Horse Racing

What’s more exciting than heading to the race track to place a bet on your favorite horse to win? The sport of horse racing is an entire industry to itself. Once upon a time, the wealthy were the only ones who owned horses and raced them. But now anyone can own a horse. There are co-owners, business and groups that can own and race a horse. Owning a race horse can be thrilling yet a lot of work. Most people hire some one to care for the horse as well as train the horse to race. There are high stakes with horse racing, and a good race horse is usually bred to be one. The excitement of horse racing has led to many stories ranging from stories about those horses bred to race to the jockeys who ride them. Horse racing short stories such as “and they’re off!: Stories From The Racetrack” by D.S. Williamson, is a collection of stories based on human nature.Humans as a species are trying to survive just like any other animal on this planet. Are we all so different? The answer is no, when you look at how animals thrive on love. A collection of short stories centering on the race track adds an element of excitement. For those who love horse racing, short stories involving their favorite sport as well as intriguing stories of the underdog, make for a great compilation.Those who are not even into horses are still intrigued by these short stories. The emotion, the truth, and the characters all draw you in with shocking endings and in depth dialogue. The reader enters the mind of the characters and learns what they are going through, how they handle it and how it affects them. Set at the racetrack, the stories tie everything together.These are the kinds of stories that happen every day at race tracks. Horse racing carries a certain taboo and excitement that cannot be matched elsewhere. People flock to the track to bet on their favorite horse and the crowd can be packed with celebrities and royalty. The sport is one that grabs the attention of those who love the human element involved in going to the race track.Gambling in itself adds to the excitement of the story. Horses are majestic animals that are well respected. Watching them gallop around the track in true form makes for an amazing story. Many true to life short stories have been written about the sport or about certain horses. Stories from the point of view of the jockey or the owner can tell the tale of what it is like put everything into the horse you race. Unlike car racing or dog racing, the jockey and horse are one. The horse is a living creature with a mind of its own. The jockey and horse form a team to win a race and there is nothing better to witness.

The English Teacher

Krishnan's change comes about not as a result of any grand plan or ambition, but as a result of a series of challenging circumstances which arise once he begins to take steps away from the cloistered and protective environment of his school. But although Krishnan's journey is unpredictable, a number of themes are being worked out in the course of the novel. These themes might be said to be Krishnan's progress from predictability to unpredictability, from the academic world to the real world of life and death, from adulthood to childhood, and from a western mentality to an eastern mentality.From predictability to unpredictability.Krishnan repeatedly finds himself being drawn out of situations which ought to have been predictable and ordered by events which are spontaneous and unpredictable, and it is clear that he finds spontaneity and unpredictability to be stimulating and life-enhancing, while predictability and order, although providing a cushion of comfort and security, is ultimately stifling and deadeningSusila, his wife, brings unpredictability into his life at every turn. For example when they go to look at a house she wants to make a long diversion to walk by the river and bathe her feet, where the rational orderly Krishnan would have naturally taken the most direct route, and it is clear that he finds her unpredictable behaviour a source of delight and inspiration. The turning point of the story arises from Susila's unpredictability. When they go to look at the house we could not possibly predict that she would go for a walk on her own, get stuck in a contaminated lavatory, and then become ill. The futility of clinging to the belief that life can be orderly, predictable, and knowable is shown in two central, and symmetrical, predictions which occupy a prominent place in the novel. The first is the doctor’s assertion that typhoid, which Susila has contracted, ‘is the one fever which goes strictly by its own rules. It follows a time-table‘ and that Susila will be well in a few weeks. But in spite of his further assurances that her attack is ‘Absolutely normal course. No complications. A perfect typhoid run' Susila dies.The other prominent demonstration of the futility of believing that life can be knowable and predictable is seen in the headmaster's belief in a prediction made by an astrologer, 'who can see past present and future as one, and give everything its true value' that he will die on a given date. But although (just as the doctor had asserted that Susila's typhoid was 'A perfect typhoid run') the headmaster has found that his 'life has gone precisely as he predicted', the headmaster lives. Both of these episodes show the limitations of man’s ability to know and predict the world. The truth is that we cannot know, and cannot predict, and any view of life, whether deriving from modern western science, or ancient eastern mysticism, which disregards the unknowable and sees only what is supposedly known, and supposedly predictable, is hopelessly inadequate. From the academic world to the 'law of life'While these episodes fail to provide Krishnan with anything rational to believe in, they do bring him face to face with the reality of life and death, and confronting the realities of life without retreating into the safe cerebral world of literature and philosophy is an important component of his journey. In coming to terms with the death of his wife literature, philosophy, and rationalism, are no use to him. They are all illusions, and the journey he is on involves leaving illusions behind. The truth Krishnan wants to discover cannot be found in Shakespeare, Carlyle, or Plato, it is found only among real people leading real lives, it is 'the law of life'.From adulthood to childhoodChildren are very much in evidence throughout 'The English Teacher', and are important guides for Krishnan on his journey. The children who help to show him the way are the younger children, his own daughter, Leela, and the children at the nursery school she attends. The most prominent character in the novel, after Krishnan and his family, is the headmaster of Leela's school. He is a champion of childhood, having devoted his life to children since receiving the prediction that he would die, and believes they are ‘angels’, ‘the real gods on earth’, and employs what he calls ‘The Leave Alone System’ in his school.In the second half of the novel Krishnan’s discovery of children as an effective countermeasure against ‘the curse of adulthood’, and the opening of his mind that he is experiencing through meditation, pave the way for his resignation from his old job and the adoption of a more genuine lifestyle.From west to eastAnother component of Krishnan's journey is that he encounters the coexistence of western and native cultural attitudes, which also represent the attitudes of Indians of a newer and older generation. For example when Susila is ill she is treated both by a doctor who practises western scientific medicine, and by a Swamiji who uses mystical methods of healing. The Swamiji is summoned by Susila’s mother, representing an older generation than Krishnan himself, who believes the ‘Evil Eye’ has fallen on her daughter, and it is notable that Krishnan feels ‘ashamed’ that the doctor finds the Swamiji in the house, showing that he is alienated from, and embarrassed by, the native culture of the older generation of his own country.The final stage of Krishnan’s journey takes him further from the from the western intellectual frame of mind, inherited from the British, in which he was embedded at the opening of the novel, and further towards native Indian spiritual practices. To reach his goal of ‘a harmonious existence’ he takes up his deceased wife’s psychically-communicated challenge, which he receives initially through a medium, to develop his mind sufficiently to communicate with her psychically himself, and bridge the gap between life and life-after-death. Although initially he had been bemused by his wife’s devotional practices, mocking her with ‘Oh! Becoming a yogi!’ he now relies on her to guide him, from beyond the grave, in his ‘self-development’. In the final chapter the issues of the novel come to a head with Krishnan’s resignation from his post as English teacher and his psychic reunion with his wife. In his attack on the system he is rebelling against he criticises not English Literature itself 'for who could be insensible to Shakespeare’s sonnets, or Ode to the West Wind’ but India’s adherence to an educational system which stifles the spirit of its students and alienates them from their native culture:

Another Pretty Face

Joe glanced at his watch. It's exactly 1800 hours. I wonder if Sara's ready. He knocked on the door and heard the hurried clicking of heels on the tile floor. "Come in." Sara smiled, opened the door, and stepped aside. "Let me look at you." He circled around her, sighed at her flat stomach, and perfectly flared hips. Wow! What a figure! "You look fantastic. That dress makes your eyes sparkle." "I'm not quite ready." She glanced around the room. "I need Cassie, but she's at softball practice." He noticed frustration in her voice. "Maybe I can help. What do you need?" She turned her back to him. "I got the zipper up but I can't get the hook-n-eye fastened. I'd be embarrassed if my top fell. Just imagine the talk around town." "As tight as it is, I'm pretty sure it isn't going anywhere. Can you breathe?" He laughed, fastening the hook. "This is supposed to be tight." She held out the sides of the eggplant colored, long flowing skirt. "It's not tight here." He searched the room, making an effort not to stare at her. "I see the florist delivered the flowers." She walked to them, bent down, and inhaled the aroma of a rose. "This is the first time in my life someone's sent me red roses. When I delivered Cassie, my parents brought a mixed-flower bouquet to the hospital." She turned toward Joe. "Thank you, but you didn't need to send so many. One rose would've been plenty. Two dozen are too much." He watched her. She's about five feet six inches tall and weighs maybe one hundred twenty pounds. That strapless gown shows a slight muscle definition in her arms and upper back. Probably from the lifting, she does at the hardware store. "When the florist delivered them, did you smile?" "What woman wouldn't smile? But I would've smiled at one rose." "I bet two dozen received a bigger smile and your dimples were so cute the delivery man wanted to kiss you himself." He grinned as he thought about that image. "Your blue eyes must've sparkled. Did you do a little dance?" She stared at the floor. "I refuse to answer that." "You did." He chuckled. "I should've brought them myself. I would've enjoyed seeing that." He glanced at his watch. "Ready?" "Can you do one more thing for me?" She stared at her right hand. "Sure, what do you need?" She held up the pointer finger. "I chipped the nail polish when I put on my earrings. If I fix it, I'll smear the other nails. Will you take it off, then polish it?" She held up polish remover, a cotton ball, and a bottle of deep red polish. Joe shook his head and sighed. "This is the first time I've polished a lady's nails." Under his breath he added, "What Task Force men won't do for the women in their lives?" He reached his hand out. "Hand me that remover." With a cotton ball, he rubbed. "Can I add this to my resume?" "You can add it to your resume for being a nice man, but not your professional one." She giggled. "Unless you're applying for job as a manicurist." At least it's not the little finger. The one she's wrapped me around. Joe admired the fresh coat of polish. "Looks good. Can we go, now? I'm afraid of what else you have for me to do." His grin reflected how much he enjoyed teasing her. She blew gently on the fingernail. "It's almost dry." Again, she glanced at the roses, walked over, and smelled them, before she looked at Joe and smiled. "Thank you so much. You've made tonight perfect." "Tonight hasn't happened, yet," he teased. "It has for me." She studied her fingernail. "It's dry." A deep breath escaped. "There's going to be comments about ...." "My shoulders are broad and strong." He put his arm around her waist and drew her close. "Anytime you need to lean on them, I'm here for you." Moisture filled her eyes. Reaching up, he caressed her cheek. "I turn into putty when you cry. Can we do this without tears?" "I'll do my best, but I can't promise." He opened the door, took her hand, and led her onto the porch. "No, you didn't, no!" She grabbed his arm and stared at a white limousine. "How else were we going to get to the reunion?" "You own a new Porsche. That would've been perfect." "It's almost a year old. I wanted to take you out in style. We can stand here and admire it all night or get in and go to the reunion." He searched her eyes and grinned. "Good, no tears." ***** As Joe and Sara walked inside the restaurant, the hostess led them toward a back room with a long table set up for the reunion. The closer they came, the more former classmates stared at them. "Excuse me, ma'am." Joe reached inside his pocket, removed some bills, and handed it to the lady. "I'm selfish. I prefer not sharing my date with anyone. Could we sit at that table?" He pointed to a table across the room. After Joe held the chair for Sara to sit and seated himself, she stared into his eyes. "You can't protect me all night. I'll be all right, really." "You're my date. It's my job to protect you and make sure you have a good time." His eyes twinkled, and he grinned. "You're stuck with me for the night, but I'll do my best to show you a good time." She patted his hand. "See those men sitting over there?" She glanced toward the classmates. After he nodded, she said, "Not one of them holds a candle to you." She smiled and tilted her head. "Not only are you the most handsome man here, but you're always a perfect gentleman." She readjusted the water glass and silverware. "I've been in awe of everything you've done for me tonight and forgot to tell you how handsome you are in your uniform. Your medals are very impressive." She stared into his eyes. "I'm a sucker for a man in uniform." "You should never admit that. Not all uniformed men are gentlemen." He stood, walked toward her, and held his hand for her to take. "Care to dance?" He led her to a small open area between the tables. As he put his arms around her, he kissed her. When the kiss ended, she gulped. "You didn't need to do that for their benefit." "I didn't. I did it for my benefit, and hopefully yours. I've wanted to kiss you since we first met, but I didn't think I should in front of your fourteen year old daughter." She tightened her arms around him. "As usual you're a perfect gentleman. How many men would be concerned about the effect something might have on a child, especially a teenager?" Ginger appeared beside them. "Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt this little dance, but the ballroom is already set for dancing. Think you can wait an hour?" Joe chuckled and shook his head as they watched her walk away.

Scryer and Witch

While wandering through her attic in Romania one day, Lynda came across what appeared to be her Gypsy great-grandmother’s Diary. It turned out to be much more. She discovered that she came from a long line of Witching ancestry. With an old Grimoire in her hands, Ms Stratton realized that she, too, had powers beyond that of a ‘normal’ individual.
Ms. Stratton finds great comfort in Paganism, though her belief system is comprised of a complex web of Celtic creed fused with Wiccan ideology. She has also studied the mystical art of Vampyres under her aunt’s guidance. As of today, she is one of the few remaining Witches capable of performing Vampyre Spells. These Spells are extremely complex and powerful, and a great majority of Witches who have attempted to Cast them have mysteriously vanished. Because Lynda has mastered this art and no longer feels in danger when Casting, she has agreed to share these Vampyre Spells with you.
Within the Coven, Lynda specializes in Love and Protection Spells in addition to Vampyre Spells. She is committed to the benevolent, and is forbidden from conjuring Spells of the Left Hand Path. Also, because of her expertise in Scrying, Lynda has the ability to deal with Spirit and Animal Guides.

Easter Style Inspired By Alice

At the moment, it seems that the world has turned as mad as a hatter for all things Alice in Wonderland. The Lewis Carroll tale has been adapted for the big screen by eccentric director Tim Burton, and has taken both the film and fashion world by storm. An array of women’s clothing and women’s accessories have been infused with quirky details inspired by the story; designs that make the perfect pieces for a carefree Easter ensemble. Whether you desire the full-blown Wonderland look or simply want to give your maternity outfit a quirky accent, here’s a few pieces to liven up your pregnancy wardrobe.
From early illustrations to more modern adaptations, Alice was always famed for wearing blue. Isabella Oliver Maternity’s Ruched Tank Dress in Cobalt Blue has become a maternity bestseller, and is the pregnancy piece to choose when perfecting this theme. Infused with the brand’s signature ruching, this maternity dress is also finished in easy care jersey for all day comfort at every stage. If you want an even more fashion-forward maternity outfit, then The Erin Jumpsuit by Isabella Oliver Maternity is the solution. A fabulous alternative to a maternity dress, this all-in-one maternity design in Ocean is a versatile way of wearing a statement shade - both maternity pieces provide stylish starting points, now all you need are some whimsical accessories.

Poor man and God

once 0pen a time there was a poor man. He alwaya went to forest and collect the wood.

And sell it in the market. one day when he was cutting the wood his Axe was fall in the

pond. His important wealth is just axe so he was crried and crried. In this time The wat-

er God came and ask him, why u r crring? He reply to the God "my wealth Axe was fall down into the pond ". Then God goes into pond and bring a Golden Axe and ask him is it your Axe? poor man reply this is not mine. Again God goes into the pond and bring a sliver Axe again ask him is it your Axe? he reply it is not mine. then god bring a iron Axe poor man said that that is my Axe. The God was very happy about his rationality and gave him all(golden, sliver and iron) axe. poor man was very happy.