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I would like to formally invite you to the Annual 2012 Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House. Below are some questions and answers about this event. For more information please visit www.stutzartists.com.
What is the Stutz Open house?
The Stutz Open House is an annual event held every April. This event is a fundraiser for the Stutz Artist Association Residency Program in order to give free studios to a few emerging artists for an entire year. It started out a few years ago with just a few artists inviting their friends and patrons over for a small party and has now grown into a two day event with around seven thousand people attending every year. This year there will be over eighty artists participating as well as many businesses.
What are the dates and times for the open house?
This year the open house will be Friday April the 27th and Saturday the 28th. The doors open Friday at 5:30PM and close at 10:30PM. On Saturday doors open at 2:00PM and close at 7:00PM.
Where and what is the Stutz Building?
The historic Stutz Building is located in downtown Indianapolis at 1060 N. Capital Ave. The building is so huge it takes up a whole city block. It is between 10th and 11th Streets and Capital and Senate Avenues.
The Stutz building is a historic car factory in downtown Indianapolis. The Stutz Motor company produced many different types of cars including racing cars at could be seen during the Indianapolis 500. Today many businesses and artists call the building home. However, there is quite the car collection that fills up a special car room on the second floor as well as scattered throughout the building.
What all is there to see and do at the Open house?
There are over 80 artists who will have their studios all neat and tidy with artwork on display for purchase. There will also be musical entertainment throughout the building including jazz musician Cynthia Lane. There will also be some activities for the kids on Saturday.
In the StutzArtSpace Gallery on the first floor of the building there will be the "One Peek Show" which is an art exhibition that features on piece of artwork from every artist participating in the open house. The "One Peek Show" Opens on April 6th from 5:00 to 9:00PM and runs through the end of the month and it will also be open during the open house. This is a great way to preview which artists you would like to visit first.
What kind of artwork will there be?
The Stutz building houses the most artists in one location in the Midwest. This means there will be lots of art and lots of different kinds of art. There are painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers, textile and fabric artists, artists who work with steel and other heavy duty metal, furniture makers, and many more. Prices of artwork can range from $10 to $10,000.
Where is your studio?
My studio is E-340 on the third floor right in the middle of the E building. Upon entry to the open house you will receive a map of the entire building with the location of all the artists' studios and businesses. It is a very big building and lots to see and there will be many volunteers placed throughout the building to help you find what you are looking for.
What will you have new this year?
I have been busy creating some smaller works on paper and on canvas this year. To get a preview of my work please visit my website www.bonniefillenwarth.com. You can also see my works in progress on my blog bonniefillenwarth.blogspot.com . And if that is not enough, you can like me on Facebook and follow me on twitter @BonnieStzE340.
How much does it Cost?
Tickets cost $12 the day of the event. They are $10 in advance form Old National Banking Centers or the Stutz Business Center Office (317)488-7373. On Saturday, kids twelve and under will receive free admission with a paying adult. Also, Saturday re-entry is $8 with the previous day's ticket stub.
Will there be parking?
There will be plenty of parking available. There is street parking all the way around the building and specially marked lots for this huge event, and best of all it's FREE!
Can't wait to see you there,
Bonnie Fillenwarth
Can't make it this year?
I have opened a shop on Etsy this year. Etsy is an online marketplace for people selling handmade items. This is a great way to keep up with my newest works and make easy purchases through Paypal. www.etsy.com/shop/bonniefillenwarth


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Eat Minimally // Part 3
Revently I have been feeling like SH$%! I am not really sure if it is the bipolar weather or my normal chronic migraines, but my days have been feeling a lot sicker lately. Maybe I am just paying closer attention but I am noticing that a lot of the things I consume daily my body doesn't really like. Not only that but I am starting to feel fatigued and just plain flushed most of the time. I used to play basketball here and there but with work it is just impossible. I am juggling too many things and struggle to find time to sleep. It is too much - but I have been looking for ways to ease the stress, and ways to feel a bit better.
Eating the right things will boost your energy and this will allow you to be your best self everyday. If you are worried like I was about the things you may not be getting in your diet you should look into vitamins or natural supplements. A friend of mine told me recently about an app that sends you customized vitamins every month. I am looking into instilling this service and upping my vegetable intake. I also went vegan for a week and allowed myself to see what it was like and to be honest, it is just not something I can commit to right now. I have however stopped eating meat so heavily and only eat it about twice a week. For the rest of the week I have been doing more to learn new recipes, and have been cooking vegetable meals with no meat. It is definitely a transition but the energy boost is worth it. I am able to stay up later and I have energy to get through the entire day.
I came up with the concept "eat minimally" just to get you guys thinking about what you are actually putting into your body everyday. Something as small as your dairy intake or lack of greens can be the key to what is going on with you physically. All and all start to think about what you are eating. It will only help you out in the long run, and why wouldn't you want to feel fantastic now?
Here are some of the tools I have been using to get right.
Vitamins custom to you, shipped to you monthly. Your welcome #Adulting
Search for a way to be active 1-2 times per week.
ACTUALLY go to the grocery store and pick out new things that will contribute to your healthy eating.
Research new recipes to get inspired! Follow some vegan or vegetarian instagram pages, here are some of my faves...
Just make that change. Start thinking about it.
ALSO if you have any tips and tricks or follow any youtubers/influencers who talk health and lifestyle PLEASE comment them below. I am trying to start fresh with my youtube following, and have had thoughts of creating a new channel. I just feel like there are so many changes going on in my life, I want to make sure I am in a good place before I start. But stay tuned...

subset: commoncrawl


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Schedule Your Appointment With Your New Dentist Today!
Enjoy a Bright Smile With Dental Care in Our Encinitas & Escondido Offices
We love new patients at Willes Dental! Dr. Willes and Dr. Golshan enjoy getting to know each of our patients and helping them develop good oral hygiene habits to maintain their smiles. We hope you will take advantage of the comprehensive dental services we offer, including:
- Family dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry
- ClearCorrect orthodontics
- Restorative dentistry
- General dentistry
- Gum disease treatment
- Sedation dentistry
- Teeth cleanings and exams
- Custom-fit mouthguards
- Oral surgery
- TMJ treatment
Give either of our two offices a call today to schedule your appointment: Encinitas 760-576-2214 or Escondido 760-477-0338. Be sure to ask about our $99 New Patient Special! For your convenience, you can fill out new patient forms ahead of time.


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Office of the Mayor Budget
The Office of the Mayor provides support to the Mayor as the Head of Council and the Chief Executive Officer of the City, as prescribed in the City of Toronto Act, 2006, c. 133 and c. 134.
Download the Budget Analyst Notes for the Office of the Mayor for detailed information, including key accomplishments. You can also review budget highlights below.
In accordance with the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (c133), it is the role of the Mayor, as Head of City Council,
- To act as the Chief Executive Officer of the City;
- To preside over Council meetings so that City business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;
- To provide leadership to Council;
- To represent the City and Council at official functions; and
- To carry out duties as Head of Council under the Act and under any other legislation.
The Mayor's role also includes providing information and making recommendations to Council with respect to Council's role in clauses 131 (d) and (e) in the City of Toronto Act.
These include:
(d) to ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decision of Council;
(e) to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the City, including the activities of the senior management of the City.
In addition, as Chief Executive Officer of the City (c. 134), the Mayor shall:
(a) uphold and promote the purposes of the City;
(b) Promote public involvement in the City's activities
(c) Act as the representative of the City both within and outside the City, and promote the City locally, nationally and internationally; and
(d) Participate in and foster activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the City and its residents.
Operating Budget
The 2019 Operating Budget Request for the Mayor's Office is for $2.6 million gross, $2.6 million net.
- 12.9% budget increase over the 2018 Approved Net Operating Budget to meet the operational requirements of the Office.
- 2020/2021 Increases primarily for CPI adjustment for the Mayor and known inflationary adjustments for non-payroll items.
Priority Actions
- Building the Council-approved transit network plan – this plan includes proceeding with multiple transit projects at once, so we can get on with building as much as we can
- Continuing the rollout of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
- Building 40,000 affordable housing units in next 12 years.
- Continue working with provincial and federal governments to secure more funding to help build much-needed infrastructure, supportive and affordable housing and tackle our capital backlog so that the burden is not borne by property taxpayers alone.
Find more information on specific City issues, opportunities and challenges in the briefing notes and reports prepared by City staff. Documents will be posted as they become available.
Presentations made to committee and City Council provide an overview of the 2019 City budget. Documents will be posted as they become available.


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Leaving Your Clinical Position for the Corporate World...
So you've done it. You're leaving your clinical post to enter the corporate world.
You've gone through the career transition phases - from dreaming about the possibilities of a different work-life, to doing your research, networking, making plans, taking action, and finally landing the new job that you've been hoping and planning for. You're thrilled (but nervous), your family is supportive, and your colleagues (the ones you care about) are happy for you and perhaps even a little jealous. Congratulations! It's onward and upward from here.
Now that you've got your start-date nailed down and are taking whatever actions you need to do to wrap things up at your current position, you are ready to go, right? Ready to make that change happen and start your "new professional life", with all of its opportunities and open doors…. Correct? I hope so!
But for many physicians who have made the move from the clinical into the corporate world, there is a learning curve that they are not expecting, one that can – if they are not quite prepared for it - side-swipe them when they least expect it.
This "learning curve" is a combination of new career orientation – things you would expect you need to know, such as:
- How the industry and your specific company works
- Expectations for your role
- Specific training on methodologies, tools, processes
But it also includes more unspoken expectations, things which have tripped up many a physician who jump into a corporate role without fully understanding the critical success factors – and how they measure up to these - for anyone in the corporate world. These include, but are not limited to:
- The fact that they, the physician, are now measured on – and only as successful as - how much value they bring to the organization on a daily basis – i.e., in things such as added revenue or decreased costs
- That they will be expected to act in a team capacity and to demonstrate highly effective skills in leadership, accountability and communication
- That they are well-skilled in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with people at all levels of the organization, and have a highly honed level of professionalism
- That they have the basic proficiencies expected within a corporate environment – including technical (e.g., MS Office – Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, Email, etc.), project / time management, effective presentations/speaking, people management / mentoring, teaming, etc.
Often it is these pieces of the puzzle which can "make or break" a physician's venture into a new career path and the success of their new position. At minimum these unspoken expectations – and the physician's ability (or inability) to tackle them - can cause high levels of stress during the transition, and make the learning curve steeper and longer than it needs to be. At worst it can derail an individual's ability to be successful and/or their longevity within the new organization.
Being prepared for this learning curve – both the new career orientation and unspoken expectations – is literally your first transition task. And it should happen long before you enter the door of your new company on day one. With any job or career change you want to hit the ground running, and set yourself up for success from the beginning
So how do you do that? What are the steps you can take to make sure that you have the most successful "First 100 Days" on your new job as possible?
Next time I'll bring you some tips and strategies for making this critical time a personal and professional success... stay tuned.


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There are many elegant coupe cars that are going to be released like, 2020 Infiniti Q60. The car comes from famous brand that produces many exclusive and elegant coupe cars. For new Q60, the car will get some changes that are better than before.
Based on its look, the car looks really aggressive combined with the elegant nuance that is seen from the outer part of car. Besides, there are also other changes that are seen from the car's engine, car's cabin, and other parts of car. Let's find out about some changes that you need to know about the car.
2020 Infiniti Q60 Engine Specs
Based on some information that are released, the car will be powered with 3.7L V6 twin turbo engine that gives powerful performance. The engine is able to produce 330 HP that is good enough for the car. In addition to the main engine, the car is also powered with 7 automatic speed for transmission system. Besides, the car is rumored for having 6 speed manual transmission.
The other improvement that is seen from the car is about its fuel efficiency. The car will get better fuel efficiency that is really good. Therefore, it can turn the car as efficient coupe car just as needed by other people nowadays.
2020 Infiniti Q60 Exterior and Interior Changes
As stated before, 2020 Infiniti Q60 will receive new look that is more aggressive than before. Based on the bodyline design, the car looks really sporty and elegant. Some of information are still a rumor that are not confirmed yet but they will give us lots of hint about the changes that are seen from the car.
There is also a rumor that the car will be available in convertible mode however, there is no further confirmation from the company about the availability of convertible mode. Therefore, it's better for us to wait for further confirmation about the car.
Once again, Infiniti doesn't reveal any information about the car's engine. However, there are some rumors come along about the car's cabin. We expect that Infiniti will give better technology system for the car. It will include the improvement on the car's safety and entertainment system.
Besides, we also hope that Infiniti will give more exclusive cabin that can make any people feel really comfortable while sitting inside. High-class material could be included inside the cabin so, we hope that it will come true. For other information, we still need to wait for further confirmation from Infiniti so we will know about it.
2020 Infiniti Q60 Release date and price
Based on some features that are rumored, the car will be cost for $40.000-$50.000. Besides, 2020 Infiniti Q60 release date is not confirmed yet but it will be announced soon if the car is ready to be introduced to the public.


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If you read my review about the first book in the "Fall of Man Series" on Goodreads, you'll know that I didn't have a high opinion of the approach the author took with Cain's story. However, Flood was the complete opposite…seriously, I couldn't put this book down! The characters were believable and the plot was imaginative – McPherson did a great job putting a fictional twist on the world Noah grew up in.
The first thing you should know about this novel is that it mostly focuses on Noah's parents, Lamech and Adah. We meet Adah as a young woman in her parents house trying to talk her way out of an unwanted betrothal. In these first few chapters, we are thrust into the tragic world that grew exceedingly more evil day by day. If you've ever tried to wonder what the pre-flood world was like and what made it such a terrible place, Adah's part of the story is an ample picture of such evil. Of course, it's fiction. Yet, the fantasy part of the novel isn't so overwhelming that it makes you think something like this couldn't have happened. Though it most likely didn't in the exact way the author portrayed, it helps us imagine a world that's in worse shape than ours, and in that, it did it's job beautifully.
When we meet Lamech, we find him to be much like you would imagine and at the same time, not anything like you'd imagine. His family's segregated life in the mountains is the perfect set-up to explain how Noah could have been born into the world previously described, yet, not be tainted with the ambitions of the Devil trying to mark every child born. And can I say, I loved Methuselah! The cranky, yet wise old man played a perfect role in the story!
The second thing you'll be interested in knowing is that Noah doesn't appear in the book until about half-way through the novel. That's a lot of set-up, I know. But it helps the reader completely understand this fictional world Noah lives in and how it affects him growing up. When I finished the book, I was impressed with how the author took Noah's character and grew him from an angry young boy who wanted to be like everyone else to a wise builder who followed God wholeheartedly. The transformation was masterful and took time, just like it does in real life. So, while the things that happened in that part of probably aren't the most believable part of the book, the end result was pleasing.
So, the question that everyone will ask… "Do you need to read Cain in order to understand Flood?" No. If I remember correctly, the author wrote these novels to be read as standalones, so you don't need to read the first book if you're not interested. That being said, even though I disliked the first book in the series, I can't deny that it helped me understand the significance of the returning characters. (Mostly the character that represented the Devil – how he got where he was and what his mission was in the fictional setting.)
Conclusion: As like most books in the fantasy genre, this story didn't have a lot of romance, even though we see people get married. The emphasis leaned more towards survival and how someone like Noah could keep going in spite of circumstances. This was the best rendition of Noah's story I've read so far in Christian Fiction. Yes, there were parts that were a little "far out" there, but overall, the reader can accept the imagination and thought behind the creative side of the story. For one, I was very pleased that the author took the interpretation that God flooded the world because Noah and his family were the only ones left with 100% human blood. Sounds crazy, right? I won't go into it completely, but I will say that I've heard this preached before and it makes complete sense! In closing, I really, really enjoyed this book. It might not be for everyone, but I have no doubt that many who enjoy fantasy with a Biblical twist would enjoy it. Brennan McPherson – thank you for writing an amazing novel!


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This is where to plug in and discus issues related to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Having trouble reading our email? View a web version.
Dear Robert,
As we gear up for the 2015 General Assembly Session that starts next Wednesday, I'm asking again for your help to push back against the big money of the Koch Brothers and Dominion Virginia Power who use their influence to obstruct progress on climate and clean energy.
Here are two things you can do right now to help this session:
1) Send an e-mail to your Senator and Delegate letting them know that you care about the climate and clean energy, and ask them to oppose a bill that attacks the EPA's Clean Power Plan, and
2) Sign up to get important, timely alerts as legislation comes up this legislative session.
It is often hard to know where your legislators stand on the environment, and that's why we issued our first ever Virginia General Assembly Climate and Energy Scorecard last year. I encourage you to view our scorecard online and see how your Senator and Delegate scored. Once you've checked out their grades, let them know what you think. Send a letter or an e-mail, make a phone call or even schedule a visit on Conservation Lobby Day, January 26.
Can't remember your Virginia Senator and Delegate? Quickly and easily look them up, by clicking here!
Glen BesaDirector, Virginia Chapter
P.S. We can never match the Koch Bros' millions, but we can, with your help, rally Virginians to the cause of climate protection. Please consider a gift to support our 2015 legislative work. With your gift of $75 or more, we'll send you a 2014 Legislative Scorecard as well as the 2015 scorecard when it comes out later this year. Click here to donate TODAY! Thank you.
Virginia Chapter | 422 E. Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23219 | P: (804) 225-9113 | Tell a friend about usUpdate My Profile | Manage My Email Preferences | Update My Interests | Unsubscribe


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Most business owners are familiar with registering a trade mark for their name or logo. But you can also register sounds, shapes, colours or scents provided there is something unique and distinctive.
Did You Know?
The three stripes. The tick. The red sole. These designs have one thing in common – they're all registered trade marks. Retail kings like Adidas, Nike, Converse, Chanel and Christian Louboutin, have all registered a trade mark to protect their shoe brand.
Creating a signature style for your shoes is difficult. In this article, we help you avoid any 'sole' destroying mishaps by explaining which parts of a shoe attract IP protection.
Lesser-Known Trade Marks
Colour, especially in the fashion industry, can provide a garment or accessory with a distinctive look and feel. If you intend to apply for a colour trade mark, your application should include:
- a clear and concise description of the trade mark;
- an illustration of how you will use the colour and the way in which it will be applied to the goods; and
- an example of the colour or colour combination.
Shape trade marks are another example of non-traditional marks. You will need to show IP Australia that the shape:
- distinguishes your goods or services from other traders; and
- is not a copy of a shape that already exists in the marketplace.
A Lesson from Louboutin
Christian Louboutin's signature red-lacquered soles are recognised internationally. Despite registering as a trade mark in a number of countries, it has birthed multiple infringement claims.
In 2011, Christian Louboutin argued that Yves Saint Laurent was using the same shade of red on the soles of its shoes in its Cruise 2011 collection. To succeed in its trade mark infringement claim, Louboutin had to prove that the two shoes are likely to confuse consumers. Unfortunately for Christian Louboutin, their claim was unsuccessful. As Yves Saint Laurent's shoe collection included a range of colours, the Court decided that the fashion label should not be refrained from featuring a red shoe because of Christian Louboutin's signature red sole.
More recently, the Federal Supreme Court in Switzerland held that the red soles are "merely an aesthetic element" which precludes them for trade mark protection. The fact that other countries upheld the mark did not influence the ruling in Switzerland.
Australian Requirement for Use of a Trade Mark
If you apply to register a lesser-know trade mark, such as a colour or shape, it's sensible to anticipate an objection from IP Australia. This should not deter your application because there are ways to overcome an objection.
A common method to show why you should be entitled to the mark is to provide evidence of use, such as:
- a brief history of the trade mark and its connecting with the goods or services;
- examples of marketing and advertising of the trade mark in use;
- evidence of sales of your product attached to the trade mark; and
- customer reviews or comments.
If you have not begun commercialising your product, you can show intended use through:
- business plans demonstrating use of the trade mark;
- marketing or advertising plans; and
- evidence of the costs incurred for preparing the use of the mark.
Key Takeaways
If your winter shoe collection includes a distinctive colour or shape, you should consider registering a trade mark for these elements. It's prudent to anticipate objections to your application for a non-traditional mark but you can overcome these by providing substantial evidence of use. If you have any questions or need assistance registering your colour or shape mark, get in touch with our specialist IP lawyers on 1300 544 755.
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Most outlets are not getting this story right. They don't understand the technical details behind what can be tracked, sold, or how your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can advertise to you.
What is changing?
Actually, nothing. The Obama-era rule did not go into effect, but ISPs may have stopped efforts to sell this data due to the new FCC regulation. I would like to think ISPs are nervous about making their customers angry, and realize they could face backlash if they sell your data. That means that all of this is already true, yet you don't get this type of advertising right now (as far as you know).
Note that this also applies to your mobile data carrier anytime you use the Internet on your smartphone (not over wifi, though whatever wifi network you are connected to cannot be trusted either). However, mobile carriers may be subject to different (older) regulations since they are a "telephone" company. I am a computer nerd, not a telecommunications lawyer.
What can my ISP track about me?
Your ISP can track the following information about you:
- IP addresses of anything you connect to (sites you visit, etc), as well as length of those connections. Though IP addresses are not too useful on their own, they can easily infer which sites and services you are using in many cases.
- The domain name, like "www.facebook.com", of all sites you visit and any services your devices talk to.[1]
- Everything when you visit something or use a service which is not secure - e.g.
http://and not
https://. Always use https if it is available. Plugins exist to automatically use https on site that offer it, like HTTPS Everywhere for Google Chrome.
That said, this is a lot of information and a lot of processing just to gain relatively small amounts of information about you. Your ISP probably has enough trouble just keeping the Internet running and may not want to spy on every piece of information that you consume. They do not have the resources like the NSA to monitor Internet traffic. This data is also quite "vague" - they can't tell which device it is coming from (i.e. who in your house is requesting the content), and whether the information you're requesting is intentional (or something you clicked accidentally, advertising you are being forced to consume, a virus you do not know about, etc).
That doesn't mean they won't try anyway. Some sources of information are easier to collect than others, so they may sell information based solely on those sources.
How could they sell me advertising?
Your ISP cannot modify content that is secure (https), but they can modify insecure content (http). This makes it hard for them to sell you advertising directly. Since they know who you are, though, they could:
- sell your address as well, then send you targeted snail mail advertising
- send you email to your ISP email (your @comcast.net address) with targeted advertising
- modify or sell advertising on their own services, like via Comcast's TV / set-top box, and online streaming services
- modify insecure content, like inject or modify advertising
- something else clever I didn't think of
What can I do?
You can still call or write the President to veto this bill (though this is unlikely). You can also contact your representatives in the House and Senate and hold them accountable for their "Yes" vote.
If you are worried about your privacy, review your ISP's privacy policy. Call (or write a letter to) your ISP to tell them you do not support selling of your information and want to opt-out (if they let you) of any such tracking. Tell them you will switch providers if they choose to do this in the future and you cannot opt out.
If you are still worried about your privacy, the recommendations you may have read about online are good - VPN or Tor will help. I find this to be an unreasonable requirement for most people, though, and believe technology should try to solve this problem without requiring VPN. ISPs can still be held accountable by consumers, even if Congress believes this should be a "free market" issue.
I am still worried omg!
If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them (but I cannot fix your computer).
[1]: Technical details: ISPs can sniff DNS packets since DNS is not secure, and they often run DNS services that is then the default for routers (DHCP). Even without DNS (e.g. if you were to set up DNSCrypt), SNI leaks the hostname when you connect to secure services.


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Tuesday, December 30, 2014
DUTY by Rachel Rossano
Duty to King
Tomas Dyrease, the newly made Earl of Irvaine and the village of Wisenvale, owes his good fortune to his king and the recent civil war. When his benefactor demands Tomas marry the cousin of a noble, he obeys. However, no one warned him that she wasn't a typical noblewoman.
Duty to Others
Brielle Solarius struggles to keep her village from starvation under the new Lord Wisten, her cousin. The men rode off to war and never returned. The remaining women and children face a dire winter if they do not find a solution soon. When she learns her cousin sold her into marriage to save his life, she isn't surprised. However, she is taken aback by Lord Irvaine's unpolished ways. Was this man a noble or a foot soldier?
Duty to Each Other
Bound by the words of their vows, they face a rough future. They must forge a marriage while battling betrayal, accusations of treason, and villains from the past. Survival depends on their precarious trust in each other. Failure could mean death.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Brielle and Tomas won me over immediately as they learn to know each other while facing some immensely difficult challenges. Soon after leaving her village with her new husband in search of a solution to the looming winter they face with inadequate supplies, the village is taken over by a robber baron and Brielle's treacherous cousin. She is left behind at Tomas's other holding while Tomas goes back to rescue the village not realizing that Brielle will soon face betrayal and be forced to flee. Amidst all this commotion, Brielle struggles with her feelings for Tomas and wonders if she can trust the man. But when her loyalty to the crown is questioned she finds she has no choice but to trust him. I think what I enjoyed the most about the story was how the relationship between Tomas and Brielle developed. I enjoyed reading about their interactions. I also prefer my herioines to be willing to stand up for themselves rather than always depending on rescue. While Brielle ends up needing a great deal of help, she also does a great deal to help Tomas and herself. I found the book compelling and hard to put down and I thoroughly recommend it. The book is clean of bad language and immorality, though there is one intimate scene that fades to black after a kiss, so nothing offensive here, which I always find refreshing and since the characters are married I was more than okay with it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Rough Around the Edges meets Refined by Rachel Anderson
Source: author for review for blog tour (THANKS!)
All opinions expressed are solely my own.
For Noah Mackie, life is finally back on track. He has a great support system, a promised promotion is on its way, and he's finally getting the hang of this single father thing. But when the job falls through and his neighbor's matchmaking efforts become more aggressive, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall. Rough around the Edges Meets Refined is about two people who think they know exactly what they want but who have no idea what they really need. It's about learning that people aren't always what they seem and that sometimes life's detours take you exactly where you need to go.
Purchase Your Copy from Amazon.com
USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
Another winner from Rachael Anderson! I really love her books. Her characters are so easy to like and care about and they feel so real, with real problems and strengths as well as weaknesses. Cassie and Noah both have their own wounds to deal with that make them reluctant to falling in love again, but sometimes life just happens despite our best efforts to resist it. I have to say that one of the things I love most about Rachael's books are the interactions between her characters, they are so fun to read. In this book, I especially enjoyed seeing Noah interact with his daughters. Despite the loss of his wife and his job troubles, he still takes the time to love and care for his daughters to the best of his ability. Would that all children had such fathers! And yet, children need mothers too, something that Noah struggles with since he has no desire to date. Cassie on the other hand was burned badly by her marriage and is afraid to trust what she sees in Noah. Overall, another delightful clean romance by a fabulous author that I just couldn't put down.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014
BLOG TOUR: Snow Angels by Lezlie Anderson
A winter storm, a family, and an idea for a service project all add up to a delightful Christmas surprise! When Mom and Dad suggest serving their neighbors for the holiday, their kids can't stop grumbling. But as they secretly shovel snow, their attitudes change, and soon the parents can't get the kids to stop serving. Share the joys of serving others in this wonderful Christmas pamphlet.
Lezlie Anderson has loved books since she learned to read at age four. She and her sisters used their wild imaginations playing in their backyard as princesses to being attacked by giant grasshoppers. The first books she remembers loving are "My Father's Dragon" and "The Trouble with Miss Switch."
Lezlie is married to a wonderful man, Steve, and they have three great children, 3 crazy cats, one tortoise, and a fish that has survived more hazards than should be possible. She loves chocolate, Dr. Pepper, and anything that her husband BBQ's.
Snow Angels is a short Christmas story about the joy of serving one's neighbors. While the family isn't exactly thrilled when they start the project, but after seeing the pleasure their snow shoveling efforts bring, they really get into it. This pamphlet showcases just what I love most about Christmas time, the love of Jesus Christ, which unfortunately tends to get lost in the commercialism of the holiday. This would be a great story to share to remind us of the reason for the season.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
BLOG TOUR W/GIVEAWAY: Meow If It's Murder by T.C. LoTempio
by L.C. LoTempio
Nora Charles doesn't believe in fate, even if she is a crime reporter who shares a name with a character from The Thin Man. In fact, she's moving back to Cruz, California, to have a quieter life. But after finding an online magazine eager for material, and a stray cat named Nick with a talent for detection, Nora's not just reporting crimes again. She's uncovering them… Back in her hometown, Nora reconnects with old friends and makes some new ones, like Nick, the charming feline who seems determined to be her cat. But not everything about Cruz is friendly. Writing for a local online magazine, Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger. Though it was deemed an accident, Nora suspects foul play. And it seems that her cat does too. Apparently, Nick used to belong to a P.I. who disappeared while investigating Lola Grainger's death. The coincidence is spooky, but not as spooky as the clues Nick spells out for her with Scrabble letters—clues that lead her down an increasingly dangerous path. Whether fate put her on this case or not, solving it will take all of Nora's wits, and maybe a few of Nick's nine lives.
While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few! Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion's charity, Kids Need to Read! Toni's also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!). She (and ROCCO, albeit he's uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuts Dec. 2, 2014. She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York.
"Meow If It's Murder is delightful! Readers will love the mystery and charming cat. You don't want to miss this new series" –Rose Pressey, USA Today Bestselling Author
"Nick and Nora are a winning team. The crafty feline manages to stay one paw ahead of his new owner - and the criminals in Cruz, California." –Rebecca Hale, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Namesakes Nick the cat and Nora the deli owner can teach Hammett's amateur detective duo a thing or two. Meow if It's Murder is a fast-paced cozy mystery spiced with a dash of romance and topped with a big slice of "cat-itude." Enjoy!" ~Ali Brandon, NY Times Bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries
"Nick and Nora are the purrfect sleuthy duo!" – Victoria Laurie, NY Times Bestselling author of the Psychic Eye Mystery Series
Unfortunately, I haven't had time to finish this book yet, however, I have enjoyed what I've read so far. I admit that I am a fan of cozy mysteries where the characters live a fairly normal life except for the murder part. I guess that makes them seem more real to me. Anyway, I like Nora, she's a pleasant character with a strong dose of curiosity which makes her a good match for Nick, the cat that adopts her. The book reminds me a bit of The Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun, which I also loved, so I figured I would probably like it. The only thing I haven't liked so far is that there is some swearing.
Now that I've finished the book, I can say that I liked it quite a bit. I loved Nick the cat and the way he helped Nora solve the mystery. I found the amount of swearing disappointing, but I enjoyed the book anyway. A nice cozy mystery with recipes included at the back for those who enjoy cooking (not me).
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Ends 12/29/14
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
CLEAN ROMANCE FAVORITE: LADY EMMA'S CAMPAIGN by Jennifer Moore
The London Season is ushered in with a thrilling flurry of invitations, gowns, and parties. But despite her status as belle of the ball, lovely socialite Emma Drake simply cannon fathom becoming entangled with any gentleman of her acquaintance. For, in truth, since childhood, her heart has belonged to Captain Sidney Fletcher, a man of the sea—and her brother's best friend.
Emma knew Sidney's directive to free the Spanish city of Cadiz from French occupation would be dangerous, but when word arrives of his capture, she is frantic. Determined to aid her brother in Sidney's rescue, she hides aboard her brother's ship and sets a course to Spain. But the realities of war are a far cry from the drawing rooms of London, and Emma finds the man she loves a mere shadow of his former self. When a series of events leaves them trapped together behind enemy lines, Emma and Sidney must embark on a journey fraught with danger—from a bloody hunt for Spanish treasure to the battlefields of war-torn Spain, new threats lurk around every turn. As their flight becomes increasingly perilous, Sidney and Emma must trust each other with their lives—but can they trust each other with their hearts?
As I have thought about just what I wanted to say about this book, I've pondered just what makes this such a great read. The characters? Definitely, Emma and Sidney appealed to me very much in terms of making me cheer for them and smile at them. The plot? The plot moves along at a brisk pace but never did I feel like it was too fast or too slow. I didn't find any plot holes that bugged me. The realistic nature of the setting made me sincerely grateful to never have been in a war zone. I would never want to experience the things that Emma and Sidney and their friends do. The nightmares and horrible memories that they have to deal with are portrayed in a realistic and believable way. The author does an amazing job of helping the reader get a glimpse at what war was really like at the time. Which does mean of course that there are some really unpleasant scenes where Emma sees men die in horrible ways. Thankfully these scenes while powerful are brief.
I think one of the things that love most about the book is how the author manages to create such a complete story with depth in only 200 pages. The writing is clear and easy to follow making for quite a quick read, but it's a read that will leave you wanting more as it did me. This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. If you enjoy historical romances I can heartily recommend this one. Although because of the setting there is violence experienced by the characters.
Friday, November 21, 2014
SAM'S CHRISTMAS WISH by George D. Durrant
"We don't need no charity," insists Big Sam Edwards. It's bad enough to have lost his job a few weeks before Christmas; the thought of "do-gooders" meddling in his business is more than he can bear. "I'll be watching if anybody comes around trying to leave anything at the door!" he warns.
But the mystery of a pile of gifts left anonymously, without any tracks in the snow, works a change in Sam's heart. The spirit of Christmas fills his home with joy.
Over the years, Sam becomes one of the most generous men in town. Yet his fondest wish goes unrealized: "I wish I could do something good and do it in secret so nobody would ever know."
And then one Christmas, he gets his chance—his secret act is even more gratifying than he ever could have imagined.
GEORGE D. DURRANT was born and raised in American Fork, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University and became a full-time educator. He is a master storyteller and loves telling stories to his eight children, thirty-four grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Susan Easton Black Durrant, live in the Rocky Mountains.
DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children's books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.
EXCERPTS (from Deseret Book website)
I confess, I thought I knew where this story would end up, but I was surprised by the ending. When Sam's family is blessed on Christmas with gifts and dinner after he lost his job, he doesn't want to accept it. But when he calls the sheriff in anger, the sheriff shows him that there are no tracks in the snow except his own. For the sake of his children, Sam eventually gives in and accepts the gifts and he takes the scripture shared to heart: "That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." Sam uses this scripture in doing many good deeds throughout the rest of his life, but he wants very much to do an act of service that no one every knows was done by him. And when his neighbors who have been so kind to him end up in serious trouble, he puts his life on the line to help. A beautifully illustrated story of true love and service that is bound to touch even the hardest heart.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
BLOG TOUR: Softly Falling by Carla Kelly
Beautiful Lily Branson learns that her wayward father has lost his Wyoming cattle ranch in a card game to handsome cowboy Jack Sinclair, no less! When a series of deadly winter storms sets in, Lily and Jack must work together to save the cattle—as well as their hearts.
Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.
Another great romance by Carla Kelly, Softly Falling, focuses on the power of human beings to rely on each other for survival. For me to thoroughly enjoy a romance I have to connect with the characters. I knew this one would be interesting because of the survival aspects of the story. Wyoming winters are rather famous for their severity so the idea of being stuck in one with no real help available is one that intrigued me. I also found myself very much liking both Lily and Jack. Lily for her courage in facing a whole boatload of disappointments when she meets up with her alcoholic father. Jack's admirable characteristics include a determination to succeed despite a life full of hard knocks. But they weren't the only characters that I enjoyed. In these kind of stories I always enjoy child characters and the three in this one were no exception, especially since these three girls and one boy have had some pretty big challenges themselves. It was fun to see Lily learn how to work with these children. The details of life on a Wyoming ranch make me supremely grateful not to have lived on one. That is one of the things that Kelly is especially good at historical details and enjoyable dialogue. Another winner from a great romance writer.
Friday, November 14, 2014
BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Match Maker by Karey White
Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader November 4th to 21st Tour Schedule
(Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read book #1 The Husband Maker) It's been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart. In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it's time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone that ever--at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.
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The Husband Maker by Karey White
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Coming Spring 2015
The conclusion to The Husband Maker Series
The Wife Maker by Karey White
Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.
Karey White has written another winner with The Match Maker. Having enjoyed her first book so much, I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. There are some spoilers coming up so if you haven't read the first one, do that before reading further.
Charlotte is struggling with here break-up with Kyle and is shocked to learn after only six months that he is engaged. With some prodding from her friend Aleena, she contacts the Scottish guy she met not too long ago. As she spends some time with him, she really starts to ponder what she wants both in love and in life. Wanting her friends to be happy, she sets up her friends, Aleena and Angus.
There is something that I realized quite early in the first book and I was eager to see how that would play out here. This is something that the reader picks up on but which Charlotte remains clueless about, at least until the end of this book. It leaves Charlotte having to decide how she feels about her relationships and what it is she really wants. Unsurprisingly things are left unresolved with Charlotte having her work cut out for her to fix some problems that she inadvertently helped create. I am really eager to read book three to find out what happens and see if things work out the way I hope they will.
Charlotte is struggling with here break-up with Kyle and is shocked to learn after only six months that he is engaged. With some prodding from her friend Aleena, she contacts the Scottish guy she met not too long ago. As she spends some time with him, she really starts to ponder what she wants both in love and in life. Wanting her friends to be happy, she sets up her friends, Aleena and Angus.
There is something that I realized quite early in the first book and I was eager to see how that would play out here. This is something that the reader picks up on but which Charlotte remains clueless about, at least until the end of this book. It leaves Charlotte having to decide how she feels about her relationships and what it is she really wants. Unsurprisingly things are left unresolved with Charlotte having her work cut out for her to fix some problems that she inadvertently helped create. I am really eager to read book three to find out what happens and see if things work out the way I hope they will.
"Have you heard from Flynn?" Aleena asked between bites.
"We talked last night for a while."
"You're still talking to him?" Angus asked. He sounded surprised.
"They've been talking a lot," Aleena said.
"I don't know if I'd say 'a lot.'" I really didn't want to talk about this.
"I think he really likes Charlotte," Aleena said.
"We're friends."
"How much do you talk?" Angus asked.
"A couple of times a week, I guess."
"Maybe at the beginning it was a couple of times a week, but hasn't it picked up lately?" Aleena asked.
I shrugged and kept chewing, even though I had already swallowed.
"Have you seen that new Reese Witherspoon movie?" I asked.
"Nice try," Aleena said. "Let's talk about Scotland. When are you going?"
"I'm not," I said.
"You really should," Aleena said. "What a great chance to see another part of the world." Aleena turned to Angus. "He's invited her over and over and she keeps putting him off."
"Why?" Angus turned to me.
"I'm busy. I've got lots of projects going on at work."
"Oh please. That's not why you're not going."
I gave Aleena a pointed look, but she wasn't looking at me, so she didn't see it.
"Why aren't you going?" Angus asked.
I took another bite of salad. "I think she's not going because she's afraid she's falling for him and a boyfriend in Scotland is pretty inconvenient."
"I've never said I'm falling for him, but you're right. Scotland isn't convenient."
"Maybe he'll move back here," Angus said. "His brother did."
"And that's why he won't," I said. "He doesn't want to leave his mom and the family business."
"Maybe you could split your time between here and there." Finally, Aleena looked at me and I gave her a "shut up" look. "What? I'm just trying to help you work things out. Maybe the fortune meant long-term romance."
"What fortune?" Angus asked.
"Charlotte's fortune cookie that said 'romance will come to you from foreign lands,'" Aleena said.
"First of all," I said, "that was your fortune. Second, I don't believe in fortunes. Third, let's talk about something else."
"Why?" Angus asked. "He seemed like a nice guy."
I sighed. "He is a nice guy. A nice guy who lives in Scotland."
"Who's invited you to come visit," Aleena said.
"I think you should go," said Angus. I stared at him. When I realized my mouth was hanging open, I hurried and clamped it shut.
"What?" Angus looked at my surprised face. "Has he asked you to marry him and move there forever?"
I shook my head. For some reason, I had expected Angus to discourage me from going. I would have thought he would disapprove. I'd have imagined him saying, "Don't follow a guy halfway around the world unless you mean business." But instead he was telling me I should go.
Angus and I looked at each other for longer than was comfortable. I could feel Aleena's eyes on us, and I wanted to look away, but I needed to read what was behind Angus's words. Finally, he lowered his eyes. "Just go. There's nothing here to stop you."
What did he mean? My family was here. My friends were here. My job was here. There was plenty here to stop me.
I laughed, but it sounded fake. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you want me to move to another country."
Angus shrugged. "Just want you to be happy, Charlotte, and you don't seem to be happy with what you've got here."
Ends 11/30/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014
A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY: Silver Bells
by Lucinda Brant, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, LuAnn Brobst Staheli, Annette Lyon, Becca Wilhite
Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells. Readers will love this collection of six historical novellas, all centered around the Christmas season with one thing in common: Romance.
In NY Times & USA Today's bestselling author Lucinda Brant's delightful novella, FAIRY CHRISTMAS, Kitty Aldershot is orphaned and forced to live on others' charity. Offered a home under the generous roof of her relatives, the Earl of Salt Hendon and his countess, Kitty wants for nothing, not even the affections of Mr. Tom Allenby. But when Kitty stumbles across a letter written by Lady Caroline that reveals how Mr. Allenby would be ruined should he marry the likes of Kitty, she realizes she has been fooling herself all along. Kitty's world crumbles around her as she recognizes she will forever be alone with no prospects at all.
Sarah M. Eden's charming romance novella A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He's about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn't sure if she's intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.
In Heather B. Moore's enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS, Lucien Baxter's best and most incorrigible friend, Will, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child the week before Christmas. Will's last request is that Lucien watches over Cora, not just as a benefactor, but as a husband. When Lucien does his duty and proposes to Cora, he's turned down flat. But over the course of the next few days, Lucien discovers that marrying Cora wouldn't be any sort of duty after all, but a matter of following his heart.
In Lu Ann Staheli's sweet romance novella, A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick Wilkins and his best friend Ebenezer Scrooge have been looking forward to the annual Fezziwig Christmas dance for weeks. Ebenezer is practically engaged to Annabelle Fezziwig, and Dick hopes to start courting her younger sister, Pricilla. Once the dance starts, and Pricilla arrives, as pretty and charming as ever, Dick discovers that he's not the only man vying for her attention. His best friend advises Dick that he has to win Pricilla's heart, as well as her mother's favor. Losing his heart has suddenly become very complicated.
A TASTE OF HOME, a captivating romance by Annette Lyon, we meet Claire Jennings, who's on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can't forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.
Becca Wilhite's entrancing novella, MY MODERN GIRL, follows Margie, who lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy's department store in New York City. Margie might be new in town, but she's determined to succeed and prove to Henry that moving to the city was the right decision. As the Christmas season approaches, Margie realizes that being a "modern girl" might not be all she had dreamed of and Henry might have more to offer than she ever imagined.
FAIRY CHRISTMAS. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Kitty and Allenby were sweet characters, but the part that surprised me the most was the other romance that took place in the story. I was focused on Kitty and her attempt to get Mr. Allenby to propose that I didn't realize that the other romance was happening although there are hints that point in that direction. This is the kind of short story that I enjoy, with enough conflict to create a plot, but the emphasis is on the characters.
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE. The details in this story about Ireland and the Irish I found quite amusing. I found myself laughing out loud at several points in the story. I also loved Sean and Maeve as they met and fell in love. The part where Sean gets stuck in the mud and meets Maeve and her large Irish wolfhounds entertained me very much. But the ending I found especially pleasing as it showcases the strength of a solid relationship that goes beyond just being in love, but true trust and commitment.
TWELVE MONTHS: Cory and Lucien both won me over immediately. Sweet Cory who lost both her fiance and now her husband, who also had to live with knowing her husband was unfaithful to her and is reluctant to believe in a good love again. Lucien, whose best friend was Cory's husband, is used to covering for Will but to marry his wife? He's uncertain at first until he starts to get to know her and realizes how great she is and how much he likes her. I especially enjoyed the musical parts where they played for each other.
A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS. This is an interesting take on Ebenezer Scrooge story with the main character actually being his friend, Dick Wilkins. Cilla is an interesting character as well as she looks forward to receiving suitors. And Dick being already smitten was cute as he tried to figure out the best way to approach her. The dance where Dick first becomes Cilla's rescuer is sweet as she seeks to avoid someone she discovers to her dismay is boring as all get out. It was kind of sad reading about Ebenezer proposing to Belle knowing what would happen later, but all in all a sweet story.
A TASTE OF HOME. The fun thing about this story was the way Claire started to see Will in a new way. After Will tormented her throughout her childhood she was reluctant to travel home to Utah with him, but it was better than traveling alone. When she discovers that she can't go home because her little brother has the measles she is devastated. Will decides this is his opportunity to show Claire how much he likes her by helping her face a lonely Christmas. I love the selfless gesture that Will makes to help a disappointed Claire enjoy Christmas.
MY MODERN GIRL. I think this one was my favorite of the six stories. I fell for Henry almost immediately. His willingness to let Margie go since that's what she wanted won me over as did his determination to prove to her his worthiness. And then as Margie slowly realized that while she loved certain things about the city, there were things about home she missed, including Henry. But the way Henry came through for her at the end really made me sigh happily. This is what a short story romance should be.
Overall a wonderful set of short stories that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Monday, November 10, 2014
JACOB T. MARLEY by R. William Bennett
"Marley was dead to begin with . . ."
These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge's miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn't he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?
Or had he?
R. WILLIAM (BILL) BENNETT spent more than thirty years in business, most recently as a division president of FranklinCovey. The author of the award-winning novella The Christmas Gift, Bill and his family live in Alpine, Utah. You can contact him at firstname.lastname@example.com.
I sometimes have a hard reading books like this that go back and take an original story and offer another take on it. But I found myself really enjoying this one. It's a very thought-provoking look at redemption and forgiveness and making choices that lead us to become what we do. Jacob T. Marley let his pride and greed get the better of him at great harm to himself and everyone he came in contact with. And when he and Scrooge met up they had the same flaws and they fed off each other making things worse. And until the day he died Marley never once stopped to think about how his choices had shaped his life. As he lay dying, he watched Scrooge manipulating his way into Marley's house, he realizes for the first time how much harm he has done.
Obviously we don't really know why Marley does what he does in the original story, A Christmas Carol, something changes that leads him to want to prevent Scrooge from ending up in the same sort of situation. Bennett gives the reader a look at what might have been. I found myself thoroughly enthralled with the portrayal of Marley as he seeks to help Scrooge take a different path. And in the end he does something that during his mortal life he would never have done. Frankly it had me in tears. The story is so well told and beautifully highlights the joys of serving those around us and that the true treasures in life don't revolve around money. A story of bad choices, remorse, and change that becomes possible through the sacrifice of our Savior. A novel truly worthy of the Christmas season.
Friday, November 7, 2014
FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS by Michael McLean and Scott McLean (Includes Giveaway!)
Santa Claus has been kidnapped!
Behind the plot are an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a sorceress, a beanstalk giant, and, of course, the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term "Happily Ever After" from our storybooks forever.
But it's nearly Christmas Eve, and time is running out. Can Santa and the fairy-tale heroes save the day and bring Christmas to all the children of the world? Will anyone have a "Happily Ever After" again?
Fairy Tale Christmas reminds us all that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas can soften any heart.
MICHAEL MCLEAN has released more than two dozen albums, has written, produced, and directed award-winning films and television commercials, and has annually presented his landmark Christmas production, The Forgotten Carols, based on his book, to sold-out audiences throughout the United States since 1991. He and his wife, Lynne, live in Heber Valley.
SCOTT MCLEAN is an actor, songwriter, and playwright. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) and The National Theatre Conservatory (Denver), Scott lives, creates, acts, and auditions in New York City.
What a creatively new look at the Christmas season and Santa and toy giving! Santa has decided that all kids deserve at least one present to help inspire them to be good. As a result the elves and reindeer have been working overtime to get ready for Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, some well-known fairy tale villains (think Rumplestiltskin, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty) want their own so-called happy endings. In order to force the fairy tale heroes to give up their happy endings they decide to kidnap Santa Claus. But like most such things, it doesn't go the way they planned. This is a light fun read for middle grade readers who enjoy fairy tale spin-offs and Christmas stories.
The advantage of having a songwriter for an author is the addition of music to the story. While the website where the music will be is not up yet, I look forward to checking it out.
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Tuesday, November 4, 2014
GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE!: The Story Behind A Christmas Carol
In creating stories for others, we sometimes end up revealing truths to ourselves. Such was the experience of the beloved Charles Dickens, master storyteller and honorary champion of Christmas. But Dickens was not always the purveyor of yuletide wisdom we know today—he too had to discover for himself the true spirit of Christmas and how best to keep it all the year through.
It was 1843, and winter was fast approaching. Times were tough for Charles Dickens and his family. He needed to publish something that would earn enough money to meet his many obligations. Pondering his predicament, Dickens set out to write a quick Christmas story that would be sure to sell. Little did he know that his writing—and the genial ghost he would bring to life—would take him on an incredible journey of the heart.
This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens's most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself—with a little help from his own literary characters. Originally presented by acclaimed British actor John Rhys-Davies at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2013 Christmas concert, the book also includes a DVD with footage from the event.
JOHN RHYS-DAVIES is a celebrated Welsh actor and voice actor. Film audiences best know him for his roles as the dwarf Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the charismatic Arab excavator Sallah in the Indiana Jones films. His television credits include Shogun and War and Remembrance. Raised in England, Africa, and Wales, he credits his early exposure to classical literature for his decision to pursue acting and writing.
BRANDON DORMAN is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children's books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series.
This beautiful book shares what the impetus was that lead Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol. While part of the book is imaginary (Dickens goes on a trip with the Ghost of Christmas Present), the ideas behind it are not. The book explores how Dickens ideas and beliefs about Christmas changed as he wrote his famous story. Being in financial difficulty he had money very much on the brain that year, but writing about Scrooge's obsession with money helped transform his own beliefs about what is most important just as it did Scrooge's. Dorman's illustrations are beautiful and showcase the story perfectly. The part of the story I found most interesting is the part where the author imagined Dickens going on a trip with his ghost character and having his eyes opened to the fact that people can enjoy Christmas without all the trappings and trimmings. This story was told as a part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas concert and so a DVD of the performance of the story with John Rhys-Davies and the Choir and Orchestra is included.
EXCERPTS from Deseret Book
Monday, October 20, 2014
LDS NONFICTION: Visions of Hope by Annie Henrie
The most fundamental questions in our lives—questions about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are gonig—are answered when we have a true understanding of the plan of salvation. Now, our understanding is deepened and enlivened by this beautifully illustrated depiction of God's eternal plan for His children. In her unique, richly textured style, fine artist Annie Henrie offers a visual interpretations of the plan of salvation, including pre-earth life, the Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, life on earth, the spirit world, the Atonement and the Resurrection, and the kingdoms of glory. Accompanied by text from the scriptures, each exquisite image testifies of God's love for us and of His plan of happiness.
ANNIE HENRIE graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Brigham Young University in April 2012, and since the age of sixteen she has shown her work in galleries, including Bronze Coast Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon; Authentique Gallery in St. George, Utah; and Deseret Book stores. Annie grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and is the daughter of Cary and Sauni Henrie. Her father, also a professional artist, has taught his daughter how to paint and draw since she was in kindergarten. Annie's work is inspired by her experiences serving as a missionary in southern England and studying Renaissance art in Italy. She currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This book beautifully and simply illustrates the plan of salvation through the use of scriptures and paintings. I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and gorgeous. The paintings are touching and almost glow which suits the feel of the book very well. The book moves through the main parts of the plan of salvation: pre-earth life, birth, life on earth, death, spirit world, resurrection and judgment and the three degrees of glory. I especially enjoyed the paintings showing joy (a family), the resurrection, and the Lord's work and the glory. A truly inspiring book that would work really well for a family home evening or church lesson. Highly recommended.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Coming to DVD on October 14th!
Releases October 14, 2014
Germany, May 1945, the twilight of World War II. On a final mission deep in the Harz mountains, a U.S. tank crew discovers a platoon of Germans, including three infamous Panzer tanks, preparing to ambush allied supply trucks.
Before the war, private Jesse Owens was a product of segregation and racial discrimination, forced by law to ride in the back of the bus and disenfranchised from the political process. As the Germans bear down on the Americans, Owens fights the Axis powers for a freedom he and his fellow African American soldiers have never felt.
With a deadly game of cat and mouse quickly unfolding, Owens and his predominantly white tank crew find themselves out-gunned and out-manned by the German Panzer tanks. Several in Owens's crew are reluctant to put their faith in a black tank driver despite their dire circumstances. With tension and fear beginning to manifest, Owens knows they must put aside their differences to stop the enemy from achieving their deadly plan. Knowing that a victory over the Nazis means a victory for racial justice, Owens and his men find a way to work together to save hundreds of lives in a desperate battle against the greatest odds they have ever faced.
Product Details
Rating: PG-13
Region: 1
Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.
Publisher: Excel Entertainment 2014
EXCEL ENTERTAINMENT is the preeminent independent film distribution company in Utah, and though largely known for its Mormon-themed films (God's Army, The Work & the Glory series, 17 Miracles, Pride & Prejudice, etc.), Excel has also had success releasing films with non-Mormon themes and stories (Forever Strong, Saints & Soldiers, etc.).
Although the technology and means by which audiences consume films is changing rapidly, the demand for highly creative storytelling that motivates us to live up to the light that each of us has been given is as high as ever. We feel a deep obligation to not only bring stories of hope to the world, but to promote films with high standards of craftsmanship reflective of a belief in a divine and benevolent creator.
1 DVD of Saints and Soldiers: The Void
US only
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History never really says goodbye. It only says 'See you later'.
The Uruguayan journalist, writer and novelist Eduardo Galeano once said "History never really says goodbye. It only says 'See you later'."
Being one of the oldest habitable societies in the world, India is a land soaked in history. From ancient kingdoms to the bittersweet British rule, the country has seen it all—which now results in a beautiful confluence of influences in architecture, culture and lifestyles.
The southern states of the country, in particular are a treat for those who love exploring remains of the past and understanding their lineages. If you happen to be someone who's all set to take a memorable trip down memory lane, here's an epic road trip you can take through South India and explore the best of India in the best possible way.
The Route
The 1800-km road trip kicks off from the City of Nizams, Hyderabad from where you drive down to Hampi, the go-to destination of every history aficionado.
Source: This Epic Road Trip Through South India Is A Dream For Every History Buff!


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Ingredients: 1 cake:
5 eggs;
80 g of butter or margarine;
80 g of powdered;
30g cocoa powder;
80g chopped blanched almonds;
70 g flour;
apricot jam or marmalade;
100 g of powdered sugar;
0.1 L of water;
20g cocoa powder;
50 g butter.
Egg yolks grind with butter or margarine, add powdered sugar, mixing, cocoa powder, egg whites, whipped into a thick foam, flour and almonds. In the form of cake, buttered and floured, put the dough and bake in the oven over medium heat.
Ready and the cooled cake cut into two layers, brush with jam and connect. On top of the cake and decorate with glaze lipstick.
Making lipstick: powdered sugar, add water and cook a thick syrup. Cocoa rub with oil and, stirring constantly, add the hot syrup. When the lipstick starts to thicken, her glaze the cake.
Bon Appetit!


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I had an awesome email from one of the BABEs this morning. She has lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks following the Feel Fab Formula – not unusual – but what made this so great is the complete leap of faith this lady had to make in order to do that…
You see she came to us after years at a certain slimming club, where she had been avoiding fatty foods for years, choosing margarine over butter, eating low fat yogurts and living on chicken…big mistake!
If you think cutting the fat out of your diet is the right way to lose weight, think again!
Since medical science lead us up the garden path in the 60's telling us that saturated fats were the main cause of heart disease and should be replaced in our diets with vegetable oils and healthy 'whole grains', the health of those in the western world has taken a serious nose dive, with heart disease, cancer and obesity at an all time high and spinning out of control!
We NEED fat.
Cholesterol is the essential ingredient to every one of our sex hormones. Without cholesterol and fat in your diet, you will end up feeling pretty awful as your sex hormone production (essential for management of energy, metabolism and reproduction) fails and the body begins to slow down, leaving you craving carbohydrates, with low sex drive, increased weight gain and fatigue – not nice!
A diet high in protein and fats is essential for optimal health.
Eliminating fats from your diet means your mental health will suffer, your hormones will become unbalanced and you will struggle to lose weight.
Now who fancies an avocado? ;0)
If you want to find out more of the BABEs weight loss secrets, join us next Monday and get your Drop a Dress Size Meal Plan at our 7 days of Fat Loss Taster Week https://surreybootcamps.com/tasterweek/
Want to chat? You can connect with us and chat on Facebook Messenger, just click on the link below
Want to find out more about how being a BABE can help you? Put your details below and one of our team will give you a call


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Hello everyone,
I am brand new in your community and happy to join.
Up till now I have been using the wordpress.org plugins for both my standalone and multisite installations and been happy with quite a few of them.
One of them is the excellent Dashboard commander plugin (http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/dashboard-commander/).
It's main feature is that it manages to exclude even dynamically loaded plugins like the ones by yoast.com. BTW I use the beautiful Joost's SEO plugin for my sites so far. How does the WPMU DEV SEO compare to it? Any posts on the subject? Should I change over?
But let me get back to the dashboard Commander. The thing is that one has to visit the dashboard to set it up otherwise you get a blank dashboard till this is done. I wonder if this would be a problem using it together with the New Blog Templates Plugin.
Furthermore could you implement such a function -without having to go to the dashboard first- to the WPMU plugin? And maybe join it together with the Dashboard Feeds plugin.
Could you please look into it?
What does the rest of the people think about the enhancement? Sounds interesting?
Thank you all


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Deacon Jose A. Morales, 83, a member of the first ordination class of permanent deacons when the ministry was introduced to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1981, died May 5. Most of his ministry was at St. Mark Parish, Bristol.
Deacon Morales was born in Yabucca, Puerto Rico, in 1931, the son of the late Gabriel and Ruperta Rodrigues Morales and relocated to the Philadelphia area in 1952.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gloria Montero Morales, and eight children. He was a retired press operator for Art Kraft Container Co.
Father James Catagnus, who early in his ministry was stationed at St. Mark's, remembers Deacon Morales as a committed lay worker along with his wife, in charge of the Spanish youth group, but not yet a deacon. Their paths crossed again when Father Catagnus was pastor of the former St. Edward Parish in Philadelphia.
"He was very laid back, very pleasant. A really nice man," Father Catagnus said.
"He was a great Dad, very faithful to the church and loving, strong as an ox," said his youngest daughter, Debbie Mojica. "He provided for Mom and us kids. When he was younger he loved to dance, and he still loved to play dominos."
After his ordination on Oct. 31, 1981 by Cardinal John Krol at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul Deacon Morales ministered at his home parish, St. Mark. In 1983 he received a secondary ministry assignment to the Shriners Hospital for Children Philadelphia.
In 2000 he relocated to the Archdiocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he continued in extern ministry until his retirement in 2013 and return to Philadelphia.
"He was an outstanding man, very well known in Bristol," said Father Dennis Mooney, the pastor of St. Mark's. "I knew him from years ago in St. Edward's Parish. Here he did all of the ministries deacons do: baptizing, teaching, preaching. His deacon class were real pioneers; they were handpicked by Msgr. (G. Francis) Craven."
The Reception of the Body and viewing for Deacon Morales was held at St. Mark Church, Bristol, on Monday, May 11 at 9:30 a.m. followed by his funeral Mass at 11. Father Mooney was the principal celebrant and homilist; the Deacon of the Mass was Deacon Adolfo Crespo.
In addition to his wife and daughter Debbie, Deacon Morales is survived by his children, daughters Gloria Morales Evans, Melissa Medina and Ivonne Rivera and sons Jose, Hector, Jorge and Michael; 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Interment was at St. Mark Cemetery.
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Doors open at 7:30 with the performance beginning at 8:00 PM.
Ana Egge
Growing up as the daughter of wheat farmers in a 50-person North Dakota town, Egge came by her independent streak honestly and at a young age. She's worked with songwriting legends like Steve Earle and Ron Sexsmith, cut collaborative albums with bands like The Stray Birds and The Sentimentals, but no matter the musical context it's the quiet strength of her spirit and her singular voice that shine through. Egge will close out our spring season in a rare Boston-area appearance with her acoustic trio.
For those 21+, your first beverage (beer or wine) is included in the ticket price. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages for all.
Consider having Dinner and a Show, and enjoy a great night out in Downtown Waltham!


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Your Personality Is Changing, But You're Probably Still 'Agreeable'
Modern psychologists agree: humans change as we age, not just physically, but socially as well.
Our "Big Five" personality traits tend to shift as we get older, according to a new study of some 50,000 people from the United States, Europe and Scandinavia, reports Business Insider. Those who identify with Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Openness, and/or Extroversion eventually experience a decline in these categories. Those who said they are "Agreeable," however, never really lose that.
Back in the 1800s, this wasn't the case. The popular science was that our personalities were formed more concretely in our adolescence and is pretty much set by the time we're 30-years-old.
Now, the data shows, that for each decade we survive, we become 1-2 percent less inclined to accept every invitation, less open-minded to new things, and have less of an obsession with fitting in (although, apparently we don't mind so much being a people-pleaser).
In the U.S. more so than anywhere else, people are especially less likely to identify as Extroverted with age.
The advent of annoying ringtones, Twitter trolls, and the "YOLO" hashtag aside, the growing introversion may be a signal of the world's physical health. As people live longer (Baby Boomers are expected to outlive the generation before), our instinct may be towards greater self-preservation. We simply can't #YOLO everyday for 80-90+ years without feeling some of the karmic effects.
Or maybe it's the popularization of yoga and other communal enlightenment practices that ought to be studied, along with our collective Happiness Index. The mind/body life is one that calls for shared introspection, and Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Norway topped that scale in 2016 due to factors like levels of GDP, generosity, social support, freedom, and corruption.
To practice: Spend a day living like you're retired (if you're already at the age of retirement, live this day more consciously). Wake up and go to sleep with the sun, practice a hobby, play with some children, do exactly what you want to do and then ask yourself if you feel more or less engaged. If you feel less engaged -- detached, instead of non-attached (aparigraha) -- ask yourself, What are the lifestyle changes I need to add to my bucket list?
See if these fit in with your current personality traits, and whether they do or not, remember change may not be a bad thing.
DISTRICTiYOGA is an E-RYT 500 YACEP located in Washington, D.C. She often uses "namaste" as the first word uttered to students at the beginning of class, as well as the last. She began mindful yogic studies some 20 years ago in elementary school and began teaching formally in 2008.


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Cubans are proud of their cars. They are proud owners and mechanics. Whether it's an engine or transmission change or a nicely restored interior, they never hesitate to show the work they've done.
Monthly Archives: March 2015
The Hat Lady
I observed a lot of construction in Old Havana. I'm not certain what they were doing. Perhaps they were preparing to bury water or power lines. I did notice that a lot of the work was being done by hand. I also noticed some of the workers wearing hard hats, causing me to believe that a foreign company was involved. The usual ratio of those working to those standing around seems to prevail, even in Cuba.
In the tourist areas of Havana, you can find people selling peanuts. They are tightly wrapped in long, thin, white paper cones. You get a small handful of, not particularly good quality nuts for a few pesos. The Cubans are friendly and very approachable. They know that tourists do not have pesos, but the more valuable CUCs.
Acadia in Winter
Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine is a favorite place of mine. I've hiked every trail and every mountain. I usually go in Spring and Autumn. This was my first trip in the winter. It was challenging to get around. There were not many places to park. Snowshoes did provide some access to less traveled areas, but I found myself wishing I had brought my cross-country skis. The park loop road was very ski friendly with lots of packed snow at least two feet deep. Below zero temperatures and wind were another obstacle.
All said and done, I got a few images that I like and enjoyed the company of two great friends. I'm glad I went.