Nothing is more devastating than a car accident that could have been prevented. So when someone is seriously injured or killed by a drunk driver, it can cause unbearable distress to the victims and their families. In these types of accidents, it is especially important that the responsible party be held accountable. This includes providing the victim with fair compensation for his or her injuries and pain and suffering.
At the Jim Ross Law Group, we help victims of drunk driving accidents put the pieces of their lives back together. Serving clients in Arlington, Texas and the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, our attorneys are known for their aggressive legal advocacy and ability to obtain favorable settlement and verdicts.
The criminal justice system does not go easy on drunk drivers. Likewise, we do not go easy on insurance companies when pursuing compensation for your injuries caused by the intoxicated motorist. Our Arlington drunk driving accident lawyers are ready to use any and all of our resources to help establish your claim. We routinely work with accident-scene reconstructionists, toxicologists, witnesses and medical specialists to prove liability and establish fair settlement demands.
In addition to the drunk driver who caused your accident, there may be other parties who are indirectly responsible, as well. When a bartender continues to serve an obviously intoxicated patron, and that person later causes an accident, the bar and its owners can be held liable through dram shop laws. In these bar liability cases, it is crucial to get an attorney involved right away in order to secure the necessary evidence.
Attorney Jim Ross knows exactly how to obtain results in dram shop cases. Recently, he won a $2.4-million judgment for his client against a bar that over-served a drunk patron. While there are no guaranteed outcomes in personal injury cases, a track record of success is a good indicator of attorney ability.
If you have been injured by the negligent, reckless or careless actions of another,contact our firm at 817-275-4100. Learn why so many other accident victims throughout the Arlington, Texas area have trusted us with their cases.
Free Case Evaluations. Evening And Weekend Appointments Available.


The San Antonio Spurs shoot for their 14th straight win over the Los Angeles Clippers when the two teams meet at the AT&T Center on Monday night.
The Spurs opened a three-game homestand on Saturday with a thrilling 100-99 win over Indiana. Tim Duncan scored 19 points, pulled down 16 rebounds, and his dunk with 4.6 seconds left in that one lifted San Antonio to the win, giving Spurs mentor Gregg Popovich his 700th career regular season win.
Tony Parker added 15 points, Keith Bogans 14 and Manu Ginobili 13 for the Spurs, who have won two straight and five of their last six games. George Hill had 12 points and Richard Jefferson 10 for the Spurs, who are now a gaudy 12-1 against teams with a .500 or lower record.
Roy Hibbert's tip-in off a T.J. Ford miss moved the Pacers to a 99-98 edge with 1:12 left, but Indiana couldn't take advantage of misses by the Spurs. Duncan was off the mark on a layup and a jumper, while Ginobili missed a three-ball, all in the same possession.
Ford missed a shot at the other end and the Spurs called timeout with 10.2 seconds left to set up a final play. Duncan got the ball in low, but the attempt was blocked by Hibbert before the All-Star cleaned up his own mess with a jam.
"I wanted to try and take it to the glass and see what happens," said Duncan. "Hibbert made a very good defensive play. It came right back to me, a little bit of luck. I'll take it."
The Clippers, meanwhile, improved to 2-1 on a six-game road trip on Saturday when Philadelphia native Rasual Butler netted seven of his 18 points in overtime, as the Clippers survived a near buzzer-beater in regulation to beat the 76ers, 112-107.
With the score tied, 99-99, the Sixers' Andre Iguodala had his shot from the top of the key waived off after instant replay revealed the ball was still on his fingertips as the time expired.
"I think that it did have something to do with it. We are only human," Sixers head coach Eddie Jordan said, referring to the Sixers' lackadaisical effort in OT after thinking they had the win. "[LA] had a little juice from the defensive side."
Chris Kaman logged 24 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out in regulation, while Baron Davis chipped in 20 points and 13 assists for Los Angeles, which has won three of its last four.
LA hasn't beaten San Antonio since a 98-85 win on March 7, 2006 in Hollywood. To make things a little more symmetrical the Clips are also sporting a 13-game skid in San Antonio and haven't won in the Alamo City since a 91-87 triumph on Jan. 31, 2002.
Overall, San Antonio has absolutely dominated the series, winning 41 of the last 45 matchups between the two clubs.
Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson will make his return from knee surgery Monday against the Utah Jazz.
Nelson hasn't played since he tore the meniscus in his left knee on November 16 in a win against Charlotte. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure two days later and missed the next 16 games.
In 11 starts this year, Nelson is averaging 13.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per contest. The Saint Joseph's product also missed the majority of the second half of last season with a shoulder injury.
Futures are the closest thing sports gamblers have to stocks. They're investments we keep an eye on throughout the year, hoping we can cash them in for a handsome profit in the future.
The obvious difference is you can't sell your futures wagers mid-season. However, you can choose to invest in futures at any point in the season. The odds change, and while the most outrageous odds (the Tampa Bay Devil Rays opened the '08 MLB season at 70-1) are found in pre-season futures, it can be profitable to invest once we know who the real contenders are.
There is more value in leagues with best of five or seven game series as opposed to single elimination sprints (NCAA hoops, NFL playoffs). The NBA is a strong example. How many teams realistically have a shot to win a best-of-seven playoff format every year? Maximum four or five, right?
This year is a bit trickier with the Eastern conference no longer the whipping boy of the West. Let's take a look at some contenders and darkhorses from both conferences.
Kevin Garnett's shakey right knee undoubtedly cost the Celtics a chance to repeat last season. The unexpected surplus was the offensive development of Glen "Big Baby" Davis in his absence. The offseason additions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels solidify Boston as the deepest frontcourt in the league.
With KG back at full strength the Celts came out of the gates hot, dropping the Cavaliers in Cleveland (where Lebron and company lost just once last season) en route to a torrid 8-1 start. Home losses to Phoenix, Atlanta, and Orlando squelched early discussion the C's would threaten MJ's 1996 Bulls for regular season dominance but the Celtics remain the favorites in the East.
Why they can win it: Despite their offensive star power, this team has always dominated on the defensive end. They have a hard-nosed, physical team mentality on D and can control the game's tempo. Their preference is to turn big games into a slow, grinding slugfest until the fourth quarter when they turn to Paul Pierce to close it out.
Why they might stumble: The durability issues for Garnett remain. The big three is aging and declining in production but the rise of Rondo and veteran presence of Wallace has helped pick up the slack. Wait to see if you can grab this team at 4-1 or higher before the all-star break.
Even with an Eastern conference best .786 winning pct, it's hard to imagine the young Hawks hoisting the NBA championship this soon. Still, this season's "it" team is loaded with young talent up front but will ultimately only go as far as veteran guards Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby takes them.
Why they can win it: The addition of Jamal Crawford has vaulted this team into the first tier of Eastern Conference contenders. With SF Marvin Williams finally playing up to his potential, there are no weak positions on this roster. GM Rick Sund has quietly put together a talented core of players who are meshing early under head coach Mike Woodson.
Why they might stumble: The Hawks road woes were well documented during their surprising competitive seven game series with the top seeded Celtics last season. A championship team can't give away twenty points every time they travel into enemy territory. Don't expect this squad to hold onto the #1 seed, if they want to make noise in the postseason they're going to have to prove they can win games away from Philips arena first. Those who were lucky enough to get in at 50-1 found great value, but 25-1 still good enough odds to consider the only legit darkhorse contender this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers (11-5, opened 3-1, current odds 4-1) The Shaq trade has already stalled, can Lebron shoulder the load or is he already thinking ahead to New York?
Orlando Magic (12-4, opened 9-1, current odds 8-1) Last year's finalists took a big blow when Hedo Turkoglu departed via free agency. Not sold on Vince Carter (.411 fg pct, 2.3apg) bringing this team back to the finals.
Eleven of the Lakers first fourteen games have been in the Staples center. It'll be interesting to see how they fare on their first East coast road trip in mid-December. The Artest experiment has produced modest results thus far (12.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.1apg) while Trevor Ariza has surprised no one by upping his production in Houston as a starter (18.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1spg). Regardless, these are the defending champs for a reason. It's hard to see any team in the west giving them a real series come April.
Why they can win it: The Lakers remain the league's most potent offensive machine. They still have the league's top all-around weapon in Kobe Bryant (not yet, Lebron) and newly minted ten-time champion coach Phil Jackson. Expect the Lakeshow to pull away from early contenders (Phoenix, Dallas, Denver) and coast to the #1 seed after the all-star break.
Why they might stumble: Pau Gasol's health. While he returned to form quickly after missing the first eleven games with a hamstring injury, Gasol needs to stay on the court for the Lakers to repeat. While Bynum and Odom give them viable alternatives to fill up the lane, Gasol is in a class by himself when it comes to post savvy scoring and reliable free throw shooting down the stretch. Still, it's hard to take any team at less than 3-1 futures odds. The season is just too long.
Atlanta aside, Alvin Gentry's Suns has been the NBA's other surprise team. The Suns were wise to declare the Shaq experiment over and return to their run n' gun roots (they are averaging an NBA best 111.4ppg). Steve Nash's early play (16.7ppg, an NBA best 11.9apg) quickly erased whispers that he was past his prime after last season's disappointing finish.
Why they can win: The Suns are back to their bread and butter: running pick and roll with Stoudemire and Nash and kicking it out for the three ball when the duo gets doubled. Jason Richardson (17ppg, 46.6 3pt%) finally looks comfortable in the offense. Thanks to Nash, the Suns are distributing the ball and have reliable shooters on the perimeter. This team struggled to find an identity last season with the arrival of O'Neal, it's clear they've found one early and it makes them a scary matchup come playoff time.
Why they might stumble: Lack of defensive intensity has been the same old story for Phoenix since Mark D'antoni installed their supercharged offense in 2006. The hiring of defensive minded Terry Porter was a disaster, so the Suns front office gave interim (now full-time) coach Gentry the green light to run again. The Suns also lack muscle on the boards, their leading rebounder is 37-year old Grant Hill (7.2rpg). There is simply no intimidating shotblocking or rebounding post presence, making this the least likely of the four teams to go all the way.
Mark Cuban did his best to surround Nowitzki with more pieces (Drew Gooden, Shawn Marion, Tim Thomas). Despite Dirk playing to his utmost potential the last couple seasons, there is no value in wagering on the Mavs unseating the Lakers this year.
Melo is enjoying an MVP season so far (29.7ppg, 6.1rpg). This is the only team in the West that matches up well with the Lakeshow, if they somehow end up at 20-1 or higher this season make sure you grab the Nuggets.


text:
Q: Quick but not simple question. $2^\sqrt2$ or e, which is greater?
$2^\sqrt2$ vs $e$, which is greater?

$(2^\sqrt2)^\sqrt2 = 4\quad $  &  $\quad e^\sqrt2$ = ?
$\log(2^\sqrt2) = \sqrt2\log(2)\quad$ & $\quad \log(e) = 1$
I tried but can't induce comparable form.
Is anybody know how to prove it?

A: This is the same as comparing $\frac{3}{2}\log(2)$ and $1$. Since $x(1-x)$ is non-negative and bounded by $\frac{1}{4}$ on $(0,1)$, we have
$$ 0\leq\int_{0}^{1}\frac{x^2(1-x)^2}{1+x}\,dx \leq \frac{1}{16}$$
where the middle integral is exactly $-\frac{11}{4}+4\log(2)$. It follows that
$$ \frac{33}{32} \leq \frac{3}{2}\log(2) \leq \frac{135}{128} $$
so $\frac{3}{2}\log(2)>1$ and $\color{red}{2\sqrt{2}>e}$. This proof just requires a polynomial division, perfectly doable by hand.
About $\sqrt{2}\log(2)$, we have
$$ \log(2)=\lim_{n\to +\infty}\sum_{k=n+1}^{2n}\frac{1}{k}\leq\lim_{n\to+\infty}\sum_{k=n+1}^{2n}\frac{1}{\sqrt{k}\sqrt{k-1}}\stackrel{\text{CS}}{\leq}\lim_{n\to +\infty}\sqrt{n\sum_{k=n+1}^{2n}\left(\frac{1}{k-1}-\frac{1}{k}\right)}$$
and the RHS is exactly $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$. This is just a slick application of creative telescoping and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.

A: Instead of comparing $2^{\sqrt 2}$ and $e$, let's raise both to $\sqrt 2$ and compare $2^2$ and $e^{\sqrt 2}$:
$$
e^{\sqrt 2} > 2.7^{1.4} \approx 4.017068799 > 4 = 2^2
$$
Or use that
$$
e^x > 1+x+\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^3}{6}+\frac{x^4}{24}
$$
with $x=1.41$ and get
$$
e^{\sqrt 2} > e^{1.41} > 4.03594 > 4
$$
In fact, $e^{\sqrt 2} \approx 4.113250377 > 4$.

A: If you know that $\ln(2)\approx0.69$ and $1/\sqrt2=\sqrt2/2\approx1.414/2=0.707$, then you have $\ln(2)\lt1/\sqrt2$, in which case $\ln(2^\sqrt2)=\sqrt2\ln2\lt1=\ln(e)$, hence $2^\sqrt2\lt e$.
It's not hard to show that $\sqrt2\gt1.4$, since $1.4^2=1.96\lt2$.  It's a little trickier to show that $\ln(2)\lt0.7$, but this can be done by comparing the area beneath the curve $y=1/x$ to the areas of the trapezoids containing it with endpoints at $x=1$, $4/3$, $5/3$, and $2$:
$$\ln(2)=\int_1^2{dx\over x}\lt{1\over6}\left(1+2\cdot{3\over4}+2\cdot{3\over5}+{1\over2} \right)={1\over6}\left(1+{3\over2}+{6\over5}+{1\over2} \right)={1\over6}\cdot{42\over10}={7\over10}$$

A: $2\sqrt{2}^2 = 8$
$e^2 < 2.8*2.8 = 7.84$
You're welcome

A: Let $f(x)=\ln(x),\,g(x)=x^{-1/2}$. By the Taylor series of $e^x$, we have
$$e^{-0.35}>1-0.35+\frac12\left(0.35\right)^2-\frac16\left(0.35\right)^3=0.704>0.7$$
Hence, $g(e^{0.7})-f(e^{0.7})=e^{-0.35}-0.7>0$. Applying Taylor series again shows
$$e^{0.7}>1+0.7+\frac{1}{2}(0.7)^2+\frac{1}{6}(0.7)^3=2.002>2$$
Observe that $f$ and $g$ are respectively strictly increasing and decreasing over $(0,\infty)$, so $g>f$ holds for all $x$ in $(0,2.002)$. Therefore $g(2)>f(2)$, which rearranges to $e>2^{\sqrt{2}}$. These calculations are perfectly feasible to do by hand.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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You are here: Home › News › Session 3, RootsMagic 7
Session 3, RootsMagic 7
The 3rd and final Session of our RootsMagic 7 Tutorials took place today. We consolidated our learning so far, and were guided on how to layer further detail into our records of individuals and families.
"Now we just have to put it into practice!"
"There's our homework for the summer!"
Many thanks from the group to Douglas for all his preparation and his patience with us. Definitely it was a worthwhile initiative for the Society.
Howth Castle Photographs Jan 08, 2022
Leslie Crowe documentary Dec 30, 2021
UK wartime records Nov 08, 2021
Evening Lecture on 'The Guinness Estate of St. Anne's' Sep 17, 2021
Welcome back after the summer Sep 05, 2021
RHS Local History Meeting at 8pm (on Zoom) Jan 26, 2022 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM — On Zoom
RHS Family History Meeting at 8pm (on Zoom) Feb 09, 2022 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM — On Zoom
RHS Family History Meeting at 8pm (on Zoom) Mar 09, 2022 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM — On Zoom
RHS Local History Meeting at 8pm (on Zoom) Mar 30, 2022 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM — On Zoom
RHS Family History Meeting at 8pm (on Zoom) Apr 13, 2022 08:00 PM - 10:00 PM — On Zoom
The Raheny Heritage Society, email: rahenyheritage@gmail.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Entrance is through a covered walkway, through the main door. The foyer opens into the dining room and living room areas. The fully modern kitchen is located on the left side of the living room with open-air guest powder-room/restroom at the end of the room.
Opposite of the kitchen are laundry preparation area. Both kitchen and laundry preparation are completed with separate service entrance.
"Chimera Villas (Villa Green 2 bedrooms) - Photo Gallery"


Last night was the night that many awaited in anticipation. It was the night of the British Fashion Council Awards, and what an evening it was! Full of celebrities and fashionistas dressed up for the occasion. I was really eager to find out who won the special London 25 award I told you about last month. It was voted by public and it was a one-off award to celebrate the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week. Kate Moss was the winner, which I'm sure she deserves, as she's been a true fashion icon for years, flying the british flag with her style, that gets copied all over the world. She looked stunning on the night as well, living up to her reputation as a trend-setter.
Other winners included John Galliano for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design, Christopher Bailey as a Designer of the Year and so on. I was especially happy for Grace Coddington who won the Isabela Blow Award for Fashion Creator, which is given to a person, whose creativity has been a major inspiration and influence. She is incredibly creative and was the real star of the film September issue overshadowing Anna Wintour.


As part of our new life we are planning on doing some House and Pet sitting via the Trusted Housesitters Website. We love the idea of loving and looking after other people's home and pets giving the owners the peace of mind that all is well at home whilst they are away. We know our travel experiences will be enriched by any assignment we are accepted for and it will give us the chance to live like a local for a short while with the added bonus of comfortable surroundings and lovely pets to look after.
Guinness who we adopted from the cat's and dog's home in 1991.
Our first Airedale, Molly, on holiday in Ireland in 1997.
Lulu with Tim in Cornwall on her holidays!
Harriet, or 'H', as she was affectionately known on Brean Sands beach in Somerset.
Tim with Douglas our Wire Fox Terror!
Mature couple. Experienced with dogs and cats. Travelling with motorhome. Non-smoking. No Dependents. Professional.
Hello, we are Jane and Tim. We are a mature couple (47 and 54) who will shortly be embarking on a life change to travel in our motorhome full time throughout the UK and Europe. We are experienced animal lovers having shared our lives with 4 dogs (3 airedales and a wire fox terrier) and a cat over a period of 22 years. We are financially independent and we will be renting out our own home whilst on our travels. We are very flexible with no set itinerary and would welcome the opportunity to look after your home and animals treating them with care, respect and as if they were our own.
As we are now in a position to travel full-time in our motorhome we feel house and pet sitting will offer us the opportunity to spend time in new and unexplored areas with the added bonus of a comfortable environment and a pet or pets to love and care for. The sacrifice we have made to pursue this lifestyle is that we are not able to have our own pets and all the joys (and sometimes heartache) that they bring. We really miss the enriching experience of having pets and the companionship, cuddles, walks, fun and hilarity they bring to our lives.
We know the anguish that is felt when leaving a pet whilst being away from home for any period of time. We would like to provide that peace of mind for owners knowing that their property and pets will be loved, safe and well cared for in their absence. You can rest assured we will treat your pets as if they were our own providing plenty of love and cuddles and we will respect and care for your home keeping it clean, tidy and secure.
Bailey, the Beagle, enjoying time at the pub after a long walk!
Being homeowners ourselves we understand the level of trust you will be putting into us. We will be finishing our employment at the end of March 16 and will be renting out our own home.
We have had 4 dogs and 1 cat over a period of 22 years and we are experienced in looking after puppies and dogs. We are also experienced in recognising the signs of an ill pet or if they are generally 'out of sorts'. All our pets at some time in their lives and, particularly as they became older, needed special care and medication and we are not fazed by clearing up any 'accidents'.
We regularly 'baby-sit' a friends Beagle for weekends in our own home and feed her cats and make sure her home is secure. We walk a German Wire Haired Pointer for an elderly neighbour who has had many operations and has had long periods of time in recuperation when he has been unable to take her for walks.
We could not have asked for a more wonderful couple than Jane and Tim to look after our animals and house. It's always difficult to know how relative strangers are going to cope with at least one demanding dog but they coped admirably and kept us in touch with the events just to make sure we had nothing to worry about. Apart from caring for the animals they even underwent some household chores that were not requested or even expected. This was our first time away and we can't thank them enough for taking away our anxiety about leaving the house. We highly recommend them them to anyone.
I have known Jane for a long time as a trusted work colleague. We also worked voluntarily for a Search and Rescue team for a few years. Jane at short notice looked after our dog 'Lottie' for a long weekend, an experience 'Lottie' certainly seemed to have enjoyed. I know that Jane enjoys long walks, so 'Lottie' certainly had a good workout. I had left Jane with a key to the house so she could bring the dog back on the morning of our return. I had no hesitation in giving Jane a key to the house, and would have had no issue if Jane had wanted to look after the dog at our own house. I would have total trust in Jane. I would certainly have no hesitation in using Jane to look after any pet, to housesit, or to do both, and would recommend use of her services.
We had the pleasure of first meeting Jane and Tim when fostering Douglas, a Wire Fox Terrier with Fox Terrier Rescue UK. Douglas was given to rescue because he smelled, was loud, and the family felt he was too much work. They had him sleep in a cardboard box to avoid cleaning too many covers. Douglas was a fox terrier – very typical one too. He was very chatty, and just a gem. Jane and Tim were the perfect family for him, they were committed to him and their Airedale, Lulu. We had no qualms about them as an adoptive family. Douglas had the best care, and as a family their lives revolved around their dogs. In fact, they enjoyed travelling – and Douglas has visited more places than I have. Whenever we saw Douglas and Lulu, they were always in good clean condition and happy. Although I cannot say much about the first part of his life, but I know that Douglas had a wonderful life with the Thackrays.
I have known Jane for almost 7 years as a fellow civil servant and loyal friend. She frequently sits for my rambunctious beagle, Bailey, and my crazy cats. I trust Jane and Tim implicitly and they have always had keys to my home for emergencies. They have cared for Bailey in their own home and have collected her from my home whilst I am away unexpectedly or unwell. They are also happy to feed my cats whilst I am away. They are trustworthy, reliable and caring with a natural affinity with animals. I would recommend Jane and Tim to anyone who would wish for their furry friends to be treated with same love and respect they give themselves.


Scottsdale Congregational UCC and First Church UCC Phoenix are partnering on confirmation classes for early 2019 and invite other local UCC churches with confirmation age youth (9th grade and up) to join them.
They hope to meet in the Conference office on Sunday afternoons/early evenings.
If interested, contact Carol Reynolds at pastorscucc@gmail.com or 480-946-2900.


Cover pronouns with Wii flare with a student activity that taps into students' favorite video game.
These go a step beyond your bland Jack and Jane sentences!
Student get to play Nintendo marketing bigwigs while working on their writing skills.
Pop culture printables let students pretend to be in the entertainment biz while practicing their basic skills. My kids love the glamous of their assignments!
What better way to teach dialogue than by using this year's Oscar winner in your activities.
I love how up-to-date and relevant these printables are.
It's time to throw a language arts party with the Jonas brothers!
The excitement level in my classroom goes through the roof when we do Jonas brothers activities.
Compose dramatic narratives with your students' favorite celebrities and the first daughters.
The excitement level goes through the roof when we do Jonas brothers activities.
What a great way to make word problems real and contemporary, while letting students know the value of charity.
Capitol Hill isn't the only one who loves Brad Pitt. Your students do too! Through this activity your students will understand the political dynamics of human activities.
My students couldn't get enough of Brad Pitt! He is a great role model! This lesson was perfect for my classroom!
Your kids will say YES to this activity! Enjoy watching your students apply communication strategies while evaluating text.
My students really love these one-sheeters!


I read some wonderful books last year, but the one I looked forward to the most was The Fight For Lizzie Flowers by the bestselling saga writer Carol Rivers. I always look forward to Carol's books, but this one was extra special because it continues the story of Lizzie and the other characters from Lizzie of Langley Street. This week I am thrilled to welcome Carol to my blog to talk about what it was like to write a sequel.
Carol, welcome! Your books have given me so much pleasure, not to mention the sleepless nights when I just had to find out what happened next. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to ask you some questions about what it was like to write The Fight For Lizzie Flowers.
Thank you for the warm welcome, Susanna. Apologies for the sleepless nights - I hope I can provide you with many more of them. I love checking in with your blog and am grateful for this opportunity to join your many noteworthy guests.
First of all, whose idea was it to write a sequel to Lizzie's story? Yours or your agent's/publisher's? And, out of all your heroines, why Lizzie in particular?
LIZZIE OF LANGLEY STREET was my first novel for Simon & Schuster and Lizzie has always been 'waiting in the wings.' When my editor asked me how I felt about developing her story, I knew at once this was the time for her to step back on stage.
How long have you known what happened next to Lizzie? Was the plot of the sequel bubbling away for a few years?
A writer, I believe, has a kind of silver cord to their characters. Perhaps we are just the cast's 'agent,' as in theatre life?
I often role play aloud, then meditate quietly on my breathing and almost at once, my mental theatre begins, as if opening my agency doors.
Could you talk a little about the logistics of writing a sequel, especially such a long time after the first book. Did you feel it was a different process to writing a stand-alone novel?
A sequel requires information from previous books. I enjoy dialogue, because it's natural and you can't fall into the trap of long paragraphs of description which might bore or confuse the reader. Back to agenting again! Keep to the 'show don't tell' rules - and you won't stop your cast from vocalising.
Is there an extra responsibility when writing a sequel? Not just to your readers, but also to your characters?
Writing is entertainment. If the juggler juggles well, you watch mesmerised. If not, you turn away. If the car salesman gives you a rough demo ride - he doesn't sell his car. If the actors on stage capture your attention, you'll continue to sit in your seat. It's a writer's one responsibility to cause the reader to turn the pages until the satisfactory last.
I have to ask you about that wedding scene. Talk about a dramatic beginning! Did you agonise over how to start the book or was that scene in your head already?
Lizzie and Danny's romance was fraught with problems. In THE FIGHT FOR LIZZIE FLOWERS, what could be more problematic than - - won't say, as it might spoil the surprise. If what happened to Lizzie had happened to me... well - perhaps it almost did!
Were there tough decisions to make about who and what to include or leave out of the sequel? And how do you tackle a story from the outset?
I would say, for the most part, planned decisions. I need an outline. Some writers don't. They write by the seat of their pants, now known as 'pantsters.' But working with a traditional publisher has trained me to plan - and plan for many reasons. Publishers need some kind of upfront information. From this, they can market your book early enought to create a demand on the electronic shelves. As for keeping to the outline, detours are inevitable. Nelson didn't duck quickly enough, Churchill's Dardenelles campaign was fatally flawed. Both detours took the war in different directions. The writer, however, is the creator of the work and must know the way.
If you have to provide plot information in advance to Simon & Schuster, does this mean you wouldn't be able to change your plot if a wonderful new development occurred to you that your characters were dying to get involved in?
Your outline is just your road map and there are always detours - roads up, wrong turns, floods! But you have your road map to guage your overall direction. Just make certain your new development results in a satisfying ending for your readers.
What is it about Lizzie that readers love and identify with?
Readers tell me they identify with Lizzie's independence, loyalty and family spirit. My test of character? I like to think I would live next door to Lizzie and I would never need to go to the movies for entertainment!
For me, one of the most intriguing aspects of the book was the way you developed the Flowers brothers, Danny and Frank. How important is character in driving the plot?
I absolutely adore them. When the brothers step on stage, one with bravery, one with cowardice, I shiver. They are two sides of the one coin. Danny falls short, Frank steps in. Frank voices his fears, Danny hides them. I could write about this deceptive duo forever!
To finish, I have to ask you this, as a number of people have asked me to put the question - might Lizzie's story become a trilogy?
Without a doubt. I'm bringing back the whole cast. Lizzie's story isn't told by half. Like us all in the modern world, Lizzie is fighting to achieve her dreams. She sits in my temporal lobe whispering tantalising secrets. Once again, I can't wait to write them!
Thank you for joining me today, Carol, to share your thoughts and provide some insight into your work. I hope I can tempt you to return, as long as you don't mind being bombarded with more questions!
I've really enjoyed being your guest, Susanna. Once again, thank you for giving me the chance to answer your insightful questions. I'd love to come back, perhaps next time with news of this year's book, a 1950s novel set in the East End and Soho, with a very ambitious 19-year-old heroine, Ruby Payne, an incorrigible shopaholic and fashion addict.
Carol's family comes from the Isle of Dogs, East London; she now lives in Dorset. The East End is Carol's backdrop to her historical family sagas, whch are published by Simon & Schuster. Her stories spring from the warm-hearted and resourceful neighbourhoods of the East End - the heart of London's docklands. Her rough-tough Cockney characters tell it like it is, giving a punch to the stomach and leaving the reader in no doubt that her feisty heroines are a force to be reckoned with.
Carol's website, where you can find out more about her books and subscribe to her quarterly Newsletter keeping you up to date with her news, Blitz recipes, quizzes, freebies and photos.
Thanks for your thoughts, Jen. I'm glad you found the interview relevant and useful. I know you are working hard at your writing at the moment - I hope it is going well. Lovely to hear from you, as always.
Thanks to both of you for a very interesting interview which is a treat for both readers and writers.
As I'm currently revising the second book in a contracted series, the thoughts about writing a sequel are especially helpful to me.
Nicola, thank you for your comments. I agree - it must be a rich experience for an author to revisit a cast of characters and give them the chance to have more experiences and face further challenges, which in turn will make them develop as people. I think that is one of the strengths of The Battle For Lizzie Flowers - the characters grow and deepen. I have read other sequels where the author simply left the characters as they were and found those to be disappointing books.
Jan, lovely to hear from you. I'm delighted you enjoyed the interview and I'm glad you found something to inspire you as you complete your dual narrative book.
Thank you for such an interesting interview. As a writer, it is so rewarding to revisit a successful cast. Wishing Carol lots of continued success.
What an interesting interview, both! Thank you, Carol and Susanna. I love the sound Lizzie's story and I enjoy sequels. Your comments about having an outline in answer to the question about how much to include and how much to leave out in your new sequel rang home with me. I feel it's the same for dual-narrative novels. I love the image of the silver cord!
The idea of being likened to a theatrical agent appealed to me too, Wendy. Like an agent in the acting world, a writer has to ensure that the part each character plays in the story is true to themselves. Any writer will immediately identify with Carol's ideas. She has summed up the relationship between writer and characters beautifully. Thank you for your comment.
I love the idea of us being like our characters' agents - attached by a silver chord. It is so true. Thank you for a lovely interview, Susanna and Carol.
Compelling is the word, Susanna. And yes, sequels really do need to be!
What a wonderful way to describe a sequel, Julia - catching up with old friends. Every book that an author writes has to be write to the best of her/his ability, of course; but I do think that writing a sequel of a much-loved novel carries a special responsibility, because the readers need a story that is every bit as compelling as the original.
There's something special about sequels - almost like catching up with old friends. I hope Carol never stops writing, every book by her is guaranteed to be a breath of fresh air to the imagination.
Thanks for your comment, Jackie. I was hoping you would read Carol's interview, as I know you are currently finishing writing a trilogy. I agree with you that the idea of revisiting a character after a number of years is intriguing - but it all relies upon having a strong story and character to start with.
Wendy - lovely to hear from you. I'm looking forward to meeting Ruby as well!
Great interview - interesting idea to bring back a character after so much time has elapsed.
A lovely insight to Carol Rivers and her creation of the silver cord. I'd like to ask Carol when she reflects back to writing her first novel is there anything she would change? What have you learnt from your writing journey? Many thanks and I can't wait to meet Ruby Payne!
Good question, Chris! I'm sure that after the success of the Lizzie sequel, Carol's readers will be hoping for sequels to their own favourites. Thanks for dropping by.
I would like to ask Carol if any of her books could have a sequel. I like Bella of Bow Street and the characters who seem to have a continuing story.
Good to hear from you again, Louise. I've been thinking about your comment and can see why reading the books the 'wrong' way round wouldn't matter. As you say, they are strong stories and that means each can stand on its own. Also, after reading book 2, it must have been a treat to delve into the Babs plot in depth in book 1.
"The Fight for Lizzie Flowers" was the first book I read by Carol Rivers and I loved it. That scene in the registry office had me hooked from the start. After that I read "Lizzie of Langley Street" and reading the books that way round didn't spoil "Langley Street" at all. They are both such strong stories. I think Lizzie is a wonderful character and I hope there will be a third book about her.
It's a great pleasure to welcome you onto my blog, Carol. I have been looking forward to this for ages. I hope everyone will enjoy reading the interview and that the writers out there will pick up some tips.
Good morning Susanna and everyone who calls by! Thank you for having me on your guest blog today. I always love to check in with Susanna's posts as I pause mid-morning with a cuppa and nibbles. So many diverse authors to read and enjoy their tips and comments. Well done Susanna for all your help and inspiration; and of course your stunning roses!


text:
Dave McCrory, VP of Growth and Global Head of Insights and Analytics
On Sept. 28, the first report measuring and quantifying the Data Gravity megatrend was released.
In it, we explained Data Gravity as a gravitational force that was impairing workflows, creating latency and impacting security. We also showed how Data Gravity was expanding on a global scale and the macro trends that were amplifying it along the way.
However, the intensity or growth did not end with the Data Gravity Index release.
Nor did it reduce the urgency to deal with it.
Today, we're releasing Version 1.5 of the Data Gravity Index. You might be asking what's changed and why is this update so important? I have answers for you.
The metro expansion and industry inclusion
We've added 32 additional metros to our original 21, and the top six with the highest CAGR through 2020-2024 are:
We've also been analyzing 23 industries, and we discovered roughly 70% of those industries are experiencing intense thresholds of Data Gravity. Specifically, the report drills down into seven of those 23, providing insights related to CAGR and exactly where Data Gravity intensity occurs globally.
Prime example: The Banking and Finance Industry
The Data Gravity intensity is extremely elevated in the banking/finance industry. They adopt technologies to fight problems, and the rest of the Global 2000 and large enterprises have to do the same thing. However, it's important to point out that as new technology is deployed…more data is created.
So, it's incredibly beneficial to start looking at these insights and begin changing how to think about their IT architecture - now instead of later. This means moving from an application-centric architecture view to a data-centric architecture view.
Even if you're not in the banking/finance industry, data creation remains incredibly important if you work in, or are partnered with businesses in this industry. This is especially true if you're trying to plan internally for multi-site infrastructure deployments or if you're trying to prepare for what's going to happen with strategic partnerships or other initiatives.
Deeper insights into data creation, growth and movement
In the Data Gravity Index™ 1.5, the Continuous Data Creation Lifecycle page is updated with new processing and aggregation/exchange data.
The Data Gravity Index 1.0 spoke to the fact that there's an enormous amount of data growth that's occurring, also it is increasing at an incredible rate.
Enterprises have to start making decisions on:
What data are they going to store?
Where do they store it?
Where's the best place to process the data?
Do you bring the processing to the data?
Do you bring the data to the processing?
The pace at which data is growing far outstrips the speed at which storage can be deployed. People interact more with systems - whether it's because of the pandemic where we're all working virtually from home or because of the latest innovations with everyday tech, like smartphones.
These are all leading us to interact more, and those interactions generate more data.
Businesses are then analyzing that data, and that generates even more data.
So, every time the data gets touched…it's creating more data.
That virtuous cycle is just moving the flywheel of data creation faster and faster.
How do you process the data? Traditionally, we're dragging the data to where the processing is, and that won't work if the data grows at an exponential rate. There's a lack of network capacity to move it a long-distance or process and store all of it.
The thinking behind approaches and architectures must change.
New global forecasts
Through our global footprint of multi-tenant data center facilities, we have a unique vantage point in understanding the effects of Data Gravity Intensity on a worldwide scale. The Data Gravity Index DGx™ 1.5 features new forecasts, including:
A metro forecast chart expanded to 53 metros (with new CAGR callouts)
Forecast updates for Enterprise Data Processing and Enterprise Data Storage
A new Global Industry 2020-2024 CAGR forecast
Global industry forecasts for seven strategic industries that will likely be the first to need to address Data Gravity
What these trends mean to you
If you aren't in motion, you are stagnant, and that means you are likely to fall behind. That's just a fact of life. In the technology space, things have been evolving and growing, faster and faster. For an enterprise to stay on top and remain competitive, it has to evolve at that same pace or even more quickly.
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
What are you dealing with (data-wise)?
Where are your centers of Data Gravity?
What locations are impacted, and how are they being affected?
Where are you partners located?
Where are your customers?
The last one is a prime example of the necessity of understanding the situation. You may believe that your customers are in one place, but they may actually be in many places. How do you serve them all properly and provide a great customer experience?
You have to fully understand this and map out how to make good, well-informed decisions.
The sooner, the better.
The Report Proves the Need for Swift Change
As data creation continues to grow and Data Gravity continues to intensify, the numbers, forecasts and impacts will also grow and evolve. We're already at the 1.5 release, and 2.0 will be out next year.
Things will evolve each time, whether it be improvements to the model or more data segmentation. It's part of our commitment to provide continuous improvement to insights and allow business leaders to make better decisions.
So, each time there's a new version of the Data Gravity Index, there will be some unique valuable insight for enterprises, service providers, IT professionals and decision-makers. If you are interested, you will be able to zoom in on that interest, get more out of it each time, and hopefully make better decisions for your enterprise that result in reduced risk, lower costs and revenue growth through unbounded, secure data analytic performance.
Download the Data Gravity Index V1.5 Report now
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Is Federal GMO Labeling the Right Move?
Biotech giants and advocates on the Hill can expect to hear plenty of noise from consumers on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at a rally opposing H.R.4432 introduced by Rep Pompeo (R-Kan).
The federal GMO labeling bill, titled "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014" is anything but safe and accurate. On the surface, the bill codifies the labeling of foods containing GMO ingredients. However, it actually does nothing to disclose the use of GMOs in food products.
It even gives food companies permission, officially, to label products as "natural" even if they contain GMO ingredients. Surveys show that about 90% of Americans want GMOs labeled. That's why they have nicknamed it the Deny Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act, which seems a fitting moniker for the misleading legislation.
One of the most disturbing components of the bill is the attempt to ban states and municipalities from passing their own labeling laws. Under the auspices of federal authority to regulate "commerce," advocates for the bill—mostly biotech giants like Monsanto, and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)—claim that the federal government needs to regulate the labeling of foods to keep things consistent, and that states do not have authority to pass their own labeling laws.
"The provision is designed to head off legislative efforts at the state and federal levels to impose more stringent labeling regulations on GMOs, present in as much of 80 percent of the food consumed in the United States.
This repulsive piece of legislation has an entire section on who can voluntarily label foods as "GMO-free." For any third-party group to label something as GMO-free, they must comply with federal regulations that "verify" supply-chain qualifiers. Additionally, those who wish to label foods as GMO-free, must not state, or in any way imply, that GMO-free foods might be better than their GMO counterparts. This severely bullies small, consumer-driven groups, like the Non GMO project, who point out the real and potential dangers of consuming genetically engineered foods. And it does nothing to address consumer choice in supporting products that destroy our ecosystems through toxic herbicides and pesticides.
The scariest provision of the bill is the outright lie that any manufacturer can label milk, eggs, meats, cheeses or any animal product as GMO-free even if the animals are fed exclusively on GMO grains. With 80% of GMO crops used in either biofuels or livestock feed, this provision goes a long way to protect the biotech industry while blatantly lying to consumers about the foods they are buying and the practices they are supporting.
To add insult to injury, according to this bill, companies might be legally allowed to claim their animal products are GMO-free even if they are produced using genetic engineering processes depending entirely on the regulations that the Secretary of the FDA comes up with. The regulators at the FDA have never shown that they care about consumer health over corporate profit. Be prepared to see a "GMO-free" label on genetically engineered salmon if this bill moves forward.
As with any controversial issues, overarching federal laws are not the answer. The Tenth Amendment Center makes a convincing argument advocating for GMO labeling on the local level, something this bill would completely ban.
While the outcome of the GMO labeling remains uncertain, one thing is certain: advocates of GMO labeling–whether on the state level or those who advocate voluntary, third-party labels—will be out in force on December 10 in opposition of H.R. 4322. If you want to join, the hosting organization, Organic Consumers Association, is planning great speakers followed by an organic lunch on Capitol Hill. Find a bus and join the opposition to H.R. 4432. The time to make noise is now.
While the bill might not get through Congress in the remaining days of the 2014 session, it will be back. Strong consumer outcry will go a long way to let your Congressional Critters know that this legislation is unacceptable.
As always, if you want to change the world, buy locally and grow your own. FarmMatch is a great way to connect to local providers, other community members and source directly from organic farmers. And you can always grow your own food. Let the revolution begin from the ground up!


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It is my best explanation of my previous marriages. Three great kids came out of those marriages. Two were mine, one was my second wife's son, one was my 3rd wife;s daughter. I try to treat them all the same in life and most certainly in my will. If you take a wife with a child, you take the child with the wife. I now am fortunate to have two wonderful step-children I think of as my kids too.
Your x-wives may still blame you, but I never felt I had to justify divorcing anyone to others but myself.
The woman always believes some other woman must be involved. They may even try to convince your daughter or son that you had another woman and was thus divorcing her. And, their saying so was just one more reason to split. I suppose it gives them a reason for the divorce rather than to blame themselves. You may even wish you had another woman at the time. Would make divorce easier. But, you always figured your x would kill you and anyone you slept with while married to her – one more reason to split. Their lies to the kids that an X saw you with another woman may make you angry enough to divorce them.
I filed for divorce with my first wife because she had abruptly quit her job and left Oregon for Wisconsin with my two kids. I learned she went out with an old boy friend in Wisconsin and had admitted affections for someone at work – an ex-marine.
My second wife filed for divorce while I was contemplating what to do about our marriage.
X's may lie to their doctors which will add fuel to your anger. You and the doctors were trying to help and they are lying to you and the doctor.
I felt they killed my love for them with all their problems. They blame you for everything until you decide to divorce. They blame you for everything and all their problems after the divorce.
Readers, you are learning so much you should be charged $100 per hour. Send me a check.
You have no hate for a previous wife, but do avoid them. You do not need to hear their whining or their hate and hostility or their view of love and devotion 25 years after the divorce.
Is there life after divorce? People go through a divorce act like they are fighting the Civil War. It never ends for some. People will continue to fight these wars. You can handle the hate between adults, but when they involve the children, you have no stomach for it.
Some say terrible things to the children during the divorce. Fathers have even told their daughters that their mother didn't want to have them – that she took birth control pills not to have her. They like to poison the child's mind. How stupid. How sick! Women tell their kids their father has another woman whether true or not. They are saying, "please love me and not your father" or "please love me and not your mother". How sick.
Kids must be allowed to love both parents. My Mother had the worse man for a husband in my Dad. He was an alcoholic. One of the few days in my life that I saw him was when I was about 2 years old. I heard my Mom crying and climbed out of my crib and went down stairs. My real Dad was fighting with my Mom and I went up to him and told him "You leave my Mom alone!" The next morning my Grandpa told me my Dad was gone and would not be bothering "us" again. I did not see him for years. Did not want to. He would have my brothers and I kneel on a wood register if we did not eat a square meal. I would later learn what a square meal was to an army recruit.


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Sadly, this little canal in Adderley street is somewhat polluted. The general scene looks pretty enough, but on close inspection you'd see bits of plastic and paper drifting in the water, lodged in the trees, and strewn on the walkways.
Why are people so messy? Sure, Cape Town's wind doesn't help with this type of pollution - it's all too easy for papers and plastics to get blown out of people hands, or from their bags. If you drop a piece of paper when the wind's at it's best, there's no hope of retrieving it. But, it's often also the case that people have no sense for the environment and don't think twice before dumping their litter.
Posted in General and tagged litter, pollution on Saturday, 2 March, 2013 by Paul.
Hey Deirdre', you're a sneaky one. Ok, perhaps I could do something like that – although, I have to admit that exploring our beaches would be preferable to labouring along this canal. :) Thanks for the link – I'll check it out.


text:
Cowboys' Williams fractures forearm, will miss at least four weeks
Published: Sep 15, 2008 at 06:15 PM
IRVING, Texas -- Cowboys safety Roy Williams fractured his right forearm while making a special teams tackle in Dallas' 41-37 victory over Philadelphia on Monday night. The five-time Pro Bowl selection could miss at least three games.
Williams was hurt when he and Keith Davis combined to hit Eagles return man Quintin Demps during a kickoff. The safety went to the sideline and was escorted to the locker room a few plays later.
Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten played through a separated shoulder that forced him to the locker room in the first half. But in the fourth quarter, Witten had a 32-yard catch to the Eagles 5 that set up Marion Barber's 1-yard go-ahead TD run.
"Little shoulder pops out and that's nothing," Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens said. "It just shows you how tough the guy is."
Witten, who finished with seven catches for 110 yards, will be re-evaluated Tuesday.
Backup Patrick Watkins took Williams' place in the defensive backfield and was called for a key face mask penalty on the final play of the third quarter. Two plays later, Brian Westbrook scored on a 1-yard run to put the Eagles up 37-31.