Architectural Designs

does anyone know a good website for free bird house plans? one with all kinds of different species

where do i find free bird house plans?

hay are there any free sites for bird house plans.? i need a free site i went to google and gooled it i went to ask and other sites and cant find anything they always used to be free but please help me i need to buld one for this blue jay that lives under my porch please help. thanks,jordan

Need free plans for a multi-level bird house.? Hi, I'm looking for online plans (printable or not) for a bird house with multiple levels that can hold at least 3 birds/families. thanks for the help CrazyBoy

Where can find chicken coop plans for a 50 bird house? ok,so im looking to make about 8 of these for the farm.I need free chicken coop designs/plans/blueprints to house around 50 chickens(layers). could you please recommend easy to follow plans,give links and everything. also are there any legal livestock auctions going on soon,in essex?

Hey can anyone tell where I can find good detailed birdhouse plans? Need help finding good bird house plans "free"

how can I find purple martin birdhouse plans free? I wish to build bird house

free bird listing? possibly a gimmick? Please help....? I was searching for a bird to get after researching different kind I decided to go with the parrot family, I went onto a site that had some listed and I wrote these people an inquiry and they wrote back in 7 minutes with the following response. By the way this blue and gold Macaw is listed for free! I'm thinking maybe a gimmick? Please just let me know your opinion! Thank you very much. Hi, We appreciate your inquiry towards my baby by name YVE.She is 2 years old and some weeks now.We have invested a lot of time and love into this parrot. The plan was for her to be our family pet, so we spent a lot of time making her a well adjusted, happy bird.We have had her since she was 5 weeks old.Although she has bonded to me I feel she will make the transition to someone else pretty quickly because she has always been treated very well by people and has learned to trust she loves to meet strangers and will behave with no sense of shyness or diffidence She is abundantly weaned and can fly.She loves her daily showers.She has already started clicker training and is learning very fast. She retrieves, shakes hands, waves, spins in circles and can talk verry well. She has been trained to wear a harness. She whistles a lot and will play a mimic game with whistle patterns.her words are very clear, When she's hungry she beeps like the microwave. I think she is a great talker!Very good eater - veggies, fruits, seeds/grains, pellets. Here at our house she eats a mash (made of sprouted legumes/grains mixed with veggies and fruit in the food processor) every morning and evening.She will come with a cage. Unfortunately we are unable to keep this great bird due to serious changes in our circumstances.My husband and i had left the United States of America and are presently in New Helense Cameroon all the way from USA and the hotel that we are currently in, does not permits the accommodation of pets in general..We have tried all way in convincing the consultants here at the hotel to accept us live with the parrot but they are refusing based on the fact that it is against their Hotel rules.We thought of looking for a new location but its hard for us to find one.We are therefore looking for a good home that can take good care of this parrot and also love her as if it were their real kid. Well i will be willing to give YVE to your home provided you are going to give her all the necessary care and attention she deserves in the world .Hope your family is gonna be the best for YVE if and only if you can provide us with some info about your home, that will help us better understand your home.That's your family composition, their reactions towards pets in general, whether or not you've owned pets before and how do you intend welcoming YVE into your home. You need not get a cage for her since we will be sending her inside her cage , coupled with her vet and immunization papers against bird flu and the rest.Since you are not around us, we will have to arrange for YVE okay...so do let us know your exact location before hand.Thanks and hope to read soonest from you. My regards "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

How to build a pigeon hutch? I want to build a bird hutch for keeping pigeons for dog training. Can anyone refer me to a site with some free plans, or explain the best way to build a hutch (as in expensive and easy as possible)? I want to build something small, as i will not be housing more than 6-12 birds at a time.

House Plan to Scale? Hi, I'm wanting to know if there are any programs I could download for free, that will help me draw a house plan to scale. Nothing fancy, I just want to do a birds eye view and get the sizing right. Must be easy to use to. Any help much appretiated. Cheers.

im taking a new pet into my home and looking for ideas/information can anyone help? someone resently asked if i wanted a blu and gold mcaw male he's 5 yrs old and she cant keep him so shes giving to a good home for free,so i'm gona take him.this bird has been from her house to her sisters and when i get him im sure he'll be a bit frazzled yet another home.and i have a 2yr old blue gold male mcaw.i plan to keep them seperate for while and introduce slowly from a distance if thats how i should i'm unsure if two males would get along or if i can teach them to get along,and whats a good way to help new bird be comfortable and at ease.and whats a good way to try to bond with a stressed possably depresed bird?does anyone have any usefull info or know any free sites i can get info on having 2 mcaws together and ease a stressed bird.poor birdie i hope to help and get along with this bird and give him a long happy life,any info apreciated thanks.

is this possible re: a 12 yr old Lovebird? He was a free flier he always came home we live in the country. We he and I have a certain whistle I'd whistle and he'd screech letting me know where he was. Today while working in the yard I heard him and saw him way up in the trees. He was playing hide and seek with me. I have left a cage on the deck for him. He's been gone almost 2 mos. Could he be living in a bird house and eating at bird feeders he comes across? I plan on whistling for him again tomorrow. Has anybody ever had this happen? thanks for the optimistic hope for us..I plan on baiting him with a female Rainbow lovie and and a book. He'd sit on the deck rail with me and wait til I put the book down LOL he sat on the rail...LOL

Parakeet Question! My pet bird just laid her first egg! What next? My bird is a 1.5 year old female parakeet. She lives alone in her cage but has weekly or monthly “play dates” with other parakeets for about an hour at a time. Last week she laid her first egg. Prior to the egg being laid, I noticed a change in her droppings. They were less frequent and very, very large in size. However once the egg was laid, the droppings are much closer to normal sized now. Shortly after (about an hour after) the egg was laid, she “pooped” out some sort of discharge. It was mostly clear, with a little bit of white gel looking stuff in it, and a little tiny bit of blood. This hasn’t happened again since the initial egg. I am mostly wondering will she lay another egg? I am pretty sure that the egg is infertile because she doesn’t spend enough time around male birds, but I could be wrong. Also, I don’t really want her to become a “breeder.” She is very tame, gives me “kisses,” and she knows several tricks. I would really like her to stay this way. I also do not plan on getting another parakeet. Lately she has become more grouchy than usual, and I would like this behavior to go away. She usually doesn’t mind when my hands are in her cage but lately she has been lunging at me if I get too close. For some additional information, I used to keep a cut down cardboard box around her cage to collect the seed shells constantly falling out of her cage. Starting about six months ago she began ripping apart the cardboard box in her free time. (She usually doesn’t do this, but she knows how to open her cage doors and would sometimes escape her cage play in the box while I wasn’t home. However, she hasn’t been escaping her cage in the last few months, she says inside until I let her out, for now anyways.) At first this ripping behavior was cute but then it started to get messy with little shavings everywhere, so I threw this box away, and got a new one. Throwing away the shavings made her temporarily very upset. After a few weeks, she began to rip apart the new box. However, after she laid the egg (inside her cage on the floor, not in the cardboard box) I took this box away too because I didn’t want her hiding another egg in there that I wouldn’t see, and because this box again was getting very messy. I haven’t taken the egg away yet, because I read this may make her want to lay more eggs. I really don’t want her to lay more. She hasn’t really been tending to the egg at all, and spends most of her time sitting on her perches playing with her toys, or grooming, and I haven’t seen her near the egg at all (at least while I am around). When can I take away this egg? I don’t want to make her upset, or make her want to lay more eggs. Also I read online that changing the birds’ cage around will make them not want to lay eggs. However, I re-arrange her cage every few weeks. I am constantly rotating her toys in and out of her cage. So the fact that she would lay an egg in an un-constant environment is very strange to me. Also, about a week before she laid the egg, she spent a week with her cage in a different room of the house. This also doesn’t make sense to me. Also I read online that bringing a dog around the bird will make her too scared to lay eggs. I have two dogs, but they are not allowed in the room where her cage is. She has seen the dogs before, and she hears them barking every day. So I don’t really understand this either. As far as food goes, I feed her a mixture of seed, dried fruits and veggies, and pellets(but I don’t think she eats these). I’ve tried to offer her fresh fruits and veggies but she is insanely afraid of them, she will even fly out of her cage to get away from them. So now I just mix dried ones into her seeds. Since she laid the egg she started to chew on her mineral block, which she completely ignored for the last year. Also I just bought some kind of dried egg/bird protein that I am now mixing with her seeds, because I want her to regain her strength after laying this egg. I basically want to know what I am doing right, or what I am doing wrong. Also will she lay more eggs in the near future? And when can I take away the current egg? After a week, she laid egg number two! I was worried she was egg bound for a while, but I put a heating pad under her cage and I think it helped! She ignored the first egg, but now she has been sitting on both eggs. They are both just laying in the bottom of the cage. Should I move them? My bird is deathly afraid of the nesting box I got her, but she has a little woven nest that she likes, unfortunately it wasn't in her cage when she laid the eggs. Should I move the eggs to the nest thing? Will she be angry if I touch them?

Can starting a vegetable garden attract vermin? My sister and I are planning on planting a small vegetable garden in our yard, so far we know what to do to get rid of grass and such. But we're worried about attracting vermin, we have a lot of mice and possum in the the summer as well as birds. The city just shut down it's program for keeping the city free of rats and mice... and we just got rid of an infestation of mice in our house. Would this be inviting the vermin into our yard and possibly our house?

i asked about the eggs before..i have some better news.? I asked about a cardinal and Blue jay egg a few days ago, and i have listened to what you have said, and did some studying about birds and nesting behavior. The cardinal egg has not seemed to have any growth, but as i was walking around my yard i found a mother cardinal on her clutch of 3, so i put the egg in that nest in hopes she can raise it, she seems to still be incubator her now brood of 4. The blue jay egg is doing very well, in the past day it has doubled in size(the embryo) and i can start to see veins. I have heard that it is only illegal to keep the wild bird in your house or in a cage, and that it is fine to have the bird, as long as it is able to roam free outisde and has an outisde roost. Is this true? I plan to get baby bird food formula, or feed the hatchling mashed up moist cat food,.

Can you teach ravens/crows to fly back? I read that they are good pets. If I raised one from captivity, could I teach it to fly back to my house if I let it free every once and a while? Just wondering if any birds will do this like hawks. I plan on following one of these giant crows back to their nest and stealing an egg.

My parakeet and his cage? I leave my parakeet free most of the time. I put his food on top of the cage. The door is always open (I'm home all day) Where I go, he goes. I have several perches set up all around the room for him to fly back and forth, and there are toys hanging from them. For the last few days he'll stay out for a couple of hours, then fly back inside his cage. Why is this? Doesn't he enjoy his freedom? My house is bird proof, and he has never hurt himself. I've only had him for two months. He's finger trained. Mostly he stays in the room with me. If I plan to spend a long time downstairs, I'll bring his cage downstairs with me. He doesn't like to be alone. Why would he go back to his cage instead of playing free? Also, he has never come out of the cage on his own, but he goes in on his own. He never resists when I go to bring him out either. I would never force my precious Heaven to do anything. I love him very much. He's still learning to completely trust me. Yesterday he finally flew in and out of his cage for the first time. He comes and goes as he pleases now. Will not eat veggies or fruit. I offer it to him daily in his food cup for a month now.

A couple of quick questions about Budgerigars? Hello, I'm getting ready to purchase 2 male Budgerigars and I'm doing pretty extensive research before making the purchase. I plan to purchase the two birds from a breeder near my house which sells hand raised birds. I have some quick questions: 1. Will this cage be good? I plan to allow them time outside to fly about my room for a few hours a day as well. The fact that it is taller than longer is what concerns me. http://www.birdcages.com/bird-cages/large-bird-cages/seraflightcagelarge.cfm#ReviewHeader 2. I plan on hand training them so I can give them free time outside of their cage. Should I keep them in different cages while this happens so they bond to me instead of each other? Thanks in advance!

What to do about a bad mother that is greedy with child support? How can you go about bringing a woman to court that's sucking up child support but is not doing her job as MOMMY. She's receiving nice payments but yet the child is still in a lot of need, crying out saying that he doesn't receive anything not even $10.00 to put into his piggy bank for his favorite Music CD. His father pay child support to the mother and give him money in his pocket every week because she do not do ANYTHING but fix her hair and nails and date different men. To add icing on the cake, the child do not live with her, He lives with her grandmother, not her mother but her GRANDMOTHER that is 79 all because she wants NO responsibilities and want to be FREE as a bird. He had a fight at school today and she did not answer her phone when the school called but when we drove by her house the car was there but yet his father had to leave work early when this boy mother was at home to handle this. She do not work and haven't worked in 15 years and isn't planning on working, she enjoy hand outs. Her attitude is nasty. She forces her 79 year old grandmother to care for her son while she just run the streets looking for a RICH, HAPPY FAMILY-MARRIED man.

Farm birds and tick control? I just moved to a new house.Everything is wonder full but one thing, TICKS.I am a person who loves anything outdoors.So is my family.We had big plans for the the property grounds until we met the local extremely large tick population.The propertie has woods and grass areas.I was checking out the propertie and got completely skeeved when I found the little bastards all over me.So, its a rural comunity and the propertie is three acres and change, I looked into the whole chicken, guinea fowl thing.It seems that the guinea fowl are very loud.Is this true?Or are they only loud at certain times of the day.We do have neighbors, so something to loud would be an issue.With the chickens, they seem to be to much work.I like the whole free range, leave some water out and seed idea.How about free range turkeys?Could that work? Can they free range, eat large amounts of ticks, roost on there own?Could you do this with certain species of pheasants or or quail?With Guinea fowl, would The sex of the bird make any difference in noise?Sorry for so many questions, its just I need a solution to this problem.Thank you to all answers!

TATTOO Suggestions help please? So for my 18th birthday I am planning on getting a tattoo. Nothing to big and nothing that cant be hidden. I plan on getting a detailed picture of a flying bird because I am very independent and free. I moved out of my house at a young age and it was a huge change for me and i grew up really fast. by knowing who i am im able to "fly" to where ever i want to go in life. so thats why im getting it. but i really want a quote to go around it in a DIFFERENT language. something that sounds pretty. I was maybe something like "Be free" " Independence" or some quote along those lines. any ideas??! please help! :D

I have a baby sparrow, Does it have mites ? So recently I found a baby sparrow in the middle of a busy road. Of course, I couldn't have just left it there and I am treating it in my house. I know I shouldn't, but I must. I plan on letting it free in a week or so ( when it learns to fly ). But during the mean time, I am afraid this sparrow might have mites. How do I know if it does? It fluffs its self often and white little things come out. I think it is just skin because its feathers aren't fully there. This bird has yellow things around its beak and its very small. I also own a spray forbirds. Scalex Mite & lice spray for birds. What should I know ? Thanks Everyone. I called a Vet and gave it to them =]

do you think i can i handle a rabbit? i already have a dog, two guinea pigs, and 2 birds. my whole family takes care of the dog so its not completely my responsibility. Then my birds aren't that much work even though i spoil them rotten with the biggest cage i could find and so many toys and accessories and take great care of them. them my guinea pigs. Now they are a handful. not too much but they require the most care from me than the others. like cleaning thier 2 by 8 c&c cage and... much i cant name them all. but its not like its too much for me. i do it all without stress. I would like to ADOPT a rabbit from an animal shelter and planning on letting it roam free in my room and sometimes free in my whole house when my dog is secured. But im scared that once i get a rabbit it might be too much work for them. I handle alot of work and am very responsible( so its not that ill be lazy to do there work) but i just dont know.

I had to drop a cat off in the country, and I feel horrible.? My husband got dropped to part time at work, we had to get a cheaper apt that doesn't allow cats. We had a three year old tortie cat, she always wanted to be outside and she was always brushing by my feet and tripping me to get out, sometimes I had to chase her to get back in. She used to drag birds and mice into our house. We eventually start locking her in a room when we had to bring groceries in, so that she couldn't get out. I had a baby in September and the cat started to get very jealous and started peeing and pooing in her crib, also on the baby's things. I tried to pay more attention to the cat but she didn't want anything to do with me. After we found out that we couldn't stay in our house we took the cat to the humane society and they told me that she was very mean and tried to attack everyone, this cat scratched me all the time too, they asked me if I just wanted her gassed, I said no, so we went and picked her up. My husband grew up in a remote area in the country, it's very nice, it's by a stream and there are no coyotes or bears or anything. It's in South Western Pa. We dropped her off at his old house and left the basement door open for her for shelter, we filled a basin full of food for her. He plans on going back every weekend and refill the food. I feel like an absolute shit head even though I know that this cat definitely wants to be outside, I originally got her off the street actually. She can roam around oustide and go inside at night. I don't want to have her killed in the gas chamber, she doesn't deserve that. I can't help but think that the best life for her is just to be free. She used to kill herself to get outside, now she is there. Am I a horrible person? I have a baby and she is more important to me, but I still feel absolutely awful. It's really easy just to assume that I didn't try to get her adopted, no one wanted her because she is very mean, she always was, I've just been dealing with it. The animal shelter told me that she was un adoptable. What should I do? Should I go get her and take her to the animal shelter again and just have them gas her? Should I put her on Craig's list again only to have people come and meet her and get scratched? Should I let her continue to pee on my baby's things? Give me some solutions instead of making this harder on me please. I can't believe that people think that putting my cat to sleep should have been an easy decision for me. I put her on Craig's list again and we are going to go and get her this weekend. I will not have her killed, that is ridiculous, I'd rather have nature take its course. You people are ignorant, I wouldn't have posted this if I wasn't feeling horrible and already in the worst situation possible. I guess not many of you value a human baby and understand a mother's instinct to protect. I found my other cat a good home, Bob, you have no right to stalk me like that. The other cat was very loving and very adoptable, he was jealous of the baby too and began peeing all over the place, after he did it, my other cat did it. You have no idea how much money I spent and how much cat pee I've cleaned, OUT OF MY BABY'S CRIB. After dealing with this for 9 months I think it's only rational that I'm frustrated. However, we will get her and try all the humane centers AGAIN. Do you want her Bob?

What sort of cage can I keep my rat in? A rabbit hutch? Fish tank? Massive ferret cage? I can't afford expensive cages so i've found two bird cages.. What do you think? http://www.cheapaschips.com.au/showproduct.asp?sk=BA7725 and http://www.cheapaschips.com.au/showproduct.asp?sk=BA049 The first one is small. I was planning on housing just one but thanks to Tessa i'm thinking about housing 2. My younger brother wants one anyway. Of a day they'll be pretty much free to roam. If I were to build a cage, how would I do it? Any sites with instructions etc? I may be able to ask for my rabbit hutch back but it's to big to be kept inside. But i'm worried that if it stays outside, an animal might get it.

Are small birds nosy? I want a pet, and the pet shop has many little birds such as parakeets. Are they expensive? Noisy? and my plan is, and would be for any bird if would ever get would be to keep it until it knew me, such as train it in the house to come to me and then when I think it's ready set it free. I would see if it really is mine :) so it's not lie, OMG my bird is gone wa wa wa I would be happy that it got to fly. and if it would come back great! So, are they noisy, and cheap ish to keep? I mean, not like the WILD, just free and it can come back for food and such but if it does not want then I was never meant to keep it. I really want to watch a bird that I kept fly free, idk why, I just do.

Small dog survey!!! just for fun!? Dog Breed: Mini Dachshund Dog Name: Dasher Food: Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Paper or house trained: Paper What is your dog doing right now: laying down Where did you get him or her(breeder, shelter, BYB): Breeder Do you want another small dog: yes what breed: Yorkie (NOT teacup, i don't want a poorly bred runt) Names you like for that breed: Bella Primary Caretaker: me!!! Who go him or her for you: my parents how much you payed: $....... (: Do you love him or her: YESYESYES! Other pets: 2 cats (persians) guniea pig (texel) bird (buggy) How many times does you dog eat/free feeding: free feeding but controlled BQ: Do you love yorkies? YES!

Expired lease but no owner? Hi, I have recently run into a situation in which i don't know how to solve. I free leased a horse from some friends of mine last year until last month. The horse has lived at my house for over a year where i have provided all the care for him and paid all the expenses. The horse was neglected before i leased him no vaccines, no records no tooth care no foot care people fed the horses only when they felt like it or when they had the extra money. I bought there other horse from them so he is legally mine. Since i have leased the horse they have moved out of state actually like 4 states away and have very little to no contact with me about the horse. The horse was suppose to leave last month at the end of the lease but they have made no attempts or plans to move him. Even though i have contacted them and they ignore me. During the course of the lease i tried several times to buy the horse but they would not sell him. Now all of his vet records are in my name and his registration papers have never been sent in from the breeder and i have them in possession as well. Is it safe for me to say that they have abandoned him and i can take over ownership? I would love to keep the horse and they have not offered anything for me to keep him longer then the lease or made any attempts to contact me about keeping him longer. I don't want the horse going to the ASPCA because i would gladly keep him but i want some sort of paperwork so a year from now the people cant just come back and take him. May i add they were going to leave there other pony at their house they abandoned to starve so i placed him in a loving home and they left all of their ducks, geese, chickens and other birds to fend for themselvess. Their house was reposed and resold......so Im not sure what i can do. Cully i have contacted the people via phone and they always say they will get back to me and never do. And i feel the horse was not properly taken care of in the first place so why should they be able to get him back? ANd the guy has no documentation that the horse is his none of his papers are in his name just the breeder and mine and the breeder last had him in 06, the guy i got him from has had him about 3 years but doesnt have a bill of sale did not transfer name on the registration papers, never even got the horse a coggins so he has no vet records in his name. The guy lost his job so the horses were last on his list, i have done all the training and care.maitnence for the horse. He lost his house and ran from the collectors basically. But i feel that if i send them a letter they will have a friend in the area come take the horse. Its just a mess Marie i have tried to contace them to buy him even offered m ore then the horse is worth and they said no. But yet if they love him o so much why just leave him? Yes but Cully how can he prove that he owns the horse if none of the horses paperwork has his name on it? And i mean none of it. He has no bill of sale no coggins no vax records no farrier records nothing so how can he even owns the horse? I am not trying to pick just trying to build a case bfore i persue anything? The horse was born in NC in 95, and has been through a few owners that never tranfered the papers to their names either, he then ended up at new holland in 06 and since then has no paperwork. WHen i got him from them they gave me his whole file of all his papers. THe only reason i know all of this is from expired coggins tests. His registration papers still say he is a stud and belongs to the people that bred him 16 yearls ago lol. Basically i like the horse alot have put alot of training and time into him and he was being mistreated and i want to keep him, the people dont want to give him to me for whatever reason and i dont want him to go back to being mistreated he is a good boy. If they loved him so much why wernt they banging down my door when the lease was up to take him back? Instead they are too bust running from their bills and bad credit to 4 states away..... Megzter. I can get my vet to write something up per their condition when i got them as well for the farrier as their feet(including the horse i bought from them) were in bad shape. Both horses were thin and full of worms bad hair coats and at one point they had 5 horses on 1/2 acre of a dirt field. They started giving the horses away when people started to complain. THe hay they bought them wa gross and the grain was very plain and not often when they got it. They were full of worms and just not happy. Now tht they are on an exercise schedule and feeding schedule they look great. I was considering just semding the registration papers in and put him in my name and leave things at that since they have made no attempts to contact me its like they have no desire to want him back. I mean we had the lease but it is obviouly void since it is over with now. And dont they say possesion is 9/10ths of the law and if i have the horse his papers and vet records with a vet on my side then i dont thi think that there is much they can do can they? Its not like i stole the horse they know where he is and who has him. Where do i find an equine lawyer? The lease is basically a genaric lease just says that while i am caring for the horse is any sickness or injury would occur i am liable and i am liable for the well being of the animal while in my care and that if the horse is being abused or neglected the lease can be terminated early. But there are dates on it when the lease expired and when it started and they arnt good at keeping papers so i doubt they still have their copy after moving. I just feel like i am being used for free board and feed. I mean i dont mind if the horse is mine i have 5 others, but i dont want to feed a horse all winter then have to send him back in the spring when they feel like being owners again. I feel that if i envolve a lawyer they will just become pissed and give the horse to someone for spite, and i have put alot of money hard work and all into the horse to get him where he is today.....

Iphone3gs wifi problems? SO i recently just got an iphone and i got the 200 data plan. I have wifi at home so i have been connecting to that. I recently went hangout and i texted/called the veiw data useage number and it said i used .7 or 200 of my internet but i didnt. Then to make sure nothing else was happening i texted/called it again and it said i was using 1.1 of 200 of my internet but again i didnt. Is there something wrong? i havent really been using my iphones internet.The only i have done is dowload a few apps 5 essentials language learners, angry birds, angry bird rio, and stupidness 2. All those app were free and i was connected to wifi at my house. some one please help!. One of my friends told me that even if I am connected to wifi at my house it will still use a little bit of internet when i download apps it tht true?

Relationship question is this good plan? I'm 17. Okay so there was this girl i was friends with like really really close to like no secrets at all kind of friend, anyway i told her in September of 2010 i was in love with her after a week of cutting myself because i was in love with someone so important to me and i was afraid of losing her because of it because we are in high school and high school stuff doesn't work very long. Anyway she was dating a guy at the time but they broke up a week or two later after i told her. So few weeks she did believe i was in love with her that way and that i was confused so she kind of started texting me more about her relationship and who she should date i tell her the same thing every other time she'd ask that question since we first meet which is " pick the guy says your beautiful, pick the guy who would just like being in the same room as you, pick the guy who wants to give you the world." she really does deserve the world, anyway I'd say something along those lines. So around mid-October she texted me and said that she wanted to be with me because she was sick and tired of being hurt by users and douche bags and it made me so happy and so sad because i had to be realistic because she had so much freedom and i didn't i was bird in a cage, she was year older then me but we where in the same grade and i had a secret i'm kinda a closet alcoholic like right about now i don't think people are believing me but since i was 14 i would steal liquor from my parents and at night drink myself to sleep with my door locked. So i told her to just wait for me to get sober and to date others guys till i got better and she said she didn't want to date other guys(but i like 80 percent sure she did). Anyway long story short i started having a mental breakdown, dipped into major depression disorder, and had to get a therapist. I started venting into her all my crazy thoughts like I got to the point where i fit in with Randle McMurphy gang from "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest". Like on a drunken escapade i walked to her house and left a note for her i always apologized for that. I always started saying i want to get shot and kill people as a soldier and i started making a million lies about myself. I just got really really weird. Anyway i had to switch schools in December and i cut all communications and i got back and better then normal because I'M SOBER. So after 4 months of not talking she sent me a happy birthday thing on facebook on April 4th my birthday i didn't reply and on April 20th or so she facebook AIM me and said "how you doing haven't talked in awhile" I said not much i like my new school i'm semi popular but people say they don't understand me and how im still growing my hair emo (she likes that kind of hair). I forget what she said then i said i ask a girl to prom in a gorilla suit with bananas with prom written on them. She said AWESOME and went on telling me she had been to like 3 proms already( ps she kinda a slut like not sleeping around but makes out with everything with lips and party girl fyi) then i said that my date to prom remind me of her (my date reminded me of her cause there both sluts and party) then she said huh... or something like that and then i said "I cant do this i sorry i really am but i cant i want to feel happy and i don't want to be the old me so i'm sorry" so i was just wondering is this a good plan cause i want her bad. For the next few months im gonna date other people like i have been and around February i'm gonna start talking to her again and slowly just get to be a friend to her till April then ask her out because by then i will be a free man and could give her the world i want to give her. Is that a good idea? Sorry its so long and sorry for mistakes i dont want to fix anything cause im busy now ohhhh and PLEASE DONT BE MEAN OR A ASSHOLE CAUSE I'M REALLY SENSITIVE AND TAKE EVERYTHING TO HEART

What Does My Nightmare Mean? Recently, I've been thinking about ending my friendship with one of my good pals. She's very irritating, and she's one of those people who act mean yet nice at the same time (you know what I mean?) I only want to be around people who treat me right. Last night I had a dream about her. She was acting like her normal self with me and a girl that I've never seen before (but in the dream she was my friend). But she kept trying to mess with us, then hurt us. In the middle of the dream, I caught on to what she was doing and formed a plan to stop her. But she told my friend that I was putting her in danger, and they confronted me. She said I needed help, like I was the crazy one. And I believed her. It skipped over to where I was in a house. Wherever I went, she was there, staring at me. I went upstairs, and apparently there was a mall upstairs (strange, I know). I kept going up and down the stairs to see if she was still there. She was. I began flying, as if I were a bird. I've never felt so free in my life. When I landed, and old man grabbed me by the hand and smirked. He wanted me to go with him. I refused, thinking he was going to try to rape me or something. I began flying again, and landed in Hot Topic. It was late at night, and a gothic-looking woman was practicing an exorcise routine with three overweight men. When I turned around, she was there, staring at me again. She put me down on a table and tied my hands up as she glared at me. Then I woke up. Does it mean something? Or have I just been watching too many Lifetime movies? (I'm thinking that's the case, lol) I've been browsing through some of those 'what do my dreams mean?' sites, but they didn't really tell me anything. Think you could help? Long answers with lots of details are preferred :)

Trouble with fiance's father..? We've been together for about seven years. For the most part, I love everyone in his family except for his father. He basically is not very social (nothing wrong with that) but is also extremely opinionated about pretty much every topic. For the first 5ish years of our relationship, he barely ever talked to me (or my fiance). But after my fiance's mom died, he became more involved with us. So anyway, my fiance and I live in a house that my parents inherited. My parents asked us if we wanted to live there (rent free) as a gift to us to help us save money for buying a house. It's a beautiful house, and my parents had everything redone just for us, and let us pick everything out! It's on 4 acres and was our families dairy farm until about ten years ago. We have a nice barn, chicken coops, a greenhouse, and all the farm stuff. The yard is a bit overgrown, but it's nice. So my issue with my fiance's father is that all he can do is tear the house and property apart. He says the yard is a dump, he hates all the farm stuff, he thinks the garage and basement are "ugly". Whenever I'm with him, he picks something I'm doing wrong. For example, I have a bird feeder in the yard since I like watching them. He said I'm going to cause our house to be infested with wild varmits because of the feeder. He tears apart my poor great uncle (who we inherited the house from) for not "better maintaining the property", even though he was in his 90s! I feel like me or my family can't do anything right in his eyes. When he comes over, he inspects practically every inch of the house. Letting himself into our bedroom and even the attic! He hates that I want animals, even a cat & a dog, not even counting the goats, chickens, and ducks we plan on getting. The way he acts makes me not want to be around him at all. He embarrasses me when he loudly expresses his rude opinions about our house in company with other people. I feel that my parents were unbelievably kind to do this for us, yet he tries his hardest to make it seem like my parents are having us live in a dump. He even said he feels bad for my fiance having to live here! I'm not trying to brag, but inside our house is so nice, I think it could be in Country Living magazine (that's the style we decorated it in). Everything is new or redone. We redid all the floors, new counters, lights, sinks.. everything! What should I do? I have no idea how to respond to him. I usually just try to change the subject with him. He does not listen to my fiance either. I don't like feeling this way and I don't like feeling like I have to avoid him either.

Exercise question? I am approx 5 ft. 5in.and weigh approx 155 lbs. now, (gross!)my normal weight is approx.125lbs.(last year) so i need to lose 30lbs. i m not a real big eater,but i dont eat like a bird either...my biggest problem is i do basicly nothing,i am 48 years old and do not work now. also becaurs of foot and back (spine) problems i cannot run. please give me exercise ideas, i think i need cardio (treadmill ,or is walking inplace or outside just as good? super small house not really room for big equipment)and weight lifting (would love to have my muscle tone back again!)starting out slow with weights then building up? can do free weights ,the bar would be way too big for this house....i HATE the thought of a gym,try to not go anywhere cause im so embarrassed of my weightgain....was always a size 3-4 ...5-6 my entire life till now.PLEASE give me some ideas a plan i can stick with.....i never had to work out before was just thin naturally.Thanks for your help.

What would be the best thing to do?!?!? OK so im planing on getting a parakeet,and i have done some reasearch so dont worry. . My parents are divorced and im at my dads house every other week(i usually stay there 2 and a half days...its rare for me to stay longer unless im on vacation..again that's also rare.)What i was planning on buying was two appropriate size cadges and put one in each house,and then use a smaller cadge to transport him.I cant leave him at my moms house because my mom wouldnt want to take care of him unless she really has to.I dont like the idea of leaving him alone for more then 8 hours(thats only because of school,but on Mondays i have cross country meets,and on Thursdays i have sectionals for band and dance.)Im only getting one because this is my first time as a bird owner,and i would like to have a special bond with him. I am also very dedacated to spending all the free time with him!One more question i have is where do i take him to get his wings/nails clipped? THANK!!

For u.a.e residents only: lost parrot\parakeet in sharjah.? I have posted this question and found interesting and caring words as answers.Sure I will be giving them credit for it.But I am here asking the same question again because my life is linked with it.Here are the details of my previous question.. To Every one who love their pets.here this I have lost my parakeet(rose ringed,green in colour) in sharjah,U.A.E near ABU-SHAGARA area about a month ago. He is a talking parakeet and he can speak Malayalam.We call him Mittu.He is very well trained and have been with us for about eleven years.He has some of his feathers missing in his chest area.If any one who can give any information on the parakeet I will be very greatfull... until now I have recieved sympathetical and encouraging messages I thank them all.But now what I say is very important and directly from my heart. We bought our parakeet 11 yrs before from sharjah bird and animal market.We just had an idea on a holiday to visit birds centre and see some exotic birds.we started seeing lot of baby parakeets brought in from other markets or some breeding centre of some sort.My father had an idea of buying a parrot which rest of us didnt know about.Upon his enquiry father and mother was led into a cage where they kept baby parakeets.Mom was asked to select a parakeet,when she opened the cage from nowhere a baby parrot jumped into our hand it was our mittu.He is like a fourth son to my parents and our everything.It was March 28th when we bought him and every year on the same date we celebrate his birthday. we handfed him just like caring for a baby and when he was about 6 months old bagan to take off from ground a little by little. He was never put in a cage unless we were taking him to a vet. or in winter season whre we have to cover the cage partially with a blanket.He can very well speak malayalam and understood each and every word we say.We consider him very special the ceiling fan was thrown out of the flat,chewing gum was banned in the house and any thing which we thought that can harm him.We were living happily untill the there was a turn of events in which my father lost his job and had to go back to india.Me and my mothers visa were underhim so we also had to leave.Me and my brother had a plan to come back in here after three months so we thought out of the need to keep the parrot with one of my family friend.We had to do this because no airline was willing to take him aboard thier planes(kick thieir ass).So we left for India crying that we had to leave him behind.To make it in short he lived with the family friend for about two months and now I and my brother came back.purpose of me coming back was to take him back to our parents.The day I landed here i called to the family friend then he told me that mittu ran away because they put him in a cage in the balcony on party occassion but he had lifted the cage door and flew away.they had a search party and posted posters for missing parrot.If any body out ther who might have come across my question and read all my grammar mistakes please if u can give any information on him pls feel free to reply.I havent mentioned this to any of my parents because I know they cant bear it.I am leaving for india on 22nd before or after that if any kind person out there please feel free to contact me cause I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO MY PARENTS whom he used to call achan and amma(mom and dad) I am disclosing my detail first time on the net I am syam kumar living in B.M.W area al-fardan building room no two one three. I HAVE SEARCHED ALMOST EVERY WHERE BUT COULDNT FIND HIM ANY BODY WHO CAN GIVE ME LOCATIONS WHERE TO SEARCH WILL ALSO BE WELCOMED

Help with a crazy bride!!! Demanding out of this world requests!? I'm planning my second wedding. A close friend of mine is getting married! So first... My client is a good friend of mine, I love her dearly and do not want to harm our relationship-at all!! Second: she is a dreamy kind of lady who thinks very big, and grand...and a little bit out there ;) she is colorful, free and very fun! Her budget is large enough to have every girls dream wedding!! <3 Here are her ever changing plans...which are constantly changing. First it was low key outdoor garden party, now she wants fancy summer wedding, caged birds, butterflies, a VERY FORMAL dress she already bought, gold paper globes, feathers... Nothing fits. Not one thing. She is asking for this mish mosh of "huh?" why the- where did that come from- gold with summer flowers and colors.... Gold, metallic gold...?.... With purple yellow bright summer flowers?? Gold for winter or fall-yes!! Summer, spring gold-NO!!! The other biggie is she wants a FIELD WEDDING...on a FRIDAY in June, in Maine. That means 95degrees, 80% humidity, blazing sunshine. HOT HOT HOT!!! Black flies, Mosquitos, TICKS, snakes, red ants, porta potties, a tent, chairs everywhere, no electricity-she's going to pay to put electricity in the middle of an open field!! The field where her house burned down- the house she bought with her ex fiancé! In a field outdoors that she bought with her ex. The guests are of all ages, driving up from New York. She expects them to stay for the weekend in tents that THEY bring/buy, with porta potties, and hand sanitizer... No running water. There are minimal hotels up here in her land area. The ceremony is on a Friday... Everything I say or suggest goes in one ear and STRAIT out the other, like she knows better...There's even MORE... too too much to write here, I'm loosing sleep bc were getting NOWHERE, and quite honestly, she's not using ANY formal etiquette AT ALL. NONE!!! She has NO theme. It's outdoors in the rain/heat months. I understand it's HER money and HER wedding....

Veterinarian Business questions! Please help!? okay for all you veterinarians out there can you help me answer these questions? where is the best college to go to? I was thinking of University of Pennsylvania (Penn). Is that a good school? For my business where should i put it. I want to have it in Hickory,Pa. It is a very rural area with MANY farms and animals. Is that a good place? Right down the road is a large town with ALOT of people. I wanted to move to Hickory too. I was thinking of owning a farm myself. My vet office and my house would be connected. between the office and my house I wanted to have a Intensive Care unit. Is that a good idea? Also I wanted to have a VERY BIG barn to home my animals and sick farm animals. Along with that in the back of my vet buisness(connected) i want to have kennels. they would be seperated- DOGS -- CATS-----BIRDS/SMALL ANIMALS. Im going to have many acres of land. Also for the dogs Im going to have a fenced in acre of property- for rthem to run free. Inside i will have a pond and many other activities.Is that a good idea? one of the last things i want to do is have a guest room and a therapy building. Ia that good? what types of grades do i have to get to become a vtererinarian. Im 11 in 6th grade. AND IM DEAD SERIOUS ABOUT THESE PLANS! I already have 100 acres bought for when i get older. I have a 3.9 in school. Im a straight A student. Im in Pre-Algerbra. there are 3 different classes- 5th grade review- 6th grade math - Pre-algerbra. what should i be doing now? please help me! Also im going to have a shelter for adoptable animals. good idea or not?

does he sound like a creeper? me- hi whats up him- nottin u me- chilling with skyler(my bird) him-funn.. wish i can hang with you me-im leaving for saras right now sooo him- dam :-( (ik he spelled it wrong ) me- you gotta plan it cuz i have a lot of stuff goin on him-well i like to come over late and night to see ya me- mkayyyy him-mhmm me-wait i thought we were going to the movies.... him-idk me-lol oh well i dont care. its really up to you him-wow u dont like me do you me- where did that come from? him- you saif u dont care if u see me....well im not goingto be in town for that long me- i meant i dont care were we go him- ahh gotcha ;) then we talked on facebook.... blah blah blahhh him- i dont know i just really luv ya me- lol aw your so cute :) him- ur soo dam beautifull.....wish u were in my arms me- i realllllly wanna to go to the movies with ya him- haha whyy me-idk me- then u can him- you doooo :-) me- lol what are u talking about? him- haha what are you talking about? me- lol i dont really know him- i just wanna be with u lol dam me-do u want to go to the movies? or so u wanna to go somewhere else? him- thats fine. idc i just wanna c u me- cu if u wanna go somewhere else im toally up to it. just letting you know him- well yeahh i mean i want to get to know u better. i can just always drive near your house or something and we can chill in my car ha me- lol that would work i guess him- i mean just meet in my car and i can find a spot :-) me- haha ya ik what ya mean him- haha iight, when are you free? me-umm i think tomorrow i am idk ill check and let ya know him- iight.....cause after i lift ill be good me- lol okay him- i wanna c u now ugh lol me- lol ik. but i dont think sara would like u to know where she lives.... him-i know thats fine..... why do i think i always ask for pics ;-) me- lol ya now i know him- haha does he sound like a creeper?!?!? like cuz he wantes to be alone with me in his car? hes soooo sweet and i like him A LOT!! but something is telling me its wrong. what do u guys think?? thankss

What are a list of professions that make close to or more than $10,000 a year with a bachelor's degree? I am working full time as a buyer at a small aerospace company and am going back to school but have no idea what I am going to school for? I am in my early twenties and started night school last spring at a community college where I plan on getting my associates degree and then transferring to a university to get my bachelors. I have still yet to decide my major and was wondering if anyone had a list of careers that have an okay or good future outlook and require only a bachelors degree and make good money like around $100,000. Getting my bachelor's is hard enough to do considering I work full time and live on my own while trying to keep an entire house that i am renting with my boyfriend clean and held together as well as my dog, a stray bird and a foster dog we are trying to find a home for. Not to mention numerous other dogs we have taken in and tried to find homes for. I don't want to give up any of this and would have a lot more motivation if I knew there was a light at the end of this tunnel of all time, money and studying that takes up any free time I might have for the next few years. I wanted to go to pharmacy school but they only have day classes and I can't afford to lose my job. I love writing, advertising,music, history, fashion, art, helping people and of course animals. Any suggestions would really be appreciated!

advice for my short story? ok so i have to write a short story for english that has a limit of 3 pages, double spaced. i have a tendency to write stories that are longer. way longer. like last year on my short story project my short story was 9 pages handwritten in a college-ruled notebook. but then again, my other friend wrote a 19 page story ha. but im getting off topic; how can i make my story short and good? but my real question is about my idea: so there's this girl. shes smart, brainy, and a little nerdy, but is still bubbly and sociable. she has a knack for solving rubik's cubes (don't ask ha ha its based off of a friend. sorta.) so something happens (im not sure yet; this story is still in the planning phase, but im thinking of involving the california wildfire and somehow alluding it into the story?) and her house burns down and she and her family lose everything. she acts positive and optimistic but inside she faces internal turmoil. what hits her pretty hard is that her rubik's cube is gone. her great grandmother, since passed, gave it to her and it was the last memory she had of her. she tries to tell herself she's being materialistic, but she just can't prove it to herself. she goes through life at this point an empty shell. <and then im not too sure what to do next. i don't know whether to have a resolution or a denouement...but i think i might make her have a dream or something where her great grandmother talks to her but im not sure yet ha ha. my original idea was that she had "magic fingers" when solving a cube and life was good but she lost it in a fire and bad things start happening to her, either by "magic," or just that she's superstitious. and she buys a new one and life still basically sucks and she somehow finds an outlet that makes life good again or it'll end with her staring miserably at the pavement. i really don't know at this point what to do without making it too long.> so if you guys could suggest anything, or critique my ideas or offer any names for the character that would be awesome (: so far my possible names are: charlotte (meaning free), olivia, kate/kaitlyn/katlyn (pure), Nicolette (victory of the people, (angeline as her best friend) amy/aimee [beloved](my friend who im basing this off of name), gwen (blessed) valerie (strength) ava (like a bird; top baby name of this year) claire (illustrious) *and one last thing: what perspective should it be in? like 1st, 2nd (as her best friend), or 3rd...? thanks aniski but what exactly do you mean by like the first part?

Why do black people vote Democrats?Democrats started the kkk.Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican.? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5_1yRVtey8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzfK7AWx6_s Yeah I never understood why 90% of African American votes go Democrat? Clinton has stated he respects and has modeled his politics on Fulbright who was a known racist... Bird (D) served 11 years as Majority leader and was a KKK Vidmember... Yet, George Bush has appointed more members of minority groups to the highest positions of power in the history of the US... Why Martin Luther King Was Republican It should come as no surprise that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. In that era, almost all black Americans were Republicans. Why? From its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party until today, the Republican Party has championed freedom and civil rights for blacks. And as one pundit so succinctly stated, the Democrat Party is as it always has been, the party of the four S's: slavery, secession, segregation and now socialism. It was the Democrats who fought to keep blacks in slavery and passed the discriminatory Black Codes and Jim Crow laws. The Democrats started the Ku Klux Klan to lynch and terrorize blacks. The Democrats fought to prevent the passage of every civil rights law beginning with the civil rights laws of the 1860s, and continuing with the civil rights laws of the 1950s and 1960s. During the civil rights era of the 1960s, Dr. King was fighting the Democrats who stood in the school house doors, turned skin-burning fire hoses on blacks and let loose vicious dogs. It was Republican President Dwight Eisenhower who pushed to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and sent troops to Arkansas to desegregate schools. President Eisenhower also appointed Chief Justice Earl Warren to the U.S. Supreme Court, which resulted in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision ending school segregation. Much is made of Democrat President Harry Truman's issuing an Executive Order in 1948 to desegregate the military. Not mentioned is the fact that it was Eisenhower who actually took action to effectively end segregation in the military.Democrat President John F. Kennedy is lauded as a proponent of civil rights. However, Kennedy voted against the 1957 Civil Rights Act while he was a senator, as did Democrat Sen. Al Gore Sr. And after he became President, Kennedy was opposed to the 1963 March on Washington by Dr. King that was organized by A. Phillip Randolph, who was a black Republican. President Kennedy, through his brother Atty. Gen. Robert Kennedy, had Dr. King wiretapped and investigated by the FBI on suspicion of being a Communist in order to undermine Dr. King. In March of 1968, while referring to Dr. King's leaving Memphis, Tenn., after riots broke out where a teenager was killed, Democrat Sen. Robert Byrd (W.Va.), a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, called Dr. King a "trouble-maker" who starts trouble, but runs like a coward after trouble is ignited. A few weeks later, Dr. King returned to Memphis and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Given the circumstances of that era, it is understandable why Dr. King was a Republican. It was the Republicans who fought to free blacks from slavery and amended the Constitution to grant blacks freedom (13th Amendment), citizenship (14th Amendment) and the right to vote (15th Amendment). Republicans passed the civil rights laws of the 1860s, including the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Reconstruction Act of 1867 that was designed to establish a new government system in the Democrat-controlled South, one that was fair to blacks. Republicans also started the NAACP and affirmative action with Republican President Richard Nixon's 1969 Philadelphia Plan (crafted by black Republican Art Fletcher) that set the nation's fist goals and timetables. Although affirmative action now has been turned by the Democrats into an unfair quota system, affirmative action was begun by Nixon to counter the harm caused to blacks when Democrat President Woodrow Wilson in 1912 kicked all of the blacks out of federal government jobs. Few black Americans know that it was Republicans who founded the Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Unknown also is the fact that Republican Sen. Everett Dirksen from Illinois was key to the passage of civil rights legislation in 1957, 1960, 1964 and 1965. Not mentioned in recent media stories about extension of the 1965 Voting Rights Act is the fact that Dirksen wrote the language for the bill. Dirksen also crafted the language for the Civil Rights Act of 1968 which prohibited discrimination in housing. President Lyndon Johnson could not have achieved passage of civil rights legislation without the support of Republicans. Critics of Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater, who ran for President against Johnson in 1964, ignore the fact that Goldwater wanted to force the Democrats in the South to stop passing discriminatory laws and thus end the need to continuously enact federal civil rights legislation. Those who wrongly criticize Goldwater also ignore the fact that Johnson, in his 4,500 State of the Union Address delivered on Jan. 4, 1965, mentioned scores of topics for federal action, but only 35 words were devoted to civil rights. He did not mention one word about voting rights. Then in 1967, showing his anger with Dr. King's protest against the Vietnam War, Johnson referred to Dr. King as "that Nigger preacher." Contrary to the false assertions by Democrats, the racist "Dixiecrats" did not all migrate to the Republican Party. "Dixiecrats" declared that they would rather vote for a "yellow dog" than vote for a Republican because the Republican Party was know as the party for blacks. Today, some of those "Dixiecrats" continue their political careers as Democrats, including Robert Byrd, who is well known for having been a "Keagle" in the Ku Klux Klan. Another former "Dixiecrat" is former Democrat Sen. Ernest Hollings, who put up the Confederate flag over the state Capitol when he was the governor of South Carolina. There was no public outcry when Democrat Sen. Christopher Dodd praised Byrd as someone who would have been "a great senator for any moment," including the Civil War. Yet Democrats denounced then-Senate GOP leader Trent Lott for his remarks about Sen. Strom Thurmond (R.-S.C.). Thurmond was never in the Ku Klux Klan and defended blacks against lynching and the discriminatory poll taxes imposed on blacks by Democrats. If Byrd and Thurmond were alive during the Civil War, and Byrd had his way, Thurmond would have been lynched. The 30-year odyssey of the South switching to the Republican Party began in the 1970s with President Richard Nixon's "Southern Strategy," which was an effort on the part of Nixon to get Christians in the South to stop voting for Democrats who did not share their values and were still discriminating against their fellow Christians who happened to be black. Georgia did not switch until 2002, and some Southern states, including Louisiana, are still controlled by Democrats. Today, Democrats, in pursuit of their socialist agenda, are fighting to keep blacks poor, angry and voting for Democrats. Examples of how egregiously Democrats act to keep blacks in poverty are numerous. After wrongly convincing black Americans that a minimum wage increase was a good thing, the Democrats on August 3 kept their promise and killed the minimum wage bill passed by House Republicans on July 29. The blockage of the minimum wage bill was the second time in as many years that Democrats stuck a legislative finger in the eye of black Americans. Senate Democrats on April 1, 2004, blocked passage of a bill to renew the 1996 welfare reform law that was pushed by Republicans and vetoed twice by President Clinton before he finally signed it. Since the welfare reform law expired in September 2002, Congress had passed six extensions, and the latest expired on June 30, 2004. Opposed by the Democrats are school choice opportunity scholarships that would help black children get out of failing schools and Social Security reform, even though blacks on average lose $10,000 in the current system because of a shorter life expectancy than whites (72.2 years for blacks vs. 77.5 years for whites). Democrats have been running our inner-cities for the past 30 to 40 years, and blacks are still complaining about the same problems. More than $7 trillion dollars have been spent on poverty programs since Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty with little, if any, impact on poverty. Diabolically, every election cycle, Democrats blame Republicans for the deplorable conditions in the inner-cities, then incite blacks to cast a protest vote against Republicans. In order to break the Democrats' stranglehold on the black vote and free black Americans from the Democrat Party's economic plantation, we must shed the light of truth on the Democrats. We must demonstrate that the Democrat Party policies of socialism and dependency on government handouts offer the pathway to poverty, while Republican Party principles of hard work, personal responsibility, getting a good education and ownership of homes and small businesses offer the pathway to prosperity. Wow Adam B How many minority groups did Bill Clinton appoint to the highest positions of power Source(s): http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=16500 Yes I'm Black,I just want to clear that up. I'm a republican too. It's called change noway dog Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it"

pigeon housing advice needed? Hi there, i need to build a loft, aviary,coop or whatever you call it for 12 runt pigeons, because there are allot of cats in our neighborhood, and the neighbors will complain to the council the birds will have to stay locked up at all times , so to begin with how big a loft do i need to build for those sort of circumstances? i plan to have 6 double nesting boxes, an area where they can bath, and get plenty of sun as well, what type of paint do i use over wood and or would it be better to use builders lime instead? the floor will have to be 12 ml waterproof ply wood, do i spread newspapers over the floor or can i use sawdust, wood shavings and have it removed every two months or so in order to keep things clean and germ free?

what dog is good for me? Unlike asking which of these breeds should i get questions i will describe my living conditions and ask YOU to tell me what dog i should get. I own many birds a cat and 2 dogs. I plan to add another dog to my pack. I walk them every otherday and every day they get a "free-run" i take them to a field across my house that is fenced off. its the size of a football and i just let them off-lease and toss a ball with them. my cat is fine with dogs but when provoked will fight a dog, he is a rather muscular and large cat. my other dogs are fine, my poodle is extremely aggressive to dogs she doesnt meet as puppies. she is the "alpha" to my other dog as well. My other dog is opposite extremely friendly and whatnot he is excellent with other dogs he is a Shiba Inu. children are always around my dogs when they visit and like to pet and touch. They do not rough house or pull tails though. I also enjoy free runs, but my dogs FOLLOW me. I have trained the Shiba Inu breed to follow at my heels despite his breed being "runner" dogs. I socialize any puppies and work hard at obidience. My Yard isnt very big but enough to house 4 dogs. that is why i walk and run my dogs so much. I prefer big dogs by the way. but a dog 50-200 is fine. my poodle is 10 my Shiba Inu is 30

Kindle Fire or iPod Touch, 4th Gen? I'm having some trouble trying to decide whether to get an iPod Touch 4th Generation 8GB or a Kindle Fire. I had an iTouch, but it broke...it was a bit small for someone as clumsy as me to use, but I enjoyed taking it to school and to band and stuff. The Kindle Fire looks cool, but I'm not an Amazon Prime member, and I read that I won't be able to access all the features if I don't belong/subscribe to Amazon Prime (and I cannot afford it...) Also, because I'm sixteen, I feel like it's childish to get an iPod Touch, but I'm not sure... I am looking for something with apps (I've decided I'll pay for one or two this time around, but no more than that--I loved Free Apps when I had my iPod). I want to be able to listen to music, but I have an old Nano so I can use that while I use whatever I get. Reading is a big advantage in the Kindle Fire, because I cannot read off of the tiny iPod screen without getting a headache; however, I am not looking to buy many books, so it's not a necessity (but my library now has an eBook connection thing, so it'd be cool)... I have Netflix, but I know that there is an app for that on both Kindle Fire and the iTouch. Also, they are both the same size, so that doesn't matter; and don't tell me to get something even ten dollars more...$200 is the max I ask for in my "main gift". Here are some...helpful details I guess: ~I don't plan on using Wifi 24/7; I want a device that I can use while travelling in the car, or at my grandma's house. ~I recently got a laptop, so I'm not too concerned about Internet browsing capabilities; however, if there is a Google Chrome app for either of these devices...well, that would rock (it wouldn't make much of a difference, though). ~I need an app for Twitter, Email (I use Gmail), and Facebook. ~The only apps I plan on purchasing are Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja (mainly the latter), and maybe like...one more? Again, I LOVE free apps. And I like a large selection, but the books seem like they could replace the need for a lot of apps... ~If I do watch a video or movie off of Netflix/Youtube, I don't want it to stop every two seconds. ~I am interesting in purchasing the Spotify app... if it has one, it would be a major selling point (unless, of course, it doesn't work off of Wifi). ~I am clumsy. I break and/or lose things easily. That said, I do want something I can tote around with me to band and stuff... ~The camera on the iPod seems awesome! Is it better than using a digital camera? Or is it really low quality? ~I like personalizing stuff.... Okay, that's a lot, I apologize...To sum it up, my main things are app selection, use away from wifi, and camera vs. size...(I guess?) THANKS AHEAD OF TIME (if you make it this far...)

I need some suggestions for android apps? I want a couple of suggestions for android apps on or off the android market. Or if you know a website where I can downlaod apps that are not in the market that will also be helpful. These are appsthat I already have. Friendcaster (a better facebook app) Twiitter (original) Youtube (orignal) Opra mini (browser) Unblock me ( puzzle game) Fruit slice (like fruit ninja but free) Basketball shot (basketball game) Four in a row (connect four game) Iom (instant messeger app) Espn sportcenter (exlpains itself) Picsay. (Photo editer) Appbrain (???) 1 click cach (clears all you cache) Led flashlite (uses camera flash as a flashlite) Iam planning on delting appbrain and four in a row , any suggestion for any kind of app and if you say angry birds I will come to your house personally and shoot you in your face! No angry birds

What do you think of this story? here is what i have so far: He goes one way but he strikes you back SO YOU BETTER RUN. It was a dark night in 1987; the rain poured as if it was crying making a deadly ocean for ants. She was in her room the lightning made a light ocean sparkling on the wall. She heard her mother on the phone accusing her father of stuff she couldn't believe. A crash came through the front door. Words fill the air of things she does not want to hear. There was a knock on the door as the thunder crashed. "Can I come in?" Her sister pleaded. "Sure" The door burst open and she ran in to hug me. We listened as heavy footsteps came up through the stairs. All of a sudden he bangs on the door. His fist sounded like metal against wood. The thunder clapped some more. She cried against my chest as the door burst open. It wasn’t our father. *************************************** I remember that story I was only seven at the time, my sister was four. My mother had hit the man on the back of his head with a frying pan. I had enough time to run downstairs to call 911. Shortly after they took the man away to jail. I will never forget his name, James Lindon. All of sudden the TV announces “James Lindon is being released after twenty years in prison for murder." All of a sudden I remember he brutally murdered my father and a turn out my mother was yelling at the man that killed my father. I am twenty seven now and my sister is twenty four. It has been tough without our father. He was the one we thought would always protect us. Forever as long as we all lived. But that night James killed my father. I felt emptiness. One that could not be replaced. “Lila come on Hun." That was my husband, I moved on and got married but I still miss my father."Sweetheart remember when I told you about that James Lindon?" Then his expression changed from happiness to shock. "Yes but you haven’t spoken about him for let’s see... four years!" he had the face of an angelic shock. "It just said he was released!" I exclaimed. His mouth dropped open. A shock kept over in his glazed look. *************************************** The jail bars opened up, I looked up and gave the sheriff a dead look in the eye. The sheriff just smirked with a hint of amusement in his stern face. "Well James how was prison for the past twenty years?" He teasingly joked. I replied my voice dead as a whisper "Fine..." Little does he know I have been planning this day for years? We arrived at the let out gates my getaway car waiting. They opened the door and gave me my ticket to freedom, my license. The gates slowly opened as the anticipation on the guards faces turned to anxiety. For the past twenty years I have been intimidating to these guards. No matter what they all chickened out when it came to looking into my cell. The head in command acted like mister tough but he knew I was capable of to much. I was everyone's nightmare here. Now they’re letting me out, it feels like I'm free forever. Little do they know I have been planning my revenge on the Taylor family for the past twenty years? After what Mr. Taylor did to MY wife! I will never forget him and his sneaky lying eyes. Then the sheriff interrupted my thoughts, "Alright Mr. Lindon enjoy your new life and stay out of trouble." He warned, I knew the look in his eyes meant he knew I was up to something. I gave a quick swift nod. I walked to the car, put it in gear and pulled off. I took out the map of the old house where Mr. Taylor used to live. I circled it with a red pen. Time to start my revenge. ****************************** Me and my husband where sitting in the living room. The light flooded in from all corners of the room. The TV murmured low as the birds chirped. We were silent as a mouse. Until there was a heavy knock on the door. Our eyes wide with shock. I went up to the door. I slowly opened the doors. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher! Remember me!?" My husband exclaimed "What!?!" "Guys its Gary! Your best man from the wedding!" Relief came over us both, I could feel it."Oh come on in!" My husband Jim exclaimed. I could tell he was overjoyed by his old friend coming by." So how are you! How’s you’re..." Then I drifted off. I looked outside and saw the same exact car that James Lindon had tried to drive off with the night he came to our house! It parked in front of our old house right in front of us! "Jim, James lindon is HERE!" I said loud enough for Jim to hear. The air froze as if time had stopped. I watched the car. James Lindon got out the car. He had a scar on his face where I remembered it. His black slicked back greasy hair shined in the light. His black squinty eyes where shone after he lifted up his heavy tinted glasses. He looked around slowly looking for

rate my story 1-10 < its really good (:? Today Is going to be Horrible, I can just imagine what the future holds in its book of wonders. Can you imagine moving to a whole new state, in a new school, with no friends that sit in your heart? Its May, It appears to be spring, around the time when nature blossoms, and you could spot beautiful flowers any many shades of color. The best part of May is when, you get to walk in the misty meadows where there is still some winter breeze left, and the wind striving through your hair. Back in my home town before I moved here to Seattle, I lived in a country off of Carson city- Nevada. Its very sunny up there, everyday before school I would get off my big yellow buss, and walk down my dirt road to home. Even know we have many hot weathers, Carson city sure do have some nice misty, breezy meadows. Before I ever would return home, I would stop by my local plain of meadows, and set my spirit free, and worry about nothing but the terrific blue sky, and the singing birds in the tree tops. Every morning when I wake up, I breathe deeply, and rejoice the crispy fresh air in the atmosphere. Every morning mother keeps it real toasty because we are from Nevada, and we are not use to the chilly weathers. It almost seems as if a twelve foot giant threw a bed spread over our house. Mother always believed that a warm morning, brings warm welcomes in the house. I just moved from Nevada, and we had to leave because the population increased in our town, so bad that we all were running out of water supply, and extra space. Mother use to work at the old hospital in my town called saint phials children’s care. She got fired, just because she gave the wrong medicine to a child. Since our home life was going wrong as a single mother of two, no job, and a tight fitting in the community mother decided we should move on and start a brand spanking new life. So we picked up our bags and headed off to Seattle, Washington. “Lauran, please get the door. It might be the manager of our apartment please” my mother pleaded, as she nibbled on a ham sandwich. I slowly lifted my self up from our black leather couch, in our small size living room. When I reached the door knob I took precaution. When I opened up our old fashion wooden door, a tall man around 40 with a black dinner suit appeared at the door. “Hello maim, is your mother home, or available” he questioned. “Um. Yes sir one moment” I motioned my mother with my hand expecting her to reply. Luckily she did, she stood up and set her plate down, and wiped her hands on her dark jeans, and straitening her light purple flowered blouse. “Hello um please come in” my mother introduced her self, and they had a long conversation about what she does, and what she is planning on doing. Mother should win this battle of survival as a single mother, with two kids supporting us with every cent she has. Mother is a strong slender woman that stands about 5`6ft tall, with amber eyes beating down your very own. She has very long dark brown hair, curly, and silky. Most friends, and family say I am an exact replica of my mother. Except I have shorter straighter hair, and stand 5`3. As I sat on the couch listening to my mothers conversation, my mother tilted her head and brushed her hair with her long linger fingers. Mom always played with her hair when she felt nervous. “Well I guess we can rearrange an opening at the front desk, or any other opening at the apartment” he grumbled. “Yes that would be great. Hold on please.” she asked. Then she turned to me and set her attention on her gold watch. Then glared back at me, “Sweetie do your dear mom a favor, and go feed Ryan Dale Macaroni and cheese, and you some too Okay” she mumbled then started back in there conversation. As I walked away I rolled my eyes, lucky for me she did not ketch a glimpse, she was to busy in to her deep conversation. I walked into my brand new kitchen. We only been here for a week. The kitchen is pretty descent, it has a island, and a two door fridge with a built in dishwasher. For only being here for a week, we have enough food to hold us over for another week or two. I searched the dark wooden cabinets for some macaroni and cheese to hold over and Ryan Dale and I.

can someone summarize this arcticle? K i am not trying to give an excuse but my dad just pasted away from pacriatic cancer and my teacher wants this summary in so if someone can summarize this article to the best of there abiiltiesi really appreciate it Long known for its coal-burning power plants and oil refineries, New Jersey is about to take a major step toward clean energy with offshore wind turbines that would generate enough electricity to power half of the houses in North Jersey. A pilot project to install dozens of turbines off the coast is scheduled to be approved next week and will act as a cornerstone in Governor Corzine’s push for renewable energy. Five companies have submitted proposals for a $19 million Board of Public Utilities grant that state officials say will boost the project. Plans range from 74 towering wind turbines a few miles off the coast of Atlantic City to 225 smaller ones off Seaside Park. The 350 megawatts generated in this first wave will not make a huge dent in the amount of coal, natural gas or nuclear energy used to generate the almost 20,000 megawatts needed in New Jersey. But advocates hope this wind farm will lead to more. “We need a new way to generate power, and offshore wind is essential to our future energy demands,” said Jeanne Fox, the BPU president. The decision, expected on Oct. 3, could make New Jersey the first state to have an offshore wind farm, although Delaware officials approved a plan this summer. Land-based wind turbines have been providing electricity everywhere from Atlantic City to West Texas in recent years. But even though the wind is strongest at sea, offshore wind farms have never been built in the U.S., largely because of the enormous construction costs, environmental concerns, and community objections that a 250-foot turbine would mar picturesque seaside views. That is changing after the success of offshore wind farms in Europe that have shown minimal environmental impact. Some are built far enough off the coast that they are barely seen. 1,000 megawatts Corzine wants more than just a pilot program. The proposed state Energy Master Plan calls for 1,000 megawatts to be generated by offshore wind. That may be increased to 3,000 when the plan is adopted this fall. Environmentalists have long supported wind power, but they do have concerns. Some believe the construction will disrupt life on the ocean floor. There is fear that the 100- to 150-foot blades will chop up birds. Another concern is how much this will eventually affect a consumer’s electric bill. Constructing offshore turbines is expensive. One applicant, Garden State Offshore Energy, said it would cost about $1.1 billion to build its planned 96 turbines 16 to 21 miles off the coast of Atlantic City. In the long run, however, it may be less expensive than fossil fuels since wind is free and there is no need for expensive air filtering equipment like those required at coal plants. “Whether wind will be more costly than other forms, we don’t know,” said Stefanie Brand, director of the state Division of Rate Counsel, which advocates on behalf of consumers. “Constructing a new generation of power sources is expensive. We want them to be as economical as they can be.” Electricity from the turbines will flow from underwater cables to power stations onshore, where it will enter the power grid. If the turbines are built off Atlantic City, much of the power generated will be drawn into South Jersey. But more turbines would mean wind energy would eventually make it to North Jersey. Onshore wind farms located in sparsely populated areas in the U.S. have had trouble getting their power into the grid; that is not a problem in densely populated New Jersey. Regulators and the applicants believe the BPU’s $19 million grant will fast track the project with permits needed from the state Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Minerals Management Service, which would lease portions of the ocean floor to builders. “It’s very much a head start,” Fox said. “The permitting agencies should be more sensitive about moving this forward.” Several plans are similar, but each applicant says they are the best for different reasons. * Garden State Offshore Energy, a partnership of PSEG and Winergy Power LLC, said their technology allows them to build wind turbines farther offshore than their competitors. They also tout a plan to use wind turbines to store compressed air in tanks that could be used to generate electricity when there is no wind. * Bluewater Wind, a Hoboken company, said its selection this summer to build Delaware’s first wind farm would allow it to develop in New Jersey at a lower cost. * Fishermen’s Energy of New Jersey, a consortium of fishing companies in Cape May, said it would be the best steward of the oceans since its members know the Jersey coast better than anyone. * Environmental Technologies of New York said its smaller vertical axis turbines will

My story, chapter 2 - Is it good ?:)? Here is my second chapter of a story I am writing about a girl who can control nature, and this is what is leading up to her discovering her powers, but she 'discovers' them in a less cheesy sounding way!! ='D -- PLEASE, do not copy or use any of my ideas, as I have worked hard at this and would not like them to be copied -- And if you can reply, can you state what age you think my writing would be? and what you think of it ?:))) Thanks! Chapter Two – Things that go bump in the woods I got up early on Thursday morning, I wanted to visit the bridge and the woods to see if there was any sign of William, and it was only a ten minute walk away if I took the shortcut. I closed my bedroom door silently, trying not to wake anyone in the house up, tiptoed down the stairs and wrote a note “Gone to school early, got coursework to do. El x” and placed it onto the fridge. Before leaving I took a croissant from the microwave and checked on the family’s rose, the rose used to be frail and old, but its red petals were now full of life. It had miraculously sprung to life over night. I turned around and walked straight into the coffee table that sat in the middle of the living room, the candles and place mats on the table trembled as I hit it. I silently cursed as I walked around the table, placing my bag on my back and the croissant in my mouth then heading out the door. The sun was just rising; it was 5:13, early riser like me today. The neighbourhood was silent, not even the songs of the birds could be heard today. I always thought that if birds sung in the morning it’d be a good day, and if they didn’t it’d be a bad day. Maybe I forgot to do homework? I turned off from the pavement and headed to the park, there was a gate in the park which separated the park from the woods. I passed through the playground, where memories as a child came back to me. The black gate was bigger than I remembered; it was fifteen feet tall… and locked, beside the gate was a metal fence which went around the whole park, also separating me from the woods, the fence was smaller than the gate but had spikes at the top and there was no way of climbing up it or squeezing between each spike. I threw my bag over the gate and remembered that my lunch was now going to be squashed. The gate had a gothic design with many eccentric swirl fixings, which made it easier to climb up. I grabbed hold of the gate and placed my foot on an ornate fixing and stepped up with my other foot, I kept on climbing till I was at the very top. “How did I do this before?” I moaned sitting at the top of the gate, holding on very tightly so I didn’t fall. I tried getting up to turn around and place my foot on the other side of the gate but stopped. What if William wasn’t there and I put myself in danger because I didn’t think this plan through? I thought to myself Oh well, no going back now! I smiled and carefully moved my left leg around and back so that my body was now on the other side of the very peculiar gate. I slowly descended down half of the gate and jumped the rest, I bent my knees and as my feet came contact with the floor I placed both hands on the dusty pathway so that I didn’t lose balance and get my uniform all dusty. The woods were beautiful; trees from each side of the pavement were arched over touching each other, it was like pathway was separating them. Sunlight was breaking through the cracks in the trees, making pretty patterns on the floor. I reminded myself what I came to do. I picked up my dusty bag and wiped off the dust, straightened my skirt and headed down the pathway, just like Dorothy in the wizard of Oz. It had been fifteen minutes since I climbed down the gate. I turned around and ran face first into a mass of branches, the sharp ends of the branches scraped at my face as I forced myself free from the trees grip, branches unlocked from my school uniform and my hair. I sprinted down the muddy grass, finally out of the cramped area. Lost, I was lost. I have to stop panicking. My feet finally stopped, the trees were silent. My breathing was heavy and the pain in my stomach hurt, I had stitches all over. The pain travelled up from my stomach towards my ribs, I bent over and took a deep breath in. The pain gradually withdrew. It took me a while to get my breath back. I began slowly walking, it was hard to get a lungful of air, let alone walk. “Haven’t I passed this tree already?” I thought aloud. I was about to pull out my phone and call my friend but a loud menacing growl stopped me. The hairs on my back stood up and my breathing faltered, my stomach churned. Slowly I turned round to find that nothing was there, I looked up; the same thing: nothing but crows. I made sure that the area I was in was safe so I looked around. Not even the crow’s screeches broke through the eerie peace. “Now I’m hearing things” I carried on walking, and climbed up a steep hill, struggling not to fall back down, when I was at the top of th the hill I began to walk down which turned into a jog which turned to a sprint. I could see the bridge; streams of relief came at me like I was in a wind tunnel. I reached the bottom of the hill and carried on my sprint; my shoe lodged into something making me fall over the thing that slipped me up. I scrutinised the object to find it was a human, but the features of the body was nothing near humanlike: there was blood polished all over the ‘thing’. The skin was ripped and torn; flies started to come towards the body and feast upon it. I scrambled away towards the nearest bush, the stench of blood and rotten flesh entered my nose making me chuck up my breakfast.My hand brushed against something cold as I moved away from the bush, I pulled my fingers away to find that it was William’s lucky necklace, it was broken into pieces. Tears that had blurred my vision shifted down my cheek.--- There's still more, she finds William covered in blood by a tree by the bridge so yuph!

what to get my mom for mothers day?:D? alright so i want to get her something where she will be like wow! im fourteen and i actually have alot of money in my opinion i get about 25 dollars a week this week i have fourty i have a debit/credit card. and i dont plan on using all of that just twentish im also going to give her the coupons (free hug, clean my room) and all that i love that i dea. she loves candles flowers her garden birds and all that. oh and she is all the sudden obsessed with decorating and making the house look nice shes doing a country read white and blue theme.. THANKS. xoxoxo - alexis and i dont want to give her just money. thats lame.

What to get my mom for mothers day?:D? alright so i want to get her something where she will be like wow! im fourteen and i actually have alot of money in my opinion i get about 25 dollars a week this week i have fourty i have a debit/credit card. and i dont plan on using all of that just twentish im also going to give her the coupons (free hug, clean my room) and all that i love that i dea. she loves candles flowers her garden birds and all that. oh and she is all the sudden obsessed with decorating and making the house look nice shes doing a country read white and blue theme.. THANKS. xoxoxo - alexis i would never give my mother a d*ldo. thats messed up. and ooo i really like the clay idea.:)

Can you please revise my college essay? I'm applying as an international student, fyi.. I know the essay is very raw and needs a lot of changes, and I personally think it sucks bad, but this is my third attempt at writing my college essay, and my application is due Dec 1st, so there isn't a whole lot I can do anymore.. Technical critiques will be enough, but other comments will be appreciated. Thank you. A Peek into the Life of an Illegal Immigrant Am I a nomad? I am Mongolian, that’s for sure. Yes, we were nomadic when we, my mother and I, migrated to the U.S., thinking the place held all the keys to happiness and affluence, but I don’t believe we are anymore. You would not have doubted my total belief in becoming happier and richer than ever if you had seen me that cool September night at the airport terminal waiting to board my flight, surrounded by family and friends. You could not have said anything to make me believe otherwise… A girl of eleven, almost twelve, hops up and down on one leg, playing hopscotch on the conveniently placed tiles, her jubilant cry coming out muffled as she loses her footing. Next, she takes turns between riding a luggage cart and pushing one of her countless cousins on it. She is careless, confident and smug of her luck, of the fact that she is leaving everybody behind for America, the land where people only dream of going. She is going to live in an at least two story house and speak perfect English, and hopefully and quickly become Americanized. No one could have told me how, in fact, it was really to be. I never would have thought up by myself that far from owning a house, we were to be taken in as roommates, but eventually reversing our positions by renting our own apartment and taking in others as roommates. Who would have thought that the school I was placed in would put me in a HILT (High Intensity Language Training) program for speaking that little English that I did among others whose English was no better than mine, thus potentially slowing down the process of becoming a better English speaker? Certainly not I. Why was my mother, the smartest, the strongest woman I know, a civil engineer by profession, who raised me by herself and obtained all that we’ve needed with her own two hands and brain, juggling two jobs, whether it be as a waitress, as a cashier, and/or as a caregiver for the elderly, despite being perpetually tired? She was strong, all right. She had planned she was going to raise me in the U.S. and give me an American education along with a grasp of the English language that fellas over in Mongolia would lust over, and boy, she was going to do it. Our biggest setback was the absence of that little card indicating permanent residency. I know now when being nomads became a thing of the past; it was as soon as we put foot in the U.S.,—we could not just take leave like migratory birds if the situation got hard. Instead, we became sort of like bears who go into hibernation to evade the deprivations of winter, only instead of curling up and going to slumber for hours—more like months—on end, we fought back to make the best of our circumstance. After all, this land is what you make of it; you work hard, you get paid, fair and square. Although the prospect of returning to the security of our home and family in Mongolia seemed welcoming, we were not going to give up; we were going to persevere. I did come upon a recipe to subdue one of the aforementioned complaints and surprises. There were the books, abundant and free; books available by the tons, from this genre to that genre, from slim to thick, from sad to hilarious, from useless to life-changing. You want a book, you go get it, from your school library, online, from Barnes & Noble, or from the choice of three of your nearest public libraries. Heck, you could even write one yourself. This infatuation with books started from Molly Learns a Lesson: A School Story (American Girls Collection), and it got me kicked out of HILT, not that I was too bummed about that. Basically I could tell you about all the hardships I faced and how overcoming these setbacks had made me stronger and wiser, but I can’t because it wouldn’t be accurate. In all honesty, I am still growing. I am still trying to learn whatever it is life wants me to take out of all this. All I know so far is despite my shattered, childish expectations, I must keep trying and working my hardest until I get the end result that I want. My mother’s efforts and sacrifice offered me a perspective that once I saw, I could not un-see, making me more motivated than ever to come out on top. As long as I know what my goals are, I will not be lost. The U.S. has a lot more offer, I know. I just need to grab at it.

what you think(good bit of tex to read short story lol dont answer unless you read thanks to anyone who dose ) A Unspoken Romance (1) He lived local to his school he wasn't the smartest. but always had this intelligence that very few people could understand. A sort of charm rapt quietly into his insignificant life he understands who he was and what he wants its simple love. The most universal of all things. To him love is more then a romance more then sex more then love for fellow man he thought love was much more in his understanding love was everything he wanted to understand what love is and his plan was to look for it. With any grate story this one started with a girl. He sits in the corner of the school canteen his back agent the wall his legs comfortable leaning ageist an empty chare. He is aware of noting but the words in his book and the sounds resonating from his I pod. In school he is what he calls "free" he sees the school around him as a new born would. The school looks a grayish yellow providing a moderately depressing sight found anywhere in Dublin city. In his world only a few faces exist even if there were roughly six hundred of them. There's one he never fails to notice wither it his intention or not. they talk for a while bought feeling insecure he wants noting more then to press his lips angst hers and she wants noting more then embrace it. A social code the will never allow such simplistic and realistic love. He in his mind understands it .she in hers lives by it. They say goodbye and move on. feeling tired he allows the day to pass on like a leaf streaming in the wind only to come to reality to the bell knelling class to a close. Through to same state of drifting he waits for the bus only to be alerted by the movement of the other children in anticipation. On the bus he can feel himself drifting away he spends sometime looking out the window watch the life around him. Until this new face comes into his world. They bought try to avoid eye contact sometimes awarkedly drifting on to one another. They never speak nr acknowledge each others existence but they feel a simple love for one another. His steps off the bus the surroundings dark the air seems fresh a comforting breeze dances off his face as he walks home. He opens his front door saying "hallow" only to be answered by the silence of the house. Climbing to steps he sits in his room switches on the t.v slowly and aware he allows himself to drift off embracing the pillow as it were some child falling asleep with its teddy .he closes his eyes and switches off Warmth (2) He's dreaming. He's on a beach just lying there confident and happy in his world..... Slowly a black mist envelopes his world changing to the realization his eyes are closed with the same pessimistic awareness shared by every school child he slowly prepared himself for the coming day. Taking comfort in the music he listened to he opens the front door. He walks to the local shop as he dose every day the picks the same packet of gum as he dose everyday giving the Clark a greeting gesture in the form of a nod. He stands in wait for the bus for a while. He watches a flock of birds glide by with a since of envy he watches them pass by and disappear into the hills. He finds himself standing on a half empty bus looking out to the familiar every day sightings. Contemplating the day ahead of him time looses its meaning a half an hour bus jury feels like day. In this serenity he finds himself at home agene. This day ended and a new one began. He steps off the bus. the air has a chill to it. he notes the same face as he dose every day the feeling the she gives off makes him forget about the cold and surprisingly smile. With empathy smiles back at him with a small indication of blushing. It was a strange coincidence to meat her here. She waits for him to walk to her. They began to walk to towards to school the same way they always do there walking past the alleyway when suddenly she grabs his hands. She turns him and leans up and they kiss. they bought take comfort in the warmth provided by the embrace. They look into one another and smile they have an other prolonged kiss before they continue to school. Slowly drift apart she joining into the ranks of her friends he losing himself in the words of his book and the sounds of his I pod. He finds for the rest of the day unable to drift into his word with the constant thought of a seconds romance rushing through him. The Surge (3) The kids in his class understand he's different. With a sort of respect they grant him the right to be an individual they allow the distance he requires. He lives in his world. They in there's. Lunch time he finds himself in the same defensive stance his back ageist the wall feet comfortably lead ageist a empty chare. Feeling secure he continues into his world. Becoming evermore unaware of his monotonous surroundings. He wonders his word lost in the endless dreams and contemplation of love. Only to drift back into reality in realization of the ending brake. He sees his mind as a vast ocean that he is compelled to explore. When waiting out side his next class he sees her. The feelings that had subsided earlier that day exploded in an eruption of a light headed feeling and a surge run through out his entire body. Causing him to turn away. This surge ran through his body with out fail with every thought. Lust ran through him which could only be described as a fire burning within him his hart beating heavily he feels his hole body warm his breath at a fast past .he takes a bottle of water from his bag and drinks creating a coming effect . With this moment over he feels his self control return. He finds it hard to return to his state of drifting. Which as a prolonging effect on the day. The final bell sounds. He picks up his books places them in his bag the teacher giving him a pleasant smile as they walk out. At his locker he sees her waiting for him. She smiles but with a since of anticipation. They continue the walk home the way they usually do. They come to the alleyway were they normally part. She looks at him bighting her lower lip with out word pushes herself agenst him. leaning in and kissing him comfortably placing her hands over his shoulders him placing his on her waist. They bought want time to stop and for this moment to never end. They can feel each others smiles as they kiss. Totally lost in one another. Only realizing that bought of them were late when she receives a phone call from her father inquiring into her absence. They quickly exchange numbers and kiss for a short while longer and say goodbye holding hands they only letting go as the distance grows to large between them. his world (4) There he stud waiting. Totally lost in his word. He feels new depths of thought allmost paralyzing his since of reality He is unreachable. Even when he steps on the bus he sees no one no familiar facieses notices none of the familiar sights his concise body in a state of auto polite. He's wilfully trap in time. Streaming the same moment in time as if it was the only one in existence. He is freed by a light nudge and a hallo sounding more like a question then a greeting. When this face spoke his name he name immediately recognized the vice. An x girl friend he went out with years ago at first he fund the meeting awkward. Slowly easing into conversation he found himself strangely enjoying it. Momentarily forgetting about his short romance. With out sounding flirtatious but rather in a casual way she asks for his number. Him smiling as he rights it on her hand. They talk for a while longer. He comes to his stop. He turns and smiles as the bus continues its journey. At home he lies in bed unable to brake his smile. He tells himself he is in love. Is he?. he feels his phone vibrate and make its familiar sound. Its from her. It simply said "I actually love you" accompanied a smiley face almost instantly texting "I think I might love you to ,night night" again accompanied by smiley face. He finds it easy to fall asleep. Embracing the pillow he sails off to his world exploring these new depths Twilight (5) He wakes up to a Friday morning. Not warm but a sunny morning. With the depressing twilight that is all to conmen to Tallaght gone. also did that pessimistic awareness that dominates his wakening hours. His morning route seems almost relaxing. He is coherent in his mind. On the bus he notices the normal dull sight of Dublin seems to have reform its self into a bright city teaming with vibrant life. He walks to school alone. The solitude found in this morning is unlike anything familiar to the city. At school he finds more faces then he normally recognize. He doesn't lose himself in his own word instead embraces everyone else's. His day in school is spent floating by his brakes flirtatiously bumping hands with his new fund love sending them bought into uncontrollable smiling. The school day seems to take an hour. One of the first out the door there she was standing at his locker. They wait for everyone to leave as she grabs him evidently whispering " I love you" him doing the same but Shorty kiss her neck after. They bought walking together they arrange to meet up during the weekend. They kiss and hold hands and walk on saying goodbye as they separate. Walking on towards his bus stop he hears her call his name. he turns to her running into his arms kissing him one last time. They find it unable to separate for the next half an hour. Agent only to be broken by the angrily call of her father. They kiss. Him barely catching the 65B as she waves goodbye. His day seemed changed the word seemed changed or was it his own world that changed? he contemplates the question. Dear not to present me bounders nor limits for i stride to brake them for my dreams are,will be as real as any reality ~Graham Mcgarth~ (T.M lol) o and its called "grahams lil daydream" im a tad dyslexic sorry lol

What do you think of this writing of mine? Swanlike imagery fluttered into the closings of the back of my eyelids during the stark night hours without my knowing. During which I was taken by the strings of the Violin and its older brother Cello. Blues, greens, and yellows shook my hand when the two brothers dropped me off on the land of extended acres. Although never really close to Cello like I was with Violin, Cello shared my feelings of somberness and lonesome despair that I thought was only reserved to violin. Beautiful tears trickled from Cello each time someone pulled at his heart when they played him for their own amusement. Birds tweeted preciously as Joan Baez strummed her guitar in which she was accompanied by Jewel's "Pieces of You". Flowers dripped blood wine that was bitter like the first taste of a sweet journey with Bob Dylan's songs. Curled up in a vision of consent, the world grew large around me. Ahead, a Victorian mansion made out of red-bricks and ivory loomed into the vast landscape below the silver skies. Stumped only by my feet, I headed towards the handsome building. Waves of nostalgia struck me like I had experienced this phenomenon before. Sad sounds of music played on my grandmother's radio that she took for gospel resurfaced in my head. Grandfather's rocking chair sat open without an old man holding a little girl in his arms stared ominously at me. Rocking menacingly forward, it beckoned me to sit down in it. I took a detour and decided to do as it told me. As soon as I did, I was shifted to a gazebo that had a church bell ringing loudly in my ears. The tune was pleasant for the fact it reminded me of a wedding I would have at twenty-three in the next novel I planned on writing. With that on my mind, a new chapter from Harry Potter opening right in front of my eyes. A whole manuscript I have never seen before was being offered to me by J.K. Rowling. Characters that weren't apart of the series appeared on the gazebo that was surrounded by flowers, greenery, and bushes. My brain sensed that they were my friends all along. Those people were there since the beginning of time without me ever realizing it. The church bell grew louder, signaling me to meet my groom at the alter. Faceless, tall, and nameless, he smiled at me. He took my hand, and as simple as that, we were presumed newlyweds. I got a clear shot of him and realized he wasn't a man, but snow. Snow that was hanging out during Spring where rain was supposed to wash it away was summoning me into a blanket of snows and cheers. Grave sports came down on me in a cloud of dust, swishing the jobs of peace. Now I was in a wooden house that had no rooms or walls. People chatted as a party was happening. Tons of girls hung out by the balcony, forming alliances of free-spirit will. Love of all kind that expressed different races, sexuality, and arousal cluttered all in one meaning. President JFK, Jackie Kennedy and her pillbox hat, and Marilyn Monroe attended, shaking hands with Natalie Wood's spirit. After the party was over, it was just me staring six feet down from the wooden balcony. I looked over and saw fancy cars that weren't from this unknown decade pass by. Suddenly, the balcony changed to the one in my hometown at the town park. A period of disenchantment from the 1960's came on its way, shifting to a fantasy novel that I have read over and over. Strike a Harold of messengers in order to see the land of infinity, I would tell myself. If I were to die, I must know where I'm going, what happens, and if I would be aware when I'm dead. lol thanks. It's supposed to be a dream, so it's supposed to be crazy and random.

my lil day dream book :) What you think and plz note a am a dyslexic sorry for any spellings mistakes? A Unspoken Romance (1) He lived local to his school he wasn't the smartest. but always had this intelligence that very few people could understand. A sort of charm rapt quietly into his insignificant life he understands who he was and what he wants its simple love. The most universal of all things. To him love is more then a romance more then sex more then love for fellow man he thought love was much more in his understanding love was everything he wanted to understand what love is and his plan was to look for it. With any grate story this one started with a girl. He sits in the corner of the school canteen his back agent the wall his legs comfortable leaning ageist an empty chare. He is aware of noting but the words in his book and the sounds resonating from his I pod. In school he is what he calls "free" he sees the school around him as a new born would. The school looks a grayish yellow providing a moderately depressing sight found anywhere in Dublin city. In his world only a few faces exist even if there were roughly six hundred of them. There's one he never fails to notice wither it his intention or not. they talk for a while bought feeling insecure he wants noting more then to press his lips angst hers and she wants noting more then embrace it. A social code the will never allow such simplistic and realistic love. He in his mind understands it .she in hers lives by it. They say goodbye and move on. feeling tired he allows the day to pass on like a leaf streaming in the wind only to come to reality to the bell knelling class to a close. Through to same state of drifting he waits for the bus only to be alerted by the movement of the other children in anticipation. On the bus he can feel himself drifting away he spends sometime looking out the window watch the life around him. Until this new face comes into his world. They bought try to avoid eye contact sometimes awarkedly drifting on to one another. They never speak nr acknowledge each others existence but they feel a simple love for one another. His steps off the bus the surroundings dark the air seems fresh a comforting breeze dances off his face as he walks home. He opens his front door saying "hallow" only to be answered by the silence of the house. Climbing to steps he sits in his room switches on the t.v slowly and aware he allows himself to drift off embracing the pillow as it were some child falling asleep with its teddy .he closes his eyes and switches off Warmth (2) He's dreaming. He's on a beach just lying there confident and happy in his world..... Slowly a black mist envelopes his world changing to the realization his eyes are closed with the same pessimistic awareness shared by every school child he slowly prepared himself for the coming day. Taking comfort in the music he listened to he opens the front door. He walks to the local shop as he dose every day the picks the same packet of gum as he dose everyday giving the Clark a greeting gesture in the form of a nod. He stands in wait for the bus for a while. He watches a flock of birds glide by with a since of envy he watches them pass by and disappear into the hills. He finds himself standing on a half empty bus looking out to the familiar every day sightings. Contemplating the day ahead of him time looses its meaning a half an hour bus jury feels like day. In this serenity he finds himself at home agene. This day ended and a new one began. He steps off the bus. the air has a chill to it. he notes the same face as he dose every day the feeling the she gives off makes him forget about the cold and surprisingly smile. With empathy smiles back at him with a small indication of blushing. It was a strange coincidence to meat her here. She waits for him to walk to her. They began to walk to towards to school the same way they always do there walking past the alleyway when suddenly she grabs his hands. She turns him and leans up and they kiss. they bought take comfort in the warmth provided by the embrace. They look into one another and smile they have an other prolonged kiss before they continue to school. Slowly drift apart she joining into the ranks of her friends he losing himself in the words of his book and the sounds of his I pod. He finds for the rest of the day unable to drift into his word with the constant thought of a seconds romance rushing through him. The Surge (3) The kids in his class understand he's different. With a sort of respect they grant him the right to be an individual they allow the distance he requires. He lives in his world. They in there's. Lunch time he finds himself in the same defensive stance his back ageist the wall feet comfortably lead ageist a empty chare. Feeling secure he continues into his world. Becoming evermore unaware of his monotonous surroundings. He wonders his word lost in the endless dreams and contemplation of love. Only to drift back into reality in realization of the ending brake. He sees his mind as a vast ocean that he is compelled to explore. When waiting out side his next class he sees her. The feelings that had subsided earlier that day exploded in an eruption of a light headed feeling and a surge run through out his entire body. Causing him to turn away. This surge ran through his body with out fail with every thought. Lust ran through him which could only be described as a fire burning within him his hart beating heavily he feels his hole body warm his breath at a fast past .he takes a bottle of water from his bag and drinks creating a coming effect . With this moment over he feels his self control return. He finds it hard to return to his state of drifting. Which as a prolonging effect on the day. The final bell sounds. He picks up his books places them in his bag the teacher giving him a pleasant smile as they walk out. At his locker he sees her waiting for him. She smiles but with a since of anticipation. They continue the walk home the way they usually do. They come to the alleyway were they normally part. She looks at him bighting her lower lip with out word pushes herself agenst him. leaning in and kissing him comfortably placing her hands over his shoulders him placing his on her waist. They bought want time to stop and for this moment to never end. They can feel each others smiles as they kiss. Totally lost in one another. Only realizing that bought of them were late when she receives a phone call from her father inquiring into her absence. They quickly exchange numbers and kiss for a short while longer and say goodbye holding hands they only letting go as the distance grows to large between them. his world (4) There he stud waiting. Totally lost in his word. He feels new depths of thought allmost paralyzing his since of reality He is unreachable. Even when he steps on the bus he sees no one no familiar facieses notices none of the familiar sights his concise body in a state of auto polite. He's wilfully trap in time. Streaming the same moment in time as if it was the only one in existence. He is freed by a light nudge and a hallo sounding more like a question then a greeting. When this face spoke his name he name immediately recognized the vice. An x girl friend he went out with years ago at first he fund the meeting awkward. Slowly easing into conversation he found himself strangely enjoying it. Momentarily forgetting about his short romance. With out sounding flirtatious but rather in a casual way she asks for his number. Him smiling as he rights it on her hand. They talk for a while longer. He comes to his stop. He turns and smiles as the bus continues its journey. At home he lies in bed unable to brake his smile. He tells himself he is in love. Is he?. he feels his phone vibrate and make its familiar sound. Its from her. It simply said "I actually love you" accompanied a smiley face almost instantly texting "I think I might love you to ,night night" again accompanied by smiley face. He finds it easy to fall asleep. Embracing the pillow he sails off to his world exploring these new depths Twilight (5) He wakes up to a Friday morning. Not warm but a sunny morning. With the depressing twilight that is all to conmen to Tallaght gone. also did that pessimistic awareness that dominates his wakening hours. His morning route seems almost relaxing. He is coherent in his mind. On the bus he notices the normal dull sight of Dublin seems to have reform its self into a bright city teaming with vibrant life. He walks to school alone. The solitude found in this morning is unlike anything familiar to the city. At school he finds more faces then he normally recognize. He doesn't lose himself in his own word instead embraces everyone else's. His day in school is spent floating by his brakes flirtatiously bumping hands with his new fund love sending them bought into uncontrollable smiling. The school day seems to take an hour. One of the first out the door there she was standing at his locker. They wait for everyone to leave as she grabs him evidently whispering " I love you" him doing the same but Shorty kiss her neck after. They bought walking together they arrange to meet up during the weekend. They kiss and hold hands and walk on saying goodbye as they separate. Walking on towards his bus stop he hears her call his name. he turns to her running into his arms kissing him one last time. They find it unable to separate for the next half an hour. Agent only to be broken by the angrily call of her father. They kiss. Him barely catching the 65B as she waves goodbye. His day seemed changed the word seemed changed or was it his own world that changed? he contemplates the question. Dear not to present me bounders nor limits for i stride to brake them for my dreams are,will be as real as any reality ~Graham Mcgarth~ (T.M lol) thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this

Farm birds and tick control? I just moved to a new house.Everything is wonder full but one thing, TICKS.I am a person who loves anything outdoors.So is my family.We had big plans for the the property grounds until we met the local extremely large tick population.The propertie has woods and grass areas.I was checking out the propertie and got completely skeeved when I found the little bastards all over me.So, its a rural comunity and the propertie is three acres and change, I looked into the whole chicken, guinea fowl thing.It seems that the guinea fowl are very loud.Is this true?Or are they only loud at certain times of the day.We do have neighbors, so something to loud would be an issue.With the chickens, they seem to be to much work.I like the whole free range, leave some water out and seed idea.How about free range turkeys?Could that work? Can they free range, eat large amounts of ticks, roost on there own?Could you do this with certain species of pheasants or or quail?With Guinea fowl, would The sex of the bird make any difference in noise?Sorry for so many questions, its just I need a solution to this problem.Thank you to all answers!

What Does My Nightmare Mean? Recently, I've been thinking about ending my friendship with one of my good pals. She's very irritating, and she's one of those people who act mean yet nice at the same time (you know what I mean?) I only want to be around people who treat me right. Last night I had a dream about her. She was acting like her normal self with me and a girl that I've never seen before (but in the dream she was my friend). But she kept trying to mess with us, then hurt us. In the middle of the dream, I caught on to what she was doing and formed a plan to stop her. But she told my friend that I was putting her in danger, and they confronted me. She said I needed help, like I was the crazy one. And I believed her. It skipped over to where I was in a house. Wherever I went, she was there, staring at me. I went upstairs, and apparently there was a mall upstairs (strange, I know). I kept going up and down the stairs to see if she was still there. She was. I began flying, as if I were a bird. I've never felt so free in my life. When I landed, and old man grabbed me by the hand and smirked. He wanted me to go with him. I refused, thinking he was going to try to rape me or something. I began flying again, and landed in Hot Topic. It was late at night, and a gothic-looking woman was practicing an exorcise routine with three overweight men. When I turned around, she was there, staring at me again. She put me down on a table and tied my hands up as she glared at me. Then I woke up. Could someone please tell me what this nightmare means? I've been browsing through some of those 'what do my dreams mean?' sites, but they didn't really tell me anything. Think you could help? Long answers with lots of details are preferred :) And geez...you don't have to be so rude. I just wanted to know what my dream meant. I'm not being emotional, I was just wondering.

i was hoping to get a new female as a companion for a male budgie who recently lost his male friend? the male is from a breeder and i plan to get the companion female (or male if the mating situation seems to be a problem) from a pet shop which has beautiful healthy youngsters at the moment i'd like for them to breed but i'm worred about stopping them from doing so in order to control numbers i do not want to have a large aviary and am unsure if any pet shops or people in the area are interested in taking on the chicks they will live in a house (not sure how to describe it, its octagonal with a sloped roof, closed in halfway round and then mesh on half) outside which has glass to be put in over the mesh during colder times and can be removed in the summer the current bird has been quite happy living this way but this house only has room for 6 or so birds to live with a fair bit of space so i would be unable to keep large numbers on a permenant basis is there a sure fire way to stop birds mating, and if not does anyone have any advice in terms of selling/giving the birds away and deals with pet shops (i'm not in it for the money so hopefully it would be an appealing deal for pet shops to get free/ very low priced birds. most sell for £12-£25 near me and i would only want £1-£2 per bird if that) i have spoken to a pet shop owner who has said that i can see how he goes with potential friends and then if they dont get along i can exchange which is very nice of her is it possible to tell how well they get along with them in seperate cages? they seemed to be quite happy chirping to eachother and are sitting in cages next to eachother quietly now saying that i dont really know what they'd do if they didnt get along any advice?

Please critique my short story? White Walls I sit and I gaze upon the lone red fabric chair. With handles of sharp edges akin to blades and legs of asymmetrical lengths, the chair is empty. ”He must be late again”, I think and I wonder as the cold winds of November bash into the room windows. Berry is his name, and he is an eccentric type, perhaps even slightly mad. Always putting on faces, foolishly believing it earns him respect. Sometimes he breaks the stereotype, even tells a joke or two. That is when the world sees Berry's smile and the world gets hope, so they believe his lies. Too few are those moments though. And even if he gets on my nerves sometimes, I laugh at all his jokes; you die if you don’t. Other students will come soon. We all wear the same uniform, yet I don’t speak to them. Instead I look through the only window in the room, sometimes imagining how wonderful it would be if I was dead, and reborn as a roaming, free bird. Unchained, unbroken. That day the sun was slightly weird. Never this strong in the winter, so powerful it was that the old ladies carried umbrellas to shield their bolding foreheads. I was a little amused by the nature’s awkward display. It felt like someone placed an icy blanket over me, when, through this heated mess of wiggly air, in the corner of my eye I glimpsed a sight of Berry's shadowless figure. Realising it must be an optical illusion, a sight of slight confusion; a hint of my insanity, I focused my gaze and noticed him heading for a large red bus in the distance. The outlines of the bus’s numbers were a little hazy, they started with number six, of that I was sure. I was at the edge now, my eyes closed awaiting in trepidation. And while physically I was unable to move, my mind they could not take. And then... I saw it coming closer, my arms outstretched hugging mother Earth. The grass was soft, green and warm. I kissed the soil, thanking it for my safe landing. I could still catch up, I thought, so I ran and I puffed, and in the end I was short of breath, but I managed to catch Berry’s bus. I was tired and could barely move. There was but one seat there, a sweat stained bed. I settled down. My arm hurt at the elbow, the pain made me drowsy and I slept most of the way. We got to the end quickly, the ride was pain free, but the occasional electrical jolt. As we got off somewhere, the first curiosity that struck me was the seemingly rapid change of scenery. An out of the ordinary experience where water fountains and lush greens laid just neath seas of red rose gardens and fields of black sand. Such was the beauty of the place that I stood there for a while, forgetting why I came at all. “Hey, wake up”. A dog’s bark startled me as I attempted to straighten my jacket, a seemingly impossible maneuver. I thanked the dog, caressing its soft skin; I kissed it’s beautiful snout, the slime rolled down my lips. Then just like it came, the dog disappeared. I was all alone again. Then, a feeling of instant jubilation filled me and I was ready to cry in joy when I saw my chance to expose Berry's little secret. Berry was there, embraced in his mother’s hug. The woman looked very young though. She had blonde hair and perky red lips. I overhead him thanking her for the sandwiches she made. I snickered as I formulated my plan to reveal this to all the other teachers. Yes, I will blackmail Berry, I decided. The whole world will know he still lives with his mother. Something peculiar happened. They still hugged as Berry slid his hand down the woman’s back, squeezing her bottom. What were they doing?. My thoughts went back to my mother who I never got to meet. I was angry at Berry. His mother would surely cry if she knew that he threw away her lunch, like the devil he was. I would see him indulge in fast food and sweets where all the others of his kind gathered. The students would drooled and flap their arms, while they watched. I pitied them all. It was settled. Armed with my findings I decided to go see Berry next thing tomorrow. The thoughts of TV in my room made me jump like a little kid I am. I laughed in my happiness, bits of saliva drooling from my mouth hitting the soil below, causing virgin daisies to grow where the earth and liquid joined. I saw him leave the house. I went around the bushes so he would not see me. “See you Anne”, he mouthed to her, as waved goodbye to her. Anne was a pretty name. For a moment I wished she could care for me, but then I remembered people like her do not care of us. I had to get back. I flied back to school. All of the fools gathered there, uniformed, listening to my story. They all congratulated me when I told them. My plan was perfect, I was sure of it. Berry came for a visit to check up on us the next day. I told him all I knew, all the while laughing in his face. Other students joined me, and they laughed and giggled. We all pointed at his big fat face. Crumbs stuck to his big fat lips. Flies gathered on the big fat greased flesh and urinated all over it, their yellow excretions running down his chin soaking my bed sheet. But Berry was not embarrassed. He just looked at me, smiled and made me drink the red pills. The ones I hate the most. "That’s a good boy, George. Be careful now, if you keep this bed wetting business I will have to review your case. We don’t want that now do we. Remember George, I am your friend." Anne came into the room, though she looked different. Her hair was red now. Underneath her unbuttoned coat there was a yellow blouse, inviting looks from the sinful. She asked him if I was improving. I wasn’t sick, why would she say that. He looked at me, and shook his head. ”Let’s get out of here”, he smiled at her big blue eyes. Glancing all the while, winking at me, like the devil he is. I could not comprehend this. Holding hands they left together, shutting the door upon which I saw my name, attached to which there was my file, thick and yellow pages abound. They left me there alone, amidst the insane, a forgotten soul, strapped to the hospital bed. The night now comes too slow. * * * * A little rope made from their sheets And I become, a bird now seen Never was, but now I’m free From above, the dead I see

my short story?

Anybody like these songs or bands?

What is the most striking feature of the following narrative and why. Just looking for opinions.? Shurippak -a city which thou knowest, (And) which on Euphrates' banks is set- That city was ancient, (as were) the gods within it, When their heart led the great gods to produce the flood. There were Anu, their father, Valiant Enlil, their counselor, Ninurta, their herald, Ennuge, their irrigator. Ninigiku-Ea was also present with them; Their words he repeats to the reed-hut:1 'Reed-hut, reed-hut! Wall! Wall! Reed-hut, hearken! Wall, reflect! Man of Shuruppak, 2 son of Ubar-Tutu, Tear down (this) house, build a ship! Give up possessions, seek thou life. Despise property and keep the soul alive. Aboard the ship take thou the seed of all living things. The ship that thou shalt build, Her dimensions shall be to measure. Equal shall be her width and her length. Like the Apsu 3 thou shalt ceil her.' I understood, and I said to Ea, my lord: 'Behold, my lord, what thou hast thus ordered, I shall be honoured to carry out. But what shall I answer the city, the people and elders?' Ea opened his mouth to speak, Saying to me, his servant: 'Thou shalt then thus speak unto them: "I have learned that Enlil is hostile to me, So that I cannot reside in your city, Nor set my foot in Enlil's territory. To the Deep I will therefore go down, To dwell with my lord Ea. But upon you he will shower down abundance, The choicest birds, the rarest fishes. The land shall have its fill of harvest riches. He who at dusk orders the hush-greens, Will shower down upon you a rain of wheat.4 With the first glow of dawn, The land was gathered about me. (too fragmentary for translation] The little ones carried bitumen, While the grown ones brought all else that was needful. On the fifth day I laid her framework. One (whole) acre was her floor space, Ten dozen cubits the height of each of her walls, Ten dozen cubits each edge of the square deck. I laid out the shape of her sides and joined her together. I provided her with six decks, Dividing her (thus) into seven parts. Her floor plan I divided into nine parts. I hammered water-plugs into her. I saw to the punting-poles and laid in supplies. Six 'sar' (measures), 5 of bitumen I poured into the furnace, Three sar of asphalt I also poured inside. Three sar of the basket-bearers transferred, Aside from the one sar of oil which the calking consumed, And the two sar of oil which the boatman stowed away. Bullocks I slaughtered for the people, And I killed sheep every day. Must, red wine, oil, and white wine I gave the workmen to drink, as though river water, That they might feast as on New Year's Day. . . . On the seventh day the ship was completed. The launching was very difficult, So that they had to shift the floor planks above and below, Until two-thirds of the structure had gone into the water. Whatever I had I laded upon her. Whatever I had of silver I laded upon her, Whatever I had of gold I laded upon her, Whatever I had of all the living beings I laded upon her. All my family and kin I made go aboard the ship. The beasts of the field, the wild creatures of the field, All the craftsmen I made go aboard. Shamash had set for me a stated time: 'When he who orders unease at night Will shower down a rain of blight, Board thou the ship and batten up the gate!' That stated time had arrived: 'He who orders unease at night showers down a rain of blight.' I watched the appearance of the weather. The weather was awesome to behold. I boarded the ship and battened up the gate. To batten up the (whole) ship, to Puzar-Amurri, the boatman, I handed over the structure together with its contents. With the first glow of dawn, A black cloud rose up from the horizon. Inside it Adad 6 thunders, While Shallat and Hanish 7 go in front, Moving as heralds over hill and plain. Erragal 8 tears out the posts; 9 Forth comes Ninurta and causes the dikes to follow. The Anunnaki lift up the torches, Setting the land ablaze with their glare. Consternation over Adad reaches to the heavens, Turning to blackness all that had been light. The wide land was shattered like a pot! For one day the south-storm blew, Gathering speed as it blew, submerging the mountains, Overtaking the people like a battle. No one can see his fellow, Nor can the people be recognized from heaven. The gods were frightened by the deluge, And, shrinking back, they ascended to the heaven of Anu. The gods cowered like dogs Crouched against the outer wall. Ishtar cried out like a woman in travail, The sweet-voiced mistress of the gods moans aloud: 'The olden days are alas turned to clay, Because I bespoke evil in the Assembly of the gods, How could I bespeak evil in the Assembly of the gods, Ordering battle for the destruction of my people, When it is I myself who give birth to my people! Like the spawn of the fishes they fill the sea!' The Anunnaki gods weep with her, The gods, all humbled, sit and weep, Their lips drawn tight. . . . one and all. Six days and six nights Blows the flood wind, as the south-storm sweeps the land. When the seventh day arrived, The flood (-carrying) south-storm subsided in the battle, Which it had fought like an army. The sea-grew quiet, the tempest was still, the flood ceased. I looked at the weather. stillness had set in, And all of mankind had returned to clay. The landscape was as level as a flat roof. I opened a hatch, and light fell on my face. Bowing low, I sat and wept, Tears running down my face. I looked about for coast lines in the expanse of the sea: In each of fourteen (regions) There emerged a region (-mountain). On Mount Nisir the ship came to a halt. Mount Nisir held the ship fast, Allowing -no motion. .......................................... [For six days the ship is held fast by Mount Nisir.] When the seventh day arrived, I sent forth and set free a dove. The dove went forth, but came back; There was no resting-place for it and she turned round. Then I sent forth and set free a swallow. The swallow went forth, but came back, There was no resting-place for it and she turned round. Then I sent forth and set free a raven. The raven went forth and, seeing that the waters had diminished, He eats, circles, caws, and turns not round. Then I let out (all) to the four winds And offered a sacrifice. I poured out a libation on the top of the mountain. Seven and seven cult-vessels I set up, Upon their plate-stands I heaped cane, cedarwood, and myrtle. The gods smelled the savour, The gods smelled the sweet savour, The gods crowded like flies about the sacrificer. As soon as the great goddess 10 arrived, She lifted up the great jewels which Anu had fashioned to her liking: 'Ye gods here, as surely as this lapis Upon my neck I shall -not forget, I shall be mindful of these days, forgetting (them) never. Let the gods come to the offering: (But) let not Enlil come to the offering, For he, unreasoning, brought on the deluge And my people consigned to destruction.' As soon as Enlil arrived, And saw the ship, Enlil was wroth, He was filled with wrath against the Igigi gods: 11 'Has some living soul escaped? No man was to survive the destruction!' Ninurta opened his mouth to speak, Saying to valiant Enlil: 'Who other than Ea can devise plans? It is Ea alone who knows every matter.' Ea opened his mouth to speak, Saying to valiant Enlil: 'Thou wisest of the gods, thou hero, How couldst thou, unreasoning, bring on the deluge? On the sinner impose his sin, On the transgressor impose his transgression! (Yet) be lenient, lest he be cut off, Be patient, lest he be dislodged Instead of thy bringing on the deluge, Would that a lion had risen up to diminish mankind! Instead of thy brining on the deluge, Would that a wolf had risen up to diminish mankind! Instead of thy bringing on the deluge, Would that a famine had risen up to lay low mankind! Instead of thy bringing on the deluge, Would that pestilence had risen up to smite down mankind! It was not I who disclosed the secret of the great gods. I let Atrahasis 12 see a dream, And he perceived the secret of the gods. Now then take counsel in regard to him!' Thereupon Enlil went aboard the ship. Holding me by the hand, he took me aboard. He took my wife aboard and made (her) kneel by my side. Standing between us, he touched our foreheads to bless us: 'Hitherto Utnapishtim has been but human. Henceforth Utnapishtim and his wife shall be like unto us gods. Utnapishtim shall reside far away, at the mouth of the rivers!' Thus they took me and made me reside far away, At the mouth of the rivers.

Bertrand mpigabahizi?

agian another useless fact? Bats always turn left when exiting a cave! Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin! No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple. Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots. More people are killed annually by donkeys than die in air crashes. It is estimated that millions of trees are accidentally planted by squirrels who bury nuts and then forget where they hid them! A duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why. Bulls are colorblind, therefore will usually charge at a matador's waving cape no matter what color it is -- be it red or neon yellow! A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court! The original story from "Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights" begins, "Aladdin was a little Chinese boy." Michael Jordan makes more money from NIKE annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined. The volume of the earth's moon is the same as the volume of the Pacific Ocean. Spiral staircases in medieval castles are running clockwise. This is because all knights used to be right-handed. When the intruding army would climb the stairs they would not be able to use their right hand which was holding the sword because of the difficulties of climbing the stairs. Left-handed knights would have had no troubles, except left-handed people could never become knights because it was assumed that they were descendants of the devil. Ham radio operators got the term "ham" coined from the expression "ham fisted operators," a term used to describe early radio users who sent Morse code (i.e., pounded their fist). The slogan on New Hampshire license plates is "Live Free or Die." These license plates are manufactured by prisoners in the state prison in Concord. Chinese Crested dogs can get acne. Hydrogen gas is the least dense substance in the world, at 0.08988g/cc. Hydrogen solid is the most dense substance in the world, at 70.6g/cc. Each year there is one ton of cement poured for each man woman and child in the world. The house fly hums in the middle octave key of F. The only capital letter in the Roman alphabet with exactly one end point is P. The giant red star Betelgeuse has a diameter larger than that of the Earth's orbit around the sun. The longest place name still in use is: Taumatawhakatangihangaoauauotameteaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokai- whenuakitanatahu--a New Zealand hill. Los Angeles's full name is: "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Poriuncula" and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size, "LA." Only 1 in 2,000,000,000 will live to be 116 or older. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. According to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, it is possible to go slower than light and faster than light, but it is impossible to go the speed of light. Also, there is a particle called tackyon which is supposed to go faster than light. This means if you fire a tackyon beam, it travels before you fire it. When you tie a noose, the rope is wrapped twelve times around because it's the same length as a persons head. Hummingbirds are the only animal that can fly backwards. A cat's jaw cannot move sideways. If she were life size, Barbie's measurements are: 39-23-33. "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt". All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill. Almonds are members of the peach family. Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance. Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable. There are only four words in the English language which end in"-dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10. Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer. The only real person to be a Pez head was Betsy Ross. The characters Bert & Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in "Its A Wonderful Life". A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge. On an American one-dollar bill, there is an owl in the upper right-hand corner of the "1" encased in the "shield" and a spider hidden in the front upper right-hand corner. The giant squid has the largest eyes in the world. Who's that playing the piano on the "Mad About You" theme? Why it's Paul Reiser himself. The male gypsy moth can "smell" the virgin female gypsy moth from 1.8 miles away. The name for the "Wizard of Oz" was thought up when Frank Baum, looked at his filing cabinet and saw A-N, and O-Z, hence "Oz." The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. Mr. Rogers is an ordained minister. John Lennon's first girlfriend was named Thelma Pickles. The average person falls asleep in seven minutes. There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. A rainbow can occur only when the sun is 40 degrees or less above the horizon. Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air. When spelt phonetically, Esso means stalled car in Japan. Tigers have round pupils and yellow irises (except for the blue eyes of white tigers). Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of tigers is six times better than that of humans. In 1949, Popular Mechanics forecasted that "Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." If the Loch Ness monster exists at all, he (or she) could only be about as big as a sixth grader. A new study shows that there is only enough fish in the loch to feed a 31 kg (about 67 lb) creature. The scientists used sonar to estimate the number of fish in the lake and came up with an annual food supply of 93 kg. Since a cold blooded animal like Nessie would need to eat about three times its body weight each year, it could only weigh about 31 kg. Polar bears are left-handed. Heinz Catsup leaving the bottle travels at 25 miles per year. The maximum weight for a golf ball is 1.62 oz. Only 1/3 of the people that can twitch their ears can twitch only one at a time. The largest city in the United States with a one syllable name is Flint, Michigan. The number of the trash compactor in Star Wars is 3263827. Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave. "Evian" spelled backvards is naive. Charles de Gaulle's final words were, "It hurts." Alexander the Great was an epileptic. A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't. Napoleon constructed his battle plans in a sandbox. The face of a penny can hold about thirty drops of water. If you feed a seagull Alka-Seltzer, its stomach will explode. Pigs can become alcoholics. In Michigan, USA, a man legally owns his wife's hair. Only 55% of all Americans know that the sun is a star. "Kemo Sabe" means "soggy shrub" in Navajo. A blue whale's tongue weighs more than an elephant. There are more than 1,000 chemicals in a cup of coffee. Of these, only 26 have been tested, and half-caused cancer in rats. The waste produced by one chicken in its lifetime can supply enough electricity to run a 100-watt bulb for five hours. It takes 12,000 head of cattle to produce one pound of adrenaline. 55,700 people in the US are injured by jewelry each year. In the past 60 years, the groundhog has only predicted the weather correctly 28% of the time. The rushing back and forth from burrows is believed to indicate sexual activity, not shadow seeking. Turkeys will peck to death members of the flock that are physically inferior or different. In Miami, Florida, roosting vultures have taken to snatching poodles from rooftop patios. Back in 1919 the Russian transplant pioneer Serge Voronoff made headlines by grafting monkey testicles onto human males. 111,111,111 multiplied by 111,111,111 equals 12,345,678,987,654,321. The average human has about 20 square feet of skin weighing about 6 pounds. There is now an ATM at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, which has a winter population of 200. Bulgaria was the only soccer team in the 1994 World Cup in which all 11 players' last names ended with the letters "OV." The actor who played the T-1000 in Terminator 2 (Robert Patrick) and the lead singer of Filter are brothers. Zip code 12345 is assigned to General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y. The letter J does not appear anywhere on the periodic table of the elements. Jackals have one more pair of chromosomes than dogs or wolves. The word "lethologica" describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want. Basenji dogs and Australian dingoes are virtually identical. The same man who led the attack on the Alamo, General Santa Anna, is also credited with the invention of chewing gum. A top freestyle swimmer achieves a speed of only 4 miles per hour. Fish, in contrast, have been clocked at 68 mph. 500,000 tons of dog excrement are dumped annually on the streets of Paris. The typical laboratory mouse runs 2.5 miles per night on its treadmill. A 5 ft. 5 inch tall 27-year-old woman weighing in at 374 pounds outflabbed 1,000 competitors to win the title of fattest person in China. Her prize - a supply of diet food. The average US worker toils for two hours and 47 minutes of each working day just to pay income tax. Indeed, the average American pays more in taxes than for food, clothing and shelter put together. The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds. Thomas Edison was afraid of the dark. In the U.S. there is, on average, three sex change operations per day. It only takes a male horse 14 seconds to copulate. A pregnant goldfish is called a twit. A group of crows is called a murder. There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. Rabbits and Horses cannot vomit. The names of all the continents end with the letter they start with. About a third of all Americans flush the toilet while they're still sitting on it. A Saudi Arabian woman can get a divorce if her husband doesn't give her coffee. The Neanderthal's brain was bigger than yours is. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants. Dragonflies have a life span of only 24 hours. Elephants are the only animal that can't jump. In L.A., U.S.A., a man may legally beat his wife with a leather strap, as long as it is less than 2 inches wide. 1/3 of Taiwanese funeral processions includes a stripper. Dolphins sleep with one eye open. The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet cannot tan. No piece of paper can be folded in half more than 7 times. The radioactive substance, Americanium - 241 is used in many smoke detectors. The parachute was invented by Leonardo da Vinci in 1515. Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks otherwise it will digest itself. Every Swiss citizen is required by law to have a bomb shelter or access to a bomb shelter. Rennin, the enzyme obtained from the fourth stomach of a cow and used chiefly in the manufacture of cheese, is capable of coagulating more than 25,000 times its weight of fresh milk. Tomatoes and cucumbers are fruits. There is a place in Norway called "Hell". Penguins can jump as high as 6 feet in the air. There are more than 1,000 chemicals in a cup of coffee. Of these, only 26 have been tested, and half caused cancer in rats. The average ice berg weighs 20,000,000 tons. In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the name into Schweppes Toilet Water. The list of ingredients that make up lipstick include...fish scales. Ants do not sleep. Most lipstick contains fish scales! The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre. The first letters of the months July through November, in order, spell the name JASON. No other animal gives us more by-products than the hog. These by-products include pig suede, buttons, glass, paint brushes, crayons, chalk, and insulation to name a few. Cockroaches' favorite food is the glue on envelopes and on the back of postage stamps If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. Flush toilets date back to 2000 B.C. The flatulation from domesticated cows produce about 30% of the methane on this planet. Only 2 more blue moons (the saying "only once in a blue moon" refers to the occurence of two full moons during one calender month) are to occur between now and 2001. Those times are January 1999 and March 1999. Hitler and Napolean both had only one testical. Chimpanzees used in AIDS vaccine studies get a pension of more than $100,000 to pay for their care and containment for the duration of their natural lives. While it is possible to infect chimpanzees with HIV, they do not appear to get AIDS. Even if you cut off a cockroach's head, it can live for several weeks. Some toothpastes contain antifreeze. The first product to have a bar code was Wrigleys gum! Armadillos are the only animal besides humans that can get leprosy. The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland was a symbolic character for the hat makers in towns of the late 1800's. The large felt hats of the day had supports made out of lead. The lead caused an organic form of psychosis (brain damage) to develop in the hat makers causing them to be declared crazy. Some biblical scholars believe that Aramaic, the language of the ancient Bible, did not contain an easy way to say "many things" and used a term which has come down to us as 40. This means that when the bible -- in many places -- refers to "40 days," they meant many days. Texas was once a country. If you counted 24 hours a day, it would take 31,688 years to reach one trillion! Clinophobia is the fear of beds! Everyday, more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury. In the 19th century, the British Navy attempted to dispel the superstition that Friday is an unlucky day to embark on a ship. The keel of a new ship was laid on a Friday, she was named H.M.S. Friday, commanded by a Captain Friday, and finally went to sea on a Friday. Neither the ship nor her crew were ever heard of again. Cats have over 100 vocal sounds, whereas, dogs only have about 10. In 1681, the last dodo bird died. Colgate faced an obstacle marketing toothpaste in Spanish countries. Colgate translates into the command "go hang yourself." "Bookkeeper" is the only word in English language with three consecutive double letters. There are more Barbie dolls in Italy than there are Canadians in Canada! Emus cannot walk backwards. The name Jeep came from the abbreviation used in the army for the "General Purpose" vehicle, G.P. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. The YKK on the zipper of your Levis stands for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushibibaisha, the worlds largest zipper manufacturer. 97% of all paper money in the US contains traces of cocaine. To force a tortoises' legs from its shell to treat it, you need to place your finger up it's bottom... It is estimated that Americans will consume 10 million tons of Turkey on Thanksgiving day. Due to turkey's high sulphur content, Americans will also produce enough gas to fly a fleet of 75 Hindenbergs from L.A. to New York in 24 hours. Porcupines float in water! The wingspan of a Boeing 747 is longer than the Wright brothers' first flight. Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand! Approximately 97.35618329% of all statistics are made up... You are more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than by a poisonous spider The little bags of netting for gas lanterns (called 'mantles') are radioactive -- they will set of an alarm at a nuclear reactor. A bomb dropped by the Allies on Berlin during World War II killed every animal in the Berlin Zoo except the elephant, which escaped and roamed the city. When a Russian commander saw hungry Germans chasing the elephant and trying to kill it, he ordered his troops to protect it and shoot anyone who tried to kill it Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors. Carnivorous animals will not eat another animal that has been hit by a lightning strike. A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night! The first Ford cars had Dodge engines. The dot over the letter 'i' is called a tittle. To escape the grip of a crocodile's jaws, push your thumbs into its eyeballs-it will let you go instantly. Reindeer like to eat bananas. In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak. The Sanskrit word for "war" means "desire for more cows." The Boston University Bridge (on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts) is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane. Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonalds. Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously 2.5 cans of Spam are consumed every second in the United States Chevrolet tried marketing a Chevrolet Nova in Spanish countries. It didn't sell well because NOVA means "doesn't go" in spanish. Until 1796, there was a state in the United States called Franklin. Today it's known as Tennessee! Every continent has a city called Rome. The word "sophomore" means "sophisticated moron." The state of Florida is bigger than England! Slugs have 4 noses! There wasn't a single pony in the Pony Express, just horses! America once issued a 5-cent bill! Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying!

Is my fan made twilight story any good? I posted this on twilightsaga.com but nobody seems to reply to tell me if its good and if I should continue.so here it is.I didn't know what to call it so I just called it "The Wedding"... "Hey, Edward!" Alice called as she quickly danced to Edward and I standing in the doorway. We had just come back from hunting,and were now back at the main house to pick up Renessmee with Jacob.I was glad Alice's voice sounded full of excitment, rather than worry.I didn't want any more problems in my already content life.But then again,whatever the news was, I didn't feel I would be all up for it.I was currently in a pleasant state,and even with as much free time as I have now,I wasn't in the mood for another responsibility. "What is it,Alice?" Edward asked.His hold on my hand slightly tensed. Alice's smile became wider as she flipped a gray card infront of Edward's confound face. "We're invited to a wedding!" Alice rang. A wedding?Who would be getting married?Who would even think to invite us? Edward grabbed the card which I now understood was an invitation,and he and I both began to read it in curiousity. It was somewhat formal.With black cursive letters written across a cloudy patterned card. The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage uniting Kate and Garrett Next Saturday. At half past nine o’clock in the evening At the home of the Denali's.You know where to go. We both looked up at Alice,still beaming a bright smile. "I thought Kate and Garrett already mated," I said. "Well they have," Alice replied,"but Kate kind of wanted to make it official.She told me she loved your wedding,and that she wanted one of her own!" "Well I'm sure Garrett is thrilled," Edward mumbled. I looked up at his perfect face. "Oh,Edward.It was nice of them to invite us...atleast," I smiled. He tilted his head. "It's not that I don't want to go,love.We are going.I just had a plan for you and I next Saturday." "Well what was it?"I asked.I stared at him in anticipation. "It can wait,"he assured. I knew that it would be a waste to keep asking what it was he had in mind,he would never tell me anyhow.So I let it go. It had been month now since our family had seen the Denali's.As much as I just wanted to stay home,I was curious to see their home in Alaska too.And I'm sure Renessmee would love seeing them again. "Isn't this something to look forward to?"Alice exclaimed,"I'm going to have you look stunning,Bella!" I shrugged.Of course Alice would be taking care of my wardrobe. So the next week went on smoothly.Jacob had insisted to come along since Renessmee was going.I supposed he was already very used to being around vampires.None of our daily routines changed,and we rarely spoke of the wedding.Not that it wasn't important,but that it was just a minor plan for the weekend.I imagined for regular people it would be a big event travel all the way to Alaska for a wedding.But with our sources,it seemed like it would be just a mere trip.Then we would come home knowing it wasn't a once in a lifetime vacation,because we had the longest lifetime in the world.Alice insisted on doing all my packing,which left me more time with Renessmee. She had grown,no surprise.But of course I was no longer worried about her progressing growth,and I enjoyed every second of it. We had a booked plane flight to Denali,Alaska.We were only going to stay for two days,and then we would fly back.Everything was planned.It was just another adventure. That next Saturday we left to the Seattle airport to fly to Fairbanks,Alaska.From there we would just drive to Denali.We left that afternoon with everything we needed. With no problems at the airport, we took our seats on the plane.We were all in one section,each of us paired in our two-seated rows.I took the window seat, and Edward sat beside me.Behind us were Jacob and Renessmee,and behind them were Jasper and Alice.Across us were Esme and Carlisle,and behind them were of course Rosalie and Emmett. "Momma,is this going to be fun?" Renessmee tapped my shoulder. I had just realized that this was the first time she had ever been a plane.I turned to face her. "Yes,Renessmee.Its going to be a lot of fun.Its like you're a bird,"I assured. "Don't worry,Nessie,"Jacob nudged her arm,"nothing's gonna happen to you." "I'm not worried about that,Jake,"Renessme said,"I just don't want it to be boring." I laughed and turned to Edward. "You never told me what your plan was for this weekend." I figured since now it had come,he would tell me.But I was not surprised. "I'll tell you later," he mused. The plane was now slowly starting to take off.Feeling a need to do something,I thought that it would be fun to practice with my shield.I had gotten to the point now that Edward could read my mind with a little less of my concentration.I looked down and felt myself slowly pushing it out of me.I finally felt it was gone in a fraction of And yes I know its long but there are longer ones out there.Please tell me whether I need to improve?And give your ideas? And sorry I didn't know this thing had a limit.The rest of the story is under the same question except it says Part 2. And yes I made this by myself and sorry if its not totally amazing because I'm only fifteen

the top 100 movies of my lifetime (1990-2008)? Here is an unrevised list of my top 100 movies. Please feel free to comment or make and suggest changes: 1. Rushmore-(1998, Wes Anderson) (Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray) 2. Ed Wood-(1994, Tim Burton) (Johnny Depp, Martin Landau) 3. Mrs. Doubtfire-(1993, Chris Columbus) (Robin Williams, Sally Field) 4. The Virgin Suicides-(1999, Sofia Coppola) (James Woods, Kathleen Turner) 5. Corpse Bride-(2005, Tim Burton) (Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter) 6. Running With Scissors-(2006, Ryan Murphy) (Annette Bening, Brian Cox) 7. Pleasantville-(1998, Gary Ross) (Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon) 8. American Beauty-(1999, Sam Mendes) (Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening) 9. The Birdcage-(1996, Mike Nichols) (Robin Williams, Nathan Lane) 10. The Matrix-(1999, The Wachowski brothers) (Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne) 11. Girl, Interrupted-(1999, James Mangold) (Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie) 12. Little Miss Sunshine-(2006, Jonathan Dayton) (Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette) 13. Ghost World-(2001, Terry Zwigoff) (Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson) 14. V For Vendetta-(2005, James McTeigue) (Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving) 15. Monster-(2003, Patty Jenkins) (Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci) 16. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders At Robin Hood Hills-(1996, Joe Berlinger) (Jessie Misskelley, Damien Echols) 17. A Walk To Remember-(2002, Adam Shankman) (Shane West, Mandy Moore) 18. The Nightmare Before Christmas-(1993, Henry Selick) (Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon) 19. Home Alone-(1990, Chris Columbus) (Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) 20. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street-(2007, Tim Burton) (Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter) 21. Beavis And Butthead Do America-(1996, Mike Judge) (Mike Judge, Bruce Willis) 22. The Fifth Element-(1997, Luc Besson) (Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman) 23. Just Friends-(2005, Roger Kumble) (Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart) 24. Freddy Got Fingered-(2001, Tom Green) (Tom Green, Rip Torn) 25. Whats Eating Gilbert Grape-(1993, Lasse Hallstrom) (Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis) 26. Scary Movie 2-(2001, Keenen Ivory Wayans) (Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans) 27. Boys Don't Cry-(1999, Kimberly Peirce) (Hilary Swank, Chloe Sevigny) 28. The Aviator-(2004, Martin Scorsese) (Leonardo Dicaprio, Cate Blanchett) 29. Matchstick Men-(2003, Ridley Scott) (Nicolas Cage, Alison Lohman) 30. The Truth About Jane-(2000, Lee Rose) (Ellen Muth, Stockard Channing) 31. Office Space-(1999, Mike Judge) (Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston) 32. Happy Gilmore-(1996, Dennis Dugan) (Adam Sandler, Carl Weathers) 33. The Hours-(2002, Stephen Daldry) (Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore) 34. Mean Girls-(2004, Mark Waters) (Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams) 35. 10 Things I Hate About You-(1999, Gil Junger) (Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles) 36. Foxfire-(1996, Annette Haywood-Carter) (Hedy Burress, Angelina Jolie) 37. Toy Story-(1995, John Lasseter) (Tom Hanks, Tim Allen) 38. Ratatouille-(2007, Brad Bird) (Patton Oswalt. Lou Romano) 39. Blast From The Past-(1999, Hugh Wilson) (Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone) 40. Sleepy Hollow-(1999, Tim Burton) (Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci) 41. House On Haunted Hill-(1999, William Malone) (Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen) 42. Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo-(1999, Mike Mitchell) (Rob Schneider, Eddie Griffin) 43. The Parent Trap-(1998, Nancy Meyers) (Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson) 44. No Country For Old Men-(2007, The Coen brothers) (Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem) 45. The Glass House-(2001, Daniel Sackheim) (Leelee Sobieski, Diane Lane) 46. Kiss Of The Dragon-(2001, Chris Nahon) (Jet Li, Bridget Fonda) 47. A Night At The Roxbury-(1998, John Fortenberry) (Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan) 48. Quills-(2000, Philip Kaufman) (Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet) 49. Good Will Hunting-(1997, Gus Van Sant) (Matt Damon, Robin Williams) 50. The Addams Family-(1991, Barry Sonnenfeld) (Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston) 51. Capote-(2005, Bennett Miller) (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener) 52. Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events-(2004, Brad Silberling) (Emily Browning, Liam Aiken) 53. The Mask-(1994, Chuck Russell) (Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz) 54. MouseHunt-(1997, Gore Verbinski) (Nathan Lane, Lee Evans) 55. Bender's Big Score-(2007, Dwayne Carey-Hill) (Billy West, Katey Sagal) 56. Dolores Claiborne-(1995, Taylor Hackford) (Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh) 57. A Simple Plan-(1998, Sam Raimi) (Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton) 58. Waiting...-(2005, Rob McKittrick) (Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris) 59. Hearts In Atlantis-(2001, Scott Hicks) (Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin) 60. My Own Private Idaho-(1991, Gus Van Sant) (River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves) 61. Tom And Jerry The Movie-(1993, Phil Roman) (Richard Kind, Dana Hill) 62. O-(2001, Tim Blake Nelson) (Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett) 63. Bowling For Columbine-(2002, Michael Moore) (Michael Moore, Charlton Heston) 64. The Commitments-(1991, Alan Parker) (Robert Arkins, Colm Meaney) 65. Fun With Dick And Jane-(2005, Dean Parisot) (Jim Carrey, Tea Leoni) 66. Termina

Can someone PLEASE read the beginning of my story and tell me what you think? I would appreciate what anyone has to say about it. It's the beginning of my story and I would LOVE any advise/tips/comments/ect. Thank SOOO much :) -- So This Weird Girl Will Save the World “‘Schnell! Schnell!” Run. There is no time to think. You must run. Run to live. Run to die. Death is freedom. You step on a mine, a bomb goes off, a bullet gets you in the back of your neck: freedom. Just keep running. But to stay here? This place is the place where you spent day after day wishing, hoping, that you would die. You’ve tried everything. Choking, starving, provoking the officers, but death is always one step ahead of you. It’s torture, being stripped of your right to die. Day after day, you watch everyone around you die slowly. You can see it in their eyes. It’s too late for those people. They don’t run. Their hope is gone. This is a dream. They’re already dead on the inside. Freedom is an impossible prospect. They wait. Like sheep in a slaughter house, death will come and they will wait for it, everything else is looked upon with indifference. Those who still have hope, the ones who never gave up, they are running. It was almost too late for them. Even now, as they run, some of them haven’t processed this. It’s the younger ones that smile. They are the ones who yell and shout in joy and anticipation. If we die, they think, at least we are free. If we keep running, if we just make it into those trees, we are liberated on our own accord. But for me? I’m totally above that. This is fucking awesome for me. The stench of corpses, blood, and fumes was everywhere. It stank like the fury of a thousand suns- “What the Hell?” “Just keep reading.” “‘But that doesn’t bother me. I’m invincible. The soldiers have divided themselves into segments. Kill the Jews; herd them into the mines if you must: no one escapes. Their efforts are futile. Dozens of prisoners have already disappeared into the trees just past the mine fields. And Danna Ednen Sayd Ibrahim Ahmad Hussein Faraj is soaring like a bird, unnoticed by the tumult below. Although I could have sworn I heard a voice call out devil, but a mine tactfully blew up the source before I could respond. Some bullets fly my way. I dodge them with my wicked morphing skills in mid-air. Tortoise. Armadillo. Mosquito. – “Tortoises and armadillos can’t fly.” “Stop interrupting me.” “‘I’m nearly choking on the fumes. Burning corpses is not something you breathe in lightly. So I fly higher, over the fumes and observe the battlefield below. It was complete chaos. People, Nazis and prisoners alike, were getting trampled. Corpses were smashed to bits under the weight of the mob. Mines go off here and there. I spotted a couple of prisoners making out by the trees. You could hardly make out who was the guy and who was the girl, they were so damn skinny and their hair was cropped. Plus my glasses had got taken away from me by a guard. They were eating each other’s faces, I swear. Neither of them bothered to stop and think, “Hey, do ya’ think this is the right time and place to start snogging the living crap out of each other?” No. And a Nazi militant who had surpassed the mines was preparing to blow their brains out. He never got the chance, though. Yours Truly swooped down and tackled him to the ground. He was so surprised to be attacked by 120 pounds of vicious PMSing flesh that I had no problem kicking his ass. Needless to say, the couple finally retracted their lips. I reckon they were about to thank me for saving their lives; maybe shower me with their blessings and appreciation. And believe me; I would have no qualms about dropping a hint or two about who was the main mastermind of this revolt. A little extra appreciation never hurt anybody. But, being my humble self, I didn’t want to overwhelm them or anything. “Thank you for saving our lives” is good enough for me. They said some stuff in German. I caught “Teufel” and “Was zum Teufel.” Then I smiled, nodded, and flew off feeling great. Saving peoples’ lives does that to you. I was about to get into the midst of all the action. There was like a moshpit or something going on down there. I was ready to morph tiger and tear some Nazi ass and everything, but then I got really bad cramps. I had to leave, they were agonizing. The worst I had gotten in years. ***** “Wait,” Jadranka Mikic said, “So you’re telling me you broke into Sobibor, the Nazi death camp in Poland, posed as a prisoner, planned out and led the uprising that ended the camp, but you couldn’t-” she took the paper from my hands and looked down at it, “ ‘get into the midst of all the action’ because of your menstrual cramps?” “Well, no. Not exactly.” “Oh really?” “Yeah, really. It was Alexander Pechersky who led the revolt. I more or less pushed him in the right direction. C’mon, Vedrana. I can’t take all the credit. What kind of sup Vedrana made an incomprehensible noise. “-name is not Supergirl. Secondly, I am not a loser. And thirdly, they didn’t have Tylenol in the 1940s.” “You are a loser.” “Oh, shut up.” superhero would I be if I wasn’t humble, modest, and all-around-girl that you know and love?” “That’s bull.” “It is not.” “Bull.” Danna snatched the paper back from her friend, “And anyways, what were you thinking? I wrote this in strict confidence. You weren’t supposed to bring it to school. I told you to burn it after reading. What would happen if someone saw it and took it?” “They wouldn’t get past the first sentence because it’s crap.” “It is no-” “You’re a terrible writer.” “Hey, I’ll have you know that the stuff on this piece of paper is anything but crap and awesome writing skills or not, it’s full of priceless information that some people would kill to get and if it got into the wrong hands-” “You would be exposed and the CIA would come and strap you down to a table and everyone in the world would know what a loser Supergirl really is. Why didn’t you just take Tylenol or something?” “First of all, my Superhero-”

do muslims Believe in Jesus? We are presenting this not to placate you out of policy or diplomacy. We are only articulating what our Creator had commanded us in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "Say (O Muslim), "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’cub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)". [Chapter 2: verse 136] As Muslims we have no choice. We had said in many words: " WE BELIEVE IN ONE CREATOR, WE BELIEVE IN ALL HIS PROPHETS, WE BELIEVE, THAT JESUS (peace be upon him) WAS ONE OF THE MIGHTIEST PROPHETS OF GOD, THAT HE WAS THE MESSIAH AS WELL AS THE WORD OF GOD, THAT HE WAS BORN MIRACULOUSLY- WITHOUT ANY MALE INTERVENTION (which many modern-day Christians do not believe today) , THAT HE GAVE LIFE TO THE DEAD BY GOD’S PERMISSION, AND THAT HE HEALED THOSE BORN BLIND AND THE LEPERS BY GOD’S PERMISSION." Islam respects all religions. Nevertheless, Muslims consider the view of Christendom to be a misguided one. The Noble Qur’an highlights the important aspects of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) mother, his birth, his mission and his ascension to heaven. VIRGIN MARY: Story of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) in the Noble Qur’an starts with the conception of his mother, Mary, when the wife of Imran, Mary’s mother, vowed to dedicate her child to the service of God in the temple. This is mentioned in the following verses (Which is translated as follows); "(Remember) when the wife of ‘Imran said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing" "Then when she delivered her child [Maryam (Mary)], she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," -- and Allah knew better what she delivered, -- "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast." "So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance, He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya (Zachariya). Every time he entered Al-Mihrab (a praying place or private room) to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam (Mary)! from where have you got this?" She said "This is from Allah" Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit" [Chapter 3: verses 35-37] The Noble Qur’an stated also that the Almighty Allah chose Mary, purified her and raised her above all other women of the world. This is mentioned in the following verses (Which is translated as follows); "And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the ‘Alamin (Mankind and Jinns) (of her lifetime)", "O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down etc.) along with Ar-Raki’un (those who bow etc.)" [Chapter 3: verses 42-43] MIRACULOUS BIRTH OF JESUS (Peace Be Upon Him): Concerning the birth of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him), Allah says thru chapter Mary in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "And mention in the Book (The Qur’an, O Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east", "She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects", "She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah", "(The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son", "She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?", "He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah)", "So she conceived him, and she withdrew him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem)", "And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of the date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!", "Then [the babe ‘Iesa (Jesus) cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you", "And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you", "So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: ‘Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day", "Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing)", "O sister (i.e. the like) of Harun (Aaron) [not the brother of Musa (Moses), but he was another pious man at the time of Maryam (Mary)]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman", "Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?", "He [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: Verily! I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet", "And He has made me blessed wherever I be, and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer), and Zakat (charity), as long as I live." "And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest", "And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!", "Such is ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute)", "It befits not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son [this refers to the slander of Christians against Allah, by saying that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allah]. Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be!" --- and it is", [‘Iesa (Jesus) said]: "And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets)". [Chapter 19: verses 16-36] JESUS (Peace Be Upon Him) THE SON OF MARY: The Church maintains that Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) is the "Only-begotten Son" of God, and also God Himself, since the doctrine of Trinity considers God as the Son, as the Father and as the "Holy Ghost" all at the same time! Catholics further emphasize the divinity of Mary as the "Mother of God". Islam rejects all these concepts in totality. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "Surely, they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary)", But the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said; "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, My Lord and your Lord." "Verily, whosoever setup partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Polytheist and wrong-doers there are no helpers", "Surely, disbelievers are those who said: "Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity)", But there is no Ilah (God) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God --- Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them", "Will they not repent to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful", "The Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary), was no more than a Messenger; Many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother [Maryam (Mary)] was a Siddiqah [i.e. she believed in the words of Allah and His Books]. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allah does not eat). Look how We make the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lesson, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)". [Chapter 5: verses 72-75 ] The Muslims rather contend that the miraculous birth of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) without a father does not make him a God or a "begotten" son of God. Allah said in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "And they (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: Allah has begotten a son (Children or offspring). Glory be to Him (Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (in worship) to Him", "The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it: "Be!" and it is". [Chapter 2: verses 116-17] Further Allah says in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "Say (O Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him)) "He is Allah, (the) One", "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks)", "He begets not, nor was He begotten", "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him". [Chapter 112 verses 1-4] The birth of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him)was not any more supernatural than the creation of our father Adam. Allah said in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "Verily, the likeness of ‘Iesa (Jesus) before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!"--- and he was". [Chapter 3: verse 59] MISSION OF JESUS (Peace Be Upon Him): Our creator sent Prophets to set mankind on the right path. Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) was similarly one of the Messengers of God, he was prepared by God to be sent to the Jews (children of Israel) who had deviated from the teachings of prophet Moses (Peace Be Upon Him) He (Allah) taught him the Book, the wisdom, the Torah, the Gospel and supported him with numerous miracles to prove that he was a Messenger from Allah. In the Noble Qur’an Allah says (Which is translated as follows); "(Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word ["Be!" -- and he was! i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Iesah (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah", "He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous", "She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me", He said: "So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be!"---and it is" "And He (Allah) will teach him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)", "And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe", " And I have to confirm that which was before me of the Taurat (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me". [Chapter 3: verse 45-50] It should be mentioned that while Muslims believe that Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) was given God’s "Good news" they do not recognize the present "Four Gospels" as the utterances of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him). Even the church agrees that the "Four Gospels" were written by four different men, but they maintain that they were divinely inspired. This idea is rejected by us. It can be agreed that if the four writers were divinely inspired, then why are there so many serious discrepancies and omissions in their individual accounts of the life of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him)? Another mission of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) was to tell the people about the coming of the final Prophet after him. The Almighty God said in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "And (remember) when ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Taurat [Torah which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed . But when he (Ahmed i.e. Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic". [Chapter 6: verse 61] The New Testament speaks of the coming of a "Comforter" after the ministry of Jesus. Some Christians believe or were made to believe that the promised "Comforter" is the "Holy Spirit", but this view cannot be maintained because the "Holy Spirit" was already present during Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) ministry, and its coming was not a future event. The Muslims, therefore, believe that the term "Comforter" of necessity refers to a Prophet. He was Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) the unlearned Prophet , the sole Prophet who brought with him a complete, comprehensive revelation from God which has been preserved as it was revealed to him originally, challenging the whole world to come up with one chapter like it, yet unsuccessfully challenged till present day. It is the Miracle of Miracles, the Last Testament of faith addressed to the whole world embodying complete light and guidance as well as the reprove of sin. JESUS (Peace Be Upon Him) WAS RAISED TO HEAVEN: Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) was followed by a few disciples who were inspired by God to support him. Not only that, but the non-believers plotted to kill Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him), but God had a better plan for him and his followers as the Noble Qur’an tells us in the following verses (Which is translated as follows); "Then when ‘Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?" Al-Hawariun (the disciples) said: "We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah)", "Our Lord! We believed in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La Ilaha Ill-Allah -- none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)", "And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill ‘Iesa (Jesus)], and Allah planned too. And Allah is the best of the planners", "And (remember) when Allah said: "O ‘Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheist, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Mohammed, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc. (Peace Be Upon Him), or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), The Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute", "As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers". [Chapter 3: verses 52-56] As the above verses indicate Jesus was raised to heaven before he died. This means that according to the Noble Qur’an he was not crucified. It was the plan of the enemies of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him) to put him to death on the cross, but God saved him and somebody else was crucified. This plot and the false accusation about Mary are considered by the Noble Qur’an to be some of the sins of the non-believing Jews. All of this is made clear in the following verses (Which is translated as follows); "And because of their (Jews) disbelief and uttering against Maryam (Mary) a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse)", "And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah," -- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of ‘Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam [Mary]", "But Allah raised him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (Peace Be Upon Him) is in the heaven). And Allah is ever All-Powerful, All-Wise", "And there is none of the people of the scripture (Jews and Christians), but must believe in him [‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being], before his [‘Iesa (Jesus) or a Jews or a Christian’s] death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he [‘Iesa (Jesus)] will be a witness against them". [Chapter 4: verses 156-159] Finally, we testify that there is no God except Allah and there is none worthy of worship except Him, He has no partners, Mohammed is His slave and His Messenger, and that ‘Iesa (Jesus) son of Mary is Allah’s slave, His Messenger, His word (Be! and he was) which he bestowed on Mary and a spirit created by Him. We believe that all Prophets are brothers no different between their religion, which is one religion "Al-Islam". We attest that the Paradise is true, the Hell-fire is true, and God will Resurrect mankind from graves. Allah says in The Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him)) and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Polytheist, pagans and idolaters is that to which you (O Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) ) call them. Allah chooses for Himself who He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience". [Chapter 42: verse 13] This is our message and we will be witnesses against you in the day of Judgment that we conveyed the message of TRUTH and left it up to you, to follow the TRUTH or stay in darkness. The Almighty Allah said in the Noble Qur’an (Which is translated as follows); "Allah! La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who Sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi (a footstool or chair) extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great." "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in worship other than the real God (Allah), and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower". [Chapter 2: verses 255-56.] http://www.islamawareness.net/

Can you read the first little bit of my novel....thanks for your time....just a few paragraphs would be great! Chapter One The white, warm sand rubbing against my body soothingly. The colorful palm trees is all the rave. Crisp, clear refreshing ocean tumbling into the beach with great determination. All you see is beautiful people wearing nothing but beautiful bathing suits which they probably spent hours and hours trying to find, to get something spectacular. I look back and see this magnificent hotel complex and all of the amenities I could possibly think of. The cool ocean breeze flows over my body while the sun beams light to give me a wonderful free tan. A perfect bronze with a hint of red which will hopefully turn to tan later. A nice refreshing glass of cola filled to the brim with crushed ice and of course the cool sun umbrella. This is so relaxing and wonderful. This is the life. Nothing can wreck this perfect moment. Wait, this is to good to be true. ARG. ARG. ARG. ARG. I knew it! I knew it! It was just a dream again! I can't believe I had that dream again. This is unbelievable. This is the third time this week that I've had this dream and I want it to come true. Too bad I'll never be able to go on vacation. Well it's six o clock. Sorry for all of that fuss but I am just so sick of having that dream. I quickly hop into the shower and wonder whether I will ever get to experience what I experience in my dream. I mean everything is so calm and peaceful I just can't understand why I keep on having that dream. Everything is so perfect, there has to be more to that dream than that. Maybe tonight it will be extended so I can see what's happening. It's probably a sign. Maybe, no never mind. I put some bread in the toaster, I'm still half asleep but I have to hurry up so I can catch the carpool with Jacob. Every other day or so we switch drivers so that we use up less gas. Jacob is totally my best friend in the whole world and I hope he will always be. We are always there for each other when one of us needs a helping hand. I grab my toast, spread some peanut butter on it and head out the door to make my way down to the parking lot where I wait for Jacob to show up. He's a little tardy, sometimes more than others but that's just who he is and as best friends, we have to live with each others annoyances. A few minutes later I see Jacob running out of the building like there was a huge fire in the building. I quickly look up out of habit but see that Jacob just wanted to hurry to the car because we are a couple of minutes late and usually with traffic, a couple here adds ten somewhere else. We both hop into the car once Jacob beeps the horn to signal that the Burnt Orange 2008 Ford Edge is unlocked. Jacob puts the sport utility vehicle (SUV) into reverse and speedily races through the parking lot of the apartment condos backwards. After almost hitting a pole I yell at him to put it in drive and he listened for his life, literally. If you know what and where Toronto is and have ever been there then you know where Jacob and I (Mark) live. By the way, I'm Mark Hatchet. You won't notice my name often through the story because it is written in first person. If your doing some school project about a character then you should probably know some things about me but your not getting off easy because I am going to scatter information about me all over this novel and by the end you will know me like I'm your best friend. Any who which is not a word but it sounds cool, Toronto is Canada's biggest city. If you are not familiar with Canada then check the globe! All Americans should know where Toronto is and that it's near Buffalo. So now at least some of you know where I am. Jacob and I live right near the 401 which is a convenient highway but usually has traffic. We speed down the on ramp to find that we can zip around cars as we fly a couple of kilometers over the speed limit. I look back to see people giving us the finger and of course hear honking from all directions but we could care less. As long as we don't die we are better off doing this. Jacob sees a police officer a few hundred meters up so he slows down just enough to the speed limit, once he was past the cop he raced onto the off ramp and we were once again racing towards our school. You can see the navy and gold colored sign with big block letters reading: St. Anne Catholic High School. It was a big school but all schools in the city are big so I can't really justify. It was a nice looking basically brand new school with a pretty tan brick color and a nice light tan stucco around doors and windows which made it look more like a upscale shopping plaza then a school. Jacob makes a left into the school parking lot then slows down and drives carefully through the lot to the back, basically opposite of how he drove through our condo parking lot! I opened the large metal door and checked my watch, it read eight twenty five which means I have one minute to get to class. For some reason, classes started at eight twenty six which to me is an odd time but I can't change that so I jog up the stairs to the second floor saying bye to Jacob on the way. I don't remember classroom numbers so I remember third door on the right from back entrance up the stairs. Some people wonder why I find that easier but I just do. It makes more sense to me than trying to find room number 214. I mean where's 214 anyway. I open the door with my binder and pencil in hand and quietly find a seat near the front. I have bad eyesight but don't wish to wear glasses so I just sit near the front board. I understand lessons better that way anyway. First period is my favorite subject, English. I have always loved English from poetry to novels to anything related to English. But there is something I don't like about English this year and that's the teacher. Mrs. Walkworth. Mrs. Walkworth is most probably the meanest teacher at this school and I should know because it’s my last year here and I’ve had my fair share of mean teachers but this one tops it off. Saying Mrs. Walkworth in our school makes people cringe. I can honestly say that people egg her classroom window once a month not to mention her house. Nobody is allowed to say anything unless called upon. We are not allowed to get help from anyone at anytime and we never work in pairs or groups. Mrs. Walkworth thinks that working independently makes us smarter which I do agree with because we have to figure problems out on our own but we also need people skills to communicate in English but she doesn’t seem to think so. Mrs. Walkworth is about the total opposite from a people person. She probably lives in a cave wear nobody ever visits her or talks to her on the telephone or even e-mails her. Another reason people are scared of her is her punishments. For example, if you get caught chewing gum in her class she used the slap students across the face and dangle them out the window but since she’s not allowed to do that anymore, she makes the student stretch the gum over his or her face for the rest of the day, and when we have our next assembly, she makes the student chew five pieces of gum (at home of course) then stretch the five pieces over his or her entire body and make a one hundred word speech about not chewing gum in school and it also has to include how great Mrs. Walkworth is. The student then goes into detention for the next month. Yikes! And some people thought detention for a day was bad for chewing gum. Finally, the last reason why people don’t like her and are scared of her are because of the way she looks. Her face is all crinkled up and when she talks she has a raspy sound and her hands tremble with great strength. She weighs about one hundred pounds and she is very tall therefore extremely skinny and she always wears the same clothes. She owns three tops; a blue sleeveless one, a red t shirt that says teacher of the year 1989 and a very ugly faded purple sweater. I’m pretty sure she only wears one pair of pants and they are black with blue polka dots on them. No joke. Teens at our school seem to think she’s 90 years old but nobody knows for sure. Mrs. Walkworth begins with her lesson and tells us to read pages 80-199 for homework and complete a thirty question quiz for tomorrow. I guess we got off easy tonight. Usually it takes me about four hours each night for her homework and looking over what I have to do tonight it might only take a couple of hours. As soon as the bell rings in Mrs. Walkworth’s class, everybody runs out. Students have respect for all teachers besides her. Everyone waits patiently until the teacher says they are dismissed but in her class everyone literally runs! Down the stairs ahead for four classrooms, hang a left and it’s the second door on the right. That’s my next class. At noon thirty the bell rings for half of the school to have lunch. They built the cafeteria to only hold half of the school so it wouldn’t get out of control. I get in line to buy a salad and some pizza and I see our group sitting down at our usual table. Each member of our group is known for something they are good at, we all have different personalities and strengths so we complete each other. Our group includes; me (the English dude), Jacob (the jockey), Sam (the Intelligent one), Rob (the science geek), Nick (the mapmaker), Kyle (the rich kid), Alicia (the drama queen) and Jordan (the quiet kid). Everyday we sit at the same table with the same people and have done that since day one of this year. Some of us were friends last year but because of the two lunches we didn’t have the same lunch and you never have the same class with anybody you knew before so you make new subject buddies but those are just buds who you partner with during that subject. It’s the lunchtime friends who you hang with after school. Once we are all seated we talk about some teen stuff and decide what movie we should see this weekend. Every weekend or so we try to go to the movies together. It usually ends up being a big fight so we chose to become a democracy and vote each week what movie each of us wanted to see. People walk by our table and wonder what the bleep we’re doing but who cares, not us. We don’t need to act popular, we have our own friend group which we are already apart of. We don’t need to impress anybody, nobody does. We just be ourselves and we are friends for who we are not what we are trying to be. We decide on a movie and continue the discussions. By ten o clock that night I was exhausted by all of Mrs. Walkworth’s homework. Two of the questions were mini projects and took a lot longer than expected, by the time I was done it was midnight and I hadn’t even started on any of the other homework given by the other teachers. This is ridiculous I think to myself. How can she wreck the best subject in the world? I feel a blast of energy actually of hatred and I want to go throw a rock through her window but I’m better than that so I decide not to. I have about another hour of homework and I’m already tired, I better get to work. ******************************************** The white warm sand rubbing against my body soothingly. The colorful palm trees is all the rave. Crisp, clear refreshing ocean tumbling into the beach with great determination. All you see is beautiful people wearing nothing but beautiful bathing suits which they probably spent hours and hours trying to find something spectacular. I look back and see this magnificent hotel complex and all of the amenities I could possibly think of. The cool ocean breeze flows over my body while the sun beams light to give me a wonderful free tan. A perfect bronze with a hint of red which will turn to tan later. A nice refreshing glass of cola filled to the brim with crushed ice and of course the cool sun umbrella. This is so relaxing and wonderful. This is the life. Nothing can wreck this perfect moment. Wait, this is to good to be true. ARG. ARG. ARG. ARG. I wake up with such great hatred toward that stupid dream that I pull my alarm clock out of the wall socket and chuck it at my wall. My mom quickly rushes into my room to see what was up. "Sorry mom but I had that dream again, you know about the sand in some tropical place," I say apologetically. "Mark, you know I want to take you someplace but since your father died we haven't had much income coming in from my job to take you anywhere," mom replies. "I know, it's obviously not your fault and it's not mine either, I'm just tired of having that dream," I cry (not literally). Mom walks out of my room and I begin my daily wake up routine in which I do every school day. I am so fed up with that dream and I'm so fed up with Mrs. Bleeping Walk Bleeping Worth I could just go insane! I begin to shake and also begin to worry about my shaking. Am I going insane? I need to calm down. I put my iPod on and listen to my favorite music, that always seems to calm me down. ****** Once I get into Mrs. Walkworth's classroom I walk straight up to her and tell her, "You need to give out less homework. I was up to one o clock in the morning doing English, I can't stand you! You ruined my favorite subject and you're ruining everyone's lives!" I look around the classroom to see if anybody had heard what I said and they did. People began to clap for me once I finished. It felt really good to have everyone appreciate what I did. Mrs. Walkworth had an ugly look which I wanted but she didn't say anything , I kind of wanted a detention or write a speech then I could slip some information to all the students and teachers watching but she said nothing. I stared at her looking like I wanted an answer and then she sighed, "I have been giving out a lot of homework lately and I'm really sorry class. My husband left a few months ago and I've been really upset. The reason I've been upset since I've been at this school is because my brother got to go to a better university than I did then became what I wanted to become, a doctor. My parents forced me to become a teacher and I hated it so I decided that I would take it out on the students I was forced to teach, I am so sorry to you all," says Mrs. Walkworth with flowing tears. Everybody is silenced. I walk up to and give her a big hug. I don't know why we are all such jerks. This poor lady has gone through heck and back and here I am lecturing her about her teaching. Everyone that threw a rock at her window or egged her window should be ashamed. "I'm so sorry Mrs. Walkworth, I had no idea, I was so selfish," I say crying (literally this time). Usually when a boy cries at school he is made fun of but not today, I look around the room and everyone including the boys had tears. We were so mean to her behind her back and everyone felt so bad. "I think everyone in this classroom including me should be ashamed of themselves, now let's move on with today's work. I promise I will not give out as much homework any more. Heck, tonight, no homework," says Mrs. Walkworth with a smile for once. Applause fills the room again but this time it was for a good reason. You should never judge a book by the cover or the homework it (she) gives out. By the end of the school day everybody knew the Mrs. Walkworth story and teens from all over were coming up to her apologizing for what they did and she also apologized to everyone that came up to her. It was a happy day at St. Anne's today. It should be like a holiday or something, Mrs. Walkworth is like happy and like oh my goodness we should celebrate. Once I got home I saw my mom lying down on the couch crying, I wonder what is wrong. I ask immediately and she says that she was upset about Dad dying and she can't pull herself together. "Mom, we have to get over this. Yes it's sad but life goes on," I say sweetly. "You’re never going to be able to go on your trip though," cried mom. "You don't know that, never have doubt," I say with pride for some weird reason. Mom sits up and I sit next to her on the couch and to my surprise I see a commercial. WOW! A commercial, haven't seen one of those since like the last time I watched television but this commercial was calling out to me. I watched intently; Are you smart? Do you want to go to Mexico? Do you live in Toronto or in the GTA? Then send your information to 178 B....... "Mom, can you believe this, last night in my dream I saw a sign saying Mexico, that's where my dream is taking place, this is a huge sign! " I yell excitedly as I jump up and down. I log onto my computer and find the website, there I print out the information sheet that needs to be filled out. Of course I could do it over the net but I don't trust all of those freaks who want my information. With a black pen I write down everything from my age to my address to my hobbies to my IQ. I fold the pieces of paper two times and neatly stuff it into the envelope and lick it closed. "Do you want me to take you to the post office right now? I have to get some groceries anyway," mom calls from the living room. She is now not crying and actually excited and happy. She wants to see me happy which of course I am. I open the large mail bin flap and slip the letter proudly into the box and close the movable door. I put a big smile on my face and walk back into the car. I think about going to Mexico and all the great fun I'll have. I wonder weather I should take mom or Jacob? I get into the car and ask, "Mom let's say that I get accepted onto the show and I win the trip to Mexico, I can bring a guest. I want to bring you but I think it would be more fun with Jacob, no offence," I say hoping that she'll say okay take Jacob. "I want you to have fun on this vacation but I also want you to be safe in a foreign country. I have an idea, how about you take Jacob as your guest then I fly down with you guys and stay in your room. You can totally ignore me if you'd like," she says. "Mom, wouldn't that be kind of awkward, can just me and Jacob go, I mean I probably won't get on to the show but if I do?" I ask. "Mark, I don't know, I'm going to have to think about it and if and when you do win I'll give you an answer," explains mom and I nod with agreement. I really don't want my mom in the room with Jacob and I, it would be really awkward but then I think that I'm probably not going to win anyway so I blow it off. In the night I don't dream the same vacation dream that I usually dream, this time I dream that I am all alone in the hotel looking for Jacob who seems to be lost, I can't find him then I wake up. I decide not to tell mom about the dream because then she would say it was a sign and that I'm defiantly not going. It can't be a sign, I mean come on, it's just a dream. Weird things happen in dreams all of the time. Nothing actually happens. But what if it is a sign? What if I do win and I go with Jacob and he goes missing? I start to get nervous and then shake my head which seemed to relax my nerves. There's probably more to the story I mean dream than what I saw last night. Maybe tonight I will dream the dream again but I find him at the restaurant or the pool or oh I have to call Jacob. I pick up the phone and dial Jacob's cell number. I don't care how early it is, I need to talk to him about this ordeal. "Hi Jacob, ummm.. were do I begin? I saw this television commercial last night about a new game show coming to Toronto so I sent an application form in and if you win you get to go to Mexico with a friend and ummm... I had this dream last night that we were in the hotel and you were erere missing. I know it's just a dream but for the last oh I can't even remember I've been having this dream that I'm in this warm tropical place and I have it over and over each night basically until last night when I had the dream about you being missing. I feel it's the next part of the story. This is really weird and it's kind of really freaking me out. I can't help but wonder what's going to happen," I say with a shake in my voice, it felt so good to tell Jacob this whole story and I hope he has some advice. "Listen Mark, it's just a dream and it's really early in the morning and boy you have a lot of energy to ahhahhahmmm sorry I yawn a lot at this time in the morning but anyway don't worry about it and I'll see you at eight, bye," says Jacob with a serious sleepy voice. "Bye," I add. I press end on my cell phone and get ready to go to school. I hop into the shower and put the temperature to warm which I usually do because I love warm water and my favorite part of the day is my shower, it's so relaxing and calming and nothing bothers me in the shower. All my worries seem to float away in the shower but as soon I as I get out all of the worries and thoughts fly back into my head and I begin to worry again. I worry a lot actually. It's basically like a disorder and I can't help but worry what is to come and worry if something I did in the past is going to hurt me in any way. I dry off quickly realizing that I had a really long shower but I forgave myself because I knew I really needed it. I go and put on my uniform which actually looks quite good on me and who can argue the fact that you don't have to buy all of the top names to fit in because everyone has to wear the same level of clothing, also there is no grubby kids that wear an old ratty shirt or you know those emo kids with their black and depressive clothes. Nope just everyone the same and that's the way I like it. I open the box of Frosted Flakes which is my all time favorite cereal. Splash some 1% on them and eat away. I love it so much that once I'm done I pour myself another bowl. Mom walks in and gives me a quick smile then heads for her coffee. Don't mess with mom when she hasn't got her coffee in her, I don't really understand why coffee is the liquid God of everybody. If you have ever been to Canada or you know, live here, then you know that there is a place called Tim Hortons on every on other street corner. It's insane! And even with all of the locations, there is still a huge lineup at each one. Canadians like their coffee eh?! I tried it a couple of times but no matter how old I get my taste buds just reject that awful taste. I don't need coffee anyway because I usual wake up and I am ready to go in just a few minutes. I walk over to the television which either showed me my vacation was possible or that Jacob being lost was possible so I wasn't sure whether to hug it or kick it so I decided to do neither. If the television production company asks for me to be on the show, I can just recline but I really want to go to Mexico and now I am finally getting a chance to go somewhere I have been waiting to go for 17 years, but do I want to go to Mexico so badly that I'm willing to lose a friend over it? No, it was just a dream. Jacob even said so. I have to stop this worrying, I really do. The phone rings, actually it vibrates. I bring my cell to school and to make sure that teachers don't know I turn vibrate on before I even get into the school. I open the flap and see that it's Jacob so I press Talk which is in green lettering then say, "hello, Jacob? What's up?" "Oh nothing much I was calling to say that I was sorry for being a jerk this morning on the phone and I really appreciate you taking me as your guest, it means a lot. I thought you'd take your mom or something. I really hope that you win, Mexico sounds like fun!" says Jacob with an excited tone. "Jacob, I'll tell you the whole story in the car, well there's actually not much more to it but I don't want to waste your minutes so we can wait. See you soon," I smile into the phone hoping that he can see that I'm smiling and not frowning on the inside because now Jacob really wants to go but he doesn't want my mom going I know that for sure. But if Jacob and I go alone then what happens when Jacob gets lost if he really does. Oh my, I really need to stop worrying about this whole situation and I really need to spend more time looking over my homework. Every single day in the morning even though I think I have the answers right I still go through every thing and check them. You never know when you make a mistake that can be easily fixed. I really care about my marks so I do this on a regular basis. I look up on the microwave clock and see that it is seven fifty five therefore I should probably head down to the parking lot now. I really want to tell Jacob about everything. I need someone I can trust besides my mom because I know what she'll decide and I really do want to go to Mexico so, yes I'll tell Jacob and if he thinks that we shouldn't go and it is a sign then we won't. Done, and now I don't have to think about it till Jacob wants the whole story. I see Jacob come out of the thirty story building at ground level and he waves his large hand. He yells from a distance and I can barely hear him but what I make out from the words are, "Mark, I want you to tell me everything." I motion for Jacob to come letting him know that we need to be in the car to talk. I don't need a bunch of strangers hearing about my crazy weirdo dreams. Jacob walks up to the car and gets him. I follow suit. "So what's the whole story?" asks Jacob putting the SUV into reverse. "Listen Jacob, I just want to know deep down if you think having that dream where you were lost was a sign or not. Also my mom does want to go; but not with me, on her own. She wants me to take you and still come so we can be safe. I didn't even tell her about the dream and she still says that," I explain. "No I don't think it's a sign and it would be really weird having your mom there. Would she be in a different room though?" asks Jacob wanting a certain answer that sadly I cannot give him. "Sadly, she wants to stay in the same room and can't afford to stay in a different room," I say staring into the deep and confusing eyes of my best friend. "Oh, well, I was just wondering what you felt. How do you feel about this Mark?" quizzes Jacob. "I'll go if I win, if you want to that is, but no, I don't want my mom there either so, yeah. I guess that's the whole story. See, I told you it wasn't very long," I say. We pull up to the St. Anne parking lot and I can't help but wonder whether or not people will still be talking about Mrs. Walkworth. Of course not, I mean this is high school were there is a different story everyday. Everyone will be talking about something different by now, it's been one whole day which means half of the students here would have forgotten it. The other half just wouldn't care anymore. Old news is looked down upon and it wasn't even a big deal anyway. I mean once a famous celebrity came to our school because she went here when she was in high school and by the next day people weren't giving a fuss about what had happened a day before. I wonder if Mrs. Walkworth is going to give a lot of work again today. If she does than I know what to say. "Hello Mrs. Walkworth. It's a loving morning out isn't now?" I ask Mrs. Walkworth as I walk into her classroom with a big smile. "A wonderful day indeed. I feel absolutely amazing," smiles Mrs. Walkworth and right then and there I knew she wasn't going to give out a lot of homework. "Take your seats everyone. Today you are going to have homework. I thought about it last night and I decided to give you the same amount of homework that every other teacher gives you, well besides for the physical education class. I actually called the University of Toronto and got a hold of the English teacher there. She is one of my best friends. I'll tell you a story actually: When I was forced to go to teacher college, I hated it but made one friend in particular there. Her name is Mrs. Jenkins. She was the smartest student in the whole school and once she graduated she got to pick what level of schooling she wanted to teach at and what school. She picked University because it pays the highest and at University of Toronto which is the closest University to her house. So I was talking to her about how much homework she gives out in a night and what she said shocked me when she said one half hour of homework. Be aware this is University homework so it's pretty difficult but only one half hour. After talking to Mrs. Jenkins I got on the phone with other grade twelve teachers and found out that they each gave you one half hour for their subjects so all in all I decided to cut the homework load down for you guys and you better thank me." "Thank-you Mrs. Walkworth," everybody in the whole class yells in unity. It sounded really good to tell you the truth because it was not planned or anything. All the students in my class just decided about three seconds after she finished her last words to say thank-you. I and probably many other students were relieved. I might actually have a life now instead of my life being Mrs. Walkworth's homework. I look to the left of me and see the most beautiful girl in the whole school. All year I've been looking back and forth at her and her long straight blonde hair. Her complexion is light brown and looks as though she goes to a tanning salon once in a while. She has absolutely no acne and the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. Her name is Julie Appleton and she is also the most richest kid at our school. She always has a boyfriend buying her flowers or taking her to the movies or taking her out to dinner. I mean no wonder she's so rich, everyone is buying things for her. I also wondered what it would be like to go on a date with her. It would probably cost all my life savings to impress her which I am not willing to give up. Julie looks over and sees me staring at her. I quickly dart my head over into the other direction pretending I was starring at the posters on the wall. I slowly turn the other direction to see if she's still looking at me in disgust but to my surprise when I look at her she's starring at me, not with a frown but with a smile. I smile back then look back at Mrs. Walkworth who is trying to teach a lesson. I feel a nudge on my arm. I look over and see it's a note, Julie is giving me a note. She only gives notes to her best friends and crushes. Maybe it just went through her to me. She probably didn't write it. I open the folded piece of paper to read in beautiful hand writing; I saw you starring at me Mark so I starred back. I have a boyfriend but I like you to. Love Julie. Oh my goodness, it was from Julie. I automatically look at Julie and blow her a kiss. She blows one back but before the imaginary kiss gets to me, Mrs. Walkworth stands beside our desks and says, "quit interrupting me you love birds!" Uh-oh. Mrs. Walkworth just blew it and now the whole class is going to know then spread it to the rest of the school and her boyfriend goes to this school and he happens to be on the wrestling team and football team and a heavy weightlifter. He could probably lift me up in one arm, throw me into the air and punch me down. I'm dead! I take a big gulp and hear murmurs from the class and know for sure that I'm dead. I can't believe this. I begin to cry on the inside but I don't dare show any emotion on the outside. Out of the blue, Julie stands up and stares at everyone talking to each other about what just happened and says, " enough already! I obviously don't like this guy and I love my boyfriend, I was just making him feel good." I swear a tear began to come down my cheek so I wiped it off with my hand. This is the lowest I have ever felt in my entire life. I want to go lay down and die somewhere before I want to keep on going with this day. I thought for sure that Julie liked me but I guess she was just trying to make me feel good. I should have known that I'm not the type of person that she would go out with. I'm so stupid. By lunch, every single person was talking about what happened. Well at least I was right about everyone will be over the Mrs. Walkworth thing but for once in my life I wish I was wrong because now all of the hype is about me and it doesn't feel good. "Hey Mark, you better watch out. I think Steve is coming in soon. You're so dead man. I really want to see this," says a person who I have never met before but now everyone knows who I am so it really doesn't matter if I know them. Gulp. I see Steve who by the way is Julie's boyfriend if you haven't figured that one out yet. He looks angry which is perfectly normal when you want to cream a little person like me. Actually I'm not little and I workout and all it's just that Steve is like the next Terminator so I don't really have a chance. His group of friends follow behind him, all are smaller than him but I guess look up to him for some reason and follow him around all of the time. This is just perfect. I want to run but I know that he would catch me or one of his friends would catch me then probably do worst things. I call over Jacob to sit with me so at least I will have someone sort of big to fend for me. He quickly runs over and sits down just in time for Steve to say something. "Hey scrawny! I heard that you were trying to steal my girlfriend!" Steve shouts with anger. My palms are like puddles of water floating on top of my skin so I rub them onto my pants and wish myself luck. " Well she doesn't like me so what's your point?" I ask with uncertainty. "My point is that nobody tries to take my girl," Steve says with great power. He unzips his sweater to reveal his muscle shirt underneath. I guess he was trying to get some attention when he put up his biceps and flexed for the students to see. His muscles were huge and I wondered how many hours he spent at a gym or if he took steroids. Cheers came from around the cafeteria, mostly from girls but some guys also cheered for the sake of him attacking me to a pulp. He walks over right to my face and punches me across my cheek. Blood is spurting everywhere and with great power I stand up and punch him right back right in the same place where he punched me. Nothing happened to him of course but all of my friends take me back to my seat. I see blood all over and feel very dizzy and I want to throw up. I see that Steve is just touching his cheek like it just stung a little but I could see inside that it really did hurt him. That made me feel a bit better but what made me feel worse was that Steve took his hand away from his cheek and screamed, "I win!" He also flexed his unusually large biceps again to show that he was the ruler of the school and that if anyone tried to mess with him they would be bleeding. "I hate him so much," I said between heavy breaths. "We all do," said Jacob with a sigh. I wished I was dead again so when my group of friends went to their classes and I was stuck alone that I wouldn't be tortured. The end of lunch bell rang just at the time when I didn't want it to ring. I began to cry but didn't care because I deserved a cry. I was humiliated in front of the whole school and punched by the strongest guy around. I was in serious pain so I got up and walked out of the cafeteria toward the nurses office. I open the door trying to get away from the crowds of people wanting to ask what happened and how I felt. The nurse walked over to me and grabbed some tissues, put them over my face and told me to sit down. "What happened to you?" the nurse asked wondering what the heck happened. "Long story," I replied without enthusiasm. "Well your not going back to class so I have time and you have time," the nurse replies trying to sneak an answer out of me. "Okay, I might as well tell you because if I don't then any other kid in the school will and he or she might change it so it's probably better if I tell the truth about what happened. It all started this morning when Julie and I were caught passing notes and blah blah blah and Mrs. Walkworth said something in front of the class which I forget what but anyway everyone in the class told everyone in the school and everyone in the school includes Julie's boyfriend who has a very bad temper by the way and at lunch he made a big deal about his muscles and then punched me and then showed off his muscles again then left and the end of lunch bell rang and now I'm here," I told the nurse. "Steve Richardson punched you? You're still talking? You're still breathing? Wow," replies the nurse obviously shocked. "You know who Julie is and who her boyfriend is and his last name and what Julie I was talking about?" I said astonished. "Well I know the popular people because they always come in here to skip class and they always talk about their life. I don't get mad at them because it's sort of my hobby to hear all of the problems in the school and who's dating who," the nurse says with a smile. "Right," I reply slowly pronouncing each letter. "Steve is huge, I mean he's always at my gym and I talk to people who were there before me and they say that he was there before they got there and it's pretty unbelievable. He sure gets his gym membership money out of it that's for sure. To tell you the truth I don't think he's on steroids which is very surprising considering his strength," the nurse wonders. "I really don't want to leave this room. I really don't feel like being bothered right now. I just want to stay in this chair till everybody leaves then ride the city bus home in a very large coat where nobody will notice me," I say in a depressing tone. The nurse’s nameplate flashes its golden letters at me. It says “Paddy”. Paddy begins to laugh, I look at her. "People might think that your a terrorist," nurse Paddy replies. "Fine, then can you tell Jacob to wait for me after school until everyone else leaves then we can go home?" I ask Paddy hoping that she will say yes and that I won't have to face my fears. "Sure." I put a very large smile on my face.

People especially christians I am sending u a story of a man who accepted Islam? MY QUESTION IS THAT AFTER READING THAT STORY OF THE MAN WHO EMBRACED ISLAM DID U'R OPINION ABOUT ISLAM CHANGED I WANT NOT U PEOPLE TO READ THIS STORY BY A CONSERVATIVE MIND BUT AN OPEN MIND! Sheikh Yusuf Estes Yusaf Estes is a prominent Scholar who travels around the Globe Spreading the message of God, he also distributes video and audio lectures. Below is a very interesting short autobiography of how he converted from a Christian Preacher to a Muslim Chaplin, Yusuf Estes has written a short biography of himself and published it on his website http://www.islamtomorrow.com and www.islamtoday.com. "My name is Yusuf Estes and I am the National Muslim Chaplain for American Muslims, sponsored by a number of organizations here in Washington, DC. As such, I travel around the entire world lecturing and sharing the message of the Christ of the Quran in Islam. We hold dialogs and discussion groups with all faiths and enjoy the opportunity to work alongside of rabbis, ministers, preachers and priests everywhere. Most of our work is in the institutional area, military, universities and prisons. Primarily our goal is to educate and communicate the correct message of Islam and who the Muslims really are. Although Islam has grown now to tie Christianity as the largest of religions on earth, we see many of those who claim Islam as Muslims, that do not correctly understand nor properly represent the message of "Peace, Surrender and Obedience to God" (Arabic = 'Islam'). Dear me, I am afraid that I got a bit ahead of myself, I was trying to give a bit of background on my own personal experience to see if it would in anyway benefit you in your ministry. This may seem quite strange that I would offer to help you, while we perhaps share a few different perspectives and concepts of God, Jesus, prophet hood, sin and salvation. But you see, at one time I was in the same boat as you. Really, I was. Let me explain. I was born into a very strong Christian family in the Midwest. Our family Christian Musician Minister - 1988 and their ancestors not only built the churches and schools across this land, but actually were the same ones who came here in the first place. While I was still in elementary we relocated in Houston, Texas in 1949 (I'm old). We attended church regularly and I was baptized at the age of 12 in Pasadena, Texas. As a teenager, I wanted to visit other churches to learn more of their teachings and beliefs. The Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatic movements, Nazarene, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Agape, Catholic, Presbyterian and many more. I developed quite a thirst for the "Gospel" or as we say; "Good News." My research into religion did not stop with Christianity. Not at all. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Metaphysics, native American beliefs were all a part of my studies. Just about the only one that I did not look into seriously was "Islam". Why? Good question. Anyway, I became very interested in different types of music, especially Gospel and Classical. Because my whole family was religious and musical it followed that I too would begin my studies in both areas. All this set me for the logical position of Music Minister in many of the churches that I became affiliated with over the years. I started teaching keyboard instruments in 1960 and by 1963 owned my own studios in Laurel, Maryland, called "Estes Music Studios." Over the next 30 years my father and I worked together in many business projects. We had entertainment programs, shows and attractions. We opened piano and organ stores all the way from Texas and Oklahoma to Florida. I made millions of dollars in those years, but could not find the peace of mind that can only come through knowing the truth and finding the real plan of salvation. I'm sure you have asked yourself the question; "Why did God create me?" or "What is it that God wants me to do?" or "Exactly who is God, anyway?" "Why do we believe in 'original sin?" and "Why would the sons of Adam be forced to accept his 'sins' and then as a result be punished forever. But if you asked anyone these questions, they would probably tell you that you have to believe without asking, or that it is a 'mystery' and you shouldn't ask. And then there is the concept of the 'Trinity.' If I would ask preachers or ministers to give me some sort of an idea how 'one' could figure out to become 'three' or how God Himself, Who can do anything He Wills to do, cannot just forgive people's sins, but rather and had to become a man, come down on earth, be a human, and then take on the sins of all people. Keeping in mind that all along He is still God of the whole universe and does as He Wills to do, both in and outside of the universe as we know it. Then one day in 1991, I came to know that the Muslims believed in the Bible. I was shocked. How could this be? But that's not all, they believe in Jesus as: * a true messenger of God; * prophet of God; * miracle birth without human intervention; * he was the 'Christ' or Messiah as predicted in the Bible; * he is with God now and most important; * He will be coming back in the Last Days to lead the believers against the 'Antichrist.' This was too much for me. Especially since the evangelists that we used to travel around with all hated Muslims and Islam very much. They even said things that were not true to make people afraid of Islam. So, why would I want anything to do with these people? My father was very active in supporting church work, especially church school programs. He became and ordained minister in the 1970s. He and his wife (my stepmother) knew many of the TV evangelists and preachers and even visited Oral Roberts and helped in the building of the "Prayer Tower" in Tulsa, OK. They also were strong supporters of Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker, Jerry Fallwell, John Haggi and the biggest enemy to Islam in America, Pat Robertson. Dad and his wife worked together and were most active in recording "Praise" tapes and distributing them for free to people in retirement homes, hospitals and homes for the elderly. And then in 1991 he began doing business with a man from Egypt and told me that he wanted me to meet him. This idea appealed to me when I thought about the idea of having an international flavor. You know, the pyramids, sphinx, Nile River and all that. Then my father mentioned that this man was a 'Moslem.' I couldn't believe my ears. A 'Moslem?' No way! I reminded my dad of the various different things that we had heard about these people, how they are - Terrorists; hijackers; kidnappers; bombers and who knows what else? Not only that but: They don't believe in God They kiss the ground five times a day and They worship a black box in the desert. No! I did not want to meet this 'Moslem' man. No way! My father insisted that I meet him and reassured me that he was a very nice person. So, I gave in and agreed to the meeting. But on my terms. I agreed to meet him on a Sunday after church so we would be all prayed up and in good standing with the Lord. I would be carrying my Bible under my arm as usual. I would have my big shiny cross dangling and I would have on my cap which says: "Jesus is Lord" right across the front. My wife and two young daughters came along and we were ready for our first encounter with the 'Moslems.' When I came into the shop and asked my father where the 'Moslem' was, he pointed and said: "He's right over there." I was confused. That couldn't be the Moslem. No way. I'm looking for a huge man with flowing robes and big turban on his head, a beard half way down his shirt and eyebrows that go all the way across his forehead. This man had no beard. In fact, he didn't even have any hair on his head at all. He was very close to bald. And he was very pleasant with a warm welcome and handshake. This didn't make sense. I thought they are terrorists and bombers. What is this all about? Never mind. I'll get right to work on this guy. He needs to be 'saved' and me and the Lord are going to do it. So, after a quick introduction, I asked him: "Do you believe in God?" He said: "Yes." (Good!) Then I said: "Do you believe in Adam and Eve?" He said: "Yes." I said: "What about Abraham? You believe in him and how he tried to sacrifice his son for God?" He said: "Yes." Then I asked: "What about Moses?" "Ten Commandments?" "Parting the Red Sea?" Again he said: "Yes." Then: "What about the other prophets, David, Solomon and John the Baptist?" He said: "Yes." I asked: "Do you believe in the Bible?" Again, he said: "Yes." So, now it was time for the big question: "Do you believe in Jesus? That he was the Messiah (Christ) of God?" Again the said: "Yes." Well now: "This was going to be easier than I had thought." He was just about ready to be baptized only he didn't know it. And I was just the one to do it, too. I was winning souls to the Lord day after day and this would be a big achievement for me, to catch one of these 'Moslems' and 'convert' him to Christianity. I asked him if he liked tea and he said he did. So off we went to a little shop in the mall to sit and talk about my favorite subject: Beliefs. While we sat in that little coffee shop for hours talking (I did most of the talking) I came to know that he was very nice, quiet and even a bit shy. He listened attentively to every word that I had to say and did not interrupt even one time. I liked this man's way and thought that he had definite potential to become a good Christian. Little did I know the course of events about to unravel in front of my eyes. First of all, I agreed with my father that we should do business with this man and even encouraged the idea of him traveling along with me on my business trips across the northern part of Texas. Day after day we would ride together and discuss various issues pertaining to different beliefs that people have. And along the way, I could of course interject some of my favorite radio programs of worship and praise to help bring the message to this poor individual. We talked about the concept of God; the meaning of life; the purpose of creation; the prophets and their mission and how God reveals His Will to mankind. We also shared a lot of personal experiences and ideas as well. One day I came to know that my friend Mohamed was going to move out of the home he have been sharing with a friend of his and was going to be living in the mosque for a time. I went to my dad and asked him if we could invite Mohamed to come out to our big home in the country and stay there with us. After all, he could share some of the work and some expenses and he would be right there when we were ready to go to out traveling around. My father agreed and Mohamed moved in. Of course I still would find time to visit my fellow preachers and evangelists around the state of Texas. One of them lived on the Texas -- Mexico border and another lived near lived Oklahoma border. One preacher liked to a huge wooden cross that was bigger than a car. He would carry it over his shoulder and drag the bottom on the ground and go down the road or freeway hauling these two beams formed in the shape of a cross. People would stop their cars and come over to him and ask him what was going on and he would give them pamphlets and booklets on Christianity. One day my friend with the cross had a heart attack and had to go to the Veterans Hospital where he stayed for quite a long while. I used to visit him in the hospital several times a week and I would take Mohamed with me with the hopes that we could all share together in the subject of beliefs and religions. My friend was not very impressed and it was obvious that he did not want to know anything about Islam. Then one day a man who was sharing the room with my friend came rolling into the room in his wheelchair. I went to him and asked him his name and he said that it didn't matter and when I asked him where he was from he said he was from the planet Jupiter. I thought about what he said and then began to wonder if I was in the cardiac ward or the mental ward. I knew the man was lonely and depressed and needed someone in his life. So, I began to 'witness' to him about the Lord. I read to him out of the book of Jonah in the Old Testament. I shared the story of the prophet Jonah who had been sent by the Lord to call his people to the correct way. Jonah had left his people and escaped by boat to leave his city and head out to sea. A storm came up and the ship almost capsized and the people on board threw Jonah over the side of the ship. A whale came up to the surface and grabbed Jonah, swallowed him and then went down to the bottom of the sea, where he stayed for 3 days and 3 nights. Yet because of God's Mercy, He caused the whale to rise to the surface and then spit Jonah out to return back home safely to his city of Nineveh. And the idea was that we can't really run away from our problems because we always know what we have done. And what is more, God also always knows what we have done. After sharing this story with the man in the wheel chair, he looked up and me and apologized. He told me he was sorry for his rude behavior and that he had experienced some real serious problems recently. Then he said that he wanted to confess something to me. And I said that I was not a Catholic priest and I don't handle confessions. He replied back to me that he knew that. In fact, he said: "I am a Catholic priest." I was shocked. Here I had been trying to preach Christianity to a priest. What in the world was happening here? The priest began to share his story of being a missionary for the church for over 12 years to south and Central America and Mexico and even in New York's 'Hell's Kitchen.' When he was released from the hospital he needed a place to go to recover and rather than let him go to stay with a Catholic family, I told my dad that we should invite him to come out and live with us in the country along with our families and Mohamed. It was agreed by all that he would so, he moved out right away. During the trip out to our home, I talked with the priest about some of the concepts of beliefs in Islam and to my surprise he agreed and then shared even more about this with me. I was shocked when he told me that Catholic priests actually study Islam and some even carry doctors degrees in this subject. This was all very enlightening to me. But there was still a lot more to come. After settling in, we all began to gather around the kitchen table after dinner every night to discuss religion. My father would bring his King James Version of the Bible, I would bring out my Revised Standard Version of the Bible, my wife had another version of the Bible (maybe something like Jimmy Swaggart's 'Good News For Modern Man." The priest of course, had the Catholic Bible which has 7 more books in it that the Protestant Bible. So we spent more time talking about which Bible was the right one or the most correct one, than we did trying to convince Mohamed about becoming a Christian. At one point I recall asking him about the Quran and how many versions of it there were in the last 1,400 years. He told me that there was only ONE QURAN. And that it had never been changed. Yet he let me know that the Quran had been memorized by hundreds of thousands of people, in it's entirety and were scattered about the earth in many different countries. Over the centuries since the Quran was revealed millions have memorized it completely and have taught it to others who have memorized it completely, from cover to cover, letter perfect without mistakes. This did not seem possible to me. After all, the original languages of the Bible have all been dead languages for centuries and the documents themselves have been lost in their originals for hundreds and thousands of years. So, how could it be that something like this could be so easy to preserve and to recite from cover to cover. Anyway, one day the priest asked the Mohamed if he might accompany him to the mosque to see what it was like there. They came back talking about their experience there and we could not wait to ask the priest what it was like and what all types of ceremonies they performed. He said they didn't really 'do' anything. They just came and prayed and left. I said: "They left? Without any speeches or singing?" He said that was right. A few more days went by and the Catholic priest asked Mohamed if he might join him again for a trip to the mosque which they did. But this time it was different. They did not come back for a very long time. It became dark and we worried that something might have happened to them. Finally they arrived and when they came in the door I immediately recognized Mohamed, but who was this alongside of him? Someone wearing a white robe and a white cap. Hold on a minute! It was the priest. I said to him: "Pete? -- Did you become a 'Moslem?' He said that he had entered into Islam that very day. THE PRIEST BECAME A MUSLIM!! What next? (You'll see). So, I went upstairs to think things over a bit and began to talk to my wife about the whole subject. She then told me that she too was going to enter into Islam, because she knew it was the truth. I was really shocked now. I went downstairs and woke up Mohamed and asked him to come outside with me for a discussion. We walked and talked that whole night through. By the time he was ready to pray Fajr (the morning prayer of the Muslims) I knew that the truth had come at last and now it was up to me to do my part. I went out back behind my father's house and found an old piece of plywood lying under an overhang and right there I put my head down on the ground facing the direction that the Muslims pray five times a day. Now then in that position, with my body stretched out on the plywood and my head on the ground, I asked: "O God. If you are there, guide me, guide me." And then after a while I raised up my head and I noticed something. No, I didn't see birds or angels coming out of the sky nor did I hear voices or music, nor did I see bright lights and flashes. What I did notice was a change inside of me. I was aware now more than ever before that it was time for me to stop lying and cheating and doing sneaky business deals. It was time that I really work at being an honest and upright man. I knew now what I had to do. So I went upstairs and took a shower with the distinct idea that I was 'washing' away the sinful old person that I had become over the years. And I was now coming into a new, fresh life. A life based on truth

Will you read this part of my book and tell me if you want more? Jessica Yates woke with the morning sun glaring in her eyes. The wind blew her white sheer linen drapes, and the birds chirped their little songs. Getting up out of bed, she glanced out to look upon the lovely spring view. Living in Tularosa, New Mexico is exceptionally enjoyable. Everyone knew everyone, and the town kept their roots close to their hearts. The Apache Indians, who founded the town in the late 1800‘s, built a ditch irrigation system, from the Rio Tularosa, that allowed them to farm throughout the bayou. This allowed Jess to look upon a stunning view with gardens in bloom and trees of almost every species you can think of. Jess found that the view encouraged her to go on her morning jog. After getting dressed in sweat pants and a tee shirt Jess did some stretches and started down the apartment stairs. The runs always woke her mind, and energized her body. Coming around the corner, she came upon the park her parents use to take her before the separation. Jess’s mind began to spin with memories of her childhood. In the beginning, her parents where happy, Angela and Robert Yates where the talk of the town. They were both successful people, and they created an happy family, while other families seemed to be breaking apart. Jess remembered that her dad would come in, and swing her mother around; Then he would give her a big kiss, and look at her with a love that seemed to be never dying. They would have weekly family outings to the nearby famous towns like, Ruidoso, New Mexico, or they would go to the bayou, on the south east of town. There they would go to the White Sands National Monument and slide down the huge sand dunes, created by sands washed down from the mountains. Eventually everything faded out, and her parents seemed to change. The look of love in her dad’s eyes faded more and more as the days went by. One day when Jess came home from school, her dad had all his bags packed at the door. Her mother sat on the couch crying and mumbling, “Why her, how could something like this happen to us.” Jess ran to her dad and latched on to his leg, “Don’t go dad, why you leaving?” tears in her eyes and trying to understand the situation, Jess looked up at her father. He bent down and kissed her on the top of her head, “Baby, this is the only way we can be happy again, sorry I just can’t be here anymore.” Pushing his daughter off of him he walked out. That was the last time Jess saw her father. He sent cards for special occasions, but never made an appearance. Jess, only 8 years old, had to learn to take care of herself. Her mother spiraled into a deep depression, which led her to drink, and pop pills to ease the pain. At school Jess only had one person to call a friend, Natalie. Jess let Natalie become her rock during desperate times. As The years passed by, they formed a tight relationship. Upon graduating High School they got a job at McDonalds. Ready to be on her own, Jess decided to get an apartment with Natalie. It wasn’t long that Jess wanted something bigger than McDonalds. Putting a plan together, with Natalie, for a business, they began advancing their futures. When they finished the business proposal and government paperwork for a grant, they became owners of the only bookstore in Tularosa. Now Natalie and herself were taking their very first vacation. Natalie went with her parents to Hawaii, while Jess stayed at home by herself. The vacation was coming to an end, and Natalie was due to be back sometime today. She didn’t notice that she stopped jogging, or that there was a man who watched her intensively. He was captivated by her beauty, and the emotions that radiated off of her as she stood there in a dazed like position. He kept watching her as she seemed to come back to reality, and start running again. Finishing up she did more stretches, and embraced the air conditioner when she stood in her apartment. Her vacation was anything but fun. Although it was a small town Natalie was Jess’ only friend. Consequently her vacation was full of movie marathons and house cleaning. Anticipating the moment when Natalie would be home, Jess decided to take a shower to pass up the time. When she finished up, she looked at herself in the mirror while blow drying her hair. It took her forever to grow her auburn hair to the mid back, and she was planning on growing it a few more inches before cutting it. Her face was a thin oval shape with wide, round chestnut eyes, and a mouth that seemed to complement the rest of her face. Putting on her clothes she thought about how the doctor told her during her last visit, “You need to start gaining weight before the wind blows to hard, and carries you away. There is too much stress in your life, and if you don’t slow down your going to die at the age of 50.” I know the doctor is right, she thought, but there is no way I can slow down. With my mother, and my business I have no free time. Sighing she headed for the livi

What do you think of my Story... Twilight Saga knock-off. Other writers please read.? P.S... i do not intend on getting this story published. i am writing it solely for my personal pleasure. ps... i know that no one is likely to do this, but PLEASE don't steal my story. thank you again. :)

Information on Argentine Tegus? I've done as much research on these guys as possible. I've talked to my local exotics only store (ONLY deals with exotic reptiles/amphibians, birds,& Insects) The guy that they have me talk to is a Tegu owner, and his are pretty much puppy dogs. He let me handle his full grown male red and he was a doll baby.They also INSIST you handle the animal you plan on purchasing otherwise they will not allow it. He allows his free roam of his house for hours, they leave his dog alone, and he's YET to be bitten by a full grown adult. He has full grown Reds, B&W's, and Blues. He recommends either a Red or a B&W (blues he said in his experience are very skittish). He explained enclosures, lighting, and handling and feeding to me. All something I'm able to handle. And the full grown adult red was heavy, but very calm, and easy to handle. I'm looking to get a male Tegu. They often have Red/B&W crosses available, and they offer a great price. I'm thinking either a Red Male or a B&W Male...(I actually like the larger size range of them compared to the Blues. I'm not crazy on small fast moving adult sized lizards. The babies are quick, but he said most adults are pretty slow moving and docile) Any information would be great..maybe I missed something in my education on them?? Fill me in on your experience.. (Please no "Know what you're getting into" crap. I understand I'll be investing on a lizard that easily lives 15-20 years on average if properly taken care of, and that they reach large lengths and can be pretty heavy. I've done my research. Just asking for info I might have missed. With ANY animal be it a reptile, bird, dog or cat, you can easily be injured severly...so I know the risk of a large animal. I plan on regular handling. )

Bertrand - To Kill A Mockingbird?

Poll: Did you like The Oddysey or The Iliad better? I liked the Iliad better. This was my favorite part: Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another. And which of the gods was it that set them on to quarrel? It was the son of Jove and Leto; for he was angry with the king and sent a pestilence upon the host to plague the people, because the son of Atreus had dishonoured Chryses his priest. Now Chryses had come to the ships of the Achaeans to free his daughter, and had brought with him a great ransom: moreover he bore in his hand the sceptre of Apollo wreathed with a suppliant's wreath and he besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two sons of Atreus, who were their chiefs. "Sons of Atreus," he cried, "and all other Achaeans, may the gods who dwell in Olympus grant you to sack the city of Priam, and to reach your homes in safety; but free my daughter, and accept a ransom for her, in reverence to Apollo, son of Jove." On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away. "Old man," said he, "let me not find you tarrying about our ships, nor yet coming hereafter. Your sceptre of the god and your wreath shall profit you nothing. I will not free her. She shall grow old in my house at Argos far from her own home, busying herself with her loom and visiting my couch; so go, and do not provoke me or it shall be the worse for you." The old man feared him and obeyed. Not a word he spoke, but went by the shore of the sounding sea and prayed apart to King Apollo whom lovely Leto had borne. "Hear me," he cried, "O god of the silver bow, that protectest Chryse and holy Cilla and rulest Tenedos with thy might, hear me oh thou of Sminthe. If I have ever decked your temple with garlands, or burned your thigh-bones in fat of bulls or goats, grant my prayer, and let your arrows avenge these my tears upon the Danaans." Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. He came down furious from the summits of Olympus, with his bow and his quiver upon his shoulder, and the arrows rattled on his back with the rage that trembled within him. He sat himself down away from the ships with a face as dark as night, and his silver bow rang death as he shot his arrow in the midst of them. First he smote their mules and their hounds, but presently he aimed his shafts at the people themselves, and all day long the pyres of the dead were burning. For nine whole days he shot his arrows among the people, but upon the tenth day Achilles called them in assembly- moved thereto by Juno, who saw the Achaeans in their death-throes and had compassion upon them. Then, when they were got together, he rose and spoke among them. "Son of Atreus," said he, "I deem that we should now turn roving home if we would escape destruction, for we are being cut down by war and pestilence at once. Let us ask some priest or prophet, or some reader of dreams (for dreams, too, are of Jove) who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo is so angry, and say whether it is for some vow that we have broken, or hecatomb that we have not offered, and whether he will accept the savour of lambs and goats without blemish, so as to take away the plague from us." With these words he sat down, and Calchas son of Thestor, wisest of augurs, who knew things past present and to come, rose to speak. He it was who had guided the Achaeans with their fleet to Ilius, through the prophesyings with which Phoebus Apollo had inspired him. With all sincerity and goodwill he addressed them thus:- "Achilles, loved of heaven, you bid me tell you about the anger of King Apollo, I will therefore do so; but consider first and swear that you will stand by me heartily in word and deed, for I know that I shall offend one who rules the Argives with might, to whom all the Achaeans are in subjection. A plain man cannot stand against the anger of a king, who if he swallow his displeasure now, will yet nurse revenge till he has wreaked it. Consider, therefore, whether or no you will protect me." And Achilles answered, "Fear not, but speak as it is borne in upon you from heaven, for by Apollo, Calchas, to whom you pray, and whose oracles you reveal to us, not a Danaan at our ships shall lay his hand upon you, while I yet live to look upon the face of the earth- no, not though you name Agamemnon himself, who is by far the foremost of the Achaeans." Thereon the seer spoke boldly. "The god," he said, "is angry neither about vow nor hecatomb, but for his priest's sake, whom Agamemnon has dishonoured, in that he would not free his daughter nor take a ransom for her; therefore has he sent these evils upon us, and will yet send others. He will not deliver the Danaans from this pestilence till Agamemnon has restored the girl without fee or ransom to her father, and has sent a holy hecatomb to Chryse. Thus we may perhaps appease him." With these words he sat down, and Agamemnon rose in anger. His heart was black with rage, and his eyes flashed fire as he scowled on Calchas and said, "Seer of evil, you never yet prophesied smooth things concerning me, but have ever loved to foretell that which was evil. You have brought me neither comfort nor performance; and now you come seeing among Danaans, and saying that Apollo has plagued us because I would not take a ransom for this girl, the daughter of Chryses. I have set my heart on keeping her in my own house, for I love her better even than my own wife Clytemnestra, whose peer she is alike in form and feature, in understanding and accomplishments. Still I will give her up if I must, for I would have the people live, not die; but you must find me a prize instead, or I alone among the Argives shall be without one. This is not well; for you behold, all of you, that my prize is to go elsewhither." And Achilles answered, "Most noble son of Atreus, covetous beyond all mankind, how shall the Achaeans find you another prize? We have no common store from which to take one. Those we took from the cities have been awarded; we cannot disallow the awards that have been made already. Give this girl, therefore, to the god, and if ever Jove grants us to sack the city of Troy we will requite you three and fourfold." Then Agamemnon said, "Achilles, valiant though you be, you shall not thus outwit me. You shall not overreach and you shall not persuade me. Are you to keep your own prize, while I sit tamely under my loss and give up the girl at your bidding? Let the Achaeans find me a prize in fair exchange to my liking, or I will come and take your own, or that of Ajax or of Ulysses; and he to whomsoever I may come shall rue my coming. But of this we will take thought hereafter; for the present, let us draw a ship into the sea, and find a crew for her expressly; let us put a hecatomb on board, and let us send Chryseis also; further, let some chief man among us be in command, either Ajax, or Idomeneus, or yourself, son of Peleus, mighty warrior that you are, that we may offer sacrifice and appease the the anger of the god." Achilles scowled at him and answered, "You are steeped in insolence and lust of gain. With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, either on foray or in open fighting? I came not warring here for any ill the Trojans had done me. I have no quarrel with them. They have not raided my cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on the rich plains of Phthia; for between me and them there is a great space, both mountain and sounding sea. We have followed you, Sir Insolence! for your pleasure, not ours- to gain satisfaction from the Trojans for your shameless self and for Menelaus. You forget this, and threaten to rob me of the prize for which I have toiled, and which the sons of the Achaeans have given me. Never when the Achaeans sack any rich city of the Trojans do I receive so good a prize as you do, though it is my hands that do the better part of the fighting. When the sharing comes, your share is far the largest, and I, forsooth, must go back to my ships, take what I can get and be thankful, when my labour of fighting is done. Now, therefore, I shall go back to Phthia; it will be much better for me to return home with my ships, for I will not stay here dishonoured to gather gold and substance for you." And Agamemnon answered, "Fly if you will, I shall make you no prayers to stay you. I have others here who will do me honour, and above all Jove, the lord of counsel. There is no king here so hateful to me as you are, for you are ever quarrelsome and ill affected. What though you be brave? Was it not heaven that made you so? Go home, then, with your ships and comrades to lord it over the Myrmidons. I care neither for you nor for your anger; and thus will I do: since Phoebus Apollo is taking Chryseis from me, I shall send her with my ship and my followers, but I shall come to your tent and take your own prize Briseis, that you may learn how much stronger I am than you are, and that another may fear to set himself up as equal or comparable with me." The son of Peleus was furious, and his heart within his shaggy breast was divided whether to draw his sword, push the others aside, and kill the son of Atreus, or to restrain himself and check his anger. While he was thus in two minds, and was drawing his mighty sword from its scabbard, Minerva came down from heaven (for Juno had sent her in the love she bore to them both), and seized the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, visible to him alone, for of the others no man could see her. Achilles turned in amaze, and by the fire that flashed from her eyes at once knew that she was Minerva. "Why are you here," said he, "daughter of aegis-bearing Jove? To see the pride of Agamemnon, son of Atreus? Let me tell you- and it shall surely be- he shall pay for this insolence with his life." And Minerva said, "I come from heaven, if you will hear me, to bid you stay your anger. Juno has sent me, who cares for both of you alike. Cease, then, this brawling, and do not draw your sword; rail at him if you will, and your railing will not be vain, for I tell you- and it shall surely be- that you shall hereafter receive gifts three times as splendid by reason of this present insult. Hold, therefore, and obey." "Goddess," answered Achilles, "however angry a man may be, he must do as you two command him. This will be best, for the gods ever hear the prayers of him who has obeyed them." He stayed his hand on the silver hilt of his sword, and thrust it back into the scabbard as Minerva bade him. Then she went back to Olympus among the other gods, and to the house of aegis-bearing Jove. But the son of Peleus again began railing at the son of Atreus, for he was still in a rage. "Wine-bibber," he cried, "with the face of a dog and the heart of a hind, you never dare to go out with the host in fight, nor yet with our chosen men in ambuscade. You shun this as you do death itself. You had rather go round and rob his prizes from any man who contradicts you. You devour your people, for you are king over a feeble folk; otherwise, son of Atreus, henceforward you would insult no man. Therefore I say, and swear it with a great oath- nay, by this my sceptre which shalt sprout neither leaf nor shoot, nor bud anew from the day on which it left its parent stem upon the mountains- for the axe stripped it of leaf and bark, and now the sons of the Achaeans bear it as judges and guardians of the decrees of heaven- so surely and solemnly do I swear that hereafter they shall look fondly for Achilles and shall not find him. In the day of your distress, when your men fall dying by the murderous hand of Hector, you shall not know how to help them, and shall rend your heart with rage for the hour when you offered insult to the bravest of the Achaeans." With this the son of Peleus dashed his gold-bestudded sceptre on the ground and took his seat, while the son of Atreus was beginning fiercely from his place upon the other side. Then uprose smooth-tongued Nestor, the facile speaker of the Pylians, and the words fell from his lips sweeter than honey. Two generations of men born and bred in Pylos had passed away under his rule, and he was now reigning over the third. With all sincerity and goodwill, therefore, he addressed them thus:- "Of a truth," he said, "a great sorrow has befallen the Achaean land. Surely Priam with his sons would rejoice, and the Trojans be glad at heart if they could hear this quarrel between you two, who are so excellent in fight and counsel. I am older than either of you; therefore be guided by me. Moreover I have been the familiar friend of men even greater than you are, and they did not disregard my counsels. Never again can I behold such men as Pirithous and Dryas shepherd of his people, or as Caeneus, Exadius, godlike Polyphemus, and Theseus son of Aegeus, peer of the immortals. These were the mightiest men ever born upon this earth: mightiest were they, and when they fought the fiercest tribes of mountain savages they utterly overthrew them. I came from distant Pylos, and went about among them, for they would have me come, and I fought as it was in me to do. Not a man now living could withstand them, but they heard my words, and were persuaded by them. So be it also with yourselves, for this is the more excellent way. Therefore, Agamemnon, though you be strong, take not this girl away, for the sons of the Achaeans have already given her to Achilles; and you, Achilles, strive not further with the king, for no man who by the grace of Jove wields a sceptre has like honour with Agamemnon. You are strong, and have a goddess for your mother; but Agamemnon is stronger than you, for he has more people under him. Son of Atreus, check your anger, I implore you; end this quarrel with Achilles, who in the day of battle is a tower of strength to the Achaeans." And Agamemnon answered, "Sir, all that you have said is true, but this fellow must needs become our lord and master: he must be lord of all, king of all, and captain of all, and this shall hardly be. Granted that the gods have made him a great warrior, have they also given him the right to speak with railing?" Achilles interrupted him. "I should be a mean coward," he cried, "were I to give in to you in all things. Order other people about, not me, for I shall obey no longer. Furthermore I say- and lay my saying to your heart- I shall fight neither you nor any man about this girl, for those that take were those also that gave. But of all else that is at my ship you shall carry away nothing by force. Try, that others may see; if you do, my spear shall be reddened with your blood." When they had quarrelled thus angrily, they rose, and broke up the assembly at the ships of the Achaeans. The son of Peleus went back to his tents and ships with the son of Menoetius and his company, while Agamemnon drew a vessel into the water and chose a crew of twenty oarsmen. He escorted Chryseis on board and sent moreover a hecatomb for the god. And Ulysses went as captain. These, then, went on board and sailed their ways over the sea. But the son of Atreus bade the people purify themselves; so they purified themselves and cast their filth into the sea. Then they offered hecatombs of bulls and goats without blemish on the sea-shore, and the smoke with the savour of their sacrifice rose curling up towards heaven. Thus did they busy themselves throughout the host. But Agamemnon did not forget the threat that he had made Achilles, and called his trusty messengers and squires Talthybius and Eurybates. "Go," said he, "to the tent of Achilles, son of Peleus; take Briseis by the hand and bring her hither; if he will not give her I shall come with others and take her- which will press him harder." He charged them straightly further and dismissed them, whereon they went their way sorrowfully by the seaside, till they came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons. They found Achilles sitting by his tent and his ships, and ill-pleased he was when he beheld them. They stood fearfully and reverently before him, and never a word did they speak, but he knew them and said, "Welcome, heralds, messengers of gods and men; draw near; my quarrel is not with you but with Agamemnon who has sent you for the girl Briseis. Therefore, Patroclus, bring her and give her to them, but let them be witnesses by the blessed gods, by mortal men, and by the fierceness of Agamemnon's anger, that if ever again there be need of me to save the people from ruin, they shall seek and they shall not find. Agamemnon is mad with rage and knows not how to look before and after that the Achaeans may fight by their ships in safety." Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him. He brought Briseis from the tent and gave her over to the heralds, who took her with them to the ships of the Achaeans- and the woman was loth to go. Then Achilles went all alone by the side of the hoar sea, weeping and looking out upon the boundless waste of waters. He raised his hands in prayer to his immortal mother, "Mother," he cried, "you bore me doomed to live but for a little season; surely Jove, who thunders from Olympus, might have made that little glorious. It is not so. Agamemnon, son of Atreus, has done me dishonour, and has robbed me of my prize by force." As he spoke he wept aloud, and his mother heard him where she was sitting in the depths of the sea hard by the old man her father. Forthwith she rose as it were a grey mist out of the waves, sat down before him as he stood weeping, caressed him with her hand, and said, "My son, why are you weeping? What is it that grieves you? Keep it not from me, but tell me, that we may know it together." Achilles drew a deep sigh and said, "You know it; why tell you what you know well already? We went to Thebe the strong city of Eetion, sacked it, and brought hither the spoil. The sons of the Achaeans shared it duly among themselves, and chose lovely Chryseis as the meed of Agamemnon; but Chryses, priest of Apollo, came to the ships of the Achaeans to free his daughter, and brought with him a great ransom: moreover he bore in his hand the sceptre of Apollo, wreathed with a suppliant's wreath, and he besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two sons of Atreus who were their chiefs. "On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away. So he went back in anger, and Apollo, who loved him dearly, heard his prayer. Then the god sent a deadly dart upon the Argives, and the people died thick on one another, for the arrows went everywhither among the wide host of the Achaeans. At last a seer in the fulness of his knowledge declared to us the oracles of Apollo, and I was myself first to say that we should appease him. Whereon the son of Atreus rose in anger, and threatened that which he has since done. The Achaeans are now taking the girl in a ship to Chryse, and sending gifts of sacrifice to the god; but the heralds have just taken from my tent the daughter of Briseus, whom the Achaeans had awarded to myself. "Help your brave son, therefore, if you are able. Go to Olympus, and if you have ever done him service in word or deed, implore the aid of Jove. Ofttimes in my father's house have I heard you glory in that you alone of the immortals saved the son of Saturn from ruin, when the others, with Juno, Neptune, and Pallas Minerva would have put him in bonds. It was you, goddess, who delivered him by calling to Olympus the hundred-handed monster whom gods call Briareus, but men Aegaeon, for he is stronger even than his father; when therefore he took his seat all-glorious beside the son of Saturn, the other gods were afraid, and did not bind him. Go, then, to him, remind him of all this, clasp his knees, and bid him give succour to the Trojans. Let the Achaeans be hemmed in at the sterns of their ships, and perish on the sea-shore, that they may reap what joy they may of their king, and that Agamemnon may rue his blindness in offering insult to the foremost of the Achaeans." Thetis wept and answered, "My son, woe is me that I should have borne or suckled you. Would indeed that you had lived your span free from all sorrow at your ships, for it is all too brief; alas, that you should be at once short of life and long of sorrow above your peers: woe, therefore, was the hour in which I bore you; nevertheless I will go to the snowy heights of Olympus, and tell this tale to Jove, if he will hear our prayer: meanwhile stay where you are with your ships, nurse your anger against the Achaeans, and hold aloof from fight. For Jove went yesterday to Oceanus, to a feast among the Ethiopians, and the other gods went with him. He will return to Olympus twelve days hence; I will then go to his mansion paved with bronze and will beseech him; nor do I doubt that I shall be able to persuade him." On this she left him, still furious at the loss of her that had been taken from him. Meanwhile Ulysses reached Chryse with the hecatomb. When they had come inside the harbour they furled the sails and laid them in the ship's hold; they slackened the forestays, lowered the mast into its place, and rowed the ship to the place where they would have her lie; there they cast out their mooring-stones and made fast the hawsers. They then got out upon the sea-shore and landed the hecatomb for Apollo; Chryseis also left the ship, and Ulysses led her to the altar to deliver her into the hands of her father. "Chryses," said he, "King Agamemnon has sent me to bring you back your child, and to offer sacrifice to Apollo on behalf of the Danaans, that we may propitiate the god, who has now brought sorrow upon the Argives." So saying he gave the girl over to her father, who received her gladly, and they ranged the holy hecatomb all orderly round the altar of the god. They washed their hands and took up the barley-meal to sprinkle over the victims, while Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud on their behalf. "Hear me," he cried, "O god of the silver bow, that protectest Chryse and holy Cilla, and rulest Tenedos with thy might. Even as thou didst hear me aforetime when I prayed, and didst press hardly upon the Achaeans, so hear me yet again, and stay this fearful pestilence from the Danaans." Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal, they drew back the heads of the victims and killed and flayed them. They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, set some pieces of raw meat on the top of them, and then Chryses laid them on the wood fire and poured wine over them, while the young men stood near him with five-pronged spits in their hands. When the thigh-bones were burned and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon the spits, roasted them till they were done, and drew them off: then, when they had finished their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, pages filled the mixing-bowl with wine and water and handed it round, after giving every man his drink-offering. Thus all day long the young men worshipped the god with song, hymning him and chaunting the joyous paean, and the god took pleasure in their voices; but when the sun went down, and it came on dark, they laid themselves down to sleep by the stern cables of the ship, and when the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they again set sail for the host of the Achaeans. Apollo sent them a fair wind, so they raised their mast and hoisted their white sails aloft. As the sail bellied with the wind the ship flew through the deep blue water, and the foam hissed against her bows as she sped onward. When they reached the wide-stretching host of the Achaeans, they drew the vessel ashore, high and dry upon the sands, set her strong props beneath her, and went their ways to their own tents and ships. But Achilles abode at his ships and nursed his anger. He went not to the honourable assembly, and sallied not forth to fight, but gnawed at his own heart, pining for battle and the war-cry. Now after twelve days the immortal gods came back in a body to Olympus, and Jove led the way. Thetis was not unmindful of the charge her son had laid upon her, so she rose from under the sea and went through great heaven with early morning to Olympus, where she found the mighty son of Saturn sitting all alone upon its topmost ridges. She sat herself down before him, and with her left hand seized his knees, while with her right she caught him under the chin, and besought him, saying- "Father Jove, if I ever did you service in word or deed among the immortals, hear my prayer, and do honour to my son, whose life is to be cut short so early. King Agamemnon has dishonoured him by taking his prize and keeping her. Honour him then yourself, Olympian lord of counsel, and grant victory to the Trojans, till the Achaeans give my son his due and load him with riches in requital." Jove sat for a while silent, and without a word, but Thetis still kept firm hold of his knees, and besought him a second time. "Incline your head," said she, "and promise me surely, or else deny me- for you have nothing to fear- that I may learn how greatly you disdain me." At this Jove was much troubled and answered, "I shall have trouble if you set me quarrelling with Juno, for she will provoke me with her taunting speeches; even now she is always railing at me before the other gods and accusing me of giving aid to the Trojans. Go back now, lest she should find out. I will consider the matter, and will bring it about as wish. See, I incline my head that you believe me. This is the most solemn that I can give to any god. I never recall my word, or deceive, or fail to do what I say, when I have nodded my head." As he spoke the son of Saturn bowed his dark brows, and the ambrosial locks swayed on his immortal head, till vast Olympus reeled. When the pair had thus laid their plans, they parted- Jove to his house, while the goddess quitted the splendour of Olympus, and plunged into the depths of the sea. The gods rose from their seats, before the coming of their sire. Not one of them dared to remain sitting, but all stood up as he came among them. There, then, he took his seat. But Juno, when she saw him, knew that he and the old merman's daughter, silver-footed Thetis, had been hatching mischief, so she at once began to upbraid him. "Trickster," she cried, "which of the gods have you been taking into your counsels now? You are always settling matters in secret behind my back, and have never yet told me, if you could help it, one word of your intentions." "Juno," replied the sire of gods and men, "you must not expect to be informed of all my counsels. You are my wife, but you would find it hard to understand them. When it is proper for you to hear, there is no one, god or man, who will be told sooner, but when I mean to keep a matter to myself, you must not pry nor ask questions." "Dread son of Saturn," answered Juno, "what are you talking about? I? Pry and ask questions? Never. I let you have your own way in everything. Still, I have a strong misgiving that the old merman's daughter Thetis has been talking you over, for she was with you and had hold of your knees this self-same morning. I believe, therefore, that you have been promising her to give glory to Achilles, and to kill much people at the ships of the Achaeans." "Wife," said Jove, "I can do nothing but you suspect me and find it out. You will take nothing by it, for I shall only dislike you the more, and it will go harder with you. Granted that it is as you say; I mean to have it so; sit down and hold your tongue as I bid you for if I once begin to lay my hands about you, though all heaven were on your side it would profit you nothing." On this Juno was frightened, so she curbed her stubborn will and sat down in silence. But the heavenly beings were disquieted throughout the house of Jove, till the cunning workman Vulcan began to try and pacify his mother Juno. "It will be intolerable," said he, "if you two fall to wrangling and setting heaven in an uproar about a pack of mortals. If such ill counsels are to prevail, we shall have no pleasure at our banquet. Let me then advise my mother- and she must herself know that it will be better- to make friends with my dear father Jove, lest he again scold her and disturb our feast. If the Olympian Thunderer wants to hurl us all from our seats, he can do so, for he is far the strongest, so give him fair words, and he will then soon be in a good humour with us." As he spoke, he took a double cup of nectar, and placed it in his mother's hand. "Cheer up, my dear mother," said he, "and make the best of it. I love you dearly, and should be very sorry to see you get a thrashing; however grieved I might be, I could not help for there is no standing against Jove. Once before when I was trying to help you, he caught me by the foot and flung me from the heavenly threshold. All day long from morn till eve, was I falling, till at sunset I came to ground in the island of Lemnos, and there I lay, with very little life left in me, till the Sintians came and tended me." Juno smiled at this, and as she smiled she took the cup from her son's hands. Then Vulcan drew sweet nectar from the mixing-bowl, and served it round among the gods, going from left to right; and the blessed gods laughed out a loud applause as they saw him ing bustling about the heavenly mansion. Thus through the livelong day to the going down of the sun they feasted, and every one had his full share, so that all were satisfied. Apollo struck his lyre, and the Muses lifted up their sweet voices, calling and answering one another. But when the sun's glorious light had faded, they went home to bed, each in his own abode, which lame Vulcan with his consummate skill had fashioned for them. So Jove, the Olympian Lord of Thunder, hied him to the bed in which he always slept; and when he had got on to it he went to sleep, with Juno of the golden throne by his side. Now the other gods and the armed warriors on the plain slept soundly, but Jove was wakeful, for he was thinking how to do honour to Achilles, and destroyed much people at the ships of the Achaeans. In the end he deemed it would be best to send a lying dream to King Agamemnon; so he called one to him and said to it, "Lying Dream, go to the ships of the Achaeans, into the tent of Agamemnon, and say to him word to word as I now bid you. Tell him to get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for he shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans." The dream went when it had heard its message, and soon reached the ships of the Achaeans. It sought Agamemnon son of Atreus and found him in his tent, wrapped in a profound slumber. It hovered over his head in the likeness of Nestor, son of Neleus, whom Agamemnon honoured above all his councillors, and said:- "You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the welfare of his host and so much other care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at once, for I come as a messenger from Jove, who, though he be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this, and when you wake see that it does not escape you." The dream then left him, and he thought of things that were, surely not to be accomplished. He thought that on that same day he was to take the city of Priam, but he little knew what was in the mind of Jove, who had many another hard-fought fight in store alike for Danaans and Trojans. Then presently he woke, with the divine message still ringing in his ears; so he sat upright, and put on his soft shirt so fair and new, and over this his heavy cloak. He bound his sandals on to his comely feet, and slung his silver-studded sword about his shoulders; then he took the imperishable staff of his father, and sallied forth to the ships of the Achaeans. The goddess Dawn now wended her way to vast Olympus that she might herald day to Jove and to the other immortals, and Agamemnon sent the criers round to call the people in assembly; so they called them and the people gathered thereon. But first he summoned a meeting of the elders at the ship of Nestor king of Pylos, and when they were assembled he laid a cunning counsel before them. "My friends," said he, "I have had a dream from heaven in the dead of night, and its face and figure resembled none but Nestor's. It hovered over my head and said, 'You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the welfare of his host and so much other care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at once, for I am a messenger from Jove, who, though he be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities you. He bids you get the Achaeans instantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought them over to her own mind, and woe betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this.' The dream then vanished and I awoke. Let us now, therefore, arm the sons of the Achaeans. But it will be well that I should first sound them, and to this end I will tell them to fly with their ships; but do you others go about among the host and prevent their doing so." He then sat down, and Nestor the prince of Pylos with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: "My friends," said he, "princes and councillors of the Argives, if any other man of the Achaeans had told us of this dream we should have declared it false, and would have had nothing to do with it. But he who has seen it is the foremost man among us; we must therefore set about getting the people under arms." With this he led the way from the assembly, and the other sceptred kings rose with him in obedience to the word of Agamemnon; but the people pressed forward to hear. They swarmed like bees that sally from some hollow cave and flit in countless throng among the spring flowers, bunched in knots and clusters; even so did the mighty multitude pour from ships and tents to the assembly, and range themselves upon the wide-watered shore, while among them ran Wildfire Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging them ever to the fore. Thus they gathered in a pell-mell of mad confusion, and the earth groaned under the tramp of men as the people sought their places. Nine heralds went crying about among them to stay their tumult and bid them listen to the kings, till at last they were got into their several places and ceased their clamour. Then King Agamemnon rose, holding his sceptre. This was the work of Vulcan, who gave it to Jove the son of Saturn. Jove gave it to Mercury, slayer of Argus, guide and guardian. King Mercury gave it to Pelops, the mighty charioteer, and Pelops to Atreus, shepherd of his people. Atreus, when he died, left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left it to be borne by Agamemnon, that he might be lord of all Argos and of the isles. Leaning, then, on his sceptre, he addressed the Argives. "My friends," he said, "heroes, servants of Mars, the hand of heaven has been laid heavily upon me. Cruel Jove gave me his solemn promise that I should sack the city of Priam before returning, but he has played me false, and is now bidding me go ingloriously back to Argos with the loss of much people. Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many a proud city in the dust, as he will yet lay others, for his power is above all. It will be a sorry tale hereafter that an Achaean host, at once so great and valiant, battled in vain against men fewer in number than themselves; but as yet the end is not in sight. Think that the Achaeans and Trojans have sworn to a solemn covenant, and that they have each been numbered- the Trojans by the roll of their householders, and we by companies of ten; think further that each of our companies desired to have a Trojan householder to pour out their wine; we are so greatly more in number that full many a company would have to go without its cup-bearer. But they have in the town allies from other places, and it is these that hinder me from being able to sack the rich city of Ilius. Nine of Jove years are gone; the timbers of our ships have rotted; their tackling is sound no longer. Our wives and little ones at home look anxiously for our coming, but the work that we came hither to do has not been done. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say: let us sail back to our own land, for we shall not take Troy." With these words he moved the hearts of the multitude, so many of them as knew not the cunning counsel of Agamemnon. They surged to and fro like the waves of the Icarian Sea, when the east and south winds break from heaven's clouds to lash them; or as when the west wind sweeps over a field of corn and the ears bow beneath the blast, even so were they swayed as they flew with loud cries towards the ships, and the dust from under their feet rose heavenward. They cheered each other on to draw the ships into the sea; they cleared the channels in front of them; they began taking away the stays from underneath them, and the welkin rang with their glad cries, so eager were they to return. Then surely the Argives would have returned after a fashion that was not fated. But Juno said to Minerva, "Alas, daughter of aegis-bearing Jove, unweariable, shall the Argives fly home to their own land over the broad sea, and leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea." Minerva was not slack to do her bidding. Down she darted from the topmost summits of Olympus, and in a moment she was at the ships of the Achaeans. There she found Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, standing alone. He had not as yet laid a hand upon his ship, for he was grieved and sorry; so she went close up to him and said, "Ulysses, noble son of Laertes, are you going to fling yourselves into your ships and be off home to your own land in this way? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many of the Achaeans have died at Troy, far from their homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not their ships into the sea." Ulysses knew the voice as that of the goddess: he flung his cloak from him and set off to run. His servant Eurybates, a man of Ithaca, who waited on him, took charge of the cloak, whereon Ulysses went straight up to Agamemnon and received from him his ancestral, imperishable staff. With this he went about among the ships of the Achaeans. Whenever he met a king or chieftain, he stood by him and spoke him fairly. "Sir," said he, "this flight is cowardly and unworthy. Stand to your post, and bid your people also keep their places. You do not yet know the full mind of Agamemnon; he was sounding us, and ere long will visit the Achaeans with his displeasure. We were not all of us at the council to hear what he then said; see to it lest he be angry and do us a mischief; for the pride of kings is great, and the hand of Jove is with them." But when he came across any common man who was making a noise, he struck him with his staff and rebuked him, saying, "Sirrah, hold your peace, and listen to better men than yourself. You are a coward and no soldier; you are nobody either in fight or council; we cannot all be kings; it is not well that there should be many masters; one man must be supreme- one king to whom the son of scheming Saturn has given the sceptre of sovereignty over you all." Thus masterfully did he go about among the host, and the people hurried back to the council from their tents and ships with a sound as the thunder of surf when it comes crashing down upon the shore, and all the sea is in an uproar. The rest now took their seats and kept to their own several places, but Thersites still went on wagging his unbridled tongue- a man of many words, and those unseemly; a monger of sedition, a railer against all who were in authority, who cared not what he said, so that he might set the Achaeans in a laugh. He was the ugliest man of all those that came before Troy- bandy-legged, lame of one foot, with his two shoulders rounded and hunched over his chest. His head ran up to a point, but there was little hair on the top of it. Achilles and Ulysses hated him worst of all, for it was with them that he was most wont to wrangle; now, however, with a shrill squeaky voice he began heaping his abuse on Agamemnon. The Achaeans were angry and disgusted, yet none the less he kept on brawling and bawling at the son of Atreus. "Agamemnon," he cried, "what ails you now, and what more do you want? Your tents are filled with bronze and with fair women, for whenever we take a town we give you the pick of them. Would you have yet more gold, which some Trojan is to give you as a ransom for his son, when I or another Achaean has taken him prisoner? or is it some young girl to hide and lie with? It is not well that you, the ruler of the Achaeans, should bring them into such misery. Weakling cowards, women rather than men, let us sail home, and leave this fellow here at Troy to stew in his own meeds of honour, and discover whether we were of any service to him or no. Achilles is a much better man than he is, and see how he has treated him- robbing him of his prize and keeping it himself. Achilles takes it meekly and shows no fight; if he did, son of Atreus, you would never again insult him." Thus railed Thersites, but Ulysses at once went up to him and rebuked him sternly. "Check your glib tongue, Thersites," said be, "and babble not a word further. Chide not with princes when you have none to back you. There is no viler creature come before Troy with the sons of Atreus. Drop this chatter about kings, and neither revile them nor keep harping about going home. We do not yet know how things are going to be, nor whether the Achaeans are to return with good success or evil. How dare you gibe at Agamemnon because the Danaans have awarded him so many prizes? I tell you, therefore- and it shall surely be- that if I again catch you talking such nonsense, I will either forfeit my own head and be no more called father of Telemachus, or I will take you, strip you stark naked, and whip you out of the assembly till you go blubbering back to the ships." On this he beat him with his staff about the back and shoulders till he dropped and fell a-weeping. The golden sceptre raised a bloody weal on his back, so he sat down frightened and in pain, looking foolish as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The people were sorry for him, yet they laughed heartily, and one would turn to his neighbour saying, "Ulysses has done many a good thing ere now in fight and council, but he never did the Argives a better turn than when he stopped this fellow's mouth from prating further. He will give the kings no more of his insolence." Thus said the people. Then Ulysses rose, sceptre in hand, and Minerva in the likeness of a herald bade the people be still, that those who were far off might hear him and consider his council. He therefore with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus:- "King Agamemnon, the Achaeans are for making you a by-word among all mankind. They forget the promise they made you when they set out from Argos, that you should not return till you had sacked the town of Troy, and, like children or widowed women, they murmur and would set off homeward. True it is that they have had toil enough to be disheartened. A man chafes at having to stay away from his wife even for a single month, when he is on shipboard, at the mercy of wind and sea, but it is now nine long years that we have been kept here; I cannot, therefore, blame the Achaeans if they turn restive; still we shall be shamed if we go home empty after so long a stay- therefore, my friends, be patient yet a little longer that we may learn whether the prophesyings of Calchas were false or true. "All who have not since perished must remember as though it were yesterday or the day before, how the ships of the Achaeans were detained in Aulis when we were on our way hither to make war on Priam and the Trojans. We were ranged round about a fountain offering hecatombs to the gods upon their holy altars, and there was a fine plane-tree from beneath which there welled a stream of pure water. Then we saw a prodigy; for Jove sent a fearful serpent out of the ground, with blood-red stains upon its back, and it darted from under the altar on to the plane-tree. Now there was a brood of young sparrows, quite small, upon the topmost bough, peeping out from under the leaves, eight in all, and their mother that hatched them made nine. The serpent ate the poor cheeping things, while the old bird flew about lamenting her little ones; but the serpent threw his coils about her and caught her by the wing as she was screaming. Then, when he had eaten both the sparrow and her young, the god who had sent him made him become a sign; for the son of scheming Saturn turned him into stone, and we stood there wondering at that which had come to pass. Seeing, then, that such a fearful portent had broken in upon our hecatombs, Calchas forthwith declared to us the oracles of heaven. 'Why, Achaeans,' said he, 'are you thus speechless? Jove has sent us this sign, long in coming, and long ere it be fulfilled, though its fame shall last for ever. As the serpent ate the eight fledglings and the sparrow that hatched them, which makes nine, so shall we fight nine years at Troy, but in the tenth shall take the town.' This was what he said, and now it is all coming true. Stay here, therefore, all of you, till we take the city of Priam." On this the Argives raised a shout, till the ships rang again with the uproar. Nestor, knight of Gerene, then addressed them. "Shame on you," he cried, "to stay talking here like children, when you should fight like men. Where are our covenants now, and where the oaths that we have taken? Shall our counsels be flung into the fire, with our drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship wherein we have put our trust? We waste our time in words, and for all our talking here shall be no further forward. Stand, therefore, son of Atreus, by your own steadfast purpose; lead the Argives on to battle, and leave this handful of men to rot, who scheme, and scheme in vain, to get back to Argos ere they have learned whether Jove be true or a liar. For the mighty son of Saturn surely promised that we should succeed, when we Argives set sail to bring death and destruction upon the Trojans. He showed us favourable signs by flashing his lightning on our right hands; therefore let none make haste to go till he has first lain with the wife of some Trojan, and avenged the toil and sorrow that he has suffered for the sake of Helen. Nevertheless, if any man is in such haste to be at home again, let him lay his hand to his ship that he may meet his doom in the sight of all. But, O king, consider and give ear to my counsel, for the word that I say may not be neglected lightly. Divide your men, Agamemnon, into their several tribes and clans, that clans and tribes may stand by and help one another. If you do this, and if the Achaeans obey you, you will find out who, both chiefs and peoples, are brave, and who are cowards; for they will vie against the other. Thus you shall also learn whether it is through the counsel of heaven or the cowardice of man that you shall fail to take the town." And Agamemnon answered, "Nestor, you have again outdone the sons of the Achaeans in counsel. Would, by Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I had among them ten more such councillors, for the city of King Priam would then soon fall beneath our hands, and we should sack it. But the son of Saturn afflicts me with bootless wranglings and strife. Achilles and I are quarrelling about this girl, in which matter I was the first to offend; if we can be of one mind again, the Trojans will not stave off destruction for a day. Now, therefore, get your morning meal, that our hosts join in fight. Whet well your spears; see well to the ordering of your shields; give good feeds to your horses, and look your chariots carefully over, that we may do battle the livelong day; for we shall have no rest, not for a moment, till night falls to part us. The bands that bear your shields shall be wet with the sweat upon your shoulders, your hands shall weary upon your spears, your horses shall steam in front of your chariots, and if I see any man shirking the fight, or trying to keep out of it at the ships, there shall be no help for him, but he shall be a prey to dogs and vultures." Thus he spoke, and the Achaeans roared applause. As when the waves run high before the blast of the south wind and break on some lofty headland, dashing against it and buffeting it without ceasing, as the storms from every quarter drive them, even so did the Achaeans rise and hurry in all directions to their ships. There they lighted their fires at their tents and got dinner, offering sacrifice every man to one or other of the gods, and praying each one of them that he might live to come out of the fight. Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed a fat five-year-old bull to the mighty son of Saturn, and invited the princes and elders of his host. First he asked Nestor and King Idomeneus, then the two Ajaxes and the son of Tydeus, and sixthly Ulysses, peer of gods in counsel; but Menelaus came of his own accord, for he knew how busy his brother then was. They stood round the bull with the barley-meal in their hands, and Agamemnon prayed, saying, "Jove, most glorious, supreme, that dwellest in heaven, and ridest upon the storm-cloud, grant that the sun may not go down, nor the night fall, till the palace of Priam is laid low, and its gates are consumed with fire. Grant that my sword may pierce the shirt of Hector about his heart, and that full many of his comrades may bite the dust as they fall dying round him." Thus he prayed, but the son of Saturn would not fulfil his prayer. He accepted the sacrifice, yet none the less increased their toil continually. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal upon the victim, they drew back its head, killed it, and then flayed it. They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and set pieces of raw meat on the top of them. These they burned upon the split logs of firewood, but they spitted the inward meats, and held them in the flames to cook. When the thigh-bones were burned, and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon spits, roasted them till they were done, and drew them off; then, when they had finished their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Nestor, knight of Gerene, began to speak. "King Agamemnon," said he, "let us not stay talking here, nor be slack in the work that heaven has put into our hands. Let the heralds summon the people to gather at their several ships; we will then go about among the host, that we may begin fighting at once." Thus did he speak, and Agamemnon heeded his words. He at once sent the criers round to call the people in assembly. So they called them, and the people gathered thereon. The chiefs about the son of Atreus chose their men and marshalled them, while Minerva went among them holding her priceless aegis that knows neither age nor death. From it there waved a hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven, and each one of them worth a hundred oxen. With this she darted furiously everywhere among the hosts of the Achaeans, urging them forward, and putting courage into the heart of each, so that he might fight and do battle without ceasing. Thus war became sweeter in their eyes even than returning home in their ships. As when some great forest fire is raging upon a mountain top and its light is seen afar, even so as they marched the gleam of their armour flashed up into the firmament of heaven. They were like great flocks of geese, or cranes, or swans on the plain about the waters of Cayster, that wing their way hither and thither, glorying in the pride of flight, and crying as they settle till the fen is alive with their screaming. Even thus did their tribes pour from ships and tents on to the plain of the Scamander, and the ground rang as brass under the feet of men and horses. They stood as thick upon the flower-bespangled field as leaves that bloom in summer. As countless swarms of flies buzz around a herdsman's homestead in the time of spring when the pails are drenched with milk, even so did the Achaeans swarm on to the plain to charge the Trojans and destroy them. The chiefs disposed their men this way and that before the fight began, drafting them out as easily as goatherds draft their flocks when they have got mixed while feeding; and among them went King Agamemnon, with a head and face like Jove the lord of thunder, a waist like Mars, and a chest like that of Neptune. As some great bull that lords it over the herds upon the plain, even so did Jove make the son of Atreus stand peerless among the multitude of heroes. And now, O Muses, dwellers in the mansions of Olympus, tell me- for you are goddesses and are in all places so that you see all things, while we know nothing but by report- who were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans? As for the common soldiers, they were so that I could not name every single one of them though I had ten tongues, and though my voice failed not and my heart were of bronze within me, unless you, O Olympian Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, were to recount them to me. Nevertheless, I will tell the captains of the ships and all the fleet together. Peneleos, Leitus, Arcesilaus, Prothoenor, and Clonius were captains of the Boeotians. These were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis, and who held Schoenus, Scolus, and the highlands of Eteonus, with Thespeia, Graia, and the fair city of Mycalessus. They also held Harma, Eilesium, and Erythrae; and they had Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon; Ocalea and the strong fortress of Medeon; Copae, Eutresis, and Thisbe the haunt of doves; Coronea, and the pastures of Haliartus; Plataea and Glisas; the fortress of Thebes the less; holy Onchestus with its famous grove of Neptune; Arne rich in vineyards; Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon upon the sea. From these there came fifty ships, and in each there were a hundred and twenty young men of the Boeotians. Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Mars, led the people that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenus the realm of Minyas. Astyoche a noble maiden bore them in the house of Actor son of Azeus; for she had gone with Mars secretly into an upper chamber, and he had lain with her. With these there came thirty ships. The Phoceans were led by Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of mighty Iphitus the son of Naubolus. These were they that held Cyparissus, rocky Pytho, holy Crisa, Daulis, and Panopeus; they also that dwelt in Anemorea and Hyampolis, and about the waters of the river Cephissus, and Lilaea by the springs of the Cephissus; with their chieftains came forty ships, and they marshalled the forces of the Phoceans, which were stationed next to the Boeotians, on their left. Ajax, the fleet son of Oileus, commanded the Locrians. He was not so great, nor nearly so great, as Ajax the son of Telamon. He was a little man, and his breastplate was made of linen, but in use of the spear he excelled all the Hellenes and the Achaeans. These dwelt in Cynus, Opous, Calliarus, Bessa, Scarphe, fair Augeae, Tarphe, and Thronium about the river Boagrius. With him there came forty ships of the Locrians who dwell beyond Euboea. The fierce Abantes held Euboea with its cities, Chalcis, Eretria, Histiaea rich in vines, Cerinthus upon the sea, and the rock-perched town of Dium; with them were also the men of Carystus and Styra; Elephenor of the race of Mars was in command of these; he was son of Chalcodon, and chief over all the Abantes. With him they came, fleet of foot and wearing their hair long behind, brave warriors, who would ever strive to tear open the corslets of their foes with their long ashen spears. Of these there came fifty ships. And they that held the strong city of Athens, the people of great Erechtheus, who was born of the soil itself, but Jove's daughter, Minerva, fostered him, and established him at Athens in her own rich sanctuary. There, year by year, the Athenian youths worship him with sacrifices of bulls and rams. These were commanded by Menestheus, son of Peteos. No man living could equal him in the marshalling of chariots and foot soldiers. Nestor could alone rival him, for he was older. With him there came fifty ships. Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis, and stationed them alongside those of the Athenians. The men of Argos, again, and those who held the walls of Tiryns, with Hermione, and Asine upon the gulf; Troezene, Eionae, and the vineyard lands of Epidaurus; the Achaean youths, moreover, who came from Aegina and Mases; these were led by Diomed of the loud battle-cry, and Sthenelus son of famed Capaneus. With them in command was Euryalus, son of king Mecisteus, son of Talaus; but Diomed was chief over them all. With these there came eighty ships. Those who held the strong city of Mycenae, rich Corinth and Cleonae; Orneae, Araethyrea, and Licyon, where Adrastus reigned of old; Hyperesia, high Gonoessa, and Pellene; Aegium and all the coast-land round about Helice; these sent a hundred ships under the command of King Agamemnon, son of Atreus. His force was far both finest and most numerous, and in their midst was the king himself, all glorious in his armour of gleaming bronze- foremost among the heroes, for he was the greatest king, and had most men under him. And those that dwelt in Lacedaemon, lying low among the hills, Pharis, Sparta, with Messe the haunt of doves; Bryseae, Augeae, Amyclae, and Helos upon the sea; Laas, moreover, and Oetylus; these were led by Menelaus of the loud battle-cry, brother to Agamemnon, and of them there were sixty ships, drawn up apart from the others. Among them went Menelaus himself, strong in zeal, urging his men to fight; for he longed to avenge the toil and sorrow that he had suffered for the sake of Helen. The men of Pylos and Arene, and Thryum where is the ford of the river Alpheus; strong Aipy, Cyparisseis, and Amphigenea; Pteleum, Helos, and Dorium, where the Muses met Thamyris, and stilled his minstrelsy for ever. He was returning from Oechalia, where Eurytus lived and reigned, and boasted that he would surpass even the Muses, daughters of aegis-bearing Jove, if they should sing against him; whereon they were angry, and maimed him. They robbed him of his divine power of song, and thenceforth he could strike the lyre no more. These were commanded by Nestor, knight of Gerene, and with him there came ninety ships. And those that held Arcadia, under the high mountain of Cyllene, near the tomb of Aepytus, where the people fight hand to hand; the men of Pheneus also, and Orchomenus rich in flocks; of Rhipae, Stratie, and bleak Enispe; of Tegea and fair Mantinea; of Stymphelus and Parrhasia; of these King Agapenor son of Ancaeus was commander, and they had sixty ships. Many Arcadians, good soldiers, came in each one of them, but Agamemnon found them the ships in which to cross the sea, for they were not a people that occupied their business upon the waters. The men, moreover, of Buprasium and of Elis, so much of it as is enclosed between Hyrmine, Myrsinus upon the sea-shore, the rock Olene and Alesium. These had four leaders, and each of them had ten ships, with many Epeans on board. Their captains were Amphimachus and Thalpius- the one, son of Cteatus, and the other, of Eurytus- both of the race of Actor. The two others were Diores, son of Amarynces, and Polyxenus, son of King Agasthenes, son of Augeas. And those of Dulichium with the sacred Echinean islands, who dwelt beyond the sea off Elis; these were led by Meges, peer of Mars, and the son of valiant Phyleus, dear to Jove, who quarrelled with his father, and went to settle in Dulichium. With him there came forty ships. Ulysses led the brave Cephallenians, who held Ithaca, Neritum with its forests, Crocylea, rugged Aegilips, Samos and Zacynthus, with the mainland also that was over against the islands. These were led by Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, and with him there came twelve ships. Thoas, son of Andraemon, commanded the Aetolians, who dwelt in Pleuron, Olenus, Pylene, Chalcis by the sea, and rocky Calydon, for the great king Oeneus had now no sons living, and was himself dead, as was also golden-haired Meleager, who had been set over the Aetolians to be their king. And with Thoas there came forty ships. The famous spearsman Idomeneus led the Cretans, who held Cnossus, and the well-walled city of Gortys; Lyctus also, Miletus and Lycastus that lies upon the chalk; the populous towns of Phaestus and Rhytium, with the other peoples that dwelt in the hundred cities of Crete. All these were led by Idomeneus, and by Meriones, peer of murderous Mars. And with these there came eighty ships. Tlepolemus, son of Hercules, a man both brave and large of stature, brought nine ships of lordly warriors from Rhodes. These dwelt in Rhodes which is divided among the three cities of Lindus, Ielysus, and Cameirus, that lies upon the chalk. These were commanded by Tlepolemus, son of Hercules by Astyochea, whom he had carried off from Ephyra, on the river Selleis, after sacking many cities of valiant warriors. When Tlepolemus grew up, he killed his father's uncle Licymnius, who had been a famous warrior in his time, but was then grown old. On this he built himself a fleet, gathered a great following, and fled beyond the sea, for he was menaced by the other sons and grandsons of Hercules. After a voyage. during which he suffered great hardship, he came to Rhodes, where the people divided into three communities, according to their tribes, and were dearly loved by Jove, the lord, of gods and men; wherefore the son of Saturn showered down great riches upon them. And Nireus brought three ships from Syme- Nireus, who was the handsomest man that came up under Ilius of all the Danaans after the son of Peleus- but he was a man of no substance, and had but a small following. And those that held Nisyrus, Crapathus, and Casus, with Cos, the city of Eurypylus,