to read Scripture. One thing should be clear by now: the Office is not about the public reading and proclamation of Scripture. The Office – at least as Cassian and Benedict see it – is about the regular recitation of the Psalms in the order and manner taught by Cassian and Benedict.

The Psalms contain all of Scripture in them. They re-tell the story of the Old Testament and they prophetically tell of Jesus Christ. In other words, the one who knows the Psalms – in real sense – knows all of Scripture (generally but not specifically so that Scripture reading is still mandated for every monk ! ). Another point is that the Psalms, in particular, seem to contain medicine against the disease of vice. The more the Psalms become the building blocks with which our minds are put together, the more Christ-like we will become. Here is the entire point! The deifying light which brings us to heavenly exaltation comes to us in a very special way via the Psalms. Their recitation is a fundamental technique to effect deification. As we absorb the Psalms we are absorbed by them. To put that differently: as we consume the words of God we are consumed by the Word. The recitation of the Psalter is the “opus dei (the work of God)” to which “nothing” is to be preferred because in this opus dei we perform the work of God (reciting the Psalter) and as we do so (and insofar as we do so) God performs His work on us (deification).

The Psalter as used in chapter VII in the Holy Rule shows what to do with the knowledge of the Psalms gained by their continuous recitation. The reason that both Cassian and Benedict attribute less value to the reading of Scripture in the Office is to be sought in the fact that the Psalms contain all of Scripture and that they are specifically designed and given by divine authority to be the basis of our prayer. The rest of Scripture is equally divine in authority but cannot generally be used in the same way the Psalms can be. For this reason, the recitation of the Psalter is the core of the Divine Office.

“Holy Scripture cries aloud to us” in and through the Psalms in particular. Psalmody is a way enable the monk in the struggle against vice and the attainment of virtue, and as we perform the “work of God” it is God who work in us. The 11 chapters to follow are therefore an essential part of “setting the fear of God always before our eyes and to utterly avoid forgetfulness.” Familiarity with the Psams at the level which is produced by their weekly recitation is where we start to be “always on our guard” (HR VII, 29) and how we “act wisely and seek after God” (HR VII, 27). The Psalms firmly place us before God and in His presence, we are transformed. Our transformation will show outwardly in our humility. Step 1 has been achieved … the other steps can be ascended in the same way.

Fr. Gregory Wassen


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Happy Birthday! Have you ___ yet?

Today is my birthday, woohoo!!  I celebrate my birthday loud and proud because for me, getting older is an adventure that can only bring more opportunities for excitement, learning, and fun times.  However, many people dread their birthdays because they do not want to be reminded of getting older. This might be because with age comes expectations of experience and achievement that can weigh heavy on an individual, especially if their experiences have been different than societal, family, or peer-group expectations.

By a certain age you should walk, talk, and poop in the potty.  By a certain age you should read, write, and remember your telephone number.  By a certain age you should have your period, start masturbating, and have a crush on someone.  By a certain age you should have a boyfriend/girlfriend, lose your virginity, and have an orgasm.  By a certain age you should have a job, be financially independent, and get married.   By a certain age you should be happy and satisfied in life.  By a certain age you should still be able to have sex.  Lots of expectations!  And if a birthday rolls around and you haven’t ‘done’ the thing that you’re supposed to do, that might make you dread your birthday.

And let’s be honest, most adults in the U.S. can remember how old they were for their many of their firsts…first kiss, first sexual encounter with another person, first act of intercourse, first orgasm, etc.  And, lots of people stress out about their age when thinking about their experiences with sexual activity- I was too young, too old, I AM too old to not have done this yet, I can’t do this yet, why can’t I still do this at my age.   Which brings up a question that is frequently asked by young people, parents, educators, politicians, judges…How old should someone be when they have sex?

My answer will always be- it’s different for everyone, and each person needs to decide for him/herself when it is appropriate for them.  Many people put some sort of age marker on sexual activity- for example, it’s ok to have sex once you’re 18.  (Or once you’re married.)  I find several things problematic with someone else defining when it’s ok to have sex (sex being a broad term encompassing many sexual activities and not just intercourse):

  1. that person probably won’t be there when the sex happens.
  2. everyone is different.
  3. defining someone else’s boundaries establishes expectations of achievement that can actually encourage someone to engage in activities before they are ready.
  4. in theory, attaching ages to experiences makes people hate their birthdays.

So how does an educator respond to this classic question, At what age should someone have sex?

  • You can describe the variety of experiences that other people have.  “Some people wait to have sex until they get married. Some people have sex when they are in a committed relationship.  The average age someone has sex for the first time in the U.S. is 18. People have sex well into their ‘old’ age.”
  • You can help identify ways an individual will know they are (or are not) ready to engage in sex. “How would someone know if they are interested in having sex? What are some reasons not to have sex? How might the law affect someone’s decision, especially laws about age of consent?”
  • You can help someone understand their own values about sexual activity. “What do you think are important parameters for having sex?  Are any of those based on age?”
  • You can say, “It is really up to each and every person to determine whether sex is appropriate for them at that age. If they aren’t able to make that informed decision yet, that’s a good indicator that sexual activity is not appropriate.”
  • NOTE:  Decisions about sexual activity may be different for individuals who are developmentally disabled.  So I ask this question to professionals in that field, how does this ‘you decide’ philosophy work with that population?

These responses are designed to encourage developing individualized ideas about a deeply personal decision.  Avoid placing hard and fast rules and expectations because that takes the power away from the individual.  We want people to be able to think on their own and feel comfortable with their decisions after their experiences.   And in my opinion, people shouldn’t hate their birthdays (but that is totally up to you!).

3 thoughts on “Happy Birthday! Have you ___ yet?

  1. Whenever someone asks me at what age do I think it’s OK for a person to have sex, I always shoot the question back at them — “Well that depends on how you define ‘sex’…. there are a lot of sexual behaviors besides intercourse. A couple of 4-year-olds playing ‘doctor’ is age-appropriate sex play. I think a more appropriate question is ‘How does one decide they are ready for a particular sexual activity?'”

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Friday FREAK OUT! “Daddy, I thought a Weiner was a hot dog!”

This week the news has been absolutely inundated with commentary about mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner. Anything else that has happened is sitting under this giant cloud of sexting, scandal, lies and politics. Much has been said about the 23-year old he recently corresponded with, his relationship with his wife Huma Abedin, and how he has dropped in the polls this week. This story has been covered so broadly, I can’t imagine that young people aren’t hearing about this.

Are you ready to answer questions from kids about Weiner? Think about your responses to these questions (and feel free to post your responses in the comments!):

  1. Who is this Weiner guy, and why are people talking about him all the time?
  2. How come people are saying Weiner is a bad man?
  3. What is sexting?
  4. Why shouldn’t politicians send pictures of their privates to other people?
  5. If Weiner made a mistake a few years ago, how come he did it again?
  6. I thought Weiner was a hot dog. Is that his REAL name?
  7. Who is Carlos Danger?

While I am not going to provide suggested answers, I will offer some guidelines for answering questions…

  • Answer the questions that children ask- don’t brush them off, because then they might not ask you any more questions.
  • Answer questions honestly.
  • Be brief in your responses- if a child has more questions, they will certainly ask!
  • Use age-appropriate resources to supplement your answers.
  • Admit it if you don’t know the answer- it’s ok if you don’t know everything.
  • Show appreciation to the young person for asking questions about things they say.
  • Emphasize the importance of learning more and understanding media representations of politics.

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Prospective apprentices

Pre-apprenticeship programs have been conducted over many years at this University. This is a pathway for those students wishing to gain apprenticeships in a particular trade area. The employment take-up after a student has completed one of these programs is very high as employers often ask our teaching staff for potential apprentices to employ in their businesses.

We offer pre-apprenticeship programs in the following industry areas and all enquirers should go directly to the departments listed, or call our info line on 1800 333 864.

Start your career at school

VET in Schools

If you have completed or partially completed a VET in Schools course whilst still at secondary school in any of the above mentioned pre-apprenticeship programs, you may be eligible for Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC). Please check at the time of application to see if this is applicable to you.

Australian school-based apprenticeships

If you are still at secondary school you may be able to do an Australian school-based apprenticeship as part of your school studies. There are a number of ways this could be managed and may include working in industry two days per week and going to school three days per week. For options to suit you, contact your careers coordinator at school or contact us.

Six easy steps to becoming a trainee or an apprentice

  1. Think about what areas you would like to work in (there are loads of industries that now have traineeships and apprenticeships available).
  2. Update your resume.
  3. Visit employers to drop off your resume and discuss if they could employ you as a trainee or an apprentice (most employers these days know the steps in employing you under this program) and talk to Group Training Australia's local office, and visit your local Australian Apprenticeship Centres (AACs) and look in newspapers for jobs advertised and visit local job network providers.
  4. Check employment websites for traineeships and apprenticeships that may be available outside our region.
  5. Consider doing a VET in Schools course or a pre-apprenticeship program at TAFE to gain some entry level skills.
  6. Be persistent!

Support services

We have a wide range of support services available for students at each of our campuses. Staff are aware of the challenges students face moving from secondary study into tertiary education and are there to make the transition process as easy as possible.

Services available include:

  • Financial, personal, welfare and vocational counselling
  • Health services
  • Accommodation and housing service
  • Student learning support.

For further information on accommodation for apprentices please visit the FedUni Living and Short-term accommodation web pages.

Information links

Australian Apprenticeships website (external site)


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Fiddlehead PTO

Fiddlehead’s PTO is a small but mighty group of parent volunteers who fund raise to better the school. Our budget stays 100% within the school community, and is used to sponsor family events and parties, for Teacher Appreciation Week, and to contribute materials and resources to the school on an as-needed basis.
For the duration of the 2017–2018 school year, the PTO will meet at the school on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-8PM (room TBD each month).
Interested in getting involved but can’t attend meetings? Just send us an email:


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General, Travel

Floating Heads

An exhibit by Sophy Cave at the Kelvingrove Art Museum in Glasgow. I like the angry ones best.

This entry was posted in: General, Travel
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Full-time entrepreneur, part-time ukulele plinker, occasional photographer, skin care fanatic, slightly over-sized clothes horse, moderately-successful gardener, unapologetic crazy cat lady, creative soapmaker, happy hen keeper, and enthusiastic birdwatcher. I bake nice cakes, but can’t find a hat to fit.

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3 1/2 stars

(Spoilers for the movie’s ending, but gimme a break, you haven’t seen it yet?)

Okay that’s enough…

A wonderfully fresh and vibrant take on the superhero genre right up until its ending, when it reverts right back to typicality in a frustrating and confusing climax.
I will say at the outset that during my 1980s comics collecting days I was not much of a DC fanboy but WW was an exception by virtue of the excellent run by comics legend George Perez whose placement of the character firmly in the pantheon of Greek mythology was genuinely awesome. Then of course there was the 1970s TV show, a “camp classic” if there ever was one. I still can’t help but smile when I hear its theme song. Okay true confessions, at times I also twirl.
But back to the movie. Stunningly beautiful Israeli actress Gal Gadot is wonderful in the role, perfectly cast I would say, managing the character’s mix of strength and naïveté perfectly well.
Chris Pine as “above average” WWI pilot Steve Trevor also turns in a great performance and British comedienne Lucy Davis as Trevor’s secretary Etta Candy steals every scene she’s in.
But oh my goodness, what are we to make of the confused message of the movie? Everything about the story through the first two acts emphasizes the complexity of war and the shades of grey between heroes and villains: from moving the setting of the origin story from WWII to the more morally ambiguous WWI, to the inclusion of an Indigenous American character to knock Diana’s idealism about Steve Trevor down a few notches, to the repeated references to the oversimplified concept Diana has about how to end the war.

And then what? We get a complete reversal of these themes as the true simplistic villain is revealed, after all. Plus we are then treated to an out of nowhere climactic speech in which Evangelical Christian themes about good and evil, sacrifice, and the saving power of belief are bizarrely shoehorned in.
Now Christ figures and allusions in superhero movies are nothing new of course, and I might have to see Wonder Woman again to verify that the end really was as bizarre as my first impression, but after such a tremendous effort by all involved through the bulk of the movie, this really was an epic letdown.
The only saving grace of the ending is that if you thought, as I did that there was no way they would fit in the cheesiest and most improbable aspect of the TV show, the invisible airplane, you’d in fact be wrong.

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U.S. Markets open in 3 hrs 41 mins

Allied World Allies with Gravity

Zacks Equity Research

Last week, Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG (AWH) announced that Allied World Assurance Holdings (Ireland) Ltd. had inked a deal with Gravity Underwriting Limited (Gravity). Per the agreement, the former will invest as well as own 21.2% stake of the latter.

London-based Gravity Underwriting Limited is a provider of a suite of property and casualty products for insurance brokers in the U.K. SME market. The transaction will help Allied World to strengthen its European footprint.

The agreement also requires that Gravity Underwriting augment Allied World Europe’s property book of business.

In order to grow inorganically, Allied World Financial Services Company Inc., a subsidiary of Allied World, entered into a partnership with MatlinPatterson in Oct 2012. The partnership was intended to expand Allied World’s asset management business. Additionally, the transaction will entail the company to hold a minority interest in MatlinPatterson. While Allied World will financially support expansion of asset management platform, MatlinPatterson will be responsible for managing $500 million of Allied World's portfolio in existing and future liquid credit strategies.

The company also remains focus on other strategic avenues that ensure a stable revenue flow for the company. Last month, Allied World Bermuda launched a new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) liability solution product that will provide coverage for ACOs.  It also launched Allied WorldWide, to cater to the insurance coverage needs of international clients.

In the last reported quarter, the property and casualty insurer delivered earnings of $2.94 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus estimate by nearly 69% and year-ago earnings by 23%. We expect continued initiatives undertaken by the company will help it to ramp up its growth profile. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2013 is currently pegged at $8.44 per share, translating to a year-over-year increase of 55%. The long-term expected earnings growth rate for this stock is 11.1%.

Allied World carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Property and casualty insurer Everest Re Group Ltd. (RE), Global Indemnity plc (GBLI), and HCI Group, Inc. (HCI), among others, carry a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and are also worth considering.

Read the Full Research Report on RE

Read the Full Research Report on GBLI

Read the Full Research Report on HCI

Read the Full Research Report on AWH

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U.S. Markets open in 3 hrs 51 mins

It's "Click to Buy" for Retailers

Zacks Equity Research

Gone are the days when retail was all about brick & mortar.  “Click to buy” is the new name of the game, as "transformation" is the new mantra among the retailers.

With changing times, an increasing number of consumers are using smartphones and tablets to purchase items. Thus, retailers like Macy’s Inc. (M), Aeropostale Inc. (ARO), J C Penney Company Inc. (JCP) and many others have incorporated e-commerce platforms to bring in incremental sales.

Retailers are now largely concentrating on buyers’ needs with huge discounts, free shipping and providing ease of shopping, in order to attract consumers to the online platform.

Adding to the services string is the announcement of Pay Pal, a division of eBay Inc. (EBAY), which entered into deals with 15 retailers, to provide shoppers with the flexibility to pay for their purchases via phones, Reuters reported.

Despite these initiatives, it is clear that a huge chunk of sales will inevitably be lost to online giants like Amazon.com (AMZN), as well as smaller and more localized shopping portals. Given this trend, retailers are also tightening costs and focusing on operating efficiencies to enhance shareholder’s value.

The technological advancement in marketing, such as ecommerce and online business, provides a win-win situation between buyers and sellers. For buyers, it is primarily convenient (more choice, less time spent, user references/feedback), while for sellers, it is primarily cost efficient (requires relatively less real estate and enables companies to expand the existing customer base globally).

Moreover, it also enhances the visibility and reputation of the retailer as a global firm offering great fashion and value at the same time. On the other side, shoppers get the benefit of purchasing researched products at the best prices, as they can compare the prices being offered by various companies.

Going forward, the players who will be able to cater to the needs of consumers will grow volumes and will have the final laugh. Moreover, the ratio of converting shoppers to buyers will also depend on the continued economic recovery and improvement in the job market. This will ultimately boost consumer confidence while increasing their spending.

Read the Full Research Report on AMZN

Read the Full Research Report on M

Read the Full Research Report on JCP

Read the Full Research Report on ARO

Read the Full Research Report on EBAY

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U.S. Markets open in 3 hrs 44 mins

Airlines See Increase in Passengers During Busy Summer Travel Season

The number of people flying on U.S. airlines this summer is expected to rise from last year. Airlines for America, the industry's lobbying group, says much of that increase will come from a record number of international travelers. The group says about 210 million passengers will take flight on U.S. carriers between June and August, up about 1.5 percent from last year. The group says the increased number of passengers, coupled with lower fuel costs, are helping airlines bring in big profits. In the first three months of 2014, the nine publicly traded U.S. carriers earned $401 million combined. In the same period last year, the airlines posted a loss of $552 million. Ruben Ramirez reports from Wall Street.


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6 Reasons to Use an Independent Financial Advisor

Financial advice and planning isn’t just for the extremely wealthy–it can benefit everyone. Sound financial planning may help you attain your future aspirations and goals and secure your family’s future in the long-term. Here are 6 benefits of contacting independent financial advisors.

Gives personalized financial guidance based on your needs

Independent financial advisors usually aren’t tied to any particular investment products or even fund family. So, whatever assistance you need with estate planning, retirement planning, managing assets at various places, or a tax situation, independent advisors are free to pick from a wide variety of investment options to customize their advice depending on what suits you best. You may probably have to watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9aG–Gu72Y.

Gives good advice for complex financial needs

An independent financial advisor may help to address a range of complicated investment needs that emerge when you acquire considerable wealth. While different firms have different services, financial advisors often serve as “financial quarterbacks” that take care of all your financial needs. Certain advisors focus on certain investment options while others assist you with comprehensive services, like estate planning, borrowing, complicated tax situations, trusts, sale of business, charitable giving, and inter-generational transfer of wealth. Click here for more info!

Provides an attentive, responsive and personal relationship

To give advice closely related to your goals and needs, an independent financial advisor must first understand your situation properly. So, many independent financial advisors create strong relationships with customers. This usually requires constant, regular interactions. And since most advisors are entrepreneurs with their own businesses, they consider themselves liable to their customers.

Know where your finances are kept

Independent financial advisors at https://www.miradorwealth.com.au/ use independent custodians to keep and protect their customers’ assets. This provides a helpful checks and balances mechanism–the same party that advises you on how to make investments with your money does not keep your money.

Provides a transparent, simple fee structure

The fees that independent financial advisors charge depend on the percentage of assets they take care of. This fee structure can have plenty of benefits. It is simple, easy to understand and transparent, helping you to avoid surprises. In addition, it gives your advisor an incentive to increase your assets. You and your financial advisor succeed at the same time.

Gives peace of mind

Money is such a complex issue and there are lots of things to consider to both capitalize on it and safeguard it. Markets are unpredictable and the media tends to exaggerate both the rewards and the risks. Employing a reliable independent financial advisor can take the burden off you and leave it with a professional. Whether you want general, specialist or practical financial advice, whatever amount of money you spend on getting financial guidance can be repaid so many times over ultimately.

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No, Dad. We don’t crowd-surf anymore.

My sister celebrated her birthday on Saturday. We’ve traded concert tickets for our birthdays since Star Jeans and feathered hair, and this year was no exception. I was talking to my dad before we left on Friday. He was surprised we hadn’t grown out of wanting to sing and dance and listen to live music. “Are you going to crowd-surf?”, he asked. I laughed. We have definitely grown out of that.

We traveled from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, making our way up along scenic Chuckanut Drive. At this time of the year, it is a vibrant tunnel, with thousands of golden leaves falling gently from the sun-dappled canopy. The leaves dance from our tires as we wind through the narrow byway.

There is something about driving that makes conversation easy. Amy and I had hours together, stopping when a peek at the water or a path through the woods caught our eye. We talked about memories of our childhood, and the angst and tragedy, both real and imagined, of our youth. We laughed at concerts past. How we would enthusiastically weave our way through the crowd, ducking and dodging, to reach the coveted front row. And laughed even harder about how rude that seems now. It was worth the affront to gain a front-row seat to Steven Tyler, Bon Scott … Mick Jagger.

I love having sisters as best friends. I got lucky. I got two. The intimacy of knowing a person from birth is an extraordinary gift. We’ve shared rooms and secrets. We’ve fought, and we’ve made up. My sisters share my history. They know my soul.

I know family isn’t safe, or comfortable, for everyone. It can be tangled and messy. It can mean pain, and it can mean comfort. It has expectations. If you’re fortunate, stretched tightly beneath those expectations is a sturdy safety net. I am so thankful for the gift of my family. I have never felt alone, and I am grateful.

Happy birthday, sis. I love you.

Wanderer …

Someone asked me the other day if, after visiting Antarctica, I will have seen all of the world’s oceans. Not even done with my first goal of seeing all the continents, and this question had me plotting the next. After I sail among the icebergs of the Southern Ocean, I will have one remaining: the Arctic Ocean. I was close when I visited Iceland, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The Arctic Ocean seems a little daunting to get to, but is bordered by Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Norway, so I have options. Spitsbergen, Norway, perhaps?

This discussion got me thinking about destinations. There is a thought-provoking reporting tool in the admin section of my WordPress site. The report lists the countries of the people that have landed on my blog. Today, it stands at 65, from Israel to Saudi Arabia, to Slovenia and Nicaragua. It is such a compelling list … my imagination ran wild. Which post did the person from Algeria read? What keyword was searched from the Czech Republic? Someone from Mauritius found me. Seeing the Underwater Waterfall there has been on my bucket list for years.

This list of sixty-five diverse countries fascinated me. So I broke it down. Out of the sixty-five, how many countries have I been? Fourteen. Places I want to go? Twenty-eight. Airplane tickets in hand? Two. Which places do I not know enough about to put it in any of the categories? Twenty-one. I’m eager to put some time in to learning about these far-flung locations. I imagine some of them may go in the “no chance in hell” bucket, but others stand a good chance of being the next grand adventure.

What a world we live in. In some ways, it feels so small. In other ways, it feels overwhelmingly vast. There are cultures to experience, wildlife to revere, history to study. To stand before a majestic mountain range inspires genuine awe, as does the expanse of an open sea.

While there are 65 counties on my WordPress report, there are 196 countries in the world. I’ve seen a mere 20. Girl, you need to get busy.

ALL the pants!

The weight loss journey is full of ups and downs (so to speak). A couple of years ago, I was going horseback riding in Glacier National Park, and one of the facts I had to enter on my reservation form was my weight. These things seem unrelated, but unfortunately, when I originally signed up for the trip, rather than my ACTUAL weight, I entered my goal weight. Seemed like terrific incentive at the time. Less so, after I later had to admit … “Uhhhh … I’m gonna need a bigger horse.”

Now, I’m getting ready to go on my extreme adventure, and I’m at it again. I’ve been on Weight Watchers for several months, and while there continues to be, quite literally, many ups and downs, the trend is downward. For the last couple of years, I have made extensive use of leggings, stretchy skorts, and comfy maxi skirts. Deep in my closet, structured pants collected dust.

Last night, I decided to give it a go.

Reluctantly, I tried on the first pair of dusty pants, and they FIT! Eyes round, my mouth in a surprised “o”, I tried the second. They fit, too! And a third. I whispered, “all the pants”. This continued for the fourth, fifth, sixth pair of pants. By living alone, I am free to fully express myself in the privacy of my own home. In this case, I likely saved someone a call to the psychiatric ward, as I danced in my closet, wildly giggling and shouting, “ALL THE PANTS!” over and over.

All this time, I didn’t know. I didn’t need stretchy fabric. I didn’t need to go shopping. I just needed to eat lettuce!

Dreams and crossroads …

My mom and I had lunch with an old friend yesterday. One we hadn’t seen for a very long time. Sylvia had been cleaning out her house, and came across a couple of old memories. It was so fun to dust them off, and remember …

One of the things she had was a design board I made for her when she bought her home. Along with the design board was a folder that held concepts for color, furniture, and seating. We were sitting in the room I had helped her design. I looked around, looked back at the folder, and looked around the room again. The layout, color, and texture of the room reflected so many of the ideas I had presented to her more than a decade before. Her room was lovely, and it withstood the test of time.

Just before I worked with Sylvia on the room, I had been working at a telecom company for seven years. I was the thirty-third employee in ‘96, and rode the wave as the company grew, went public, and eventually failed. The late 90s were a wild ride as the dot-com bubble grew and grew, and finally burst. My career had evolved from a temporary receptionist to an executive assistant, and eventually a business manager. The company was closing, though, and I didn’t want to do that anymore.

So I went to design school.

My mind was on fire. My homework kept me awake at night in the best possible way. I dreamed about color and form, and I had never felt so alive. I spent hours with drawings and textiles and flooring and color. I didn’t want to sleep. I wanted to immerse myself in ideas and innovation. I wanted to create.

And then, I got a call.

My previous boss had joined a new company, and offered me a job. It was a good offer. I was a single mom; a responsible mom. I was standing at a crossroad. I loved what I was doing. But it was risky. Being a business manager was reliable. Sensible. Being a designer inspired passion, but felt frivolous against the safety of the known. I felt heavy as I accepted the offer.

Since then, I’ve been a business manager, a logistics manager, a project manager, and a business analyst. I have a lot to be thankful for. My career has paid the bills. I was able to raise my boy in reasonable comfort. It has allowed travel to places I might never have been able to afford. But what if I would have rolled the dice and stuck with my passion? Seeing that design board brought my hunger for creativity back in a rush.

I feel like I’m standing at a crossroad again. Create. My dream at this juncture in the road is to travel, photograph, and write. But this time, there is a lesser sense of urgency. I have time to plan. In the meantime, I will be reliable. I will be sensible. And I will prepare to be frivolous.

Because this time, it’s gonna stick.

I donated blood a couple of days ago. Once the bloodletting was complete, I did my obligatory time at the cookie and juice table. Per standard protocol, I was temporarily incarcerated by the snack lady.

This particular volunteer was so enthusiastic about human blood, I was fairly certain she was part vampire. And platelets! Oh, what there was to learn about platelets. She held me hostage for about twenty minutes educating me about platelets. Apparently, they’re important because of their short shelf life, and how frequently they’re needed by cancer patients, particularly children with leukemia.

She asked why I donated. It’s funny how a well-timed, simple question can bring intense memories to the fore. Certain events can be resurrected and remembered like they happened yesterday. Why do I donate? Because my son nearly bled out following a near-fatal car accident. Because I watched him visibly come back to life as the doctors filled his depleted veins with bags of blood. Bags of blood that were filled by people like me. Like you.

I kind of hate doing it. It’s hard to spend thirty minutes or so, wide awake, lying down. I’m not crazy about the needle stick, either. Plus, bags of blood are a little gross. The colorful wrap you get to sport all day is kind of cool, though … a badge of honor. I usually pick pink. I think a lot about Justin as I recline, squeezing the stress ball every ten seconds. The dull ache in my arm is nothing compared to what he went through that day.

So, I’ll keep donating every couple of months. It’s not every day you get to do something that may save someone’s life. And hey … go platelets! The snack lady says so.

I was thirteen years old when a blue-eyed boy with golden curls stole from me what should have been mine to give. He was nineteen years old.

There wasn’t any remorse. In fact, he tried again. But that time, I saw him coming. I fought, and he wasn’t able to hurt me a second time. I didn’t tell anyone what happened, not a soul, for a very long time. When I did tell, I didn’t find relief. And I didn’t talk about it again for many, many years. It is a scar that is deep, and it is ugly. It will always be a part of me.

#MeToo is important. The abuse of power needs to stop. But #MeToo is a double-edged sword. Every time I see those words, I physically recoil. A gut punch. I am a member of a sisterhood that I don’t want to be a part of. I wish the sisterhood didn’t exist. What I appreciate about the message, though, is that it is growing. It’s loud. Insistent. It’s not hidden behind fear. Perhaps the next person in power will understand that he could lose that power, lose everything, if it is leveraged to manipulate.

I Googled the blue-eyed boy a few years ago. He died in a motor vehicle accident on February 4, 1996. I’m not proud to say I felt no sorrow. He was a bad guy. More anger than I wanted to hold on to had accumulated over the years. “He got what was coming to him”, I thought. “He won’t hurt anyone again.” I’m not proud of that response, either. The innocent girl I was would have possessed more compassion. But the innocence? He took that from me, too.

A wild retirement ride …

I turn 55 next year. All of a sudden, my future plans seem not so distant. I’m ready to construct the foundation for what I hope is going to be a wild retirement ride. So I made a list. The list had two columns: “what makes you feel good?” and “what makes you feel bad?”. Walking outside with a good camera feels good. Playing games on my phone feels bad. Yoga feels good. Drinking too much wine feels bad. Hiking feels good. To become immersed in the comment section of a political Facebook post feels bad. And so on. To do more of the former and less of the latter will, inch by inch, get me closer to my goals. It will bring me closer to being the person I want to be.

Travel, write, photograph, repeat.

That’s what I want retirement to look like. To do this, I need to be financially sound. I need to be healthy; to be able to move my body with ease. I need to be strong; to be able to hoist my kayak and make good use of my hiking boots. Balance, strength, and stamina came without effort in my twenties, thirties, and forties. The fifties? Not so much. It’s gonna take some work.

So, I tackled the feel bad line item “too much TV” this week. Often, I don’t fully engage in a program when it is on. It’s just background noise. A distraction. So I approached “too much TV” in the same way I approached my list. What feels good? What feels bad? “This is Us” feels good. “Real Housewives of Orange County” feels bad. So I pulled up the Scheduled tab On Demand, and started deleting. Instead of “The Voice”, I will prepare a good meal. Instead of “Chicago Fire”, I will go to a yoga class. Instead of “Below Deck”, I will go photograph some fall color. I’ll call a friend. I’ll explore an idea by writing about it. I’ll investigate some local hikes and lace up my hiking boots. The possibilities are endless.

Do more of what feels good. Do less of what feels bad. Now, this is something I can get behind.