Shon Blog

If you are like most brides you have been looking forward to your wedding day since you were 10. You have probably imagined your perfect dress, your perfect cake and walking down the aisle with your perfect person too. There is no question every bride wants her wedding to be an unforgettable day, a magical time, and a perfect event that will inspire your guests to weep tears of joy. But how do you achieve this perfection? Well, it certainly helps to start with inspiration. Here are a few tips to figure out your wedding style.

Tip 1: Magazines. Take a trip to the drug store and grab a bunch of wedding and fashion magazines. Thumb through them and start imaging how you can fit some of these ideas into your ideal wedding venue, dress, bridesmaids dresses, and reception. Start a wedding inspiration book or binder. Cut out any images or pictures you find inspiring and glue them into your inspiration book. After you have several pages in your binder you will start to see a style or pattern. Do you love pinks or rock and roll ideas or vintage themes? You can use these themes to show your wedding planner what you like. You can also use this binder to help you chose your venue and flowers and even your dress!

Tip 2: Wedding Blogs. Spend some time on the internet. Check out the best wedding blogs and make tabs or bookmarks of all the real weddings and wedding ideas you love. Most wedding planners have blogs that are great too. You can also copy out pictures that you like and print them out to add to your inspiration book. You can find bridesmaids gifts, wedding planning ideas, decorating ideas, photography poses, cake designs, seating arrangement design and more. There is no limit to the ideas you will find in wedding blogs and websites.

Tip 3: Wedding Expos. Take a trip to your local wedding expo. Explore the different vendors and get an idea of which vendors you feel most connected to and would like to use. Make sure to talk to everyone – get an idea for their style and personalities and don’t forget to grab a bunch of brochures and business cards for later. Once you have your inspiration book & have gathered a few ideas of what you want your perfect day to be like, spend some time looking at your local vendors websites and make a few appointments.

Tip 4: What do you love? Inspiration for your wedding does not have to come from a specific blog or magazine. You may be inspired by your childhood beach house, your favorite movie/book or even your favorite far away place. Colors and design can based around any idea you love. For example, if you love the beach and ocean you can choose aquas, teals and sandy beiges as your colors. Incorporating beach glass, sand and shells to your table design could also be an option. Bridesmaids dresses could also be in shades or blues and bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts could be really cool shades.

You can find inspiration for your wedding just about anywhere, it is just a matter of taking the time to figure out what you like. Once you have a few ideas of inspiration you like, spend some time with your wedding planner and discuss together how you can create your dream wedding. Your wedding planner can help you find the best local vendors, venues, photographers, videographers, etc.

This is a day you will remember for the rest of your life, so make sure to take the time to figure out exactly what you want. Try not to get discouraged with too many outside opinions. And most importantly, don’t forget, this is your day!!

Jacques Maritain, a personal favorite modern philosopher and thinker, wrote a book on “Les Grandes Amities” (The Great Friendships), which inspired me on a journey of self discovery and self-realization. My love affair with my philosophical researches has led me study about truth and friendship. When I say friend here I do not mean “copain” (in French), “barkada” (in Filipino) or buddy. What I meant is something stronger and truer. In one of his more celebrated dialogues, Plato in “The Banquet” lamented why no poem or eulogy was made for friendship. Everybody has something to say about love. What made this work of Plato interesting were the distinctions he made about it.

The first kind of love Plato wrote about was utilitarian love. One likes his new sneakers because they make him look good. Another likes his cellular phone more than anything else because he cannot live a day without texting his friends, surf the internet with it, forwarding quotes with it, making important calls, even listening to music and taking pictures with it. It is understandable why he likes his phone because it makes him connected to the rest of the world. I too have the same thing with my my phone and laptop. But to love somebody with this kind of love is despicable. I do not comprehend when a person allows somebody to love him in this kind of way. But alas, there exists many in our midsts who love another because that person is useful to him, because he profits from that person.

The second kind of love according to Plato is the carnal love. This love is what people call a “platonic” kind of love. The term platonic is of course from Plato. It means our senses are gratified with this kind. This is the most common kind of love. One desiress beauty because one is please with it. I know somebody who was head over heels with a girl who was drop dead gorgeous. He wooed her for months, showering her with gifts, flowers and promises. The day the girl got pregnant and lost her beautiful body, he soon realized that he has already fallen out of love. It was too late because they were already married. Movies and television are selling and promoting this kind of love. Has anyone watched a movie or a television show that did not showcase a beautiful woman and an equally attractive man? Platonic love makes us giggle, crazily in-love, makes our world even more habitable. Everybody has experience this kind of love one way or the other. Our first love is unforgettable because it appealed to our senses. Our crushes are worth the night we spent sleepless dreaming about. It gave us butterflies in the stomach and a certain kind of glow. It made us believe we were invincible. It made us young.

But what happens when the beauty in the person we love disappears? We heard more than often that two people who were deeply in-love with each other suddenly find themselves out of love. Platonic love risks dying as fast as it has blossomed. So Plato introduced a third kind of love, the spiritual love. Here both utilitarian and carnal loves are taken over. A person is love for who he is, the person he is and not for what he is. Spiritual love does not demand the person one loves to change. One does not ask the person he loves to change “if you love me then change”. One changes for love because he wants his love to grow and fully blossom. He does it gratuitously. Why do I love this person and not this other person? No one knows. It is the gratuity in love. One loves another because he loves. I remember a famous citation on love by La Montainge, “Why do you love me? I love you because you are you!” Can something be more gratuitous than that?

The world becomes colorful in love. It is like we own the world and no one exist but you and the person you love. This is true in both platonic and spiritual kind of loves. But spiritual kind of love goes farther. One loves the good he sees in the other person and not only the external beauty. It is true that beauty predisposes love. One does not love someone he finds no beauty at all. It could be the eyes, the face, and the body that made us first noticed the person we love. Spiritual love goes beyond mere beauty. It sees the good in the person. It sees over and above beauty to reach the good in the person.

I always believe that there is always a good in each one of us. Each one of us is potentially “loveable”. When we love the good in the person we love, we can go to a much higher plane in love. We see the person we love as he is and not as we want him to be. The person becomes a friend. And for spiritual love to be perfect it must be a mutual choice. I love my friend and my friend loves me. I have chosen my friend because I see a good in him. The good in him is good for me also. My goodness is good for him also.

What could be more wonderful and fulfilling than to have a friend who loves us because of the good in us? Christians are blessed because Jesus Christ himself, God himself calls man his friend. “I do not call you servants anymore but friends”. Friendship is the greatest gift one can offer to anyone. It is the most beautiful of all the treasures here on earth. It is the gift of self.

Amidst a couple of cries against the film in progress, Teresa Villaverde’s Transe (Portugal 2006) unfolded: an epic saga about a young Russian woman who leaves her country in search of more opportunity and who winds up being trafficked as a sex slave in Italy. It’s not sure if the grumbling in the Grand Salle at Creteil Films de Femmes on April 2 was consciously made because the subject was so disturbing, or because of the unconventional form of the film that may have put spectators on edge. When giant trees fall in the forest at a road stop for the woman in transit, the beginning of the loss of self is profoundly foreshadowed. After the trees hit the ground, the images are blurred; this begins Sonia’s (Ana Moreira) trance: one that she is within the entire film, as are we as spectators of cinema.

There is nothing random about the way Villaverde frames each scene. Her creative use of the camera and editing to create a picture language that symbolically follows the narrative is brilliant. Villaverde sets the focal lengths, angles and mobility of the camera, arranges the shots, and tells a story not only in words but in symbols.

We should remember that Sonia is a young woman in her 20s who is exposed to the most vicious degradation and loss of personal freedom one can experience as a woman. Trafficking is a huge problem today and women are doubly at risk for being sex slaves but also illegal aliens and thereby are not free to speak out against their captivity. According to Villaverde, perpetrators are sophisticated in hiding the signs of physical abuse.

Why does Sonia not resist? Why did she allow herself to be put in the trunk of a car because of a supposed raid by immigration authorities in Germany? She told the perpetrator no so many times. At every no, there is a sigh of relief. Short lived as the seduction and entrapment wins. Why does she not jump out of the car when she has a chance? Why does she not run? The loss of self is so complete in this film that we cannot really expect any answers to satisfy these questions. We are not in her situation. What can we do about this barbarianism today? Does it continue so that prostitution can continue without any legal barriers?

We know that trafficking must stop and the buyers of sex, as in Sweden, must be prosecuted.

Is it a dream that Sonia envisions a young boy with a rifle in the room aiming at her, where she is forced to service buyers of sex? There are many facets of her trance to reconcile and Villaverde does not make this easy for us.

Although long distance relationships are filled with special challenges, once they start to become long term they often result in marriage. If you’ve only been in a long distance relationship for a little while, then your odds are not so great that it will last. If you do manage to get through the first year though, then there is a good chance that you’re in a relationship that has what it takes to turn into marriage. Many aspects that are mandatory to making a long distance relationship work are also very helpful in having a marriage succeed. Consider these facts about long distance relationships:

You already have a life of your own- Yes, marriage involves a life together, but long term it’s also very important to have a life of your own. You need to have your own interests, hobbies, and some friends that are not dependent on your spouse. No matter how much you love spending time together, it takes a lot of pressure off your relationship when you’re not dependent on one person for all your happiness. This is a big advantage for long distance relationships, because if you’ve survived them for any length of time you already have a life of your own.

There’s a high level of trust- Most of us will agree that trust is the foundation for any relationship, and once it breaks down the relationship is basically over. When you’re in a long distance relationship trust is either established early on or the relationship ends because you don’t see each enough to “check up on” the other person.

You’re less likely to become a creature of habit- All of us know someone who stayed in a relationship that was going nowhere simply because it was “comfortable.” It sounds like this is a safe way to go, but for a relationship this is a disastrous route to take. Years down the road all that coasting along in the comfort zone will leave you unhappy and wishing you’d gotten out sooner. Long distance relationships just don’t lend themselves to sticking with someone out of habit. This is probably because they can be a lot of work, and generally you don’t see each other enough for that comfort zone instinct to kick in.

All of the relationship aspects that are mentioned here are important things that need to happen in any healthy relationship. You need to have a life of your own, you need trust and it is never a wise idea to stay in relationship just because it is comfortable. Due to the nature of a long distance relationship, it tends to be apparent early on that these elements either exist or don’t exist and the relationship survives or fails accordingly.

Are you looking for dirt bikes for sale? If this is your first dirt bike then buying a used bike may just be the way to go. You can see if this is something you want to do on an ongoing basis or is it is just a passing phase without spending a great deal of money.

If this is your first dirt bike, or even if you have purchase used dirt bikes before, there are several things you should look for above and beyond the obvious. Obviously you should check any potential purchase over for broken, torn, bent, worn, ripped, scratched, cracks, fractures or loose parts on the bike. But there are five things you should look for in addition:

First, you need to check out the brakes. How worn are they? Are there worn spots where the brake pads touch the bike? Is the front brake line worn out or is it time for it to be replaced? These might not be deal breakers, but they will be expenses you will have to bear, so you at least would want concessions made in the price for these items.

Second off, you should look for leaks. Check the bike over carefully, most particularly on the front fork. Look at the fork seal and check for any runs of oil going down the forks.

Third, check the chassis number on the bike. If the chassis number is scratched and unreadable, the bike is most likely stolen and your don’t want to be a party to that.

Fourth, question the present owner about his or her maintenance schedule. How often was the oil changed and have there been any major repairs. If the seller is asking for a premium price because of major work done on the bike or because of a rebuild, ask for proof the work has been done. Copies of the work orders and receipts should be furnished with any dirt bike sale.

And Fifth, if you are able, take the bike for a test ride. You will be able to tell a great deal about the bike once you’ve ridden it. If you are an inexperienced rider, ask to have the bike inspected by a mechanic or some other professional. They will often be able to see and hear problems a less experienced rider would miss.

If you check for these five things when shopping for dirt bikes for sale, you’ll be sure to walk away a winner.

My life has changed

in so so many ways

It seems to always be

in a state of disarray…

Without you here

by my side

to hold my hand

and be my guide…

I feel like I’m lost…

wandering through each day

waiting and hoping and praying

that you come to me in some way….

I need you to tell me

that it everything will be okay…

If anyone else is saying it

I never hear them on any day…

Nobody will ever be what

You were to me…

It breaks my heart to know

that I will never see…

Your tender face again

Or touch your fragile body

and feel your unconditional

love reserved only for me…

I would give 10 years

of my life to have you

here with me for just

a month or two…

My love for you began

more than 30 years ago

It grew into a kind of love

that few people ever know…

I know I was truly blessed

to have you as my best friend,

My Grannio and my sole supporter

until the bitter end…

I will never forget

how much you gave,

how much you loved,

or how often you saved…

Me – when I was a little girl

from my nightmares

and when I was grown up

from all the evil dares…

You always stood by me

Faithful, strong and true

Til the bitter end

I knew I could count on you…

Now that you’re gone

and I’m here alone

I realize more than ever

all that you’ve done…

To make my life better,

Safer and Secure

By giving me your love

So unmistakebly pure…

I miss everything about you

all that you were to me

every single day I think

of how my life used to be…

When you were here

with Jakob and me

Things were so different

that it’s hard to see…

Why God had to take you

away from me and my son

so much, much too soon

before your time had come…

I will never understand

and I will forever fear…

how much life hurts

without you here…

Detective Ramirez checks her watch. It’s three in the morning. She cranes her neck to take in her surrounding once more. Everyone is in place. She glances at Smith and Rodgers but their features are hard and unreadable. No matter, everyone knows the plan, they had gone through it often enough since receiving that anonymous tip with Noize Crank’s location. She wonders if he could have chosen a more obvious location. Ramirez is well acquainted with this part of town. It seems like the majority of cases she works on brings her here.

A movement catches her attention and her hands instinctively move to the gun resting in the holster at her waist. But it was just a cat, rummaging through the heaps of garbage pilled against the south wall of the rapidly deteriorating building.

The abandoned warehouse is the perfect hideout for the slippery Noize Crank and detective Rodgers has his mind on the promotion he expects is in stores for him when he finally gets his hands on the elusive DJ and hacker. He gives the signal for SWAT to storm the building and nods to his colleagues. A nervous excitement builds into him and he mentally rehearses reading his soon-to-be prisoner’s rights. The crackle of his radio interrupts his thoughts.

“The warehouse is secured,” announces the voice on the other end, “the suspect is not in the building.”

“Not again!” Ramirez exclaimed, echoing her colleagues’ thoughts. Smith crushes his cigarette into the asphalt and marches into the building, the other two on his heels.

“How did this happen?” Smith growls to one of the faceless SWAT personnel.

The young uniformed officer is still mumbling his response when his captain addresses the detectives.

“This was found on the scene,” he announces. He hands over an evidence bag, which contains an iPod.

Smith’s been working on this case long enough to get excited at the discovery. Ever since they discovered that Noize Crank was using his DJ gigs to recruit hackers and drove him underground, he has been using encrypted music videos for the purpose. Smith turns over the evidence bag and his hope deflates a little. The iPod is damaged, though this may be something the computer forensics team can work past.

The detectives wrap up their work on the scene and return home for a few hours of much needed sleep while the lab does its work.

It’s barely 10 a.m. the next day and Ramirez is on the treadmill when her phone rings. She checks its display, and changes the treadmill’s settings so she can walk as she answers the phone.

“Ramirez here.”

“Detective Ramirez? This is Gill from the computer forensics lab. Detective Smith asked that I update all of you with what we found on the iPod.”

“I’m listening.” Ramirez can barely contain her excitement. This is it. The information that will finally allow them to get Noize Crank.

“Well, as suggested by detective Smith, the iPod contains encrypted music videos. We have been able to decipher from the data’s format that we are looking at GPS locations­-”

“Perfect,” Ramirez steps off the machine and hurriedly scrounges through the duffel bag sitting next to the machine for a pen and paper, “alright, give them to me.”

“It’s not that simple. As I was saying, the data appears to be a GPS location, however without the digital key, it could take us weeks, maybe even months to decrypt.”

“Damn! What’s Smith’s plan?”

“He’s calling a meeting at 1400.”

“Great.” Ramirez’s voice drips with sarcasm. She hates meetings. They’re a waste of time. All the department heads just tries to one-up each other. Of course, she’d never consider not attending and as such remaining out of the loop. She’s not about to commit career-suicide.

It’s two in the afternoon and Rodgers just makes it to headquarters. Late again. Of course no one will take his other responsibilities into consideration when automatically labeling him the slacker of the group. Babysitters are not always easy to come by at the last minute, especially since the kids have been such brats since his wife just ditched two months back. But personal drama has to stay at home. Rodgers was of that mindset himself back when he led what he’d always thought was the perfect life. As he rushes down the hall, his shoulder grazes with that on a young intern carrying a stack of papers. They hardly touch but it’s enough for him to lose his balance just a little and the cup of coffee he carries splatters up to leave a large brown stain on his white shirt. Why can nothing ever go right for him?

He grabs a tissue from his pocket, and still walking and awkwardly balancing his coffee, he dabs at the stain. Once outside the meeting room, he gives up, takes a deep breath and walks in. Everyone’s attention turns to him.

Smith shakes his head when he takes in Rodgers appearance and continues where he left off, Rodgers would just have to piece together what he’d missed. “The amount of manpower needed for a project like this to be successful in the amount of time needed is just not feasible.” Having a taste for the dramatic, he slams his fist into the boardroom table before continuing, “We have to remember that time is of the essence here. Our sources tell us that Noize is the head of the organization and we have to cut off the problem at the head.” He slides his index finger across his throat. “We have to also keep in mind that this group is highly organized and is targeting government agencies. The information being leaked to the public is highly sensitive and damaging.” Another table pounding is added for emphasis.

Ramirez is tired of Smith’s theatrics and Rodger’s obviously faked apathy – who shows up to a meeting late wearing a stained shirt other than someone trying to pretend he is superior to everyone else? She’s tired of this case. “There’s a simple solution,” she announces to the group. The two technicians look annoyed and Ramirez realizes they think she doesn’t grasp the situation. “We leak the videos on YouTube and we offer a two million dollar reward to whoever cracks it. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of Crank’s own network would betray him for that type of cash.”

Each member of the assembled group looks at each other for a few minutes while silently considering Ramirez’s suggestion. Once Smith breaks the silence voicing his approval of the plan, everyone starts talking at once, asking questions, offering suggestions, and fine-tuning the plan. Everyone is sick of this case and at this point, the easiest solution seems to be the best one.

* * *

A few hours later, originating from a not so different part of town, an anonymous message begins circulating through the waves and wires of the Internet:

NEWSFLASH

The website noizecrank.com is a fake. It’s been put in place by the authorities to stop the freedom of information. All IPs and visits are being tracked for information. Protect your identity and consider staying away from the website. If Noize Crank needs you, you will know…

Kerala, the Gods own country Situated in India has a rich tradition of Handicrafts. Kerala’s traditional handicrafts are a class of its own. The artisans of kerala have traditional expertise in carving in wood, jewellery design, both gold and silver and also in other mediums. Making idos and figures in metaletc. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods.

Life size models of Kathakali, and models depiciting snake boat race of kerala are exclusive masterpieces of kerala aritisans. The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing posture and the various lamps (vilakku) which are essential for every ceremonies of keralities are also created by artisans.

Industrial arts and handicrafts form an invaluable part of the Cultural heritage of Kerala. Metal crafts have the pride of place among the traditional arts. Bell-metal casting is an old time industrial art. It has involved mainly two kinds of activities. Images or idols of deities made out of copper, bronze and brass are used for consecration in temples and other religious purposes. Huge Varpus (shallow basins of hemispherical shape), multi-layered lamps and household utensils are all made of these metals. These products are noted for their high degree of perfection.

Lamps of the most artistic beauty are also made by Kerala craftsmen. The Greek lamp (Changalavatta), the Archana lamp, the Arati Dipa etc., deserve mention in this context. The Aranmula metal mirror has attained fame among the products of the bell metal industry. A product of an accident in metal casting, it is made of an alloy of copper and tin and resembles the glass mirror in every respect in point of utility. The Koftagari work, one of the popular metal crafts of India, is also being practiced by a few artisans in Trivandrum. Figures of deities, landscapes, floral designs and fancy articles of a wide variety are produced in Koftagari.

Wood craft is one of the ancient arts of Kerala as is testified to by the temples and churches of the State which abound in wood carvings. Items of furniture like chairs, tables settees, sofas, almirahs, cots, radio castings etc., and models of animals and deities, toys and Kathakali accessories produced by Kerala craftsmen are very much in demand. The models of caparisoned elephants and the carvings of Kathakali dance-dolls are items of popular demand.

The craftsmen of Kerala have also developed a variety of handicrafts using the rich wealth of flora in the State. Screwpine mat weaving is one of such handicrafts. Such articles as pillow covers, cushions, vanity bags, purses, hats etc., are also made of screw pine. The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is also one of the simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Kora grass is similarly used for making mats of different sizes and colours.

Rattan is used in the manufacture of articles of daily use like chairs, settees, teapoys, cradles, trays, shopping bags and a variety of other utility-cum-fancy articles. The coconut shell is used for the manufacture of such articles of utility and beauty as lamp stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Coir carpets and mattings produced in many attractive designs and colours find a ready market in India and abroad.

Lace and embroidery work of high quality is being done by women in several parts of Kerala. The Talangara village of Kasaragod taluk is famous for the textile cap making industry. The cotton caps manufactured here find a ready market in the African and Gulf countries.

Ivory carving is another traditional art of Kerala. The art was given an impetus by Swati Tirunal Maharaja. An ivory throne made by Swati Tirunal is still preserved as a show piece. The craftsmen engaged in this art at present produce a variety of models of mythological characters, animals, birds, cigarette cases etc., to cater to different tastes. A typical specimen of ivory carving produced in Kerala is that of the snake boat (Chundan vallam) and it is cherished by tourists to the State as a memento. The craftsmen engaged in ivory carving also use other materials like the buffalo born for practicing their art.

The jewelry of Kerala is noted for its artistic perfection. Each caste or community had its typical ornament. An ornament of the Nair women was Nagapadam or serpent hood, so called after the shape of the pendant. An ear ornament called Toda, a double convex disc, was worn after dilating the earlobes. Mukkuthi was an ornament for nose and Kappu for the wrist. The most important ornaments for the neck were Addyal, Yantram, Avil Mala and Puli Nakham. Cherutali was a kind of necklace worn loose over the breast by Namboodiri women while Kasu Mala and Oddyanam were used by Tamil Brahmin. A kind of heavy guilt brass ring called Mekka Motiram was worn by Christian women after boring their ears in several places.

Ottezhapathakkam, Kombu, Tala etc., were also typical Christian ornaments. Though most of the traditional ornaments mentioned above have become defunct now, the Kerala women are still found of ornaments, and jewelry items like necklaces, bangles, chains, earrings, studs etc., are now made by Kerala goldsmiths in a variety of attractive designs.

Apart from the main crafts described above, there are also a few others which deserve mention. Granite carving is one such art, which is mainly centred in Chengannur. The granite workers manufacture a variety of articles like idols, household equipment, pillars, survey stones etc., which are in great demand. The manufacture of musical instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, Mridangam, Edakka etc., is done in some places. The costumes and accessories required in Kathakali and Teyyam are being manufactured by some craftsmen.

In Tellicherry, the home of Indian circus, the peculiar kinds of umbrella required by circus companies are manufactured. Being a maritime State, Kerala has its own handicrafts based on marine materials. Conch-shell articles like paper weight, pin cushions, ashtrayas, studs etc., are made by craftsmen in the Trivandrum area. In Kasaragod area articles like bangles, vanity bags and name boards are made of glass beads. Thus the legacy of Kerala in the field of arts and crafts is a rich and varied one.

Sam Farha is one of the most colorful poker players and because of his aggressive and funny style he has millions of fans around the world. No matter if he wins or loses, his jokes, elegance and cigarette in mouth always make it fun to watch him.

In the following hand Farha faces another heavy weight player, Patrik Antonius.

The blinds are $400/$800 with a $200 ante. Farha is a super aggressive and loose player who raises almost every hand with any two cards. This time he has QdKd. This hand is a lot better than the majority of his raising hands. He raises to $4 200. Antonius is next to act and he only has Jh9h but he knows Farha very well so he decides to make a play on Farha. With a reraise Farha might fold right away. If he does not fold, Antonius has a speculative hand with possible flush and straight draws where he might win a huge pot later. Antonius raises to $16 000, all other players fold but Farha would not be himself if he did not make an instant call. The pot is $34 200.

The flop is: 6d3c9d. Antonius hits top pair with moderate kicker, Farha has two overcards and a king high flush draw. Farha has a 53%-47% advantage over Antonius at this moment (9 cards for a flush draw plus 6 overcards make 15 outs). Farha checks and Antonius leads out with $20 000. A typical continuation bet of a bit more than half of the pot with top pair where Antonius thinks he is ahead and he wants to see where he stands. Farha thinks quickly and check-raises to $100 000. Now comes a surprise. Antonius thinks for almost half a minute and decides to go all-in with a pair of nines. Gabe Kaplan does not even have time to react and comment the action because Farha announces a call within a second.

They decide to run it four times. The first time the 3d comes to complete Farha’s flush but the 9c on the river is one of the four remaining cards to give Antonius a full house. This means Antonius wins one quarter of the whole pot. The second time Farha hits his flush again but Antonius cannot draw him out (5dAh). Both players have won once until now when the final two showdowns come. 2s6h gives Antonius two pairs and a 2-1 lead. The last time the 4s5h comes to the board meaning Antonius wins 3-1 and collects three-quarters of the pot.

When dealing with long distance relationships and friendships it’s important to listen and make it interesting, I think everyone knows this. Still, there are times when that isn’t so easy. So, I have a solution for you. Why not talk about Nothing? That’s right nothing, it really is an interesting topic. How so you ask? Well, let me explain;

Philosophers have often wondered if nothing exists. Some in the past have considered that in deep-space there is nothing, but now scientists know that just isn’t so. In fact, there is estimated an atom or particle of matter no less than every cubic yard, no not much, but there is “something” there, not nothing.

Not long ago, I asked an accomplished acquaintance; “Have you ever thought about; “Nothing” if so, it is something. Nothing or No-Thing, doesn’t actually exist you see?”

Indeed, they too had considered this and stated; “Yes, I’m not a “nothing” thinker. If I’m thinking about nothing, it’s really not nothing since as you note, nothing doesn’t exist.”

Right! Because as soon as you think of it, you’ve given it energy of thought, now it is something, and you’ve assigned it a name too, namely; Nothing! And, thus, nothing can’t be nothing any longer and one could argue from a quantum physics standpoint, that nothing, provided it actually did exist somewhere, can no longer be at absolute zero, and thus, it is now no longer in a complete state of rest.

Now then, if there is nothing, that is to say, if the concept of nothing did ever exist, or will in the future; then;

A.) it’s not somewhere,

B.) it’s not nowhere,

C.) it doesn’t have a name,

And, once discovered it no longer exists, is erased from the past, present, and future, as nothing. It’s been created, in this case merely by your thoughts, dreamt into existence if you will. Time in this case is not a barrier, but an enabler. Think! That’s a great paradox of philosophy, I like that one.