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Day 1145: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
November 2, 2017 November 2, 2017 whatmeread3 Comments
By the Pricking of My Thumbs is one of the books I read for the 1968 Club. It is one of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence novels.
Tommy and Tuppence are a witty and urbane middle-aged couple who used to be involved in some sort of secret service organization. The novel begins with a visit to Tommy's Aunt Ada at a retirement home, where Tuppence makes the acquaintance of a Mrs. Lancaster. Mrs. Lancaster asks Tuppence if it was her child and talks about a child hidden behind a fireplace.
After Aunt Ada dies a few weeks later, Tuppence asks after Mrs. Lancaster only to learn that she was abruptly removed from the home. Before she left, she gave Aunt Ada a painting of a house that seems familiar to Tuppence, and she uses the excuse of trying to return the painting to find Mrs. Lancaster. For some reason, she fears that the woman is in danger.
Tommy is away at a conference when Tuppence begins trying to track down Mrs. Lancaster. The address left for her at the retirement home is a hotel, which has no record of her. All inquiries seem to dead end, so Tuppence begins looking for the house.
Although Tommy and Tuppence are vibrant, I did not feel that the other characters showed Christie's usual talent for adroit characterization. Even though they eventually connected, the two strands that the investigation uncovers make the novel overly complicated. I could have done without the crime syndicate angle and thought it was unnecessary to the story. Besides, the other thread was much more chilling. Still, I enjoyed reading this Tommy and Tuppence novel.
Other Books for the 1968 Club
Aside from the reviews I've published this week, here's a list of other books published in 1968 that I previously reviewed:
The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough
Below Stairs by Margaret Powell
Appointment with Death
At Bertram's Hotel
#1968Club, Agatha Christie, By the Pricking of My Thumbs, challenges, crime fiction, England, Golden Age mysteries, mysteries, the 1968 Club, Tommy and Tuppence
Day 1144: The Victorian Chaise-Longue
October 31, 2017 October 3, 2018 whatmeread4 Comments
The Victorian Chaise-Longue is a short little tale of the macabre in honor of the season. Its plot is simple.
Wealthy Melanie Langdon is recovering from tuberculosis, complicated by recent child birth. When she is finally recovered enough, she is carried to lie on a Victorian chaise-longue that she bought in an antique store. There she falls asleep.
When Melanie awakens, she has returned to Victorian times and is locked in a Victorian body. When she is alarmed at her situation, she is thought to be hysterical.
I did not find the novel terrifying, but perhaps that is my own lack of imagination. I felt I needed to care for the character more before she was put in her dilemma. I understand from the introduction that Laski moved to a remote house to induce in herself a sense of fear, just to write this novel.
This is the final book I read for the R.I.P. challenge. Happy Halloween!
Sleep, Pale Sister
The Solitary House
The Sleep Room
challenges, classics, England, ghost stories, gothic tales, Marghanita Laski, Persephone Press reprints, R.I.P. challenge, The Victorian Chaise-Longue
Day 1143: Cousin Kate
October 30, 2017 November 2, 2017 whatmeread9 Comments
Cousin Kate was one of the novels that I could read for the 1968 Club, during which we read books for the year chosen. Since I love Georgette Heyer, I was delighted to reread it.
Heyer's Regency romances usually fit into one of two categories—straight romance or romantic suspense—both laced with humor and wit. Cousin Kate fits in the latter category.
Kate Malvern returns with some dismay to the home of her nurse, Sarah Nidd. She has lost her position as governess, because her employer's brother made an offer of marriage. As she continues looking for a new position, she realizes her lack of success is due to both her lack of credentials and her good looks. She begins to talk wildly of taking a job as an abigail or a seamstress.
Kate's mother's family cut her mother off when she married Kate's ramshackle father. But Kate's father had a half-sister whom Kate has not met, Lady Broome. Unbeknownst to Kate, Sarah writes to Lady Broome hoping she will offer Kate a home.
She does, but shortly after arriving at the stately Staplewood, Kate realizes it is not a happy home. Sir Timothy is in frail health and lives in his own wing. Nineteen-year-old Torquil is also subject to headaches and extremely volatile in his behavior. He is constantly attended by either his man, Badger, or Dr. Delabole. Lady Broome claims to have work for Kate, but the household runs smoothly, and Kate, used to being active, is soon bored. Lady Broome also showers her with gifts, which makes her uncomfortable.
Sir Timothy's nephew, Philip, arrives. At first, he seems disdainful of her, but soon he is urging her to leave. She does not see how she can do so without seeming ungrateful and hopes there will be something she can do for Lady Broome. Little does she know that there is.
As I've gotten older, I've appreciated the truly silly humor of some of Heyer's funnier novels most. So, Cousin Kate is not one of my favorites. That being said, it still features an engaging heroine, witty dialogue, and an interesting plot. It is hard to go wrong with Heyer for a light, cozy read.
Sylvester, or The Wicked Uncle
The Convenient Marriage
Friday's Child
#1968Club, 19th century, challenges, Cousin Kate, England, Georgette Heyer, historical fiction, Regency, romantic suspense, the 1968 Club
Day 1141: The Moonstone
October 24, 2017 July 29, 2019 whatmeread4 Comments
Best Book of Five!
Although the first mystery stories are credited to Edgar Allen Poe, The Moonstone is widely regarded as the first ever mystery novel. It is not a murder mystery (although it includes a murder), but is instead about the mysterious disappearance of a valuable diamond.
Rachel Verinder inherits the moonstone from her uncle on her 19th birthday. Since the diamond was ruthlessly stolen by her uncle in India and is rumored to be cursed, this gift is meant maliciously, because Rachel's mother wouldn't have anything to do with him.
Rachel's cousin Franklin Blake acts as courier of the diamond, and only his decision to travel early, we learn later, may have saved his life while the stone is in his possession. The Verinder's house is visited twice by three mysterious Indians.
The night of Rachel's birthday dinner, the moonstone disappears from a cabinet in her sitting room. Rachel's subsequent behavior is inexplicable. She declines to be interviewed by investigators trying to find the diamond and is uncommonly offended by Franklin's attempts to help solve the mystery.
A house maid named Rosanne seems to be involved in some way in the crime. But perhaps she is being unfairly judged, as she has a criminal past and is trying to reform.
The Woman in White is certainly Wilkie Collins's most famous novel, but The Moonstone has always been my favorite. An epistomological novel, it is made vibrant by the distinctive and sometimes amusing voices of the various characters, who are requested to submit their testimonies of events. I especially enjoy the sections written by Gabriel Betteridge, the house steward with a fascination for Robinson Crusoe.
This reread for my Classics Club list has not changed my opinion. The Moonstone has a complicated, but not absurdly so, plot and an exotic element. Although it occasionally contains comments, especially about women and Indians, that are no longer politically correct, they reflect the novel's time and the attitudes of the narrators.
P. S., I am also reading this for the R.I.P. challenge.
Diana Tempest
19th century, challenges, classics, England, mysteries, R.I.P. challenge, sensation fiction, The Moonstone, Victorian literature, Wilkie Collins
A New Project, the James Tait Black Memorial Prize Shortlist
In the most recent Tea or Books? podcast, Simon and Rachel discussed whether they were less or more likely to read a book because it had won a literary prize. This was an interesting topic to me, because as you may know, I am working on two projects to read the shortlists of the Man Booker prize and the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction starting in 2010. Although I never used to read a book because it won a prize, I personally have found, despite some disappointments, that reading the shortlisted books has helped me by raising the quality of the books I read in general. I agree with Simon and Rachel, though, that the book winning the prize is not necessarily the best one in the shortlist.
During the course of this conversation, Simon mentioned the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, which is one of the oldest literary prizes in Britain and is given by the University of Edinburgh. (I hadn't heard of it.) He said that he felt as if the books chosen for that shortlist more adequately represented what people were actually reading. That led me to take a look at the shortlist for that prize, and I decided that, nuts as it may seem, I would add the shortlist for that prize, just the fiction portion of it, to my projects, beginning in 2010 as I have done with the others.
So, here are the books that I have challenged myself to read. The winners are indicated in red (or purple, if there is a link to my review). It helps that I have already read half a dozen of them. I will transfer this information to a page where I can keep track of my progress. (Note that, depending on where you look for a list, there is some difference of opinion on the numbering of the years. I have chosen to follow the numbering that the prize itself uses.)
Strangers by Anita Brookner
The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt
Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Selected Works of T. S. Spivett by Reif Larsen
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell
La Rochelle by Michael Nath
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
Solace by Belinda McKeon
Snowdrops by A. D. Miller
You and I by Padgett Powell
There But For The by Ali Smith
The Panopticon by Jenny Fagan
The Big Music by Kirsty Gun
Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner
The Deadman's Pedal by Alan Warren
Harvest by Jim Crace
Benediction by Kent Haruf
The Flame Throwers by Rachel Kushner
All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld
Dear Thief by Samantha Harvey
Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson
In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman
We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas
Beatlebone by Kevin Barry
The Wolf Border by Sarah Hall
The First Bad Man by Miranda July
You Don't Have to Live Like This by Benjamin Markovits
A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker
What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
The Lesser Bohemians by Eimer McBridge
The Sport of Kings by C. E. Morgan
book lists, challenges, James Tait Black prize, James Tait Black shortlist project
Day 1135: Death Among Friends
October 5, 2017 October 5, 2017 whatmereadLeave a comment
Death Among Friends is a much more typical Elizabeth Cadell novel than the last one I read, Consider the Lilies. Here is her trademark humor, a likable heroine, and a couple of eccentrics, in this case Madame, the heroine's employer, and James, her nephew. Also, a mystery rounds off the plot.
Eighteen months ago, Alison was jilted nearly at the altar. She left her home in Edinburgh and got a job in London, working for Madame as her companion/secretary. Now, her past is coming after her. James Maitland, Madame's nephew, is preparing a play written by Madame's brother for production in Edinburgh. The well-known producer, Neil Paterson, wants to produce it, and he wants Eden Croft to take the lead.
The problem is that Eden is Alison's ex-fiancé and is now married to Alison's godmother's daughter, Margaret, whom she grew up with. Because Madame has delegated Alison to help James, she is forced to interact almost daily with the cast of the play, and with Margaret and Neil.
Although she has always disliked Neil and blames him for the break-up of her engagement, Alison is surprised to find him asking her out. When Eden tries to get her back, she is relieved to find she has no difficulty in brushing him off.
But as the group prepares for and begins their trip to Edinburgh, accidents start to happen to Alison. When she leans over a banister to call the cook, it collapses, and she is only saved because the cook moved a sofa to a position under the stairs. When she is driving down a steep hill at a B&B, her brakes give way, and only because she gave a young man a lift is she saved from going over a cliff. Later, when the travelers stop for lunch, an old man is killed because a rock knocks him off a cliff, where Alison was standing moments before.
Alison slowly realizes that someone is trying to kill her. But why? And who?
This was an enjoyable light read, as I usually expect from Cadell. It is another book for R.I.P.
On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service
challenges, Death Among Friends, Elizabeth Cadell, humor, London, mysteries, R.I.P. challenge
Day 1129: Consider the Lilies
September 19, 2017 September 19, 2017 whatmereadLeave a comment
While I was looking for a cover image for Money to Burn, I noticed that someone has been republishing Elizabeth Cadell's novels (with horrible covers) and that there were several I'd never heard of. I went ahead and ordered three. This is the first one.
I have long read Cadell's novels when I wanted something very light and funny. In general, they are mild romances with good dialogue, a touch of mystery, and a plethora of eccentric characters. Often they take place in a family setting.
A writer who produced more than 50 books from the 1940's through the 1980's, Cadell did not always produce work that was uniformly good. Unfortunately, Consider the Lilies, which she published as Harriet Ainsworth, is not one of her best. This novel is a murder mystery, which is unusual for Cadell.
Caroline is visiting her sister Kathryn and family for Easter when the vicar's sister, Miss Burnley, asks Kathryn to do her a favor by asking Mrs. Lauder to donate some lilies for the Easter service. Mrs. Lauder has loads of lilies, but she has never been known to donate any or to give anything else, for that matter. Kathryn, however, is the only person from the village that Mrs. Lauder will receive, so Kathryn goes, taking Caroline with her. Mrs. Lauder, a wheelchair-bound invalid who is nasty to all, refuses.
Guy and Kathryn Heywood receive a surprising visit from Miss Parry, Mrs. Lauder's companion. She asks Guy to read a letter that she believes threatens Mrs. Lauder and wants advice for what to do about it. Guy suggests she do nothing, since the letter was not addressed to her, but to Mrs. Lauder, and is ambiguous.
Later, Miss Parry reports that the letter was stolen from her purse, and not too long after that, Mrs. Lauder is found dead. Her wheelchair appears to have slipped off the veranda and she fell out of it. But Inspector Avery Freeland seems to think the death is suspicious.
This novel is not a murder mystery in the sense that we follow the investigation very closely. Rather, it is about how the murder affects the Heywoods, who live next door. They are on hand to witness a few strange incidents, and they are shocked to find that two people in their household may know something. The novel is also not a proper mystery, because there is no way anyone could guess the culprit, who appears so slightly in the novel as to be almost unnoticeable.
Further, Cadell's trademark character development is lacking. We have very little sense of any of the characters, even the main ones. so, this book was a disappointment. This is the third book I read for the R.I.P. challenge.
This Rough Magic
challenges, classics, Consider the Lilies, Elizabeth Cadell, humor, mysteries, R.I.P. challenge, romance novels
Day 1126: The Unquiet Grave
September 12, 2017 September 12, 2017 whatmeread4 Comments
I have long admired several of Sharyn McCrumb's "ballad series" mysteries, novels based upon old Appalachian ballads, some of which have a chilling supernatural element. I thought that The Unquiet Grave might be one of these, but instead it is more closely related to her The Ballad of Tom Dooley, which I thought had severe flaws.
The Unquiet Grave, like The Ballad of Tom Dooley, is about a true crime, in which Edward Shue was accused of murdering his wife, Zona, in 1897. The story of this incident, narrated by Zona's mother, Mary Jane Heaster, alternates with the narrative by attorney James P. D. Gardner, the resident in 1930 of a mental asylum. How these stories are connected isn't explained until about halfway through the novel.
It is when Gardner starts telling his doctor about the case that the story began to lose me. For almost immediately, he maunders off into long stories about his boss at the time of the trial, Shue's defending attorney, Dr. Rucker. I am sure that McCrumb's intention, both in this novel and in Tom Dooley, is to tell colorful stories about the region, but the fault in both of these novels is that she gets readers interested in one story only to invoke the wandering memories of some old man, going off in twenty different directions.
I did not have the patience for this, so I gave Gardner's section about 20 pages of time to get back on the subject. When he didn't, having read more than half the book, I quit reading. I sympathize with what McCrumb is trying to do, trying to invoke the story-telling of an old man who knows a lot of local history, but she lost me twice using this same technique. I think she needs to find a better angle into these true stories of West Virginia.
This is the second book I read for the R.I.P. challenge.
The Ballad of Tom Dooley
Burial Rites
19th century, challenges, historical fiction, R.I.P. challenge, Sharyn McCrumb, The Unquiet Grave, West Virginia
Day 1124: The Ivy Tree
September 5, 2017 September 5, 2017 whatmeread6 Comments
The Ivy Tree is the first book I'm reading for R.I.P.
Mary Grey is a Canadian who has recently moved to Northumberland when she encounters Connor Winslow on the Roman Wall. Connor mistakes her for his long-lost cousin Annabelle and seems so angry to see her that Mary is frightened. She has some difficulty convincing him of his mistake.
Later, Connor's half-sister Lisa locates Mary at her workplace in Newcastle. Connor and Lisa want Mary to impersonate Annabelle to help insure that Con will inherit the family farm, Whitescar, from his great-uncle Matthew, who is in poor health. If Mary as Annabelle inherits the farm, she will give it to Con in exchange for a small income that will save her from poverty.
Mary agrees to the job because it doesn't seem as if it will hurt anyone. The only other interested party, Annabelle's cousin Julie, views the farm simply as a holiday home. But the impersonation may turn out to be more difficult than anticiapted, for Annabelle had her secrets. And Mary has some, too.
I have long been a huge fan of Mary Stewart. Recently, I turned a friend on to her, and our discussions made me eager for a Stewart fix. The Ivy Tree is one of her best, particularly because, on reread, when you understand a secret of the plot, almost every scene in the novel turns out to have a double meaning.
Stewart is known for her convincing characters and her gorgeous descriptions of the setting. This novel is lush with descriptions of the plants and rural geography of Northumbria. It has a great plot and is truly suspenseful. If you have never read anything by Mary Stewart, I can't recommend her highly enough, particularly those of her novels written before the 1980's and her Merlin series.
Wildfire at Midnight
Touch Not the Cat
challenges, England, Mary Stewart, Northumberland, romantic suspense, The Ivy Tree, thrillers
I haven't ever participated in R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril before, but I saw a post about it on Helen's She Reads Novels page, so I took a look at my future posts. The object of the challenge is for people to read books in the following genres during September and October:
It looks like I have plenty of mysteries on my schedule, and I may be able to come up with something in the other genres as well, so I think it will be fun to participate. You can look at the pages of the hosts, Estella's Revenge and My Capricious Life for more information if you are planning to participate.
I think I'll be participating at the Peril the First level, which means I must read four books from these genres in the next two months. If you're familiar with my blog, you know that will not be a problem for me. I will be reading at least four of the following novels:
The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart (suspense)
The Unquiet Grave by Sharyn McCrumb (mystery)
Consider the Lilies and Death Among Friends by Elizabeth Cadell (suspense)
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (mystery)
The Victorian Chaise Lounge by Marghanita Laski (gothic and supernatural)
My Darling Detective by Howard Norman (mystery)
book lists, challenges, Readers Imbibing Peril


Grainger and I have four days left before we see Matt after a Drillers 12-day road trip!! WHOOP!
As much as I miss being with Matt and going to watch him play, I have to be honest the break has been kind of nice. I didn't realize how these 12 days where going to give me much needed time to just slow down.
I love living life go, go, go all the time. And that is definitely what this baseball life entails. But it's always nice to step back and breathe.
This long road trip I've been able to put a lot of time into things I really enjoy doing. I always make sure I do things I enjoy, but with baseball and a job, I don't put in as much time as I would like. And I'm perfectly OK with that.
My job is really the only thing that kept in Tulsa during the 12-days. All of the other wives I know went home, and I was a little bit jealous at first!
After work, I come back to apartment have lunch, work on some writing and read. Right now, I'm reading Stuart Scott's Every Day I Fight. So inspiring. I'm almost finished and will probably start reading Manning: A Father, His Sons and a Football Legacy by Archie and Peyton. Yes, I read other books that aren't sports related but not too often. I go through phases of what I'm in the mood to read. I've also read a ton of devotions the past few days.
About midafternoon, I'll take Grainger to her favorite place in Tulsa…the dog park.
I've been able to attend several spin (cycling) classes. Spin would definitely be my top choice for a workout, but the classes fall when I'm working or too close to game time.
The rest of my night (that is usually spent at the field) involves reading and writing some more, making/eating dinner, watching Matt's game on the computer and watching Netflix. Right now, I love and am hooked on Last Chance U. Seriously, go watch it.
Matt and I will FaceTime or have a quick phone call each day or if he is busy (or I'm half asleep after the game) we will just text, but we usually don't go two days without FaceTime or phone call.
Another brilliant thing I did was make chicken chili in the crockpot the day after Matt left, so if I don't feel like cooking or work a double, I have plenty of leftovers to eat.
This post is probably boring to a lot of you, and if you're still reading, thank you!
The main thing that I think is important in this post is when life slows down take the opportunity to do a lot of the things you enjoy, reset, be motivated and inspired for when it speeds back up!
See you soon, Matty B and ONEOK Field!
I can imagine it's hard being newlyweds and being apart, my husband is a fireman and is gone 24/7 every 3rd day!
Never fun for us. But definitely agree to use that time to take care of yourself!! So happy he is doing well in the game!!! Hope to see y'all next season down here!!


Mrs Isabelle Jean Baker is a Health Practitioners - Nurse licensed to practice in Australia. The address on file for Mrs Isabelle Jean Baker is GOONELLABAH 2480. This health professional license is current. The license was granted 04/17/1975 and expired on 05/31/2016.
Are you familiar with Mrs Isabelle Jean Baker's work?


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Browsing Tag: Qantas
Farewell Old Girl? Is the Sun Setting on the QANTAS Boeing 747, Thanks to Covid-19?
A beautiful Qantas Boeing 747-400 – Photo: Owen Zupp
This is a guest post written by Owen Zupp, who has previously written a few great stories on AirlineReporter. Zupp's background ranges from charter work and flight instruction to ferry flights, flight testing, and he has served as both a Chief Pilot and Chief Flying Instructor. With over 25 years in airline operations, Owen has flown both domestically and across the globe from his Australian base. He holds a Masters Degree in Aviation Management and his writings on aviation have been published around the world and received various accolades and awards. He is also just a cool guy! -Editor
When it comes to the QANTAS Boeing 747, as the Beatles famously sang, 'œI heard the news, today. Oh boy!' '¦. although not officially. There may be life in the old girl yet.
The news broadcasts were showing footage of the 'œQueen of the Skies' making a flypast of Sydney Harbour, proclaiming that it was the final commercial service for the 747 in QANTAS colors. Meanwhile, my website and phone were bombarded with a common theme, 'œIs it true?' To be honest, I believe that it is highly likely, although I am yet to see an official announcement.
Since the commencement of the Stand Down, I have doubted whether the QANTAS 747 would return into commercial operations when the pandemic has passed. It has been a fine servant to the airways and all that it has safely conveyed, however, its planned retirement was well underway, before Covid-19 ever took its vile grip on the world. Still, there is no official statement to say that the 747 has retired from commercial service with QANTAS. Even so, it seems an opportune time to reflect on 'the Queen", as she is set to be on the ground for the time being.
Boeing 747. Queen of the Skies. Bound for Antarctica.
What a view! – Photo: Owen Zupp
This is a guest post written by Owen Zupp, who has previously written a few great stories on AirlineReporter. Today, he is sharing some parts of his new book, Boeing 747. Queen of the Skies: Reflections from the Flight Deck (we get no kick-back from the book, just want to share some cool AvGeekness — yes, that is now a thing). Zupp's background ranges from charter work and flight instruction to ferry flights, flight testing, and the airlines. He has also served as both a Chief Pilot and Chief Flying Instructor. With 20 years in airline operations, Owen has flown both domestically and across the globe from his Australian base. He holds a Masters Degree in Aviation Management and his writings on aviation have been published around the world and received various accolades and awards. He is also just a cool guy! -Editor
To many, the Boeing 747 is more than merely a means of air travel. Affectionately called the 'œQueen of the Skies', its arrival transformed the globe and over more than half a century it has carved its own niche in the history of aviation.
Its significance was recently impressed upon me by the number of queries I have received, both in person and via my website, that relate to the Boeing 747. Even though my career has seen me operate a hundred different types – the 'œQueen' continues to consume the lion's share of interest.
I have been fortunate in that as an airline pilot and aviation writer, I have been privy to some very interesting 747 operations. From flying over the Antarctica to ferrying a fifth engine beneath the wing, I have been able to research and share a range of experiences.
As a consequence, I thought it was time to put these stories together in one place and the title, 'œBoeing 747 – Queen of the Skies. Reflections from the Flight Deck' was born.
What follows is an excerpt from the title. It relates to the chapter, 'œMagnificent Desolation', which saw a Boeing 747-400ER venture southward to the frozen continent of Antarctica.
First Class Adventures on a Qantas Airbus A380
By Colin Cook
I recently shared my story of flying Qantas economy, premium economy, and business class cabins. Today, we cover the first class experience.
A Qantas A380 being towed in Sydney – Photo: Colin Cook
When my girlfriend Molly and I first started planning our trip to Australia, I was skeptical that we would find any award availability in a premium cabin. With flights from the west coast to Australia averaging 15+ hours, premium cabin awards are extremely difficult to find, especially for more than one seat. During the several weeks that I searched, I rarely found any coach availability on desirable flights, and no premium cabin award space at all. Finally, one fateful Saturday afternoon, I hit the jackpot. I found two seats in First Class on Qantas, using Alaska Airlines miles. Score!
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The world looks down on people who are not financially stable. Circumstances may have forced you to file for bankruptcy. A drastic transformation affects people mentally knowing that they don't have the means to live a luxurious life anymore.
Poverty levels keep on increasing every day as more people find themselves stuck in this hole. While some people have low paying jobs, others have failing businesses that affect their investment leaving them to strain financially. This situation causes depression in people with enormous responsibilities and leaves uncertainty in them. How then should you handle such a situation? Find out more!
With so many bills to settle, it is hard to plan for tomorrow when you don't have enough for today. Lack of a good idea may have led you to this current situation. Things may not be looking bright today but concentrating on the future will help you feel less stressed. Avoid regrets by blaming yourself for the mistakes that may have made you bankrupt. Such thoughts will not change the situation, instead, take it as a temporary phase of life that will pass. Continue hoping for better days and motivate yourself every new day.
Whether you were raised in a humble background or became suddenly broke, understand your abilities. Accept what you don't have control over and change what you can. Being born poor does not mean that you can't make something meaningful out of your life. If you feel guilty of not managing your finances well, learn to forgive yourself and move on. Declare positive thoughts to yourself and find better ways of managing your money.
Do not allow people to put you down based on your financial constraints. Stay close to family and friends to avoid feeling miserable. Let them support you both physically and mentally by assuring you of brighter days. Your friend can give you a loan to start over or an idea to help you pick up the pieces. Reliable friends help reduce anxiety during tough times.
Fighting anxiety caused by lack of finances requires healthy habits that give you the energy to remain strong. Do not add yourself the burden of falling ill just because you are not eating due to stress. Some people try to hide the frustration in alcohol with the limited resources that they have. This puts them in more financial difficulties as they prioritize drugs instead of bills. Help such a person by referring them to Durango drug and alcohol rehab centers for them to get handle their drug problem.
This is the time to avoid shopping excessively so that you don't waste money. Avoid spending everything buying new stuff when you can easily repair them. Save as much as you can by avoiding luxuries at this point even if you are used to such a lifestyle. Accept that times have changed so that you can spend less on unnecessary items.
When out for shopping learn how to negotiate on prices without settling on the highest priced item. Remember that the point is to save as much as you can. Be the window shopper that compares prices before paying for something. You can always check out items on sale or discounted items to avoid overspending.
Ensure that you come up with a shopping list before heading to the supermarket. This enables you to differentiate your needs and wants so that you can prioritize well. Consider the venue for your shopping and choose one that offers standard prices to avoid overspending.
Thankfully, gatherings such as the Church and other shelters have come up with ways to help people financially unstable. Accept help from such organizations that are ready to provide you with cheap food if you are struggling. Check out the community dinners that they offer on a weekly basis to help you fend for your family. In case you are a housewife with a newborn, enroll in programs such as Women, infants and children benefit from your local state. Such a program offers food such as cereal and milk for children for infants.
Sometimes, situations call for us to live within our means. To avoid more financial risks, come up with a budget that lays out your income versus expenses. Include all your family members in this budget so that you can gauge how much each person spends on a daily basis against how much they may be earning. Gauge if the expenses are higher than the incomes in the households and find ways to cut down on unnecessary stuff. Have an honest talk with your family members and let them understand the situation at hand. This reduces frustration from those who may feel unfairly treated.
Instead of depending on your job, find a part-time task that you can do during free hours such as a weekend so that you can make more. You can also do something extra at your workplace. For instance, ask for extra hours that come with overtime if you have fewer responsibilities at home. It may be the time to request a raise in salary in case you have been giving your best at your job and have been there for years.
Alternatively, you can start writing brief articles for pay when you are free at work. Take advantage of the Wi-Fi in the office to promote your clothing designs online and distribute them after working hours. This will make you more income, and you won't have to strain until end month to receive your salary.
You may love what you do, but if it is not adding value to your finances, it is time you looked for a better paying job. Sometimes staying loyal to a company that does not promote you or raise your salary may leave you feeling frustrated. Always look for better job opportunities so that you can start saving to help your family in the financial crisis.
Sometimes, being broke is inevitable. Do not let it affect your mental stability because there is no permanent situation in life. Find better ways of handling the situation at hand as you hope for a better future.Do not let anyone put you down based on your bank account balance.


text:
cikko's lair
my blog, my rules…
The Okro Files
Category Archives: Musings
Lagos Girl
Posted by cikk0
I am not a Lagos girl. Zinny now is and this post is from her. NOT ME. I REPEAT, NOT ME!!!
I am a Calabar girl, born and bred. I thought I'd always be a Calabar girl… until Lagos.
I was raised every inch a lady. How to walk, how to sit, the proper decibels at which to speak given the occasion, how to observe other people's personal space, whether standing or sitting, how to observe rules of polite behaviour when speaking, like 'please', 'excuse me', 'may I?', 'sorry', etc. These all formed part of my home training growing up, at a time when formal etiquette schools had yet to make their entrance. And about the only abusive term I was allowed use of was 'you are silly'. My dad was that particular! So it was that I blossomed into a lovely young lady who observed etiquette and frankly could not understand it when others wouldn't.
This, until I was thrown into the cesspool that is Lagos… Thrown, because I was unprepared. Imagine my horror and utter confusion to find that everything which formed the basis of great relationships and a structured society was upended. I was introduced to a society where everything unacceptable is the norm. Even worse, unacceptable is considered cool. Death rides with conductors hanging out of buses whilst speeding through Third Mainland Bridge. Who does that?! Why would you want to do that?! Jumping out of buses that are still in motion. What are you trying to prove? That you are death proof? So was Humpty Dumpty…until he fell.
Lagos is the stuff nightmares are made of. For the longest time, going out was daunting. Why, oh why is everyone soooo angry and suspicious? And where are you all running to? Really! Sir, do please, pretty please, tone down your voice. We are perfectly capable of hearing you – thanks to the two ears the creator planted on our heads. And you might as well lose the viciousness while at it: some things are not worth the hypertension. Errrrrr, Oga, we want to go to heaven in our own good time; no point driving as if hell's own hounds are giving chase. Ha! If only I knew I was practically alone in thinking this.
Gotta say, Lagos has done a number on me. How do I know this? I'm numb to most of the things that used to make my hair stand on end. Progress, huh? I think so too.
In Calabar, I would go to bed to the occasional bark of a dog and soft music playing in the background. Now I go to bed to the sound of blaring horns, screaming tires and humans who want to prove to each other that they know more abuses in the Yoruba language, and this at roaring volumes expected only in tunnels, so those of us who have nothing to do would be held captive. As it turns out, this is now music to my ears. As it plays on, I sleep on.
In Cally, I would awaken every morning to birds chirping, tweeting in the trees outside my room and the crunch of farmers' boots on the way to their farms. Now I wake up at what is internationally recognised as an ungodly hour -4 A.M.- thanks to the loudspeaker in the mosque which is situated on the street directly across my house. During Ramadan, I am woken up at least three times a night by that darned gramophone. Oh who cares? I'm alive and it's a new day, thank you Jesus!
One of my best features was my catwalk: a measured, somewhat seductive way of moving my hips in time to my feet. It was, if I say so myself, musical and paced just right. I am what people call shapely and my gait helped emphasize that. But noooooooooo, Lagos said it was snail pace and utterly unnecessary, when my job description did not read 'model'. Buses zoomed off before I got to the spot where they had been standing. Conductors cursed and jeered. So I learned to gallop. It's a cross between walking and running. Forget seductive, forget beauty. I need to get to where I'm going and do so in time. What's the point of pacing yourself just so if it is lost on everyone?
In secondary school, in Calabar of course, we used to eat to time. If you hadn't finished when the bell went off, you had to chuck your food. I was that girl who stood at the bins after every meal throwing away half my food because I couldn't rush eating. There were times when students engaged in what was called massacre. They would rush at the servers with giant bowls and cart away huge quantities of food or an entire pot of meat or fish. The servers would be helpless to do anything because they were few and we were many and there were no prefects to bring order to the chaos. Even in those dire times, I would stand back and watch because I did not have the capacity for such violence. I was too ladylike for such extremities! I would be mauled! Not anymore. Now, when there's scarcity of transport here in Lagos, I find myself rushing with the spring of an accomplished acrobat and the menace of a wild animal.
And don't ask me what I do to my food.
Temperament wise, I have always called myself a melancholic. I won't speak unless I need to. I enjoy my own company. I'm mellow and soft spoken; aggressive only when arguing a point (and that you can blame on my profession: Law). That's all in the past now. I have undergone a whole personality change. I don't remember what bedroom tones sound like. I scream at conductors with gusto. I am brash for no reason. I speak pidgin like an upcoming Warri babe. I even think in pidgin now (scary!). I tend to get bored of my company too soon. I look at me sometimes and I don't recognize me. LAGOS!!!
Lagos is not just a place, it is a culture; an identity; a frame of reference. Lasgidi. Lagosian. It is an identity a lot hold dear and beat their chests loudly to in proclamation. It is an identity I loathe and embrace in equal parts. Think about it, what does Lagosian mean? It means one is tough, ready and able to do the necessary to achieve success, even if that means exerting grievous effort or taking on the lowliest of jobs. It means one is acclimated to traffic and its accompanying exhaustion and yet can still rise before cocks crow the next day headed for new traffic. It means one is aggressive enough to stand up to touts and their ilk and the quickest to head off in the opposite direction if a rape, beating, theft or murder is taking place. It means one can spot a cheat a mile off and never misses an opportunity to make an extra buck. It means one can live in filth without flinching. It means clubbing and working are one and the same and aso-ebis would never leave the no.1 spot on 'trending'. It means strangers and beggars deserve the same treatment: ignore.
Lagos, the owners claim, is survived by only the fittest. Well, I have survived two years and counting and intend to do so until hubby dearest whisks me off to a destination island where we would spend the rest of our days. Come quickly honey, for although I am surviving considerably, the tell-tale signs are beginning to show. You see, all hustle and no fun, and there you have it – the perfect recipe for aging.
I just found my new tagline…
Lagos: Age Quickly.
Posted in Funny, Musings
Tags: lagos, lasgidi, zinny
Pooping Green Stuff (2)
Please look up the first one before you read on….
Our leaders should have figured out by now that the easiest way to unite this country is sports. More specifically, football. We just LOOVE us some soccer. I'll start where I have more vested interest: Nigeria's women footballers rock! They show unrivalled commitment to the cause unlike our men. Especially at youth level where they recently got to their first finals in any FIFA-organized tournament. The Germans were even lucky to have won us. Hmph!
In 1994, Nigeria's men qualified for her first World Cup. The gender placement of nations as female always cracks me up at times like these considering said World Cup was an all-male affair. But oh well… USA '94 was a blast though. A real blast – though I heard Argentina did ojoro on their way to defeating us. Maradona just had to get high, didn't he? And who says I can't say ojoro where I want? There's no better way to describe what he did jare. What? Certainly if ojoro's allowed, jare can't be embargoed now, can it?
Anyway, speaking of jare and ojoro, we come to what I would want to describe as a high point in our growth as a people over the past 50 years – our pop culture.
It all generally starts from the music. Nigerian music has moved on over the years. In the past, we were good no doubt. What with all the Bongos Ikwes, Onyekas, Sunny Ades and Felas of the past generation. They set a pretty high bar and I think it is safe to say that the current crop has matched – if not surpassed – the accomplishments of the previous crew. If nothing else, we've gone global with it now. The world over, Nigerian music now has a face. And a sound. Thus, with regards to influencing pop-culture, things have gone a step further. And it has helped reinforce a sense of national identity especially with the youths. You're patiently waiting for me to illustrate, no? Well, think of the fact that these days most people say "naija" instead of Nigeria. In fact, we write it as "9ja." How cool is that?
Our movie industry isn't doing too badly. However, it's not doing great either. With the rise of more varying forms of media, came the unfortunate birth of widespread piracy and this has greatly limited the amount of financial risks filmmakers are willing to take. But we'll get there. At least I hope so.
Nigeria's biggest issue has to be power. Changing names from National Electric Power Authority to Power Holding Company of Nigeria hasn't equaled a change in output. Or stability. Power is still uncomfortably erratic. Nigerians are unbelievably tenacious I have to say.
And herein lies the one constant through the years: the people. Irrespective of the fact that Oprah devoted an episode of her show to make us look like a band of cyber-criminals, or the fact that the popular American filmmaker (Peter Jackson of "Jurrasic Park" fame) produced a movie depicting all our women as prostitutes (District 9), Nigerians have remained a mentally strong force. A people who thrive in thick and thin. Little wonder that the rest of the world finds it lucrative to poach our best brains off us.
So what's the solution to everything? Off the top of my head, prayer. Oodles of it. Aside from that, we really need to take responsibility and stop blaming everybody else: like the media, America, our colonial masters and religion. The time to act is now: action is the greatest present the present can present to the future. It is also the only solution to the errors of the past.
I'm going to be brutally honest: I wouldn't turn down the offer of a passport to a developed country (even if na to travel once) but I wouldn't give up my green one. Not for some other one, not for the world, not for anything…
A Proud Nigerian…
Me and My Women
I am now convinced that I am going to die single.
Growing up, I had been tutored to have high demands when it came to women. I was encouraged not to 'settle'. So, as early as JSS3, I had made up my list of requirements. Whoever would be my main squeeze had to have the following exact characteristics:
1. Pretty face. Females who were ogres in their former lives were advised to stay far. Very far.
2. Hot figure. Something of a mix between Eva Longoria and Beyonce.
3. Height. Pygmies not welcome.
4. Fair complexion. This particular idiosyncrasy was handed down from Dad: you should see my mother.
5. Ample bosom. I'm a big dude with man-boobs. We shouldn't be competing!
But you see, dear readers, I met Jennifer during my first year of university. She had all but number 4. Her chocolate complexion was exquisite. I fell in lust instantly (she dumped me after I farted in bed). Anyway, I had then realized that I could date dark chicks. Awesome. Then I met Bimbo who kind of looked like a bimbo. However, she was missing numbers 3 and 4. Our relationship went down the drain after she caught me ogling at her mother. What? Don't judge. The woman had all 5! But she also had her blasted husband's stupid wedding ring. Aaaaargh…
It all went downhill from there. Eno, while of average height, was shaped like a pedestrian bridge: straight and narrow. Daphne made me rethink item 5. She put the '2' in too much. The Jews could have hidden from Hitler's Nazis in her cleavage!
I once dated a girl called Ugochi. Ugochi was not ugly. Rather, ugly WAS Ugochi. The day her 'jazz' wore off, I texted her to end our fling. Rubbish.
Recently, I finally let go of my precepts. I made but one new rule: conversation. I want a woman I can talk to. All my friends lauded the new and improved me. I had indeed matured, they all said.
And so I happened upon Ingrid. She was a colleague at work. And –you guessed it- she had all five. Plus, she was single. How ironic that I should meet the girl of my dreams AFTER I'd contrived to trash those prerequisites. I'd only seen her a few times when she came to our floor and… my oh my: she was stunning! First she was half caste, and then her figure was to die for. On top of that, she was at least 5feet 10inches.
I once snuck a peek while she was talking to Clinton (another colleague). I couldn't make out what she was saying from where I stood but I figured she must be a pretty powerful orator because Clinton clearly had tears in his eyes. Amazing! What could make such a macho man cry? If my curiosity was piqued before, I was nearing obsession by now. It seemed my search was finally over. I couldn't wait to meet Ingrid and have terrific conversations with this intelligent, hot girl.
My chance came soon enough. One day, I spotted her at an eatery my colleagues and I frequented during lunch breaks. I was about to order when our eyes clashed. I ignored the attendant and walked over to where she sat.
"Hi", I started, "my name is Chris and I've been dying to meet you." By the time she was done replying, I was weeping like Clinton. She said:
"Hello Chris. I'm Ingrid. Let me start by apologizing. I have a birth defect which accounts for my incurable, tear inducing halitosis…" I wiped my face without bothering to hear more and trudged back to the counter.
See why I wrote the first line?
This is from a piece I wrote in October 2010 for some competition on Nigeria's past and present which I clearly didn't win. I hate essay competitions. Especially when I'm not winning…
Dear Sir/Ma,
Right now, it really sucks to be a Nigerian.
Post-September 11, all the heat was on the Arabs. A turban here, a full beard there and your fellow passengers would be counting their rosaries on that flight from London to the Arctic Circle. I wonder how it was for Arab astronauts: "Hey Abu, please don't blow up the moon. We need it for nighttime and stuff. What are the youths going to make out under?"
But dear old Mutallab fixed us up real good didn't he? Now, our tribal marks are an open invitation to be strip-searched. Till all crevices are sore and itchy. If I wanted a colonoscopy, I'd pay a doctor whom I could sue if he left a lens in my large intestines.
In spite of all this, I'm still proud of my roots. I'm very Nigerian. Heck, let me rephrase – I'm very 9ja! Amidst all the dung thrown at our image in international circles, amidst all the rubbish we hurl at ourselves locally, ours is still a great nation.
Sadly, I'm really not sure why.
Over the next thousand words or so, I'll attempt to figure out what the allure of the green passport is. And why it can sometimes be an albatross. Shall we?
We begin our journey in a slick but ultimately explosive fashion. Oil.
Once upon a time, we really were just a bunch of farmhands. Then crude popped up and we abandoned tilling the ground in favour of drilling it instead. Nigeria is far and away the largest producer of crude in Africa and one of the top producers globally. Truth be told, everybody (and I mean everybody) knows why we are in the quagmire we currently find ourselves.
But I have the luxury of 2,000+ plus words so let me rehash:
A bunch of thieving baggers (popularly known as 'our leaders'). Since Independence, we've only had about twenty years of civilian rule in total. Not that they (civilian heads of state) have been saints, by the way. But at least you can attempt to hope to caution them some and call them to order. But under military dictatorship, you can attempt to hope: but soldier go just flog you keep one side…
Now, we are plagued with poverty of astronomic proportions, pipeline and tanker explosions and the whole Niger-Delta fiasco. Corruption is also a factor and it is safe to say the infant has grown to a corroded giant. From the tout on the streets to the policemen who pretend to be against them, all the way up to very highest corridors of power, corruption is ubiquitous.
All things in Nigeria start with good intentions. All things. Every parastatal, every project, every budget, every adopted ideology always came to life as a result of hugely magnanimous intentions (yeah, right!). But in the past, now, and very likely, in the future, execution has been a problem. Take our cute nascent democracy for instance. We lauded General Abdulsalam Abubakar with all we were worth when he initiated and successfully orchestrated a handover to civilian rule – but to an ex-dictator no less! Surely somebody can spot the irony! Once the alleged democracy was in place, things began to take shape. Not necessarily a good shape. Like our ruse of a multi-party system. Seriously, it's a ruse. YOU KNOW it's a ruse. Consider the gusto with which the ruling party announces their presidential candidates. Like he's the next president already. Who can blame them: they've always been right in the past haven't they?
Fifty years on and our electoral process has gotten worse then better then horrid again. June 12, 1992 (how many times have we heard this date mentioned? I'm tired too!) would have been our stand-out achievement in this area but IBB had to be a punk about everything, no? Also, it seems that for a fruitful stay in our topmost legislative houses, a passable knowledge of the martial arts is in order. Talk about fighting for your rights! Seeing members of the House of Representatives bash each other's overpaid heads in will always be a memorable albeit embarrassing sight.
But let's step back for a bit. Yes, we are so corrupt some of our people could probably attempt to bribe Jesus into saying he was black. Yes, there's almost always the belief that the winner of an election is the person who rigged harder and better. But it's not all bad. Nigeria has produced scores of good leaders and genuine patriots. From the Ziks who championed freedom to the Doras that fought adulterated medication with their every fiber, to the Donald Dukes who turned their home states into virtual tourist utopias. We've actually had some good ones. Just not enough of them…
No story about our political landscape will ever be complete without the tale of Biafra. I can trivialize it now when I write but if you lived in Eastern Nigeria in the late sixties, it probably wasn't a time of joy and limitless gladness. The Igbos thought: "I can live without you. Let me be!" And the rest of Nigeria went: "Oh no you don't! Who's gonna import 'Made in China' for us?" Guns went off and a few million corpses later, the Igbos caved in. People please – war no more. I could go on and on and on but frankly, I'm tired of this political gist. Too predictable, in my opinion.
Permission to switch? Thank you!
Tags: Short Stories


« Com The agency sent words Might 17 to four producers: J Well.
Disease-mongering du jour: heart disease in young women cabergoline bodybuilding . Red competing with pink?But much like a lot of disease awareness promotions, it's the framing from the message that may be problematic.AHA includes a video of celebrity Elizabeth Banking institutions – who some online resources mention is 37 years of age in true to life – having a coronary attack.We visited the Risk Evaluation Device for Estimating 10-12 months Threat of Developing Hard CHD from the Country wide Cholesterol Education Plan of the Country wide Heart, Blood and lung Institute.We entered the next data factors for Ms.The video gave us no information regarding the hypothetical character it thought we would feature.If anything, some risk was chosen by us amounts which were worse than what will be recognized by anything in the video.2 percentShould the American Heart Association decide to feature – for those women to find out – somebody who – at worst – includes a 2 percent risk over another ten years of experiencing a coronary attack?We could issue that for a long period.They could have made the idea just as effectively by having a more representative/realistic demographic within an equally appealing and humorous leading lady.But you will want to provide it proper interest?Not really presenting an unrepresentative risk profile mainly because the featured research study inside a featured video.Merck want the heart medication business.There appears to be simply no end to the condition awareness disease-mongering.


text:
Q: shorten Jquery Validation script? or alternate? so my question is if this validation code can be more simple. I have 2 inputs that need to be checked before the user can use the other 3 inputs. I have used a lot of hide and show and for the validation I used a lot of if/else. So can someone help me because I am looking for how to shorten this. What I want is to make the form use able on 1 page. I tried using jquery validation plugin but no succes. Here is a fiddle link so you can try it: https://jsfiddle.net/br9603yq/
$(document).ready(function() {
    $("#adres").hide();
    $("#postcode").hide();
    $("#plaats").hide();
    $("#click2").hide();
    $("#edit").hide();
    $("#submit").hide();

    //Hide divs with class hidden
    $("div.hidden").hide();

    $("#click1").click(function() {
        var naam = $("#name").val();

        // Check if name has class verplicht and if name input isn't empty.
        if ($('#name').hasClass('verplicht') && $('#name').val() != "") {
            var email = $('#mail').val();
            var filter = (/^([a-zA-Z0-9_\.\-])+\@(([a-zA-Z0-9\-])+\.)+([a-zA-Z0-9]{2,4})+$/);
            //if e-mail matches filter
            if (filter.test(email)) {
                $("#adres").show();
                $("#postcode").show();
                $("#plaats").show();
                $("#click2").show();
                $("#click1").hide();

                //When click2 is clicked
                $("#click2").click(function() {
                    var adres = $("#adresVeld").val();
                    var postcode = $("#postcodeVeld").val();
                    var plaats = $("#plaatsVeld").val();

                    //Double validation for naam, e-mail normal validation for adres, postcode en plaats.
                    if ($('#name').hasClass('verplicht') && $('#name').val() != "") {
                        if (filter.test(email)) {
                            if ($('#adresVeld').hasClass('verplicht') && $('#adresVeld').val() != "") {
                                //Hier zit een postcode filter in voor nederlandse postcodes.
                                if ($('#postcodeVeld').hasClass('verplicht') && $('#postcodeVeld').val() != "" && $('#postcodeVeld').val().match(/^([1-9]\d{3}\s[A-Z]{2})$/)) {
                                    if ($('#plaatsVeld').hasClass('verplicht') && $('#plaatsVeld').val() != "") {
                                        alert("Controleer uw gegevens voordat u verder gaat!");
                                        $("div.hidden").show();
                                        $("#edit").show();
                                        $("#submit").show();
                                        $("#nameShow").hide();
                                        $("#mailShow").hide();
                                        $("#adres").hide();
                                        $("#postcode").hide();
                                        $("#plaats").hide();
                                        $("#click2").hide();

                                        //Geef waardes van ingevulde form aan het nieuwe form
                                        $("#nameUitlees").val(naam);
                                        $("#mailUitlees").val(email);
                                        $("#adresUitlees").val(adres);
                                        $("#postcodeUitlees").val(postcode);
                                        $("#plaatsUitlees").val(plaats);

                                        $("#edit").click(function() {
                                            $("div.hidden").hide();

                                            $("#nameShow").show(naam);
                                            $("#mailShow").show(email);
                                            $("#adres").show(adres);
                                            $("#postcode").show(postcode);
                                            $("#plaats").show(plaats);
                                            $("#click2").show();
                                            $("#edit").hide();
                                            $("#submit").hide();
                                        });

                                        $("#submit").click(function() {
                                            alert("succes");
                                        });
                                    } else {
                                        alert("Uw plaats klopt niet!");
                                    }
                                } else {
                                    alert("Uw postcode klopt niet!");
                                }
                            } else {
                                alert('Uw adres is leeg of klopt niet!');
                            }
                        } else {
                            alert('Uw email klopt niet!');
                        }
                    } else {
                        alert('Uw naam klopt niet!');
                    }
                });
            } else {
                alert("mail klopt niet");
            }
        } else {
            alert("naam klopt niet");
        }
    });
});

Here is my html form.
<form class="large-6 small-10 form" id="testform1">

Name:

            <input type="text" id="name" class="verplicht" placeholder="Name">

Email:

            <input type="email" id="mail" class="verplicht" placeholder="example@example.com">

        <input type="submit" value="volgende" id="click1">

Adres:

            <input type="text" id="adresVeld" class="verplicht" placeholder="adres">

Postcode:

            <input type="text" id="postcodeVeld" class="verplicht" placeholder="1234 AA">

Plaats:

            <input type="text" id="plaatsVeld" class="verplicht" placeholder="Rotterdam">

        <input type="submit" value="controle" id="click2">

</form>

<form class="large-6 small-10 form" id="checkform">

Name:

            <input type="text" id="nameUitlees" class="verplicht" readonly>

Email:

            <input type="email" id="mailUitlees" class="verplicht" readonly>

Adres:

            <input type="text" id="adresUitlees" class="verplicht" readonly>

Postcode:

            <input type="text" id="postcodeUitlees" class="verplicht" readonly>

Plaats:

            <input type="text" id="plaatsUitlees" class="verplicht" readonly>

        <input type="button" value="pas aan" id="edit">

        <input type="button" value="verzend" id="submit">

</from>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: send the user input to url and fetch the result and display it in the program in cocoa objective c I am writing a program that would allow for online currency exchange on a MAC, I wanted to use the information on www.xe.com .
 I was wondering if
A) if it would be possible for me to do that. and if yes the
B) if it would be possible for the program to send the user input to the website and then fetch the result and display it in the program?
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD

A: To fetch a URL in Cocoa, there are a number of ways, but the "best" one is to use NSURLConnection — see its docs and the guide for more information.
Also note that xe.com may have a usage policy! Don't abuse it!


Caring for a young person with cancer can be a challenge, explains Nancy Bell.
Nancy Bell's daughter, Taylor Bell Duck, was only 21 years old when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Seeing her daughter battle the disease at such a young age was one of the most difficult parts of being a caregiver for Nancy, as she needed to not only provide emotional support, but also balance between not having enough hope or having too much hope.


text:
BSc Resource and Exploration Geology
Resource and Exploration Geology BSc
A level: AAB - ABB
BTEC: DDD - DDM
Designed to prepare you to tackle important environmental challenges including climate change, natural hazards, and especially the supply of critical raw materials and resources
BSc Resource and Exploration Geology focusses on our understanding of the Earth, its processes, systems and resources
Study in Cornwall and benefit from spectacular, world-famous, geology on your doorstep
Gain technical experience through over 60 days of fieldwork as well as laboratory classes, optional industry placement and independent research possibilities
Taught at Exeter's Penryn campus by Camborne School of Mines. This combined geoscience and mining department has an international reputation for research-inspired teaching and excellent graduate prospects
Apply via UCAS
2nd in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences
The Guardian League Table 2021
8th in the UK for Geology
1st for Career Prospects in Geology
AAB - ABB GCE AL in two science subjects at grade B or AL Geology at grade B.
GCE AL science includes: Biology/Human Biology*; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths*; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics. *If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-levels towards our general requirements.
34/665-32/655 Two sciences at HL5 or Geology at HL5
DDD - DDM BTEC Extended Diploma (2016) - Applicants studying one of the following new BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without GCE AL requirements: Applied Science, Engineering.
C or 4 English Language and Mathematics
Our programmes are accredited by The Geological Society which is the first step on the ladder to Chartered Geologist status after graduation.
During your first year, which is shared with all Geology students, you will gain a solid foundation in geology and the geosciences. You will undertake nine one-day field classes in iconic locations across Cornwall during terms 1 and 2, and attend a one-week residential field class in Pembrokeshire during early May.
In Year 2, you will further develop core geological skills as well as your ability to collect and analyse geological data. Fieldwork includes six, one-day field classes, a residential field course in Devon and Dorset, and training in geological mapping on the Isle of Skye or in mainland Europe.
A key aspect of the third year is its flexibility: in addition to the core modules you'll be able to tailor your degree to your interests. The optional modules you'll be choosing from cover continually-evolving subjects tackling a variety of global environmental challenges. Alongside this, you will go on a ten-day residential trip to either Cyprus or Spain, focusing on applied mapping, geotechnical engineering and environmental impact.
All our Geology degree programmes provide a wealth of practical experience of working in the field at amazing locations across the UK and abroad.
The first year includes a six-day residential field course in Pembrokeshire along with nine one-day field-classes in Cornwall. The second year includes 34 days of fieldwork, in locations that include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The third year includes a geological field course in Cyprus or southern Spain.
Fieldwork is assessed through field notebooks, technical reports, and practical field-based assignments.
For more information see our fieldwork pages.
Learning on campus
Learning and teaching are delivered through a combination of lectures, 'hands on' practical classes, seminars, tutorials, field-based teaching, and independent study. Laboratory practical classes will develop your understanding of a range of geological topics and help put theory into practice.
On average you will have 18 teaching hours per week and will need to undertake additional independent study (e.g., directed reading, assignments, and project work). You can expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
Our geology degrees are also flexible; you can transfer between any of our BSc and MGeol degrees during your first year.
Research-led culture
You will benefit from being taught by experts active in internationally-relevant research. In doing so, you will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field, and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Assessment methods vary between modules and may include individual or group reports, presentations, practical write-ups and exams. More innovative assessment techniques are also used, and may include the use of websites, posters, social media, videos, science communication, and dragons-den style presentations. You must pass the first year in order to progress to the second year, but your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree classification.
Personal Tutor: You will have a Personal Tutor available for advice and support throughout your studies.
Study skills: Help with essay writing, research skills, time management, presentations and more.
Modern language courses
Health, wellbeing and general support
Geologists are required to help the global community deal with a range of environmental problems related to climate, energy, water, air pollution, natural hazards, supply of raw materials, and more.
Geology and geoscience degrees not only prepare you to tackle the world's biggest environmental challenges, but they also lead to high employment rates and decent salaries, with graduate opportunities in the UK and around the world. The Camborne School of Mines Association and the award-winning University of Exeter Careers Service have the skills and a strong network of alumni to help you find employment.
We provide regular 'Pint and Pasty' employer events throughout term that allow our students to network and meet with potential employers, and learn more about possible career paths.
Our graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in a range of subjects, including mineral and petroleum exploration, hydrogeology, geophysics, geotechnics, and environment-related industries. Graduates also go on to roles outside of geology, utilising the array of transferable skills they have developed. Recent graduates work in fields as diverse as the UK civil service, Arup Geotechnics, the National Trust, the Ministry of Defence and Geomarine Ltd.
Career opportunities for geologists are limitless. Our programmes provide essential skills for employment in a modern workplace, including discipline specific skills like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geological mapping and fieldwork, mineral deposit identification and exploration, scientific programming, and use of technical software, in addition to transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and quantitative data analysis.
In particular, the MGeol course provides extra skills development in independent work, research, and oral presentation, which can be applied to both industry and academia.
Geologists from the University of Exeter are recognised as being articulate, resourceful and diligent, and claim great job satisfaction and excellent salaries.
Geology BSc
Geology MSci
Engineering Geology and Geotechnics BSc
Engineering Geology and Geotechnics MSci
Resource and Exploration Geology MSci
View all Geology courses


For 16-year-old Bri, hip-hop is the air she breathes, the legacy her late father left her, and her best hope of escaping poverty. Angie Thomas follows up her smash debut, The Hate U Give, with another novel that shows off her gift for authentic dialogue and dynamic characters. On the Come Up is a story about a hypertalented kid whose difficult life circumstances inform, rather than impede, her art, even as she fights against being stereotyped and misunderstood. This novel is one part Fame, one part 8 Mile, and all parts pure magic.
Love, love, love this book. It is totally worth it. Buy it, read it, share it. It's amazing.
Angie Thomas has honestly become my favorite writer of this time! Got the book Sunday and finished it the following Tuesday! Thomas does an amazing job with connecting the lives of black teenage individuals of this time to readers, such as myself. Can honestly say I am learning a lot from her as a writer. Truly amazing book. 1,000/5 stars for anyone looking for a good read!
SUPERB! ANGIE DID IT AGAIN!


You can explore the magical land of Oz from the comfort of your own home using the latest technology UNIT9. This Chrome experiment allows you to compose your own music, make your own movie using a zoetrope, and survive a tornado–if you make it through the tornado, you'll be treated to a brand new clip from Disney's Oz: The Great and Powerful!
This new Chrome Experiment actually wouldn't have been possible a few years ago; this 3D environment uses new technology called WebGL and CSS3. You can click the highlighted links if you'd like more information about the technology used.
For this Chrome Experiment to work best for you, make sure you're trying it out on an up-to-date computer because of the intensity of the graphics. If you're a SmartPhone user, you can also check it out on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
To get swept away to Oz, visit Find Your Way to Oz.
I can't wait to see the move!
This movie looks amazing. we can't wait to see it.
WOW ! This new technology is amazing. I would love to have the kids express themselves in this way by composing their own music, etc. What a learning experience. They love 3-D movies anyway, and am hoping in the next year or so, to get a 3D TV for the home.. Enjoy your premiere.
Huh, that sounds really interesting. Amazing how far technology has come along. This could be a lot of fun!
Great post, i will have to check it out for my self.
This was my favorite movie as a child. It will be great to watch with all the current technology updates.
There is so much new technology out there today. This is really awesome! I hope the movie is everything promised and more! Fun, fun, fun!!
After Avatar, I need some more techno-magic on the screen! I hope this turns out good.


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William Anthony Casey
December 2, 1944 — October 12, 2017
After a short illness of cancer, William A. "Bill" Casey passed into the arms of his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. He was 72.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents William P. Casey and Marion (Haas) Casey. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois and as a small child lived in Elmdale, Minnesota, before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from high school, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and married his high school sweetheart (Kathleen Ellingsworth) in 1964. He served on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA63) from April of 1965 to November of1966. While serving in the military, Bill and Kathy had two daughters, Christine and Deborah and was honorably discharged in 1968.
Bill learned his computers skills in the U.S. Navy, and joined Sperry Univac Company in Greenbelt, Maryland, and worked in the space and light industry. He worked on the Apollo 8 and Apollo XI projects during the time of the U.S. space exploration in the late 1960s. He received many awards, and continued
to work for Sperry Univac in Eagan, Minnesota, in the programming field until 1986. He then worked for a small telephone company in Bemidji, Minnesota, until 1991 and worked various other jobs until 1998 when he began work as a sales rep for the National Federation of Independent Business(NFIB) for 11 years. During this time, Bill and Kathy moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and in 2009, Bill retired from NFIB. In 2012 the couple moved out West, to Powell.
Most important of all, Bill came to know and love his Savior Jesus Christ in 1982. He served as a chaplain, in three Gideon camps in three different states — Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming — He also was part of the jail ministry in Minnesota and Wyoming.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen Casey; daughters Christine (Robert) Sandvill of Suquamish, Washington, and Deborah (Richard) Baker of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren, Taylor, Alex and Danny; two sisters, Maryann and Kathleen Casey of Milwaukee, WI and a brother John Casey of Cody; nieces Sarah (Steven) Schlueter and Becky and a nephew Joel and a great niece Sydney Schlueter.
A service for Bill will be at the Cody Bible Church, 2137 Cougar Ave. in Cody, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. He will be buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell.
Memorial donations in Bill's name can be made to Gideons International.
To send flowers to the family in memory of William Anthony Casey, please visit our flower store.


The business roadmap is an essential aspect of any organization's strategic plan. A solid business roadmap allows the entire team to be on the same page about the entire team's strategic vision. It also presents companies with other benefits, for example, a business roadmap can help you determine when you should certain requirements, and what the potential impact of doing so would be.
In less than one-minute, we demonstrate how you can use OneDesk to build a business roadmap. OneDesk allows you to employ a data-driven approach to your roadmapping process. This help you save time, effectively manage expectations and ensure better organizational alignment.
To learn how build a data-driven business roadmap, take a look at this quick, catchy video below. We would also love to hear your feedback on it.


Mix flour and salt together on the counter. Form a well. Break eggs into the well. Add olive oil. Stir together with a fork, gradually incorporating all the flour. When the dough has started coming together, knead with your hands until it's smooth. Cover and let rest 30 minutes. Roll through pasta maker a few times, (more if you didn't knead it enough) and then procede to roll it thinner and thinner until desired thickness is reached. You will need to continuously flour your machine so that the pasta doesn't stick. Cut into whatever shape you want!
Cook fresh pasta the same as dry, in a large pot of boiling salted water. Fresh pasta will cook much fast than dry and will be done in only a few minutes.
Posted by Brilynn at 6:31 p.m.


Regardless of how awesome or new your badminton hardware is, nothing can supplant strong badminton aptitudes and methods. By dealing with the diverse abilities and systems, you can add some style to your amusement, so you will have the capacity to play it better and all the more intensely. What are some badminton abilities and methods that you ought to consider in your amusement?
Your grasp. How you hold your racket can have a huge effect upon how in control you are the point at which you are playing. There are two principle sorts of hold that are utilized as a part of playing badminton and you have to figure out how to switch your grasp rapidly to permit you to make the shot that you require. By rehearsing both your forehand and strike hold and exchanging them, you can make the activity more agreeable, with the goal that you can do it amid the diversion rapidly and effortlessly.
Your serve. The serve is not only an approach to begin the amusement, it can set the entire tone for your diversion. This aptitude can be a weapon in your badminton munititions stockpile. By having a solid serve, you will have the capacity to give your amusement included power and intensity. The four primary sorts of serves – high serve, low serve, forehand, and strike – are all aptitudes that you have to take advantage of your badminton diversion.
Your crush. Your badminton crush is one of the most grounded badminton aptitudes and methods that you will need to ace. A top notch crush is practically difficult to return, making it an ability that you unquestionably need to figure out how to execute. It can be played on both the strike and forehand sides also, which makes it an adaptable shot that you can use in many examples.
Your net play. In badminton abilities and systems, you are certain to need to get some assistance with your net play. By hitting the bus precisely right, you can send your rival scrambling into position and getting a decisive advantage over your diversion. A snappy flick of the wrist might be precisely what you have to pick up position on your rival at the net.
Badminton aptitudes and procedures are something that you need to keep dealing with. By rehearsing consistently, you will have the capacity to capitalize on the abilities that you have and increment them to the point where you are more alright with the amusement and more focused. By getting a qualified mentor or teacher, you will have the capacity to expand your badminton aptitudes and procedures to benefit as much as possible from your amusement.


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Register to join Arappor
Arappor - Citizen's Research Report on Covid Deaths in TamilNadu
Language : Tamil / English
Chennai Road Tender
In News & TV Debates
A survey by Transparency International and Centre for Media Studies in 2008 classified Tamil Nadu as a "very highly corrupt state."
The floods Chennai experienced last December was definitely not a natural disaster. We all know that it is a Man made disaster
KYR is one of the flagship programs of Arappor Iyakkam to create awareness among public. Apart from general public, we also conduct KYR sessions.
Making Public Health institutions Transparent and Accountable and thereby improving public healthcare is an important part of Arappor's work.
Volunteers Experience @ Arappor
Working with Arappor gave me the confidence to do much more Social Work without any external fear. It was like stepping into a shade of sun, finding new perspectives, creating more impact, touching more lives and above all, learnt so many things which no educational institutions has taught me.
I always feel that I am doing the right thing, when I volunteer with Arappor.
Beula
It has been the most fulfilling experience in my life.
Every day has been a big learning!.
Arappor is a peoples movement towards solution for masses. It is an eye opening experience.
Mahim Antony
The only organization which had made me feel satisfied and proud that I have ignited some change in this society is Arappor.
Shruti Shri
Arapoor is a place where I learnt the importance of people politics. The way they see the society through the constitution paves solution for many social issues.
Balaji C R
I see a new ray of hope for our state when I volunteer for Arappor.
Volunteering at Arappor has made me believe in myself and the fact that that small changes can make a big difference for me and the society at large.
Ashok AK
Humongous work filled with fun.
Arappor means 'Good Fight' or 'A non violent war'. Arappor Iyakkam is a people's movement that works towards building a Just and Equitable society. Arappor Iyakkam's current focus is to establish Transparency and Accountability in Governance and build participative democracy to solve people's issues through a large citizen's movement. Arappor Iyakkam is a voluntary movement and is steered by 1000s of Volunteers and Supporters..
Arappor Iyakkam,
Satya Plaza, # 7, 2nd Floor, Dr Thirumoorthy Nagar Main Rd,
Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
Arappor © 2021 | All Rights Reserved


text:
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@property(nonatomic) float longestLabelTextWidth; // @synthesize longestLabelTextWidth=_longestLabelTextWidth;
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@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Mounting threat to Galapagos from 'El Nino'
Héctor Velasco,
Jul. 22, 2015, 11:28 PM
Marine iguanas in "Playa de los Perros" (Dogs Beach) on Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos Archipelago, on July 16, 2015
© AFP Rodrigo Buendia
Santa Cruz (Ecuador) (AFP) - The Galapagos Islands, celebrated for their breathtaking biodiversity, could face a major threat from "El Nino," the weather system known to wreak havoc every few years.
The archipelago sustains a vast variety of plant and animal life, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But the fragile Galapagos ecosystem may prove no match for the strong winds, heavy rains and warmer than usual ocean currents that accompany El Nino.
The dangers posed by those climatic changes are particularly acute for marine iguanas -- reptiles found only on the Galapagos -- which live on land but get their food from the ocean.
"Marine iguanas feed only on algae," Eduardo Espinoza, 46, director of marine research at Galapagos National Park, explained to AFP.
"During times of El Nino, these algae may be scarce and many begin to die," Espinoza said.
"El Nino" refers to the abnormal warming of surface waters in the tropical sections of the Pacific Ocean every three to five years.
Climatologists began observing the most recent El Nino several months ago, and fear that because of global warming, the phenomenon will hit the Galapagos with increasing frequency and greater destructive potential in coming years.
Charles Darwin made the Galapagos famous a century-and-a-half ago with research here that led him to devise his theory of evolution.
Since then, some of the wildlife he studied on the Galapagos already has been wiped out because of man's encroachment, and other species have been put at risk by climate change.
- Sharks, birds, iguanas -
The Galapagos, one of the world's great protected nature reserves and one of its most sensitive, hosts more endemic species than anywhere else on Earth -- from the giant land tortoises that give it its name, to sharks, birds and the marine iguanas.
Espinoza is closely monitoring the impact of the current El Nino on endangered species in the archipelago -- especially on marine iguanas, which are particularly sensitive to environmental change in the nature reserve out in the Pacific, some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the Ecuadoran coast.
It's not the first time that wildlife in the Galapagos was ravaged by El Nino.
In 1997 and 1998, El Nino struck with devastating effect in the Galapagos. It wiped out corals, colonies of penguins, sea lions, nests of the flightless marine birds called cormorants -- as well as marine iguanas.
Of the iguanas that survived, many experienced severe weight loss, Judith Denkinger, a biologist at the Institute of Ocean Sciences at the University of San Francisco in Quito, told AFP.
It took several years, but the iguana population eventually recovered. Their numbers by 2001 were back up to around 700,000.
The results of a census taken in 2014 will provide updated population figures any day now, scientists here say.
- Galapagos on Paris talks agenda -
The plight of the Galapagos is expected to be a key agenda item during high-level climate talks in Paris later this year attended by foreign and environment ministers from 45 countries.
Visitors are not allowed to touch the reptiles, but Espinoza freely handles them, lifting them by their tails and sizing them with a yellow tape measure before weighing them to assess the negative effects of the current El Nino.
He says the impact may be prolonged because some expect the weather phenomenon this time to last for several months, possibly through 2016.
The prehistoric-looking marine iguana can live until the age of about 60, scientists said -- so long as its environment is not degraded by man-made pollution, climate change and El Nino.
Yet another concern is protecting the sensitive local ecosystem from the eager fingers of tourists seeking souvenirs.
Visitors try to take away sea shells, volcanic rock, even the sand -- just this month, an Ecuadoran woman was caught at the airport trying to take 10 kilos (22 pounds) of sand with her.
At the airport, the luggage of departing passengers is scanned as if agents were looking for contraband drugs.
"Tourists act surprised, and tell us this is allowed everywhere else," said Danny Rueda, ecosystem director at the park. "Here, it is not."
More: AFP