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Laurann Dohner, Fury
Title: Fury
Author: Laurann Dohner
Keywords: New Species Series
Length: Super-Plus Size Novel
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9480-fury.aspx
Book 1 in the New Species series.
Ellie is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such "experiment" captures her heart and she'll do anything to save him—even if he hates her for it.
Fury has never known compassion or love. He's spent his life in a cell, chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust betrayed him. Now he's free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her life but when she's finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing he wants to do to the sexy little human.
Fury can't resist Ellie—the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her body wrapped around his. He's obsessed with the scent of his woman. And Ellie wants Fury—always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants to heal his desolate heart.
But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.
Reader Advisory: This story contains the heartrending aftermath of a rape scene involving a captive male. Another scene involves capture and forced touching by a hurt, vengeful Fury.
New Species: Fury by Laurann Dohner took me into the lives of a brand new mixed breed of men and women. Laurann Dohner laid the ground work splendidly with this first read. I was introduced to a fierce woman Ellie, a human who at great cost to herself committed both a heart wrenching crime and at the same time saved the life of someone she grew to care for.
Her fierce spirit and sassy ways fit perfectly with Fury. Their path was filled with obstacles at every turn and kept me on edge waiting to see what would happen after turning the page. The intimacy blew me away. Primal and loving at the same time it had me sighing in pleasure. As the plot thickened and a conspiracy popped up, I prayed they'd find a way to survive the hatred surrounding them. I immensely enjoyed the female species and all of the secondary characters and their interaction with this explosive couple. I can't wait for the next in this series and hope to be able to read it soon. Fury is a must read.
Labels: Cia, Ellora's Cave, Laurann Dohner, New Species Series, Paranormal Romance, Siren's Best Book Stone
Claire Ashgrove, Waiting For Yes
Title: Waiting For Yes
Author: Claire Ashgrove
Keywords: Champagne Rose, Spicy
Gabrielle Warrenton gave up everything to pursue her dream of a first-class Egyptian Arabian breeding farm. Her future lies in her new stallion's success. Though she possesses an exceptional eye for horseflesh, she lacks the training knowledge, and Bahadur Mamoon has a date with the nation's most affluent show in three weeks. Nothing that would present a problem given his previous credentials. Only, the sellers disguised one critical fact—he's crazy.
Jake Lindsey-Sullivan was once part of an exceptional Arabian training team. Under his mother's guidance, he developed an instinctual talent, but she was the star, the cornerstone of his life. Until she met a premature death. Grief-stricken and plagued by guilt, Jake abandoned the world of horses. Now an over-the-road truck driver, he evades the memories.
When a snowstorm throws two Arabian professionals into close-quarters, they discover an engulfing passion. But will Mamoon rip open emotional scars, or forever seal them shut?
A snowstorm, two people trying to move on with their lives, and horses. I'd say that's an awesome combination for a tender and charming romance. Waiting For Yes tugs on the heart strings of readers, I know it did mine. Gabrielle and Jake's story will warm its way into your mind and body, the gripping pace and emotion will grab hold from the start and take the reader on a journey, and the greatness doesn't stop until the very last page. Claire Ashgrove writes with passion and excellence. The way this author captures the very essence of love is astounding and I enjoyed this story.
Do you love contemporaries? Like stories that have a theme to do with horses? Don't miss Waiting For Yes.
Labels: 4.5 Siren Stones, Champagne Rose, Claire Ashgrove, Contemporary Romance, Nikki, Spicy, The Wild Rose Press
Vonnie Davis, Storm's Interlude
Title: Storm's Interlude
Author: Vonnie Davis
Nurse Rachel Dennison comes to Texas determined to prepare her new patient for a second round of chemo. What she isn't counting on is her patient's twin brother, Storm Masterson. Despite her initial attraction, Storm has two things Rachel can't abide: a domineering personality and a fiancée.
Half Native American, with the ability to have "vision dreams," Storm dreams about Rachel for three nights before her arrival. Both are unprepared for the firestorm of emotions their first encounter ignites.
Ultimately, it is Rachel's past—and abusive, maniacal ex-boyfriend—that threatens to keep them apart…and Storm's dreams that bring them together again.
Readers, prepare yourselves for a breathtaking emotional journey. Storm's Interlude is simply a book you should not miss. The characters are well crafted and I fell in love with Storm, Rachel, Sunny, Sawyer, and so many more. Vonnie Davis' writing is tender, witty and beautiful. I devoured each page, but didn't want the story to end because it's so powerful.
Storm is a great hero. Though he's had a rough past, he is now surrounded by family who loves him. He worries greatly about his ill sister and her son. His fiancée is a spoiled pain in the butt, and her stunts that keep Rachel running drove me nuts. But of course, that's what makes a story do so well; when you can love the great characters and feel anger and frustration towards the not so nice ones.
Simply put, this is a wonderful contemporary romance. I can't wait to read other books by Vonnie Davis. Storm's Interlude is most definitely a keeper, a book I can turn to again and again for an emotional comfort. I highly recommend this story if you enjoy contemporary romances full of heart.
Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Champagne Rose, Contemporary Romance, Nikki, Spicy, The Wild Rose Press, Vonnie Davis
Kathleen Mix, River of Fear
Title: River of Fear
Author: Kathleen Mix
Keywords: Crimson Rose, Spicy
Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4566
After ten years shouldering heavy responsibility as her siblings' guardian, fern farmer Annie Brenton yearns for an exciting and carefree future. Despite the repeated threats of a stalker, she refuses to cower in her house and compromise her long-awaited freedom.
When widower Luke Erickson and his two young children turn to Annie for help and she takes them into her home, she believes her financial worries and stalker problems are solved. Instead, the stalker ratchets up his violence, and her developing feelings for Luke turn her world upside down.
As Luke's past suddenly catches up to them, Annie is forced to make an impossible choice. Is loving a wandering sailor and his children worth the sacrifice of her freedom and the risk of a broken heart?
River of Fear is both character and plot driven, with plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader engaged. I most definitely was. I prepared myself for a romantic suspense, but River of Fear is so much more. Not only does it have its suspense factor, but I was so caught up in the characters that I forgot about everything else around me. I knew Annie and Luke had their secrets, and I was drawn to Luke's two wonderful children. This story is about second chances, finding love when you least expect it, and learning to trust when everyone else seems to have turned their back on you.
This is my first time reading a Kathleen Mix book, but It won't be the last. I am going to be keeping an eye out for more titles by this talented author. This is the kind of book that gave me chills, and with every little creak and thud I heard, I gasped out loud. I love the kind of books that give me chills at night. This was one of them.
Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Crimson Rose, Kathleen Mix, Nikki, Romantic Suspense, Spicy, The Wild Rose Press
Barbara Weitz, Teed Up For Love
Title: Teed Up For Love
Author: Barbara Weitz
Sub-Genre: Romantic Comedy
Keywords: Champagne Rose
A WORKING GIRL JUST HAS TO BLOW HER LID...
Using her quick wit and take-charge attitude, Miranda Stiltgaard lands a marketing job for Stuart Golf Enterprises in Chicago determined to prove a well-educated girl raised in a small Alaskan town can succeed in a big city.
WHEN ACCUSED OF A CRIME SHE DIDN'T DO...
Embezzlement of company funds sends aloof London bachelor, Keegan Stuart, roaring into Chicago to ferret out a thief and protect the family business.
THEN RISKS HEARTBREAK TO BOOT...
Miranda hates that this unreadable Brit sees her as a backwoods frontierswoman dragging bear home for dinner. Or that she's capable of a crime. But if it's a fight he wants, she'll show him how it's done. Never does Keegan expect a woman of fortitude to rock his resolve and steal his heart...a heart he doesn't intend to lose.
Quirky characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of plot that keeps the story racing, Teed Up For Love is a great romance. There are plenty of great scenes that will be sure to get a chuckle out of you, and plenty of sizzling sexual tension. You think it's hot outside, wait until the sparks between the leading characters heat you up even more.
Written in the first person, this book is a great contemporary comedy. I enjoyed Miranda. She's a blast, with her stubborn streak and with everything she does. And Keegan is mysterious and hot, the way a hero should be.
If you enjoy contemporaries, then don't miss Teed Up For Love.
Labels: 4 Siren Stones, Barbara Weitz, Champagne Rose, Contemporary Romance, Nikki, Romantic Comedy
Emma McKee, Family Business
Title: Family Business
Author: Emma McKee
Keywords: Crimson Rosebud, Spicy
Cat-sitting her great-aunt's finicky feline offers Nora Bainbridge a rare opportunity to delve into the secrets of the reclusive actress's younger years. And when a sexy television producer shows up, proposing an episode of Hollywood's Hottest History based on Aunt Elnora's off-screen involvement with the mob in Tinseltown, the past starts looking a lot more interesting.
Raised on a steady diet of 1940s films by his mob boss grandfather, the only upside FBI agent Luke McKinnon can see in his current undercover assignment is he'll get to meet one of the film stars he reveres. The downside is he's looking for something he doesn't want to find—evidence that Elnora Bainbridge is involved in trafficking stolen art. A totally unexpected perk is discovering Elnora has a look-alike namesake whose curiosity about her aunt's wild life drags them into a lot of Family Business.
All she was supposed to do was stay at her aunts, keep an eye on the house, and her pit. That's it. But the moment she stepped foot into the house, Nora's life suddenly got more...interesting.
In Family Business, get ready for a sexy, fun adventure. The book is filled with mystery and intrigue, plus fireworks between an undercover hero and a heroine who looks so much like her aunt it is her namesake. Could Nora's great-aunt really have done some of the things Luke accuses her of? Well, the pair seems intent on delving into to family secrets to find out.
This is an enjoyable suspenseful read. I was guessing until the end. The witty characters drew me in, and I didn't find a dull moment in this story. Looking for a great suspense and romantic read? Look no further than Family Business.
Labels: 4 Siren Stones, Crimson Rosebud, Emma McKee, Nikki, Romantic Suspense, Spicy, The Wild Rose Press
Doreen Orsini, Undeniable
Title: Undeniable
Author: Doreen Orsini
Keywords: Vampires
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9418-undeniable.aspx
Reviewer: Rhonda Callum-King
The vampires of Mina's Cove have passed sentence. The vampire hunter's daughter will pay for his crimes by becoming the very creature he hunts. Chosen to pass a drop of his blood then deny her, Sebastian is warned that Diana may be the one luring vampires into her father's trap.
After one night, Sebastian realizes he would follow Diana into the light of dawn for just one more kiss…one more touch…one more taste. How can he refuse to sate her hunger when he's grown addicted to her sweet blood and body? How can he destroy the woman he doubts even knows about her father's crimes, the woman born to be his forever?
Diana believes she's finally found her soul mate. But Sebastian only comes to her after the sun sets. A dark phantom she cannot resist. A lover whose scorching kisses sate a hunger that nearly drives her mad. She'd offer her body and soul to him, she'd tell him anything…except her father's secrets.
Publisher's Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title Hunting Diana.
Undeniable by Doreen Orsini is a true page turner. From start to finish, this book will keep the reader fully engaged. The vampires created by Mina and Dracula have found a peaceful place to live for many years. But now a vampire hunter stalks them, caging them out the sun to burn. The vampires have decided to fight back after the recent death of a beloved son. They vote and decide to send Sebastian, protector of the innocent to infect the vampire hunters' daughter with a drop of his blood and turn her into a mindless monster.
Sebastian decides however, against his mother's wishes, to follow the daughter, Diana, and see if she actually is her father's accomplice in the deaths of his brethren. As he follows her, he comes to realize she doesn't even believe in vampires and must be innocent. Diana may even be his life mate, who he has been looking for for centuries. This does not please his mother, Olympia, because she has ulterior motives. Olympia uses a young and malleable vampire to stage the scene in regards to Diana and confuse Sebastian into choosing wrong and destroying his future life mate.
Will Sebastian choose wrong? Why does Olympia harbour such hate that she would destroy her own son? Is she even sane? These are all questions that will keep you turning the pages of this story until the wee hours of the night. Undeniable is a very enjoyable read!
Labels: 4.5 Siren Stones, Doreen Orsini, Ellora's Cave, Paranormal Romance, Rhonda Callum-King, Vampires
Kaitlin Maitland, Crescendo
Title: Crescendo
Author: Kaitlin Maitland
Keywords: Ménage , M/M/F, M/M, Graphic Language
Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Crescendo.aspx
Leslie has no use for long term attachments. She's seen firsthand how fickle love can be. Better to keep things casual and walk away before someone else hurts you. Even when walking away leaves a wound that won't heal.
Seth and Joshua are the two most successful Family Law attorneys in Boston. But their job can't fill the void in their lives. Linked together by a lifetime of shared abuse and neglect, they want a woman who can complete their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom.
A legal issue leaves Leslie with nowhere else to turn and she strikes a devil's bargain with the two sexiest lawyers in Boston. But her resolution to keep things light crumbles when their passion overflows the bedroom. When the past comes knocking, Leslie must choose retreat or the chance of a lifetime. In the end, she can only hope the crescendo leads to an encore.
Crescendo by Kaitlin Maitland took me into the lives of three individuals who shielded their hearts by remaining aloof in their love lives. Seth and Joshua are a breath stealing duo who would leave any woman breathless. Both men have different traits but possess the same need to protect. Sometimes in a way that is detrimental to them. I loved Seth's take charge attitude and his sheer presence, and equally loved Joshua's more even keeled attitude.
Leslie's betrayal made tears prick my eyes and the sheer magnitude of why she hid finally made sense. In fact, I was pleased to see that her passion led her to the perfect men to protect and help her. I admired her selfless-ness and realized it was also her greatest weakness. I wanted her to clobber the woman trying to take what was hers, but mostly wanted to see the three of them succeed in a loving healthy…normal relationship with each other. The passion made me sweat and long to be the heroine on many occurrences. I'll love reading this again and again.
Labels: Cia, Contemporary Romance, Graphic Language, Kaitlin Maitland, Loose Id, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Siren's Best Book Stone
Lelani Black, Going Greek
Title: Going Greek
Author: Lelani Black
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
Keywords: Scarlet Miniature Rose
Lingerie model Marigold Laurent arrives in Greece for a much-needed vacation from work and the sweet-talking man who broke her heart. Fate and the machinations of her well-meaning sister ensure that she collide with tall, dark and luscious Dmitri Damianos, forcing her no-men policy right out the window. But can he give her more than one-and-done?
Wealthy entrepreneur, Dmitri, guards his emotions well. And while he wants everything Marigold has to offer--beauty, wit, charm, and the best sex of his life--he can't give her what she really needs. But when the red-hot beauty climbs out of his bed and possibly out of his life, can he let her go?
Going Greek by Lelani Black took place in a mesmerizing setting. I immediately loved the sisterly banter that flew between Marigold and Jasmine. When Jasmine and Stravos are otherwise occupied, Marigold is left in solitude to make sense of her life and what's led her to her current state of affairs. Stravos' brother Dmitri affects her on a level she's not ready for. She thinks she wants a commitment and he's only willing to give her a small piece of himself.
I thought the story was charming. The pacing felt off for a love story that was filled with more fantasies than actual bond building and non-consistent communication that comes with a loving and nurturing relationship. While the sex was red hot and I loved every part of it. I didn't feel that anything was showed more than a fleeting physical attraction between the two. Maybe if there'd been deeper layers with the two of them I would have. Still it was a nice read to sit back and enjoy. I just wish I'd gotten to know what made Dmitri tick and more into the personality of Marigold that wasn't tied into her ex.
Labels: 3.5 Siren Stones, Cia, Erotic Contemporary, Lelani Black, Scarlet Miniature Rose, The Wilder Roses
Elle Aycart, More than Meets the Ink
Title: More than Meets the Ink
Author: Elle Aycart
Keywords: Graphic Language
Length: Novel Plus
Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/More-than-Meets-the-Ink.aspx
Wickedly sexy James Bowen is a bad boy of the highest order -- tattoos and attitude included -- which unfortunately ranks way up on Tate's not-a-chance-in-hell list, right there along with skydiving naked over Teheran and juggling Ebola vials just for kicks. But what the heck, she's on holiday, the guy is absolutely irresistible, and she needs to unplug from her life. With her dad and brother gone, Tate is left to deal with the family restaurant, which is fast going down the drain. Her employees are acting out, her boyfriend has bailed out, and her very own private stalker is emailing her to death with lovely threats of doom, fire, and dismemberment. So yeah, maybe a little holiday fling is in order. Strictly sex though, and no follow-up whatsoever once.
She hadn't counted on her take-charge holiday fling having an opinion of his own and stubbornly sticking around, beforeand after the sex, making himself at home in her life. There is definitely more to James than meets her prejudiced eye, and even if she's not ready to look deeper, James isn't prepared to permit her not to.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.
More than Meets the Ink by Elle Aycart was one of the best stories I've read all summer. I enjoyed the opening of the story and how it eased me into the Heroine's crazy life. Tate made me laugh. Her Mom and James' dad and the cats brought a smile to my lips, and two grownups trying harder than hell to find some private time. The smile, that took a good portion of the book to fade. It was in that second part that the layers of how Tate ended up taking over the family business that showed me the deeper depths of the heroine and how she functioned on autopilot. I empathized with Tate and with James and hoped she'd take the offered olive branch.
James really made an impression on me. Underneath the sexy exterior lay a perfect gentleman. After the passion when Tate was in need of a strong shoulder he stepped to the plate unbidden and offered his help. His intelligence and giving nature proved not to judge a man on his appearance.
Labels: Cia, Elle Aycart, Erotic Contemporary, Graphic Language, Loose Id, Siren's Best Book Stone
Cerise DeLand, Strong Arms of the Law
Title: Strong Arms of the Law
Author: Cerise DeLand
Genre: Western Romance
Keywords: Texas Ranger
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9414-strong-arms-of-the-law.aspx
Rex Martinez is one tough Texas Ranger who's always gotten his man. No woman has ever resisted him either. But the saucy little number currently under his protection makes him nuts. Makes him hard. And makes him eager to put her in her place…which is, of course, in his arms. And his bed.
Crime writer Skye Chamberlain chafes under Rex's rigid rules. He's too macho, too yummy to stay cooped up with while she's trying to remain celibate.
When Skye calls his bluff and demands they embrace their relationship now instead of later, Rex can't resist. But his need to keep her hot and happy makes him drop his guard—which is exactly when trouble comes calling.
Strong Arms of the Law by Cerice DeLand captivated my attention from page one. Tension between Rex and Skye leapt from the pages. I witnessed Rex fight with his work ethic and raw physical need front and present. Skye didn't make things easy for him. He didn't stand a chance when it came to her brazen desire. I loved that about her; she couldn't handle the atmosphere and called it like she saw. Why fight the need.
As the story progressed the fire didn't die down but blazed and when the villains appeared and all hell broke loose, I feared that Rex would distance himself and turn back into the rugged protector instead of the flesh and blood man I sure didn't mind getting to know. What a perfect match the two of them. In the end I was an extremely satisfied woman.
Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Cerise Deland, Cia, Ellora's Cave, Texas Ranger, Western Romance
Ann Jacobs, Imperfect Partners
Title: Imperfect Partners
Author: Ann Jacobs
Genre: BDSM
Sub-Genre: Science Fiction
Keywords: Pleasure Partners Series, M/M
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9423-imperfect-partners.aspx
Book 4 in the Pleasure Partners series.
Mutilated and exiled from Earth because he helped his brother, former Star Commander Conan finds himself on the Pleasure Planet, Obsidion. Broken and humiliated, he dons the white robe that signifies his new status of complete eunuch—until a famed cyborg and sexbot maker restores his manhood with a large, unique…colorful appendage.
The friends who rescued Conan have found him a mate, Nebula. She, too, knows shame and the pitying stares of others, because she carries the dreaded mutant gene. She was sterilized by order of Earth Federation.
Nebula craves the touch of a real man, but thinks it is forever denied her. Conan is more than ready to satisfy her desires with his new bionic equipment, but he fears rejection. Two damaged people, yearning for what they have lost, seek fulfillment in each other's arms.
Publisher's Note: The books in the Pleasure Partners series originally comprised the Luna Ten Chronicles and Obsidion Chronicles series, and were previously published elsewhere. Each story has evolved through extensive lengthening and revision for Ellora's Cave to make for a consistent and hopefully enjoyable reading experience. This book was previously published under the title Nebula.
Reader Advisory: The residents of this world revel in the public sharing of nudity and sexual acts. There is also a brief, very hot male/male sexual encounter.
Imperfect Partners by Ann Jacobs gave me the story I've been waiting to read since the first three. It's amazing how imperfections make us doubt the very core of ourselves. I was outraged that a government had the right to emasculate men and strip women of their femininity.
Conan and Nebula deserved to find each other and to find a way to heal from their emotional and physical trauma. I felt they mirrored each other well. Two halves of one soul and their passion and ability to move forward moved me. The bionic equipment was genius as was the creator as well as the hormone patches and Conan's will to illegally transport them for his mate, so that she may enjoy what's been denied her. I can't wait for the next book in this fabulous series built with remarkable and unforgettable characters.
Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Ann Jacobs, BDSM, Cia, Ellora's Cave, M/M, Pleasure Partners Series, Science Fiction
Mandy Monroe, Dark Haven
Title: Dark Haven
Author: Mandy Monroe
Keywords: Vampires, Werewolves, Cruise Ship, Ménage, Exhibitionism, Multiple Partners
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Buy-Link: http://newconceptspublishing.com/mandy-monroe/dark-haven/
Trapped between two horny vampires and one lusty werewolf on a cruise ship with several hundred other weirdos that thought that they were vampires, Scarlett seriously considered jumping ship. Unfortunately, she hadn't discovered the truth about her fellow passengers until the ship was somewhere in the middle of the ocean. She decided she wouldn't have much success talking her way out of the sharks taking a bite out of her, but she would soon realize she wouldn't have much luck where the men were concerned either.
Multiple partners/heroes, group sex. Anal penetration, exhibitionism, oral sex, and forced seduction. NO male on male action.
Dark Haven by Mandy Monroe has intriguing characters that keep you interested and reading. Practical and logical, Scarlett really needed all three different men to help crack the shell around her heart so that she could start feeling.
Nico, Vincent, and Lazarus all have something unique to bring to the relationship and Scarlett in turn helps each of them. The men have all been on earth a while so they have seen a lot of evil and each has their own story. Scarlett is like a breath of fresh air long overdue.
The love scenes are steamy hot. This is a great paranormal/erotic romance story with a lot of imagination put into the characters and their backgrounds. It was a definite page turner that was hard to put down. I enjoyed the interaction between Scarlett and her three alpha males, as well as the interaction between the secondary characters and Scarlett. It wouldn't be a great paranormal without some evil to overcome and Elizabeth couldn't get too much worse if she tried.
I read the alternate version of the story that contained some male on male action and hinted at more. I think it was done very well and that the parameters of the relationship between the three men, before and after they met Scarlett, warranted a little male on male action to help understand how close they had all become over the centuries.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, sexy and had a good plot. I hope that Mandy Monroe will revisit these characters in the future.
Labels: 4.5 Siren Stones, Cruise Ship, Exhibitionism, Menage, Multiple Partners, New Concept Publishing, Paranormal Romance, Stacey Krug, Vampires, Werewolves
Jami Davenport, Fourth and Goal
Title: Fourth and Goal
Author: Jami Davenport
Keywords: Football Player, Graphic Language
Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Fourth-and-Goal.aspx
In a game played on and off the field, only one of them will emerge the winner.
Armed with an uncanny ability for evaluating football talent, a dogged determination to succeed in a man's world, and an empty bank account, Rachel McCormick agrees to help struggling wide receiver Derek Ramsey get his game back. Rachel believes Derek, her former best friend and lover, knows the truth behind the points-shaving scandal which ruined her father. She vows to expose the secret even if it destroys Derek in the process.
When Derek's coach suggests sex as an excellent tension reliever the night before a game, Rachel takes one for the team. The next day, Derek has the best performance of his not-so illustrious pro football career. As Derek and Rachel rack up nights in bed and other places, the team racks up wins on the field. Rachel is torn between her loyalty to her father and her growing affection for Derek.
Now it's fourth and goal, one second left on the clock. Their hearts are on the line. Do they trust each other enough to go for the long bomb or do they get dropped for a loss?
Derek is a football player, but his game seems to be off. Then Rachel comes back into his life, all grown up and looking sexy as ever. She's there to help, and Derek hopes that she's forgiven him for the mistakes he made in the past. The mistake that ruined their long-time friendship.
Now Rachel is helping him with his game. Who would have thought sex would get him back on his game? But he's concerned about what this physical relationship without any commitment or feelings will do to Rachel, even though he's feeling great and playing better than ever.
Oh yeah. Sexual conflict at its best. Derek and Rachel have a past history. Now their reunion has plenty of tension and conflict. Jami Davenport creates a well rounded story, full of lots of heart, scorching sex, and plenty of pacing to keep this story moving. I enjoyed this very much.
If you don't mind a contemporary romance on the erotic side, love sports romances, and are looking for a great read, don't miss Fourth and Goal. It'll have you wanting more from this author in a heartbeat!
Labels: 4.5 Siren Stones, Erotic Contemporary, Football Player, Graphic Language, Jami Davenport, Loose Id, Nikki
Desiree Holt, Downstroke
Title: Downstroke
Author: Desiree Holt
Keywords: Country Star, Killer
Length: Plus-Size Novel
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9087-downstroke.aspx
It's been twenty years since security specialist Charley Roper and country star Dallas Creed had their bitter parting. Now a killer has brought them together again, but neither is ready for a reunion—despite signs that their explosive chemistry hasn't waned with time. She can't forget the feel of his hands on her body. He can't forget the hot touch of her mouth. When they finally tumble into bed, the sex is just as good as they remember, hot enough to singe the sheets. But is it enough?
Thrown together during an exhausting, frenzied concert tour, with a killer nipping at their heels, Dallas and Charley find themselves on a hot, suspenseful, erotic roller coaster ride. Can he convince her to trust her heart to him one more time, to reach out for a richer, deeper, more mature love?
More importantly—can Charley keep Dallas alive long enough for either of them to enjoy a second chance?
A thrilling and erotic romantic suspense! Desiree Holt creates another spell binding tale that weaves romance and thrills all into one. And it helps that it features a country singer 'Swoons'.
Holt always crafts her characters so well, and the sizzling suspense just gets hotter and hotter with the turn of each page. How this author creates story after story in such a short time is amazing, but I enjoy reading Holt's suspense very much.
If you like romantic suspense, steamy love scenes, and don't mind staying up all night to read then check out Downstroke. It's hot! Dallas and Charley's story will win the hearts of romance fans.
Labels: 4 Siren Stones, Country Star, Desiree Holt, Ellora's Cave, Killer, Nikki, Romantic Suspense
Kelly Jamieson, Breakaway
Title: Breakaway
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Keywords: School Teacher, Hockey Player
Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9215-breakaway.aspx
Jason and Remi want the same thing—no-strings-attached, screw-their-brains-out, burn-the-sheets-up fun. Pro hockey player Jason just broke up with his girlfriend because she got too serious. Schoolteacher Remi just saw the last of the younger siblings she raised leave the nest. Jace isn't ready for responsibility. Remi's had enough responsibility. They're perfect playmates.
But fun and sexy games get complicated when emotions get involved. Then responsibility and commitment crash the party when Jason's past comes back to haunt him. Like it or not, Jason and Remi both have to figure out what they really want.
Once again Kelly Jamieson pens another scorching but emotional romance. Breakaway is filled with great characters, hot sex, and of course, love. Jason and Remi start a fling just for fun, but who knew the feelings they would feel come rushing to the surface. But then, life gets in the way. The two must think about their future together despite the things they are most afraid of.
This is a wonderful book, and I enjoyed reading it. Remi is kind of a shy woman at first, she's just been able to live on her own after caring for her younger siblings, and that's when she meets Jason. She doesn't understand how he could be attracted to her, but she's lonely and he's a kind man.
If you enjoy contemporary romance filled with lots of real life situations, curl up with a copy of Breakaway and prepared to be drawn into this great novel.
Labels: 5 Siren Stones, Contemporary Romance, Ellora's Cave, Hockey Player, Kelly Jamieson, Nikki, School Teacher
Maryn Sinclair, The Escort


Polypropylene layers are bonded for strength. Low to medium traffic areas. Reuse up to 10 times. Skim tramp oil from coolant tanks. Perforated available on double weight rolls & Pads. Treated polypropylene layers are bonded for strength and durability. For low to medium traffic areas. Absorbs, oil, coolants, solvents and water.


text:
Three Ways You Can Help Stop the Equality Act
by Paul Chappell | Feb 25, 2021 | Current Events
If you are an Bible-believing, American Christian, I hope you've already heard about the Equality Act—a concerning piece of legislation currently making its way through Congress.
This bill was first introduced and passed in the House of Representatives in 2019. (I wrote about it then in a post titled "Why Bible-Believing Christians Should Oppose the Equality Act.") It then stalled in the Senate.
President Biden, however, made the passage of this legislation one of his first-100-days-in-office priorities. As such, the bill was reintroduced to the House this week and passed by a 224-206 vote.
The bill is now headed to the Senate where it must be defeated.
Inform Yourself
Don't be fooled by the title of this bill. Calling it the "Equality Act" is deceiving because this bill is not about treating all people with equal levels of respect (something Bible-believing Americans should do). This is about strong-arming churches, schools, business owners, women's shelters, and any and every other sector of society into embracing practices that may infringe upon their conscience, deeply-held beliefs, and even the basic purposes for their existence.
Does that sound extreme? It's not hyperbole.
Consider just a few of the possible ramifications recently shared by Franklin Graham:
The Equality Act designates schools, churches, and healthcare organizations as "public accommodations." With this, schools, churches, and hospitals could be forced to accept the government's beliefs and mandates about sexual orientation and gender identity. It will threaten everyday speech where people can be fined or lose their jobs for using the wrong name or pronouns.
The Equality Act will legislate that we allow boys in girls' sports, boys in girls' locker rooms, men in women's shelters, and men in women's prisons. It will force teachers and students to publicly pretend that a biological male is a female. Schools will be encouraged or mandated to instruct first, second, and third graders that they can choose to be a boy or a girl, or neither, or both, making biological sex (and science) a relic of the past.
The Equality Act will use the force of law across all 50 states to strip Christian and other religious ministries of their right to hire people of shared faith to pursue a shared mission.
The Equality Act will strip health professionals of their rights of conscience. It will force doctors and medical professionals who long to do no harm to engage in gender transition treatments such as hormone-blocking, cross-sex hormones, or surgery.
The Equality Act will be a tool used by the government to deny or threaten accreditation to religious colleges and universities if they do not satisfy the demands of the secular Left to apply sexual orientation and gender identity to dorms, sports, places of privacy, and even teachings.
How would one piece of legislation do all of this? Well, as I wrote 2 years ago, the Equality Act, which is presented as if it were simply an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, makes two serious errors:
It makes sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes.
It eliminates use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
A recent article on NBCnews.com highlighted the outcome of these two errors:
Indeed, contrary to how it is often portrayed, the Equality Act wouldn't simply amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Equality Act would go a step further—and herein lies the radical rub—by cutting off avenues of appeal for any penalties imposed under the act.
Specifically, it would override the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which gives people a way to challenge government requirements that they feel impinge on their religious rights. The religious freedom act was needed because of a Supreme Court ruling in 1990 that said First Amendment protections for religion couldn't be invoked to challenge a law if the law itself wasn't intended to specifically target religion (e.g., a measure like the Equality Act).
Without the ability to even appeal for those rights, the Equality Act would put religious Americans in unconscionable positions.
Do not believe that this is a minor piece of goodwill legislation, intended to help persecuted people who identify as LGBTQ. This is absolutely an attempt to radically change society and, if passed, will absolutely be used to target Christians—in ministry, business, education, and health contexts—who believe in the biblical family and created genders.
Call Your Senators
The one action you should take right now is to call your two senators and ask them to vote against this bill. (You can find their contact information here.)
The bill needs sixty votes to pass. And your senators need to hear from you that you want them to vote NO.
Even for the senators who have already made their position on this bill clear, I think it's important for them to hear from their constituants. (Those who already stand against it are taking heat from the media and will appreciate your call of encouragement. And those who are for it especially need to hear from you.)
All you need to do is make two phone calls. It's that simple.
Once again, you can find your senators' contact information here.
Pray and Share the Gospel
We must pray—not only for this bill to be defeated in the senate, but more importantly for a spiritual revival in our nation.
Earlier I mentioned that this bill is not being pushed with a goodwill agenda. That's true. But it is also true that there are many people who identify as LBGTQ who need a Savior. Only Christ can bring the healing and wholeness that hurting people need.
The truth is that the equality act is not really about equality. Real equality is found at the foot of the Cross.
As Christians, we should call our senators. We should vote biblical values. But most importantly, we should regularly share the only truly equalizing message this world has ever heard: We are all sinners in need of a Savior, and the glorious gift of the gospel is available to all who will receive Christ.
Because I believe the Equality Act is designed to counter and silence the gospel message, I have called my senators. And because I believe the gospel message is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16), I will continue to preach it and share it.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: how to find consecutive occurances of 1 with condition in python I have following dataframe in pandas
 code      tank     date         time       no_operation_flag
 123       1        01-01-2019   00:00:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   00:30:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   01:00:00   0
 123       1        01-01-2019   01:30:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   02:00:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   02:30:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   03:00:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   03:30:00   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   04:00:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   00:00:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   00:30:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   01:00:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   01:30:00   0
 123       2        01-01-2019   02:00:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   02:30:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   03:00:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   03:30:00   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   04:00:00   1

What I want to do is to flag consecutive 1's in no_operation_flag more than 3 times at tank level. Dataframe is already sorted at tank,date and time level.
 code      tank     date         time       no_operation_flag   final_flag
 123       1        01-01-2019   00:00:00   1                   0
 123       1        01-01-2019   00:30:00   1                   0
 123       1        01-01-2019   01:00:00   0                   0
 123       1        01-01-2019   01:30:00   1                   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   02:00:00   1                   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   02:30:00   1                   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   03:00:00   1                   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   03:30:00   1                   1
 123       1        01-01-2019   04:00:00   1                   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   00:00:00   1                   0
 123       2        01-01-2019   00:30:00   1                   0
 123       2        01-01-2019   01:00:00   1                   0
 123       2        01-01-2019   01:30:00   0                   0
 123       2        01-01-2019   02:00:00   1                   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   02:30:00   1                   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   03:00:00   1                   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   03:30:00   1                   1
 123       2        01-01-2019   04:00:00   1                   1

How do I do it in python?

A: Crete consecutive groups with DataFrameGroupBy.shift, not equal and cumulative sum, then get counts with Series.map and Series.value_counts, compare with Series.gt for > and 1 values, last set values by numpy.where:
shifted = df.groupby(['code','tank'])['no_operation_flag'].shift()
g = df['no_operation_flag'].ne(shifted).cumsum()

mask = g.map(g.value_counts()).gt(3) & df['no_operation_flag'].eq(1)

df['no_operation_flag'] = np.where(mask, 1, 0)

Or:
df['no_operation_flag'] = mask.astype(int)

print (df)
    code  tank        date      time  no_operation_flag
0    123     1  01-01-2019  00:00:00                  0
1    123     1  01-01-2019  00:30:00                  0
2    123     1  01-01-2019  01:00:00                  0
3    123     1  01-01-2019  01:30:00                  1
4    123     1  01-01-2019  02:00:00                  1
5    123     1  01-01-2019  02:30:00                  1
6    123     1  01-01-2019  03:00:00                  1
7    123     1  01-01-2019  03:30:00                  1
8    123     1  01-01-2019  04:00:00                  1
9    123     2  01-01-2019  00:00:00                  0
10   123     2  01-01-2019  00:30:00                  0
11   123     2  01-01-2019  01:00:00                  0
12   123     2  01-01-2019  01:30:00                  0
13   123     2  01-01-2019  02:00:00                  1
14   123     2  01-01-2019  02:30:00                  1
15   123     2  01-01-2019  03:00:00                  1
16   123     2  01-01-2019  03:30:00                  1
17   123     2  01-01-2019  04:00:00                  1

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Seasonal Hiring to Be Flat This Year Even As More Stores Open Thanksgiving
By John Zappe October 15, 2013 July 23, 2015
Seasonal hiring is likely to be flat this year, as retailers worry that consumers will keep a tighter check on their spending than they did last year.
After driving up housing prices and springing for such big-ticket items as new cars, consumers tightened up their back-to-school buying, making this year the worst since 2009. Forecasts are that holiday spending will increase only 2.4% in the next two months compared to last year.
In addition, there are six fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Chanukah, the Jewish holiday of lights, which includes eight days of gift-giving, especially for children, begins the day before Thanksgiving, weeks earlier than usual, potentially weakening some sales.
Global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, says the outlook for seasonal hiring this year is good, but not great. The firm says retailers "are likely to at best match the level of hiring that occurred in October, November, and December 2012." The 751,800 seasonal help hired by retailers during that period last year was the largest number since 2000, the firm reported.
"There are several factors that could keep holiday hiring from reaching last year's level. While, the economy and job market are improving, it has now been four years since the recession officially ended and millions of Americans are still unemployed or underemployed. As a result, consumers remain uneasy, which is evidenced by wide monthly mood swings in confidence surveys," said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
To get a jump on the holiday buying, several of the nation's largest retailers will open Thanksgiving night. This week, Macy's became the latest retailer to announce it will open at 8 Thanksgiving night ending a 155-year tradition to close its stores on the fourth Thursday of November. Macy's joins Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart, Sears and Kmart in launching Black Friday shopping on Thursday.
The trend toward earlier and earlier openings on the day after Thanksgiving, for what is the busiest retail shopping day of the year, started with dawn openings, then moved to pre-dawn, and then to midnight. Deep discounts and loss-leaders brought out crowds of shoppers, who would line up hours in advance.
In 2011, Toys R Us pushed the opening to Thursday night. Following its lead, other retailers quickly did the same. So rapidly has this trend grown that next year, the Society for Human Resource Management predicts the number of businesses opening on Thanksgiving 2014 will grow five-fold.
For the last few years, SHRM has surveyed its members about the holidays and paid time off employees will enjoy in the year ahead. Last year, SHRM's survey of some 565 businesses found 99% of them expected to be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2013. On the day after, 71% expected to be closed.
This year's survey says 5% of employers expect to open Thanksgiving 2014. About 1% will close early that day, leaving 94% to observe a traditional day off. Black Friday 2014, will see 66% of the employers open; 32% will give their employees the day off.
Is this really evidence of the retail trend toward holiday openings or just a statistical quirk? SHRM's annual days off survey typically has some variability in the percentages of employers closing or opening on the nation's religious and secular holidays. However, looking back over the surveys, the shift for Thanksgiving openings has been fairly small; not more than a single percentage point. That is until this year's survey, which was conducted over the summer.
The survey asked about other holidays, including the total number of paid holidays employers provide for workers. According to SHRM, 78% of employers provide 6-10 paid holidays for full-timers, while 41% offer that many for their part-timers.
John Zappe
John Zappe is the editor of TLNT.com and a contributing editor of ERE.net. John was a newspaper reporter and editor until his geek gene lead him to launch his first website in 1994. He developed and managed online newspaper employment sites and sold advertising services to recruiters and employers. Before joining ERE Media in 2006, John was a senior consultant and analyst with Advanced Interactive Media and previously was Vice President of Digital Media for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
Besides writing for ERE, John consults with staffing firms and employment agencies, providing content and managing their social media programs. He also works with organizations and businesses to assist with audience development and marketing. In his spare time he can be found hiking in the California mountains or competing in canine agility and obedience competitions.
You can contact him here.


text:
package org.elasticsearch.search.aggregations.bucket.composite;

import org.apache.lucene.index.LeafReaderContext;
import org.apache.lucene.index.SortedNumericDocValues;
import org.apache.lucene.index.SortedSetDocValues;
import org.apache.lucene.search.LeafCollector;
import org.apache.lucene.util.BytesRef;
import org.elasticsearch.common.joda.FormatDateTimeFormatter;
import org.elasticsearch.index.fielddata.SortedBinaryDocValues;
import org.elasticsearch.index.fielddata.SortedNumericDoubleValues;
import org.elasticsearch.search.DocValueFormat;
import org.elasticsearch.search.aggregations.support.ValuesSource;
import org.elasticsearch.search.sort.SortOrder;

import java.io.IOException;

import static org.apache.lucene.index.SortedSetDocValues.NO_MORE_ORDS;

/**
 * A wrapper for {@link ValuesSource} that can record and compare values produced during a collection.
 */
abstract class CompositeValuesSource<VS extends ValuesSource, T extends Comparable<T>> {
    interface Collector {
        void collect(int doc) throws IOException;
    }

    protected final VS vs;
    protected final int size;
    protected final int reverseMul;
    protected T topValue;

    /**
     *
     * @param vs The original {@link ValuesSource}.
     * @param size The number of values to record.
     * @param reverseMul -1 if the natural order ({@link SortOrder#ASC} should be reversed.
     */
    CompositeValuesSource(VS vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
        this.vs = vs;
        this.size = size;
        this.reverseMul = reverseMul;
    }

    /**
     * The type of this source.
     */
    abstract String type();

    /**
     * Moves the value in from in to.
     * The value present in to is overridden.
     */
    abstract void move(int from, int to);

    /**
     * Compares the value in from with the value in to.
     */
    abstract int compare(int from, int to);

    /**
     * Compares the value in slot with the top value in this source.
     */
    abstract int compareTop(int slot);

    /**
     * Sets the top value for this source. Values that compares smaller should not be recorded.
     */
    abstract void setTop(Comparable<?> value);

    /**
     * Transforms the value in slot to a {@link Comparable} object.
     */
    abstract Comparable<T> toComparable(int slot) throws IOException;

    /**
     * Gets the {@link LeafCollector} that will record the values of the visited documents.
     */
    abstract Collector getLeafCollector(LeafReaderContext context, Collector next) throws IOException;

    /**
     * Creates a {@link CompositeValuesSource} that generates long values.
     */
    static CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Numeric, Long> wrapLong(ValuesSource.Numeric vs, DocValueFormat format,
                                                                      int size, int reverseMul) {
        return new LongValuesSource(vs, format, size, reverseMul);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a {@link CompositeValuesSource} that generates double values.
     */
    static CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Numeric, Double> wrapDouble(ValuesSource.Numeric vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
        return new DoubleValuesSource(vs, size, reverseMul);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a {@link CompositeValuesSource} that generates binary values.
     */
    static CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Bytes, BytesRef> wrapBinary(ValuesSource.Bytes vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
        return new BinaryValuesSource(vs, size, reverseMul);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a {@link CompositeValuesSource} that generates global ordinal values.
     */
    static CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Bytes.WithOrdinals, BytesRef> wrapGlobalOrdinals(ValuesSource.Bytes.WithOrdinals vs,
                                                                                int size,
                                                                                int reverseMul) {
        return new GlobalOrdinalValuesSource(vs, size, reverseMul);
    }

    /**
     * A {@link CompositeValuesSource} for global ordinals
     */
    private static class GlobalOrdinalValuesSource extends CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Bytes.WithOrdinals, BytesRef> {
        private final long[] values;
        private SortedSetDocValues lookup;
        private Long topValueGlobalOrd;
        private boolean isTopValueInsertionPoint;

        GlobalOrdinalValuesSource(ValuesSource.Bytes.WithOrdinals vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
            super(vs, size, reverseMul);
            this.values = new long[size];
        }

        @Override
        String type() {
            return "global_ordinals";
        }

        @Override
        void move(int from, int to) {
            values[to] = values[from];
        }

        @Override
        int compare(int from, int to) {
            return Long.compare(values[from], values[to]) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        int compareTop(int slot) {
            int cmp = Long.compare(values[slot], topValueGlobalOrd);
            if (cmp == 0 && isTopValueInsertionPoint) {
                // the top value is missing in this shard, the comparison is against
                // the insertion point of the top value so equality means that the value
                // is "after" the insertion point.
                return reverseMul;
            }
            return cmp * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        void setTop(Comparable<?> value) {
            if (value instanceof BytesRef) {
                topValue = (BytesRef) value;
            } else if (value instanceof String) {
                topValue = new BytesRef(value.toString());
            } else {
                throw new IllegalArgumentException("invalid value, expected string, got " + value.getClass().getSimpleName());
            }
        }

        @Override
        Comparable<BytesRef> toComparable(int slot) throws IOException {
            return BytesRef.deepCopyOf(lookup.lookupOrd(values[slot]));
        }

        @Override
        Collector getLeafCollector(LeafReaderContext context, Collector next) throws IOException {
            final SortedSetDocValues dvs = vs.globalOrdinalsValues(context);
            if (lookup == null) {
                lookup = dvs;
                if (topValue != null && topValueGlobalOrd == null) {
                    topValueGlobalOrd = lookup.lookupTerm(topValue);
                    if (topValueGlobalOrd < 0) {
                        // convert negative insert position
                        topValueGlobalOrd = -topValueGlobalOrd - 1;
                        isTopValueInsertionPoint = true;
                    }
                }
            }
            return doc -> {
                if (dvs.advanceExact(doc)) {
                    long ord;
                    while ((ord = dvs.nextOrd()) != NO_MORE_ORDS) {
                        values[0] = ord;
                        next.collect(doc);
                    }
                }
            };
        }
    }

    /**
     * A {@link CompositeValuesSource} for binary source ({@link BytesRef})
     */
    private static class BinaryValuesSource extends CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Bytes, BytesRef> {
        private final BytesRef[] values;

        BinaryValuesSource(ValuesSource.Bytes vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
            super(vs, size, reverseMul);
            this.values = new BytesRef[size];
        }

        @Override
        String type() {
            return "binary";
        }

        @Override
        public void move(int from, int to) {
            values[to] = BytesRef.deepCopyOf(values[from]);
        }

        @Override
        public int compare(int from, int to) {
            return values[from].compareTo(values[to]) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        int compareTop(int slot) {
            return values[slot].compareTo(topValue) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        void setTop(Comparable<?> value) {
            if (value.getClass() == BytesRef.class) {
                topValue = (BytesRef) value;
            } else if (value.getClass() == String.class) {
                topValue = new BytesRef((String) value);
            } else {
                throw new IllegalArgumentException("invalid value, expected string, got " + value.getClass().getSimpleName());
            }
        }

        @Override
        Comparable<BytesRef> toComparable(int slot) {
            return values[slot];
        }

        @Override
        Collector getLeafCollector(LeafReaderContext context, Collector next) throws IOException {
            final SortedBinaryDocValues dvs = vs.bytesValues(context);
            return doc -> {
                if (dvs.advanceExact(doc)) {
                    int num = dvs.docValueCount();
                    for (int i = 0; i < num; i++) {
                        values[0] = dvs.nextValue();
                        next.collect(doc);
                    }
                }
            };
        }
    }

    /**
     * A {@link CompositeValuesSource} for longs.
     */
    private static class LongValuesSource extends CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Numeric, Long> {
        private final long[] values;
        // handles "format" for date histogram source
        private final DocValueFormat format;

        LongValuesSource(ValuesSource.Numeric vs, DocValueFormat format, int size, int reverseMul) {
            super(vs, size, reverseMul);
            this.format = format;
            this.values = new long[size];
        }

        @Override
        String type() {
            return "long";
        }

        @Override
        void move(int from, int to) {
            values[to] = values[from];
        }

        @Override
        int compare(int from, int to) {
            return Long.compare(values[from], values[to]) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        int compareTop(int slot) {
            return Long.compare(values[slot], topValue) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        void setTop(Comparable<?> value) {
            if (value instanceof Number) {
                topValue = ((Number) value).longValue();
            } else {
                // for date histogram source with "format", the after value is formatted
                // as a string so we need to retrieve the original value in milliseconds.
                topValue = format.parseLong(value.toString(), false, () -> {
                    throw new IllegalArgumentException("now() is not supported in [after] key");
                });
            }
        }

        @Override
        Comparable<Long> toComparable(int slot) {
            return values[slot];
        }

        @Override
        Collector getLeafCollector(LeafReaderContext context, Collector next) throws IOException {
            final SortedNumericDocValues dvs = vs.longValues(context);
            return doc -> {
                if (dvs.advanceExact(doc)) {
                    int num = dvs.docValueCount();
                    for (int i = 0; i < num; i++) {
                        values[0] = dvs.nextValue();
                        next.collect(doc);
                    }
                }
            };
        }
    }

    /**
     * A {@link CompositeValuesSource} for doubles.
     */
    private static class DoubleValuesSource extends CompositeValuesSource<ValuesSource.Numeric, Double> {
        private final double[] values;

        DoubleValuesSource(ValuesSource.Numeric vs, int size, int reverseMul) {
            super(vs, size, reverseMul);
            this.values = new double[size];
        }

        @Override
        String type() {
            return "long";
        }

        @Override
        void move(int from, int to) {
            values[to] = values[from];
        }

        @Override
        int compare(int from, int to) {
            return Double.compare(values[from], values[to]) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        int compareTop(int slot) {
            return Double.compare(values[slot], topValue) * reverseMul;
        }

        @Override
        void setTop(Comparable<?> value) {
            if (value instanceof Number) {
                topValue = ((Number) value).doubleValue();
            } else {
                topValue = Double.parseDouble(value.toString());
            }
        }

        @Override
        Comparable<Double> toComparable(int slot) {
            return values[slot];
        }

        @Override
        Collector getLeafCollector(LeafReaderContext context, Collector next) throws IOException {
            final SortedNumericDoubleValues dvs = vs.doubleValues(context);
            return doc -> {
                if (dvs.advanceExact(doc)) {
                    int num = dvs.docValueCount();
                    for (int i = 0; i < num; i++) {
                        values[0] = dvs.nextValue();
                        next.collect(doc);
                    }
                }
            };
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Details about Composite Decking 8 colour sample pack of our Wood Plastic Composite decking. ... Both sides provide a robust anti-slip walking surface, are easy to clean, and require very little maintenance. ... Composite panel insulated sheeting orders of less than 50 linear metres of sheet type will be £90.00 VAT.
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Archana Chandola has over four years of experience in the development sector. She has worked with National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and subsequently with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. She has done her post-graduation from Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and her research interest includes livelihoods, technology, and development and governance systems. Currently, she is working on the changing rural consumption pattern and entrepreneurial opportunities around it.


Aquanaut Dutch Craftmanship is a concept on the water. The shipyard builds various model lines in its own house in dozens of variants from start to completion. The sales brokerage of Aquanaut sailed yachts is entirely in the hands of 4Beaufort. You can also come to us as a preferred partner for advice in new construction yachts from Aquanaut.


Cow Hanging Basket Holder - The Plasma Studio, Stoke-on-Trent.
There are at least a dozen breeds grazing on the New Forest National Park. – you'll never see the black and white Freesian type here as they are milking cows. You'll see many calves with their mums which is a lovely sight as they are usually taken away (especially the boys) at an early stage on farms.


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Home / Posts tagged "Carolina Panthers"
Goal-line Stand: Deshaun Watson ties single-game rookie record vs. Titans
Embed from Getty Images Wow, it's the quarter mark of the NFL season already? Feels like just yesterday the Kansas City Chiefs were facing the New England Patriots on opening...
Josh Norman has to continue playing with a chip on his shoulder
He's the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. He was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate last season. Oh, and he'll be the highest-rated corner on the popular video...
Sam Bradford and Kirk Cousins get big bucks to start offseason
Embed from Getty Images As expected, several offseason moves were made today across the NFL, due to the franchise tag deadline. Some moves were more side-eye worthy than others, but...
Goal Line Stand: Cardinals, Chiefs could be dangerous when postseason arrives
Embed from Getty Images The 2015 NFL regular season will be soon coming to a close. Barring some type of miracle that would allow the Indianapolis Colts to clinch a...
Who deserves to win NFL MVP, Cam Newton or Tom Brady?
View image | gettyimages.com There are two undefeated teams left in the National Football League, the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. Both teams are a perfect 10-0, and both quarterbacks are...


I love status; that's no lie but what's better than one status? Two statuses! Airberlin has a unique program that is really fantastic and can benefit travelers.
If you have a look at the card, there're two things that you may recognize.
Airberlin is part of Oneworld which Qantas are part of, they are also an Etihad partner and they are a Virgin Australia partner so you get 2 for the price of 1. This means if you hold Gold you will have the same benefits as Qantas and Virgin Australia Gold.
How do I earn the status?
Even though the benefits are the same, earning the status is a little different. When flying Qantas credting to Airberlin you can earn both status and award miles whereas when flying Virgin you'll only be able to earn award miles. Another very important point to note is that when booking awards, the call centre speaks German only, No english. If you are not concerned about awards go for this program however if you want awards consider another program.
If you can speak German the award rates are actually quite reaonable.
As I said both Qantas and Airberlin are in Oneworld so you get the normal benefits of the status that you hold.
As I mentioned you cannot earn status when credting from VA flights but you can earn award miles which are fantastic if you can speak German.
Being a partner airline you recieve the same benefits Virgin members would depedning on the status you hold.


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Willie Maxwell II (Paterson, Nueva Jersey, 7 de junio de 1991), más conocido como Fetty Wap,es un rapero y cantante estadounidense, que saltó a la fama en 2015 con su sencillo debut «Trap Queen», que se convirtió en un éxito en Estados Unidos al situarse en la posición 2 del Billboard Hot 100. Posteriormente, publicó los sencillos «679» y «My Way» que también entraron a las primeras diez posiciones de dicha lista de popularidad estadounidense.

En septiembre de 2015, lanzó su álbum debut y epónimo, que tuvo éxito en los Estados Unidos al entrar en el puesto número 1 del Billboard 200, y en reconocimiento a sus ventas en referido país la RIAA lo certificó platino, que equivale a un millón de ejemplares comercializados.

Carrera musical

Comienzos

En 2013, Wap comenzó a hacer música como un rapero solista y luego se interesó en cantar porque «quería hacer algo diferente». A finales de 2013, inspirado en una mujer que pretendía, escribió una canción llamada «Trap Queen», que grabó en marzo de 2014 con el productor Tony Fadd, de RGF Productions. Él incluyó al tema en su mixtape (EP) debut Up Next, que salió los mercados musicales de Paterson a mediados de julio de 2014.Wap también lanzó la mixtape en SoundCloud. El 22 de abril Wap publicó a Trap Queen de manera independente. La mixtape y «Trap Queen» empezaron a ganar popularidad en Nueva Jersey y en otros estados, y para noviembre contaba con más de un millón de reproducciones en SoundCloud.

A principios de noviembre de 2014, firmó un acuerdo de grabación con los sellos discográficos 300 Entertainment y RGF Productions. El 15 de diciembre se lanzó en iTunes una nueva versión de «Trap Queen». Wap integró un grupo de rap llamado Remy Boyz 1738, en el que también participan P-Dice y Montana «Monty» Buckz. El artista fue apodado «Fetty», un argot para referirse al «dinero», ya que su propósito como rapero era hacer dinero; él posteriormente añadió «Wap» al final del seudónimo para homenajear a Gucci Mane, «quien también es conocido como Guwop».

2015-16: revelación y éxito internacional con Trap Queen

Wap luego de firmar un contrato discográfico en noviembre de 2014 con 300 Entertainment, empezó a grabar su segunda mixtape la cual llevaba por nombre Fetty Wap: The Mixtape y, originalmente estaba programada para ser lanzada en febrero de 2015, pero el rapero decidió atrasar su publicación para así escribir nuevas canciones. Wap apareció en el primer lugar de la lista anual de los diez «estudiantes de primer año» —en inglés, freshman class— de la revista XXL; un ranquin que supone éxito para diez artistas de rap en su debut. A mediados de febrero, el artista fue un invitado sorpresa de Kanye West en un concierto llevado a cabo en Nueva York, como parte del Roc City Classic.

El 7 de febrero de 2015 «Trap Queen» debutó en la posición 86 del Billboard Hot 100 de Estados Unidos, y para la semana del 28 de marzo, entró en la posición 10 de dicho listado de popularidad, en gran parte por la alta actividad de descargas continua y por las ventas digitales. El tema perduró tres semanas consecutivas en el puesto 2 del Billboard Hot 100, solo detrás de «See You Again» de Wiz Khalifa con Charlie Puth. Billboard la consideró a «Trap Queen» una de las diez mejores canciones de la primera mitad de 2015.  El tema recibió alabanzas de parte de los reporteros especializados, asimismo artistas como Kanye West, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Rihanna, entre otros, hicieron comentarios favorables sobre la canción. Ha vendido más de 2.5 millones de copias en los Estados Unidos y está certificada platino por la Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). En los MC100 Award de 2015, del canal de televisión Music Choice, el videoclip de «Trap Queen» ganó el premio vídeo más reproducido del año.

Wap hizo su debut en la televisión estadounidense el 14 de abril en los MTV Movie Awards 2015 con «Trap Queen», que interpretó junto con Fall Out Boy. El 29 de junio de 2015 Wap lanzó su segundo sencillo, «679», y entró en el puesto número 6 de la lista de popularidad Billboard Hot 100, y ha vendido más de 1.1 millón de copias. En julio, se publicó «May Way» como el tercer sencillo del álbum debut epónimo del rapero; la canción se situó en el puesto 7 del Billboard Hot 100 de Estados Unidos, lo que convirtió a su intérprete en el primer rapero en cuatro años que obtiene tres sencillo entre los primeros diez lugares de dicha lista de éxitos desde que Lil Wayne lo hizo en 2011. Por otro lado, a finales de agosto de 2015, «Again» al entrar en el puesto 8 de la lista Hot Rap Songs, de Billboard, convirtió a Wap el primer rapero en obtener cuatro sencillos simultáneamente entre los primeros diez puesto de dicha lista, con «Trap Queen», «My Way» y «679». En la ceremonia de los MTV Video Music Awards 2015 recibió el galardón artista para vigilar y, estuvo nominado al mejor vídeo hip hop por «Trap Queen» y canción del verano por «My Way». Asimismo en los BET Awards 2015 fue un candidato al mejor artista nuevo. La cedana televisiva MTV ubicó a Wap en el primer puesto de su conteo de los mejores artistas de 2015.

Su álbum debut epónimo se publicó el 25 de septiembre de 2015 a través de los sellos RGF y 300 Entertainment respectivamente; siete temas del disco, incluyendo dos de la versión de lujo, cuentan con la participación vocal de Monty, un integrante de Remy Boyz. Fetty Wap vendió más de 129 000 copias en su primera semana en los Estados Unidos y entró en el puesto número 1 del Billboard 200. En el informe de ventas de álbumes de 2015 en Estados Unidos, Fetty Wap figuró como el décimo más vendido con 1.29 millón de copias, y para marzo de 2016, obtuvo la certificación de platino por la RIAA.

En noviembre de 2015, Wap estuvo nominado a los galardones artista nuevo del año y artista favorito de rap/hip hop en los American Music Awards 2015. Asimismo su sencillo «Trap Queen» obtuvo dos animaciones a los Grammy en las categorías mejor interpretación rap y mejor canción rap para la edición 58 de dicha ceremonia de premiación, que se llevó cabo en febrero de 2016. Los reporteros Ryan Patrick, de USA Today, y Vincenty Samantha, de PopCrush, cuestionaron la decisión de los electores de los Premios Grammy al no incluir a Wap entre los nominados al mejor artista nuevo, alegando que, en comparación con algunos de los candidatos, el rapero fue una de las revelaciones más destacadas de 2015 por el éxito que le deparó su sencillo «Trap Queen».

Arte

Influencias y voz

Wap algunas veces lleva puesta una pañueleta con la bandera de Haití estampada, según él es un tributo a la abuela de su hija, y que al indagar acerca de los antecedentes de la comunidad haitiana desarrolló un amor por su cultura. También usa el lema de la bandera haitiana, que versa acerca de la unidad, y alega que la unidad fue un fundamento para construir su carrera musical. Asimismo afirma que se siente muy atraído por la cultura haitiana y que no usa la bandera para llamar la atención. Wap tiene una voz de barítono.

Vida personal

Fetty Wap nació el 7 de junio de 1991 en Paterson, Nueva Jersey, Estados Unidos, como Willie Maxwell II. Su nombre es un tributo a su abuelo. Creció en un proyecto de vivienda social en su ciudad natal. Hijo de una cantante; tiene un hermano que también se dedica a la música y colaboró en la composición de «My Way» (2015). Wap nació con glaucoma en ambos ojos y al ser sometido a una operación a los seis meses, los médicos pudieron salvar el derecho. A los doce años, fue sometido a una cirugía reconstructiva y se le puso una prótesis ocular, aunque antes de lanzar su carrera dejó de usarla, ya que piensa que lo hace diferente a las demás personas. El artista asistió a la Eastside High School de Paterson; sin embargo, en el décimo grado abandonó la escuela. Wap tiene dos hijos, un varón de nombre Aydin (c. 2011) y una niña llamada Zaviera, que nació en 2015.

Discografía

 Fetty Wap (2015)

Premios y nominaciones

Referencias

Enlaces externos

Fetty Wap en AllMusic (en inglés)

Raperos de Estados Unidos
Cantantes de Nueva Jersey
Barítonos de Estados Unidos
Compositores de Estados Unidos
Cantantes de R&B de Estados Unidos
Nacidos en Paterson (Nueva Jersey)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Pipa es una película de suspenso dramático argentina de 2022 dirigida por Alejandro Montiel. Se trata de la tercera película de la saga iniciada con Perdida (2018) y La corazonada (2020). La trama sigue la vida de la oficial de policía Manuela "Pipa" Pelari, quien decide alejarse de ese mundo y se refugia con su tía en un desolado pueblo del norte de la Argentina. Sin embargo, este lugar se ve azotado por un crimen por el cual Pipa volverá a retomar su profesión y se afrontará a nuevos peligros. Está protagonizada por Luisana Lopilato, Mauricio Paniagua, Inés Estévez, Ariel Staltari, Paulina García, Malena Narvay, Aquiles Casabella, Benjamín del Cerro y Santiago Artemis. La película se estrenó el 27 de julio de 2022 en Netflix.

Sinopsis
La carrera profesional de Pipa como policía de investigación entra en declive cuando deja en libertad a la proxeneta Cornelia Villalba, pero su tía Alicia Pelari la convence de irse de Buenos Aires y se muda con ella a un pequeño pueblo ubicado en La Quebrada en el norte argentino. La vida allí parece ir tranquilla hasta que aparece el cadáver de una joven y Pipa decide comenzar una investigación del caso, metiéndose en un mundo donde reina la corrupción, los beneficios de clase y el peligro.

Reparto

Desarrollo

Producción
En febrero del 2021, Netflix confirmó la realización de la tercera y última parte de las películas Perdida (2018) y La corazonada (2020). Asimismo, se informó que Alejandro Montiel volvería a ser el director de esta tercera entrega, mientras que el guion estaría a cargo de Montiel, Mili Roque Pitt y Florencia Etcheves. En cuanto a la producción, se develó que las empresas Fam Contenidos y Corinthian Argentina serían las responsables de hacerlo.

En junio del 2022, se reveló que la película sería estrenada el 27 de julio de ese año. A los pocos días se presentó el primer tráiler, donde se develó un poco más de la trama y los personajes.

Rodaje
La fotografía principal inició en septiembre del 2021 en Buenos Aires. Poco después, las filmaciones se trasladaron a Jujuy y Salta. Durante su rodaje en Jujuy, se produjo un inconveniente con la producción de la película y los padres de los alumnos que asisten a la escuela primaria Eduardo Casanova de Tilcara, ya que denunciaron que violaron los derechos de las niñas y los niños por incumplir con los protocolos contra el covid-19 y porque los estudiantes fueron retenidos en las aulas sin dejarlos salir al recreo, ni utilizar los baños. El rodaje concluyó en diciembre del 2021.

Casting
Tras el anuncio de la producción, se confirmó que Luisana Lopilato volvería a repetir el papel de Manuela "Pipa" Pelari. En septiembre del 2021, se reveló que el resto del elenco estaba integrado por Mauricio Paniagua, Inés Estévez, Ariel Staltari, Paulina García, Malena Narvay, Aquiles Casabella, Benjamín Del Cerro y Santiago Artemis.

Premios y nominaciones

Referencias

Enlaces externos

Películas de suspenso dramático
Películas de Netflix
Películas rodadas en Buenos Aires
Películas rodadas en Jujuy
Películas rodadas en Salta
Secuelas de películas


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Q: MySQL replace minus with left join I am working on migrating from Oracle to MySQL and currently stuck on converting query with MINUS operation. I know, I have to use left join, but somehow my query is not giving the exact rows as it is in Oracle. The query is very simple with with select on views "V_*".
On Oracle:
select s.section, c.title from course c, v_staff_active s
  minus
select section,title from v_rep_attended_by_section

On Mysql, I converted it like below:
select * from
( select s.section, c.title from course c, v_staff_active s) x
left join
( select section,title from v_rep_attended_by_section) y on x.section = y.section
where y.section is null;

But not getting the exact result or number of records.
Can you please help me out as I am very much new to MySQL.
Thanks in advance.

A: Your query should look like:
select s.section, c.title
  from course c
  left join v_staff_active s on c.section = s.section
                            and c.title = s.title
  where s.section is null and s.title is null;


Ideas don't stay hot forever – make it happen!
Do you have what it takes to maximize the potential of your team- and your career?
Applications are hereby invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates for the Operations Planner Job Vacancy At Forte Oil.
To monitor, plan and forecast products to meet consumer demand. The purpose is to increase efficiency, improve customer service, decrease waste and lower costs. In fulfilling the job duties, the Operations Planner will contribute to the bottom line and corporate sustainability, while ensuring the product customer want are readily available.
Direct and coordinate the development of truck programming strategy and matrix with a view to maximizing efficiency in delivery operations and effective turnaround.
Ensure contractual stock holding at all vendor managed inventory (VMI) locations.
Develop, implement and manage the day to day scheduling of local and bridging product request and monitor the prompt dispatch by the invoicing and dispatch officers at the terminals and depots.
Ensure integrity of business controls and systems are effectively monitored.
Participate in the planning and execution of terminal operations as it affects product loading and on-time dispatches to customer locations.
Provide management with report on Daily Supply Gap, End of sales week report and MPR.
The position requires someone that is highly analytical and possess a degree in social science with at least 5 years post NYSC experience with a certification in APICS or currently undergoing the certification.
Experience with ERP systems preferably SAP ERP.
Thorough knowledge, preferably education in LEAN-management or similar ideologies.
Advance use of Microsoft Excel.
Internal: Distribution manager, Distribution team, Business operations team.


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Parthiv Patel On What Sets Virat Kohli Apart From MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma As Captain
by Jaleel M.
Wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel on Sunday said that Virat Kohli makes sure that everyone is on their toes while MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma keeps the dressing room really calm. Parthiv was trying to tell about the different captaincy styles of Dhoni, Rohit, and Kohli. The wicket-keeper batsman was the latest guest on the YouTube show of former India batsman Aakash Chopra and it was then that Parthiv talked about different captaincy styles. "Virat has a different style of captaincy, he likes to be right in front every time, he likes to lead from the front and be aggressive all the time. It is his style and it has suited him," Parthiv told Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel.
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"Dhoni and Rohit keep the dressing room calm while Virat makes sure that everyone is on their toes and they all keep pushing themselves," he added.
Parthiv also said that former skipper MS Dhoni knows how to bring out the best of his players.
"I think MS Dhoni knows completely about every player's potential and what all can be extracted out from him. Dhoni knows what is the potential of a player, and he brings that out. He lets them play in their own style, and gives them space to express themselves," Parthiv said.
Dhoni has so far played 350 ODIs with his highest score being 183 against Sri Lanka. He also remains the only captain to win all major ICC trophies (50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy).
He also led India to the number one ranking in the longest format of the game. Under his leadership, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won the Indian Premier League (IPL) three times.
Talking about the captaincy style of Rohit, Parthiv said: "Rohit plans really well. He figures out how to use the information that has been given to him, and which player can be used in what role. He has improved a lot over the years, starting from 2014 to now, if you look at him. At man-management, Dhoni and Rohit are really good at," Patel said.
Rohit Sharma has won the IPL the maximum number of times.
Under his leadership, Mumbai Indians have won the tournament four times.
Rafael Nadal Wavers Over US Open And Roland Garros, Andy Murray Fears Player Safety
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© 2020 Scoftware.com


Les Cents Ciels offers a calming retreat where you can give your body a well deserved pampering! With a sauna, pool, massage rooms and more, you have all you need to really relax. There are a range of argan oil and milk bath treatments available, as well as a tea room where you can sip on mint tea and continue to unwind after your spa session. Prices start from 40 euros for a basic package. It is open to men and women on different days and on Saturdays it's open to both men and women, so be sure to check before your visit!
O'Kari Hammam is a spa and hammam just for women. It offers all kinds of massages, exfoliation, beauty treatments to give your body the perfect pampering session. You can enjoy their home made lemonade whilst you relax. They have their own range of products used in their treatments, which are also available to buy, if you're feeling inspired to create your own spa setting at home! Prices start from 59 euros for a basic hour long session. And if you just can't get enough, they offer monthly subscriptions for serious spa goers!
This is another great hammam just for women (men are only allowed on Saturdays). With a pool, sauna, relaxation and massage rooms, this is perfect for indulging yourself. And after you've had your treatments, you can relax in their restaurant and bar area. As well as the typical hammam experience, they also offer different body treatments, manicures and waxing. This place will leave you feeling calm and serene and is a great relaxing experience. Prices start from 40 euros for a 30 minute massage and entry to the hammam is 44 euros, giving you access to all the services available.
There are four Nuxe spas located across Paris, so you have plenty of choice. With a variety of treatments, massages and facials on offer, there's something to suit all your pampering needs! The Nuxe spas offer you the height of luxury and you can find all your favourite Nuxe products here too! This place has a perfect calming atmosphere, where you can leave your worries behind and simply relax… Prices start from 88 euros for a 45 minute massage.
This relaxing spa is filled with beautiful mosaics and Oriental décor. It is open just for women and they provide you with towels, a robe and slippers for the perfect spa experience. There are a range of packages and different treatments to choose from. They also offer mint tea and Moroccan pastries to add to your spa experience! And there is also a restaurant available, where you can enjoy a relaxing meal after your spa treatments. Prices start at 60 euros for a basic package including admission, exfoliation, gloves and soap.
For a more traditional experience in a beautiful setting, why don't you try the hammam at the Paris mosque? This option is much cheaper, with basic entry costing just 18 euros! They also offer massages and waxing. Don't forget to bring all your towels and toiletries with you, as these are not provided in the service and are only available to buy! Also, be sure to check the dates before your visit, as men and women are welcome on different days.
For something a little different, we recommend trying the Zen siesta bar. Because everyone could do with a little nap sometimes! The sleeping booths and massage chairs are perfect for when you need to relax and recharge your batteries. Here you can siesta like the Spanish do in the first bar à sieste in the world! They also offer manicures, pedicures and massages. Prices start at 12 euros for a 25 minute session.
Have you ever tried a hammam? We hope this article has left you feeling a bit more relaxed and inspired to book your next appointment! Paris has so many great spas and places to relax, you'll be feeling zen again in no time!
For more inspiration, be sure to check out our article on how to stay zen in Paris!


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Pawn shop reports uptick in attempted fake gold sales
A City Heights pawn shop owner says he is seeing an increase in the number of people trying to sell fake gold for cash this holiday season.
By: Jonathan Horn
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A City Heights pawn shop owner says he is seeing an increase in the number of people trying to sell fake gold for cash this holiday season.
Moris Adato, president of CashCo Pawn, said he is turning people away for trying to sell fake gold three to four times a week. He says with stimulus benefits ending, San Diegans are also pawning more items for basic necessities while small business owners are doing the same to make payroll.
Meanwhile, last month, the Chula Vista Police Department issued a warning about fake gold scams in mall parking lots. Adato said scammers will appeal to people's emotions, telling potential victims that they will sell the jewelry at a deep discount so they can put food on the table for their children or for gas to get home. In some cases, they will sell the rings right off their fingers.
"Whenever there's a big month of that happening, we get more throughout the week, and it's been happening this month plenty," Adato said. "They think they bought a $1,000 item for 100 bucks. They come to sell it thinking they're going to get $300 to $400 for it and... not real."
In his decades in the business, Adato has seen fake Nike shoes, Louis Vuitton bags and pieces of art. When a seller comes in, workers test the items. In the case of fake gold, Adato will do a scratch test with acid, or put the acid right on the piece of jewelry. If it bubbles green, it's fake.
"The holiday season is a really big time for the scammers and the con-artists out there," he said.
As a rule of thumb, Adato said if it's too good to be true, it's fake. He said CashCo will do the jewelry testing for free, so one option is to ask the seller to come into the shop for the acid test. Adato said if the seller won't agree, it's probably a scam.
The Chula Vista Police Department tells ABC-10 they are continuing to work the jewelry scam case and are communicating with other law enforcement agencies in Southern California where similar thefts occurred.


What a splendid display of fireworks!
Who gets to sit on their dock and watch a powerful display of fireworks in the air and the water? We do.
Friends joined us from Claremont and Whitby to share in this, one of the many extraordinary moments supplied by living on Musselman's Lake.
Thanks go out from our hearts to the owner/operators of Cedar Beach and to the talents of Pyromaniacs for putting on this celebration of the last of summer, the first of fall.


His strong religious faith was an indisputable fact. He served and worshiped God by day and night, was sound, mild, compassionate, a loyal friend.
Because he was fully prepared, at the very moment when he heard the summons from the Supreme Horizon—heard the drumbeats of "Am I not your Lord?"—he instantly cried out, "Yea, verily!" With his whole being, he became enamored of the splendors shed by the Light of the World. Openly and boldly he began to confirm his family and friends.
Two Sundays ago, hardly anyone showed up for Sunday Devotions at the Bahá'í Center, and only three of us were there when Robert (Bob) walked in and said, "I'm here to attend your service!" He had been filling gas at the Shamrock station across the street when he noticed the Bahá'í Center sign for devotions, and decided to walk in.
After the devotional meeting, Bob stayed to listen to the usual introduction to the Faith followed by a brief discussion, and we answered his questions to the best of our ability. Bob is from Florida, and was in Colorado Springs on business. He said he had been searching for a while after giving up on his Baptist church, and it was in a Unitarian church where he heard about the Bahá'í Faith for the first time. Bob was very touched by what he heard during our discussion and asked, "What are you doing to get your wonderful message across to the world? It all just makes so much sense!" We answered, "We're really trying our best; we're even going door to door!" We gave him a standard welcome package containing an introductory CD.
Last Sunday Bob came back to the Center and said he had gone through all the materials thoroughly. This time he met more Bahá'ís and seemed even more impressed with the Faith.
Tonight, my husband and I invited him to dinner, and had a wonderful time with him. In the course of our visit I mentioned casually that when he goes home he should look up the Bahá'ís in his town and keep in touch with them. He surprised us by saying, "Oh! I didn't tell you! I went online and registered as a Bahá'í! I looked up the Bahá'ís back in Florida, contacted them, and one of them welcomed me. It was so nice, and we made arrangements for me to meet them upon my return home." Bob explained that after his last visit to the Bahá'í Center, he went online from his hotel room, further investigated the Faith, and declared exactly nine days after hearing about Bahá'u'lláh! And he's going home in two weeks to teach the Faith to his wife and seven year-old son!
"going door to door"? I thought baha'is aren't supposed to prosylitze.
Indeed, Baha'is are strictly forbidden to proselytize their Faith. At the same time, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah, asks the members of our community to joyfully share our message of unity and service as widely as possible, with people open to hearing about it.
Simply put, Baha'is should not only stop talking about the teachings of our Faith once a person has indicated they do not wish to hear about it, but are obligated to do so. Every individual has an inherent right to choose his or her set of beliefs, consciously and independently.
About "going door to door," this is a means open to the Baha'i community, provided we do so with tact and wisdom and observe people's right to privacy. A lot depends on the culture of a particular region, that is, whether people are open to meeting visitors to their homes or not. Going to door to door is not the only way, or even the primary way, to share the Baha'i message.
Most of all, Baha'is are called on to actively and sincerely work to serve humankind. As Abdu'l-Bahá says: "To be a Bahá'í simply means to love all the world; to love humanity and try to serve it; to work for universal peace and universal brotherhood."