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Honest Reviews Make an Author's World Go Round
Source: ABOUT RAVE REVIEWS…
Honest Reviews Make an Author's World Go Round
Source: ABOUT RAVE REVIEWS…
He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive.
As sex exists today as it has since the beginning of time, I'd say it's absolutely relevant in literature. If I didn't think it was, I wouldn't be writing contemporary erotica.
We all know that sex sells, but even in the genre I write, more sex does not necessarily make the story better. Given this, I'd like to approach the question a bit differently and ask "To what extent should sexual content be included in literature?"
What guides me in answering this question is simple. Does sex contribute to the story? If it's included to develop the characters, then it's relevant. If it's a gratuitous scene that adds nothing to advance the plot, then it should be edited out. Sex without context is meaningless. Not only does it detract from the story, but it could also turn the reader off. Why? Readers are not fools, and they don't like to be treated as such.
I'll illustrate this point by using the medium of film.
Let's start with car chases as representative of sex in literature.
Everyone loves a good car chase scene. It's exciting, gets your heart racing, and should move the plot forward (even if only metaphorically). Some of the best car chases I've seen are from movies such as: Ronin; The Bourne Identity; The French Connection; and the classic—Bullitt.
Why did I like these films? Because they had a plot and characters I cared about. There was an intricate storyline that involved more than just a speeding car, but when the car chase did happen, it was integral to the plot. I didn't feel as if the director added it as an afterthought or filler to make the movie more "saleable."
That's exactly how I view sex in literature. Page after page of sex is like watching a two-hour car chase on the big screen. Though it may be exciting for a little while, it quickly becomes tedious if you can't answer some basic questions: Who are these people? What have they done? Why are they being chased?
In a well-made film, the requirement for car chases is balanced with the need to advance the story. This is the same balance needed for sex within literature. If you can't answer the questions: Who are these people? Why are they having sex? Why are they having this type of sex? Then my prediction is you really won't give a damn why they're having sex at all.
The second point is realism. Any work of fiction is only successful to the extent that the audience can willfully suspend their disbelief. When the filmmaker pushes too far, the work fails—the same goes for authors, especially when it comes to writing sex. Most adults have experienced sex. For this reason alone, it's essential to keep it real. The challenge is to write it in a way that is creative and yet sensual. Maintaining believability means characters are not engaging in acrobatic moves that even a contortionist could not muster. It's sex, not gymnastics! Unless your writing involves the paranormal or shape-shifters, characters should not possess superhuman powers when having sex. That includes the frequency, type, and amount of sex they have.
The third comparison to film is genre. If you watch a comedy, you expect to laugh. If you watch a horror movie, you expect to be scared. The same expectations are inherent in literature. No matter what genre you write in, there is opportunity to include sex in your story—if it's appropriate. Expanding on the car chase analogy, inclusion of one in a "heist" film would be expected, but not so for a mystery or science fiction film unless it makes sense to the story.
Erotica is a genre that obviously contains sexual content. Often misunderstood, some equate it to pornography, thereby discrediting it as nothing more than "just" sex. Because of this negative association, some writers of erotica have taken to calling themselves romance or erotica/romance authors—myself included. It's not that I think romance is more credible or respected as a genre, but it does give me a wider audience. Some readers want more sex than is provided in the "happily ever after" romance novels. Good erotica delivers more sex—along with a strong storyline, riveting plot, and interesting characters.
It's important to know what you're getting when you buy something, and perhaps that's the main reason to define the genres. At the heart of it though, does it matter if you call yourself a romance author, erotica author, or author of fiction who writes with strong erotic elements? I think not. Call yourself what you like, but if you are writing sex in literature today—do it for the right reasons: To draw your readers into the plot of the story; to arouse them to connect to your characters; and finally, to have them fully commit to your book, awaiting the next one with bated breath.
When the lovely Suzanna Burke, asked me to pen an update to an article I wrote for her series, "The Relevance of Sex In Literature in 2011," I was shocked to realize how much time had passed.
I don't usually re-read my old blogs because they tend to sound dated. Either my writing style has changed, or new information has come to light since its writing. In this case, I re-read the article only to provide myself with context. In the process, I made an interesting discovery. It was as if I were reading my words for the very first time. The post still resonated with me—five years later!
Of course, much has changed since I wrote that piece, both in the world of literature and in my own writing. What did not surprise me though, is that "sex is still relevant in literature," and I'd wager that if Suzanna asked me to update my thoughts again in five years, I would give the same answer.
As long as we live, serious literature must at least acknowledge that sex exists. How this acknowledgment insinuates itself into the pages of a book is up to the author. Not all writing about sex will be good. For example, when I wrote my first article, Fifty Shades of Gray had not yet been released. Since then, opinions on the book have run the gamut. It's been called:
The best thing for the erotica industry
A book that will get women in touch with their sexuality
A misogynist tale that has turned back the women's movement
A dangerous and inaccurate representation of the BDSM lifestyle
The worst thing for the erotica industry
Confession time.
I never read past page 98 of the first book, so I won't speak to the merits of the story. What I can say is the book came along at a time when people were open to a dialogue about sexuality. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook made it possible for everyone to voice their opinions. Good or bad, the book allowed for conversation about sexuality, and denial that it existed was futile. Everyone was talking about it. It may have taken a popular (if not a great) book to kick-start the conversation, but it was a conversation, nonetheless.
I'm a firm believer that myths can only be debunked when we talk about them. This is especially true on the topic of sexuality, which is still a taboo subject for many. An open dialogue goes a long way to creating understanding and stamping out ignorance. Even if we agree to disagree, we can no longer remain in the dark.
My hope is the conversation continues.
Eden's updated bio:
Since penning several books of erotica, Eden Baylee has expanded her writing to the mystery and suspense genres.
In 2014, she launched the first novel of her trilogy with Dr. Kate Hampton—a psychological mystery/suspense called STRANGER AT SUNSET. She is now working on the next two books in the series.
Eden still writes erotica when given the opportunity, and many of her stories, regardless of genre, will continue to explore the basic human characteristics of love, hate, and sexuality.
Connect to her via her: Website | Twitter @edenbaylee | Facebook
He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive?
He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Nothing in their experience has prepared them for this.
Nothing in their imaginations could conceive of the truth hidden in plain sight.
Someone on the inside is deflecting their weary eyes away from a truth too incomprehensible to be permitted to exist.
Revealing it and those that set it in motion would bring the most powerful country on earth to its knees. The corridors of power shake.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive?
About 'Ella and The Admiral'
When Admiral Goran Chandler suddenly turns up in Ella's restaurant her comfortable world is thrown into turmoil. Ten years ago he'd been a senior commander, and captain of the frigate Antelope. She had been Lieutenant Bulich then, and he'd kicked her off his ship.
With unexpected danger threatening, and a killer stalking the corridors of the Hotel Majestic, Ella and the admiral must work together to escape with their lives before they can consider the events of ten years ago, and what they mean now.
Buy the book at Amazon Nook Kobo iTunes
Fast-paced action adventure with a dollop of romance
The brother of a respected G.P is found with his throat cut. Guilty men who, thanks to a clever lawyer, have been acquitted, begin to disappear. Rape victim Rhona Kirk starts a new life in Dundee but finds it difficult to shake off her past. And the men she's been connected with also start to go missing.
DCI Jack Carston's own darker impulses stir as he searches for the links between all these disparate events. He senses a strong, empathetic bond between himself and whoever is responsible. His investigation is a race against both time and his own unsettling thoughts.
But the final outcome is beyond even his worst imaginings.
Helicopter pilot, Julia Swift, lives her life from one rescue to the next. Unlucky in love, she longs for a lover who resembles the hero of her favorite space show, Phoenix Rising.
When an injured man falls through a portal and lands on her local beach, it seems the universe has granted her wish. Not only does Colonel Mark Holden resemble the fictional military commander, he also bears his name.
Despite the incredulity of their situation, Mark and Julia share an inexplicable connection. They realize they have spent their whole lives searching for each other. But when Mark's team comes to rescue him, Julia must choose. Will she stay behind? Or will she travel with a man she hardly knows, to the fictional Dragonus Galaxy? A world brought to life in an alternate reality…
Welcome to the worlds of the Tortenschloss Chronicles.
These are worlds of Singing Swords, Prodigal Bulls and Extreme Unicorns. Of woolves and pandas and investigative jesters. Where bee-stings can be magical and cups can grant wishes without the aid of saucery. Where heroes might not always be heroic, but they will certainly be colourful.
This is a short story collection that will continue to grow after reading. Every few months, this Kindle version will be updated with two more stories, FREE bonus content, complete with accompanying illustrations and author's notes. Just download when your device notifies you the updated version is available.
Pour yourself a cuppa and grab yourself several slices of fantasy adventure.
(Suitable for dunking.)
My latest novel, the sixth to feature Tom Kendall, is "A Case Of Murder"
Whittaker passed the drinks over. "Anyway, it seems that he's got himself into a bit of bother," he continued. "A very serious bit of bother."
"Bother?" repeated Kendall.
Whittaker heaved a sigh. "Yes you know," he replied. "Trouble."
Kendall nodded. "Oh trouble, I get you," he said. "So what sort of bother are we talking about?"
Whittaker took another drink. "Well it's a case of murder I'm afraid."
"Murder," repeated Mollie. Whittaker said nothing, but simply nodded agreement.
Another murder, thought Kendall. Just what I need. "Just stop right there, for a moment, and re-wind will you," he said. "Then let's have it from the top, slowly."
In Book 1 of the 'Unintended Consequences' series Acts Beyond Redemption takes you on a twisted, deadly ,journey.
Mike Matheson is head of a Special Task Force set up by the F.B.I to track down and apprehend the serial killers responsible for 18 brutal murders.
He and his team are exhausted, frustrated, and ready to burn out after almost five years and no leads.
Nothing in their experience has prepared them for this. Nothing in their imaginations could conceive of the truth hidden in plain sight.
Someone is deflecting their weary eyes away from a truth too incomprehensible to be permitted to exist.
Revealing it and those that set it in motion would bring the most powerful country on earth to its knees. The corridors of power shake.
Who will be buried in the shattered remains of a country where freedom and honor are treasured above all things?
Just how far will those elected to protect and defend go, to keep the American dream alive.
Purchase Acts Beyond Redemption here
Sex in Literature – 2016 or still 1811
If it wasn't for sex, none of us would be here. It's as normal a part of life as eating, breathing and sleeping – so why is it that it that some readers turn up their noses and cry 'Foul!' when they come across a sex scene in a book? It would seem some sections of society would like to prefer sex didn't exist at all and because they don't indulge (for want of a better word) would prefer no-one else did either. Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) the 'father of genetics', faced the wrath of his bishops when he conducted his experiments with mice, because the creatures had sex to procreate and the bishops were all (in theory at least) celibate. Mendel had the last laugh when he wrote in his journal – 'What they don't seem to realise is that plants have sex too!'
How do the sensibilities of others reflect on sex in literature today? It depends on how the sexual content of the book is presented. Obviously you don't want to come across it in a cookbook – unless you're reading one of Nigella Lawson's food porn books – but when you pick up a romance, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise when expression of love turns to the physical. Despite their reputation for stiff laced prudishness, Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell had plenty of sex in their books, it just wasn't as graphically illustrated as it is today, you have to read between the lines, but it is definitely there. Attitudes have changed, we are braver now and more open with our portrayal of sex and let us not forget of course as is blatantly illustrated day in day out in advertising – sex sells. If you want to sell your book, it seems you have to follow the trend for tittilation, whether you like it or not.
We know life isn't always a bed of scented red roses with muscled heroes and heaving breasted heroines thrusting and throbbing their way towards mutual ecstasy, there is the darker side of sex too. Rape, incest, necrophilia, paedophilia, bestiality – but you won't see those advertised. They are considered taboos best swept under the carpet. Should we write about them, too? Yes, we should. To not to is as good as denying their existence.
On the other side of the coin we find the double standard whereby it is perfectly acceptable to depict gross non-sexual abuses on one's fellows in the form of the most obscene scenes of pain and torture your imagination can cope with and it's allowed, but not a tender love between two men or two women.
All these things are happening around us every day in the real world, but is it right to depict it in a book under the guise of 'entertainment'? So where do you draw the line of decency? Where is the point when depiction of facts of life becomes an invitation to experiment and does the author bear any responsibility for the way they offer their sex scenes, keeping in mind their audience? These are difficult dilemmas for an author not to be approached lightly.
It looks as if we may be getting to the stage where we need to put a 'Caution, adult content' disclaimer on the cover of every book. How far do you have to go? List the pages? Should books be submitted for censorship and redaction like secret government documents? Of course not, that would be silly…wouldn't it?
On a personal note, I write sex scenes in my books. I've written gentle, tender loving sex, desperate masturbation, violent rape and silly, saucy, sexy rompings. I'm not ashamed of any of them. I enjoyed writing them and readers have enjoyed reading them. They have always been in context of the story, I don't do gratuitious.
Sex is Nature's gift. For the most part it gives a great deal of delight and enjoyment and unless future generations are to be conceived and grown in glass jars, long may it continue to do so, but portrayal of sex in literature is a two edged sword, you are damned if you do (smut) and damned if you don't (prude) so it would seem that getting it right is a very delicate balancing act.
Adventures in Writing
Reading and Reviewing Amazing Books
Cherish The Written Word
Reducing the stigma on mental illness and promoting mental wellness
Life, Love, Tears & Laughter: Then, Now & Hereafter.
Author Aspiring
Flash Fiction using Photo Prompts
Appreciating Everyday Life


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What?!?! Santa is naked!! We need to help him to get dressed!!
Roll the Dice. This classical game continues being one of the most loved board games for kids.
Material: All you need is to photocopy the following worksheets as many children you have and just one for the instructions. Don't forget scissors for all of them, cause first, they will need to cut out Santa and his clothes.
The instructions are simple:
- Roll the dice, look at the number you got and place that item on Santa.
- The first one that dresses Santa wins.
- Important! You have to put Santa's socks before the boots, or again, you have to put the coat before the belt. Eg.: If you get a 6 but you don't have your socks on you miss the turn.
Variation. To promote collaboration and give a break to the competitive component, at some point of the game we proposed to the children to offer their dice number to someone that needed it, if they wanted so. This means that if they got a 3 but they already have that item, they can offer their socks to someone that needs them. In addition, this will make them interact and communicate in the second language.
Follow up: Once we all have our Santa dressed, we go to our Art&Craft room. Today Santa is going to change his old-fashioned clothes for the ones that our multiskilled children have designed for them!
_A simple game with simple instructions but children learned in an effective way new vocabulary, like in this case, the item of clothes: hat, coat, trousers, belt, socks, boots. Eventually, they will learn chunks as: roll the dice, it's my turn, I got a five, I need the trousers…

subset: commoncrawl


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The impact of Belvoir's work is special, it happens in many ways, on stage and off – and we owe it to you.
Thank you for your continued support from ALL of us at Belvoir.
Have a question?
If you have any questions about your support, please contact our Philanthropy Manager, Joanna Maunder on 02 8396 6209 or [email protected]


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Sunday, October 12, 2008
October Break (part 2)
The second day of break was spent doing a few projects around the house...
Putting up some Halloween/Harvest decor
Scalping, thatching, and seeding the winter lawn. Clark and Bennett were great helpers and stuck by Curt's side all day long. They even helped do Brother Standage's yard next door.
Eating lots and lots of fresh Utah peaches
Filling our water barrels for the year supply
Planting beautiful red geraniums in the front entry
It was a great break...now we are ready for a vacation!
Labels: october break
2 comments:
- Ruthann said...
Our fall break is the end of this week and you've inspired me!
- October 12, 2008 at 6:08 PM
- clark family said...
Looks like you got a lot more done than we did. Way to go!
- October 13, 2008 at 3:21 PM
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I had about 40 people who were interested in taking part in the interviews, but because of the crisis I had with the lighting I had to cancel most of the interviews. In the end I ended up interviewing 16 people from 5 different tribes.
Here are some of the interviewees.
In the end I think most of the interviews went well.. we had the occasional light flickering or the microphones stop working, but the quality of the videos were pretty good. I had problems with sound because the acousting in the room I was in was not very good and we picked up a lot of background noise.


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The Bellin Brothel – By boewhiskey
"Is it true?" A young woman's voice broke my concentration. I looked up from the computer where I was inputting data from the day's sales.
"Is what true, child?" I asked her, taking in her appearance. She stood straight, seeming almost wary of coming too close to the counter that separated us. She looked to be in her late teens. Her fiery red hair hung down around her face, the layered ends curled slightly inwards, framing bright blue eyes and a creamy complexion. The beautiful contrast of her skin and hair reminded me of the face cream that my mother used to make herself.
"That… Uh, you're, uh," she stammered. I was famished had no time for this.
"I could pretend to not have any idea what you're referring to and prolong this charade while you attempt to regain the ability to articulate your thoughts or we could just skip past that and get to it. Honestly, I haven't the time or mental energy to deal with games so let's just get this over with, shall we? I assume that you have heard about the Bellin Brothel, or as most refer to it now, the Bloody Brothel. You researched it and stumbled across an obscure photo of the young woman who helped bring it down and then, out of a deranged curiosity, you tracked me down for whatever selfish reason. Now you are here, wanting to know if I am really the descendant of Petra Bellin. Is this correct?" I spoke while turning on my stool to completely face the girl.
"Yeah," she said in a small voice with a sigh. I had just made this easier on her and although she was grateful for that, I knew she was still unsure about being in my presence, as evidenced by her rigid posture.
"I believe you meant yes," I corrected. I really was my mother's daughter, still, after all of these years. I waited for her to nod before I continued. "The answer to your question is yes. I can easily trace my line back to Petra Bellin, founder of the Bellin Brothel."
She took a moment to try and find the right words. I gave her the time and stretched my arms out before pulling the ponytail holder out of my hair and letting my own blonde waves fall around my shoulders. When she failed to say anything after a minute, I narrowed my eyes slightly and took it upon myself to get the conversation moving.
"What is your name, girl?" I asked.
"Um, it's Adeline," she responded.
I smiled, "Ah, what a pretty name. It's French and not very common."
"Yeah, I mean yes," she quickly corrected herself with a nod.
"What is it you would really like to know, Adeline?"
"I've read all of the information that I could find online but one thing still gets me," she began, immediately finding confidence somehow. "There are some who say that Petra was involved in witchcraft and sold her soul for eternal youth. Others report that she was deranged and believed what she was doing was for the good of humanity. I just want to know why she did it."
I tilted my head to the side and studied her face for a few seconds before answering with my own question, "And you think that as someone that came from Petra, I would have this answer?"
"Possibly," she shrugged. "I also couldn't find anything that said what happened to her daughter, Gizella."
"Ah, the great mystery of Gizella. Her life after the brothel really wasn't as scandalous as some people like to speculate. It's been quite a while since I told this tale and I suppose it's about time. Give me just a moment to lock up and I'd be happy to regale you with the truth behind Bellin Brothel. You can take a seat over by the bookshelves and I'll be with you shortly," I gestured to the corner of the store where bookshelves lined the walls. There was a small table set amidst three armchairs that would be much more comfortable than the stool and standing at the counter.
As I walked around the store, closing the curtains over the windows and locking the front door, Adeline obliged and took a seat to wait for me. It only took a few minutes for me to complete my tasks and once I shut the computer down, I fetched a bottle of a sweet rose wine and two glasses from the back office.
When I returned to the front, I set the glasses on the table and showed her the bottle with a questioning look. She nodded and I poured wine into each glass before setting the bottle carefully on the table and seating myself in the chair across from her. We both took a sip of the wine before beginning.
"First of all, is there any specific detail you would like addressed, aside from what you have already mentioned?" I asked the young woman.
"None that I can think of," she answered.
"Alright, then let us begin," I took another drink from the glass and cleared my throat. "Petra Bellin came from a family of landowners. Although not much is truly known by anyone about her life before the brothel came to be, it is known that she mingled with those of a higher status than her.
I cannot speak for certain as to the reason she decided to open a brothel, that part is purely speculative for anyone. It was rumored that she had once fallen in love but when she and the man she thought she would wed engaged in premarital coitus, she found herself alone and cast out of his circle. It is possible that is the catalyst for her perversions beginning to manifest, but again, no one can say for sure. Her own daughter never found out the truth of her mother's history.
She moved to a property that her family owned in the city and made it her permanent residence. It is said that she would often take suitors that would inevitably leave her. It didn't take long for her to be referred to in whispers as the Courtyard Courtesan. After the rumors began, she decided that if she would be called such a thing, then she might as well make it true. Again, this is based on rumors and stories so I cannot say for sure if her thinking was true to this portion of the tale.
Her family did not approve of her decision and forbid her from using their home in such a manner, so she procured a fair sized home on a bit of land outside of the city. No one is sure how she afforded it, as it is believed her parents would not have lent her that amount of money. No matter, she bought it all the same and it became the Bellin Brothel.
She soon had other courtesans asking to join her ranks but she was very selective. She had a specific clientele, you probably know, and she was particularly cautious about who she let entertain them. Eventually, there were fifteen of them, including Petra, and business was good. They had many men who would regularly visit and occasionally even a woman, although the reports never mentioned that part. She paid the taxes owed on time, she held large and lavish parties that people came from miles to attend, even if they weren't interested in any of her or her girls' services. No one ever suspected anything other than a successful business driven by a vivacious young woman. At least, not until the children began to go missing.
They were never children of nobility or from wealthy families, no. It was the children of peasants that were targeted. Once enough had disappeared to no longer be considered a coincidence, people began stepping forward about strange happenings at the Bellin Brothel. They spoke of weird chanting behind the walls and strange idols placed on mantles. Some claimed to have proof that Petra Bellin was a witch, seducing men from all over in order to gain their money.
A police search was conducted and Petra was nothing but hospitable to the officers. She allowed them with no issue to go through the entire house and search for anything that would link her or any of her employees to witchcraft or the vanished children. They found nothing, of course. They agreed with residents that there were some strange statuettes but Petra was able to identify them as simply being from other cultures, gifts from around the world that her gentlemen callers would occasionally bring to her or their favorite girl.
Soon after, the butcher was found to have a severed toe in his storage. He was taken in and charged with the disappearances and murders of all children. Everyone backed off of Petra and the brothel. Business slowed for a while due to the disturbance but after some time, it once again picked back up and life was good for everyone involved. What the police did not know at the time was that there was a door hidden in the walls of the kitchen that led down to an otherwise unknown set of chambers hidden cleverly under the house. They also knew nothing of the toe being deliberately placed at the butcher's shop to incriminate him. They didn't know that the butcher's wife had caught him going to the brothel and when she threatened to kill the girl he was with, he appeased her by saying that he would never come back and claiming that the girl seduced him with the intention of hurting the marriage and causing pain for the sheer pleasure of it.
No one considered any of this or knew any of this while the butcher was walked to the gallows. Not a single person thought it odd when his wife disappeared the day following his execution. They simply thought she was a burned and grieving woman who needed to get away from that place. Her remains were never found but the ring she always wore on her finger was among the personal effects found at the brothel when it was shut down.
Life continued normally for many years, including the pregnancy of none other than Petra herself. The father was unknown but considering the clients she herself took care of, it was likely that the father would never be told for risk to his reputation. Petra had a beautiful baby girl and named her Gizella. She doted on her daughter and spared no expense to ensure that she had a good education and as proper an upbringing as possible as the daughter of a high-class courtesan. She included her in the secrets of the brothel and planned to have her one day take over in her stead.
Gizella grew up in blood, as I'm sure you have read. The prostitutes had learned their lesson from the close call with the police before. They continued their practices, under the lead of Petra, but acted smarter as to not get caught. In the public eye, it was a travesty and a shock comparable to none when at the age of fifteen, Gizella helped the police discover the dark side of Bellin Brothel and the bodies contained within. But for those fifteen years, life was much different for the daughter of Petra.
Her mother trained her from almost day one in the art of ritual sacrifice and everlasting beauty. Petra served a dark god and in his name, took so many lives. Gizella understood that society saw what her mother did was wrong but she also didn't see it as something bad until it hit close to home. She grew up watching her mother take children found in various areas of the country into the secret chambers. She helped hang them up and cut open their throats and arms to drain the blood into buckets below. Once the ritual was complete, she would help her mother into the tub and pour the still warm blood over her body.
Petra lavished in it and would soak for up to an hour, submerging her entire body in rich, red liquid that she swore kept her young and beautiful. After her bath was complete, Gizella would assist her mother in tipping the tub over and pouring the sanguine fluid into the dirt floor to be soaked up and forgotten. She never had to help the other girls but her mother always insisted that she was there with her. And if there was any blood left in the bucket, it was Gizella's duty to take it upstairs to the kitchen and warm it before pouring it in a wine glass for Petra to drink. If there was enough, Petra would share.
Once a week, nights were set aside for house dinners. All of the courtesans, Petra, and Gizella, would gather around the large table and feast on roast made from the flesh of their victims, wine mixed with any excess blood, and delicacies that would be considered atrocious even today. As far as Gizella knew, this was normal. She didn't interact much with anyone on the outside and her mother always insisted that the goings-on of any home were meant to be kept private and not spoken of. Without being told, she somehow knew that if anyone outside of their special home found out, they would not approve, but she thought it was more akin to the strange practices of other cultures that she had read in books.
When she was thirteen, she had her very first and own bath of blood. Her mother helped her choose a young boy and then slaughter him in the secret room. She undressed carefully and slid her naked body into the tub while her mother poured the syrupy substance over her body. She let herself relax and felt the magic mix with the blood and tighten her already taut and young skin, aiding in the prevention of wrinkles as she aged. She allowed the life taken from the child to culminate between her fingers and toes, reveling in the sensation that her body was being renewed. When she got out, she could swear that her hair, once rinsed of the red, shined brighter and felt softer. Her skin glowed with added youth and she understood her mother's work completely. They were special.
She did not take on any clients of her own but was meant to when she turned sixteen. Before that could happen, though, she did fall in love. There was a boy who assisted his father in repairing anything in the home or on the property. They looked after the grounds and Gizella had seen him many times. It wasn't until she was fifteen, though, that she first spoke to him.
The boy knocked on the door to request some water for his father who was becoming severely dehydrated. Gizella just so happened to be the one who answered and fetched the poor man something to drink. She joined the boy in returning to his father who was seated on the steps of the building, wiping sweat from his brow over and over. He drank the water and politely thanked her for her kindness. Once he felt strong again, he continued his work, calling his son to join him. It was too late, though; Gizella and the boy, who she learned was named Abel, had already shared that initial spark.
Their romance grew rapidly like a wildfire and she soon found herself asking permission from her mother to spend more and more time with him. Petra allowed this, convinced that her daughter needed to get it out of her system and once this boy, this Abel, broke her heart, things would go back to normal. He didn't break her heart, though. Their love blossomed into something truly vibrant and beautiful. Everyone could easily see it, especially Petra.
Shortly before her sixteenth birthday, Gizella expressed her want to be with only Abel and no one else; she didn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. Her mother was angry with her and they fought, resulting in Gizella running out of the house and into the wooded area on the property. Abel discovered her there after trying to call on her at the house and after she cried in his arms, they shared a night filled with a new kind of magic, one that was more positive and precious than any bloody bath or ritual to a dark lord. They agreed to find a way to get her out of that house, going so far as to even discussing running away together to start a brand new life. It was young love, incredible, breathtaking, full of hope and excitement, and foolishness.
The following day, Abel did not come. His father came to the door of the brothel, inquiring as to if his son had stayed there overnight. Gizella wasn't the one to answer him but immediately felt her stomach twist and turn in fear and pain. She ran from where she had been seated, listening to the conversation, and up the stairs to her mother's chamber. Petra was not there. She searched the entire house, knowing in the pit of her soul where she would find her mother but wanting desperately to be wrong. Sadly, she was not wrong.
Petra was in the secret chamber, soaking in a red bath, with her hair slicked back against her skull. Gizella saw no hanging body and confused, asked her mother what was going on. Her mother simply told her that she was relaxing. When Gizella demanded to know where Abel was, Petra smiled wide and raised her hand out of the blood. It took Gizella a moment to understand what she was looking at due to the liquid taking its time dripping off of the surface of what her mother held in her hand. When she was able to determine what it was, she doubled over and vomited there on the ground while her mother laughed and tossed the thing towards Gizella.
Abel's head rolled to a stop, his cheek lying in the freshly evacuated contents of Gizella's stomach. She could see the white bone protruding from his neck and one of his eyes was bulging out of its socket. She stared at it, too much in shock to even cry. When her mother shifted and began to stand, Gizella broke her gaze at her lover's decapitated head and looked at Petra. She stood in the tub with something pink and long coiled all around her body, the boy's intestines. In her hands, she now gently held something smaller than Abel's head. Petra showed her daughter the object and told her that it turned out Abel did have a heart. Then she bit into it and audibly sucked the juices out, letting them drip down her chin and join the rest of the blood that was sliding off of her naked form.
That was when Gizella ran. She ran out of the chamber, up the stairs, and out of the front door. She ran until her feet hurt and then pushed herself on more. Her mother's laughter resonated in her skull and she heard her mocking voice telling her nasty things about the boy she had fallen in love with.
By the time she reached the town, she was exhausted and could barely keep herself from collapsing. She yelled and screamed for help from anyone who might pay her any mind. When she saw an officer approaching her, she fell over, her world going black.
When Gizella awoke, she was in the police station, lying on a bench. Officers were scurrying about, preparing a party to investigate the brothel. She sat up slowly and asked what was going on. When someone finally noticed her, they explained that while out, Gizella had kept saying something about blood and her mother and a secret basement. Mixed with the vomit and splatters of blood on her clothing, they took the delirious claims seriously and began immediately the preparations of a strong-armed search.
From there, I'm sure you know the rest. Pieces of Abel were discovered, along with bodies not yet consumed. All of the courtesans wound up either imprisoned, institutionalized, or executed, including Petra."
I took a long drink of the wine and watched Adeline take a few deep breaths.
"I didn't know that Abel was involved with Gizella," she said in a hushed voice, searching the ground with her eyes.
"Almost no one did and those who knew, the police officers specifically, kept that detail out of the public eye in order to help Gizella hide her pain," I answered her nonchalantly.
"But what happened to her after? Did she not go to jail herself? She helped kill children," Adeline looked at me, confusion apparent in her expression.
"She was too young to know any better, they decided. She was placed in a special home and rehabilitated. When she was twenty, she was deemed safe to be in society and moved across the world, to here. She was even able to keep her own daughter and bring her."
"Her own daughter? You mean she had a child before she left?"
"Oh, yes. Like they say, it only takes once," I said with a smirk. "She had a child by Abel who grew up to become a bright woman and create her own life, far away from the destruction her grandmother had wrought."
"And you're part of that line. Your name, though, must have been chosen because of Gizella," she commented.
I nodded with a grin, "In a way, yes. I know that it is mostly spelled modernly as g-i-s-e-l-l-e but it is originally spelled the very same is Petra's daughter. This is mainly due to the fact that Petra is the one who named me."
"Huh?" I could see Adeline becoming more and more confused.
"Did you know that it took more than one attempt to put Petra to death? Hanging didn't work and she seemed impervious to bludgeoning. They resolved to cut off her head and then burn her body and her head together. Only then did she finally die," I set my unfinished wine on the table and leaned forward. With my elbows on my knees, I pressed my fingertips together and looked intently at Adeline, waiting to see the wheels click into place. "Her daughter was taught the same magics and served the same dark lord as she grew up."
The girl rubbed her palms on her thighs and let out a nervous laugh, "You're trying to say that you're the same Gizella from all that time ago? That's impossible."
"Is it?" My smile grew even wider. "It isn't often that I find such a beautiful offering such as yourself so easily. The young ones don't typically wander into danger."
Adeline eyed me fearfully and shot up to her feet, "Uh, I have to be going. Thanks for the story."
"I think not," I stood up slowly. She was young and didn't look weak, sure, and I was old but I was much stronger than I appeared. It almost wouldn't be fair to her.
"Giselle?" She took a step to the side, towards the door. I said nothing and only watched her. When she was away from the chair, she rushed to get out. The knob refused to turn and she pulled at it over and over.
"I locked up, remember?" I said, holding a key up in my hand. I knew from the very beginning how helpful it could be to have something a little more secure than a deadbolt or knob that had the lock on it. "And please, call me Gizella."
"Let me out!" She screamed, her voice breaking and squeaking.
"The fearful ones always do taste the best and leave the most radiant glow on my skin," I closed the distance between us. With a gentle touch of her cheek, I added, "Don't worry, child. No one will hear your screams."


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The Law Office of Jay Fleisher, P.A. provides the full range of services for legal representation in all matters involving nonprofit and charitable organizations, together with estate planning/administration legal services for individuals.
11380 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite 204
Palm Beach Gardens
[Open in Maps]
(561) 627-7034
jayfleishereq(at)att.netSpecialties of Law Office of Jay Fleisher, P.A.:


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Conversation Between StefVan and david221049
Showing Visitor Messages 1 to 2 of 2
- Hi David,
Thanks for your nice message. I remember very well the posts where some thought the washers were meant to be installed between the plate and the cross member. I'm not convinced that would help eliminating any rattle from the Capristo brackets. Mine are installed since several years in the normal way, right behind the large nut in front of the plate. I never had any issues with such installation. Maybe the origin of the rattles comes from elsewhere. The first thing I would check are the exhaust headers. On the F430, it happens quite often that the nuts gets loose, especially the one of cylinder 8. On some cars, this stud even broke off. Try to locate where the rattle is exactly located, maybe with the help of someone revving the engine at 3000rpm.
All the best,
- 12-25-2014 11:22 AM - permalinkdavid221049Dear StefVan
Good evening. I have found your posts to be immensely helpful and informative.
I have been trying to cure a rattly exhaust resonance on my F430. Tailpipes have been changed yet a 3000/4000 RPM rasp persists.
I have purchased the Capristo brackets and I would like for my own benefit as much as anything to find out if the original silencer is giving rise to this noise or not. If fitting these brackets makes no difference and I still hear the noise I will fit the Capristo twin sound silencer as well.
My question relates to fitting the brackets as I am sure I remember a post saying that the large washers supplied should be fitted as spacers between the face of the bracket and the cross member.....not as all the photos I have seen where they are fitted as a conventional washer behind the head of the bolt. The Capristo website is not at all clear in this respect. I would be pleased to hear your opinion here as to the way round to fit these washers.
Kind regards,


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Breathable soft microfibre outer shell with inner , polycotton lining, twin needle stitching, velcro & elasticated cuff at sleeve opening, 2 self coloured covered zipped pockets, fashionable textured fabric contrast trims on shoulders, cuffs & waist, elasticated waistband, full self coloured zip, suitable for embroidery & printing
Uneek Childrens Full Zip Tracksuit Top
Plain Price From: £10.73 ex vat
Product Code :UC652
Suitable for both Screen printing and Embroidery
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SIZE GUIDEUneek Childrens Full Zip Tracksuit Top
Size guide coming soon, please call our sales team if you need more information.
Measurements are with garment laid flat


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Follow This Company
Requisition ID: 34555
Location: Presence St Joseph Med Joliet
Location Address:333 Madison Street, Joliet, IL 60435-8200 United States (US)
Daily Hours: 4Standard Hours: 20Employment Status: Part-time Employment Type: Regular Shift: RotatingFLSA: N
The Room Service Assistant is responsible for delivery and retrieval of patient trays in a timely, accurate fashion in accordance with Departmental and facility policies and procedures. Responsible for the delivery of snacks and nourishments to patients. Stocks unit kitchens according to schedule and assists dish room, tray line and sanitation areas as needed.
Education and/or Experience
Related experience and/or training preferred.
Computer Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word).
Business Unit: Presence St Joseph MC Joliet
EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability
HealthPresence has been developing quality, custom-designed medical websites since 1995, longer than any other medical website development company!
And unlike those other companies, we don't crank out "cookie cutter" websites using templates. Every one of our sites is designed by a human artist specifically for that client.


text: Funny Pictures – June 9, 2018Odd Stuff My local bookstore is getting ready for Father's Day.. via Apple's new Measure app is about to ruin some guys lives. via Me want cookies! via Lottery winner shows up in an emoji mask. via Piece of punny art by a friend of mine. via My daughter, everyone. via This engagement photo shoot. via "Fill in the Marvel Hero". via Wondering how this baby is going to turn out. via Living in Portland, some things no longer surprise me. via Dad is having leg weakness, mom suggested sitting on a bin while shaving. Bin collapsed, mom helped by running for the camera. via When you were expecting the 1 but the 2 shows up. via My wife saw this lemonade stand sign. via Spotted this shirt! via Has Grandma gone too far? via Well, I wasn't planning on ever buying a tea set. But now I must. via I'm in uh… a bit of a situation here. via Goose photobomb. via My wife got a new label printer. via All secrets revealed. via Add to Flipboard Magazine. FacebookTwitterPinterest


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This is the best chocolate cheesecake you'll ever try. The crust is nutty and the cheesecake layer is chocolatey and decadent. Don't hesitate to treat yourself!
Chocolate Cheesecake With a Mixed Nut Crust [Vegan]
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 cup hazelnuts/almonds/cashews (Such as a mixture of about 1/2 cup hazelnuts and 1/2 cup almonds/cashews)
- 3 large Medjool dates (or 5-6 smaller dates)
- 2 tablespoons raisins, soaked for 15 minutes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon raw cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 14 ounces silken tofu
- 7.05 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste maple syrup (or agave/coconut blossom nectar/coconut sugar/date syrup/any other sweetener you like)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A shot of rum (optional)
- In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil until it is liquid.
- In a food processor, blend the nuts, dates, raisins, sea salt, cacao powder, and coconut oil until you achieve a crunchy texture that holds its shape when you press it between your fingers. If it doesn't stick together, add more dates or raisins.
- Cover the bottom of a round baking mould with baking paper and pour the mixture into the mould. Press firmly with your hands so the bottom of the tin is covered.
- Put into the fridge while you make the rest of the cheesecake.
- Heat the dark chocolate au bain-marie until all chocolate has melted.
- Put silken tofu in your blender, add melted chocolate and vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Taste it. If you like more sweetness, add some maple syrup/ any other sweetener you like.
- Pour this mixture over your pie crust, put the finished pie back in the fridge and let set for about 3 hours.
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Cheesecake
- Coconut Nectar


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I'm building a bridge club next year, and looking for sources for high-quality attractive furnishings.
Over the past year, I've visited a lot of clubs here and in Europe. I'm studying practices, schedules, decor, equipment, lighting, acoustics, .... Details matter.
That said, the biggest lesson I've learned is that the people are more important to success than any of the above. The biggest and busiest bridge clubs have all of the clutter and chaos that you'd expect.
So assuming I get the people part right (ha!), I'm going to focus on the little things that make a bridge club an attractive and comfortable space. I want non-bridge players to step in during an open house and say to themselves, "I would really enjoy spending time here."
Of all the clubs I visited, my favorite chairs and tables were at Honors in Manhattan. Jeff, do you have a source who's still in business that you'd share? Those chairs, especially, are really nice. I really dislike the common "stackable" banquet chairs, no matter how convenient they happen to be.
I've learned that corner tables are essential. I despise the common plastic ones, and don't want to hammer my own together from plywood.
So I want sources. Who's willing to share?
How does this violate our Community Guidelines?
Benefits include:
Plus... it's free!


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Chris Jones is Executive Vice President, Marketing and Services at Descartes
US LBM Holdings, LLC, one of the largest and fastest growing lumber and building materials distributors in the United States, is using Descartes' automated routing and scheduling technology to power an innovative mobile construction delivery solution. The solution, designed to improve contractor efficiency, combines advanced delivery route management and mobile handheld capabilities to help better manage construction projects.
US LBM was founded in 2009 and is the thirteenth largest lumber and building materials distributor in the country. They have more than 60 locations across 11 states. Their primary focus is on customers that require specialized services, such as custom home builders and professional re-modelers as well as multifamily and commercial contractors.
Why Descartes?
US LBM determined that they needed an automated routing and scheduling solution that was able to accommodate a highly variable environment that required great operational discipline and predictability. After completing all their research, they chose to go with Descartes because of Descartes' willingness to work with them to ensure all their requirements were met.
"In our dynamic industry, many orders expect delivery within 24 hours. It is paramount to our success that we meet those expectations and provide great customer service," said Senthil Arumugam, Vice President of Logistics and Inventory Management at US LBM. "By working with Descartes, we now have a solution that gives our highly mobile customers accurate and extensive real-time visibility into the details and timing of their construction site deliveries. We believe this mobile delivery management system is among the first available in our industry and will help our customers be more productive."
Real-Time Visibility and Mobile Management of Deliveries
Descartes Route Planner™ is providing US LBM with dynamic delivery planning and execution capabilities and Descartes Mobile™ offers US LBM real-time two-way update capability to help improve its customer service and productivity. Descartes' solutions have helped US LBM in many locations to improve on-time delivery from 70% to 95% while decreasing costs by over 10%. The enhanced fleet visibility made possible by integrated GPS-tracking has helped US LBM to turnaround trucks more than 30% faster, resulting in better customer responsiveness and improved utilization.
US LBM's integrated mobile customer application offers a number of important services to manage orders. It integrates tightly with Descartes' solution to provide real-time delivery updates, proof of delivery and automated exception notifications. Paperless proof of delivery, enhanced by picture and signature capture functionality, has significantly reduced the number of customer calls and claims, and has helped US LBM to save tens of thousands of dollars every month with better delivery claim resolution.
US LBM has leveraged Descartes' real-time delivery route planning, execution and mobile solutions to achieve a classic "win-win" – improved customer satisfaction with more accurate and timely visibility into delivery times, as well as improved fleet efficiency and effectiveness. To hear first-hand accounts from US LBM and their customers, view the US LBM Customer Success video on our website.


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|Want to buy some rare gingers? Check out my commercial site. CLICK HERE to see what is available.
CLICK HERE for a detailed botanical description and identification key for this species (opens in new window).
CLICK HERE to see a description of accession #R1818 . (opens in new window).
CLICK HERE to see a description of accession #R2888 . (opens in new window).
BUY THIS PLANT from Gingers R Us (opens in new window).
PLANT FAMILY: Costaceae
BOTANICAL NAME: Costus pictus
FORMAL SCIENTIFIC NAME: Costus pictus D.Don
STATUS :Accepted
CONTINENT: Neotropical
SYNONYMS: Costus hieroglyphica,
This is an accepted neo-tropical Costus species described as early as 1833. Some plants were previously listed as C. mexicanus, but have been included in C. pictus by Maas, Flora Neotropica , 1972. The species can be recognized by its green non-appendaged bracts, open type flowers with yellow corolla and red-striped labellum, short ligule, and inconspicuous or absent callus on the bracts. Note that the illustration in Maas 1972 (page 76) seems to show appendaged bracts, but this species clearly has NON appendaged bracts and is described as such by Paul Maas.
There are at least four distinct forms of this species. Additional information and photos can be found on separate web pages:
The type is from a botanical illustration since the original plant from Mexico, cultivated in England was lost. Maas did not designate a neotype. The distribution listed by Maas 1972 is the northern parts or Central America, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. A GBIF query also shows collections in Belize, but none in Costa Rica. The Manual de Plantas de Costa Rica does not include this species and makes the following statement: "Costus pictus D. Don (sin. C. congestus Rowlee), de mas al norte de Mesoamerica, quizas ha sido cultivada en San Jose; sin embargo la identidad del Ăşnico especimen (Malavassi 2 (F), de Barrio Santa LucĂa) no es segura. Plantas de esta sp. podrĂan ser identificadas en la siguienteclave como C. laevis, pero tienen lĂgulas (2--4 mm) mas cortas, hojas uniformemente verdes, y labelo amarillo con lĂneas rojas." indicating there are no verified collections in Costa Rica and potential confusion with Costus laevis. I have traveled extensively in Costa Rica and have not seen this species in the wild there, although I did see a cultivated specimen of the 'Hieroglyphics' form in a garden at the Heliconias Lodge Tenorio (in the north not far from Nicaragua). I was told they thought it was collected locally many years ago.
Finca Irlanda, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.1738, Longitude -92.336, at 1000 meters elevation.
Finca Irlanda, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.1738, Longitude -92.336, at meters elevation.
Finca Chiripa, Isla de Aventura, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.16584, Longitude -92.30666, at 836 meters elevation.
Near Manecal, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.32, Longitude -92.5, at meters elevation.
Road to Morelos, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.22, Longitude -92.44, at 700 meters elevation.
along Rio Cuilco, trail to Cascada San Francisco, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.085, Longitude -92.32, at meters elevation.
along Rio Cuilco, trail to Cascada San Francisco, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.085, Longitude -92.32, at 300 meters elevation.
Along road to Cascada Monte Cristo, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.2, Longitude -92.5, at 225 meters elevation.
Cascada Monte Cristo, Chiapas, Mexico, Latitude 15.2, Longitude -92.5, at 225 meters elevation.


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Operating since 1990, Pravira Group of Co. is one of the prominent entities known for Telecoms Integration, consultancy & office automation. As a Supplier, the company deals in EPABX System, Intercom System, Landline Phone Instruments, Video Door Phone, Biometric Card Attendance System, DVR System and Public Address System. We have track record in EPABX, CCTV Camera Systems, call recording, Society intercom systems, Data and Voce cabling systems. Sourced from the leading manufacturers and vendors, our products are appreciated for high performance and technologically advanced features.
Apart from dealing in the latest technology products, we also provide Computer Cable Networking Services. We have strong partnership with brand vendors who provide us with the best support and thus, we are able to come up with the premium range of products & services for our esteemed clients. By delivering the best and sticking to the ethical business practices, we look forward to build long term relationship with the clients located all over the country. Clients can contact us for any sort of problem or requirement pertaining to telecommunication systems.
Pravira Group of Co. was founded in the year 1990 in Bandra East (Mumbai). Since then, the company is engaged in supplying Automation System, EPABX System, Intercom System, Landline Phone Instruments, CCTV Camera, Video Door Phone, Biometric Card Attendance System, DVR System and Public Address System. The management of the company is being efficiently handled by Mr. Vijay Upadhyay the Managing Director. He has vast industry experience and acts as guiding light to the company. Read more...
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
+91-9619133304, +91-9322683968


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Welcome to our Top Five Photo Apps – Photo App Lounge section of theappwhisperer.com. This is an area on our site where we ask highly accomplished mobile photographers what their top five photo apps are and why.
We recently published the Top Five Photo Apps as recommended by Yannick Brice , Cedric Blanchon, Irene Sneddon, our Columnist and Award Winning Mobile Artist Sarah Jarrett as well as Louise Fryer, Lisa Waddell, Davide Capponi, Ali Jardine, Clint Cline, Elaina Wilcox, France Freeman, Tess Gomm and Lola Mitchell's Top Five Photo Apps including accompanying images demonstrating these selections, if you missed those, please go here.
Today, we are featuring Vivi (Veevs) Hansen, we have featured Veevs many times on theappwhisperer.com, in our A Day In The Life Interviews as well as this wonderful tutorial and numerous times in our Flickr Group showcases too.
Veevs discovered photography with the advent of digital cameras and ventured into iPhone photography in 2011. She started experimenting with Hipstamatic and found some amazing websites, (most notably theappwhisperer.com) and then she was hooked.
Starting out with an iPhone 3GS she has now progressed to the iPhone 4S. Veevs doesn't get to spend as much time shooting images as she would like but the images that she does capture are exceptional and we think you'll agree from this selection of images alone.
We're sure you're going to enjoy this article a lot…
Number One – Snapseed
'Slow Walk' – ©Veevs – Snapseed, BlurFX, Scratchcam, DistressedFX, Alt Photo
Snapseed is my go to app for the start of all my editing. It is so versatile!
Number Two – SlowShutter
'Admiring the View' – ©Veevs – SlowShutter, Snapseed, DistressedFX, AltPhoto
Wherever I go I always try to get several SlowShutter shots, especially with interesting backgrounds.
SlowShutter examples
'The colourful Neal's Yard' – ©Veevs – SlowShutter, Snapseed, PhotoCopier, DistressedFX
'Meandering' – @Veevs – SlowShutter, Snapseed, VintageScene
Number Three – DistressedFX
'Street Entertainment' – ©Veevs – Huemore, Snapseed, Glaze, Iris, DistressedFX
I have always loved grunge and texture and with DistressedFX I get both and have good control of modifying the amount and colour of the effect. The textures and colours of the filters in DistressedFX are beautiful!
Distressed FX Image Example
'Beautiful Richmond Riverside' – ©Veevs Huemore, Snapseed, PhotoCopier, DistressedFX
Number Four – AltPhoto
'Weighted Down' – ©Veevs – Oggl, Snapseed, BlurFX, PhotoCopier, AltPhoto
This is an amazing app with a lovely selection of colour and black and white filters and frames.
AltPhoto Example
'Heading to Miami' – ©Veevs – Huemore, Snapseed, PhotoCopier, DistressedFX, AltPhoto
Joint Number Five – PhotoCopier and Glaze
'So many books, so little time' – ©Veevs : Oggl, Snapseed, PhotoCopier, Repix, Glaze, DistressedFX
Both of these are beautiful apps with so many great selections of filters, colours and textures.
Example images with Photocopier and Glaze
'Plant pots and balconies' – ©Veevs – Huemore, Snapseed, Photocopier, Glaze, Iris, DistressedFX
'Charity Walk Fun' – ©Veevs – Huemore, Snapseed, PhotoCopier
'Lovely Susy on the marina' – ©Veevs Huemore, Snapseed, Glaze, Iris, PhotoCopier, DistressedFX
'The perfect staircase' – ©Veevs – Huemore, Snapseed, PhotoCopier, Glaze, Iris, DistressedFX


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- 3 beds
- 3.5 baths
- $434,900 price
- 20183083 mls id
- Half Baths: 1
- Status: ACTIVE
Nicely updated Marina Cottage unit with views of Lake Keowee. Great location within walking distance to Marina and Wellness Center. Lots of options with separate living for multi-family use with lockable entrances to main level and basement level. Main level has an open floor plan featuring the kitchen, dining, living room with a nice size deck overlooking Lake Keowee. There is an over sized master suite, master bath, and a half bath on main level. Basement has an additional 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, and kitchen/ bar area. Relax and enjoy the outdoor space with your private stone fireplace. Both levels have a gas fireplace. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath Property. FannieMae Addendums are required with offer, Go to www.Homepath.com for addendums and offer submission. If an owner occupant offer, an Owner Occupant Cert Form must be submitted with offer.
- sqft_min 2500
- sqft_max 2749
- Style Cottage
- Bathrooms Three
- HalfBaths One
- Keyword Three
Related Listings
Single Family
27 Pictures
TWO HOMES / 7.82 ACRES.The possibilities are endless.Two homes located just off Scenic Highway 11 on 7.82 Acres.Sitting among the lush rhododendrons this is one of the most beautiful settings in Sunset.The first log home is approximately 1989 square feet with three bedrooms and 2 baths.The second...
497 Little Eastatoee Road Sunset, SC
3 beds, 2 baths, $399,900
Listing Agent: Hurley Team
Courtesy of: Lake Homes Realty, LLC
Single Family
19 Pictures
Furnishings Included—Three bedrooms, 3.5 baths —Two lockable units for superior rental income — 2,600 sq. ft. of bright living space with lake views —Within walking distance of Marina, lake, Wellness, tennis and walking trails —Upper level features granite kitchen, large formal dining,...
107A Harbour View Circle Sunset, SC
3 beds, 3 baths, $449,900
Listing Agent: Justin Winter Sotheby's International
Courtesy of: Justin Winter Sothebys Int'l
Courtesy of: Golden Corner Realty
Office Phone: 864-885-1445
Listing Agent: Daniel Delmarco
Updated: 17th November, 2017 10:21 AM.
111-A Harbour View Circle Sunset, SC


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A Year of Painting Looks Like This
One Hundred. That is the number of miniatures I managed to paint in 2013. Here they all are: That represents eight different projects of which four were finished in 2013. … Continue reading
Chaos Dwarfs Complete
Completing a project always makes me happy. I've always enjoyed playing Blood Bowl, and having all my teams complete is great. Until the models from Willy Miniatures arrive that is. … Continue reading
Chaos Dwarf update 2
The hobgoblins are now complete, five hobgoblins are probably more than is needed on the field. However with a maximum of six chaos dwarfs permitted in the chaos dwarf team … Continue reading
Chaos Dwarf Update
The Chaos Dwarf part of the Chaos Dwarf team is complete, leaving the non-Chaos Dwarf part still to come. This consists of five Hobgoblins. I was concerned about my chosen … Continue reading


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Interview: Tuesday February 1, 2011
I was a guest on Jimmy Moore's "Livin La Vida Low Carb" podcast. You can listen to that interview here.
I was a guest on Jimmy Moore's "Livin La Vida Low Carb" podcast. You can listen to that interview here.
Running With Mascara, the official blog of Fit & Fab Living called Syndrome W "groundbreaking" in a recent blog post.
Groomed L.A. published my "Go Green for the Holidays" article. This article provides some tips for eating healthy during the holiday season.
—Groomed L.A., Go Green for the Holidays
Read More »
Mom Gadget published a kind review of Syndrome W.
"Syndrome W—A Woman's Guide to Reversing Midlife Weight Gain by Harriette R. Mogul, M.D., M.P.H. is very interesting and informative. It discusses the causes of women gaining weight after they reach forty.Syndrome W, which was discovered by endocrinologist Dr. Harriette Mogul, is a metabolic condition caused by an abnormality in insulin levels that is commonly found in women ages 30-60+ who are experiencing midlife weight gain."
Dr. Mogul's empathic approach helps empower women struggling with midlife weight gain. Her book offers medical and lifestyle choices for women who are dealing with how losing a youthful waist line can damage health as well as self image.
—Judith Wylie-Rosett, Ed.D., R.D., author of the American Diabetes Association's "The Complete Weight Loss Workbook" and division head for Behavioral and Nutritioc
Harriette Mogul presents the science behind 'Syndrome W,' with its associated increase in abdominal girth, how to diagnose the condition, and very practical methods to treat the disorder. Written in a style that is both erudite and elucidatin, she discusses the reasons for the increase in weight occurring in some women even before menopause and the consequences of not dealing with the condition, both emotionally and therapeutically. Her 'Mogul Protocol' is simple, effective, and withoutside-effects. Kudos to Harriette for putting Syndrome W 'on the map' and for all her years of hard work. A must read for women with perimenopausal abdominal 'spread!'
—Derek LeRoith, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Mount SInai School of Medicine


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Quick Peek: Snorkelling. Town Visit. Relaxing.
I started the day early, as usual and was hanging out when John suggested we should snorkel out into the sea. See he is an avid diver (used to be a gold prospector during parts of his colourful life) and still has dive gear, a small boat and and compressed air tanks ready to get diving at a moment's notice. So it was not hard to believe when he had a dozen fins and half a dozen snorkels and masks and gladly lent me one. I even managed to get fins to fit my feet. Beat that!
We went swimming into the ocean for a while and I being not swim fit, had to struggle with the breathing. Drank quite a bit of sea water too and was not wise enough to dive deeper and didn't get much views. Anyhow, after the thunderstorms in the past couple of days, even john couldn't spot much activity underwater.
After a bit of resting, we rode into town to drop off a friend of Roger and Reva and I tagged along. We headed to a fancy restaurant where I met about 5 more John's (Seems like a popular name around here, or may be people decided to have a different identity and pick a easy name). The place, Vino Tinto, was fancy and was sun by English John, who was also a historian and told a couple of stories of Trujillo and an incident of piracy that happened in the same building that the restaurant was on. Dang!
Anyhow, he also suggested I should consider visiting La Moskitia, a pretty interesting part of Honduras and known for a lot of reasons, most recently for a bit of a conflict between Honduras and Nicaragua. I had been watching that space and every research I had done led me to believe visiting La Moskitia was an expensive affair. But I decided to give it one more chance and did a bit of research on logistics.
After a few hours of reading and looking up options, I decided It would be unwise to take that route, especially with the bike given the logistics was going to be pretty complicated and armed conflict was a current affair. Additionally, I couldn't spot a map of the region either. So I went back to my alternate plans. Seems like I might have to bus parts of the route I am looking at, given the frequent rains and the fact that the road is mostly gravel. Ah well, we'll see hot that pans out eh.
Route: Trujillo
Distance: 0 km (yay!)
Road: –
Traffic: –
Services: –
Expenses: SG$ 15.24
Comments: Another of John's hobbies, snorkelling and diving. And he had a full set of equipment ready to deploy in his garage.


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This two bedroom, two bathroom Cremorne apartment was initially demolished so that a concrete shell was left. Both the bathrooms and kitchen are small but have been finished with high end, polished finishes creating enjoyable spaces to be in.
The client was after a neutral base, which was achieved through a grey and white palette, natural timber floors and neutral but detailed tiles in the bathrooms. Customised joinery helps to create ample storage, display cubes and houses the high tech audio and television equipment in the living area.
Finished with soft furnishings that are comfortable and inviting the apartment has been described by the client as "a joy to live in."
© 2020 Sophie Ellen Designs


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Lepsik Norbert Photography
Lepsik Norbert Photography
I'm Norbert Lepsik, a university student based in Budapest, Hungary, who's always bringing the camera with himself to anywhere. I started photography at 2012, but I'm working with it seriously from two years. Over the years I've been searching the way, to find the style I like the best. My unique look is due to the use of the colours and to always find the greatest perspectives.
For me, this is not just a profession, but a passion, really close to my heart. My most loved theme is the urban environment, cliché photography, with milder, more passionate colours. I like challenges and I always accept the various requests with great joy and energy, representing them in a detailed, inspiring way.
My unique style can be ideal for any occasion. I'm looking forward to see your interests in direct messages.


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Fiction Writing ContestsBelletristic contests
Curated list of paid & free competitions
Send it to Inkitt's Novel Competition to get a shot at winning their sturdy award baskets, including: a promotional drive to put your novel in Amazon's Top 100, a $6,000 invest in your Inkitt release, expert artwork designs and finishing, and 25% royalty. Every montly a winning entry will be chosen for release - so please send in your history by the end of the monthly!
Fiction, Oregon Book Awards are available for originals that have been released or created in the following categories: Poetry, fiction, general non-fiction, creative non-fiction, children's books, juvenile books, drama and graphic music. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenplay, The Rattle Poetry Prize is offering $10,000 for a solo poetry piece that will be featured in the magazine's print edition.
Poetry, Hippocampus Magazine is raffling off more than $1,200 in hard currency and awards this November in our yearly competition for the Remember in November competition for Nonfiction. Memoirs, non-fiction books, search for travel-specific plays that have a strong feeling for place, personality or age. The competition is open to previously unreleased and previously unreleased works that have not yet been selected as winners of the competition.
Fiction, non-fiction, poesy can be of any kind, length or contents, but it must be your own. Poetics can be serious or bizarre, fact or fiction, but they should hit a note that makes us listen. Poesie, create a 150-word fiction game.
This is the competition's competition target. Create a narrative (on any topic) with exactly 150 words. 12 September 2018 - Entry fees ?: Flash-Fiction, Ecrire une histoire, c'est réunir deux personnes, deux personnes qui ne réalisent pas nécessairement qu'ils sont faits l'un pour l'autre, mais le public les soutient.
5 September 2018 - Entry fees ?: Fiction, We are looking for individual essay, memoir and non-fiction books on any subject. 10 August 2018 - Entry fees ?: Essay, memoir, non-fiction, The competition's main challenges are to create a sonnett in Ibic pentametry, just like Shakespeare.
25 July 2018 - Entry fees ?: Poetry, create a terrible or thrilling tale for this writing competition. A $100 money award will be given to the winning team. Fiction, short stories, Whether you need a page to tell your own stories or your manuscripts are a little bit fatter, we would like to tell you about it.
fiction, genre, novel, short story: Fiction, novel, In keeping with the magazine's original purpose, the Ploughshares EMW Contest honors the work of an aspiring author in each of the three genres: fiction, non-fiction and literature. Essay, fiction, non-fiction, poems, short story, The Troubadour International Poetry Prize gives away 2,000 pounds, published on the Coffee-House website and invited to a Coffee House poets lecture in London in November.
The Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize is a biennial poem competition that awards an incumbent and a new poets each year. Entries are now possible for writers of at least one complete volume of poems. The FC2 Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Competition is open to all US writers who have not yet released Fiction Collective Two.
Entries may contain a compilation of shorts, one or more novels or a novel of any length. Fiction, novel, Kurzgeschichte, The 2018 Fiction Competition will run from January 1 to June 1, 2018! Submit your storyline in mysterious, suspend or mysterious drama styles. It' a lot of laughs and a good practice of your writing abilities.


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Listen to Bruce Ackerman, Founder of Printavo on how to simplify your shop. As a business exists for longer periods of time, you'll find that you become stuck IN the business, instead of working ON it. What this means is processes are outdated, the company isn't evolving and growing.
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Share good ideas and conversation. Login or Take a Tour!
kleinbl00 · 756 days ago · link · · parent · post: Pubski: March 14, 2018
Dated a girl with a red tail boa and a savannah monitor. They were both mean, but okay, the lizard thing is kinda cool. Looked into getting an iguana. Looked in the mirror. Asked myself "self, what the fuck do you think you're doing? There are houseplants that are more interactive." And never got an iguana. I'm sure that would have been a real letdown.
I'm sure that would have been a real letdown.


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Fast Facts
|Carpenter bees have a fuzzy, yellow thorax with a shiny, black abdomen.
|3/4-1″ long, with females usually larger than males.
|Their body resembles a bumblebee but has a smooth, rather than hairy, abdomen. Females have a stinger, but males do not.
Though carpenter bees, as their name would suggest, are commonly found in and around wood, the insects do not actually eat the timber. Like most bee species, carpenter bees forage on flowering plants, feeding on nectar. The females collecting pollen for their offspring.
Habitat & Nests
Unlike bumblebees, carpenter bees are solitary and do not live in nests or colonies. Adult carpenter bees overwinter in abandoned nest tunnels where they have stored limited pollen to survive the colder temperatures. The bees that survive the winter will emerge in the spring to feed on nectar, mate and build galleries. They may reuse an already existing gallery or they may excavate new galleries. Carpenter bee nests can often be found in decks, eaves, fascia boards, doors, railings, window trim, and other wooden surfaces. They prefer the wood from redwood, cedar, pine, and cypress trees and target wood that is unpainted, untreated, and weathered. However, they occasionally target painted and primed wood as well.
The tunnels they excavate into wooden surfaces are only for nurturing their eggs and young. Nests usually consist of tunnels half of an inch in diameter and 6-10″ deep and may include several brood chambers. Carpenter bees may buzz like saws when constructing nests (hence their name), but they do not eat the wood, as they cannot digest cellulose.
Colonies & Life Cycle
In contrast to the social tendencies of bumble and honey bees, carpenter bees lead solitary lives, as each female individually mates with a male to produce offspring. Mating takes place during the spring, and females then set to work cleaning out and enlarging tunnels left by earlier generations or excavate new ones in exposed, dry wood. Once there are enough chambers to accommodate six to eight eggs, females deposit a portion of pollen and regurgitated nectar to feed the larvae when they hatch, lay an egg and seal off the entrance with wood chips. Another plug of pollen is then added for numerous chambers per tunnel.
After the larvae complete pupation, newly mature adults emerge, usually in August. The life cycle from egg to larva to pupa to adult takes approximately seven weeks. There is only one generation a year, and individual bees overwinter and may live as long as three years.
Stings & Damage
Female carpenter bees can sting in defense if provoked, but males, which may appear a bit more aggressive and territorial, cannot sting. It may be surprising to learn that this is one of the least aggressive stinging insects encountered in the summer months.
Carpenter bees are considered pests because they drill holes in wooden structures; however, their contribution to pollination far outweighs any damage to structures. In general, carpenter bees do not pose much of a problem for homes and businesses, but generations of carpenter bees tunneling into the same wood can lead to significant structural damage. The carpenter bee produces broods that return to the same nest location to begin additional nests, creating trouble for those structures and homes with an infestation. Additionally, the larvae developing in homes are attractive to woodpeckers and create more extensive damage to the existing holes while creating unwanted noise.
Signs of Infestation
The most common sign of a carpenter bee infestation are the round, smooth holes about 1/4-1/2″ in diameter that carpenter bees bore into wood. There may also be evidence of sawdust.
A notable sign of an infestation is the male carpenter bees that hover around nesting sites in the spring and summer flying aggressively at intruders.
The wood around entrance holes may be stained with feces.
Prevention & Control
Carpenter Bee Prevention
Finish Wooden Surfaces
Since carpenter bees attack unfinished and unpainted wood products, the best way to prevent the pests from becoming a problem is to ensure all wooden furniture and fixtures are finished, varnished, and/or painted.
Seal Cracks
To prevent carpenter bees from entering the home, seal cracks and crevices along the property's foundation and walls with a silicone-based caulk, repair any tears in screens, and keep doors closed as much as possible do not leave ajar, this includes garage doors at all times.
Inspect Purchased Objects
Property owners and residents should also closely inspect wooden products for signs of a carpenter bee presence before purchasing.
Regular inspections of your home by a pest control professional throughout the year is the best method to identify and prevent any issues with carpenter bees or any other pests. Pestfree365 provides regularly scheduled preventive services throughout the year.
Carpenter Bee Control
The places on a home that are the most attractive for carpenter bees to create their holes are often the out-of-site, out-of-mind areas that can be inaccessible or difficult to reach, as they are more likely to have water damage, untreated wood, etc. Do not simply seal the holes and paint over them, as this will cause the carpenter bee hatchlings to try to escape in ways that can cause more damage to the structure. It is advised that a pest control professional assess the situation and offer solutions that will prevent incidents like this from occurring. A professional has the knowledge to inspect the property for galleries and choose the appropriate treatment method.
A Batzner Service Specialist will identify the locations of potential nesting sites by focusing on key areas (untreated, unpainted, soft, or moisture-damaged wood) and looking out for frass (fine powdery refuse or fragile perforated wood produced by the activity of boring insects), small round drill holes, and other evidence of carpenter bee activity. The best approach to treating the nests will be determined by several factors, including their location and level of activity.
If a carpenter bee infestation occurs, count on a professional pest management service to take care of the problem knowledgeably and successfully.


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"The only thing that works"
A luxurious, vegan and intensely moisturising foot balm made with mango butters, coconut oil, aloe vera and lemon oil. Specially created to smooth troublesome, dry feet. This balm has a slightly exfoliating texture due to the presence of natural sugar crystals within the mango butter. These crystals will dissolve as the product is massaged into your skin.
A 120ml pot will last well as you only need a little of this very rich cream, with no added water nor artificial additives.
Buying this as a gift? Pair it with cashmere blend socks for an extra treat. Shop here.
We have had great feedback from reflexologists and their clients, who love using this cream for treatments and lower leg massages.
Our foot balm is also available in handy 30ml pots which are ideal for travel, handbags or sharing with your friends and family
Coconut Oil, Mango Butter, Aloe Vera Juice, Sunflower Oil, Lemon Essential Oil (Limonene, Citral), Eco-Preservative (Benzyl Alcohol).
We take the impact we have on the planet very seriously. The packaging used for this product can be recycled. When we post your items, any 'plastic-like' packaging we may use, including clear bags and bubble wrap, is made from biodegradable plant derived material that will compost in one year. So feel free to put it on your compost heap!
We reuse fully recyclable cardboard boxes we get from our suppliers where we see fit but your package will always look great and smell even better.
Check your local recycling facilities at https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with


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You have probably freaked out the moment you noticed a P1684 error code.
But, it should not be a cause for much concern. The P1684 error code means that the power that is running to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is faulty. One of the reasons for this is a weak battery.
This can often be caused when you replaced the car battery or removed the battery cables.
You will also need to check the wiring around the PCM. The error code is not for all car types but is limited to Honda, Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Subaru, and Jeep.
What could cause the P1684 error code?
There are some different things that could cause the P1684 code to show up on your scanner. Here are some of the most common causes.
The Battery/Cables Removed
The P1684 code is often showing up if you have removed the car battery and reinstalled it. The code does typically mean: Battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts. This means that if the problem is fixed, the code should go away by itself after 50 successful cycles.
The first thing you will notice with the error code is the engine light comes on. The voltage going to the PCM or TCM is low hence the error code. The PCM interprets this low voltage as lack of power. Since P1684 is not exclusive to low battery power it could also mean that the faulty PCM connectors. You may need to check the wiring and fix any loose wires.
Defective PCM
A defective P1684 could also mean that the PCM is defective. This may require you to purchase a new PCM. The PCM is the central computer system and is responsible for the functioning of most car components. When the PCM is not working there will be interference between the engine and the transmission.
The PCM receives crucial engine data from various parts; it interprets the signals and sends instructions. This is done through multiple sensors found in the car. The PCM also plays a critical role in the air/fuel mixture.
When you have a faulty PCM your car may not even start because it influences the timing of sparks from the spark plugs. Wrong fuel mixtures will lead to more money being spent on fuel and this leads to more emissions.
When you have a problem with the PCM you will notice check engine error codes. One of the things that cause the PCM to become faulty is contact with water elements. Even one drop of water can ruin the entire system.
Overload Voltage
PCM gadgets are also susceptible to voltage overloads. This can come from the circuit or the solenoid. A good mechanic can diagnose the problem for you but if the damage is due to water problems you will be forced to purchase a new one because it is irreparable.
Many people have problems distinguishing between PCM and ECM. In fact the two acronyms are used interchangeably but they are two different components. The ECM works with the cooling system, exhaust intake and uses the data set to control fuel injection timing, camshaft and throttle positioning and fuel injection timing. The PCM controls the functions of the ECM.
Other causes of P1684
- Corrosion of the battery terminals can lead to poor connections of the battery terminals.
- If the battery has been disconnected while the engine is still running or when the ignition has been switched off.
- When replacing a new battery you ignore to have the car's memory backed up.
- Lack of proper reprogramming PCM information when doing battery replacement.
- Damaged wires between the control modules and the CAN bus system.
What are the symptoms of P1684 error code?
Check Engine Light
The first symptom of P1684 is the engine light comes on. This may mean that you will start experiencing more engine problems. As stated earlier the problem is not that the battery is not well connected – though this could be the problem it could be the first sign for further error codes.
The PCM controls many engine functions like fuel ignition and air/fuel mixture. A simple solution of disconnecting the battery to eradicate the error code is not recommended until you have carefully diagnosed all potential problems.
Loss of KAM (Memory)
All the information concerning the PCM is stored on the KAM chip. Here information concerning idle speed, air/fuel mixture, and other default factory settings are stored. When you disconnect the battery the chip goes to default settings. If your car has more problems you will notice the P1684 coming back again.
The PCM conducts a series of self-assessment tests that include the emission test. If you try to clear the error code before your emission tests you will be charged with circumventing the law. The PCM controls the TCM and if it is not working properly you will have problems with loss of power.
This is because disconnecting the PCM resets the transmission settings and your car needs to relearn how to do it again. Once the code is restarted after 50 cycles you will have to wait for the car to travel for 50 to 100 miles for the TCM to relearn transmission settings again.
Loss of power to the PCM can affect the Body Control Module (BCM) and if not rectified it can cause the BCM to stop working altogether. BCM failure can cause other car modules to shut down. The loss of power can also cause your steering wheel angle sensors to malfunction.
This may later cause a problem with the stability control and you could find yourself in an accident due to loss of control. The steering sensor can be connected to the anti-theft system and if this fails you may experience unauthorized entry to your car.
How to fix the P1684 error
Since the error code can be caused in various ways it is important to fast diagnose the cause. If the battery power is low you may need to recharge it and check for any lose terminals. The problem could also be that the TCM or PCM is faulty in which case you may be required to purchase a new one.
The P1684 error code does not always mean that you have poor battery connections. It could be the first symptom of further engine trouble. The PCM unit could be faulty due to circuit problems.
It is vital that you identify any other engine troubles that could be connected with the PCM. Disconnecting the battery can erase all the stored PCM memory and you will have problems with transmission settings or emission tests. Record all the error codes and consult your manufacturers manual for possible problems.