Thursday Edition of Contests Galore

Welcome to another Edition of Contests Galore!

Each day brings new contests from around the blogosphere and sometimes beyond.  If you would like to be included in one of the Editions of Contest Galore, please use the Contact Form to send me your giveaway/contest information.

If you love these daily editions of contests galore, put me in your feed reader or sign up for to get my post via email so you don't miss the new roundup.

You MUST visit the contest links below to enter.

No entries are accepted on this post.

If you are unsure if you've entered a contest already, do a search for your username.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for another edition.

Thanks for stopping by and Good luck!

Laura

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Is your child struggling with learning their multiplication?

Then check out this downloadable video type game called Timez Attack.  Also available on CD and you can download a base version. The Upgraded version has more options/levels.

My two oldest boys (ages 10 and 8) have been struggling to memorize their multiplication tables.  Instead of buying some expensive manipulatives or workbooks to try to booster their multiplication skills, I googled and found Timez Attack about a week and a half ago.   I downloaded the base version and the boys are really loving the game and I have noticed a HUGE jump in their fact skills now. 

So if you’re needing something to help your child boost their multiplication skills, check out this game.

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The name of your blog – Maria’s Space
A description of the item you are giving away – Pillsbury Doughboy Giggle Doll and Magazine

The number of prizes/winners – 1 winner
A link to your giveaway – http://reesspace.blogspot.com/2009/05/you-be-judge-giveaway.html

The end date of your giveaway – June 11, 2009
Restrictions (e.g. open to US only, etc.)

How to enter – To enter let me know one of the following: (If this question is not answered, you will be disqualified).

• Your favorite past Bake-Off^® recipe
  Or
• What you think makes a winning recipe

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Blog Title: Contest Corner
Contest link: http://contest-corner.blogspot.com/2009/05/giveaway-100-english-tea-paperie-gift.html
Prize: $100 English Tea Paperie Gift Certificate
How to enter: Leave a comment mentioning what your favorite design from English Tea Paperie is and why. Additional entries available.
Deadline: Giveaway ends on June 11th at 11:59 PM, PST.
Additional info: Giveaway is open to entrants worldwide.

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Blog Title: Contest Corner
Contest link: http://contest-corner.blogspot.com/2009/05/giveaway-secrets-of-immortal-nicholas.html
Prize: The Alchemyst and The Magician books & Challenges of the Elder mug
How to enter: Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about the Alchemyst Challenges of the Elder website. Additional entries available.
Deadline: Giveaway ends June 14th at 11:59 PM, PST.
Additional info: Giveaway is open to US residents.

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Shop with Me Mama
CONTEST LINK: http://www.shopwithmemama.com/blog/entry/104281/ymi-jeans-review-giveaway-two-winners
PRIZE:YMI Jeans, two winners
HOW TO ENTER: Comment on Post
DEADLINE TO ENTER:
June 17, 2009
US only and no po boxes

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Enter to win 1 of 2 $50 gift certificates to GolfSquid.com - give your husband the perfect Father's Day gift of a custom made golf club!
Ends June 13th

http://somethingsnappee.blogspot.com/2009/05/golfsquid-custom-made-golf-clubs.html

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Shop with Me Mama
CONTEST LINK: http://www.shopwithmemama.com/blog/entry/105451/prince-lionheart-silicone-bottles-review-giveaway
PRIZE:Prince Lionheart Silicone Bottles, 4 winners!!!
HOW TO ENTER: Comment On Post, extra entries available
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 17th

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: TheCelebrityCafe.com
* CONTEST LINK: http://thecelebritycafe.com/contests/newsfeed.html
* PRIZE: $100 Amex Gift card
* HOW TO ENTER: Subscribe to newsfeed
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: 6/30/2009

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: TheCelebrityCafe.com
* CONTEST LINK: http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/contests/xbox_360.html
* PRIZE: Xbox’s Ultimate Entertainment Experience
* HOW TO ENTER: Fill out form on contest page
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: July 31, 2009

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: TheCelebrityCafe.com
* CONTEST LINK: http://thecelebritycafe.com/contests/southern_belles.html
* PRIZE: Southern Belles: Louisville Prize Pack
* HOW TO ENTER: Fill out form on contest page
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: July 31, 2009

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: I Like It Frantic
* CONTEST LINK: http://www.ilikeitfrantic.net/2009/05/yummy.html
* PRIZE: Gift card Suzie's confections.
* HOW TO ENTER: Comment
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 13

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: I Like It Frantic
* CONTEST LINK: http://www.ilikeitfrantic.net/2009/05/no-throw.html
* PRIZE: No Throw Sippy cup restraint
* HOW TO ENTER: comment
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 12

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Organic Baby Resource
* CONTEST LINK: http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/organic-baby-contest.html
* PRIZE: Plum Organics Tots toddler snacks, 2 weeks of baby food purees and 1 Plum Tots organic t-shirt
* HOW TO ENTER: Subscribe to newsletter, submit recipe, other entries available
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 30, 2009

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-Nurse Mommy

-4 winners!

http://www.thenursemommy.com/2009/06/my-conservative-baby-4-winners.html

-6/12

-My conservative Baby 3-6 month onsie or 2t toddler shirt

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My Moms View

Pediped Shoes

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/pediped-review-giveaway/

June 11

Us & Can

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Shop with Me Mama
CONTEST LINK: http://www.shopwithmemama.com/blog/entry/107941/no-throw-review-giveaway-
PRIZE: No Throw Bottle Strap
HOW TO ENTER: Comment on post
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 17, 2009
US and Canada only

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Shop with Me Mama
CONTEST LINK: http://www.shopwithmemama.com/blog/entry/109461
PRIZE: Clarisonic Skin Care System
HOW TO ENTER: Comment on post
DEADLINE TO ENTER:
June 18, 2009
US only and no po boxes

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Recipe Tips and Hints

http://audreysspot.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-tupperware-contest.html

Set of 4 Tupperware Cereal Bowls

Comment on post to enter

06/19/09

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Name of my site:Beauty and Personal Grooming
Name of item that I'm giving away : AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest, a moisturizing day cream worth $59, and a beverage booster HealthDropz
* How to enter:Comment on the post, twitter or blog about the giveaway
Deadline to enter: June 15th, 2009
US addresses or world-wide? :USA
A live link to the contest/giveaway post : http://myblogonbeauty.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaway-aminogenesis-wrinkle-arrest.html

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Calling All Pork Lovers: Are YOU The Next Pork Personality?
The National Pork Board Celebrates Summer Grilling With Search for Next Pork Personality; Hangin’ with Grilling Go-To “Guy,” Guy Fieri, and $5,000 Grand Prize Up For Grabs

As grills begin firing up coast to coast, America’s pork producers are celebrating the season with the “Search for the Next Pork Personality” contest – a nationwide search for a pork lover who not only loves grilling up tasty pork, but has a “grate pork-sonality” too! From April 18 through August 31, 2009, consumers who love to “hog” the spotlight and grill can submit a short video sharing their best tip for grilling pork at TheOtherWhiteMeat.com. Up for grabs is one of three finalist spots to compete in a tong-tossing live finale grill-off in the Big Apple. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who knows all about “pork-sonality,” will help judge. One griller will be named the “Next Pork Personality” and take home $5,000, a Char-Broil gas grill and grilling accessories.

WHAT TO ENTER: Sizzle to stardom by sending the National Pork Board a video featuring your “gratest” tip for the grill using any cut of pork. The winning videos will be selected at the discretion of the National Pork Board and must exhibit originality, creativity, clear communication of a pork tip or message and be communicated effectively.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Beginning on April 18, 2009, visit TheOtherWhiteMeat.com to submit your entry online. Your video may be two minutes in length or less. You may also mail in a DVD. For acceptable file types, size limitations and the complete details of how to submit your video, log on to the Web site for details.

WINNERS: Finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to compete in a live finale grill-off in the Big Apple hosted by celebrity chef and grilling guru Guy Fieri! Guy will serve on a panel of judges to determine who will be crowned the “Next Pork Personality.”

PRIZES: The winner will take home $5,000, a Char-Broil® grill, grilling accessories and a two-night stay and airfare for themselves and a guest.

DEADLINE: Contest entry period runs from 12:01 a.m. (EST) on April 18, 2009, to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on August 31, 2009. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2009.

RULES: To see complete rules, visit TheOtherWhiteMeat.com. Don’t forget to check out Guy’s smokin’ recipes and grilling tips for inspiration, too.

http://www.theotherwhitemeat.com/aspx/promos/tour09/index.aspx

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HOST: WPLuxe
CONTEST LINK: http://wpluxe.com/2009/06/01/richwp-theme-giveaway/
PRIZE: 3 winners will win a license for the Premium WordPress theme of their choice from RichWP.com
HOW TO ENTER: Write a blog post about the contest, linking to http://richwp.com and the contest announcement post.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: 14 June 2009, 11.59PM GMT
The contest is open to all.

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Great American Cookies’ has launched its first-ever search for the “Great American Dad” – the contest launched May 13 and runs through the end of July. All people have to do is tell us, in 200 words or less, what makes their dad great and they’re entered to win a ton of great prizes including a 52” LCD TV, Blu-ray disc player and more! The contest is totally online with the entry form and details here: http://www.greatamericancookies.com/greatamericandad. Visitors can also check out some of the other great entries already posted on the site.

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Moomette's Magnificents Reviews
http://moomettesmagnificents.com/reviews/2009/06/02/the-mother-in-law-manual-proven-strategies-for-creating-healthy-relationships-with-married-children-book-review-and-giveaway/
The Mother-In-Law's Manual
Comment on Post
Ends 6/11/09

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My Moms View

Green Toys - Your choice of Environmentally friendly toy

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/green-toys-review-giveaway

June 11

US

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My Moms View

All Natural Body Wash by Breathe Natural

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/breathe-natural-review-giveaway/

June 11

US & CAN

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Parenting Our Children

Set of Post-Its recycled Notes!

6/16

US Only

http://www.parentingourchildren.com/post-its-recycled-notes-review-and-giveaway/

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Win a Sylvan Learning Workbook
http://www.mommysidea.com/2009/05/win-sylvan-learning-workbook.html
Open to US residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

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Win a Pendant from Squares of Flair!
http://www.mommysidea.com/2009/05/win-pendant-from-squares-of-flair.html
Open to US residents.
Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, June 13, 2009.

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG:Comfort Joy Designs

CONTEST LINK:  http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/perfect-baby-handbook-giveaway.html

PRIZE:  The Perfect Baby Handbook by Dale Hrabi

HOW TO ENTER:comment

DEADLINE TO ENTER:June 16

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG:Comfort Joy Designs

CONTEST LINK:  http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/fuzibunz.html

PRIZE: 3 Fuzzi Bunz Diapers

HOW TO ENTER:comment

DEADLINE TO ENTER:June 30

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Becca's Backyard
http://beccasbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/06/tupperware-freezesmart-containers.html
3 Tupperware FreezeSmart Containers
Comment with whats in your freezer
June 14 at 12:00 pst

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Host: Momma In Flip Flops2
Prize: $25 Amazon Gift card,
Enter: Comment on site with favorite Father's Day card
Deadline: 6/12/09
Open: USA and Canada
Link: http://mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/2009/06/got-free-ecardscom-giveaway.html

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Gourmet Cookies from Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies! Comment on Post. Ends June 12th.http://bit.ly/Cy3MZ

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My Moms View

Huge Gift Basket from Kibbn - See Kai Run, Swaddle Designs, Baby Legs & way more

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/kibbn-giveaway/

June 11

US & Can

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Your Mama Reviews
Prize:  A Dynabella Nursing Bra
End Date:  June 11, 2009  12:00 pm EST
URL:  http://yourmamareviews.com/your-mama-likes-keeping-her-headlights-off/
How to enter:  Comment on post.

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The Greer 5
Age Specific Series of 3 Readers from Wright Group / McGraw - Hill Reading Program
Comment with reading tips to enter
Ends 6/18/09 at 11:59 PM AZ Time
Open to US & Canada
http://greer5intexas.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-reading-giveaway.html

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A Working Blogging Mommy

winners choice of hoodie from Happy Green Bee

us only

ends 6/16/09

http://taylorsmommy-taysmommy.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-green-bee-review-and-giveaway.html

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My Moms View

$35 GC to Studio JK Vinyl - Wall Decor

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/studio-jk-vinyl-review-giveaway/

June 15

US & Can

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My Moms View

$20 GC to Colleen Ash Creations - Jewelry

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/colleen-ash-creations-review-giveaway/

June 15

US & Can

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Mom Knows It All - Black & Decker Cordless Drill - ends 06/11/09
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/black-decker-work-smart-get-it-done-contest-and-giveaway/

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Name of your site:                                            The Clan McLeod                  

Name of Product:                                             Cheerios Spoonful of Stories Gift Set

Deadline to enter                                              June 17th at 10 PM EST

US addresses or world-wide?                           US Addresses Only

A live link to the contest/giveaway post            http://dewgin.blogspot.com/2009/06/cheerios-spoonful-of-stories-giveaway.html

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Name of Site Hosting Contest: Tara's View of the World

Description of Prize: Hair Clippies, Finger Puppets, and a Tooth Fairy Pillow from Flutterbye Dreams

How to Enter: comment on post

Contest Deadline: June 12, 2009

Open Worldwide

Direct Link to the Contest: http://www.tarasviewoftheworld.com/2009/05/flutterbye-dreams-review-giveaway.html

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Name of Site Hosting Contest: Tara's View on Books

Description of Prize: Dance Me, Daddy by

How to Enter: comment on post

Contest Deadline: June 14, 2009

Open to Canada & USA

Direct Link to the Contest: http://tarasviewonbooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/dance-me-daddy-giveaway.html

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Name of Site Hosting Contest: Tara's View on Books

Description of Prize: Chicken Soup for the Soul- Campus Chronicles

How to Enter: comment on post

Contest Deadline: June 11, 2009

Open to Canada & USA

Direct Link to the Contest: http://tarasviewonbooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/chicken-soup-for-soul-campus-chronicles.html

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-The Mommy Hook

-6/18

-Nurse Mommy

http://www.thenursemommy.com/2009/06/win-mommy-hook.html

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-The Time Out Pad

-6/18

-Nurse Mommy

http://www.thenursemommy.com/2009/06/win-time-out-pad.html

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Pho for Five
Pretty Peacock Personalized Tag Jewelry - Sparklette Tag
June 12
US or Canadian
drop a comment
http://www.goodhappenings.com/?p=921

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My Moms View

Sock Monkey shirt ($42)

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/morfs-review-giveaway/

June 15

US & Can

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Host Name of Blog: A DAily Dose of Toni
Contest Link: http://www.juststopscreaming.com/2009/05/miss-ellies-coffee-review-and-giveaway.html
Prize: One coffee or K-cup gift basket
How to enter: Visit sponsors site and return to comment.
Deadline: June 21,2009 at noon cst

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Host Name of Blog: A daily Dose of Toni
Contest Link: http://www.juststopscreaming.com/2009/06/oreck-halo-review-and-giveaway.html
Prize: One Oreck Halo Vacuum
How To Enter: Visit Oreck.com and return to comment
Deadline: July 4, 2009 at Noon CST

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Everything Up Close – Waterpik Ultra Cordless Dental Water Jet (5 winners) - Ends June 12th
http://www.everythingupclose.com/2009/05/waterpik-review-giveaway.html

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Everything Up Close – Father’s Day Giveaway (Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox) - Ends June 15th
http://www.everythingupclose.com/2009/06/fathers-day-giveaway.html

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My Moms View

Glamourmom Tank Top

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/glamourmom-review-giveaway/

June 15

Us & Can

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HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Focus Organic
CONTEST LINK: http://focusorganic.com/giveaway-one-village-gifts-acai-seed-bracelet/
PRIZE: One Village Gifts Acai Seed Bracelet
HOW TO ENTER: Visit sponsor site, comment (extra entries available)
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 14th Midnight EST

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My Moms View

Nature Bag - Outdoor play kit for kids ($40)

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/nature-bag-review-givaway/

June 15

US & Can

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Mom Knows It All - Coffee Bean Direct gift basket - ends 06/14
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/coffee-bean-direct-review-and-giveaway/

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Mom Knows It All - Safety Tats (3 winners) - ends 06/11
http://www.valmg.com/index.php/2009/heads-up-on-new-safetytat-designs-for-national-safety-month-and-giveaway/

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Nanny Deprived is giving away one of five Mommy Tee designs!
Ends 6/14
Comment To Win
http://marielynnboutique.blogspot.com/2009/06/nanny-deprived-giveaway-and-exclusive.html
US Only

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Etsy It Up!
* CONTEST LINK: http://etsyitup.blogspot.com/2009/06/lauren-nicole-gifts-review-giveaway.html
* PRIZE: Fine Silver Wax Seal Bracelet
* HOW TO ENTER: Comment on post
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: 6/14/09

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Etsy It Up!
* CONTEST LINK: http://etsyitup.blogspot.com/2009/06/bowhead-hairbows-and-more-giveaway.html
* PRIZE: Monogrammed Apron
* HOW TO ENTER: Comment on post
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: 6/15/09

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Host: Momma In Flip Flops2
Prize: Little Miss Matched 3 packs of anklets
Enter: Visit site and comment
Deadline: 6/15/09
Open: USA
Link: http://mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/2009/06/littlemissmatched-review-giveaway.html

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Host: Momma In Flip Flops2
Prize: Bella Sara Prize Package
Enter: Visit site and comment
Deadline: 6/15/09
Open: USA
Link:  http://mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/2009/06/bella-sara-review-giveaway.html

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* HOST or NAME OF BLOG: Etsy It Up!
* CONTEST LINK: http://etsyitup.blogspot.com/2009/06/monogram-divas-giveaway.html
* PRIZE: Monogrammed Tote
* HOW TO ENTER: Comment on post
* DEADLINE TO ENTER: 6/16/09

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Val's Views - Dieci Colori Face In A Case mineral cosmetics - ends 06/15
http://valsviews.com/index.php/2009/dieci-colori-face-in-a-case-review-and-giveaway/

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Enter to win a Day 4 Birthday Bash Prize Package {ARV $110.99}!
Open to US & Canada
Ends 6/12/09
Leave comment to enter. See rules for extra entries.

http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/06/mondays-birthday-bash-giveaway.html

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My Moms View

Bella Sara Prize Pack

Ends June 15

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/bella-sara-givaway/

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My Moms View

Nimli pashmina and silk scarf

Ends June 18

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/bella-sara-givaway/

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Enter to win an 'Enigma' Necklace, 'Cabrio' purse, Invisibelt, White Pearl Earrings, and a Flower Brooch! (arv $217.94)
Enter on the 9th and be entered to win a Door Prize Pack valued at $88.53!)
Open to US only
Ends 6/12/09
Leave comment to enter. See rules for extra entries.

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a combination
raffle/contest/fundraiser on my blog and would like to know if I can
list it with you.
Here is the URL so you can see if it meets your requirements and
doesn't violate your TOU.
http://mylastshredsofsanity.blogspot.com/2009/06/its-contest-its-raffle-its-fundraiser.html

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Win a body lotion and wash from Nurture my World-

http://www.thenursemommy.com/2009/06/win-body-wash-and-lotion-of-choice-from.html

-ends 6/19

-Nurse Mommy

-US only

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The Water Way Challenge is a commitment to drink two more glasses of water a day. An easy way to get more water is with Crystal Light and women who drink Crystal Light drink 20 percent more water. Sign up for the Water Way Challenge at www.DeliciousChange.com for a chance to win a Kor Hydration Vessel or spa trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The deadline is December 29, 2009.

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Name of your site:                                            The Clan McLeod                  

Name of Product:                                             Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender

Deadline to enter                                              June 20th at 10 PM EST

US addresses or world-wide?                           US Addresses Only

A live link to the contest/giveaway post            http://dewgin.blogspot.com/2009/06/hamilton-beach-thermal-cooler-blender.html

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SKIL, Lowe’s and Worlds of Discovery Theme Parks have partnered to create a Father’s Day parent-child project contest for the chance to win an all expenses paid family vacation and other exciting prizes. Outdoor projects are available for parents to do with their children, starting at age 4. Simply build the project together and submit in-action photos or videos along with your entry form on the contest Web site!

To find a list of projects, tools and materials needed and official rules, visit www.SKILBuildingMemories.com. You can complete your entry with a few easy steps on this site, or, you can enter via the SKIL Building Memories Facebook Page, at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skil-Building-Memories/60027929241?ref=ts (You must download the application at the bottom of the page to enter)

The contest ends on July 12

 

uild Priceless Memories with Inexpensive Projects this Father’s Day

SKIL and Lowe’s Partner for Building Memories Contest

MT. PROSPECT, IL – Make this Father’s Day special by spending a lot of time with Dad instead of a lot of money.  SKIL Power Tools and LOWE’S Home Improvement are offering inexpensive projects designed to provide hours of priceless memories for kids and dads alike.  In addition, you can take advantage of the opportunity to enter your family fun project into the SKIL Building Memories Contest for a chance to win one of more than a hundred different prizes.

Kids and moms can surprise dad by choosing one of four project plans and getting all the materials they need at participating LOWE’s locations.  The project plans are available both in LOWE’s stores and at www.SKILBuildingMemories.com, along with a complete list of materials and tools they will need.  Then, all you need to do is capture the building and bonding process with video or photos and enter your completed project for a chance to win. Plans range in difficulty level and are appropriate for children ages 4 and up.  Entries will be judged based on the quality of the completed project shown. The top entry for each project plan will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip for four to a Worlds of Discovery park of their choice.  Worlds of Discovery Parks to include, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio,  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Sesame Place, Adventure Island and Water Country USA. Prize package includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare and more.

Just in time for Father’s Day, the contest kicks off May 11 and ends July 10. Eight second-place winners will each receive a SKIL Benchtop Workshop including a table saw, miter saw, drill press, grinder and band saw; 20 third-place winners will receive a SKIL 18V Lithium Ion Combo Kit; and 100 fourth-place winners will receive a SKIL Power Wrench.  Winners will be notified by mail on or about September 1, 2009.

For official Building Memories contest rules and for additional information visit www.SKILBuildingmemories.com.

About SKIL Power Tools

SKIL Power Tools is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the consumer do-it-yourself and professional construction markets. Founded in 1924 with the invention of the worm drive SKILSAW, SKIL now delivers a complete line of power tools designed and engineered to help DIYers achieve home project success, while providing professionals durable, cost-conscious tools for the jobsite. For more information about SKIL Power Tools visit www.skil.com or call toll-free 877-SKIL-999.

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My Moms View

Snorg Tees - t-shirt

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/snorg-tees-review-giveaway/

June 18

US & Can

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My Moms View

$35 GC to Stitched with Love - Personalized Gifts

http://mymomsview.com/index.php/2009/06/stitched-with-love-review-giveaway/

June 18

US & Can

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http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/06/thursdays-birthday-bash-giveaway.html
Enter to win a Eucalan Gift Bag, Faux Snakeskin Wristlet, Luxe Beads Wine Glass Charms, $25 Gift Certificate to Inspire Your Walls, a 'Go Green' Pie Plate, and an Invisibelt! (arv $303.90)
Enter on the 11th and be entered to win a Door Prize Pack valued at $88.53!
Open to the US Only
Ends 6/12

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Day 6 Birthday Bash Giveaway:
winner will receive a $205.95 Birthday Bash Prize pack (Galap rocker, 2 Swaddling blankets,a ‘Nest’ tee, Sailboat BabyLegs, a Silly Billyz Pocket Bib, and a Nipple Seal in any color).
Open to Cont. US Only
Ends 6/12
http://www.the-giveaway.com/2009/06/wednesdays-birthday-bash-giveaway.html

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FIRST WILD CARD BLOG TOUR: The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love by Angela Elwell Hunt

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Angela Elwell Hunt

and the book:

The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love

Tyndale House Publishers (April 2, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christy Award winner Angela Hunt writes books for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of The Tale of Three Trees, The Note (which became a Hallmark holiday film), and more than 100 other titles. Angela has won gold and silver medals from ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year Award and has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from a major readers’ magazine.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (April 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414332955
ISBN-13: 978-1414332956



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

With one elbow propped on her desk, Peyton MacGruder chewed on the edge of a fingernail and glared at the clock on the wall. On days like this, when she was twenty minutes away from her deadline and far from finished with her column, she could swear that the minute hand swept over the clock face at double speed.

She transferred her gaze to the computer monitor and fluttered her fingers over the keyboard. Some days the magic worked and the words flowed. Other days she might as well be typing gibberish.

She skimmed the half-completed column on her screen and tried to focus her thoughts. Last week a reader had written that she was afraid to trust a brother-in-law who had stolen from her in the past. Peyton had answered that forgiveness was important, but experience could not be ignored. And when it came to matters of the heart, caution should always trump passion. Dozens of readers had e-mailed, filling her in-box with responses, most of them supportive.

Now she was working on a recap that included reader comments, but everything she’d written so far looked like extended self-congratulation. She needed a corroborating opinion . . . and any column could be improved with an appropriate quote, couldn’t it? She reached for her dictionary of popular quotations, scanned the index, and jabbed her finger at an appropriate entry. Smiling with satisfaction, she propped her reading glasses on the end of her nose and worked the quote into her piece:

And so, dear readers, when it comes to dealing with relationships, perhaps we should keep the words of Eumenides in mind. That venerable sage once wrote, “There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart’s controls. There is advantage in the wisdom won from pain.”

Perhaps a happy heart is, at its core, a cautious heart.

There. She leaned back and clicked the word count tool. Seven hundred words—not bad. The dragon lady shouldn’t have to cut any of this column.

After a quick proofread, Peyton clicked Send and addressed the file to Nora Chilton, senior features editor. Another click and away it went.

She turned as something slapped the surface of her desk. Mandi Hillridge, an overenthusiastic intern from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, stood in the aisle, her arms filled with folders. Peyton picked up the envelope Mandi had tossed her way and studied the return address. “Am I supposed to know this Eve Miller?”

Mandi shifted her burden from one arm to the other. “I doubt it. I think she’s a reader.”

Peyton ran her fingertip across the ragged edge. “Why has this letter been opened?”

“Because Phil Brinker didn’t check the address before he tore into it. Our stellar mailroom staff mistakenly delivered it to him while he was in New York working on that story about the media covering the media. He just got back and told me to bring it to you.” Mandi stepped closer, her eyes gleaming. “You want me to go fuss at the guys in the mailroom? One of them’s kinda cute.”

Peyton glanced over the short walls of the reporters’ cubicles and saw Nora stepping out of the elevator. “No.” She propped both elbows up on her desk. “I want you to get me two Tylenol. Extra strength.”

“You have a headache?”

“Not yet.”

Mandi turned in time to see Nora approaching, a folded newspaper in hand. Even from her desk Peyton recognized the distinctive banner that contained her byline and staff photo. Had Nora come down to complain about a column that had already run? She wouldn’t, unless one of the higher-ups sent her to confront Peyton about some obscure point.

“About that headache—” Mandi lowered her voice—“I’ll bring the bottle.”

The young woman hurried away as Nora approached Peyton’s desk. The editor waved the paper before Peyton’s anxious gaze and nodded. “By the way, about this column last week? You were absolutely right.”

“That’s a nice change.” Peyton managed a smile. “About what?”

“Passion. It should always be tempered with caution. Especially when it comes to affairs of the heart.”

Peyton straightened in her chair, not certain why the editor had felt compelled to personally deliver this bit of elaboration. “You speaking from conviction or firsthand experience?”

Nora managed a coy smile. “None of your business. Anyway, you’ve been doing really good work lately. I had my doubts at first, but you’ve grown into the job.”

“You came all the way down here to pat me on the back?”

“Actually, I came down here to tell you that in addition to writing the Heart Healer, I’m going to need you to handle a feature or two for the Lifestyles section. We got the call last night; Marlo Evans had a baby boy, so she’ll be out on maternity leave for the next several weeks.”

Peyton dropped her head to her hand and groaned. “Why not use freelancers?”

“Because I don’t have the patience or the finances to deal with neophytes. The budget cuts have made it necessary for all of us to pick up the slack now and then. Besides—” her mouth curved in a wry smile—“you’re fast and you’re good at researching. A feature or two shouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“But I’m swamped with—” Peyton swallowed the rest of her complaint as sports editor King Danville moved into her line of vision. A warm feeling settled in the pit of her stomach and brought a smile to her lips. Would she ever stop feeling all gushy and girly whenever King approached her desk?

King glanced at the features editor before returning Peyton’s smile. “Hello, Nora.”

Nora’s chin dipped in a stiff nod. “Kingston.”

Like a flower seeking the sun, Peyton shifted to face the man who had recently brought new joy to her life. “I was just telling Nora that these days I don’t have time to keep up with my column and write a weekly feature, no matter how occasional it is.”

Nora glanced from Peyton to King and then arched a brow. “Perhaps if you temper your newfound passion, you’ll find the time.”

King grinned as the editor smiled and moved toward the elevator; then he pulled a white bottle from his jacket pocket and shook it. Peyton placed the familiar rattle within seconds: Extra Strength Tylenol, as requested.

“Ran into Mandi in the coffee room,” King explained. “She said you were going to need these.”

“She was right.” Peyton sighed. “Nora seems to think I can sit down and whip up a decent feature while I’m outlining my next column. I don’t know where she got the idea that I’m some kind of writing machine.”

“Maybe from the fact that you write so fast you make the rest of us look like we’re moving backward.”

Peyton shook her head, unwilling to accept praise she didn’t deserve. She knew the truth—she could turn an assignment around quickly because outside the newspaper office she had no life. While other writers struggled to work amid the pressures of family schedules, children’s homework, school events, sporting activities, and the needs of a spouse, Peyton only had to take care of herself and her two cats.

At least that’s the way things were before King and Christine came into her life. The situation was a little different now, and she was feeling the pressure.

“I’m not that fast,” she insisted. “And I’m not that versatile.”

“Then don’t cave so quickly, MacGruder. Just because Nora’s your boss doesn’t mean you have to let her push you around.”

“I was ready to push back until she played the guilt card. When she mentioned the budget cuts, I realized how lucky I am to even be employed. How can I not agree to write whatever she wants?”

“That’s what I like about you—you’re a solid team player.”

“I’m a pushover.”

King smiled and stepped to the side of Peyton’s desk. “In that case, I’d better prescribe two of these—” he held up the bottle of pain relievers—“or one of these.” Before Peyton could point out that they were surrounded by coworkers in cubicles, he bent and pressed a kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes, ready to forget about an audience of staff reporters, clerks, and copy editors, but the kiss didn’t last.

She looked up at him, unsatisfied.

“Do any good?” he asked.

“Not sure. Try again. Maybe increase the dosage.”

He bent, his lips warming hers with more passion this time. When he finally pulled away, Peyton exhaled a long sigh of happiness . . . and the writers around her erupted into applause.

Peyton grinned as her cheeks warmed. “They approve.”

“I don’t give a fig about them. What did you think?”

“Um . . . better.”

“Only better? Well, you know what they say about practice making perfect . . .”

As the other reporters hooted and King leaned in for yet another kiss, Peyton pressed her palm against the center of his chest. “You know, it’s this kind of temptation that led to Marlo Evans’s maternity leave. And in turn, to my impending headache. So maybe we should get back to work.”

With a roguish grin, King straightened and stepped away from her chair. “Yes, ma’am.”

“But after work—” Peyton squinted at him—“would you want to go for a jog with me and Christine? We wanted to run the paths down by the shoreline.”

King shook his head. “Enticing offer, but I’ve got to run out to the university after I finish up today. David needs to talk to me about something. He says it’s important.”

Peyton nodded, once again reminded that their relationship was not as simple as it would have been if they’d met in their twenties. She had Christine to consider, and King had David. Both children, hers and his, were nearly grown, and both had been forced to deal with the aftermath of their parents’ unwise decisions.

“MacGruder.” King’s voice, warm and insistent, drew her from her thoughts. “Maybe I’ll stop by your place later.”

“I’d like that.” Peyton offered him a forgiving smile. “I’ll be waiting.”

King took two steps toward his office, then halted. “Hey—” he turned, propping his arms on the cubicle wall—“I found an interesting e-mail in my in-box this morning. A friend in New York said my name recently came up in a board meeting at the Times.”

Peyton felt a frigid finger touch the base of her spine. “The New York Times?”

He chuckled. “Hard to imagine, huh? Moving from the Middleborough Times to the Gray Lady?”

“Your name came up in a board meeting? What does that mean, exactly?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’ll keep you posted.”

As he walked away, exchanging gibes with other writers as he passed their desks, Peyton felt fear blow down the back of her neck. Any other journalist would be salivating at the thought of writing for the Times, but King never seemed to get ahead of himself. Contentment was one of his primary virtues, and Peyton hadn’t realized how much she’d been counting on his ability to remain satisfied with the status quo.

What would she do if she lost him?

The thought struck like a blow to the chest, stealing her breath. Until recently, she had managed to keep herself detached from complicated personal relationships. But then the tragedy of a horrific plane crash taught her about the brevity of life and the importance of connection. Now she was desperate to understand two precious people, but understanding took time, and time was something she no longer possessed in abundance.

She forced herself to take a deep breath and steady her pulse. No one was abandoning her; the world had not shifted on its axis. Her imagination was simply working overtime, a tendency that nearly always resulted in needless worry and borrowed trouble.

With her gift for imagining disaster, maybe she should have been a novelist.

When she swiveled toward her computer, determined to set her fears aside and tackle her e-mail, her gaze fell again on the envelope from Eve Miller. The postmark was five days in the past, so by now the woman’s comments were old news. And in an electronic society, old news was dead news.

Peyton tossed the envelope into a bin filled with unopened letters and turned her attention to her in-box.

***

Peyton slid behind the wheel of her car, tossed her purse into the empty passenger seat, and fumbled with the buckle of her seat belt. When she was certain the car’s computer wouldn’t scold her for forgetting some vital procedure, she turned the ignition switch and waited for the automatic seat to slide forward, tilt, rise, and whatever else it did to adjust to her frame.

King had talked her into buying this vehicle last weekend, insisting that her old car was only a few miles away from imploding. “Ninety-eight thousand miles?” he exclaimed after glimpsing her odometer. “Good grief, MacGruder, are you going for some kind of endurance record?”

She had to admit the new vehicle was nice, but its myriad bells and whistles bewildered her. She hadn’t taken the time to read the manual, and she barely managed to sit through the salesman’s demonstration. “I don’t have time to fuss with fancy gadgets,” she told the desperate young man who had greeted her and King at the auto dealership. “So just point me toward something safe and inexpensive. Something I won’t have to give up chocolate to afford.”

Like a village matchmaker, the salesman grinned and fixed her up with this sleek blue machine, which he kept calling a crossover—a cross between a sedan and an SUV. She had a feeling the vehicle was too big to be economical or politically correct, but since an entire row of similar vehicles waited behind a fence at the dealership, the manager was probably eager to move his inventory. Regardless, the car earned good crash ratings, it used less gasoline than a tank, and it had the one accessory she couldn’t live without: a CD player.

Before putting the car in gear, Peyton punched the button of the stereo system and relaxed when the professional reader’s voice poured through the surround sound speakers. She’d bought this audiobook about mothers and daughters shortly after telling Christine the truth about their relationship—yes, they were reporter and reader, but they were also biological mother and daughter. Eighteen years and difficult circumstances had kept them apart, but a series of newspaper columns had brought them back together.

Now Peyton wanted nothing more than to be the mother she would have been if tragedy hadn’t intervened. A heaven-sent miracle had restored the child she’d been forced to surrender for adoption, and Peyton didn’t want to forfeit this second chance to love. And parent. And occasionally nag.

She and Christine were still in the midst of that awkward getting-to-know-you phase, but Peyton felt they’d made great strides in their relationship. They tried to talk every day, even if only briefly, and though Christine still lived in the house she’d inherited from her adoptive parents, she felt free enough to drop into Peyton’s home unannounced, as any daughter naturally would.

Still, Christine rarely called Peyton “Mom.” When necessary, she called Peyton by name . . . or she didn’t call her anything at all.

“By late adolescence,” a confident voice intoned as Peyton put the car in gear and backed out of the parking space, “most daughters can be placed in one of three categories—distant, dissatisfied, or dependent. Do any of these words remind you of the young woman in your life?”

Peyton shook her head and shifted into drive. The author needed a fourth category for Christine—maybe delightful. They were still in the honeymoon phase, each of them unbearably grateful to have found the other. They might have disagreements later—in fact, they probably would—but for now Peyton was thrilled to be able to know and love the young woman who had never been far from her thoughts and prayers.

“Outstanding mothers devote most of their time to their children, instilling healthy values into daughters who will become outstanding mothers themselves,” the reader continued, “but unsuitable mothers abandon and abuse.”

Peyton winced at the author’s use of the word abandon.

“Bottom line, if you provide your child with what she needs—clothing, shelter, food, affection—you, concerned mother, are off the hook if your daughter makes unwise decisions. After you have taught your child right from wrong, your daughter has the freedom to choose . . . right or wrong. Do not blame yourself if she chooses to learn life’s lessons through negative experiences.”

Peyton frowned as she pulled out of the parking lot and into traffic. Over the years, she’d covered dozens of stories involving teenage delinquents—wayward boys who got mixed up with guns and drugs, runaway girls who ended up on the street or in the hospital because they went looking for love in all the wrong faces. Behind every sad teenager’s story, Peyton found a distraught mother who couldn’t seem to understand how her child ended up in such a deplorable state.

She hated to admit it, but every time she interviewed one of those mothers, she’d walked away feeling resentful and slightly smug, convinced that she would have managed better if only given a chance. But now that she was being given an opportunity to mother a teen, she had no idea what she was supposed to do.

To make matters worse, her time of greatest influence would be limited. After the plane crash in which her father died, Christine had taken time off to grieve, but soon she’d go back to school and get busy with her studies. She’d probably meet a young man on campus and want to settle down. Then she’d center her world on her husband and her children, and she’d expect Peyton to focus on being a doting grandmother, not a mom. So this precious opportunity to parent her daughter would be relatively short-lived.

Peyton pulled up to the red light at an intersection and snapped off the CD player. The bookstores were loaded with books about how to parent newborns, toddlers, middle schoolers, and teens, but no one had much advice for brand-new parents of young adults.

No one even seemed to be able to answer Peyton’s most basic question: at eighteen, which did Christine need most: an authority figure or a friend?


Copyright ©2009 by Angela Hunt. Used with permission from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.