Tomato Salad, A Summer Favorite

Photo: The Rachael Ray Show

One of the many things I love about August is how big, juicy tomatoes are falling off their vines. If you have a few plants and a green thumb, you have more ripe tomatoes then you can possibly eat about now. 

It leads to neighborly sharing in some communities. There is a rural town in Kentucky, where if you park your car, leaving the doors unlocked, you will find a basket of tomatoes (and other produce) in your front seat upon your return. If you can't eat tomatoes, locals will advise you to be certain to lock your car doors before leaving it unattended in the town.

I love tomato salad in August. The dish is easy, breezy to prepare. My recipe is so forgiving, you don't have to have all the ingredients all the time, and it will still be delicious: 

Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

fresh ripe tomatoes

purple onions, diced (or onion powder)

basil

celantro

extra virgin olive oil

vinegar (cider, or Balsamic, or your favorite)

water (add a 2 [water] to 1 [vinegar] ratio to dilute the vinegar)

salt

pepper (from a pepper mill)

garlic powder

Slice (or dice) the tomatoes and throw into a serving bowl, then eyeball and add the rest of the ingredients to taste. Mix. It's that simple. No real measuring required. Just sprinkle, taste and serve. It's a pull up a chair and grab a fork kind of dish.

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Bring Back My Product, Lancome!

The Dearly Departed : (

Oh, don't you hate when your favorite products are discontinued!?! You're left with the question: Why??? 

Sometimes I'm prepared and can buy a few extras, hoping my stash will last until a company comes to its senses to bring back a perfect product that really works.

This time I didn't see it coming. Why, oh why ... did Lancome stop making Pure Focus T-Zone Powder Gel? It's crazy!

A dab of Pure Focus gel took away all the shine on my oily T- zone: the forehead, nose and chin area of the face. Plus it softened laugh lines and emerging winkles. (Yes, I'm admitting it. Emerging wrinkles. We're all heading in the same direction!) It was better than any BB or CC Cream out on the market today. It has no color, but I used it like foundation. It lasted all day, too, for a fresh face with no shine.

Now I'm down to half-a-tube of this wonder gel and am rationing it like Seinfeld's Elaine Benes rationed her Today sponges when that particular product disappeared. Each time I go out, I must ask, is this activity Pure Focus gel-worthy? 

And you can't order it on the internet either. I checked. Zero. Zip. Zilch. It's ridiculous.

Pleeeease bring back my product, Lancome. And ... next time before taking something I use off the market, ask me!

Meanwhile, I'm trying L'Oreal's Revitalift Miracle Blur to see if it will produce similar results. It's not quite as silky or oil-thristy, but does take away the shine ... sigh. Unlike what I used before, L'Oreal adds SFP 30 to their formula. Well ... at least adding sun protection is a good idea. #whodoItalktoatLancome?

Update: Another similar product to try is Garnier 5 Sec Blur.

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The Floyd Country General Store

Photo by Growlerfills

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia sits The Floyd Country General Store. People who pay a visit feel like they have stepped back in time. A real country store serving a rural community, its shelves are stocked with a bounty of quirky and practical goods, including penny candy, books on farming, local arts and crafts, eco-friendly cleaning products, kitchen tools, casual clothing, and old fashioned toys and games.

The store has an inviting cafe. All the food on the menu is fresh, locally-grown and homemade. You will find country favorites like barbequed pulled pork, Chicken Brunswick stew and pinto beans with onions and cast-iron-skillet baked cornbread. Be sure to save room for the hand-dipped ice cream.
All year-around, the general store hosts a popular Friday Night Jamboree of Appalachian music and dance, where some of the most esteemed, old-time musicians take the stage. The evening starts at 6:30, features three bands, and by all accounts, lives up to its repulation of excellence. Live music also plays on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

According to public records, the store has been around since 1910. Continuing with tradition, it strives to be a gathering place for its community to make music, attend agriculture lectures, play a friendly game of checkers, or simply catch-up on local news perched in rocking chairs, while sipping craft beer and rootbeer floats. (You will find award-winning craft beer all over town.)

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful area to visit, and the The Floyd Country General Store is a charming, lively stop along the way. [Read more on Floyd, VA here.]

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Nordstrom: Looking For High-End Style?

Nordstrom, the swanky retailer, is running an anniversary sale. The promotion ends August 5th. It's where to shop for upscale clothing, shoes, handbags or jewlery that you want to have in your wardrobe for years to come. It's not where I, personally, turn for articles, which will quickly go out of style, since you can find lots of fun, trendy pieces elsewhere (at H&M, Forever 21 and Target) for much less.

But, what if you don't have a Nordstrom in your town? I hear you! Don't be afraid to buy items from this store online. Since they sell high-end merchandise, you can count on quality arriving in your mailbox, plus Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns. So if you make a mistake, you can exchange, or return the goods at no charge. That's the only way to shop for outfits and boots online!

It just might be the perfect time to pick up a few expensive wardrobe pieces you need at 30% - 60% reductions. Worth a browse.

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Breakfast In New York: Not Just Lox And Bagels Anymore

Photo by Tilia

If you find yourself in New York City sometime, there are three breakfast foods you absolutely must try. I have a savory palate and am a big fan of the Scotch egg. It's an egg, wrapped in ground pork or duck sausage, breaded and fried. (I love all things breaded and fried, though I don't let myself eat everything breaded and fried. This is worth it.) The yolk of a perfectly cooked Scotch egg is often a little runny. The egg is served with a grainy brown mustard. I try to limit myself to eating two, but I can devour more. Visit Fat Radish on the Lower East Side (17 Orchard Street), a breezy London themed restaurant to taste them.

A cronut is described as part croissant and part doughnut. The hybrid pastry was invented by Chef Dominique Ansel, who says it's "a fremented dough that's rolled, fried, topped with lemon cream and finished off with maple sugar." Only 300 are baked per day, and they sell out within an hour of the bakery's opening. People line up in the wee hours of the morning to buy 2 per person. Equally in demand is Chef Dominique's Frozen Smores.

Choux Factory makes delectable French cream puffs in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry coffee and green tea flavors. There are several Choux Factory locations in Manhattan. Unfortunately, one of them is within one block of my apartment building, so I don't have to make any effort whatsoever to bring them home. My favorite flavor is probably the vanilla, but perhaps it's the one I happen to be eating at the time.

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New York City On A Saturday Night

Pulling into the dock at the North Cove Marina in front of the World Financial Center down in Battery Park City

The best way to see New York City's skyline, as well as, the Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island is taking a boat ride on the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan.

The Circle Line offers a number of sightseeing cruises around Manhattan Island, or take the "Admiral's Launch" to the Willy Wall for a glass of wine. Go here for details. It's a lovely way to spend a Saturday night.

Finally, the Staten Island Ferry is free. It serves 60,000 commuters traveling between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan daily. Hop aboard for a prime view of  New York's habor and The Statue of Liberty. 

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Sunscreen Powder

We all know how important it is to apply sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, premature aging and sunburns. But sometimes we skip it because it's greasy and inconvenient. I am guilty of not reapplying sun protection as often as I should. When I'm out, I'm busy, forget and like to travel light, sans SPF lotion.

Thank goodness, there are new products on the market to make protecting your skin easier. Sunscreen powders block harmful UV rays without adding a shine to your complexion. Ultra fine mineral powder delievers flawless airbrushed coverage. You will find them at all price points. Luxury brands (like Colorscience, Peter Thomas Roth and La Roche-Posay) are $30 and up.

You can also find excellent brands at your corner drugstore for less. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear offers the same broad-spectrum protection and has the same ingredients (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) as traditional SPF lotions. You can buy it as a loose power, or a compact (i.e. pressed power) to carry in a purse. L'Oreal also sells a loose power with SPF 19. Costs of each: About $13. Both brands give your face an airbushed finish, contain a high SPF and save you a few bucks.

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A Photo Collage Clock

When decorating a home, the usual advice is to surround yourself with the things you love. A photo collage clock of family (and look closely, man's best friend) is a clever way to add warmth and a personal touch to a room.

Your pictures don't need to be exactly the same size, but if you have a colorful wall, you might want to select neutral frames, or if you have a neutral wall, you might think about contrasting it with colorful frames.

I like the idea of arranging familiar faces around a big ticking clock. Not only is it cozy, it's a reminder that our time in history is right now. Life is change. We have a past and future. Pictures capture a moment in time, while time, itself, assuredly marches on.

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Hair Tools: Goody Spin Pins

I have fine hair, but lots of it. Although cut uniform in length, it's slippery, or something. Bobby pins and barrettes will slide out of my hair even before I step away from the mirror, but these spin pins will secure an updo. I have no idea how they work, but they do. Hair stays in place. Each of the spin pins claim to do the job of 20 bobby pins. You simply twirl you hair up, twist it into a bun and literally screw the pins in.  

When you want to take your bun out and let your hair down, you unscrew the spin pins by turning them in the opposite direction, as you would with regular screws. They have round edges and don't seem to harm the hair. The only mistake you can make is twisting your bun too tight. A tight bun is too dense, and you won't be able to spin the pins through your hair with ease. Using them, you can create a polished or messy bun. Available in two colors: light (for blonds) or dark (for everybody else). Costs: $6.

Photo: BabesInHairland, their channel here

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Eat A Peach Cake

Photo: Watson Ashe

This is a peach one layer cake with a coconut and nut topping. Moist and simple to make, it is a delicious dessert to bring to a party. In my opinion, 2/3 of a cup of sugar is sweet enough. I can't imagine using the 2 cups suggested. What a sugar overload! Here is how to make it:

Peach Cake

For the cake -
Ingredients:

2 cups sugar (I cut this down to 2/3 of a cup.)
2 eggs

2¼ cups flour (I use one and ¼ cups all purspose and one cup whole wheat.)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, ice cold and diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large can peaches (drained), or 2 cups fresh peaches (Save the juice and add to the batter if needed to get a not too dry, or runny consistency.)

Directions: 
1. Throw the ingredients into a mixing bowl, in order, and beat with an electric mixer.
2. Mash the peaches, separately, and by hand, fold into the batter.
3. Pour into a greased 9" by 9" cake pan.
4. Bake in a 350 F degree oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until done. Remove and let cool in the pan. (I scrape the sides with a knife.)

For the frosting
Ingredients:

¾ cup sugar
¾ cup can evaporated milk
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter (I only use 4 tablespoons.)
1 cup coconut
1 cup walnuts (or pecans), chopped

Directions:
1. Toast the nuts on a baking sheet in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes and set aside.
2 Put all the ingredients, except the nuts, in a sauce pan and simmer on a stovetop until it thickens.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the nuts.
4. Spread on top of the cake. (Sometimes I take a spoon and twirl holes in the cake so the frosting seeps in.)

We all like desserts occassionally. My Mom is a fussy-fancy-pants baker, unlike me. And yet, just like me she reduces the amount of sugar in recipes when making pastries. (Only recently did I realize she did it too.) You want to use enough sugar to still have a satisfying sweet. Figuring out how much you can cut requires some trial and error. While measuring Mom will quip, "You have to leave some sugar in, or else you end up with a piece of bread." She doesn't know she is funny.

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Macy's Is Getting A Facelift

Photo by B.P.

Macy's Herald Square first opened it's doors 155 years ago in 1858. Orginally known as R.H. Macy's & Co., it has occupied its present location, 34th Street and Broadway, for the last 111 years. Last year the landmark building began a full scale rennovation of the entire store.

Over the weekend I paid a visit. I can always find exactly what I want at Macy's. Actually, I can turn into a frenzied fashionistra -- finding tons of merchandise to buy at Macy's -- which is why I don't go near the place unless I truly need something. 

It has phenomenal sales -- 40% off and higher -- usually around 3-day holiday weekends like the 4th of July. Stop at the visitor's center to show your passport, or out-of-state driver's license and get an extra 10% discount on all your purchases. The visitor's center is located in the cellar, on the Broadway side of the building.

Below is the floor plan of the 9½ story,  spruced-up department store. The cellar adds a 10th floor. The interior looks shiny and new, but the departments have not shifted much, which is a good thing. I don't know about you, but I only like a change if it's an improvement. If you know Macy's layout, you can still find familiar departments, mostly in their old spaces. Click the image below, then hit "command" and "+" to enlarge. [If you email me, I'll send you the pdf file, which is cystral clear to read and print.]

You might like sitting in front of Macy's (on Broadway) under the umbrellas, drinking coffee or tea. I miss the days when Macy's sold gourmet deli food. Nowadays you will find Starbucks and several other well-known franchises scattered throughout the store.

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What's On Your Playlist?

Back by request is a variation of my guilty pleasure songs. But since I don't feel too guilty about this compliation (not like the 1st one I compiled), I will call this 3rd list a summer playlist. Most of the songs are fairly old. They are on my playlist because they stand the test of time. I can listen to each of the songs over and over again. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

I don't like to link up with YouTube, since uploads come and go, but I'll do it here. So until they disappear, you can click below on the song titles to hear them. The music is in no particular order:

1. St. Teresa (above) by Joan Osborne - Intoxicating beat.  A sympathetic look at a woman who is addicted to drugs and must support her habit anyway she can. I picture her high on a street corner in front of a church when a big statue of St. Teresa catches her eye. She is a human being who has fallen on hard times. "Every stone a story, like a rosary."

2. Crazy - Cee Lo Green - Love the lyrics and sentiment. A bluey-hip hop sound. 

3. Whenever, Whatever - Shakira - Great rhythm, great voice, great body (like you didn't notice).

4. All Along The Watchtower - (Written by Bob Dylan) Performed by Jimi Hendrix - An ancient song, which never gets old. The introduction is classic, and the composition builds and builds.

5. Give In To Me by Michael Jackson - Mega hits like Billie Jean and Thriller get more play, but I like his lesser known songs too. This one features Slash on guitar.

6. Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns & Roses - Speaking of Slash, his opening guitar riff  (and later solo) make this the memorible rock and roll song that it is. Nice lyrics by Axl Rose. Rose isn't a bad singer; however I would give ANYTHING to hear Freddy Mercury sing this; a pure fantasy, since Mercury died in 1991 before the song came out.

7. Rocks by Primal Scream - You have to love a song with brilliant lyrics like "Dealers keep dealin, Thieves keep thievin, ... Aint no use in prayin. That's the way it's staying."  This song came out nearly 20 years ago, but it sounds so current, doesn't it?

8. Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson - Kelly has a terrific voice, so I'm a fan. 

9. Someone I Used To Know by Gotye (with Kimbra) - Sure it was wildly popular all last year. But you know what? I still love it.

10. Get This Party Started by Pink - I always listen to this in summer. Pink is another good singer with a strong voice.

Extra: If that's not enough, play a song by Lana Del Rey - I realize she bombed on SNL. Was it nerves? She's a good musician who writes intelligent, atmospheric, torchy pop. I like her mezzo-soprano voice. Next time she'll have more experience performing LIVE on television.
                     

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Great Find, Greek Wine

871 Seventh Avenue (between west 55th & west 56th Streets)

Recently I was invited to a wine tasting held at a lovely Greek restaurant called Molyvos in Manhattan. Not only did I discover three excellent wines, I plan on returning to the restaurant for dinner. This Aegean bar/cafe offers a relaxing, warm atmosphere with toothsome dishes. Those of us at the event were served generous portions of salmon, shrimp and spicy meatballs in red sauce to go with the wine we sampled. The meatballs were tender and juicy, and the tomato sauce, garden-fresh. Tasty!

Regarding the wine, I can't give ratings like those in Wine Spectator (i.e. "93 points unblind") because I'm a wine ignoramus ... and c'mon, that would sound highfalutin ridiculous. But ... I know what I like. So suffice it to say, all three Greek wines are delicious! Even the red wine tastes smooth, not unpleasantly dry or bitter.

People who think they dislike red wine are probably tasting tannins -- organic substances which naturally exist in the skins, seeds and stems of grapes.* There is a higher concentration of tannins in red wine than white wine, because red wine is fermented with its grape skins and seeds. However, red wine has health benefits that white wine lacks, and you can find red wine, which doesn't taste bitter (or high in acidity) like the Wishes Eratines label here. 

The wine is produced by Eklektikon, from the Pieria Eratini vineyards, a region located at the foothills of Mount Olympus. The Greek winery was founded in 2006 by oenologists Pavlos Argyropoulos and Andreas Pontas. The wines to try are:

Wishes Eratines White Dry Wine - Rich with good body.

Wishes Eratines Red Dry Wine - Smooth and fruity, not bitter.

Blink Brut Sparkling Wine - Refreshing, crisp and perfect for summer.

Their website says, "No poem was ever written by a drinker of water." How cute!

Wine connoisseur and author, Jay McInerny, once told me, there is no wrong way to drink wine. Chill the red if you like it that way.  (And I do.)

Trust your palate.

The wines are a great find. Tastings are fun! By the end of the evening, I found myself sitting around with the company's reps, speculating about what "ambrosia" and the "nectar of the Gods" are. Eh??? I've wondered for years. Could they be wine and honey? I don't really know. What do you think they are?

*source: Wine For Dummies

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Watching Game Of Thrones

Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons

I didn't read the medieval fantasy books from which Game Of Thrones is based and wasn't familiar with author George R.R. Martin. It's not my usual genre, but I love the television series. 

There's just enough special effects and fighting to keep it exciting without crossing over into boredom. The show is smartly character driven, and there are lots of characters and story lines to follow. No character's fate is safe. Just like in medieval England and the Holy Roman Empire, prominent ruling families rise and fall, so major characters are killed off.

I like how unflinching and without judgment human nature and behaviors like ambition and sex, as well as, the struggles for power and survival are portrayed. The series is far from dark, but be prepared: Lovers and prostitutes alike walk around naked. Sex can be crude and a matter of duty, lust or violence. Women are slapped across the face by their husbands. Lords chop off the heads of enemies without regret. And, characters are rebuked with names like fat "little piggy," "dwarf," "halfman" and every offensive, four letter word in the English language. But, I'm glad the series rings true to the period. I'd be more upset if it didn't.

All the characters in the drama are trying to fulfill their destiny in a world where life is nasty, brutal, short and ocasionally sweet, as philosphers and poets often remind us.

He needs a love interest who doesn't nearly kill him with arrows. Love isn't supposed to hurt.

The series must be exhausting and a blast to shoot. The actors are so talented ... and proficient with weaponry. (I'd cut off my own head, if I had to fight by swinging a sword. It ain't easy.) Obviously, it's the writing and acting that make a show resonate. With an international cast, you stay glued to the set.

 My favorite characters include: Jon Snow (a good hearted, bastard son of Lord Stark, or so we think? His mother is unknown. He became a favorite character of mine when he was left out of the party during the king's visit. Did he have to live outside the main Stark house too?), Tyrion Lannister (the clever 2nd son and dwarf in a powerful family), Queen Cersei Lannister (she's beautiful and scheming, but not particularly cruel), the "Kingslayer," Jamie Lannister (he's fun, fun, fun!) and Arya Stark (a spitfire and survivior). I miss Ned Stark and am still recovering from the shock of his story line in season 1. Charles Dance is amazing as Tywin Lannister, and Natalia Tena as Osha, a Wildling who cares for the younger Stark boys, is mesmerizing (with her piercing eyes and sultry voice). I love Jason Momoa, but his beard and character, Khal Drogo, SCARE me. Season 3 is the most intense! 

Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow (above photo) must meet at some point, don't you think? They are both developing into leaders and share a few traits - both have a conscience and are being shaped by betrayals and the harsh realities of Medieval-ish life. So they'll understand each other. But, will they be friends or enemies? And are they related?

Catch Games Of Thrones on dvd, if you missed the airing. It's got plenty of humanity and the magic of dragons. I look forward to a planned 4th and 5th season on HBO. There are 5 books and counting. So the show could continue for years. By the way, I think writer, GRRM, is on the same level as William Faulker. Just like Faulker, Martin created an entire world of intertwining plots and characters, with minor characters in some books becoming major characters of other books.

Who do you think will be the last king or queen standing, or rather, sitting on the Iron Throne?

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Happy Father's Day: A Good Man Is Not Hard To Find

Photo by VisualPhotos.com

My Dad, bless his soul, was 100% there for me all through the years. All children need someone reliable watching their backs. I could always count on my father's good judgment and kind heart. We could argue and still be closely connected. There were times when he was very exasperated with me; and there were times when I was ANGRY with him. Many times I knew I was right, and he was soooo wrong, even if later he turned out to be right.

Fathers don't have to be perfect, or agree with you on everything. They just have to be present. 

Sometimes my father was present ... whether he should have been, or not. When I was a child, I took catechism classes to make my First Holy Communion. As a creative project, our teacher asked us to make a model altar -- a table upon which the bread and wine are consecrated. Our family wasn't particularly religious, but Dad decided to help me. He took a small shipping cardboard box and cut out four legs. I knew I had lost control of my project when he retrieved a white, cotton handkerchief from his chest of drawers, ironed it, then proceeded to sew it on the cut out table.

Dad (of Anglo-Norman origins) was not even Catholic like mom and I; however, he was so motivated I didn't have the heart to stop him. I ended up making a chalice, candelabrum and communion plate out of aluminum foil to go on the altar.

Let me tell you, when I brought my altar to class, the other kids' jaws dropped. It was judged the best! Considering the extra help I received, I was sorry to see disappointment on several faces and felt awkward accepting a prize. Dad and I were just trying to get an assignment done, not cheat or win anything. Sometimes there's no stopping an enthusiastic parent. I might have asked for a few ideas to get started, but who knew he'd get so involved, or the level of his skills!?!

No one is perfect, but my Dad was special. The thing that made him special: He was a good man. I hope you had someone special in your childhood too, and if not, that you become a good man to your own children because you don't want to miss out at both ends.  

Fathers deserve treats and a good dinner to say "I love you. Thanks."

Click Rebecca's Soap Deli News to make this. I like her soaps too.

Happy Father's Day! 

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At The Red Brick Cottage

Photo by JJS

The Red Brick Cottage is a charming gift shop and home decorating store, located in Radciff, Kentucky.  A family business for nearly 30 years, the country store specializes in "colonial" and "primitive" goods, offering custom gift baskets and beautiful, high end home accessories. The shop is 6,000 square feet in size, where you can spend hours browsing.  However if you can't make a trip to Radcliff, you can order items from their website. The selection is vast, practical and lovely, so you may spend hours looking there (i.e online) too. The items -- including furniture, garden tools, kitchenware, candles, bedding and food -- are more than just eye-candy, they fill needs.

Find adorable, unique, merchandise for your home, or wow family and friends with gift baskets filled with floral or edible goodies at very reasonable prices.

All the cute articles in the photos are for sale, except for the cat resting in a bowl. He stays at the store.

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