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Talkshow Thursday: Meet Alexis Goring
Linda: Welcome to my blog! Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your latest release Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God. You've been a fiction writer. What made you decide to jump into the nonfiction genre, specially a devotional?
Alexis: Thanks for inviting me to be a guest on your blog, Linda! Thanks for the "congrats" on the publication of my first devotional book. Yes, I started out as a fiction writer but I've also been writing devotionals since age 16. I decided to move into the nonfiction genre by writing my first devotional book because God put it on my heart. Writing devotionals comes naturally to me. I'd say it's one of my spiritual gifts from God. He called me to it.
LM: How did you find writing the devotion different from fiction? The same?
Alexis: Writing and editing my devotional book was much easier for me than writing and editing fiction. God downloaded the devotional ideas into my mind and then the words just flowed out of me. It only took between 15 to 60 minutes for me to write and edit each devotional whereas it would take months and sometimes a year or more for me to write and edit fiction stories.
LM: How did you get started as a writer, and how did you decide to seek publication?
Alexis: I wrote my first "story" at age 9. It was called "Sisters" and really was only about 10 or 20 pages long. I credit my late maternal grandfather for inspiring me to be a storyteller with an impromptu storytelling game he played with my brother and I one day when we were kids. I loved my story so much that I spent that entire summer typing it out on the family computer. I then printed it out, bound it like a book with staples then illustrated each blank page to the left of the story on the right pages. After I completed that process, I knew that I wanted to be a writer. Since then, I felt a strong desire to learn everything I could about writing and to take every opportunity to train my talent as a writer. So I joined the newspaper staff in high school and I studied Print Journalism in college. I sought publication all along the way and God allowed those dreams of my heart to come true! I am so grateful.
LM: In addition to writing, you support authors as a virtual assistant, social media marketer, and editor. How do you balance the various aspects of your career?
Alexis: I balance everything by the grace of God. He enables me to spend just the right amount of time on each creative project and He enables me to work hard and effectively for my clients. During times when I don't have many clients, I focus more on my own work like my blogging and writing. It all works out perfectly, as God gives me grace and wisdom.
LM: If you could tell your younger writing-self one thing, what would it be?
Alexis: I would tell my younger writing-self to be patient. God knows what He's doing and everything will happen according to His plan and in His perfect time.
LM: What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Alexis: I wish I knew how to start a successful, award-winning photography business! It's another dream of my heart.
LM: Here are some quickies:
Alexis:
Favorite childhood book: Anne of Green Gables
Favorite food: Vegetarian Filipino cuisine
Favorite vacation place: Barbados
LM: What is your next project?
Alexis: I'm not currently working on a project. I'm taking a break from writing books.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Website https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/capturingidea/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7260528.Alexis_A_Goring
Twitter https://twitter.com/pennedbyalex
About Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God
Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.
Join Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.
Easy day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring's personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.
All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.
Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes you heart to look a little more like His.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B087D86CY2
Posted by Linda Matchett at 1:30 AM No comments:
Labels: #authorinterview, #devotionals, author Alexis Goring, Talkshow Thursday
Traveling Tuesday: Madison Square Garden
Growing up in New Jersey, I often traveled into New York City with my family and on school trips to sightsee and attend events. One of the venues, I visited was Madison Square Garden and have many fond memories. While researching one of my books, I discovered that famed aviator Charles Lindbergh spoke at a rally at the Garden in 1941 and knew I had the kernel of an idea for another book. What I didn't realize until I dug deeper is that there have actually been four Madison Square Gardens, and the one I visited is not the one where Lindbergh spoke.
Here's a bit more about the famous facilities that bear the name:
The first Madison Square Garden was the former train depot of the New York and Harlem Railroad. Owned by Commodore Vanderbilt, the building remained vacant from 1871 to 1874 when it was leased to P.T. Barnum. He renovated to create an open oval arena with benches and seats. Named Great Roman Hippodrome, the facility was used for Barnum's circus performances as well as other events. Subsequent lessees used it for flower, dog, and beauty shows, temperance meetings, concerts, revivals, and boxing matches. After Vanderbilt's death in 1879, his nephew took back control and renamed the building Madison Square Garden.
Ten years later, he sold to a syndicate that included J.P Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, and W.W. Astor who chose to demolish the building and have a new one designed by well-known architect Stanford White. With a minaret-like tower that rose thirty-two stories, the Garden was the city's second tallest building. The main hall had permanent seating for 8,000 people and floor capacity for thousands more. In addition a "small" theatre held 1,200 and a concert hall 1,500. In addition, there was a restaurant and roof top cabaret. Unfortunately, the cost to build was nearly three million dollars, and never provided the success and financial gain anticipated, so it was torn down in 1925.
The third Madison Square Garden, the one in which Lindbergh spoke, was located between 49th and 50th street on 8th Avenue, and not located on Madison Square. Construction costs are estimated at just under five million dollars, and the facility was constructed in a little over eight months. Groundbreaking occurred on January 9, 1925. Seating was available on three levels with a capacity of 18,496 visitors. The facility hosted several noteworthy events:
Although the Garden never hosted a national political convention, a rally was held to support Franklin Delano Roosevelt's bid for president in 1932. In 1936, he delivered his last campaign speech before the election there.
Five years later, in 1937, a Boycott Nazi Germany rally was held sponsored by the American Jewish Congress and the Jewish Labor Committee. New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia was one of the speakers.
In February 1939, the pro-Nazi organization German American Bund held a rally with 20,000 participants. The group was outlawed by the U.S. government by December 1941.
On May 23, 1941, Charles Lindbergh spoke at the America First Committee rally.
Nearly thirty years later, the building was demolished after the current Garden was constructed at One Worldwide Plaza.
About Murder at Madison Square Garden:
The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare.
Photojournalist Theodora "Teddy" Schafer's career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn't commit?
Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can't ignore the feeling he's supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3g1x86n
Labels: #WWII, America First Committee, Charles Lindbergh, Madison Square Garden, Traveling Tuesday
Talkshow Thursday: Meet A.S. Mackey
Linda: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your debut middle grade book The Age of Everywhen. Where did you find your inspiration for this story?
AS: It all started with a social media post! I saw a random post early in 2015 in which someone wished that there was such a thing as a book that automatically knew what kind of story you needed to hear right at that moment. What a concept! I decided to craft a story about a mysterious book that knows what story each reader needs to hear, and the book's power is derived from God. As a Christian, I believe that the story we need to hear is the one God is telling us about who we were meant to be, so that's the path I took.
LM: You've written lots of children's stories. What made you decide to move into the middle grade fiction genre?
AS: For some reason, my natural, unplanned reading level when I write, according to the Flesch-Kincaid scale, is about 5.5 to 6.0. Also, though I haven't studied childhood or tween development, I believe that there truly is a "Golden Age of Reading." A ten- or twelve-year-old is in that between-time: not a child, and not an adult. They're becoming more aware of the world around them, wondering about their place in that world, and hoping they fit in. They're becoming independent thinkers who can handle more abstract concepts than their younger counterparts, beginning to question their beliefs and ask hard questions.
But at the same time, most readers this age haven't yet developed that cynical thick skin that often comes with teens and adults, so their imagination allows them to suspend disbelief and accept a story at face value. This was the age I truly fell in love with reading on my own, and I love to create Christ-centered wonder for middle-grade readers. Also, adults aren't bored by books in this genre, because the reading level isn't childish, so it's a level that appeals to readers of many ages.
LM: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
AS: The beginning! I love to do research about names and places, and I love dreaming up new story lines to see if they have the makings of a full-fledged novel.
AS: Speak French fluently! Years ago I was fluent enough to actually dream in French, and to teach it as a substitute teacher in high school, but I've gotten so rusty! I just downloaded Duolingo, a
language app, so that I can practice more.
LM: Some quickies:
AS: Favorite color: Sage green
Favorite food: oooh, that's a tough one! I love ALL food, so if I have to pick one, it has to be dark chocolate.
Favorite time of year: Fall!
LM: You live in Alabama, a beautiful area of the U.S., many people visit. If money were no object, where would you vacation?
AS: Ireland, no doubt! My husband is a red-head with ancestors in Ireland, so I would love to spend a month there going from village to village, meeting the local people, and seeing Celtic history.
AS: I am busy creating additional content for this new release, such as an 8-week Bible study guide and chapter vocabulary lessons. I hope that the publishers at Lifeway will offer me contract for the sequel to The Edge of Everywhen, of course. But even if they don't, I always have a book going! I'm writing a young adult medieval allegory, sort of like Lord of the Rings meets Pilgrim's Progress. I'm writing a young adult speculative fiction piece about a girl who is a modern-day Philip. And I have some character names that are just begging for a middle grade series like Artemis Fowl, but those are just sort of percolating.
AS: My website is http://www.asmackey.com – and I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram. (Haven't made it over to Pinterest just yet!) To purchase a copy of the book (paperback, Audible, or Kindle,) click here.
About The Edge of Everywhen
A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a. 13-year-old self proclaimed book nerd who world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.
Piper reached to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt's home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.
Labels: #christianfiction, #mgfiction, Author AS Mackey, Talkshow Thursday
Traveling Tuesday: A Guest Post by Kathleen Bailey
Traveling Tuesday: "Wagon Train": What They Got Right
Ah, television, the medium that brought the world into our living rooms. In the 1950s and early 60s the small screen abounded with Westerns, reflecting a fascination with that part of our country's past. TV offered us a rich smorgasbord of Westerns, from a lone-wolf bounty hunter to a straight-up U.S. Marshal to a hunky single dad sharpshooter. There were sheriffs, cowboys on perpetual cattle drives and hired guns. Some were humorous, like James Garner's iconic Maverick, and some were family sagas, "Bonanza" and "The Big Valley."
And there was "Wagon Train."
The show premiered in 1957, in black and white, and was one of the first one-hour Westerns. It starred Ward Bond as the crusty wagon master Seth Adams, and Robert Horton as scout Flint McCullough. It looped in many of the top stars of its day, including Bette Davis and Ronald Reagan, for guest shots. The format, focusing each week on the story of one family or passenger, allowed the show to go on, well, forever. When Bond died and Horton took off for the musical stage, John McIntyre and Robert Fuller took over as wagon master and head scout. The show went to color, gave longtime bit players Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson co-star status, and expanded the staff to another young man and a teenage boy they picked up somewhere. It also went to 90 minutes, allowing for more complex plots and sometimes two story threads at a time.
But it was a Hollywood production, as accurate in its way as Cecil B. DeMille's Bible epics. That is to say, it had its moments.
Let's begin with a small point. Yeah, the women, especially the ingenues, always looked as if they had fresh makeup on, that's a given. But the young single women, and the younger married ones, also wore their hair loose, in freefall down their backs. Not the most practical way to face torrential rains, drought conditions, the desert, cooking over a campfire, washing clothes in a stream or carrying your little brother when the wagon got too heavy. Still, these girls were always immaculately dressed and coiffed. The scouts and wagon master dressed for the trip in sturdy pants, boots, shirts and vests. But their passengers, especially the professional men, wore suits and the occasional string tie. Like the young girls, they were always "ready for my closeup," even when repairing a broken axle or helping to shoe a horse. But the trail got messy, people. Staying alive trumped how you looked.
I was also amused to watch the social mores, when a "fancy lady from the East" had her maid set a dinner table with a cloth and china. After sixteen hours of travel under the blazing sun, sometimes walking, sometimes carrying those who couldn't walk, a supper of beans and cornbread, on tin plates at the campfire, was what most people could hope for and what most women could produce.
The wagons themselves drew my attention, if not my ire. Like Snoopy's doghouse or the Tardis, they somehow became larger when you got inside, holding everything from brass beds to pianos. But the wagons that crossed the prairie were a mere 4 feet wide and 10 feet high. I made mine wider for "Westward Hope," a conscious choice which I addressed early on, so some of my people would have something to throw out when they got to the mountains. You do what you have to do.
And "Wagon Train's" wagons were pulled by horses, while the more durable oxen were the beast of choice.
What did "Wagon Train" get right? A lot.
In both iterations, the writers and producers weren't shy about showing the rigors of the trail. Axles broke, wheels came off, people died from cholera or snake bites or gunshot wounds. Water, and the lack of it, was crucial, and both shows feature episodes where people almost died in the desert.
The show gave a more nuanced portrait of Native Americans than some of its era, with Bond, Horton, McIntyre and Fuller showing respect for the Indians' traditions and customs. Horton's Flint, raised by Mountain Man Jim Bridger, could speak some of their dialects. The show presented Indians who wanted to live in peace and Indians who, for whatever reason, didn't. Sometimes they were more cartoonish than at other times, but so were the whites.
"Wagon Train" also captured the nuances of life on the trail, throwing together up to 100 strangers to endure appalling conditions. They had different traditions, customs, languages and reasons for going West. They had different religions or no religion. And for six long months they formed a small town of their own, bickering and gossiping, fighting each other under the hot desert sun because they couldn't give voice to their real fears. Passions boiled over, and the wagon master usually had to intervene. There were threatened lynchings.
In the Ward Bond years there's a wonderful two-part episode where a young man is accused of murder, and a retired law professor agrees to defend him. Seth Adams acts as judge. The producers bring us through a full murder trial, in the midst of the desert, with a few good men standing against hysteria and half-truths. When the young man is finally acquitted, a beaming Seth Adams says it proves that justice will be served, even on a wagon train.
And the show captured the spirit behind the Great Emigration, especially in the early years. Ward Bond has several speeches in which he holds forth on the reasons for this kind of trip: everyone on his train is looking to make a new start. It's a place where people can be free. McIntyre's Chris Hale speaks for every emigrant when he says in one episode, "You're going where the only time you have to look down is when you tie your boots."
About Settler's Hope
After years of wandering, Pace Williams expects to find a home in the Oregon Country. He doesn't expect is to fall in love with a fiery Irishwoman bent on returning home to avenge her people.
Oona Moriarty expects one thing: to exact revenge on the English overlords who took her home. She doesn't expect to fall in love with a man who looks like he's been carved from this Western landscape.
Together they vow to trust the unexpected and settle into a life, but when Pace's ancient enemies threaten to destroy the life they're building, Oona must choose between helping the man she loves and seeking the revenge she craves.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CMN9K13
About Kathleen Bailey: Kathleen Bailey is a journalist and novelist with 40 years' experience in the nonfiction, newspaper and inspirational fields. Born in 1951, she was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s and a young mom in the 80s. It's been a turbulent, colorful time to grow up, and she's enjoyed every minute of it and written about most of it.
Bailey's work includes both historical and contemporary fiction, with an underlying thread of men and women finding their way home, to Christ and each other. Her first Pelican book, 'Westward Hope," was published in September 2019. This was followed by a novella, "The Logger's Chrsitmas Bride," in December 2019. Her second full-length novel, "Settler's Hope," was released July 17, 2020.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband David. They have two grown daughters.
For more information, contact her at ampie86@comcast.net; @piechick1 on Twitter; Kathleen D. Bailey on Facebook and LinkedIn; or at http://www.kathleendbailey.weebly.com.
Posted by Linda Matchett at 1:30 AM 7 comments:
Labels: #christianfiction, #historicfiction, Oregon Trail, Traveling Tuesday, Wagon Trains
Welcome back, Julie Arduini!
Linda: Thanks for stopping by. Congratulations on your newest release, You're Brilliant (Book 3, Surrendering Stinkin' Thinkin'). What was your inspiration for the story? Is this an ongoing series you plan to continue for the foreseeable future?
Julie: Thank you, Linda! The series is the brainchild of our teen daughter, Hannah. She has some health issues that make life a little more challenging than for most, and when she finished middle school, we were both drained from the experience. She was processing it by sharing how she wished there was a way to encourage girls younger than her before things start that make girls believe lies about themselves. As she shared, I realized she was sharing a story. It was good. I told her if she continued, I'd work with her and get it published. You're Brilliant is the last book in the series. We started with You're Beautiful, and there was also You're Amazing. I'm really proud of the series, and of Hannah.
LM: How long does it take you to write a book? Do you write lots of drafts or does the manuscript just need some "tweaking" and editing to be ready?
Julie: It depends on the book. For You're Brilliant, it took a few months. The quarantine really helped us as we were both home to work on it. When I write romance, that definitely takes me drafts and drafts.
LM: Does your writing energize or exhaust you?
Julie: Yes. Seriously, when I am in that zone where I know where the story is going and I'm deep in the character world, it energizes me. That doesn't happen as often as I wish. Typically I'm drained because I'm in that gap between plot points and I need to fill it, and the characters aren't talking to me!
LM: You co-author young adult books with your daughter and write contemporary romance for adults. How do you balance the two careers, and how is writing in the two genres different? The same?
Julie: I thought when I started the series with Hannah I could write both genres, but that did not work. I pushed the current romance series I'm working on, Surrendering Opinions, out until I finished the series with Hannah. I don't have what it takes to juggle more than one book at a time, or different genres. I think what's the same about writing in two genres is the process---creating characters, plot, writing, revising, editing, publishing, and marketing. What's different is the story world. With You're Brilliant, I observed the teens in my life and was intentional about knowing their world. What triggered them. What issues come up for them that my age might not notice. When I write romance, I'm still in a story world, but the characters are older and their goals are different.
Julie:. Don't let the fear of what others think hold you back. That fear kept me from writing for decades. God healed me from that, and a wise mentor encouraged me to have the "skin of a rhino and heart of a dove." It has helped me overcome and move forward.
Julie:
Walk, bicycle, or drive: Drive. The other two aren't bad options, but my favorite moments are when I visit my mom and have 300 miles to drive alone.
Cookies, pie, or cake: That's hard! That answer could change by the minute. Overall, I'll never turn down a good piece of cake.
Favorite shoe style: Flat and comfortable. I have bad knees and have never worn heels. Shoes aren't my thing, I'm pretty low-key about footwear.
LM: Can you tell us what writing projects are on your plate right now?
Julie: I am writing a new contemporary romance series called Surrendering Opinions about a group of sextuplets who stay in the national spotlight because of tragedy. Now that they are adults, they are each trying to find a love that was as strong as what their mom and dad shared. Each sibling will have their own book, and it starts with the oldest, Jordyn Collins, and the title is Anchored. My hope is for a winter release.
Linda: Where can folks connect with you?
Julie: I love when readers connect!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/JulieArduini
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JulieArduini
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/JulieArduini
Instagram: http://instagram.com/JulieArduini
Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/JulieArduini
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/JulieArduini
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Arduini/e/B00PBKDRSQ/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/julie-arduini
Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/321e32f02e17/juliearduininewsletter
About You're Brilliant:
Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.
Bethany's not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn't know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ's boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he's determined to make her suffer.
Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina's wedding. It's a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor's wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she's found an assignment where she can make a different until a teacher belittles her work.
Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they're brilliant?
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0874Y5B4C
Labels: #authorinterview, #christianfiction, Author Julie Arduini, Talkshow Thursday, YA Fiction
Release Day: Murder at Madison Square Garden
Every author is excited when a new book releases, however, Murder at Madison Square Garden holds a special place in my heart. I spent many of my growing up years in New Jersey. We were close enough to New York City, that my parents often took us to visit. I also went on numerous field trips with school groups. One of the places I went on several occasions was the Garden, so it was very fun to have the facility be the main setting of my latest mystery novel, a traditional whodunit.
I hope you enjoy Murder at Madison Square Garden that features a couple of cameo appearances by famed aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Here's a bit about the story:
Purchase Link: books2read.com/u/31qK17
Posted by Linda Matchett at 1:30 AM 1 comment:
Labels: #history, #mysteryfiction, #newrelease
Mystery Monday: Dame Margaret Cole
British mystery writer Margaret Cole who co-wrote over thirty detective stories with her husband G.D.H. Cole was a prolific author. Part of the Postgate family from the North York moors, Margaret also penned poetry and several nonfiction books. She later went into politics and was awarded a DBE. Her ancestor's land grant was awarded in the year 1200, and through the centuries the family was notable in many fields including science, music, education, journalism, and entertainment. Film and stage actress Dame Angela Lansbury is Margaret's cousin.
Margaret attended the Roedean School where she was very unhappy, later saying, "Roedean was, emphatically, the wrong sort of school for me. But I would go further and say it was not a good sort of school at all. It was very expensive; I only got in as the winner of the single annual scholarship." She later attended Girton College (part of Cambridge), and finished all the requirements for a degree. (At that time most universities did not grant degrees to women.)
She and her family were staunch socialists and became pacifists during WWII. Her brother was jailed after his exemption as a conscientious objector was denied and he refused military orders. Her poem "The Falling Leaves" is one of her most famous works and is one of the first anti-war poems from a woman's perspective. When Hitler began to overrun Europe, Margaret abandoned her pacifism, however she continued to be active in the socialist cause.
During a campaign against conscription, she met and married G.D.H. Cole. They joined the Fabian Society, an organization whose purpose is to advance the principles of democratic socialist via reformist efforts rather than revolutionary overthrow. The couple eventually moved to Oxford where they taught and wrote. Their first mystery novel "The Death of a Millionaire" was published in 1925. Published in 1948, their final novel was "The Toys of Death." Series characters were Superintendent Henry Wilson, Everad Blatchington, and Dr. Tancred.
Their book "Murder at the Munition Works" was published in 1940, and the story is woven around wartime production, shop stewards, and walk-outs. Because of its topic, one scholar theorizes that Margaret's husband wrote the book in its entirety rather than as a collaboration with her, however, there is no proof. Most readers agree that the Cole's early works are their better novels with ingenious ideas, complex characterizations, and sharp satire.
And despite being considered as good as Agatha Christie's stories, the Coles and their books have faded into obscurity.
About Murder at Madison Square Garden
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/329SVVt
Labels: #mysteryfiction, Dame Margaret Cole, female authors, Mystery Monday
Talkshow Thursday: Author Johnnie Alexander
Linda: Thanks for stopping by. Congratulations on your recent release The Mischief Thief. I absolutely loved the story. What was your inspiration for the plot?
Johnnie: I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, Linda. The reviews have been very encouraging. (And that makes me smile big-time! LOL!!)
Very early on, I hit upon the idea of a Les Miserables meets Leverage story.
Most people are familiar with the powerful scene in Les Mis when the bishop gives the silver candlesticks—and amazing grace—to Jean Valjean. The television show, Leverage, is about a team of reformed criminals who help people in need of justice.
I enjoy stories of "bad guys doing good" so it was fun to write about a con artist with a conscience.
LM: Through your book, I learned a great deal about the horse racing industry as well as other interesting topics? How did you conduct your research, or did you already have a knowledge base?
Johnnie: The internet was definitely my friend! Since you've read the story, you know that part of the con (slight spoiler alert here!) involves a claiming race. My sister told me about there was such a thing, then laughed because I looked up the legislation for such races in the Florida Statutes. I also looked up information about the racing industry and what's known as the Horse Murders.
LM: In addition to writing and publishing, you support authors through your podcast Novelists Unwind. How did that come about, and how do you balance the different parts of your writing life?
Johnnie: Oh, wow! I'm in my third year of interviewing inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. It's a joy to talk about writing journeys and characters and whatever else happens to come up in the conversation.
I was already cohosting a weekly show called Writers Chat. Interviewing authors seemed like a natural next step. Thanks to you, Linda, for being one of my recent guests!
Balance is not one of my favorite words. I prefer to think in terms of ebb and flow. As writers, we have responsibilities that go beyond imagining stories. For me, that includes scheduling two to three Novelists Unwind interviews a month, a monthly newsletter, mentoring responsibilities, and other platform-building interactions.
I usually have weekly word count goals to meet, too.
It may sound like a lot, and sometimes it is overwhelming. But I'm so grateful for the opportunities God gives to me. Writing stories is my dream!
LM: Turnabout is fair play. What do you do to unwind?
Johnnie: I love this question! Right now, I'm in a season where I'm starting a new story almost before I've finished the current one. I love going to the movies which isn't possible right now. So I unwind by stretching out in the recliner with either a book or a binge-worthy TV show.
LM: If your story was going to be made into a movie, who would you like to see play the main characters?
Johnnie: I rarely cast characters as I'm creating them, but this story was an exception. Early on, I searched for someone to "be" Adam Thorne, the male protagonist who is a minister without a ministry. He'd be played by Liam Hemsworth who played Gale in the Hunger Games movies.
I also found a photo of a cute pixie-like girl with short blonde hair and trendy glasses to be Chaney Rose, my con artist with a conscience. AnnaSophia Robb would be a great choice to play her!
Johnnie:
Coffee or tea? Neither! Strange as it may seem, I don't like coffee or tea. But I love cocoa!
Walk, bicycle, or drive a car? I don't have a bike right now, and I love road trips!
Lake or ocean for vacation? A lake—as long as there are also lots of trees.
Johnnie: I'm writing a romantic suspense novel for Annie's Fiction Sweet Intrigue Series, planning a WWII novel, and keeping my eyes open for another Rose & Thorne story.
Johnnie: One of my favorite places to interact is through my newsletter which features updates and a monthly Let's Chat giveaway. Readers can sign up at my website: http://bit.ly/JAWriter
Here are a few other links:
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/JA-Author
BookBub: http://bit.ly/JA-BBub
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/JA-FBk
Facebook Profile: https://bit.ly/JA-FBP
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/JA-Goodreads
About the Mischief Thief
Two wrongs don't make a right...except when they do. For con artist Chaney Rose, life hasn't been easy. In desperate need of cash, she readily agrees to find Mischief, a stolen racehorse. Hunting for clues, she breaks into the suspected horse thief's home only to be caught—with a few pilfered items in her pockets—by the police detective who's tailing her. By-the-book Adam Thorne was fired from his church because of his father's involvement with the valuable thoroughbred In a burst of Les Miserables-inspired grace, Adam tells the detective that he gave Chaney the stolen items. Adam wants Chaney to find his missing father. When Chaney learns that Mischief's owner intends to kill the racehorse, she needs Adam's help to expose the cruel plan before it's too late. Will a con artist with a conscience and a minister without a ministry risk imprisonment to do the wrong thing for the right reason?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/38qP7jJ
Labels: #authorinterview, #christianfiction, author Johnnie Alexander, horse racing, Talkshow Thursday
Fiction Friday: New Releases
Talkshow Thursday: Meet Kristen Terrette


text:
CREDIT ANALYSIS REPORT
LEBUHRAYA DUKE FASA 3 SDN BHD - 2019
Report ID 6042 Popularity 520 views 35 downloads
Report Date Nov 2019 Product
Company / Issuer Lebuhraya Duke Fasa 3 Sdn Bhd Sector Infrastructure & Utilities - Toll Road
Normal: RM500.00
Add to Cart	Remove from Cart
MARC has affirmed its rating of AA-IS on toll concessionaire Lebuhraya DUKE Fasa 3 Sdn Bhd's (DUKE 3) RM3.64 billion Sukuk Wakalah. The rating outlook remains negative.
DUKE 3, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ekovest Berhad (Ekovest), is undertaking the design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance of the 32.1-km Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE) in Kuala Lumpur. SPE will connect Middle Ring Road 2 at Wangsa Maju to Kerinchi Link adjoining Federal Highway and is being built under a concession agreement (CA) with the Malaysian government ending August 5, 2069.
The Sukuk Wakalah was put on a negative outlook last year over the uncertainty on the direction of the toll road sector following the government's decision to review toll road concessions and their tariff framework. The negative outlook also incorporated a delay in receipt of the reimbursable interest assistance (RIA) from the government amounting to RM460.0 million that could potentially affect DUKE 3's debt-servicing ability.
While the sector's regulatory environment appears more settled and the RIA has been fully received in April 2019, the rating outlook remains negative as there is now a risk of time overrun. This is arising from the change in alignment at the Bandar Malaysia stretch, a circumstance that is beyond the scope of DUKE 3's control. While the issue is now resolved, that change in decision over the road alignment at Bandar Malaysia, and the consequent need to restart the land acquisition process have set the construction back by 14 months. As a result, project completion is now projected to be in November 2020 instead of February 2020 as initially planned. Under the latest work plan, progress of construction as at end-September 2019 stood at 62.8% against the scheduled 64.7%, slightly behind schedule but deemed manageable.
Commencement of tolling operations is accordingly expected to be deferred to January 2021, nine months later than the initially scheduled April 2020. This could compromise DUKE 3's debt protection metrics. However, a Construction Reserve Account (CRA) is in place to mitigate potential cash flow issues arising from tolling delays and cost overruns. In this regard, Ekovest had procured a Bank Guarantee (BG) from AmBank Islamic amounting to RM184.5 million to meet the requirement under the Minimum CRA Balance (i.e. 5% of the construction cost). The sum under the BG can be drawn down partly and when required to maintain the cash buffer at a level that meets the covenanted finance service cover ratio (FSCR) of 1.50
SPE is expected to be completed within the RM3.86 billion budgeted cost. In the event of any cost overruns, this is expected to be absorbed by Ekovest given the fixed-price contract entered into with the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. Meanwhile, project funding is sufficient to finance completion; as at end-September 2019, DUKE 3 had close to RM2 billion in the Investment Funds (i.e. unutilised funds drawn down from the facility which were invested in money market instruments) to fund the remaining 37% of works. In addition, there is approximately RM238 million in the Designated Accounts to help meet the next semi-annual profit payment of RM109.3 million due in February 2020.
Under the latest cash flow projections that take into consideration the CRA, DUKE 3's minimum and average pre-distribution FSCR with cash balance are projected at 2.36x and 2.68x. With MARC's sensitivity of a six-month tolling delay (i.e. start of tolling in July 2021 versus base case's January 2021), our projections indicate that DUKE 3 can still maintain its minimum FSCR around 2.1x. Our sensitivities indicate that DUKE 3's cash flow can tolerate up to approximately 10% reduction in traffic volume coupled with the six-month tolling delay before it breaches the 1.50x covenanted FSCR in 2035.
MARC will continue to monitor the project progress closely. The rating could be downgraded if the project is unlikely to be completed within the current timeline (i.e. November 2020) and cost parameters. Conversely, evidence that the project is likely to be completed on time and within cost could stabilise the rating outlook.
Major Rating Factors
Well-positioned alignment within mature catchment areas;
Accessibility via a network of major roadways;
Debt amortisation matches project cash flows; and
Long-dated concession tenure.
Challenges/Risks
Moderate debt protection measures for the sukuk;
Construction cost overruns and completion delay; and
Risk of toll hike deferrals and delays in receipt of government compensation.
List related news | List related issues | List related reports

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
CHRIS AND MOIRA: NEW SINGLE AND MORE FOREIGN GIGS
Can't slow down is the title of the latest single from Chris and Moira, but it is also a fitting statement reflecting the band's relentless work ethic and constant dedication to music. The funky riff that rolls out at the beginning of the song, along with the punctuated rhythm driving the song's three and a half minutes reveal yet another of its parent album's variety of ingredients; collectively representative of the fact that Chris and Moira did not hold back from exploring new ground while writing the ninety nights and a Monday album.
Released just a couple of months ago, the album is the result of a tasking three years, during which time the band (for the record, Chris and Moira has never been a duo) consolidated not the only its live set, but also realigned its focus to get their latest release heard by as many people as possible, and not just here in Malta where they have been a household name for at least two decades, but also beyond our shores. In fact, apart from a string of single releases (of which Can't Slow Down is the fourth) the album has already been promoted abroad, with several of its tracks having been played on foreign radio stations. More recently, the band had also played a number of gigs in a number of countries as part of the Tour 170 promotional schedule, further to which the band will shortly be jetting off to perform at three outdoor rock events, two in Italy and the other, Bratislava Rock Festival, in Slovakia.
The ninety nights and a Monday album is available as a digital download on iTunes or in CD format by contacting the band directly on Facebook. For more information, visit chrisandmoira.com
Tour170 on Facebook
Chris and Moira on Facebook
#pop #rock


text:
Joseph Sherwood
The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary in Yellowstone National Park
If you only have 2 days to spend in Yellowstone National Park, here's the perfect itinerary for your trip to one of America's most beautiful locations.
The 6 Best Halloween Party Games to Spook Up Your Halloween
Whether you're planning a Halloween party for kids or adults, here are 6 awesome Halloween games to keep the party spooky and silly.
The Bandage Man of Cannon Beach: An Oregon Horror Story
I bet you thought mummies only existed in Egypt! Well, the Bandage Man of Cannon Beach is Oregon's own evil mummy.
Take This Lollipop and Enter a Zoom Nightmare
You know you're not supposed to take candy from strangers. But why not take this lollipop anyway?
Return the Slab: The Scariest Episode of Courage the Cowardly Dog Ever
After doing some research on the internet about Courage the Cowardly Dog, it seems like there is one episode that holds a lot of mental real estate with many fans of the show. The episode I'm talking about, of course, is "King Ramses' Curse", known colloquially as "Return the Slab".
Why the Gamecube Is the Best Gaming Console of All Time
On November 18, 2001, Nintendo bestowed upon North America the greatest gaming console that has ever existed, and may ever exist if the world keeps trending toward imminent destruction. But let's put that negativity aside and talk about one of the undeniable treasures of our world: the Nintendo Gamecube. With the recent release of the […]
The 6 Best Grunge Bands of All Time
Born in Seattle in the late 1980s, the grunge music scene has produced some of the best rock bands of all time. Here are the 6 best grunge bands ever.
The Disturbing TV Interview of Murderer Stephen McDaniel
In 2011, murderer Stephen McDaniel strangled Lauren Giddings to death and then gave a TV news interview where he posed as a distraught neighbor.
Samuel Little: The Most Prolific Serial Killer In U.S. History
Named "the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history" by the FBI, Samuel Little is believed to have murderer 93 people, most of them women.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Milk Steak Is a Real Thing (And It's Gross)
The fictional food item from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, milk steak, should have stayed that way: fictional. But, of course, someone made it into a real thing and it's disgusting.
What Is the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility?: The Clean Energy Project Gone Terribly Wrong
Out in California's Mojave Desert is the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, a controversial power plant that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
Start a New Life in Bloxburg on Roblox
"Welcome to Bloxburg," Gen Z's favorite life-simulation RPG, is a more kid-friendly version of The Sims.
Exploring Recurring Dreams and What They Mean
Have you ever had the same dream over and over, or maybe a recurring dream year after year for your entire life? You're not the only one.
The 7 Best Joaquin Phoenix Movies of His Career
From his beginnings as a child actor, Joaquin Phoenix has become one of the best actors that Hollywood has ever seen. These are the top 7 Joaquin Phoenix movies to watch.
The Freak From the Fire: The Legendary Char-Man of Ojai, California
Yelling "Help me!" from a particular bridge in California might bring you face-to-face with the Char-Man, a vicious monster from local folklore.
What Is Project Blue Beam?: Inside the Universal Religion Conspiracy Theory
Everything you need to know about the Project Blue Beam theory claiming a New World Order is secretly replacing all religions with one universal religion.


As I have grown into the role of a Coach, I have been relatively silent on issues around Equality. As I listen to people as both a Coach and Guide for the Red Boot Way, the idea that we are all much more alike than different keeps getting reinforced. Regardless of everything that makes us unique: skin color, beliefs, backgrounds, sexual orientation, etc. we really are much more alike than we are different.
I thought that as a Coach, I should quiet my beliefs in an effort to appeal to everyone. However, in order to be truly authentic and transparent, I am standing up as a Coach and Warrior.
Regardless of our race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion, we all deserve the same, equal rights. We deserve the same opportunities. We deserve to be loved, treated fairly and to feel safe.
My belief in Equality sits at the core of who I am.
I have been silent so that people can be comfortable with me. Yet, clients pay me to push them out of their comfort zone. I expect clients to make decisions and move forward from their own integrity, and I need to do the same and bravely step up.
What is it costing you to not stand up and speak out?
What is it costing others when you don't take action?


text:
import { NgModule } from '@angular/core';
import { CoreLoginHelperProvider } from './providers/helper';

// List of providers.
export const CORE_LOGIN_PROVIDERS = [
    CoreLoginHelperProvider
];

@NgModule({
    declarations: [
    ],
    imports: [
    ],
    providers: CORE_LOGIN_PROVIDERS
})
export class CoreLoginModule {}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Orchard's 'Out of Body Experience' This WEEKEND!
If you're in Boston this weekend make sure to head over to Mass Art for the premiere of Orchards first video offering 'Out of Body Experience'. From what we've heard the entire video is sure to blow minds! Jetty team rider Fritz Mead has worked super hard over the past two years collecting an insane amount of great footage...When talking with Fritz about his part he said, "I'm just happy I landed some tricks and got out alive."


text:
News | Entertainment
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Home > News > Entertainment
'Marriage Story' leads the Golden Globes nominations with six nods
The Noah Baumbach-directed drama - which stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson - picked up an impressive six nominations on Monday (09.12.19) including Best Motion Picture - Drama as well as Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama and Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for Adam and Scarlett respectively
Going head to head with 'Marriage Story' in the Best Motion Picture category includes 'The Irishman', '1917', 'Joker' and 'The Two Popes', three out of five which are Netflix films, whilst in the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy category, Hollywood blockbuster 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' will go up against 'Jojo Rabbit', 'Knives Out', 'Rocketman and 'Dolemite Is My Name'.
Alongside Scarlett, Cynthia Erivo's portrayal in 'Harriet' sees her being nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama as well as Saoirse Ronan ('Little Women'), Charlize Theron ('Bombshell') and Renée Zellweger ('Judy'), whilst Adam faces Hollywood greats Christian Bale ('Ford v Ferrari'), Antonio Banderas ('Pain and Glory'), Joaquin Phoenix ('Joker') and Jonathan Pryce ('The Two Popes').
Filmmaking legends 'The Irishman's Martin Scorsese, '1917's Sam Mendes, Quentin Tarantino - who directed 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' and 'Joker's Todd Phillips will go against Bong Joon-ho ('Parasite)' for Best Director - Motion Picture, whilst Jennifer Lopez found herself with a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for her part in 'Hustlers'. Daniel Craig ('Knives Out'), Roman Griffin Davis ('Jojo Rabbit'), Leonardo DiCaprio ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'), Taron Egerton ('Rocketman') and Eddie Murphy ('Dolemite Is My Name') will go head to head for the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy award.
On the television side, 'Big Little Lies', 'The Crown', 'Killing Eve', 'The Morning Show' and 'Succession' will fight for Best Television Series - Drama, with 'Big Little Lies' stars Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role alongside Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Colman and Jodie Comer. Brian Cox, Kit Harington, Rami Malek, Tobias Menzies and Billy Porter are nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama.
The 77th Golden Globe Awards will take place on January 5, 2020.
An abridged list of nominations for the 2020 Golden Globe Awards are as follows:
Best Motion Picture – Drama
'The Irishman' (Netflix)
'Marriage Story' (Netflix)
'1917' (Universal)
'Joker' (Warner Bros.)
'The Two Popes' (Netflix)
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (Sony)
'Jojo Rabbit' (Fox Searchlight)
'Knives Out' (Lionsgate)
'Rocketman' (Paramount)
'Dolemite Is My Name' (Netflix)
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Christian Bale ('Ford v Ferrari')
Antonio Banderas ('Pain and Glory')
Adam Driver ('Marriage Story')
Joaquin Phoenix ('Joker')
Jonathan Pryce ('The Two Popes')
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Cynthia Erivo ('Harriet')
Scarlett Johansson ('Marriage Story')
Saoirse Ronan ('Little Women')
Charlize Theron ('Bombshell')
Renée Zellweger ('Judy')
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Daniel Craig ('Knives Out')
Roman Griffin Davis ('Jojo Rabbit')
Leonardo DiCaprio ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood')
Taron Egerton ('Rocketman')
Eddie Murphy ('Dolemite Is My Name')
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Awkwafina ('The Farewell')
Ana de Armas ('Knives Out')
Cate Blanchett ('Where'd You Go, Bernadette')
Beanie Feldstein ('Booksmart')
Emma Thompson ('Late Night')
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Tom Hanks ('A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood')
Anthony Hopkins ('The Two Popes')
Al Pacino ('The Irishman')
Joe Pesci ('The Irishman')
Brad Pitt ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood')
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Kathy Bates ('Richard Jewell')
Annette Bening ('The Report')
Laura Dern ('Marriage Story')
Jennifer Lopez ('Hustlers')
Margot Robbie ('Bombshell')
Best Director – Motion Picture
Bong Joon-ho ('Parasite')
Sam Mendes ('1917')
Todd Phillips ('Joker')
Martin Scorsese ('The Irishman')
Quentin Tarantino ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood')
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Noah Baumbach ('Marriage Story')
Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won ('Parasite')
Anthony McCarten ('The Two Popes')
Quentin Tarantino ('Once Upon a Time in Hollywood')
Steven Zaillian ('The Irishman')
Best Television Series – Drama
'Big Little Lies' (HBO)
'The Crown' (Netflix)
'Killing Eve' (BBC America)
'The Morning Show' (Apple TV Plus)
'Succession' (HBO)
Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
'Barry' (HBO)
'Fleabag' (Amazon)
'The Kominsky Method' (Netflix)
'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' (Amazon)
'The Politician' (Netflix)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Brian Cox ('Succession')
Kit Harington ('Game of Thrones')
Rami Malek ('Mr. Robot')
Tobias Menzies ('The Crown')
Billy Porter ('Pose')
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Jennifer Aniston ('The Morning Show')
Olivia Colman ('The Crown')
Jodie Comer ('Killing Eve')
Nicole Kidman ('Big Little Lies')
Reese Witherspoon ('Big Little Lies')
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Michael Douglas ('The Kominsky Method')
Bill Hader ('Barry')
Ben Platt ('The Politician')
Paul Rudd ('Living with Yourself')
Ramy Youssef ('Ramy')
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Christina Applegate ('Dead to Me')
Rachel Brosnahan ('The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel')
Kirsten Dunst ('On Becoming a God in Central Florida')
Natasha Lyonne ('Russian Doll')
Phoebe Waller-Bridge ('Fleabag')
>> More Entertainment News
© 2020 Bang Showbiz, NZCity
Other Entertainment News
30 Jan: Jessica Simpson's husband Eric Johnson quit drinking when she decided to get sober
30 Jan: LeAnn Rimes has opened up about her blended family
30 Jan: Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan have reached an agreement over custody of their daughter
30 Jan: Madonna has cancelled the first London show of her 'Madame X' tour, due to injury
30 Jan: Scott Borchetta says he will "always root" for Taylor Swift
29 Jan: Prince William has been appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2020
29 Jan: Louis Tomlinson thinks being in One Direction was "like a drug"
The Blues are sticking their English import straight into the heat of Super Rugby More...
Concerns that Wellington's been shortchanged by the Government's new infrastructure scheme More...
Wellington:
Two people have been hurt in a house fire in Porirua 8:07
Jessica Simpson's husband Eric Johnson quit drinking when she decided to get sober 8:00
Cricket:
Kane Williamson's philosophical about getting stuck in another super-over 7:57
Concerns that Wellington's been shortchanged by the Government's new infrastructure scheme 7:57
Law and Order:
A Christchurch judge is criticising a police investigation into the theft of thousands of dollars from more than 150 parking meters 7:47
LeAnn Rimes has opened up about her blended family 7:30
Health & Safety:
The Hutt Valley DHB is welcoming a funding boost for maternity services, amid calls for better foetal heart rate monitoring during labour 7:27
Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial moves to questions as senators grill legal teams, follow live 7:27
Two New Zealanders have been jailed for their role in a multi-million dollar drug ring in Australia 7:17
Indian gang rapists to be hanged after horrific 2012 assault on New Delhi bus 7:07
Entertainment NZ News NewsLinks NZ Web
© 2020 New Zealand City Ltd


text:
Fluance RT82 Review: A Front-Runner Turntable [for 2021]
Written by SaifZiya
There was a time when turntables almost were out of fashion, but with the contemporary demands of DJs, they've made their come-back and astounded the music enthusiasts like never before, courtesy of their unsurpassed features and capabilities. To see how this turntable manages to have the upper hands over its competition, read the complete Fluance RT82 review as laid out below.
And, when this revivification took place, Fluance couldn't just back up and launched Fluance RT82, getting the upper hands over RT81, which took the music lovers by storm, especially music aficionados who prefer purchasing music gear online.
While carrying out the detailed analysis on Fluance RT82, when we took the first look at the turntable, we fell head over heels in love with it, and it was very mesmerizing. For that reason, speaking of the looks, you would be surprised to have it, and you can take our word for it. Whether your most cherished color is walnut or black, Fluance has got your back with both.
Revealed:
What Headphones Does PewDiePie Use in 2020?
Fluance RT82 Review
This Fluance RT82 Review is not the only place where Fluance manages to stay on top of the competitors, Fluance also listed as the premium pick—its prior model i.e. RT81 was featured on turntables under $500 and received appreciation from the audiophiles who're fond of feeling the warmth in the sound while listening to records on a turntable.
And, this is RT82 that we're talking about—a superior turntable with next-level features to have all music enthusiasts satisfied in the first place. It boasts pure analog performance, remarkable music accuracy, rock-hard wood plinth, outstanding signal clarity, among other fascinating experiences.
Just like you love to enjoy your long drive relaxing in your car with the best car subwoofer amp, if you're looking forward to making most out of Hi-Fi music experience. This turntable has been meticulously engineered to meet the standards or the PRO music listeners, and that's why it never goes against the grain of their intentions.
Fluance RT82 Turntable: Notable Features
Semi-Automatic Turntable; Stops automatically
Adjustable Anti-Skating System
Boasts Ortofon OM 10 MM Cartridge for Better Audio Quality
Gold-plated RCA Connector
Type: Belt-Drive Turntable
Offers Anti-resonance (anti-vibration) experience
DC Motor with Servo Controller
Extremely durable; designed to last longer
2-Speed Turntable: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Dust Cover: Yes (Tinted)
Aluminum Platter
Music devotees who are setting their sights on this model or any turntable for this matter for the very first time should not come unglued and, therefore, must be aware of the fact that this is a turntable, and NOT a record player.
If you don't know the differences between the two, it's time you paid close attention to the similarities, and how both are not the same: turntable vs record player.
Unlike other cheap turntables, the Fluance RT82 gives you the opportunity to be lost in the soothing music by saying goodbye to all the interruptions. Controlling the speed of the record has never been easier, thanks to the versatility. Yes, you can play your most favorite records at either 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM, the choice is all yours. The platter is all aluminum which adds an extra layer to the prolonged existence of this record player, undoubtedly.
Concerned about those unnecessary vibrations that become the bane of your existence?
Well, with this RT82 turntable, you will get past that like a charm because apart from being equipped with a solid plinth, it also boasts 3 rubber spike-type height-adjustable isolation fee that will help you dispense with the unwanted resonance that mostly happens during the playback.
Fluance RT82 Review - An In-depth Analysis
This is a semi-automatic turntable that is capable of stopping automatically when the record has stopped playing. Unlike other models of Fluance, this one is having a different cartridge, however, the platter is aluminum which is very much similar to RT81, RT83, and RT84 models.
The tonearm is also made of aluminum, offering superior clarity and warmth in the sound production, and the length of the tonearm is 8.82" which is as good as it gets. It boasts a top-of-the-line MMA cartridge which is an ideal choice for those who are on the lookout for the precision in the sound.
Now, to offer you peace of mind, let's have a category-wise review of this model give you an honest opinion:
First things first—is this turntable i.e. Fluance RT82 beautiful enough to catch one's eye?
On top of producing a clearer and warm sound, boasting a premium, stunning look, it will make you say "Wow" and fall in love with it at first sight. The solid wood plinth not only makes it sturdy but also gives a stunning look that captivates the hearts and minds of the person who possesses it.
Those 3 rubber feet not only help you adjust the height of your turntable but also takes the ergonomic design and craftsmanship to the next level. Since it is available in two colors, it will highly likely complement any place you put it in.
The dimensions of this turntable are up to the mark, which also plays a huge role in the looks and design, and the thickness of it couldn't get any better—hands down!
If you're a huge fan of warmth and ultimate clarity in the sound, you won't be disappointed by this out-of-this-world turntable which lets you feel every tiny detail in the sound.
It offers pure analog performance and the servo-controlled belt-drive motor which brings next-level precision to the table. This model is very revolutionary and you will get to see superior audio engineering in this turntable. This sets a perfect example for those audiophiles who have been mixing sound for a long time in this field. This is all possible without the possession of a built-in preamp.
Achieving spectacular clarity in every record you play is a must. That's why Fluance couldn't help but introduce the S-shaped tonearm into this RT82 model which helps you gain ultimate mastery while tracking records more accurately.
The reason why Fluance RT82 stands out from the crowd is that it also brings "Ortofon OM 10 Cartridge" to life which makes the job of tracing the grooves in a record super easy for you.
All of this happens while delivering natural sound, without any coloration.
Is this RT82 turntable from Fluance capable of bringing all those features to the table that you're in search of?
If it doesn't satisfy you in that area, it's not worth your attention for sure. That's why we went over the ins and outs of this turntable with an intention to figure out if this one is a great pick for you.
Being a reference turntable, it will never let you miss out on the warmth of sound. As a result, it will never go against the wishes of audiophiles. In fact, when the record of your favorite legend is played on this turntable, you will be lost in the music in next to no time.
Unlike other vinyl players, this one is equipped with the 3 rubber isolation feet which are 100% height adjustable which not only looks good but also lets you get rid of the resonance during the playback. We believe that you won't get the construction of solid plinth in other models from other vinyl brands at this price range.
For delivering you the remarkable tracking, an S-shaped tonearm has been equipped into this Fluance RT82 turntable. So, no more struggling to get the groovy music experience you diverse or truly wish.
Looking forward to making the most out of the output capabilities? If that's what you're after, the RCA outputs are there to give you the satisfaction you crave for. What's amazing is that it's gold-plated which even looks cooler.
Speaking of the motor, it could not get any better—there's a DC motor with a servo controller that is capable of analyzing the speed at 500 times per second.
Being a semi-automatic turntable, it makes the job even easier for you. Put differently, you don't have to wait for the record to end and lift the tonearm all by yourself—the record will stop playing automatically after it has completed playing till the end.
Also learn: Manual vs Automatic vs Semi-automatic
If you truly admire semi-automatic turntable, you could also look at another turntable that we've rounded up for you: DP 400 turntable.
Controls are what makes your life and music listening experience a whole lot easier. That's why it's extremely important that you get every control you need.
As we've discussed earlier, this is a 2-speed turntable, allowing you to play your vinyl records at 45 and 33 RPM and it runs like clockwork.
Although it requires you to set up your own preamp (this one doesn't have a built-in preamp), there is an RCA connector which is a lifesaver for people like you who prefer connecting to the external devices. The good news is that RCA is gold-plated which gives your turntable a never-seen-before look.
You can also adjust the height of the turntable using those 3 rubber feet—of course, they're not there only for giving you anti-resonance experience.
What's more, you could gift this turntable to someone you love—someone who loves music or the art of mixing sounds because this one is easily giftable.
Does setting up this turntable require you to put your extra efforts? Will you be needing somebody else to set this turntable up for you or you could do it on your own?
Well, putting this thing together is a piece of cake!
If you decide to get your hands on this one—which we recommend you to—there will be no painful process while setting it up, giving you a sigh of relief all the way through the easy-to-understand, an instructive guide that comes along with it. But being a reference turntable, it does require you to have preamp power since it doesn't come with a built-in preamp.
It gets 4.7 ratings out of 5 on Amazon, and 4.9 ratings out of 5 on the official website. That's why from the perspective of customer satisfaction, it also does an amazing job. And, anyone—both professional audiophiles and a newcomer will find it quite
If you would like to get a Hi-Fi phono preamp for this turntable, you could consider having Fluance PA10 which will not take much of your space and offer great optimized, uncompromised phone amplification and equalization.
Are you still having issues during the installation? Panic not—rather, browse Installation Manual [pdf] and stay at ease.
It's worth spending your bucks on a top-of-the-line turntable if it offers one-of-its-kind features.
What if you're getting the next-level features without spending more dollars? Would you not take the shot, or would you let the matter rest?
In spite of being a front-runner turntable, it offers you the bang for your bucks. It is very reasonably priced with all the amazing features in mind. In fact, it has been reviewed by top media websites, such as CNET, Vinyl Rewind, JOENTELL, for example, that depicts that it's an amazing turntable you can count on.
We don't think that you will get all such spectacular features under $300 for sure. Overall, it is a value for money, and that's why we vouch for it.
Does Fluance RT82 turntable come with a dust cover to protect the cartridge, platter, stylus, and other parts from dust?
If you wish to experience clarity in every vinyl record playing on your turntable, you want to make sure that there's no dust on the platter.
There's a tinted dust cover that keeps this Hi-Fi turntable safe from the dust and debris of other solid material. So, when you're done playing your favorite record on it, you could cover it up with the tinted dust cover.
If you're wanting to have a turntable that lasts for years, ensuring it has a dust cover will really pay you off in the end because a dust cover really helps in that area.
And, it's not merely regarding keeping your vinyl player safe, a dust cover, especially the one which is transparent, also gives your turntable a next-level look.
That's why it is important to invest in a record player or turntable that features a dust cover.
How To Setup Fluance RT82
Fluance RT82 Turntable: What's in the Box?
Since you're paying your dollars for this top-of-the-line or flagship model, you can't miss out on the items you will be getting in the box of this Fluance RT82 turntable.
Having said that, we've prepared a list of the items or things that you will receive after the package reaches you:
Must Reads:
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Marantz TT-15S1 Review
Denon DP 400 Review
Victrola Record Player Review
Verdict On Fluance RT82 Review
So, there you have it—an unbiased Fluance RT82 review explaining the nuts and bolts of this one-of-its-kind turntable. Of course, you could grab one of its other models, namely RT80, RT81, RT83, RT84, or even RT85, it's your personal preference and you could do freely. If you would like to know more about this product, please consider looking at the user manual [pdf].
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Enjoying this outstanding British weather and don't want it to end? We have the perfect solution: head to Mexico to soak up the summer sun into autumn and beyond, without the crowds. Not only does Mexico's Pacific Coast boast over 250 miles of coastline, but sunshine kisses Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco and Riviera Nayarit in the state of Nayarit for over 300 days a year – meaning your summer doesn't have to end in September.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Puerto Vallarta: the sun continues to shine, yet the temperature begins to fall and the rains are on their way out. Perfect, therefore, to soak up some last-minute sun.
Autumn is also a vibrant time filled with celebrations and festivals, including the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos). From late October, the streets come alive with the tradition of remembrance. More beautiful than haunting, colourful processions overflow with mariachi bands, sombreros and plenty of skeletons. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture on a warm October evening!
You can also get involved in the Day of the Dead celebrations in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit. The streets are filled with colour you'll find yourself breathing the sweet air, perfumed by hundreds of flowers. The grand cultural program and traditional night walk from the central plaza to the cemetery make this something that everyone should experience, at least once in their lifetime.
Release Baby Turtles into the Sea!
Besides the festivities, releasing sea turtles is well worth a visit to Mexico's Pacific Coast all the way through to November. Six of the world's seven species of sea turtles arrive here to lay their eggs, and you can be a part of their journey back into the sea.
One option is to surround yourself with dozens of baby turtles at the Sayulita Turtle Camp in Riviera Nayarit. You can even participate in one of the patrols to rescue nests dug into the beach or join one of the enlightening environmental sessions, releasing the babies along the coast at sunset.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is a charming historical centre, home to the 870-metre-long promenade known as El Malecón. Enjoy this city emblem during autumn when it's not too hot and the sun provides unparalleled views of the bay. You can spend warm evenings perusing the many art galleries, jewellers and sculptures while getting a taste of Mexico in the many bars and restaurants scattered along the walk.
And in Riviera Nayarit, ninety percent of the year is met with bright rays of sunshine. This creates the ideal environment for the immense flora and colourful hues that paint the landscape, with the extraordinary backdrop provided by the Sierra Madre Mountains. Inject some thrills into your autumn escape in the sun; one of the best ways to experience the setting is soaring through the sky by zip line with Canopy Adventure Park.
Book your autumn sun adventure now with direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, available via TUI from London Gatwick and Manchester or AeroMexico via Mexico City from London Heathrow.


In the library of the test bank, you can open the test bank.
Now its time to select the questions from the test banks. You can choose more than one questions. However, choosing of questions can be done either through random selection or manually.


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Padjadjaran University (, abbreviated as UNPAD) is a public university located in Sumedang Regency and Bandung, which is the provincial capital of West Java, Indonesia. It was established on September 11, 1957.

UNPAD has gained the most applicant and highest passing grade in National Selection of State University Entrance (SNMPTN) since 2013. In 2014, UNPAD was officially set as State University of Legal Entities and accredited "A" by BAN-PT. It also ranked as top ten universities in Indonesia by Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education in 2016. In the 2019 QS World Universities Ranking, UNPAD is ranked 4th in Indonesia and got in the range of rankings of 651-700th in the world.

UNPAD was also one of the contributors to the venue for an important conference, the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955, where Bandung was appointed as the host. Therefore, the construction of its facilities is prevalent since then.

History

The name "Padjadjaran" (in Republican Spelling System) was taken from the Sunda Kingdom city of Pakuan Pajajaran. The background of establishment began from the willingness of community leaders to improve youth education to higher degree in West Java at the time. Since Bandung Institute of Technology had more focus on engineering science, people were keen to have other state university which provides education in various field of science. The university was officially opened by the President of Republic Indonesia, Sukarno, on September 24, 1957. On November 6, 1957, Prof. Iwa Koesoemasoemantri was appointed the President of Padjadjaran University.

When established, the university had four departments: Law, Economics, Medicine, and Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Now it has developed into 16 faculties and several postgraduate programs, 44 undergraduate programs (Strata 1/S1), two specialist programs, nine doctorate programs (Strata 3/S3), 19 master's degree programs (Strata 2/S2), five profession programs, one four-year diploma program (D4), and 32 three-year diploma programs (D3).

Initially established in Bandung, all undergraduate departments have been relocated to Jatinangor, a town near Sumedang. The concept was inspired by "Tsukuba Science City". The university started to move gradually, starting from the Faculty of Agriculture in 1983 and followed by the others. The rectorate building in Jatinangor was officially inaugurated on 5 January 2012.

Rector
The list of UNPAD Rector since its beginning until now as follows:

Prof. Iwa Koesoemasoemantri (1957–1961)
 Prof. Soeria Soemantri (1961–1964)
 Moh Sanusi Hardjadinata (1964–1966)
 Prof. RS Soeria Atmadja (1966–1973)
 Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja (1973–1974)
 Prof. Hindersah Wiraatmadja (1974–1982)
 Prof. Dr. Yuyun Wirasasmita (1982–1990)
 Prof. Dr. H. Maman P. Rukmana (1990–1998)
 Prof. Dr. HA Himendra Wargahadibrata (1998–2007)
 Prof. Dr. Ir. Ganjar Kurnia, DEA (2007–2015)
 Prof. Dr. med. Tri Hanggono Achmad, dr. (2015–2019)
 Prof. Dr. Rina Indiastuti, S.E., M.SIE., (2019–present)

Campuses
UNPAD has two main campuses. One of the main campus located in Jatinangor, the other is Dipati Ukur campus, located in Bandung. Besides those two locations, there are several campuses spread over in Bandung including Sekeloa, Singaperbangsa, Dago 4, Simpang Dago, Dago Atas, Dago Pojok, Banda, Cimadiri, Cisangkuy, Eyckman, Pasirkaliki, Teuku Umar, and some other locations.

In September 2011, the university announced its intention to build a shopping center and a three storey hotel in Jl. Dago with the profits used to finance the university.

Dipati Ukur Campus
Unpad Dipati Ukur campus located in Jl. Dipati Ukur No.35, Bandung, that currently dedicated mostly for postgraduate programs. This campus was previously used for campus activities by Faculty of Economics and Business (Bachelor and Diploma) and Faculty of Law. However, starting from mid-2017, the two faculties followed the other faculties to move to the Jatinangor Sumedang campus.

Now this campus is used for campus activities of the Faculty of Economics and Business (Master and Doctoral) and it is used for other activities such as graduation, inauguration of professors and professional oaths.

Jatinangor Campus
Unpad Jatinangor campus located in Jatinangor, Sumedang, West Java. This campus is the main campus which consists of Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Psychology, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Communication Science, Faculty of Cultural Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Economics and Business.

Currently at the Jatinangor Campus, the Central Library / CISRAL building, the Central Laboratory, and 15 other new buildings have been completed at the end of 2016.

Facilities

Accommodation

There are several dormitories:
 Asrama Padjadjaran I - allocated for students funded by Bidik Misi scholarship
 Asrama Padjadjaran II - allocated for students funded by Bidik Misi scholarship
 Asrama Padjadjaran III - allocated for pharmacy students
 Asrama Pedca
 Bale Padjadjaran - allocated for first-year medicine students
 Bale Santika - Auditorium
All of student dormitories are located in Jatinangor, Sumedang.

Transportation

The university has some free campus transportation operated from Monday until Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Jatinangor campus.

Library

As one of the most important facility, UNPAD has a central library located in front of Dipati Ukur campus, named UPT Perpustakaan Universitas Padjadjaran. Later on, it moved to Jatinangor campus. Moreover, each of faculties in the university has at least one library in their buildings.

Health Center

UNPAD has two health center located in Dipati Ukur, named Bale Kesehatan, and in Jatinangor, named Klinik Padjadjaran. Not only for students, Klinik Padjadjaran also provides health service for the public.

Sports

There are two sport facilities: Stadion Jati Padjadjaran (outdoor) and Bale Santika (indoor). Both are located in Jatinangor campus.

Meeting Room

The university has numerous meeting rooms located in Dipati Ukur campus (including Bale Rumawat, Ruang Serba Guna 2 and Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata) and Jatinangor campus (including Bale Sawala, Bale Rucita and Bale Santika). The graduation ceremony is regularly held in Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata. Moreover, the building is also open for public reservation.

Other Facilities

Several students from non-social science faculty shall visit Center for Basic Science Program, known as PTBS or PPBS, in their first year. Within this period, they will learn basic science: biology, chemistry, physics and calculus. There is also Center for Language Program developed by Faculty of Literature.

In 2013, UNPAD built a mosque in Jatinangor campus named Masjid Raya UNPAD (MRU), also known as Bale Aweuhan. There is also a mosque in Dipati Ukur campus.

The university also built a central laboratory in 2016 to advance multi discipline research, especially in Herbal Science. The building is located in Jatinangor campus.

Faculties and Programs

Faculty of Medicine

Tutorial buildings

The faculty has five main buildings at the Jatinangor campus:
 A1: Administration.
 A2: Tutorial rooms, staff rooms, laboratories for physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry.
 A3: Interactive tutorial rooms (capacity of 300 persons), digital information system library and one computer laboratory.
 A4: Staff rooms and laboratories of anatomy, parasitology, microbiology, biology cell and 30 computerized tutorial rooms connected with intra internet, library and supporting facilities for discussion.
 A5: For general lectures, 30 clinical skill laboratories, 30 tutorial rooms, one computer laboratory for computer access and application of computerized statistics which is free to access by students and staffs

Library
The faculty has the main library at Jatinangor campus and libraries at each department of the faculty as well as the library at Hasan Sadikin Hospital.

The main library in A3 has 31000 holdings (textbooks, national and international journals, newsletter, magazine, dissertation/thesis/final papers). Besides those, the library has electronics journals which provides 300 titles.

The library has air-conditioned rooms, reading rooms (100 users capacity), computer facilities connected to the internet to access electronic journal (e-library).

Laboratory
The faculty has four laboratories:
 Clinical skill laboratory
 Biomedical laboratory
 Computer laboratory
 Learning evaluation laboratory

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
The faculty has several study programs, including doctorate degree, master's degree and bachelor's degree. Most of its buildings are located in Jatinangor campus. The faculty has 21 laboratories, used to facilitate both academic and research activities, and a library. Each year, students of this faculty have significant participation in National Mathematics and Natural Sciences Olympics and Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa, organized by Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education.

Study programs

References

Educational institutions established in 1957
Universities in Bandung
Universities in West Java
Academic staff of Padjadjaran University
Indonesian state universities
1957 establishments in Indonesia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


With a comprehensive inventory of Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, and Ram parts and accessories in stock, Mac Haik Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is prepared to answer your inquiries on parts and accessories. Should we not carry a part that you request, we can most likely order that component and receive it within a timely manner. Contact us now with your questions and our knowledgeable staff will get back to you as soon as possible! If you are anywhere in Jackson, MS, or the surrounding areas, including Madison, Byram, or Ridgeland, MS, make the short drive down and visit us today!


This morning I migrated my weblog to WordPress. I was able to import all of my old posts too. So now I need to do a bit of house cleaning and organization. Am looking forward to playing around with the many plug-ins and other tools that hook into the WordPress environment. As for the Lewis Elementary websites, they will be run on Drupal. With multiple users and authors, I felt the design of the school websites require a content management system.


Looking for an original furnishing accessory? The Metro Roma art toy is the perfect solution. It is a design object, which is part of the Art Toy collection by Artbeat. Made of ceramic, it has a shape that resembles a skittle, except that it is equipped with arms and legs. The shiny surface presents an handmade drawing, which represents the map of the subway lines in Rome, with all the names of the stops. It is properly a work of art, with a modern and uncommon concept, ideal to give vitality to any rooms of the house. In fact, the Metro Roma Art Toy is intended to be placed on a shelf at the entrance of your house, on a coffee table, among books in a bookcase or in the bedroom. Metro Roma is part of the Art Toy collection by Artbeat, which includes a series of artistic objects, inspired by the great painters of the history of art, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Picasso and Van Gogh, just to give some examples. Metro Roma has the typical design of the Made in Italy, is handmade and proves to be perfect for those who want to decorate their homes with modern decorations, capable to attract attention. You can find this original item in the Lovethesign catalogue.


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StuffnTurf Father R*p*d His Own Lesbian Daughter To Prove "Sex Was Better With Men"
Father R*p*d His Own Lesbian Daughter To Prove "Sex Was Better With Men"
A DAD raped his own daughter in a bid to "show her that sex with men is better" after she came out to him as gay, a court has heard. The father, who cannot be named to protect the identities of his victims, also raped his other daughter during two decades of sexual abuse.
He was caged for 21 years on Friday after being found guilty of three rapes during the 1980s and 90s, reports the Coventry Telegraph. He had initially plead not guilty to nine charges of indecent assault, one of indecency with a child and three counts of rape at Warwick Crown Court but was convicted of all his crimes at a trial.
The court heard that the 54-year-old brute attacked his 16-year-old daughter, who he had groomed since the age of 11, after she told him she was "struggling with her identity".
Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said: "As a 16-year-old girl she realised she was gay and, struggling with her identity as many people do at that age, she decided to tell you. "You reacted by showing real and uncontrolled anger, and you decided to rape her to show her why it would be better to have sex with men than women. Her evidence made harrowing listening.
"That rape involved degradation and humiliation. The offence demonstrated your hostility towards her as a lesbian." Jailed for 21 years, the sick dad must also serve an additional five years on licence following his eventual release from prison and will remain behind bars for at least two-thirds of the sentence, rather than the normal half before being considered for parole.
He must also be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The judge pointed out that at the time of the defendant's indecent assaults in the 1980s, the maximum sentence was just five years – whereas now he could have faced life imprisonment for penetrative sexual activity.
Speaking after the harrowing court case, the NSPCC told the paper: "The victims in this horrific case have shown incredible courage to speak out and ensure this evil abuser is brought to justice.
"It is vital they now receive the support they need to attempt to move forward with their lives. "This case shows that survivors of abuse will be listened to, no matter how long ago it happened or who the abuser was. They do not need to suffer in silence."
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Baseball great Harmon Killebrew has died. The slugger led the Minnesota Twins to the American League pennant in 1965. The team lost to the Dodgers in seven games. Killebrew hit 573 career home runs and is eleventh on the all-time list in that category. His home run total is even more impressive because so many of them came in the dead-ball era of the mid-to-late 1960s. Killebrew was the power hitter of the 1960s, hitting more home runs than anyone in that decade. He also had tremendous patience at the plate and led the major leagues in walks during those years as well. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. The burly Killebrew was a gentle giant known for his politeness and quiet demeanor off the field. Unfortunately, he never received the recognition he deserved because he spent his entire twenty-two year career playing for small market teams.


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De Drachenfels ('Drakenrots') is een 321 meter hoge dode vulkaan aan de oever van de Rijn, een van de toppen van het Zevengebergte, tussen Königswinter en Bad Honnef, in Duitsland. Op de top van de Drachenfels bevindt zich de ruïne van een gelijknamig kasteel. Iets lager bevindt zich Slot Drachenburg uit het einde van de 19e eeuw.

De berg is met zijn hoogte van 321 meter een middelhoge berg. Door de legende van Siegfried, het kasteel en het slot, maar vooral door het weidse uitzicht vanaf de ruïne op de Rijn, is het een toeristische trekpleister.

Geologie

De Drachenfels is een Quellkuppe, dat wil zeggen dat het gesteente door magma omhoog is geduwd. De magma is echter nooit door het aardoppervlak heen gebroken. Men spreekt in zo'n geval ook wel van cryptovulkanisme. De kern van de berg bestaat uit trachiet, het gestolde magma, de mantel uit trachiettufsteen van ongeveer 25 miljoen jaar oud. De berg is zelf een deel van de grotendeels geërodeerde Siebengebirgevulkaan.

Uit insluitingen van onder andere sanidine (een veldspaat) en biotiet kan niet alleen worden geconcludeerd het trachiet is gestold terwijl het zich in de vulkaan bevond, ook de vorm van de oorspronkelijke vulkaan kan hieruit worden afgeleid.

De berg wordt in het noordoosten door het Nachtigallental ("Het nachtegalendal") in het noordoosten gescheiden van de Hirschberg (256 m). Aan de westelijke zijde, richting Rhöndorf, zijn de hellingen zeer steil, in noordoostelijke richting veel minder.

Geschiedenis

Mijnbouw

Het trachiet van de Drachenfels werd al in de Romeinse tijd gewaardeerd als bouwmateriaal, zoals sporen van hun activiteiten aantonen maar vooral in de middeleeuwen werd de makkelijk splijtbare steen graag ingezet. Onder andere de Dom van Keulen is gebouwd met dit materiaal.
De reden dat specifiek de Drachenfels werd gebruikt voor de trachietwinning is gelegen in de nabijheid van de Rijn, wat een makkelijk transport per schip mogelijk maakte. Om het gewonnen gesteente van de groeve, nabij de top, naar de Rijn te transporteren, hoefde men het alleen langs de helling naar beneden te laten glijden.

De burcht

De bouw van de beroemde burcht, eigenlijk een bergfried met palas (woontoren), Kapel en woningen voor het personeel op de top van de Drachenfels werden begonnen door aartsbisschop Arnold I van Keulen in 1134, maar voltooid door Gerard van Are, proost van het Cassiusstift te Bonn en het kapittel van Sint-Servaas in Maastricht, die de burcht in aanbouw kocht en voltooide. Ze was bedoeld als verdediging tegen aanvallen op Keulen uit zuidelijke richting.

De burcht stond onder bevel van een burggraaf, die tevens de rechten op de trachiet-winning had. De bouw van de Dom van Keulen maar ook export (over de Rijn) naar Nederland maakten dit een lucratieve post.

Het delven van dit materiaal ondermijnde echter de soliditeit van de burcht en in 1632 was de burcht al beschadigd. Tijdens de Dertigjarige Oorlog werd ze veroverd en vernietigd door Zweedse troepen. Als strategisch punt had de Drachenfels hiermee afgedaan.

Romantiek

Toen na de napoleontische oorlogen de romantiek met een uitgesproken voorliefde voor oude ruïnes en natuurschoon haar intrede deed, werd de Drachenfels een reisdoel op zich. Het bezoek van Lord Byron in april 1816, die de berg en de oude burcht vereeuwigde in zijn gedicht Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, leverde de berg internationale bekendheid op. De Drachenfels werd al snel een van de hoogtepunten van de Rijnromantiek.

Op 18 oktober 1819 beklom een burschenschaft, waaronder de jonge Heinrich Heine, de berg en bracht er de nacht door, ter herdenking aan de Volkerenslag bij Leipzig in 1813. Deze nacht vond zijn weerslag in Heine's gedicht Die Nacht auf dem Drachenfels, waarin de Duitse eenheid wordt bezworen.

De nabijheid van de Rijn en de makkelijke bereikbaarheid per schip zorgden ervoor dat de berg al snel een toeristische trekpleister werd, vooral voor Nederlandse toeristen, wat de berg de spottende bijnaam "hoogste berg van Holland" opleverde.

Vanwege het toegenomen toerisme en de (typisch romantische) belangstelling voor natuurschoon en oude ruïnes besloot de Pruisische overheid in 1836 de trachietgroeve op de Drachenfels te kopen en onmiddellijk te sluiten.

De ezels, die voordien in de groeve werden gebruikt, werden nu ingezet om toeristen naar de top van de berg te vervoeren langs de z.g. Eselsweg. Dit werd uiteindelijk in 1960 verboden, na een ongeluk. In Königswinter herinnert een standbeeld nog aan de inzet van deze dieren en te voet is de meest bekende route die langs de Eselsweg.

Door de aanleg van de spoorlijn Keulen-Bonn in 1844, de opening van het station Königswinter in 1870 en de algemeen verbeterde verkeerssituatie nam het toerisme een nog hogere vlucht. Om de toegenomen mensenmassa's efficiënt te kunnen vervoeren, werd in 1886 de Drachenfelsbahn aangelegd, een tandradspoorweg die de toeristen rechtstreeks naar de top vervoert.

Sagen
Diverse sagen, die de aanwezigheid van een draak gemeen hebben, zijn verbonden aan de Drachenfels. Volgens de bekendste legende zou Siegfried – de held uit het Nibelungenlied – de dwerg Fafnir, die in de gedaante van een draak in een grot van deze berg school, hebben gedood. Door zich vervolgens in het drakenbloed te baden, verwierf Siegfried onkwetsbaarheid, maar doordat een blad op zijn schouder kleefde, bleef die ene plek kwetsbaar, een motief dat sterk doet denken aan Achilles en diens hiel.

Een meer christelijk getinte versie maakt gewag van gevangenen die regelmatig aan een draak gevoerd zouden worden. Een christelijke maagd hield het beest in doodsangst een kruis voor, waarop de draak in de Rijn sprong en nooit weer gezien is.

Een derde, minder fijngevoelige variant wil dat de draak op een dag een schip geladen met buskruit aanviel, het vaartuig, zoals draken dat nou eenmaal doen, met zijn vurige adem bestookte en met het schip in de lucht vloog.

Natuurbescherming
De Drachenfels geldt als het oudste natuurreservaat van Duitsland en vermoedelijk van heel Europa. Nadat de Pruisische staat de als schilderachtig ervaren berg in 1836 had aangekocht om verdere exploitatie te voorkomen, kreeg deze de status van natuurreservaat. In 1922 werd deze status wettelijk verankerd in een politieverordening. Vanwege het historische belang van de Drachenfels voor natuurbescherming is in 2002 in het nabijgelegen Slot Drachenburg het museum voor natuurbeschermingsgeschiedenis gevestigd.

Trivia
 Het werk Gesprek op den Drachenfels van Jacob Geel, een belangrijk werk in de discussie over Romantiek in Nederland in de 19e eeuw, speelt zich af tijdens een beklimming van de Drachenfels.

Galerij

Externe link
  Website van de Drachenfels

Berg in Duitsland
Geografie van Noordrijn-Westfalen
Vulkaan in Duitsland


Access was gained by cutting through the units' wire roofs.
Police say that at least a dozen units were targeted last week in a burglary at Uncle Bob's Self Storage, 3626 Broadway.
Witnesses report that the offender entered the units by climbing up and clipping through wire fencing that serves as each unit's "roof."
"I think it's a matter of time before he gets caught," an Uncle Bob's customer told us this weekend. "Everyone has their own personal code to get into both the building and the elevator. [There are] cameras everywhere."
The Uncle Bob's employees "are the nicest people ever," the victim said. "I feel terrible this happened to them. You can tell they are upset by it."