text:
THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF HEALTHCARE JOBS ON EARTH
Supports PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, XLS, WPD, HTM, HTML files up to 5 MB
The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) seeks applications for a diagnostic Anatomic Pathologist position. MVDL exists as a bureau within the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the ..
**Description:** **Providence is calling a Registered Nurse - Quality Specialist (Quality Assurance Dept,Day Shift,1.0) to Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula,Montana. We are a community of caregivers delivering every ..
**Overview** **At Kalispell Regional Healthcare,our mission is to improve the health,comfort,and life of those we serve. We believe in a better future for healthcare. With more than 4,000 employees,we ..
Required Pacemaker Electrophysiology RN
To assist clinic providers and staff in the deliverance and coordination of patient care, in order to facilitate patient satisfaction, clinic efficiency, and provider productivity
A clinic ..
We need you in our growing company! We are searching for the following positions: Hospice Aide (PRN), Registered Nurse (PRN), and Chaplain (PRN).
If you are passionate about impacting ..
Director, Clinical Project Scientist - Oncology
Janssen Research and Development, L.L.C., a member of Johnson & Johnson's Family of Companies, with a specific focus on the field of ..
... is a national leader in healthcare staffing recognized by Staffing Industry ... one of the nation's largest healthcare staffing firms. Our goal is ... goal is to simplify the..
Job Description **This position will typically be scheduled for three 8 hour day shifts per payperiod. Additionally,this position fills in for all shifts as needed and weekend coverage as ..
This posting is for students currently enrolled in a program who have already scheduled their rotations at Billings Clinic.
If you are interested in a clinical rotation at Billings Clinic, please ..
The incumbent in this position is responsible for performing all functions of a registered respiratory therapist for both critical and non-critical areas and procedures. Based on therapy driven protocols, ..
School Psychologist JobID: 1696 Position Type: Student Support Services/Psychologist Date Posted: 7/26/2018 Location: All Schools Date Available: 08/27/2018 Closing Date: Open until filled Â Â School Psychologist Live,work and ..
Operating Room/Ambulatory Care/MedSurg opening in Glendive, Montana. This and other rn jobs brought to you by NursingJobCafe.comSpecialty: RN-Medical Surgical-TravelLocations: Glendive, MontanaShift: DayDuration: 13 weeksStart Date: ASAPJob DescriptiontRegistered nurses in this specialty ..
Required Medical Laboratory Technician/MT
Night shift - Lab Tech.
Prefer someone with EPIC/Beaker experience.
Patient blood draws are part of this job.
Demonstrates knowledge regarding manual and automated cell counts on ..
Prosthetist and/or Orthotist Clinician (CPO, CO, CP, Board Eligible) Job LocationUS-MT-Billings Why Us? As a Prosthetist and/or Orthotist, you have dedicated yourself to improving the lives of the patients ..
Gathers and synthesizes clinical information in order to authorize services. Reviews health care services to determine consistency with contract requirements, coverage policies and evidence-based medical necessity criteria. Collects and ..
Specialty: LVN/LPNLocations: Glendive, MontanaShift: DayDuration: 13 weeksStart Date: ASAPJob DescriptiontEscort and prepare patients in exam room, take vital signs and obtain medical historytAssist doctor during appointmentstPerform standard diagnostic procedures including: EKG, ..
RN – Quality Assurance','207502','Full-time','Day','Quality Nursing','Montana-Missoula','','!*!Providence is calling a Registered Nurse - Quality Specialist (Quality Assurance Dept, Day Shift, 1.0) to Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana. We are a community ..
REMOTE EPIC BEAKER ANALYST CTG • Billings MT 59101 ... #810775807 Title: REMOTE EPIC BEAKER ANALYST Location: United States Job Number: ... an Epic Certified CP Beaker Analyst in preparation..
REMOTE EPIC BEAKER ANALYST CTG • Helena MT 59626 ... #810775808 Title: REMOTE EPIC BEAKER ANALYST Location: United States Job Number: ... an Epic Certified CP Beaker Analyst in preparation..
The Healthcare Informaticist will be responsible for changing the culture within the designated service line related to the implementation of technology.
The Healthcare Informaticist serves as the primary technology resource for ..
/ To be considered for any DPHHS Agency position,applicants must complete and submit their application online,as well as upload any required application materials. Successful applicant(s) are required to successfully ..
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program
in the College of Health and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Montana invites applicants for a 9 month, full-time, tenure-track, assistant professor faculty ..
You. You bring your body, mind, heart and spirit to your work as a Physical Therapist. Your compassion is tangible: whether your patient is 18 or 85, they feel it in ..

domain: medical


text:
Myanmar to expand coffee plantation nationwide
Myanmar’s Department of Agriculture plans to expand coffee plantation to 300,000 acres nationwide within the next five years, starting in the 2023-2024 financial year.
The state-run media, the Global New Light of Myanmar, reported on Wednesday.
The report said Arabica coffee will be planted on 200,000 acres across four zones and Robusta coffee on 100,000 acres across three zones.
It cited U Myint Swe, director of the Coffee and Seasonal Crops Division of the Department of Agriculture.
It added that the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation is helping farmers by sharing knowledge and providing coffee seedlings and tools.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
A statement by the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, explained that the explosion was from an ammunition and missile depot.
Progress towards critical targets of the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030 has stalled, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease
The CIPP programme has helped mitigate violent conflict in at-risk communities and engaged women and youth in peace processes.
Tinubu continued Nigeria’s massive corruption by appointing treasury looter Atiku Bagudu to cabinet: U.S. Govt
“We must ensure that all the other 15 aspirants must come together to ensure we win the November 16 election,” said the Ondo governor.
Mr Oshodi also held that the alibi and the issue of extortion, which the convict relied on, did not hold water.
The National Population Commission says it has concluded the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in 22 of 25 LGAs in Oyo.

domain: news


text:
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones are chemicals that are secreted by the human endocrine system such as the pineal gland, the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. They act as messengers and are carried by the bloodstream to transport important information to specific cells in order to regulate body processes associated with reproduction, metabolism and growth.
Types of Sex Hormones
There are three main types of sex hormones. These are:
- Estrogen: Estrogen is secreted primarily by the female ovaries. It helps to stimulate the development of secondary sex characterises in females such as breasts and pubic hair. Some other important functions of estrogen are:
- Regulates the menstrual cycle while helping to promote growth of the inner lining of the uterus during the cycle.
- Improves lubrication of the vagina and thickens the vaginal wall.
- Prevents osteoporosis by increasing bone formation.
- Maintains the health of the cardiovascular system and reduces blood pressure by relaxing the lining of blood vessels and preventing the deposition of plaque.
- Helps improve mental health, learning abilities and memory.
- Progesterone: Progesterone is also formed in the ovaries after ovulation. Some of its important functions are:
- Maintains a balance with estrogen to stimulate growth of the breasts, regulate the menstrual cycle, and prevent side effects caused by the increase in estrogen.
- Prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy.
- Acts as a natural anti-depressant and promotes sound sleep.
- Helps the body get rid of excess of water since it is a natural diuretic.
- Relieves menopausal symptoms, joint pain and fatigue.
- Normalizes blood sugar levels.
- Testosterone: Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is important for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This hormone is also found in women, but in very low amounts. Low testosterone levels in men cause aging while excessive secretion of this hormone in women leads to acne, a deep husky voice, excessive facial growth, and so on. A few of the functions of testosterone are:
- Stimulates the formation of the male reproductive organs.
- Increases the synthesis of protein and enhances muscle mass.
- Promotes endurance which helps with physical activity and exercise.
- Helps prevent heart disease by keeping cholesterol levels in check.
Why Are Hormones Important For Your Body?
The formation and secretion of hormones is essential for the healthy functioning of the body. Hormones stimulate growth, control the immune system, and regulate metabolism, sexual functions, and the reproductive cycle. They work to repair, rejuvenate and restore your body. As you age, the hormone levels tend to decline, reducing the body’s capacity to work optimally. This hormonal imbalance can have serious negative effects on the health of the affected person.
What Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
It has become essential for both women and men to keep their hormones in balance to protect against aging and to enjoy an overall sense of well-being. Physical exercise and diet do play an important role in balancing the hormones, but they alone are not effective. For optimal health, you need a bio-identical hormone replacement therapy that helps to naturally stimulate your hormone levels.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is an innovative technology for treating hormonal imbalance. This therapy helps to restore your body’s balance of important hormones, which in turn reduces the effects of stress, signs of early menopause and other age related problems.
Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones that are secreted by your own body. They are obtained from soy and other natural plant sources. The human body easily recognizes these hormones and uses them for the regulation of various bodily functions.

domain: chemistry


text:
Key West Boutique
13499 S Cleveland Ave # 247, Fort Myers, FL 33907, USA
| +1 239-482-1875
Key West Style in Cape CoralBrowse the shelves of Key West Boutique in Cape Coral, Florida, to find unique gifts, decorative home accessories, a large selection of Vera Bradley purses, Key West Aloe, and gourmet, hand-dipped chocolates.
If you are heading to a birthday party or special occasion, the Key West Boutique carries all sorts of thoughtful gifts that mirror the laid-back and luxurious lifestyle of the Florida Keys.
The boutique is located in Bell Tower Shops, a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Lee County, Florida.

domain: geography


text:
The Celebrity Big Brother 2017 housemates have nominated again and the first SPOILERS are in....
Last night's live show saw the latest exit and it was Stacy Francis who was evicted from Celebrity Big Brother 2017.
Stacy faced eviction alongside all of Speidi, Nicola McLean, Coleen Nolan, Jedward, Kim Woodburn, Jessica Cunningham and Jamie O'Hara in a mega eviction on Tuesday night.
After chatting to Stacy, host Emma Willis revealed that this Friday night would see a double eviction a week before next Friday's final.
Housemates nominated face to face last night (Tuesday) straight after Stacy's eviction but it wasn't straight forward.
James Cosmo was safe thanks to his eternal immunity and we already knew Speidi that will face the axe due to their eternal nomination.
The housemates took part in a special nominations card game in order to determine who else would be up.
Housemates each had to randomly pick and turn over a card which would show one of three faces:
- Nominate: The housemate had to nominate another housemate for eviction to their face.
- Save: The housemate had the power to save another housemate from eviction. They could not pick Speidi or any other housemate already nominated.
- Joker: The housemate did nothing.
The first nomination spoilers have filtered through with it being revealed that Coleen Nolan is SAFE and Jessica Cunningham is up for eviction after being nominated for Coleen.
Furthermore, Bianca Gascoigne is up for eviction after being nominated by Jedward, while Jamie O'Hara is SAFE after being saved by Bianca.
Bianca and Jessica therefore join Speidi in currently facing Friday's double eviction.
The full results of nominations will be revealed later today (Wednesday) and the nominations twist and eviction fallout from Stacy's exit will play out in tonight's highlights show at 9PM on Channel 5.
Who are you hoping is up for eviction this Friday night? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @tellymix!
Celebrity Big Brother 2017 continues nightly on Channel 5.
The Celebrity Big Brother final airs on Friday, February 3 after 32 days.


text:
Answered By: Lisa Raymond Last Updated: Sep 19, 2016 Views: 1478
When planning your U.S. residency(ies), note that Walden typically offers academic residencies in Georgia, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Maryland and California.
See the Residency calendar for your program for specific locations.
Walden residency locations are determined based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, state and national accreditation/licensing guidelines, geographic locations of students in Walden residency programs, and meeting space size and availability. We carefully research and select our residency cities and venues and work to offer you several domestic and international options which vary from year-to-year. While we may not be able to offer an academic residency in close proximity to your state/country of residence, we carefully consider your travel and budgetary concerns as we develop our calendar.
Cities in these and any other states are selected based on the above criteria, as well as flight availability and access to and from major airports across the country and around the globe.
Walden also offers some residency opportunities outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states (for students in select doctoral programs). These unique opportunities (previously offered in San Jose, Costa Rica; London, England; Paris, France; Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; and Istanbul, Turkey) provide you with the opportunity to engage in cultural activities before or after your residency sessions.
Please note, residencies outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states are available for students in select doctoral programs. Fees for these residencies, if available for your program, vary based on location and are higher.


Presidential Elections: Support Dr.Meira Kumar
Bihar and Jharkhand governments have no choice but to support Dr.Meira Kumar. As defeat of "Bihar ki Beti" will invariably bring Shame to the Biharis and Jharkhandis (or erstwhile unified Bihar). Do you think that, people of Bihar will leave Nitish Kumar Scott - free, if Dr.Meira Kumar loses ? So, Nitish Kumar has very little option left but to support, Dr.Meira Kumar.
Moreover, if Nitish Kumar wants to fall in the BJP's well calculated electoral TRAP no one can save him in the next election.
Also, I am surprised to see Mr.Navin Pattanayak, so easily chewing the RSS bait. Orissa is a state, where there is large chunk of Tribal Christian voters loyal to the BJD (Biju Janata Dal). I am still to fathom, BJD's sudden electoral gamble of siding with the RSS and the BJP; when Mr.Pattanayak has been maintaining distance from them since some time.
Besides, the election of Dr.Meira Kumar, who is educated, experienced and very sober, might also correct some of the historical mistakes of not making her father, the Prime Minister of India.
Also, I don't think all the Muslim and Christian MPs and MLAs from the TDP and TRS will ever support a RSS backed Candidate, who acted against Dalit Christian and Muslin reservations. Therefore, invariably cross voting will take place, which might give the underdog, Ms.Kumar, a win. Support Dr.Meira Kumar, give a conscience vote and make her the 2nd Female President of India.
All the best to Dr.Meira Kumar.....👍✌
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Gold curbs to arrest CAD hit West Bengal’s artisans hard
[Editor: As expected the poor artisans of this sector are hit the most, especially at a time when the inflation is too high and the unemployment rate is increasing. P Chidambarams' draconian methods, will now perhaps completely destroy the Gems and Jewellery sector, like many others like, Infrastructure, Power, Real Estate, Automobile, Ceramics, etc. etc. The general elections are very near, and the affected people might show their anger in the ballot box]
KOLKATA: With elections round the corner, the Mamata Banerjee government is perturbed over artisans in gold trade losing jobs as there is hardly any work with jewellers due to supply crunch of the yellow metal.
The state supplies the best artisans in jewellery trade and nearly 1 crore people from the state are engaged in the trade.
Talking to ET, the state labour minister Purnendu Basu said, "If things take a turn for the worse, then we will try to find schemes where these artisans can be absorbed. It is a matter of great concern for us. Let's see what steps the Central government takes on gold. We will also talk to the state's jewellery trade to find out a way. We cannot allow artisans to remain jobless."
The jewellery trade employs nearly 3.5 crore ar artisans. Among them artisans from Bengal are famous for the their handmade jewellery, which are sold at a premium.
Nemichand Bamalwa, member, All Indian Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation said "Nearly 15 -20 lakh artisans from Bengal are jobless right now. If this situation continues for another two to three months then they will be forced to leave the profession and look for some other profession. But that too will be difficult for them.
As of now there is hardly any demand in gold and whatever minimum work is taking place is in the recycled categories where families are redesigning their old gold to meet immediate requirements." But there seems to be no respite for the gold trade immediately.
According to agency reports, revenue secretary Sumit Bose has said that review of gold curbs will take place by the end of March. India used to be the world's biggest importer of gold until 2012. But the swollen CAD forced the government to increase import duty on gold from 2% to 10% and rule.
"We are more concerned about the 80:20 rule that has resulted in increased smuggling of gold through the NRI route. This rule should be removed immediately if the sector has to survive. Otherwise many will lose their living," added Bamalwa.
On July 22 last year, the Reserve Bank of India had said that a fifth of the gold purchases by importers in every lot would have to be exclusively made available to exporters. It said only 80% of the imports could be used for domestic purposes, and that too for entities engaged in jewellery trade, bullion dealers and banks.
In fact, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to the commerce ministry to look into the matter following a meet with the All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation. Commenting on the outlook for gold, Sugandha Sachdeva, AVP (metals, energy and currency research), Religare Securities said "At MCX, Rs 29,650/10gm and Rs 29,900/10gm remain immediate supply zones, above which prices may soar towards Rs 30,500/10gm in near term. On the flip side, in case prices fail to breach the said levels, they can testRs 28,850-28,800/10gm on the lower side.
Courtesy: The Economic Times


Off-campus South Dakota State University users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your South Dakota State University ID and password.
Non-South Dakota State University users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Thesis - University Access Only
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Plum Creek is a tributary of the Bad River watershed and is located in the lower basin, which itself is one of the tributaries of the Missouri River. In this study, prevailing stability conditions and river dynamics of the lower mouth of Plum Creek, near the Bad River were evaluated, and comparisons of these conditions were made to those that may exist due to flow variability. The first part of study was conducted to classify Plum Creek based on Rosgen classification system to find the present stream type at selected segments. Three segments of the lower Plum Creek were selected for the evaluation of existing stability condition and river dynamics from the delineated watershed using available 7.5 minute (1.3 arc-second) USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Flow analysis was performed in HEC-RAS after geospatial analysis of the DEM in HECGeoRAS to create the required geometric data to analyze flow. Bankfull flow was determined analytically and used for flow analysis in HEC-RAS. Required hydraulic parameters to classify the stream and find the stability condition were obtained from flow analysis; and geomorphic parameters were determined processing the HEC-RAS result in HEC-GeoRAS in GIS environment. Discharge was varied according to flow variation to find if any changes on stream type, and existing stability conditions were observed. Overall stability of Plum Creek was evaluated based on Pfankuch stability evaluation method. Measured bed sediment size was taken from USGS station to find the flow dynamics of the Creek using Shield’s equation. Threshold depth and slope required to entrain 90th percentile size of bed material for the bankfull flow were calculated to determine if the existing depth and slope were sufficient to carry the available size of riverbed material without deposition. The study found the bankfull discharge to be 18 m3/s (640 fps) and flood prone discharge to be 210 m3/s (2260 fps). Lower Plum Creek was found to be a “C5c” type based on the Rosgen river classification, entrenchment ratio (ER) was greater than 2.2, width to depth (W/D) ratio greater than 12, and sinuosity was greater than 1.4 for all selected reaches. Pfankuch stability score was found to be in between 100 to 110. These results indicated that the selected reaches were in a moderately unstable, slightly entrenched, and meandered with high sinuosity, which indicates that, overall, the Creek is in a fair stable condition but inclined to poor condition. A change in flow is sufficient to change geomorphic parameters, however stream type and existing condition remains unchanged. Flow dynamics and competence analysis for known median d50 and d90 size showed that the available depth and slope for the bankfull flow was enough to carry the bed material without deposition under increased flow conditions.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Streamflow -- South Dakota -- Plum Creek
Stream measurements -- South Dakota -- Plum Creek
Sediment transport -- South Dakota -- Plum Creek
River channels -- South Dakota -- Stanley County
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-107)
Number of Pages
South Dakota State University
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Govinda, Karki, "A Study on the Effect of Flow Variation on the Existing Stability Conditions at the Lower Mouth of Plum Creek Stanley County, South Dakota" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1346.


text:
Nowadays, our minds are underneath so considerably strain. Mind secrets for grown-ups are a fantastic choice to help us manage handle this strain however likewise improving memory and insightfulness. These memory amusements are invigorating as well as they are instrumental in helping hold the mind dynamic and working at the most elevated attainable dimension.
Also significantly pressure makes the mind weaken. Memory misfortune is one specific result of this crumbling, which can be switched and settled with cerebrum mysteries. As Samuel Johnson after referenced, “The precise specialty of memory is the craft of intrigue.”
The cerebrum mystery recreations are made exceptionally for grown-ups who need to hold their minds dynamic and centered, and furthermore support their knowledge. It is a significant asset for these of us who have an inclination for Alzheimer’s Ailment or Dementia – or for these of us who simply need to avoid these crippling illnesses.
Instructor, essayist, and extremist Elie Wiesel won the Nobel Harmony Prize in 1986. The honor council named him “a delivery person to humanity.” Wiesel referenced, “…My significant distraction [is] memory, the kingdom of memory. I need to shield and advance that kingdom, laud that kingdom and serve it.”
Cerebrum amusements invigorate the memory and help to support our considering forms. They are exceptionally made to test memory capacities. They can likewise help us to consider subjects that in front of could have been hard for us to assimilate. Fields, for example, undertaking, science, religion, science, legislative issues, present issues, and even material science can be handled and rapidly comprehended. Certain mind mysteries can be chosen by whichever subjects are in your area of exact intrigue.
These amusements are a ton of pleasant to use in social conditions as pleasantly, for example, with a gathering of dear companions, with your relatives, or at a festival. It is a marvelous method to support social abilities. Upgrade your knowledge and relational abilities however reinforcing the bond you have with your relatives and dear companions.
Stop agonizing over overlooking clear things, similar to an arrangement or a birthday or commemoration. This carelessness is standard on the off chance that you are more than the age of 35, which is the age when the cerebrum begins to break down. Strain adds to this difficulty in an enormous manner, as does latency, such as playing out the equivalent tedious assignments pretty much consistently at the work environment, or at dwelling, for example. As is commonly said, “On the off chance that you nap, you shed.”
No more. Cerebrum secrets for grown-ups will hold your mind adapted, alert, and higher-working. Working out the mind is similarly as huge as working out the build. The additional advantages are pleasantly justified, despite all the trouble, as you will receive the additional rewards now as pleasantly as sometime down the road.

domain: psychology


Are you facing slow Internet connection at home? Having trouble connecting to your virtual meetings or playing online games? Well, do not worry, I’ve got you. There are certain ways that need to be done to ensure you get a smooth Internet connection. You can also apply to Time internet to get faster Internet services.
Before you begin, take the internet speed test. It’s not on the list of ten things, but it’s helpful in context. Use your first speed test result as a baseline and compare the results as you progress through the steps to see if it’s helping. You could also compare the results to the advertised maximum speed for your internet plan. That way, you’ll know whether your speeds are actually slow or if it’s simply time to upgrade to a faster plan.
Here are 4 simple ways to ensure your Internet speed is good:
- Restart your modem and router
- Unplug your modem or wireless gateway for 30 seconds, then re-plug it. This procedure allows the modem to eliminate any glitches.
- Your modem is responsible for converting internet signals between your home network and your internet service provider. A power cycle is a good place to start troubleshooting if your internet is acting up, as it frequently resolves connection issues.
- If you have a standalone router, repeat the process. A power cycle, like a modem, clears your router’s memory and gives it a fresh start on tasks that were previously clogging it up.
- Finally, disable Wi-Fi on all of your wireless devices. Wait a few seconds before turning Wi-Fi back on. Allow these devices to reconnect and test your connection to see if it improves.
- Switch your router to a better location
- Wi-Fi signals can only travel so far before being interrupted or blocked by walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, appliances, and basically any large physical object. Radio waves from other devices, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, microwaves, and Bluetooth speakers, can also disrupt these signals. The best location for your router is central and elevated, close to where you use the internet the most.
- Adjust the router’s antennas
- Many routers and wireless gateways have internal antennas, which are fixed to the device and cannot be adjusted. If that is the case, skip this step.
- However, if your router has adjustable antennas, try reconfiguring them. Router antennas are typically omnidirectional, sending signals in all directions perpendicular to the antenna. A vertical antenna, for example, transmits Wi-Fi signals horizontally and vice versa.
- If you need to spread Wi-Fi signals across multiple floors, adjusting an antenna to sit horizontally could help.
- Replace the equipment
- If either your router or modem isn’t up to the task of processing all of your internet data, it can slow down your entire network. So, if you’re working with older, out-of-date equipment, it’s time to upgrade.
- If you rent equipment from your internet provider, you have the option of requesting new units if you believe they are out of date especially if they are causing poor network performance. Internet service providers either provide a single wireless gateway or pair a standalone modem and a router.
- Purchasing your own modem and router could save you money in the long run, especially if you are currently renting both. A store-bought router, for example, usually gives you more control over your home network’s features, speeds, and security.


text:
The crisp mountain air is refreshing against Wei Wuxian's heated skin. He'll feel cold if he stays out here long enough, but between the wine in his belly and Lan Wangji's steady gaze on him, his whole body is warm. He stares out at the snowflakes drifting down in the cone of light from the open door, twirling in time to the music from the guqin. It's beautiful.
As the final notes of the haunting, nameless song hang in the air, Wei Wuxian swallows down the last of the wine and walks back into the warmth of the jingshi, limbs loose. Lan Wangji's eyes on him are like a warm blanket and also like a magnet, and he's just a collection of iron filings, powerless to resist the pull.
He sits down on the edge of the closest piece of furniture (Lan Wangji's bed, as it happens), and pulls off his boots. He flops back and stares up at the ceiling, thinks about asking Lan Wangji to play the song again. It would be an incredible indulgence, hearing it again so soon, letting the yearning notes wash over him as he lies in Lan Wangji's bed, surrounded by his scent, staring up at the same ceiling Lan Wangji must stare at on sleepless nights.
On the other side of the room, Lan Wangji draws the cover over the guqin and goes to sit at the table by his wardrobe. So much for the song, then. It's probably for the best if Wei Wuxian doesn't make too many needless requests. It's nice here; he doesn't want to wear out Lan Wangji's hospitality too soon.
He does prop himself up on his elbows, so he can watch Lan Wangji take down his hair. He's seen it a few times, now, and will happily watch again. The meticulous way Lan Wangji takes out each hairpiece and lays it aside, shedding all the layers of Hanguang-Jun one by one and becoming what Wei Wuxian privately thinks of as his Lan Zhan. He can't imagine it ever getting old.
Lan Wangji pauses with one hand on his hair tie and looks over his shoulder at Wei Wuxian. He watches Wei Wuxian for a minute, eyes warm.
Fuck, he's so beautiful, Wei Wuxian thinks, unable to look away, and then fast on that thought's heels, No one else should be able to see him like this. It doesn't feel – safe. Lan Wangji's gaze is far too open.
He lowers his hands from his hair, then wets his lips. "Would you like to help?"
Wei Wuxian is off the bed and across the room in a breath. "Yes," he says, emphatically. "Just tell me what to do."
Lan Wangji shakes his head minutely. "You've watched me. You know what to do." He bows his head slightly, and Wei Wuxian feels a mindless surge of affection for this man.
"I'll do my best." He comes up to stand behind him, and clasps his shoulders for a moment to disguise the way his hands are shaking. Lan Wangji's shoulders relax under his hands.
"Worst comes to worst, this will get hopelessly tangled and we'll just have to cut your hair off, eh, Lan Zhan? Hair grows back, nothing to worry about."
Lan Wangji clicks his tongue softly, but doesn't tense up again or lean away. Clearly he's not worried about worst coming to worst.
"Well, don't say I didn't warn you," Wei Wuxian grumbles. All this unasked-for trust makes him feel overexposed, which he has no idea what to do with. He runs his hands through the loose lower portion of Lan Wangji's hair a few times to make sure there are no tangles lurking. Of course, there are none.
First, comes the hair tie at the back of Lan Wangji's head. Wei Wuxian has never studied this ritual with the intent of performing it, but he has watched closely, and if he lets his hands work without thinking too much about it, they follow the right steps. Wei Wuxian carefully unties it and combs out the hair that was bound, setting the tie to one side. Lan Wangji picks it up and folds it neatly before sliding it into a drawer.
With the hair below it unbound, the filigree piece at the back of Lan Wangji's bun slides away easily. Wei Wuxian hands it off to Lan Wangji, who wraps it in a cloth and places it in a different drawer, then goes to work figuring out the smaller pieces on the sides. These are more structural, and he spends time working out the long pins carefully so he doesn't snag a hair and pull. With each new section of hair that's released, Wei Wuxian combs it out until it lies neatly with the rest of the loose hair.
When the side pieces are out, there's another tie to undo, but with the main front hairpiece still in, Wei Wuxian can only loosen it, not remove it entirely. He falls into a bit of the same trance of concentration he goes into when he's up late perfecting a new spell, loosening hair on one side, holding it tight on the other so it doesn't pull, following the traces of how Lan Wangji must have built this edifice of authority and grandeur so he can take it apart the same way.
Finally, all the remaining pieces are lined up on the table for Lan Wangji to put away. The forehead ribbon, disappearing under the hair at Lan Wangji's temples and tied securely just below the crown of his head, Wei Wuxian carefully leaves untouched. He's more or less sober now, just a tiny bit buzzed from the jar of wine, and he can't pretend he hasn't been educated about its meaning. As tempting as it is to take the ribbon off too, to uncover a version of Lan Zhan who doesn't belong to the cultivation world or to his clan or to anyone but him, Wei Wuxian leaves it alone. Tonight is so peaceful and nice; for once he feels like he can save needling Lan Wangji for another day.
Wei Wuxian gently cards Lan Wangji's unbound hair back from his forehead, arranging it carefully so it all falls in the same direction. He thinks about how his scalp sometimes aches after he takes his own hair out of its tie, and lets his fingers drag through Lan Wangji's hair with a little more pressure, massaging any aches away.
Lan Wangji lets out a soft, pleased hum, and Wei Wuxian scratches his fingernails lightly against Lan Wangji's scalp. Lan Wangji tips his head into it a little bit, and Wei Wuxian grins, impossibly fond. Lan Wangji looks so soft and present like this, more like a real person without all his hard edges, and Wei Wuxian was the one who made that happen. His hands still in Lan Wangji's hair, and he sighs happily.
Lan Wangji lets out his own sigh, a little tremulous, and then he – he – slides off the stool in one fluid motion and comes to rest on his knees at Wei Wuxian's feet. He lays a hand lightly on Wei Wuxian's knee and lays his forehead on his hand, breathing slowly, steadily.
Wei Wuxian is frozen for one long, crystalline moment, in which Lan Wangji just breathes and Wei Wuxian can't tear his eyes away but can't process what's just happened, either. In the next moment, reality comes crashing into him: that's Lan Zhan, kneeling, at his feet, this is really what's happening and they're really both here, doing. This.
Abruptly, a flock of butterflies erupts in Wei Wuxian's stomach and his knees give out as if the tendons were cut. He reaches out a hand behind him and finds the stool and collapses onto it. The motion does little to shift Lan Wangji, to Wei Wuxian's immediate and devastating relief. His feet feel like they're made of lead; he wouldn't dare move them and interrupt this for anything in the world.
Wei Wuxian pets Lan Wangji's hair again, and then lets his hand settle in the hair over the back of Lan Wangji's neck, where the strands are soft and warm between his fingers. He wishes someone would tell him what's happening.
Lan Wangji's head is pillowed on Wei Wuxian's knee now. He rolls his neck slowly, as if it costs him a great effort to unbury his face, and looks up at Wei Wuxian. His eyes are dark and crackling with intensity. Wei Wuxian's heart beats faster in his chest. He thinks, nonsensically, about pressing his thumb into the high spot of color on Lan Wangji's cheek.
"Tell me what you want, Wei Ying. Please." His voice is all low and rough, like he'd been holding the words in.
Wei Wuxian can hear his heart beating in his ears. He has no idea what Lan Wangji is thinking. It feels like he just skipped ahead three, four, ten, a hundred conversations from the one they'd been having, and now Wei Wuxian has to scramble to catch up.
"What – Lan Zhan, you have to give me a clue here. I have no idea what brought this all on, I have no idea what any of this means. I want –" involuntarily, his hand tightens in Lan Wangji's hair. Lan Wangji's eyes flash, too much to look at head on, but it's not like Wei Wuxian could look away. "I want so many things. I want a pair of boots that don't leak. I want Nie Mingjue's killer to confess to his crimes so someone else can deal with him and give us some peace and quiet. I want to sleep for a week. I want any number of things that are impossible, and I don't think any of that is what you want to hear. You have to help me out."
For a terrible moment, Lan Wangji looks down, gaze hidden by his eyelashes, and Wei Wuxian tries not to feel the loss quite so acutely. "All right," Lan Wangji says after far too long. He ducks his head farther, hiding his face behind a fall of hair, and Wei Wuxian makes a faint noise of protest. Lan Wangji's fingers clutch at the fabric of Wei Wuxian's robe, but he continues.
"I'll tell you what it is that I want. It is...not something that makes much sense, in own my mind." He takes a deep breath. "But since you asked, at least hear me out. And then I'll ask you again. Will that help?"
"Yes, yes, please." Wei Wuxian leans closer.
Lan Wangji takes another breath, visibly steadying himself, and then he looks up again at Wei Wuxian. The force of that gaze is like a physical thing, it makes Wei Wuxian's skin heat up and his breath come short.
"If I were to get what I wanted....first, you'll take off my forehead ribbon," Lan Wangji says.
First!! What could possibly come next, if the thing Wei Wuxian imagined was a bridge too far comes first?
"Then, you'll take off my clothes. You'd do it properly, putting each piece in the wardrobe, and I would have to wait."
All the air in the room seems to have vanished. Wei Wuxian's mouth is dry. He needs Lan Wangji to go back to the part where he takes off his clothes. He's still stuck on that, there's no way he can process how long it might take or why Lan Wangji sounds like he would like it if he had to wait.
He opens his mouth to ask this very thing, then closes it again with a click. Hear him out, Lan Wangji had said. Maybe this will make sense when he's done talking. Maybe he has an injury, maybe he's been cursed.
"Then you'll take off your own clothes, and guide me to the bed," Lan Wangji says, and there that thought goes, right out the window. "And lay me down, like you've done when I'm drunk."
Wei Wuxian's brain scrambles to connect with some shred of something that makes sense, and seizes desperately on the fact that Lan Wangji wasn't supposed to remember those times when he was drunk.
Unaware of the turmoil going on in Wei Wuxian's mind, Lan Wangji continues in that even, deliberate tone, like he's reading off a list of clan rules. "Except you would lay me on my stomach, and you'd follow me into bed. There's a pot of salve in the table by my bed; you'd use it to get me ready."
Wei Wuxian's brain is just a wall of white noise at this point.
"You'd use your fingers, but not for too long. I want to really feel it when you fuck me."
So that's where this is going. Wei Wuxian had had a creeping suspicion; it had seemed like there was no other possible outcome, but hearing the confirmation in Lan Wangji's calm voice is still something else entirely. All the blood is rushing to his groin now; he feels lightheaded. He hopes Lan Wangji can't tell, but his head is on Wei Wuxian's knee, so close.
Horribly, he's still going. "You'd fuck me until you've had your fill, and you'd hold me down so I have no choice but to take what you give me."
Wei Wuxian makes a low, punched-out sound. He's trying to hear Lan Wangji out, but his higher brain function has deserted him, and he can't help it.
Lan Wangji's eyes flash at him, severe but also – is he afraid right now? Wei Wuxian wants to gather him up in his arms and sooth away all his worry, except, apparently, that's not what Lan Wangji wants at all.
He nods, no idea what face he's making right now, hoping Lan Wangji will take it as an apology and permission to go on.
Thankfully they're not that out of sync; after a tiny nod of his own, Lan Wangji continues. "You'd come inside me, and then roll me over and make me touch myself until I came, too. You'd tell me when and I would come for you."
The words echo in the stillness of the room. Belatedly, Wei Wuxian realizes that Lan Wangji is done: this is the entirety of the thing he'd been holding inside, the wanting he couldn't make sense of.
Evidently Wei Wuxian's brain is still running at half tempo, because Lan Wangji looks down and says, "Wei Ying. Please. What do you want?"
What do you want from me, Wei Wuxian hears this time, so clear he can't believe he missed it before. What do you want for us, maybe.
"That," Wei Wuxian says, automatically. "Lan Zhan, I want that, I want exactly what you described – fuck – how can you just say things like that, out of nowhere, Lan Zhan ah you're killing me. How long have you been keeping that all to yourself?"
Lan Wangji swallows, still not looking up, and Wei Wuxian takes that to mean too fucking long.
Maybe it's something else, though, because the next thing he says is, "Wei Ying, think about your answer before you give it. I simply want to know what it is that you want, whatever it may be."
"That!" Wei Wuxian exclaims. "Sure, fine, maybe we can try some other stuff after. But you can't hand me this custom-made pornography and then expect me to be content to... to go stargazing, or something."
Lan Wangji raises an eyebrow. "It has never seemed that you thought of me that way."
"Then you should have said something! How was I supposed to know – ah Lan Zhan, you're so amazing. If I had thought about any of those things in anything like that level of detail, I would've had to try it immediately. And to think, you – !"
He knows he's babbling, but that doesn't seem to matter very much – Lan Wangji knows that he tends to babble, after all, and he still wanted all that with him.
Lan Wangji looks up at him again, finally, his expression fragile and bare. "Wei Ying."
A nervous bubble rises up in Wei Wuxian's chest and comes out as laughter. "Okay, okay, I'll get on with it! You have to remember you've been concocting this plan since, eh, who knows when, and I just found out, you can forgive me for needing a moment to collect my thoughts."
Lan Wangji settles his cheek very deliberately on Wei Wuxian's knee. Wei Wuxian tries to take a calming breath, and thinks, Lan Zhan wants me, he said – and he can feel the spiral he's going to fall down if he keeps thinking, so he strokes his hand once more through Lan Wangji's hair to ground himself, and finds the ends of his forehead ribbon.
The knot is simple but secure. Wei Wuxian uses both hands and takes the time to do it properly, since that's obviously something Lan Wangji cares about, and he wants to make it good for him.
All the nervous energy that had come out in babbling just a moment ago seems to pool in his chest as he lifts the ribbon away from Lan Wangji's forehead, slowly and deliberately. Lan Wangji's face does something subtle and complicated, and Wei Wuxian feels his heart physically clench in his chest, that he's here for this, that he's the one Lan Wangji chose.
If he had known it would feel like this, any of those other times, he would have begged Lan Wangji for permission. This is so much better than the teasing.
He folds the ribbon around his palm, keeping all the edges square, and places it in the center of the table. When he turns back, the sight punches him right in the chest. Lan Wangji has straightened up, kneeling neatly back on his heels with his hands on his thighs.
His eyes are dark and his head is entirely bare.
This is his Lan Zhan, the one who belongs to him and no one else. "Wow," Wei Wuxian says, breaking into an enormous grin. He reaches out and lays a hand along the side of Lan Wangji's face, needing to touch. Lan Wangji is reassuringly warm and solid against his skin.
Lan Wangji lets his eyes flutter shut and leans into the touch, and Wei Wuxian says, "Wow, Lan Zhan, wow, you're so –" and then he just has to scoot closer and reach out with his other hand too, smoothing his thumb over the band of lighter skin where the forehead ribbon always rests. "Wow," he breathes again, unable to stop.
He leans forward so far that he slides to his own knees on the floor in front of Lan Wangji, but that's good, that means they're on the same level and close enough that he can lean just a bit farther and press a kiss to the middle of Lan Wangji's forehead, right where the charm of his ribbon lays.
Lan Wangji lets out a deep, shuddering breath, and clutches Wei Wuxian's wrist. "I changed my mind," he says. "You need to get back on that stool, and let me suck you off while you tell me I'm good."
Wei Wuxian falls flat on his ass and then has to scramble to get back up on the stool. "You are good, holy shit, Lan Zhan, what an idea."
Lan Wangji makes a low, lost sound and surges forward. He reaches right up under Wei Wuxian's robes, making him yelp in surprise, and unties his pants in two economic motions.
"Fuck," says Wei Wuxian. "Fuck, how did you get so good at that." The pants fall around his ankles, and Lan Wangji doesn't even make an attempt to continue undressing him. Instead, he just pushes the layers of Wei Wuxian's robe and under-robes apart and up, until Wei Wuxian's cock springs free, embarrassingly hard.
"Fuck," Wei Wuxian says again.
And then Lan Wangji is nosing against his cock, and then he's looking up at Wei Wuxian through his eyelashes, and then he's opening his mouth and tonguing the bead of pre-come that's formed at the slit, and then Wei Wuxian's soul nearly leaves his body. It's been a good run, he thinks frantically, as Lan Wangji hollows out his cheeks and sucks him in. There are worse ways to go.
"So good," he tells Lan Wangji. "You're amazing, you're too good to me, ah."
The minutes melt into each other like honey as Lan Wangji works him over. He's fond of pausing and nuzzling his face against Wei Wuxian's cock, which Wei Wuxian finds cute and hot at the same time, to a degree that's nearly painful. Telling Lan Wangji how good he is is the only response, and it makes Lan Wangji gasp which is even more hot, and then he goes back to sucking Wei Wuxian's cock and Wei Wuxian just has to tell him how good he is again.
When he feels himself getting close, he jostles Lan Wangji's hand aside and squeezes the base of his cock. "Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, stop, I won't last."
Lan Wangji looks up at him, a question on his face. His lips are red and swollen, fuck.
Wei Wuxian stands and shakes his robes back into place, then draws Lan Wangji up alongside him. "You had a plan," he reminds him. "A beautiful, wicked plan, that I intend to carry out to the best of my ability."
Lan Wangji sways like he's about to drop to his knees again, and Wei Wuxian catches his shoulders, steadying him.
"Stand here and let me undress you," he says, and he gets to watch in amazement as Lan Wangji relaxes under his hands, going still and compliant.
Undressing Lan Wangji should be as tranquil and meditative as taking down his hair, with all the fiddly layers and belts and pendants. But now that he knows what comes after, Wei Wuxian's body thrums with excitement. He tries to pace himself by folding each piece carefully and filing it away in the wardrobe with the others like it.
The waiting was supposed to be for Lan Wangji's benefit, but it helps Wei Wuxian too, since left to his own devices all he would want to do is ravish Lan Wangji on the spot. He should ask Lan Wangji if he'd like that; he has the feeling the answer might be yes. Later, though. A bit of improvisation is apparently fine, but Lan Wangji went to the trouble of sketching all this out. It would be a waste not to follow his design.
Finally, Lan Wangji is down to just his plain white undershirt and pants. Wei Wuxian can see the pink of his nipples and the hard line of his cock through the material, and it seems so vulnerable and wanton in equal parts that he doesn't know if he wants to protect or ravish him more. It's a feeling he really doesn't know what to do with, so he just breathes a low wordless hum of appreciation and slips the last of Lan Wangji's clothes off him.
Those, he tosses into the basket in the corner, and he hopes Lan Wangji won't mind if he's a little less than meticulous. He needs to get his hands on his Lan Zhan at once, needs to not leave him standing there stripped naked and unprotected in the middle of the room, for even an instant. He slides a hand around the back of Lan Wangji's neck, under his hair, and clasps his upper arm in his other hand.
The muscles! Wei Wuxian feels him up a little more intentionally. "Wow, Lan Zhan, do you work out? How come I never see you working out?"
Lan Wangji actually blushes and ducks his head.
"Wow," Wei Wuxian says again. He gives Lan Wangji's arm a friendly squeeze and walks him over to the bed, steering him around furniture with gentle tugs and nudges. It's a little silly, guiding Lan Wangji through his own room when Wei Wuxian only just arrived himself, but he thinks he gets the general idea. What he does get, anyway, is very hot.
He sneaks a glance over Lan Wangji's shoulder to see if he's hard – he is – and also to cop a look at his dick, which he's never seen at all outside one or two odd glimpses out of the corner of his eye. It's elegant and flushed at the tip, just like Lan Wangji is right now. Good, Wei Wuxian thinks, feeling himself flush more at the evidence that Lan Wangji is just as into this.
When they get to the bed, Wei Wuxian unthinkingly bends his knee behind Lan Wangji's own, urging him down. Lan Wangji's shins hit the edge of the bed and he inhales sharply; Wei Wuxian barely has to press him down at all because his legs just buckle.
"There, just like that," Wei Wuxian says, and he peels back the bed covers and tightens his hand on the back of Lan Wangji's neck until he collapses entirely, arranges his limbs where he wants them. One arm, he folds under Lan Wangji's head, in case his neck gets tired, the other, he lays neatly by his side, palm facing up. He presses a kiss into the palm, unable to resist. He straightens out Lan Wangji's legs and admires the long lines of him, the plush rise of his buttocks, the neat little hollows at the backs of his knees.
"So beautiful," he breathes, and he can see the tip of Lan Wangji's visible ear redden as he hums a wordless response.
Then with with a sinking feeling he remembers he was supposed to have been naked too. Well, maybe a little bit of surprise can be a good thing. He starts clawing at his sash and says, "Stay right there, Lan Zhan, just be good for one minute and I'll be right with you. You look so gorgeous, fuck, I just want to touch you."
He tears off his clothes, leaving them in a tangled pile on the floor, detouring only to dig around in the table next to the bed for the salve. He's back on the bed in less than a minute. It still feels like way too long. Hopefully it was the good kind of waiting for Lan Wangji.
"Okay, I'm going to touch you now." Wei Wuxian feels silly as soon as he says it, but it makes Lan Wangji shift and exhale a soft sigh, so maybe it was worth it.
His hand falls on the perfect curve of Lan Wangji's ass, which looks like it was sculpted specifically for his palm. A visible ripple travels over Lan Wangji's skin, and Wei Wuxian is bowled over that he did that, with nothing more than the touch of his hand. He wants to put his dick in Lan Wangji so bad, but he also wants to stretch this out, to see what other reactions he can tease out.
He sighs. "Lan Zhan, you're so perfect, I can't even start to tell you."
Lan Wangji's back expands as he breathes in, then shudders as he lets out a shivery exhale. Wei Wuxian brushes aside the fall of hair over his back and hisses at what he reveals there. He'd seen the scars from a distance, felt their texture through Lan Wangji's clothes once or twice, but that couldn't have prepared him for the full picture.
There's barely an inch of Lan Wangji's back that isn't a grid of gnarled, knotted scar tissue. The individual lash lines overlap so much in some places that they're barely even discernible. Wei Wuxian traces his fingertips between them as best as he can, searching out the slivers of skin that still have sensation.
"I'm so sorry," he says, and realizes that his eyes are wet.
"Not now," Lan Wangji says. His voice is muffled; he's buried his face in his arm and is drawn up and tense under Wei Wuxian's hands. "Later, maybe. For now, just. Can we please..."
"Okay, baby, we don't have to talk about it tonight." He kisses the back of Lan Wangji's neck and squeezes his shoulder. "I'm taking you up on that 'later,' though, don't think you're getting out of telling me that easily."
"Mn," Lan Wangji says.
Wei Wuxian goes back to feeling up his ass, which has the anticipated effect of getting them both back in the mood very quickly. After a respectable amount of time, Wei Wuxian fishes the jar of salve from where it had fallen among the blankets and dips his finger in, drawing out what feels like a generous amount of the thick, slick substance.
Which may have been a miscalculation, considering Lan Wangji's legs are still closed, and Wei Wuxian now only has one hand free to manipulate him. He taps the back of Lan Wangji's closer thigh with his free hand and says, "Lan Zhan, bend your knee a bit, give me some room here."
Lan Wangji complies so easily, moving his leg up and out where Wei Wuxian shows him, that he wonders what else he could ask him, tell him to do. But there are more important things, right now. Wei Wuxian drags his eyes from Lan Wangji's bent knee, up the length of his thigh, to the place where his legs meet. The cleft of his ass is barely parted in this position, and in the low light of the room, Wei Wuxian can only make out darkness between his thighs. He'll have to go by feel.
For all the times over the years that Wei Wuxian has tried to provoke a reaction out of Lan Wangji using threats of this exact scenario – or one close enough that it doesn't matter – the reaction had always been the goal; what came after he actually got Lan Wangji naked, or underneath him, or or or...he had never really gotten that far. His mouth is dry and his head is reeling with vertigo.
He puts a hand on Lan Wangji's thigh, then dips his finger into the cleft of Lan Wangji's ass, smearing salve along the way. Wei Wuxian has looked at plenty of pornographic books in his day, but to his chagrin, he's quickly realizing they've done little to prepare him for this moment. In most of the images he's seen of two men, they're already in the act, as it were, and he's usually more than content to concoct his own scenarios to go along with the pictures. Maybe if he'd actually read more, he'd know what Lan Wangji means when he says prepare me, but as it is, all he has is Lan Wangji's instruction not to take too long, and the vague idea that slippery is good.
His questing finger coasts over a smooth pucker of flesh, then lower still, then bumps into Lan Wangji's balls. Wei Wuxian fondles them a bit, while he's there, and earns a very expressive "Nnngg" from Lan Wangji, before backtracking over his path. His fingers brush against that small whorl again, and is that – really – ? He gets more salve on his fingers and goes back, circling the – surely there can't be a hole here, it's too tiny – circling, and pushing against the pucker of muscle. It flutters, and lets his fingertip in half an inch.
"Holy fuck," Wei Wuxian says, and then squeezes Lan Wangji's thigh to get his attention. "Lan Zhan, holy fuck, it's so tight, I'm never going to fit."
"You will," Lan Wangji says, a little breathy.
"How, though," Wei Wuxian whines. He wiggles his finger again and it slides in a little more. Fascinated, he pushes, and to his amazement, Lan Wangji's body opens enough to accept his finger. He eases it back out and watches it go in again, fractionally easier this time. "Wow."
"Just keep doing more of that," Lan Wangji says.
Wei Wuxian gets some more salve with his free hand and traces around where his finger disappears inside. The muscle flutters, and Lan Wangji's breath hitches.
Hurriedly, Wei Wuxian rubs his hip. "Ah Lan Zhan, how are you doing? Are you comfortable like this? Does it feel weird?"
"Fine. Yes. No."
"How does it feel?" Wei Wuxian drags his finger out again and then rubs two fingers over his hole, pressing down and making him shudder.
"Good," Lan Wangji bites out. His one visible ear is a deep, flaming red.
Wei Wuxian grins. Lan Wangji is nice and slick now, the salve having gotten even more slippery as it heats up, and Wei Wuxian drags a knuckle across his hole, pressing in to see if he'll open for it. He does, just a little, and Wei Wuxian bites his lip so hard he might have drawn blood, thinking of what that might – will – feel like on his dick.
He's still so, so tight around even one finger, though. Wei Wuxian's dick throbs, and he wants, so bad, to just –
"Lan Zhan, listen, I'm going to try doing it now, okay? If it hurts or feels like too much or anything, you have to say, and I'll go back to fingers. Okay?"
Lan Wangji whimpers and arches his back, exposing himself obscenely. His hole is pink and glistening with slick, twitching a little around Wei Wuxian's finger. The sight transfixes him for a moment. He twists his finger, distantly observing the way it makes Lan Wangji shudder, and then replaces it with his thumb, hooking in a little bit to give him more of a stretch, and if it looked obscene before, this isn't fit for mortal eyes.
With a start, Wei Wuxian shakes his head and lightly smacks Lan Wangji's thigh, as if he had been the one who got distracted. "Are you listening? You have to tell me."
Lan Wangji nods into his folded arm, and then scrabbles around on the bed with his free hand until he finds Wei Wuxian's free hand and squeezes it fiercely.
Wei Wuxian's heart stutters with a wave of fondness. "All right, okay, I'll get on with it!" He leans down and kisses the baby-smooth skin of Lan Wangji's ass once, frivolously, then grips the base of his cock and lines himself up. The angle is going to be a challenge. He wants desperately to see, but if he's going to fit in like this, he has to be all but lying on top of Lan Wangji. Which also has its appeal, but.
"Just a minute," he says, by way of explanation, and gathers Lan Wangji up with an arm under his hips, leaving his ass in the air and his legs spread wantonly on the bed. Wei Wuxian won't be able to hold him up like this the whole time, but he doesn't need to. He slicks up his cock, too, for good measure, then deliberately rubs the head of his cock against that impossibly small hole. He feels like if he just snapped his hips forward he would skate right off, and well – rubbing himself off against Lan Wangji's skin isn't a bad idea, but it's not what Lan Wangji wanted.
So instead he presses forward slowly, slowly, until he feels Lan Wangji's opening start to yield beneath him. He's so hard it nearly hurts. He thinks that maybe it won't be enough, maybe Lan Wangji is just too tight and he can't get through, but Lan Wangji is gasping for breath and not telling him to stop, so he keeps going and Lan Wangji just keeps opening for him. And then suddenly the entire head of his cock is inside, surrounded in close wet heat, the ring of muscle clamping around his shaft, and he makes a sound he would deny being able to make if anyone asked him about it later.
Lan Wangji groans, and Wei Wuxian hitches him up a tiny bit to get a better angle. "Shh," he says meaninglessly, when Lan Wangji makes another sound. "I've got you."
He twitches his hips forward and slides in a little more; he shifts back and feels that ring of muscle drag along his length until it catches at the ridge of his dick. He swears profusely and rubs his thumb against Lan Wangji's rim, needing to know how he can possibly stretch so far. Lan Wangji shudders and pushes back into the touch, impaling himself further.
"Fuck, fuck, you're so good. I'm going to move more now, okay?"
"Please," Lan Wangji says, and it shoots straight down Wei Wuxian's spine to his groin.
He fucks himself in bit by bit, drawing back some and then going in again even farther, and Lan Wangji moans and takes it. It's possibly the most gorgeous thing that Wei Wuxian has ever witnessed. He might physically implode.
When he's buried to the hilt, he lowers Lan Wangji's hips back down and spreads himself over his back, nudging his legs apart with his thigh to make room. He slides his other arm, the one that doesn't have a cramp in it yet, back under Lan Wangji's hips to bring them flush together, pausing to cup his balls and stroke once up his leaking dick once while he's under there. Lan Wangji writhes underneath him, a live wire, and Wei Wuxian fucks him down without thinking.
Lan Wangji keens.
Until this very moment, there had been a whisper of a doubt in the back of his mind that he'd be able to carry out his role in this fantasy – sure, he's willing to try anything once, and this had sounded fun enough to try maybe a few times, but what if he wasn't what Lan Wangji was looking for? What if he'd be able to go through the motions as directed, but he wouldn't be able to feel it, the why of it all?
He feels it now, for damn sure. He reaches out with his free hand and tangles it in Lan Wangji's own. "That's it, my Lan Zhan," he croons. "Just like that. You're doing so good."
He's been rolling his hips this whole time, grinding himself in as deep as he can get, but Lan Wangji gasps wetly and tries to buck back, even though there's nowhere to go. Wei Wuxian pulls back and drives back down, clumsy at first, but finding a rhythm after a few strokes. Lan Wangji is making small, breathy noises in time with Wei Wuxian's thrusts, and he's shifting around underneath Wei Wuxian like maybe he's trying to rub himself off against the mattress.
Wei Wuxian stills and lets himself go boneless and heavy over all of Lan Zhan's prone body – not hard, since he's pretty sure half his bones have melted already from how good it all feels – and says into Lan Wangji's ear, "You said I get to decide when you come, right? I finish inside you and then I watch you get off?"
Lan Wangji whines, high in his throat, which Wei Wuxian takes for agreement.
"Then if you still want that, don't fuck the mattress like that. I'll tell you when you can get off."
With broadly-telegraphed intent – and no small amount of effort, considering his human blanket – Lan Wangji raises his hips and grinds down into the mattress.
Wei Wuxian bites the place where his shoulder meets his neck. "Oh, it's like that, is it? You want me to make you?"
Another purposeful buck into the mattress. Wei Wuxian takes that as a clear yes. Heaven, Lan Zhan without his inhibitions is a thing to behold.
Wei Wuxian pulls out and sits back on his heels, petting Lan Wangji's hip as he goes so he'll know not to miss him too much. He rolls him over onto his back with great difficulty and more grappling than would be necessary if Lan Wangji weren't making a show of fighting against him, and then he pushes one of his legs up and out, and fucks right back into him.
There's less friction now, and Wei Wuxian marvels at the slick glide, at how Lan Wangji's body made space for him, like magic.
He cradles Lan Wangji's face in one hand as he finds his rhythm again, smoothing his thumb over the thin skin under Lan Wangji's eye. He's surprised to find that his thumb comes away wet. They're both sweaty with exertion, their bodies sticking together in all the places they touch, but this is as if – "Lan Zhan, are you crying?"
Lan Wangji shakes his head, his eyes screwed shut, but lets out a shuddering breath that sounds suspiciously like a sob. At the same time, though, he digs his heel into Wei Wuxian's lower back and arches up. "Don't stop," he says, sounding absolutely wrecked, and another tear slides down his cheek.
"You're going to be the death of me," Wei Wuxian says, and leans forward as far as he can to roughly kiss the trail of the tear. "I genuinely may not survive this."
Lan Wangji just makes another horrible, helpless sound that goes straight to Wei Wuxian's cock, and he has a momentary flash of absolute rage at whoever made Lan Wangji get so twisted up in his head about this. Pleasure should be simple. Wei Wuxian is going to fuck him until he makes it simple for him.
"Don't touch yourself," he reminds him, and plants both his hands on the bed for leverage, and he lets go. He lets himself fuck as hard as he wants, shifting Lan Wangji up the bed in tiny increments from the inertia. He bites at Lan Wangji's chest, his upper arms, anywhere he can reach. He draws out all the way and fumbles between Lan Wangji's legs to feel how loose he is now, how Wei Wuxian has literally fucked him open, and then he plunges back in, making Lan Wangji moan and throw his head back.
The tears never stopped leaking down Lan Wangji's face, but he's also got two spots of red in his cheeks, his wet mouth open, and is making abandoned, incoherent sounds with every breath. Wei Wuxian thinks that maybe the tears are just like the rest of it: too many feelings kept locked in for too long, coming out any way they can.
"I'm going to come soon," he gasps, when it feels like he's been close for centuries and the slightest thing would send him plunging into his climax. He wishes he could stay right here on this perfect knife's edge forever, but failing that, he wants to make this exactly as good for Lan Wangji as he possibly can.
"Gonna come in you," he gets out on his next breath, and because he has little brain to mouth filter at the best of times and absolutely none now, "Gonna fill you right up and then keep fucking you through it as long as I can. Gonna make a mess, gonna ruin you."
He clumsily grabs Lan Wangji's other leg and brings it up over his shoulder, bending him almost in half, and slams into him hard and deep. Lan Wangji's cock is red and leaking all over his stomach, untouched for so long. Wei Wuxian thinks about taking it into his mouth, sucking the slick off it and feeling its heat, feeling it pulse as Lan Wangji comes. And then Wei Wuxian is coming, so hard he sees stars behind his eyelids. He fucks through it as long as he can, stretching out the pleasure like pulled candy, sweet and fragile, Lan Wangji filthy and wet and moaning beneath him.
He stays buried in Lan Wangji's body until the last shocks of it shudder through him, and then he pulls out slowly and eases Lan Wangji's legs down. He rolls onto his side, and guides Lan Wangji over until he's on his side too, facing him. They're both breathing in huge gasps as if they'd just finished a marathon, and Wei Wuxian wonders if maybe Lan Wangji came too, but no. His cock is still as hard and red as it had been, jutting out luridly between his legs.
"Go ahead and touch yourself," Wei Wuxian says. He can't get his voice to come out quite right. "You did so good, you earned it, let me see."
Lan Wangji reaches a shaking hand down to wrap around his cock, and gives it a light, nearly tentative stroke. He must be so, so sensitive after holding off that long. Wei Wuxian wonders what it feels like.
"Can I feel?" he asks, bumping his knuckles against Lan Wangji's own, and when Lan Wangji nods with another breath that sounds like a sob, Wei Wuxian wraps his fingers around Lan Wangji's. His cock jumps when he makes contact and Wei Wuxian breathes in sharply. He lets Lan Wangji set the pace, almost delicate, and marvels that he's allowed to be here for this, too.
Belatedly, he remembers Lan Wangji promising that he wouldn't come until Wei Wuxian told him to, and he could have smacked himself if he had a hand free. Here he is, marveling at Lan Wangji's delicate technique, and what he's probably seeing is the razor-thin end of his iron control.
Maybe some other time he'll get to see how far Lan Wangji's control can go, but now is not that time. "Come on, Lan Zhan, come for me now. You've been so good, sweetheart, come on."
He rubs his thumb right under the head of Lan Wangji's cock, and just like that, he's coming, shaking apart with his eyes locked on Wei Wuxian's own and his mouth open in a surprised O.
He's so, so beautiful, and Wei Wuxian gathers him up in his arms while he's still shaking through it and kisses his forehead, murmurs endearments, holding him tight.
Slowly, Lan Wangji's breathing evens out; after a while, he begins to shift in Wei Wuxian's arms, coming back to himself. Wei Wuxian tips his chin up and kisses him on his soft, surprised mouth, warm and lingering.
"How'd I do?" His voice is still rough, and he can't look away from Lan Wangji's face. "Did I do it right?"
"Wei Ying, ah." Lan Wangji blushes more somehow, and tips their faces back together so he can kiss him back.
It calms him a bit, but Wei Wuxian is still coming down from an extremely intense experience, and his stomach is full of nerves.
It must show on his face because Lan Wangji caresses his face and says, "My own Wei Ying. This wasn't a test, I – when I asked what it was you wanted, it was only because I was heartsick with waiting. In all these years, I have never been able to tell if you want me in the same way. I had nothing left to lose. No matter what your answer was, knowing must be better than not knowing."
Wei Wuxian can feel his eyes start to prickle, and he blinks away the impending tears. Lan Wangji sees this, of course, and pulls him into another kiss, letting them trade kisses back and forth for several lazy minutes before nuzzling down along his neck.
"I'm sorry for making you wait," Wei Wuxian says, laughing a little so he won't start crying again. "It's just, you see, I'm just incredibly stupid."
Lan Wangji kisses his neck, then his ear, then rolls them both over until he's laying underneath him. He cups Wei Wuxian's face and looks up at him, eyes bright. "I know. It's a good thing I love you anyway."

domain: artistic


text:
Look, it’s a Hummingbird! [video]
It’s a video of a hummingbird flying around Six Flags Great Adventure to Flight Of The Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. What else could you ask for?
TECHNICAL NOTES:This was filmed with a Samsung Galaxy S4 and edited in Adobe Premiere – the images were created in Adobe Photoshop.


text:
June 20, 1929
Storms hit area; teen killed in bed
A strong thunderstorm caused the death of a West Scranton teen and property damage in Scranton and Dunmore.
Austin Kenny, 16-year-old valedictorian of the class of 1929 at St. Patrick’s High School in West Scranton, was killed by a bolt of lighting while at home on his lunch break from the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co.
While Kenny was lying in his bed at his Price Street home, the lighting bolt crashed through the window, striking the young man in the chest. Kenny’s mother, Mary, heard the window break and rushed upstairs, where she found her son dead.
Kenny, in addition to his mother, was survived by his brother, Thomas.
In Dunmore, a group of 20 people narrowly escaped a fate similar to Kenny’s when a lighting bolt struck an insulator on a high-tension line at Mill and Third streets. The electric surge traveled along the wire to a nearby building, causing the gas lines inside the building to crack. The natural gas that escaped was ignited.
The 20 people in the building escaped unharmed. All the wiring of the building was fried, along with the damage to the gas lines.
The storm also caused localized flooding in parts of Scranton, disruptions to trolley and train traffic and downed power lines. On Courthouse Square, it was reported there was a 2-foot-deep pond caused by a backup of the sewer system due to the heavy rain.
The Weather Bureau reported the storm dropped close to 1½ inches of rain on the area in under 90 minutes.
Police investigate Belin home burglary
Scranton police investigated a break-in at the home of G. d’Andelot Belin at 100 Vine St. The break-in was reported to police by the home’s caretaker, James Pittman. It is believed the break-in occurred overnight or early in the morning.
Police reported they were unsure of what was stolen until they spoke with the Belin family. The family recently left Scranton for their summer residence in the Abingtons.
Belin is the president of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. of Pennsylvania.
BRIAN FULTON, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune’s expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at email@example.com or 570-348-9140.


text:
Suspect to be charged with burglary offenses
The search for an alleged criminal who had many in the Woodington area of Lenoir County alarmed is over.
Curtis Darnell Williams, 19, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning in Jacksonville, ending a nearly 24-hour search for a man who will be charged with various burglary offenses.
His crimes include breaking into a home —in which he allegedly took a shower before continuing his spree.
Officials with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office said Williams was involved in a traffic accident at 7:34 a.m. Tuesday at Richlands Road and U.S. 17 near Jacksonville in a stolen Toyota Camry.
“We were notified by Jacksonville police he was involved in a traffic accident,” Lenoir County Sheriff Chris Hill said. “He gave them false information about his identity and they took him into custody. He was booked at Onslow County Jail and fingerprinted, where it was determined by his identity, he was wanted in Lenoir and Duplin County.”
The Camry had two valuable items in it, Hill said.
“The vehicle contained two firearms,” he said. “We believe one was stolen from a vehicle in Lenoir, the other in Duplin County.”
The search for Williams started Monday around 8:30 a.m., when he broke into a car near Woodington Middle School and fled after being confronted by the victim.
“Apparently, he was staying inside the car,” Hill said. “He broke in it, slept in it and when the owner confronted him, that’s when he took off. He may have broken into another car not far from here, and that was the report of the stolen handgun.”
Lenoir County and Duplin County deputies searched for Williams through the woods, along with help from a State Highway Patrol helicopter, which is based in Kinston.
Williams has 18 court cases pending in Duplin County and was released from the county’s jail in August after serving time for breaking and entering.
Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace said Williams’ court cases had nothing to do with deputies searching for him on Labor Day, however.
“We were requested to assist the Lenoir County deputies,” Wallace said. “They only had so many on staff because of Labor Day and in the heat, officers can get exhausted.”
The search was suspended at 5 p.m., Monday. After the search was postponed, Williams broke into three more pieces of property, all at a home on Lightwood Knot Road.
“It appears he exited the woods sometime last night, about a half-mile where officers came out on the highway,” Hill said. “He broke into the homeowner’s utility shed behind her home and stayed there through the night.”
After the female homeowner went to bed, she heard noises around midnight. But because she owned dogs, the sheriff said she didn’t think anything about it.
That’s when Williams allegedly decided to clean up.
“Apparently, the suspect broke into the home, took a shower and rambled through the house,” Hill said. “(He took) her money and keys to her Toyota Camry, which we now have recovered.”
While the search for Williams was taking place Tuesday morning, students were returning to class at Woodington Middle School. The school’s interim principal, Pamela Heath, worked on securing the school and putting the minds of concerned parents at ease for Tuesday’s classes.
“What I did late (Monday) was send a detailed message to the administration and kept contact with parents and the officers,” Heath said. “(The faculty and I) walked the halls with our resource officer until 11:17, when we got a message that (Williams) had been caught. There were two highway patrolmen here, and we had law enforcement present all morning.”
Heath made sure the school building was secure, in case Williams tried to hide there.
“We thoroughly checked the building, which was safe, solid and secure,” Heath said. “We kept a regular schedule, but there was limited movement throughout the morning. The teachers kept the classes secured.”
Heath also had conversations with parents, who were worried about the safety of their children at the school.
“I had several phone calls from concerned parents and helped to calm them down about fears,” she said. “All kids were safe and secure, and it was a very smooth day. The parents were very cooperative and the staff helped out.”
Lidia Guzman, Lenoir County Schools Public Information Officer, praised Heath’s performance..
“(Heath) did a fantastic job,” Guzman said. “She talked to parents, faculty and law enforcement, and corresponding with them was a good mode of communication.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.


text:
Uniondale, Long Island, New York, June 17, 2008 – Bradley L. Gerstman will be the featured speaker at a fundraiser for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, on Monday evening, June 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Havana Cigar Club in the Carlton Restaurant, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. This special event will include an auction of sports memorabilia and other unique items.
“Society can no longer turn a blind eye to a problem that affects so many of our children,” said Gerstman. “Autism Speaks is in the forefront of aggressively seeking effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this widespread and devastating disorder and I am committed to supporting these efforts.”
Founded in 2005, Autism Speaks funds global research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure for autism, and advocates for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism, which affects a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others, impacts one in every 150 children.
Richard Mallow, Long Island Walk Director for Autism Speaks, remarked, “Brad’s passionate dedication to children with autism and their families has helped tremendously in our efforts to raise awareness and get closer to finding a cure. His energy, creativity and perseverance have been invaluable.”
Professionally, Gerstman, who lives in Roslyn, New York, has served as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor with a successful track record as an advocate on a wide range of cases including those involving corporate fraud and corruption, and violent crimes and narcotics.
Active in politics and the community, Gerstman is on the Board of Directors of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and the Long Island Medical Foundation, where he serves as vice president. In addition, he is co-founder and Board member of the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation, a family foundation that provides summer camp experiences for children with physical disabilities.
This fundraiser for Autism Speaks is made possible by the generous support of Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, New York. The cost of a ticket is $150 and all proceeds go to autism research. For more information, call Autism Speaks at 212-252-8584.


text:
Romans 6:14 says “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
The law of sin and death was created by the law of Moses. The law of sin worked in our flesh to fight against the law of God because our flesh could not keep it: Romans 7:8 says ” But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.” Meaning that the Good law of Moses worked in my flesh a bad law of sin and death that condemned me and killed me. For by the law is the knowledge of Sin. And the strength of Sin was the law of Moses; but Jesus took sins strength away by nailing the law to the cross therefore destroying sin in his body which was made Sin. He destroyed sin because the law couldn’t accuse us anymore because it had been nailed, for without the law Sin was dead! And sin couldn’t be magnified when there is no law! But NOW The law of the Spirit is love which is given to us through the Spirit of Christ. Romans 7:4 says “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” Sin is the transgression of the law, but iniquity is the propensity or leaning toward sinning against the law. People are not sinners because they sin; they sin because they’re sinners, it’s a condition of the soul. Jesus destroyed the sin nature by becoming sin on the cross (2Cor.5:21). He became the noun nature of sin, so he could help us stop practicing the verb acts of sin. Not only did Jesus destroy sin by becoming sin on the cross; but he fulfilled the law and nailed it to the cross. Now we under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ! The Grace of God gives us the strength to say no to sin! He gives us power over sin by What Christ has done! SATAN USED THE LAW TO ACCUSE OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS BEFORE GOD! HE WENT INTO HEAVEN TO ACCUSE SAINTS! BUT IT CANNOT BE UNDERSTATED, JESUS NAILED THE LAW TO THE CROSS AND CONDEMNED SIN IN THE VEIL OF HIS FLESH, SO SATAN CAN NO LONGER USE THE LAW TO CONDEMN US! BY JESUS NAILING WHAT SATAN USED AGAINST US, SATAN WAS CAST OUT OF HEAVEN AT THE CROSS!
Anthony D. Booker

domain: literature


The aptly-named Spyder, Internet correspondent at London listings mag Time Out, wrote in the 5-12 May edition about PERFECTOnline, DJ Paul Oakenfold’s new Internet venture.
Aimed at clubbers, it combines a free Internet service provider with clothes shopping, music reviews, news and chat. It’s what a marketeer would call a total brand experience. It’s young, it’s hip, it’s happening – but only if you’ve got the Flash plug-in installed on your browser.
In the past hour, I’ve had no trouble picking up and sending e-mail, checking the news headlines, looking up tonight’s TV and buying plane tickets from Go – even though I’m using someone else’s computer in a strange office. But I cannot get into PERFECTOnline.
You could argue that a hip young thing like PERFECTOnline needs the added excitement that Flash, in all its animated glory, can offer. Spyder certainly thought so: “As is increasingly the case with classy sites, you need to download Shockwave Flash software to appreciate the subtleties of these pages. Just click the auto-download icon and you’re in business,” he enthused. Or not, as was the case for me.
On my desk is a copy of the World Wide Web Consortium’s (WC3’s) unhip-sounding document, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, which advises information providers to design websites as simply as possible. That way, people without the most up-to-date software can still view most sites on the Internet.
Consider WC3’s guidelines alongside PERFECTOnline and you can appreciate the problems facing anyone involved in the specification and production of websites. The key words here are accessibility and universality.
WC3 says sites should also be accessible, via “checkpoints”, to those with visual disabilities. These functions have the added advantage that they can facilitate Web access via “mobile phones, hand-held devices or automobile-based PCs”, and “when connection speed is too slow to support viewing images or video”.
The question is not how well PERFECT-Online performs on the latest browsers, or even how it performs on some broken-down computer running Netscape 1.0. The real issue is how it copes with cutting-edge, or even as-yet unreleased technology (digital text, Web browsing on a PDA or your home telephone).
With e-mail already available on mobile phones, computing on the move looks like the place to be for the future. People will be crying out for the latest share prices, access to their office schedule and what’s on at the cinema. What is less likely is that they’ll be looking for extended animated sequences.
What are the solutions? If I access Oakie’s site and buy some happening clothes and tunes, my life is not going to be radically changed – the cool kids on my street will probably still laugh at me.
But there may be places where it’ll matter more – in the space where we become information haves or have-nots. Providing text alternatives to images, Flash movies, sound clips and so on will always extend your audience more effectively than instructions to “Click here to download the latest Flash plug-in”.
After half an hour’s wait – downloading the Flash installer and plug-in didn’t take that long, but the surreptitious installation under the watchful eyes of the office computer police did – I was ready to view PERFECTOnline in all its intended glory.
I download the page. The animation kicks in and…ÃŠoh, fuck… loud music comes blaring out of the speakers. I’m panicking and fiddling with this unfamiliar machine. The sound is getting louder and louder.
By now, it is obvious to everyone in the office that whatever I am doing, it does not involve Excel spreadsheets or Word.
Sheepishly, I continue my exploration of the site, uncertain of what I’m missing. Does it actually need sound to make sense? Am I missing something? Spyder said this was worth visiting. He was so wrong.


Each week I will be releasing my favorite FanDuel plays for the weekend. These plays are decided by market prices and match ups. When I believe someone is a bargain that owners can benefit off of, this is the space that I’ll let my secrets out.
Let’s not waste anymore time, there’s money to be made.
Jay Cutler vs. GB – $8,100
When looking for quarterbacks, it’s great to use underdogs who are at home. Underdogs are typically forced to pass a lot because they’re down and quarterbacks are more efficient at home. Cutler fits the criteria and doesn’t come attached to a killer price tag.
Matt Forte vs. GB – $8,600
I’m not against the idea of stacking players, especially against a bad defense. Forte comes with a hefty price tag but should perform against a defense that has allowed a rushing touchdown in every game this season. I wouldn’t mind inserting Eddie Lacy but he comes with a similar price tag and isn’t guaranteed as many touches.
Lamar Miller at OAK – $6,900
After playing well last week, Lamar Miller is now averaging 5.75 yards per carry. With questions surrounding Ryan Tannehill, he’s guaranteed a heavy workload. It doesn’t hurt that the Raiders have allowed the most rushing yards to opposing running backs this season.
Alshon Jeffery vs. GB – $7,600
If we’re buying in to the Chicago offense, we have to stack Alshon Jeffery. With Brandon Marshall injured, Alshon was heavily targeted last week. While Marshall still hasn’t practiced this week, Alshon has been removed from the injury report. At $7,600, he’s a relatively cheap target monster.
Mike Wallace at OAK – $6,500
Despite the struggles of Tannehill, Mike Wallace has been consistently productive this season. It’s more his price tag than his matchup that entices me. I would prefer if the Dolphins had a tough matchup that would force them to pass all game but Lamar Miller is a solid stack because he would benefit from that game flow.
Justin Hunter at IND – $5,300
Despite being without their starting quarterback, I believe that one of the Titans receivers will have a big game. The hard part is predicting which guy. The Colts will likely jump out to a big lead in this one, meaning lots of pass attempts from the Titans.
Jimmy Graham at DAL – $8,200
I don’t think there’s any question as to if Jimmy Graham is worth his price tag. He’s the best tight end in the league and faces the defense that is the worst at defending the tight end position. Find a way to get him in your daily lineup.


text:
entertainment/literature/blogs. HENA entertainment/literature/blogs
free, forum, hena
The Best Layne Staley Fanboard out there. Layne Staley Lives Within. Alice in Chains lead singer
layne, staley, alice, chains, music, band, jerry, cantrell, fans, lane, stayley, grunge, flies, dirt, tribute
Free forum : Friendly place to chat about anything really. . .
blogging, friends, kitchen, friendly, robert, pattinson, kristen, stewart, live, chat, movie, #blogs, discussion, blog, jokes, books, music
The future begins now. You can lead a civilization through the millennia, through hardships and challenges, to rise through the stars.
rise, civilizations, future, begins, #lead, civilization, through, millennia, hardships, challenges, stars


text:
Clean shoes of devotees, HC tells accused
Cuttack: Orissa High Court on Tuesday granted
bail to an accused with a condition that he would clean the
shoes of visiting devotees at a local temple.
The single judge bench of Justice C R Dash granted the
bail to Suman Patra (19) who was arrested in July for
assaulting and showing indecent gesture to a girl at a wedding
The high court directed Suman to clean the devotees`
shoes at local Chandi Mandir every Sunday for two hours for 12
The High Court also directed the executive officer of
the Chandi Mandir to make necessary arrangements for this with
the help of the Investigating Officer.
The Court said Suman shall be released on bail after
executing a bail bond of Rs 2000 with two sureties of equal
amount before the lower court concerned.
More from India
More from World
More from Sports
More from Entertaiment
- DNA : When will Indian govt take strong actions against terrorism?
- Drunk girl assaults Mumbai police in Worli
- Arun Jaitley upset with Subramaniam Swami's Twitter attack
- Bombay HC to pronounce verdict on entry of woman to Haji Ali Dargah today
- DNA: When will Indian govt take strong actions against terrorism? - Part II
- Special panel on India's NSG membership bid? We're not aware, says China
- Ruby Rai, Bihar Class 12 topper now under arrest for cheating, says she never wanted to top the exam
- Euro 2016: Iceland stun England in one of greatest ever shocks
- Three new suicide attacks in Lebanon village near Syria
- Preparing for Brexit, Britain may see new PM by early September


text:
Five-Step Comprehensive Wealth Planning
Step 1: Discovery
This first step includes a comprehensive review of your goals and financial situation. We also create a detailed investor profile documenting investment objectives, investment time horizon and comfort level with risk.
Step 2: Investment Policy Statement
Next, we establish the basic guiding principles for building and managing the portfolio, in the Investment Policy Statement - an individualized blueprint for building and protecting wealth.
Step 3: Portfolio Implementation
Next, we build the portfolio, working with our team of porfolio strategists and research analysts to select the most appropriate investment products and services. We also adhere to a strict investment discipline to ensure the portfolio adheres to the Investment Policy Statement and consists of high-quality investments on an ongoing basis.
Step 4: Wealth Planning
To provide comprehensive service, we address needs for financial planning, tax minimization, wealth protection, intergenerational wealth transfer and charitable giving, and co-ordinate closely with your exisiting legal and tax advisors. If required, we offer access to an extensive network of specialized professionals in these areas.
Step 5: Ongoing Management, Monitoring and Review
We closely monitor the portfolio on an ongoing basis and recommend changes as warranted by changing economic conditions and personal circumstances. We conduct regular reviews and provide extensive reporting, including a monthly or quarterly account statement, quarterly portfolio review statement, annual tax package and online account access.

domain: finance


text:
Every Sunday, my social media feed is dominated by football talk. As someone who is eternally confused by fans referring to a team they don’t play on — or own — as “theirs,” I scroll on by, unable to relate.
Yesterday, though, that sports-related talk focused on what was happening on the field before kick-off. Dozens of NFL players took a knee during the National Anthem.
The whole “take a knee” movement came into mainstream conversation and debate last year after Colin Kaepernick got down during the national anthem when he played for the San Francisco 49ers. At the time, he said he was protesting of police brutality against black Americans.
Even non-football fans had an opinion on this topic yesterday, loading my feed — and then my status — with their viewpoints.
Where do you stand (or kneel, as the case may be)?
Take the poll below.

domain: sociology


text:
9 Christmas Towns In Michigan That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer
By Jasmine Vieau|Published November 15, 2023
Hello! I was born and raised in Toronto, lived in Miami for a decade, attended the Miami International University of Art & Design, and have resided in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, for the past 15+ years. I enjoy traveling all over the United States, Canada, and Europe - though I have a great appreciation and love for the southeastern parts of the US in particular. My past expertise lay in hospitality in the restaurant and retail world. Aside from writing, I now run an Airbnb in my home and sling vintage, so I'd like to think this all helps me with what it takes to find the best restaurants, lodging, and fun things to do and see in your state. I am an avid reader, love exploring the arts, and discovering the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Nice to meet you!
Get ready for a festive journey through the charming corners of Michigan as I unveil the top nine Christmas towns in Michigan that are guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday cheer. From twinkling lights to joyful celebrations, each city on this list offers a unique and enchanting experience that captures the spirit of the season. Join me as we explore the delightful destinations that make Michigan a winter fantasyland, brimming with warmth, joy, and the magic of Christmas.
Have you had a chance to explore these awesome spots, or did they pop up when you searched for the “best Christmas towns near me?” Do you consider them among Michigan’s top Christmas towns? Personally, I love the vibe of Holland—what about you? Share your thoughts and any cool recommendations you might have!
And if you’re gearing up for a frosty winter road trip to visit these holiday headquarters, don’t forget to put together a handy packing list. It’ll add an extra layer of fun to your adventure!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.


TDWLB Wireless Bluetooth Pressure Transducer
Download the free app, install the transducer and wirelessly connect – no confusing wiring to figure out. From HVAC in marine, campers, motor homes, residential and commercial applications to water, hydraulic, irrigation, pools, medical and sprinkler systems or anywhere you need to monitor pressure without the need of wires.
Because it is built on Transducers Direct TD1000 proprietary technology, the TDWLB ensures high quality and high accuracy with Transducers Direct's quick deliveries, and low costs.
Features and Benefits:
- Connects to smart phones, tablets, PCs with BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy)
- Certified Bluetooth ® Wireless technology
- Pressure ranges from Vacuum to 345 bar. Higher pressures on request.
- Long battery life (proprietary technology)
- 1% standard accuracy with optional 0.25% Ultra high accuracy
- Stainless steel high impact polycarbonate construction
- Alarm set points
- Secure field programmable naming
- Patent Pending Design
- Schrader, NPT, SAE and G 1/4 pressure connection