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Andre Dillard Andre Colin Kaepernick Kyle Gibson Adam Wainwright Greg Schiano Chauncey Billups Mikaela Shiffrin Allie Quigley Stephen M. Ross Don Shula Garth Brooks Roger Goodell Jared Bednar Roberto Stellone Orlando Brown Zach LaVine MAJOR Mike Conley Joe Kelly Sports NFL football Professional football Football Thoroughbred racing Horse racing Professional soccer Soccer Skating Figure skating Sports governance Short track speed skating Celebrity causes Celebrity Entertainment Arts and entertainment Athlete health Professional baseball Baseball Men's sports Coaching Women's alpine skiing Alpine skiing Skiing Women's skiing Women's sports NBA basketball Professional basketball Basketball Men's basketball Charity fundraising Philanthropy Social affairs Women's figure skating Women's skating MLB baseball Men's tennis Tennis U.S. Open Tennis Championships Sports team management changes Sports transactions Sports business Belmont Stakes Obituaries French Open Tennis Championships Disease outbreaks General news Public health Health NBA Finals Women's tennis College sports Women's short track speed skating Coronavirus Infectious diseases Diseases and conditions Lung disease
Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers Baltimore Ravens
The Latest: Eagles' Dillard helping athletes at alma mater
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2019, file photo, the United States Tennis Association Men's U.S. Open Trophy, one of the world's most recognized sports trophies, is displayed at the Tiffany Men's Pop-Up store in New York. The USTA says it is overseeing a commitment of more than $50 million to help the sport deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
Current Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Andre Dillard is helping the athletes at his alma mater.
Dillard helped cover the costs of care packages that were sent to every athlete at Washington State. The packages included strength and conditioning items, nutritional supplements and resistance bands. They were sent to all athletes across the 15 sports offered at Washington State.
Dillard was a third-team AP All-American selection his senior season at Washington State in 2018. He was the 22nd overall pick in last year's draft by the Eagles and started four games as a rookie.
The Breeders' Cup is donating cash to help racetrack backstretch communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Lexington, Kentucky-based organization gave $25,000 to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. The money will be allocated to help those most in need at various backstretch communities.
Breeders' Cup also donated 4,500 gloves, 2,000 hair covers, 1,200 Tyvek suits, 500 masks and 500 shoe covers to the state of Kentucky for medical professionals to treat COVID-19 patients.
Breeders' Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming says the group remains "fully committed" to holding the world championships at Keeneland on Nov. 6-7.
However, if the event is canceled or held without spectators, Fleming says anyone who has already purchased tickets, or is thinking of doing so, would receive a full refund.
Liberty University says it will allow all 19 of its spring sport athletes whose seasons were cut short by the novel coronarvirus to return next season and finish their careers.
The NCAA Division I Council voted March 30 to permit spring sport athletes to return and, for one year, suspended financial aid rules governing the permissible number of scholarships a school can offer.
The Flames' spring sports include baseball, softball, men's golf, men's tennis, women's tennis, women's lacrosse, and men's and women's outdoor track & field.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has started a COVID-19 relief fund to help raise awareness of the impact of the pandemic on minority communities.
He opened the effort with a donation of $100,000.
"Black and brown communities are being disproportionately devastated by COVID-19 because of hundreds of years of structural racism," Kaepernick said in a post on his Instagram account.
The 32-year-old Kaepernick sparked one of the biggest controversies in NFL history when he started kneeling during the national anthem before games to protest social injustice in America.
Kaepernick hasn't appeared in an NFL game in three-plus years. He filed a grievance against the league, contending teams colluded to keep him out. The sides reached an undisclosed settlement.
Two-time Olympic skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin is stepping up to the microphone Friday to take part in a fundraiser for Goggles for Docs.
The self-taught singer and guitarist will perform from her home in Colorado as part of the grassroots effort to provide health care workers with ski/snowboard goggles to help in their care of patients. So far, they've donated more than 30,000 to hospitals and clinics.
The virtual benefit concert also will feature international singer/songwriter KT Tunstall. It can be heard on Facebook.com/REVERB.
Shiffrin won gold in the slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games and another in the giant slalom four years later in Pyeongchang. The 25-year-old, who has captured three overall World Cup titles, took a six-week break from ski racing this season following the death of her father.
Joe Kelly's aim needs some work.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reliever was tossing some pitches in his backyard, throwing at a bull's-eye target enclosed on three sides by netting. One throw got away from him, sailing past the right side of the netting and breaking a bedroom window.
"Oh!" Kelly exclaims in a video posted on social media, holding his right hand to his mouth.
His wife Ashley asks, "Wondering how quarantine is going? Joe was working on a changeup" while panning to the broken window.
"Yeah, that's cool," she says after a piece of glass falls out of the pane. "Rad."
Last year, Kelly was scratched from a spring training appearance after he hurt his back while cooking Cajun food.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar says the three Avalanche players that tested positive for the novel coronavirus are feeling better.
In a teleconference call Thursday, Bednar said the players adhered to the guidelines and self-isolated.
"As far as I know, they're all doing good and back with their families," Bednar said. "Those guys are lucky and were lucky there wasn't anything too serious with their symptoms. They were able to come through it without any major complications."
J___
The NCAA is permitting coaches in all Division I sports to hold up to eight hours per week of virtual meetings and instruction with their players, beginning Monday through May 31.
The Division I Council Coordination Committee made the adjustment this week to allow coaches more time to connect with their teams while social-distancing measures are in place to fight the coronavirus.
Athletes will be required to have at least one day off per week and required physical activities continue to be prohibited. NCAA rules require a sports-safety certified staff member be present when athletes do required physical activities such as conditioning, strength training or practicing.
Normally, coaches are allowed two hours per week to work with players and an additional six hours per week of strength and conditioning in the offseason.
The NCAA also said teams are prohibited from requiring any activities beginning one week before the start of their school's final examination period for the spring semester through the conclusion of exams.
Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown says he's "scared" the NFL will not have a 2020 season because of the threat of coronavirus.
Brown continues to train in Oklahoma but is unsure if Baltimore will get a chance to defend its AFC North title.
"I'm a little scared. It's a serious situation," he said. "You can only control what you can control, and for me personally that's making sure I come back in the best shape and making sure my weight is where it needs to be."
The final decision by the NFL is out of his hands.
"I am a little worried that we won't have a season, but that's up to the governors, the President, (NFL commissioner) Roger Goodell and all those other people."
--David Ginsburg reporting in Baltimore
Rutgers football players have had family members get sick with the coronavirus and some have dealt with a death, coach Greg Schiano says.
Speaking to the media for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Big Ten Conference university and its athletic programs last month, Schiano said Thursday his biggest concern is the health of his players and their families.
Schiano said none of his football players is known to have had the virus. Once he hears about a virus-related illness in a player's family, Schiano telephones the player to ask how the school can help.
While the start of horse racing season at Belmont Park is being postponed from the original April 24 date, the New York Racing Association says it's committed to holding the Belmont Stakes in this year.
NYRA on Thursday announced the spring/summer meet will be delayed but did not set a new opening day. It continues to assess options for the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 6, including shifting the third jewel of the Triple Crown to a later date.
The Kentucky Derby has already been rescheduled from May 2 to Sept. 5. The Maryland Jockey Club has canceled infield activities for the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore but not announced whether it would be held May 16 or a later date.
Racing at Belmont Park is scheduled to go on through July 12 before New York racing shifts to Saratoga in upstate New York.
The new CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association says he expects a decision on the status of the 2020 U.S. Open to be made by June and calls the prospect of holding the Grand Slam tournament without spectators because of the coranivirus pandemic "highly unlikely."
Mike Dowse, whose term began on Jan. 1, said in a conference call with reporters Thursday that "time is on our side at this point" because the U.S. Open is not scheduled to begin until late August.
It would be the next major tennis championship on the calendar because the French Open's start was postponed from May until September and Wimbledon was canceled altogether.
The men's and women's tennis tours are on hold entirely until at least mid-July, and one tournament in August already has been scrapped.
As for holding the U.S. Open with no fans, Dowse said the USTA is "not taking anything off the table, but right now, I'd say that's a highly unlikely scenario."
He did add that the USTA "may reconsider."
The International Skating Union has formally canceled its figure skating and short track world championships because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The ISU made the decision after an online meeting of its governing council.
The World Short Track Speed Skating Championships were initially set for March 13-15 in Seoul, South Korea, while the World Figure Skating Championships were supposed to be held in Montreal from March 16-22. Both events had already been postponed in the early days of the worldwide lockdown caused by the pandemic. Now, it's official — they won't be held at all.
This will be the first year without the figure skating worlds since 1946, the last of a seven-year layoff because of World War II. Since the event's founding in 1896, the only other cancellations occurred from 1915-21 because of World War I and its aftermath.
The World Synchronized Skating Championships in Lake Placid, New York have been formally canceled as well. That event was originally set for April 3-5.
The ISU plans another online meeting April 28 to discuss scheduling possibilities for the 2020-21 skating season.
More than 50 Major League Baseball players representing all 30 teams have raised nearly $1 million to provide over 4 million meals to support childhood hunger prevention during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Home Plate Project is a partnership between Major League Baseball, country music superstar Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation, and Big League Impact, a program led by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and Texas Rangers pitcher Kyle Gibson.
The Home Plate Project initiative was originally scheduled to launch its second year in the fall. But Brooks, Wainwright and Gibson saw the urgency now to provide meals for children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at schools that are closed because of the pandemic.
On short notice, the charity groups were able to raise $937,100.
Wainwright founded Big League Impact in 2013. He says the big leaguers felt the need to jump in right away to help feed kids in their cities.
Italian second-division soccer club Ascoli has fired its coaching staff because of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ascoli says it made the decision only after coach Roberto Stellone and his staff refused to terminate their contracts consensually with a settlement agreement.
The Serie B team says the move is part of measures being taken to "safeguard" the squad's future "amid the temporary situation we are experiencing."
Stellone was hired in February to replace Paolo Zanetti. The former coach and his staff are still under contract with the club.
Youth team coach Guillermo Abascal has been promoted to direct the first squad.
Ascoli is in 15th place in the 20-team division.
No soccer games have been played in Italy since March 9. That was when the government ordered a nationwide lockdown. The lockdown is set to expire after May 3.
Former NFL coach Don Shula and three of his former Miami Dolphins players are providing free meals to those seriously affected by the coronavirus crisis. The program is funded by a $250,000 grant from team owner Stephen Ross.
Shula, John Offerdahl, Kim Bokamper and Bob Brudzinski -- all involved in the restaurant business -- have teamed to help deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner to those most at risk.
The Dolphins said Thursday the program provides wrapped meals for health care and nonprofit organizations and first responders. It is also aimed at keeping food service workers employed.
Mike Conley Jr. expected to spend this week starting a quest for a championship with the Utah Jazz.
He's playing for the NBA HORSE title instead.
Conley is one of four semifinalists in the tournament. The conclusion will be streamed Thursday night on the ESPN platforms. The other semifinalists are retired NBA champion Chauncey Billups, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine and WNBA All-Star Allie Quigley of the Chicago Sky.
The HORSE tournament was born to give basketball-starved fans some content and Conley says it scratched his itch to be competitive again as well.
Conley says "HORSE is something that we've all played growing up and it's something I actually play after most of my workouts in the summertime."
Conley adds "I like to still have fun and throw shots off the backboard, the walls, bounce stuff in. It's just good to get the creative juices flowing again and I know all the competitors are feeling that way."
The Canadian Open golf tournament has been canceled because of the to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event was scheduled for June 8-14 at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
The Canadian Open is the third oldest event on the PGA Tour schedule behind the British Open and the U.S. Open.
The French soccer federation is preparing a rescue package for its 14,000 amateur clubs.
The FFF says it will announce its "massive support plan for amateur soccer" in the coming days. It says the plan will support clubs when their leagues restart next season.
The FFF canceled all its leagues this season because of the coronavirus pandemic except the third division and the women's first division. The top two men's leagues in France and the League Cup are run by the LFP.
The French Cup final on April 25 and the women's French Cup semifinals on March 21 have been postponed but not canceled.
The U.S. Tennis Association says it is overseeing a commitment of more than $50 million to help the sport deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The USTA says it is shaving more than $20 million from its budget by reducing salaries of its management and eliminating programs in player development and marketing.
The group that runs the U.S. Open says the total future support provided by the USTA and its industry partners for the sport at the grassroots level "will be determined by the financial performance" of the 2020 Grand Slam tournament in Flushing Meadows.
The USTA says it still plans to stage its tournament as scheduled from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.
The U.S. Open would be the next major tennis championship on the calendar after the French Open was postponed and Wimbledon was canceled.
The WTA and ATP professional tours are currently suspended until at least July and one tournament in August already has been called off.
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Gifts for 'Supernatural' and 'The Winchesters' Fans
There are so many ways to spot 'Supernatural' fans in the wild; here are some gift ideas for the one in your life.
Danielle Turchiano Dec. 1 2022 at 11:00 a.m. PT
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in 'Supernatural'
For 15 years, Supernatural delivered monsters of the week and epic showdowns between two very special brothers and the demons and heavenly creatures they fought, including God himself (and his sister!). It also delivered the Warner Bros. consumer products department epic amounts of official merchandise opportunities, in addition to fan-created art and other items. Somehow in all of that time, we never got an official LEGO set of either Baby, the beloved 1967 Chevy Impala, or the Men of Letters bunker Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) called their home base in the later seasons. But from Funko Pop! figures to diecast cars and so, so many pieces of clothing with the boys' faces and/or most quotable lines of dialogue, Supernatural fans could spot each other in the wild very easily.
The show may be over now, but that doesn't mean the time to celebrate it with collectibles and other pieces of merchandise has passed. For one thing, the prequel spin-off The Winchesters, which expands the origin story of Dean and Sam's parents, Mary and John (now played by Meg Donnelly and Drake Rodger, respectively), provides ample opportunity for new branded items featuring the family name — and they have a new car, to boot.
See below for some gift options for the Supernatural and/or The Winchesters fan in your life.
members can get free one- or two-day shipping included with the deals listed below. Those interested can
sign up for a 30-day free trial
for member perks that also include additional deals; discounts at Whole Foods Market; access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Prime Gaming; and more.
'Cards Against Supernatural' game
'Cards Against Supernatural'
GameCraftsCo on Etsy
If you're familiar with the Cards Against Humanity party game, then you already know how to play Cards Against Supernatural — only the people you choose to play this game with need to be much more specific. Only the biggest Supernatural fans will really know how to best fill in the blanks on the black cards with whichever white cards they draw to maximize in-jokes, references, and lore.
'Cards Against Supernatural' at Etsy
Winchester Bros. distressed vintage shirt
Winchester Bros. distressed shirt
Mamapower on Etsy
List price: From $22.50
Looking to pay tribute to the boys who saved the world (many times over)? This bleached (for a distressed and vintage look) shirt features familiar iconography to anyone who grew up with the original series, from the devil trap symbol, to the "saving people, hunting things" motto, to the "established" date being 1983, the year Mary was killed and John turned his and his son's lives upside down to hunt the demon that killed her. The shirt comes in a variety of colors, but if tee shirts aren't your thing, the design is also available on tank tops, sweatshirts, and sweatpants.
Winchester Brothers distressed vintage shirt at Etsy
Ugly holiday sweater
'Supernatural' ugly holiday sweater
AnimeApe
The next time you queue up your DVDs or streaming service of your choice to watch "A Very Supernatural Christmas," you might want to be cozy in this sweater. Well, technically it's more like a sweatshirt because the design is heat-dyed on, rather than woven in, but either way, it's a way to show off your favorite fandom while also being festive at holiday parties throughout the winter seasons. Although it's advertised as an ugly Christmas sweater, there is no religious iconography on it — well, not unless you consider Sam, Dean, and/or pie your religion.
Ugly holiday sweater at AnimeApe
Castiel plush
If you need a little angel to cuddle in your life, look no further than this adorable 6.5-inch plush. The company that makes it considers it a decorative item, not a toy, so it might not be suitable for young children or pets, but it can still be played with in gentle ways, such as reenacting your favorite scenes, especially if you also buy the Sam and Dean plush dolls too. You can buy all three for less than $100.
Castiel plush at Amazon
John Winchester's journal
Admittedly, this journal was first published in 2017, so it doesn't take into account the fact that the prequel spin-off proves John actually started hunting long before his wife was killed. (Therefore, notes in the journal talk about him encountering creatures for the first time when ... maybe that's not true anymore?) But at almost 200 pages there is plenty of room for you to add in new notes and lessons from the new show, or simply use it to store other cherished memories, thoughts, and feelings. His notes and drawings don't take up the whole book, leaving plenty of room for your own. The journal, which is designed to look as if it is leather-bound, also features a back pocket to hold photos, receipts, or other important slips that you don't want to glue or tape down inside.
John Winchester's journal at Amazon
Anti-possession blanket
Logovision
It's not permanent protection the way a tattoo would be, but that just makes it suitable for the whole family. You can cozy up under this 50-inch by 60-inch woven cotton blanket adorned with the infamous devil's trap while streaming the original series or while tuning into new episodes of The Winchesters on Tuesday nights on The CW. It is a black blanket with black fringe on the sides and a white design for a clean, modern look.
Anti-possession blanket at Amazon
Baby metal poster
1967 Chevy Impala metal poster
List price: From $44 (price ranges by size and finish)
This metal poster of a 1967 Chevy Impala isn't technically of Baby (peep that different license plate), but it is one of the more artistic renderings of many Supernatural fans' favorite supporting character. And you might be able to easy cover the incorrect license plate with the correct one, if you don't mind a little 3-D effect on the poster anyway. Created by David Pick, this poster comes in two sizes, can be either a glossy or matte finish, and can be purchased with or without a frame. (If with, you have multiple color options.)
Baby poster at Displate
Baby plush
If you'd prefer to hug Baby than hang it on the wall and gaze at it lovingly, this plush toy is for you. It's almost a foot long in length and intended for children over the age of 3 (so not necessarily suitable for pets either). It's not 100-percent picture accurate, as it is the two-door Impala, not the four-door sedan Dean convinced John to buy and then later inherited, but it does feature the first license plate seen on the show (Kansas KAZ 2Y5).
Baby plush at Stands
What Would The Winchesters Do? tee
List price: From $24 (price ranges by style)
Since The Winchesters is only in its first season, there isn't any official merchandise from Warner Bros. celebrating it just yet. But if you want to show your love for that demon-hunting family overall, check out this What Would The Winchesters Do? t-shirt. The answer may be different, depending on which Winchester comes to mind when that question is raised — which means it should be quite the conversation-starter with the people you encounter. The shirt comes in various fits and colors, though the design is always black lettering on a solid color tee.
What Would The Winchesters Do? tee at Redbubble
Always Keep Fighting moose pj pants
AKF moose pj pants
Padalecki's Always Keep Fighting message is alive and well, well beyond the end of his demon-hunting drama, and you can continue to show your support for it, him, and charity (a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these pants go to the Wounded Warrior Project) while staying warm and cozy. The pants are unisex fit and a cotton-polyester blend. They come in one color: black with white letters and green moose heads.
AKF moose pj pants at Stands
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Home Posts Tagged "indicted"
Tag: indicted
19 Alleged Crips Members In Columbus Charged In Racketeering Conspiracy
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$3 Million Scratch Off Lottery Winner Faces Music For Meth Distribution Conspiracy
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Millionaire Chipotle Executive & Other Yuppies Indicted In Cocaine Conspiracy
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Killer Cop Charged In The Shooting Death of Laquan McDonald, No Bail
Brandon M. Burton
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Today I spoke with Ceci Mora, the owner of Pet Limo Animal Services in Miami, Florida, a pet transportation service that has been in business over 20 years. The 14 pets imported into Canada from Aruba but rejected at Canadian Customs have been in the care of the organization since Sunday. Yesterday I provided an update with statements of the involved parties.
Today I am happy to report that Pet Limo has taken it upon themselves to do everything in their power to ensure all the dogs and cats will make it into the arms of their eager (and quite patient!) families, hopefully all within the next week.
Pet Limo has assured me that all the pets will be entering Canada with legitimate health records and documentation. The animals will not be travelling en masse, rather pets will be shipped unaccompanied in smaller groups over a period of one week. As for the cost of shipping, Ms Mora states that she is working in conjunction with the adopting families, and Kim McDonnell from Save A Puppy, who is back in Aruba and has entrusted the care of the pets to Ms Mora.
Let's hope that in a week I can report that this whole debacle has ended, and that all the needy pets from Aruba are here safe and sound.
In the meantime I have a request of my loyal readers. Please just take a minute of your time to visit the Pet Limo Facebook page and express to Ms Mora just how appreciative you are of all her tremendous work over the last five days in helping these wonderful pets. Simply comment or leave a review.
I will be updating on this story next week.
I have spoken to Ms Mora from Pet Limo and she has stated that all the dogs and cats have now been shipped from Florida and are with their new families.
In addition, one local rescue organization has offered their thoughts on stray dogs and rescue in Aruba.


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Natalie Neumann – The Women of West Chester
Natalie Neumann – Student at Westtown School
Year in School: Eleventh
Hometown: West Chester, PA
A woman at Westtown who has influenced you: My chemistry teacher, Rose Koenig. She introduced me to the sciences and sparked a deep interest I did not know I had.
"Being a 5-ft. 5-in. soccer goalkeeper and defending an 8-ft. tall net is not the perfect combination," says Natalie Neumann, with a wry grin. Yet she was determined to prove it could be done.
"I've been told I'm too short for the position and couldn't play in college," she says. "I knew I could prove that wrong." Natalie earned a spot on a local travel team, then trained under Jill Loyden, a formember of the U.S. women's national team. "She's an outstanding goalkeeping coach," says Natalie.
Coupling the tactical training from her coach with hours of practice with her dad, Natalie became the starting goalkeeper for her team.
"I developed the confidence and skills to lead my team," she says. "And secured an offer to play in college."
"We empower each other to combat pressure, bias, or negative views our society places on women."
Natalie's experiences at Westtown also fuel her drive. "A group of girls meets regularly to ensure we have a strong female voice in our community," she says. "We empower each other. It's a great way to combat pressures, bias, or negative views our society places on women."
Her advice to young, female student athletes is to be passionate about what they do. "Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough or talented enough," she says. "You can provide value and truth in whatever position you hold, whether in the classroom or on the field."
figwestchester
Fig West Chester
Fig connects people with local shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, organizations, services, and events. At Fig, we envision a different kind of media message—one that energizes a thriving, sustainable local economy and revitalizes the community.


While the weather outside may well be still drab and dull, we can look forward to the fact that spring will soon be upon us. Whether you're planning an early summer break away, or are just looking forward to having fun with the kids in the Easter holidays, you'll want to make sure that they're kitted out when it comes to footwear.
It might seem like you've only just bought the winter boots and the wellingtons, but it's a fact of life that kids need different shoes for different seasons. Get your boys shoes at George at ASDA and kitting them out doesn't have to break the bank.
Either take this handy shoe shopping list to the supermarket when doing your weekly shop, or check out the range available at George online – whatever is most convenient for you. The 100 Day George Guarantee means that you can make your purchases with the peace of mind that, should the fit or the style be not quite right for your little monkey, you can take them back without quibble.
Canvas shoes are a good lightweight solution, that is ideal for taking on holiday as they won't eat too much into the baggage allowance. They also look good both day and night, as a smart or casual solution.
A pair of simple lace-up canvas trainers in black, blue or red cost just £6 at George, or choose a lace free canvas pump for just £5. For evenings, high top canvas trainers in grey look good with chinos or denims.
The shoe style of the year, the high top, is sure to still be going strong for spring, so make sure your kids are the coolest around. Younger boys will love the black and white Velcro strap high tops with contrast green trim at George (£9), whereas older boys will like the lace up version (£12).
One of the best things about the arrival of the warmer weather and the lighter evenings is that kids can play out. Whether the football field, the park or the skate park is their hangout of choice, it's pretty safe to say that they'll be getting into plenty of scrapes.
Don't let them ruin their smart shoes. Pick up playing out trainers for as little as £5 from George, so they don't have to worry about scuffs or mud.
A sturdy pair of leather sandals are essential for keeping little feet cool and comfortable, and especially important if taking a hot weather holiday. Get feet measured to prevent toes overflowing over the edge of the shoe, and make sure that sandals chosen are sturdy yet flexible enough to walk, run and play in.
Check with your child's school as to whether leather sandals are appropriate footwear, for maximum wear from your purchase.
Another holiday must buy, flip flops can be squashed into even the fullest suitcase or rucksack. They're ideal for slipping on for the beach or the pool, although they're not the best for running around in the park in.
Flip flops can be picked up cheaply for just a few pounds, but try to limit the amount of time your child spends wearing them as they're not the most supportive items of footwear available! The same goes for Croc-style shoes.
When you get your boy's shoes at ASDA you can kit the kids out with all that they need for the spring/summer season for less than you might think – leaving plenty of spends for summer holidays and fun days out!


Adorable 1 story in SW neighborhood of Southern Highlands. The home features an open floor plan w/ wood floors, front dining room area, double breakfast bars, pantry, Corian counters & all appliances included. The master bedroom sits separate w/ views to the lush backyard & features bathroom w/ walk in shower, separate tub & double sinks. Yard features a covered patio, a glass fire pit & a real grass lawn. A Must See!


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Modi warns of likely side-effects as govt readies vaccine strategy
A health worker wearing a protective face mask checks the temperature of a woman while conducting door to door survey to identify symptomatic people amid a spike in coronavirus cases, in New Delhi yesterday.
Reuters/IANS New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday warned that any Covid-19 vaccine could lead to side-effects in some people, as even popular medicines do, and that the government would only go by science in finalising one for the country.
The comments came ahead of the possible launch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by early next year in India, the country with the world's second-highest number of coronavirus infections after the US.
The question of who pays any claims for damages for unexpected side-effects has been a tricky point in supply negotiations between countries and drug makers over potential vaccines.
Some richer countries have agreed full or partial exemptions from liability for firms to secure shots.
Indian officials have not commented on who would be held responsible if any vaccine led to serious unwanted consequences.
Brazil has said it will not exempt vaccine makers from liability, but Mexico could share some of the burden with laboratories.
Modi said both speed and safety were equally important in launching a vaccine, but that, once established scientific processes had determined the right path, India would follow it.
"Even medicines popular for 20 years and used by hundreds of thousands of people lead to reactions in some, even today," Modi said in a video conference with state chief ministers.
"It's possible with vaccines too. Any decision on them should only be weighed on a scientific scale.
"Whatever vaccine makes it through the world's certified processes, we will have to accept them and move ahead."
Modi said it was not yet known which vaccine would be launched in India and at what price, but urged states to work with the federal government to keep distribution infrastructure such as cold storages ready.
After the AstraZeneca vaccine's third-stage trial results were revealed on Monday, its Indian manufacturer the Serum Institute of India said it would first focus on supplying its home market in the next few months.
The other experimental vaccines on trial in the country are the government and Bharat Biotch's COVAXIN; Russia's Sputnik-V; Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D and lastly one that Biological E is developing with Baylor College of Medicine and Dynavax Technologies.
India yesterday recorded 37,975 new infections, taking the total to 9.18mn. Deaths rose by 480, with the total now at 134,218.
The prime minister disclosed that health and frontline workers will get priority when it comes to getting the vaccine when it arrives. He also expressed his displeasure over the politics being played over the issue.
Modi stressed it was the "duty" of the nation to vaccinate frontline workers first. He added the vaccine distribution system must be transparent and thus allay the fears of many Indians.
The premier is learnt to have said that the priority list will be created in three phases where health workers pressed into Covid duty will be the first to get the vaccine followed by police personnel, sanitation workers and the elderly population. And then, the PM is believed to have articulated, the vaccines will go to those with co-morbidities. The idea behind this is to ensure those who actually are in most dire need of the vaccine, get it first.
Meanwhile, the Centre has already sought a list for all states and union territories of frontline workers – doctors, nurses, medical assistants among others – in their respective areas.
He has asked states to start working on cold storage facilities for the vaccine.
"I urge all the states to send their detailed plans soon on how they plan to take vaccines to the lowest levels. It will help us make informed decisions as your experiences are valuable," said the prime minister, while pitching for greater federal co-operation.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is known to be a vocal critic of the government, who raised the issue of GST dues that the Centre owes in the first leg of the meeting, expressed willingness to co-operate with regard to the vaccination distribution system. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said a task force has been formed by the state government.
The prime minister warned against carelessness that caused a recent spike in many states. He reiterated that caution needs to be at its best, till the vaccines are here, rolled out and administered. He added that the government is making efforts to make oxygen and ventilators "two key demands" in the fight against the pandemic available. In this direction, efforts are afoot to establish a slew of oxygen generation plants.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray urged the Centre to formulate a 'national vaccine distribution policy' to combat the Covid-19 pandemic more systematically.


Evacuation is a new novel about acts of resistance from French writer Raphaël Jerusalmy, who imagines an evacuation in war-torn Tel Aviv.
In his novel, Naor, a young filmmaker, is driving with his mother. He tells her about being in Tel Aviv after a recent evacuation.
Everyone else has fled, except for Naor and Yaël, his artist girlfriend, and Saba, his grandfather, who is a writer. The occasional missile explodes nearby. But Saba refuses to leave the place he loves. And Yaël has her own secret aspirations.
In defiance of the war, they scavenge an existence and explore the mysteries of their beloved city—until the unthinkable happens.
This is a novel of suspense, a profound tale about our choices under pressure, about love, for each other and for a place, about death, and about finding a way to peace, and it is Raphaël Jerusalmy at the height of his powers.
We asked Bram Presser (man on the right), author of the acclaimed The Book of Dirt, if he'd like to ask Raphaël Jerusalmy (man on the left – and take a moment please to appreciate the collective cool of those two headshots...) a couple of questions about his new novel and his writing.
The result was highly anticipated.
Evacuation imagines Tel Aviv cleared of its civilian population during a time of war in the unspecified future. Although speculative there is never a sense that it isn't absolutely real. Do you feel that reality has now surpassed the fantastical in understanding a world teetering on the brink of catastrophe?
The threat hovering over Israel is very real and the next conflict imminent. As seen in Syria, Yemen or Libya, urban areas and civilian populations are indiscriminately targeted by the military, sometimes with unconventional weapons. Tel-Aviv and Haifa have been attacked and hit by missiles twice in the past and the Israeli defense forces (IDF) have drawn operational plans for evacuating major cities, if needed. More often than not, reality will surpass works of fiction in harshness and cruelty. War is a marvellous literary tool that Evacuation uses to take reality one step further towards its own absurdity. But also to disclose what can never be hit or destroyed by any weapon.
Aside from a few missile attacks, the war rages mostly in the background. People learn of any developments – incursions, casualties, peace negotiations – by listening to the radio. To what extent does this reflect everyday life in Israel?
In all war zones, you will find that life just goes on in an amazing show of resilience. Even in Syria today, you often witness children coming out to play amongst the rubble, during moments of relative quiet between air attacks.
Israelis closely monitor any security-related event. Most of them have alert apps downloaded on their phones. Their high level of readiness results from their military training (three years of military service for boys, two years for girls). But it originates even earlier, starting with frequent emergency drills in all kindergartens and at school.
The good side of living in relative insecurity is that nothing is taken for granted. Not even tomorrow. That is how Israelis thrive, by enjoying the moment.
The three who stay behind – Naor, Yael and Saba – are all artists. Naor and Yael both respond to the evacuation through their art, he by making a film and she by painting scenes and breaking into galleries. Why, then, does Saba, a writer, refuse to engage, preferring instead to read Beckett's Molloy and act in Naor's film?
Reading the same book over and over again is a literary statement in itself. Refusing to write is yet another one. Saba does not wish to transmit his teachings by means of words, either written or spoken. He purposefully refrains from making speeches or delivering any kind of sermon. He has chosen to bequeath his love of life by making a show of it. Isn't the best way of doing that by acting in a movie? In Naor's film, entitled 'Evacuation'.
As in your previous novel, Saving Mozart, Evacuation explores the role of the individual in resisting authority during times of major upheaval. Notably, though, Saba, Naor and Yael each stay in Tel Aviv for very different reasons. Do you feel that there is some kind of hierarchy of resistance and does it impact on how we, as readers, respond to each of the three characters' fates in the book? Moreover, does hope ultimately reside in the "ordinary" person?
The power of any individual lies in his or her very individuality. In just being fully yourself, and remaining so no matter what. That is why there are as many ways of fighting injustice or resisting oppression as there are individuals. You do not know what you are capable of until you are put to the test. In Evacuation, I invite the reader to face a challenging situation and I suggest different manners of coping with it. In the end, I show that the ultimate power of any individual is his or her ability to love another. Naor, Yael and Saba may have different ways of facing adversity but it is their love for one another that eventually prevails, beyond danger, war and even death.
Finally, Evacuation is equal parts love letter to and wrestling match with a city you have chosen to call your home. Did writing it change your understanding of Tel Aviv and your place in it?
I was born in Paris, France. So, I am an urban animal of sorts. Cities are made of lots of stones and lots of people. Paris displays gorgeous stonework of the highest craft. Tel Aviv has no such beauty to offer to the eye. But it will smother you with a whole lot of humanity. Sometimes a little too much (which is so very Jewish). I therefore decided to relieve Tel Aviv of its noisy rowdy people for a while. Just to find out that, in the empty streets, the forlorn alleys, this sense of humanity remained. It made itself felt even more strongly. At the wailing wall of Jerusalem, many feel the presence of God. At the terrace of a Tel Aviv bistro, you will feel the presence of life, and the wish to live it in togetherness and peace.
Evacuation is available now in all good bookshops, on the Text website (free postage) and as an ebook.


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Q: ffmpeg to change video from 30 to 60fps to double speed without re-encoding First, I have looked at the older questions asking the same, but the responses do not work.
Adding -r 30 or 60 to the input file does not impact the output, nor does setting it for the output, which remains unchanged.
I am handling a very large number of files from 1 to 22 gigs recorded (with audio) in 30fps that need to be re-posted as 60pfs, with the corresponding speed increase.
I toyed with ffmpeg a bit and came up with this..
-filter_complex "[0:v]setpts=0.50*PTS[v];[0:a]atempo=2.0[a]" -map "[v]" -map "[a]" -vcodec:v libx264

It works fine, but to have to wait out a complete re-encoding of the video and audio to produce the same video with the fps changed seems like an insane waste of time.
Am I missing something simple?  Is there not a way to -c copy with a new fps playback rate on the resulting file?
(if it still has to recode the audio to maintain sync that's fine, audio is quick enough it doesn't much matter)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Kim holds off Nordqvist
In Kyung Kim has held her lead heading into Saturday's final round of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
Overnight leader In Kyung Kim has held on to her place at the top of the leader board heading into Saturday's final round of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.
The 21-year-old South Korean leader added a 67 to her 70 and 65 of the first two rounds on Friday to take her score to a 14-under-par three-round total that gave her a three-shot lead over the up and coming Swedish star Ann Nordqvist.
Nordqvist, who rarely shows emotion on the course, was full of smiles after her third round 65 at the highly regarded Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club took her total to 11-under and put her into a second place, one shot clear of compatriot Maria Hjorth, who shot a 67.
American Michelle Wie started the day two shots behind the leader, but blamed a cold putter for her lack of progress up the leader board.
A 71 put her six shots behind the leader in a tie for fourth at eight-under with French No 1 Gwladys Nocera, Korean Amy Yang and Spain's Tania Elosegui.
Wie is mixing playing in the tournament with taking her final exams at Stanford University, which she sends back over the Internet. She carded two birdies against one bogey in her third round.
"I felt like I hit the ball pretty solid. Just not all the putts went in," Wie said afterwards. "It was very frustrating, because I was making birdie opportunities, but I just couldn't take advantage of them today.
"My putts were just missing the hole a little bit here and there and it was frustrating. But that's done with and hopefully I can shoot the lights out tomorrow."
Playing in light drizzle alongside Wie, Kim started strongly when she chipped in from 20 feet for birdie at the 331-yard par-four second hole. She picked up another shot at the par-five third hole when she two putted from just off the green.
The only blemish on her card was a bogey on the eighth, but Kim regained a two stroke lead after she holed a clutch birdie putt at the ninth for an outward total of 33, two under par. She came back in 34, three-under, after birdies on holes 13, 14 and 17.
"I'm very happy with how I played today. I played very solid again. I made some putts and left some putts, but I tried hard, and I think 5 under is not bad," said Kim.
Nordqvist, who stands to win the Ladies European Tour's Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year Award on Saturday, grabbed a share of the lead after she sank a long putt at the 15th for her seventh birdie of the day, but couldn't match Kim over the last three holes.
"I'm very excited. I think I was seven behind going into Madrid, but I got into the playoff, so, anything can happen here," Nordqvist said.
Nordqvist has had an awesome year that has included winning a major and currently lies 7th in the Rolex world rankings – the highest ever world ranking for any LET player in their rookie season. She has won two LPGA titles including the coveted LPGA Championship.
"I have had a really good year so far. One more round before I get to go on my Christmas break. It will be a good day and lots of fun and I love playing golf in all conditions, so it will be a good challenge for me,": she said.
Also looking forward to the challenge was Elosegui, who could claim the shot of the day. She holed out for an eagle two with a nine-iron at the par-four 14th hole, which was her second eagle in two days after she scored a hole in one at the seventh on Thursday.
There is all to play for in the race to seal the Ladies European Tour's official Henderson Money List title on Saturday, with just a stroke between the top two ranked players Sophie Gustafson and Catriona Matthew respectively.
The Ricoh Women's British Open champion Matthew starts the final round a stroke ahead of Gustafson at six-under-par in a share of eighth position with Jade Schaeffer, Melissa Reid, Vikki Laing and Laura Davies; while Gustafson starts the day alone in 13th position at five under par overall.


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Q: Player spawn moves at every death I want to build a house around the player spawn in Minecraft 1.51.
When I spawned the first time I marked the block underneath my feet and built a house around it so I am safe when I spawn at night.
The problem is that the spawn point moves everytime I die.
Why is that and how can I prevent it?

A: the spawn in minecraft is in a zone of 20x20 area centered at the world spawn point.
however,the spawn change when you sleep in a bed. so just build a house and sleep in your bed.


Verdi's story about the hunchbacked father (Rigoletto) who desperately wants to protect his innocent daughter (Gilda) from the licentious Duke of Mantua has seldom been brought to life so electrifyingly as with this cast. The incandescent Anna Netrebko conveys every nuance of Gilda's emotions as she falls in love, is betrayed, and finally gives her own life, to save her faithless lover. Rolando Villazón embodies all of the Duke's dangerous charm and Carlo Guelfi is heartbreaking as the tortured title character.


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Jericho Members
Are you a member of Jericho Writers? Then join this group and meet your fellow-members!
To kick things off - introduce yourselves. What do you write? Where are you based? What are you engaging with in the Membership so far?
Chris Lofts
Dazzleme
Blaine Wright
michellesalter
Chris Lofts , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
Hi everyone. I'm Chris Lofts a resting IT project manager. I still haven't got used to that other "R" word just yet. I write psychological thrillers and am currently working on my second. The first is still out there with a bunch of agents, so I'm keeping everything crossed. I live in Herne Bay in what was formerly known as the Garden of England (Kent) and is now more like the car park of England. If the government has its way there won't be any green space left before much longer. Luckily I live next to the see and so far they haven't found a way of building out there, apart from the cluster of wind turbines eight miles out.
I love being a member of JW and it's my go-to place for hints, tips and advice. I'll be at the FoW in September and can's wait to meet other members. If you're mulling over whether or not to do the excellent six-week self-editing course with Debi Alper and Emma Darwin, stop procrastinating and sign up, you'll be glad you did.
Dazzleme , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
I'm a multi-skilled post renaissance creature... ex-radio and print journalist, award-winning erotic artist and photographer, lighting designer, and writer of factual stuff... so I'm now enjoying myself branching out into novels based on some elements of reality! First is complete, privately self-published as a 100,000 word work currently out in softcover for review by those who I know will be honest, and the second is currently slightly stuck at around 60,000 words, having reached a crossroad with no signpost!
Andy Sykes , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
I think it's time I introduced myself. I am a retired engineer based in Cheshire. I bred and showed German Shepherd dogs for 16 years as an expensive and all-consuming hobby. With what I saw and the stories told, I always said there was a book in it, so I wrote it.
Now I'm trying to turn it into something commercially viable. My original effort was quite poor but, with the help of Jericho Writers and two Editorial Reviews, there is a chance it might actually fly. The Festival of Writing is approaching, so clutching my second Ed Review, I am head down, editing V4 into V5. Got to get it spick and span for the 1-2-1 submissions deadline!
If you are going to the FoW, I look forward to meeting you.
Blaine Wright , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
I have spent much of my time agonizing about the duty required of me as I set out to chronicle the events of the Vietnam War. Here is a thing I need to make abundantly clear to my reader, and I say this with the total conviction I have felt in my soul from the time I was a small boy until now. The United States Military is, bar none, the finest and most honorable institution in our entire country.
I was a snot-nosed kid of seventeen when I enlisted. I was rebellious to authority, argumentative and disrespectful to every single NCO who had the duty to make a man of me. I was also among the first to enlist in the new all volunteer army of the post Vietnam War. My reasons for joining up were simple. Having been on my own from the age of twelve, cleaning toilets at the bar after closing time, washing dishes and dabbling at construction work a bit, I dropped out of high school and had no direction in life at all. The army fed me, housed me, and gave me a small paycheck while bringing structure to my life. I was given three years to start figuring out the man I wanted to be and how I wished to live. It helped!
I volunteered for jump school so that I could get an extra fifty-five dollars a month hazardous duty pay. We called it jump pay. In the 82ndAirborne Division to which I was assigned we had traditions of our own. When we saluted an officer, we did not say "Good Morning Sir' or "Good Afternoon Sir". It was always "ALL THE WAY SIR"! That was our motto. I always felt proud to say it, not even really knowing why. I get it now. It was a promise to follow our commanders wherever our country sent us and see it through regardless of what may be required.
After a lifetime of regret concerning the disrespect I gave those NCO's, many of whom gave much and had comrades in arms who gave all, I am hoping to repay them now with the honor and respect they deserve. They did indeed go "ALL THE WAY". I count them among my heroes.
Growing up, I had several true heroes that I admired. I will name three. Audie Murphy was a western movie legend for me. He was more importantly the most highly decorated soldier in WWII. I watched the autobiographical movie "To Hell and Back", in which he portrayed himself, countless times. President John Kennedy was also a decorated veteran of the WWII Navy. Our country will never know what it lost due to his assassination. Most of all I want to thank Nelson DeMille for the inspiration he gave me through the reading of his novels. A decorated veteran in Vietnam as a 1stLieutenant in the First Cavalry, he went on to be a prolific writer of fiction. My inspiration to become a novelist has its roots in two of his novels. Those who enjoy a well-done depiction of the military should read "Word of Honor". His novel "Upcountry" (my favorite) will be my guide while writing the next two novels in the "White Bird" series, as they are very much about the Vietnam War. I believe that Nelson allowed me a peek into his soul in writing about the Vietnam experience. Nelsondemille.net. Mister Demille, I hope you read and enjoy my novels some day. ALL THE WAY, SIR.
I never lived up to being the hero I wanted to be so I am creating heroes of my own who are a part of myself and exemplify the kind of men I wished to become. In writing my first novel "White Bird" Book One: Among the Nez Perce", I am learning the meaning of courage, honor, and fidelity in the truest tradition of the great Nez Perce People and the men and women who served. I hope I do them all proud. Follow my progress if you wish.
My Facebook page is (Harold Wright) (White Bird)
http://blainewrightidaho.com
https://blainewrightidaho.blogspot.com
s.a.lunn , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
Hello everyone: an introduction as suggested.
I've written 100,000 words of the first draft of my first novel. Which is a satirical caper thriller. I think. Now working through the JW self-edit pyramid alongside the 1-hour query letter and synopsis builder. Interesting, difficult, useful and instructive.
I'm based in Wolvercote, Oxford.
Engagement with the JW/Townhouse community so far limited to floating some draft 'elevator pitches' for step 1 of the self-edit pyramid. And getting very helpful feedback, especially from Kate.
Currently working in a gallery in the Cairngorms, developing a synopsis in the slack hours when wind and rain keeps art patrons at home. And looking forward to York in September.
Latha math dhut a h-iule duine (which might mean 'Have a nice day, everyone', in Scottish Gaelic)
Roger Short , Members of Jericho Writers added a post
Hello, the JW community!
I'm relatively new to JW, I joined in March, attended the 18 May self-editing workshop, and have enrolled for the six-week September course.
I am Anglo-Italian, born outside Nottingham but grew up in East Anglia and lived for longer periods in Denmark, France and now Turin in Italy. I've always had an interest in creative writing and writing in general (as a child a wrote weekly letters to my families in the UK and Italy). Research and writing of a different formal kind had been an integral part of my previous work in the world of policy and evaluation of technical assistance to developing and transition economies.
It was during a long period of working in Russia that spanned the years of transition, including the Chernobyl closure, that I had the original idea for the Trilogy I am battling to complete. That idea included Russia's desire to have Britain out of the EU. When I eventually started to write in earnest, I dropped this but has now been reintroduced. I have reached the point where I have 1600 pages to edit, much written at different times and moods. I've already found that JW is putting me on the right track.
Luckily, I am able to devote the majority of my time to writing and often retreat to a place in the Alps or Tuscany. I divide the other twenty-per-cent of my time to a charity that deals with community environmental hygiene education in Africa and providing ideas/advice to the advancement of sustainable rural rail tourism in Italy.
Hi all, I have just joined the group, having been a member of JW for a few months now. I have written a Crime novel set in the world of German Shepherd Dog showing in the 1990's. A world I inhabited at that time and so an obvious source of inspiration and plenty of character material. Just received my JW Editor's review. Plenty of work to do. Need the new draft ready before the deadline for Festival of Writing. I guess setting goals like that is the best way of making progress.
Might be asking for helpful critiques before then and will be happy to reciprocate, but for the moment it's head down and get on with it. 😊


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Jimmy Doogooder and the Piranha Kids (story)
Written 25th March 2016. Satirical short story inspired by 'Lord of the Flies.'
Set in a playground on a Friday afternoon. A group of ten year old children are playing in a playground, but four of them enter and think that there is too much chaos and want to bring order and make them play the games they want, by taking over the entire playground. These are The Piranha Kids. Meanwhile, Jimmy Doogooder and his best friend Linda Left-Eye dislike The Piranha Kids and want to stop them, but Jimmy gets distracted as he realises he likes Virginia Sweetmund and wants her to be his girlfriend.
One Friday afternoon in the sunny town of Dimbledale, a group of children aged eight to eleven were playing in the playground of Kingsley Park. They were having fun in their individual groups; swinging on the swings, shoving sand around in the sandpit, saddling on the see-saws – you know, that kind of thing. It was a pleasant day to be outside.
But then, in walked a gang of four children. They were called Donny, Ronnie, Maggie and George. Donny was the loudest, Ronnie was the friendliest, Maggie was the smartest and George was the richest. (Or rather, he had the richest parents.) They walked in, disgusted at the sight they were seeing in front of them. Unlike the other kids, they were dressed in smart black and navy clothes, with their shoes shined spotless and their hairstyles immaculate. They scowled and looked down on the other children and thought they were stupid and messed about a lot. They were known as The Piranha Kids.
"Look at these idiots," said Maggie, shaking her head. "It makes me disgusted to think that we have to spend our playtime hanging around such fools."
"I know," agreed Donny. "You wait till my father hears about this. If it were up to me I would have all of them sent away. Only the coolest should be allowed to play."
"Now, now guys," said Ronnie. "If we want them to behave better, why don't we just take over the playground? I'm sure it isn't that hard."
"Take over the playground!" Maggie burst out laughing. "And how exactly do you propose we do that? We need some sort of plan if we want that to happen."
"Well, why not?" said Ronnie. "After all, we're the coolest kids out of everyone here. I'm sure they'd listen to us. We're the best dressed and our parents have the most money."
"Mine don't," said Maggie. Ronnie patted her arm. "That's ok Maggie, you know we're always happy to help you out. Friends look out for each other." The boys knew Maggie's parents didn't have as much money as them, and sometimes they had to lend her family money so that they could pay for a house as big as theirs. They had been due to pay it back for some time now. Maggie knew that if they were able to take over the playground it would certainly help their parents cause – after all, it would make them look so much better next to her friends.
"Ok, if we want to take over the playground, how are we going to do it?" said Donny eagerly. He liked this idea very much. "We could dress up as zombies and scare everyone away. That would be fun. Or we could round up all the ugly, stupid children and tell them to leave and say that only cool people were allowed to hang out here. Or we could-"
"That sounds much too complicated," said George. He didn't speak as much as the other three, but when he did he was bursting full of good, wise ideas. "Why don't we just pay someone to make us a fort in the sandpit, stand on top of it, and then throw sand at anyone who doesn't agree with us?"
"That's a stupid idea!" said Maggie haughtily. "That will never work. We have to ease people into agreeing with us, not force them to do it."
"Besides, paying them isn't fair on us," agreed Ronnie. He and Maggie often agreed on things. "Why would we want to give away our money?"
But Donny thought this was smart. "Exactly how much were you willing to pay, George?"
George fumbled in his pocket, taking out some gold coins. "Five pounds."
"Five whole pounds!"
"Not five pounds for all of them. They would have to split it between themselves. If we found a group of children stupid enough to take the money, they could build the fort for us."
"What about them over there?" said Donny. He pointed to a group of russet skinned children with black hair playing in the sandpit. They had painted their faces with face paint and were charging around, pretending to be animals. Donny shuddered. "Look at how dirty they are. Everyone knows dirty children are stupid. I propose we go and ask them."
It was decided that Ronnie and Maggie, the most persuasive, would go up to them. They sauntered up to the russet skinned children, smiling. The children looked up at them. They were in awe of the cool, well-dressed Piranha Kids; why would they be talking to them? It must be for something important.
"Who here is the leader out of you all?" said Ronnie. The children looked around. "Well, we don't really have a leader..."
"No leader?" Maggie's smiled widened. "Surely someone must be in charge. How do you decide on what to play?"
"Well, we agree on it altogether you see."
"But wouldn't you like a leader?" said Ronnie. "Someone to look up to, who could help you out, and make sure you play the best games? You'd be better than all of the other kids. You'd be cooler, and lots more fun and everyone would want to be your friend."
The russet skinned children looked excited. Perhaps if they agreed with them, they could get cool clothes too! "Yes, that sounds great!" they chorused.
"Good, good. Now, all we need is one teensy little favour," said Maggie. "It is so small, you won't even think about it. We kind of need a fort, you see, if we want to be the coolest kids of the playground. We need you guys to build us a fort-"
"A fort! A fort! The playground for a fort!" They already got to work, picking up giant cardboard boxes and sticking them at the side of the sandpit. Maggie and Ronnie smiled at each other. This was easier than they had thought.
"They've already started it," said Ronnie triumphantly. "We shan't need to pay them."
"Well, maybe just a little bit, not to seem rude," said Donny. "After all, it's not like we're going to let them be part of our playground!" They all laughed at that.
Once the fort had been built, The Piranha Kids went to look at it. It was a real beauty, complete with spaces for each of them to stand in. They smiled at the russet skinned children. "Thank you, what brilliant work!"
George took out three of his gold coins. "For your troubles." He handed it to them. There were seven of them in total, but they didn't complain; some of them had never seen three whole pounds before. "So now do we get to be Piranha Kids too?" asked one of them eagerly.
Maggie shook her head. "Sorry, we can't do that. Only the coolest kids get to be Piranha Kids."
The russet skinned children were shocked. "But...we built the fort for you!"
"Yes, and we gave you money," said Donny. "That's more than enough. You don't need to be in with us as well; learn to be grateful. Now, go away. This playground belongs to us now." They stood up on the fort. "Get out of the playground!"
"Now, Donny," said Ronnie. He smiled at the russet skinned children. "What he means is; this is our part of the playground. You can go and play on the other side."
The russet skinned children looked longingly at the sandpit, and the fort, and the Piranha Kids' cool clothes. But they could see they had lost, so they walked away, some of them starting to cry.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the playground, a boy named Jimmy Doogooder was playing on the swings with his best friend, Linda Left-Eye. She was nicknamed this because she had a black eye-patch on her right-eye, so only her left-eye was showing.
Jimmy was pushing Linda on the swing, whilst looking over at a girl sitting on a park bench reading a book. This girl was called Virginia Sweetmund.
"You should just tell her how you feel," said Linda. "It's no use staring at her all the time. You should try and talk to her."
"But what if she doesn't like me?" said Jimmy. "She's so pretty and she's so good at Literacy. Sometimes she helps me when I'm stuck on answers in class."
"There! See, I'm sure she likes you," said Linda. "Woo, I can see the tree tops! This is so cool!"
Jimmy sighed. "She might tell me to go away. Apparently her parents are really strict and don't like her talking to boys anyway."
"Who cares, they don't need to know," said Linda. "This is so much fun."
"Can I have a turn now?" he asked.
"Yeah, sure." Jimmy stopped pushing her, so that the swing gradually started to come lower and lower down. But as Linda felt herself getting lower and lower, she noticed a group of tearful looking children covered in sand, sweat and face paint coming to her and Jimmy. It was the russet skinned children.
"Hello! What's the matter?" she said to them. Her and Jimmy were both eleven; amongst the oldest of the children. The russet skinned children all looked about eight or nine.
"The Piranha Kids told us to go away!" they said, sobbing. "They made us build a fort for them, and then they made us go to the other end of the playground, when we were in the sandpit first!"
"Really?" Jimmy and Linda were both shocked. "That's terrible! Why would they do such a thing?"
"They said they would let us be part of their gang," said one of them. "But they didn't. They tricked us."
Linda was horrified. She had never liked The Piranha Kids, but now they were crossing the line. "They shouldn't be doing that! They had no right to."
"They want to be the leaders of the playground."
"Leaders of the playground?" said Jimmy. "That's silly. Why should anyone be leaders of the playground? We should be allowed to play whatever we want."
"They did give us some money," said another one, holding out the three gold coins. Jimmy and Linda looked at each other. "Only three pounds for seven of you? That's awful." They decided it was best to go and talk to The Piranha Kids themselves. Jimmy gave one last longing look at Virginia, and then they went to the other side of the playground. They weren't scared of them, and wanted to know what they were up to.
By the time they got there, The Piranha Kids had already gathered a small crowd. They were standing on top of their fort, chanting a loud chant:
"Piranha Kids! Piranha Kids!
We're, oh we're, The Piranha Kids!
Come to make, the playground better
Lots more fun for everyone!
Law and order all around
The Piranha Kids are leaders now!"
"What's going on here?" Linda called up to them. "What are you guys doing?"
"We're the leaders of the playground now," said Maggie. "Look at our fort, see? Everyone has to do what we say."
"And what exactly is that?" said Jimmy.
"Everyone has to be clean and tidy, not messy and silly. If you want to be cool you can't play dirty like...like a savage." Someone in the audience went "Boo, we hate savages!"
"Exactly!" said Maggie. "We play civilised games, like Card Games or Board Games, not stupid games like Tag or Kiss-Chase or Truth or Dare. We care about the clothes we wear, and the people we associate ourselves with. Smart people, not stupid people that paint their faces!"
"Yeah! Paint their faces!" called out someone else.
"Face painting is stupid and childish!"
"We want order!"
"But that's boring," said Jimmy. "People should be allowed to play whatever they want and dress however they want. Does it really matter?"
"We also care about other things," said Ronnie. "Like, to be part of The Piranha Kids, you have to go to church every Sunday! My Mum said that Jesus is the only correct person to worship. If you worship other Gods then you're a savage and you're stupid."
"Yeah! Stupid!"
"And you can't talk to other stupid people who don't listen to what we do," said George. "Because if we do, we'll throw sand at you and start a Sand War!"
"Yeah! Sand War!"
"This is silly," said Linda. "What do you care about what Gods people worship?"
"Linda! Do you go to church?"
"Well, no," said Linda. "But that doesn't mean-"
"Jimmy! Do you go to church?"
"Not always..."
"Then you're savages! Go and play with the other savages!" The Piranha Kids scooped up clumps of sand and started shoving it at Jimmy and Linda. "Kick them out! Kick them out! Kick them out!"
"And stay on the other side of the playground!" yelled Donny in his great booming voice. "This is our side now!"
Linda and Jimmy shook the sand off them, shaking their heads. "This is awful," muttered Linda. "I'll say," said Jimmy, scratching his hair as sand flew out. "We should do something about this," said Linda. "They've got no right to order us around like that."
But Jimmy was distracted. A girl had approached him, a book tucked under her arm. Linda looked at the pair of them, and then slowly walked away, over to the russet skinned children, wondering about how to get back at The Piranha Kids. Meanwhile, Virginia swept some sand off Jimmy's shoulder.
"Thanks," he said. "How did you get all sandy?" asked Virginia.
"It was The Piranha Kids' fault," said Jimmy. "They threw sand at me and Linda."
"Oh, that's not nice," she said. "The Piranha Kids aren't usually like that. I like them. They all come from respectable backgrounds and sometimes my dad goes to play golf with their dads."
Jimmy was bewildered. "The Piranha Kids aren't nice! They threw sand at us because we said we don't go to church!"
"You don't go to church?" Virginia put a hand to her mouth. "Oh dear. Why not?"
"Well...my parents are Christian," he said quickly "but sometimes we don't have the time. We go at Easter, or Christmas, you know, special occasions. But sometimes it's hard...usually on Sundays we have a big family dinner, so we don't have the time for church. I think we forget." He was trying to say all this so that Virginia didn't think he was a bad person. He couldn't believe that they were having an actual conversation.
"Ok." She smiled at him. "That's ok."
"What are you reading? Well, I mean what were you reading, because you're not, erm, reading it right now."
"It's called Treasure World," she said. "It's about this boy called Jim who accidentally falls into this space capsule and it transports him to another dimension where there is nothing but treasure, and he wants to take it home to his parents, but then he finds out that once you get there you're stuck because of the wicked curse from Long Legged Peterson..."
"It sounds really cool!" said Jimmy, who very much liked the fact that the main character was called Jim.
"Maybe you can borrow it after I finish it?" she said. Jimmy nodded. "I'd like that very much." They didn't say anything for a minute, and then Jimmy heard someone calling his name. It was Linda. "Sorry, I have to go, Linda wants to take down The Piranha Kids."
"That's mean. Why can't she leave them be?"
"Well...they've sort of taken over the whole playground," he said. "And I think she wants to defend our side."
"As long as they don't stop me from reading, I don't mind."
"Oh they won't mind that, because reading is civilised," he said. She laughed. "Ok. I'll see you later then."
Jimmy went over to where Linda and the russet skinned children were. Some other children had joined them, from the climbing frame and the see-saw. They were all complaining.
"The Piranha Kids said we can't paint our faces!"
"They said we can't chase each other around!"
"We're not allowed to pretend to be animals!"
"They said that our clothes are dirty!"
They all started yelling amongst each other, and Linda looked apologetically at Jimmy. "Did you talk to Virginia?"
"Yes, it was great. She's reading this cool book and she said that her parents-"
"Right, right," said Linda, distracted. "We need to organize our own group to go against The Piranha Kids, and build our own fort. We think that everyone is equal and needs to be allowed to wear what they want and play what they want."
"That's good." Jimmy was still thinking about Virginia.
"Come on Jimmy! Focus!"
"Sorry, I was just hoping that my mum's making chicken casserole for dinner tonight."
Linda's mouth was hanging open. "JIMMY! I thought we were vegetarians?"
"Oh...was that supposed to be permanent? I thought that was only for that week."
Linda smacked her hand to her forehead. "Never mind. Right, let's get planning."
On the other side of the playground, The Piranha Kids were thriving still. They now had a hefty group of followers, and all of them were standing around the fort, guarding for any signs of opposition. Meanwhile, the rest of them were obediently playing Snap and Rummy, rather than running around like hooligans. Those who had dirty clothes on had taken them off, so that they were just in their clean vests. After all, it was pretty warm.
Maggie, Ronnie, Donny and George were satisfied. They had successfully managed to get people to do what they wanted. "I think we should go out and look for the others, and chuck sand on them," said George.
"We can't just throw sand on them like that!" said Maggie. She was beginning to get annoyed with George. "Why do you want to throw sand on people for no reason? There has to be a reason."
"Jesus said that I should," he said. "I heard him talking to me last night. He said that it's important we treat bad people as they deserve to be treated."
"George, we're not going to start a Sand War unless someone tries to attack us," said Ronnie lazily. "And as you can see, we've got the biggest empire out of the entire playground. No one is going to challenge us. We're the coolest kids here. Let's sing our chant, just to prove how cool we are."
Donny clapped his hands. "Everyone! Listen up! We, The Piranha Kids, are now going to sing our chant! Let us sing!"
But just then, they heard a sound coming from the climbing frame. They looked around, and saw a group of children led by Jimmy and Linda. They could hear them chanting their own chant:
"The Dolphin Crew, The Dolphin Crew,
We are so much better than you!
We'll let you do what you want to do!
You can do whatever you want
The Dolphin Crew won't mind at all
No more order, no more rules
The Dolphin Crew want fun for you!"
The Piranha Kids were furious. "So they think they can make up their own stupid club, now, do they?" said The Piranha Kids. "And it's full of dirty savages!"
"Savages! Savages!" chorused the others. Maggie and Ronnie decided they needed to go and speak to The Dolphin Crew. They climbed down from the fort and went over to the climbing frame. "What do you guys want?" they asked.
"It's not fair what you did to the little ones!" said Linda. "Everyone should be allowed to play whatever games they want. Whether it's Card Games, Tag, Board Games, Stuck in the Mud – it doesn't matter! Who cares what people play or wear?"
"We do!" said Maggie. "We want a playground where smart people play civilised games, not silly games."
"Well, we want a playground where people can play whatever they want, whether or not they're deemed 'civilised'," said Linda. "And what's that supposed to mean anyway?"
"Besides, you only let certain people be in with The Piranha Kids," said Jimmy. "We let everyone be part of our gang."
Then, he noticed a small girl walk over to where the sand pit was. It was Virginia. He jumped down from the climbing frame and walked over to her. "Virginia! What are you doing?" he hissed.
"The Piranha Kids are right, Jimmy," she said. "It's better to be civilised than to be savage."
"But we're not savage!" cried Jimmy. "I'm not a savage! I just want people to be allowed to play what they want!"
"Are you sure you're not savage?" she said, nodding back at the direction of Linda and The Dolphin Crew. He noticed they had all painted their faces and were dancing on top of the climbing frame, chanting: "Bring down The Piranha Kids! Bring down The Piranha Kids! Dolphin Crew are Number One! Dolphin Crew want to have some fun!"
"Oh dear," said Jimmy. Linda had gone quite mad. He looked back at The Piranha Kids. Looking eager, George had now seized his chance to start making sand machinery, in preparation for a Sand War. "Virginia, what if I were to say that we could leave all this? Leave the playground?"
Virginia paused for a moment. "What about The Piranha Kids and The Dolphin Crew?"
"I don't care about them anymore. This has all gotten way out of hand. Virginia...will you be my girlfriend?"
Virginia thought about it, and then smiled. "Yes Jimmy, I will."
"Ok." He leaned closer to her, pursing his lips. Virginia stepped back, giggling. "Oh Jimmy, what are you doing?"
"Oh...I, er, thought that now we were boyfriend and girlfriend you could kiss me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry Jimmy but my parents said I'm not allowed to kiss a boy until I get married."
"Really?" He thought for a moment. "What if we get married now, in the playground? I could ask Linda to marry us. Would that be ok?"
"Yes, I suppose it would."
He took her hand, and they walked back towards the climbing frame, where The Dolphin Crew was preparing themselves for battle. Jimmy looked at Virginia. "Sorry Linda's gone a bit nuts. She is quite nice really."
"Oh hello Jimmy and Virginia," she said. "Have you come to join our side then?" she asked eagerly.
"Actually, me and Virginia are thinking of leaving the playground," he said.
"Oh? Why?"
"Well...in truth Linda, I feel like this is all going too far."
She didn't look at all put-out. "Well, suit yourselves then."
"But before we leave, we'd like to get married."
"Married! Married!" chorused the russet skinned children. "They want to get married!"
"I'll be the vicar!"
"No, I'll be the vicar!"
"Nobody's the vicar!" said Linda. "We don't like Christianity, remember? This isn't a Christian wedding."
"What do you mean, you don't like Christianity?" said Virginia, mortified.
"She means she doesn't like people only having to be Christians and nothing else," said Jimmy quickly. "If Virginia wants a Christian wedding, then we'll have a Christian wedding."
Linda rolled her eyes. "Ok, fine fine. Karl! You can be the vicar."
"Oh, goody!" said Karl, tugging at his long hair. The children all put leaves down on the climbing frame and Karl stood at the top, so that Jimmy and Virginia could walk together. The others all crowded around them, with Linda at the front.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the holy matrimony of Jimmy and Virginia..."
"Bla bla bla, can we just skip to the 'I do' bit?" asked Jimmy.
"Do you, Jimmy, take Virginia to be your lawful wedded wife?"
"And do you, Virginia, take Jimmy to be your lawful wedded husband?"
"I now pronounce you man and wife-"
"Husband and wife!" corrected Linda. Karl shook his head. "Husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
"You mean, you may now kiss each other-" But no one was listening to Linda; they were all laughing, squealing, or going 'ERR!' as Jimmy and Virginia kissed. Jimmy and Virginia then smiled at each other, and decided to leave the climbing frame and the playground until they returned on Monday.
Meanwhile, The Piranha Kids had nearly got all of their sand together. "Right, now someone needs to be a shooter," said George.
"I want to be a shooter!" said Maggie.
"You can't, you're a girl," said Donny.
"What! Girls are just as good as boys! Better!"
"Now Donny, if she wants to be a shooter she can," said Ronnie, wanting to keep the peace as usual. "Why don't Maggie and George be shooters, and us two can keep watch, and make sure that the so-called Dolphin Crew don't bring us down!"
"Ok, that's fine," said Donny.
"What about them?" asked George, looking at their army of children. Ronnie thought for a moment. "Why don't we let them charge and fight the savages?"
"There's plenty of sand to go round."
"Right, let's do it!" Donny called out in his loud voice to assemble their followers. "Right everybody! The Piranha Kids are now going to attack the stupid, savage Dolphin Crew!"
"Let's attack the savages!"
They started charging towards the climbing frame, whilst the Dolphin Crew stayed sitting at their fort, firing clumps of sand.
But then they noticed The Dolphin Crew was running towards them. They're faces were painted, and they were carrying giant leaves and sticks. The followers of The Piranha Kids dropped their clumps of sand, it seeping through their hands. They started running away, all over the playground.
"What are they doing? No! Chase after them! They're only savages!"
But The Dolphin Crew was chasing all of them around the playground, and if they got hit by the stick they fell to the ground. The Piranha Kids got up and looked around at them all. "No! Stop! This is stupid! This is savage! We want civilisation, remember?"
Linda ran up to Donny and brushed him on the shoulder with her stick. "How dare you! Do you know how much this jumper cost?"
"Who cares. In our land, this is worthless! This is dolphin territory now!"
"That's just a silly game. It's not real," said Maggie firmly. "Now, should we go back to our fort and round up our troops?"
"I don't know," said Ronnie. He was watching the others run around. They had stopped being scared and were starting to laugh. "That looks quite fun."
"Fun? Fun? Monopoly is fun."
"Well yes, Monopoly is fun, but it's not the only way to have fun," said Ronnie. "I mean, after all, we are still children. We don't have boring adult responsibilities now. Does it really matter what Jesus says or what kind of clothes we wear?"
"You're being stupid," said Donny. Maggie was shocked. "Ronnie, how can you be talking like this? It doesn't make any..."
But Ronnie had run off, and started joining in with the others, running around. George shrugged. "It won't hurt to have a little game." He ran off too. Maggie sighed. "Sorry Donny, but I can't really leave Ronnie. He won't remember the way back home without me otherwise." And she was gone too. Only Donny was left by himself.
Donny was torn. Something inside of him wanted to go and join in, but he didn't want to play with those stupid, messy, poor children who wore scrappy clothes and were always misbehaving in class. But at the same time, he didn't want to lose his friends. What was he to do?
"Hello," someone called out to him. He turned around, jumping. He hadn't noticed two boys that were watching the whole time. They both had a weird shape drawn onto their foreheads. He hadn't noticed them in school, but perhaps they were very quiet.
"What are you names?" asked Donny. "You can call me Hit-Boy," said the tallest one. "And this is my brother, Joseph." He pointed to his brother, a small, squat boy with thick bushy hair. "We've heard everything that has been going on. But the way we see it, there is only one way to get the power of everyone in the playground."
"What...what is it?" spluttered Donny.
Hit-Boy smiled. "Join our club, and you'll see. We'll tell you all of our secrets. Join us, and we will have the real power over the playground. What do you say?"
Donny looked back at the others running around, and then he turned to Hit-Boy, Joseph and their unknown secrets. He smiled and made his decision.
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Lo Bros Kombucha, the fermented health tea, has launched into the pub sector but claims that there are greater opportunities for the drink across the wider UK market.
The Australian brand, which launched into the UK earlier this year, has signed a deal to supply two pubs chains - 170 London pubs with Greene King and also Draft House, the 13-strong craft beer pub chain with sites in London.
Currently, Lo Bros Kombucha supplies hundreds of independent operators in the UK hospitality market. These include London venues such Genesis, Rola Wala, Hash_e8, and Smashing Kitchen.
Interest in healthier soft drinks is growing as more consumer focus on health and wellness. The Lo Bros Kombucha range of 300ml bottles contain less than 1g of sugar per 100ml, is vegan, gluten free and 100% natural.
Sales of Kombucha, the low sugar health 'tea', have exploded on the Australian market in the past two years, with sales increasing by 700% over the last two years, reports News.com.au.
Dom Dalton, general manager of Lo Bros, said: "We're witnessing kombucha grab the attention of consumers in multiple ways; in association with the health and well-being categories, and as a new non-alcoholic beverage that offers an undiscovered flavour profile.
Lo Bros Kombucha is one of the products sold by Soul Fresh, the UK arm of the Australian company.
The Signature Kombucha is available in five flavours; Original, Ginger & Lemon, Raspberry & Lemon, Passionfruit, and Apple.
Soul Fresh has also launched its Living Soft Drinks range which combine 'the hallmarks of a traditional craft soda with kombucha and apple cider vinegar'.
The 'living sodas' include a Cola, Lemon Fizz, Lemon, Lime & Bitters and a Ginger Beer.


text:
All Things Kardashian
Why Are Women Still Being Judged If They Don't Want Kids?
January 29, 2019, 10:46 AM ET
Women (like Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix) don't need children to make them happy, but there's still a stigma.
By Marianne Garvey
To have a baby or not? It's a life-changing question, as a baby is serious business. So why does society still judge women who have decided they don't want kids?
Diane Kruger, 42, admits she was "too selfish" to have kids sooner, but then she met Norman Reedus and changed her mind. "I didn't think I wanted children for a long time. I was too selfish. But by the time I got to about 35, I thought, yes, I do want one. But then you have to wait for the right person to come along." The two now have a baby together, but are keeping most of the details under wraps.
Chelsea Handler? Not interested. "Well, I just don't think it's the best use of my time," she said in 2016. "I'm just not interested. Becoming a mother is something that I take so seriously. People need to really want to become a mom. Honestly, it should be hard to become a parent."
Sarah Silverman wants to live her own life to the fullest and not worry about having a kid. "As a comic always working and on the road, I have had to decide between motherhood and living my fullest life and I chose the latter," she explained on Twitter. "So this is just a lil f--k all y'all, because you can't be a woman without sacrifice, and that's the fact, jack."
As a comic always working & on the road I have had to decide between motherhood & living my fullest life & I chose the latter.
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) February 28, 2017
Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix, for one, is so tired of people always asking her why she doesn't want kids that she threatens to leave any interview where that's asked. (See for yourself in the After Show clip above.)
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Marlo Hampton says she's happy without any children, and explained that it's society that puts the expectation on women to have a baby. Eva Marcille took a dig at her for not having kids or a husband on RHOA, but Nene Leakes defended Marlo, calling it a "low blow." "Having kids and husband is a choice," Nene pointed out. Marlo added that she's happy with her 14 nephews and would even like to become a foster parent one day. "I feel like if it was meant to be it'll be," she concluded.
These women are not alone — overall, the American birthrate is sinking. Nearly 3.8 million babies were born in 2017, and that's the "lowest number in three decades and down two percent from 2016," according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics.
So, how to handle the weird societal pressure? You actually don't owe anyone an explanation, but the question of why you may want to remain childless is inevitable. You can just say it's your choice — and it is. "For generations, women who weren't feeling the parenting pull usually gave in and gave up, thanks to social, spousal or parental pressure. And that was the recipe for misery, the fuel for all those furtive, chardonnay-fueled 'I Regret Having Children' posts and pages," reports the WP.
What to say to nosy people who ask what's up with your womb? Here are 30 great responses right here.
Marlo Hampton
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text:
Улица Мандельштама () — переулок в самом центре Варшавы, расположенный внутри университетского кампуса на Краковском Предместье, первый в мире переулок имени Осипа Мандельштама.

История улицы
Решение о присвоении университетскому переулку имени поэта было принято ректором и сенатом университета после предложения председателя польского ПЕН-клуба Адама Поморского. Открыт к 120-летию со дня рождения поэта. 18 мая 2012 года прошо торжественное открытие улицы в главном кампусе Варшавского университета. Табличку с надписью «Ulica Mandelsztama» открыл 81-летний племянник поэта Александр Александрович Мандельштам. На открытии провели поэтические чтения Мандельштама на русском и польском языках.

Примечания

Улицы Варшавы
Осип Мандельштам

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia