Oyster Bay, New York - 18 Apr 2018: Smart home devices and systems promise to deliver a new world of detailed consumer data and insight. Telcos, retailers, advertisers, and a host of service providers are keen to leverage their insights from their smart home customers to improve existing offerings and bring in new revenue streams finds ABI Research, a market-foresight advisory firm providing strategic guidance on the most compelling transformative technologies.
"The smart home is the battleground for a range of players across multiple industries looking to secure a valuable grip on understanding the end-user through a growing pool of smart home data," says Jonathan Collins, Research Director at ABI Research. "Smart home data offers a wealth of insights able to be used to improve existing offerings, help develop new offerings, and underpin a range of services for smart home players and their partners," he says. In their own efforts to capture smart home data, the fourth quarter last year saw Amazon and Google deeply discount their Echo and Home voice-control devices with pricing on some devices close to the cost of the components within them.
Smart home data can play to the core services of Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple. Among many others, all three are significantly engaged in the smart home market and together represent more than US$500 billion of revenue. If leveraging smart home data to improve their sales by just 1%, then the potential remains significant. By 2022, nearly 300 million households around the world will have some level of smart home adoption. Alphabet already captures a dominant share of online advertising spending – close to US$70 billion in 2017. If it can better target its ads with additional insight from smart home data and charge a premium for its services, Alphabet holds the potential for significant revenue growth. Likewise, Amazon can not only better target its own marketing but can also provide key sales leads and infrastructure for a raft of in-home services.
However, not all companies have the same approach to smart home data and monetizing its value. There are traditional players that are committed to keeping the data they collect within the company, while Apple looks to differentiate its smart home through highlighting the limitations on its own data collection and management within their HomeKit smart home platform.
Consumer sensitivity regarding personal data collection may yet change, especially given the revelations regarding the collection and use of Facebook data.


text:
Alice Reeds
and her Bettgeschichten
Ask the Author: Charlena Miller (What Lies Between)
For today Ask the Author I'm bringing you the awesome Charlena Miller, author of What Lies Between. I am extremely looking forward to reading her book, especially because it plays in Scotland which is definitely a country I'd love to visit one day.
Here is her book and her A's for my Q's:
What Lies Between by Charlena Miller
Published: February 28th 2015 by Red Bicycle Press
Number of Pages: 336 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: No
Set in modern-day Scotland and laced with adventure, romance, and hope, What Lies Between reminds us that love and belonging are often discovered in the most unexpected places.
Trust has never come easily to Ellie Jameson. A broken past taught her that self-reliance is the only option—no one sticks around for the long haul. When a fateful letter arrives with news of an unexpected inheritance, she sees a silver lining in the tragedy that seems to follow her. Anxious to leave American city life for the rugged Scottish Highlands, she sets off to claim her fate in a whirlwind of determination. Captivated by the land of stunning lochs, fiery whisky, and a particularly charming Highland local, it seems things may finally be turning around . . .
But nothing could have prepared Ellie for what awaits at the Glenbroch estate, where she soon discovers very little is as it seems. The rugged, romantic Highlands harbor old secrets and vengeful enemies, entangling her in a web of lies and betrayal. As the line between ally and enemy blurs, Ellie is in danger of forfeiting her inheritance—as well as her heart. (goodreads.com)
Interview with Charlena Miller
1 - Describe What Lies Between with five adjectives.
Adventure-packed, mysterious, emotional, romantic, unexpected
2 - What sparked the idea behind What Lies Between? Was it a name, a sentence, Outlander, or something entirely different?
It was 2013 and I had just left my home in Scotland, which I loved, but my visa was up; this move coincided with the discovery that my birth father had died. I decided to process the sense of loss and write about it. I woke up the next morning in Germany with the story clear in my mind. I wrote the complete outline that day.
The idea for the title of the book came from my interest in astronomy and particularly what lies between the stars visible to the naked eye. The Hubble telescope revealed that at least 10,000 galaxies our eyes aren't strong enough to see lie behind a speck of dark sky the size of a grain of sand. This fact made me think of all the things we can't see that lie between people—the unspoken thoughts, the truths and deceptions, and what lies between one's heart and mind, as well as the distance between two hearts, between the past and the future, between current reality and our dreams. What happens when someone takes a risk to cross the distance for a chance to truly understand and connect with someone else or reach for one's own dreams?
3 – I know you have been in Scotland yourself in the past; therefore I am sure you've seen some of the places we get to see in What Lies Between. How much additional research did you have to do?
When I first visited Scotland I fell in love with the country, specifically the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. The settings in the book were borne out of my experiences there. I did go back to my favorite places to make sure I got the sense of them reasonably accurate. I will add that it was challenging to strike the balance of immersing readers in a place that is such a powerful character itself, as Scotland is, while focusing on the people and relationships in the story.
4 - What do you like the most about your protagonist, Ellie, and what do you like the least?
I like most that even though she has every reason to be self-protective, she chooses to take risks. She has a good heart and wants to see the good in people even when her trust has been broken many times.
One character trait that gets in Ellie's way is her tendency to push people away out of fear that what has happened in the past will repeat itself. At times, it's easier for her to apply a superficial judgment than to leap and take the risk, and she tends to hold back—she has to learn to risk. This trait can make her frustrating at times; I wanted to have it out with her and push her to do what I wanted her to do. But she can be quite stubborn.
5- How long did it take you from first idea until publishing deal? And how many queries did it take until you found 'the one'?
The book took two years from the first idea until its release. I chose not to query this book as I wanted to independently publish What Lies Between.
6 - What was your first thought when you saw the final cover design?
I loved it! It was important to me that the artist capture the blues of a Scottish summer night and he did this brilliantly. I also wanted an unexpected cover, and after sorting through options, we landed on what became the final design.
7 - How does it feel to know that as of February 28th thousands of people can pick up your book and read your story? How scared were your of the first reviews done by those who received ARCs?
Immediately after news of the pre-order was announced, I left my house to go running and sprinted much farther than my fitness level could afford, pushing up a distant hill. At the top of the hill I chucked up the pent-up energy of nerves, exhaustion, and anticipation; it felt symbolic and cathartic. Probably not what one imagines an author doing in a moment like that. J
8 – What was your favorite place out of the ones you visited in Scotland?
The Isle of Skye is a place I will always return to. One of the specific locations on Skye that I go back to frequently is Kinloch Forest and the clearance village ruins of Leitir Fura, which is the location of a scene in the book.
9 - Ice cream or cake?
Both! I would have said ice cream, hands down, but I have recently begun to appreciate really good cake as well. I'm in a summery lemon and raspberry phase. I love to bake so I'm always concocting new baked goods.
10 - Did you listen to any particular songs or artists while writing What Lies Between? If so, could you give us an example?
A few of the songs I listened to (and there were many):
Orphan Girl, Gillian Welch
The Reach, Miranda Lee Richards
I Lived, One Republic
Come by the Hills, a traditional Scottish song performed by Kenny Jamieson (who is part of the Scottish band, Schiehallion)
11 - If you were forced to participate in The Hunger Games, as female from District 12, what would be your strategy? Fight or flight?
I would likely head into the forest, observe the rest who had started fighting right away, and think through next steps.
After working in marketing, I took a creative sabbatical, departing with a one-way plane ticket, traveling solo, no itinerary. Much of the time was spent on foot or in the saddle of a mountain bike discovering the tucked away locations I integrate into my stories.
My debut novel, What Lies Between, is set in the Highlands of Scotland, a land that stole my heart and refused to give it back. After living there for some time and eventually having to return to the States, I really had no choice but to write a tale set in the land of legends, lochs, glens. Most of the places in the book are real or are based on locations I spent time in. I hope you enjoy Ellie's Scotland adventure as much as I did researching and writing it.
To go behind-the-scenes of my writing journey, visit www.charlenamiller.com and sign up for news and exclusive content.
Eingestellt von Alice Reads um 18:02 comments 0
Labels: Alice Reeds, Ask the Author, Author, Bettgeschichten, Charlena Miller, Interview, What Lies Between
Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
Published: September 1st 2015 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I'm allergic to the world. I don't leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can't predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It's almost certainly going to be a disaster. (goodreads.com)
* I received an eARC via Random House Children's and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review *
Everything, Everything is a remarkable story told through a beautiful voice which belongs to a unique narrator and a plot filled with twists, cute moments and those who make you stop and really think again about what you've just read.
In Everything, Everything we follow the story of a girl called Madeline who is literally allergic to the world as she suffers of a very rare disease called SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency). Because of SCID Madeline cannot leave her house, which means she's basically spend her entire life inside. Before reading this book I was aware that diseases like SCID exist and that people suffer from them but I've never been able to even as much as fathom how it must feel like to have it. Thanks to this book and reading from Madeline's perspective, I now do.
All her life Madeline only had her mother and her nurse, Carla, to talk to in person. She could never make real friends, never have them come over (without extensive medical checkups and alike) or the possibility of going out with them. But, one day, a new family moved into the house next door and that's where the story really took off.
"It's a hard concept to hold on to--the idea that there was
a time before us. A time before time.
In the beginning there was nothing. And then
there was everything."
I adored Madeline and her narration. I really, really liked her character and would have loved to have her as my friend, if she were real that is. It was really easy to understand the decisions she made and why she made them. What impressed me the most about her was the fact that despite having such a hard life, being so restricted and limited in terms of things she can do, she never stopped being a happy person. She is friendly, positive and just a very strong character in an entirely different way then characters usually are when you call them "strong".
And then there was Olly, the boy next door, who was intriguing and fascinating from the second on in which he appeared in the story. He is the exact opposite of Madeline. Seeing the two of them interact, become friends and then something more was super cute and fun to read about.
"You can't predict the future. It turns out that you can't predict the past either.
Time moves in both directions - forward and backward - and what happens
here and now changes them both."
All in all, Everything, Everything is a heartfelt, unique and cute story you should definitely not miss out on. This story was just so good and had so many different aspects in terms of how the story is told. The characters felt like real people, their decisions and dialogues were amazing and the plot twist at the end was just wow. I definitely didn't see it coming and wasn't expecting it at all, which is always a good thing.
I give Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon 5 out of 5 Stars.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Bettgeschichten, Everything Everything, five stars, Nicola Yoon, review, YA
Review: True Calling by Siobhan Davis
True Calling by Siobhan Davis
Published: October 2014 by Siobhan Davis
Number of Pages: 400 Pages (Paperback)
Series: Yes, #1
TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS. ONE SHARED DREAM.
Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana's plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.
As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.
Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, 'The Calling', gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences. (goodreads.com)
* I received a copy of True Calling from the author in exchange for an honest review *
I've had this book on my 'to-read' list on goodreads for months so I was quite happy when the author approached me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book.
The first thing that drew me in was, no surprise here, of course the really gorgeous cover. The next thing was the concept of humanity leaving earth behind to start a new life on a different planet and the fact that they used quite intriguing technology to help you forget those you left behind on earth. Of course only very specific types of people were allowed to join the new world, which comes as no surprise.
"It's degrading being routinely subjected to a battery of medical tests
to ensure I continue to deserve a place in this new world."
True Calling managed to hook me quickly and allowed me to fly through it, despite being quite a lengthy read. Siobhan has a beautiful writing style that catches your attention and doesn't let you go until you're done.
As for the characters I really liked Ariana and even more the fact that despite the 'nostalgia elixir' (th previously mentioned technology to make you forget) love found a way to seep through the tiniest of cracks and find it's way back into Ari, even though she didn't quite understand it at first.
The one thing that did bug me about Ari was how quickly she changed her mind about Cal, but other then that her actions seemed reasonably paced and understandable.
"My romantic history since arriving on Novo has been non-existent,
but I don't know what, if anything, came before; thanks to the
government's cerebral pilfering."
I enjoyed the fact that True Calling wasn't just your average sci-fi or YA romance book, that it brought it's own spin on a possible, though still quite terrifying, way humanities future might look like. I mean, imagine our world completely run down and used up, moving to a different planet, having your memories erased to make it easier for you, and the fact that, as someone who is seventeen, you will have to be one of those who will have to help populate your new home. Not quite what seventeen year olds dream of, right? But, it sounds like something that could be possible, in a still quite far future, if we make it that far, which is always nice to have.
All in all, True Calling was an interesting read that I enjoyed quite a bit. I was hooked quite quickly and definitely want to continue on with the series, which is awesome especially because Siobhan has also given me book two, ... , which I hope to get to soon. So, if you're looking for a interesting new sci-fi, romance, dystopian YA read with a spin and beautiful writing, check out True Calling!
I give True Calling by Siobhan Davis 4 out of 5 Stars.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Bettgeschichten, four stars, review, Siobhan Davis, True Calling, YA
Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Published: October 20th 2015 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Series: Yes, #1 of The Illuminae Files
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes. (goodreads.com)
* Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for proving an eARC in exchange for an honest review *
Where do I start with this book? I have no idea because, even ten days after finishing it, I still don't know how to put my thoughts regarding this book into a coherent stream of words that would make sense to everyone and not just me.
Illuminae is a book unique in so many ways, not only due to the extraordinary way through which the story is told, but also thanks to the brilliant writing of Amie and Jay who created characters that felt like they are actually real, documents that made me feel like I'm some agent reading through actual secret files and a AI that made you both hate it, fear it and pity it. Illuminae blows fresh wind into the genre of sci-fi which one should definitely not miss out on.
When I first heard about this book months ago, I wasn't sure if it would be my thing but once I heard more details and saw early reviews of it on BookTube I was already in love with it and knew I had to get my hands on it. Of course, situations like that oftentimes come with the annoying factor of high expectations which can ruin a book for you, but not this one. If I was expecting a 8 out of 10 when I opened the book, I finished it knowing it deserves at least 20 out of 10, no joke.
The story itself might seem simple: It's the story of two teens who live in 2575, who broke up the day their planet gets invaded. Luckily, both manage to get onto one of the rescue ships (different ones) and flee, but war is coming. As simple and classical as this might seem for a sci-fi novel, it is about WAY more than that. The story has so much depth, relatable and hatable characters, tough decisions, a beautiful love story and AIDEN, on whom I will not elaborate to not spoil anything.
"Am I not merciful?"
(That quote probably will seem weird until you'll read the book, so go and read it)
The two main characters, Kady and Ezra are captivating. Kady is a huge nerd but she also kicks total butt in the best way possible while Ezra is swoon worthy and just the perfect counterpart to Kady. Reading their conversations and rooting for them is amazing, though most of the time it's anything but rainbows and puppies. Don't forget there is war and war has the not very friendly side effect of people dying or at least getting hurt. Seeing them deal with the situations they have to face is amazing.
But the best thing about this book is the plot which was created by two masterminds who exactly know how to create a scene which will make you hold your breath while the scenes unfold in front of you. There are so many plot twists in this book that I didn't see coming, that were impossible to even imagine as reader and the ending blew my mind because THAT I really did not see coming. Where did Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff take their brains from?! Please masters, teach me the art of awesome!
Anyway, I could go on and on about how brilliant this book is but that would require spoilers which I definitely want to avoid because you guys simply have to go and get it the second it comes out, seriously, it's totally worth every dollar!
All in all, Illuminae is mind blowing, extraordinary, feels causing and just nothing you've ever read before. I cannot wait to get my hands on a finished hardcover copy (which mind me I rarely buy those so when I do, you know the book is special, or only out as hardcover but pshhh no one has to know).
I give Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 5 out of 5 stars.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Amie Kaufman, ARC, Bettgeschichten, Book one, eARC, Illuminae, Jay Kristoff, review, Sci-Fi, YA
BLOG TOUR Interview: Sarah Gagnon (Date with a Rockstar)
Today I'm part of a blog tour for Date with a Rockstar by Sarah Gagnon which comes out . Below you'll find the interview I did with her and also info about her book, which I'm looking forward to reading soon. Thank you to Spencer Hill Press for making me part of this tour and Sarah for taking time to answer my questions.
Here is her book and her interview:
Date with a Rockstar by Sarah Gagnon
Published: June 23rd 2015 by Spencer Hill Press
Only one girl will win the cash prize...and a chance at love with Jeremy Bane.
Monet isn't just another lust-struck teenager trying to win the heart of Rock God Jeremy Bane--she needs the prize money from his new reality show to cure her illness.
Monet has Fluxem, a contagious disease that's spread through saliva. It's completely curable if you have enough money, which she and her single mother don't. Now that she's on the show, Monet has to work harder to keep her Fluxem hidden. She only has to keep the secret long enough to woo Jeremy Bane so he picks her as the winner. She doesn't even care about the love part; the prize alone will change her life.
But the real Jeremy Bane is nothing like she imagined. Monet finds herself fighting against feelings that make her want to give in to her attraction and Jeremy's attempts for a kiss. The further she goes in the competition, the more impossible it becomes to resist him--and when the producers turn the tables and start digging up dirt on the contestants, Monet fears her secret will be revealed before she's ready and ruin everything.
The only way to win Jeremy's heart is to tell him the truth, but confessing her disease could cost her the competition, the prize money, and him. (goodreads.com)
Interview with Sarah Gagnon
1 – Describe Date with a Rockstar in a twitter pitch.
Desperate teen girl competes on a reality dating show to win the money to cure her disease, but falls for the gorgeous rockstar.
2 – What lead to the idea of Date with a Rockstar?
The initial idea was from a dream. In the dream I was on a bus making out with this famous guy. There were cameras in the background, but we'd try to get away and he was talking privately to me, like he really cared and I was special. Lots more making-out and then…time jump. I'm walking through an aisle of guests on a reality TV show and they're booing me—shaking their heads and generally disgusted. The guy I was making out with and believed we had a real connection, makes eye contact with me and shakes his head. I can't understand what he's trying to tell me. Then the audience is telling him who to pick and he doesn't choose me. I woke up with this crushing feeling of rejection, and that's where the idea started.
The next day I was watching a live concert online and the musician was surrounded by computers and pushing buttons. I remember thinking this is what music will look like in the future.
The day after that, I started writing Date With a Rockstar. That was the title before I even wrote a single word.
3 – Was there a scene in the book you specifically remember writing because it stuck out to you, either in a positive or negative way?
There's a particularly romantic scene in a hydro garden with the growlights like warm little suns surrounding Monet and Jeremy. I love the idea of being warm under the sun, but somehow more private than you ever could be outdoors. After being followed around by cameras, I pictured that as a perfect escape for Monet.
4 – How did you come up with the concept of a main character with a disease transferred through salvia participating in a bachelor-type contest?
I really liked the idea of having a disease that physically marked a person, but wasn't terminal. Originally, I wanted it to be more of a question of vanity, but Fluxem changed a lot during the edits. For the reality show, I wanted to give her a good reason to participate.
5 – How long did it take you from first idea until publishing deal? And how many queries did it take until you found 'the one'?
When I wrote this book, I spent two months on a solid draft. Then I started querying agents. That took awhile, and I did more revisions based on feedback. I have a tendency to not want my characters to suffer, since I love them. So the first revisions were about making Monet's situation worse. After that I got my first offer of representation.
I signed with Nicole Resciniti 4 months after finishing the book. It took about 10 months after that to receive an offer from Spencer Hill Press.
Specific numbers: This was the 4th book I've queried. I had a grand total of 354 rejections before I got an agent. That said, I wasn't very choosy in the beginning. I think I just loved the query lotto. Many authors are more focused in their searches and have fewer rejections.
6 – How do you feel about the fact that in a couple of months, thousands upon thousands of people will be able to read your book?
I sure hope it's that many! It feels great to interact with readers, and I so hope people will enjoy reading my book as much as I've enjoyed reading thousands of others.
7 – Did you listen to specific bands or albums while writing Date with a Rockstar or do you rather prefer writing in silence?
I have small children and I usually write to the sound of children's shows. No music at all, which is funny considering the subject matter. When I listen to music, I think too much about the specific songs and meaning behind the lyrics.
8 – What do you think about the final cover?
That I'm glad they replaced his head, lol.
9 – Music genre: Indie or Metal?
Indie.
10 – If you were forced to participate in The Hunger Games, as female from District 12, what would be your strategy? Fight or flight?
I would totally hide. I'm not that coordinated and I'm bad with loud, sudden noises. I don't think I could fire a gun, or pull back the string on a bow. If I couldn't hide, I'd be picked off immediately.
Sarah Gagnon grew up in the frigid woods of Maine amidst snow and animal skins and has now moved back home. As a small child she wrote ship-wrecked romances all while being stared down by a taxidermied duck.
She has a BFA in photography and a minor in writing from the University of Southern Maine. She's the mother of two tiny, feral children and two ill-behaved dogs. For fun she's taken up construction and interior design. Her first project: moving into a dilapidated farmhouse with her computer-genius husband.
Find Sarah: Website, Twitter, Facebook
Buy Date with a Rockstar: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, The Book Depository or Kobo
Win a paperback copy of Date with a Rockstar and a T-Shirt! (US only, sorry)
Labels: Alice Reeds, Author, Author Interview, Bettgeschichten, blog, Blog Tour, Date with a Rockstar, Interview, Sarah Gagnon, Spencer Hill Press, Tour
Writing retreat with Courtney C. Stevens & mini interview
I'm calling out to all the writers! The wonderful Courtney C. Stevens, author of Faking Normal and The Lies about the Truth (Out November 3rd) has reached out to me and a bunch of other bloggers to raise your attention toward a writers retreat she is holding. She
wrote a wonderful post about it, which you guys should most definitely check out, over on her blog which made me really want to go, but as non US resident that's a bit tricky which is why I'm telling you guys about. I'm sure there are others like me out there, aspiring authors who could benefit from attending such a retreat. The MadCap Retreat will also be featuring guest writers such as Victoria Schwab (Vicious, A Darker Shade of Magic and many more), Tessa Gratton, and Natalie C. Parker. How much better can it get?
Head on over to the MadCap Retreat website and have a look around. If you're worried about financing there is an amazing opportunity waiting for you! Help us spread the word about the retreat and then enter this contest (which runs from June 15th-June 20th) to win a $300 coupon for the retreat! There are three of them in total which is amazing. There are also a couple other awesome prizes up for grabs as well! Check it out:
1- 50 page manuscript critique by Courtney C. Stevens
3- signed copies of Faking Normal (U.S./Canada Only)
1- ARC of The Lies About Truth (U.S./Canada Only)
5 - electronic copies of The Blue Haired Boy
Furthermore, Courtney has taken a bit of her time to answer three writer and marketing related questions for you guys. Isn't she amazing?
1) What do you think is the most important part in the process of creating a story?
In my opinion, the idea itself. It must be worth pursuing. Good writing and great characters cannot rescue a bad idea. The idea is the lid of the whole project and every other part of the story exists beneath it.
2) What tip could you give others who might be facing a dry season, so to speak, during their writing process? Taking a break or pushing through? Something entirely different?
I have several pieces of advice for this, because a dry season isn't one-size-fits-all.
a) Check your story intake. Are you seeing art? Watching great t.v.? Reading amazing books. Eavesdropping on conversations at the mall? I firmly believe that output relies on intake. The creative well isn't spring fed; it's transported one bucket at a time.
b) Change the instrument. If you write on a computer, pick up a notebook. If you write on Microsoft Word, download Scrivener. If you write with a notebook, try a laptop. If you usually write in a nook in your house, take your phone and transcribe story into the notes section. I've found that change is the reset button for me.
c) Take a life analysis. Sometimes a writing problem isn't a writing problem; it's a life problem. I find that I often put down in words something I'm struggling with, and then I get stuck in my writing, because I'm actually stuck in my life. I don't know how to write the end, because I haven't lived it yet. So I advise doing a quick evaluation to see where the actual problem lies.
3) What are the key elements of a good book marketing campaign? Is there something like a secret recipe or does it all depend and vary from book to book?
The key element of any great marketing campaign is making champions of either your work or yourself, and I advise the latter.
There is no secret recipe. The closest thing I've discovered is adopting this mantra: no one is more invest in selling my book than me. What will I do today to make that happen?
This is an amazing opportunity for all writers out there so take a chance who knows, you might win more then just a coupon but loads of wonderful insights from amazing authors. And, while you're at it, don't forget to check out Courtney's books. I've read Faking Normal last year and adored it.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Author, Bettgeschichten, Courtney C Stevens, Faking Normal, Interview, MadCap Retreat, promo, The Lies About The Truth, Victoria Schwab, Writers Retreat
Ask the Author: Lydia Kang (Control)
For this weeks Ask The Author I'm bringing you Lydia Kang, the author of Control. I'm really excited to share this interview with you guys.
Here's her book and her interview:
Control by Lydia Kang
Published: December 26th 2013 by Dial Books for Young Readers
When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren't like any she's ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends' peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl's DNA.
A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic "mistakes" that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes. (goodreads.com)
Interview with Lydia Kang
1. There is quite a bit of science in this book. How much research went into it?
Just a little, to be honest. I created the mutations out of my imaginations, and did a bit of research to sharpen up the details and make them a little more believable. It was nice having a background in biology and medicine--this part was easy!
2. Is there one scene in particular that you remember drafting and being all excited while writing it?
There is one fight where Vera is kicking butt and Hex is monster-raging on the bad guys. I loved writing that scene! It practically wrote itself. :)
3. How long did it take you from first idea until publishing deal? And how many queries did it take until you found 'the one'?
I blogged about my querying journey, complete with statistics:
http://thelucky13s.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-querying-journey.html
But for the short version--it took 27 months from my first novel idea to getting an agent and a book deal. Control was my third book written, and it took 101 query letters to get my agent, Eric Myers, with Control. The publishing deal with Penguin happened about 6 weeks later.
4. What do you think about the cover? Is it like anything you imagined it might look like?
I adore the Catalyst cover. I love how it evolves from the cold, metallic Control paperback, and becomes more lush, green, and organic. It's a great metaphor for what happens in the story. I'm really bad at imagining book covers, so this was a pleasant surprise!
5. Which do you prefer: Dystopians or Paranormal?
Over time, I've changed. Originally, I liked dystopians more because I appreciated the world building that went into making a dystopian society. Lately, I've enjoyed more nuanced paranormal--what might be called slipstream fiction, like Imaginary Girls.
6. If you were forced to participate in The Hunger Games, as female from District 12, what would be your strategy? Fight or flight?
I'd fly, for sure. I'm a bit like Rue, in that I'm good at climbing. I'm petite and was one of those kids who'd never get found in hide-and-go seek. So yeah--I'd run and hide!
I love salt more than chocolate. I'm somewhat small, yet deceptively strong. Sort of like an ant.
I write YA fiction, poetry and narrative medical nonfiction. I'm a part time doc, full time family member, and rather oxygen dependent.
My YA sci-fi novel, CONTROL, will debut December 2013 (Dial/Penguin). I'll be holding my breath until then. Watch me.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Ask the Author, Author Interview, Bettgeschichten, Control, Interview, Lydia Kang, YA, YA dystopian
Trailer Review: The Martian and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two
It's time for some trailer reviews! Originally I planned on writing two separate reviews for these two but then I decided against it. Today I'll be talking about, as the title suggests, the just released trailers for The Martian and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two. Both of these are movies I am highly anticipating so let's get right into it.
First off The Martian:
"I'm going to have to science the shit out of this."
Heck yes! I am beyond excited for this movie, even more so now that we have a trailer.
When I first heard that they are making a movie out of The Martian by Andy Weir, one of my favorite books of last year, I was skeptical about it. We all know how book-to-movie adaptations usually work out and therefore I wasn't sure if Hollywood had it in them to make a good movie out of this book I fell in love with.
I've changed my mind and am quite sure this will be an amazing movie, based on what we get from the trailer.
The idea behind The Martian is quite simple: it's the story of astronaut Mark Watney who gets stuck on Mars after his crew had to abort their mission due to a storm. They all made it off of mars, Mark did not. As simple as that may seem, the story is amazing and watching Mark try to figure out how to survive on a planet where nothing grows is brilliant. From what we see of Mars in the trailer it seems amazing, and I finally have a visual in my mind when I think about the hub Mark lives in, as I had no clue how one would look like while I was reading the book.
Matt Damon plays Mark, which I wasn't too sure how that will work as I'm not the biggest fan of his and the movies he's played in before, but after seeing a bit of his acting in the trailer made me quite hopeful that he will be a really good Mark.
All in all, everything that we get to see in the trailer makes me super excited for the movie and I get jumpy each time I as much as even just think about it. Let's hope the rest of the movie will be just as amazing as this trailer!
And now, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 76th Hunger Games."
As you guys know, I love The Hunger Games. I loved the first two movies, liked the third one and am anticipating the finale, just like everybody else. I was really excited when I heard that we will get a teaser trailer soon, even more when they said it'll come out June 9th, being today.
The problem is just that, after watching the teaser trailer, I feel underwhelmed by what we get to see. I know many people feel like Mockingjay is the weakest book in the trilogy, that it doesn't have enough plot to fill out two movies, and, after watching Mockingjay Part One, I was kind of on their side. Personally, I liked Mockingjay the book, but I fear that the movie makers will go into either of two directions: too much focus on the love story or too much focus on big explosions and action sequences.
Okay, I admit, the wedding looks super cute, the scenes where Katniss hugs Peeta and Prim are adorable, and yes we all know why they are in there, we know you want to make us suffer, dear movie makers, we know. But, even the action sequences with exploding cars, the black tar crashing through the streets and Katniss' speech somehow have no effect on me. Whereas I get excited each time I see the trailer for The Martian, I just feel underwhelmed and only mildly exited for Mokingjay Part Two. Of course I still want to see the movie badly, of course I am super sad that this will be the end, but the teaser didn't make me more excited, like a teaser should make you feel.
Maybe my problem lies within the fact that it took me at least two screenings to like the third movie which makes me worry that 'what if the fourth one won't be as good? what if it'll be like the third one, and not as amazing and outstanding like Catching Fire?' but I guess a teaser won't easy my worries, as it is merely a teaser and not the entire thing.
Nonetheless I am looking forward to the movies and the next trailers, I hope the movie will be excellent and a worthy finale to the series.
"Snow has to pay for what he's done."
All in all I am super excited for both these movies. Tell me what you think in the comments below or tweet me @Alice_Reeds!
Labels: Alice Reeds, Andy Weir, Bettgeschichten, Jennifer Lawrence, Matt Damon, Mockingjay Part 2, Reaction, Teaser Trailer, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2, The Martian, Trailer
Let's be excited together!
Just like the title suggests I have some exciting things to tell you about. They always say that an idea for a novel, or any kind of story, can be born out of virtually everything and anything, I agree with that. Around the beginning of 2015 I suddenly had this name in my head, this quite different name, and I knew that I wanted to come up with a history for that name, create the person which belongs to it. At first it was only something I was doing in my head for the fun of it, but soon the name grew into something much bigger.
More names joined, more information's started to appear and suddenly all these characters had lives and histories, childhood memories and goals. Suddenly this name in my mind had turned into an entire story I felt the need to tell and share.
A could of weeks late I had around 35.000 words down, the entire story planned out but I was stuck. It's hard to explain what I mean by that, how one can be stuck despite knowing exactly where you are going and which way you need to take, but I suddenly lost my connection to the story. The April round of Camp NaNoWriMo was coming up and I originally planned to finish the book during that time but suddenly I faced the fact that I couldn't. So I did what I always do, I started a different story to get a break and a step back. A couple of days into Camp NaNoWriMo the spark had returned and well before the end of April the story was complete. The first draft of my fourth book had been born.
I spent the next weeks working on it, re-writing passages that I felt were not quite there yet, edited and revised it until I was happy with the way it was, until I felt that that was it, that was the story I wanted to tell and it was the way I wanted to do it.
Next followed the part that anyone who ever wrote a book with the dream of being published had to go through: querying.
For those who don't know what a query is: a query is a type of e-mail you send out to agents, and publishers, in order of raising their interest and, ultimately, pulling them on your side. The better your query, the better your chances, though of course a good query isn't everything, your story needs to be good, too.
And then the unimaginable happened. A month prior to my birthday I told a friend just how brilliant it would be to get a publishing deal before my 21st birthday thinking that it was something that would never happen, because I didn't think I would be just that lucky. I was wrong. I signed a publishing deal with Limitless Publishing on the day of my 21st birthday.
Now, weeks later, I'm here to tell you guys about it all, have a little chat, story time style. I don't want to tell you too much about the story yet, because the release is still a good two months or more away, but I can tell you that it is a YA contemporary dealing with finding who you really are, overcoming differences, the importance of family and friends, and finding love in times and places you'd least expect it. I know, quite different from what I previously wrote. The title changed two times before the final one has been decided, it changed from two words, to five and finally landed on three: Petty Little Lives.
The title has a lot of meaning when it comes to the story, which is really nice. It might seem simple, maybe even a tiny bit weird, but once you guys will read it you'll understand the meaning behind it.
Lastly, Petty Little Lives is set to be released on August 18th 2015. It doesn't have a cover yet, nor does it have a goodreads page, but I will update you guys on everything that is happening along the way. I am really excited to finally have a book being published by an actual publishing house with professional cover designers, editors, formatters and people who believed that my story is worth being told. I am also really excited, and only a tin bit nervous, when I think of the day you guys will be able to read it. I know I didn't tell you much yet about the story, but it's all coming soon!
Before I will end this post I want to share the name with you which sparked it all, and also the second one which joined in days later: Roxanna Revolution and her cousin Sapphire Hope. I like names that are different, which I'm sure you've noticed by now.
Anyway, that is all for today. I hope you guys are just as excited as I am for Petty Little Lives as I am.
Labels: Alice Reeds, Bettgeschichten, Book Four, camp nanowrimo, Exciting, new book, news, Novel, Petty Little Lives, Roxanna Revolution, Sapphire Hope, YA contemporary
Review: Made You Up by Francesca Zappia
Made You Up by Francesca Zappia
Published: May 19th 2015 by Greenwillow Books
Pages: 448 Pages (Hardcover)
Reality, it turns out, is often not what you perceive it to be—sometimes, there really is someone out to get you. Made You Up tells the story of Alex, a high school senior unable to tell the difference between real life and delusion. This is a compelling and provoking literary debut that will appeal to fans of Wes Anderson, Silver Linings Playbook, and Liar.
Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She's pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She's not prepared for normal.
Funny, provoking, and ultimately moving, this debut novel featuring the quintessential unreliable narrator will have readers turning the pages and trying to figure out what is real and what is made up. (goodreads.com)
"Dear Asshole: Thank you for keeping your word and believing me. It was more than I expected. Also, I'm sorry you were inconvenienced by my gluing your locker shut at the beginning of this year. However, I am not sorry that I did it, because it was a lot of fun. Love, Alex."
Made You Up was my most anticipated book of 2015. I fell in love with the cover and fell even more with the blurb which made me truly hope that I would end up liking it. Even more so after I had interviewed the author, Francesca Zappia, and realized the book comes out on my 21st birthday.
After reading it I can honestly say it was one of my favorite reads of 2015 so far, maybe even my favorite. Made You Up was honest, captivating, extraordinary and weird in the best way possible. I've read many books but none were quite like this one.
I loved the plotline and the characters which Francesca has created. I loved Alex's voice and just how truly unreliable she was. While reading certain scenes I found myself questioning her description of the scenery and the people because you could just never be entirely sure if it is really there. I was very happy to see that her mental illness, paranoid schizophrenia, really was a big part of her and the story, that it wasn't just something that was mentioned a couple times and soon forgotten, but something that was ever present. We got to see Alex try and deal with the things that were going on in a very realistic way and I loved her fascination for lobsters. Free the lobsters!
Francesca's writing style was brilliant and on point. She managed to capture the atmosphere and mood of certain scenes perfectly which allows you to imagine it easily. I enjoyed the different bits of history that were simply part of what all the characters knew and were passionate about, which on the other hand made me feel like I know nothing, probably because it's been 4 years since I've last taken history in school.
"The only thing missing was Miles. But he was probably circling
somewhere, destroying villages and hoarding gold in his mountain lair."
Miles Richter, the love interest in Made You Up, was fantastic. I love the fact that his nationality, German, played an actual role in this story, that it was mentioned and used in certain ways. And, thank you so much Francesca, the bits of dialogue that were in German were actually correct German which is always great to see in novels written by American authors.
Seeing Alex and Miles interact was great because they were just so vastly different. On one hand we have Alex who cannot believe the fact that she may have found the boy she believed she had made you years ago, and on the other side we have Miles who was unable to deal with inter human relations in every way possible and it was brilliant. I love seeing characters with such prominent flaws and personalities which they keep up over the entirety of the book and not just drop at some point.
"Believing something existed and then finding out it didn't was
like reaching the top of the stairs and thinking there was one more step."
One of the big reveals in Made You Up, which of course I will not spoil, has truly made me cry because it turned out that something I took for granted and real, just like Alex did, turned out to be not real at all and it was just heartbreaking to see Alex realize it and just read her thoughts and emotions. I love how real and honest it felt.
"I didn't have the luxury of taking reality for granted. And I wouldn't say I hated
people who did, because that's just about everyone. I didn't hate them. They
didn't live in my world.
But that never stopped me from wishing I lived in theirs."
All in all Made You Up is an extraordinary read definitely worth a shot, especially if you are into books which deal with mental illnesses and/or are just completely different for your average YA contemporary novels. I had a great time reading it and simply loved the way the story unfolded, slowly and beautifully. The ending fits perfectly, the characters are unique and different. I highly recommend this book.
I give Made You Up by Francesca Zappia 5 out of 5 Stars.
Labels: 5 stars, Bettgeschichten, Francesca Zappia, Made You Up, review, YA contemporary, Young Adult
Ask the Author: Charlena Miller (What Lies Between...
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Home » News » NEWS: Batch C NYSC Members Pass out in Yola
NEWS: Batch C NYSC Members Pass out in Yola
By Faluma Vanco
National Youth Corps Members serving in Adamawa State passed out in a colourful ceremony at the Mahmud Ribadu Square Yola on Thursday the 15th of October, 2015. The Deputy Governor of the State His Excellency Rt. Hon Martins Nasir Babale and the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Barrister Suleiman Sambo Zumo were among the Dignitaries who graced the occasion. The 2014 Batch 'C 'corps members deployed to serve in Adamawa state had completed their mandatory service after a fruitful service period.
The National youth service corps scheme is primarily designed to inculcate in the minds of the youth, the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians irrespective of state of origin and, to selflessly be committed to community service. Worthy of note is the fact that the scheme inculcates discipline in our youth, by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work being patriotic and loyal to the nation in any situation they may find themselves.
Furthermore, it gives the youth an opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national social and cultural improvements. The Hon. Commissioner said that Adamawa people are proud of the N.Y.S.C scheme as a tool for socio-cultural integration and economic growth. The one year mandatory national service has clearly demonstrated the importance of the N.Y.S.C scheme to this state and the nation at large.
Barrister Suleiman Zumo also extended his appreciation to the good and selfless service in the state within the service period. He wished them very prosperous, fruitful and positive engagements in their future endeavors. He also wish them a journey mercies back to their respective destinations.


Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this spacious, Federal-style Bed & Breakfast offers guests a quiet and serene evening of romance. Conveniently located in the historic district with shopping, winery, museums, authentic Irish pub, fine dining and antiques, all within walking distance. This B&B offers the delightfully surprised guest an evening of fun, entertainment and romance. Each guest receives wine and cheese and a full country breakfast. Each room is comfortably appointed with a queen-size bed, functioning gas log fireplace and a private bathroom. Some rooms have private jacuzzis for two, some have balconies, all are large comfortable rooms. There is central air conditioning throughout, private tables for two in the dining room and each room has a pretty view. The current owners Bill and Anne Lane invite you to come explore their home and historic Weston Missouri.


The UK Social Entrepreneur Index has received the support of eight ambassadors who were selected for being shining examples of how social entrepreneurs can make an impact on a local and international level. They have invested their time to help inspire current and future social entrepreneurs. They are: Alan Mahon – Brewgooder; Andrew Bastawrous – Peek Vision; Cameron Saul – BOTTLETOP; Kate Welch – Social Enterprise Acumen CIC; Lucy Buck – Child's i Foundation; Paul Skidmore – Rising Academies; Rachel Wang – Chocolate Films; and Rosie Ginday – Miss Macaroon.
The full Index has been launched online.
SRS has been recognised as outstanding by a number of industry bodies including the ISE, AGCAS and the CIPD.


Alexe left the countryside and her 8,000 little pigs for a career in advertising.
She graduated from Cégep of Jonquère in advertising coordination before receiving a bachelor's degree in social advertising at Université Laval.
After hopping around Quebec, Alexe has finally found her place in Montreal.
If you want to get along with Alexe, take her for a dark beer and talk to her about bananas, Philippe Brach, traveling and your Instagram strategy.


As of this moment, we've raised 77% of the goal, and we're about 54 hours into the 30 day campaign. Hooray!
First of all, I just want to say WOW, holy magilicutty(sp)! I'm trying to capture the emotion I'm feeling. I think it's plain old Love. It's definitely a warm, full feeling in my heart region that has a swelling quality [and no- it's not a heart attack].
After working in relative isolation on this thing for years, it's both moving and humbling to discover I'm not alone. There are times when doing a project like this when it feels like a complete vanity type of thing, because no one is asking me to do it, and here I am asking all of you to help me do it. I am also aware that it is truly rare to have these projects succeed with all of the distractions and appeals each of us get in a thousand ways every day.


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Jul 12, 2019 - Technology
FTC votes to approve nearly $5 billion in settlement with Facebook
Gigi Sukin
Photo: LOIC VENANCE/Getty Images
After more than a year-and-a-half probe, the Federal Trade Commission voted to approve approximately $5 billion in settlement fees with Facebook this week, a source familiar with the case confirmed to the Wall Street Journal.
Why it matters via Axios' David McCabe: A settlement of the long-running investigation would move the global debate over online privacy into a new phase, sparked, in part, by revelations about Facebook's treatment of user data. The $5 billion fine would represent the largest ever of its kind.
FTC commissioners reportedly voted along party lines, with 3 Republicans in support of the settlement and 2 Democrats opposed.
What's next: The final settlement will likely include further guidance on Facebook's management of user privacy. The issue will be reviewed by the Justice Department's civil division.
Both the FTC and a Facebook spokesperson declined to comment.
Go deeper: How to read a Facebook privacy settlement


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Why the EU elections should matter to us – A call to arms
In this personal contribution, Amnesty International member, Amy Crawford, outlines the importance of the EU elections as an opportunity for young people to effect political change.
Share the post "Why the EU elections should matter to us – A call to arms"
By the 24th May, the caffeine-fuelled late nights in the library will be behind us. Our final exams will be completed and the weeks of sitting in front of a computer screen desperately trying to reach a word count will be no more. But the 24th May isn't just an ordinary day in which we can, now guilt-free, catch up on our beloved Netflix shows and excitedly plan for the summer ahead. Friday 24th May marks the first time, for many young people, that we can have our voices heard in the European Parliamentary elections.
To the vast majority of young people, mechanisms like the EU feel bureaucratic and overwhelmingly complicated, as well as unconcerned with our problems and viewpoints. It is sometimes hard to understand how a distant body of MEPs sitting in Brussels can directly impact our lives. For this reason, youth engagement with European elections in Ireland has traditionally been desperately low. But why? We have already shown ourselves to be extremely passionate and inspired to enact political change. This was clearly evidenced by our activism surrounding the referendums on the 8th amendment and marriage equality, and more recently, the climate strikes. However, as Europeans in 2019 we face many more challenges. As a UCD student of politics and development studies, as well as a member of Amnesty International, I want to show just how relevant these EU elections are to the issues many of us, as students, so deeply care about.
The European Parliament is the only EU institution which we can directly elect. The elections represent an opportunity to guide the EU in a way which reflects our own visions and beliefs for the world we want to live in. Last year, we were awarded the University of Sanctuary status, in recognition of a range of initiatives welcoming people who are refugees and asylum seekers into the university community. However, the EU's current response to the refugee crisis has been completely mismanaged, following a path of externalisation and containment, rather than one of compassion and collective responsibility sharing. The EU-Turkey deal, brokered in 2016, has seen people seeking asylum in Greece returned to Turkey, which is not deemed safe or equipped to deal with asylum seekers. Temporary camps on Greek islands have been transformed into overcrowded conditions without access to proper sanitation facilities, medical care, or nutritious food. The European Union's recent decision to end Operation Sophia, in which the Irish Naval Service contributed to, has seen a complete stoppage of all search and rescue operations in the sea region. In its place, EU and Italian cooperation with Libyan authorities to restrict passage into the Central Mediterranean has led to unimaginable horrors. With the use of EU funds, the Libyan coast guard have been trained and equipped to intercept those attempting to reach Europe by boat. Once returned to Libya, those who were seeking safety, are held in detention centres indefinitely with massive evidence of widespread torture. As an activist of policy advancement for refugee rights, this is deeply worrying to me. I want to be a part of a Europe that offers a safe passage and a fair, human rights focused asylum process.
The Parliament can further approve, reject or propose amendments to legislation on a wide range of issues and has a mandate to hold our national governments to account when they fail to respect and protect our rights. The elections on the 24th May will be held one day short of a full year since our historic referendum on reproductive rights! Hard-work and dedication overturned the 8th amendment last year and I know many inspiring UCD students who also worked on this campaign. Our students voted for the university to have a pro-choice stance and we knocked on doors, marched on the streets and even called up our grannies to have an awkward talk about repeal! However, the protection of gender-based rights has not yet been fulfilled. We must look to other places in the EU such as Cyprus, Malta, Poland and Northern Ireland where full reproductive rights are still restricted.
Sadly, only 7 out of 28 EU countries currently have laws stating that any sex without consent is rape. Even then, victims of sexual violence in these countries often decide not to pursue legal recourse, as they are intimidated by the lengthy legal process, unwilling to put themselves through years of uncertainty and potential re-traumatisation. My vision of a future for Europe is one that upholds the rights of all of its citizens.
UN experts say we have just over a decade to make serious changes to avoid a climate catastrophe. In February, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, visited our campus and urged students to make climate change a personal issue in their lives. We have embraced the reusable coffee cups, skipped the plastic cutlery around campus and discovered the art of cycling; but despite our personal commitments, Ireland remains one of the only European Union countries with rising greenhouse gas emissions. If we do not introduce major new policies and measures, we will miss our 2020 environmental targets, resulting in EU fines estimated at up to €455m. The stakes have never been higher and EU institutions, dedicated to positive, transformative action, are best placed to lead a global response to climate change. We need politicians supporting more ambitious policies, like shifting to renewable energy or moving to a zero-carbon economy, and willing to assist those in developing countries who have been most affected by our region's negative environmental conduct. The European Union is far from perfect – few things are. We are living in a time where certain groups, backed up by powerful tools of disinformation, strive to breathe life into sentiments that undermine the values that define us as Europeans. Communities are being divided by fear, hatred is being incited against minorities and the destruction of our planet is being threatened. In the run-up to 24th May, I want us all to call on Europe's leaders and election candidates, asking them to commit to moving away from politics of fear, towards hope. I have touched on some of the issues which I deeply care about and want to see change at a European and national level; however, I'm sure you may have many, many more causes of your own. Candidates in elections are concerned about what we think. By raising our voices in the lead up to the European Parliamentary elections, we can urge Irish politicians to commit to policies that protect everyone's rights and stick to these promises if elected. Talking to friends and family members, raising our voices on social media, and writing to our representatives are all actions that can really make a difference.
Let's demolish the stereotype that young people, due to our busy schedules of working, studying and socialising, are apathetic. We are not, we have been a huge catalyst for change in our society and our voices are powerful. Now is the time to turn up the volume.
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Every once in a while, the fantastic and committed users of PSD participate in the NBA All time redraft. Players that were eligible to be drafted must have played in the 1980-81 or beyond. The intention of this rule was to ensure that PSD community had better knowledge of the players being drafted and voted on. Please take the time to look over the players and the teams and vote for the better squad. We thank you for your time as your votes are important to determining an NBA ALL Time Redraft champion.
Please evaluate each player based on how well they played in their prime; injuries have no bearing on this game what so ever. Most of the GM's have taken the time to create a clubhouse with stats for their player which is based on each player's best s 3 consecutive seasons.
I want to fist say congrats to the Pistons for reaching the second round of the playoffs and wish him the best of luck from here on out.
I love this match-up for my team. Kevin Johnson in his prime was perhaps the fastest and quickest player in the NBA. Not many PG's in the NBA could contain his quickness and certainly Mark Price was not one of those Players. In 11 Career games against Mark Price, KJ average 20 ppg and 12 apg. I believe that KJ has the speed and agility to challenge the sharp shooting of Price and certainly contain any dribble penetration that Price may attempt. The key to this match up will be Price's inability to stay in front of KJ on defense. In his prime KJ averaged 7.7 free throw attempts per game and KJ should reach those numbers in this series with eas. Combine that fact with the small staure of Price and his below average defense, it makes for a very long series for Price. Advantage Celtics.
Well What can I say about Scottie Pippen. Some people call him a 2nd option on a great team but that could not be farther from the truth. Pippen in his prime was one of the best players in the league. He is perhaps the greatest peremeter defender to ever play the game, making the NBA all first defensive team 8 times. He is a 6 time NBA champion and a time all NBA First Team member. He is truly what every player wants to be, an elite player at both ends of the floor. I fully expect him to dominate Mullen in this series at both ends of the floor. There was no position Pippen could not guard and despite the solid shooting of Mullen in his career, Pippen should be able to contain Mullen and take this match-up for the Celtics. If you watch one video on youtube today, watch this Video all about the defense of Scottie Pippen.
Depsite what some may say, I like this match up. I certainly don't think Howard is better than the Dream but I think he does match up well with the athletic Hakeem. Hakeem made a living on abusing slower centers that did not have the athletic ability he did. The thing about Howard is that he has the athletic ability and size to match up against Olajuwon. Howard over the past few years has been the leagues best defensive player and best rebounder. I can think of no better player for Hakeem to face off against than Dwight Howard. Should be a good one!
Both teams offer solid help and talent off the bench. The one area I do like about this celtics team is the depth and skill at the back up PG and SG spots. Brandon in his prime was much like Kevin Johnson, very quick and had an act to getting into the lane. Byron Scott spent most of his career being a key piece of those Lakers teams in then 80's and offers a deadly shooter from behind the arch. The rest of my bench is rounded out by Christian Laettner, Shawn Bradley and Byron Russell. I fully expect the Celtics Bench to contibute well and have a strong series.
The Celtics Front Court is simply too big and physical for the Pistons to handle. Pippen, Laimbeer and Howard are all top notch defenders and and are all elite rebounders at their positions. I full expect the frontcourt to be the deciding factor on why the Celtics advance to the East final.
Pistons did not Send in a write up.
Please get those votes in!
I think I should win this one fairly easily, but I probably won't since a lot of you won't see this.
This is a great matchup. But I went for the C's.
I'd give it to the Pistons, but it's close.
Celtics, nobody could score on them. Pippen is one of the two or three greatest wing defenders of all time, and Dwight and Laimbeer down low? That's insane. People forget just how good Penny was, with him leading the way on offense along with KJ and Dwight down low (and Pippen was no slouch offensively either) I can't think of any way any of the teams I've seen can score enough to keep up. These Celtics should win this redraft handily.
Why easily? I have you beat at every position but center. Anyway it should be a good series.
You expect Laimbeer to crush Robinson with his physicality, but you forget Robinson's best asset is his ability to spread the floor, like a much better Rashard Lewis. Laimbeer would be far too slow to keep up with him, I could see Robinson going off for 25 points against him. On the defensive end, Olajuwon would have to pick up some of his slack, which he would be very capable of doing seeing as he's like the best defensive center ever.
I totally agree that with the lineups posted it's way in your advantage. Mullin and Pippen is a joke. However, Pippen and Marques Johnson is a lot different. Johnson has the size and strength to stop Pippen from getting many points. Obviously Pip is the best defender ever so I don't expect Johnson to get many either.
Moving Mullin to SG nullifies the SG position for me. Both Mullin and Hardaway were ridiculously good scorers in their prime, and it would be a shootout there. However, the DJ vs KJ battle as PG would be a nice matchup for me. DJ locked down Magic Johnson in the playoffs, he could handle KJ easily. On the flip side, DJ would be able to get his points on a point guard never known for his defense.
Close match up, hopefully I can take it.
This is very close. Hakeem lets the Pistons take it.
I would like to find out why some of you have taken the pistons, I don't think hakeem is enough to take this, especially when I have Howard..
Give me a break, Any of my guys but Laimbeer can be a number 1 option any given night. Your defense is suspect compared to mine. Despite what you may believe, Laimebeer would destroy Robinson in the post all day long. Plus Pippen would be guarding your best offensive option on the wing.
I don't see Hakeem dominating Howard. Not when Howard is more athletic and stronger than Hakeem. I think this is the most difficult match-up Hakeem could face.
did u see the training video between howard and hakeem???
Rice? he is on Robinson. The match-up goes way in my favor considering just the massive size & strength advantage he has over Robinson. That's fine, I know how you feel about my team, you voted against me last round as well, you don't like it and its obvious. Howard does however have the defensive presence and ability to contain Hakeem to a degree. Why can't hardaway-KJ or Pippen be the number 1 option. People tend to forget when Jordan retired, Pippen lead the Bulls to the playoffs and was third in MVP voting. Pippen could easily be a number 1 option because he proved he could do it.
Dude there's just no way Laimbeer for Robinson is a win for you. Robinson has the agility and shooting ability to beat him on the offensive end. Laimbeer is stronger and bigger, but he would be the slowest PF in the league. Hakeem could help Robinson on the defensive end much like Howard helps Lewis on the Orlando Magic.
I don't think you want your #1 option to be guarded by Dennis Johnson, one of the best defensive guards in history.
But I'm going to lose anyway. I firmly believe that if I had fixed my lineup and done a nice writeup I would have won this game.
I picked the Celtics, but Hakeem would man handle Dwight.


Naomi is so unappreciative, whiny, and even a little dimwitted.
Like when she lied to her father (who is the most reasonable, forgiving, "loosely responsible" type of parent) just to visit her boyfriend James who could've been damaged but still likable in a way, but after he was telling about his past he just seemed really erratic and crazy; you can grieve without going insane. Also, something about what he said, that he'd just randomly gone into Sera's room and just decided to cut his wrists. It's a bad type of impulsive; it's a badly written type of impulsive. He does things without a specific reason, he was just said to "go bad" because of his brother dying, it's like it gives him a viable excuse to cause conflict between Naomi and everyone else.
That just turned into a rant about James, but anyway, Naomi is really unappreciative.
Yeah, you forgot your memories, you're a little banged up, you don't have to take it out on your family and friends. She definitely went wrong by quitting yearbook, something she loved, for some guy. Just like how rude she was to Ace (at first I didn't like him, but he began to grow on me towards the ending) all because she was falling in love with James.
She's always crying about how she doesn't like her mom and about how she was unfaithful to her dad but seriously, couples divorce is a normal thing, people get divorced all time. 95% of the time, divorce is a good thing.
I covered the whole "hate her love interests" part in the rant above.
It was a good contemporary, realistic fiction story. Wouldn't recommend so highly, recommended for people who like sort of mainstream "blah blah lovey dovey" sort of things. It was a lot of "blah" and not enough of the "lovey dovey" part.
I started weeping like a baby.


text:
by Natsume Soseki
One of the most popular novels in Japan, Botchan is the story of a young graduate who takes up his first teaching post at Matsuyama middle school in the Japanese countryside. Botchan, a native of Tokyo views Matsuyama as a small backwater town with unusual customs. Strong willed and with the spirit of Edokko, Botchan soon finds himshelf at odds with the town and with the school. Written in 1906, Botchan is based on the authors own experience as a teacher at Matsuyama Middle School in 1895 and can be viewed as semi-autobiographical.
"When they encounter somebody who's honest and pure-hearted, they look down on him and say he's nothing but a kid , a botchan."
Botchan has been set in Minion Pro 11/13 x 23, a typeface designed by Robert Slimbach (1956– ) in 1990 and issued by Adobe Systems. Minion can be traced back to 1873 and found in Miller & Richards Typefounders Catalogue of the same year. The title is set in FF Meta Bold by Erik Spiekermann (1947– ) issued in 1991 and released through FontShop International.
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One of the most popular novels in Japan, Botchan can be viewed as semi-autobiographical, based on the authors own experience as a teacher at Matsuyama Middle School in 1895.
Book Shelf Category
Literature, Japanese Studies, Folklore, Cultural Studies, and Travel Writing
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Natsume Sōseki (1867 - 1916), was one of Japan's leading authors of the Meji period (1868 - 1912). Born Natsume Kinnosuke, he was a native of Tokyo where he attended school and later Tokyo Imperial University. Although Sōseki intended to become an architect, it was his friend, Japanese poet and author Masaoka Shiki (1867 - 1902) who encouraged him to pursue writing. In 1901 he became 'Japan's first Japanese English literary scholar' and spent three years in the United Kingdom from 1901-1903.
Much of his work was influenced by his studies in London and the relationship between Western culture and Japanese culture. His most famous works are; I Am a Cat, Kokoro and Grass Pillow. Since 2004, the ¥1000 Japanese note has featured a portrait of Natsume Sōseki.
Photo: Ogawa Kazumasa, 1912.
Typography: Minion Pro
Dimensions: 5" x 8" (203mm x 127mm)
Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life offers the reader the first glimpses into pre-industrial and Meji era Japan.
Gleanings in Buddha-Fields
Originally published in 1897, Gleanings in Buddha-Fields is Lafcadio Hearn's third book from his Japanese period.
© Copyright 2002-2021 Wabi Sabi Press. All rights reserved.


text:
Cooperation Credit
Chief Compliance Officers
DOJ - Department of Justice
Hershey Company
Miller & Chevalier Chartered
SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission
SEC Division of Enforcement
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan
Matteson Ellis
Palmina Fava
Vicente Eduardo Garcia
Adrian D. Mebane
From Discounts to Slush Funds: Red Flags to Heed and Eight Steps to Take to Avoid SAP's $3.9 Million Mistakes
Nicole Di Schino
As companies increase the complexity of their compliance programs, employees trying to make corrupt payments are forced to become more and more creative to circumvent those programs. German software and technology company SAP SE recently learned that the hard way when it agreed to pay nearly $3.9 million to settle charges that it violated both the books and records and the internal controls provisions of the FCPA. According to the SEC, a former SAP executive created a slush fund by providing an 82% discount to one of SAP's local partners. That money was then used to pay $145,000 in bribes to one senior Panamanian official and offer bribes to two others. Adrian D. Mebane, vice president and deputy general counsel of The Hershey Company told The FCPA Report that the settlement reinforces a company's obligation to maintain robust internal controls. That obligation goes beyond financial controls and includes establishing a compliant tone at the top, performing risk assessments, maintaining procedures to guarantee directives are followed for high-risk transactions, and ongoing monitoring, he said. See also "Miller & Chevalier's Ellis Offers Insights From Former SAP Employee's FCPA Guilty Plea and SEC Settlement" (Sep. 9, 2015).


text:
Камос (? — после 1147 года) — половецкий хан XII века, участник княжеских междоусобиц.

Биография
Был сыном хана Оселука, вместе с братом Тюнраком был союзником князя Святослава Ольговича.

В 1146 году братья Осолуковичи вместе с тремястами всадников пришли на помощь Святославу в борьбе с Давыдовичами и приняли участие в междоусобной войне против Изяслава Мстиславича

В 1147 году братья снова присылали помощь примерно в 300 воинов, но уже с семьями. Теперь во главе войска стоял Василий Половчин, но братья всё равно потом к ним примкнули..

Примечания

Персоналии по алфавиту
Половецкие ханы
Военачальники Средневековья
Википедия:Персоналии, не категоризованные по годам рождения

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Only curators can invite people to join the family's account at Kinector. There are two ways to do it.
1) Add the person to the address book and then go into the "Account" section and click on the "Invite people..." link. An email will be sent to the family member with instructions on how to join the website.
2) If you want to add a bunch of people all at once you can go into the "Account" section and click on the "Access Code" link. This will allow you to set a password that will allow anyone to add themselves to your family's account. Simply give this password to everyone in your family and direct them to the website.


text:
Embassy Engages Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) through English Language programs
By U.S. Embassy Malaysia
The Principal Assistant Director of Human Resources Division of MMEA, Ms. Joyce Chan gives out the Certificate of Participation to one of the participants at MMEA Headquarters. (MMEA photo)
On May 7, twenty officers from Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) and MMEA headquarters completed their 11-week English proficiency course conducted through the English Language Fellow program. The intensive course covered topics that are relevant to the maritime field such as vocabulary, practice of the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test, etc. During the virtual closing ceremony, the Principal Assistant Director of the Human Resources Division of MMEA, Ms. Joyce Chan, underscored the importance of mastering English language for the officers at MMEA as they rise in the ranks and engage in enforcement operations. The next cohort of this project will commence in October for the new recruits of MMEA officers based in Kuantan, thereby further strengthening security ties between U.S. and Malaysia.
AMSAS, English Comprehension Level, MMEA, U.S. & Malaysia
Education, Policy


Fritz received the materials you sent him.
The picture window is too dirty to see through.
Dana was hopping mad when he was notified of his sacking by email.
They flattered him about his diligence.
Ramneek didn't have anything to say to Collin.
Roger did everything by himself.
I'm too much of a lazybones.
He wants to sell his old car to a man in Kobe.
Why did you ask Daren to leave?
James's mother confiscated his felt-tip pens after he had started drawing on the walls around the house.
Just exactly what do you expect me to do?
Why is everyone staring at Vivek?
I was too short to reach the top shelf, so I asked Tal to get the book for me.
I think you should drink some coffee.
Do you really think Jaime is good-looking?
We went by bus as far as London.
Vadim doesn't have any brothers.
The simple perception of natural forms is a delight.
When he got up to make his speech, Jim's mind went completely blank and all he could do was stand there with his mouth open.
Ronald is Catholic, but her boyfriend is an atheist.
Gregor seems to be in charge.
Jin said it cost too much.
Kimmo is never going to find out.
I have complete confidence in Olivier.
Lisa has nothing to be ashamed of.
Cindie isn't my boyfriend anymore.
The only website Jill visits at least once a day is this one.
Why should Huey do that?
It often happens that young shogi players become a little self-important, but I don't think that's something limited to the shogi world.
I heard him sing at the concert.
Nikolai said he was ready.
I am sure that we will find a solution.
Edwin told us that he had a headache.
Playing go is my favorite pastime.
Please send an empty email message to info@example.com.
Pam didn't doubt that there would be a lot of people there.
I promised Manavendra that we'd be at his party.
Judy prepares food in front of the customers in his restaurant, Sjouke's tavern, that's known throughout the city.
I didn't think anyone still lived in this house.


Falling in love is liberating and magical, and you grow so much in the process. Romance isn't dead!
A beautiful friend of mine told me her story a few years ago.
A little back story – just like me, she was also engaged to a man, but two weeks before their wedding, they ended it.
After the breakup, she went on a world tour (a 'walkabout' of sorts) – the backstreets of Indonesia, Bali, etc. She came back with a renewed sense of hope and peace of mind. She even attended a workshop on Soulmate Attraction I held in San Fransisco.
She decided to get back into the dating grind, and dated several men, each getting easier and smoother. Less dramatic. She didn't feel pumped about any of them. But she did learn how to be kinder and more mindful while dating and ending relationships.
But then, over the summer, she decided to give dating a break, to focus on her friend's weddings.
She was invited to a friend's wedding, and decided to wear an ostentatious, poofy green ball gown. She was in a fun, openhearted mood.
There, she met a wonderful man. They danced and connected all night… and he asked her out on a date.
6 months have flown by like no other. Their romance has been sweet and enchanting. They have very little expectation except of mutual respect, trust and honesty. They're best friends first. They've even met each others' families, and resonate deeply on their values.
She followed the 5 Keys to Joyful Dating, without even realizing it.
I am genuinely happy for her!
I could relate, as I too, had an enchanting dating journey with Krishan – where we threw out all expectations, and focused on enjoying the present moment.
So how can you bring back the romance into dating?
1. Stay focused on the present moment.
Practice breathing, and staying present – not getting lost in the past or future.
Sometimes it's easy to become over-analytical or feel paralyzed when you're meeting someone on a date, wondering whether someone is 'the one' or if you'll get hurt. Rather, use the time to get to know him, bringing your full presence to each date, and practicing mindfulness and self-awareness. Try to put away your phone when you're with him, and request him to do the same.
When you view dating as a self-discovery journey – in which you notice your own triggers and blocks, and learn to accept each person for who they are, then you will notice that your guard will go down, and you will enjoy the date for what it is – an opportunity to get to know another human being, be authentic, and a time of exploration and doing fun things together!
Remember, you don't have to commit to anyone you don't want to!
Obviously, look out for the deal breakers, like addiction, anger issues, lying, etc. These are all a no-no.
I find that presence (through mindfulness) is one of the sexiest qualities a woman can have – one that is not only extremely seductive, but it can bring a woman to greater attunement with her higher self, and become wise, confident and carefree while dating.
2. Date more than one man.
This sounds counterintuitive, but even if you've met a guy you think is 'the one', continue to date other men. The reason is that It takes you out of your head (otherwise you will analyze the relationship endlessly, because you are putting all your eggs in one basket), and it will allow you to chill and actually just enjoy getting to know men, without focusing on the outcome.
Sometimes I view dating like networking or meeting new friends.
A real partnership will be revealed over time (sometimes over several months), when you get to know each other authentically, doing fun and interesting things together, and having deep, meaningful conversations around topics you deeply care about.
I generally advise women to date a man for at least six months (or more!) to know him well before committing to getting into a long-term relationship.
The more men you date, the more you will learn about yourself and ideally release your blocks – and also the greater chance you will meet 'the one'. When you finally meet Mr. Right, you will feel even more confident with your choice!
(I've shared a solid process of anxiety-free, joyful dating, in the Soulmate Attraction Blueprint).
3. Feel free to be yourself.
Real men are attracted to women who are themselves, totally and completely. When you are yourself, you give permission to a man to be himself – which is truly liberating, and something every man is seeking.
Sometimes it takes a lot of self love and self awareness to be your authentic self.
When you love and accept yourself and are free from your pesky, self-critical thoughts, you begin to radiate with joy and a sense of confidence and inner peace. You'll become less judgmental towards the men you're dating – and will start to enjoy the dating process for what it is – a self love journey and a heart-opening process of creating true, lasting partnership based on your values and intention.
4. Enjoy the dates, and don't take dating too personally.
Create a positive mindset around dating, and don't take the process too seriously. Remember, rejection is just part of the game, and everyone is looking for the right partnership, that will last a lifetime. If you aren't interested in dating a man, let him know honestly and firmly, yet, with compassionate and love.
Try not to write off a man based on superficial reasons. Give a man at least 3-4 chances, especially if he's kind, generous and shows up for you.
You can even treat him and plan fun and even meaningful things – even simple activities like walking in the park, going to an outdoor concert, volunteering at a soup kitchen or going to a meditation class together are great.
Over time, you can see whether you feel 'energized' or 'drained' while you're with him – this is a good test for resonance. While dating, see if you resonate on deeper things, like your values, vision and lifestyle preferences.
Your partner may already be in your life (maybe a friend of a friend, or online), but if your heart's not open or you're afraid of being vulnerable, you may not attract him! Or, you may meet 'the one', and begin to sabotage the relationship due to your subconscious blocks.
When you focus on self love and healing, and view dating as a self-discovery journey, you begin to connect with your intuition and aren't as afraid while dating. By clearing your blocks, you become more radiant and high quality men. This makes dating even more enjoyable!
By following these tips on dating, you WILL experience more miracles in your dating journey.
Plus you'll get to experience true romance when you do meet 'the one'.


text:
/** @file trackerargs.h
 *  @brief The header file for the command line option parser
 *  generated by GNU Gengetopt version 2.22
 *  http://www.gnu.org/software/gengetopt.
 *  DO NOT modify this file, since it can be overwritten
 *  @author GNU Gengetopt by Lorenzo Bettini */

#ifndef TRACKERARGS_H
#define TRACKERARGS_H

/* If we use autoconf.  */
#ifdef HAVE_CONFIG_H
#include "config.h"
#endif

#include <stdio.h> /* for FILE */

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif /* __cplusplus */

#ifndef CMDLINE_PARSER_PACKAGE
/** @brief the program name */
#define CMDLINE_PARSER_PACKAGE "tracker"
#endif

#ifndef CMDLINE_PARSER_VERSION
/** @brief the program version */
#define CMDLINE_PARSER_VERSION "2011-02-22"
#endif

/** @brief Where the command line options are stored */
struct tracker_args_info
{
  const char *help_help; /**< @brief Print help and exit help description.  */
  const char *version_help; /**< @brief Print version and exit help description.  */
  double threshold_arg;	/**< @brief community matching threshold (in range 0 to 1) (default='0.1').  */
  char * threshold_orig;	/**< @brief community matching threshold (in range 0 to 1) original value given at command line.  */
  const char *threshold_help; /**< @brief community matching threshold (in range 0 to 1) help description.  */
  char * output_arg;	/**< @brief prefix for output files.  */
  char * output_orig;	/**< @brief prefix for output files original value given at command line.  */
  const char *output_help; /**< @brief prefix for output files help description.  */
  int death_arg;	/**< @brief number of steps after which a dynamic community is declared 'dead' (default='3').  */
  char * death_orig;	/**< @brief number of steps after which a dynamic community is declared 'dead' original value given at command line.  */
  const char *death_help; /**< @brief number of steps after which a dynamic community is declared 'dead' help description.  */

  unsigned int help_given ;	/**< @brief Whether help was given.  */
  unsigned int version_given ;	/**< @brief Whether version was given.  */
  unsigned int threshold_given ;	/**< @brief Whether threshold was given.  */
  unsigned int output_given ;	/**< @brief Whether output was given.  */
  unsigned int death_given ;	/**< @brief Whether death was given.  */

  char **inputs ; /**< @brief unamed options (options without names) */
  unsigned inputs_num ; /**< @brief unamed options number */
} ;

/** @brief The additional parameters to pass to parser functions */
struct cmdline_parser_params
{
  int override; /**< @brief whether to override possibly already present options (default 0) */
  int initialize; /**< @brief whether to initialize the option structure tracker_args_info (default 1) */
  int check_required; /**< @brief whether to check that all required options were provided (default 1) */
  int check_ambiguity; /**< @brief whether to check for options already specified in the option structure tracker_args_info (default 0) */
  int print_errors; /**< @brief whether getopt_long should print an error message for a bad option (default 1) */
} ;

/** @brief the purpose string of the program */
extern const char *tracker_args_info_purpose;
/** @brief the usage string of the program */
extern const char *tracker_args_info_usage;
/** @brief all the lines making the help output */
extern const char *tracker_args_info_help[];

/**
 * The command line parser
 * @param argc the number of command line options
 * @param argv the command line options
 * @param args_info the structure where option information will be stored
 * @return 0 if everything went fine, NON 0 if an error took place
 */
int cmdline_parser (int argc, char * const *argv,
  struct tracker_args_info *args_info);

/**
 * The command line parser (version with additional parameters - deprecated)
 * @param argc the number of command line options
 * @param argv the command line options
 * @param args_info the structure where option information will be stored
 * @param override whether to override possibly already present options
 * @param initialize whether to initialize the option structure my_args_info
 * @param check_required whether to check that all required options were provided
 * @return 0 if everything went fine, NON 0 if an error took place
 * @deprecated use cmdline_parser_ext() instead
 */
int cmdline_parser2 (int argc, char * const *argv,
  struct tracker_args_info *args_info,
  int override, int initialize, int check_required);

/**
 * The command line parser (version with additional parameters)
 * @param argc the number of command line options
 * @param argv the command line options
 * @param args_info the structure where option information will be stored
 * @param params additional parameters for the parser
 * @return 0 if everything went fine, NON 0 if an error took place
 */
int cmdline_parser_ext (int argc, char * const *argv,
  struct tracker_args_info *args_info,
  struct cmdline_parser_params *params);

/**
 * Save the contents of the option struct into an already open FILE stream.
 * @param outfile the stream where to dump options
 * @param args_info the option struct to dump
 * @return 0 if everything went fine, NON 0 if an error took place
 */
int cmdline_parser_dump(FILE *outfile,
  struct tracker_args_info *args_info);

/**
 * Save the contents of the option struct into a (text) file.
 * This file can be read by the config file parser (if generated by gengetopt)
 * @param filename the file where to save
 * @param args_info the option struct to save
 * @return 0 if everything went fine, NON 0 if an error took place
 */
int cmdline_parser_file_save(const char *filename,
  struct tracker_args_info *args_info);

/**
 * Print the help
 */
void cmdline_parser_print_help(void);
/**
 * Print the version
 */
void cmdline_parser_print_version(void);

/**
 * Initializes all the fields a cmdline_parser_params structure
 * to their default values
 * @param params the structure to initialize
 */
void cmdline_parser_params_init(struct cmdline_parser_params *params);

/**
 * Allocates dynamically a cmdline_parser_params structure and initializes
 * all its fields to their default values
 * @return the created and initialized cmdline_parser_params structure
 */
struct cmdline_parser_params *cmdline_parser_params_create(void);

/**
 * Initializes the passed tracker_args_info structure's fields
 * (also set default values for options that have a default)
 * @param args_info the structure to initialize
 */
void cmdline_parser_init (struct tracker_args_info *args_info);
/**
 * Deallocates the string fields of the tracker_args_info structure
 * (but does not deallocate the structure itself)
 * @param args_info the structure to deallocate
 */
void cmdline_parser_free (struct tracker_args_info *args_info);

/**
 * Checks that all the required options were specified
 * @param args_info the structure to check
 * @param prog_name the name of the program that will be used to print
 *   possible errors
 * @return
 */
int cmdline_parser_required (struct tracker_args_info *args_info,
  const char *prog_name);

#ifdef __cplusplus
}
#endif /* __cplusplus */
#endif /* TRACKERARGS_H */

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub