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Миндана́о (Бо́холь; , ) — межостровное море Тихого океана в южной части Филиппинского архипелага. Расположено между островами Сикихор, Бохоль и Лейте на севере и островом Минданао на юге.

Соединяется с Тихим океаном на востоке проливом Суригао. На западе соединяется с морем Сулу.

Глубина до 1975 м. Средняя годовая температура воды более 28 °C, солёность около 34 ‰.

Течения в основном направлены на запад, их скорость до 2 км/ч. Приливы неправильные полусуточные, высотой более 2 м. У берегов много коралловых образований.

Крупные заливы на острове Минданао — Илиган, Хингоог, Макалахар, Бутуан. Крупнейшие порты, расположенные также на острове Минданао — Кагаян-де-Оро и Бутуан. Крупнейшая река, впадающая в это море — Агусан, пересекает почти весь остров Минданао с юга на север.

Примечания

Литература

Моря Тихого океана
Моря Филиппин

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srinagar, Mar 23: Erstwhile National Conference-Congress regime couldn't do much to give representation to women in the major institutions of the state, as the former chief minister Omar Abdullah had no time for the issues which could have helped the cause of Jammu and Kashmir.
With the formation of new PDP-BJP government in the state women are hoping that they would get due representation and the new dispensation would work towards giving women a chance to prove themselves.
Recently cabinet recommended the panel for the Public Service Commission (PSC) but only one woman was included in it as its member. Similarly there are only two nominated women members in the Legislative Council, but women are hoping that new government would reverse the trend and would give woman a chance to be a part and parcel of the important institutions of the state.
A group of women activists while talking to Early Times said, "The State Women Commission (SWC) which deals with the rights of women and other issues is virtually defunct. We hope new government would select its new chairperson on merit rather than political considerations."
The previous regime, they said, had politicized the SWC due to which many cases are pending there.
"The PDP President Mehbooba Mufti is herself a woman and we hope she would play her role in ensuring that women get the due representation," they said.
There are many boards and bodies in the state in which women have not been given any representation. "We are hopeful that the new dispensation would not follow the footsteps of the ousted NC-Cong regime and would ensure that women get their due share," said an analyst.
He was of the opinion that former chief minister Omar Abdullah ignored vital institutions, boards and bodies due to his "over busy" schedule. "Had Omar regime worked on the important aspects of the governance most institutions would not have been in ruins today. Unfortunately the former CM used to remain busy with twitter and raking controversies," the analyst added.
He said the previous regime did a big disservice to state of Jammu and Kashmir by "rendering important institutions defunct." "Women representation is a vital aspect but the previous regime ignored it completely," he added.
Sources within the government told Early Times that new regime is finding it hard to clear the mess which has been left over by the previous regime. "It's unfortunate that people at the helm from 2008 to 2014 paid no heed towards ensuring that women get a chance to prove their mettle. The previous regime reemployed only those people who enjoyed political patronage and had connections," they said.
Sources said that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has asked all his ministers to ensure that women are given equal representation in all the boards and the bodies. "The Chief Minister is very keen on ensuring that the boards and the bodies which were rendered defunct due to one or other reason during the erstwhile regime should be rejuvenated without any delay," they added.
Sources revealed that infighting between the Congress and National Conference was one of the main reasons for boards and bodies turning defunct and women not finding any representation. "It's unfortunate that both the parties wanted to score points over each other and in the process state suffered immense damage," they added.


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CIAC Football Contact Changes Highlight Safety & Collaboration
Posted on October 1, 2019 by jcookson
CHESHIRE, Conn. – Connecticut high school football is now in its fourth week of competition under new contact rules aimed at enhancing student-athlete safety. At its spring meeting, the CIAC Football Committee unanimously approved a proposal put forward by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) to reduce the amount of full contact practice time for both the fall and spring seasons. The approved policy went to effect at the onset of the 2019 football preseason and is expected to reduce student-athlete exposures to concussion.
"I am proud of the collaborative effort between the CHSCA, CIAC, CAAD and legislators who continually prioritize the safety of our student-athletes," CAS-CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini stated. "Connecticut legislation emphasizes best practices around concussion prevention, and our state athletic organizations continue to recognize the importance of that focus. This change demonstrates a commitment from all high school athletic stakeholders to act in the best interest of our kids."
The rules adopted this fall reduces the current allowance of full contact practice time by 50-percent during the fall season, and from 120 to 90 minutes during the spring practice season. The proposal, presented by the CHSCA, with approval from its Executive Board, reinforces student-athlete safety by minimizing exposures to injuries.
"As football coaches, we are concerned with the overall decline of athletes playing the game," explained Harry Bellucci, Harford Public head football coach and CIAC Football Committee representative. "Besides injury reduction in practice we wanted to show parents that, as football coaches, we too are concerned for your child's overall safety. This was part of the genesis of our thought process to halt the decline in participation numbers in this great game."
Discussions between the CHSCA and CIAC on potential contact rule changes began in the fall of 2018, spurred by a presentation from the organization "Practice Like Pros." Leadership from the CIAC, CHSCA, Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors (CAAD), and several Connecticut legislative leaders including Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, and Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria participated in discussions about the "Practice Like Pros" concept. Subsequent presentations from the organization – whose mission is to reduce needless injury in football by teaching strategies that reduce full contact – to the CIAC Football Committee and additional CHSCA representatives led to the CHSCA's formal proposal.
A CIAC survey of football coaches and athletic directors indicated that both groups strongly supported the CHSCA proposal, which reflects best practices in football participation safety.
"With the advancement of science, we are learning more and more about how to better protect all athletes during games and practice," said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. "We are seeing a growing trend of states and coaches that are reducing the amount of contact during practice and I am glad that Connecticut and the CIAC Football Committee are moving in that direction. I understand that football is a collision sport but it doesn't mean that it should be a dangerous sport. We will continue to find smart ways to make it a safe sport for all athletes."
"As players and coaches we all have a love for this wonderful game, and at the same time recognize that student safety has to be a top priority for everyone involved," said Connecticut Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) and head football coach at Berlin High School. "Reduced practice contact rules were recommended by the coaches themselves and are an important step in helping to meet this ongoing challenge. As a coach, I am already seeing the benefits from both a player safety standpoint, and the ability to spend more time developing skills through a focus on proper technique and strategy."
"Any effort to safeguard our student athletes from future harm is a proactive step worth taking. Working to help reduce contact time for football players during weekly practices will ensure that their overall health and development are at the forefront of their scholastic and athletic endeavors. I am happy to see Connecticut and the CIAC Football Committee move in this direction," said House Republican Leader Themis Klarides.
Adoption of these new contact policies builds upon the collaborative work conducted in 2015 between the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee and the CIAC Football Committee. That collaboration resulted in adoption of a football safety rule which requires a gradual decrease in full contact time as the season progresses, as well as a mandatory bye week for all teams. Additionally, prior to the 2017 season, collaboration between these two committees resulted in a policy that limits athletes to a maximum of six quarters of participation per week.
"We (the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) Sports Medicine Committee) work closely with CIAC to support a climate of safety for our student athletes," said CSMS Sports Medicine Committee Chair, Stephanie Arlis-Mayor, MD. "We were very happy to hear that the collaborative proposal of CHSCA and CIAC to reduce the amount of full contact practice time for football was approved. It allows for our student athletes to learn the wonderful sport of football while continuing to emphasize safety."
"With the recognition that continuing to be aware of best practices is now a crucial part of the education process, it's commendable that the coaches put this proposal forward and the athletic directors were happy to support it and help it progress to being implemented," said CAAD Executive Director Fred Balsamo.
The approved policies implemented in 2019 account for student athlete safety in football and align with Connecticut's Public Act. 14-66, an Act Concerning Youth Athletics and Concussions, which requires annual concussion management updates for football coaches based on current best practices. As participation in high school football declines across the country, the CIAC, CAAD, and CHSCA continue to work collaboratively with legislators and the Connecticut State Medical Society Sports Medicine Committee to counter this trend by proactively implementing measure to enhance student athlete safety.
Filed Under: Coaches, Featured, Football, News, Press Releases
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Subscribe to Search Marketing Daily
Olympic Ads Attracting Fans To Engage, Share, With Mobile Appeal
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, August 1, 2016
Ads created for the Olympic Games in 2016 by Google brand partners have racked up 400 years' worth of viewing time. If Olympic YouTube watch trends during the past year continue throughout the Olympic Games, fans will view in aggregate 65% of content on mobile devices.
Some of the top ads from April to June 2016 include Always #LikeAGirl—Keep Playing from the creative agency Leo Burnett; Minute Maid #doingood I See What U.S. Olympian Missy Franklin Has To Say from the creative Agency Doner; and P&G Thank You, Mom from the creative agency Wieden+Kennedy. Samsung Official TVC created by Leo Burnett; and Visa, The Carpool to Rio from BBDO rounded out the top five.
The desire by Google to help fans stay in touch likely led to the updates announced Monday to Search, Maps, Trends and YouTube that spotlight a variety of data and about the 2016 Olympic Games, which begin this week in Rio de Janeiro.
Search results will serve event schedules, medal counts and athlete information, as well as game results and television schedules in more than 30 countries. Fans using Google's app on Android or iOS devices will have the option to receive automatic updates on events and medal winners.
YouTube partnered with broadcasters in 60 countries, including the BBC and America Movil, providing links to highlight information related to the Olympic Games though its search engine and YouTube, which will provide live streaming of events.
Origami Logic also released data. For each brand, the company is tracking social campaigns being run in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Plus. Total engagement, which measures likes, shares and more, across different platforms, reached more than 7.75 million.
The top five most-engaged brands include Nike with 3 million likes, shares and other interactions. Under Amour followed at No. 2 with 2 million; Adidas with 2 million; Dick's Sporting Goods with 164,000; and Ralph Lauren with 157,000.
Adidas, Under Amour, Ralph Lauren, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Omega watches took the top five spots for the brands gaining the most likes and favorites across different platforms.
Nike at 15,000, Under Armour with 12,000, Adidas with 5,000, Coca-Cola with 3,000 and Hershey with 2,000 took the top five spots for the brands gaining the most comments across platforms.
engagement, facebook, google, mobile, online video, search, social media, twitter, video, youtube
3 comments about "Olympic Ads Attracting Fans To Engage, Share, With Mobile Appeal".
John Grono from GAP Research, August 1, 2016 at 11:44 p.m.
WOW! 400 years of Olympic advertising of Olympic ads so far by Google brand partners.
Such a massive number. Or is it?
I've run the numbers for Australian TV advertising as a point of comparison and found the following (bear with me - this is quite intricate).
* Each day has 1,440 minutes so a year has 525,600 minutes
* Aussies watch 85 hours 17 minutes of broadcast TV a month. This is 5,117 minutes per month, or 61,404 minutes per year, which averages to 168 minutes per day [Multi-Screen Report Q0415]
* Of that quantum 17.7% is our public and community broadcasters which carry no ads, 5.0% is our public broadcaster which carries 6 minutes of ads per hour (10% ad-load), 55.3% is our FTA broadcasters which carry 13 minutes of ads per hour (22% ad-load), and 22% is our Subscription TV service which averages 6.7 minutes per hour of ads (11% ad-load) [Australian advertising law plus operator reports].
* This means that the average ad-load is 15.1% of all broadcast time.
* 77:57 is Live (91.4%) and 7:20 is Time-Shifted Viewing (8.6%) [Same Report]
* Ad-avoidance (i.e. doesn't count to the ratings) is around 10% for Live viewing and 90% for Time-Shifted Viewing [my calculations based on the available minute-by-minute data].
* Conversely, this means that 90% of 'Live' ads are watched but only 10% of Time-Shifted ads are watched. Combined, only 83.1% of ads are watched [ (0.90 * 0.914) + (0.10 * 0.086) ].
* So if the ad-load is 15.1% of all viewing time, but only 83.1% of the ads are watched then that comes out at 12.5% (one in eight) of minutes viewed are 'viewed ads' on average (as opposed to broadcast ads).
* This means that 12.5% of the 168 minutes per day – 21 minutes per day – is viewing ads for the typical Aussie.
* And there are 24 million of us.
* So that is 504 million ad minutes viewed per day just in Australia which is 0.3% of the world's population.
* Remembering that there are 525,600 minutes in a year that is 958 years of ad minutes each day.
* So Google's 400 years of Olympic advertising is less than half a day of TV ads viewed Down Under, or put another way, since MediaPost published this article Australia has zoomed past Google Olympics ads already.
The moral of the story – there are big numbers and then there are BIG numbers.
James Smith from J. R. Smith Group, August 2, 2016 at 11:40 a.m.
John: Some impressive calculations for the Australian market! Nice math factoring in the public and pay numbers. Wonder what the effective CPM would be?
John Grono from GAP Research, August 2, 2016 at 5:52 p.m.
Thanks James. Unfortunately advertising rates are a closer held secret than audience data. I'll do some noodling around and see what I can find.
Though I think the more pertinent question would be what the effective rate the Google brand partners will be paying and that should be compared to the effective rate paid for broadcast Olympic partner campaigns,
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Dixons Carphone warns on profits in tough market conditions
Dixons Carphone has warned that profits in its new financial year are expected to fall and detailed plans to shutter more than 90 stores.
In his first update since becoming chief executive, Alex Baldock cautioned that earnings would come in at about £300m as the electricals market contracts.
That is a steep decline on the £382m that Dixons Carphone expects to report for 2017/18.
Dixons Carphone reported that full-year group revenue rose 3% year on year in 2017/18, while like-for-likes were ahead 4% and it "maintained market leading share".
At the core UK and Ireland business, full-year like-for-likes advanced 2% and 1% in the fourth quarter. There was "strong growth" from international operations.
However, in 2018/19 factors including "necessary action to correct recent underinvestment in our colleagues and customer proposition", "further contraction" in the electricals market and "market and contractual pressures" in the mobile phones market will hit profits.
The retailer unveiled plans today to close 92 standalone Carphone Warehouse stores this year as its addresses previously reported weakness in its mobile phone business stemming largely from the sim-only trend.
A spokeswoman said that no job losses were expected as staff would be redeployed to nearby stores.
Baldock's statement
Baldock said: "Eight weeks in the business have cemented my optimism about Dixons Carphone's long-term prospects. I've found exceptional strengths, and though there's plenty to fix, it's all fixable.
"We're number one in each of our markets, with people and capability no competitor can match. Our opportunity lies in making the most of those strengths, which we are nowhere near doing. And we must – nobody is happy with our performance today.
"We're getting on with it, through a new leadership team and structure that's promoted top talent, cleared away unnecessary layers and silos, and started to speed up decision-making. We're already giving new impetus to areas crucial to our transformation such as data and analytics, marketing, digital, services and technology.
"And we're working at pace to bring clear long-term direction to the business. We will give our customers what they value while making the most of our many strengths.
"We will address underinvestment in important areas of the colleague and customer experience. We will sharpen our focus on the core business and on fewer, bigger initiatives.
"We will bring this business closer together, the better to give customers the full benefit of everything we have to offer them, and to deliver that through a truly integrated business – it is not today. We will also bring greater conviction and discipline to our execution.
"Right now, with our international business in good shape, we're focusing early action on the UK. In electricals, we're focused on gross margin recovery. In mobile, we're stabilising our performance through improvements to our proposition and network agreements.
"In both, we'll work hard to improve our cost efficiency. We won't tolerate our current performance in mobile, or as a group. We know we can do a lot better."
Baldock will say more about his plans next month at the prelims, and give a fuller update in December.
Read more: Baldock takes the bull by the horns at Dixons Carphone
Was Baldock's attack on Dixons Carphone warranted?
The new boss of Dixons Carphone, Alex Baldock, pulled no punches this week when he slammed his predecessor and issued a profit warning.
Dixons Carphone profits slump as sales fail to spark
Dixons Carphone has reported sliding full-year profits as tepid sales growth failed to offset "challenges in UK mobile" market.
Dixons Carphone: 10 million records hit by data breach
Dixons Carphone has revealed a data breach affected 10 million personal data records, up from its original estimate of 1.2 million.


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qayamat-se-qayamat-tak
News18 » Topic » QAYAMAT SE-QAYAMAT-TAK
qayamat se qayamat tak
Imran Khan Quits Acting, His Father-in-law Says 'My Daughter Wanted Him to Focus on it'
Happy Birthday Juhi Chawla: Most Loved Songs of the Actress that will Lighten Up Your Mood
Wajid's Loss is Like Losing a Piece of My Heart, Says Brother Sajid Khan
Throwback Video of Aamir Khan Personally Sticking 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' Posters on Auto Rickshaw is to Be Treasured
On Birthday, Juhi Chawla Recalls Funny Incident About Aamir's Birthday Present
You Won't Believe How Much Money Aamir Khan Made From Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Thought Noone Would Like me in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak: Aamir Khan
30 Years of QSQT: Aamir Would Go at Night and Put Up Posters on Autos to Ensure People Watched the Film
In pics: Celebrating 27 years of 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak'
I think the line between the heroine and item girls is blurred now: Juhi Chawla
Aamir Khan: Mansoor Khan is one of the finest Indian filmmakers
Celebrating 25 years of 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak'
'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' should not be remade: Imran Khan
Snapshot: Boots, spiderman pants; what character is Aamir playing now?
Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla reunite for 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak's' 25th anniversary bash
As 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' turns 25, Aamir talks about the movie
Was told that I would not survive much in Bollywood: Aamir
Photos: 25 years of 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak'
Would work with Aamir again if 'QSQT' is remade: Juhi Chawla
Juhi Chawla: I feel rattled to read reports of rape


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Mia Bambina by James Mulhern
Molly moves into her student accommodation, ready to start a new life at Boston University, but she instantly takes a disliking to her roommate; by James Mulhern.
After I showed my paperwork to the girl at the desk and signed in, David, an upperclassman at Boston University who was helping freshmen move in, brought me to an elevator in the rear of the hall. In the short time it took to get to the fourth floor, he managed to tell me a bit about the alleged haunting of Eugene O'Neill. Shelton Hall was once an apartment building, and O'Neill and his wife Carlotta, whose psychiatrist had an office on Bay State Road, lived in suite 401 starting in 1951. Eugene died of Parkinson's disease in 1953.
David said, "His last words were 'Born in a hotel room and goddammit, died in a hotel room,'" as we reached the door of my suite, a pair of bedrooms (each shared by two females) with a common area. I was having trouble with the key; it wouldn't turn.
"Molly, let me help you with that." He placed his warm soft palm on my wrist. His hands were big with long delicate fingers, like those of a guitarist. I noticed how clean his nails were and I could smell his body odor - a mix of sweat and freshly baked bread. I felt my nipples harden. Maybe he would be my second? I thought. And I hoped he would be better than my first, a boy from my high school American History class, who I later found out was gay.
The door swung open quickly. We walked through a drab common area with the same azure blue carpet from the hallway. There was an old red-and-white plaid couch, an electric stovetop, and a small TV. My room, which was labeled A, was on the left. This time the key worked well. My roommate had already moved in; her things were on the left side of the room, the section with the best view of the Charles River. My side was close to the bathroom, which I wasn't crazy about, and was darker with poor overhead lighting.
David pushed the bin to my bed, which was covered by a navy blue spread and two lumpy pillows. "It's not the best," he said, "but the view from the ninth floor is spectacular and the dining hall serves pretty good food."
"Actually, I think the building is charming. I've always wanted to live in downtown Boston."
"Guess your roommate's name begins with an A." He nodded towards a very loopy pink wooden A that hung on the wall above her dresser. On the top shelf of the bookcase beside the dresser was a gold metal crucifix and a picture of what I assumed was her family. All of them were blond - father, mother, brother, and her. There was even a yellow Labrador retriever.
David followed my eyes. "She looks pretty vanilla. Almost seems like one of those fake photographs that comes with the frame."
"Let's look. Maybe it is." I laughed and he stood close as I pulled the cardboard backing from the frame and took out the photograph. On the back was written, "Mom, Dad, Joey, me, and Saint Paul."
"Who the fuck is Saint Paul?" David laughed. He hovered over my shoulder and I smelled him again. I wanted to kiss him.
"Must be the dog, unless it's her brother. But he doesn't look like a saint. He looks like a pain in the ass."
"It's my dog." The voice came from behind us. David jumped.
We both turned. A pear-shaped, very tall Ashley stared at us with an irked expression. Her blond over-permed hair reminded me of a poodle and she had gained at least thirty pounds since the picture was taken.
"Sorry," David said, putting his hands in pockets. "The picture just looked so perfect. We thought it was one of those fake ones that comes with the frame." He smiled and laughed---flawless white teeth.
"You had no business touching my stuff." Ashley stormed forward and grabbed the picture from the bookshelf. She pulled up the bottom of her pink t-shirt to rub off our fingerprints, then she slid the photograph inside of the cardboard backing, pushing down the clips, and held it tight to her small chest.
"Lighten up," I said. "It's not like we were going through your panty drawer." I extended my hand to shake hers. "I'm Molly Bonamici. This is David. He's one of the helpers for students moving in today." She turned and put the picture on her bed in between two stuffed teddy bears, as if that would protect it from future affronts. She had a fat ass that made the green and pink lines of her plaid shorts even uglier.
"Aren't you going to shake my hand?"
"Not right now," she said. "I'm still pissed off, but my full name is Ashley Adams."
"I guess I'll get going," David raised his eyebrows at me.
I thanked him. He winked at me before he walked out the door and mouthed, "Good luck." I loved his smile.
Ashley busied herself unloading a bag with construction paper, glue, scissors, and markers onto the desk by her window. I walked to my side of the room and checked out the bathroom. It was old-fashioned with black-and-white subway tile on the floor and white painted walls. There was a claw-footed bathtub with a black shower curtain, a decent size medicine cabinet, and six black shelves on the wall. I splashed water on my face, and wiped my hands on my jean shorts.
When I came out of the bathroom, I found Ashley lying on her bed, reading a book entitled, The Elements of Language Curriculum. I opened my suitcase and began putting my clothes away in the oak laminate dresser, hanging some things in the closet on my side of the room. "Are you an education major?"
"Yes," she answered without looking up. "I'm in the College of General Studies."
She couldn't be too bright. Students who are not outright accepted to Boston University are enrolled in the General Studies College, a sort of probationary acceptance, with matriculation later on. "What grade level are you interested in teaching?"
"Elementary." She flipped a page and pretended to read.
"We need good elementary teachers. One of my favorites was Ms. Hopkins. I can still remember her beehive hairdo. I think I had a crush on her."
Ashley looked up at me, frowning. She fingered a gold cross around her neck.
"Oh, I don't mean 'crush' in that way. I'm not a lesbian if that's what you're thinking."
"I wasn't thinking that." She looked me over, eyes moving up and down. "Where are you from?"
"Revere. I am from a tight-knit Italian family in a very Italian neighborhood, not too far from here."
"Where's that exactly?"
"Just outside of Boston. About five miles to the north."
"Can I ask you a personal question?" Ashley shut her book.
"Sure."
"Do you know any people in the Mafia? One of my parents' favorite movies is The Godfather."
"The stereotype of the Italian Mafia is mostly hype from movies and books. But to answer your question - yes. One of my Nonna's friends, Mr. Scarfone, has ties to the Mafia. He's involved in small-time things like gambling, money laundering, and drugs. Nothing major. He doesn't smash horse heads onto bedposts." I laughed.
"That's scary." She straightened her back and rubbed the top of her hand.
"Not really. If you met Mr. Scarfone, you would like him. He seems like a nice old uncle. He tells stupid jokes, but he's always smiling and kind... Where are you from?"
"Lenox, Massachusetts. We are mostly white so I don't think we have a lot of Italians."
"I see... That's where the Boston Pops plays during the summer. I've always wanted to go to Tanglewood."
"Both my parents are violinists," she said.
"That's cool. I like classical music."
"I hate it." She put her book down and sat up on the side of her bed, watching me put my things away. It was obvious she was evaluating me, trying to figure me out. When I placed some books on the shelves, she said, "Did you read all of them?"
"I hate reading long books. I prefer children's books and young adult fiction."
I knew we were not going to be friends. I couldn't help thinking she was an idiot.
"Oh, and I like the Bible, too." She tilted her head upward, tossing her poodle-do with one hand. I noticed a pimple on her chin.
"I don't like the Bible much. Mostly it's a bunch of bullshit. The New Testament isn't all that bad. I like the stories in the Gospel of John, and I like its Prologue: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' The idea of words being portrayed as divine appeals to me. I'm an English major, and of course I love books."
"But it's not words that the Gospel is talking about," she said. "'The Word' means Jesus."
"I don't think so."
"Of course it does." Her face flushed. "John was talking about Jesus."
"That's an interpretation."
"Are you a Catholic?"
"I'm an atheist. I think religion is the cause of most of the world's troubles."
"How can you say that? Jesus died for our sins." Her voice was shaking.
"Ashley, I doubt you are an expert on the Bible. But let's change the subject. Have you met our suitemates?"
She slid back on the bed and propped herself up with pillows, moving the teddy bears and picture aside. "No. They haven't arrived."
"I wonder where they are?" I said, thinking, please let them be more interesting than this stunod, as Nonna would say.
"Maybe they're coming from far away. BU attracts students from all over the world." She sounded like she was reading a brochure.
"Yeah, maybe they are coming from Mali or Guinea."
"I never heard of those cities. Is Guinea where guinea pigs are from? I think they are so cute."
"They are not cities." What a dumbass. "They're countries. Both in Africa."
"Oh."
"This is soooo adorable," someone said, entering the common area. The voice was that of an older woman--raspy, and slightly nasal.
"That must be one of them." Ashley bounced off the bed, patted her t-shirt, and fluffed her hair. "How do I look?"
I laughed. "You look fine."
"Well don't you want to meet them?"
"I think we should give them a few minutes to get settled. Is it okay if I use the bottom three shelves in the bathroom?" I wanted to put my cosmetics away.
"I guess so." She was hesitant.
"Or would you prefer the bottom shelves? I just figured because you were taller, the top shelves might be easier for you to reach, Ashley." I wanted to call her Lurch, as in The Addams Family.
"That's fine. You can have the bottom shelves." She looked at herself in the mirror on the back of our door, smiled, and walked into the common area. I moved just aside the door to hear the conversation.
"Mom, it's hideous. But that's fine. A college room is not supposed to be the Ritz."
"Emily, turn around. One of your housemates is here," Emily's mother said.
"I'm Ashley. Ashley Adams."
"Emily Finnegan. And this is my mother."
"Just call me Lorna."
"Nice to meet you both," Ashley said.
"You too, darling," Lorna answered.
There was an awkward silence. I wished there was a peephole in the wall so I could spy.
"Well, I guess we should continue moving my things in," Emily said.
"Oh, I can help if you like."
"No sweetheart. Go set up your own room. I'm sure you have a lot to do as well," Lorna said. It was obvious that Emily and her mother wanted to get rid of Ashley.
"Really, it's no bother."
Emily said, "Actually I prefer to move the things in myself. Plus there's a guy downstairs who's offered to help, and my sister is waiting by our car. So we have to hurry. We'll talk later."
So Emily didn't seem to care much for Ashley either. I had a feeling that she and I were going to be friends. At least we had one thing in common - an antipathy for Ashley. Ashley came back into our room and shut the door tightly. I quickly opened a dresser drawer and pretended to arrange my pants. I could hear voices in the bedroom next to ours, but the words were indistinct. I got the sense that Emily was unhappy with the dorm, college, or something else going on in her life, and her mother, Lorna, was trying too hard to make everything seem wonderful. I've always been very intrigued by the inflections of emotion in people's voices. Most emotions felt like foreign languages to me, but over the years, I had become very good at translating them and reading people. Sometimes, I would reenact conversations I'd overhead, watching my facial expressions in the mirror.
"They were a bit rude." She sank into her bed and folded her arms. Her t-shirt lifted slightly, revealing one of the whitest bellies I had ever seen.
"Why do you say that?"
"I offered to help them move in and they brushed me off."
"Maybe they just wanted to spend some time together. You know, the whole mother-daughter thing. Child leaving the nest."
Her face was steely. "I think she's a bitch."
"Who? The mother or the daughter?"
"Well I guess both of them."
"Don't you think you are being a bit harsh?" "I was just trying to be a good Christian and offer help."
"Atheists can be good, too, ya know." This girl was really starting to annoy me. I started brainstorming ways to avoid spending a whole school year cooped up with her. "Christians don't hold a copyright on goodness."
"I didn't say they did."
"No, but you implied it." I pulled a pair of black panties out of my drawer and placed them on top of my dresser. Then I walked over to the mirror and began to disrobe, tossing my black t-shirt and cut-off jeans onto the bed. I fluffed my long brown hair, which was a bit sweaty, threading my fingers through the sticky sections. Ashley pretended to read her textbook, but I knew she was watching my antics. I decided to give the prude a show. I unclasped my black bra, shimmied out of my black panties, and threw them onto the bed as well. I turned and faced Ashley - full frontal nudity. "Do you think I have nice breasts?"
Her face was blotchy. She looked up from her book, feigning a nonchalant glance. "I guess so."
Then I put my hands under my breasts, cupping them. "I like them. I think they are the perfect size. 36 C. I like my vagina, too, especially the dark thick hair around it." I scratched my pubic area.
Ashley threw her book on the floor. "Do you have to talk so much about your body? I really don't care that you like your titties."
"Wow." I walked over to my dresser and eased my legs into the fresh pair of panties. "You're so uptight. I would think you'd appreciate the beauty of the human body. After all, the human being is one of God's creations. And I think he thought pretty highly of us because he made Adam lord and master over all of the animals. You should review the book of Genesis, Ashley. I have to take a piss. Excuse me." I went into the bathroom, leaving the door ajar so she could hear the tinkling of my urine.
I continued putting my belongings away; Ashley pretended to read. After a while she dozed off. I would have fallen asleep, too, if I were reading The Elements of Language Curriculum. From my bed I watched her face for a while. Her mouth was wide open and she was snoring very lightly. I walked over and stared down at her. She must have been dreaming because her eyelids were fluttering, indicating REM sleep, a fact I had learned in Health class. There was drool pooling in one of the corners of her mouth; her lips were chapped. Her body was so limp and helpless. I imagined smothering her face with one of my pillows, like a murderess in one of those tacky made-for-TV movies that I loved so much.
I quietly opened her dresser drawers, periodically turning to see if she was close to waking. I rifled through her panties, silly underwear with images of Winnie-the-Pooh, hearts, and one with Christmas bulbs. She had an entire drawer of preppy sweaters and turtlenecks - a medley of lime green, navy blue, forest green, red, and black - all made of wool or 100 percent cotton fabric. There was a black velvet blazer, which I found unusual considering the other apparel, flowery knee-length skirts, and denim pants from L.L. Bean.
I heard a loud snort, so I turned quickly, bracing my hands on her dresser. Ashley opened her eyes.
"I must have been exhausted. Was I snoring?" She rubbed her cheeks with her palms and blinked a few times.
"Yes. You were very loud." She wasn't.
"Oh, sorry. I hope it isn't too much of a bother, but I'm sure you will get used to it. You can buy some earplugs. Everyone in my family snores." That was a sleepover I would definitely turn down.
"Hey, why are you standing by my dresser?" She sat up quickly. Her textbook fell to the floor. "Damn." She leaned over and picked it up. I saw the crack of her white fleshy ass. One of her teddies toppled over the other side of the bed.
"I was concerned about you," I said. "Your breathing sounded irregular."
She placed the book on her bedside table. "Really? What do you mean irregular?" The area around her eyes twitched, and I forced myself not to smirk, affecting a serious expression.
"It's no big deal. You're alive. At least for now." I laughed.
"Do you think there's something wrong with me?"
"Don't tell me you're a worry wart, Ashley."
She stiffened, her back firm against the headboard. "I'm not a worry wart! That's silly. I was just asking what you meant, that's all."
"Methinks she doth protest too much."
"Huh?"
"Hamlet."
"I read that. Edgar Allan Poe, right?"
"Yes. I'm impressed by your knowledge of literature."
She smiled. "Well, that's why I decided to become a teacher. I believe I have a vocation. I am determined to help children grow up and become intelligent readers so their lives can become enriched by the myriad works of great literature." She pronounced myriad as MY-ree-ad.
"I'm sure you will succeed."
The courses at school were too easy. I was enrolled in a Freshman Composition class, Intro. to Psychology, The History of Western Civilization (in 562 pages), which I zoomed through, and Major Authors I (most of the material I had read). I had always been in the advanced classes in high school, even skipped a grade. My I.Q., my Nonna liked to brag, was 148. I called Nonna a few times to let her know how things were going; she agreed that Ashley was a prig and wished she wasn't my roommate. "You deserve better. But don't worry, mia bambina, those types always get their comeuppance."
I did end up befriending Emily. She was a pretty girl with an atypical, but lovely face. Oval-shaped, flawless skin, kewpie-doll lips, a small quivering chin, and large eyes, like tarnished gold coins. I admired the way she exuded purpose and conviction. We hung out together quite a bit, exchanging stories about our lives, enjoying each other's company.
Emily's roommate, Candice Kox (her real name) from California, never showed so she enjoyed a large private room for the semester. I was envious. Ashley had become a thorn in my side, making snide comments on a regular basis about my personality and habits. She was a neat freak and complained about petty things like my hair in the sink or my unmade bed. I had even overheard her calling me "Molly, the pig" in a phone conversation with her friend Jean.
And I couldn't stand her self-righteousness, the way she would come back from the university chapel after mass with a smug look on her face, dropping comments like "God is good" and "every day is a blessing." She wanted to get under my skin, and she did, insulting me several times in the most passive aggressive manner. I kept my anger at bay, though, confiding only in Nonna. I did not want others, especially Emily, to know my nasty, vindictive fantasies. I would find a way to make her pay for the continuing disrespect. I smiled at Ashley while I planned my revenge.
One afternoon three weeks later, the Resident Assistant called Emily and me to inform us that packages were delivered for both of us. When the phone rang, we were watching the evolving love affair of Luke Spencer and Laura Webber in the soap opera General Hospital, arguing over whether Luke was cute or not. I thought he was too old and ugly for Laura. But I didn't care for her much either - she was too histrionic and breathy for my taste, a crisis junkie - so I told Emily that Laura deserved the ugly toad. Emily said I was mean.
She was laughing when she picked up the phone. "Hi Arnold... Really? How big?" She looked at me from beyond the open door to her room. "She's with me now. I'll tell her."
"We have some mail downstairs. Two large boxes for me, and a smaller package for you."
"Let's go. I'm sick of looking at his bad perm." I turned the television off and we headed downstairs. Arnold loaned us a dolly to bring up Emily's boxes.
When we had set the mail down in our common area, we both excitedly opened the packages. Hers were from her mother, and mine was from Nonna.
Emily let out a scream and jumped back when she opened the first box.
"Oh God. My mother sent me a mannequin. It scared the shit out of me." She put a hand over her heart. After she caught her breath, she pulled out the plastic torso of a female, followed my limbs, hands, and a head. At the bottom, her mother had thrown in a blond fright wig. "She is so crazy!" She opened up an envelope from inside and read the note aloud, "'Baby, couldn't resist buying this mannequin. Found it in a clothing store on Park Avenue.'" Emily paused and looked at me. "That's Park Avenue, Rochester, not Manhattan." She continued reading. "'I figured you could name her after your no-show roommate and prop her on the bed to keep you company. Hope you are well. Don't spend all the money too soon.'" Emily pulled a check out of the envelope. I was curious how much, but didn't ask. The second box was the waist, legs, and feet. We screwed the mannequin together and baptized her "Candice Kox" after the missing suitemate.
"She's blond. Most California girls are blond, aren't they?" Emily said.
"I think she's perfect."
"Open yours." Emily stared at Nonna's cursive on the brown paper she had used to wrap the package. Inside was a Tupperware container full of chocolate chip cookies. There was also a note and a check for $500.
"Well read the note," Emily said.
I could smell Nonna's Shalimar perfume on the light blue stationary. "Dear Molly. Here are some cookies for the sweetest cookie in my life. You must swear to eat them all yourself! Don't give any to your dorm friends, especially that roommate with the stick up her ass. I am very worried about how skinny you have become. A curse on you if you don't eat every last one. I want you to be fatter the next time I see you. I'll send you more money for second semester, or call if you need any. Nonna loves mia bambina."
"She sounds very sweet. I never knew my grandmother. She died before I was born."
"Nonna's pretty special. She raised me for the most part. My parents were always so busy with the restaurant they own."
We heard the key in the lock.
"Stuff Candy in the boxes. I don't want Ashley to know about her. I'll explain later," I whispered. The thought of having Ashley joining our fun irked me. She had made a comment that implied I was a whore when she overheard me telling Emily about what happened with David. "Sex before marriage is a sin," she said with disgust, "and I would be ashamed to admit it." I had to bite my tongue. I wanted to ream her a new Christian asshole.
Later, Emily congratulated me on my restraint, and suggested that I just avoid discussing anything personal in front of her. I thought Ashley's beliefs were idiotic, but I had more important things to accomplish than educating a moron. You can't change the thinking of a stupid person, so you find alternative ways to deal with them. Nonna was my sounding board.
"You two look suspicious." She was carrying a bag from 7-Eleven. "I bought some snacks if you want them." Then she saw the cookies. "Oh, but it looks like you already have some. Those look really good."
"They're from my Nonna. I'd give you two some but my grandmother made me swear I'd eat them all myself. She thinks I'm too skinny."
She looked at my body. "I wish I looked like you. I think you look perfect. I gotta lose weight. I just wish I wasn't such an overeater." She went into the bedroom and closed the door.
"She deserves credit. She's always watching a VHS tape of ladies in leotards doing something called Fitness Dancing. She confessed to me that sweets are her weakness and she just can't resist." I stood up and ran in place. "She does this with two one-pound weights in her hands."
"How long?"
"Three minutes max. Then she collapses on the bed for a while and afterwards eats everything in sight."
"I hope she doesn't eat your cookies."
"I doubt it. She's a Christian, remember? When she reads Nonna's note, I'm sure she wouldn't dare."
I helped Emily slide the boxes of Candy into her bedroom and said I would tell her about an idea for an O'Neill haunting game when we met up with Michelle and Mark, other students from our floor, at dinner. Michelle was a tall, heavy-lidded black girl from Brooklyn, always dressed in flashy orange, pink, and yellow; she hoped to become a famous actress. Mark was an obese white guy with frizzy red hair, blue eyes and a cherubic face, who wanted to become a screenwriter. We always met at six p.m. at the back of the dining hall.
It was burger night. The dining hall smelled of bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and French fries. I was continually impressed by the food at BU. Every night they had a different theme - Asian, Vegetarian, Italian, even Lobster Night. I got a very well-done burger with cheddar cheese and French fries; Emily had her burger with no cheese. She smeared a lot of mayonnaise on her bun, which I found repugnant. I was more traditional - a ketchup kind of girl. When I was a kid, I pretended it was blood.
At the table, Michelle and Mark were discussing President Carter's alleged sighting of a UFO in 1969.
"He's a smart man. There has to be some validity to the idea of extraterrestrials. What do you girls think?" Michelle said. She had ketchup on her chin. I handed her a napkin and pointed.
"I believe in intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, but I absolutely don't believe these extraterrestrials are anywhere near Earth. In fact, sometimes I think there is very little intelligent life on Earth, period. And if there were such beings visiting from somewhere in the universe, I'm sure they wouldn't want to mix with us; we are much too stupid." I bit into my burger. "This cow was probably smarter than at least thirty percent of Americans."
Emily laughed.
"How do you explain all the UFO sightings?" Mark said. "There's gotta be something to them."
"Forget about the extraterrestrials." Emily waved her hand dismissively. "We have ghosts to talk about." She turned and looked at me. "So what is your plan, Molly?"
I told Mark and Michelle about the mannequin. "I was thinking we could begin phase one of an O'Neill haunting game. Test it out on Ashley."
"How? Can you pass me the salt, Emily?" Mark asked.
"I'm going to David's tomorrow for dinner. We're ordering pizza. I have an idea for when I'm gone."
"Oh, he's the hot blond guy," Michelle said. "Hmm. Wonder what you two will be doing after you eat?" She smirked.
"Discussing the meaning of life."
"Yeah, honey. Just don't create any life."
"Molly, I'm dying. Tell us what the plan is," Emily said.
"Okay, you got to know a little about O'Neill's life. I did some research this week. Evidently, he got angry at his daughter Oona for marrying Charlie Chaplin. She was eighteen and Chaplin was 54!"
"Ugh. That is gross," Michelle said. "She obviously married him for his money."
"I was thinking you could put a cane in the mannequin's hand, a Charlie Chaplin hat on her head, and a nametag that says Oona."
"What the fuck type of name is Oona? Are you sure that's right?" Michelle squinted her eyes and retracted her neck.
"Yes. I'm sure. And what does it matter. Ashley certainly doesn't know."
"Molly, where are we gonna get a cane and hat?" Emily said.
"Oh that's no problem." Mark knocked over his coke. Michelle sopped it up. "Sorry... "
"Jesus, control your enthusiasm." She rolled her eyes as she moved the napkins over the puddle.
"My roommate is studying to be an actor. He has access to the prop room for the BU Theatre. I can call him tonight," Mark continued.
"And when I'm at David's place, you can position the mannequin in front of the door, knock a few times, hide in the corner and project a high-pitched voice saying something like, 'Hi, I'm Oona. Have you seen my father Eugene O'Neill?'"
Mark said, "Oh my god. She's going to be scared to death."
We laughed.
Emily said, "I don't get it. Why don't you want to help us do it, Molly?"
"She hates me enough. I don't want her to think I had anything to do with it. But I do want to walk in on the scene. Ashley swears she's going to exercise every night from 8:30 till 9 pm while she watches that stupid aerobics tape. That way you can be sure she's in the suite and not off studying, or over her friend Jean's. Stage it for 8:45. I'll be walking down the hall from the elevator when it happens."
"Okay, I'm in," Michelle said. "I hope Ashley has a sense of humor."
Emily and I looked at each other.
"We'll see," I said.
Sex the second time with David was not as exciting. I get bored easily. After I've tried something once, the novelty quickly wanes. He asked me why I was in such a hurry so I told him about our plan. He thought it was ridiculous, but wished us good luck nevertheless. At 8:42 I got off the elevator. I saw Mark trying to position the mannequin, which tumbled over a few times before he got it exactly right. I was disappointed that Oona was not wearing Chaplin's signature derby hat. In its place was one of those conical jester caps with bells. At least Mark's roommate was able to obtain a cane. Michelle and Emily were laughing, squatting in the hallway by the next dorm suite. I stood for a few minutes in front of the elevator, pretending to look for a key in my purse. Two girls with grocery bags got out and smiled at me, then headed towards their room in the other direction. They did not notice the scene I had been observing.
I looked at my watch, then glanced to where Mark was pounding on the door. I scanned the hall, hoping no one else was around. Mark dashed to where Emily and Michelle sat. Ashley opened the door wearing a pink leotard, pink stockings, and white sneakers with pink laces. She was eating one of my chocolate chip cookies, holding the Tupperware container. I thought, "Bitch. I told you not to touch them. But you did. I knew you would."
By the time Emily projected in a high squeaky voice, "Hi. I'm Oona. Have you seen my father Eugene O'Neill?" Ashley let out a shrill scream, then collapsed onto Oona, moaning for a bit. Michelle threw a set of bells she was jingling against the wall and ran towards Ashley, followed by the others. Oona/Candy's head came off and rolled down the corridor. Emily kicked the blond fright wig and cap into the air. Mark picked them up and said, "Oh Jesus! For the love of God, let her be okay! Oh Jesus!" I hurried towards them.
"Ashley, are you alright?" Michelle said, her face sweating. No answer. Emily was ashen. Mark ran around in a circle, looking at the ceiling, repeating, "Oh shit! Oh shit!" twisting the cap and wig in his hands. Every so often there was a jingling of bells.
I flipped Ashley over and checked her neck pulse; there was none. I yelled, "Somebody call 911." Then I began administering CPR, after I wiped her mouth clean with my shirt.
Doors opened up and down the hall. "I already have," a hysterical girl with mascara streaming down her face yelled.
I kicked what remained of Oona to make space and she completely fell apart. My adrenaline was rushing and the force of my punt caused one of her hands to fly and hit the mascara girl in the stomach. She screamed, "Her hand has come off!" Sobbing, she ran into her room and slammed the door.
I was counting my compressions, the heel of one had over the center of Ashley's chest, my other hand on top of the first. I tried to keep my elbows straight, remembering Ms. O'Rourke, my Health teacher's, words.
"Mark," I shouted after the thirtieth compression. "Stick your finger in her mouth. Make sure her airway is clear and there are no bits of cookie."
He grimaced and held his head back as he slid his middle finger inside.
Michelle said, "It's not like she has fangs, and she won't bite you. She's not even breathing." She pushed his wrist. "Come on now. Move that finger around. Pretend it's a twat... I'm sorry, that was inappropriate. I'm just freaked out."
At times like this, everything happens so fast. Arnold, our RA, was soon there, as well as the Boston University police. Students getting off the elevator were told to get back on and go to another floor. I continued my chest compressions alternating with breaths, trying not to press my lips too firmly against her mouth. Her breath smelled like nail polish remover. It seemed the lights in the hall glowed for a second, and there was a foul smell of gas. Ashley had shit her pants.
"Good job, Molly," Emily said, holding her nose.
When the paramedics showed up, they took over. I stood back with the others. "How could this happen?" I said, "Ashley is so young!" I knew she was dead, but I didn't tell the others. She was whisked onto a stretcher. Arnold hollered at the crowd of students, "Get back in your rooms." People quickly obliged. Doors shut all around.
I turned to look at Emily who was ironically "tossing cookies" onto the azure blue carpet.
There was a patrolman looking on, even firemen, and in a short while, a Detective Corrigan from the Boston Police. Arnold escorted Emily, Mark, Michelle, and me down to his office on the first floor. Detective Corrigan eyed each one of us during the elevator ride. He was a scary-looking man with a craggy face, a perpetual scowl, and hollow cheeks. His color was gray. I thought he looked half dead himself. No one spoke until we were all seated in Arnold's office.
There were three folding chairs that I let the others sit on. Detective Corrigan sat in the cushy leather chair behind Arnold's desk.
"Do you want me here?" Arnold said to him.
"No. I want to speak with them alone."
Arnold seemed relieved and left quickly. I grabbed a box of tissues from Arnold's desk and handed it to Mark, motioning for him to pass it on. He gave it to Michelle, who wiped the sweat off her face. Emily grabbed a few tissues and daubed tears on her cheek and puke that had smeared on her sneakers.
"I wouldn't worry about your sneakers, young lady. We have more important matters to attend to." The detective's voice was menacing and his black eyes darted over each of our faces.
"You," he said to me.
"Yes, sir."
"You seem pretty calm. Aren't you upset?"
"Of course I'm upset, sir. I just don't show my emotions much."
"What's your name?"
"My name is Molly Bonamici."
"Since you seem the most controlled of your friends, why don't you tell me what happened? And by the way, what you did was pretty heroic. Where did you learn CPR?"
"High school."
"And you remembered exactly how to do it?" His eyes widened, two black holes.
"Detective Corrigan." I stared at his nametag, then into his eyes. "I don't forget things."
He moved forward, putting his elbows on the desk, interleaving the fingers of his hands underneath his chin. "Okay, Molly. Tell me what happened."
I told him about the alleged haunting of our floor by Eugene O'Neill. He asked me if O'Neill was a former student, with no seeming knowledge of the playwright. When I said he wrote Long's Day Journey Into Night, he snapped that I should get to the point before this became a long day's journey into night. He had to file the paperwork before the end of his shift.
"Who's this Oona?"
"Oona is Eugene O'Neill's estranged daughter."
"Is she a student here?"
"No, she's dead."
"So does she haunt your floor, too?" He was twirling a pen in his hand, reclining in the chair.
"No, she's a mannequin."
"Excuse my French, Molly, but what the fuck are you talkin' about?"
Michelle widened her eyes, as if to say, "Don't piss him off." Emily was on the verge of laughing.
Detective Corrigan barked at her. "This isn't a joke. A friend of yours is dead."
Mark looked down, tapping his foot and picking a scab on his hand.
At last, Detective Corrigan got the information he needed for his file. But before he left, he lambasted all of us, saying what we did was terrible and we'd have to live with it for the rest of our lives.
Mark burst into tears. The scab on his hand was bleeding a little. Emily and Michelle recoiled, backs stiff against their chairs, speechless.
"Yes, Detective Corrigan. I realize we will all live with this for the rest of our lives. We are truly sorry that a silly joke ended in Ashley's death." The image of Oona the mannequin in an electric chair flashed in my mind.
After he left, Arnold came back into his office. He was more sympathetic.
"I know you've been through a lot. I've spoken with the authorities, who will contact Ashley's family. You have to be aware that that there could be some disciplinary action. The dean was, well, very pissed off. Expect to meet with him soon. You can go." He opened the door for us.
I waited until the others had left, then said, "Arnold. I was the one who came up with the idea. If there is anyone who deserves the blame, it's me. I don't want my friends to be expelled."
He laughed softly. "Molly, I doubt any of you will be expelled. It was a stupid prank that led to a senseless death. And what you did upstairs was remarkable. We are fortunate that you kept your cool and administered CPR while your friends were in meltdown. You tried, and that's what matters. You showed great strength in a crisis. I couldn't have been as calm as you."
"Thank you, Arnold."
He patted my back as I left. On the elevator, I thought about my actions. I was sure that there were others who would have done the same thing. Nonna certainly.
Ashley was a bitch. Obtaining the cyanide from Mr. Scarfone, the mobster friend of my grandmother's, was easy. And no one would ever know the real cause of Ashley's death. She had confided to me about her heart condition, Long QT syndrome, which is passed on genetically and might some day cause her to drop dead.
Her family, being very religious, was staunchly opposed to autopsies. One of the perks of being a sociopath is that you learn how to easily gather necessary information by manipulating people, using their weaknesses to your advantage. Ironically, Ashley and I had something in common - a genetic inheritance; of course mine was more useful. It wouldn't kill me.
Nonna was always saying that she would do anything for her "precious granddaughter," so when I asked her to bake the special cookies during our phone call, she said, "Sure mia bambina. What's one more ingredient? Not a problem." Being just like me, she understood my needs.
Once in my room, I would call to thank her, and remark on the effective wording in her note. She would be happy to know that Ashley had died for her sins and was now resting in peace. I would tell her, too, that the chocolate chip cookies were a perfect hit.
Labels: criminal stories, James Mulhern, long stories Posted by Charlie Fish at 8:00 AM
This was quite a journey .... initially as a reader I identified strongly with Molly and her antipathy towards the woeful Ashley. The carefully paced and gradual unveiling of Molly's true character and impulses, with the
final evil climax, therefore packed a double punch. I also liked the juxtaposition of unlikely realities e.g. Nonna as an archetypal devoted and loving grandmother and yet someone who could be an accessory to murder without compunction. You fine tuned a number of dissonant hints in the course of the narrative e.g. Ashley's truthful admission that she wishes that she had a body like Molly's (thus presenting her as vulnerable and as a sympathetic character in a way that we had not seen her before) - but then leading back to the previous assumptions about her: these devices added to the complexity and power of the story. All in all a brilliant depiction of a 'charming psychopath' - many are found in the prison system and they are often intelligent, charismatic people who present as well functioning - until their cover is blown - and even then they will have their defenders who will swear that people have misjudged them (metaphorically and literally in terms of their crimes). Well done and thank you,
An utterly compelling read! I took an instant dislike to Molly because of my probably over-righteous reaction to the intrusion on Ashley's photograph. Though Ashley is defensive and priggish I was already investing time in feeling sorry for her. I naively expected that the outcome would be a redeeming of the situation, that hidden warmth would be revealed in the conflicting personalities, and that they would end the best of friends. So convinced of this psychology was I that I failed to pick up any of the clues in the narrative. The first inkling I had of foul play was the hint of nail varnish remover on Ashley's breath. I think the police would have been more hip, Ashley's family's aversion to autopsies too much of a coincidence...no the strength of this story for me - and what gives it its eminent readability - is the dialogue between the teens. That gauche 18 yr-old testing, probing, provoking, is chillingly acted out with skill!
A wonderful diabolical story with a surprising twist.
Wow, I did not see that ending coming! Great character building and plot. See echoes of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" with the jester cap and even some of the description and dialogue, and of course, the narrator.
Very well crafted and thought out. Thank you.
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Profit margins for both cattle feeders and beef packers declined last week, with feeders maintaining a slight edge. Feedyard closeouts dipped $22 per head to $82, while packer margins fell $21 per head to $66, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.
For the week ending Jan. 18, cash cattle sold for an average of $124 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $211.60. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.
A year ago cattle feeders were earning an average of $171 per head. Feeder cattle represent 71% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 72% a year ago.
Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins improve $1 per head, but still saw losses of $11. Lean carcass prices traded at $53.91 per cwt., $0.85 per cwt. better than the previous week, and $7.20 better than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were a positive $30 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a profit of $25 per head last week.
Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2018 will average $162 per cow. That would be steady compared to the $164 estimated average profit for 2017. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.
For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $41 per head in 2019, which would be $17 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $159 per head in 2019, about $10 less than in 2018.
For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $2 pere head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $22 per head in 2019, about $2 more than the $20 per head profits of 2018.


Paul brings 24 years of experience to his position as partner at TSG Financial. In addition to his career-long involvement in Employee Benefits, Corporate and Personal Financial Planning and individual insurance, he coordinates the TSG Financial Group Benefits practice, our employee benefit specialty practice group. The TSG Financial Group Benefits practice specializes in employee benefit program design, consult and implementation. Paul also holds the prestigious Certified Financial Planner, designation from the CFP board in Washington, DC as well as Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Paul, along with Bryan Pendrick, also chair TSG Financial's Homecare Specialty Group, providing employee benefit design an consulting services to the home health care industry.
Paul, his wife, Lynn, and their three sons reside in Dix Hills, NY. Paul is very active in many charitable, educational, athletic and religious organizations.