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Character's Corner...
Did you ever want to sit down and talk to/with your favorite characters? We actually do quite a bit! :) Make sure you drop by here when we say we have a "Character Interview", because our adventures out to meet and chat with some of those characters have been something you don't want to miss... You can also read author provided character profiles here on Character's Corner:
Hey everyone!
LITERAL ADDICTION is thrilled to have the wonderful Claire Ashgrove (and guests!) with us today to celebrate the release of her new New Adult Paranormal, Before the Storm, which was just dropped on 4/21/14.
Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled passionate journeys of the heart. Her paranormal series, the CURSE OF THE TEMPLARS, marries the history of the Knights of Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy—a must-read for speculative fiction fans. For romance fans, she also writes as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance as Sophia Garrett.
In her non-writing time, she owns and operates Finish The Story, a full-scale editing house co-fpunded with Byran Thomas Schmidt. She lives in Missouri and enjoys cooking, studying ancient civilizations, and spending downtime with her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs.
Claire is also the creator of the INHERITED DAMNATION series, several amazing single titles, and she writes the BLACK OPALS series as Tori St. Claire. You can check out her entire bibliography HERE.
Keep up with Claire online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.
As mentioned, I'm here today to help Claire promote and celebrate Before the Storm. For those of you just now hearing about it, here's everything you need to know…
Before the Storm
Add to your GoodReads Shelf
Buy eBooks (just $.99!) from: Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon Ca / Amazon AU / B&N / Kobo
Buy in PRINT from: Amazon
Halle Rhoads has a terrifying gift--she can kill with the fury of the storm.
She should have known that kind of power wouldn't go unnoticed. Thrust into a world full of dark magic with a handsome stranger who claims he can teach her, she struggles to master her abilities and stumbles onto a dangerous truth. She's a windwalker, the chosen vessel of the ancient dragons who once ruled the world. Many will stop at nothing to possess the power in her blood, should they discover her secret. With necromancers hunting her and Halle's closest allies guarding secrets, mastering her magic becomes a matter of necessity.
But accepting her destiny is altogether different. For doing so means she must sacrifice everything.
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha – Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
--Actual rating 4.5 Skulls
What a fabulous book!
Before the Storm was set in a carefully thought out world rife with potential and primed for growth and development. It contained characters that were instantly captivating, and who earned your respect (or disgust) instantly. The action and adventure throughout the book will have you on the edge of your seat, and there were surprises around every corner. Take all that and add in a love story that was both sweet and believable, and you have a definite winner.
I highly recommend Before the Storm to fans of New Adult and Adult Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, and I am hoping against hope that this is just the first in a wonderful new series from Claire Ashgrove.
Oh, and here's the next part of the progressive snippet that's being shared for this Book Blast Hop. Check it out….
Read previous portion of Chapter 1 at Lola's Reviews
Chapter One (Continued...)
Before I could savor the power that thrummed around me, a force like a moving locomotive slammed into my back. The air rushed from my lungs, making it impossible to brace myself against imminent impact.
I hit the ground chest-first.
Strong fingers locked around my ankle. "I said…stop," Kale managed between labored breaths.
Him! Just who the hell did he think he was?
Dragging in a short gasp of air, I twisted to look down the length of my body at the hand that trapped me in place. As my furious gaze locked on the back of his bronzed knuckles, lightning split the sky. It arced over Allen's gabled rooftop, spidered through the skeleton branches of deciduous trees, and slammed into the moist earth a breath away from Kale's right shoulder.
The explosion of thunder split the sky, so powerful it reverberated inside me like cannons firing at close range in an underground cave. And yet, I didn't hear it. Whatever force it was that kept me safe amid a deadly tornado years ago had wrapped itself around me, preventing the wash of heat from touching my skin and the intensely bright flash from blinding my eyes.
Not so Kale. His body jerked a good three feet sideways from where the bolt connected with the ground and immediately began convulsing.
"Oh shit!" I scrambled to my knees and lunged across the short distance separating us. Heaving against his shoulder, I tried to push his face out of the debris-covered ground and roll him onto his side. "Shit, I'm sorry!"
Come on. Don't die on me.
Man, this guy was heavier than he looked. I shoved again and finally succeeded into rolling him onto his left shoulder. His tight body and locked muscles fought against the pressure of my body as I braced him in place with my hip. The arm he lay on punched a steady rhythm into the air.
Damn, damn, damn!
"Hey, Kale." I set a hand on his shoulder, uncertain what to do or how to help. His mouth was doing this chewing thing, and his eyes had rolled back into his head. Wasn't there some sort of risk of swallowing one's tongue? Or was that just an old wives tale?
What if he stopped breathing or his heart stopped? Was that possible? Could he die right here?
Hop on 4/26 to read more at Book Lover's Life!
Sounds good, yes!? It soooo was. You really need to check it out!
For the rest of today though, how about I let you 'sit in' on my meet and greet with Halle and Kale, the hero and heroine of Before the Storm?
[After some searching, begging, pleading, and yes, bartering away everything I could think of to get a meeting with Halle and Kale, I was finally given the green light for our interview. To make the meeting mean so much more, Halle and Kale agreed to take me to the Tolvenar caves for our meet and greet.]
[Because I'm just a norm, I couldn't see the caves or the area immediately surrounding them, so I agreed to meet Halle and Kale in a clearing just outside of the forest in Oklahoma so they could take me 'through the veil', so to speak.]
[I rented a car and drove to the area that they had described to me in the email. It was just opposite some radio tower lights in the distance, but for the most part, was in the middle of freaking nowhere. It's a good thing I actually enjoy communing with nature…]
[I was a little early, so about ½ hour later I heard crunching in the trees. A minute or two later, a good-looking couple stepped out into the clearing holding hands. The girl was tall for a female, probably around 5'9" with long brown hair and an air of being somewhat closed off. The guy was gorgeous, about 6'2", with dirty blonde hair, and obviously powerful.]
[I stepped forward to greet the pair.]
Chelle: Hi guys! As I'm sure you've already guessed, I'm Michelle from LITERAL ADDICTION, but everyone calls me Chelle. *shakes hands with both Halle and Kale*
Halle: *Gives a polite nod, her smile looking a bit uncomfortable*
Kale: *grin warm and welcoming* Nice to meet you Chelle. Thanks for coming all this way.
[After the introductions we started walking a ways into the woods. All of a sudden, when I looked up I could no longer see the lights from the radio towers, nor could I see anything else that made me think we were even anywhere near the same place we started. Toto, we were certainly not in Kansas…er Oklahoma…anymore.]
Chelle: Wow, that was incredible. We must have passed the barrier huh!? I didn't feel anything more than a slight tingle.
Halle: *chuckles* Kinda odd, huh? Just creeps up on you. You'd never realize it if you weren't looking for it.
Kale: *Resting one hand on the small of Halle's back, he guides her ahead of him, then motions for me to continue on as well* You wouldn't get through if you weren't with us. It would route you around, more or less. C'mon, this way. The camarilla isn't far.
Halle: *cuts a glance to Kale and mutters* You're sure Beth isn't around?
Kale: *brief frown* I'm sure." *His friendly smile returning, he nods toward a rocky outcrop* It's just ahead.
[Soon we came to the caves and entered. About ten feet into the cool stone tunnel we encountered a bend. The ground slanted beneath my feet, letting me know that we were going down into the earth, but the pitch was easy and the hard-packed earth was smooth. The deeper we walked, the colder it got. It was a good thing I had remembered to bring a sweater.]
[As we walked, a curious light illuminated several feet ahead. Faint turquoise, eye-catching violet, and a pink that was somewhere between neon and pastel shimmered against the smooth stone walls. As we walked further, I was literally stopped in my tracks at the sight before me. Illuminated against a recessed portion of smooth stone, those vibrant colors morphed into a work of art – elaborate, intricate designs that overlapped and intertwined with one another until they were all one big collage. I couldn't hold back my gasp, and Halle chuckled.]
Halle: *flashes a conspiratorial grin* Magic crayons. Here, watch this. *She dips her index finger into a swathe of violet light and moves her hand across the wall. The colors follow, transforming into a hill-shaped pattern*
[Before I can give it a try, or even ask, a pair of voices drift down the corridor—male and female.]
Kale: *glances towards the voices, his frown returns, and he lets out a sigh* We better not go further. I'm not in the mood to deal with her.
Halle: Ugh, Kale. *punches him lightly in the bicep* You were supposed to sidetrack her.
Kale: Yeah well. *The look he gives her is pointed* SOMEONE sidetracked ME this morning.
Halle: Oh. *Blushing, she drops her gaze to her boots.* Right then. Let's get this show on the road.
[There were some large boulders in the room set up like benches and we each took a seat upon them.]
Chelle: Thank you both so much for sharing this with me. It's incredible!
Halle: *laughs* Incredible? You've heard about the demons right? My uncle? The crazy bi—
Kale: *cuts her off by setting his heel on her foot—hard enough to make her wince* I think she gets the picture. So what's first, Chelle?
Chelle: Well, I suppose I should actually ask you guys some questions for my readers instead of just staring like an awestruck fool, huh!? *chuckles* Halle, when did you first realize that you weren't just a norm?
Halle: Um. I was fourteen when it really hit me. Until then, I'd felt an affinity to storms, always seemed to know when they were brewing. But that night, I willed a tornado to hit my house, and to my delight, it did.
Chelle: Kale, you had a radically different upbringing, having always known what you are, what others are, etc. Do you sometimes wish you could just shut it all off?
Kale: *nods* Yeah, sometimes it would be nice. War aside, I'd like to have one day where I could wake up and do…nothing. Have a gym membership, maybe, instead of combat training.
Chelle: Kale, you have a great burden on your shoulders, being expected to take over leadership of the Camarilla and to guide the Tolvenar. What is that like?
Kale: *shrugs and leans back against the wall* It's really not that much of a burden. I'm not doing it, end of subject. I'm not the right person to lead the camarilla. Someday they'll realize the truth of it. Until then, I'm training warriors.
Halle: *shoots him a displeased frown, but sets her hand on his thigh supportively*
Chelle: And Halle, now that you know more about the world you were born into, what has hit you the hardest?
Halle: The hardest? There's so many secrets, Chelle. My mom, I suppose. Knowing she's been alive and no one ever told me.
Chelle: Besides the obvious *winks*, what's been the best part about training together?
[The tension slips completely from the room, both Halle and Kale more clearly more comfortable. They both laugh, share an intimate glance, and turn mischievous grins on me.
Halle: I get to kick his ass when he's pissed me off.
Kale: *scoffs* You wish. *turns to me* Her determination can be inspiring. And we get to really understand and anticipate what the other might try, which makes it far easier if we end up in battle together. We know each other's strengths and weaknesses and how to support them.
Halle: Spoken like a true General. *rolls her eyes, but her nature is obviously teasing* Can you get any more technical? Just tell her it's fun. We work hard, I frustrate the hell out of you. And then we relax with the duck.
[I compose myself from a bout of giggles and clear my throat.]
Chelle: You both have some rather interesting – and dare I say messed up – family dynamics. How have you fought against letting those things define you and/or steer you in the wrong directions? Or has it been part of the reason why you do what you do day-to-day?
Kale: *nudges Halle* I think this one's for you.
Halle: *snorts* Messed up is one way to put it. For me, though, they are why I'm here. It's an interesting position—wanting to protect my family, while fighting my family at the same time. My uncle's a dirtbag. I won't quit until he's dead.
Chelle: And you Kale?
Halle: He's doing that deflecting thing.
Kale: Am not. That's your trick. You know I was born into this, Chelle, so my family is part of my day-to-day. I fight to protect them. As for all the other…stuff… I pretty much ignore it. People are going to do what they do.
Halle: *mumbles beneath her breath* Especially psycho stepmothers.
Chelle: O.K, fun 'couple' question… off the top of your head, what's your favorite thing about the other?
Kale: *sits up and answers without hesitation* Her strength and determination. She never quits.
Halle: *Despite a furious blush, Halle nudges him in the ribs with her elbow before addressing me* He cooks. And it's really good.
Chelle: The cooking? *laughs* Biggest pet peeve about each other?
Halle: Oh, my gosh, the man's head is as hard as nails
Kale: *blinks* Me? I'm not the stubborn one. You are like a mule.
Halle: *folds her arms over her chest* Am not.
Kale: *gives me a pointed look* See?
Chelle: Most embarrassing pet name? *smiles*
Halle: *wrinkles her nose* Princess. I just call him Kale.
Chelle: Halle, what about Kale are you the most proud of?
Halle: Proud of? *She squirms in her seat* Man, this is stuff I don't even talk about with myself. It's like thumbscrews. *She shifts again* I guess the way he follows his own convictions and doesn't let anyone sway him. Next please.
Chelle: Kale, what's up next, and how are you feeling about it?
Kale: *sighs heavily* Well, she's got a lot to learn still. I've accepted she's a windwalker. Doesn't mean I like it. But I won't hinder her, and I'll do what I can to support.
Halle: *With a faint smile, Halle slips her hand into his*
Chelle: Is there anything that either of you would like me to make sure and tell my readers when I get home?
Halle: *nods* Yeah. I need supporters in the hate-the-psycho-stepmother camp. Tell them to check our story out and if they have any suggestions, I'm all ears.
Kale: *Groaning, he just shakes his head*
Chelle: *blushes* Would the two of you tell Marcus 'hi' for me? I was sort of hoping he might be around today, but I didn't count on it.
Kale: *scowls*
Halle: *quick to nod* Sure thing. You won't find him here though. Enemies and all that. I on the other hand, suffer no such animosity.
Chelle: You guys have been awesome. Thank you so much for doing this with and for me, I really appreciate it!
Kale: *stands and dusts off his jeans* You're most welcome. Maybe next time we can cover some more ground.
Halle: *looks up with raised eyebrows* Maybe next time you can get rid of Beth and we can introduce Chelle to Tufty.
Kale: *doesn't answer. Rather, pulls her up out of her seat and kisses her soundly* Hush.
Chelle: *ducks head* I don't mean to be an ungrateful guest, but dude, I'm starving! *laughs as my stomach rumbles audibly* Do you think we can grab a bite before you guys lead me back to the car?
Halle: *embarrassment vanishes as she gives me a bug-eyed stare* Here? Are you out of your mind? Rice cakes…granola… *She shakes her head adamantly* Go back to Applegate. Check out the Frost Club. They have to die for chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Beats granola any day.
Kale: *cocks his head* Chocolate raspberry cheesecake?
Halle: Chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake. *Her smile widens* And burgers.
Kale: Oh, man. I'm in. Come on, Chelle!
Remaining Book Blast Tour Schedule & Agenda:
4/20 – Under the Covers (Meet Halle Rhoads)
4/21 – Book Passion for Life (Melanie Interviews Claire)
4/21 – Reading Between the Wines (Meet Kale Norwood)
4/22 – Wicked Lil Pixie (Meet Marcus Wintergrave)
4/23 – Got Fiction (Heather Interviews Claire)
4/24 – Lola's Reviews (Meet Spring)
4/25 – Literal Addiction (Meet and Greet with Halle and Kale)
4/26 – Book Lover's Life (Meet Gerard Norwood)
For the duration of the Before the Storm Blog Hop, Claire will be giving away, daily, one digital copy of anything on her backlist to one random commentor. The Rafflecopter Giveaway for the Blog Hop is for a $15.00 Amazon / Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate, and a full digital set of her series, The Curse of the Templars. Be sure to comment and enter the Rafflecopter both!
She has several other opportunities over the next two weeks to win more prizes, too. To see the other release-gala events, check out the Before the Storm Tour Schedule!
Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION is very pleased to welcome Kerry Schafer back to our site today, along with some special guests!
Kerry Schafer lives in Colville, Washington, with her family, which includes two cats, a rescue fish, and a preternaturally large black dog. A self-styled perpetual student, she earned an RN from Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta; a BA in English (Honours) from York University in Toronto, Ontario; and an M.Ed. in counseling psychology from Washington State University.
Kerry is the proud creator of THE BETWEEN series, which was launched on 1/29/13 with Between. Book #2, Wakeworld, was just released on 1/28/14.
You can connect with Kerry online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads!
We're here today to help Kerry promote and celebrate the release of the new book, but for those who aren't familiar with Kerry and her work, here are the synopses, buy links, and our reviews to catch you up…
THE BETWEEN Book #1
Add to your GoodReads Shelf
*Read LITERAL ADDICTION's 4 Skull Review HERE
Vivian Maylor can't sleep. Maybe it's because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it's because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.
All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother's insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.
And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…
THE BETWEEN Book #2
Add to your GoodReads Shelf
Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.
Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent's death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.
Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I said in my review of Between, book #1 of the series, that this was an Urban Fantasy unlike anything I had experienced before, and one that I wanted to get lost in again. When I got word that Wakeworld was available, I was excited to dive in.
Wakeworld picks up right where Between left off, but I think if you were coming into this book as a first time reader you could catch on easily enough...
Kerry broadened the scope of The Between series by introducing yet another dimension, some supe groups we hadn't encountered yet, and a really nasty new antagonist. She also brought in another hero, and his story allowed Vivian's story to evolve some more as well.
Between felt very much like your favorite childhood fairytales turned on their head. Wakeworld felt less like that, but did stick to embracing the higher fantasy elements that I loved from book #1, and even took those to another level with the introduction of the new creatures, the continuing evolution of Vivian's dragon side, and more.
Like the first of the series, the book doesn't start out like a bullet, it ramps up nicely and once it hits the plateau, all bets are off and it's an edge of your seat thrill ride until the end, whereupon you'll be wishing for the next immediately.
The characters and world building of THE BETWEEN are fabulous, and the second book of the series made each stronger. Readers that enjoy their Urban Fantasy with some dragons and high fantasy elements, as well as a slightly ethereal edge will likely find Between and Wakewold enjoyable, especially if you're not looking for instant HEA's for your protagonists. :)
Now that I've sufficiently caught you up and have you all adding more books to your TBR and scoping out your favorite book seller to see how and where you can get Between and Wakeworld, how about we get to the heart of today's Event? I had a chance to sit down to talk with Vivian and Poe, and even got to say hello to Zee! Check it out…
Hello my Literal Addicts, I have a special treat for you today. I had the extreme pleasure of sitting down to talk with Vivian Maylor, one of the world's last Dream Shifters. Take a peek at the transcript of our meeting…
I pulled up to A to Zee books and parallel parked in front of the quaint building. It was a wonderful place to conduct an interview, but part of me hoped Vivian would take me to the Between or Dreamworld just for a bit.
I walked up to the front door and entered, the tiny bell above the door giving a cheerful little jingle. The store was amazing. Books from floor to ceiling giving that warm, comforting ambience only bookstores can give, and intermingled with the luscious scent of old and new tomes, a subtle lavender and vanilla scent from the candle in the corner. Hanging sculptures and wind chimes hung from the ceiling, catching the light as they twisted and turned.
I didn't immediately see anyone, so I walked up to the counter and rang the little bell there. In just a minute, a very pretty redhead came from the back room followed closely by, yes…the largest (and cutest!) penguin I had ever seen. O.K, the ONLY penguin I had ever seen.
Chelle: Vivian! *walks over to shake hands* I'm Chelle from LITERAL ADDICTION, it is so nice to finally meet you.
Vivian: *shakes hands with a firm grip, but winces a little as though this hurts and puts one hand to her chest* Sorry – war injury. Thanks for stopping by. Can I get you a cup of coffee? Poe, let the lady in.
Poe stood directly in front of me, staring up out of shiny black eyes. He didn't move on request and Vivian picked him up and carried him. We walked back to the little table and chairs set up towards the back of the store. I took a seat while she fetched us each a mug of coffee. Poe planted himself directly in front of me. I couldn't help staring at him – he didn't look like any penguin I'd ever seen.
Chelle: I am so sorry, I don't mean to be staring *turns slightly* Poe, please forgive me, it's just a bit of a shock to see you in person, and you're just so darn cute! *laughs*
Vivian: *Poe's feathers ruffle and Vivian laughs* I'm not sure he likes to be thought of as cute. More fierce and intrepid. He did save my life, you know, more than once. And he's forever walking through doors I'd prefer not to even have opened.
The penguin crawled up a short bookshelf to our right, and took up vigil amidst some crystals and knickknacks. It was obvious why Vivian had named him Poe, there he was ever sitting, never flitting…
Chelle: Forgive me. Again. *laughs* But I'm not sure where to start with the interview. There is just so much I want to ask you! Let's start with the basics. What was it like when you first found out that you were a Dreamshifter?
Vivian: I was totally lost for awhile. Couldn't get my mind around the whole thing. When I was a little kid I think I knew, but I'd talked myself around to believing it was all a dream, and that my mother was totally insane with her ramblings about Wakeworld and Dreamworld. Quite a reality shift for me, and there wasn't time to sit around and think about it.
Chelle: *motions to the pendant of a dreamcatcher and penguin hanging from Vivian's neck* Are the pendants strictly for protection, or do they serve another purpose in the Between or Dreamworld? And why do you think that the totems are what they are – birds? Is there a rhyme or reason why a certain one is attached to a Dreamshifter, for example, did you have a particular affinity for penguins before you knew about your history?
Vivian: Protection? I wish. All the pendant really does is help to anchor me in what we call reality. I know I'm in a Dreamworld when the pendant is missing, not in Wakeworld or the Between. It helps to keep things straight. *Poe scoots down off his shelf and hops up on the couch to sit by Vivian and she rests one hand on his head* I'm not at all sure the pendants always have been birds. I think my grandfather's might have been a cat. But they are always creatures who are connected to the mysteries, who can shift between realities with ease. I did have a stuffed penguin as a child. Poe looks a lot like him.
Chelle: So, you got the double whammy of having sorcerer background as well as Dreamshifter lineage. *glances to the scale markings just peeking out from the neckline of Vivian's t-shirt* I'm a little awed at ALL of your gifts, but being able to shift into a dragon has to be a bit of a rush. Can you tell me a little bit about what it's like when you make the transition, and the differences you note when in alternate form – besides the obvious of course. *laughs*
Vivian: Not so fun at all, really, when you think about it. Zee is a dragon slayer, you know, so it's a bit of an issue between us. Besides that, I find shifting a little frightening – all that raw power – and I'm afraid it will get away from me and I'll eat somebody or something. I did almost roast Weston one time. In dragon form everything is all sharp angles, nothing is soft. The colors are brighter, the smells are – textured. Like the difference between two and three dimensions. But flight – now that is a glorious and wonderful thing.
As Vivian talked about being a dragon, her eyes – already an unnerving clear amber, something like hawk eyes – started to glow, and the scale pattern spread up her neck to her jaw line. It was a little freaky and for a minute I had second thoughts about how smart it was to be up close and personal with a dragon shifter. But then Poe nudged up against her and she took a deep breath and was purely Vivian again.
Chelle: *a little breathless* Were you ever a reader of fantasy? Your time in Surmise had to have been like walking through the pages of one of those books. What was that all like for you over there – being reunited with your mother, finding out that there are alternate versions of ourselves on the other side, etc?
Vivian: I have always read fantasy. I always felt like something was missing, or that some magic was waiting just around a corner, maybe because all along I was meant to be in the Between, or in Dreamworld. So I immersed myself in fantasy books looking for that experience. When it really happened to me, though – that was different. Not like a book at all. Scary, and overwhelming. I was a little frozen for awhile there – couldn't make good decisions or do anything useful. It was all just – too much. You know?
Chelle: I can imagine! Was it a relief to find out that you weren't the last of your kind? And did you ever ask Weston why he didn't name his Raven? I'm thinking "Moore" would have been cute. *laughs*
Vivian: *Vivian laughs* I'll suggest that, next time I see him. Seriously though, Weston had convinced himself he hated the raven. Last thing in the world he wanted to do was name it – he just wanted it to go away. As for being the last of the Dreamshifters – technically I still am. Weston doesn't really want anything to do with the whole thing.
Chelle: You and Zee have a relationship that literally transcends dimensions. You've danced around the finality of it for a while, but do you think that you guys will try to work on things and take what you have to the next level?
Vivian: That's sort of personal. I'm not sure I want to answer.
A man walked out of the back room and stopped to look me over. He was tall, and even through a casual fitting t-shirt I could see serious muscles going on. Long dark hair to his shoulders, half healed scars on one cheek, and these eyes you could get lost in…
Zee: Company?
He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but a leather sword belt was slung over his hips and his right hand rested on the hilt. His tone was easy enough but there was an intensity in the way he stood there that made me glad I had an invite.
Vivian: *her eyes lock with his and there's no doubt how they feel about each other* Zee, this is Chelle. I'm pretty sure she's not secretly evil or harboring hidden powers.
Zee's eyes scanned the store – doors, windows, all of the shelves, before he relaxed a little and came to sit beside Vivian on the couch, close, but not quite touching. Poe waddled over for a head scratching. I could pretty much feel the tension buzzing between Vivian and Zee.
Chelle: *clearing her throat* So, Vivian - do you think you'll continue working at the hospital, or are your responsibilities as a Dreamshifter and your upcoming work to protect The Forever too much for you to continue? Though those 'jobs' don't pay the bills do they…
Vivian: I loved my job as an ER doc, and maybe someday I can get back to it. Right now I just don't have time. Plus, I'd always have to be explaining about my eyes and the scales, which is a hassle
Chelle: But what about finances?
Vivian: *shrugs and exchanges a glance with Zee* We've got the bookstore here and my grandfather's cabin. He left me some money, enough to pay the bills. And there's always food to be found in Dreamworld, and even in the Between.
Zee: We're hunter-gatherers of a sort. It works.
Chelle: Gotcha. *glancing at Poe* I have to ask, how do you know what he's thinking? Don't you just wish you could cast a spell and allow him to just talk to you? And how in the world do you explain walking around here with a penguin? *laughs*
Vivian: We do get strange looks if we take him out in public. We don't do that much - I'm worried somebody will try to steal him or something. I'm actually glad he doesn't talk – he'd be lecturing me all the time. Penguin stares of disapproval are bad enough
Chelle: I asked about Weston's raven earlier, but how IS Weston? Have you seen him lately?
Vivian: Weston is Weston. He's a survivor.
Chelle: What's up next for the Maylor crew?
Vivian: *a moment of silence and another look exchanged between her and Zee. His jaw tightens. She clears her throat * We're off in a few minutes, actually, just stopped back here for some supplies. We've got to stop Aidan from destroying all of the Dreamworlds. Somehow I'm going to have to get the Sorcieri to give up some secrets so we can get into the Forever. So if you'll forgive us, we really do need to be going.
Chelle: *with a glint in my eye* Before you go - do you have a Dreamsphere that I can see, and what are the chances you can take me into the Between just for a bit?
Vivian: Unfortunately, no. The ones we had were all lost, one way or another, and besides they're not safe right now. If you were in one of the Dreamsphere dreams and that sphere died – I'm not sure what would happen to you.
Chelle: The Between then? Please?
Zee: It's not safe. The Between isn't Disneyland. There are a lot of things in there that will kill you.
Vivian: And it's very unstable right now. What with the dying Dreamworlds and all, it's even more dangerous than usual.
Chelle: I understand the risks. Still – just for a minute at least?
Vivian and Zee exchanged another long glance. Talk about people who can hold a conversation with their eyes - those two were pros. After a minute, Vivian closed her eyes. She looked like she was meditating or something. And then, just like that, a door materialized in the middle of one of the book shelves. It was just an ordinary looking green door with a brass handle. Ordinary if it hadn't just appeared, anyway.
Poe waddled over to it immediately. If he'd had ears they would have been perked up – he reminded me of a dog who knows he's going out for a walk. Zee loosened the sword in its sheathe.
Vivian: You sure about this, Chelle?
I nodded, swallowing hard. I was both nervous and excited. Vivian stepped forward and opened the door. It was a strange sensation. There I was, standing in a bookstore, and through the door was the oldest, mossiest, most over grown forest I could possibly imagine. Three paths wound away into the distance, none of them straight, all overgrown with vines. Poe hopped through the door immediately and waddled off on the path to the right.
Vivian: *follows Poe* Wait! You don't know what's out there…
Zee: After you. *he gestures toward the door with his left hand and draws the sword with his right *
With Zee right behind me, I stepped through the door. The air felt different, old somehow, and I could smell trees and decaying leaves and something else, a sharp acid scent that was unfamiliar. Vivian and Poe passed out of sight around a bend. Behind me the door was still open.
Zee: Go back now, or go forward. The choice is yours…
As you can tell I got back safely. J So, how about I give away winner's choice of book from THE BETWEEN series to celebrate?
Again, because I want to give some of my mobile users who can't access Rafflecopter a chance for a bit, share about the new release (Wakeworld), the series as a whole, or Kerry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc, etc and comment HERE with the URL to your post and your email address for a chance to win. We'll check the posts and pick a random winner at the end of the Event.
Good luck, and as always… HAPPY READING!
Hello everyone! We are thrilled to be promoting for author Emma Jane Holloway again today!
About the Author"Ever since childhood, Emma Jane Holloway refused to accept that history was nothing but facts prisoned behind the closed door of time. Why waste a perfectly good playground coloring within the timelines? Accordingly, her novels are filled with whimsical impossibilities and the occasional eye-blinking impertinence—but always in the service of grand adventure.
Struggling between the practical and the artistic—a family tradition, along with ghosts and a belief in the curative powers of shortbread—Emma Jane has a degree in literature and job in finance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house crammed with books, musical instruments, and half-finished sewing projects. In the meantime, she's published articles, essays, short stories, and enough novels to build a fort for her stuffed hedgehog."
You can keep up with Emma online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.
Emma is the proud creator of the BASKERVILLE AFFAIR series!
For those of you not yet familiar with Emma's books, here is everything you need to know to get all caught up…
A Study in Silks
BASKERVILLE AFFAIR Book #1
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Evelina Cooper, the niece of the great Sherlock Holmes, is poised to enjoy her first Season in London's high society. But there's a murderer to deal with—not to mention missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse.
In a Victorian era ruled by a council of ruthless steam barons, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Nevertheless, the most coveted weapon is magic that can run machines—something Evelina has secretly mastered. But rather than making her fortune, her special talents could mean death or an eternity as a guest of Her Majesty's secret laboratories. What's a polite young lady to do but mind her manners and pray she's never found out?
But then there's that murder. As Sherlock's niece, Evelina should be able to find the answers, but she has a lot to learn. And the first decision she has to make is whether to trust the handsome, clever rake who makes her breath come faster, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything for her if she would only just ask.
A Study in Darkness
BASKERVILLE AFFAIR Book #2
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When a bomb goes off at 221B Baker Street, Evelina Cooper is thrown into her Uncle Sherlock's world of mystery and murder. But just when she thought it was safe to return to the ballroom, old, new, and even dead enemies are clamoring for a place on her dance card.
Before Evelina's even unpacked her gowns for a country house party, an indiscretion puts her in the power of the ruthless Gold King, who recruits her as his spy. He knows her disreputable past and exiles her to the rank alleyways of Whitechapel with orders to unmask his foe.
As danger mounts, Evelina struggles between hiding her illegal magic and succumbing to the darker aspects of her power. One path keeps her secure; the other keeps her alive. For rebellion is brewing, a sorcerer wants her soul, and no one can protect her in the hunting ground of Jack the Ripper.
A Study in Ashes
BASKERVILLE AFFAIR Book #3
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As part of her devil's bargain with the industrial steam barons, Evelina Cooper is finally enrolled in the Ladies' College of London. However, she's attending as the Gold King's pet magician, in handcuffs and forbidden contact with even her closest relation, the detective Sherlock Holmes.
Not even Niccolo, the dashing pirate captain, and his sentient airship can save her. But Evelina's problems are only part of a larger war. The Baskerville Affair is finally coming to light, and the rebels are making their move to wrest power from the barons and restore it to Queen Victoria. Missing heirs and nightmare hounds are the order of the day—or at least that's what Dr. Watson is telling the press.
But their plans are doomed unless Evelina escapes to unite her magic with the rebels' machines—and even then her powers aren't what they used to be. A sorcerer has awakened a dark hunger in Evelina's soul, and only he can keep her from endangering them all. The only problem is…he's dead.
Interests piqued? They should be!! I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and can't wait to find the time to get lost in it some more. Make sure you add them to your TBR lists, but for the rest of today, I have a special treat for you. I had the opportunity to sit down to chat with Evelina Cooper, heroine extraordinaire of THE BASKERVILLE AFFAIR series. Check it out!!
CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH EVELINA COOPER (and guests):
**Tiny spoiler alert** There are some things in here that could give away the final outcome of some of Emma Jane's free reads. Nothing earth shattering, but if you don't want to know, don't read this!
Today's meet and greet is a little bit different. I mean how many times do you think I'd actually have the chance to visit London proper in the time of Steam Baron dictatorship and clockwork craziness? The hardest part for me, sorta, was trying to find something to wear. I mean I know Carla and I did this once before in London proper above the drift with Cherry St. Clair, but somehow, this meant a little more to me. I knew that Evelina Cooper couldn't give a good goddamn what I was wearing, but I did…
After finding just the right gown, not too formal, not too casual, I set out to find 221B Baker Street where Evelina now lived with her uncle Sherlock. Yes THAT Sherlock (you see why I'm excited!!?).
Arriving exactly 5 minutes early, I rang the bell and was greeted by a polite, middle-aged woman who appeared to be the housekeeper. She introduced herself as Mrs. Hudson and led me into the townhouse to a living area that spoke volumes of the man who resided there.
There was a table littered with scientific equipment in one corner, a chaotic desk littered with paper next to the equipment, a fireplace with a large bear skin rug in front of it, a settee and pipe rack on one side of the fireplace, a basket chair on the other side, and a table and chairs facing the street that I entered from. It was all very cozy, in a frenzied sort of way.
I took a seat where I could, and waited for my hostess.
Evelina came strolling in, a train case in one hand and a smile on her face. Her gorgeous dark hair was cascading down her back in beautiful waves, her blue eyes glittered with amusement, and the green day gown she was wearing was the perfect color to compliment her perfect porcelain skin.
Chelle: Hi Evelina, thank you so very much for meeting with me today. My readers will be thrilled to learn some more about you!
Evelina: About me? Good gracious, you mean you aren't here to see my uncle about a case?
Chelle: I suppose I should formally introduce myself huh!? I'm Michelle from LITERAL ADDICTION, though everyone calls me Chelle.
Evelina: Oh, yes, of course! Pardon me, I'm afraid my mind was quite occupied with a trifle I'm constructing in the workshop. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.
She greeted me warmly and then took a seat across from where I had perched.
Mrs. Hudson arrived right then with a gorgeous tea service and the spicy aroma of the tea was making my mouth water. Evelina and I helped ourselves to a couple of cups and then I settled in for the interview.
Chelle: You had quite the childhood huh!? Can you tell us a little bit about being with Ploughman's Circus? What did you do as a performer? What was it like?
Evelina: Life with the circus is both harder and easier than you might expect. These days, travel is done by railroad—what an improvement!—but performers are expected to do three shows a day and move around constantly during tenting season, which is from April to November. It's a demanding way of living.
My father actually ran away from the circus to join the army. I think he still had a bit of the showman about him, because he was promoted in the field to captain for conspicuous bravery. Later, he convinced my mother to elope with him—he must have been dashing in uniform and talked a very good line. I'm sorry I never got to know him.
Of course, after he was killed, my poor mother was in disgrace and couldn't go home. She'd married beneath her and without permission, and her parents would not take her back. So, we ended up living with my father's family at Ploughman's. Some years later, my mother died of a fever.
After that, my Gran Cooper raised me. She was the fortune teller and sold amulets and love spells. It was a good childhood with a lot of affection, even though Ploughman's is a small circus and money was very tight. I began training to rope walk and do routines on the trapeze, but I had only just started to perform in public when my Grandmamma Holmes arrived unexpectedly. She plucked me from the circus and sent me to the Wollaston Academy for Young Ladies. And there you have my life story to date!
Chelle: When did your interest in Clockwork start? [glances at train case] And did you by any chance bring Mouse and Bird to talk with us a bit? [bounces a bit excitedly]
Evelina: My Grandfather Cooper fixed all the mechanical devices at the circus—the calliope and the clockwork figurines—and showed me what he knew. At the same time, my Gran taught me how to use magic. You see, many circus families, including the Coopers, inherit the ability to work spells and talk to nature spirits, also known as devas. I got the idea of combining the two talents and the rest was … well Mouse and Bird can and do speak for themselves. Relentlessly. [opens train case and peers inside] Hello?
A mechanical bird about four inches long flutters from the train case, followed by a small clockwork mouse. Even though they are made of metal, they move with the grace of living beings.
Evelina: Chelle, may I introduce Mouse and Bird.
[Both creatures preen and bow.]
Mouse: Delighted, fair lady, to meet a member of the press.
Bird: Enchanté.
Mouse: Giddy with pleasure.
Bird: [Hops to the top of the train case and down again, obviously excited.] Do we get our pictures taken?
Mouse: [Putting paws on hips] Of course not, you ambulatory omelet. What good will we be on the job if we've got our faces all over the morning paper? We're spies, remember?
Bird: Then why are we being interviewed?
Mouse: All the best spies have clandestine interviews. One has to whet the public appetite from time to time, dropping bons-bons of gossip about the nation's celebrities. It's the done thing.
Bird: [Fluffs with irritation.] Why? This makes no sense to me.
Mouse: A spy is only as good as his information. A crumb to public curiosity is an earnest of what we might do if truly pushed to wield our power.
Bird: Our power? I think you've been reading too many thrillers. Seriously, what kind of hideous information do you think we have?
Mouse: [sniffs] The incident in the gazebo at midnight.
Bird: What, that Mr. Holmes was using the landlady's geraniums as an ashtray?
Mouse: No, the other thing. [whiskers twitching with irritation]
Bird: The one involving the Society for the Proliferation of Impertinent Events?
Mouse: Not those buffoons.
Bird: The Italian soprano?
Mouse: Heavens, no.
Bird: [gasps] You don't mean . . .
Evelina: [Scoops up the two creatures and stuffing them unceremoniously back in the train case.] I think we've heard enough from those two. They do run on sometimes.
Chelle: But that was just getting interesting! What secret was Bird about to tell?
Evelina: [Slams the lid shut and sets the teapot on top of it. Sounds of frustrated banging emerge from the case. Evelina smiles sweetly.] Do you have other questions for me?
Chelle: So now that you're done with Wollaston and have been presented to the Queen, what are your thoughts on the Season?
Evelina: I expect the Season will be filled with dancing and parties for those who can attend. But that's not for me. There's a bit of fallout from a case that I shared with my uncle—it ended in a rather upsetting fashion. I've been warned to leave London for a while.
Chelle: Your heart was a little torn in two directions - the golden boy Tobias Roth, and the dark and mysterious Nick [no last name]. I know the heart wants what the heart wants, but is it hard for you to know that you probably can't have either?
Evelina: [shakes head sadly] There's no easy answer to that! Tobias is brilliant and you have to admit he's lovely to look at. Plus, we share a love of mechanics. But he's Lord Bancroft's heir. His father would never allow a marriage so far beneath their family name.
And Nick—I thought there might have been a future for us once, but our magic isn't compatible. Every time we get close, the devas go wild. It's like a dozen poltergeists tearing everything apart. And of course, the use of magic is punishable by death or a stint at Her Majesty's Laboratories as a test subject. It's impossible for Nick and I to keep our talents hidden when furniture is flying across the room. People notice that sort of thing.
I will always love both of them, but marrying either one would be a disaster—and I don't want to be with anyone else. I think it's up to me to make a future for myself.
Chelle: O.K, seriously, what's it like to be Sherlock Holmes' niece? [smiles]
Evelina: It's interesting. [laughs ruefully] He doesn't suffer fools gladly, so it can be a bit, um, humbling sometimes. But we don't try to change each other and he's always been there when I really need him. It's a bit like having a willful cat around, but one who leaves a lot of pipe smoke and newspapers behind.
Chelle: What are you going to do about Dr. Symeon Magnus? He seems to have his eye on you, and from what I've seen and heard, he's a little scary! [shudders]
Evelina: Dr. Magnus is a sorcerer versed in death magic. He keeps telling me he wants to continue my magical education from where Gran Cooper left off, but my answer is a very firm No thank you!
Chelle: You are learning a lot from your uncle I'm sure, but you most certainly have your own style of investigating. How do you plan things out, etc when you have a mystery to solve? You did very well with the zombie debacle at the Wollaston Academy.
Evelina: [Cautiously lifts the teapot off the train case and refills their teacups] Uncle Sherlock is always talking about his methods, and I do try to use some of those. However, a young lady doesn't have the freedom of movement that he does, so I created Mouse and Bird to gather information on my behalf. To borrow a modern phrase, you could say that I'm still on a learning curve, but I'm starting to develop some skills.
Chelle: What do you think the future is for London with the Steam Barons controlling each and every little piece and their streetkeepers making it virtually impossible to do anything they don't know about?
Evelina: [sinks back in chair with a sigh] There is a lot of grumbling among the citizens of London, both the rich and poor. You can't make the cost of living impossibly high and take away every alternative people have without protests. If the steam barons keep it up, they're going to have a full-scale rebellion on their hands. I've heard the name Baskerville associated with a resistance movement, so I think it's already begun. They're very mysterious, though. No one has any idea who is behind it.
Chelle: So, yes, let's gossip a bit about your best friend. [giggles] How are you feeling about Imogen and her new beau?
Evelina: I am delighted for Imogen. I don't know Bucky Penner as well as she does—obviously!—but he makes her happy in the way she deserves. The only difficulty is that, while he has money, education, and manners, he's a commoner. Imogen's father would much rather marry her off to someone who is a lord. I see trouble ahead for those two.
Chelle: What's next for you? You've moved in with Sherlock, you're still working on melding your magic and your machines, your dating prospects are slightly out of reach currently – no offense intended – are you still focused on going to University?
Evelina: Yes, absolutely. I've told you a little bit about my family—the magical circus side and the rational, scientific side. I believe getting an education is my best chance to reconcile these two halves of myself. After all what is magic but science we don't yet understand?
Who knows what I might accomplish? The steam barons would love to get their hands on the secret of driving machines with magic, and I've already done that with Mouse and Bird. I wonder how far they'd go to get that secret?
Chelle: I wish you all the best. [glances at clockwork watch] Wow, look at the time! I certainly don't want to take up your whole afternoon. Thank you so very much for sitting down with me today, and letting me get some information to share with my readers about the wonderful Miss Evelina Cooper. If the Baskerville Affair ever comes to pass, I would certainly like to sit down with you again and pick your brilliant brain.
Evelina: Thank you so much, Chelle, for calling on me. Please do come back again!
I said my goodbyes and Evelina led me back to the door herself, waving off Mrs. Hudson who wished to do it for her. She gave me a sweet smile and wishes for safe travels home and I left to find my carriage.
Comment on this post and you'll be entered into a draw for a copy of one book from The Baskerville Affair trilogy – your choice of title and format. Giveaway is international.
Make sure to leave your email address in the comments so we can contact the winner!!
Visit Emma's web page: http://www.emmajaneholloway.com/Look here for free short stories and excerpts from the Baskerville Affair universe!
Good luck, and as always… HAPPY READING!


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Tag Archives: Philz Coffee
Berkeley's first parklet opens in the Gourmet Ghetto
It's been a long time coming, but Berkeley today welcomed its first ever permanent parklet.
The enclosed sitting and eating area is located outside the ever-popular Cheese Board Collective at 1520 Shattuck Ave. in the city's Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood.
"It is lovely!" said Colleen Neff who took some of the photos shown here. … Continue reading »
Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses
BLUE NOTE MUSIC After 21 years of service, Blue Note Music, at 2556 Telegraph Ave., is closing down. The store specialized in high-quality new, used and vintage guitars and amplifiers. Workers at Blue Note were trained musicians dedicated to selling — and repairing — quality guitars at discounted prices. The store's hours were reduced a while back and business has been slow, according to the owner. Employees will still work on an appointment-only basis from an unspecified location on Seventh Street. Tel. 510-644 2583 (Hat tip: Steve Taylor) … Continue reading »
Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses
GLOBAL EXCHANGE REORGANIZED The Global Exchange on the corner of Russell Street and College Avenue recently reorganized its interior to make the store feel more open and better showcase the artwork on sale. The bulky display pieces were taken out to open up floor and wall space, according to lead sales associate Lauren Matley. While it used to feel "cozy, like a marketplace," the space is now "happy and light," said Matley. The inventory is also more modern, with less emphasis on tribal crafts. Global Exchange, an international human rights organization "dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world," has two stores in the Bay Area. The San Francisco store opened in 1989 and the College Avenue store opened in 1991. Both places sell crafts made by artisans from around the world. … Continue reading »
West Berkeley Philz Coffee: Now officially open
West Berkeley's Gilman Street commercial corridor is getting busy, with Whole Foods Market set to open in November, and a new Philz Coffee outlet officially opening today, July 29.
Philz, at 1313 Ninth St., held a soft opening celebration Monday, and gave away free cookies and coffee to attendees from noon to 4 p.m. It's the second Philz location in Berkeley, joining the Shattuck Avenue Philz in the Gourmet Ghetto, which opened in 2010.
Philz founder Phil Jaber was in attendance Monday, along with his son, Philz CEO Jacob Jaber, and many other members of the Philz team. Dozens of friends, supporters and other community members stopped by for a sip and a bite, and to check out the new shop throughout the afternoon. … Continue reading »
Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses
BELLHOPS Moving just got a little easier. In May, Bellhops set up operations in Berkeley. Using a business model akin to Uber or Lyft, the company hires local college students, or "bellhops," to provide customers with moving help. The company started three years ago in Auburn, Alabama, and rapidly expanded to 145 cities across the country. Currently, around 80 UC Berkeley students are available for customers within 15 miles of campus, according to co-founder Matt Paterson. Operations are decentralized, and the company doesn't own any trucks or garages, but its employees can rent moving vans if the customer requests it. As Patterson puts it, Bellhops is perfect for those who don't need a professional service and instead could just use some helping hands. And the company recognizes that letting strangers handle your possessions can be nerve-racking, which is why it sends customers pictures and profiles of bellhops before they arrive. Trust and exceptional customer service are central to the company's mission, said Patterson. … Continue reading »
Berkeley's first 2 parklets to open this fall
Sometime in the early fall, coffee-sippers and pizza-eaters may find themselves sitting outside at one of Berkeley's two new parklets.
If all things go to plan, the first one is set to open in front of the Cheese Board Collective at 1520 Shattuck Ave. in the city's Gourmet Ghetto, according to the North Shattuck Association's Executive Director Heather Hensley. A second parklet will open in front of Philz Coffee at 1600 Shattuck, and at Guerilla Café (1620 Shattuck) soon after. They will be maintained by the adjacent businesses but will be open to non-customers too.
No bigger than a few parking spaces, these miniature urban parks are extensions of the existing sidewalk and provide additional seating and green space for pedestrians. … Continue reading »
Bites: What's new in East Bay food, XXXIX
ALAMAR KITCHEN & BAR alaMar, which will focus on "sustainable seafood dishes designed to be shared and eaten by hand," is set to open in Uptown Oakland early in 2014. Owner and executive chef Nelson German, an alum of Supperclub San Francisco who most recently worked in New York, said he has been inspired by his travels to the Mediterranean where he savored "the sheer simplicity of seafood served with a flavorful sauce and a slice of perfectly grilled bread." The menu at alaMar (which means "to the sea" in Spanish) is likely to include dishes such as Local Dungeness Crab with Ginger Scallion Butter and Lemon Thyme in the winter, and Crawfish with Meyer Lemon Romesco Sauce in the summer. Desserts could be one-biters such as Mini Guinness Fried Ice Cream "Dibs". For lunch, think rustic artisanal sandwiches like Salt and Pepper Squid Panini and there might be Grilled Cheese Benedict for brunch. Carrie Shores of Larson Shores Architecture is working on an industrial-style decor in homage to Oakland's status as a port city. alaMar will be at 100 Grand Avenue. Follow its progress on the alaMar Facebook page. … Continue reading »
Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses
PHILZ COFFEE Philz Coffee is set to open a second Berkeley shop (its first is at 1600 Shattuck Ave. at Cedar) in the Gilman District Project at 9th and Gilman in West Berkeley that will also house Whole Foods and Office Depot. Matt Holmes from Retail West, who is working with the developers of the project, said they could have chosen any major coffee chain but decided to select "a more artisan and community minded tenant like Philz Coffee." Philz, which has 14 Bay Area locations, is expanding following a multi-million dollar investment announced earlier this year. More businesses look likely to move in to the Gilman District Project. According to Holmes, they are still looking for a "unique chef-driven fast casual concept" for a 3,100 square foot space in the building, which used to be a bread factory. The new Philz Coffee will be at 1313 9th Street, Suite 110, near Gilman. … Continue reading »
North Berkeley merchants want parklets for the people
Businesses in the Gourmet Ghetto are keen to jump on the parklet bandwagon — bringing outdoor seating to the streets for espresso sippers, pizza eaters, and world watchers in lieu of parking spots — but must first wait for the city to come up with a process for making the spaces available.
So-called parklets — slivers of open space sprouting in cities around the globe — are a big trend in urban design, with San Francisco's Pavement to Parks leading the way locally, and Oakland following suit (a pilot program is under review there.) Berkeley is a little late to the take-back-the-public-space movement but eager to come up with its own ideas to beautify public areas where community members can congregate. Leading the charge is the North Shattuck Association, which is helping businesses in its café- and restaurant-heavy district organize around the concept.
"The parklets pilot project was conceived by the association based on our experience with hosting temporary parklets during past years on Park(ing) Day and the Spice of Life Festival," said Heather Hensley, executive director of the association.
Park(ing) Day is an international movement conceived to help city residents around the world reimagine the humble parking space. One day each fall, D.I.Y., creative urbanistas are encouraged to transform parking spots into parks, playgrounds, pop-up cafés — anything other than a lowly (though coveted) place for cars. Park(ing) Day parklets have sprouted in Berkeley in past years in front of the Cheese Board Collective and the late Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food. … Continue reading »
Tagged Berkeley dining, Berkeley parks, Cathy Goldsmith, Cheese Board Collective, Coffee, Downtown Berkeley, Eric Angstadt, Gourmet Ghetto, Guerilla Cafe, Heather Hensley, Masse's Pastries, North Berkeley, North Shattuck Association, parklets, Philz Coffee, Saul's Delicatessen, Shattuck Avenue, Spice of Life Festival
Cool Berkeley coffee joints to get your caffeine on
As home to the first Peet's, opened in 1966, Berkeley has always been a coffee lovers' town. Espresso, Americano, soy lattes — you can find almost any variation on brewed coffee in almost any neighborhood in Berkeley.
Some call the recent resurgence in coffee connoisseurship the Third Wave of coffee. First came Peet's. Then came Starbucks. And now there are a host of independent coffee roasters – Blue Bottle, Four Barrel, Ritual, Ecco, Sightglass, and Barefoot among them.
Refinery29, an online fashion and lifestyle magazine, recently ran a feature titled "13 Cool East Bay Coffee Joints To Get Your Caffeine On," detailing some of the great coffee shops in the region. Four were from Berkeley.
Here's an excerpt from Angela Tafayo's piece:
Guerilla Café
Guerilla Café is an earthy café nestled in the heart of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto. Pouring Blue Bottle coffee and boasting a wide range of preparations (from European to Latin American), this spot oozes the worldly vibe that coffee enthusiasts crave. Its noms are nothing to sneeze at either — fresh, healthy ingredients, and a clear view of the kitchen means great food in a warm and cozy environment, marked by a stunning bright-blue mural.
Guerilla Café, 1620 Shattuck Avenue (between Lincoln and Cedar streets), Berkeley; 510-845-2233. … Continue reading »
Let roast rage begin: Philz Coffee opens in Berkeley
SFoodie is predicting swords drawn at dawn — or at least fierce barista competitions — with the opening of Philz Coffee in North Berkeley yesterday (pictured above).
The store — its seventh — takes over the Cafe de la Paz space at 1600 Shattuck at Cedar and is within a few feet of Guerilla Coffee (which serves Blue Bottle), and not a million miles away from the original Peet's.
Co-owner Jacob Jaber said Philz was already pulling in the … Continue reading »

subset: commoncrawl


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For More Information On Grandefield
Beautiful custom home on large 1/2 acre homesite now available in the beautiful Grandefield community. Open family floorplan designed for casual Florida lifestyle. Grandefield is a private gated community with walking trails, tennis court and park. Home constructed by Lenox Custom Builders with full builder's warranty upon completion. Features include upgraded kitchen appliances, including 22cf side by side refrigerator, glass top range and microwave, roll-out shelving in kitchen, ceramic tile foyers, kitchen and baths, granite countertops, walk-in shower in Master Bath, oversized laundry room with tub and storage, and upgraded landscaping package with automatic sprinkler system.
Brand new. Built by Lenox Builders for the 2013 Parade of Homes. Full Builder's Warranty included.
For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing, Contact
Tom Eleazer
Discover Florida Realty, LLC


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Library: Net
Package: Mail
Header: Poco/Net/MailStream.h
This class is used for writing E-Mail messages to a SMTP server. All occurences of "\r\n.\r\n" are replaced with "\r\n..\r\n".
Direct Base Classes: MailIOS, std::ostream
All Base Classes: MailIOS, std::ios, std::ostream
Inherited Functions: close, rdbuf
std::ostream & ostr
Creates the MailOutputStream and connects it to the given input stream.
Destroys the MailOutputStream.


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Casper, WY- Please join the Wyoming Cavalry Professional Indoor Football team in welcoming Quinn Cairo as Defensive Coordinator. Cairo will also assume the role of strength and conditioning coach. Cairo,
a Texas native, currently makes his home in Las Vegas, NV where he is personal trainer and group exercise instructor for the local YMCA. "I am very excited about joining such a great organization," says Cairo. "Coach
L and I will work very hard to keep the great Cavalry traditions intact and to make the great Wyoming fans proud!"
Cairo's football playing career began at Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, TX, where he earned All-District honors as a wide receiver. Cairo went on to play college football at Cisco Junior College, earning
JUCO honorable mention All-American honors, and then on to the University of Wisconsin. He was a member of the 1997 Minnesota Vikings before playing with the Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and the Grand Rapids
Rampage (AFL). "Coach Cairo is a great addition to the Wyoming Cavalry staff," says Head Coach Ryan Lingenfelder. "His knowledge of the game, specifically as it pertains to this league, and his leadership style
are a great fit. We share the same philosophies as to the type of talent we want to bring to Casper and as to the type of team we want to build for the betterment of the Wyoming communities."
Cairo's most recent coaching experience was with the Allen Wranglers, another Indoor Football League (IFL) team. He was hired for the 2011 season as the defensive coordinator. During his
tenure in Allen, he also served as special teams coach, strength and conditioning coach, and he became the interim head coach during the latter part of the 2012 season. The Cavalry played against Cairo's Wrangler
defense in the first round of the playoffs during the 2011 season, coming up on the short end of the 20-27 score.
Cairo also taught physical education and coached at Arbor Christian Academy in Amarillo, TX for two seasons (2010-2011). He served as the varsity WR coach, varsity DB coach, special teams coach and the
JV head coach.
In addition, Cairo was the Youth Program Leader and served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA and the Teen Pregnancy Coalition in Amarillo. He was a keynote speaker at various programs, speaking on
topics such as 'The Importance of Abstinence'; 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'; and 'Gang Prevention'.
Prior to joining the Allen Wranglers, Cairo spent the 2010 season as the defensive coordinator for the Amarillo Venom (IFL).
He spent the 2009 season as the defensive coordinator for the Corpus Christi Sharks (AF2).
Cairo's coaching career began with the Amarillo Dusters (Intense Football League) in 2004; he was hired as the quality control coach.
In 2005, the Dusters joined AF2; Cairo served as WR/DB coach thru the 2007 season. In 2008, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.
"We look forward to introducing Coach Cairo to Wyoming and to our fans," says General Manager, Mike Layton. "We know he'll do a good job on the football field, but we are particularly excited about his
background working with, coaching and mentoring kids."
The Cavalry are entering their 14th year of providing professional indoor football to the fans of Wyoming. They currently play in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Games are played at the Casper Events Center
on Mtn. View Regional Hospital Field. "Our ownership group and our supporters continue to be devoted to keeping this form of great, family sports entertainment in Wyoming," says Director of Business Operations,
Argeri Layton. "We all believe the Cavalry is an important asset to Casper and Wyoming, and we look forward to the 2013 season and beyond. We are thankful for all the volunteers, the fans, the sponsors, and the
supporters who are instrumental in our success and in our ability to keep the Cavalry in Wyoming."
singing the National Anthem at the Cavalry games should also call or email our office," continued Layton.


text:
Movie News
BATMAN: LIVE coming to your city sometime 2012-ish?
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here. This is not strictly movie news, but it's certainly cool news. BATMAN LIVE is being planned by WB/DC. Wait, wait... don't go yet! Listen to this...
It's not a musical, but "an elaborate arena production," according to The Heat Vision Blog at THR. And it's being written by BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES' Alan Burnett. He also had a hand in the script for BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM.
Now, the Batman animated series is arguably the best treatment Batman has ever received outside of the comic book format and I'm sure Burnett is a big reason for that (other big reasons are Paul Dini, who also wrote the fantastic BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM video game, and Bruce Timm, of course).
It's supposed to be a touring show along the lines of MAMMA MIA and WALKING WITH DINOSAURS. In fact, the companies behind those shows are going to be involved... does that mean a giant animatronic Killer Croc? God, I hope so.
All I know is that I want this to see what they come up with. I'd wager with that pedigree it isn't going to be a cheesefest like the live on-tour stuff I saw as a kid...
Yikes, that's the first time I've listened to any of that stuff since I was, like, 10 years old.
So, yeah. No doubt it'll be better than the COMING OUT OF OUR SHELLS tour, thank Christ.
Scuttlebutt has the tour launching near the release of Christopher Nolan's third Batman Film, so it could be 2011/2012-ish.
What do you folks think?
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Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
+ Expand All
April 26, 2010, 5:52 a.m. CST
Don't be afraid to use your nails boys
by RedBull_Werewolf
I love me some batman, even if it's campy batman
April 26, 2010, 5:52 a.m. CST
by irishraidersfan
An awful, awful idea. Batman on ice, effectively. A waste of effort...
April 26, 2010, 5:56 a.m. CST
I like the idea.
by hallmitchell
I've heard the Jim Steinman songs. I think they are great. Not that they are being used in this production.
April 26, 2010, 5:59 a.m. CST
Batman TAS FTW
by Porco Drunko
Own them all on DVD and rewatching them again for the first time since I was a teen, just blown away at how awesome that series is. Just gorgeous animation, great writing, perfect pacing for the most part, and just stunning character design.
Wasn't a fan of the changes made for the female characters in the fourth season, but I did like the redesign for the penguin, and the CGI just didn't look right. Wasn't bad CGI, but you could always see the difference and the hand drawn animation was so beautiful why fuck it up with CG.

April 26, 2010, 5:59 a.m. CST
Batman with Jazz hands?
by TresEquis
That's what this sounds like. Or, the "Batdance" video by Prince, circa 1989.
April 26, 2010, 6:02 a.m. CST
Funny I was thinking of TMNT on Tour before I clicked
by TheJudger
on the headline and saw it linked. Glad to hear it's not a musical. Bet this Batman wont be as good as disney's indiana show, or six flags batman show or uni's waterworld show..
April 26, 2010, 6:06 a.m. CST
2012 does not exist in this dojo
by Cobra--Kai
Wonder if 2012 will also see the new Nolan bat movie? Could be a nice bit of synergy...
 At any rate a touring show like this can't help but keep BAT-MAN alive in the cultural eye... i'm sure it'll be a great day out for all the family.
April 26, 2010, 6:10 a.m. CST
I take it Adam West doesn't need a fresh gig
by Rocco Curioso
... as "Family Guy" will not be cancelled (for the 3rd and final time) until around 2017. Just get Nolan and Bale & Co. back together (incl. Guy Pearce as The Riddler), make the third movie with equal style and class as "The Dark Knight", then bury Batman once and for all. That done and gone, I would gladly volunteer as a pallbearer.
April 26, 2010, 6:22 a.m. CST
I just don't like live shows
by ballyhoo
All tension, all suspense, all comedy, all drama... just disappears without the benefits of editing and closeups, etc.
April 26, 2010, 6:26 a.m. CST
Six Flags
by zyuray2
I always enjoyed the live stunt shows they had at Six Flags.
April 26, 2010, 6:28 a.m. CST
There should be a live pencil trick demonstration
by PTSDPete
Either that, or none at all....
April 26, 2010, 6:29 a.m. CST
And it's in 3D!!
by zyuray2
And you don't even need glasses!! Come on, you know some WB exec is gonna pitch this as part of the promotion.
April 26, 2010, 6:33 a.m. CST
by Bouncy X
i remember being pissed that i couldnt go see this when it came to my city. i still vividly remember the day i got their album, it was a pizza hut exclusive so i convinced mom to take me there for lunch just so i could get the cassette. thats also the day the eye doctor said i needed glasses, still never got any and my eyesight is just as good as it was then so ha..take that. :P
April 26, 2010, 6:37 a.m. CST
Will there be music by Prince?! ......heh,heh
by JDanielP
I feel like singing and dancing!
No, not really.
April 26, 2010, 6:39 a.m. CST
Ain't It Manbaby News
by LaserPants
You know what separates this from Disney On Ice? NOTHING.
April 26, 2010, 6:40 a.m. CST
Who are the ad wizards...
by wampa 1
...that came up with this one?
April 26, 2010, 6:44 a.m. CST
by Darth Busey
You know, if they ever did a campy Batman Broadway musical, Travolta would be a good Joker.
April 26, 2010, 6:45 a.m. CST
Wouldn't this be called a Play?
by L. Ron Bumquist
They traditionally happen in what are known as Theatres. They have been around for a while.
April 26, 2010, 6:51 a.m. CST
Yeah, I saw this at Six Flags a decade and a half
by jimbojones123
Ago as well. No thanks.
April 26, 2010, 6:52 a.m. CST
What could e interesting is...
by rcazzy
If they adapted the Arkham Asylum: A Serious House story and made the show have real creepy elements worked with Batman fighting Croc and others every so often, maybe having creepyamadeus Arkham talking, going from Arkham as a young man scenes, then to Batman roaming the mansion looking for Joker scenes.
April 26, 2010, 6:53 a.m. CST
Batman TAS > Nolan Films
by brobdingnag
And its not eve3n close.
April 26, 2010, 7:08 a.m. CST
I agree TAS > Nolan
by ominus
April 26, 2010, 7:12 a.m. CST
That's 'cause...
by daggor
Kevin Conroy > Christian Bale
April 26, 2010, 7:14 a.m. CST
Daggor, you're wrong.
by rcazzy
You're not emphasising the Conroy>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Bale in Batman terms.
April 26, 2010, 7:20 a.m. CST
So it's like those circus-ish live performance with lip-synch?
by ricarleite2
Those make me CRINGE in embarassment.
April 26, 2010, 7:20 a.m. CST
Anything in an area stinks - except rock concerts & rodeos
by JonChambers
BATMAN? You have to be sucking kidding. It'll be like the Universal Tour kiddie show!
April 26, 2010, 7:24 a.m. CST
Son of a bitch
by Dharma4
I thought BATMAN: LIVES was the title of the next Nolan Batman film.
April 26, 2010, 7:33 a.m. CST
disney have been doing this for years..
by emeraldboy
through kenneth feld. he has links to the us govt.
April 26, 2010, 7:35 a.m. CST
More like Turtles Coming Out Of The Closet.
by RedEgiraahgnal
April 26, 2010, 7:46 a.m. CST
saw a live show in the early 80's
by Loosejerk
It was part Looney Tunes, part Batman and Robin. I don't remember if Batman was more Superfriends or Adam West. I got a neat hat/mask from it. I think I found the coloring book/program from it not too long ago.
April 26, 2010, 7:50 a.m. CST
Who the hell greenlit that TMNT Concert?!?!
by DK1138
I mean, really? I wanted to see the turtles kick the crap out of things when I was a kid not sing horribly tedious songs
April 26, 2010, 7:52 a.m. CST
Dark Knight Sequel
by dcsmith
I've written a sequel to "The Dark Knight" and know absolutely no one in the business of filmmaking... what do I do with it? (inserting it into a bodily orifice has already been considered, so please suggest something else)
April 26, 2010, 7:57 a.m. CST
Quint, you saw that when you were 10?
by dr sauch
You're not that much older than me!
April 26, 2010, 8 a.m. CST
There were quite a few bad episodes of B:TAS
by Chewtoy
...and I mean really bad ones, in hindsight. And yet I'd still agree that, overall, it easily beats Nolan's interpretation. That said, I was never wild about Mask of the Phantasm. It's got pacing issues which leaves it feeling on the lifeless side. The best television episodes, however, were concentrated awesomeness that Nolan's Batman hasn't matched.
April 26, 2010, 8:01 a.m. CST
Mark Hamill
by Sirmausalot
As the Joker, LIVE. you know you want to see it.
April 26, 2010, 8:09 a.m. CST
So its not a musical
by MAD_MIKE
But will it be like one of those Western Adventure things you see when you go on a big studio tour?
April 26, 2010, 8:21 a.m. CST
So it'll be like Epcot's Indy Stunt Show...
by little_lebowski
... except with Batman, and on tour? Huh...
April 26, 2010, 8:28 a.m. CST
So Bat-capades?
by Ringworm
a batman circus for little kids from the creators of walking with dinosaurs? ten million dollars a night, easily.
April 26, 2010, 8:29 a.m. CST
Bruce Timm and Paul Dini were the real talent behind B:TAS
by DEX
Alan Burnett tried to do Batman without them and we got the awful Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman! This is probably a mistake.
April 26, 2010, 8:40 a.m. CST
by Ghostpirate
I would love to see an arena show like this. And if I don't love it my kids will. Walking with Dinosaurs was fairly awesome and there is alot that can be done with Batman in this format!
April 26, 2010, 8:49 a.m. CST
Coming Out of Your Shell was the shit
by terry1978
All you fuckers under 30 don't even know, man.....when that was announced, we were clamoring to go see this thing.
April 26, 2010, 8:51 a.m. CST
Wow, never did see that TMNT stage show
by jim
I'm guessing the target audience was 3-6 year olds. I can only imagine how incredibly disappointing that show would be to any kid who was an actual fan of the franchise. You think you're going to see some sort of live action version of the movies and cartoons - fighting, weapons, acrobatics. After all, the N in TMNT stands for Ninja, right. However, instead of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you get the Teenage Mutant Jem Turtles.
April 26, 2010, 8:52 a.m. CST
Westside Gotham
by boogel
*snap*snap*snap* Gonna get the Joker *snap*snap*snap* Gonna make him pay *snap*snap*snap* Gonna make him fear the BAT! today *snap*snap*snap*
April 26, 2010, 8:53 a.m. CST
little, must Disney nerd out, but
by jimbojones123
Disney Hollywood Studios houses Indy. Epcot has no Indy. Although Morrocco could house the Disneyland Indy ride.
April 26, 2010, 8:53 a.m. CST
by Pig_Ignorant
Here's hoping it will be released before the apocalypse is upon us.
April 26, 2010, 8:56 a.m. CST
It will come to your town
by Pig_Ignorant
before fire rains down upon us all, I mean. I should really read the whole bloody article first, shouldn't I.
April 26, 2010, 9:09 a.m. CST
Could actually be kind of cool
by jimmy_009
As long as they take it seriously. I might actually attend such an event.
April 26, 2010, 9:34 a.m. CST
Didn't they already do this....
by Alkeoholic77
At Six Flags theme parks around the country? The Batman stunt show was horrible.
April 26, 2010, 9:35 a.m. CST
by Immortal_Fish
They could do the trailer in the monster truck announcer voice.
April 26, 2010, 9:40 a.m. CST
The Steinman Batman musical
by MrPaisley
Read and weep. http://www.freewebs.com/batman_themusical/home.htm
April 26, 2010, 9:46 a.m. CST
On a tangent: Michael Keaton was the only straight Batman
by Chewtoy
Movie-wise, at least. (I'll give the cartoon a pass... too many episodes to judge, and too many limits from network censors.)

In any event, I contend that Keaton was the only actor who made me believe that Batman actually wanted to get hot and sweaty with his love interest for the film, be it Vicky Vale or Catwoman. Even with George Clooney in the cape, it was obvious that Schumacher was more into the Batman/Robin dynamic. The Schumacher ones probably go without saying, even with George Clooney in the cape. The Nolan ones would have been perfectly fine with an asexual Batman, but someone decided he really needed his own Mary Jane love from childhood that could tragically never be. There is zero chemistry to any Rachel Dawes/Bruce Wayne scene in either movie. I'd believe they were brother and sister more readily than I'd believe they ever tried to imagine each other nude. Every love interest after Keaton's Batman has come across as a studio-mandated beard. (All of which makes me kind of wary about the possibility of Nolan trying to use Catwoman in the next film... onscreen male/female lustful attraction does not seem to be in his repertoire.

Not that this tangent should imply that I find anything stereotypical about live on stage theatrical productions. It's probably just coincidence that this subject occurred to me...
April 26, 2010, 9:48 a.m. CST
"This board needs an edit function"--every talkbacker
by Chewtoy
So yeah, one of those sentences about Clooney should have been deleted. Sorry.
April 26, 2010, 10:01 a.m. CST
Make it gritty and inappropriate
by JoeSixPack
to scare the children.
April 26, 2010, 10:13 a.m. CST
This SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!
by jim
See BATMAN: LIVE at Copps Coliseum!
This SUNDAY only, BATMAN, ROBIN, COMMISSIONER GORDON, BATGIRL and ALFRED THE BUTLER perform LIVE!
Witness the DASTARDLY DEEDS of the most HEINOUS VILLAINS!
 Can BATMAN and his friends save GOTHAM CITY from THE JOKER, THE PENGUIN, CATWOMAN, MR FREEZE, and the frightening nightmares of THE SCARECROW?!?
See the BATMOBILE in ACTION!
Gasp in awe at the SPECTACULAR STUNT SPECTACLE, featuring Tony Hawke as BAT-MITE!
Marvel at the SEDUCTIVE POWERS of the PUSSYCAT DOLLS as POISON IVY and the IVY-ETTES!
Special appearance by AMERICAN IDOL winner, TAYLOR HICKS, as the terrifying TWO FACE, singing such hits as "It Takes Two" and "Two Hearts Beat as One"!
Free Admission for anyone named ADAM WEST (valid ID required)!
ONE DAY ONLY, this SUNDAY! BATMAN: LIVE
If you miss this, YOU MUST BE BATTY!
April 26, 2010, 10:14 a.m. CST
Oh yeah, Feld.
by gotilk
The man who saved the circus, whose son drove a journalist mad by having an ex-cia agent stalk and ruin her life covertly for years. That Feld. The Feld who was so embarrassed by his father's closeted homosexuality that he tried to destroy the woman who revealed it.
April 26, 2010, 10:15 a.m. CST
good times
by gotilk
April 26, 2010, 10:37 a.m. CST
by Magnus Greel
Jazz Hands, Jazz Hands, Fosse, Fosse.
April 26, 2010, 10:37 a.m. CST
Sean Hayes
by Magnus Greel
From 'Will and Grace' for Batman.
April 26, 2010, 10:54 a.m. CST
saw batman live in the 70's
by shogunshin
i BARELY remember it, it was based on the tv show. i loved it, my dad said it was miserable. i am betting it was all pre recorded no less. my dad said it was probably the worst thing he ever saw.
April 26, 2010, 11:05 a.m. CST
The possibilites are endless.
by Magnus Greel
The Sound of Arkham. The Phantom of Crime Alley.
April 26, 2010, 11:11 a.m. CST
Big Jim must be from ontario
by ndally
To mention Copps Coliseum. Hamilton perhaps?
April 26, 2010, 11:25 a.m. CST
So it'll be like the Indy stunt spectacular
by SithMenace
in Orlando? That's a cool show.
April 26, 2010, 11:51 a.m. CST
Superhero stories
by veritasses
need the benefit of great stunts, fx, sound, dramatic framing/movement etc which you can't duplicate in a live format... It's hard to be serious when you see a bad guy flying from a fake/stage punch, or to see Batman wearing a harness etc. Not sure what they have planned but I can't imagine it being anything great. There are too many ways for it to be awful.
April 26, 2010, 12:02 p.m. CST
"elaborate arena production"
by HapaPapa72
Made me think of Joel Schumacher for some reason. And THAT doesn't bode well for Bats.
April 26, 2010, 12:18 p.m. CST
by AsimovLives
"Now, the Batman animated series is arguably the best treatment Batman has ever received outside of the comic book format"

Speak for yourself, friend.
April 26, 2010, 12:23 p.m. CST
You kids think you are so rad, kewl and street by bashing...
by AsimovLives
... Nolan's Batman movies, dont' you? Jezz, what fucking badasses you are!! So fucking street and gangsta you guys are! Wow, such fight the system attitude you have! Such bullshit!
April 26, 2010, 12:27 p.m. CST
If they do something faithful to the character...
by Jaka
...and take it a bit dark and heavy (NOT Mama Mia "light"), I'd be very interested in giving them some of my hard earned money. But if it's just another cheesy musical... fuck them with a 1000 batarangs!
April 26, 2010, 12:36 p.m. CST
Harvey Fierstein as Batman, Tommy Tune as The Joker
by AzulTool
April 26, 2010, 12:37 p.m. CST
by Anything But Tangerines
That's worth paying for.
April 26, 2010, 12:41 p.m. CST
Nathan Lane as
by Magnus Greel
The Penguin
April 26, 2010, 12:43 p.m. CST
I also saw Batman on stage in the 70's...
by Triple_J_72
...with Wonder Woman, and... Bugs Bunny!
 http://tinyurl.com/2d4vj3o
April 26, 2010, 12:46 p.m. CST
Fareal, or worse yet...
by Triple_J_72
...it could lead to... SUPERHERO SQUAD LIVE!

 blecch.
April 26, 2010, 12:49 p.m. CST
Kristin Chenoweth as
by Magnus Greel
April 26, 2010, 12:51 p.m. CST
Michael Crawford as
by Magnus Greel
April 26, 2010, 12:53 p.m. CST
Matthew Broderick as
by Magnus Greel
The Riddler
April 26, 2010, 1:15 p.m. CST
even if they get johnny weir
by collectors_edition
To play batman and at some point he shows up wearing flaming bat-underoos... it still won't be as gay as BATMAN & ROBIN.. and yes, BATMAN: the animated series was the best interpretation of the caped crusader
April 26, 2010, 1:28 p.m. CST
I don't understand. What is this? If not a musical then what?
by Walterego
It's in an arena. It's a production. Okay. Huh. A production of what? Is this going to be a play?
April 26, 2010, 1:33 p.m. CST
ndally, I'm from Toronto
by jim
just figured Copps Coliseum is the better arena-type sounding name than, say, Rogers Centre or the ACC.
April 26, 2010, 1:51 p.m. CST
It can be a musical and not be cheesball
by Jaka
That's all I'm asking. Take itself seriously, get the tone right and it will be interesting even if it's a musical. If it goes all tongue-in-cheek, self-aware cartoony then I won't be interested.
April 26, 2010, 2:03 p.m. CST
This will bomb.
by RPLocke
The Spider Man one sounds terrible.
April 26, 2010, 2:04 p.m. CST
Martin Short as the Riddler.
by RPLocke
Make it happen douches.
April 26, 2010, 2:13 p.m. CST
It CANNOT be a musical and also not be cheeseball.
by Subtitles_Off
The two things cannot co-exist.
April 26, 2010, 2:13 p.m. CST
Johnny Weir???!!!???
by Subtitles_Off
Good CHRIST!
April 26, 2010, 2:17 p.m. CST
Thanks for the correct spelling Subs
by Jaka
I hate spelling errors. However, while I understand what you're saying (really, I do), I don't COMPLETELY agree. There are different levels of cheeseball for musicals. So maybe I'm just hoping for the right flavor of cheese.
April 26, 2010, 2:33 p.m. CST
Hopefully it's better than the live Batman show at Six Flags
by Ben_Richards_Bomb_Collar
That they used to have about 20 years ago. Yeah, even as a kid I knew that sucked.
April 26, 2010, 3:07 p.m. CST
If they ever made Dark Knight Returns
by L. Ron Bumquist
April 26, 2010, 3:07 p.m. CST
They Should cast Adam West
by L. Ron Bumquist
April 26, 2010, 3:56 p.m. CST
The Batman Stunt Show @ 6 Flags...
by DigitalBeachWar
...Was pretty dumb. The thing is, when you perform on stage you have to over act to project emotions. So it will be extremely hard to take this seriously. And all the characters will be wearing those dumb wireless mics. Also I'm pretty sure that the article said that it will NOT be a musical... so people need to shut up about musicals.
April 26, 2010, 4:12 p.m. CST
Wasnt this a joke on B:TAS. or batman beyond
by joker40
Wasnt there something like that..where they were watching a musical on one of the annimated series..(my bad if someone already mentioned this)..I just find it funny that now its happening..I hope paul and bruce..do just one more ep of annimated series..just to say..oh you gotta be kidding... Peace all
April 26, 2010, 4:17 p.m. CST
Reminds me of seeing the Star Wars characters
by RPLocke
dance at Disneyland.
April 26, 2010, 4:30 p.m. CST
If they do this as a serious, live-action play, I'll consider go
by MrMysteryGuest
April 26, 2010, 4:31 p.m. CST
by MrMysteryGuest
April 26, 2010, 5:25 p.m. CST
Thanks Triple_J_72!
by Sith Witch
I loved seeing that live show as a child. For the past 31 yrs. I've had the image of that program graphic burned into my head, so seeing it again brings back so many great memories.
April 26, 2010, 7:01 p.m. CST
First reaction: FUCK NO!
by REVENGE_of_FETT
Second reaction: Hmmm....if it were a serious stage play....it could be really cool.

Third reaction: .....NOPE, it'll SUCK ASS!
April 26, 2010, 9:12 p.m. CST
You had me at Alan Burnett....
by Jobacca
Seriously....that man has been involved in all good things Bat. Plus,a few weeks ago Paul Dini mentioned onhis blog that he was working on a top-secret Bat-project...could it be this? I imagine a stage show with,as Harry mentioned,a big-ass animatronic free walking Killer Croc or Clayface,with tons of stunts and people flying through the air on wires....could be cool. Hell,I'd watch Batman on Ice if Burnett and Dini were involved....
April 26, 2010, 9:25 p.m. CST
This could be the greatest thing ever,
by rabidfnark
or the worst. I don't think there's much middle ground. But, regardless, if it shows up anywhere near me, I'll go.
April 26, 2010, 11:40 p.m. CST
The batsuit has nipples..and a visible codpiece
by ChocolateJesusMan
April 27, 2010, 4:18 p.m. CST
Terrified of the idea but would totally go see it...
by Boneyard
My young kids would love it and the my favorite bat-villian, the Killer Moth would be in it, swooping around ala Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan.
April 27, 2010, 5:42 p.m. CST
A stage show might be ok, but no musical #'s PLEASE
by finky089
Score from the movie- awesome. Fine.
Lame songs populating the show pointlessly - FAIL.
April 27, 2010, 5:43 p.m. CST
Hopefully with Burnett involved
by finky089
there will be no song and dance numbers
April 27, 2010, 6:35 p.m. CST
The Dark Knight On Ice!
by Royston Lodge
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A Grammy award presented to Stevie Wonder in 1973 is at the center of a legal battle as officials behind the music awards fight to keep the honor from the auction block in an upcoming pop memorabilia sale.
Find: Stevie Wonder videos, photos and more
Wonder received the award for his hit "Superstition," but the statuette has since found its way into the hands of Gotta Have It! Collectibles owner Pete Siegel, who is planning to sell it off.
Representatives from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the body responsible for the Grammys, have taken issue with the sale and have filed suit against Siegel, accusing him of a variety of charges, including fraud, unjust enrichment and false advertising.
Also: Franklin dances, sings at 69th birthday party
It is unclear how Wonder lost ownership of the statuette, although reports suggest Grammy organizers are suspicious of how Siegel obtained it, which is among a 1,000-item lot also featuring memorabilia from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
The Grammy in question has been given a minimum starting bid of $12,000, reports the New York Post.
It is not the first time Siegel's star sales have hit the headlines. Last year, Lady Gaga contacted the firm to buy up a collection of her old belongings after a former manager announced plans to auction them off, while the FBI seized John Lennon's 1976 application for U.S. residence in October after determining the item was the property of the U.S. Government and could not be sold.


text:
I didn't get it, haha :)
I didn't get it, haha :)
I'm lazy and sometimes my priorities are way off. Last week was a bad week for me. I love gaming, and I spent a whole entire week gaming - not doing homeworks, not studying - not doing anything.
It ticks me off. Because I stayed up late at night, watching other people gaming. Oh my god, my life sounds so sad. And it was a completely NEW workout plan at the LiveFit trainer. I was so sad when I found out, because I do my workouts at home, and if I don't plan accordingly, I won't get the benefits out of my workouts. So last weeks workouts = trash.
So, to make it short: I screwed up. Badly.
Thing is. I will screw up badly. Before I would probably curse myself for my bad eating habits this week. (Harry Potter maraton with my friends, munching brownies, chocolate, pouting and sweets! Woh, I'm glad I'm bulking!)
And I don't want to spend time and energy being sad for myself. Instead I'm going to give everything I have these upcoming weeks.
So what if I don't have a gym, I can make these exercises work for me! I just have to find alternatives! And I'll have to be more organized, so I will. I will start doing more homeworks and study for that math test that is coming up! (Yikes!)
I'll take a deep breath and I'll forget. Besides, it was only 1 week I screwed up. I can always catch up.
I'll post my schedule tomorrow or later! :)
I can have my cookie and still obtain this as well. It's called moderation, people!
I have thunder thighs… and they touch… and I'm DAMN PROUD of them because my strong legs allow me to run for miles without taking a walking break, bike 20+ miles without giving out, do heavy dead lifts, lunges and squats, etc. STRONG > SKINNY.
Wow. I'm so sorry that I do have thigh gap and no matter what I do I'll ways will have thigh gap. It's genetic. So what? My tweaky legs can't run miles and miles? They already did.
Leg day today…… Kind of don't want to
"Let's take this to the bedroom" I say seductively as I pick up my laptop so I can continue blogging until 5 in the morning.
Originally from The Greatist
Sometimes I find myself cheating out my workout when it comes to the end, so when I saw this article, I knew I had to share it with you! So check out this list of 23 Ways To Push Through A Tough Workout:
1. Who's really getting cheated?
Sure, no one else would know about skipping out on the last Chatarunga. But only one person loses in that situation (hint: it's not the super-ripped chick sweating it out on the next mat).
2. Change pace.
Circuit training, a killer combination of cardio and strength training, can help break the monotony of a long workout. Run five minutes, then drop and do some push-ups. Wash, rinse, repeat.
3. Picture this.
Visualize cheering fans or crossing the finish line to bang out one more set or lap. Or just go mental: Imagine this workout is the equivalent of the Olympic trials (no big deal).
4. Grab a pal.
Work out with a fit pal who will hold you to a higher standard. Stuck going solo today? Imagine they're still there. After all, who wants to wuss out in front of an audience?
5. Break it down.
Set mini-goals when the going gets tough. This isn't a three-mile run— just six measly half-mile runs.
6. Savor the pain.
"Pain is weakness leaving the body," the saying goes. Pain is also proof that this workout is tough. Clearly you're doing something right, so why stop now? (Just know when pain is signaling something more serious.)
7. Compete.
Whether comparing against the dude on the next treadmill over or your own time last training session, competition ups the ante and helps us forget about wanting to quit.
8. Remember the end.
That post-workout high? Yeah, almost there. The struggle of that final set won't last— and when the workout's over, it'll be replaced by a much better feeling: pride.
Read the rest at The Greatist!
Love this. I also find that if I'm in a particularly hard run - I change up my tempo a lot. I'll jog for a few metres, then start going faster. Instead of stopping - I slow down!
I hate that my friends always disses me because I never have comments or likes on my imstagram: subunny pretty please


text:
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Style: F136056
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