text:
Home » Books » Book Review » REVIEW: The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham
REVIEW: The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham
Posted on May 16, 2012 by Paul Weimer in Book Review // 3 Comments
SYNOPSIS: In a world once dominated by dragons, reaching out of a medieval level of development, a burgeoning wide scale conflict has roots and character perspectives military, political and economic.
PROS: Nice wide lens of seeing a building conflict from multiple perspectives; excellent use of money as a social force equal to military and political ones.
CONS: The various races aren't distinctive enough; worldbuilding is a tad thin.
VERDICT: Although somewhat less innovative than his previous work, this is a solid Epic Fantasy from Daniel Abraham
Daniel Abraham is a unique and growing voice in fantasy. His Long Price Quartet, with a storyline and a set of novels spanning decades was fresh, different and heralded a unique voice in fantasy doing new and different things. But in The Dragon's Path, the first of The Dagger and the Coin series, Abraham seems to step back to far more standard epic fantasy, eschewing his previous inventiveness for more standard core Epic Fantasy.
Or does he?
The world of The Dragon's Path at first looks and sounds far more mundane than the world of the Long Price Quartet. The various kingdoms and polities seem firmly Western European, from the names to the cuisine. Kingdoms, Free Cities…it has the feel of 15th, 16th century Europe, without the gunpowder. The author uses a tried and true formula for presenting this world to us, with a number of viewpoint characters that we alternate through the course of the novel. Admittedly, he adds a key one in the latter half of the book, but otherwise it is a template and formula relatively standard in epic fantasy.
But look deeper. The world is not of humans, but rather of thirteen races, the remnants and legacy of long vanished Dragons who, Jack Vance style, not only ruled the world, but bred these varieties of humanity to their service. Now that they are gone, leaving only their indestructible roads, humanity is forced to find their own way, in all of their branches. In addition, the use of banking and economics as real forces with a seat at the table equal to the political and military spheres is innovative and different. Money matters and the movement and power of money are strong themes in The Dragon's Path. While you see the power of money in the individual in other fantasy, how much gold or wealth can bring an individual power, I've not seen a book where banks, banking and bankers are afforded that power. That is partially due to the growing-out-of-medieval timeframe of the book, true, but even with Renaissance-tech fantasy or later, bankers are just not seen as social forces in fantasy. The Dragon's Path averts that, hard. And did I mention there is a puppet master that seems poised to cause even more trouble? (Or should I say puppet mistress?) So, while The Dragon's Path is at first seemingly a standard epic fantasy, the more one looks at it, the more subversive, or at least non-standard, it appears.
So what's the story and who are the characters? On the surface, The Dragon's Path (the first in this series) is about a seemingly limited conflict that spirals out of control because of the choices made by the various viewpoint characters. What should be a simple changing of hands of one of the free cities and an almost gentlemanly battle to do so, turns out to be anything but. In point of fact, the conflict appears poised to be a transformative conflict that will engulf all of the Kingdoms in this world.
Even though it begins from small beginnings, this conflict and its consequences connects all of the major viewpoint characters, from Marcus, former hero turned caravan guard, to Cithrin, adopted daughter of a bank who learns to wield that economic power, to Geder, minor noble who quickly is caught in the schemes of other political players in a way that reminded me strongly of Londo Mollari. The ending of the novel, especially, reinforced that theme for me. I look forward to what Abraham has in store for Geder, especially, even given the Mollari references, Geder is a character seemingly designed by Abraham to be identified with for (male) readers–he's this world's version of a geek. Each of these characters, above and beyond of their different stations, are well drawn, distinct, and different, and they are all given room to grow, show their mettle, and the reader is encouraged to see things from their point of view and perspective. Each of them has arcs, defeats, successes and grow and develop across the book. Most particularly is the aforementioned Cithrin, who learns to grow up, quickly. and not always gracefully.
Two viewpoint characters I didn't mention that this is particularly true of is the noble husband and wife team of Lord and Lady Kalliam. High nobles, close to the king, the socially most powerful viewpoint characters in the novel. Ostensibly, and in lesser hands, they would be the villains of their piece, with their aims and goals definitely not sympathetic in the abstract. But in the execution? In the development of the characters, what they want and why they want it? The adage "everyone is a hero of their own story" gets put through its paces here. They come across as heroes of their own story.
The book is not heavy on gratuitous worldbuilding that you might find in other epic fantasy, and is much more in line with the author's previous work. We are told enough, and given enough to follow things along and build up a picture of the world. There is not a lot of magic in this world, and in fact the number of times outright magic is seen in the book can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And the magic we see is very subtle, very understated. Both the parsimonious worldbuilding and the relative lack of magic does make The Dragon's Path, for epic fantasy, a strong contrast to Jordan, Erikson and Sanderson. While I tend to prefer works more along the spectrum of those three gentlemen, my previous experience with the author's work allowed me to easily get used to his style here.
What didn't work for me? Mainly, it's the depiction of the races. We are given thirteen former servitor races of humanity, true, which is a large bill to fill. The book doesn't quite make all of them come alive as distinct sub-species that are easily distinguishable. Many of the races are just names at best, and those races that we do come in contact with are, by and large, not really distinguished well from each other. We also don't get a true feel of how the races feel about each other, or a real pecking order. There are hints and intimations, to be sure, but for the moment, the races are much more rubber-head aliens than distinct entities in their own right. Perhaps subsequent novels in the series will correct this.
And apparently there will be more novels in the series. The sequel to The Dragon's Path, King's Blood is out now, with the promise of more to come. Despite my objections above, make no mistake, this is solid core epic fantasy by an author with enough experience to possibly make something truly special. The Dragon's Path may be the start of that.
The Dragon's Path
About Paul Weimer (366 Articles)
Not really a Prince of Amber, but rather an ex-pat New Yorker that has found himself living in Minnesota, Paul Weimer has been reading SF and Fantasy for over 30 years and exploring the world of roleplaying games for over 25 years. Almost as long as he has been reading and watching movies, he has enjoyed telling people what he has thought of them. In addition to SF Signal, he can be found at his own blog, Blog Jvstin Style, Skiffy and Fanty, SFF Audio, Twitter, and many other places on the Internet!
Contact: WebsiteTwitter
EVENT: A Night at the Space Opera: Science Fiction Writers on Our Future in Space
Daniel Abraham's and Ty Franck's EXPANSE Series Headed for Television
BOOK REVIEW: Edge of Infinity Edited by Jonathan Strahan
MIND MELD: Monarchies in Fantasy
VIDEO: Sword and Laser Ep 5 – Interview with James S.A. Corey (Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck)
3 Comments on REVIEW: The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham
Dave Thompson // May 16, 2012 at 3:02 pm //
"The adage "everyone is a hero of their own story" gets put through its paces here. They come across as heroes of their own story."
You know, I hadn't thought of that before reading this review, but yes, that's exactly what Abraham does with this book. And does it exceptionally well. Really looking forward to the King's Blood (and whatever else follows)!
ganymeder // May 17, 2012 at 6:10 am //
Excellent review. I'm normally not big on epic fantasy, but this has me intrigued.
Scott Laz // May 17, 2012 at 11:23 am //
In his foreward to David Pringle's "Modern Fantasy: The Hundred Best Novels" (1988), Brian Aldiss writes: "In all of Pringle's hundred golden instances, there's not one central character who has a penny in his pocket. Fantasy not only turns its back on science and reality: much more determinedly, it rejects the world of finance. Its denizens haven't a cent." He sees this as important to the genre's appeal, taking readers away from the mundane needs of our reality. It seems Abraham has indeed found a new take on the genre. This does sound intriguing.
This is What The Amazing Spider-Man Looked like in the 70s
I'm probably showing my age here, but I was a faithful viewer of the 70's show The Amazing Spider Man starring Nicholas Hammond. The special effects were terrible by many standards, but as a wide-eyed kid starved for genre shows, this was da bomb before da bomb was a thing. Wait -- da bomb is still a thing, right? Anyway, Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
REVIEW SUMMARY: A fast-paced story in a bleak future, where escape into virtual worlds is driven by a contest based on 1980s trivia and culture and the winner gets billions. MY RATING: BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Wade Watts hides from the nasty real world of the mid-21st century inside the virtual world/MMORPG called OASIS. Like many, he searches for the clues that Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Twistor by John Cramer
REVIEW SUMMARY: Excellent, page-turning hard sf thriller MY RATING: BRIEF SYNOPSIS: A physicist accidentally invents a device that opens doors into a parallel dimension. MY REVIEW: PROS: Believable science; clear, logical writing style. CONS: slightly open-ended conclusion. BOTTOM LINE: An excellent story that kept me turning pages Here's what happens when a scientist attempts to write a piece of science Continue Reading →
The SF Signal Podcast (Episode 277): The Massive List of 2015 Conventions
In episode 277 of the SF Signal Podcast Patrick Hester talks with Gail Carriger, Karen Burnham, Django Wexler, and Jeff Patterson about: 2015 conventions we love, want to attend, and why.


text:
Blackmailed Into Marriage
Wedlocked!
ASIN: B003FV7HBQ
Latest publication: 04/07/07
Lia turned her back on her aristocratic family. But now she needs their help to save her little daughter. Their response? Sell her off to the highest bidder!
Damian Marquez prizes Lia's blue blood–he was stripped of his own title at birth. Lia is the perfect broodmare, who can provide him with an heir.
But, by the wedding night, Lia knows her secret will be out–because she can't be Damian's in the marriage bed….
"BLACKMAILED INTO MARRIAGE is a well-written Presents about a sensitive subject and is superbly handled by Lucy Monroe. Highly recommended!" 4 Stars – The Romance Review
"BLACKMAILED INTO MARRIAGE is passionate, thoroughly engaging and a wonderful story from beginning to end." – Blue Ribbon Reviews
"Blackmailed into Marriage will tug at your heartstrings." – Writers Unlimited Reviews
"Lucy Monroe packs a ton of emotion in this book. It will stay with you long after you are finished reading." –Reader Review
"…an exotic location, mysterious secrets and a simmering romance which make for an intriguing read!" 4 Stars – Cataromance Reviews
"BLACKMAILED INTO MARRIAGE is a wonderful, feel good book that will leave you with warm fuzzies after it is over." – The Best Reviews
"Lucy touched a delicate topic that affects many women, and created a very supportive hero… a hero most of us women would love to have in real life." – Amelia Hernandez
"For a romantic, passionate romance with an unusual premise, grab BLACKMAILED INTO MARRIAGE; it's a winner." – Romance Reviews Today
what other AUTHORS and BOOKSELLERS are saying…
"Lucy – I was forced, FORCED I tell you to miss out on some of the exciting parties in Reno because I was upstairs in my room reading Blackmailed Into Marriage. LOVED IT. Finished it before I left for home!" – Jill Monroe
"Dear Lucy, I have reread Blackmailed Into Marriage at least ten times since I borrowed from the library on 3rd January, 2006 (I have renewed it twice). I love Lia, Kaylee and Damian to bits! Generally, I prefer Tender Romance because I sometimes find the men in Modern Romances too overpowering. I love the way you write your male characters, Damian's strength is phenomenal and yet he is incredibly considerate and patient. I have since read The Greek's Innocent Virgin, which I also loved. I am now a huge fan of yours and look forward to your future offerings. Regards." ~ Lexy
"Hi! First of all, I want to say that I love your stories. I read " The Real Deal" when it came out and I've been hooked on your books ever since. I just read "Blackmailed into Marriage" and I was super-excited about to read about Kaylee's heart defect (not that it's a good thing). It's just that I work for a medical device company that makes devices for people who have holes in their heart, and it offers an alternative to surgery and takes half the recovery time (just like in the book). I was surprised at first because not a lot of people are aware of the defect or the procedure. Then I got really excited because it could've been one of our devices! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I love your stories and I look forward to more. I just bought Willing so it'll keep me occupied for the next few days!" ~ Pa Lee
"Just finished reading Blackmailed Into Marriage. Great story & you send a valuable message to all the women who suffer sexual dysfunction. I hope by reading this book, the readers would advise family or friends who suffer vaginismus to seek help. Women need to feel loved not feeling at fault & suffer in silence. So far I have only read
The Italian's Suitable Wife, The Sheikh's Bartered Bride & The Greek's Innocent Virgin. You created a great story in each book. Do keep on writing the good stories. Looking forward to your next book. All the best :)" – Reader
"Lucy just to say that I've snuck in finishing Blackmailed into Marriage even though I'm meant to focusing on finishing my ms. I loved the book, it dealt with a sensitive subject so warmly and also showed there can be a lot more depth to a Presents hero than 'anti alpha' people imagine. Thanks so much for such a good read." ~ Carol
"Lucy — read your Blackmailed Into Marriage and have been gabbing it up ever since. In fact, I was just talking about it to my cousin yesterday and once she finally figured out what I was trying to say (had a little trouble pronouncing "vaginismus") she told me she actually treats patients for that (she's a physiotherapist). Huh, who knew? It was nice though, since you explained the problem and the treatment so well, she for once didn't need to dumb anything down for me before she could gabble on about theories and possibilities. So, not only did I learn something new (which I love), but I got to connect with my cousin about her work a bit more. Thanks for that! Also, ditto to what Carol said. When I was telling my sister about it (told you, I've been gabbing it up) and about how Damian handled the situation, she said "So he just made it part of the foreplay? That's so sweet." Alphas are not generally known for their sweetness, but I have to agree with her on this one. Way sweet." ~ Janine
"I love your stories, especially Blackmailed into Marriage. It talked about women, how they hide it and a man strong enough to accept his wife's problem and help her to overcome it. Thank you for this story." ~ Mary Grace
"Lucy!!!! What a great book, I loved it.. and a very needed subject to tackle there, and you did a wonderful job of it also :o) and, it's your fault I'm up at 5:30 am having woken up at 3 am, lol. hada finish the book since I woke up…lol…do you feel guilty?? lol Lots of hugs," ~ Lin
"I just finished "Blackmailed into Marriage" moments ago and was struck by the desire to contact you. <snip plot spoiler> In summation, I guess I really just want to say "thank-you" for branching out past the normal plot lines and giving women something more than fleeting romance. In "Blackmailed into Marriage" you give women sexual inspiration/hope and show that intimacy is much more than the "sex" portrayed in modern culture and media. I plan to pass on my copy to some of my female friends =)" ~ Thanks again, Nadia
"This wonderful love story so touched my heart. The storyline portrays the complete trust both characters learned to have in each other……it's just an incredible journey for Lia and Damian. Blackmailed Into Marriage is five stars and so much more!" Marilyn Shoemaker
"I think you know by now that you can't write a book that I won't love. You went over the top with this one. You actually dared to write about a woman who was not perfect. Not in looks, but in mind. (Does that make sense?) I was reading the book and I kept thing, OMG, a real woman with a real problem. It moved me. And when your hero was so gentle and supportive, well, it made me feel gooey inside. Made me think that that is how my hubby would react. (He'd BETTER!!)" – Pat
"I am 3/4 of the way through Blackmailed Into Marriage and am loving it! Wow, what a poignant book, what a ground-breaking novel! Truly wonderful, and so HOT! I'm glad Kimberley took a chance on it because I believe it will win LOTS of awards :))" ~ Serena
"The characters really got to me, the story had so much heartache, passion and family in it that I felt really touched by it." ~ Clare from the UK
"I just finished 'Blackmailed Into Marriage'. Lucy you have written one of the most beautiful stories I have read in a while. You could really feel Lia's anguish for her daughter and for her intimacy issues. Damian was a prize, he really was a special man and the perfect partner for Lia. Awesome book." Hugs, Judy F
"Wow, Lucy, I am absolutely awed at your book I just finished, 'Blackmailed into Marriage'. I love all your books, but you certainly outdid yourself with this one. It is one of the most sensual, passionate, AND compassionate book I've read in ages and ages. Don't know where you come up with your ideas, but PLEASE just keep those wonderful books coming." ~ Judy S
"Oh Lucy…I just finished reading 'Blackmailed Into Marriage' (I'm a Reader's Service subscriber) that isn't really do out on the shelves until August. What a very informative and compelling story. You even had me researching the affliction the heroine had as I'd never heard of it before. And WOW! <snip spoiler> Very moving indeed and I'd recommend this read to everyone for sure!!! Another GREAT one again Lucy! Thanks for sharing this story too!" ~ Joni
"You are Rosalia Chavez-Torres."
Lia turned at the deep, masculine voice and found her line of vision blocked by a well-honed male torso clothed in formal black and white. He was standing much too close. She could smell his expensive cologne and powerful energy radiated off of him in imposing waves.
She took a quick, jerky step backward only to run into a small table that prevented further retreat.
She tilted her head back so her gaze could travel up to the man's face and the breath rushed from her chest.
This man did not belong in a room filled with civilized businessmen.
Oh, he was dressed as the others in a hand-tailored tuxedo that fit his tall, muscular body perfectly. However his eyes burned with a vibrant intensity lacking in the other men in the room. Even her grandfather's presence paled beside this man.
She was absolutely certain he was not old money, nor did she recognize him as a member of the Spanish nobility her grandfather counted among his cronies. She was pretty sure she had met all the eligible men of her age in that circle six years ago…before she'd turned her back on a world she hadn't wanted to belong to. She didn't know who he was, but he'd been watching her all evening and it did strange things to her equilibrium. Impossible things she had long ago decided she was not destined to feel.
All of this ran through her mind in the short silent moments after she turned around. Still, his eyes asked why she had not yet responded.
Giving herself a mental shake, she stuck her hand out and said, "Lia Kennedy, actually. And you are?"
"Damian Marquez. You are Bendicto's granddaughter, are you not?" His fingers closed around hers, the heat in them warming hers.
His hands weren't those of a man who had never labored. They were rougher, like Toby's hands had been. Only her husband had been a classic laidback beta male. Damian exuded an aura of power and hardness that made her already chilled body shiver convulsively.
"You are cold?"
"The air conditioning…" She let her voice trail off, knowing the AC had nothing to do with it.
Neither did he really. She'd been cold from the inside out since the doctor told her about the hole in her daughter's heart. Returning to Spain and a grandfather who disapproved of all her life's choices had done nothing to warm her.
"We could step onto the terrace. It is still quite warm outside."
She shrugged. Why not? Her grandfather wasn't going to listen to her plea about Kaylee with all these other people around and the prospect of escape was too good to pass up. She hadn't been to his villa on the eastern coast of Spain since Christmas and hadn't been expected until the holiday rolled around next year.
The curiosity of the other dinner guests had been pressing in on her since she walked into the drawing room just as dinner was announced an hour and a half ago. Once dinner had ended and the guests started to mingle, it had become almost unbearable in her current fragile state. If the other guests weren't asking subtly worded questions trying to draw out the reason for her unexpected visit, they were watching her and whispering behind their hands about the too independent granddaughter who was such a disappointment to the old man.
Taking her acquiescence for granted, Damian took her arm and led her through a set of French doors at one end of the long drawing room.
He had been right. The night air was warmer than the chilled interior of the house.
She breathed deeply, enjoying the sensation of heated air caressing her body and filling her lungs. She'd been cold for so long. "This is much better, thank you."
"Most Americans prefer the air-conditioning, but then you grew up here."
"Actually, I was raised in the States until I was fifteen." The year her father had died.
The Conde Benedicto Chavez-Torres had insisted Maria-Amelia return to Spain to live with her teenage daughter and Lia's mother had moved across the ocean without a single protest. Sunk in grief over the loss of her husband, she had not noticed how miserable her daughter was in their new home.
She had rejected every concern Lia had voiced, telling her daughter she needed to learn to live with the Spanish side of her nature. Lia hadn't wanted to live in the rarified atmosphere of the wealthy Spanish nobility. She had simply wanted to go home, a request denied time and again by her grandfather.
It should have been no surprise to anyone when she'd eloped with her high school sweetheart at the age of eighteen. Despite the fact their relationship had been long distance for the better part of three years, Toby had expressed more loving understanding toward Lia than either her mother or her grandfather had over those same three years. Yet, both Maria and Benedicto had been furiously shocked by Lia's marriage.
Her grandfather had immediately disinherited her and then been appalled when his action had done nothing to bring her crawling back to Spain. Nothing had done that, not his disapproval, nor her mother's tears and not even Toby's death. Kaylee's illness was another matter.
Lia would do anything for her daughter. Anything at all.
Ignoring the pain her thoughts caused, she added, "I make my home in New Mexico now. It's hot and I like it."
"I see." His dark gaze fixed on her meditatively. "I live in New York. It is hot in the summers, but the winters are very cold."
"Poor you. I would hate to live anywhere with a real winter."
"Perhaps you could learn to like it."
He didn't reply immediately and she got the distinct impression he was sizing her up. "Your grandfather said you do not visit Spain very often. I doubt it is the air conditioning keeping you away."
"My daughter and I come at Christmas every year," she said defensively, not knowing why she should feel the need to defend herself, but feeling it all the same.
"Surely you could come more frequently?"
"Frequent travel doesn't fit into my budget."
"Benedicto would pay for you to come."
She shrugged. No doubt, but then she would have to spend yet more time listening to his lectures about moving to Spain and her mother's more subtle guilt trips. No thank you.
"Perhaps you are so dismissive of your family because you have never had to live without them." Damian's tone was disapproving. Not only did that surprise her- why should he care how close she was to her family- but it also got her back up.
"Tell me something, do you live with your parents?"
"My parents are both dead."
"I'm sorry. Losing a parent is devastating, losing both must have been an incredible blow."
His ready agreement surprised her. She had expected him to do the macho, nothing hurts me routine.
"What about your grandparents?" she asked, not willing to concede the point so quickly.
"Neither set recognizes my existence."
All her irritation at his high-handed questioning drained away. "Idiots."
She'd seen that kind of obtuse behavior among her mother and grandfather's friends and it always made her angry. Her own family had done a fair job of snubbing Toby for the three brief years of her marriage. Her grandfather hadn't even warmed up to Kaylee completely until after Toby had died. Even so he had never tried to completely ignore her existence.
Lia's mother hadn't been so hard, but neither had she made the smallest attempt to make Toby feel like a welcome member of the Chavez-Torres family.
Damian's lips tilted in a half-smile. "That is one way to look at it." Benedicto's granddaughter was not shy about speaking her mind. He approved.
He had no desire to marry a doormat, or breed such a character trait into his children.
"It's the only way to look at it. You asked me if family was important to me."
"Sí, and you told me that it was." Though clearly not as important as it was to Benedicto.
"It is," she stressed, her amber eyes dark with sincerity. "I could never dismiss my daughter's choice of a husband as a person not worthy of respect and affection just because he wasn't the one I'd chosen for her and no way will I ever reject Kaylee's children because I don't agree with her choices."
His own mother's parents had not felt the same and his father's parents had never once acknowledged the familial connection. He had spent too many years on the outside of a world that should have been his by right of birth. Benedicto Chavez-Torres had helped Damian change that. The help he had given the older man since then had been a small enough price to pay for the vindication of his pride.
"That is not the usual attitude among the people in our world," he said to Lia.
"This world…" She swung her hand out to indicate her grandfather's villa and what it represented. "Is not my world. This is my mother and my grandfather's world and I only share it with them because I love them. I prefer the world my daughter and I inhabit in New Mexico."
"Do you?" Or was she making the best of things because her grandfather had disinherited her when she'd married against his advice?
Yet she had made no move to ingratiate herself again, at least not one that had no been of her own choosing. She did not even call herself by her grandfather's name now that both her father and husband were dead. She had to know it would have pleased Benedicto a great deal.
Independent. Rosalia Kennedy was very independent, but was she really an uninterested in her grandfather's world and the life of luxury inherent in it as she implied? The terms of the deal Benedicto had proposed said not.
Something of his doubts must have shown on his face because she frowned. "You're very cynical, aren't you?"
A bark of laughter surprised him. Not only independent, but refreshingly frank, not to mention discerning. He was cynical. Life had ensured he became that way. "And you are very forthright."
"More than I should be, probably."
He moved closer to her, invading her space and watching with interest as the pulse at the base of her throat began to beat more rapidly. "I like it."
"Grandfather doesn't." Her breathless voice caressed him like the hand of a very skilled lover.
How much had she learned in three years married to a man who was little more than a boy? Remembering his own sexual knowledge at the age of eighteen, he conceded she might be less innocent than she appeared. However, she was blushing like a virgin and he was not even touching her.
"You are nervous."
"Most women would be around you."
Again he laughed, delighted by her honesty. "Do you know, Rosalia, I believe I like you?"
She tipped her head back so their eyes met squarely. "You sound like that really surprises you."
"It does." He took another step forward, wanting to taste the lips she bit in her agitation.
She retreated, almost stumbling in her haste to get away, but the terrace railing stopped her and he made no effort to allay her obvious discomfort by backing up. Her reaction fascinated him. Women did not usually retreat when he moved forward. They met him with open arms, but hers were crossed defensively over her generous curves.
He wanted to know why. Was she playing a deep game, or was she genuinely nervous around him? He was, after all, still a stranger to her.
She clearly didn't remember the two occasions they had met six years ago, and if she did, he doubted she would have been reassured. He'd made her nervous then too. She'd been so beautiful she had made him ache with desire, but she'd been too young for what he had wanted from her. Not quite eighteen, she had been strictly off limits to a man of twenty-three and he had done his best to forget his mentor's granddaughter.
But he had not forgotten.
He wanted her and her current situation dictated that he would have her.
"Rosalia, are you out here?"
Damian moved away, not willing to openly acknowledge his desire for Lia. It would be leverage for Benedicto. While Damian trusted the older man more than anyone else in his life, he had not made tycoon status at such a young age by revealing his weaknesses to anyone. Besides, there was more to this deal than passion and he had a week to decide whether or not he would agree to Benedicto's proposition.
Benedicto's leverage was sadly lacking in this game.
"She is indeed here, Benedicto. We have been getting to know one another."
The older man surveyed Lia and Damian keenly. "And have you learned much of her?"
"Not as much as I would like," he said honestly.
"Ah, this is good." Benedicto smiled.
Lia blushed again and averted her face.
"And you, Rosalia, do you enjoy the company of my friend?"
Her head came up and she searched her grandfather's eyes, her own starkly vulnerable. "I thought he was a business associate."
"That too. We have known each other many years."
"I see. Grandfather, I need to speak to you. Kaylee—"
"Not now, Rosalia." The harshness of Benedicto's tone shocked Damian.
Even more unexpected…anger welled up at the way the words made Lia flinch. "I am happy to leave you two in privacy," he said in a tone he knew Benedicto would not mistake.
Indeed the old man's face tightened and his eyes said he recognized the warning. However, he shook his head. "Nonsense. The terrace during a dinner party is hardly the place for the conversation my granddaughter wishes to have. Is that not true, Rosalie?"
She looked like she wanted to argue, but she nodded instead. Then she sighed as if acceding with more than mere words. "Yes, Grandfather. You are right." She stepped away from the terrace railing. "That being the case, however, I think I'll say goodnight. I'm still adjusting to the time change."
She stopped speaking, her body held in tension as if she was waiting for Benedicto to react.
He smiled again, the warmth in his eyes unmistakable to Damian, but he got the impression Lia did not see it. "Sleep well, Rosalia."
"I will see you tomorrow," Damian promised.
"Tomorrow?" she asked uncertainly.
"Damian is staying with us."
"Oh. Goodnight then." She turned and fled. There was no other description for her hasty exit.
"Your granddaughter is shy," Damian remarked as the silence stretched between him and the first person to believe in him enough to invest in a Marquez, Ltd. venture.
"She will make an admirable wife. You will not find her flirting with the waitstaff in the kitchen during one of your parties."
The reminder of one of the less than pleasant memories he shared with Benedicto routed the softened feelings he had allowed to creep in while talking to Lia. It was exactly memories like that one that had made him listen to Benedicto in the first place when the old man had come to Damian with his proposal.
Marry Lia and be guaranteed at least half of the Chavez-Torres business holdings. While the collapse of the world's stock market had dictated that Benedicto's fortune was not what it once was, his holdings had more value than mere money. They represented a foothold in business interests usually reserved for the Spanish nobility. Damian's pride demanded more than undeniable wealth, he wanted what the illegitimacy of his birth had denied him.
Acceptance. Even if it was forced. He would sit on the boards of several companies with his younger brother, the only legitimate son to their father and their sister as well, the holder of the title that should have been his.
Another reason Benedicto's proposal had been so palatable. Under a special dispensation from the king, the Conde was prepared to cede one of his lesser titles to Damian once he became a member by marriage of the Chavez-Torres family. All of his other titles would pass eventually to his granddaughter and ultimately to Damian's own children.
It would require Lia and her grandfather signing documents to the affect that Kaylee Kennedy, an American citizen, would not inherit the titles from her Spanish family. According to Benedicto, Lia would be more than willing for such a passage of events. And if her earlier words were to be believed at all, Damian suspected the old man was right.
The next morning, Lia saw Damian at breakfast, just as he had promised the night before, but her grandfather was nowhere in sight.
"He had a business meeting," Maria-Amelia said from the other side of the table. "He told Rosa no to expect him back in time for dinner."
Dinner? "What about lunch?"
"We are meeting associates in Alicante," Damian said, his demeanor that of the hard-bitten businessman again.
She had thought last night he had relaxed with her, but she must have been mistaken. She certainly hadn't been thinking straight, or she would not have let him get so close. She was almost positive he would have kissed her if Grandfather had not interrupted. For once, she was grateful for his interference.
"Perhaps you would like to join me on a shopping trip?" Lia's mother asked.
Lia smiled, knowing it was her mother's way of getting her mind off of her problems. She accepted, more for the chance to distance herself from Damian's disturbing presence, than any hope shopping could keep her from worrying about Kaylee's future.
That night, as she tucked her daughter into bed, Lia found it very difficult to believe the small, blonde pixie faced something as serious as a hole in her heart. Her blue eyes clear with childlike innocence and her skin a soft, healthy pink, she didn't look in the least bit sick.
But looks could be deceiving when it came to a genetic defect like the one Kaylee carried, as the heart specialist had taken pains to point out to her.
"Mama, are you sad?"
Lia smiled, concentrating on projecting the love that had filled her soul since the moment she'd learned she carried her daughter. "I'm fine, sweetheart. How about you? All recovered from the plane ride?"
Kaylee grinned, but then covered her mouth with a small hand as she yawned. "I love flying, silly."
"It's a good thing since your grandmother and great-grandfather live so far away."
"Abuela Maria-Amelia must not like to fly because she never comes to see us."
Lia leaned down and kissed her daughter's cheek. Her mother's lack of visits had a lot more to do with the humble way Lia and Kaylee lived than discomfort on a plane. She didn't say that however. Her daughter would not understand and Lia never wanted Kaylee to feel rejected by her family. Not as she had been.
"That must be it. I can't imagine anyone not wanting to see lots and lots of a sweet girl like you otherwise."
Kaylee giggled. "I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, butterfly." Lia finished tucking her daughter in, making sure the blanket was snug around her small body.
Grandfather really did keep the house rather chilly.
She stood up to go. Stopping at the door, she turned off the light and then looked back over her shoulder to say goodnight one last time. Kaylee's eyelids were already drooping.
"Mama?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"I met a nice man today."
"You did? When?"
"You were gone with Abuela and he came outside to watch me skip rope." The doctor had said that mild exercise should not be a problem for Kaylee…not yet. "He counted skips with me."
"Damian. He said he was your friend."
Damian had watched her daughter skip rope? The concept shocked her, but she found herself smiling. "A new friend."
"He's my new friend too."
"And I am a very lucky man to have made two such lovely friends in less than two days." Damian's voice from directly behind her shocked Lia into whirling around.
"What are you doing here?"
"I hoped to be early enough to say goodnight to Kaylee."
"Oh." Nonplussed, she didn't know what else to say, but her daughter was not so reticent.
"Damian!" She sat straight up in bed, her tiredness disappearing as if it had never been. "I want a hug."
Lia knew there was nothing for it but to turn the light back on and allow the big man to say goodnight to her small daughter. He did so, easily cajoled into reading Kaylee a second bedtime story. Lia had read her the first one. It was all so unreal that Lia spent the next fifteen minutes in a complete daze. This was simply not a side of the powerful executive she had expected to see.
Even more shocking was the effect his proximity had on her. She was attracted to him. For a woman with her past, that was more than amazing, it was unbelievable and yet even she could not misread the way her heart raced and breath went short when he was near.
She wanted to touch him and that scared her to death.
By Lucy Monroe
Harlequin Presents – Aug 2005
© 2005 Lucy Monroe

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Platinum Pride Kilt- 8yd Worsted Wool, Hand Made in Scotland- Black Argyll and 5 Button Waistcoat - Black Rabbit Sporran- Black Goodwood Shirt - Lilac Satin Srunchie - Black Kilt Hose - Lilac Wool Flashes - Black Ghillie Brogues, All Leather.
Platinum Pride Kilt - 8yd Worsted Wool, Hand Made in Scotland- Black Prince Charlie Jacket and 3 Button Waistcoat - Black Seal Sporran with Antique Thistle Design Cantle- Thistle Kilt Pin- White Wing Collar Shirt - Black Bow-tie- Black Kilt Hose - Platinum Pride Flashes - Black Ghillie Brogues, All Leather.
Platinum Pride Kilt - 8yd Worsted Wool, Hand Made in Scotland- Black Sherrifmuir Jacket and 5 Button Waistcoat - Grey Chinchilla Sporran with Ornate Chrome Cantle- Black Goodwood Shirt - Lilac Satin Srunchie - Black Kilt Hose - Platinum Pride Flashes - Black Ghillie Brogues, All Leather.


text:
Home » Movie Reviews » American Psychological Horror Comedy: Ma
American Psychological Horror Comedy: Ma
Kids4Fun 4 weeks ago	Movie Reviews Leave a comment 323 Views
Movie Name: Ma Movie
Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Octavia Spencer, Diana Silvers, Juliette Lewis
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Crime, Comedy
Ma is a 2019 American psychological horror comedy film directed by Tate Taylor, from a screenplay by Scotty Landes and Taylor, and a story by Landes. It stars Octavia Spencer, Juliette Lewis, Diana Silvers, Luke Evans, McKaley Miller, Missi Pyle, Corey Fogelmanis, Marjay Ross, Gianni Paolo, and Dante Brown. The film is being produced by Jason Blum through Blumhouse Productions and John Norris.
The film is scheduled to be released on 31 May 2019, by Universal Pictures.
The revenge film follows Sue Ann (Spencer), a killer who struggles with social rejection, peer pressure, and bullying. She is a lonely veterinary aide who lives in a town in Ohio. Things start to go wrong when she meets a group of teenagers. Despite their age differences, Sue Ann was invited into the clique, which she buys alcohol for. At first, it was fun for Sue Ann, who came to be called Ma, as her friendship with the high schoolers gives her the opportunity to be social and it gets her invites to parties. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to let go of her friends during weekends. She eventually develops an obsessive fixation on the group. The involvement of her friends' parents also triggered past trauma. These developments lead to violence.
The film is noted for being one of the first horror movies to feature a female, black lead.
Principal photography on the film started in February 2018 and ended in March 2018. Filmed in Natchez, Mississippi.
Ma is scheduled to be released on May 31, 2019. The first trailer was released on February 13, 2019. In the United States and Canada, Ma is set to be released alongside Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Rocketman, and is projected to gross around $20 million in its opening weekend.
Ma: Movie Trailer
Ma: Movie Review
Octavia Spencer Serves Up Liquor, Terror and a Killer Performance
"Ma," a clammy, sloppy, sometimes funny thriller about an enabler of underage drinking, could and maybe should have been advertised as "from the director of 'The Help' and the producer of 'Get Out.'" The cognitive dissonance of seeing those two titles in one phrase is pretty good preparation for the crossed signals and jammed circuits that make this movie interesting.
Which isn't the same as good, exactly. The director (Tate Taylor) and the screenwriter (Scotty Landes) take a premise with all kinds of potential — a middle-aged woman first befriends and then terrorizes a bunch of teenagers — and find various ways to mess it up, while also delivering a few jolts and laughs along the way. And also leaving room for a handful of odd and engaging performances.
The four best parts of the movie are Juliette Lewis, Diana Silvers, Allison Janney and, supremely, Octavia Spencer, who plays the title character, a veterinarian's assistant also known as Sue Ann. (Janney, drawing on leftover grouchiness from "I, Tonya," plays the veterinarian.) Lewis and Silvers are Erica and Maggie, a mother and daughter who have recently moved back to Erica's hometown. She takes a job at the local casino, and her daughter enrolls at the local high school, which was her mother's alma mater as well as Sue Ann's. There she befriends a group of mildly rebellious students, developing a crush on one named Andy (Corey Fogelmanis).
It turns out that Andy's father (Luke Evans) also went to high school with Erica and Sue Ann, a fact that takes on greater significance as the present-day intrigue develops. After reluctantly agreeing to buy liquor for the kids, Sue Ann, insisting on the nickname Ma, invites them to her rambling house in the middle of the woods. She has a basement that serves as a perfect party room. Before long it's a thriving kiddie speakeasy, with minimal rules — don't go upstairs is the main one — and decidedly lax adult supervision.
There's a catch, of course. There are a few too many catches, to be honest. Maggie and her pals — Haley (McKaley Miller), Darrell (Dante Brown) and Chaz (Gianni Paolo), in addition to Andy — start to get a little creeped out about their new friend. For her part, Sue Ann turns out to be motivated not so much by pathetic loneliness as by a long-simmering, pathological desire for revenge.
As a genre exercise, "Ma" offers some juicy, nasty kicks, but it also gestures — with maddening coyness — in the direction of the kind of socially aware allegory that made "Get Out" (and "Us") so fascinating. Sue Ann is black, and all but one of Maggie's friends are white, but race is mentioned only once, even though it casts a heavy shadow on the back story. There seem to be no other African-American adults in this town, and Ma, though she lives with her daughter (Tanyell Waivers), has no other family or friends.
Whether Taylor and Landes are aiming for subtlety or deniability — whether "Ma" is a critique of racial thinking or an experiment in color-blindness — is a question to ponder, if you're so inclined. Either way, the movie ties itself up in knots as it tries to be provocative without giving offense, and offering more complacency and comfort than terror.
In essence, "Ma" serves up a hand-wringing, guilty case against reparations, painting an attempt to find redress for past crimes as monstrous and leaning heavily on an archetypal assumption of black scariness. "What happened to you was wrong, and we should have stopped it," someone says to Sue Ann late in the film. Coming when it does in the action, the line is more like a punch line than an apology. The joke is still on the title character, who made the mistake of supposing that her feelings, or her life, might matter.
Tags 2019 American Films Review 2019 Hollywood Movies Review 2019 Popular Comedy Movies 2019 Popular Crime Movies 2019 Popular Drama Movies 2019 Popular Horror Movies 2019 Popular Thriller Movies American Comedy Films American Comedy Movies Review American Crime Films American Crime Movies Review American Drama Films American Drama Movies Review American Films Review American Horror Films American Horror Movies Review American Movies Review American Thriller Films American Thriller Movies Review Comedy Movies Review Crime Movies Review Drama Movies Review English Comedy Films English Comedy Movies Review English Crime Films English Crime Movies Review English Drama Films English Drama Movies Review English Films Review English Horror Films English Horror Movies Review English Movies Review English Thriller Films English Thriller Movies Review Hollywood Comedy Films Hollywood Comedy Movies Review Hollywood Crime Films Hollywood Crime Movies Review Hollywood Drama Films Hollywood Drama Movies Review Hollywood Films Review Hollywood Horror Films Hollywood Horror Movies Review Hollywood Movies Review Hollywood Thriller Films Hollywood Thriller Movies Review Horror Movies Review Thriller Movies Review Top 10 Comedy Movies Top 10 Crime Movies Top 10 Drama Movies Top 10 Horror Movies Top 10 Thriller Movies
Previous Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Biography For Students
Next P. V. Narasimha Rao Biography For Students
Khandaani Shafakhana: Bollywood Family Comedy Drama
Batla House Movie: 2019 Hindi Action Thriller
Section 375: 2019 Crime Thriller Social Drama
Bollywood Movies Releasing This Friday
Yesterday: 2019 British Romantic Comedy Film
Penalty: 2019 Indian Hindi Sports Drama Film
Jabariya Jodi: 2019 Indian Romantic Comedy Film
Movie Name: Jabariya Jodi Directed by: Prashant Singh Starring: Sidharth Malhotra, Parineeti Chopra, Javed Jaffrey, …


Natalie is typically the first voice you'll hear on the phone when you call, and the first person you see when entering our office. She aims to keep the front desk running seamlessly as she checks patients in and out and handles the scheduling. She is known to wear a big smile on her face and she'll occasionally have a baby in her arms. "One of the biggest perks of being a part of the NLC family is that I get to hold babies from time to time, or play with the little ones while their parents are being treated. I'm known as the Baby Whisperer around here."
Some of her hobbies are going to see live music and dancing, hanging out with her friends, sewing and making her own clothing, and spending quality time with her family. She is currently seeking completion of her degree in Radiology as she continues to work and style hair and makeup for wedding parties and quinceneras. Working at Natural Life Chiropractic has been an amazing experience which has opened her eyes to the importance of consistent chiropractic care. She feels absolutely blessed for being a part of the NLC Family and she looks forward to meeting you and your family!
Joy is one of our amazing assets at Natural Life Chiropractic, where she ensures the daily operations run smoothly. She assists the NLC team in any way she can, and works both directly and indirectly with our patients answering questions about accounts or scheduling. Joy firmly believes in the holistic approach and benefits of chiropractic wellness. She has held several managerial positions in the past, but her passion for working in a family-friendly environment such as this office has been nothing short of a dream.
Joy was born and raised in Orange County. She attended Cal State Long Beach majoring in Liberal Studies, and has been working in the administrative field for over 15 years. She also teaches dance to children a few times a week. When she's not in the office or the dance studio she is soaking in every cherishable moment with her son at home.


text:
Networth-Diary
The Net worth Database
Rutger Hauer-Net Worth, Wife, Death, Height, Movies, TV Shows
December 4, 2020 by netadmin
Full NameRutger Hauer
First NameRutger
Last NameHauer
Birth nameRutger Oelsen Hauer
AKA["The Dutch Paul Newman"]
DOBY1944
DOBD23
ProfessionActor
NationalityDutch
Birth CityBreukelen, Utrecht
Birth CountryNetherlands
Father NameArend Hauer
Father ProfessionActor
Mother NameTeunke Mellema
Mother ProfessionActor
HoroscopeAquarius
Fact TitleRutger Hauer Networth
Spouse Ineke Ten Kate (November 22, 1985 - July 19, 2019), Heidi Merz (divorced) (? - ?)
Height187
Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutger_Hauer
Awards["Golden Globe Award","Fright Meter Award","Nederlands Film Festival Award","Paris Film Festival Award","Rembrandt Award","Seattle International Film Festival Award"]
Sibilings3
Filmography["Turkish Delight","Soldier of Orange","Spetters","Nighthawks","Blade Runner","The Osterman Weekend","Ladyhawke","The Hitcher","The Legend of the Holy Drinker","Blind Fury","Buffy the Vampire Slayer","Confessions of a Dangerous Mind","The Rite","The Heineken Kidnapping"]
EducationRudolf Steiner School; Academy for Theater and Dance, Netherlands
Rutger Hauer was a Dutch actor most known for his stunning turn as the humanoid Roy Batty in Ridley Scott's visionary 1982 sci-fi epic, Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford.
Considered unanimously as one of the best Dutch actors of all time, he starred in the 1973 movie, Turkish Delight, which was considered the "Best Dutch Film of the Century" in 1999.
Hauer passed away in 2019 at age 75 as one of the most revered actors — Dutch or otherwise — of all time and one of the most prolific: with over 170 acting credits.
In this article, we look at the life and legacy of actor Rutger Hauer including his net worth at the time of his death.
What was Rutger Hauer Worth at the Time of His Death?
At the time of his death in 2019, Rutger Hauer was believed to have been worth $16 million. Hauer was an eminent actor who made his on-screen debut in 1968, which says nothing of his theatre career — one he started when he was 11.
He made his on-screen debut as the lead in the Dutch medieval drama, Floris. His movie debut as the lead in the 1973 Dutch drama, Turkish Delight, made him a veritable superstar. The movie is the most successful movie in Dutch cinema history and served as the stepping stone that Rutger needed to break through into the international market.
READ: John Candy- Net Worth
He made his international feature film debut in the 1975 thriller, The Wilby Conspiracy.
Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty in Blade Runner
His biggest role and the one he will forever be remembered for came in Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi thriller, Blade Runner. Rutger played the humanoid Roy Batty. His now-famous "tears in the rain" monologue, is lauded as one of the best monologues in cinema history.
A highly underappreciated movie, it would go on to be a cult phenomenon, spawning an even more successful sequel in 2017, Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling.
He went on to find a steady stream of success in the ensuing years in movies like Eureka, The Osterman Weekend, Flesh & Blood, Ladyhawke, and The Hitcher — taking home a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the latter.
He continued to perform well into his later years and had roles in movies like Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Sin City, Batman Begins, Hobo With a Shotgun, and The Heineken Kidnapping.
He also played Niall Brigant in the HBO vampire thriller drama, True Blood.
He published his autobiography, "All Those Moments: Stories of Heroes, Villains, Replicants, and Blade Runners", in April 2007.
Philanthropy and the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association
Rutger has been involved in many charity drives and philanthropic efforts. Most notably, he founded the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association, a non-profit organization that works for AIDS awareness and relief.
He was also a passionate environmentalist and was on the board of advisors on the marine-life conservation organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Rutger Hauer was Born to Dutch Actors Teunke Mellema and Arend Hauer
Rutger Hauer was born Rutger Oelsen Hauer to the Dutch actors, Teunke Mellema and Arend Hauer — who operated their own acting school in Amsterdam.
Born on January 23, 1944, in Breukelen, Utrecht, Netherlands, Rutger was the only son of four born to his parents, who — as he admitted — were more interested in art than their children.
He inherited his parents' passion for acting and joined a Rudolf Steiner school. He did drop out to join the Dutch merchant navy. He returned home and joined e Academy for Theater and Dance in Amsterdam, but dropped out to join the Royal Netherlands Army.
He became a combat medic but being a pacifist, refused to handle a deadly weapon. He was discharged soon after and returned to complete his acting degree and graduated in 1967.
Was Rutger Hauer Married? Did He Have any Children?
At the time of his death, Rutger Hauer was married to his second wife, the Dutch painter, and sculptor, Ineke Ten Kate.
Rutger Hauer and Ineke Ten Kate
Source: Superb Hub
They got married in a private ceremony on November 22, 1985.
Rutger has a daughter, Ayesha Hauer (born in 1966), with his first wife, Heidi Merz.
How Did Rutger Hauer Die?
On July 19, 2019, Rutger Hauer passed away suddenly at his home in Beetsterzwaag, Friesland, Netherlands, at 75. He was reported to have died of an unspecified illness. A private memorial service was held for the legend on July 24.
His passing away was almost prophetic in that his character in Blade Runner also passes away in the year 2019.
Categories Actor, Biography, Celebrity Spouse Tags Movies and TV Roles, Net Worth 2020, Wife Post navigation
Ross Lynch-Net Worth, Movies, TV works, Songs, Sibling, Age
Harrison Ford-Net Worth 2020, Movies, Age, Height, Wife, House
Jack Nicholson-Net Worth, Car, House, Movies, Relationship, Life
Sarah Lancaster-Net Worth, Husband, Children, Professional Life, Bio
Meryl Streep-Net Worth, House, Films, Life, Short Bio, Husband
Amy Adams-Net Worth, Movies, Charity, House, Bio, Married Life
Stanley Tucci-Net Worth, Salary, Bio, Married Life, Children, Movies
Ben Affleck-Net Worth, Cars, Age, Height, Wife, Movies, Tattoo
Naveen Andrews-Net Worth, Bio, Wife, Children, Height, Age, Life
Flo Rida-Net Worth, House, Movies, Children, Early Life
Françoise Yip-Net Worth, Life, Movies, TV series, Short Bio
Steve Kazee-Net Worth, Houe, Age, Height, Relationships, Girlfriend
Michael Angarano-Net Worth, Movies, Married Life, Height, Age, Dating
Paul Wesley-Net Worth, Salary, Married Life, Movies, Age, Height
Willem Dafoe-Net Worth, Salary, Houses, Real Estate, Bio, Life
Elizabeth Banks-Net Worth, House, Life, Married, Child, Height
Clive Owen-Net Worth, Life, Awards, Short-Bio, Children, Wife
Jennifer Aniston-Net Worth, movies, TV series, Life, Age, Divorce,
Janet Jackson-Net Worth, Movie, Song, New York Mansion, Life
Margaret Colin-Net Worth, Professional Career, Married Life, Age
Marissa Deegan-Net Worth, Professional Career, Short Bio, Husband
Addison Timlin-Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Husband, Short Bio, Life
© 2021 Networth-Diary • Built with GeneratePress


text:
We only look back: Devs episode 3
"We don't look forward, we only look back. We don't invade privacy"
Episode 3 of Devs opens with the programmers watching Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller having sex. This is against the rules. We learn that the only rules are that they cannot look into the future or invade anyone's privacy. Both of these seem strange, given what we know about tech companies in the real world.
This scene seems to exist as world building more than anything else.
Most of the episode is about Lily. She pulls off a ruse in order to steal the security footage from the night that Sergei died.
She does something very clever. She fakes schizophrenia, and panic attack and a suicide attempt. In doing so she creates a diversion so that her friend can get the footage. Possibly more importantly, in planting the belief that she is mentally ill, she lays the groundwork for ensuring that she will be underestimated.
She may also be saving her own life, although it isn't clear exactly how much danger she's in at this point.
While all of this is going on Forest is meeting with a Senator who wants to bring Amaya's technology under government control, or at least determine what that technology is. It seems like this plot thread could be important in future episodes.
To a large extent this episode is all convective tissue. The plot doesn't move very far. What we do get is some wonderful character development, especially from Lily. Sonoya Mizuno is marvelous in this episode. She shows great range and really holds the story together.
Nick Offerman playing Forest brings some interesting nuance to his internal conflict. He is rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors.
This episode doesn't add much to the underlying philosophical themes of the show, but one assumes that we'll get to that soon enough.
devs tv
Notes taken while watching Les Affames (The Ravenous) while lying in bed
A spindly chair in fog is an interesting image to open on. Very moody. Car racing. Loud and boring. Hey! We already have a zombie attack. Like two minutes in. Nice. And people are fleeing. Blood. Wreckage. We haven't met a character yet. No dialogue yet either. Breaking the tension with a masturbation joke might make sense if any real tension had been built , but we're a bit early for that. Maybe this is character development? This shot of burning bodies lasts too long. This isn't an art film, kids. French pop music is just as bad as English pop music. Is that Malkovich? No, sadly it isn't. Okay, this just got creepy. Great use of location. This is creating some serious daylight horror vibes. It's got a sense of place and understands how that can drive story as well as tone. Creepy kids!! Fast zombies. Oh well. Is that Malkovich though? Like, did they place an advert that said "we can't afford Malkovich, but will take the st
Zombie Culture seems like more than just a pile of chairs
I recently watched Les Affames (The Ravenous) on Netflix ( you can read about that here ). That film has some interesting ideas about Zombies. The (sadly fast) zombies seem to feel pain. They also react to the death of other zombies with something approximating emotion, suggesting that they feel a connection to each other. None of that is really what sparked my interest, though. These zombies seem to be employed in a shared task, creating something. The film open with a shot of a kitchen chair in a fog shrouded field. That image, while intriguing, is soon forgotten as the film jumps directly into the midst of an already underway zombie apocalypse. It goes about introducing characters and doing the normal things we expect a zombie movie to do. Things progress normally until we get a glimpse of some zombies standing around, looking at a pile of junk. This doesn't seem that strange, certainly no stranger that the zombies transfixed by fireworks that Romero gave us in l
Eternal Code
Eternal Code is a thriller with a SF backdrop. Bridgett (Erika Hoveland) is the CEO of a company that is on the verge of a major breakthrough in technology that could lead to eternal life. Her company is on the cusp of merging with another, larger corporation. However, she discovers that that company may not have the best intentions for her discovery and attempts to back out of the deal. One board member, Oliver (Richard Tyson) badly wants the merger to go through and decides to take desperate measures to ensure that he gets what he wants. At the same time we meet Corey (played by Damian Chinappi), a suicidal veteran living on the streets. When we first see him he's about to give himself a lead lobotomy but pauses to beat up a guy who is beating up a prostitute. We also spend some time with him being a generally nice guy (when some teenage girls give him money, he uses it to buy food for other homeless people, as a for instance). We get back to Oliver in
let's improve on the Oscars
I largely gave up on the idea that the Oscars were some realistic measure of quality in film (mostly talking about the Best Picture award here, but your mileage may vary with all of the awards) around the time I learned that How Green Was My Valley bested Citizen Kane for the best picture award back at the dawn of time. Everyone still takes these awards seriously, but why? I mean, how many Best Picture Oscars does Mad Max: Fury Road have? Zero. It has zero despite being not just the best film of the year it came out, but the best film of the decade as well. The Academy has released the nominees for this years awards, and there is a lot to be worried about. The list of Best Picture nominees isn't offensive. It's just odd. Here it is: Ford V. Ferrari The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Joker Little Women Marriage Story 1917 Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood Parasite Ford V. Ferrari doesn't belong on this list at all. It's mid-range suburban dad en
Abstruse
Harley Wallen has been a busy boy. He has directed five movies in 2019, as well as racking up a few credits as an actor, writer and producer. You can read our review of last year's Eternal Code here . He's done horror, mystery and action. Now he brings us action with Abstruse. The film stars the legendary Tom Sizemore, Dennis Haskins (yes, Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell). Kati Wallen, and Jessika Johnson. Kris Reilly. Reilly plays Justin, the son of Senator Stevens (Haskins). He and a friend convince two young women to star in a porno with him and another man. The women go along with the plan but things take a dark turn when Justin murders Mindy (Johnson). The other girl, Amanda (Kaiti Wallen) goes to the police, but in a twist when the cops show up at Justin's door there is no evidence of any crime. In fact, there isn't even a trace of the previous night's party. It's all been wiped clean. There is some question of if she hallucinated the entire thi


A Welsh girl in Australia: Some of Brisbane by night.
Some of Brisbane by night.
so I've stopped for a rest and have been uploading some photos taken over the weekend.
We enjoyed the company of some family from up the coast who also brought our 'adopted' Nona.
Nona emigrated to Australia when she was seventeen and has kept her gorgeous Italian accent.
and gave Nona a bit of a city tour via the river.
Want to have a look at my city at night?
There is something quite enchanting about how the city lights reflect in the water isn't there?
There are sixteen bridges that cross the Brisbane River with five being within close proximity of each other. There's also one cross river tunnel that opened in 2010. No wonder I found it difficult to find my way around the city when I first arrived here. One minute I'd be one side of the river and the next I'd be on the other. I can remember one evening driving about 50 minutes to eventually get to a restaurant about 10 minutes from home. We were river bank hopping for ages! Another funny tale is that my sat nav system has not been updated to include the newest Go-between bridge. Now if I cross it the little cursor flashes in the middle of the water and 'Dave' the voice instructs me to "turn back immediately - route re calculation"!
Directly opposite the Treasury on the other side of the river is South Bank Parklands.
Our evening walk took us along South Bank Parklands and past the beach. This area was completely destroyed by the 2011 floods and re-opened mid year. It's now back to its sparkling best and was being enjoyed way past sundown on a Saturday night.
South Bank is a bustling area with boardwalks, cafes, restaurants, street entertainers and families enjoying picnics and plays.
Just up from the beach is the Wheel of Brisbane which sits next to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and if you walk a little bit further you'll see the Museum, State Library and the Gallery of Modern Art. All places that we try and make the most of.
I think Nona got quite a taste for Brisbane at night.
Hi Beth, what a wonderful tonic for a cold and windy Irish night! I loved the sat nav story, and you getting lost all the time...16 bridges, that is amazing! Love Linda x p.s. Sibs looks gorgeous as always!
Looking forward to chatting to you soon.


What are the target scores for this event?
Q: How do I know what the target scores are for each event?
Click the 'i' button at the top of the Bear Selection screen.
The score targets are displayed.
How do I get golden eggs?


Alright, things are going smoothly! You're in the process of being pre-approved or still hunting for the best home. Either way, there is something lurking in the shadows you might not realize. Hidden costs.
If you live in the Midwest, specifically tornado valley, then you know there is always the chance of tornados, wind damage and hail. This is one reason why you need homeowners insurance.
In this situation, you will always want full replacement coverage. You want to make sure it isn't super specific. (We all know Nebraska is unpredictable). The best part about all of this is the average price tag in Nebraska is about $82 per month!
Depending on where you buy your home or condo, be sure to know whether there is a homeowners associations fees! This monthly fee helps with maintenance in your gated community. It also pays for new sidewalks, lawn care, onsite amenities and other things we all enjoy.
No matter where you live, you will pay property taxes. We love our state. We are proud Nebraskans at heart, but Nebraska has some of the highest property tax rates in the U.S. This is always changing depending on the county you live in and how the taxes are divvied up. Douglas County has the highest property tax while Platte County has the lowest.
The best part about owning a home is it is ALL yours! The worst part is the maintenance. If the hot water tank goes, it is coming out of your wallet. There is no longer a landlord or property manager to call.
Even simple tasks can cost a large amount of money like gutter cleaning, carpet cleaning, pressure washing, lawn care and more. Maintenance can cost an average home in the U.S. about $3,435 each year! You can always do these things yourself to save a little bit of cash.
Whether you buy a fixer-upper or your dream home, you will eventually want to do renovations. This HUGE expense is often forgotten about with newer homes.
The average cost for a kitchen remodel is anywhere from $12,594 to more than $50,000! This doesn't even include the bathroom, master bedroom, new roof, new appliances and other wants and needs in your home.
If you are locating to a new state, then this will be expensive. In most cases, the utility provider is not located in another state. You will have to provide the security deposit up front with last month's payment.
This can be up to $400 or more to pay up front just for electricity! This doesn't include: water, sewer, cable and other needs.
If you are relocating to a new city in the same state, then the provider should be the same. (Whew)! This means just call and get the account switched to the new address. Just remember it costs more to heat and cool, run lights and more in a home versus an apartment.
A new home is an exciting moment in life, but can come with a number of different expenses involved!
Be sure to add this to your budgeting spreadsheet while searching for your dream home.
If you are in the process of looking to sell or buy a new home contact us - the Fairfield team! Our professionals are experts on finding the best home for you in the Omaha area.


text:
Cerastium thomsonii är en nejlikväxtart som beskrevs av Joseph Dalton Hooker. Cerastium thomsonii ingår i släktet arvar, och familjen nejlikväxter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Arvar
thomsonii

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Home » Local News » Some of the Pinoy Celebrities covid survivor
Some of the Pinoy Celebrities covid survivor
Alex Gonzaga - Even before she shared her saddest part of her life about her miscarriage story, Alex tested positive for covid. She shared her experience on her vlog where she said there was a covid outbreak in their home. They underwent home quarantine and their recovery was successful and they tested negative in the covid test after a few days of home quarantine.
Donita Nose - A comedian and co-host of wowowin found out that he tested positive for covid after going to the hospital for a consultation because of the symptoms he was feeling. He was confined to the hospital and because of that he asked for financial help from Raffy Tulfo who immediately responded to pay his hospital bill. He is very grateful to everyone who helped and to the medical frontliners who took care of him at the hospital. After surviving the covid, he partnered with tekla to vlog called donekla.
Arjo Atayde -The actor was positive while in Baguio for the shooting of his new film. He had covid symptoms and had difficulty breathing so he left back in Manila and went to the hospital. After testing positive, nine other fellow film crews also tested positive for covid. After recovering, they prepared to resume their shooting for film which is about to end. The actor is thankful for all the support and love extended by his family, friends and fans.
Michael V. - A comedian and multi-talented Bitoy tested positive after feeling covid symptoms. No matter how careful he is, he did not thought that he will get infected by covid. The comedian was diagnosed because of the covid he doubted he got through deliveries because he was excited to start the studio he was working on, he thinks he forgot to disinfect his order and used it immediately. A few days after being diagnosed, he gradually recovered and called on everyone to consult immediately if there are any symptoms so that they do not get worse. Michael V is now already vaccinated with Aztrazenica vaccine.
Iza Calzado - The actress was the first actress in the philippines to be hit by covid when covid started in the country. When Iza was diagnosed with pneumonia, she found out that she was positive for covid. Apart from covid, she also had another bacterial infection that also attacked her lungs. When she found out that she tested positive for covid, she did not hesitate to hide it from the public. Eventually Iza also recovered and tested negative for the covid test. For her, breathing is considered as a blessing.
Author: Pinoy Tambayan at January 08, 2022
Tags Local News
Jenine Desiderio, then gave 25 cents to an emcee t...
WOMAN CHECKING IN WITH BOYFRIEND GONE WRONG AFTER ...


text:
Albie Roles
Albie Roles FAQs: Facts, Rumors, Birthdate, Net Worth, Sexual Orientation and much more!
Who is Albie Roles? Biography, gossip, facts?
Albert James Albie Roles (29 September 1921 - 3 October 2012) was an English footballer who played as Full back for Southampton. His career was interrupted by the Second World War and as a result he only made one Football League and four FA Cup appearances.
When is Albie Roles's birthday?
Albie Roles was born on the 29th of September 1921 , which was a Thursday. Albie Roles's next birthday would be in 251 days (would be turning 100years old then).
How old would Albie Roles be today?
Today, Albie Roles would be 99 years old. To be more precise, Albie Roles would be 36158 days old or 867792 hours.
Are there any books, DVDs or other memorabilia of Albie Roles? Is there a Albie Roles action figure?
We would think so. You can find a collection of items related to Albie Roles right here.
What was Albie Roles's zodiac sign?
Albie Roles's zodiac sign was Libra.
The ruling planet of Libra is Venus. Therefore, lucky days were Fridays and lucky numbers were: 6, 15, 24, 33, 42, 51 and 60. Blue and Green were Albie Roles's lucky colors. Typical positive character traits of Libra include: Tactfulness, Alert mindset, Intellectual bent of mind and Watchfulness. Negative character traits could be: Insecurity, Insincerity, Detachment and Artificiality.
Was Albie Roles gay or straight?
Many people enjoy sharing rumors about the sexuality and sexual orientation of celebrities. We don't know for a fact whether Albie Roles was gay, bisexual or straight. However, feel free to tell us what you think! Vote by clicking below.
0% of all voters think that Albie Roles was gay (homosexual), 0% voted for straight (heterosexual), and 0% like to think that Albie Roles was actually bisexual.
Is Albie Roles still alive? Are there any death rumors?
Unfortunately no, Albie Roles is not alive anymore. The death rumors are true.
How old was Albie Roles when he/she died?
Albie Roles was 91 years old when he/she died.
Was Albie Roles hot or not?
Well, that is up to you to decide! Click the "HOT"-Button if you think that Albie Roles was hot, or click "NOT" if you don't think so.
0% of all voters think that Albie Roles was hot, 0% voted for "Not Hot".
When did Albie Roles die? How long ago was that?
Albie Roles died on the 3rd of October 2012, which was a Wednesday. The tragic death occurred 8 years ago.
Where did Albie Roles die?
Albie Roles died in Southampton.
Did Albie Roles do drugs? Did Albie Roles smoke cigarettes or weed?
It is no secret that many celebrities have been caught with illegal drugs in the past. Some even openly admit their drug usuage. Do you think that Albie Roles did smoke cigarettes, weed or marijuhana? Or did Albie Roles do steroids, coke or even stronger drugs such as heroin? Tell us your opinion below.
0% of the voters think that Albie Roles did do drugs regularly, 0% assume that Albie Roles did take drugs recreationally and 0% are convinced that Albie Roles has never tried drugs before.
Which team(s) did Albie Roles play for?
Albie Roles has played for multiple teams, the most important are: Cowes Sports F.C., Gloucester City A.F.C., Southampton F.C. and West Ham United F.C..
How tall was Albie Roles?
Albie Roles was 1.7m tall, which is equivalent to 5feet and 7inches.
Which position did Albie Roles play?
Albie Roles plays as a Full back.
Who are similar soccer players to Albie Roles?
Bob Cullingford, Kent Andersson (footballer), Thomas Conway (footballer), Billy Oswald and Arkadi Tyapkin are soccer players that are similar to Albie Roles. Click on their names to check out their FAQs.
What is Albie Roles doing now?
As mentioned above, Albie Roles died 8 years ago. Feel free to add stories and questions about Albie Roles's life as well as your comments below.
Are there any photos of Albie Roles's hairstyle or shirtless?
What is Albie Roles's net worth in 2021? How much does Albie Roles earn?
According to various sources, Albie Roles's net worth has grown significantly in 2021. However, the numbers vary depending on the source. If you have current knowledge about Albie Roles's net worth, please feel free to share the information below.
As of today, we do not have any current numbers about Albie Roles's net worth in 2021 in our database. If you know more or want to take an educated guess, please feel free to do so above.


text:
Dr Michael Mosley – King's Theatre
Posted on 20th February 2019 by Scott Redmond
Dr Michael Mosley at King's Theatre
Mosley has the potential to be legitimately funny at times, if he would only drop the sound cues.
Dr Michael Mosley is clearly a very accomplished man; a medical doctor with a degree from Oxford, a filmmaker with the BBC who has rubbed shoulders with Nobel Prize winners, a self-experimenter who defied traditional medicine on diabetes and stomach ulcers and won. These are not facts I have regurgitated from Wikipedia however (not that I, esteemed journalist, would ever do such a thing), but instead things he told an audience at the King's Theatre.
This formed the first half of his talk: essentially, shameless self-promotion. Whilst it was often fascinating – for example, we got a look into how the bodies of Pompeii were preserved, from a film he directed on the subject – it rarely seemed to add to the narrative of the night, which was his battle with type II diabetes and the lessons gained from this. He swung wildly from engaging speaker to slightly grating, and there were a couple of moments of clear discomfort (sounds cues featuring childish fart noises and sounds of people being sick prime amongst these).
At one point, having explained the benefits of push-ups and other body weight exercises, Mosley got his tour manager to demonstrate. Whilst she could only manage 'one-ish' (his wording), he then, in moon boot from a previous injury, quickly did eight or nine himself, and it just felt like showing off. No-one in the audience has not seen a push-up, and after having his tour manage do it, it felt mocking in its way. Another incident was his explanation of his 5-2 diet with Mondays and Thursdays as fasting days, as that's when the Prophet Muhammad fasted and this way he 'can at least sell it to Muslims'. This is as ridiculous as suggesting that you couldn't sell a weight loss plan to Catholics unless it included a rest day on a Sunday, and Friday fish as part of the diet.
I do feel I may be acting somewhat churlish here. Still, there were times when Mosley was a passionate and engaging speaker, such as on the history of self-experimentation. He has the potential to be legitimately funny at times, if he would only drop the sound cues. This show was very early in the tour, and it does feel like much of it could be tightened by the end of the run, so this was a solid starting point in that respect.
Scott Redmond
Latest posts by Scott Redmond (see all)
No Such Thing As A Fish Podcast- Live - 26th March 2019
Naturally 7 & Edinburgh Schools Jazz Orchestra – Queen's Hall - 18th March 2019
Dr Michael Mosley – King's Theatre - 20th February 2019
capital theatreshealthKing's TheatreMichael Mosleyreviewspeechtalk
Talks	Leave a comment
« Colours Classical 2019 – Usher Hall
Jersey Boys – Edinburgh Playhouse »


This is a very short blog post, because the answer is YES! you should always use a torque arm for safety. If you don't there is a risk even with a lower power motor that it will wear away and damage the forks or frame, and eventually the motor can jump out when you acclerate. However if you fit a torque arm then your conversion will be 100% safe.


We are a Porsche Independent Centre able to offer all services for your Porsche.
Nine Excellence (commonly known as '9e') is fully committed to deliver our services without compromise at a price that is affordable. We employ fully trained Porsche technicians so you can be sure your car in the best possible hands. We work on all Porsche models from 356 through to the latest 991 Porsche. We have all the latest diagnostic equipment and knowledge to look after your car.
We believe in doing it once, doing it right. We believe in quoting you what the job takes rather than hooking you in with a cheaper price that ultimately ends up costing you more. A fair price for a top quality job. We are approximately 20% cheaper than an Official Porsche Centre (OPC) without any compromise on quality of work.
Our number one goal is customer experience and retention. We are passionate about all Porsche models and many of the staff own their own Porsche.
Your Porsche is special and it deserves specialist attention from fully trained Porsche technicians who not only treat their work as a job, but as a passion.
Whether it is a simple service, repair, performance upgrade or aftercare, you can be assured that your pride and joy is in the best possible hands.


Winners of the Norfolk Care Awards last year. Pictures by Paul Macro.
A renamed category in awards which recognise high quality social care in Norfolk will be dedicated to a former director of adult social services.
The Norfolk Care Awards opened nominations for the fifth year of the ceremony this month.
And along with the previous important categories, an outstanding achievement award will be presented in memory of Harold Bodmer, who died last year.
Tracy Wharvell and Claire Gilbert from the awards team said: "We are excited about seeing all the great practice from across Norfolk, we love organising this event and having the opportunity to say a big thank you to all the unsung heroes, who support people to live their lives.
A new category in collaborative working was also added for this year's awards to showcase how health and care services work together to improve a person's quality of life, or access treatment that avoids hospital admissions and delayed discharge.


text:
Book Review : Days of Destiny by S.S. Ambardar – Maharaj Kaul
This is an epic autobiography written in extraordinary detail, with a deep undercurrent of nostalgic pained emotion, in exquisite English. Starting from author's deep past, from the early childhood, to his near end, it contains a panoramic as well as a detailed sweep of his existence. The author's soul is present behind every word he has written.
After reading the 565-page book, one is choked by the inquiry, which has been incrementally rising during the reading, who is Mr. Shanti Swarup Ambardar. One is smitten by his intensity, depth of inquiry, and faith in human goodness. There is only once when he tried to depart from the accepted life of a Kashmiri Pandit, when he wanted to renounce the world and become a sanyasi. Otherwise, he stood ramrod-straight on the path of his life. His love for human beings, especially for his relatives, was intense. This included his Muslim friends. We can summarize his stellar qualities by saying that he was a man of deep faith, which was of higher value to him than even his strong intelligence.
Shanti Ambardar describes in excruciating detail the personalities and events from his mega-family. There was a lot of love present in families those days, which found an easy outlet during the celebration of religious and social events. There were uncles and aunts, and cousins and other relatives, besides your parents, who created a stratosphere around you of love and family bond, welded with family folklore and mythology. The economic poverty of Kashmiri Pandits often remained buried under these securities, not getting a chance to raise its head often. This architecture formed a permanent ornament and security over the author's life.
The book's title, Days of Destiny – A Memoir, is apt as it is essentially an autobiography. But it strongly connects with the prevailing Kashmiri Pandit culture and philosophy, and Kashmir Problem. The author was born in Kashmir in a middle-class orthodox Pandit family and studied up to M.Sc. in chemistry. The timing of his birth was critical as it was just seventeen years before the birth of independent India in 1947, which lead to the birth of Kashmir Problem the same year. So, from the impressionable age of seventeen through his demise in 2016, he lived in its severe clutches. The book clearly shows that if Kashmir Problem had not existed, the author and his wife would have lived a serene life in Kashmir till the end.
After his college finished in 1952, the author picked a job with Intelligence Bureau of Indian Government in 1953. Not being happy with it, he made a bold but consequential step in moving to teaching in 1956. Starting with St. Joseph's College in Baramulla, Kashmir, and ending up in Sri Partap College, in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1986. The teaching profession gave him quite a good perch to be connected with the culture, politics, personalities, and places of Kashmir and the world. The book is a mosaic of the day-to-day life he lived with his family and friends, with the surrounding realities of living as a member of a minority community, Pandits, with the majority community of Muslims, evolving Kashmir Problem, and the emerging India after its independence.
There are no grand events or stark revelations in the book, but only the trajectory of three generations of a common family in Kashmir from 1930's through 1980's. But it is the way the narrative has been written that makes it so compelling to read. The author has woven his tale in one-day-at-a-time fashion, focusing on the circumstances and emotions present within the milieu and culture of the times. The language he has used is spartan and serene, in fine and elegant sentences. He is never excited, angry, or philosophical: just a cameraman and a commentator on the scene. So, the book is a cool narrative on the life of a sensitive, thoughtful, and good family; who, unfortunately, suffered a lot in its last phase due to the evil designs of Kashmir Problem.
Ambardars had a serene, secure, and a mentally rich life in Kashmir, which tragically was shattered by the politics of the place they lived in. Kashmir Problem was much larger than any single common family's life. Starting in 1947 as a political situation about which newly formed dominion the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir should belong to, India or Pakistan, it mushroomed into an epic war between the original inhabitants of Kashmir Valley: the Kashmiri Pandits, who trace their roots in it to 5,200 years, and Kashmiri Muslims, who trace it to 550 years. At the exit of Britain from Indian subcontinent in 1947, the areas directly under their control, called Provinces, and the 565 areas indirectly under them called Princely States, had to be divided into two new dominions of India and Pakistan. There was no third choice. While the division of the provinces and the 562 princely states was cut and dry, the choices of the three princely states: Junagarh, Hyderabad, and Jammu and Kashmir, became problematic. The affiliation of the first two was resolved by 1948, but that of the third one, Jammu and Kashmir, continues to remain unresolved in the eyes of Kashmiri Muslims, even after seventy-three years. Pakistan claims Kashmir Valley because of the Muslim affiliation of the majority of its residents, while India claims it because its prince in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh, opted freely to join India under the treaty called Instrument of Accession, which was the criterion used for all the 565 Princely States to join either country.
While Kashmir Valley, a part of Jammu and Kashmir State, is legally securely a part of India, it was the mercurialness of its legendary Muslim leader, Sheikh Abdullah, and the machinations of Pakistan to absorb it on the basis of its Islamic majority, that has kept Kashmir Problem alive so long. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir Valley, but the one in 1989 was the most damaging and dramatic. One of the upshots of it was that Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the Valley. Out of their original population of 400,000 there, only 8,000 remain. Kashmir Valley has been more than a motherland for Pandits, it has been a part of their religion. It is this loss of sacredness of the place that has riven irreparable holes in Pandits' psyche and soul. There have been other people in history that have been forced to leave their motherlands, but driven by human instinct to survive they have moved on. But Kashmiri Pandits cannot accept the loss of their sacred land, the birthplace of their gods.
Ambardars' forced expulsion from their sacred land is the tragic undercurrent of the story of their lives narrated in this book. Without the presence of Kashmir Problem, their lives would have ended serenely. So is the case with almost all other Pandits who were compelled to leave the Valley. This book is studded with a detailed, incisive, narrative on Kashmir Problem as it evolved from its inception in 1947. The account of Pakistan's attack on Kashmir in October, 1947, popularly called Qabailis attack, based on the author's conversations with the people who witnessed it, and other sources, is excellent. It describes the painful details of the attackers' inhumanity and the valor of Indian army to repel them back. Incidentally, the author's nephew, whom he raised as a son, fought in one of these wars. Only an intelligent and honest Kashmiri living in Kashmir could have produced such a comprehensive narrative of a demonically complex problem such as Kashmir Problem.
Kashmiri Pandits must read this book as it reflects on their or their relatives' lives before and after their tragic forced diaspora from Kashmir. It will make them re-absorb the veil of the rich cultural tapestry they lived under, their serene and nuanced existence in the land of their forefathers and gods. Others should read it to understand why Kashmiri Pandits are so pained to leave their motherland, when other people in history who were also forced to undergo that have borne it relatively calmly. The book's 565 pages may daunt some, but they should then think of it to be two books on Kashmiri Pandits' culture and ethos. The fateful tragedy of Kashmiri Pandits as narrated in this book moves you deeply.
Suffern, New York, March 7, 2020


text:
Q: Websocket on dreamhost shared hosting I would like to build a small webapp with some i/o communication with the server via ajax.
Since I'm on a dreamhost shared server I already know that I cannot use node.js to build my app. But now, reading around the internet, I'm starting to suspect that I can also forget about websockets!!!
Am i right??
Thanks

A: Talk to your host.  Only they can answer your question.

A: According to this post you have to upgrade your DH server from shared to VPS or Dedicated to use WebSocket.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


A long abandoned blimp pad.
Located about 10 miles west of Forks the Quillayute Airport is a unique facility with an interesting past. Constructed around the time of World War II, it served as a Navy facility for blimp patrols monitoring the Washington coastline, guarding against Japanese invasion. After the attack on Pearl Harbor the Army also had a presence there building barracks and other structures. After the war, the strip got little use, but in 1966 it would be the weather that would bring about new activity at the former base.
The late James Hansen worked at the Quillayute weather station from 1967-1969. He recalled things usually being quiet as the round the clock shifts of technicians collected their data that was then sent via teletype to meteorologists at the Seattle Weather Service Forecast Office. Hansen said that the Quillayute location was still the wilderness causing the occasional pilot that was landing to first do a fly over to make sure no elk were on the runway. One time Hansen left the door open on an evening shift, he had taken his black lab April to work with him, when suddenly a wild animal came through the door, it was just a mountain beaver, but April protecting her master made short work of the wayward beast. Probably the strangest incident that Hansen was witness to was on a 3-11 a.m. shift when a bloodied man came through the door needing help getting his friends out of a car. It seems they had tried to "fly" a Corvette down the runway and when they "took off" they had landed in a ditch.
The Chamberlin family came to Forks from Nome, Alaska, in 1969. Sherry Chamberlin Long remembers the family moved a lot for her father Art's job as an electronics technician, with the family sometimes living in government housing. When they got to Forks they had a "real house" which is now the Miller Tree Inn. Long recalls going to work with her Dad on many occasions and she especially liked watching the release of the weather balloons.
Weather balloons are still released twice daily at the Quillayute Airport but data is collected by computers now. The radiosondes, as they are called, are tethered to helium-filled weather balloons measuring about six feet across at launch. As they rise, the balloons slowly expand until they burst, typically at an altitude of over 100,000 feet and after expanding to a diameter of about 20 feet.
A small radio dish at the launch site tracks a transmitter aboard the radiosonde, which has instrumentation recording temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. This information is relayed almost immediately to the National Weather Service network. Wind is determined using the drift of the position of the unit by GPS.
While humans no longer compile weather information at the Quillayute Airport it remains an important point for gathering data that effects weather forecasting here and across the nation.