Today we are sharing with you the top 10 hilarious photos where cropping changes everything! We've all been there. You snap a few pics of a place or some people with the intention of uploading them to social media. But wait – they just aren't. right. Well, with the cropping here and there those pics are good to go. However, as these following images show, cropping can have a massive impact on the meaning and interpretation of your photos. So, before you crop your next photo, take into consideration some of these interesting cases. Here are the 10 hilarious photos where cropping changes everything!
Number 1 on the list of 10 Hilarious Photos Where Cropping Changes Everything is about Selfies. They're taking over social media and this is yet one more example. Likely taken at a party somewhere, what we see is actually the pretty typical shot of two friends putting on a show for the camera. So, why the crop job? After seeing the original, unedited version we all definitely get it now. Having a family member photobomb your selfie-moment while dropping a deuce in the background is definitely crop-worthy. In this instance, I think we can all appreciate the effort.
Well, check out this rather dapper young man. Fully done up in a tux, we imagine this guy is getting all ready for the big prom. The fashionable looking photo takes on a totally cringe-worthy feel, however, when we show you the uncropped version. It appears the man taking the photo has opted for the exact opposite when it comes to making a fashion statement. But Hey, at least he made the right call to put on some underpants before snapping the pic.
If you've been on social media for a while, then you've run into your share of photos taken at the beach or pool. You know, the ones which also contain the legs of the person taking the pic. They're about as clichéd as duckface, fingernail art and sunrises. So, what do we have here? It appears to be another pool shot. But wait, the color seems off, almost as if taken with a 1980s polaroid. The uncropped image shows it was all just a joke made by posing your fingers in just the right spot in front of a laptop screen.
People love posting images related to their workout. From their awesome muscles to the details about how many calories were burned, you likely know a gym nut. Here's a perfect example. This guy has posted a shot showing off his toned arms while he does curls. But why did he chop his head off? Oh, we see. Since this is actually a photo ripped off Drake's social media feed, boo, we say, boo.
Oh, what's this? It appears this person has been caught in a rather embarrassing position of passing out while covered in potato chips. What a slob. Wait, before we like it, something just doesn't add up. Where are the crumbs? Why are the chip pieces so big? The uncropped photo confirms it. This is a staged photo, all done in the name of gathering 'likes'. As Donald Trump would say in one of his many tweets, it's all just sad.
Wow! what is going on in this backyard? What an incredibly inappropriate picture. We don't need to go into details about what's going on here. Or do we? Just so you don't block us or get into trouble at work, we think we'll explain. While that shadow is pretty dirty looking, once you see the 'whole picture' you'll understand. In this case, cropping the image to show just the shadow leaves out the fact that it's all just a rather normal drinking game that's taking place.
If you've visited our site, then you know we love anything to do with UFOs. So, is this a case of alien craft visiting earth? Perhaps it's some sort of ghost ship sailing off into the distant fog. Whatever it is, it's kind of haunting to look at. Unfortunately, it's a whole lot more vanilla than any of those things. You see, what we have here is simply the top of San Francisco's Sutro tower peeking through the low clouds.
What we have here appears to be your typical sight-seeing tourist picture. After all, it's just a lady standing in front of some ornate structure, right? Well, as you can guess by now this image is cropped. So, what could possibly be so bad that a large part of this image was cut out? How about one monkey picking bugs off the Bu*t of another monkey? We get the cropping thing now, yet this little bit of monkey business does make for a rather humorous image.
Whether a vacation, honeymoon or some romantic retreat, couples head off to do things together all the time. The result is we often get bombarded on social media by images of the two sharing a romantic moment or two. Take this couple for example, having a kiss while riding on horseback through the water. Straight from the cover of a romance novel this image seems perfect – except for the fact that it's cropped a bit awkwardly. Once you see the whole image, you'll understand why. Nothing removes the romance and replaces it with awkwardness and discomfort quite like a third-wheel who appears to be on the verge of drowning while attempting to keep the horses in place.
Let's do this one in reverse. Take a look at this uncropped photo. It's simply too buddies acting like idiots and posing for the camera. Want to see how a simple crop can add a whole new level of disturbing to this? Here you go. Boy those facial expressions sure do take on an entirely different meaning now. After cropping off a bit so you can't see what their hands are doing, we've single-handedly turned a friendly moment into one which verges on being NSFW. You are welcome.
That's the end of 10 hilarious photos where cropping changes everything! So, having thought a bit more about it, can you think of some personal examples of photos that have got you into trouble because you used the crop feature a little too much or maybe not enough? In such cases, what do you guys think, would it be better to just scrap the photo altogether or post it totally unedited in its original condition? Let us know your response.


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Michigan COVID-19 deaths hit 5,223; cases total 54,365
Sarah Rahal
Michigan reported 65 additional deaths tied to the novel coronavirus on Saturday for a total of 5,158 fatalities statewide.
Friday's report included 44 older deaths identified by comparing death certificate data to the state's registry of laboratory-confirmed cases. These deaths might have occurred days or weeks ago.
For the ninth consecutive day, the state confirmed fewer than 800 new cases of COVID-19, adding 452 cases for a total of 54,365, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The state ranks 15th in the nation for its number of COVID-19 cases, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended her stay-at-home order Friday evening until June 12, pushing back against critics who have called for a quicker loosening of restrictions during the pandemic.
She announced retail businesses and auto dealerships will be allowed to reopen starting Tuesday, but visits must be made by appointment. She also announced the state would lift restrictions on medical, dental and veterinary procedures deemed nonessential starting May 29.
Her order eases restrictions on gatherings, allowing for groups of 10 or fewer people, but institutes restrictions on how businesses reopen.
Get instant updates via our app Subscribe to our daily COVID-19 newsletter Subscribe for more coronavirus coverage
The bulk of Michigan's cases overall (64%) has been in Metro Detroit, as well as 73% of the state's COVID deaths.
Wayne County, excluding Detroit, passed a grim milestone this week, surpassing 1,000 deaths for a total of 1,037 on Saturday.
Detroit added 21 new deaths Saturday, for a total of 1,322 coronavirus-related deaths. The hard-hit city is showing a steep decline in deaths related to the virus.
The actual number of deaths attributed to Friday is one, said Detroit's Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair, as the state, local hospitals and other health care providers continue reviewing and updating death records fully attributable to COVID-19.
"Our week-to-week data is continuing to trend in the right direction," she said. "In the past seven days, we have lost 29 Detroiters to the virus, considerably less than 57 reported the previous seven days. I remain encouraged by our residents who are wearing their mask and social distancing to protect their health and the health of others from COVID-19."
The city also added 53 confirmed cases on Saturday, bringing the total cases to 10,668.
So far, the city has tested 2,000 senior residents in 36 facilities. As of Friday, 300 nursing home residents have died in the city, accounting for one of every four deaths.
srahal@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @SarahRahal_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Grey's Anatomy meets Monday Night Football.
Heat and heart clash in this rollercoaster of a love story.
I'm Noah Spencer, famous football player, all-around good guy . . . and widower.
When my wife died, I knew that part of my life—the part where I could love or be loved—was over. But then I met Alison, and suddenly, I find myself beginning to believe in hope again.
Still, I know the kind of pain love can bring. I know what it feels like when my heart shatters.
Do I have the guts to risk it all again?
I'm Alison Wakely, physician, perpetual loner . . . and possible bad-luck charm.
Long ago, I resigned myself that true love and happily ever after aren't in the cards for me. But then I met Noah, and he tempts me to trust in happiness again.
When everything begins to unravel, though, I realize I should have known better. I'm fated to be alone.
But fate has a way of surprising us now and then.
The second trilogy in the best-selling Diagnosis: Love world is made up of two SHAMELESS CLIFFIES before the finale. You've been warned. The books release a week apart, so your angst doesn't have to last long–and the happily ever after in book three is worth the journey.
"Noah?"
The voice behind me as I stood under the portico at the hotel was hesitant but oddly familiar. I turned around to see a drop-dead gorgeous total babe approaching me from the direction of the lobby.
"Uh . . . Alison?" I croaked like a boy going through adolescence. "Hey. Um, wow. You look . . ." I gave a little cough to try to get my voice back under control. "Amazing."
Her cheeks flushed a very pretty pink. "Thank you. You don't look bad yourself. Actually, if I'm going for brutal honesty, you look a hell of a lot better than you did the last time I saw you."
I grimaced. "Not hard to do. I was pretty wrecked that day."
"Yeah, I know." She glanced around us. "So you're staying here, too?"
"There wasn't a lot of choice. Emma said all of the out of town guests who weren't being put up by people in Harper Spring were coming to this hotel. It was nice of them to spring for the shuttle."
"Nice, yes. A good idea, absolutely." Alison tilted her head. "Think about all the celebrating that's going to happen tonight. Poor Anna and Jimmy might end up with a house full of unexpected guests who aren't sober enough to drive back to the hotel if they didn't have the shuttle option."
"Good point," I allowed. "It works for me, too. I haven't been cleared for driving yet."
"How did you get here from Tampa, then?" she inquired.
"Car service," I admitted. "It was the easiest way to go."
She fiddled with the clasp on her sparkly little purse. "I would have been happy to give you a ride, you know."
It was on the tip of my tongue to make a suggestive reply to her remark, but I reined myself in. After all, Alison and I might have bonded during my time of pain and need, but she didn't know me all that well. I didn't want to scare her off.
"I appreciate the thought, but I didn't want to inconvenience anyone."
She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the shuttle lumbered to a stop in front of us. The hotel doors slid open and a group of people came out, all of them chattering as they headed for the bus.
"Guess we're not the only ones planning to get there early," I observed. "We better get on board, or we might not get a seat." I bent my arm and offered it to Alison. "Shall we?"
She grinned at me, and something frozen and nearly dead in my heart began to melt.
We found two seats together in the front of the vehicle. I stepped aside to allow Alison the inside seat.
"I don't mind the aisle," she said, hesitating.
I shook my head. "I need to keep my leg straight. It helps with the stiffness."
"Ah. Okay." She slipped around me and took her seat, watching as I settled myself down next to her.
"At the risk of bringing up a painful topic . . . how is your knee?" She glanced at me. "I felt bad leaving you that day in the hospital, but I figured between your doctor arriving and things calming down in the ER, I'd only be in the way." She tugged the hem of her short, sparkly dress down over her knee. "I did check on you before I left that day, though. They told me you were already in surgery."
"Yeah, I don't remember much after you left. Emma and Deacon arrived a few minutes later, I think, but I barely saw them before I was wheeled into the OR. And there's no need to feel bad about leaving. I was out of it for quite a while."
Alison nodded. "And now? I'm sure you're sick of answering the question, but how's recovery going?"
I hesitated. "It's . . . slow. Dr. Taleb determined that I'd torn both my ACL and my MCL. He thought he'd be able to fix them during the initial surgery, but the damage was worse than he expected. Several tendons were, uh, ruptured. So we're playing a sort of waiting game. I'm doing therapy, working just as much as they'll let me, resting it when they tell me to."
"Are you out for the season?" she asked quietly. "Or do you know that yet?"
"No one's saying. The team doctor says it's too early to make that determination. If it were a few games later in the year, I'd definitely be done."
"But since it's not, maybe you'll still have a chance." She offered me an encouraging smile.
"Maybe." I didn't want to be a downer, but I wasn't optimistic about this season. I was still clinging to hope that I'd be able to start next year.
"Are you scared?" She looked me straight in the eye as she asked the question, and I found I couldn't be anything but honest with her.
"Shitless." I rubbed my palm on my thigh. "And I'm sick to death of thinking about it. It's like this huge looming presence next to me, day and night. At first, all of my teammates came by the house to see me. I had a constant stream of visitors. But they didn't know what to say. They just served up the same old crap, promising that I'll be back on the field in no time. But I can't stand their pity. It's almost the worst part of the whole thing."
Alison studied me silently. "I've been through a lifetime of crappy, Noah. I know what it is to feel alone, to know that no one else can really understand. I can't say anything to change it, but I can promise, I don't pity you. If you need someone who'll listen to you rant and rave, I'd be a good ear. A decent shoulder if you ever need one to cry on." One side of her mouth curved up. "Not that big, strong men like you ever cry."
"You'd be surprised." I stretched out one hand to take Alison's, curling my fingers around hers. "Thank you, Alison. And . . . I need to thank you, too, for sitting with me that day. A lot of what happened is kind of hazy for me, but I do remember how kind and compassionate you were. You hung with me when you didn't have to, and I'm really grateful." I huffed out a half-laugh. "And this is something I should have said sooner. I should have gotten your number from Emma and called. I'm sorry I didn't."
"Oh, Noah. I didn't expect you to call me. It's not like I did anything extraordinary. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was glad to do what I could." She shrugged.
"Still." I tightened my hold on her hand. "It meant a lot to me." I waited a beat. "And having finally done the right thing, now I'm going to ask you for another favor."
Alison lifted one finely arched eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"
"I think we talked that day in the hospital about how neither of us was planning to bring a date—against Emma's, uh, persuasion." I favored her with what I hoped was my most winsome smile. "But I really don't want to go through tonight by myself. I don't want to answer the endless questions about my knee, say the same old shit over and over."
"I can understand that." She nodded.
"So how about it? Would you be my wedding buddy?"
A slow smile spread over her face, and twin spots of pink deepened on her cheek bones. "Seriously?"
"If you really wouldn't mind."
"Of course, I wouldn't mind." Alison leaned a little closer to me. "You'd be doing me a favor, too. I hate this kind of thing."
My face must have reflected my surprise, because she hurried to explain. "That sounded so much worse out loud than it did in my head. I don't hate weddings, per se. And I'm so happy for Emma and Deacon. But any big family event like this is tough on me. I feel like I don't belong. I don't know what to say or how to act . . . and it's worse if I'm by myself. So . . . yeah. Let's call this a mutual favor to help each other, okay?"
Something Alison had said while she'd been sitting at my bedside suddenly emerged from my memory. She'd talked about being abandoned by her mother when she was born and not knowing who her father was. We hadn't talked any more about it because she'd made a remark about her father being Hugh Hefner, and then . . . I couldn't remember where our conversation had gone after that.
But now I wondered about it. About her. If she'd never known her mother or her father . . . well, she must have been adopted, right? That wouldn't explain why family events would make her uncomfortable, unless she'd felt as though she didn't belong.
I realized she was watching me, waiting for me to respond. I held her hand a little tighter and said, "Absolutely. There's nothing I'd like more."
"And now, by the power vested in me by the state of Florida and by God Almighty, I now pronounce you man and wife." The minister beamed down at Emma and Deacon. "Deacon, son, you may kiss your bride."
There was spontaneous applause among all of us witnessing the marriage, followed by a outburst of awwwws as Deacon framed Emma's glowing face with his hands and bent his head to kiss her.
Next to me, Alison sighed, and I smiled. I got the sense that the good doctor liked people to think that she was impervious to things like romance and sentiment, but the expression on her face as our friends had made their vows gave lie to that idea.
This was the first wedding I'd attended since Ang had died. I'd had a few invitations from teammates and cousins since her death, but I'd made an excuse for every single one. I'd known all along, though, that I couldn't miss Emma's big day. She was too good a friend for me to hurt her that way. In addition to our close friendship, she and Deacon had also stuck by me after my injury, researching doctors, treatments, and therapies that they felt might benefit me. I owed them both more than I could ever repay.
But I'd known being here wasn't going to be easy. Having Alison by my side, even if it was just through our coincidental arrival, helped more than I'd expected.
The music began again, and Emma and Deacon walked back up the aisle, happiness emanating from their faces. Behind them, the matron of honor, Emma's friend Jenny, followed escorted by Deacon's grandfather, Jimmy, who had served as his best man. Jenny's husband Nico was sitting in front of Alison and me, and he turned to wink at me as the guests began to stand up.
"Well, they finally did it." He grinned. "There were times when I was sure they'd kill each other before they got to this happy ending, but I'm glad I was wrong."
Alison laughed. "I'll never forget my last day at St. Agnes. Deacon asked me to update him on a patient, and Emma was there, too. They got into a fight, and I wasn't sure if they were going to start throwing punches or if Deacon was going to throw Emma onto the couch in his office. Talk about sparks."
I sighed. This was exactly why Emma had ended her relationship with me. We never had those kinds of spats. Was that wrong? I couldn't remember Angela and I battling that way, either. Maybe it was just me. Maybe I just wasn't capable of that kind of passion. That was depressing as hell. Sure, I wasn't looking for a relationship, but it was a downer to think that I might not ever experience something that others found so attractive.
"I'm going to go find my wife." Nico sketched a wave toward Alison and me. "See you over there, yeah?"
"Definitely." I braced my hands on either side of the chair and lumbered to my feet, hating the fact that I couldn't just stand like other people. I moved like an eighty-year-old man these days. Come to think of it, Deacon's grandfather was spryer than I was.
Alison didn't say anything as I grunted, finding my balance again. I appreciated that. So many people wanted to fuss over me, wanted to give me a hand with something or another. I didn't like feeling that I needed help.
"So." I cleared my throat. "I guess we're supposed to move over to where they have the tables set up, huh?"
"As far as I know. Looks like the caterers are guiding people that way. Emma told me that they're doing a cocktail hour for the guests while the photographer takes more pictures of the wedding party."
"Cocktails sound good about now," I observed, offering Alison my arm again. "Shall we head over there, then? If you don't mind me moving slow, that is. My leg always gives me more issues after I've been sitting for a while."
"Take your time." She slipped her hand around my elbow. "There's no need to rush. I trust that the bar isn't going to run out of booze."
"Let's hope not," I chuckled. "Because I know I'm going to enjoy myself tonight. I usually don't drink during the season, but since it seems unlikely I'm going to be back on the field in the near future, there's no reason for me not to have a good time."
"I agree. And I'm off for this entire weekend, with another doctor covering my service, so I'm free to get a little tipsy, too."
I inclined my head her way. "Dr. Wakely, I believe we've just made a plan for this evening. Would you like to begin having fun with a Tropical Orgasm?"
Alison's eyes went wide. "Um, what? Excuse me?"
Laughing, I bent my head to speak close to her ear. "One of the little-known facts about me is that I'm an expert in dirty drinks. My brothers and I went through this phase in college where we competed to see who could find and consume the most cocktails that had really sexy names. One of my favorites was Tropical Orgasm. Trust me . . . you won't be the same after you've had one." I paused for effect. "But two is even better."
Color flamed on Alison's face, but I saw the piqued interest in her eyes. "I've never been a woman who's shy about asking for orgasms—tropical or otherwise." She arched one eyebrow.
"Is that so?" I murmured.
"It is." She tossed a coquettish smile my way. "Lead the way."
"You look beautiful."
As soon as the words escaped my lips, I wanted to call them back. Not because they weren't true—they were; Alison Wakely, whom I'd never particularly noticed before in the way a man notices an attractive woman, was undeniably gorgeous tonight. No, the reason I wished I could take back what I'd said was that Ang had taught me never to tell a woman she looked beautiful. It was far better to say she was beautiful.
Remembering that, of course, brought Angela back to the forefront of my mind, where she'd been lingering all day anyway. It would have been impossible to be at any wedding and not be thinking of her, but I knew how tickled she would've been to see Emma and Deacon finally tie the knot. I wondered if somehow, somewhere, she was aware. I liked to believe she was.
I'd had a lot of time to think since taking that rotten hit on the football field. I wasn't sure what had changed for me; maybe it was the idea that football, the one element of my life that had remained steadfast since I was a kid, was now in danger of deserting me, too. Maybe it was a brush with my own mortality, the very real fact that life didn't last forever, that do-overs were rare, and that my time for finding happiness might be limited.
Whatever it was, sitting here tonight in the near-dark, with sparkling fairy lights all around us, I found myself thinking of possibilities more than I had since Emma had broken up with me. Maybe even more than since Angela had died. It was possible that my shift in perception had to do with the romance of the evening or the multiple sexually named drinks Alison and I had both consumed, but I had a strong feeling that it had more to do with the woman who was sitting close beside me, her arm touching mine.
The woman I'd just possibly offended by saying she looked beautiful.
But come to think of it, she didn't seem upset. She actually smiled a little brighter, and I got the sense she'd liked hearing it. So maybe this was one tiny instance of Angela not being a hundred percent right.
I wasn't saying it just to be nice, either. Alison looked . . . I tried to think of the most precise way to phrase it. She looked special. Her black hair, which I'd only ever seen her wear pulled up in a tight knot at the back of her head, hung down over her shoulders in fat curls. Her eyes were huge and luminous, and if I wasn't wrong, they actually looked almost purple.
But the appeal didn't stop at her face. No, her body was part of the show, too. She was tall—though not as tall as me, of course—with long legs that were on full display beneath her short sparkly dress. She was slightly on the thin side, but not gangly—I guessed that slender would be the right way to describe her.
And when she leaned to the side to murmur something in my ear, the neckline of her dress gaped just enough to let me know two essential facts: one, she wasn't wearing a bra. And two, she didn't have an overabundance of boobage, but it was enough to make a man happy.
I hadn't noticed any of this before. Sure, we'd hung out pretty regularly when all of us were helping Emma build her cabin. There was almost always a bunch of us tackling whatever project Emma had come up with, but when I thought back, I realized that Alison had always sort of faded into the background when we were all together.
My memories of her were so vague that when I'd first seen her in the hospital back when I'd gotten hurt, it had taken me more than a few seconds to place her. Of course, I could chalk some of that up to the fact that I'd been in the most excruciating pain of my entire life (which was saying something, considering that I'd been playing football since I was six). And I'd also been despondent, worried about what this injury was going to mean to my career.
Tonight, though, all of that was different. I mean, yeah, I was still worried about my career, given the fact that my knee was still fucked up. I was still in a fair amount of discomfort on a regular basis, and the team doctors were being cagey about what came next.
Somehow, none of that mattered right now. I was also sitting next to a sexy, gorgeous woman who was funny, smart and sort of sweet. I was enjoying myself. For the first time in a very, very long time, I found myself wanting to spend more time with a woman. And maybe more than just time . . . I realized that I wanted to know Alison. I remembered our game of two lies and a truth, and I recalled her honesty, how she'd described almost jumping off a bridge. It had been that stark truthfulness that had prompted me to lay my own truth on the table, too. For two people who'd only been passing acquaintances at best, we'd opened up quite a bit that afternoon.
But now, I wanted even more. I wanted to ask her questions and listen to her answers. I wanted to find out what her skin felt like when I ran my fingers down her spine. I wanted to know if her eyes went cloudy with pleasure when someone—and in this case, that someone was me—drove her out of her ever-fuckin' mind. All of these feelings were new, and part of me deep inside was panicking at the idea of what I wanted to come next . . . but I found that tonight, it was easy to ignore that small, anxious voice. It would be all too easy and wonderful to simply slide my arms around her and kiss her into oblivion.
I caught my breath. Kiss her? Did I really want to do that? Having a one-night fling fueled by wedding emotions was one thing. Having that fling with someone who was also a friend of the bride might be a risky move.
On the other hand, though, Alison hadn't given me any indication that she was looking for a long-term commitment. As a matter of fact, she'd told me that Emma's constant attempts to fix her up and marry her off were driving her nuts. It was possible that she'd be on the same page as me. Maybe we could pull off a friendly night of passion and still walk away friendly, with no one the wiser.
Before any of that could happen, though, I had to stop staring and actually say something beyond those last words I'd blurted out.
"Thank you," Alison was replying even as my mind was rushing to catch up. "I'm not usually . . ." She swept one hand down her front, and her cheeks went rosy. It was enticing. "I don't usually fuss. But I was so excited about this wedding." She shook her head a little. "You probably think it's silly."
"No, I don't. I feel the same way. This . . . watching Emma and Deacon say I do, it was special. It's a day worth fussing for."
Her smile stretched wider. "Thank you for saying that."
We'd been together since later afternoon, catching up, talking about the ceremony, the music, the food. But it had taken me this long to say what had been playing in my head since the moment I'd first laid eyes on her today.
"Alison . . . you are beautiful." I repeated the phrase with that slight, important difference. It seemed essential, given what she had just said. "Not just tonight, because you fussed. You just are."
She stared at me, and a tic jumped in her cheek as she ran her tongue over her lips. "Noah . . ." she murmured. "How's your knee feeling?"
I frowned. That question came out of the blue. We'd talked about my knee, my surgery, my prognosis, in excruciating detail earlier. I was a little nonplussed that she'd asked again.
"Uh, well . . ."
"I mean . . ." Her face went even redder. "How is it now? Are you possibly up to a slow dance?" Her gaze dipped down. "You probably don't remember it, but you asked me to save you a dance that day at the hospital."
"Did I?" I had no memory of that.
"It was when I was leaving. I think you were already feeling the effects of the pain medication, so I won't hold you to it if you've changed your mind. Or if you don't feel like your leg can take it."
"Ohhhh." I considered. "Yeah. No, I don't want to change my mind. I think I can manage a slow dance, provided you're not disappointed that I don't spin or dip you."
"I promise, Noah. I won't be disappointed in you. I don't think I ever could be."
Pleasure burned inside me at her words. There was something undeniably sensual about a woman who believed in me, whose touch and expression showed me that she felt safe to open herself up to me. And as we made our way to the dance floor and I took her in my arms, I felt as though something inside me that was rusty with disuse was grinding back to life.
Alison looped her arms around my neck, clasping her hands at the back of my head. I drew her closer to me, my fingers digging into her hips. We swayed slowly to the music, our movements causing our bodies to brush against one another. I thought I hadn't been so turned on by a dance since I'd been in junior high at my first formal.
"I like this song." Her breath tickled my neck. "Country music usually isn't my jam, but sometimes the words are just perfect."
"Whoa, there." I leaned back and pretended to glare down at her. "Darlin', country is the only real music there is. It's all about real life, real people, real problems . . ."
She tilted her head. "Objectifying women, embracing a false narrative about this country's past, glorifying gas-guzzling, environment-destroying vehicles—yeah, that's what I want to blare when I'm driving down the backroads, letting off steam."
I smirked. "Well, when you look at it that way . . ."
Alison laughed, her fingers moving in intoxicating designs on the skin just below my hairline. "I'm not actually that militant about country music. I've been known to sing along with Dolly and Tanya and Wynonna now and then. Hell, I've even been known to enjoy some Brad Paisley now and again."
"Those are the good ones," I admitted. "I'm not crazy about the acts that celebrate the ugly side or the singers who scream about someone prying guns out of their cold, dead hands. But where I grew up in Wisconsin, we had these fairgrounds near us. All the up and coming acts passed through and played, and sometimes the shows were free—or at least cheap." I smiled a little, remembering. "I have two brothers and three sisters. My mom didn't work, and my dad almost killed himself to make ends meet and keep us in food and clothes." My thumbs drew circles on her hips. "Don't get me wrong—we were happy, and we didn't lack for anything we needed. We had a nice house, and my parents never told us that we didn't have enough. My brothers and I played football and my sisters danced, played soccer and softball—no one said that it would cost us too much money to do it. But there wasn't extra for things like concerts, you know? So from May through August, there'd be these cheap concerts. Mom would pack up snacks and we'd sit on the grass and listen to the bands. I loved those nights."
Alison's eyes drifted closed. "It sounds so wonderful. You're lucky to have those memories."
"I know." I eased her a little closer, linking my hands just above her tempting ass. "I loved the way I grew up. I wouldn't change a thing, and I know there aren't many people who can say that." I paused a beat, not sure if I should ask the question that was on the tip of my tongue. "Alison, that day at the hospital, you told me that you didn't know your biological parents. But . . . you were adopted, right? I mean, a healthy, newborn baby—there must've been lots of families who wanted you."
Her eyes remained shut, and she lowered her forehead to my shoulder for a moment. We swayed in silence until she lifted her face to me again.
"I went into foster care, and the woman who took me from the hospital planned to keep me. She started the process of adopting me—even named me after her own late mother. I took both my names from her. Or that's what's in my records."
Her shoulder rose and fell. "She was a widow—her husband had died young—and I guess that meant it took longer for her to be approved. And before she was, she met someone and decided to get married. But the guy she fell for—he didn't want to adopt kids. Or at least, he didn't want to adopt me."
"What the hell was the matter with him?" Irrational anger at a man I'd never known surged within me. "Why would he get involved with a woman who had a baby if he didn't want to be a dad?"
Alison shook her head slightly. "I have no idea. Believe me, I've spent way too many hours in the middle of the night agonizing over this. Why did he propose to her when he knew she was in the middle of the adoption process? Why did she choose to say yes to him? Did she think he'd change his mind? I have no idea. I don't remember her at all. My earliest memories are from living in a group home when I was four."
"Christ." I didn't even know what to say. I felt almost guilty for the nearly idyllic life I'd known. "Alison, I just—God, I'm—"
"If you say you're sorry, I'll kick you in your bad knee." The words were harsh, but she said them with patient humor. "I swear, I will. I don't want your sympathy."
"You don't have it." I slid one hand up her back to press her head against my chest. "I don't pity you, Alison. I don't feel sorry for you. But I'm damned pissed off on behalf of infant you and two-year-old you. And I'd really like to give all those people a piece of my mind."
"Yeah, that was something I dealt with in the psych ward after I didn't jump off the Golden Gate. And in all the years since. I had a lot of anger built up at a lot of people. It took hours of therapy to finally accept that the mad was only hurting me. You know how they say living well is the best revenge? Well, being successful and well-adjusted is my form of revenge, if you want to call it that. Maybe freedom would be a better word."
I bent my head to gaze steadily into her eyes. "You are, without a doubt, the bravest and strongest woman I've ever met."
She blinked slowly. "That's . . . thank you, Noah. I have trouble believing that's true, given what I've heard about Angela, but I appreciate you saying it."
I waited for the typical lurch of my heart at her mention of Ang, but it didn't come. Instead, I found myself considering what Alison had just said.
"Angela was brave, yes. In the face of her illness, I think she found out just how strong she could be—and so did I. I won't deny that I was awed by how well she rolled with the punches. At the same time, though, let's remember that Angela never lacked for love or support. She was raised by two devoted parents who told her every day that she was their shining star. She had a sister who idolized her. And she had me, too. Being able to face a serious diagnosis was hard, but she didn't do it on her own. Not like you had to do."
Alison didn't respond right away. Instead, she pressed herself against me again, her arms twining tighter around my neck. After a few moments, I felt rather than heard her whispered words.
"Thank you . . . for seeing that. Thank you for seeing me."
I wrapped my arms around her slender body, holding her close, and we swayed to the gentle rhythm of the music.
Read the entire book here!
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Meghan and Sam . . . The Last One (Six Years Later!)
{Sam and Meghan's story begins in The Last One, where they find their happily-ever-after. It continues through The First One, The Only One, The Always One, The Hard One and The Forever One . . . and the pair are even mentioned a few times in some Crystal Cove Romances, too! But wait, there's more! I have two previously shared extra epilogues . . . and now a new update on the pair right here.You might want to read the other two first. Enjoy!}
–Meghan and Sam at the Beach
–Fourth of July . . . Small Town Style
The peaceful quiet of my late-afternoon was pierced by a wail coming through the baby monitor that perched on the kitchen table, next to the bowl of green beans I was in the middle of popping for dinner. I grimaced, waiting for the inevitable, and I wasn't disappointed: a second voice joined the first complaints.
I groaned and rested my forehead against my hand. It wasn't that I didn't love my sweet babies–I did, so much. But this time of day was tough for all of us. My mother had sympathetically called it the witching hour when I'd described how between the end of their last nap and the beginning of dinner, nothing seemed to make the little ones happy.
The misery was compounded this time of year, too, because Sam was so busy, he didn't get in from the fields until much later. During the winter, I loved that he was at the house so much. I'd gotten positively spoiled by having a second parent around to help me corral the kidlets. But right now, he was up to his neck in onions, tomatoes, and peaches.
The noise level from upstairs rose another decibel, and I pushed back my chair to comfort the twins before things got worse.
Twenty minutes later, we were all back in the kitchen. Daniella, my chestnut-haired daughter, was busy on the floor with a metal pot and a wooden spoon, while her red-haired brother Justin was in the high chair finishing his second banana. I'd learned from hard experience that not letting their hunger get ahead of me was key to survival.
I'd just settled back at the table with my beans when I heard a knock on the kitchen door, which was followed in short order by the knob turning as my sister-in-law's face appeared.
"Yoohoo! Anyone home?"
Both of the twins stopped what they were doing, their attention arrested, and then in unison, they broke into squeals of delight. Aunt Ali was a favorite among my little brood. Happily for all of us, she and her husband, Flynn, along with their two children, had just moved back to Burton to live here full-time after years of dividing their time between New York City and the little house they'd built here on the farm. Ali had told me privately that she was sick of big-city living, but their official reason for making the move was that they were expecting their third baby and wanted to be closer to family.
I watched with a smile as Ali scooped up Daniella and loved on her before turning to Justin to blow raspberries in his neck. When she'd pulled out a chair and plunked down with Dani in her lap, I cocked an eyebrow.
"Were you in the neighborhood, or are you just here to check on my sanity?"
Ali laughed. "Both. I just left the stand in the capable hands of Matt Westin. He's doing a terrific job over there, which is awesome because I don't feel like waddling around this fall when I'm huge." She patted the tiny bump behind my daughter. "But I'm here for a reason. I'm kidnapping your babies."
I frowned. "What? Why?"
"Because I know what it's like to have a toddler, and I can only imagine that two is double the . . . fun." She winked.
"Did your brother put you up to this?" I narrowed my eyes.
"He told me that you've been worn out, and he was worried because he feels like he can't be in two places at once. So . . . I offered to come take these little cherubs home with me for the night."
"Are you sure?" I was dubious. "It's not like you don't have your own hands full."
"Ah, but the difference is that I have Bridget. Never underestimate the value of a fourteeen-year-old girl who loves babies."
That was true. My niece was wonderful with the twins.
"So go get the kids' stuff . . . and then take a nap before my brother gets home."
I suddenly had a burst of energy at the prospect of an evening alone with my sexy husband. "Just give me five minutes!"
I heard Ali giggling, but I was too busy taking the steps two at a time to care.
An hour and a half later, I was a new woman. I'd taken a long and leisurely bath, taking the time to shave all the interesting parts of my body that had been recently neglected. Over my smooth and sleek skin, I'd pulled on a floaty sundress . . . and nothing else.
Back down in the kitchen, I cleaned up Dani's pots and spoons and Justin's messy high chair. I was just rinsing my hands when I glanced out the window at a very arresting sight.
My husband stood in his usual position at the outside sink in the shed. He'd shucked off his T-shirt and was letting the water run over his hands, splashing it onto his sculpted chest.
With a wide grin, I dashed out the kitchen door and danced across the grass, slipping behind him to wrap my arms around his middle and press my cheek into his muscled back.
I was fairly certain that he hadn't heard me, but he wasn't surprised by my touch. His hands, still wet, covered mine.
"Who could this be?" His voice, teasing and low, rumbled against my ear. "Careful, my wife might be around somewhere."
"Ah, don't worry about your wife. She's a mess. I'm much more fun. I'm the hot college student who's just here for the summer. The one who's been teasing you and flirting with you for weeks. The one who keeps you up at night, making you wonder what she's wearing under her dresses."
"Oh, really?" Sam turned in my arms, drawing me against him. His eyes, hot and wanting, bore into mine. "And have you been watching me out here?"
"Every. Single. Day." I punctuated the words with open-mouthed kisses to his chest.
"Hmmmm." He threaded his fingers into my hair. "You smell damn good, too. Good enough for me to scoop up and carry upstairs to my bedroom . . . where I fully intend to do dirty things to you all night long."
I shivered in delight and hooked my arms around his neck. "I hope that's a promise."
"It is." Angling his head, Sam lowered his mouth to mine, his lips and tongues giving me a tantalizing preview of exactly what to expect.
When he came up for air, he pressed his forehead to mine. "By the way . . . even though it was that sexy, teasing college girl I fell in love with, it's my much sexier and even hotter wife who keeps me in love." His hand framed my face.
I sighed, kissing his jaw. "Sometimes I forget that."
Sam's lips curved into a smile that was brimming with love and promise. "Then let me spend tonight reminding you, darlin'."
And let me tell you . . . he did.
The Career Soldier Collection Goes Wide!
These are the men of the 94th ID. They fight with honor, they defend their nation and their brothers fiercely, and when they love, they do it with single-minded passion.
Max Remington has never been anything but a soldier. The oldest son in a family that served our nation for generations, he'd never considered any other path. The army is his life, his home and his one true love.
Until he meets Samantha Crewe.
Kade Braggs grew up wild and free, surfing on a California beach without much ambition, until an impulsive decision led him into joining the Army. What started out as a joke turned into a career, and now he's a company commander, leading several platoons of soldiers. Still, Kade does it all on his own terms; he plays as hard as he works, and having a good time is non-negotiable.
Until he meets Leah Samson.
Once upon a time, Delia Rollins was an Army wife, until the unthinkable happened. Now as a young widow and school teacher, she's vigilant about protecting her heart. Her number one rule for the future? No more military men in her life. She can't handle the risk.
Until she meets Shaw Kincaid.
Jake Robinson is the most easy-going soldier in his battalion. For the last few months, he's been watching his friends find love, commitment and even babies . . . but he knows that path isn't for him. Been there, done that and got the scars to prove it.
Until he meets Harper Drummond.
When a freak accident seriously injures Derek McTavis, he's afraid that his Army career might be over. Even after he returns to Fort Lee, he has a hard time recovering and returning to his old lifestyle, despite the encouragement and support of his friends.
And then he meets Tasha O'Hare.
Owen Hughes is an enigma among his friends. He's a man of few words, and although he enjoys his share of fun with women, he's never found anyone worth making an effort to pursue. With all of his friends now married or in committed relationships, Owen feels like a lone wolf, the last man standing. He's not sure if that makes him a hero or a loser.
And then he meets Jacey.
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August has been a little weird and wonky in my life. Between prep for Indie BookFest, getting quite sick at Indie BookFest, traveling to Maine to drop off my daughter at college . . . I feel like normal has been hard to find!
And I was left with a ton of paperbacks when I couldn't sign at IBF, so that's why I decided to run this super-fun giveaway–not only books, but all the goodies any rabid reader might need. Enter below . . . and good luck!
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Imagine you have launched a successful promotion for a brand, and an individually branded bag plays the key role as a promotional article. The target group is delighted – a result also underpinned by annual studies, according to which bags range amongst the 10 most popular and successful promotional articles.
How can you now follow up on the success of the promotion without directly repeating it? Well, you could rely on a promotional bag once again, but this time a different model from the same series. As a result, you remain true to your style and can continue on your successful course. Naturally, the same applies regarding a incentive for employees, or equipment for field sales and service employees. In any case, promotional bag series provide the possibility to generate continuity for your image. As a result, branding objectives can be optimally achieved. And the target group is positively surprised by a continuous flow of new models. A major step towards greater awareness, increased brand loyalty or identification with your company.
Expert knowledge for specialists: Which bag types belong in a bag series?
Emotionality is everything in advertising. This is also the case for promotional items.
The characteristic mélange fabric in anthracite is responsible for the smart expression and elegant character of the ELEGANCE series. The shimmering black exudes athleticism. And the streamlined designs make the Elegance modern and just right for leisure. Surely that provides plenty of material for a new favourite series!
One of the easiest exercises for everyone who likes to be active and look good doing it: Simply select your favourite STORM, take it with you, and you're done. The full series impresses with its carefully selected, robust material in a subtle shimmer. The roll closure is practical and gives the family its casual courier character. And the choice means STORM gives you a stylish tailwind.
More health, more motivation, more sport! This is a formula which Meyer has decided to pursue. In future, the canteen will offer healthier meals, workplaces will be ergonomically designed, and, thanks to agreements with sport studios in the vicinity, employees can look forward to favourable conditions.
As additional motivation, at Christmas a matching sporty gift will be presented to the staff: A rucksack, individually printed with the in-house theme of the year: Meyer bewegt dich! (Meyer gets you moving!) For the men, the rucksack STEP L and for the women, the slightly smaller STEP M.
company handball team, who play in the same colours and with the same logo. For future promotions, a shoulder bag, multi bag, drawstring bag and a belt bag are also available.
SOLUTION is a loveable series which delights with its attractive price-performance ratio and its variety. After all, it offers eight bag types: the belt bag, cool bag, shopper, seminar bag, notebook bag, lunch bag, backpack and shoe bag.
Jersey fabrics are knitted, or at least look knitted. They feel pleasant to the touch, look sporty and are elegantly matt in texture. For this reason, mainly T-shirts and sports clothing are made by Jersey. And now so are our special bags – the JERSEY series by HALFAR®.
Bags and rucksacks as promotional items or customer gifts bear your brand to your customers and interested parties, therefore you must keep in mind an accurate image of their place of use, the utility of the bag and the timing of the handover. It is especially important to make the latter as positive as possible, because this moment makes a significant impression on customers.
Which bags are particularly suitable here will depend on your situation and your wishes. You can address a predominantly male or female target group with your bag selection. However, you can also select the bag type and size so that all the documents to be expected at an event can be well-stored and transported – an immediately experienceable benefit for your customers. Furthermore, you can design the character of the series yourself by handing out bags at a trade fair year for year which are suitable for a series according to their design or motif. Find out more regarding our trade fair bags.
Tip: Hand out sport bags, hiking rucksacks and belt bags over an extended period. As a result, you will gain customer loyalty to your brand over an extended period.
If you offer bags from a series, the addressed target group then has the opportunity to select a range of matching products, and therefore they develop greater ambition to obtain the next premium. Find out more regarding incentives and premium bags.
At events of this kind, it is worthwhile to hand out bags or rucksacks to carry documents. Many associations or conference organisers pay attention with overlapping target groups, that the gift bags have a series character. Find out more regarding our conference bags.
Business bags, travel bags or travel luggage come into question for this purpose. Not just for reasons of corporate design, but the bags should not appear to be "from one mould" and therefore stem from a series.
Bags and rucksacks are part and parcel of many sponsoring and merchandising ranges. Here it is also common that the bags follow a series concept. Find out more regarding our individual merchandising bags.
What do you stand for – and what appeals to you? Today, this question is often answered through T-shirt or bag prints. The BASE bag series offers a large promotional surface for the application of statements via sublimation. The two shoulder bags and the conference folder can easily be photo printed.
Wherever a self-confident appearance and the combination of authenticity and professionality are important, these bags help you to move up the career ladder. The CRAFT series impresses through its grey two-tone fabric and minimalistic design. Extremely cool and decidedly urban – as a shoulder bag with a roll-over closure or as a multi bag with backpack function.
As black as the figures. As classic as a white shirt. And clearly different: The IMPULSE business bag series. The superior stitching and striking zipper already indicate the high quality from the exterior. The IMPULSE notebook backpack and the roller travel bag also delight through their functionality thanks to their fittings and finishing. The perfect equipment for excellent business.
A structured two-tone fabric with a good grip, which weaves two colour shades together to provide a fine textile character which is beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to handle. This makes the FASHION series unique. The four bags round off every business outfit or ensure a gallant appearance during your leisure time – from the notebook backpack via notebook bag, right up to the backpack and travel bag.
Working where you want, how you want: New mobile technology makes it possible. The MISSION business bag series accompanies busy people calmly and with great professionalism. In classic colours with diverse details and a sophisticated finish. Whether a rolling business trolley, spacious business bag, convenient roller-travel bag, smart laptop backpack or high-quality sport and travel bag: This stable nylon 1680D protects your valuables whilst looking extremely attractive.
With this luggage one would even be well-equipped for a trip in the Orient Express. The sports/travel bag, the shoulder bag and the backpack of the JOURNEY series have a vintage touch, but they are also ideal when heading to the office. This is ensured by robust canvas in two casual colours, in combination with striking details in suede imitation leather and cotton.
The GALAXY bag series deserves five stars, because it already delights with its outward appearance. Robust grey nylon meets shimmering jacquard. Whether a casual backpack, spacious sport/travel bag in two sizes or a sporty wash bag: All members of this fabulous four have been elaborately finished and provide compartments for everything you need for everyday life and on planet Earth.
Which bag types belong in a bag series?
Of course, a travel bag is indispensable in a series regarding travel, and a notebook bag or notebook backpack is mandatory in a business bag series. Essentially, all types of bags may appear in a bag series – from a sport backpack to a cool bag.
How the range is selected depends on the objective of the bag series. Who should it appeal to; which subject should it feature? On the one hand, printed or generally decorated bags can be used for a single theme in a series, e.g. travel.
On the other hand, many series connect different worlds with one another: For example, business and recreation. In such cases, bags such as notebook backpacks and sport backpacks can then be combined to form a series.
This series includes bags such as notebook bags, laptop backpacks, covers for smartphone or tablet, seminar bags, travel bags, trolleys.
Always with a sport and travel bag, plus shoulder bags, shoppers, clothing bags, wash bags and more.
Here sport backpacks and sport bags can be found. They often display special features which are useful for certain sports.
The linking characteristic of this series is the material or its characteristic material. Such series can often be used universally for all possible areas and target groups, for example, bags made from felt, cotton or special materials.
These are series which pick up on a current trend, for example the vintage trend or minimalism. They are made for a zeitgeist-orientated target group, and often comprise of recreational bags in current cuts.
The city never sleeps. Whether shopping, strolling around, at the cinema, doing sports or on business: The promotional bag expert HALFAR® provides a lively bag solution for everything you might want to do in the city. It is no coincidence that the CITY bag family, with its four models in up to seven colours, is our most successful promotional bag classic. From the daypack via a sports bag and match bag, right up to the slingpack, the City model looks great in any situation.
The large SPORT family with six bag talents: Sport/travel bag, taffeta backpack, backpack, wash bag, cool bag and hip bag. Using these, you can easily master a sporting weekend, from your arrival right up to the barbeque evening at the end! Ideally suited as a sport bag series for premiums. Available in many colours.
100% organic cotton processed into five simple and beautiful ORGANIC bag models: The drawstring bag, the shopper and zipper bags in three sizes. Practical, sustainable and can be used for any purpose.
Composing texts, taking notes, collecting documents – the SCRIPT series is ideal for all those who love to work with pen and paper. The warm PU synthetic leather guarantees an elegant appearance. And the high functionality of the folders quickly makes them indispensable companions.
The MODULE felt bags provide covers for analogue and digital items. More precisely, for tablets and conference folders which they coddle with warm felt to protect them against impacts and scratches. A beautiful contrast in a technological world. As with all MODULE articles, they are assembled in the EU from pre-fabricated parts, and therefore facilitate rapid delivery and many types of print and promotional applications.
Function or design? At HALFAR® there is no either-or. We are happy to combine both of these aspects, for example with the tarpaulin bag series SPLASH. The welded seams, the intelligent roll-over closure and the water-resistant, robust material promise a high standard for everyday use. With SPLASH, everyone finds themselves in their element with a maritime drybag in two sizes, the backpack or the sport and travel bag.
And so brands become visible! The neon yellow REFLEX bag series catches the eye, in particular due to its original 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective strips. Thanks to their high luminosity, these bags ensure better visibility and safety when you are underway – whether as a hip drawstring bag, elegant shoulder bag or a sporty backpack.
Emotionality is everything in advertising.
This is also the case for promotional items.
People take just fractions of a second to decide whether they like something or someone. Seconds determined by emotion. And this not only applies when becoming acquainted with people, but also with brands and companies. Good promotional items strengthen this relationship and therefore rely on one thing in particular: Emotionality.
beyond the first initial moments, because a bag is in itself a pleasing and practical promotional item. It also features a fashion dimension as well as its obvious utility in everyday life. You can decorate yourself by carrying a bag, and you can experience things with it – holidays, a successful meeting, a trade fair... This all increases the emotionality and therefore the impact of a bag as a promotional item.
Flexible, high-quality, authentic – there are many reasons to have bags made from felt. The emotionality of felt bags lies in the material, an inherent advantage for its use in promotional articles. Furthermore, felt provides many possibilities for finishing different bag types and covers.
HALFAR® provides an array of felt bags, some as series items, some as individual items. You can also combine the bags across our series to generate your own felt collection, for high-quality premiums, for example. The material provides stability and creates strong bonds.
Select your favourite model from the ModernClassic bag series. There is a huge variety available from classic courier and college bags, via shoulder bags, business bags, shoppers and cross bags, right up to folders. All of these are made from fine and often surprisingly colourful felt.
As charming as its role models, but more cheerful: The HALFAR® RETRO series made from PU synthetic leather in many colours. A stylish companion to the office or university or for sports, cinema, travel... This is ensured by the bag collection featuring a shoulder bag, sport/travel bag and wash bag. In brief: Retro bags in a contemporary collection.
The maritime look never goes out of fashion. At the latest in the summer, when we head out to the sea and lakes, sailor stripes, ropes and nets become all the rage again. The BONNY bag series is perfect in this respect. It heightens the maritime theme appeal with its fresh colours, clear design and typical components such as metal eyelets and cotton cords. And all this in a modern and attractive way. As a shopper and as a backpack with a minimalistic sailor bag style, featuring decorative cords for fastening and carrying.
Young business bags with smart functions and an attractive price – this is the bag series BUSINESS. From the shoulder bag BUSINESS as a colourful organisational talent via the travel wash bag BUSINESS with a practical hanger, right up to the garment bag BUSINESS for crease-free business travel!
"The shopper is great! Is it also available as a backpack?" HALFAR® has a huge range which repeatedly inspires our customers to voice new bag suggestions – about which we are delighted! We will happily pick up on your idea and develop a bag according to your wishes, and also create your own series. We can show you which creative bags have already been generated in this way through our examples of promotional bags as special editions.
Our company film reveals what makes bags from HALFAR® so special.


United Nations: Diwali was commemorated for the first time at the United Nations, with the world body's imposing headquarters lit up especially on the occasion of the Indian festival of lights.
The facade of the UN headquarters was lit in bright hues and the words 'Happy Diwali', along with the image of a traditional 'diya', projected onto the building.
"Lighting up. @UN lights up for #Diwali for 1st time," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.
"Happy Diwali! @UN celebrates Diwali for 1st time. Thank you @UN_PGA for this initiative," Akbaruddin said in another tweet, thanking General Assembly President Peter Thomson for the initiative.
He also tweeted a picture of passers-by clicking photographs of the building as well as being themselves clicked against the illuminated UN headquarters in the background.
Thomson also tweeted a picture of the UN building lit up in bright blue for Diwali and said "Light over darkness, hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil - the UN lights up. Happy Diwali!"
The UN Secretariat building will be lit up for Diwali from 29-31 October.
It is for the first time that the Indian festival of lights is celebrated at the world body after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December, 2014 that acknowledged the "significance of Diwali".
From 2016 onwards, Diwali was made an optional holiday for the UN, India's Permanent Mission to the world body said in a special video message.


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Goodnight Brothers cure hams to feed consumers across the nation
by Karl H. Kazaks
BOONE, NC – Standing in one of the production rooms of his family's 50,000-square foot ham house, Bill Goodnight watched a team of his company's experienced butchers in action, separating ham hocks and femur bones from whole country hams.
"We're boning out 2,000 hams a day, six days a week," he said.
Thanks to the efforts of the butchers – and many others – Goodnight Brothers purchases just under 12 million pounds of fresh hams each year to cure approximately half a million whole country hams.
There are companies which produce more pounds of country ham every year, but they mainly deal in whole hams. Goodnight Brothers is the country's leader in producing sliced and pre-portioned country ham servings.
Their signature product is a 1.25-ounce slice of country ham, perfect for serving on biscuits. That's one reason Goodnight Brothers' customers include Bojangles' and Hardee's.
"All of the boning is done by hand," Goodnight said, watching his team work. "Save for the skinner and the band saw, the butchering in this room is all hand-work. It takes good sharp knives. And training. And a major focus on safety. Employees, you can see, are the key component of our business."
Goodnight Brothers employs 135 people, all of them full-time. "Many of them have been with us more than 15 years," Goodnight said. "Our operations manager, Rodney Farthing, has been here longer than me – forty years."
The business began in 1948 as a produce company. The founders – ancestors of Bill, today the company's vice-president, and his cousin Jim, the company's president – started curing country ham, climatically, as a way to give their employees work in the winter months.
Today Goodnight Brothers hams are cured in the company's capacious climate-controlled ham house, which includes one fall room, two winter rooms, two spring rooms and two summer rooms.
The company receives six to seven loads of fresh hams to its BRC-certified facility every week, each load containing 40,000 pounds of ham. The hams are salted the day they come in and then again five days later.
The company's regular product is aged first in the winter room, at 40 degrees, before being moved to one of the 55-degree spring rooms, then to one of the 90-degree summer rooms.
The hams are stored on racks made from wood, which the Goodnight Brothers are permitted to use because of their history of long use.
"We were grandfathered in," Goodnight said. "We've been using them for 70 years and never had an issue."
In 1996, the company moved from its original location, in downtown Boone, to its current location on the outskirts of town.
With experience across four decades, Goodnight is seeing something today in the pork industry which he's never seen before. "I've never seen prices this low this long," he said.
The USDA defines country ham, among other ways, as having an internal salt content of at least 4 percent and having a weight at least 18 percent less than the weight of the initial fresh uncured ham. Goodnight Brothers hams have a finished salt level of 7 percent and exhibit 21 percent shrinkage. They also have a water activity of 0.89, which helps make the product shelf-stable.
To make the best pre-portioned ham slices, the Goodnight Brothers like to start with a ham which is slightly smaller than the average ham – a ham which weighs between 20 and 23 pounds. The smaller size permits the hams to cure a little quicker, but more importantly, results in a final slice of ham being just the right shape and thickness for a biscuit.
Goodnight Brothers buys fresh hams from a variety of sources, including Clemens Food, Smithfield and Villari Foods. In addition to Bojangles' and Hardee's, Goodnight Brothers sell their country ham to the food wholesalers Sysco, U.S. Foods and Cheney Brothers. They also sell to a variety of smaller customers and make custom branded products to fit just about any kind of business.
There's no doubt the 1.25-ounce sliced country ham product is the mainstay of their business. In 2015, when business was not quite as large as it is today, Goodnight calculated they had sold 40 million individual slices of country ham that year – enough to form a line of country ham biscuits all the way from Boone to Las Vegas.
Goodnight Brothers sells other products in addition to individual portions of country ham. They sell whole country hams, more than a dozen other cuts of country ham, and pork skins and bacon.
In recent years, they have also produced an ever-increasing amount of natural country ham products, cured with celery powder rather than synthetic nitrites. The natural country hams also age longer than the standard hams, up to 12 months, including longer in one of the warm summer rooms. They are also made from hams grown by a cooperative which uses heritage breeds and pasture raises its hogs.
Goodnight Brothers' natural country ham is available as three products: side meat, thin sliced (like prosciutto) and biscuit cut. They are found widely in grocery stores like Whole Foods and EarthFare.
"Our natural ham business has grown from 3,000 hams in 2015 to 7,500 hams last year," Goodnight said.
"I would like to build another aging room to accommodate more production of all-natural ham," he added. He's thinking a 10,000-square foot space would suffice.
One reason Goodnight Brothers has need for more aging is because they have also partnered with Lady Edison, a North Carolina supplier of animal welfare-approved extra fancy country ham to gourmet markets around the country. Goodnight Brothers ages the Lady Edison hams, which are cured for 18 months, sometimes with the leg on.
"All my career I've been trying to sell country ham outside of the Southeast," Goodnight said. "With the Lady Edison product, I've been able to do that."
Goodnight started working in the family company in the early 1980s, when he enrolled in Appalachian State in Boone.
"I worked in the ham house through college," he said, before joining the company full-time after graduating from college in 1985.
At the time, the company was receiving a load of fresh hams each week and shipping 2 million pounds of country ham each year. During Goodnight's tenure with his family company, the scope of the business has expanded six-fold, and is still growing.
"It's really the only job I've had," Goodnight said. "You're either cut out for this business or you're not."
Lee Newspapers2019-04-16T14:29:12-05:00April 16, 2019|Mid Atlantic|0 Comments
High quality, homegrown beef


Network members who provide advice and support on education are listed below. Click on their name to go to their page on this website.
education section of the Citizens Advice national website. Information on: access to education, types of school, choosing a school, special educational needs, problems at school; further and higher education, adult education, help with educational costs.
a national charity that provides independent advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-16 in state-funded education. ACE provide information, support and advice to parents to help their children at school, particularly where there are problems. Their website provides information and resources and details of their telephone helpline.
IPSEA is a registered charity offering free and independent advice to parents of children with special educational needs. Their website provides information and resources and details of their telephone helpline.


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued guidance for industry to assist with the submission of warning plans for cigars. On May 10, 2016, FDA published a final rule that granted the agency authority to regulate all tobacco products, including cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco.
What is a warning plan?
Who submits the cigar warning plans?
A cigar product manufacturer, distributor, importer, or retailer should submit the warning plan. In most circumstances, FDA believes that manufacturers are most capable of creating a sufficient warning plan for packaging.
What is the compliance deadline?
Warning plans for cigars should be submitted to FDA by May 10, 2017 or 12 months before advertising and marketing begin, whichever date is later. FDA expects that a large volume of plans will be submitted near this deadline and thus suggests they be submitted as soon as possible to ensure they are reviewed in time to comply with the warning requirements that take effect on May 10, 2018. FDA has deemed it unlawful for cigar products to be produced, manufactured, or distributed in the United States without the packaging containing one of the required statements once the warning requirements take effect.
FDA encourages cigar product manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers to submit warning plans electronically, with all content in Portable Document Format (PDF) format. Electronic submissions must be submitted through FDA's Electronic Submissions Gateway.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a guidance that extends the compliance dates for tobacco ingredient submissions for newly deemed tobacco products introduced into interstate commerce on or before August 8, 2016. FDA plans to enforce the ingredient list submission requirement on August 8, 2017 for businesses that are not small-scale manufacturers, and on February 8, 2018 for small-scale manufacturers. The original date for compliance was February 8, 2017.
The compliance deadlines have been extended to allow manufacturers and importers additional time to prepare quality submissions. The extension also allows some manufacturers to submit multiple lists for multiple tobacco products.
Registrar Corp assists tobacco manufacturers with FDA compliance, including registration, listing, and labeling requirements. For more information on FDA regulations for tobacco manufacturers, including the recently finalized refuse to accept tobacco rule, contact Registrar Corp at +1-757-224-0177 or chat with a Regulatory Advisor 24 hours a day at www.registrarcorp.com/livehelp.
Submissions that meet these circumstances will be refused before they enter FDA's review queue. FDA will inform the listed contact as to whether or not the submission was accepted. FDA expects this rule to accelerate the review process for submissions that meet all requirements by freeing the agency's review resources.
This rule applies to covered submissions for all tobacco products. Until last year, FDA's authority over tobacco products was limited to cigarettes and cigarette, roll-your-own, and smokeless tobacco. In May 2016, FDA finalized a rule that extended the agency's authority to all tobacco products, including (but not limited to) e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco (81 FR 28973). The rule became effective in August 2016 and requires tobacco manufacturers to submit new products to FDA for premarket review.
Registrar Corp assists tobacco manufacturers with FDA compliance, including registration, listing, and labeling requirements. For more information on FDA regulations for tobacco manufacturers, contact Registrar Corp at +1-757-224-0177 or chat with a Regulatory Advisor 24 hours a day at www.registrarcorp.com/livehelp.
On May 10, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule (81 FR 28973) that extends the agency's authority to all tobacco products, including (but not limited to) e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco, and pipe tobacco. The final rule becomes effective on August 8, 2016 (90 days from the date of publication).
FDA considers tobacco use to be a significant threat to public health. According to FDA, smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Under the final rule, newly-regulated tobacco products are subject to premarket review and authorization by FDA. Manufacturers of these newly-regulated tobacco products must register their establishments and list their products with FDA as well as place health warnings on product packages and advertisements. Manufacturers will not be able to market their tobacco products as modified risk (i.e., "light", "low", or "mild") without FDA authorization. Manufacturers must also report ingredients and harmful and potentially harmful constituents to FDA.
The new registration and listing requirements will initially only apply to domestic tobacco manufacturers. Section 905 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires FDA to issue a rule through the notice and comment rulemaking process in order to apply the registration and product listing requirements to foreign manufacturers. FDA has announced its intent to issue a rule requiring registration and listing for foreign tobacco manufacturers in theUnified Agenda and expects to publish the proposed rule in September 2016.
Registrar Corp can assist tobacco manufacturers in registering and listing their products with FDA per the new requirements.
While the use of traditional cigarettes by minors has decreased, their use of other tobacco products has increased significantly. According to FDA, e-cigarette use among high school students rose from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015 (a 900 percent increase). A goal of FDA's final rule is to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco via age-restrictions and restricting advertising that appeals to minors.
Before FDA finalized the rule, there were no federal regulations prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, or cigars to consumers under the age of 18. Under the new rule, these products can no longer be sold to minors, either in person or online. Sellers must verify the age of purchasers by photo identification. The rule also prohibits the distribution of free samples or selling covered tobacco products in vending machines (unless in an adult-only facility).
Registrar Corp is a U.S. FDA consulting firm that helps companies comply with FDA regulations. Registrar Corp can help tobacco product manufacturers determine how FDA's new rule applies to their particular products. Registrar Corp can register manufacturers and list tobacco products with FDA as well as review tobacco product labels and advertisements to ensure compliance with FDA labeling regulations.
For more information, contact Registrar Corp at +1-757-224-0177 or chat with a Regulatory Advisor 24-hours a day at www.registrarcorp.com/livehelp.


Klaipeda – the third largest Lithuanian city, situated 300 km from Vilnius on the Baltic coast. Klaipeda is the only and most important port of the country that can be reached by highway from the capital. The city has deep German roots, and not so far away used to be called Memel. During the World War II Klaipeda suffered a lot and many buildings were destroyed, but still there are interesting thing to see. We would visit a German style old town, which has many merchant houses and warehouses with 'fachwerk' decorations. Will pass by the theatre square and enjoy a little statue of the Ann of Thar, she is the main character of the traditional German love and marriage song. The song was created by Simon Dach, famous German poet born in Klaipeda in 17th century. We would also visit the old post building and the symbol of Klaipeda sailing ship Meridianas.
Later on continuation to Palanga. Palanga – the most favourite summer resort in Lithuania situated only 25 km from Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea coast. This town will offer you a wonderful walk on the J. Basanavicius pedestrian alley, which hosts a lot of restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops. Palanga is also famous for the Amber museum which is the only kind in the Baltic States. Museum is located in a neoclassical palace built by Count Tyszkiewicz in 19th century and surrounded with picturesque views. Museum offers to discover various types of amber, insect and plant inclusions, history of amber and processing methods of that precious stone. A 24 thousand amber object collection is held in the museum and about 4.5 thousand is at display. A very nice walk waits for you to climb the Birute hill, which in reality is a 22 meter high dune. The guide should tell some interesting story about the origins of the hill name. Definitely you will be given an opportunity to walk the Palanga Bridge, which starts on a coast and goes forward to the sea or you can just enjoy walking barefoot the Baltic sandy beach.
KLAIPEDA – is the gateway to the Baltic in Lithuania and the main city port of the country. The first references of settlements in the area, date back to the first century, and refer to a fishing village. In 1252 after fierce resistance against the Germanic invaders, fell to the Livonian Order. From this period dates the Memelburg Castle, built on the banks of the River Dane. The Lithuanians attempted to retake the city but always were rejected; even after the victory in the Battle of Zalgiris in 1410, when the Lithuanians managed to recover most of the lost territory (northwestern side), Klaipeda remained in German hands. In the following centuries the city continued under foreign rule. In the seventeenth century Klaipeda was devastated by the Swedish army. A mid-eighteenth century the city was for five years under the rule of tsarist Russia. In 1807 the city became capital of Prussia after the occupation by Napoleon's troops in Berlin. The advent of the Second Reich in 1871 led to a rapid process of Germanization of all minorities. After the defeat of Germany in the First World War, the city and the entire region was placed under the protectorate of the Entente States (1919). From the February 13, 1920 Klaipeda was administered by French forces. In December 1923 a large popular uprising was organized with the help of the Lithuanian government. The survey determined the future of Klaipeda region. The whole territory and port were returned to Lithuania, retaining the right to self-government. In 1939 the Nazis occupied the city, which was not released until January 1945.
At present Klaipeda is not only one of the largest ports in the Baltic Sea, but also an important cultural center of the country.
After the visit we pick the ferry that takes us to the Curonian Spit-Neringa: It's a salient between the Baltic Sea and Lake Kursiu, unique in Europe. This area is a natural reserve with dunes, pine forests, coast and native animals. Nida is the oldest settlement in Neringa. Fishing village that retains all its buildings more than 150 years ago. Until the eighteenth century the village was located at another site but due to the strength of the dunes its inhabitants decided to change the current. The other towns in this area are: Pervalka, Preila and Juodkrante. Highlight is the "Hill of Witches" in Juodkrante.
We followed the visit to Palanga, located 25km from Klaipeda. Summer capital of the country. It is a modern seaside resort with many hotels, restaurants and clubs. Here you can enjoy its magnificent beaches full of dunes and pine forests. Palanga is also famous for its Amber Museum and Botanical Garden.


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R.I.P.: Cidinho Teixeira (1942-2020)
R.I.P.: Lyle Mays
Vocal Jazz CD of the Month - "Sarah Thorpe: Deep Blue Love"
Vocal Jazz CD of the Month
Sarah Thorpe: "Deep Blue Love" (Dot Time Records DT 9087)
Featuring: Sarah Thorpe (vocals), Olivier Hutman (piano), Darry Hall (bass), John Betsch (drums), T.K. Blue (flute, soprano sax, alto sax), Josiah Woodson (trumpet & flugelhorn), Ronald Baker (trumpet) and Ismael Nobour (drums on track 5)
Produced by Sarah Thorpe
Associate Producer: Jean Szlamowicz
Recorded at Studio du Petit Pont (Maurepas, France) in March & May 2019
Engineer: David Drussant
Artwork: Jaime Ford
Cover Photo: Philippe Levy-Stab
Vocalist Sarah Thorpe delivers an album of sultry original material and thoughtful renditions of jazz classics, pairing her distinctive voice and phrasing with rich arrangements, dynamic soloing and rhythmic gusto. France-native Thorpe uses the ten pieces performed on this album as vehicles for her expression; A refreshing take on the role of the vocalist in a jazz context. Thorpe's emotive vocal performance paired with rich harmonic and melodic invention sets her apart in today's crowded musical landscape. 'Deep Blue Love's intensity and deep musicality is in part thanks to the fantastic personnel at Thorpe's side. The album features Olivier Hutman on piano, Darryl Hall on bass, John Betsch on drums and special guests T.K Blue on alto sax, Josiah Woodson on trumpet, Ronald Baker on trumpet and Ismael Nobour on drums.
Sarah Thorpe's vocal precision benefited from the stimulating coaching of Michele Hendricks (daughter of jazz luminary Jon Hendricks) and Sara Lazarus. The vocalist is able to bring a clarity of tone and an aesthetic alertness to these time-tested compositions and original material that will be appealing to jazz aficionados and novices alike. Thorpe blends straight-ahead jazz with modern sounds, eschewing the dreary world of over-played standards, exploring the world of composers such as Wayne Shorter, Carmen Lundy and contemporary players like Bobby Watson, Antonio Hart, Marcus Printup, and Dezron Douglas.
Thorpe's propensity for modern jazz compositions is evidenced by the pieces the vocalist chose to cover on this release, wonderful instrumental tunes by composers such as Pat Metheny, Horace Silver, Randy Weston and Wayne Shorter which Thorpe seamlessly incorporated into the vocal jazz idiom. The artist's wistful interpretation of Horace Silver's "Lonely Woman", and her rendition of Randy Weston's "Pretty Strange" demonstrate Thorpe's facility as a story-teller as well as a vocalist. Listeners will enjoy Thorpe's mesmerizingly pure tone in conjunction with consummate instrumentalist T.K Blue's flute on Pat Metheny's "Free", a truly transfixing arrangement of Metheny's composition.
Thorpe's original compositions demonstrate her deep knowledge of the jazz tradition and her deeply innate rhythmic sensibility. Each track is groove-based and features strong melodies and opportunities for improvisation while still maintaining a deep sense of meaning being espoused from the vocalist's every lyric. The album's title track starts the record off on a high, showcasing Thorpe's impressive range. The diversity of groove and feel on this album is a treat in and of itself. As the album progresses, the audience is treated to a latin groove, a second-line feel, a waltz and swing grooves each played more genuinely and authentically than the last; on top of these grooves, Thorpe's voice soars.
Ernie Andrews once sang 'You Can Hide Inside the Music'. This Jimmy Heath piece tells of the comfort the listener feels through the music. Except that, for the singer, there's nowhere to hide. The singer is in plain sight. The singer is supposed to be the one bringing the comfort and emotion and soulfulness that you need. Singers will carry the blues for you. They will deliver it to you, taking the plunge under the spotlight of exposure. A singer is a different animal. They can't hide inside the music.
Sarah Thorpe has always taken such risks, daring to play in all contexts, from duet to sextet, gliding through tricky arrangements or leading the way with no safety net at all. She was born near Paris, of an English mother and French father, growing up in France and regularly visiting Yorkshire. Although she wasn't steeped in a musical atmosphere, she always felt inclined to develop her artistic abilities. Singing was an early passion and so she sang while she studied philosophy.
She gigged around in Paris and London, studying with Daniela Barda, Sara Lazarus, Rachel Gould, Kevin Mahogany and, most importantly, the unique Michele Hendricks. She paid her dues in bars and restaurants, singing for private cocktails, but all the while she was focusing on her own music, composing and listening intently.
That's how she managed quality encounters on the Paris scene, playing with Jason Marsalis, Kirk Lightsey, Hermon Mehari, Hugo Lippi, Talib Kibwe, Darryl Hall, Ronald Baker, and Sean Gourley. For several years, she has worked with Alain Jean-Marie, the extraordinary pianist from Guadeloupe, her ideal duet partner. Her first album was with pianist and arranger Olivier Hutman, who played with a varied cast that includes Roy Hargrove, Clifford Jordan, Charles Aznavour, Clark Terry and Stéphane Grapelli.
Her influences include Carmen Lundy, Carmen McRae, Dianne Reeves, Aretha Franklin, Lizz Wright, Kevin Mahogany, Erykah Badu and the RH Factor. This clearly sets her in a creative world apart from run-of-the-mill singers, intent as she is on bringing something new to the table.
Avoiding the theatrics of spectacular tricks, her singing is heartfelt, her voice clear and pure. Within the jazz world, she has built her own world, with melody and emotion at the front—and no, she is not hiding inside the music.
Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month - "Marc Copland: And I Love Her"
Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month
Marc Copland, Drew Gress & Joey Baron: "And I Love Her" (Illusions Mirage IM 4004)
Rating: *****
Featuring: Marc Copland (piano), Drew Gress (bass), Joey Baron (drums)
Produced by Robin Verheyen
Recorded by David Stoller at The Samurai Hotel (NYC, NY) in August 2017
Mixed and mastered by David Darlington at Bass Hit Studios (NYC, NY) in September 2018
Cover Photo: Ian Plant
Liner Photos: John Rogers
Graphics: Elmar Zillgen
Poem: Bill Zavastsky
A brilliant trio effort by Marc Copland, a prolific jazz pianist and composer who has played with John Abercrombie, Gary Peacock, Glen Moore, Eumir Deodato (when still using the name Marc Cohn) and many more. He has released almost 40 lead and solo albums since 1988, and has been a sideman on dozens more.
Vocal Jazz CD of the Month - "Sarah Thorpe: Deep B...
Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month - "Marc Copland:...


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