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Dec 24 2012
10:59 am
By: redmondkr  shortURL
Silent Night was first
Submitted by redmondkr on Mon, 2012/12/24 - 11:15am.
Silent Night was first performed on the Christmas Eve of 1818 in Bavaria.
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Published on February 24th, 2013 | by Duncan Thomson5
David Pipe Caught Shoegazing At Fontwell Racecourse
Yesterday was another excellent day for our resident statistics guy, Mike, who after making a handy profit of 6 points with David Pipe's runners at Sandown on Friday, followed that up with another 4.75 points profit after finding a winner and a second with Paul Nicholls at Kempton on Saturday.
Today's racing isn't the greatest with only average meetings from Fontwell and Towcester, but I'm always interested to see where the top stables place their horses at the weekends and there's one running at Fontwell today that I feel is worthy of a bet. It goes in the 2.40pm race and it's trained by David Pipe who has an excellent record with his fancied runners on a Saturday and Sunday…
That's all of his weekend runners with a maximum SP of 12/1 in the last 10 years.
He also does quite well with his chasers at Fontwell too…
This time I've only considered those at the front end of the market – 6/1 or less.
His sole runner at the meeting today is Shoegazer and he goes in what's probably the best race of the day – the Class 2 Josh Gifford Memorial Novices' Chase at 2.40pm – which looks very much a two horse race between it and the short priced favourite, Poungach, hailing from the Paul Nicholls stable.
If you take a look at the form of their last two or three runs you'll see that there's very little between them – they've both been running well in, or winning, similar Class 2 type events, and they both come into this race off the back of being well beaten on heavy ground last time out. The distance of today's race shouldn't prove a problem for either of them and soft ground should suit both equally too. Plus, the handicapper agrees that there's little between them as they're both racing off a mark of 144.
So, it's a toin-coss situation, yet one is priced at 1/1 and the other is 13/8.
And that, my friends, is an almost perfect betting scenario!
Here is how I've staked it today…
Fontwell 2.40pm – Shoegazer – 4 points to win at 13/8 (BOG with Bet365, Paddy Power, Coral)
And here's a completely useless fact for you…
Definition of Shoegazer [noun]: A follower of post 1990′s psychedelic music, especially that which is repetitive and droning. Derived from drug music's effect of causing the stoned listener or musician to just stand there with their head hung down staring at their shoes. (– yep, I did actually look that up! –)
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Traffic impacts
Lane and ramp closures
- Eastbound I-94 to southbound Hwy 52 is closed until September 2015.
- Plato Boulevard to northbound Hwy 52 is closed until September 2015.
- Southbound Hwy 52 to Plato Boulevard is closed until September 2015.
- Watch for daytime lane closures and occasional ramp closures and detours between Concord Street and the Lafayette Bridge. Follow the signed detours.
- Eastbound I-94 traffic going to southbound Hwy 52: Follow eastbound I-94 to southbound Hwy 61 to westbound I-94 to Hwy 52
- Southbound Hwy 52 traffic going to Plato Boulevard: Exit using Eaton Street exit, turn left onto Easton Street, turn left onto East Lafayette Road, and follow to Plato Boulevard
Permanently closed
- Eastbound East 7th Street ramp to westbound I-94 is permanently closed.
- 5th Street: Closed east of Johns Street and no longer exists as a street.
- 4th Street: Closed to vehicles. Bicyclists have access to Bruce Vento trail by way of 4th Street.
- Kittson Street north of 7th street no longer exists. It will be the new northbound Hwy 52 to 7th Street Exit.
- Kittson Street south of the Downtowner and Holiday Station no longer exists.


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Posts tagged leakyconfreehugsguy
Posts tagged leakyconfreehugsguy
You all know him.
He's this guy!
Anyway. At LeakyCon 2012 in Chicago, Dylan quickly became one of the most popular people there. I even interviewed him for a news story I wrote about the weekend.
Dylan wants to get to LeakyCon London, but currently can't because it's sold out and it costs a lot of money to go overseas.
I just had a brief conversation with him, and he said if he got more followers on his youtube channel and if enough of the Internet wanted him there, he had a plan to make it happen.
Reblog this, favorite it, just give it notes so the LeakyCon staff can see how badly we need our Free Hugs Guy in London! It honestly isn't LeakyCon without him (to my knowledge, he's gone to every LeakyCon to date.)
Subscribe to him on YouTube
Follow him on Twitter
Show him the love he's showed us the past three summers!
(for the record, one of my favorite moments of LeakyCon 2012 was spotting him everywhere and guessing what color his bandana would be each day. One day I guessed orange. I was right. Don't take my game away from me D= )
I miss seeing this.
I'm so happy that he's definitely going to be at Portland.
(Source: singingtowers)
This is for you Free Hugs guy!
You feature high on the list of my favorite parts of Leakycon :)
Someone has gif'd Dylan. This may be my new favorite thing. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
(Source: masterofallvillainy)
LeakyCon Free Hugs Sign
I don't even know why this gives me so many feels, but it does.
Dylan! My friend actually took this picture on her phone. Such wonderful people at Leaky, bless them.
Leaky Story Time: Dylan the Free Hugs Guy Edition
That gentleman up there is Dylan the Free Hugs Guy. He kind of rocked Leakycon this year. We all know who Dylan is at this point. We've all hugged him at least once (okay, who are we kidding, it was totally way more than once). Dylan was the pick me up that we all needed when we were tired or frustrated or hungry or blah at any point during the con.
I was part of the group loitering in the lobby Wednesday before the con, and I remember chuckling a little bit when I first saw the guy in the bright green shirt and hot pink bandanna walk in and stand by the archway to the lobby with a giant free hugs sign. I'd been to anime conventions previously and seen a slew of similar signs and even seen a few at previous Leakycons, generally to moderate success. People kind of glanced over at him at first, not quite sure what to make of it. A few people just ran up and hugged him, then gradually, the whole room started to warm up to him. More and more people started walking over to get hugs, and some people ran and jumped into his arms. The tentative atmosphere where we were all sitting in little groups in the lobby started to break up and we all started watching and going up to get our own hugs. It broke the ice for those of us that were there early and maybe a little unsure. I got my hug and asked what his name was, and he said it was Dylan. I sat back down and continued to watch as people kept coming up for hugs and we all started laughing and talking together.
The hotel staff was grudgingly accepting of us at this point and for the most part looked like they weren't really sure what was going on. They were kind of watching from the edges of the lobby, looking quite a bit tentative. I wasn't sure how the con was going to go with the hotel staff so unsure of things. A funny thing started to happen though. The staff started watching Dylan too. They started smiling and laughing at all of our crazy hugging antics. Then the really cool part started. A brave hotel staff lady ventured over to Dylan and asked for a hug. He obliged quite happily and the staff lady walked off smiling to go about her business. Then another staff person came up and hugged Dylan, and a few more. These people didn't really get what we were doing or what was going on, but they got Dylan. They involved themselves with a little piece of our world and let it light them up the same way we do. That was really cool.
While Wednesday I heard shouts of "Free Hugs Guy!" periodically, by Thursday it seemed like every time I turned a corner, someone was gleefully shouting "Dylan!"
At the Alumni meetup, we had pretty much filled the room and were awkwardly milling around, wondering what to do next. We weren't really sure how to start things off. Dylan wandered up to the podium in the room and commandeered the mic, greeting us ll and getting things kicked off. After getting a general consensus that nobody really knew what to do for the meetup, Dylan declared a contest for best Leaky story from last year, and Vinny whipped out a bag full of prizes. That "contest" turned into around an hour of all of us telling stories of the things we loved about Leaky, from the first five people to the trickle of people after that to the rush of everyone lining up to tell their part. People went up twice and we all cheered and cried and laughed for the stories and the moments we had the year previous. Sure, we could have had the meetup without all that, but it wouldn't have been nearly as fun.
So thank you Dylan for making everyone's Leakycon a little brighter.


text:
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Best known as the "voice of the Wyoming Cowboys,' Larry Birleffi has covered more UW sporting events than any other person in Wyoming history.
Born in Hartville and raised in Sunrise, Wyoming, a small pioneer community, Birleffi developed a strong work ethic through the example of his hard working parents. In high school, Birleffi was quarterback of the football team, and he decided the best way he could make a living and stay involved with sports would be to write about them. Birleffi put himself through college by writing for the Laramie newspaper. In 1942, Birleffi earned his B.A. in English. After graduation, he served in World War II, and when Birleffi returned to Wyoming he began his first job as a sports writer for the Wyoming Eagle in Cheyenne.
Birleffi's journalism career, spanning 59 years and all communication media, continues today. A well-known sports writer and editor for the Cheyenne Tribune Eagle for several years, Birleffi began radio announcing in 1949 for KFBC in Cheyenne. His love of UW sports was apparent as he continued his career in television in the early 1950s. Birleffi has enjoyed several national broadcasting assignments, including college football games, national rodeo finals, major horse racing events, and Wide World of Sports. Although Birleffi received several offers to work in national television and radio, he chose to follow his passion—the Wyoming sports scene.
Birleffi is a member and past president of the Wyoming Broadcasters Association. In 1992, the Larry Birleffi Press Box at War Memorial Stadium was dedicated, and he once received the Cowboy Joe Club's White Hat Award. A civic minded citizen, Birleffi is a member of the Wyoming Jaycees, the Wyoming Heart Association, the Wyoming Cancer Association, and the Wyoming Heritage Foundation Board of Advisors.
"Larry Birelffi is indeed a gentleman cowboy and a scholar," said Governor Jim Geringer. "His service to community, country, and nation brings honor and credit to Wyoming, our university, and to the College of Arts and Sciences."
*In loving memory.


text:
Well she signed, I've got a recruit.
I know people are looking at this, but no one has any samples of what they send to a new recruit?? No welcome to the PC family letters or something like that??
Hi all,
I'm excited, I've got a new recruit (I think she's signing tonight on-line). We were on phone for hours talking and she said she's ready and going to sign. Woo Hoo!!! I'm hoping this is not another kitnapper, as that's who I generally recruit.
Anyway, my ?? to you is, do you have a letter or anything you send to them to welcome them??
Also, my upline is going away on Sunday and won't be able to offer training like she normally does, so is there something I should send or do??
Well she signed, I've got a recruit.
I know people are looking at this, but no one has any samples of what they send to a new recruit?? No welcome to the PC family letters or something like that??
I typically send this flyer that has a chart on it for everything they can earn for FREE within their first 90 days. I'm at my other job right now, when I get home tonight I'll post for you. It's a huge help, and easier to understand then the brochure we have.
Kitnapper = person who signs on gets their kit and never does anything to fullfil the contract, never has one show. That's been my history of recruiting, and one girl, did it twice, she had let her yr. expire and she had had lots of family and health issues, said she was ready to really start for real and she signed and did the same thing (found out later her dd was getting married, so I think she gave product to dd for wedding)
I'd love whatever form you can give me, as I said, my experience with recruiting hasn't been the greatest. No matter how excited them seem, it just falls apart. My director has even called and started training with them and they still never follow through.
This is a new year and new try, so I'm hoping and praying for the best, as not only could this help my family, but this will help keep my director as a director come April.
I would love to see what you give them, too! I have two (with a possible third) signing this week!!!
Below is what my director send to new consultants who join the team...hope this helps.
Welcome to the _______ Cluster. PLEASE call me if you have any questions.
Attached is your New Consultant Checklist. These are things that you can do while you are waiting for your kit to arrive.
I also need for you to forward me the e-mail that Pampered Chef sent you titled "Welcome to Our Family" when you receive it.
If you have any questions please call me ASAP.
Again, welcome to our TEAM and I am looking forward to working with you!!
New Consultant Checklist
Set up an email address specifically for Pampered Chef.
Set up a checking account specifically for Pampered Chef.
Apply for Pampered Chef Debit card and direct deposit.
Forward "Welcome to the Family" email to your Director.
Accept Yahoo Group invitation.
Set up and personalize your website.
Read consultant's Business Guide.
Organize your calendar to reflect dates available.
Observe a show.
Get labels or personalized stamp.
Plan an Open-House.
Practice a recipe and bring to a meeting.
Confirm at least 6 shows on your calendar within the next 6 weeks.
Create a show outline for yourself.
Take the Tele-classes and on-line training courses.
Order Business Building Supply Package.
Know how to order additional supplies.
Watch Getting started DVD.
Install Pampered Partner Plus
Attend new consultant training.
Attend team training meeting on your calendar.
Set personal goals for your business.
Familiarize yourself with new consultant reward program.
Set up system for tracking contacts.
Review current promotions for hosts, guests, consultants.
Organize your work area.
Create system for tracking potential recruits and hosts.
Complete the entire list and qualify in your first 30 days and you will receive a gift from your Director!
Here's what I gave my two that signed yesterday, and this is what I will give the one who signs today.
I've been telling them right now they have 2 main things to focus on. Getting their 4 bookings in ASAP and opening a seperate bank account to get direct deposit, and the PC debit card rolling. A couple of them have bookings this week alreay, in which case I'm helping them out with supplies until their kit comes.
I had a kitnapper last year, and I figured, I"m going to make sure they get the 4 bookings in ASAP, that way they'll see how much they can make by only working 4 shows, and they are more excited to keep going.
I also set up weekly phone calls with all of them, in which I'll explain to them a couple of things - on each call. Like you need to take online training - how about X course, we'll talk about it next time.
I personally, wouldn't give a checklist to them. I think it's way to overwhelming. I remember how overhwelmed I was when I first started, so I wouldn't do that, but rather give it to them in bits and pieces.
Lisa, a hearty CONGRATULATIONS on your new recruit!! May she be with our cluster a LONG, LONG TIME.
I'm liking all these great new consultant welcomes, I was in need of something like that, but I had a quick thought to add.
I love cards, and I think most people do also. I would also send a "welcome to the family" card with nothing but a 'thanks' and note about how excited you are to have her. Sometimes all the info about what to do now can get overwhelming (don't get me wrong it is very important), but just let them know you appreciate her or him.
These are great! Thanks so much! I have one gal coming over tomorrow at noon to close her show and sign and another signing online tonight!! (My first 2 - I'm so proud!)
Thanks so much for these, I'm going to check them both out and maybe send one right away and then wait a couple days and send the next.
I also love the idea of cards, I know I LOVE to get cards.
I'm hoping actually within next couple of weeks to take time and make a TON of Thank You cards and some smypathy cards. I just had a hostess cancel due to a death in the family and I had to buy a card, that PO'd me, as I LOVE to stamp and have TONS of CTMH stamps around, just not enough time to do what I want.
I think the personal contacts mean allot.
Thanks again,
Gail, yes, may she long be in our group, so our cluster can stay as a cluster for here and ever after April 1st!!


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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Robert: Life is strange isn't it?
Violet: In so many different ways.
Robert: No, I mean, I think of all the uncertainty between Matthew and Mary or when the money was lost. When everything was so dark. Yet now here we are with two healthy heirs, an estate in good order, and I wonder what I have done to deserve it.
Violet: I agree, but then we don't always get our just deserts.
Um, why didn't he mention "when my daughter DIED." That was dark, buddy. I hate Robert.


text:
Dannielle Kyrillos explains what the judges' decision ultimately came down to.
Gail Simmons elaborates on the judges' agonizing final decision.
Jerry's still in shock over the Sucklord and Lola's flirting.
The NYC 'Wife translates her dating rules into an Off Broadway role.
Andy shares some celeb-filled stories from LA.
Even the Wakiles are getting out of town for Turkey Day.
Hubert Keller explains why Chris ultimately edged out Sally for the win.
Take a look at the contestants scorecards to see how the final challenge could stack up.
Episode 4: Bravotv.com's Associate Editor ponders the places she could go with new LV and Chanel bags.
Tara defends her pricing approach to Lauren Bacall's luggage.
Ambria address her "field hand" feet and why Chanel bags can spell trouble.
Karina pines for the lost Chanel bag, but finds joy in having "aristocratic feet."


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More MMA
Alex Caceres,a product of the twelfth installment of The Ultimate Fighter, scored the first win of his UFC tenure on Saturday night. He defeated veteran fighter Cole Escovedo to finally put himself on the board after two failed attempts at earlier events. UFC on Fox 1 was good for Caceres.
Caceres spoke one-on-one with MMAWeekly.com's Erik Fontanez, talking about the fight and his newfound level of comfort in the Octagon, among other things…
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Apple announcements tomorrow 6:00EST/3:00PST
"Apple, the US computer maker, is expected to launch its popular internet music store in Europe tomorrow, in an attempt to build on the company's considerable success in the US online music market. [...]
One person in the industry said Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, was expected to be on hand to announce Apple's music store would immediately be available to consumers in the UK, Germany and France. Mr Jobs was also expected to announce plans to eventually roll out the service to other European countries."
Apple's press event will take place at approximately 11:00AM local time in London, England (6:00AM Eastern Standard Time and 3:00AM Pacific Standard Time, United States). Additional announcements regarding new iTunes and iPod pricing, availability, and accessories may be included in the presentation. Join iLounge tomorrow morning for full coverage of the event.
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Posted by BIGP in Texas on June 14, 2004 at 12:43 PM (CDT)
new ipod please!
Posted by saniko on June 14, 2004 at 1:57 PM (CDT)
When the hell are we going to get this in Canada!
Posted by IpodforLife on June 14, 2004 at 6:32 PM (CDT)
Yeah!! If UK is getting it August 1st (preorder from HMV), what about us "the closer friend" north of the border?!
Posted by Iamcanadian on June 14, 2004 at 6:41 PM (CDT)
Think about it you big silly!
Posted by IPOdusER22 on June 14, 2004 at 7:20 PM (CDT)
I think APPLE hates canada, because their going to give it to MEXICO first! AMERICA!!!!
Posted by USA4LIFE on June 14, 2004 at 9:57 PM (CDT)
If the store is opened only in the UK, France and Germany and if the indies are not included… Apple fails BIG time! So us silly folks in the rest if Europe can wait for another six or twelve months before we are able to buy those exclusive iTunes-only tunes (like the new Pixies song).
Posted by qaz on June 14, 2004 at 10:35 PM (CDT)
I wonder what payment forms they will take? I really hope they accept switch cards aswell as VISAs.
Posted by Tom on June 15, 2004 at 3:34 AM (CDT)
A few questions, is this going to be live coverage, and where is the link to the page that is going to be updating us to the announcements?
Posted by Tivy on June 15, 2004 at 3:43 AM (CDT)
This isn't a slam on Canadians (since you're only an hour north of me and you'd probably kick my butt) but don't you guys get to download music from P2P for free anyway? I thought that a purchase of a mp3 player had some sort of exra price in it that the manufacture paid Canada so artist/record labels got some money for the P2P thing. If I didn't have to worry about swapping songs that way, I'd definitely be downloading to my hearts content. If this is true, why the fuss?
Posted by Oh canada on June 15, 2004 at 3:44 AM (CDT)
Its 11 am here and no announcement?
Posted by loGan on June 15, 2004 at 4:08 AM (CDT)
It starts at 11 am so I guess it takes a while for the press conference to end and for the media/Apple to publish the news.
Posted by Jussi on June 15, 2004 at 4:10 AM (CDT)
Can anyone confirm this is going to be a live announcement, or have a link to one? I can't find anything anywhere.
Posted by Tivy on June 15, 2004 at 4:11 AM (CDT)
Where is it? It's not come up yet.
Posted by Nick on June 15, 2004 at 4:13 AM (CDT)
Waiting for it, too. Press conference should have started 15 min ago. Have checked all the Apple rumour sites but could not find a live coverage…
Posted by DG on June 15, 2004 at 4:16 AM (CDT)
Is this a hoax do you suppose?
Posted by Dr Pod on June 15, 2004 at 4:19 AM (CDT)
Yes. A hoax. That's exactly what it is.
'Cause, you know, it's not *actually* possible for a private press event to be, well, private. [/sarcasm]
If that place doesn't offer WiFi access, how are the people in there supposed to get the news to their websites until the press conference has finished? If it started at 11am, I'm sure it'll last until 11:45 or something like that.
Posted by Daniel Kennett on June 15, 2004 at 4:23 AM (CDT)
Better learn some German, aye!
Posted by Jussi in Funland on June 15, 2004 at 4:25 AM (CDT)
Extra Extra, Read All About IT!!!
This just in, Apple will release the 4th gen IPOD along with the ITMS Europe. The Ipod will be priced at 399 dollars for a 60 gig.
Also in the works, Apple will soon sell its APPLE ipod car receiver. Coupled with the ipod, this cd player/ Hard Drive Ipod link will make finally a perfect solution to the way the majority of people listen to music, IN THEIR CARS>>>
Posted by prophet on June 15, 2004 at 4:27 AM (CDT)
Thanx Jussi!
-iTunes store sold 85 million songs so far
-store will come to UK, France, Germany
-price not published yet
Posted by DG on June 15, 2004 at 4:29 AM (CDT)
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
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Choose your promotional product ideas based on industry marketing trendsPosted September 27, 2013 | Tips and Trends from the Experts
Does popularity matter? When it comes to advertising, the answer is yes. Your end goal is to dominate a particular niche, and potentially grow your brand so that it's recognized beyond that demographic or industry corner. So to build your own popularity, it makes sense to look at popularity trends as well.
Fads are only overrated once they're over. Staying up-to-date on what's trending can help your marketing strategy immensely, especially if you manage to hop on the bandwagon early. Eventually, you may be able to set trends yourself.
Following Industry Marketing Trends
For now, do your research and keep your risks minimal. Consider some of these tips.
In the promotional items industry
What are the most popular promotional giveaways throughout all industries? Promotional Products Association International, the only global not-for-profit trade association in that sector, is made up of more than 10,000 member companies. As a result, the group's 2013 fact sheet is a treasure trove of valuable information.
According to the PPAI survey information, promotional product distributor sales breakdown like this:
- The most popular items are wearables, making up around 30 percent of sales. Wearables includes custom T-shirts, hats, athletic wear and other popular items.
- The second most popular are writing instruments, which make up about 9 percent of sales. Promotional pens and pencils have long been an industry mainstay – you probably own a handful yourself – and show no signs of slowing down.
- Third are bags, at just over 7 percent. Tote bags in particular are a trendy product, thanks to green initiatives, and they make for great marketing thanks to their portability and broad, flat sides, which are perfect for displaying images and text.
- Closely following bags, with about 7 percent of market sales, are calendars. Calendars make for ideal mailer items. Like pens and pencils, customers tend to hold onto these for their usefulness. Calendars can easily become yearly, traditional giveaway items, too.
Next on the list are drinkware, office accessories, computer products and electronics. While useful, these are increasingly more niche products that don't have the range of wearable promotional items. However, more niche isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can work to your benefit sometimes.
In your industry
Knowing promotional product trends broadly is just the start. The next trick is understanding the movement of your industry.
The specifics of this will change from one industry to another, but the best way to keep abreast of trends is simply to read, watch and listen. Keep updated on thought leadership content, read or skim all the blog posts you stumble across, subscribe to industry journals and try to develop a sixth sense for when things might blow up.
For instance, say you're looking to market your health information technology company. You don't need an ear to the ground to know that there are major changes coming down the line, from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to more industry-specific events, such as the new ICD-10 code set.
But a little digging, reading and attentiveness might tell you that one primary concern, among patients and doctors alike, is security. At your next convention or trade show, play on these concerns and trends with a new promotional item: a flash drive shaped like a padlock, perhaps. Pick an item that relates back to your expertise – technology – and then send a message through your customization - in this case, "Your personal medical information is safe with us."
Against the grain
Of course, sometimes it makes sense to buck trends. Going against what's currently popular can be risky, but if you feel the trend settling or growing stale, it might be the right time for your own campaign. Just think of Volkswagen's infamous "Think Small" ads for its Beetle car, which turned the industry on its head.
And you don't need to upset preexisting trends too directly. Why not reinvent the topic being talked about? This kind of marketing takes a lot of work, but it can pay off in huge ways.


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I hope many parents, as well as teachers, will be attending the International Association for Education and Rehabilitation (IAER) July 30 through Agust 3, at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk, along the lovely San Anonio, Texas Riverwalk. Moving Into the Future is this year's theme, so hopefully, there'll be many good and interesting sessions regarding increasing Braille literacy levels, utilizing innovative new technology, and broadcasting new and badly needed orientation and mobility techniques.
Though it's aimed at professionals, Eric and I usually learned much more at these conferences (as well as Getting In Touch With Literacy), than at parent support group meetings; we could get the needed facts, then utilize them to suit Ethan to his best advantage. Could be it's because every person who's blind or visually impaired is different, as is every professional who works with them! You think?! ;)
Since our braille reader, Ethan is entering his senior year of high school, and is (thanks in no small part to his very own secret weapon/brl diva teacher, the mighty fabulous Diane Briggs) poised to begin college and start Moving Into his own quite tangible Future, I won't be attending. My work is done there! :) I will, however, be sending a large number of my hand cast pewter Braille jewelry pieces
- "dirty braille," included - with Teri from Reading and Radio Resources Dallas, where I volunteer as an AIRS news and book reader. The pieces sold will go toward benefitting reading services for people who for any reason, are unable to read for themselves.
As a last note, I hope everyone will make a special trip to the American Printing House f/t Blind table. They'll have jewelry making kits that include the plastic version of my Original braille/print alphabet beads, the design for which I donated to them so they could continue offering fun, creative ways for children to get braille into their hands - and onto their wrists!
Whatever you do for the rest of the summer, I hope you can slow it down a bit for the really hot days, and then, go flying into your Fall months of school and fun!
Sincere best, as always


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Posts Tagged 'spies'
The Gloves Come Off! Welcome Duchess Alyssa Alexander With Her Debut Novel, The Smuggler Wore Silk
It's Duchess Jennifer McQuiston here, and I am wiggling in my seat (I know, Duchess's aren't supposed to do that, but I am very excited!) You see, tomorrow is fellow Duchess Alyssa Alexander's debut for her very first book, The Smuggler Wore Silk, and she has graciously agreed to let me interview her for the Dashing Duchesses.
This is a gutsy decision, because Alyssa and I are close friends. This means that she knows from past history (and umpteen examples) that sometimes my interview questions can make even the staunchest of heroines blush. I've promised her I will be gentle (I lied, of course).
I'm also removing my gloves, one finger at a time, and am now briskly warming them in her hero's lap in anticipation of such a delicious opportunity.
But first, here's a bit about Alyssa.
Dibs on my hero's lap, Jennifer!! I didn't write Julian for you. I wrote him for me. Er…wait. No, I wrote him for all woman-kind. Sigh….
But, if one can even focus on a Duchess when there is a wounded gentleman hero spy around, here's a little about me: I live in Michigan, but should have been born someplace hot and sunny where drinks are served with paper umbrellas. I work a full time job outside the home, am a full time mother and wife, and am a debut romance writer. My life is a whirlwind every day, and I wouldn't have it any other way, as long as I get to take those occasional breaks someplace warm and sunny.
Alyssa's debut, the Smuggler Wore Silk, is already generating much well-deserved buzz in the historical romance world and has garnered the highest possible rating (4.5 stars and a "Top Pick") from RT Book Reviews, which said: "Alexander makes her debut with a thrilling, wild ride of a spy thriller that sizzles with passion. Readers will follow her three-dimensional characters through a maze of plot twists and turns. Like an intricate puzzle, Alexander has all the pieces of the ideal romance and arranges them in the perfect picture. She is a rising star you won't want to miss."
Isn't that the most amazing review? I couldn't be more grateful! And, for a little insight into a debut author's world, I was so terrified I couldn't open the email to read it at first. I had to let it sit in my inbox for about 10 minutes before I worked up the nerve check it! And when it was wonderful, I was thrilled. Here is a little blurb about the book:
After he is betrayed by one of his own, British spy Julian Travers, Earl of Langford, refuses to retire without a fight, vowing to find the traitor. But when the trail leads to his childhood home, Julian is forced to return to a place he swore he'd never see again, and meet a woman who may be his quarry—in more ways than one.
Though she may appear a poor young woman dependent on charity, Grace Hannah's private life is far more interesting. By night, she finds friendship and freedom as a member of a smuggling ring. But when the handsome Julian arrives, she finds her façade slipping, and she is soon compromised, as well as intrigued.
As she and Julian continue the hunt, Grace finds herself falling in love with the man behind the spy. Yet Julian's past holds a dark secret. And when he must make a choice between love and espionage, that secret may tear them apart.
I'll start with a low-ball question first, because I don't want to frighten our blushing debut author. Every author worth her salt owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the authors who inspire them to dig deeper and reach higher in their own writing. Who would you like to send a shout-out of thanks to in the writing world for being so darn amazing? (*cough-Joanna Bourne-cough*)
Ah, you know me too well. Yes, I love the incomparable Joanna Bourne, and also the brilliant Cecelia Grant, for their skill with characterization. Mary Balogh for her internal dialogue. And Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt for instilling a love of the mysterious side of romance in my youth.
The Smuggler Wore Silk is a lush, suspenseful Regency-set historical, and is the first book in your "A Spy in the Ton" series. Why did you choose to write Regency-set historicals, Ms. Alexander, instead of, say, dino-erotic-steampunk? And more importantly, why spies?
Hm. Dino-erotic-steampunk. Most interesting…Perhaps I should reconsider my genre? But no, I'm too in love with the Regency! I never thought about writing anything but historical, primarily because I have a fantasy involving a handsome lord in black evening wear and a crisp white cravat whirling me across a ball room gilded with candlelight. I'd be wearing a lavish satin gown with my hair curled and piled high. And as candlelight is flattering to everyone, I'd be stunningly beautiful. But alas, it truly is a fantasy. I could never be a proper Regency miss. I'm terrified of horses, would likely trip over the hem of a Regency gown, prefer running water and toilets to a hip bath and chamber pot, and wouldn't remember how to address the second son of a marquess without a cheat sheet tucked into my reticule. But a modern girl can always dream…As for why espionage, I love adventure, action, and characters with secrets. Given the war with France during the Regency, espionage is a natural fit. Plus, putting characters in harm's way brings emotion to the surface. When everything a person loves is in danger they will go to extraordinary lengths to protect it.
Your cover is gorgeous, and very unique. (She's got a gun behind her back, people, and a curious little smirk on her face!) I am not aware of any other historical covers that feature a pistol-wielding heroine. How did you conceive of the idea? And does it accurately portray the character of your heroine, Grace Hannah?
Well on this one, I have to give the shout out to YOU, Ms. McQuiston! For which I am entirely grateful! As I recall, it was your idea. Women with weapons are a common cover concept in contemporary romantic suspense, and you suggested using that concept for historical. Once the idea was planted in my brain, I couldn't get it out. Since Grace uses a pistol to great effect in THE SMUGGLER WORE SILK, and in the next book, IN BED WITH THE SPY, the heroine Lilias uses a cavalry sabre, it naturally flowed that each heroine would have a different weapon. As to the smile, that was the wonderful cover artist!
And, yes, the cover is perfect for Grace! Not only does she carry a pocket pistol on her smuggling travels, but, she's a gently bred lady living in her uncle's home. She appears to be every inch a lady. But at night, she meets with smugglers in pubs and travels across the countryside. So the idea of her hiding the pistol behind her back fits the smuggler hiding behind the lady.
OK, fine, you've called me out. I wanted some credit for that gorgeous cover! Although, I didn't imagine anything half so beautiful. Now, please tell us a bit about your hero, Julian Travers. He's a gentleman, he's a spy, he's a hell of a complicated new husband for our heroine to try to sort out. Why did a gentleman like Julian turn to spying in the first place? And why does he marry a woman he has begun to suspect of treason?
Ah, Julian. *sigh* My favorite type of hero. He's strong, intelligent, charming and little bit wounded. As for why he turned to spying, that would be a spoiler! So, in my best Duchess-y manner, I shall simply say 'atonement, my dears!' Which is also why he offers to marry Grace. He is, at his very core, honorable, so when he compromises Grace, he has no choice but to propose. Yes, he believes she may be a traitor, but in the moment they're discovered he follows his gentlemanly instincts. The espionage bit he works out later.
There was a very interesting article in the Washington Post in December 2013 (see it here). The article discussed the increasing use of the word "co$k" (think: barnyard fowl) in historical romances. Given that the Washington Post has left this particular barn door wide open for romance authors and readers everywhere, I'm officially pulling out the "hard"-ball question I warned you about:
Does Julian call his a "barnyard fowl" or something more civilized?
He does not, in fact, use anything related to "barnyard fowl" in the book. As near as I can tell, he never really calls it anything, oddly enough (though I offer a disclaimer here: this was a quick perusal of those parts of the book, so I may have missed a mention or two.)
Wow. That's almost TOO civilized! What does GRACE call it?
Arousal. But here's a question, if I ever get to do a rewrite, what do YOU think Grace should call it?
Erm… aren't I supposed to be asking the hard questions here?? Luckily, I know a place to send you as reference. In my first book, What Happens in Scotland, my shocked heroine wakes up in bed with a naked stranger and calls it an "erection." On page 1, no less. So if you aren't going to play hardball with me, maybe you could just indulge our readers by letting them know the first page where the idea of Julian's "co$k" shows up… you know. In case we want to flip straight there.
Well… it could have been used around pages 143, 169, and 196. Just in case you want to evaluate whether the scenes are lacking without said word usage. In a purely intellectual sense, of course.
Please give me a second to peek at these pages, and then join me in cheering Alyssa on in her fabulous debut!
Thank you for interviewing me, Jennifer, during the week of all weeks! There's nothing quite like the first release day of your first novel, I'm told, and I'm thrilled to share it with the Duchesses!
To celebrate Alyssa's release, she has graciously agreed to give away a copy of The Smuggler Wore Silk . Just tell us your favorite… er… barnyard animal to enter! Winner chosen from all commenters on Friday, January 10th.
Jennifer and Alyssa first met when a meteor descended upon them and cracked them upside the head (that meteor was actually author Kimberly Kincaid, who introduced them and got them started as critique partners, along with the fabulous Tracy Brogan). Together, they make up the Three Cheekas. (Yes, they know there are four of them. Use some imagination, folks!)
Alyssa Alexander writes Love with a Little Danger from the decidedly NOT warm and sunny upper Midwest. When she's not torturing her critique partners with hard-ball questions, Jennifer McQuiston writes Different. Historical. Romance. She thinks Alyssa's new book is pretty amazing, and gave her a cover blurb to prove it!
Interview with RITA Award Winning Author Joanna Bourne
A proper duchess doesn't fawn over anyone, but I shall break all protocol and shamelessly fawn over today's guest – Joanna Bourne, the award-winning and much beloved author of The Black Hawk. She's written several romance novels set in Regency/ Revolutionary/ Napoleonic France and Britain, and her series is packed with dashing heroes and intrepid heroines. And spies – everyone loves spies!
If you'll allow me to fawn a moment longer, I must also mention that Jo won the 2009 RITA (Regency historical) for My Lord and Spymaster, and was a finalist for the 2009 RITA (historical) for The Spymaster's Lady and for the 2011 RITA (historical) for The Forbidden Rose. She's also made all sorts of reader/trade lists for best romances, and the accolades keep rolling in for her lastest book, The Black Hawk.
So it's with great pleasure that we welcome Joanna Bourne to the blog! Onward, dear Reader, as Joanna answers all sorts of questions about her books and writing. And there's a giveaway at the end – stay tuned!
Anna Randol Makes Her Curtsey With A SECRET IN HER KISS
It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce you to our very own duchess, Anna Randol. Her debut novel hits the stores January 31, 2012, and it looks like a fabulous read!
Duchess Ashlyn: Your debut novel, A Secret in Her Kiss, is getting a lot of love from reviewers. For instance, Publisher's Weekly named it one of their Top Ten in Romance and called it a "masterful debut… [that] spins a tale replete with mystery, espionage, and memorable romance." Romantic Times said, "Randol has taken the Regency romance to a new level in an exciting, different setting that will have readers cheering." How are you feeling about your release tomorrow?
Anna Randol: It's so surreal. This book had an incredibly long wait from when I sold until its release date (Two years!), so it's amazing to think it is finally here. I'm excited to get this story into the hands of readers! I've also eaten about my own weight in chocolate to calm my nerves…
Duchess Ashlyn: Two years? Remind me to be patient as I await my own release. Do tell, what kind of chocolate?