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Whether as a treat or a special occasion gift, these yummy fruit bites are sure to please!
Preparation Time: 45 mins
Cooking Time: 5 mins
Yield: 21 x clusters
Rinse blueberries, spread on paper towels and pat dry. Line a baking sheet wih wax paper or parchment paper.
In a small bowl or top of a double boiler, over barely simmering water, place chocolate. Stir until melted. Remove bowl from hot water. Gently fold in blueberries.
Make clusters by spooning 4 or 5 warm chocolate coated blueberries onto wax paper, placing them 1 inch apart. (Or spoon mixture into silicone candy molds.**)
Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. (For gift presentation: place clusters in pleated paper candy cups and arrange in a box.)
* If preferred or during off-season, can replace fresh with dried blueberries. And/or, can replace dark with milk or white chocolate.
VALENTINE'S AND MOTHER'S DAY: Spoon heart-shaped mounds, each made with 3 chocolate-coated blueberries onto wax paper-covered sheet pan. Chill. Makes about 30 mini-heart shapes.
CHRISTMAS: Arrange chocolate-coated blueberries in wreath shapes or rounds. After the shapes have set, decorate with tube frosting or colored sugar.
HANUKKAH: Spray dreidel- or star-shaped cookie cutters with non-stick spray. Place on wax paper. Using white chocolate-coated blueberries, fill each chill until firm. Remove from cookie cutters and decorate.
HOSTESS GIFT: Make or purchase small sugar cookies. Spoon a small amount of the blueberry-dark chocolate mixture on top of each cookie allow to set.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional analysis.
** Silicone candy molds can be found at crafts stores or online such as: www.cakesandthings.com or www.candylandcrafts.com


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JBLM could house hundreds of immigrant children
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD -- The estimated number of immigrant children that could be on the way to the Northwest ranges from 600 to 5,000.
The federal government is considering a plan to house those undocumented kids up to the age of 18 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. But there is a lot of that concern coming from the community just outside the JBLM gates.
"We have plenty of kids around here who need help, that's the way I look at it," said Jeffrey, who lives in the city of Lakewood.
Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services calling the plan, "No more than a dumping of a population with very real needs. Among our concerns are community health, schools, social services and law enforcement impact on our city, as well as the ability of JBLM to focus on its primary mission."
Anderson is also worried about the possible spread of communicable diseases if the children are brought to JBLM.
The wave of immigrants continues to stream across our borders, and this year alone, 90,000 children are expected to enter the United States. Federal agencies are looking to empty barracks on military bases to house them.
Lakewood is demanding more information from the federal government about it' plans, and what bringing so many immigrant children could mean for the community.
The city could have more knowledge on Wednesday. That is when federal leaders have agreed to meet with the communities around JBLM and provide more details about the plans.

subset: commoncrawl


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If you ever got a chance to watch the short-lived Caprica, they had a technology just like this. Now, it looks like smart paper could soon be upon us, as the Japanese have come up with some interesting research using paper as a touchscreen. Yes, that's right, run of the mill paper can serve as a touch-based interface. What will they think of next?
Read more @ Technabob


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January 25, 2010
1998: Terrell Davis Runs Broncos Past Packers in Super Bowl XXXII
In four appearances in the Super Bowl prior to the 1997 season, the Denver Broncos had experienced only disappointment. In three of them, John Elway had been the quarterback and had taken criticism for coming up short in the biggest game. He was 37 years old and in his 15th season in '97, and time was running short. Head Coach Mike Shanahan's team had gone 13-3 in 1996, only to lose in the Divisional round of the playoffs, but came back with a 12-4 record that was good enough for second place in the AFC West and a wild card spot. Elway had a typically outstanding year, throwing for 3635 yards and a career-high 27 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. WR Rod Smith (70 receptions, 1180 yards) and TE Shannon Sharpe (72 catches, 1107 yards) provided reliable targets. Third-year RB Terrell Davis (pictured), with 1750 rushing yards and a league-leading 15 TDs on the ground, supplied a key ingredient to the offense.
Denver easily got past Jacksonville in the Wild Card playoff and then defeated Kansas City in the next round (the team they had finished behind in the division) and Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship.
The NFC's representative in Super Bowl XXXII was the Green Bay Packers, who were the defending champions. Under Head Coach Mike Holmgren, they had matched their 13-3 record of '96 in winning the NFC Central. They featured QB Brett Favre (pictured below), who was the Associated Press NFL MVP for the third consecutive year (tied, this time, with Detroit RB Barry Sanders). Favre had led the NFL with 35 TD passes, 12 of them to WR Antonio Freeman (81 receptions, 1243 yards) and 7 more to WR Robert Brooks (60 catches, 1010 yards). Pro Bowl RB Dorsey Levens ran for 1435 yards and caught 53 passes as well. The solid defense featured DE Reggie White and SS LeRoy Butler.
The Packers defeated the Buccaneers in the Divisional round and San Francisco to repeat as conference champions. They were 12-point favorites entering Super Bowl XXXII, and the NFC had won the previous 13 straight NFL championships.
There were 68,912 fans on hand at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium for the game on January 25, 1998. Favre wasted no time, driving the Packers to the first score of the game in a four-minute opening possession that included three passes for 48 yards to Freeman, including a 22-yard TD pass. Denver responded in kind, featuring Davis carrying the ball five times for 42 yards; he capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Elway completed no passes on the possession, but had a 10-yard scramble to set up first-and-goal. The score stood at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The Broncos took advantage of Green Bay turnovers to score 10 more points in the second quarter. First, DE Neil Smith recovered a Favre fumble that set up a 51-yard field goal by Jason Elam. Then SS Tyrone Braxton intercepted a pass that resulted in Denver's offense going 45 yards in eight plays, ending with a two-yard run by Elway.
Down 17-7, the Packers fought back with a long drive of 17 plays that used up over seven minutes and ended in a Favre touchdown pass to TE Mark Chmura with twelve seconds left in the half.
Denver had missed the running of Terrell Davis for much of the second quarter, due to his taking a kick in the head, after rushing for 62 yards on 9 carries. He fumbled on the first play of the second half, with CB Tyrone Williams recovering for Green Bay. Ryan Longwell followed up with a 27-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-17.
The Broncos came back as Elway and Davis, making up for the fumble and having shaken off the effects of the injury, keyed a 13-play, 92-yard scoring drive. Eight of the plays were runs by Davis, including the one-yard touchdown that put Denver back in the lead at 24-17. Elway completed a 36-yard pass to WR Ed McCaffrey and, in a third-and-six situation, ran for eight yards that included a dive at the end to give the Broncos a first-and-goal.
After FS Eugene Robinson intercepted an Elway pass in the end zone, it was Brett Favre's turn. The Packers again tied the score early in the fourth quarter, once more on a Favre pass to Freeman of 13 yards. Neither team was able to move the ball in its next possession as they traded punts. With 3:27 remaining, Denver took over just inside Green Bay territory. Thanks to a 15-yard face mask penalty and an Elway screen pass to FB Howard Griffith that covered 23 yards, the Broncos had first-and-goal at the eight yard line. They were backed up by holding penalty, but Davis responded with a 17-yard run to the one, and scored his third TD of the game untouched from there.
With time running out, the Packers charged down the field into Denver territory. However, a fourth-down pass by Favre was batted away by LB John Mobley and the Broncos were champions by a 31-24 score.
Terrell Davis was the game's MVP, having run the ball 30 times for 157 yards with the three touchdowns. John Elway (pictured at right) had modest statistics, as he completed 12 of 22 passes for 123 yards with an interception, but made key runs (including a score) among his 17 yards on five carries and guided the offense well. Shannon Sharpe caught the most passes for the Broncos, with 5 (for 38 yards), while Ed McCaffrey was the leader in receiving yards with 45 on two catches.
For Green Bay, Brett Favre had 25 completions in 42 passing attempts for 256 yards and three TDs along with an interception. Antonio Freeman (pictured at bottom) caught 9 passes for 126 yards and two scores. Dorsey Levens ran effectively, with 90 yards on 19 carries; he also caught 6 passes for another 56 yards.
Denver repeated as champion in 1998 with an even stronger season in what was Elway's last year; after all the Super Bowl disappointments in his Hall of Fame career, he capped it with two titles. The Packers were back in the playoffs in '98, but as a wild card team that lost in the first round. They would not be back in the postseason until 2001.
Posted by Keith Yowell at 6:06 AM 1 comment:
Labels: 1997 NFL season, Antonio Freeman, Brett Favre, Denver Broncos, Dorsey Levens, Green Bay Packers, John Elway, Terrell Davis
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Let's face it: Faster than light travel may never be possible, and even near-light speeds may be a pipe dream. But what if we could open a wormhole, to let us jump to another solar system? Or travel in time?
Suppose it's 50 years from now, and NASA announces they have a way to open a stable wormhole inside of our own solar system. Would you be in favor of doing this? Or would you consider it too risky? (After all, you never know if the Dominion is going to come through and harass us.)
Let us know what you think!
Top image via Desktop Wallpaper Space, please let me know if you know the artist's name!


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Lower expenses and fewer bad loans helped lift Wells Fargo's second-quarter profit by 20 percent, the company reported Friday.
The cost-cutting and improved loan quality helped the nation's biggest U.S. mortgage lender overcome meager revenue growth.
Net income rose to $5.27 billion from $4.40 billion a year earlier, excluding dividend payments on preferred stock. On a per-share basis, earnings were 98 cents, beating the 93 cents forecast by Wall Street.
Revenue edged up to $21.4 billion from $21.3 billion and exceeded Wall Street expectations.
The company's stock rose 72 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $42.61 in midday trading.
Interest rates on mortgages have risen sharply in recent weeks, and analysts are concerned about the potential impact on its mortgage business.
The San Francisco-based bank controls nearly a third of the U.S. mortgage market, and that has helped bolster its earnings recently. Much of its lending came from refinancing, which has been reduced by the spike in interest rates.
Wells Fargo funded $112 billion worth of mortgages, down from $131 billion in the second quarter of 2012.
The bank, however, reduced expenses to about $12.2 billion, down $142 million from a year earlier. The savings were mainly due to lower employee benefits.
Fewer bad loans cut Wells Fargo's credit losses nearly in half to $1.2 billion. The allowance for credit losses fell to $16.6 billion as of June 30 from $17.2 billion as of March 31.
"Wells Fargo again demonstrated an ability to grow during a dynamic economic and interest-rate environment," the bank's chairman and CEO, John Stumpf, said in a statement.
Mortgage rates jumped late last month from near-record lows and added thousands of dollars to the cost of buying a home, after the Federal Reserve signaled that it could slow its bond purchases later this year. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to 4.51 percent, the highest in two years.
In the short run, higher rates appear to be drawing potential home buyers off the sidelines. Buyers want to get a mortgage before rates rise further from their historically low levels. In the long run, more expensive home loans might slow the housing market's recovery, which has helped drive the U.S. economy.
At the same time, higher loan rates would allow banks to make more from mortgage lending.
Wells Fargo, the fourth-largest U.S. bank by assets, was little known outside the Western U.S. before scooping up a teetering Wachovia in the depths of the financial crisis in 2008. The bank has turned a profit every quarter since 2009, the year it wrapped up its acquisition of Wachovia.
Wells Fargo's competitor in mortgage lending, No. 1 U.S. bank JPMorgan Chase, also reported a surge in second-quarter profits Friday and said it reduced its provision for loan losses in its consumer banking division by $1.5 billion as the number of customers failing to repay their loans remained low.
JPMorgan earned $6.1 billion in the period, up 32 percent from a year earlier.


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Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sara Bennett Visits the Lair!
Sara Bennett is a fellow Aussie and a fellow Avon historical romance writer. Not only that, but she writes great Victorian romances! Perhaps she and Donna could talk about the delights of writing about all that underwear! I'm delighted to welcome Sara as my guest today in the lair. Oh, and there's a giveaway - so get commenting, people!
Sara, you write historical romance as Sara Bennett and paranormal romance as Sara Mackenzie. Can you tell us something about the difference in your two personas? Are there yet more Saras inside you, yearning to get out, perhaps the Sara who writes chick lit or romantic suspense?
LOL, Anna. There probably are more Saras, but they'll just have to wait their turn, at the moment I have enough to do. And don't ask me to say which one I like the best, because I can't. I just know how lucky I am to be writing my two favorite genres for Avon. Are they different? Yes, definitely. I like to think that my Sara Bennett historicals are lighter—they're certainly easier to write, but I think that's because I'm working within a framework of real historical events. The Sara Mackenzie paranormals are much darker in tone, and I have to create my own framework, my own world, so that makes it more difficult.
Can you tell us about your next release, HER SECRET LOVER, which comes out from Avon in November, 2008?
HER SECRET LOVER is the final book in my Aphrodite's Club series, and a real page turner. It's the kind of book that keeps you up all night. Briefly, heiress Antoinette Dupre, a practical heroine, has fallen into the clutches of a fortune hunter. Imprisoned at his country estate she makes the acquaintance of highwayman, Gabriel Langley, who also has his secrets, and sparks fly between them. The story moves to London and the Great Exhibition of 1851, where Antoinette and Gabriel must learn to trust each other if they're going to defeat their enemy.
You're clearly a huge fan of series. Can you tell us why you love to write interconnected books and why you think they're so popular? Any hints to girls who haven't yet written a series about the best way to go about it (um, not mentioning any names here!)?
When I wrote my first book, THE LILY AND THE SWORD, I didn't start off planning it to be a series. No one made me do it. It just seemed like a good idea, because I had plenty of characters and I wanted to explore each of them in more detail. It also gave me an opportunity to revisit Radulf and Lily now and again. And I like writing series—there's something very comfortable about dipping back into a world you're familiar with, like visiting old friends. I think that's why people like them. Any hints about writing a series? Mmm, I think you need to do all your planning first, because you'll need plenty of characters—ie four books equals four brothers, or four friends, or four somethings. I like to have each book as stand alone as possible, but I also like to have a mystery or plot thread that runs through all of the books, as I did in the Greentree Sisters trilogy. I think writing a series is a bit like juggling and trying to keep all those balls in the air without dropping them—so what are you like at juggling, Anna?
You started out writing medievals but now write Victorians. What is the appeal of each period? I love a great medieval and regret that there are so few on the shelves these days. Would you ever go back to writing them?
I love medievals, too, and I'm sorry they no longer seem to be as popular as they were. To be honest, it was the current market that persuaded me to move into the Victorian time period. And I liked the idea of all that seething passion beneath the tight corsets and dozens of petticoats. The Victorians were so much about appearances and what was proper, and I just love my characters to break all those strict rules. But I do still hanker after those medieval alpha heroes, so who knows.
Can you tell us about your writing journey?
Mmm, can I remember that long ago? I suppose I was writing from a very early age—as a shy, introverted child I loved reading and make-believe, so it just went from there. I recently found a book of stories I wrote when I was seven and they weren't half bad When I was a teen I had some short stories published in magazines and won some contests, then I had a book accepted by Mills & Boon in 1982. Later on I wrote Australian mainstream historicals, and in 2000 I began writing for Avon. I've been lucky, really, even when times were tough—and there have been a few tough times—I've learned to have an open mind and not to be afraid to try something new.
What's next for Sara Mackenzie?
Sara Mackenzie has a new trilogy pending.The Dark Lords, who are linked to my first trilogy, Immortal Warriors, are even darker and more dangerous. These books have taken longer to write than expected because I've been concentrating on my historicals, but hopefully they'll be ready next year. I also have a short story in THE MAMOTH BOOK OF PARANORMAL ROMANCE the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance, which will be published in June '09, so watch out for that.
What's next for Sara Bennett?
Sara Bennett has just finished writing the first book in her new series, to be published in June '09. I don't want to say too much yet, but it will be a five book series and tells the stories of five friends who decide not to be content with just any husband—they go after the men of their dreams.I'm really excited about the idea and the series, and looking forward to starting on book #2.
Sara has very kindly offered one lucky commenter a signed copy of her most recent Avon historical romance, A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET, which you can read about here. So she'd like to know - Victorian or Regency? Do you have a preference? Why? Do you think there's a difference between romances set in these two periods?
116 comments:
- Sara Lindsey said...
OMG, I think I got the GR! I told Anna in SF that my life would be complete if I could just get him once... YES!
- August 12, 2008 at 12:37 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Thanks for inviting me to Romance Bandits, Anna! And congratulations Sara--I've heard about this magical creature...
- August 12, 2008 at 12:50 AM
- Sara Lindsey said...
Okay, just had to get that post up as quickly as possible...
First, nice name, Sara!
Regency or Victorian? REGENCY!
Jane Austen or Edith Wharton? JANE!
Colin Firth or Daniel Day Lewis? CF!
Seriously, though, I love both periods even though I write in the Regency era. The Victorian era is so fascinating, and I think it's really emerging in the world of historical romance. It's fresh and exciting for most readers, where the Regency set romances almost function like the series in that the world, with its language, historic personages, etc., has that familiar, old-friend feel.
Victorian clothing is wonderful, too, and the mid-19th century is such a time of innovation and change in all spheres of life. Hey, Victorians actually sound pretty fun... Hmmm, maybe someday!
- August 12, 2008 at 12:54 AM
- Donna MacMeans said...
LOL - Sorry Sara L. Regency is fine, but Victorian truly rocks my world. First off, the concept of corsets is so ultra-feminine and sexy. Plus I love how Victorian society pretends to have such strict morals - but then the women dress to emphasize and exaggerate every inch of their curves. Plus the Industrial Revolution just made life so much easier and innovative. Gotta love Victorian - or at least I do *g*
Sara - love your covers. The cover goddess smiled on you. Love to hear more about your paranormals. Are the immortal warriors time-travelers?
Congrats Sara L. on nabbing the GR!
- August 12, 2008 at 1:01 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Sara, it's official! Your life is now COMPLETE! LOL!
Sara B, as you see, the chook is a hot property!
Sara, I know I was in charge of the questsions but I didn't want to scare you with all the many things I want to know about the fabulous SB. Firstly, what's the best way to undress a Victorian miss? All that underwear is a serious barrier. Although given the size of families in the era, clearly not TOO much of a barrier. Are you a plotter or a pantser? My theory is you're a plotter because you're so prolific. Which leads me to my next question - can you give us some idea of Sara Bennett's work day?
- August 12, 2008 at 1:03 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Donna, I knew you and SB would be kindred spirits. What's your best hint for undressing a Victorian miss? Hmm, the lair is going to be full of naked Victorian misses the way it's going!
I must say I find the Victorians fascinating. All that boundless energy and passion, both repressed and not! And sticking sex so firmly behind closed doors actually gives it more power, in a funny sort of way. Does that make sense?
- August 12, 2008 at 1:05 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Regency is nice, Sara, I agree. And I love Jane Austen, and CF, but Victorian has the Bronte Sisters--Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, all good stuff. I always think Victorian is darker, or maybe that's just how I like to write it.
It's surprising how modern the Victorians were, too, with the steam train and gas lighting, and then electricity, as well as bathrooms and running hot water coming into their own.
And yes, the clothing is wonderful and irritating at the same time. Imagine undressing your heroine with all those hooks and buttons and ribbons, not to mention the dozens of petticoats! It's difficult to imagine doing much more than having a cuddle :)
- August 12, 2008 at 1:09 AM
- Donna MacMeans said...
Well blogger just ate my long-winded explanation why Victorians rule. The gist was - corsets, exaggerated feminine curves (in contradiction to strict public society rules, and the Industrial Revolution.
Sara - I would love to hear more about your paranormals - are they time-travels? Are they historical paranormals, contemporary, or futuristic?
Sara L. - congrats on nabbing the GR. Don't let him hear that you valued his nabbing so highly - the bird has a big enough ego as it is.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:10 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Donna, yes, the Immortal Warriors do travel through time, and find themselves modern heroines. I didn't think of the stories as time travel when I wrote them, because there's so much more in them--sea monsters and dragons and ghosts... I call them dark gothic fantasy.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:13 AM
- Donna MacMeans said...
Best way to undress a Victorian miss?
Have her pose in front of Lord Nicholas Chambers
(You knew that was coming *g*)
- August 12, 2008 at 1:13 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Anna, no, I'm a pantser!! I just sit down at the keyboard and hope something happens. I do a lot of rewriting, though, so I think that helps me to develop knowledge of the characters and where the story is going. I've tried plotting but if I know what's going to happen I just get bored.
What about you?
- August 12, 2008 at 1:15 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Undressing Victorian misses...mmm. I usually start with the bodice, but they were so tight and those sleeves, the poor girls could hardly move. Sometimes it's easier just to pick her up and lift up her petticoats and...well, you get the picture. My next book is set in 1851 and the crinoline was still to come, so haven't have to deal with that yet.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:18 AM
- Natalie Hatch said...
wow you women are fast
- August 12, 2008 at 1:18 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Nat, the rooster waits for no man - or woman!
Sara, laughing at the quick in and out approach to getting at our Victorian Miss. That way she doesn't have to worry about discommoding her bodice, does she? Snort! I always find it poignant to see photos of women in full Victorian dress in photos of early Queensland. They must have died of prickly heat. Not to mention been a bit on the stinky side!
How surprising, I definitely had you pegged as a plotter. I'm definitely a pantser - it's not the most efficient way to write but it seems to be the only way I can do it. Like you, I do mega rewriting. That's actually when I get the story into shape - it's a complete mishmash before that.
With your paranormals, did you base anything on old legends or myths? Or did you world build from scratch?
- August 12, 2008 at 1:25 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
I do use folklore and legends and spooky stories but I made up the actual world, where the Sorceress rules and keeps her warriors sleeping before she brings them back to life and sends them out to redeem themselves. They're almost-heroes, you see. Heroes who have blundered in some way and no must find a way to make up for it.
The next series, the Dark Lords, involves witches and a world where merman are waiting to catch the unwary and eat them up...
- August 12, 2008 at 1:30 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Oops, sorry for the spelling mistakes. As well as a pantser I'm a terrible speller. It runs in the family.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:33 AM
- Christine Wells said...
Sara, a very warm welcome to the lair from this Aussie Bandita! We're so pleased to have you here.
I used to stay away from Victorian romances, thinking the era far too staid but of course it was a hotbed of passion underneath, as your and Donna's books prove!
I love writing Regency historicals, though. I'm comfortable with the era, having amassed quite a bit of information about it over the years I've been obsessed!
When you started writing Victorians, were there many others doing the same? Was it a bit of a risk to stray outside the Regency/medieval mould?
- August 12, 2008 at 2:08 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hello Christine, and thanks for the welcome! I understand completely your love of Regency romance. There's something really delightful and comforting about watching a DVD of Pride and Prejudice or Persuasion (my personal favorite). I do think Victorian is more edgy--appearances were important, while underneath all that morality there was a lot going on. Seething passion, yum.
When I started writing Victorian they were just beginning to become more popular, and I suppose there were so many Regency writers I wanted to be different. I don't think it was risky, I didn't think of it like that, I was excited by the challenge. Now if I'd decided to write a book set in Norway in 1200...there could have been some raised eyebrows.
Do you find publishers are reluctant to try exotic locations and time periods?
- August 12, 2008 at 2:23 AM
- jo robertson said...
Welcome, Sara and Sara, to the Lair! Your paranormals sound fascinating. I like dark and intense.
Other Sara, congratulations. Isn't it quite the thrill capturing the rooster for the first time? LOL, it's nice to know your life is now complete.
I love the Victorian period. The Victorians were an uptight reaction to previous periods' looseness. But you know, human nature being what it is, that passion and sensuality of all sorts lurked beneath the surface. I love reading and writing about that contrast.
- August 12, 2008 at 2:29 AM
- Darcy Burke said...
It's really funny you're asking this today because I was doing some research this afternoon and ended up getting sucked into Victorian-era stuff (my WIP is set in 1817, so, er, I got derailed). I then wondered if I would perhaps write a Victorian. I have plans to write an Elizabethan-set historical, but hadn't really thought about Victorian. Until today. And now you've got me thinking about it again!
I'm surprised you're a pantser when you also say you continue a thread through your series. I'm in total awe. Your comment about getting board is why I call myself a plantser. I plot, but I usually end up down some far away rabbit hole. But it works. :-)
- August 12, 2008 at 2:33 AM
- Eva S said...
I do love both periods, have always been a Regency girl but nowadays it's been more and more Victorian for me. I agree with Donna, ultra-feminine and sexy, and a little darker...I love my dark heroes!
Sara, so far I've only found "Passions of the Ghost" in your Immortal Warriors series, loved it and will have to look more for the other books! Your new series sound interesting... But I'd love to read your Sara Bennett-books too!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:41 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Sara, sounds like the SM books (not S&M!) are redemption stories. How fantastic! I love a good redemption story.
Sara, I agree with you about Persuasion. It's my favorite Austen too. I love the Ciaran Hinds version - he makes an extremely dashing Captain Wentworth! Actually my books fall in between yours and Christine's - mine are all 1820s which isn't officially the Regency. I remember I wasn't allowed to enter the Beau Monde contest when I was unpubbed because I was officially outside the period. I like the darker turn of the world after the Regency proper too.
Jo, we seem to be drowning in a plethora of Saras today!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:54 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Darcy, my friend from San Francisco! How lovely to see you here! You were always so happy when I ran into you, you were a treat! Interesting you're finding yourself drawn into the world of Victorian romance. I must say one day, I'd like to write something set then. So I'm soaking up all the wisdom from Donna and Sara about the appeal of the period.
Eva, great to see you. Fantastic you enjoyed Passions of the Ghost. I don't know if you order from Amazon in the US but if you click on any of Sara's book covers in the blog, that will take you straight across to Amazon and you can order anything. Easy, huh? RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDER is SM's RITA-nominated romance from last year.
- August 12, 2008 at 2:59 AM
- Christine Wells said...
Sara, I'm only very new to publishing, so I'm not trying anything set in Norway in 1200.LOL Publishers always say they'll take a good story whatever the setting but I'm betting it has to be absolutely outstanding to break out of the tried and true eras. I have no personal experience in that regard, though. I was lucky that my love for the Regency is shared by so many, I guess.
- August 12, 2008 at 3:00 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hello Jo, nice to meet another Victorian lover. I think you're right about society reacting against the lack of morality, and I think Victoria and Albert had a lot to do with it.
- August 12, 2008 at 3:13 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Darcy, Elizabethan sounds good, it seems to be really popular lately. And I understand completely about the rabbit-hole. But I can't seem to write any other way--I plotted out my last book from beginning to end, to save time, then started writing...five pages later I was into a completely different book. Sigh.
- August 12, 2008 at 3:15 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Thanks Eva S, I hope you find Return of the Highlander--my personal favorite :)
- August 12, 2008 at 3:16 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Anna, I think you have the best of both worlds in your writing--Regency with a dark edge, lovely.
- August 12, 2008 at 3:19 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hey, thanks, Sara! Actually I'm sort of vaguely contemplating Victorian in the distant future because one day I'd love to visit Kylemore and Verity's children. I think they'd have a really interesting row to hoe!
What inspires your writing?
- August 12, 2008 at 3:27 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
I always have trouble answering that question. It can be a word or a movie or a picture in a book or...anything. An idea just pops up. The weird thing is I most often get my ideas when I'm in the shower--I'm probably still in that half asleep frame of mind.
What about you?
- August 12, 2008 at 3:34 AM
- Anna Campbell said...
Sara, I get my best ideas around water too. I think it gets my subconscious working somehow. Swimming, the bath (Courtesan definitely came to me in the bath, as did Untouched!), looking at the ocean. I've found trying to force ideas never works - is it like that for you. Insisting on the subconscious throwing out something wonderful just destroys the process! Where does everyone else find their inspiration?
- August 12, 2008 at 3:36 AM
- Suzi Love said...
Victorian is absolutely the most exciting and that's why I also write in your era. Lots of dark characters inhabit the seedy underworld and even more proper society is filled with intereswting peopel and exciting new inventions. I love reading and writing about all the weird and wonderful layers.
Sue Webb
- August 12, 2008 at 4:26 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Sue, it was a fascinating time, I agree. And there were a lot of self-made men moving into society, ordinary men who weren't born to a title or greatness, and that makes it interesting, too. The daughter of a mill-owner could marry a duke.
- August 12, 2008 at 4:53 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Anna, do you follow your horoscope? I am a Scorpio, a water sign, so that explains standing in the shower and having brilliant ideas. Are you a water sign?? Just a thought...
- August 12, 2008 at 4:55 AM
- Helen said...
Congrats on the GR Sara
Great interview Sara and Anna I am having a big fan squeal here at the moment I have everyone of your Sara Bennett books and loved them all I can't choose a favoutite of them and am really looking forward to Gabriel's story in November.
I don't have a preference between Victorian or Regency love both eras and I love medievals as well. Once I start reading a book and I feel as if it is taking me on the adventure with the heros and Heroines I am lost and love it and don't want to put it down.
Sara I hope to see you at the Australian Romance Readers convention in Melbourne next Feb.
Thank you Anna and Sara
Have Fun
- August 12, 2008 at 5:40 AM
- Margay Leah Justice said...
I love to read Regency era books. I don't know why, there's just something so magical about the time. But I think they're more popular because they're more easily identifiable (because so many people write about it) and they did have a lot of larger than life characters, both in literature and politics, that lend flavor to the books. The ironic thing is, one of the ideas cooking on my back burner is set in the - Victorian Era! Go figure.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:06 AM
- Maureen said...
I enjoy both the Victorian and Regency periods. I enjoy all different time periods when the author really brings that setting to life for me.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:17 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Helen, thank you for your lovely comments! And you are so right, it's the book that counts, not the time period it's written in.
I'll be in Melbourne in February, so see you there :)
- August 12, 2008 at 6:23 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Margay, I find that, too. The books I like to read are not always the ones I write. I'm a real fan of crime fiction but I don't see myself ever writing it.
And Maureen, you're right. A good book is a good book, doesn't matter where it's set or when. One of my favorites is set in England in Viking times--a long way from Victorian.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:27 AM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Margay, I find that, too. The books I like to read are not always the ones I write. I'm a real fan of crime fiction but I don't see myself ever writing it.
And Maureen, you're right. A good book is a good book, doesn't matter where it's set or when. One of my favorites is set in England in Viking times--a long way from Victorian.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:28 AM
- Gillian Layne said...
Good morning, Anna! Great interview. Congrats on that bird, Sara. :)
Sara, these look to be just lovely. Victorian is actually my first love, with Regency a close second. So much delicious change going on in Victorian times, and good heavens, the clothes were fabulous. I'm so glad you enjoy writing series. I never want books I like to end, myself.
And to Sara's Colin Firth or Daniel Day Lewis, may I add: Alan Rickman!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:26 AM
- Gannon Carr said...
Congratulations, Sara L. on nabbing that elusive GR!
Great post, Anna and Sara. Sara, I really love the Regency period--Jane Austen, P&P, and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. *sigh* But the Victorian era is a fascinating time period. Frankly, as long as a book is well written, I don't really care what time period it's in.
Your paranormals sound like my cup of tea. Time travels have always been favorites of mine.
And I absolutely love a series. When I become engrossed in the lives of the characters, I hate to say good-bye. A series allows me to hang on a bit longer.
- August 12, 2008 at 8:05 AM
- Buffie said...
Hey Sara! First off let me just say that I totally love your books!!! And how is it I didn't know you write paranormals too??!! Needless to say, I am really looking forward to HER SECRET LOVER. And I think I better be adding Mackenzie to my paranormal author list!
It sounds like you are pretty busy woman. What do you like to do for fun? Other than writing, of course!
- August 12, 2008 at 8:09 AM
- Dina said...
Welcome Sara,
I like both of them for reading, but I would have loved to lived in Victorian times.
- August 12, 2008 at 8:43 AM
- Louisa Cornell said...
YAY, Sara L!!! Good on you, my Avon FanLit sister! You can now cross that off your Bucket List. Watch him though, he is NOT to be trusted!
Sara Bennett!!! SQUEEE! Another fan girl moment in the Lair! I LOVE your books!! Of course I adore the Greentree sisters, but on of my all time favorites of yours is actually ONCE HE LOVES. Wonderful story, features a singer (my fav) and the hero is DELICIOUS!
I am a Regency girl all the way, however, I do love a good Victorian! I think with the Regency period it is the dichotomy - all the rules on the outside and yet the public scandals that happen, but don't happen. Everyone knows your secrets, but if you are powerful enough they choose to ignore them. Lots of fodder for a real explosion when it finally hits the fan, so to speak. I love the elegance and excess of the period. With the Regency period you get a complete immersion in the past. With the Victorian period you are on the cusp of the modern age. I think I was just born in the wrong time!
- August 12, 2008 at 8:52 AM
- Susan Sey said...
Hi, Sara, welcome to the lair!
I love historicals but since I don't write them I have to confess to only the most limited grasp of the differences between the various periods. I know there are A LOT of readers out there who are sticklers for historical accuracy, but I'm one of the readers who couldn't care less about anachronisms & historical inaccuracies as long as the story sweeps me away.
Having said that, I really enjoyed Eloisa James' recent book (can't remember the title) set in (I think) the Georgian period. The one where selected men actually came into a married woman's chambers to help her pick out her clothes, her patches, her ribbons, etc. Very loose & open acceptance of sexuality & it made for some interesting situations. :-)
- August 12, 2008 at 8:53 AM
- Susan Sey said...
p.s. Hey, Darcy! My fellow Pixie Chick! Welcome to the lair! Such great fun meeting you in San Fran!
- August 12, 2008 at 8:53 AM
- peggy said...
Ilove both. but victorian is
my first choose .the balls cloths
every thing about that era sounds
- August 12, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Sara Bennett, darn you! I had just locked myself in The Cave to get some actual writing done, and now I've got to crawl back out to get your books because they sound fabulous! :-) I was just bemoaning the fact yesterday that it seemed the big series were all planned around the heros -- and here you are with (if I'm understanding right) series planned around your heroines! Can you talk more about that? Do you think there's any truth to the idea that romances are all about the hero? I also think it's interesting that you find it easier to write your historicals. I started out writing Regency and then moved to paranormal, and I found it much harder to write in the real historical world than to make up a new world! You must be a marvel at the research side of the game.
Sara Lindsey, I am thrilled beyond measure that our little blog has contributed to completing your life. Wow. What an accomplishment! ;-) Too bad that three book deal didn't do it for you. I guess it makes sense that you had to turn to the rooster... *g*
Anna, I shudder when I think of what you'd put poor Verity and Kylemore's children through. You mean mean wench.
Darcy, I want to see the Elizabethan time come back for our romances -- and I suspect you can guess why...PIRATES!!! Forget corsets. Forget repressed sexuality and strict morals. I say, bring back the pirates!!
- August 12, 2008 at 9:36 AM
- cheryl c said...
Sara, I have to admit that I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of your books...yet. Your books do sound wonderful, and the covers are gorgeous! I am going to have to add you to my TBR list for sure. I love to read historical romances. It doesn't matter what the locale or time period is.
Cheri (AKA Cheryl)
- August 12, 2008 at 9:39 AM
- CrystalGB said...
Hi Sara. I love your books. I am a big fan of both periods.
- August 12, 2008 at 9:51 AM
- Minna said...
I like both Regency and Victorian.
- August 12, 2008 at 10:10 AM
- Rebekah E. said...
I like both Regency and Victorian. I usually just pick up what ever type I'm in the mood for. Thanks for the great post.
- August 12, 2008 at 10:24 AM
- Terri Osburn said...
Goodness, y'all are off and running today! Congrats on the chook, Sara L. Give him some lemons! LOL!
I love the Regencies but I really love to read anything set in the Victorian era. There was just so much happening and I love that women were gaining more rights and freedoms and then there's all the technology that came along. Love it!
Sara B. - you mention that writing the Historicals is easier than writing the paras but I would have thought it would be the other way around. Seems being able to create your own world would be the fun part where the Historical would take so much more research. So that's an interesting take.
Do you fit your stories around real Historical events or write your story then find events that fit into it along the way?
- August 12, 2008 at 10:27 AM
- Elyssa Papa said...
Yay, Sara!
Victorian or Regency: Both, sorry, it's a Sophie's choice that I refuse to choose.
Jane or Edith: Jane!!!
CF or Daniel Day-Lewis: Both. I want my Darcy but then I also want my dark, brooding, moody DDL.
Obviously, I want to have my cake and eat it, too! LOL.
- August 12, 2008 at 10:40 AM
- Fedora said...
Hi, Sara! Thanks for the terrific interview today! I love your covers--the Bennett covers are especially nice! There's something so beautiful about a woman's back, especially when framed by a gorgeous gown...
As for preference between Victorian and Regency, I'm not sure... to be honest, I haven't paid enough attention to understand the differences *blush* Usually the stories are what catch my attention, and I'm along for the ride! Congratulations to you on your successes in your favorite genres!
And congrats on the GR, Sara Lindsey!
- August 12, 2008 at 11:55 AM
- Unknown said...
I love to read both. I just love a good historical no matter what the setting is.
- August 12, 2008 at 12:03 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hi Sue! Great to see you here! Hey, Banditas, Sue is a finalist in the Emerald contest in Australia, our equivalent of the Golden Heart. Wish her luck - they announce the winners in Melbourne on the 23rd August! Your Victorian sounds really intriguing.
Sara, I must admit my fondness for Victorians was bolstered by North and South, seeing you mentioned mill owners.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:56 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Sara, actually I'm a Virgo, but maybe there's some water stuff rising there. Or perhaps as an earth sign, I need the water!
Helen, I thought you might get a buzz out of Sara's visit. I know you're a fan! Yes, I hope Sara is coming to ARRC too. It's going to be a pretty exciting line-up.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:58 PM
- Hellie Sinclair said...
I can do both. (And sometimes it does feel almost every historical is Regency--so Victorian sometimes is a nice change of pace.) I think it depends more on the author voice and the characters involved.
Julia Quinn's regencies are wonderful and fun to read--what I think of when I think of "regency-regency"--fun and bantery, a lighthearted romp.
Victorians have all that repressed passion tied up in their corset strings--so those stories are almost always more dramatic and emotional/darker. Which isn't bad now and again. I do love to laugh--so it can't be all dark and dramatic--but I remember Betina Krauhn's The Last Bachelor, which was the strict confines of the Victorian period--but it was so darned funny at the same time. You'd be laughing on one page; then on the other, you'd be crying. I sometimes think Victorian set novels have more potential to be more "lingering"/leave a more lasting impression on the reader than a Regency because of the emotion expected of them.
Admittedly I'm an odd duck (pirate), but most of the books that have left lingering impressions on me were from a different period than the Regency. Either Georgian or Victorian. And I think it's because the Regency period was supposed to be one long carefree party of soirees and balls, filled with laughter, dancing, and witty banter.
- August 12, 2008 at 1:59 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hey, Margay, cool on the Victorian stewing away in your mind. Good luck! I think one of the reasons the Regency is so popular is that people are in love with both Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. They want to revisit that particular world and of course, sadly neither JA nor GH are with us any longer so people have to cast their nets wider.
Maureen, I'm a bit like you - if it's a good story, I'll read any setting.
- August 12, 2008 at 2:00 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Gillian, I must say my heart belongs to DDL! I know Colin has his fans, but honestly, just think of The Last of the Mohicans! And you're another Victorian fan, I see! Oh, and I'm with you about Alan R! Sigh!
Gannon, I love a good time travel too. That fish out of water plot is such a classic. I've been interested to hear from a few people that editors seem to be interested in the genre again - Pamela Palmer has sold a series of Time Travels to Berkley, for example. Yippeeee!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:05 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Buffie, I can tell you on good authority, that Sara likes to swing from the chandlier wearing a French maid's costume when she lets her hair down ;-)
Dina, interesting you want to live in Victorian times. I must say I'm quite happy to live in the modern era with all its conveniences and its medicine and the fact that women have legal rights, at least in some countries!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:07 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Louisa, what an interesting take on the difference between Regency and Victorian. I think you're onto something! So glad you enjoyed meeting Sara. I thought she'd fit into the lair like a hand into a glove, and I was right!
Susan, I have a very soft spot for the Georgian era too. I love that the men dressed like peacocks but were actually killing machines - they went armed most of the time and were ready to use those swords!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:09 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Peggy! Another Victorian fan. Sara, have you noticed you've brought out a heap of non-Regency gals?
Kirsten, nice to see you popping your head out of the cave (I'm picturing a little groundhog here!). We're having fun in the lair today, aren't we? Interesting what you said about inventing your world as compared to using a real one - I must say I like the rules imposed on me by using a real world. I like to work within restrictions, it releases my creativity somehow! And yes, I must admit I did have a slight snicker, that Sara L's three-book deal couldn't possibly compare with our rooster! ;-) Hey, did you know Amanda McCabe, who has been my guest here too, is writing a trilogy for Harlequin Historicals set in the Elizabethan age and pirates feature strongly. I'm really looking forward to the third one where apparently, according to Anna Campbell, there's "historically accurate nookie" on a pirate ship!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:13 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hi Cheryl! Always great to see you here. Another girl for whom story is the main thing - I'm with you! And you're right about Sara's covers!
Hey, Crystal, great to welcome a fan here! Thanks for popping by!
Hi Minna! I love that we can read books set in both periods too. I love the Regency but it's not the ONLY thing I ever want to read.
- August 12, 2008 at 2:15 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hi Rebekah, thanks for dropping into the lair today. Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Hi Terri! I'd be interested in Sara's take on using actual events too. I noticed in her blurb for HER SECRET LOVER that the Great Exhibition got a mention. Mind you, ever since PASSION by Lisa Valdez, the Great Exhibition has held a special place in my mind! ;-)
- August 12, 2008 at 2:18 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Ely, do you know what's nice? In the world of historical romance, you CAN have your cake and eat it too. I'm not going to comment on your fantasy life, though! ;-) I must say, though, that I'd take Jane over Edith any day. Edith had rather a grim view of life! Or at least she did in the couple of books of hers I've read. Perhaps there's something jolly out there by EW that I haven't encountered yet.
Hi Fedora! I agree with you - the story is the thing! And those covers are fantastic, aren't they? So romantic and lush!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:20 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Virgina, another story is the main thing girl! Excellent to see!
Hiya Hellion! I'm now seeing a duck with a wooden leg and an eye patch! It's quite a funny picture ;-) If you want funny Victorians, Connie Brockway did two corkers, the Bridal Path and Bridal Favors. They're hilarious - she's so witty! Mind you, she also did a couple of really heart-wrenching ones too. And a heart-wrenching Regency called All Through the Night. Hmm, I wonder if there are no rules for this particular question.
- August 12, 2008 at 2:24 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Goodness, Sara is going to be absolutely stoked when she wakes up and sees this great welcome you've all given her! Thank you so much, everyone!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:25 PM
- Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...
Hi Sara, welcome to the Lair! And congrats to Sara L on nabbing the GR. He's a wily one, that chook. Probably heard that you wanted to snag him, in order to make your life complete, and orchestrated the whole thing, devilish bird! :>
I'm with Maureen and Gillian - any era's great if the story takes me away, and Yes, Ma'am, Alan Rickman!
Oooh, and Sara L, I see that Kirsten broke the news of a big sale, good for you! Huzzah!
Kirsten, I'm with you, much as I love the Victorians AND the Regency, give me a good pirate tale any day. Or a man in a ruff. Snork.
Then again, the book set in medieval Norway wouldn't be bad either, if you had a hero like Alan Rickman. Grins.
Great interview, Anna, and thanks for being here, Sara! I see that I too will have to stack a few more on the TBR pile. I love connected series, and paranormals...so there you go, another trip to the bookstore!
- August 12, 2008 at 2:52 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Jeanne, are you saying you like a ruff edge to your love scenes? Snork! And I must say I've read some great Viking romances so I'm definitely not anti the idea of a book set in Norway in 1200!
- August 12, 2008 at 3:03 PM
- Jane said...
Welcome Sara,
I like both Regency and Victorian romances. I've read far more Regency books because they're more abundant than Victorians. I can't really say what's different between these two periods. Was sexual repression more pronounced during the Regency or Victorian period?
- August 12, 2008 at 3:26 PM
- Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...
Ruff, rough, woof. I'm up for just about anything if its a good story - not a dog as indicated by the woof. :>
I like the Vikings too, but they can be done with SUCH a heavy hand (pun intended) that they can really bomb. I read a partial on one from the GH a couple of years ago that I wished had gone on to final. It was brilliant. But alas, no such luck...
Then again, a ruff is a fine thing.
- August 12, 2008 at 3:38 PM
- Anna Louise Lucia said...
Great interview, Anna and Sara!
I think there must be strong differences between the periods, but I don't think every author brings them out - sometimes books set in Regency and in Victorian times seem interchangeable...
A year ago, I'd have said the Regency was my fave, but recently I've read some Victorian-set romances that have nearly changed my mind!
But truth be told, I inhale historical romances with a lust that can never be satisfied.... ;-)
- August 12, 2008 at 3:59 PM
- Pat Cochran said...
Hello Anna,
Add one more name to the "story is
the focus" list! It's me for the
involvement and envelopment in the lives and loves described by the author! I have to thank Ms. Sara again for the generous prize I won this Spring. I thought I had won
one of her books in a contest. When the package arrived, it was four books and I loved them all!!
Pat Cochran
- August 12, 2008 at 5:54 PM
- Beth Andrews said...
Welcome to the lair, Sara! Your books sound wonderful - luckily, I haven't finished my latest Amazon order so now I can preorder HER SECRET LOVER. Yay!
As for the question of Victorian or Regency, I can't choose. I love historicals no matter what the time period :-)
Thanks for the great interview, Sara and Anna!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:04 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Jane, I'd definitely say there was more repression during the Victorian era - although it's all relative! And repression can work like a volcano - you know all that heat has to spill out some time!
Jeanne, I'm glad you clarified the dog thing ;-)
Anna, lovely to see you. It was a real treat to meet you in SF. I hope you enjoyed your conference - we didn't seem to cross paths again after that first meeting. Nice to see you're a voracious reader of historicals! Sara and I both thank you!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:11 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Pat, you seriously win the BEST prizes! Four books of Sara's would be such a treat! So glad you enjoyed them.
Hi Beth! Great news that Secret Lover is on its way to you. So glad you enjoyed the interview!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:13 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
WOW! I woke up this morning and what do I find, lots and lots of lovely comments, thank you! What a wonderful bunch of ladies you are.
I'll do my best to answer you all.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:22 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Thank you, Gillian! I agree about not wanting books to end--sometimes I while away the time making up what happened next.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:24 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Gannon, yes a series is so comfortable, like visiting your other family. And when you come to write the next book you know everybody. But the first book of a series...eek, that's tough.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:26 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Buffie! Time travels seem to have lost favor lately, but I love them too. What do I do for relaxation, mmm. I used to do cross-stitch, and I still buy kits. I have so many I'll have to live to 100 to finish them all. And I love gardening, but at the moment there are more weeds than flowers. Recently I spend a lot of time watching dvds and reading books, to help refill the well.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:29 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Dina, I'd like to have lived in Victorian times, too--as long as I was rich and had plenty of servants!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:30 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Louisa! So glad you like my books. ONCE HE LOVES is a favorite of mine too. Funny what you remember about books, but this was my first one with my new editor and I remember being nervous she wouldn't like it. She did!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:35 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Susan! The Georgian period is much underrated, I think. I wrote BELOVED HIGHLANDER in Georgian times and I loved it. Maybe there'll be more.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:37 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Peggy, I think you've made the right choice, LOL
- August 12, 2008 at 6:38 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Kirsten, and sorry to interrupt your writing :) Yes, the Aphrodite Series, which started with the Greentree Sisters trilogy, is all about women--three sisters--and I did that on purpose because there were sooo many brothers around at the time. As for historical being easier to write than paranormal, I think it's because I have a framework already in place and historical details I can look up--there are things I know I can and can't do. Maybe I'm the sort of person who likes boundaries.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:41 PM
- Helen said...
I am another one who really likes books in a series probably because as someone else has said they become like family and you need to see all the wonderful characters get their HEA as well.
Sara I am really excited about the new 5 book series that you are writting WTG more books for me to read love them!!
I am off to work now so will check back when I get home
Have Fun
- August 12, 2008 at 6:45 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Cheryl! TBR piles just grow and grow, don't they? Mine is just about to swallow me up.
Hi Crystalgb, Minna and Rebekah, nice to meet you, keep reading!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:48 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Terrio, I love research, so I suppose that's why I love historicals. Even my paranormals have a lot of the historical in them. And I usually choose the time period first and fit the story into it, although there have been times when I've taken a few liberties with dates and places...but don't tell anyone.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:49 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Elyssa Papa, eat away, I say!
Fichen1, I have been blessed by the gods of covers. I love those backs, too, and I have something even more beautiful coming up for my next series.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:55 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Virginia, there's something about historicals, and you can get away with all those flimsy plots, like forced marriages and heroines won over a game of cards, that you can never do with contemporaries.
- August 12, 2008 at 6:57 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Anna, North and South, don't get me started!
- August 12, 2008 at 6:58 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Mshellion, I think Victorians suit me because I write those emotionally charged books and tend to get a bit dark, no matter how I try to lighten up. And I love pirates!!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Duchesse, Anna does do a good interview, and all those pretty pictures. Wish I was that clever.
- August 12, 2008 at 7:03 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Thanks for the welcome, Jane, and it was the Victorians who were sexually repressed, which makes them so interesting. Seething passions beneath their corsets, feeling faint at the sight of a man's bare chest, becoming overheated with lust etc.. You get the picture.
- August 12, 2008 at 7:06 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Anna Lucia! Yes, I think some books are interchangable, but that's okay. Mine tend to be more obviously Victorian, but not everyone likes that--yes, I read the Amazon reviews...
- August 12, 2008 at 7:08 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Pat! So glad you enjoyed your prize :) I must start another contest soon, just haven't had the time recently. Maybe next month...
- August 12, 2008 at 7:10 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Hi Beth! Enjoy Her Secret Lover :)
- August 12, 2008 at 7:12 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
Thanks Helen, the new series is another one with girls taking center stage, although the heroes are gorgeous, too. I'm really enjoying writing it.
- August 12, 2008 at 7:13 PM
- Kirralee Schmidt said...
I think my comment is going to get a bit lost in the crowd - there have been so many replies, this must be one heck of a book - otherwise Sara Bennet has a MASSIVE fan base!
I've always loved Regency, but after reading Donna McMeans The Trouble With Moonlight, I'm rethinking my favourite. I've decided I love them both equally!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM
- Sara Bennett said...
I just want to say again what a pleasure it's been to be a guest here on Romance Bandits, and what a great bunch you are--and talented!
And thank you Karen for asking and for doing such a great interview, and helping me through :)
Happy reading and writing to you all!!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hey, Kirralee! A fan of a Bandita! How cool is that? Thanks for popping by and you'd NEVER get lost in the crowd, m'dear! And of course Ms Bennett is followed by rabid fans!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:32 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Sara, you've been one my favorite guests ever. We'll have to do this again some time, if you're game! You fit right into the lair, in all your chandelier-swinging glory! Good luck with HER SECRET LOVER although I'm sure you don't need it. I think it's a hit in the making. And can't wait for the new Sara Mackenzie series to hit the presses.
Thanks for everyone who has made Sara's visit such fun. Don't forget to check back in a day or so to see who won the signed copy of A SEDUCTION IN SCARLET.
- August 12, 2008 at 7:34 PM
- limecello said...
Oh goodness - I love Victorian and Regency novels - but I think Victorian edges Regency out. The changing times, styles, everything. Oh, I'm easy - I do love both though. Historicals probably are my favorite genry, and I'm constantly looking for more authors who write it. For a while I maxed out every author I knew, which led me to branching out into other genres. Thanks for visiting with us today, Sara!
- August 12, 2008 at 7:46 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Limecello, hasn't it been a fun day? Interesting you're leaning more towards the Victorians these days. Honestly, I love anything that's done well so I'm not fussy! I like the different challenges a hero and heroine face in the Victorian era, though. But I'll never give up my love for the Regency either.
- August 12, 2008 at 8:13 PM
- catslady said...
I have to say I like them both too. In fact, any historical timeframe is fine with me!
- August 12, 2008 at 8:29 PM
- Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...
Sara, it was great to have you with us today. Great job on the interview Anna! :>
- August 12, 2008 at 8:32 PM
- Dina said...
Anna, I like the now too, but if I could choose between those, that's what I would want, of course once I was there, I might change my mind, lol.
- August 12, 2008 at 8:38 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hi Catslady! Another story is everything gal, I see!
Actually, Dina, as long as I had money and nice people around me, I think I'd pick the Regency. Dressing would be easier!
Thanks, Jeanne. Delighted you had a good time here - ruff, ruff!
- August 12, 2008 at 8:48 PM
- robhap said...
Hi Sara, REGENCY
What a great story, congradulations
I'm sure it will be a great success.
I feel the Regency theme seemed to hit me as I read through, can tell yo have put a great lot of the regency field into this great story. Robhap
- August 12, 2008 at 8:51 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Thanks for popping by, Rob. I think we're fairly equally divided on Regency and Victorian with most people actually saying if the story is great, they don't really care ;-)
- August 12, 2008 at 8:59 PM
- Joan said...
I choose Rome.
Oh. That wasn't a choice?
Seriously, Regency or Victorian as long as it is a good story, I'll read it and yours, Sara sound fantastic!
I see my fellow Banditas and the BB's have kept you well entertained while I toiled at the DDJ. Thanks for visiting the lair!
- August 12, 2008 at 9:18 PM
- Anna Campbell said...
Hey, Joan, great to see you back in the lair. That DDJ - grrr! We've had quite a party, as I'm sure you've seen.
- August 12, 2008 at 9:27 PM
- Dina said...
I like the clothes for both, but would want the easiest too, hate going through all that. :)
- August 12, 2008 at 10:28 PM


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We've detected that you're located in United Kingdom. You can choose to view this site in a different language by clicking here.
We've enjoyed another great year celebrating the outstanding people in our business, culminating in Gripple being awarded 2017 Employer of the Year at the Sheffield Business Awards.
People are the greatest asset we have; our 100% employee ownership model ensures our employees are engaged to drive and own positive change, given the opportunities to develop their skills and benefit directly from the business's growth and success.
We broke new ground this year with the purchase of a brand new facility in Sheffield, formerly the popular 'Player's Cafe', now known as 'GLIDE House', a dedicated training facility, social space and gym for our members to enjoy. Our people can now order food from a dedicated kitchen which is delivered to their site, use the gym free of charge, and enjoy a drink after work in the 'GLIDE bar'.
Training continues to be a key element of our progress and something we're continuing to develop in house; we're proud of the commitment to our people and the esteemed position we hold in the region. The Employer of the Year Award we received in December this year is testament to our people right across the business and a great accolade to celebrate, as we look ahead to exciting new initiatives in 2018.
Posted 20/12/2017.


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The primary purpose of this position is to provide excellent customer service to people shopping in Rite Aid stores. The incumbent is required to perform all tasks in a safe manner consistent with corporate policies and state and federal laws.
The associate is responsible for the functions below, in addition to other duties as assigned:
• Provide excellent customer service by assisting customers with their shopping needs, answering customer inquiries, and resolving customer complaints.
• Complete customer transactions on the cash register.
• Reconcile cash register drawers at the end of the shift.
• Ensure the appearance of the store is pleasing to the customer and meets the requirements of the corporate office, including all housekeeping tasks.
• Stock store shelves and end-caps with merchandise when it is delivered to the store.
• Ensure the proper identification is produced when selling alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets, if applicable.
• Assist with the operation of the One-hour Photo department, if applicable.
• Build displays of merchandise and complete new plan-o-grams sent from the corporate offices.
• Complete inventory counts and order merchandise based on the results.
• Put up signs that identify items on sale in weekly advertisements and take down this signage when the sale is over.
• Assist with price markdowns and changes for merchandise on the shelves.
*All duties described in this document are to be performed in keeping with the core values and service attributes consistent with the Rite Aid brand and strategy.
Experience / Requirements
• Ability to pass drug test.
• Committed to providing customer service that makes both internal and external customers feel welcome, important, and appreciated.
• Ability to preserve confidentiality of information.
• Ability and willingness to move with purpose and a strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to work weekends on a regular basis.
• Ability to work day, evening, or night shift(s).
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks/projects.
No prior experience or training is required.


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There's only about 20 seconds of new footage and the whole thing is only 77-seconds long, but the new trailer for "50/50" pitches the film, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as a comedy. Check it out...
Go back and watch the first trailer and you'll see that with a few precision edits and totally different music, they've completely changed the tone of the film. That said, we'd happily go see either version.
U.S. & World
In addition to Gordon-Levitt, the film stars Seth Rogen, (the amazing, when is she gonna get her shot) Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Angelica Houston, was directed by Jonathan Levine and was written by "Da Ali G Show" staffer Will Reiser, who drew on his own experiences battling cancer. There's a ton of talent here.
"50/50 opens Sept. 30.


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Games & Gear Guide
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 - Gaining Momentum, Building Steam
NVIDIA is building momentum with the all-new GeForce GTX 670. Essentially a cutdown GeForce GTX 680, we check out the reference card as well as two customized ones from ASUS and Palit to see what it brings to the table. High-end graphics card shoppers should be pleased.
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AMD Radeon HD 7970 Duel - ASUS vs. Sapphire
We pit two high-end factory-overclocked, custom Radeon HD 7970 cards against each other to determine which is deserving of your hard earned money. Plus, we see how they compare to NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 680.
AMD Debuts Radeon HD 7900M, 7800M and 7700M for Gaming Notebooks
AMD has finally unveiled the true next generation Radeon mobile graphics chips using the Southern Islands cores' GCN architecture on the 28nm process technology. They consist of the Radeon HD 7900M, 7800M and 7700M series and we detail all you need to know about them - including performance expectations.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 SLI vs. AMD Radeon HD 7970 CrossFire
With the top GPU offering based on renewed architectures from AMD and NVIDIA out in the market, we decided to kick things up a notch further by pitting the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 in SLI configuration against the AMD Radeon HD 7970 in CrossFire setup. Can NVIDIA still hold its fort? Read on to find out!
AMD Radeon HD 7770 - Seizing the Day with Cape Verde, the ASUS Way
Cape Verde is the codename for the GPU that will populate the Radeon HD 7700 series. ASUS was the first to send us their iteration with the Radeon HD 7770 DirectCU TOP 1GB GDDR5 graphics card. Join us in this quick review and find out how this new mainstream card fares.
AMD Radeon HD 7970 & HD 7950 - Heading to Southern Islands with Tahiti
AMD goes over 7000 with its new flagship GPU built on a 28nm process. The new GPU architecture is called Graphics Core Next (GCN) which supports HDMI 1.4a as well as DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2. We pit the new Radeon HD 7970 and 7950 models to see how far they've progressed from its predecessors. Can it unseat the GeForce GTX 580 from its throne on all accounts?
The Zenith of 3D Gaming - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 Roundup
2009 heralded the rise of 3D movies, and if you want the same immersive experience on your desktop, you only need to look to NVIDIA. To that end, we are taking a look at some of the most powerful GeForce GTX 285 cards money can buy to power your 3D gaming rig. Join us as we find out which is best.
Sapphire HD 5870 Vapor-X - The Cool Dude
While all Radeon HD 5870 cards are equal, some are more equal than others. With so many Radeon HD 5870 cards to choose from, the Sapphire HD 5870 Vapor-X distinguishes itself by sporting a custom cooler and being factory-overclocked. We take a look at this special Radeon HD 5870 to see what it's made of.
First Looks: Razer Orochi Bluetooth Notebook Gaming Mouse
The Razer Orochi is the company's first attempt at a portable Bluetooth gaming mouse. We take it for a spin to see if its lives up to the legendary Razer name.
First Looks: Galaxy GeForce GTX 260+ Razor Edition
The Galaxy GeForce GTX 260+ Razor Edition is unique because it is the world's only single slot GeForce GTX 260+ graphics card. We see if it manages to keep its cool.
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Just Launched
As the PCS moniker suggest, the PowerColor PCS HD 5750 Premium Edition (henceforth referred to as the PowerColor PCS 5750 PE) comes with a c...
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One of the few GeForce GTX 285 cards to have custom cooler units and specially designed at the hardware and software level to appeal to hard...
One of the most extreme GeForce GTX 285 cards available in the market, decked with triple fans for maximum cooling.


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The fridge was almost bare last Saturday night (since we don't do our weekly grocery shopping until Sunday), except for a small tenderloin steak which was not enough for two, and a few leftover mushrooms from our Chinese Hot Pot dinner that weekend. It was the start of something, but I just wasn't sure what. But I like the challenge of using leftovers, especially when it turns into something fantastic (if I do say so myself) like this dish.
After digging around a little, I had a promising pile of ingredients on the counter: a half bag of shrimp from the freezer, a few of the smaller tomatoes I picked from my parents' garden, some sushi rice, the last of the homemade lemon basil butter, some fresh parsley, and of course the steak.
Beef and seafood translates into... Surf and Turf! A delightful combination which gives you the best of both worlds of land and sea.
I started the rice first, which I won't actually give you a recipe for, because it was a little bit of an experiment. I had intended it to be just rice tossed with sauteed mushrooms and some seasoning, but because it was sticking to the pot too much as it was cooking (which I suppose is what I get for using sushi rice which is supposed to be sticky), I kept adding more liquid (which is the process for making risotto, at which I won't pretend to be an expert). It didn't quite become risotto, but it was also much creamier than rice, so I'm not sure what I would call it. But it was tasty! Definitely a happy accident. So make rice the way you prefer - really any version of rice or risotto will be great as a foundation for this dish. Google could give you much more authoritative instructions on cooking risotto than I could in my limited risotto-making experience.
Tomatoes don't need much done to them to be delicious, so I simply quartered them, drizzled them with olive oil, and roasted them until they were warm and soft, then sprinkled them with salt, pepper and parsley.
Season the tenderloin simply and sear on each side until it's a perfect medium rare.
And cook the shrimp directly in a creamy white wine sauce for a succulent flavor.
Put it all together in a pretty presentation and you'll have a completely amazing dinner!
Tenderloin Steak and Creamy Shrimp Surf 'n' Turf
(2 servings)
- 8 ounces tenderloin, 1 1/2 inch thick
- 3/4 pound raw shrimp, cleaned, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute fat free half 'n' half or whole milk)
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 small tomatoes
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
In a medium skillet, whisk together the cream, white wine and flour. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium low. Add the parsley and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon.
Quarter the tomatoes and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for another 4-5 minutes. During this process, we also basted the steak with a little of the lemon basil butter for added flavor and richness. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing.
Once all the elements are ready, put it all together, starting with the rice. Scoop the rice onto each plate. Thinly slice the steak against the grain, and lay on top of the rice. Add the tomatoes. Top everything with the creamy shrimp and white wine sauce. Sprinkle with additional parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.


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Sili is the chief executive mami to a little girl she calls the frog princess. And she still finds time to write about life, liberty, and the pursuit of Maminess on her blog My Mamihood!
To help us celebrate Mother's Day, she's shared her "user manual for life." Here are all 21 bits of advice for her little girl and little girls around the world:
I have so much that I want to share with you. So much that I want to make sure I tell you. But I know that as time goes by, it doesn't matter what I say to you. You will record what you see, what you feel. This blog started off as a way for me to document My Mamihood and you are the sole reason for that. I pray I am able to show you the nuances of life, but just in case that doesn't happen, I plan on leaving a user's manual.
Today is my birthday. You sleep soundly in my bed, and when you wake, you will most likely shower me with hug and kisses. Not because it's my birthday but because God saw fit to give me a loving and compassionate child that wakes up like this on most days.
More from The Stir: Life Advice for My Daughter ... And Myself
I want you to have something to remember me by. Some words of knowledge, some glimpse of what things were like. I guess this is the beginning of that. I turn 37 today. That may seem real old to you but trust me when I tell you, you'll get here before you know it (you won't believe me but, that's okay).
- I want you to, first and foremost, remember that you are loved beyond measure. You can brighten my day in a heartbeat.
- I want you to know that it pays off to do the right thing. Even when it feels like everyone else is doing wrong and advancing. At least twice a week I tell you the word of the day is "patience". Remember that when you're having one of those days.
- Know that success is not measured by what's in your bank account. It's one of those accounts that only the heart can give you a balance sheet, which reminds me ...
- Always trust your heart. Even when you are being told not to. Even at your age you have a discernment about you that I know will only flourish with time and faith.
- Don't get too mad with me when I do something to help someone out and get nothing in return. Or worst yet, get a tad bit of disdain. I don't do it for them. Always listen to that voice inside of you that leads you to reach out a hand. On more than one occasion, someone else will do the same for you.
- Know that you were put on this earth to do beautiful things. Do not get caught up in the drama that your ego will surely lead you to.
- Read all that you can (start with Coelho and go from there).
- As long as we're talking about reading, keep a Bible close by. You'd be surprised at all of the good advice you'll find
- Listen to good music.
- Know a good glass of wine (when you're old enough to drink). Always have enough money to buy it yourself but don't be too hard on someone who wants to buy one for you.
- Love. Fully. Entirely. Leave it all on the mat. You will be hurt but let me tell you, there's nothing like the feeling of loving with no restraints, putting it all out there, that you gave it your all. Because the love you give never disappears. Even if that person seems to absorb it and give nothing in return. It's like a boomerang.
- Laugh! Do you know that when you laugh now, everyone laughs with you? Even when I'm on the phone and you catch yourself giggling to get my attention. Don't ever lose your laughter
- Be bold. Take chances. Take risks (but don't let me see it because you might give me a heart attack). Meet life where it greets you, OK, baby girl?
- Don't be scared. If you hold still for a minute, you'll know just where you are being led.
- Did I mention how much I love you? My love for you is immeasurable. Uncontainable and true. You are more than just my heart. Our souls are threaded together in a way that can only come from my womb nurturing the parts that became the whole you.
- God is good and this you already know.
- As you walk on your path, you will encounter people that are jealous and poisonous. Don't get too close. Just know that there are a lot more people on your path willing to lend you a hand. Again, stay open even if sometimes you get hurt.
- Don't forget to skip every once in a while. As you get older, you'll notice that when you skip, you actually create a time/space continuum that sends you back to your childhood and it brings a little joy to your heart that you can only feel, not explain.
- Don't forget that everything is a miracle (just like Einstein said). That butterfly that you ask to sit still for a picture. That flower that you talk into growing a little more. The fact that someone survived when no one thought they would. They are all miracles as long as you understand that, so are you.
- Don't be dishonest. It might be a good thing in the short run when you are trying to get out of explaining yourself or you are trying hard to conceal something from someone you love because you don't wish to hurt them. Truth might hurt, baby girl, but lies leave a scar that you can't apologize away.
- Know that everything happens for a reason. And even when you are having a hard day, there is a lesson there that will allow you to grow and blossom into something beyond what even you can imagine.
So, that's the start of my list, I guess. When you wake, I think I'll take you to the botanical garden and we can enjoy a lovely day together among the flowers that will never do you justice and the birds that only sing because they cannot pronounce your name.
We have had some hard times but, we continue to be blessed enough to know that life could be different. It helps us appreciate where we are at. I don't think I could be happier with life right about now. And that's something for you to remember me by ...
For more from Sili, visit her site: My Mamihood
Fan her on Facebook: My Mamihood
Follow her on Twitter: @MyMamihood
What would you like your child to remember?
Our series of mom bloggers we love runs throughout May in honor of Mother's Day. Click here to see them all.
Image via TheD34n/Flickr


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£425.00 (inc. VAT)
Audio Technica's high-SPL BP892 MicroSet® microphone is the latest in discretion and high-performance audio. Delivering clear and accurate sound in an inconspicuous package, the ultra-lightweight BP892 hooks securely behind either ear and can be worn for hours without fatigue.
With a featherweight (2.6g) 2.6mm diameter capsule, the BP892 head-worn microphone is one of the lightest and most discreet on the professional audio market.
For maximum stability and comfort, the AT8464 dual-ear microphone mount (included) converts the MicroSet to a dual-ear-worn unit. The headband is adjustable and suitable for both adults and children.
The tubular AT8539 phantom power module shipped with the BP892 is equipped with a low-cut filter that provides excellent low-frequency attenuation, thereby improving the quality of the sound recording, without compromising voice quality.
For maximum stability and comfort, the AT8464 dual-ear microphone mount (included)> converts the MicroSet to a dual-ear-worn unit.
Barely bigger than a pinhead, the >BP892's omnidirectional capsule delivers an intelligible and natural sound.
The BP892 comes with a clothing clip, windscreens (x2), capsule protectors(x2) and moisture protectors.
The AT8539 power module (included) has a low-cut filter. 3-pin male XLR connector output.
|Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarised condenser
|Polar Pattern
|Frequency Response
|20 - 20,000 Hz
|Open Circuit Sensitivity
|-49 dB (3.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
|250 ohms (wired only)
|Maximum Input Sound Level
|135 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 3% T.H.D.
|Low Frequency Roll Off
|80 Hz, 18 dB/octave (wired only)
|Flat, roll-off (wired only)
|Dynamic Range
|(Typical) 104 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL (wired only)
|Signal-to-Noise Ratio
|63 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
|Phantom Power Requirements
|11-52V DC, 2 mA typical (wired only)
|Microphone, boom & earpiece: 2.6g
Power Module: 85g (wired only)
|Microphone: 8.1 mm (0.32") long, 2.6 mm (0.10") diameter
Boom: 98.4 mm (3.87") long, 1.07 mm (0.04") diameter
Power Module: 97.6 mm (3.84") long, 18.9 mm (0.74") diameter (wired only)
|Output Connector
|(Power Module) Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
|1.4 m (55") long (permanently attached to microphone), 1.6 mm (0.06") diameter, 2-conductor shielded cable with locking 4-pin connector (wired only)
|Audio-Technica Case Style
|Accessories Included
|BP892: AT8539 power module (wired only); AT8464 dual-ear microphone mount; AT8440 cable clip; two AT8157 windscreens; two AT8156 element covers; moisture guard; belt clip (wired only); carrying case BP892-TH: AT8539 power module (wired only); AT8464-TH dual-ear microphone mount; AT8440 cable clip; two AT8157-TH windscreens; two AT8156-TH element covers; moisture guard; belt clip (wired only); carrying case
|BP892 Specifications
|BP892 Frequency Response
|BP892 Polar Pattern
|BP892 Declaration of Conformity
Register your BP892 for the latest product information, warranty repairs, and easy access to all your Audio-Technica products.
The BP892 Subminiature Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone is covered by Audio-Technica's European Warranty. This covers your product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship.
The Audio-Technica Service Centre offer you spare parts and repairs for Microphones, Wireless Systems, Headphones and all other Audio-Technica branded products.
Help us to put you in touch with the right support team for your country. Select your region and country below:
Whether it's on the boardroom table, the stage or in the studio, Audio-Technica products are trusted time and again by industry professionals looking for reliable, lovingly developed audio products for all budgets.
It's Audio-Technica's commitment to innovation, customer service and meticulous design that ensure professionals turn to us to provide solutions in conferencing, houses of worship, broadcasting, live sound, recording studios and beyond.
For over 50 years Audio-Technica has worked alongside leading figures in sports and music broadcast to develop and hone a range of products that deliver on the highest level.
Audio-Technica have developed and delivered products to power the Grammys, World Cup, Super Bowl, Commonwealth Games as well as every Summer and Winter Games from Atlanta 1996 to Sochi 2014.
Founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio-Technica positioned itself immediately as a leader in the manufacture and design of innovative audio products.
Its expertise in innovation quickly spread to various new fields and led to the development of tone arms, microphones and headphones. Audio-Technica soon became a benchmark in those fields. Making history.
A self-made man and audiophile, Hidéo Matsushita was the former Director of the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art. It all started in his workshop, with the hand crafting of stereo cartridges. 50 years later, Audio-Technica has become a global leader in audio innovation.
Humility, passion, creativity and expertise in sound are the core values behind Audio-Technica's legacy, greatly inspired by its founder - whose imprint on the company's philosophy is still felt today.
Audio-Technica's passion for listening evolved in the 70's, when it started designing headphones, building upon a legacy in innovation, meticulous engineering and artistic design.
Today, Audio-Technica's audio products have become globally synonymous with consistently high sonic performance paired with impeccable build construction and artistic design.
All Audio-Technica products come with a two year warranty as standard meaning you can enjoy your product safe in the knowledge that you're covered.
All Audio-Technica products purchased from Audio-Technica Europe are guaranteed for two years from the date of purchase to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. In the event of such defect, the product will be repaired or replaced without charge*.
(* T&Cs apply)


text:
Diyarbakir, Turkey: A car bomb targetting a military vehicle in southeast Turkey on Sunday killed an 11-year-old child and wounded 18 other people, Turkish officials said.
The blast happened when a police special forces armoured vehicle passed the entrance to the town of Semdinli, near Turkey's borders with Iraq and Iran, the scene of frequent conflict between Turkish security forces and Kurdish militants.
Most of the wounded were believed to be passers-by, with two reported to be in a serious condition. Police in the armoured vehicle suffered only light wounds, Dogan news agency reported.
"This cowardly attack was right next to a place where weddings are held. Unfortunately there were civilian losses," Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told a meeting of his AK Party, announcing the death of the 11-year-old child.
Police launched a search for the perpetrators and to see if there were any other car bombs in the area, security sources said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
The area is a focus of activity for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has several thousand fighters based in the mountains of neighbouring northern Iraq.
More than 40,000 people have been killed in the PKK's conflict with Turkey since it took up arms in 1984 with the aim of carving out a state in the mainly Kurdish southeast of the country.
The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union.
© Thomson Reuters 2012


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The first recorded female photographer to work in Derbyshire was a Miss Scales of Nottingham, who visited Matlock Bath with John Scales (possibly her brother) in the summer of 1859. She was probably Elizabeth J. Scales (1825-), daughter of Nottingham insurance agent George Scales. In February 1862 Elizabeth Scales married Michael Hutton in St Petersburg, Russia.
Gertrude Fletcher (1859-1930) of Ripley was a significant exception to the general trend. After working as a photographic painter - perhaps a colourist - for her brother-in-law Abraham Booth in Ripley during the early 1880s, she set up her own studio at Hyson Green, Nottingham in the early 1890s. She continued operating until at least 1906.
Miss Ethel Margaret Ames (1880-1964), who was also a china painter at the Royal Crown Derby works, operated a studio in Lower Dale Road, Derby from 1895 until her marriage to Percival Rawson in 1907. Although the census records her living with her husband in Nottingham by April 1911, she may have continued working as a photographer after her marriage, since Adamson (1997) has her listed under her maiden name in Lower Dale Road until 1915.
Ellen Beardsall of Chapel-en-le-Frith described herself as a photographer to the census enumerator in April 1881, but as no trade directory listings mention her, it is presumed she was an employee.
Sarah Charles née Ball (1831-1883), widow of Derby photographer Emmanuel Nicolas Charles, is reputed to have operated the studio in Midland Road, Derby for a brief period after her husband's death in March 1863, and prior to her remarriage to her husband's former assistant W.W. Winter in mid 1864.
Florence Elizabeth Levy (1879-1964) followed her father Thomas W. Levy into the photographic profession, probably in the mid- to late 1890s. She produced portraits under her own name from premises at their home in Uttoxeter New Road until her marriage to Luke Bradley in 1903.
Susannah Elizabeth Robinson née Barnes (1851-1945) and her husband Frederick William Robinson (1824-1894) appear to have had a rare photographic partnership in Long Eaton between 1882 and 1894. According to Adamson (1997) she looked after the studio, while her husband handled the sign-writing, decorating, picture framing and outdoor photography. After her husband died in 1894 she moved to Nottingham and continued to run a studio in her own name until 1907.
Hannah Turner of Granville Road, Swadlincote is described as a photographist in April 1881, while her husband John Turner is a photographer, but nothing more is known about the careers of this couple, who had lived in Woodville, Derby and Macclesfield over the previous decade. It is possible they were employed briefly in a local studio, such as that of G.V. Sankey.
Adamson, Keith I.P. (1997) Professional Photographers in Derbyshire 1843 - 1914, Supplement to The PhotoHistorian, No. 118, September 1997, ISSN 0957-0209.
Heathcote, Bernard V. & Heathcote, Pauline F. (2001) Pioneers of Photography in Nottinghamshire 1841-1910. Nottinghamshire County Council. 62p. ISBN 0902751387.


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Cincinnati, Ohio
Since its founding in 1845 as Cincinnati's first Catholic church, St. Francis Xavier Church has been infused with the Jesuit charism. The church strives to create a culture of solidarity that transcends parish boundaries. This is reflected in the parish's wide-ranging community, which spans 215 zip codes.
The story of the parish began in 1819 when seven Catholic families in what is now the Cincinnati metropolitan area built a church, which would become St. Francis Xavier Church in 1845. By 1856 the number of people attending was so great that a new building was planned, and five years later the first Mass was celebrated in the new church, the same one that is still used today.
In the years since Vatican II, the parish has seen progress in the liturgical spirit. Lay persons, men and women, were welcomed as lectors and Eucharistic ministers. A wonderful liturgical choir was developed, and communion service was introduced to accommodate downtown workers. Meanwhile, the tradition of weekday and Sunday Masses continued as it had for over a century and a half.
St. Francis Xavier Church has many active ministries to keep people involved in parish life. This includes music ministry, a worship commission that meets monthly, outreach ministries and social activities. The parish's unique health ministry promotes spiritual growth through healthy living by raising awareness on health issues and providing resources to the parish and the larger community.


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Latitude: 29° 55.176' N
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DistanceIn the city
WalkInstant access (< 5min)
Easy to find?Easy to find
Public access?Public access
Special accessDon't know
Wave qualityNormal
ExperienceAll surfers
FrequencyVery consistent (150 day/year)
DirectionRight and left
PowerHollow, Fun
Normal lengthNormal (50 to 150m)
Good day lengthLong (150 to 300 m)
Good swell direction
Good wind direction
Swell sizeStarts working at and holds up to
Best tide positionDon't know
Best tide movementDon't know
Week crowdFew surfers
Week-end crowdCrowded
Webcam urlblueskysurfshop.com
Author: Anonymous Contributors (1) They surfed this spot ! (19)
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