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December 8, 2011 | madame librarian
December 8 is National Brownie Day and one of my favorite bloggers, Janet Randolph of Dying for Chocolate, has rounded up dozens of recipes for brownies. (Photo: Ghirardelli: Gluten-Free Brownies)
December 8, 2010 | durbinm
Did you know that ginger is not only fun to bake with, but a healthy spice as well? Ginger is good for digestion, used to treat nausea and motion sickness, and has anti-inflammatory properties. And of course, it's a great time of year to make some creative gingerbread houses, and yummy cookies. There's also ginger tea, ginger ale and lots of recipes you can use ginger in. Some may even remember this name on Gilligan's Island.


Meetings Africa will be a chance to track different levels of government and their commitment to tourism, according to Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the business event last week.
Meetings Africa, now in its 15th year, is expected to draw 7 000 delegates. It is taking place from February 24-26.
Addressing the event during the webinar with Tourism Update on February 11, SA Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, said he was anticipating better use of technology to give access to people who might not physically be there.
He said SA Tourism would focus on leading the charge for driving the technology update for South Africa.
“High on my agenda is interacting with the tourism industry through roadshows, webinars… and really make SA Tourism as an organisation open, interactive and, most of all, transparent,” said Ntshona of his plans for Meetings Africa.
Schedules and programmes for the three-day event at the Sandton Convention Centre are available here.


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Wisbech: Police Look For Three Men
29 January 2013, 14:57 | Updated: 29 January 2013, 15:08
Detectives investigating the murder of an 86 year old in Wisbech want to trace three men seen near her home on the night she's thought to have been killed.
The body of Una Crown [pictured - right] was discovered in her bungalow on Magazine Lane on the morning of Sunday 13 January.
She had not been seen since the Friday morning before, but had spoken to a friend on the phone at around 5pm on the Saturday.
Officers are now investigating reports that the men were seen in Magazine Lane, close to Mrs Crown's home, between 11:30pm and 11:45pm on Saturday 12 January.
Mrs Crown died from stab wounds to her chest and neck, and her clothes were set on fire in what Police think was an attempt to cover her injuries and destroy evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Hutchinson said: "We are very keen to identify these three men who were seen in the area of Magazine Lane as they may hold vital information which could help our investigation."
A £10,000 reward has been offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Major Crime Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

domain: news


The Government’s Marriage Equality “Solution” Is To Do The Same Fucking Thing
The Liberal party room just held a two-hour emergency meeting on marriage equality, and all they managed to do was recommit to a plebiscite — a policy that has already failed once in the Senate, not to mention been roundly criticised for endangering queer youth, costing a lot of money, not actually binding politicians to do anything, and a whole host of other crap.
The meeting came about after five rogue Liberal MPs proposed a free parliamentary vote on the issue last week. Their proposal was voted down, with only seven MPs (Jason Wood, Warren Entsch, Trent Zimmermann, Tim Wilson, John Alexander, Dean Smith, and Trevor Evans) in favour.
Instead, the Government plans to reintroduce its plebiscite policy to the Senate as early as next week. A plebiscite, if passed, would see all Australians vote on the issue. The result would then inform but not bind a Parliamentary vote. However, Nick Xenophon has already told BuzzFeed that his Independent senators will oppose the bill once again, which means the plebiscite will fail a second time. Labor and the Greens are also unlikely to back a plebiscite as it’s a stupid idea.
Breaking: Nick Xenophon has told me his senators will "absolutely" oppose the reintroduced plebiscite, dooming it.
— Mark Di Stefano ?? (@MarkDiStef) August 7, 2017
This means that the government will likely instead back a voluntary postal plebiscite, a policy that has similarly been criticised for endangering queer youth, costing a lot of money, not being binding, and potentially also not being constitutional.
It’s also possible that some of the seven Liberal MPs mentioned above could cross the floor and vote with Labor to make marriage equality a reality against the government’s wishes, but that seems unlikely.
Anyway, the long and short of it is that marriage equality is no closer than it was yesterday. Good work, Government. Way to go.
Here are the possible outcomes going forward… pic.twitter.com/1vKAafHPu4
— Lane Sainty (@lanesainty) August 7, 2017
Spare a thought for the millennials whose ability to comprehend the postal system is being much discussed today.
— Paul Kidd (@paulkidd) August 7, 2017


By Bob Nelson, KUER
The Utah Lake Commission announced this week it has reached the halfway mark in its massive carp removal project. It’s part of an overall effort to restore the Endangered June Sucker, which is native to the lake.
Local cities also hope to restore the lake’s attraction as a fishery. Reed Price is the executive director of the commission. He says scientists and lake users are noticing improvements in the lake minus 17 million pounds of carp so far.
“When we jumped into this about 4 years ago, we kind of crossed our fingers hoping that this would be successful. It’s the largest removal program that’s ever been conducted in the world,” says Price. “So, you know, we kind of jumped in with a leap of faith.”
The goal is to remove 75 percent of the estimated 40 million pounds of carp in the lake. Michael Mills is the coordinator for the June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program.
“Utah Lake is like carp heaven. The conditions are just perfect,” says Mills. “It’s shallow, it’s warm; it’s extremely productive.”
Mills says they thrive in the lake and destroy all the plant life on the bottom so there’s no cover to protect June Sucker as it hatches.
“And so the June Sucker has been able to hang on in the lake basically because they can live for so long and really only reproduce once every 10 to 20 years,” Mills says.
June Suckers are known to live as long as 40 years according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Utah Lake Commission raises its annual budget of $1-million from Utah County and a long list of cities, plus various state agencies including the Department of Environmental Quality and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District.


UN Scientists looking at the weather have found that over the past 500 years, climate change has marched hand in hand with war, New Scientist reports:
The 100-year warming period would have briefly relieved social tensions, …[says Peter Brecke of the Georgia Institute of Technology]. But, from the early to mid-1800s, temperatures dropped again, and conflicts resumed.
Although the world is now predicted to get warmer, not cooler, the researchers point out that forecasts suggest global warming will lead to long-term food shortages much as cooling did during the Little Ice Age, by disrupting global water cycles.
“Modern societies have more mechanisms to cope with these problems,” says Brecke. But he cautions that the mechanisms may fail if society is forced to cope with a whole slew of environmental problems at the same time, as is predicted by several major environmental reports.


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After the Battle of Monmouth Court House in 1778, British strategy for prosecuting the war in North America shifted from the mid-Atlantic states to the South. The British believed that a large loyalist faction in the southern states would help their troops, and also looked for support from newly freed slaves. After seizing Savannah and then Charleston, British troops looked to secure the back country of South Carolina before eventually moving north through North Carolina and Virginia. Several battles in South Carolina led to British Commander Sir Henry Clinton’s belief that the state had been pacified. Clinton returned to New York, leaving behind Charles, Lord Cornwallis to command British and loyalist troops.
Washington responded by sending two regiments of his best Continental troops and General Horatio Gates to command them. Gates was widely regarded as the Hero of Saratoga, a title he did little to discourage. When Gates arrived he assumed command over troops which had been up to then led by the popular and capable Baron de Kalb. Gates was unfamiliar with the country and his troops, about two thirds of which were local militia, and ignored the services of established Patriot guerrilla fighters such as Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter.
When Gates attacked the British garrison at Camden on August 16, 1780 the left wing of his army was made up of militia from Virginia and North Carolina. The British counterattacked with bayonets and the North Carolina militia fled so fast and far that they didn’t stop until they arrived at Hillsborough, North Carolina – 200 miles from the battlefield. The Virginia contingent remained near the scene but disengaged from the battle. With more than half of the American army gone, the Continentals retreated in good order, although Baron de Kalb was mortally wounded.
General Gates fled with the North Carolinians, although well ahead of most of the militiamen, mounted on a noted racehorse. He arrived in Hillsborough on August 19, having covered the two hundred miles in three and a half days. The American army in the Southern theater was all but destroyed. Gates had used his political connections and reputation as the Hero of Saratoga to acquire the Southern command, now he used them to exonerate himself and avoid court-martial for the crushing defeat.
Washington sent Nathaniel Greene to assume command in the South and rebuild the army. The debacle at Camden cost the Americans more than 900 killed and wounded, and over 1,000 men taken prisoner by the British. By contrast, Lord Cornwallis reported 68 British dead and 245 wounded. Although Gates rejoined Washington’s staff later in the war, he served merely in an advisory capacity and never again commanded troops.

domain: history


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In this curated collection, we invite you to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail on a journey through 20 of the most captivating pirate fantasy books ever written. Whether you’re a seasoned corsair of the literary seas or a landlubber eager to dip your toes into uncharted waters, these tales promise to whisk you away to distant shores filled with swashbuckling action, daring escapades, and larger-than-life characters.
From timeless classics that have stood the test of time to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, each book in this list offers a unique blend of adventure, romance, and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. So prepare to weigh anchor, unfurl your sails, and embark on a voyage of discovery as we explore the thrilling world of pirate fantasy literature.
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
Pirate Fantasy Books
To Kill a Kingdom – Alexandra Christo
Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most–a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen and or remain a human forever.
The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby–it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good–But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?
The Princess Bride – William Goldman
A tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts—The Princess Bride is a modern storytelling classic.
As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchmen, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, and recused once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place. In the course of this dazzling adventure, she’ll meet Vizzini—the criminal philosopher who’ll do anything for a bag of gold; Fezzik—the gentle giant; Inigo—the Spaniard whose steel thirsts for revenge; and Count Rugen—the evil mastermind behind it all. Foiling all their plans and jumping into their stories is Westley, Princess Buttercup’s one true love and a very good friend of a very dangerous pirate.
A Wizard of Earthsea – Ursula K. Le Guin
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world.
This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance.
On Stranger Tides – Tim Powers
On Stranger Tides features Blackbeard, ghosts, voodoo, zombies, the fable Fountain of Youth…and more swashbuckling action than you could shake a cutlass at. Reluctant buccaneer John Shandy braves all manner of peril, natural and supernatural, to rescue his ensorcelled love.
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean – Justin Somper
Twins, Connor and Grace, never dreamed that there was any truth to the Vampirate shanty their father sang to them before he died. But that was before the two were shipwrecked and separated from each other. For Connor, who is taken aboard a pirate ship, there’s the chance to learn to swordfight. For Grace, aboard a mysterious ship of vampire pirates, the danger is great. What will it take for them to find each other?
Pirate Latitudes – Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton (“One of the great storytellers of our age” —Newsday) takes to the high Caribbean seas for an irresistible adventure of swashbuckling pirates, lost treasure, sword fights, duplicity, and hair-breadth escapes in the New World.
Fable – Adrienne Young
Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.
Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie
The book opens with Peter’s nighttime visits to the house of Mrs. Mary Darling, who entertains her children with bedtime stories that Peter eavesdrops on. When he is spotted one evening Peter loses his shadow trying to escape. Later he returns to retrieve it and his identity is finally revealed to Wendy Darling. Peter invites Wendy, along with her brothers John and Michael, to return to his island home of Neverland.
Pirates! – Celia Rees
Nancy Kington, daughter of a rich merchant, suddenly orphaned when her father dies, is sent to live on her family’s plantation in Jamaica. She is disgusted by the treatment of the slaves and her brother’s willingness to marry her off. Nancy and one of the slaves, Minerva, run away and join a band of pirates. For both girls the pirate life is their only chance for freedom in a society where both are treated like property, rather than individuals. Together they go in search of adventure, love, and a new life. One that breaks all restrictions of gender, race, and position.
Red Seas Under Red Skies – Scott Lynch
Escaping from the attentions of the Bondsmagi Locke Lamora, the estwhile Thorn of Camorr and Jean Tannen have fled their home city. Taking ship they arrive in the city state of Tal Varrar where they are soon planning their most spectacular heist yet; they will take the luxurious gaming house, The Sinspire, for all of its countless riches.
Ship of Magic – Robin Hobb
Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships—rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. Now the fortunes of one of Bingtown’s oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia.
For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy. For Althea’s young nephew, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard the Vivacia, the ship is a life sentence. But the fate of the ship—and the Vestrits—may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider: the ruthless buccaneer captain Kennit, who plans to seize power over the Pirate Isles by capturing a liveship and bending it to his will.
A Gathering of Shadows – V. E. Schwab
Four months have elapsed since the dramatic events surrounding the acquisition of the shadow stone by Kell. Despite the passage of time, things are far from settled. Rhy, wounded in previous events, is more subdued, while Kell is burdened by guilt. As Red London prepares for the Element Games, a grand magical competition, old friends return, including a certain pirate ship. However, amidst the festivities, another London begins to resurface, hinting at dark and ominous consequences. The resurgence of Black London threatens to upset the delicate balance of magic, setting the stage for a new conflict and challenging the characters to confront their pasts and protect their world.
Pirate Freedom – Gene Wolfe
As a young parish priest, Father Christopher has heard many confessions, but his own tale is more astounding than any revelation he has ever encountered in the confessional . . . for Chris was once a pirate captain, hundreds of years before his birth.
Deadmen Walking – Sherrilyn Kenyon
Devyl Bane emerges as a notorious pirate in the New World. With secrets shrouding his past, Bane forms an alliance with Thorn, an immortal tasked with safeguarding the world from ancient gods’ creations. As enchanted gates containing these dangerous powers begin to weaken, Bane leads a crew of Deadmen, humanity’s last hope, to restore order. However, their mission is complicated by the Sea Witch, a powerful vessel with a human form and a personal vendetta against Bane. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, alliances are tested, and loyalties are challenged, leaving Bane and his crew to navigate treacherous waters in a battle against ancient forces and personal demons.
All the Stars and Teeth – Adalyn Grace
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, tells a story of “buccaneers and buried gold.” It is considered a coming-of-age story and is noted for its atmosphere, characters, and action.
Daughter of the Pirate King – Tricia Levenseller
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map. The key to a legendary treasure trove. Seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor. The unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
Magic of Blood and Sea – Cassandra Rose Clarke
Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an ally pirate clan. She wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to a handsome and clueless man. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns that her fiancé’s clan has sent an assassin after her.
And when this assassin, Naji, finally finds her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse—with a life-altering result.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi – Shannon Chakraborty
The retired pirate finds herself drawn back into the dangerous world she thought she had left behind. Offered a lucrative job to rescue a kidnapped girl, Amina sees it as a chance for one last adventure with her crew and to secure her family’s future. However, as she delves deeper into the mission, she realizes that there is more at stake than she initially thought. With supernatural forces at play and hidden agendas emerging, Amina must navigate treacherous waters to save the girl.
In Deeper Waters – F.T. Lukens
Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. Their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken. Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean… right?
Setting Sail for Adventure: Other Genres for Fans of Pirate Fantasy Books
While pirate fantasy books whisk readers away on thrilling adventures across the high seas, there are plenty of other literary genres that offer similarly exhilarating experiences. Whether you’re drawn to tales of swashbuckling heroes, epic quests, or mysterious treasures, there’s a genre out there to satisfy your thirst for adventure. Here are a few genres that fans of pirate fantasy books may want to explore:
If you’re captivated by the rich historical settings and adventurous spirit of pirate fantasy books, then historical fiction novels may be just what you’re looking for. Transporting readers to different eras and locales, these books offer immersive glimpses into the past while weaving captivating tales of romance, intrigue, and betrayal.
For readers who enjoy the magical elements and epic quests of pirate fantasy books, high fantasy novels offer a fantastical escape into imaginative worlds filled with mythical creatures, powerful wizards, and ancient prophecies. With sweeping landscapes and intricate world-building, these books invite readers on unforgettable journeys of discovery and adventure.
For readers who crave the exhilarating thrills and daring escapades of pirate fantasy books, swashbuckling tales offer a treasure trove of adventure and excitement. Featuring charismatic rogues, daring sword fights, and daring rescues, these books capture the spirit of high-seas adventure in all its swashbuckling glory.
For readers who enjoy the fast-paced action and high-stakes thrills of pirate fantasy books, action-adventure novels offer a non-stop rollercoaster ride of excitement and danger. With pulse-pounding suspense and adrenaline-fueled escapades, these books keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Whether you’re seeking daring exploits on the high seas, epic quests in fantastical realms, or passionate romances amidst the dangers of adventure, there’s a genre out there to satisfy your appetite for excitement and wonder. So why not set sail for new literary horizons and discover the endless possibilities awaiting you in the world of books?
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre are pirate books?
Pirate books can fall into any genre. Many pirate romance books exist, some pirate science fiction may involve space pirates. In our case, we are showcasing pirate fantasy books.
Are there any LGBTQ pirate fantasy books?
Why not check out In Deeper Waters for your LGBT pirate fantasy fix!

domain: library


(Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)Following talks with congressional leaders that yielded no news of a "fiscal cliff" agreement, President Barack Obama on Friday evening pressured lawmakers to reach a deal this weekend as the public's patience wears thin.
"America wonders why it is that in this town for some reason they can't get stuff done in an organized timetable, why everything always has to wait for the last minute," Obama said during a statement delivered in the White House briefing room. "The American people are not going to have any patience for a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy, not right now."
The president confirmed that following his Friday afternoon meeting with congressional leaders, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have been tasked to reach an agreement to reduce the deficit and avoid the "fiscal cliff"—automatic spending cuts and tax increases set to go into effect Jan. 1.
But in the absence of a deal, Obama said he will "urge" Reid to "bring to the floor a basic package for an up-or-down vote" that would increase taxes on households earning more than $250,000, extend unemployment insurance and disarm a sequestration—provisions the president has supported.
But Republicans have been rejecting any tax increases, even for the wealthiest earners.
"If members of the House or Senate want to vote 'no,' they can," Obama said of his plan. "But we should let everybody vote. That's the way this is supposed to work."
The president referred to Friday's meeting, which also included House Speaker John Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, as "good and constructive" and said he remained "modestly optimistic" about Congress' ability to reach a deal.
But he blamed Congress for the 11th-hour holdup.
"The economy is growing, but sustaining that trend is going to require elected officials to do their jobs," Obama said.
No details on the proposals offered Friday were released by the White House or the lawmakers present.
According to a readout from the speaker's office, Boehner began the meeting by reminding those gathered "that the House has already acted to avert the entire fiscal cliff and is awaiting Senate action." Plan options were discussed and the speaker said the House will consider Senate-amended, House-passed legislation.
Following the meeting, McConnell said on the Senate floor that he was "hopeful and optimistic" about a deal.
"We had a good meeting down at the White House. We are engaged in discussions—the majority leader and myself and the White House—in the hopes that we can come forward as early as Sunday and have a recommendation that I can make to my conference and the majority leader can make to his conference," McConnell said. "And so we’ll be working hard to try to see if we can get there in the next 24 hours."


The Kerala floods that occurred around a month ago had left the God’s own country devastated. Over 400 people lost their lives and nearly 1 lakh people were left homeless in one of the country’s biggest natural disasters ever.
Now, award-winning Malayalam filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph has announced a film on the Kerala floods. Titled 2043 ft, the film will showcase the heroic survival of thousands of flood victims and the heroes who have saved hundreds of lives with their selfless acts.
The film will feature top technicians while the cast will comprise of aspiring actors apart from a few notable faces.
- Sai Pallavi quite excited about her next
- Tamannaah hates to be called as Milky Beauty
- Award winning Art Director all set for directorial debut
- Kajal finally opens up about Chota K Naidu kissing controversy
- Rashmika turns college professor for her next


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Iconic menswear designer John Varvatos is now designing for pint-sized versions of his usual clients.
Varvatos launched a boys line in partnership with Peerless Clothing that is now being sold in Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide. They’re basics: jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, all priced from $45 to $109.
“It really is the next logical step, kids express themselves through their style just like adults do, and I think there’s a whole bunch of young guys out there who are connected to music and relate to my aesthetic,” Varvatos said in a release.
Dressier pieces like suit jackets, vests, button-down shirts, ties and more are available at johnvarvatos.com.


The Wauseon Public Library will offer a Children’s Paint Class on Thursday, March 5, beginning at 4 p.m.
There is a $2 deposit due at sign-up to reserve a spot.
An Adult Painting Class will be held Saturday March 7, beginning at 10 a.m. Cost is $25; sign-up is required.
For more information, call 419-335-6626 or visit wauseonlibrary.org.


Nop, fortunately I haven't done many panic stop comparisons in my X3.
Originally Posted by Chitown-Irish
They commented that one of the negatives was looooong distances when braking and that it was similar to what they have been experiencing with recent BMW vehicles. They said it might be attributable to the Goodyear tires.
Does anyone think their stopping distances are excessive?