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Yep , it's been a while but I'm popping by to wish everyone a Happy Easter . I hope every one is relaxing and doing whatever they like to do at this time of year . I know we are !
The weeks are whizzing by and to be quite honest I've been very low of late and struggling to cope with every thing that has been going on . As well as my mums accident ( she is still in care and progressing nicely but we are looking at the end of May for her Halo frame removing which means she will be back at home then ) my husband has changed his job as well as the hours he works , unfortunately he is now working a lot of late shifts . So my routine as I knew it has totally changed . But we all have things that are sent to challenge us and I just need to adapt and stop feeling sorry for myself . Yet I think the thing that has really unsettled me is my lack of creating/making time , creating is what makes me tick , it's who I am and I am never more happy and at peace than when I have a needle in my hand stitching or making something or trying out a new idea . I have managed to get a couple of makes under my belt which I think has just about kept me from going loopy . On my last post I shared with you Mr & Mrs Mill Mouse , well before they were dispatched to their new home I had a play with their packaging which I got quite excited about . I seem to have a thing for brown paper and boxes at the moment .
I loved doing this , stitching a box lid and card bunting with my sewing machine ........
..........and putting little extras with the finished item and giving things an extra special tweak.
I've also been experimenting with using bright colours too.
I keep grabbing moments to sew even if it's only for 20 minutes .
But to help keep my sanity I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen , it is my retreat too place when life feels a bit hard or I'm stressed . I think this is why I have always had a weight problem ever since I was a child as I've always been an emotional eater , except now I share my makes rather than eating it all myself and feed other people , my family are the main recipients of my makes but also very appreciative neighbours often have a potion of something indulgent going their way too.
Homemade Apple pie , mmmmmmmm.
Home grown Rhubarb which I turned into ..........
Rhubarb and Ginger cheesecake .
An all time favourite Rhubarb and Apple crumble with custard .
I do cherish and get comfort from the fact that I am able to provide , homegrown , homemade and handmade things for my family and friends as well as myself and I am extremely thankful for this as it is such an important and integral part of my life and at the moment the thing that keeps me grounded .
I've had a lot of pleasure over the last couple of days preparing for Easter and I gave myself a little treat for Easter in the way of a small bunch of Ranunculus . I decided to make a Spring time flower arrangement with theses as well as adding some in season flowers from my tiny little garden . I just adore the wild looking floral arrangement and it cheers me up every time I look at it. It's so nice to enjoy flowers from plants you have nurtured with your own hands .
Back in the kitchen my youngest helped me to make decorations for our Easter cake , which this year is Carrot cake . We had great fun making fondant carrots .......
........and I had great fun making the cake , as well as having a slice today , nom nom nom !
It's been so nice to to share with you guys , I do miss not getting chance to call by as often as I used to .
Once again I would like to wish you all a Happy Easter .
Thanks for popping by and ta ta for now .


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The Valley Breeze Newspapers serving the Northern Rhode Island towns of Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, North Providence, Scituate, Foster, and Glocester
Issue link: http://valleybreeze.uberflip.com/i/131712
A Valley Breeze Newspaper MAY 22-28, 2013 FREE Breeze The north providence Business is Cooking Hero Visits McGuire Jamie Oliver's home sales company makes a home in Pawtucket. LIVING Watertown Police officer speaks to elementary school children. PAGE 5 @ "Like" us on Gallonio selected as grand marshal for Memorial Day Parade valleybreeze.com Search for The Valley Breeze Newspapers Talent on her toes Sealed bids set to be opened Thursday morning By ETHAN SHOREY Breeze Staff Writer firstname.lastname@example.com NORTH PROVIDENCE – Michael Gallonio, a 90-year-old town resident and a "true hero" of American history, according to his family, has been selected as the grand marshal for the 2013 North Providence Memorial Day Parade and Celebration. The sixth Memorial Day event returns to Governor John A. Notte Jr. Park on Gallonio Monday, May 27, beginning at 1 p.m. in front of North Providence High School. Mayor Charles Lombardi is inviting all residents for a parade that will march down Mineral Spring Avenue, Douglas Avenue, and end at Notte Park, where a celebration will follow. There will be a ceremony, music, entertainment and a food court. See GALLONIO, Page 16 Twelve companies inquire about running DPW By ETHAN SHOREY Breeze Staff Writer firstname.lastname@example.com Breeze photos by Elise Manahan Visitors attending the 6th annual Ricci Middle School talent show last Friday were treated to a wide variety of performances including singing acts, dancing, musical performances and more. Kicking up her heels in an Irish step dance was 7th-grader Mackenzee Stanley. 548 Smithfield Ave., Pawtucket 401-556-1006 Owner, Nick Ferrante 6 Months Financing Available With Approved Credit HOME OF THE 10x10 KITCHEN Includes choice of 10 door styles, all wood construction in stains, paints & glazes. Also includes installation of new cabinets, choice of granite tops with stainless steel under mount sink, crown moulding, dovetail full extension slow motion draw glides and hardware. FREE in-home measure. .00 $4,995 Over 20 Years Experience NORTH PROVIDENCE – Representatives for a dozen private construction companies showed up for a tour of North Providence last week. All had at least a preliminary interest in taking over the town's public works services, according to local officials. Mayor Charles Lombardi, who is seeking bids for a private company to assume control of the Department of Public Works, told The Breeze that the number shows a "strong interest" in running the DPW, which can only be a "good thing" for taxpayers. The more competition the greater chance of a bid that will save the town big money, he said. Companies were required to be represented at the initial walk-through and briefing on May 16, according to Lombardi, if they wanted to be considered when final bids Looking to Sell Your Stuff? Let us help. NEW! Pay only $10 for ads for Items for Sale valued at $200 or less. 3 weeks, only $25. Visit valleybreeze.com, or call 334-9555 weekdays. Deadline, Tuesday at 3 p.m. were submitted. They had the chance to "come in, look around and ask questions," he said. Sealed bids will be received by Purchasing Agent Michael Mooney until 9:45 a.m. this Thursday, May 23. They'll be opened at 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the town's official request for proposals. Thursday's bid event will prove once and for all whether all the talk from Lombardi over the years that the town's DPW could be run in a much more cost-effective way, with fewer employees doing the work, is realistic. John DeAngelis, Lombardi president of the Local 1491-A of Council 94, AFSCEME, AFL-CIO, told The Breeze Monday that the union is not prepared to decide on possible legal action against the Lombardi administration. "We can't do anything until we see the numbers," he said. "Until we see the numbers we can't speculate." In its letter, the union does question whether the mayor See DPW, Page 14 NORTH PROVIDENCE SM ITH FIELD/ GREENVILLE 6 54-410 0 2 33-8 96 6 1818 M i neralSpri Ave. ng 375 Putnam Pi ke Sun.- Thurs., 11AM - 12AM ;Fri & Sat.11AM - 1AM . 7 $ 99 Open 7 Days a week by appointment only Call Nick at 401-556-1006 Installation by Registered R.I. Contractors WWW.KITCHENSANDMOREONLINE.COM ©2013 Breeze Publications Inc. CARRYOUT ONLY

subset: commoncrawl


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Art Ginsburg, commonly known as Mr. Food, is a television and radio chef who emphasizes simple to moderately complex recipes.
With a notably enthusiastic style, Mr. Food specializes in practical food preparation techniques often using readily available ingredients such as canned goods or frozen foods. He extols a "its easy, you can do it" philosophy of cooking.
Art Ginsburg was originally a butcher who, in 1975, turned his personal flair for acting into a local television food program.
Since then he`s proven a prolific writer with over thirty cookbooks to his name and has been syndicated on television, with 8 to 10 million viewers daily, with radio syndication as well.[1]
His television spots are typically around a minute or so long and usually are featured on a daily local TV newscast. Mr. Food`s radio segment is generally 10 minutes long, and syndicated on radio stations of all formats.
Mr. Food`s signature phrase is; "Oooh, it`s so good!".
For More Information: www.mrfood.com
Also please check out www.judythpiazza.com


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After dropping in January, agency employment seemed to stabilize in February, rising slightly to 181,700 nationwide. But with most agency companies expecting a weak first quarter as a result of the war anxiety, headcount growth will be hard to come by in the coming months.
AdMarket 50
War rally in retreat: Stocks edged up early in the week thanks to good war news, but with the fall of Baghdad, investors focused again on the economic picture. The combination of continued economic bad news and more grim corporate forecasts sent stocks lower. For the week, 31 AdMarket stocks were up and 19 were down.
Media companies performed relatively better, as investors anticipate the war's end will lift the uncertainty of the last two months. AOL Time Warner gained some ground after several analysts upgraded their forecasts for the company, while downgrades hit Microsoft Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores. Altria Group also recovered some ground on news of progress in the negotiations to reduce a $12 billion bond to appeal a verdict against its cigarette marketing. McDonald's Corp. also recovered, even as its sales slump went into its 13th month.


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I am just staring out in investing and I have a Roth IRA that I invest $50 into every month into a mutual fund. I have $10,000 in different stocks in just a plain account with my broker. I want to roll these stocks into my roth so when I sell them after I am 60 I won't have to pay the significant amount of capitol gains that will accumulate in the next 40+ years, ( I am only 20). I am wondering if and how I should get these stocks into my Roth.Nice try, but you can't do that. Contributions to an IRA (Roth or otherwise) are limited to cash only. It is possible to transfer assets (like stocks) into an IRA, but only when they are coming from another retirement plan. So forget the idea of moving stocks from a plain brokerage account into your IRA - it ain't gonna happen! You're stuck with those capital gains, but that's not such a bad thing. Also I wanted to know if the dividend re-investment that I do on these stocks will count toward my total annual roth contribution.Earnings (dividends, capital gains, whatever) inside an IRA do not count toward the annual contribution. What counts is new money going into the account (in the form of cash!) from outside.
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Structure & Purpose
Wayne Smallwood
AALC Executive Director
The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit membership organization made up of individuals and entities that develop and/or operate affordable assisted living projects in the State of Illinois' Supportive Living Program (SLP).
The SLP offers an alternative to nursing home care for elderly and disabled citizens of Illinois who don't need full nursing home services but can't afford traditional assisted living programs. With the largest Medicaid assisted living waiver in the country, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) can provide funds for services that are not routinely covered by Medicaid, such as medication management, personal care, homemaking, laundry, activities, and 24-hour supervision as needed.
AALC strongly believes every person who needs it, regardless of income, deserves high quality assisted living. This belief drives our efforts to promote the SLP and ensure that our member communities have the support they need to provide our seniors and disabled with affordable health care and a warm and cozy place to call home.
The Coalition also appreciates the support from business partners that have an interest or involvement in Illinois' SLP. These Premier Associate and Associate members provide valuable services and resources to our supportive living community members.
The Coalition's Executive Director, Wayne Smallwood, is a recognized authority on the Supportive Living Program. He has over 30 years of experience with Illinois' government in the Department of Healthcare & Family Services. Together, Wayne and the AALC Board of Directors work to develop membership programs and benefits that support the SLP and advance the goals of the organization.
Learn more about the Supportive Living Illinois and the affordable assisted living model.
View a Powerpoint presentation about the Supportive Living program.


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See More
The Regional Safety Council (RSC) has been established by the TPC to improve road safety in the region. Membership includes officials from local and State governments, transportation, law enforcement, health care, insurance, trucking, railroads and non-profit organizations involved in safety. The purpose is to promote information-sharing, establish safety goals and performance measures, coordinate safety efforts across the region's jurisdictions, and identify policy issues concerning safety.


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The photo for the 1st July is Self Portrait.
Now, seen as this is the first time I have disclosed my identity, I feel a drum roll is in order..
So.. Drum roll please!
Ta da!
So there you have it. That's me. Anti climax? I think so.
The 2nd July photo title is Busy.
As you can see in the photo.. two cups of coffee (lets get the most important item's out of the way first..) my maths assignment, my maths workbook, a calculator, 2 different pens, a highlighter, my landline phone and my computer all make for a very busy evening!
The photo title for the 3rd July was Best part of your day
Bed – Interpret how you like but the truth is? There is no greater feeling than enveloping yourself between those sheets for a long and well deserved rest..
The 4th July was entitled Fun
This is the Boyf and I acting like goons – we make our own fun!
So there you have it – Photo's 1 – 4!
Photo for the 5th to follow!


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One of the most important parts of any day on the slope is your warm up. You don't strap in at the start of the day and start sending 1080s off 70 foot jumps, that's a recipe for injury. Warming up properly is one of the simplest, yet best ways to make sure you don't get injured.
How To Warm Up Correctly
1) Do a warm up lap down a blue or green run. The goal of this is to warm up your muscles and get your 'snowboard brain' to turn on.
2) Lap the park and start with easy tricks like straight airs and 50/50s. You should always start with easy tricks that you know you can land every time, this lets you get your muscle memory into 'park mode'.
3) Progress up in difficulty. The goal here is to warm up with tricks that have very low risk before you progress up to the bigger tricks. How quickly you progress depends on how experienced you are, but here's how my usual day in the Whistler Blackcomb park goes:
- One lap of nothing but straight airs on every jump
- Next lap is 180s/360s
- Next is 540s
- Then 720s and corked/inverts
- Then 900s and so on.
As you can see, I don't even get to the new tricks that I'm trying to learn until I've finished 2-3 laps of the park. This way, by the time I'm actually trying new tricks, my body is already warmed up and my muscle memory has kicked in.
That's it. Warm ups are simple and easy to do and they're a smart way to reduce your chances of injury.


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Why I can't shift
Manual 5 speed shifter
I have a 2004 2.2l, 5 speed manual, I can't shift from first to second and 5th and reverse, I removed the shifter, and there is a square piece with a rod that seems to have detached from somewhere... Does anyone know how to fix it, or change the whole thing.
Is this a good question?
Already saw this picture, my problem it's under the knob, something or part with a square shape attached to a rod, it's a one part piece, seems to be undue from something... Thanks anyways


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Does anyone know why I can pull the car out of park when foot is not on the brake. I did this with the keys in it and out of it.
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can pull car out if park
Started By iceman84 , Aug 02 2014 05:47 PM
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Posted 03 August 2014 - 07:22 AM
Sounds like the interlock is fubar'd
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Oh, it's just a double ear-infection. Here's a prescription. He'll be feeling better in no time. Another yeast infection.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I Love Eli Too
Oh, it's just a double ear-infection. Here's a prescription. He'll be feeling better in no time. Another yeast infection.
7 comments:
- Deanna said...
Oh, my goodness!!!!! AMANDA!!! I'm so glad someone FINALLY listened. ♥
Tell me more about Eli's breathing...Kortlen has sounded like he has gookum in his throat since the day his was born! I wonder if he has a mild form of what you described...i've tried suctioning, his nose, saline, etc...and nothing...he sounds raspy all. the. time.
email me. rdpoulsen at gmail dot com.
- Sunday, April 10, 2011
- *Stephanie Lance* said...
Holy smokes!! POOR BABY!!! And Poor MOMMY!!! I can't even imagine! That all sounds HORRIBLE!! I'm glad things are looking up! Hopefully for a long time! You guys have had your share of junk! I love all of this blogging business you have been doing lately! I have missed you in the blogging world! p.s. I posted this big LONG comment about your bedroom and it got erased! GRR!! I was too tired to retype it. I'll go back later and send it again! haha Love ya!
- Sunday, April 10, 2011
- Michael and Kylie said...
I'm glad you updated your blog and love your boys. See you soon!!!
- Wednesday, April 13, 2011
- Travis & Joann said...
Awwww my heart aches for what your little guy went through, and you! Every child is different, and it would be hard to trust any doctor after this. I know the "vibe" but hey, we KNOW our kids best because we're with them every day. We know when something is not right and the fact that we're actually in the doctors office means we are concerned and want something to be done so my child can get better, right? I feel for Eli. I had ear infections ALL the time as a kid, got tubes put in my ears, went to see a specialist to make sure I wasn't going deaf. Got my tonsils and adnoids taken out. Had to wear plugs in my ears everytime I went swimming our took a bath...but that was a long time ago. Shouldn't technology have advanced by now? Good luck with this next year. I hope Eli is on the mend for good.
- Thursday, April 14, 2011
- Kelso said...
yay for updated post! it would've ben nice to have seen a cute picture of Eli but hey, I'll take what I can get ;). I tried looking on earlier but turkey blocked blog websites so I couldn't see.
p.s. awesome job on your bedroom!
- Wednesday, April 20, 2011
- cydney sharp said...
Pants! I love your blog! I just discovered it in a link on Cambry's blog. You are such a great writer... I'm adding it to my favorites!
We need to catch up.
- Saturday, May 14, 2011
- Independent Adoption Center said...
Happy Adoption Awareness Month! As a fellow adoption advocate we thought you would enjoy taking part in Open Portrait, a blog that is painting a portrait of open adoption through photos, videos, and quotes. We would love you to participate and help spread the word! http://www.openportrait.tumblr.com
- Tuesday, November 01, 2011


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WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Thursday he has faith in Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy, but said Clancy has work to do to "straighten out" the beleaguered agency.
Johnson said he was "very upset" by a March 4 incident in which two off-duty Secret Service agents drove a government car through a secured area at the White House and nudged a temporary barrier, supposedly after a night of drinking. The car intruded in an area where a suspicious item was being investigated.
Johnson told a House Appropriations subcommittee Thursday that he personally went to the White House to review the scene and "look at the orange barrel that was moved out of the way."
While the incident remains under investigation, "what I know makes me very upset, especially given the prior string of incidents" that have embarrassed the agency responsible for protecting the president, Johnson said.
Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., chairman of the full Appropriations panel, called the recent incidents troubling, especially given the importance of the Secret Service's mission. Clancy, a longtime agent Service Service veteran who was called out of retirement to take over the agency, faces a crucial test of his leadership, Rogers said.
"We've got to be sure we are not jeopardizing the president's life by taking care of people who have been our friends for years in the Service," he said, adding that the latest incident "smacks" of cronyism.
The department's inspector general is investigating allegations that Secret Service officers guarding the White House compound wanted to conduct sobriety tests on the agents involved in the March 4 incident but were ordered to let them go.
"That agency needs discipline," Rogers said. "It needs to be cleaned up."
Johnson agreed, adding that he is confident Clancy can "straighten the organization out. Change doesn't happen overnight."
Clancy has been criticized for the agency's handling of the March 4 incident and has complained that he was not told about it for five days.
Johnson said he learned about the incident after Clancy did, adding that Clancy faces a major challenge to instill needed discipline.
"It is in many respects an insular-thinking agency," Johnson said.


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New USB-C connector for next-generation computers
Included USB 3.0 adapter works with PC or Mac®
Sleek, all-aluminum enclosure by Porsche Design
Special editions in gold and rose gold to match the MacBook®


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Award-winning author and TrendHunter.com CEO Jeremy Gutsche discusses corporate culture strategy in his innovation keynote speech. According to Jeremy, corporate culture is the responsibility of a CEO. CEOs must provide environments in which employees can act boldly, take risks and feel empowered to innovate within their role. CEOs and managers need to break down the barriers of traditional hierarchy and rational decision-making methods. He states, "Rational decision making is the illness that topples corporate icons."
Jeremy notes the story of typewriter company Smith Corona and how its rational decision-making processes resulted in missing out on a hugely significant opportunity.
"Smith Corona became a victim of rational decision making.
In the 1970s and 1980s, computing didn't seem big enough. A $1 million venture is interesting to a $10 million company. But to a $500 million giant like Smith Corona, $1 million seemed too small. Big companies are hungry for big opportunities.
The rational decision was to focus on relocating to Mexico. Any decent analysis would have told Smith Corona that relocating was the safest medium-term decision."
When prudent managers only focus on the big opportunities, they miss out on the smaller opportunities that put them at a huge disadvantage later.
For more advice on corporate culture strategy and the role of leaders within a company, check out the FREE version of 'Exploiting Chaos' here.
In Order to Adapt, We Must Intentionally Destroy
Non-Traditional Thinkers Offer the Maverick Ideas
Innovation Starts by Knowing Your Consumer
Chaos Requires Organizations to Make Bold Changes
Fail Your Way to New Success
Jeremy Gutsche Discusses Corporate Culture Strategy
- By: Jaime NeelyApr 29, 2013
References: jeremygutsche
References: jeremygutsche


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Leo's Fortune is a gorgeous platformer adventure game where he hunts for stolen gold.
Leo's Fortune
Genre:Action Developer:1337 & Senri LLC
Leo's Fortune is a beautiful platformer game which gives you a satisfying experience after playing a game. Where game takes you to find mysterious thief who had stolen your gold and you set to explore adventurous places like beautiful landscapes, snowy mountains, desert places and many more. Developer has done great job in creating fantastic visual effects which looks photorealistic on in the screen.
Speaking about Leo's character he is a rolling little moustache monster infinite runner, set his quest to hunt thief who stole his precious gold. I love to write reviews of games which has great handcrafted-visual effects, though the game Leo's adventure released two years back still I love to play this amazing game. And leo's adventure met huge success both due to Leo's charm and difficulty in solving puzzle which has more challenging and head scratching puzzle theme, great physics mechanics involved with delightful atmospheric environment.
Leo's adventure has five different regions each you have to follow the gold and he meets various relatives sees taking his luck and come across various item were he interacts and takes him to next map. And in all levels he has to collect the gold coins and some hidden items will be triggered. In most of the parts there are traps and solve the puzzle to complete levels. In total there are 20 levels to solve variety of puzzles with four bonus levels and this can be achieved by taking certain stars in first four chapters of level . Also stars can be collected by taking all gold coins we have to practice a lot to achieve these bonus levels. Beginning of the levels are simpler but as successful complete stages with progress let game's puzzles becomes difficult with physics mechanics. And there are variety of items to solve the puzzle which will immerse in the game play and keep you interested.
The game has a aesthetic visuals with neat texture and leo's charcter to realistic graphics of environment looks bright and rich colors used with animation are smooth and fanastic and great mechanic control. Leo is interesting character who is very smooth flowing in nature and with high speed. At the same time leo's can move excessively high to lower the rate of descent also you have to get use to his nature with practice and master it. The game seems like a mixer of Super Meatboy and Hedgehog. Also they you feel memorable when you play such a gorgeous game with each unique mechanics in all the levels.
Overall its a superb package of High Quality visuals with different levels, countless physics platforms with good narrative story, that takes you to explore different atmospheric stages and lots of interesting themes you come across. So enjoy this intriguingly infinite runner and intense mustachio monster.


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The most polarising champion in EFC, Norman Wessels, returns to hostile ground in Cape Town to defend his light heavyweight title. But waiting for him, is the most ferocious fighter in EFC, the DRC powerhouse Champion Dalcha. Will the calculated attack of Wessels see him once again victorious or will the brute force of Dalcha allow him to smash his way to the top?
Also featuring on the massive main card Tumelo Maphutha will enter to the Hexagon with a chance at redemption for his previous performances against Belgium`s Mark Vlieger in his highly anticipated EFC debut.
Fresh off a performance bonus winning fight, former lightweight contender Sibusiso `The Monster` Mdoko will welcome American Dave `The Pain Train` Mazany back into the EFC Hexagon. `The Pain Train` is back after 5 years and wants to make a case for contender ship in the stacked lightweight division.
Plus, Scotland`s Danny Henry takes on featherweight stand-out Matt Buirski.


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Time to see what I did this year!
I read 76 books this year (29,359 pages)! Not bad considering my goal in January was 40.
I bought 42 books, received 12 as gifts and 1 as a prize!
One of my goals was to read more recommendations from friends/family – I think I succeeded!
CP's: Captive Prince, Prince's Gambit, Kings Rising, Wolf by Wolf, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Finnikin of the Rock, The 3 Writing Thesauruses (Emotion, Positive and Negative Traits), Three Dark Crowns, Milk and Honey
Grandfather: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, The Mill on the Floss (partial)
Friends: Pax, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, When We Collided, The Start of Me and You
I had a few other little challenges I wanted to complete this year but I think I failed pretty much all of them!
Read one classic novel a month: 5
Read one nonfiction book a month: 6
Read the Harry Potter series again: 1
Read the 10 books on my Goodreads TBR the longest: 1
Debut novels: 14
Better luck next year, Future Me!
How did I like what I did read this year?
5 stars – 33%
4 stars – 48%
3 stars – 16%
2 stars – 4%
Out of all of these books, which one was my Best Read of 2016?
It was an incredibly hard choice – until I read Monstress! (See my review here!) I can still barely talk about this book without screaming–I absolutely love this story and I can't wait to buy the next bound volume! It's dark and feminist and has beautiful as well as brutal moments. The art is a bonus–every panel is lovingly detailed and kept me from reading too quickly. If you want deep world-building, flawed characters fighting for their goals, and a story that demands you keep up with it, grab this now! I enjoyed every page.
And Best Surprise Read of 2016 goes to….
I had seen this cover pop up a couple times on Instagram and I finally picked up a copy of this debut novel because I was curious about the magical realism. (See my review here!) This book had me enthralled! The themes of family, identity, growing up, traditionalism vs change, what makes a full life–Carolina and her family felt so real to me and I savored their story. It is a rare example of a perfectly packaged tale with that nostalgic feeling you normally reserve for something old. I look forward to coming back to this again and again!
What did I achieve with my writing?
1) Revised and polished YA fantasy
2) Attended my first writing conference
3) Pitched to agents for the first time
4) Chose to shelve YA fantasy and begin a new project
5) Completed the 83,000 word draft for Fox Story in 3 months
6) Learned. So. Much.
7) And of course, I posted twice a week here, rain shine or deadline!
New things coming for 2017
Give this year's goals another chance:
-1 nonfiction book a month
-1 classic novel a month
-Read Harry Potter again
-Get through those books that I've meant to read for years!


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Homepage gallery
Unique Wood Creations by Tom Chambers
Katie Lancaster is a fine art and equestrian specialist photographer based in Cookley, Worcestershire.Her fine art background is apparent in both her personal and commercial work, with a portfolio comprising of contemporary atmospheric imagery.
We are the UK based Friendly Society of Artists, we are open to all who share our love of art, whether amateur or professional, beginner or experienced.
Oil paintings and fine art sketches by Heikki Peltola. Mga larawang pinta at masining na guhit ni Heikki Peltola. Bai HuiQi de You Hua he SuMiao Hua. Heikki Peltolan öljyvärimaalauksia ja taidepiirustuksia.
Gallery and exhibition of contemporary artwork by 16 artists from their studio in a vast shed at Newdigate in Surrey
A Quick look at some of the interesting items for sale in our shop and a brief tour of the large area dedicated to our toy museum .
illustrator and artist's webpage showing children's illustrations, general illustrations and paintings.
On this webpage you can see and order silverjewelery made by Elin Lundvik
Collective works of Matthew Colrain. Online portfolio.
jochen berger, designer, graphic design, artist, cape town, south africa
Joseph & Sari Grove open up their artists' studio to the internet collector in hopes of conversions to actual physical sales of originals, peer support & intellectual communication for the purposes of growth...
official web-site, artist, Tommy Michael Jensen, acrylic , contemporary art paintings.
The current portfolio of artist and craftsman, Benjamin Edward Spalding.
We supply high quality bathroom products like vanity slabs, bathroom cabinets, medicine units, mirrors, basins, taps, wall art and many more .....
Sugalon Illustration Gallery, Galeria de Ilustracion de Sugalon
En konstnär från Adelsö socken i Uppland men med rötter i Dalarna
Listakonan Sigga á Grund


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650A Willis Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596 | (516) 747-1112 |
At Hair Junkie, our team of professionals provide our guests with the highest level of satisfaction. We strive to provide each and every guest with outstanding customer service, and healthy and beautiful hair. Most of all we want our customers to trust, enjoy and benefit from our culture. We believe that we have the ability to help our clients look and feel their very best!
Check Out Our 5 Tips
On Keeping That Salon Style
Going After You Go Home!
Hair Cut
Hair Color
Blow Out


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Recipients will receive a 25% reduction in their student contributions (tuition fees) for their first year of study into their chosen program, up to a maximum of two semesters or eight courses. Students will be automatically assessed when applying for an eligible program.
The International Merit Scholarship will be awarded to selected international students who meet the following criteria.
For more information contact: International Admissions Office Tel: +61 8302 0114 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Summer Humanities Institute participants have full schedules which incorporate the academic, social, and cultural aspects of the program into each day.
Typical Weekday Schedule
|8:00 am–9:00 am
|9:00 am–11:30 am
|Faculty-led classroom session that includes lecture, small group discussions, and some individual work
|11:30am–1:00 pm
|1:00 pm–2:30 pm
|Discussion sections led by Graduate Teaching Assistants
|2:30 pm–4:00 pm
|Designated study period
|4:00 pm–4:30 pm
|Snack break
|4:30 pm–6:00 pm
|Selected organized activities: sports, games, music, art, Stanford-area excursions, etc. (participation is required)
|6:00 pm–7:00 pm
|7:00 pm–9:30 pm
|Free time for informal study, activities organized by residential staff
|9:30 pm
|All participants must be in their residence
|11:00 pm
|Lights out (on Fridays and Saturdays this may be one hour later)
Schedule Details
Morning classes are taught in Stanford classrooms or other instructional spaces, and are led by program faculty.
After lunch, participants attend a discussion section led by the Graduate Teaching Associates. Later they attend a study session supervised by the teaching assistants, and typically held in their residences. These sessions usually consist of one-on-one conferences, small group discussion sessions, or independent work.
The afternoon activity period provides a range of options for participants to choose from, including sports, games, arts and crafts, local excursions to downtown Palo Alto or the Stanford Shopping Center, and other group activities which allow participants to get to know other Summer Institutes participants outside of their course. All activities are supervised by the Residential Counselors.
Evenings allow participants unstructured time to continue work on course assignments, relax with friends, watch movies, or take part in house-wide activities such as talent shows and dances, which are held each session.
Field trips to exciting cultural and natural attractions are scheduled for one day each weekend, and the other weekend day will have open-ended free time as well as an offering of enjoyable activities.


text:
Quality educational choices for every student
At PVSchools, our journey of excellence includes quality educational choices and infinite opportunities from pre-kindergarten through high school. They include a K-12 International Baccalaureate Programme, gifted and highly gifted programs, a comprehensive K-12 online program, STEM education, Advanced Placement classes, nationally recognized fine arts programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities.All of these, and much more, are a reality when you choose to send your child to the national-award-winning Paradise Valley Unified School District. Our mission is to cultivate world-class, innovative thinkers and expert communicators who develop critical thinking skills that will equip them for success in the 21st century and beyond.Explore the educational opportunities available at PVSchools.


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Anum Anzeti has never met a lunatic quite as frightening as the man who claims to be a future version of himself. CLICK HERE for next chronological story.
Unbound Boxes Limping Gods: Disconnected Stories. Issue # 19: Anum Anzeti
July 11, 2011 by cherylmoore
10 Responses
Left wondering again.
This is enough to make a person give up time-travel. I had no idea I was traumatizing my young self so, but yes, this is exactly right. I love how clearly you've imagined this, Cheryl! Good job!
I'd like to take the opportunity to invite your readers to my blog during August: I will be posting my 1000th entry this month and spotlighting Cheryl Moore. Along with spotlighting her work and commenting on it, I will be reading/reviewing her work, putting together an author interview, and many other things that bloggers get into…
Want to go behind the scenes with a professional book reviewer? Come Visit!
Book Reader's Heaven


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Sunday, September 25, 2016
Big 'n Beautiful Betty Bag
10 comments:
That is a really fun purse! The ruffle adds a lot of interest... it doesn't look like fun to wrestle into the frame though.ReplyDelete
When people see you with that bag, they will never notice the lack of high heels. It will be awesome with discount ballet flats, or Ugg boots, once it snows. Carry it and wow the world, it is gorgeous.ReplyDelete
WOW! This is just impeccable! Congrats.ReplyDelete
That polka dot lining is killing me! Love your bag!ReplyDelete
This is so cute! Better than spending a month's rent on shoes, that's for sure!ReplyDelete
This is just wonderful! You can't buy it in a store, either. So cute!ReplyDelete
Really beautiful. You did a fantastic job. I bought a kit to make 2 of these a few years ago, but haven't gotten up the nerve yet. Thanks for the inspiration.ReplyDelete
Who needs the crazy rent and high heels when you have such a beautiful bag - it's gorgeous, and the ruffles look fabulous to me!ReplyDelete
LOVING the bag!! Clasp clutches are like, totally, like cool :-) High heels don't need to be expensive and just take a little confidence and strong ankles!! (I just like rising from 6ft to 6.4 when I wear them!)ReplyDeleteReplies
I'm only slightly shorter than you, then, but I feel like a tall lanky giant when I attempt to wear heels. I'm so wobbly it's almost funny.Delete


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I'm so excited to annnounce that my debut novel Soul Catcher will be published with Decadent Publishing. I'm so stoked about the news. I will update everyone when I get more information.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
My First Contract!
I'm so excited to annnounce that my debut novel Soul Catcher will be published with Decadent Publishing. I'm so stoked about the news. I will update everyone when I get more information.
Posted by Vivi Dumas at 6:42 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sorry, Couldn't Wait To Share!
I just got the cover for my novel, Torn Asunder which releases Jan 2011. It is a paranormal (witches and shape shifters), historical (regency-set), erotic romance. I am so excited to share for many reasons. The cover quote is obviously one. I have been reading and loving novels by NY Times Bestselling Author, Hannah Howell for years. I especially love her regency set ones with paranormal elements. Just finished If He's Wild this summer - amazing! Anyway, I have had to pinch myself to think of her reading one of my stories, let alone liking it. So you know, our last names are a cool coincidence - no relation. I also want to thank my cover artist, Emma Hillman for doing such a wonderful job and for putting up with me! LOL
So, he is the official unveiling of the cover...
Thanks for letting me gush here :) Guess I am feeling like a star-struck teen who just met one of my idols. You know, never-gonna-wash-this-hand, and all! Can't stop shaking! LOL
Kiki Howell ~where love is a mystical thing~
Posted by Kiki Howell - Author at 1:34 PM 6 comments Links to this post
Cool. I Struggle to Chew Gum and Walk
Posted by Arlene at 11:08 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Enter my contest on my blog and win a copy of "Binding Spell"!
Demons can be sexy. They are dangerous and cunning, and live in lust. They are beautiful, dark angels, fallen long ago from grace, sometimes striving to return to heaven, or even just glimpse it through love or pleasure.
How would you describe demons in one word or phrase?Go to my blog and leave your comments. One of you will win an electronic copy of my novella "Binding Spell" – the story of Mador, a demon summoned to help Jay, a mortal man in need, and his discovery of trust and love. I hope to see you there!
For the contest click here
Posted by Jay Di Meo at 4:29 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Writer's Wednesdays
Please stop by and chat with me and Saranna DeWylde for Writer's Wednesday. We're also giving away a copy of Kresley Cole's Demon from the Dark. Hope to see you there!
Posted by Vivi Dumas at 7:18 AM 0 comments Links to this post
The Outlaw
Happy Release Day!
Today my m/m western steampunk "The Outlaw" is available through Dreamspinner Press!! This story has two of the sexiest, most interesting men - I am totally in love with Kell and Damian!!
Posted by Rebecca Leigh at 3:00 AM 8 comments Links to this post
How do you construct your characters?
The Book Boost kindly opened their blog to me today. I'm discussing how to build a character from the inside out. How do you construct your characters? Come over and share your secrets!
Posted by Cate Masters at 1:35 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Book Boost, contemporary fantasy, Surfacing, writing tips
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Review for The Crown's Blade!
I am so excited! I got my first review for this short erotica story of mine which is out with Whispers Publishing.
From the review:
"Elinor is on a quest to find the Crown's Blade; a weapon to defeat the evil Shadows that are destroying her world. When she stumbles upon a temple ruin, she discovers Indigo, a Tithere elf, awaiting death. She is drawn to his masculine beauty, and chooses to save his life. In return, she asks for his assistance on her quest. Now Elinor is torn between duty and desire. Perhaps Indigo is the answer to everything.
Dark fantasy is one of my favorite subgenres, and Jay Di Meo knows what she is doing. I loved this story. "
Check it out here!
Posted by Jay Di Meo at 11:51 AM 5 comments Links to this post
POD of the future
Taking POD to the next level, the Espresso Book Machine brings convenience to readers. Now if we can just get bookstores on board to buy these babies!
This is a long interview, but very informative.
Pretty cool, huh?
Posted by Cate Masters at 5:59 AM 6 comments Links to this post
Labels: Espresso Book Machine, POD, publishing industry
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Casting Call and a giveaway
My short fantasy, The Duende and the Muse, was so much fun to write! Especially because I vividly imagined certain people as the hero and heroine. Who? Come find out on my blog, in this edition of my blog series Casting Call.
As a funny aside, I received an email from a casting company asking if I needed help finding actors for my film! If they can get these actors to play the parts, I might think about making one. :)
I'm also having a giveaway for Facebook fans - all you need to do is comment on my page to be in the running for a print copy of Surfacing. Oh, and be a fan. :)
Posted by Cate Masters at 1:02 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: fantasy romance, Surfacing, The Duende and the Muse
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Oh My!!! My Very First Review
Click here for the full review.
Posted by Arlene at 8:28 PM 7 comments Links to this post
Labels: Eostre's Hare, reviews
Writer's Wednesdays
I have Jennifer Hart guest blogging at Delusions of Grandeur today for Writer's Wednesday. She is intereview one of her fabulous charcters from her series Misadventures of the Laundry Hag. Come by and get to know Jenn and Maggie and find out more about Jenn's upcoming releases.
Posted by Vivi Dumas at 7:08 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Out of This World Blog Tour
Posted by D L Jackson at 5:40 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Can you spare a click?
Cover artist Dawne Dominique did a great job creating the cover for Fever Dreams, don't you think?
We'd both love it if you would vote for entry #14 in the You Gotta Read Covers contest!
A contemporary novel with fantasy elements, Fever Dreams is also part of the Romance Junkies Summer Contest. Enter before August 31st for a chance to win a print copy.
Posted by Cate Masters at 11:05 AM 5 comments Links to this post
Labels: contemporary fantasy, contests, Fever Dreams, Romance Junkies Summer Contest, You Gotta Read cover contest
Saturday, August 14, 2010
There's a New Kid on the Block.
YoungRebel Publications Launch
New UK independent publishing house YoungRebel Publications have announced they are open for submissions from Saturday 14th August 2010. Jacqueline Young, editor at YoungRebel said, 'We are looking for exciting, fresh stories with main characters aged 16 to 21 years old. We accept queries for all genres and lengths, from writers of any age.' Jacqueline, a teacher with over seventeen years of experience, went on to add, 'We are particularly interested in writing that will appeal to our young male readers. A typical YoungRebel story has a strong lead character and an original plot line. It appeals to the tastes of today's young adult readers, not a sanitised distant memory of young adult tastes.
'We launch on 25th October (the week before Halloween) with an anthology of paranormal shorts and at least one other title. If you have a story that will make our hair stand on end, then we'd like to hear from you. Your short must have a paranormal theme but can cross any other genre. For this anthology we are looking for stories with a maximum length of 3,000 words.
'It's an exciting time in publishing and we passionately believe e-books are the future. The young adult market has been neglected in e-publishing terms, a remarkable fact considering today's youth are so comfortable with technological media. YoungRebel aims to connect this readership with new and upcoming talent.'
YoungRebel Publications are a full service, royalty paying company. Submissions by e-mail only. Send a query letter and sample chapters or complete manuscript as a Word compatible attachment to email@example.com . Full submission guidelines are available on the website along with more detailed company and contract information. International authors are welcome.
Details: Jacqueline Young (Editor); e-mail: email@example.com; website: www.youngrebelpublications.com
Posted by D L Jackson at 6:00 AM 8 comments Links to this post
Interview with my muse
This week, I had the privilege and pleasure to interview my muse in erotica fiction, author Becca Abbott, on my blog. Funny how life turns out. I first read her fanfiction stories about ten years ago, and I discovered erotica. Back then I was amazed such a thing existed, and how beautiful it was.
It was only a year and a half ago that a friend and excellent author, Marie Dees, talked about erotica on the critique group we both frequented, which prompted me to start writing erotica as well.
But Becca Abbott remains my muse. I love both her fanfiction and original stories and now she is published with the SL Publishing Group. I definitely recommend her.
Click here for the interview.
She gives the links to her webpages for fanfiction and original fiction, as well as to her published work. Have fun!
Posted by Jay Di Meo at 4:12 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sizzling Hot Surprise
I had quite a surprise yesterday when my editor sent me notice that my newest book Vampire in the Basement went to Pre-order over at All Romance Ebooks. I was excited and thrilled.
This book is an expansion for me into erotic romance. What does that mean? The love scenes are more frequent and detailed. What made this book different? The characters were so intense about each other. Regina and Gregor are about to get married. Theo and Lorraine have both been hurt in the past, but the raw animal magnetism between them is undeniable. It a vampire/supernatual erotic romantic comedy with death defying moments and passionate (very, very passionate) interludes. LOL It was so much fun to write.
You can preorder the book at http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-vampireinthebasement-448370-139.html
Here's a little taste:
Waking up with Gregor's strong naked body against hers was a hundred times delicious, so delicious, that it was easy to forget they were sharing a makeshift bed of an open sleeping bag and blankets in a cave somewhere in Maine. His great, strong arms embraced her securely, not so tightly as to impede breathing, but enough to make Regina feel worshipped and adored and aware that he was still worried about her. The raw energy of the forest beyond the cave flowed into her, increasing her strength and making her glad to finally realize her half elf, half leprechaun heritage. The horrible feeling of having her life sucked out was almost gone.
The man holding onto her so tightly saved her life and sanity. A part of Regina questioned if she loved Gregor because of that. She closed her eyes and thought back to that time climbing through the rubble of the towers, listening to the screams in her head, as she tried to locate survivors. Regina could still see the face of the dying man. All she did was send a spark through him like she'd done thousands of times before to recharge batteries. But this time it was enough to save a life. Sighing, she hugged Gregor and he responded by squeezing her a little tighter. Gazing at his handsome sleeping face framed by thick dark hair made her heart finally peaceful. Gregor was her refuge, her champion, and everything she needed love to be. My big, brave bear of a man.
Gregor growled in his sleep, and she couldn't help kissing the stubble of beard on his cheek. How does he always manage to look so 'drink me up sexy'? A part of her couldn't help but be annoyed, but the other part of her enjoyed looking at him too much. Then he moved onto his back, and she couldn't resist crawling on top of him and brushing her lips ever so gently on his.
In one swift movement, he had her on her back. His blue Maine summer day eyes sparkled with mischief. He kissed her, peering down at her. "What were you up to when I was asleep?" His low rumbling laugh made her body shiver. Regina could feel his excitement growing harder against her thigh.
"Gree, I was thinking that I feel well enough to go back to New York."
"Sweetheart, there aren't anymore survivors to find." He stroked the side of her face, his fingers lingering in her hair. "I had to get you out of there. You were dying." As his mouth pressed against her lips, his tongue pushed them apart and caressed the inside of her mouth until she gasped. "I love you, Reggie. How would I live without you?" With his lips, he worshiped her eyes, her nose, and finally her mouth again.
"Still we should have stayed. There might have been something else we could have done."
"No. There wasn't." His eyes narrowed. "You're afraid to meet my family."
"No," she stammered. "It's not that at all.
He chuckled. "Yes, it is, Regina." He bit her lower lip playfully. Then he brushed a lock of hair tenderly out of her face. "Listen, I'd be nervous if we were in Alaska meeting your parents."
Regina couldn't help the trepidation she felt. As far as she knew, they were only minutes from his house. "What if they don't like me?"
"They are going to love you. Like I do. Okay, maybe not exactly like I do." He had one hand on her breast.
~ * ~
Thank you for dropping by the Paranormalists. It's been fun sharing my surprise with you.
--Susan Hanniford Crowley
Where love burns eternal!
Posted by Susan Hanniford Crowley at 1:00 AM 4 comments Links to this post
Labels: Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire erotic romance, Vampire in the Basement
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Interview with Rebecca Leigh
Hey Paranormalists! Today I'm interviewing our own Rebecca Leigh.
Come on over and help Rebecca celebrate her new release, One Way Trip!
Here's the link. See you there. :)
Posted by Cate Masters at 5:47 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Interview, One Way Trip, Rebecca Leigh
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Writer's Wednesday
Come by and meet Kelly Yeakle. A debut author at Decadent Publishing.
Also for those of you who came by last Wednesday, Lucifer's Daughter is available for purchase now. You can get more info on Eve's site.
Posted by Vivi Dumas at 11:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 9, 2010
This was in the email tonight and I just had to share.
Posted by D L Jackson at 8:16 PM 5 comments Links to this post
Chatting tonight
A little off topic, but tonight I'm participating in a Native American romance-themed chat with authors Margaret West and Ginger Simpson. We'll be discussing our NA-themed books, answering questions and providing excerpts and giveaways.
Night Owl Reviews will also be giving away prizes. One lucky chatter will leave with a hand full of awesome print books. Winner will be selected by NOR's door prize system (USA only). To be entered you need to attend the full chat.
Start Time: 5pm PST aka 8 EST - (Duration 1 hour)
Location: www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Pages/Chat.aspx
We look forward to seeing you there! :)
Posted by Cate Masters at 1:39 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: chat, Night Owl Reviews
Sunday, August 8, 2010
To my readers.
Thank you for buying my books and taking a chance on a new author.
Thank you for the notes, comments and emails. I just had a comment left on an old post, on a blog post from March. What a pick-me-up.
Thank you for being honest and letting me know what you liked and what you didn't. You help me to make the next book better. I listen to what you have to say. It's important to me, because you are important to me.
And thank you for supporting ePublishing and its authors. We may not be on every shelf in the bookstore, but you make sure we're not overlooked.
You truly are the best!
Posted by D L Jackson at 1:01 PM 3 comments Links to this post
To Delete a Rule or Not. That is the Question.
Unless anyone cares otherwise, I'll lose the posting schedule. Even one or two voices speaking up, and I won't bother but if not, the guideline I think we should follow is a courtesy one.
If you see someone in drafts and scheduled to come up, or has recently posted, then slap your post up in a reasonable amount of time later.
Posted by Arlene at 9:13 AM 6 comments Links to this post
Saturday, August 7, 2010
New Paranormal Release
If you haven't already heard -- there's a new super hot paranormal release our there!
FANGBANGERS: AN EROTIC ANTHOLOGY OF FANGS, CLAWS, SEX AND LOVE is now available from Ravenous Romance.
FANGBANGERS includes my short story "Forbidden Pleasure" about a male vampire and a female panther shifter. This is my first story with a shifter!
Here's a short blurb.
Marcus Valiant has fantasized about fucking Juliet Jackson for so long that not even an ancient vampire law that forbids their coupling will stop him. After picking her up at a local bar, his fantasies finally become reality. Marcus may get punished by his panther lover, but in the end they both find satisfaction.
If your interested, FANGBANGERS can be purchased here: Buy Link
If you'd like to learn more about me, you can look here: Rebecca Leigh's Webpage
Posted by Rebecca Leigh at 12:48 PM 4 comments Links to this post
Leveling the playing field
Publishers Weekly announced the news yesterday that Dorchester would drop its mass market paperbacks for ebook and POD format. Like NOW. I hope they gave their authors a heads up, because this is huge news. Dorchester was one of the few bigger/midlist pubs to which an author could submit without an agent.
So what does this mean for the existing indie ebook pubs? No one truly knows, but with other big publishing houses adding ebooks as an option, the tide's turned significantly toward digital.
Does it level the playing field for authors? Not yet. And with younger generations apparently believing file sharing is their God-given right, it's still going to be a rough ride until publishers figure out how to fairly compensate authors for their work. Has anyone else heard of the Pirate Party? Check out my critique partner's two recent posts.
What are your thoughts?
By the way, I'm also celebrating today - my last release of the year! My Native American historical, Follow the Stars Home, releases today. Come help me celebrate on my blog!
Posted by Cate Masters at 6:41 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Labels: Dorchester, Pirate Party, publishing industry
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Writer's Wednesdays
Hi Everyone! I don't think it's my day to post but I want to tell everyone about a new author spotlight I am having on my blog. Each Wednesday will be set aside for an author to highlight themselves. It can either be by way of interview, by guest blogging, if you have any fun and exciting giveaways, or anything else that will showoff our talents. I'm game for just about anything if you have any other good ideas.
I have slots filled through the August. But September is open. Please shoot me an email if you are interested in participating.
Also, please stop by and give your support to our fellow writers who are participating. Not all of them are Paranormalists, but maybe we can convince them to join if we show our support.
I hope to hear from you!
Posted by Vivi Dumas at 11:05 AM 5 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Release Day for Two Great Books and Giveaway of One: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway and I Am Number Four by Piitucus Lore aka James Frey and Jobie Hughs
The second book and the one that will be given away is I Am Number Four. The alleged author is Pitticus Lore, but the true authors are James Frey of A Million Little Pieces fame and Jobie Hughs who is making his debut and is apparently the major contributor to the book. This is an exciting story that is the first of a six-book series. It is the story of teen aliens from the planet Lorien who live among us on Earth, attempting to blend in and escape the Mogadorians, a murderous race of aliens that have destroyed their planet. The teens are the only survivors of Lorien and they're being hunted. The movie is already in production for release in February 2011.
I've reviewed both books more fully on my blog. Stop by to check them out and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a good read.
Posted by June G at 7:48 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: book giveaway, book promotion, book review, I Am Number Four, James Frey, Jobie Hughs, May and June, Pitticus Lore, Robin Benway, The Extraordinary Secrets of April
Monday, August 2, 2010
Surfacing now available!
Woot! My fantasy novel, Surfacing, is now available in ebook format from Whiskey Creek Press. A print edition will be available soon.
I finished this trailer over the weekend. It's one of the shortest I've created, but I think it does the job well. What do you think?
Here's an excerpt:
"Look out!" a woman screamed as the gator closed in.
Something slammed into his stomach and whooshed him beneath the water. A second slam, more like a thud, and he thought it was all over. For both of them. The thing gripped him without hurting him somehow, but moved so fast, AJ thought his body might break from the pressure of the speed. It felt like hurtling through the canal on an underwater express train, rolling as they went.
As his lungs felt near to bursting, they slowed and surfaced. Whatever held him released him by propelling him face-down onto a grassy bank.
Gasping for air, he scrambled up the side to escape it, but his arms and legs flailed, more spectacle than anything.
"What were you doing?" a girl's rich, full voice asked.
He glanced over his shoulder, still grasping at the bank for leverage. He fell to the grass, stunned.
Instead of the ugly head of an alligator leering at him in a crocodile smile, the girl, even more gorgeous up close, leaned her hands on the bank and lifted herself up. Her wet hair clung to her chest and waist.
Too many questions flew through his head at once. "What?" he managed.
"You could have been killed. Why did you do that?" Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds flecked with onyx. Her long dark hair framed her porcelain face and rosebud lips.
His chest heaved. "You're kidding, right? I saved you."
She burst into laughter. Like bells tinkling, like music.
Fascination turned to irritation. He risked his life for her. "What? That alligator would've killed you."
This made her laugh all the harder, her laughter like a melody he couldn't quite place, though familiar.
The alligator drifted toward them on its side, like a log. Unmoving. Unconscious.
She giggled. "It won't hurt you now."
AJ glanced downriver to where the boat should have been. "What happened? Where's the boat?" He held a hand to his head. He wished she'd stop laughing. The sound got inside his brain, jumbled his already knotted thoughts. And every time she looked at him, her eyes hypnotized him—their whites so clear and bright, the green shone like gemstones. Like no other eyes he'd ever seen.
Glancing upstream, she smiled. "Right where you left it."
"No. I left it right there." He still couldn't catch his breath. Or his mind.
She twisted up and sat on the bank. "No, you left it around the bend. Remember?" As she turned her head, her hair shifted, revealing the curve of a breast.
AJ blinked, thinking his eyesight might have been affected by the impact. But he could see as clear as ever. The old biddy was right. "You're not wearing clamshells."
Her glittering eyes snapped to his. "What?"
His mind raced. If this girl was what he thought she was, he wanted to get closer. He slumped on the bank, letting his feet slide closer to her. "What are you doing out here? You're not with the show."
She tossed her head, and her hair swirled across her like a glossy curtain, tantalizing him. She edged toward the water. "No."
The end of her tail rose, then swished beneath the canal. For a moment, he'd caught sight of it, the colors exactly as Grandpa had described: iridescent, ever-changing, like rich silk. He shifted closer for a better view. The transformation from skin to tail was seamless. Undetectable.
It was no costume.
Posted by Cate Masters at 6:11 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Labels: contemporary fantasy, mermaids, Surfacing


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The American Bar Association wants more information from Florida A&M University's Orlando-based law school on its programs and policies after the Bar's accreditation arm cited the school for admitting students who aren't academically prepared. The report also cited FAMU Law for low passage rates on the Bar exam.
"Consistent with that is a desire to look at the admissions process at the law school to make sure we are admitting students with a reasonable chance of success in law school and on the Bar exam," said FAMU Law School Dean LeRoy Purnell.
The issues raised in the report aren't new. The university has been on the hot seat over low graduation rates and admitting students who aren't academically prepared for school since the summer when the state board overseeing Florida's public universities expressed similar concerns. FAMU has until May 1st to respond to the report. The American Bar Association will issue a decision on the school's accreditation at a later time.
For more news updates, follow Lynn Hatter on twitter @HatterLynn


text:
Highway Project Focuses on Accelerated
Bridge Construction and Innovative Seismic Protection Technologies
Use of prefabricated segmental construction is one way to accelerate bridge construction. Here, hinge pipe beams at mid-span expansion joints are being incorporated in the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge
In May 2007, MCEER began work on a new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funded research contract entitled "Innovative Technologies and Their Applications to Enhance the Seismic Performance of Highway Bridges." George C. Lee is the principal investigator and project director and Jerry O'Connor is the project manager. The project has a four year period with funding not to exceed $3.9 million.
Over the past few years, accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has demonstrated significant time savings and other benefits and has become a key component of FHWA's vision of the nation's transportation system. However, there are no design procedures or guidelines for ABC in seismically active states. MCEER's research work will principally focus on the development of seismic design guidelines for prefabricated reinforced concrete and segmentally constructed highway bridges of short to medium span length. Analytical and experimental work will be carried out with the objective of formulating design guidelines for practical applications so that all states can benefit from the use of ABC.
In addition, this project will continue FHWA's past efforts to enhance the seismic performance of highway structures by providing for the evaluation of existing types of seismic isolation bearings over time and under various service conditions, preparing for the deployment of a new generation of bridge bearing that was developed under a previous FHWA research contract, and exploring the concept of using a structural fuse to protect bridges from extensive damage in the event of an earthquake. Specific design guidance for using roller isolation bridge bearings will be developed and support given for implementation on actual bridge projects.
In addition to the research, several national and international seismic conferences and workshops on bridges and highways are planned. A Highway Seismic Advisory Panel (HSAP) will be established in the near future to provide technical input and advice to FHWA and to help ensure that the research products are useful, practical and implementable.
More on MCEER's highway research


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I'm back home in the summer for the first time since I bought my drone, so I took to the air this morning to capture aerial images of Paden City, W.Va., in a new season.
These scenes, taken from the park that runs along the Ohio River, include photos of the town docks, the small campground adjacent to it, the pool, one of the baseball fields, and the south end of town. Marble King, the town's most famous manufacturer in the modern era, is visible behind the tree line in the photo of the south end of town.
Filed under: Business and West Virginia
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This pairing is, of course, more than fitting. It was Billy Joe Shaver who gave heft, who gave real words, to the outlaw-country movement of the early 1970s — even if Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings personified it. In Shaver, they found someone who'd actually lived the lives they sang about as a loveable loser, as a no-account boozer and, most certainly, as a honky-tonk hero.
Fans will remember Nelson attended a long-ago trial for aggravated assault in which Shaver testified on his own behalf, only to be acquitted and turn the whole gunshot-to-the-face-of-a-knife-wielding-redneck into a crowd favorite in "Wacko from Waco."
Along the way, he's also been married three times to two different women. Had his hand badly damaged by a saw. And, even worse, lost the publishing rights to a trove of songs that should have made him rich beyond his own Texas-sized dreams. Heck, nine Shaver tracks make up the bulk of Jennings' seminal Honky Tonk Heroes, including the aforementioned title tune.
Meaning, if Shaver hadn't been the main character in his own hard-bitten, dusty-booted life, he'd have probably created someone very similar in song, anyway. And that makes the rare look back, as on "Hard To Be An Outlaw" from the just-released Long in the Tooth (Lightning Rod Records), thrum with meaning — even as it completes a circle that should have been completed decades back.
Nelson's presence, ironically enough, is more likely to give Shaver a well-deserved moment of reflective fame than anything else on the well-constructed Long in the Tooth. And so, in some small fashion, the debt is finally repaid.
Nick DeRiso
Latest posts by Nick DeRiso (see all)
- Nick DeRiso's Best of 2015 (Rock + Pop): Billy Gibbons, Toto, Death Cab for Cutie, Joe Jackson - January 18, 2016
- Nick DeRiso's Best of 2015 (Blues, Jazz + R&B): Boz Scaggs, Gavin Harrison, Alabama Shakes - January 10, 2016
- Nick DeRiso's Best of 2015 (Reissues + Live): John Oates, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Faces + others - January 7, 2016


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If you've followed this blog for some time, you know that we like to renovate our house as a weekend hobby! We love to spruce up the curb appeal, update bathroom fixtures, remove old wallpaper and paint rooms with fresh colors! However, as much as we enjoy the DIY process, we also recognize that at certain times, hiring a professional contractor is a must! And so today, I wanted to share with you all some tips on determining when a home remodeling job is not a DIY job and should be handled by a pro!
Although we love to get our hands dirty and do some work around the house ourselves, we also know our limits and will happily hire a professional contractor to do certain jobs!
Home Remodeling: When to Call in a Pro
1. Does the job require specialty knowledge or equipment? If your job involves an element of danger (structural changes, plumbing work, electrical changes, etc.), it might be wise to hire a pro!
We wanted to replace our toilet in the guest bathroom and we even tried. But it didn't take too long for us to realize we were in over our heads with this one! The flange in the floor was too low and this was not a job where a "good-enough" seal was acceptable! So we immediately called in a plumber to handle the situation! Obviously, we are so pleased that the plumber took care of this job for us and we haven't had to think about it again!
2. Is the project too big or complicated to finish in an efficient manner?
We wanted to put up a fence when we first moved into this house. But it was the hottest time of Summer (95+ degrees) and we needed over 200 feet of 6′ cedar fencing installed. We were not about to experiment with installing that ourselves! Especially since the professional contractors who did this for us took only one day + one afternoon to get the whole job done! If we were foolish enough to attempt this one ourselves, it probably would have taken us two weeks, including removal of the old fence! Therefore, it was a no-brainer to call in a pro for the fence, because we would have been terribly inefficient at doing the job ourselves! We did wind up staining the fence ourselves, but that was an easy job.
3. Does this job pose a risk to you or your property if not done properly?
We are considering putting a second-story addition onto our house. This is a huge job with major structural implications. Needless to say, we will be hiring a contractor to handle this one from beginning to end. Whenever there is risk to human health or property if a job is not done properly, it's a wise move to call in a pro!
So these are the points you need to consider when deciding whether a home renovation job can be handled on your own, or whether you should just call in a pro! If you decide to call in a professional, consider visiting the Contractor Connection to find a reliable, trusted contractor near you!
Here's what I love about this site:
- Expert Contractors: All of their professionals have met a rigorous set of personal and professional standards, such as criminal background checks, proper licensing, proper insurance and financial stability.
- Warranty: The network of expert contractors is so proficient at their skills, they stand behind their work with a 3-year workmanship warranty! That's an incredibly long warranty for this work! (And if the contractor does not honor this commitment, Contractor Connection aids in resolving the issue!)
- Single Source for Contractors: Rather than dealing with multiple contractors with different strengths, Contractor Connection will match you with one contractor for your job. That's so convenient!
And if you were wondering, they can handle so many different categories of home repairs/renovations, including bathrooms, kitchens, exterior spaces, roofing, flooring, siding, plumbing, emergency repairs and special needs.
So, are you interested in learning how the process works? It's really quite simple!
- Visit their site and request a free estimate.
- Enter your zip code.
- A contractor will contact you within 24 hours.
- Set a time to meet with your contractor.
- Once you approve the estimate, work begins right away.
- Log in to the online project tracker to view progress & status updates.
Also, if you want to spruce up your home, but you're lacking some inspiration, you have to visit their Design Gallery! You'll find so many beautiful pictures of home remodeling jobs to get excited about. I spent about 15 minutes looking through their pictures, and now I seriously want to fix up a few more spaces in our home!
So, tell me what home remodeling projects do you have in mind for the near future?
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Contractor Connection, but as always, all opinions are exclusively my own.
32 Responses to "Home Remodeling: When to Call in a Pro"
We bought a fixer upper a few years back and thought that we would be able to do a lot of the work ourselves. HOWEVER we ran into major foundation issues and everything came to a screeching halt. We know that we have no experience with foundations, so we are in the process of hiring a professional to handle this part.
Trusted sites like the one you mentioned are so important when looking for a pro. We need to replace our fence soon and I'll definitely be calling in the pros.
When my hubby and I bought our home it was a fixer-upper and sometimes it was tough determining to do something yourself or hire someone else to come and do it . I agree that the best way to determine if it's time to hire a professional is when you know you can't handle it on your own
Your fence turned out so nice. When we first bought the house I grew up in it didn't have a garage so we had to hire professionals to come in. Sometimes it's just less stressful to call in the professionals <3
I feel comfortable doing small jobs. I would call a professional in for most bigger jobs though.
In our house the answer is that we should ALWAYS call in a pro. The person who lived here before us did some funky things so our doors are odd sizes and wiring is weird too…better and safer to leave the work to qualified people.
I am NOT looking forward to buying a house with my husband. I know he'll want to fix everything but will takes years to finish. Call in the Pro's asap I'd say haha!
oh we are there – right now at this moment – there is a leak in our ceiling and it does not look too good. Something in the upstairs bathroom is leaking and causing something – there is no way hubbie can tackle that one!
I think it would be better to top a pro when it comes to re modelling. They can save you a lot of recurring expenses and would know the best deals.
This is a great post. If it was me I would call a pro immediately…I have a friend who is doing all kinds of DIY and remodeling in her first house right now!
I couldn't agree with this more. My husband always thinks he can do everything, but there are some things that you just have to call a pro for.
My husband is a carpenter, and I'd say that at least half of the work he does involves fixing a homeowner's mistakes. It ends up costing them more in the long run, because they already paid for materials and such to do it themselves, and most of the time it can't be reused because they messed it up too bad. Always call a pro.
I ALWAYS need to call in a pro, lol. Some people have the knack and some people just really don't. I sadly fall into the latter.
My husband is no handyman. So, when there is a problem we tend to call the handyman.
I wish family understood this. My husband's family is always like "Oh so-in-so likes to do this, have them do it!" and I'm like " … I would rather use a professional" At least if something goes wrong, they will be responsible and it will not cause a family feud!
We are doing a kitchen makeover and will be hiring a plumber, electrician, and someone to install floor. My husband isn't handy and I know my limits.
Really informative post. It's always a struggle trying to determine whether it's really worth the cost to call in a professional with home improvement projects. Great things to think about when making that decision.


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keynote speeches:
David shambaugh
Assessing China's Global Image and Soft Power
In recent years China's government has become increasing concerned with its international image and building its "soft power." Beijing has poured a large amount of financial and human resources into this effort--ranging from Confucius Institutes to radio stations--but has all of this investment produced a payoff? Professor Shambaugh's keynote lecture will explore the various aspects of China's "soft power push," he will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these efforts, and he will judge the consequences for China's diplomacy and standing in the world.
julia chang bloch
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power in US-China Relations
Ambassador Bloch will discuss China's "soft power blitz" amidst the broad skepticism of China's soft power projection strategy, as well as the preponderant Western cultural dominance in the last several centuries. She compares perceived Chinese soft power deficiencies with the appeal of U.S. soft power, noting that China has gotten limited returns for the billions it is spending in winning global hearts and minds. China, however, may be shifting the playing field, as it has used economic hard power to burnish its soft power, and the United States has faced recent challenges to its global image, as well as a federal budget that heavily favors military spending over soft power initiatives. Ambassador Bloch champions cultural diplomacy and people-to-people educational exchanges as a normative framework for international relations, effective tools of soft power to sustain a robust US-China relationship. To conclude, she cites her preface in a US-China Education Trust (USCET) publication, Going Soft? The U.S. and China Go Global, that: "… we strive for better relations between the U.S. and China to avoid last century's conflicts. We strengthen cooperation so as to undermine our reliance on hard power. By understanding each other, we sap our countries' need to compel each other primarily through force."
jiM sasser
Ground Level Perspectives on US-China Relations
Ambassador Sasser will be speaking on his experiences as the United States Ambassador to China. During his time in Beijing from 1996-1999, he played a pivotal role in strengthening Sino-U.S. relations, developing close working relationships with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji and the next generation of Chinese leaders. Sasser traveled with Jiang and Zhu on their historic State Visits to the United States in 1997 and 1999 and hosted President Clinton when he visited China in 1998. It was during these visits that President Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin agreed to work toward a "strategic partnership," laying the foundations for future US-China cooperation including the ongoing Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Summing up Sasser's tenure in China, Henry Kissinger said, "I have never known an ambassador who has done a better or more passionate job on Sino-US relations than Ambassador Sasser."
stan rosen
The United States, China and Soft Power:
How Can Hollywood Films Succeed All Over the World While Chinese Films Do Not Travel Well Beyond Their Own Borders?
How Can Hollywood Films Succeed All Over the World While Chinese Films Do Not Travel Well Beyond Their Own Borders?
It is both striking and ironic that American soft power has been remarkably successful in China despite a general disinterest in soft power promotion by the American government, a strong aversion to American foreign policy and the belief that such foreign policy is designed to keep China weak and maintain American hegemony, and the Chinese government's efforts to impede American success and Western culture. Equally paradoxical is the fact that China has spent billions of dollars – roughly $10 billon a year – in pursuit of soft power promotion abroad in the form of Confucius Institutes, and facilities for Chinese Central Television (CCTV), China Radio International, Xinhua News Agency, cable news channels, in addition to other overseas media initiatives. The funding devoted to soft power promotion increases dramatically if we add the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Shanghai Expo in 2010. Yet for all this state attention and investment, it is widely acknowledged both within China and abroad that China's soft power success has been extremely limited, particularly in the West. Professor Rosen's keynote will attempt to explain this paradox and focus most extensively on the film industries of China and the U.S. as a microcosm for explaining the differential soft power success of the two countries, analyzing box office and other data over time, with a particular emphasis on Chinese films in the North American market.
Kang Liu
China's Global Image
Kang Liu will examine the impact of Western media representations of China on China's global image, China's soft power efforts through global communications, and the role of China's modern intellectual scene and social values in soft power.
panel discussion:
liz carter & jeremy Goldkorn
The Great Firewall of China
Numbering close to 700 million, China's internet users constitute the world's largest national online population. Yet despite their massive footprint, China's netizens live in an online world absent the New York Times, YouTube, Facebook, and many other staples of the modern web that the Chinese government has deemed dangerous to stability. On the sites that do get through, including homegrown social media platforms such as Weibo and Weixin, both state and private censors comb through and eliminate sensitive content. At the same time, China has expanded its state-run media footprint abroad and begun applying more active pressure to sites that run counter to the state narrative. Hear from two leading experts on how China's censorship apparatus and propaganda arms have evolved to meet the challenges of a world that is increasingly connected by the web and shared on social media.
tom manning & wayne morrison
China's New Exports: Investment, Influence, and Innovation
China's role across the world is growing rapidly and in surprising ways. No longer simply the world's factory, China is increasingly exporting capital, services, and technology to buyers of all kinds in both developed and developing nations. This powerful trend is taking place faster than expected and making a huge impact on a wide range of industries and economies. It harkens a new era in which China, operating in a unique manner as a state capitalist using private equity techniques, will generate outsized returns for Chinese companies and their affiliated national and corporate partners around the globe, and notably a pervasive role for China in nearly every conversation of importance globally. Tom Manning, who has served on over a dozen Chinese company boards of directors and led numerous companies in Asia as CEO, will assess the implications of this new form of global capitalism for corporate executives and government policy-makers.
david shambaugh (Session 1 )
Special Seminar on "China's Future"
China's future is arguably the most consequential question in global affairs. Having enjoyed unprecedented levels of growth, China is at a critical juncture in the development of its economy, society, polity, national security and international relations. The direction the nation takes at this crossroads will determine whether it stalls or continues to develop and prosper. Will China be successful in implementing a new wave of transformational reforms that could last decades and make it the world's leading superpower? Or will its leaders shy away from the drastic changes required because the regime's power is at risk? If so, will that lead to prolonged stagnation or even regime collapse? Might China move down a more liberal or even democratic path? Or will China instead emerge as a hard, authoritarian and aggressive superstate? Join Professor David Shambaugh to start debunking these questions while weaving in conference themes.
Participants are responsible for reading a few chapters of his hot-off-the-press "China's Future". Please email the conference directors if you are unable to obtain a copy.
Participants are responsible for reading a few chapters of his hot-off-the-press "China's Future". Please email the conference directors if you are unable to obtain a copy.
jessica beinecke (session 1 & 2)
Follow Your Passion: Chinese Language, Social Media and Startups
True or false: You're a leader, you speak Chinese, and you want to learn how to start your own business that makes a difference. If this describes you, join Jessica Beinecke, founder and host of Crazy Fresh Chinese and several other viral video blogs in China. She runs her own production company and has garnered more than 1 billion social media impressions on Chinese social media. But that was not her plan when she graduated university 6 years ago. Sina Weibo didn't even exist back then! Learn how Jessica followed her passion for Chinese language and culture and how you can do the same. (Hint: You're gonna love this, and you're gonna start your own blog.)
wayne morrison (Session 1 & 3)
Congressional Perspectives of China's Soft Power: Myths versus Reality
In this seminar, Wayne Morrison will try to briefly describe the work he does at the Congressional Research Services and how CRS tries to put issues involving China's economic rise into perspective in terms of what it means for U.S. economic interests. He will also provide a historic framework of China's economic rise, describe some unique aspects of China's economic structure, list some of the major challenges it faces to maintain healthy growth, and identify U.S. priorities in improving commercial ties with China.
Abdullah Khurram (session 2 & 3)
China in the Middle East
South Asia and Middle East are perhaps two areas of the world in which "even the past is unpredictable." Historically, global powers have not only had tremendous geostrategic and economic interests in these two regions, but have also found themselves stuck in the never ending regional conflicts. This seminar will explore interesting questions such as: What are the Chinese interests in these two regions? How is China pursuing those interests? How similar or different is the Chinese approach as compared to the US's view of these regions? What soft power strategies has China employed in place? What are the new emerging alliances in these regions and how are they shaping Chinese perceptions of regional and global politics?
liz carter (Session 2 & 3)
Online in the Middle Kingdom
Hear from author, journalist, and translator Liz Carter about China's evolving internet culture. Learn about China's social media, censorship apparatus, and how Chinese netizens navigate the space between.
jeremy goldkorn (session 2 & 3)
The Man Behind Danwei.com
Jeremy Goldkorn founded the first of China's "bridge blogs", the sites that made Chinese-language media accessible to the English-speaking world. He's since grown his company Danwei into a market research firm that he recently sold to the Financial Times. He is a staple contributor to the Sinica Podcast, a weekly current events talk show on Chinese current affairs. Hear from Jeremy about the experience of building an information enterprise in China.


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'Caribbean Black And Bleu' Sandwich Named for Chris Brown and Rihanna
Several people are finding offense to a Watkinsville, Georgia restaurant's decision to create the Caribbean Black and Bleu burger, a Chris Brown and Rihanna-inspired sandwich. The owner of Chops & Hops, Richard Miley, made light of the singers' 2009 domestic incident by saying, "Chris Brown won't beat you up for eating this unless your name starts with a R and end with A."
He tells Yahoo! Music exclusively, "I was just trying to shed light. It happened and she's trying to get back with him? If they can talk about it and joke about it on late night television shows and make millions of dollars, I don't see why I can't; and I'm no comedian."
And Miley isn't the only one finding humor in the sandwich. Some of the restaurant's Facebook friends and Twitter followers joined in on the joke.


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Photo: Courtesy of Revel Room.
From hotels and neighborhoods to newsstands and clothing, hipster trends are kind of our bread and butter. So, when we saw Zagat's recent hipster dining guide to Chicago, consider our mustache and canned-beer-loving interests piqued.
While you may think of Zagat as that resource for finding the hottest tables in town, this list was actually developed by breaking down the hipster into nine key elements, from bikes to birds. Whether you're looking for the perfect cup of coffee, vegetarian eats, or a cozy nook to sip Malört, it's all in here. Even if you don't live in the Windy City, we're pretty sure you can pluck out the spots in your own town. Who knows? You just may find yourself drinking a Bronson and busting a Moby with the best of them. (Zagat)


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