text:
Tschokurdach (; ) ist eine Siedlung städtischen Typs in der Republik Sacha (Jakutien) in Russland mit  Einwohnern (Stand ).

Geographie
Der Ort liegt etwa 1250 km Luftlinie nordöstlich der Republikhauptstadt Jakutsk im Jana-Indigirka-Tiefland am linken Ufer der Indigirka unterhalb der Einmündung der Allaicha.

Tschokurdach ist Verwaltungszentrum des Ulus Allaichowski sowie Sitz und einzige Ortschaft der Stadtgemeinde (gorodskoje posselenije) Possjolok Tschokurdach.

Geschichte
Der Ort wurde 1936 als Verwaltungssitz für den 1931 geschaffenen Ulus (Rajon) sowie Flusshafen mit der beginnenden Erschließung des Nördlichen Seewegs gegründet. Seit 1981 besitzt Tschokurdach den Status einer Siedlung städtischen Typs.

Bevölkerungsentwicklung

Anmerkung: Volkszählungsdaten

Verkehr
Tschokurdach ist nicht an das feste Straßennetz angeschlossen. Es ist über eine Winterpiste erreichbar, die der Indigirka ab Ust-Nera über Chonuu und Belaja Gora abwärts folgt, größtenteils auf dem Eis des Flusses. Der Flusshafen ist einer der nördlichsten Russlands; die Navigationsperiode beträgt nur gut drei Monate.

Unmittelbar nördlich der Siedlung befindet sich ein Flughafen (IATA-Flughafencode CKH; ICAO-Code UESO).

Einzelnachweise

Ort in der Republik Sacha


It is the day before Passover and the American Civil War is finally over. Living in Virginia ten-year-old Jacob feels that he is on the losing side, and he wishes that he could show the Yankees a thing a two about how tough true Confederates are. It is all over through, and no one is sure what will happen next.
Jacob is sitting on the porch eating a piece of matzoh when a Yankee soldier, a Jewish Yankee soldier, arrives at the doorstep. Being a hospitable and kind woman, Jacob's mother invites the soldier to celebrate the Seder with their family that evening.
During the course of the evening, Jacob comes to appreciate what the Seder and Passover represents to his people. He discovers that such holy times remind us to set our anger aside so that we can see things in a new light.
This memorable tale is based on the true story about a Jewish Yankee soldier who celebrated the Seder with a Virginian Jewish family just after the end of the Civil War. This splendid book will give readers a great deal to think about. At the back of the book, there are additional notes about the real story of the Yankee soldier, and the meaning of Passover.


There are plenty of challenges nowadays. Some challenges are simple to contend with, others can be very difficult. One particular challenge is using sound insulation and successfully reducing noise pollution in your home There are numerous methods, many tools, methods and techniques used to handle using sound insulation and reducing noise pollution in your home. Some are more effective than others. How, then, are you able to make sure to get the very best results ?
The reply is knowledge. Few things are easy any time you don't understand it, don't know how to do it. And to get great results with using sound insulation and reducing noise pollution in your home you simply need to understand much more about what works and exactly what does not.
Read on to improve your know - how.
1. Airborne Sound reduction is very important. To recognize what this is just let me say that you are most likely aware that sound travels through the air in waves. That is known as airborne sound or noise. It is at the point when the noise waves hits a surface of some sort that the noise needs to be soaked up and if it is there's a reduction in sound. Wall insulation is good for reducing the level of sound. The more of it the better.. Why would this be important? It is important where people live close to each other, and without the insulation would be disturb and distracted by the sounds they here are loud. Exactly what happens when/if you follow this advice? the airborne sounds are reduced and may not then be noticed.
2. Impact Noise is what you hear when sound travels through a material or object that doesn't absorb any of the noise at all. The material essentially conducts the sound. One such material is a wooden floor. Which is important because all those who have lived in apartments and flats know how the sound of footsteps and other similar noises can be heard quite intrusively in flats which are cheaply built. And because most people want this noise transmission method reduced, builders adopt 1 technique of reducing the sound here. That technique is generally to use fiberglass or the sound deadening materials between the beams and floorboards plus, top quality, thick plasterboard on the ceiling to scale back the travel of the noise to upstairs rooms from below and vice versa..
3. Flanking is a mix of airborne and impact noise. It is noise that reaches you indirectly. It might be open spaces like corridors, chimneys or unsealed openings in the home.. The main reason behind this is that this type of noise from strangers is particularity intrusive. Methods to reduce this noise type are to use sound reducing acoustic layers under the carpet. Tiles are available from any retail sources. Sheep Wool Underlay is an Eco friendly product that may reduce noise by 21bd and is excellent to be used under timber floors. Another way to reduce noise inside the house is to use rubber flooring that may reduce noise by around twenty Db..
5. Windows and doors can allow the transmission of a lot of noise through them. To reduce this they are often now double glazed, and can reduce noise from outside by around 24 bd. Make sure there aren't any openings round windows as this can permit sound to go traveling and be highly cold as well!! Attention to this detail can bring big sound pollution reductions for you and create a very peaceful relaxing home.


Governor Snyder is expected to appeal a court ruling that would have given Michigan teachers back $550 million withheld from their paychecks.
Last month, the state appeals court ruled teachers must get wages back that were taken out of their paychecks to cover retiree health care.
Public school employees had three percent deducted for about two years under a 2010 law signed by then governor Jennifer Granholm.
The court said the initial salary deductions were improper.
A spokeswoman for the governor said that those payments are necessary for teachers to have a stable retirement system to rely on for health care benefits.


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Sullivan's Brewing Co
Our mission is to resurrect the lost art of world-class Irish brewing in Kilkenny.
Kilkenny, Ireland
www.sullivansbrewingcompany.com/
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Our mission is to resurrect the lost art of world class Irish brewing, leveraging our Kilkenny brewing heritage, the rightful home of craft brewing in Ireland.
With your investment, we will drive continued momentum of our brand around the globe, through Distinct and Authentic Irish Craft Ales, Lagers, and Stouts.
Sullivan's Brewing Company 1702 Ltd was relaunched in June 2016 by Chairman Paul Smithwick (of the globally branded Irish Beer Smithwick's, which was built by his forefathers in 1710 and ultimately sold in 1965 to Guinness, who then sold to Diageo in 1997).
Sullivan's is headquartered in Kilkenny, in the heart of the city, where true Irish craft brewing first began hundreds of years ago.
This is also home to our Tap Room, Brewhouse, Visiting Center, and retail Outlet.
Led by a Team with Global Premium Branding and Market Experience as well as World Class Brewing Experience (from Diageo and Heineken), we bring a premium craft experience with laser focus.
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Last summer NIS America released Holy Invasion Of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do To Deserve This? (later renamed to What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord!? due to copyright concerns) on PSN as a digital download-only title. The game succeeded in creating a unique mix of strategy and puzzle that challenged players to think outside the box to protect Overlord Badman from various heroes and heroines who were trying to take him away. However, there were some serious flaws that kept the game from truly living up to its potential. Does My Lord 2 improve on the original, or is it simply a rehash of the same flawed formula?
Just like the original game, My Lord 2 thrusts the player into the role of the "God of Destruction", charged with the task of overthrowing humanity by creating devilish traps and summoning monsters to ensnare even the bravest warriors. Like all good sequels, the area Badman took over was only part of a larger world, with even more areas to conquer. To help in the player's quest, Overlord Badman acts as a guide, alerting the player to changes in each of the various areas, but he has quite an attitude, and often mocks some of the regular gaming conventions that have become common place in the RPG genre - it leads to some amusing dialog for fans who know what he's referencing.
Creating the dungeons in My Lord 2 revolves around a simple premise: digging tunnels. In each area the dungeon maze is reset and players are given a set amount of "dig power" to create tunnels with. Dig power then carries over to following levels. To protect Badman from the heroes sent out to capture him, players need to create an intricate maze to ensnare the heroes with, using various monsters. But to create these monsters, players first need to create what are known as Slimemosses and Spirits, the foundation for all of the other monsters in the game. Slimemosses come from green nutrient blocks, while Spirits come from white, sparkling blocks. Both of these can be released by destroying the block with a pickaxe using dig power. These monsters take nutrients from one block and move it to another, which leads to blocks being powered up into different stages that can be broken to create more powerful monsters that can stand up to the heroes. These monsters range from small lizardmen and liliths to huge monsters like dragons and the Wookieman, a gargantuan monster that appears modelled after monsters such as the Bigfoot and the Yeti.
While this sounds easy enough, keeping the correct equilibrium between the monsters makes it far more difficult. A nice balance must be kept in check in each dungeon, which needs to be done before a specific amount of time elapses. Some monsters will eat other monsters, or they might only move in a specific way, forcing players to think ahead to see how best to create the dungeon to maximize its efficiency while keeping Badman far enough away from the heroes to stop him from being captured. A new addition in My Lord 2 is mutations, which occur when monsters feel threatened, lack of food, or suffer a change in habitat. There are a wide range of mutations, ranging from beneficial ones such as monsters that can poison heroes or fight against them longer, to other ones who are weaker and can't reproduce. Knowing when to unbalance the ecosystem and how to do it properly becomes vital in game's later levels, which almost require this ability due to sheer number of heroes sent out to capture Badman.
Just as in the first game, My Lord 2 features both a challenge mode and an edit mode, which in the sequel is known as "Badman's Chamber". Challenge Mode has over 30 challenges, which range in difficulty from mildly difficult to ones that will force players to use every ability they can muster to survive. Twelve training missions are also available, which range from basics topics like "creating your first maze" to detailing the intricacies of how and when to evolve monsters, all with extremely detailed diagrams which can be viewed at any time during each tutorial. Badman's Chamber is similar to the original's Edit mode, but also allows players to set the different mutations of the monsters from the start without having to spend the time in the story mode waiting for them to mutate just to learn how they move around and operate. Players can also save their progress in this mode, so those who want to create their own custom maze but don't have the full time to spend creating it all at once can do it in bite-sized stages.
The main issues the sequel solves is that if Badman was captured at any time in the original's Story mode, the player would be forced to start back at the beginning, even if they were only a few levels from the end. My Lord 2 rectifies this by having the game take place in various areas, with the player's progress being saved after completing each level. Each area only consists of a few "waves" of heroes, so even though the player will be forced to start back at the beginning of the area if Badman is captured, it's not as bad as having to replay the entire game over again just because one mistake was made. Just as in Badman's Chamber, players can save their progress at any time.
It's apparent from the graphics of My Lord 2 that this is a game aimed directly at fans of the RPG genre, as it harkens back to the 2D retro era with a graphical touch that feels just like the games it's trying to reference. Many of the heroes' names are similar to many of the most well-known RPG protagonists and heroines. This vibe also carries on into the monsters descriptions as well as the dialogue Badman spouts before and after each level. For long-time fans of the RPG genre, it will be a walk down memory lane as the game mocks and references almost every cliché in the book.
My Lord 2 is a more than competent sequel and continues to offer the same exellently crafted gameplay of the original. It also fixes some of the nagging issues from the original, such as handling game over scenarios and adding new additions like mutations. In a sea of bland and generic titles, What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord!? 2 is a game gamers shouldn't pass over, if only for its incredibly addictive gameplay and unique charm. While the title might say otherwise, players deserve to try out this title, My Lord.


text:
\section{Introduction}\label{sec:intro}
A pulsar is a rapidly rotating neutron star with very strong magnetic
fields both inside and outside the star, most likely formed in a
supernova explosion at the end of the life of a massive star. The
combination of strong magnetic field and rapid rotation generates
enormous electric fields which accelerate charged particles in the
surrounding magnetosphere to ultra-relativistic energies. These
particles radiate beams of emission which sweep across the sky as the
star rotates. If one or more of these beams cross the Earth each
rotation we can detect the neutron star as a pulsar. The interval
between pulses, known as the pulse period, is equal to the rotation
period of the star. There are currently more than 1800 pulsars
known.\footnote{See the ATNF Pulsar Catalogue \cite{mhth05} at
  www.atnf.csiro.au/research/pulsar/psrcat.}  Almost all of these lie
within our Galaxy, typically at distances of a few kiloparsec.

There are two main classes of pulsar: ``normal'' pulsars and
``millisecond'' pulsars (MSPs). Most normal pulsars have periods of
between 0.1 and 5 seconds, whereas MSPs have much shorter periods,
generally between 2 and 50 ms, hence the name. Most MSPs are binary,
that is, in orbit with another star. Orbital periods are typically
days or months, but can be as short as a few hours. Only a small
proportion of normal pulsars, just over 1\%, are binary. This gives a
pointer to the mechanism by which MSPs get their very short period --
it is believed that they were old, slow and probably dead pulsars
which were spun up by accretion of mass and angular momentum from an
evolving binary companion star (see, e.g., Ref.~\refcite{bv91}). As
well as increasing the spin frequency, the accretion evidently reduces
the effective magnetic field by several orders of magnitude. Despite
this, the increased spin rate is generally sufficient to reactivate
the emission beams -- hence the resulting short-period pulsars are
often known as ``recycled'' pulsars. Most of these are MSPs.

In general, pulsars are most easily detected at radio wavelengths and hence
most pulsar surveys are carried out in the radio band (see, e.g.,
Ref.~\refcite{mlc+01}). However, with the recent launch of the {\em
  Fermi} Gamma-ray Space Telescope, an increasing number of pulsars,
mostly young but also including many MSPs, have been found or detected
at gamma-ray wavelengths \cite{aaa+09c,aaa+09f}. At the time of
writing, the number of reported gamma-ray detected pulsars is 46.

Because neutron stars are tiny, with a radius of about 15 km, but
massive, typically about 1.4 M$_\odot$, their rotation period is
extremely stable -- they are very difficult to slow down or spin up!
It is this property which makes pulsars extraordinarily useful as
probes. This is especially true for MSPs as they have narrow pulses
(in time units) and hence measurements of pulse delays and
periodicities have higher precision compared to normal pulsars. Having
an array of precise clocks spread through the Galaxy enables many
different investigations, for example, studies of the interstellar
medium, pulsar astrometric measurements, including proper motions and
even annual parallaxes in some cases, and potentially the direct
detection of gravitational waves (GWs). The fact that most of the MSPs are
in orbit with another star is a bonus as it allows many additional
properties relating to binary motion to be investigated.

For double-neutron-star binary systems measurement of relativistic
perturbations to the orbital parameters is generally possible, thereby
allowing precise determinations of neutron star masses and making
possible stringent tests of general relativity (GR) and other
gravitational theories in the strong-field regime. The famous
Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar, PSR B1913+16, was the first binary pulsar
to be discovered \cite{ht75a}. Precise timing measurements over 30
years have given significant measurements of three relativistic or
``Post-Keplerian'' parameters, leading to accurate mass determinations
for the two stars which confirm that it is a double-neutron-star
system. They have also shown that the observed orbit decay is
consistent with the predictions of GR for energy loss from the system
in GWs, thereby providing the first observational
evidence for the existence of these waves \cite{wt05}. The Double
Pulsar, PSR J0737-3039A/B, discovered at Parkes in 2003/4
\cite{bdp+03,lbk+04}, is an even more relativistic binary system than
the Hulse-Taylor binary. Relativistic precession of the longitude of
periastron is an amazing 17$^{\rm o}$~yr$^{-1}$ and was detected in just a
few days of observation. In less than three years of observation five
Post-Keplerian parameters have been observed, which together with the
mass ratio of the two stars (measurable since both stars are detected
as pulsars), has shown that GR accurately predicts the motions of the
two stars at a level of precision exceeding 0.05\%, the most precise
test so far in this strong-field regime \cite{ksm+06}.

The main topic of this presentation is the current effort to make a
direct detection of GWs using pulsar timing. The concept of a ``Pulsar
Timing Array'' (PTA) is described in Section~\ref{sec:pta} and
Section~\ref{sec:ppta} describes the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA)
in some detail. Section~\ref{sec:discn} discusses some of the
implications of current results and prospects for the future. Finally,
the main points are summarised in Section~\ref{sec:summary}.

\section{Pulsar Timing Arrays and Detection of Gravitational Waves}\label{sec:pta}
The existence of GWs, fluctuations in spacetime which propagate at the
speed of light, is a prediction of Einstein's general theory of
relativity and other subsequent theories of relativistic
gravitation. GWs are generated by acceleration of massive
objects. Sources of primary interest in the astrophysical context are
fluctuations in density and hence spacetime from the inflationary era
of cosmological expansion, oscillations of cosmic strings in the early
Universe, formation of massive black holes, binary super-massive black
holes in the cores of galaxies, coalescing double-neutron-star binary
systems and compact X-ray binaries in our Galaxy. Each of these
sources emits a characteristic spectrum of GWs and in principle they
can be identified by this spectrum and the time-dependence of the GW
signal. Most of the sources consist of a random accumulation of
signals from thousands or millions of individual sources and hence
form a stochastic background of GWs which we can observe.

Huge efforts have gone into making a direct detection of GWs over the
past few decades. Recently these efforts have been dominated by the
development of laser-interferometer systems such as LIGO \cite{bar00}
and VIRGO \cite{aaa+04g}. These systems have two perpendicular
interferometer arms, typically of length 3 or 4 km, and are sensitive
to GWs in the frequency range 100 -- 500 Hz. Their primary source of
interest is coalescence of double-neutron-star binary systems. They
have been operating in their ``initial'' configuration for several
years with significant upper limits on several types of source (e.g.,
Ref.~\refcite{aaa+06b,aaa+09h}). Efforts are currently under way to
develop ``advanced'' configurations which will have improved
sensitivity. For example, full operation of Advanced LIGO is expected
in 2014. Another significant project, still in the planning stage, is
LISA, a system with three spacecraft in a triangular array trailing
the Earth in its orbit about the Sun \cite{dan00}. The interferometric
arm length for LISA is about 5 million km, giving it sensitivity to
GWs in the 0.1 -- 100 mHz band. Prime targets for LISA will be the
final stages of coalescence of super-massive black-hole binary systems
in galaxy cores and Galactic X-ray binary systems. Its planned launch
date is 2020.

Gravitational waves in our Galaxy modulate the apparent period of
pulsars observed on Earth. The modulation is actually the difference
between the varying gravitational potential at the pulsar and that at
the Earth. For a stochastic background of GWs, these two modulations
are uncorrelated. With observations of just one (or a few) pulsars, a
limit can be placed on the amplitude of the GW background in the
Galaxy since any modulation due to GWs in the Galaxy cannot be much
greater than the smallest observed rms timing residual. The expected
GW spectrum from the ensemble of binary super-massive black holes in
galaxies is very ``red'', that is, stronger at low frequencies (e.g.,
Ref.~\refcite{jb03}). Also, the sensitivity of pulsar timing
experiments depends on the accumulated pulse phase offset due to the
GW signal, that is, on the integral of the pulse frequency
modulation. For both of these reasons, pulsar timing experiments are
most sensitive to long-period GW signals, with maximum sensitivity at
periods comparable to the data span, typically several years,
corresponding to GW frequencies of about 10 nHz.

Analysis of an 8-year span of Arecibo observations of PSR B1855+09 by
Kaspi, Taylor \& Ryba \cite{ktr94} placed a limit on the energy
density of the GW background relative to the closure density of the
Universe, $\Omega_{gw}$, of about $10^{-7}$ at a frequency of
approximately 1/(8 yr) or 4 nHz. More recently Jenet et
al. \cite{jhv+06} have combined the Kaspi et al. Arecibo data set with
Parkes observations of seven pulsars made as part of the PPTA project
to place the best limit so far: $\Omega_{gw}\sim 2 \times 10^{-8}$ at
$\nu_{gw} \sim$~1/(8 yr). The implications of this limit will be
discussed in Section~\ref{sec:discn}.

Setting a limit on the strength of the GW background is of interest,
but not as interesting as making an actual detection of GWs! With
observations of many pulsars spread across the celestial sphere and
long data spans, we can in principle achieve this more ambitious
goal. Such an observational system is known as a ``Pulsar Timing Array''
(PTA). Making an actual detection of GWs relies on the fact that a GW
passing over the Earth produces a correlated signal in the residuals
of different pulsars. For a stochastic GW background signal in GR, the
correlation between the residuals for pairs of pulsars is dependent
only on the angular separation of the pulsar pair. The expected
correlation as a function of angular separation is shown in
Fig.~\ref{fg:hd83}. For pulsars which are close together on the sky
the correlation coefficient is 0.5, not 1.0 because the
modulations by GWs passing over the pulsars are uncorrelated. This
uncorrelated signal also results in the scatter in correlation for the
simulated points at similar angular separation. For pulsars which are
separated by about 90$^{\rm o}$ on the sky, the expected correlation is
negative because of the quadrupolar nature of GWs and it goes positive
again for pulsars which are more-or-less in opposite directions.
\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=hdCurve3.ps,width=75mm,angle=270}
\end{center}
\caption{The expected correlation between timing residuals for pairs
  of pulsars as a function of the angle between the two pulsars for a
  stochastic GW background signal. The curve is the relation derived
  by Hellings \& Downs \cite{hd83} and the points are from a
  simulation using {\sc tempo2} with the PPTA pulsar sample where the
  GW signal dominates all other noise sources \cite{hjl+09}. }
\label{fg:hd83}
\end{figure}

GWs are not the only thing that can produce a correlated signal in the
timing residuals. All pulsar timing data are referenced to an
established timescale, for example, TT(TAI) or TT(BIPM09)
\cite{pet07}\footnote{See also www.bipm.org/en/scientific/tai/}. These
timescales are based on weighted averages of data from atomic
frequency standards at laboratories around the world. These frequency
standards are not perfect and hence the international timescales are
subject to various instablities. In principle, these instabilities are
detectable using pulsar timing observations, since the pulsar periods
are not subject to terrestrial influences to any significant
extent. For example, if during PTA observations all pulsars are observed
to be running slower than average, then this probably means that the
reference timescale is running fast. This signal has no spatial
signature and so can be thought of as a monopole as compared to the
quadrupolar signal from a GW. We can therefore use the pulsar data to
establish a ``Pulsar Timescale'' which, over long intervals, may be
more precise than the best timescales based on terrestrial atomic
clocks.  It is important to note that, because of the intrinsically
unknown pulsar spin frequency and slow-down rate, pulsar timing
analyses must solve for these terms thereby removing any sensitivity
to linear or quadratic terms in the GW signal and Pulsar Timescale.

We also depend on Solar System ephemerides to give the position
of the Earth relative to the Solar System barycentre at any given
time. Most pulsar analyses use ephemerides produced by NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, for example DE405 \cite{sta98b}, to derive the
barycentric corrections. These ephemerides are also not perfect and
hence the correction can be in error. In the pulsar timing analysis
this is equivalent to an error in the Earth's velocity with respect to
an inertial frame and hence shows up as a spatial dipole signature in the
timing residuals.

Therefore in principle we can separate these three global timing
signatures by their dependence on the position of the pulsars on the
sky. In fact, both the reference timescales and the Solar System
ephemerides are both very precise and these signatures have not yet
been detected in PTA data. However, differences between successive
realisations of the timescales and the ephemerides suggest that pulsar
timing is capable of detecting errors in current versions. Similarly,
we have not yet detected GWs, but estimates of the expected GW
background amplitude and of the effect of this background on pulsar
timing data \cite{jb03,wl03a,jhlm05,svc08} suggest that with current
technology, GW signals should be detectable with 5 -- 10 years of
high-quality timing data for at least 20 MSPs. Frequent observations,
typically every 2 -- 3 weeks, are required to adequately sample the
expected signals and to improve sensitivity. Observations at two or
more radio frequencies are required to remove variable interstellar
dispersion delays.

Fig.~\ref{fg:pta_sky} shows that there are about 30 MSPs known which
are strong enough and have sufficiently short periods to be suitable
for PTA projects, i.e. to give rms timing residuals of less than about
1 $\mu$s with observation times of an hour or so with existing
observing systems. Most of these are south of the celestial equator,
although hopefully on-going searches will uncover more suitable
pulsars with a wider distribution on the sky. Currently there are
three major PTA projects gathering high-quality timing data:
\begin{itemlist}
\item The European Pulsar Timing Array (EPTA)
\item The North American pulsar timing array (NANOGrav)
\item The Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA)
\end{itemlist}
The EPTA uses radio telescopes at Effelsberg, Jodrell Bank, Nan\c{c}ay
and Westerbork to obtain data. Normally observations are made
separately at the different telescopes, but there is a plan to combine
signals in real time to improve the sensitivity
\cite{fvb+10}. Currently the EPTA is obtaining good quality data for
about nine pulsars. NANOGrav uses the Arecibo and Green Bank
Telescopes and currently has good quality data for about 17 MSPs. The
PPTA uses the Parkes radio telescope and currently has good quality
data for 20 MSPs.
\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=tarr_sky_bw.ps,width=50mm,angle=270}
\end{center}
\caption{The celestial distribution of pulsars suitable for PTA
  observations. The diameter of the circle is inversely related to the
  pulsar period and the circle is filled if the mean 1400 MHz flux
  density is more than 2 mJy. The dashed line is the northern
  declination limit of the Parkes radio telescope. PPTA
  pulsars are marked by a star. }
\label{fg:pta_sky}
\end{figure}

These three groups are collaborating to form the International Pulsar
Timing Array (IPTA) \cite{haa+10}. In the future we can expect other PTAs
to join this effort; for example, groups at the FAST and other radio
telescopes in China plan to undertake a PTA project
\cite{slk+09}. Combining data sets gives better sampling of pulsars
common to two or more PTAs and also increases the total number of
pulsars observed, giving better coverage of the celestial sphere. Both
of these things help improve our sensitivity to GWs.

\section{The Parkes Pulsar Timing Array}\label{sec:ppta}
The PPTA project uses the Parkes 64-m radio telescope of the Australia
Telescope National Facility (ATNF) to observe 20 MSPs at 2 -- 3 week
intervals. The project is based at the ATNF and has about 25 team
members, including five students, with principal collaborating groups
at the Swinburne University of Technology (led by Matthew Bailes), the
University of Texas at Brownsville (led by Rick Jenet) and the
University of California, San Diego (led by Bill Coles). The 20 MSPs
observed by the PPTA are indicated in
Fig.~\ref{fg:pta_sky}. Observations are made at three frequencies, around
700 MHz, 1400 MHz and 3100 MHz.

Observations at 1400 MHz use the centre beam of the 20cm
Multibeam receiver \cite{swb+96} which has a bandwidth of 256 MHz and
a system equivalent flux density of about 30 Jy. Observations at the
other two bands are made simultaneously using the 10cm/50cm dual-band
receiver which has bandwidths of 64 MHz and 1024 MHz at 50cm and 10cm
respectively. System equivalent flux densities are about
64 Jy and 48 Jy, respectively, in the two bands. Data are recorded using two
different systems, polyphase digital filterbanks, which have
bandwidths up to 1024 MHz, and a baseband recording system, CPSR2,
which records two 64-MHz bands \cite{hbo06}. Data are processed using
the {\sc psrchive} programs \cite{hvm04} and the {\sc tempo2} timing
analysis program \cite{hem06}. The PPTA observing system is described
in more detail by Manchester et al. (Ref.~\refcite{mhb+10}).

Regular PPTA observations commenced in mid-2004. Since then, data
recording and analysis systems have been steadily
improved. Table~\ref{tb:ppta_psrs} lists the 20 pulsars being observed
and the current timing performance. The pulsar period and dispersion
measure (DM) are given, along with the orbital period if the pulsar is
a member of a binary system. The final column gives the rms timing
residual from a fit to approximately 1.5 years of data with one of the
more recent digital filterbank systems, PDFB2. The rms residuals refer
to summed data from a single observation, typically one hour in
duration. These results show that we are close to achieving the timing
precision that is required for a positive detection of GWs, assuming
that the predictions of the amplitude of the GW stochastic background
signal in the Galaxy are correct.

Further improvement in the precision of these arrival times can be
expected with improved signal processing and the spans of good quality
data are increasing. Analysis of 10-year spans of archival Parkes data
combined with CPSR2 data up to 2008 for the PPTA pulsars by Verbiest
et al. (Ref.~\refcite{vbc+09}) has shown that, for most of the PPTA
pulsars, there is no evidence for intrinsic period fluctuations above
the instrumental noise level over these long data spans. Although this
study needs to be extended with higher quality data over similarly
long data spans, the result is very encouraging for PTA detection of
GWs as it indicates that these efforts will not be significantly
limited by intrinsic pulsar period irregularities. Also, as mentioned
above, combining PPTA data with data from other PTAs will also improve
GW detection sensitivity. The prospects for GW detection using
pulsar timing in the next few years are good!

\begin{table}[t]
\tbl{PPTA pulsars and PDFB2 timing results}
{\begin{tabular}{lccccc}
\toprule
\multicolumn{1}{c}{PSR} & Period & DM & Orbital Period & Band & Rms Residual \\
  &  (ms)  & (cm$^{-3}$ pc) & (d) & & ($\mu$s) \\
\colrule
J0437$-$4715 & \hphantom{0}5.757 & \hphantom{00}2.65 & \hphantom{00}5.74 & 10cm & 0.06 \\
J0613$-$0200 & \hphantom{0}3.062 & \hphantom{0}38.78 & \hphantom{00}1.20 & 20cm & 0.54 \\
J0711$-$6830 & \hphantom{0}5.491 & \hphantom{0}18.41 & -- & 20cm & 1.27 \\
J1022+1001   & 16.453 & \hphantom{0}10.25 & \hphantom{00}7.81 & 10cm & 1.80 \\
J1024$-$0719 & \hphantom{0}5.162 & \hphantom{00}6.49 & -- & 20cm & 1.06 \\
J1045$-$4509 & \hphantom{0}7.474 & \hphantom{0}58.15 & \hphantom{00}4.08 & 20cm & 1.59 \\
J1600$-$3053 & \hphantom{0}3.598 & \hphantom{0}52.19 & \hphantom{0}14.34 & 20cm & 0.28 \\
J1603$-$7202 & 14.842 & \hphantom{0}38.05 & \hphantom{00}6.31 & 20cm & 0.96 \\
J1643$-$1224 & \hphantom{0}4.622 & \hphantom{0}62.41 & 147.02 & 20cm & 0.94 \\
J1713+0747   & \hphantom{0}4.570 & \hphantom{0}15.99 & \hphantom{0}67.83 & 10cm & 0.20 \\
J1730$-$2304 & \hphantom{0}8.123 & \hphantom{00}9.61 & -- & 20cm & 1.62 \\
J1732$-$5049 & \hphantom{0}5.313 & \hphantom{0}56.84 & \hphantom{00}5.26 & 20cm & 2.89 \\
J1744$-$1134 & \hphantom{0}4.075 & \hphantom{00}3.14 & -- & 10cm & 0.41 \\
J1824$-$2452 & \hphantom{0}3.054 & 119.86 & -- & 20cm & 1.95 \\
J1857+0943   & \hphantom{0}5.362 & \hphantom{0}13.31 & \hphantom{0}12.33 & 20cm & 0.45 \\
J1909$-$3744 & \hphantom{0}2.947 & \hphantom{0}10.39 & \hphantom{00}1.53 & 10cm & 0.11 \\
J1939+2134   & \hphantom{0}1.558 & \hphantom{0}71.04 & -- & 10cm & 0.17 \\
J2124$-$3358 & \hphantom{0}4.931 & \hphantom{00}4.62 & -- & 20cm & 2.86 \\
J2129$-$5721 & \hphantom{0}3.726 & \hphantom{0}31.85 & \hphantom{00}6.63 & 20cm & 1.49 \\
J2145$-$0750 & 16.052 & \hphantom{00}9.00 & \hphantom{00}6.84 & 20cm & 0.36 \\
\botrule
\end{tabular}}
\label{tb:ppta_psrs}
\end{table}

\section{Discussion}\label{sec:discn}
Current PTAs are most sensitive to GWs in the frequency range 3 -- 10
nHz. The astrophysical GW signal in this frequency range most likely
to be detected is a stochastic background from super-massive
black-hole binary systems in the cores of distant galaxies
\cite{jb03,wl03a}. Simulations of the expected GW signal by Sesana,
Vecchio \& Colacino (Ref.~\refcite{svc08}) show that it is dominated
by radiation from galaxies with intermediate redshifts $z\sim 1$
(Fig.~\ref{fg:gw_sim}) and that the strongest signals come from
systems with black-hole masses of $10^9$ -- $10^{10}$ M$_\odot$.

\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=svc08_f4.eps,width=90mm}
\end{center}
\caption{Contribution of different redshift intervals to the
    stochastic GW background for two GW frequencies, $8\times
    10^{-9}$~Hz (upper curve in each subplot) and $10^{-7}$~Hz (lower
    curve in each subplot). The upper panel shows the signal amplitude
    and the lower panel shows the number of galaxies contributing. The
    solid lines are from a Monte Carlo method and the dashed lines are
    from a semi-analytic approach. (From Ref.~\refcite{svc08}.)}
\label{fg:gw_sim}
\end{figure}

Fig.~\ref{fg:gw_amp} shows the range of model predictions for the
strain amplitude as a function of GW frequency. Current published
limits (e.g., Ref.~\refcite{jhv+06}) do not constrain the model, but
the ``ideal'' PPTA or, more realistically, longer data spans with
current instrumentation and combined IPTA data sets will either detect
the stochastic GW background or significantly modify our current
understanding of black-hole formation in galaxy cores and/or galaxy
merger processes. Future instruments such as the Square Kilometre
Array (SKA) will have enormously improved sensitivity and are expected
to obtain high-precision TOAs for hundreds of MSPs \cite{kbc+04}. With
a data span of five years or more, this will certainly give a
significant detection of GWs unless the current predictions are totally
wrong. It will enable not just a detection of GWs, but also detailed
study of the signal. For example, if one of several non-Einsteinian
theories of gravitation is correct, then GWs will have polarization
properties which differ from those predicted by GR and this will have
an effect on the observed correlations \cite{ljp08,cjp09}. Even
current results are constraining some proposed sources of the GW
background. For example, the results presented by Jenet et
al. (Ref.~\refcite{jhv+06}) limit the equation of state of matter at
the epoch of inflation, $w = P/\epsilon > -1.3$
(cf. Ref.~\refcite{gri05}) and the tension in cosmic strings
(cf. Ref.~\refcite{dv05}).

\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=svc08_f13.eps,width=90mm}
\end{center}
\caption{The range of predictions of the strain amplitude as a
  function of GW frequency from different models is represented by the
  hashed area. The lines within this region are predictions from
  particular models. The long-dashed lines are the approximate
  sensitivity limits for PTAs, with the upper one being the current
  best published limit, the middle one being an ``ideal'' PPTA with 20
  pulsars, 100 ns rms timing residuals and a 5-year data span, and the
  lower one is a prediction of the limit obtainable with the
  proposed Square Kilometer Array radio telescope after 10
  years. (From Ref.~\refcite{svc08}.) }
\label{fg:gw_amp}
\end{figure}

Intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), with masses in the range of a few 100
to a few 1000 M$_\odot$, have been invoked as the basis of the
so-called ultra-luminous X-ray sources (see Ref.~\refcite{mc04a} for a
review). IMBHs are difficult to form by aggregation of
stellar-mass objects. It has been suggested by Saito \& Yokoyama
(Ref.~\refcite{sy09}) that the most likely formation path is by
collapse of overdense regions at the end of the inflation era. Saito
\& Yokoyama show that formation of such IMBHs at this time will lead to
a potentially detectable background of GWs. Fig.~\ref{fg:imbh} shows
the spectrum of the emitted GWs. The GW frequency is dependent on the
mass of the formed black hole and is in the PTA range for
IMBHs. In fact, the predicted amplitude of the GW background from IMBH
collapse is greater than the limits already placed by pulsar timing,
making primordial formation of IMBHs unlikely. This raises the issues
of whether or not such IMBHs exist, what the energy source of
ultra-luminous X-ray sources is and maybe even whether or not
these X-ray sources are actually ultra-luminous.

\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=imbh_sy09.eps,width=100mm}
\end{center}
\caption{Spectrum of GWs emitted by formation of black holes at the
  end of the inflation era (Ref.~\refcite{sy09}). For a given
  formation event, the emitted spectrum is concentrated at a GW
  frequency which is inversely related to the collapsing mass as
  indicated on the upper x-scale. Spectra are shown for two specific
  black-hole masses: 600 M$_\odot$ (IMBH, peak around $10^{-8}$~Hz in
  the PTA frequency range) and $1.5\times 10^{-11}$~M$_\odot$ (Dark
  Matter, peak around 0.1~Hz in the LISA frequency range). These
  spectra peak near the dotted and dashed lines which are envelopes
  for the GW emssion from this mechanism with two different sets of
  assumptions.  Sensitivity limits for other proposed or existing
  instruments are also shown.  Current pulsar limits, indicated by the
  thick black line, already severely limit IMBH formation by this
  process. (See Ref.~\refcite{sy09} for more details.)}
\label{fg:imbh}
\end{figure}

It is possible that future PTAs will have sufficient sensitivity to
detect individual sources of GWs.  Sesana, Vecchio \& Volonteri
(Ref.~\refcite{svv09}) show that current models for the evolution of
super-massive binary black holes in galaxies predict that at least one
such system will produce a sinusoidal signal of period comparable to
the data span with an amplitude of between 5 and 50 ns in timing
residuals. A signal of this size is potentially detectable with the
IPTA and certainly should be detectable by the SKA. Such a detection
would open up the field of GW astronomy, allowing investigation of the
source characteristics and the properties of the GW emission
itself. For example, it will be possible to localise the source on the
sky. Fig.~\ref{fg:sky_posn} shows a simulation of the ability of the
PPTA to determine source positions \cite{abc+09}. Since the PPTA
pulsars are predominantly in the southern hemisphere, source positions
are better determined in the south with a point-spread function of
half-power width about 15$^{\rm o}$ or 20$^{\rm o}$. An improved sky
distribution of pulsars and higher sensitivity from the IPTA or SKA
will improve the accuracy to which a source can be localised on the
sky.

\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=gw_posn_abc+09.eps,width=90mm}
\end{center}
\caption{Localisation of a source of GWs in the northern sky (upper) and in
the southern sky (lower) using simulated data for the pulsars observed
by the PPTA. The actual assumed source positions are 06$^{\rm h}$, 45$^{\rm
  o}$ and 18$^{\rm h}$, $-45^{\rm o}$. (Ref.~\refcite{abc+09})}
\label{fg:sky_posn}
\end{figure}

\section{Summary}\label{sec:summary}
Pulsars are extremely stable clocks distributed throughout our
Galaxy. The high precision to which it is possible to measure pulse
arrival times at the Earth and the long data spans now available leads
to many interesting applications. For example, pulsar timing has given
the first observational evidence for the existence of gravitational
waves and shown that Einstein's general theory of relativity is
accurate in the regime of strong gravitational fields. With
observations of many pulsars distributed across the celestial sphere
-- a ``Pulsar Timing Array'' -- we can in principle make a positive
detection of gravitational waves from astrophysical sources. Such an
array can also be used to establish a pulsar-based timescale and to
identify (or limit) errors in Solar-system ephemerides.

We are now approaching the level of timing precision and data spans
which are needed to achieve the main goals of PTA
projects. Specifically, if current predictions of the strength of the
stochastic GW background in the Galaxy from binary super-massive black
holes in the cores of distant galaxies are realistic, within a few years
we should be able to make a significant detection of this
signal. Other possible sources of a stochastic GW background include
fluctuations in the inflation era and oscillations of cosmic strings
in the early Universe. Fig.~\ref{fg:gw_spec} summarises the signals
expected from different astrophysical sources and places the PTA in
the context of ground- and space-based laser interferometer systems,
specifically LIGO and LISA.

\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\psfig{file=GW_spectrum_hsens.eps,width=120mm}
\end{center}
\caption{Spectrum of potentially detectable GW sources and sensitivity
curves for PTA systems, the space-based laser interferometer LISA and
the ground-based laser interferometer LIGO. }
\label{fg:gw_spec}
\end{figure}

Current efforts are concentrating on eliminating systematic
errors from the timing data and improving signal-processing and
GW-detection algorithms. While intrinsic period irregularities are
significant in a few PTA pulsars, so far they are not a limiting
factor for GW detection. Several groups around the world are
collaborating to combine data sets to form an International Pulsar
Timing Array, which will improve our sensitivity to GWs and help us to
reach the other
PTA goals. Future instruments such as the Square Kilometre Array will
greatly enhance the sensitivity of these efforts and will surely allow
the detection and detailed study of GWs and their sources, both
stochastic and individual. These studies have the
potential to give new information on the properties of gravitational
waves and gravitational interactions in the near and distant Universe.

\section{Acknowledgments}
I thank all members of the PPTA collaboration and the staff of Parkes
Observatory; without their efforts this presentation
would not be possible. The Parkes radio telescope is part of the Australia
Telescope which is funded by the Commonwealth Government for operation
as a National Facility managed by CSIRO.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
Le elezioni parlamentari in Malaysia del 2013 si tennero il 5 maggio per il rinnovo del Dewan Rakyat (Assemblea del popolo).

Risultati

Altri progetti

2013
Malaysia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
module xlib.utils.service.builder.node {

  export interface IBuilder extends builder.IBuilder {}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
British Airways' UK offsetting scheme takes off
From 1 January 2020, British Airways has begun offsetting carbon emissions on all its flights within the UK, as part of the airline's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Customers flying within the UK on flights operated by it will have the carbon emissions from their flights offset by the airline and invested in the highest quality, verified carbon reduction projects around the world. These will include quality assured projects such as renewable energy, protection of rainforests and reforestation programmes.
The airline operates up to 75 flights a day between London and 10 UK cities including Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Isle of Man, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Belfast City, Inverness and Jersey.
British Airways has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a range of initiatives, including offsetting emissions on all flights within the UK, flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, investing in sustainable aviation fuel and changing operating procedures, in addition to working with stakeholders and governments to strengthen global climate policy.
The airline and its parent company, IAG will invest a total of USD 400 million on alternative sustainable fuel development over the next 20 years.
Alex Cruz, chairman and chief executive of British Airways said: "We know that air travel continues to grow, but we also know that our future has to be sustainable. Our emissions reductions projects are carefully chosen to ensure they are proven and deliver real carbon emissions reductions as well as economic, social and environmental benefits."
Source: Travel Media Daily


text:
New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for April 25th - May 1st #freebook #booksale #booklinkup #booklinky
Saturday, April 30, 2022 - Leave a Comment
Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by
Sharon over at Beck Valley Books, for this week! Check it all out below...
Authors please feel free to add your own books.
Readers please free to add your own finds.
(any genre except erotica welcome)
This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
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Read an excerpt from this clean romance... The Rancher's Wyoming Twins by Virginia McCullough (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #romancebooks #harlequinromance #cleanromance @VEMcCullough @prismbooktours
Friday, April 29, 2022 - Leave a Comment
Welcome! Read an excerpt and enter the tour giveaway below...
The Rancher's Wyoming Twins
(Back to Adelaide Creek #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Clean Contemporary Romance
March 29, 2022 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Her worst enemy...
Could bring her heart home
Heather Stanhope wants to despise the man who now owns the ranch her family lost. But Matt Burton is raising his late sister's adorable twins, loves horses, and is known for his loyalty and honesty. Sneaking into Adelaide Creek for her friend's wedding, Heather hopes to avoid Matt, but fate and family have them crossing paths. Heather knows falling for Matt means risking her heart, but it's a risk she can't resist.
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"There's a lot you can do here as a nurse practitioner. Think what you did for the kids at the clinic. You have a skill you can use anywhere you choose." Matt fixed his gaze on her. "And I wish you'd choose to stay here."
She took in a breath and forced herself to keep silent. She could see he wasn't done.
"I want you to be here with me." In one motion, he gathered her in an embrace and she stood on tiptoes and circled her arms around his neck. She felt no hesitation in returning the kiss and inhaling his tempting masculine scent.
No way could she pull back from the next kiss or the one after that. But, finally, they broke the kiss and she caught her breath. "You know I like you, Matt."
"Like me? I don't think that was the question." The next words came out fast. "There's a whole lot more going on between you and me." He pointed to his chest. "You stole a big piece of this heart of mine. And I don't want it back."
With her heart racing, she stepped away from him and mumbled, "I know. I don't know…it's hard."
Matt paced and then stopped to catch her gaze. "Can you explain why that is?" he asked, his voice quieter now. "All the reasons you could check off on your list are just head things…logic." He scoffed. "And if you ask me, they're weak too."
"Yeah, right, like logic doesn't count."
His heavy sigh showed his exasperation.
She looked away. She couldn't escape Matt. Not that she wanted to. But she needed to flee from a conversation that made her jittery because she wasn't ready to have it.
His phone buzzed. He scanned the screen and held it up her. "Nick's test results."
Excerpted from The Rancher's Wyoming Twins by Virginia McCullough, Copyright © 2022 by Virginia McCullough. Published by Harlequin Heartwarming.
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She's written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.
Virginia's books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you'll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she's always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.
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What did you think of the excerpt? Does this sound like a story you'd enjoy?
A second-chance at love for this rock star... To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad (Review & #Giveaway) #christianromance #romancebooks #bookreview #booktour @celebrate_lit
Thursday, April 28, 2022 - Leave a Comment
Welcome! Read my review and enter the tour giveaway below...
To Bring You Back
(Rhythm of Redemption Romances #1)
By Emily Conrad
Christian Contemporary Romance
August 16, 2021 by Hope Anchor LLC
He's determined to confront the past she's desperate to forget.
Broke in more ways than one, the last thing Adeline Green can afford is for her now-famous high school crush to descend on her quiet life.
People in the small town of Lakeshore, Wisconsin, think of her as the hard-working church secretary or as the local food truck's lunch-hour cashier. They'd never suspect the shame she's hiding.
She attended high school with both the lead singer and the drummer of the rock band, Awestruck. In fact, she used to play in the band herself, but that was back before Awestruck made it big—and before her relationship with lead singer Gannon Vaughn took a turn that ultimately led to tragedy and heartbreak.
She's living a different life now, but when Gannon shows up, he brings with him a public spotlight that threatens to expose her deepest regret. The closer she gets to him, the more she risks the carefully curated life that's finally brought her a measure of peace.
Gannon Vaughn and his rock band, Awestruck, have conquered the music industry, but he can't overcome his feelings for Adeline.
She may have been right to cut off contact between them years ago, but thanks to the grace of God, he's a changed man. When he hears Adeline's struggling, he sets out to turn her life around and win back the love he lost to poor choices eight years ago.
But when Gannon's fame and their mutual regrets jeopardize their relationship anew, will grace be enough to bring them back to God and each other?
A meaningful Christian romance with a side of fame and fortune for readers who enjoy faith-filled escapes and happily-ever-afters where no one is beyond hope of redemption.
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Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
TO BRING YOU BACK is a story about forgiveness, particularly for one's self, and grace. It's about friendship, tough choices, getting out of the way of what is best, learning to let God be the hero and second chances at love. Recommended to those who enjoy strong Christian messages mixed with romance with plenty of chemistry.
I really liked the start of this story and loved the end. I also loved Gannon. He was a great character who both fit his rock star persona and someone who is trying his best to live as God wants him to. He really hopes to win Adeline over, but more than that, he wants her to live her life. I liked Adeline. She has a lot to work through in this story and has been carrying her baggage around and trying to both punish and redeem herself. Her character goes through quite a bit of development and I definitely liked her a lot more at the end of the story. They have good chemistry that you can easily feel. Then there was Gannon's bandmate, John, and Adeline's friend, Tegan who were great side characters. I also really liked the musical parts and the band dynamics. Plus, I plain liked the story of a rock star being this personable, vulnerable but confident person trying to win a girl over. I loved that in the end, they were both where they should be for love to have a real chance.
As I've alluded to, the middle of the story was a problem for me. I think I just had issues with how mean Adeline is to Gannon. She's still carrying all this guilt for something that happened nine years previously when she was just out of high school and has been punishing herself ever since and then still takes it out on him. I also wasn't really sold on the whole way the story was written so that she and Gannon are still in love after nine years. People usually change so much or come more into their own in that time and Gannon and Adeline don't really even talk a lot but he's ready to go all in. I wanted more development, more of them talking and becoming reacquainted before all that, which does end up getting ironed out, but it came across a bit as insta-love because they hadn't been in touch for so long. My other issue was the religious aspect felt too strong (like God as a lover should never be stated like that) and the fact that Gannon was literally friends with or cared for people only because he might be the one to help them turn to Christianity. I personally want people to be friends with me because they like me. It's actually a negative stigma of Christianity and one that pushes people away. That really bothered me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? There were parts I really enjoyed and even loved of this story. There were also some major things that didn't work for me. There was definitely potential here and I can see the series getting better as it goes. Overall, the story was enjoyable with a great hero. Those who like second-chance, rock-star romances with strong religious elements may enjoy this one.
Content: Some references to past situations, drug and alcohol use, compromising situations and innuendo, but would still consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)
Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life's relevant questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she's living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.
More from Emily
A Guilty Pleasure with a Purpose
When a reader called the Rhythms of Redemption Romances a guilty pleasure, I had to smile because that's exactly what To Bring You Back, the first book in the series, was to me as I wrote it.
Don't get me wrong, To Bring You Back is firmly Christian fiction, and it's not "guilty" of being blush-inducing. Because of the characters' history, theirs is a slow-burn romance that focuses more on the emotional side of their relationship than the physical.
But, To Bring You Back is a rock star romance.
When I first started writing it, I was embarrassed to admit that's what I was working on.
After all, rock star romance has a reputation for being an unrealistic and shallow escape from reality with "guilty pleasure" written all over it.
Maybe there was some of that escapism going on. At that point in my writing journey, I was dealing with disillusionment, and I enjoyed the break of writing about rich and famous characters.
However, as I wrote To Bring You Back and went on to read others' romances about famous characters, I found that the characters' occupations and net worth don't impact the most important elements of their stories.
The tales can still showcase meaningful relationships and God at work in the lives of people who—rich and famous or not—need redemption.
Fame, money, and music help up the entertainment value, but those same features add even more rich conflict to explore.
The men of Awestruck, starting with lead singer Gannon Vaughn in To Bring You Back, have allowed me to ask questions like: How good is grace? What does it mean to live in forgiveness? What gives a person worth? And, when is living the dream no longer worth the price?
To write this post, I took a break from working on the first draft of the final book in the series, and it's been fun to look back and see how much my opinion of these stories has changed.
If To Bring You Back and the books that follow are a guilty pleasure, they're a guilty pleasure with a purpose. God has worked in my life through them.
It's my prayer that He'll also use them in your life, both to explore meaningful questions and to provide a few hours of entertaining escape.
lakesidelivingsite, April 25
The Sacred Line, April 25
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, April 26
Inklings and notions, April 27
Remembrancy, April 28
Wishful Endings, April 28
Texas Book-aholic, April 29
deb's Book Review, April 30
For Him and My Family, May 1
Spoken from the Heart, May 1
Ashley's Clean Book Reviews, May 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 3
Miriam Jacob, May 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5
Britt Reads Fiction, May 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 6
Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Pause for Tales, May 8
Of Blades and Thorns, May 8
To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an ecopy of To Bring You Back!!
I Can't Wait for... A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #mystery #historicalfiction @authorkkhavari
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 - Leave a Comment
Tag me on your CWW posts on Twitter (@wishfulendings) and I'll like and retweet!
The cover and title for this one is what initially drew my attention. Then I read the blurb and I was in. It sounds like it'll be a great ride with a strong heroine as she tries to solve a mystery. It's my pick this week...
A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons
By Kate Khavari
Adult Historical Mystery
June 7, 2022 by Crooked Lane Books
The Lost Apothecary meets Dead Dead Girls in this fast-paced, STEMinist adventure.
Debut author Kate Khavari deftly entwines a pulse-pounding mystery with the struggles of a woman in a male-dominated field in 1923 London.
Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh is determined to blaze a new trail at the University College London, but with her colleagues' beliefs about women's academic inabilities and not so subtle hints that her deceased father's reputation paved her way into the botany department, she feels stymied at every turn.
When she attends a dinner party for the school, she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon. What she doesn't expect is for Mrs. Henry, one of the professors' wives, to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.
Dr. Maxwell, Saffron's mentor, is the main suspect and evidence quickly mounts. Joined by fellow researcher--and potential romantic interest--Alexander Ashton, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons to clear Maxwell's name.
Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer's list, in this entertaining examination of society's expectations.
B&N│Book Depository│Target
Will you be reading this one?
Revisit Austen's characters and solve a crime... The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray (Review) #MurderWickham @ClaudiaGray @VintageAnchor #AustenprosePR
- Leave a Comment
Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review of this fun Austen twist below...
The Murder of Mr. Wickham
Adult Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Austenesque
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, Pages
May 3, 2022 by Vintage
A summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Jane Austen's Mr. Wickham—one of literature's most notorious villains—meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Austen's leading literary characters.
The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it's clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they're all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.
Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party's two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys' eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.
"Had Jane Austen sat down to write a country house murder mystery, this is exactly the book she would have written. Devotees of Austen's timeless novels will get the greatest possible pleasure from this wonderful book. Immense fun and beautifully observed. Delicious!" —Alexander McCall Smith
"What a splendid conceit! . . . Gray provides plenty of backstory and enough depth to her characters that even those who mix up their Pride and Prejudice with their Sense and Sensibility will delight in the Agatha Christie–style mystery. . . . There's so much fun to be had in this reimagined Austen world—and the mystery is so strong—that one can only hope, dear reader, that more books will follow." —Ilene Cooper, Booklist (starred review)
"[An] enchanting mystery. . . . Gray perfectly captures the personalities of Austen's beloved characters. This is a real treat for Austenites." —Publishers Weekly
"Who would NOT want to read a book in which one of literature's most notorious rakes meets his final demise? . . . A delightful Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen romp." —Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose
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Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Target
THE MURDER OF MR. WICKHAM is a story for Austen lovers who finally get to see the downfall of the villain from Pride and Prejudice. Full of most of Austen's beloved couples who come together at a house party and get stuck there due to Mr. Wickham's murder. What ensues is a bit of drama, hilarity, anger, friendship and love.
I really enjoyed getting to fall back into Austen's world with so many of her characters all together in one place. It was interesting seeing how they interacted as couples years after their original stories had ended (for most of them), as well as with each other. I have to say that my favorites were the Darcies and Knightleys as well as the two young adults who are included in the party. I also thought it was interesting how the Darcies' son was characterized. It was unusual but appreciated as it's so rare to have representation for someone who might be on the spectrum in a book like this. Bravo to the author for how Jonathan Darcy was portrayed and her handle on all the different characters. Not once did I feel they fell flat or blended together. They each stood out in their own way with their own complex situations and emotions. The writing was also done nicely, immersing me in this world.
Beyond the characters, I also enjoyed the mystery in this story. We see things much as the characters do and as Jonathan and Juliet do as they try to piece everything together. I really love it when I experience a story and the author does a fantastic job with this. As a reader, I got to see and feel what all these characters did about Wickham and also what occurred. This is definitely more cozy than intense mystery, but I enjoyed that it was as well. It was honestly quite fun.
I also had a few issues with the story. Maybe more of annoyances. I think the characters felt a bit too much the same at times as they were years earlier, except not all the time (Darcy didn't seem quite as confident and decisive). I wanted to see more of how they had developed and changed over time, including in their relationships. I think Fanny and Edmund from Mansfield Park, and then Frederick from Persuasion (whose wife is Anne) were the characters who most frustrated me because they felt like they hadn't changed, or in Frederick's case had become very illogical and uncontrolled which felt counter to his personality. I also would have loved a touch more romance between some characters, such as a sweet kiss or two.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a genuinely fun story to read! Definitely would recommend to Austen fans who would love revisiting these characters and have a bit of a mystery thrown in as well. Looking forward to more from this author in this same vein, such as another story involving Jonathan and Juliet (hint, hint).
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through the tour hose, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy. In addition, she's written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads
Are you an Austen fan? Would you enjoy stepping back in to see how the characters are fairing after their stories have ended?
New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for April 18th - April 24th #freebook #booksale #booklinkup #booklinky
Read an excerpt from this historical mystery... Secrets of Rosenli Manor by Heidi Eljarbo (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #SecretsofRosenliManor #HeidiEljarbo #HFVBTBlogTours @HeidiEljarbo @hfvbt
Welcome! Read an excerpt from this historical mystery and enter the tour giveaway below...
Secrets of Rosenli Manor
(Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society #1)
By Heidi Eljarbo
Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo's new turn-of-the-century series.
It's 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly's existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady's magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.
In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt's glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor.
"Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a delightful mystery about finding what was lost and the power of friendship. The sweet romance added a refreshing dimension to the theme of competent and capable women at a time when females were denied a proper voice. Eljarbo's lovely writing brings the quaint Norwegian village alive through a cast of characters that will charm the reader from beginning to end." -Julie Daines, bestselling author of Eleanor and the Iron King
(Affiliate link included.)
The pendulum on the grandfather clock next to the grand piano swung rhythmically back and forth, back and forth. The hour hand was approaching two. She should leave. The lawyer had asked her to stop by his office before she left town, and the train ride home would take three quarters of an hour.
What was she to do? Lilly leaned back into the soft pillows. Was it all true? Had she inherited a fortune, and could she picture herself living here? What about Father? She'd moved into her own place a while back, but would he insist on living at Rosenli with her? His daily pessimistic outbursts and derogatory comments had taken their toll on her, but what would her father say if she moved away? Who would calm him when his temper steered his mood? Maybe more than anything, was she capable of taking care of Aunt Agatha's estate?
She stopped by the casket one last time then grabbed her handbag and walked into the hallway.
The butler stood by the wardrobe as she came out. It was as if he expected her.
"Mr. Bing, I need a word with you."
"You may call me John, miss. Now that we'll be seeing more of each other, you should know we go by first names in this house. Agatha insisted on it."
"Very well. Then I would like you to call me Lilly." She showed him the photograph. "Please tell me about this man. Who is he?"
John smiled. "Oh, so you found the picture. Good. Agatha placed it there for you to find. She had much to tell you, and now it's up to you to discover what. Find her story, and you'll understand who that man is."
Lilly widened her eyes. "That sounds intriguing, but I must warn you; I'm usually not very patient. At least show me where to look?"
"You'll understand. Just follow your heart."
Heidi Eljarbo writes historical fiction. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as a freelance writer, magazine journalist, and painter.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.
Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.
Heidi's favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi's website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Review at Ms. Darcy Reads
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Bookworlder
Review at The Page Ladies
Review at History from a Woman's Perspective
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read
Excerpt at Wishful Endings
Review at Passages to the Past
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Novels Alive
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Enter to win a copy of Secrets of Rosenli Manor & Of Darkness and Light by Heidi Eljarbo!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Rosenli Manor
What do you think? Does the excerpt make you want to read more?
I Can't Wait for... Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #womensfiction #newbooks
I've been a fan of this author since before I started blogging. She's one of the few mainstream authors I read because I always love her characters and the humor in her books. They're not clean, by any means for those of you prefer that, but they have a lot of heart. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...
Out of the Clear Blue Sky
By Kristan Higgins
Adult, Women's Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 496 Pages
June 7th 2022 by Berkley Books
From New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins comes a funny and surprising new novel about losing it all—and getting back more than you ever expected.
Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isn't heartbroken. She's furious.
Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as a mother, wife, and nurse-midwife, she's used to caring for other people . . . not taking care of herself. Now, alone for the first time in her life, she finds herself going a little rogue. Is it over the top to crash her ex-husband's wedding dressed like the angel of death? Sure! Should she release a skunk into his perfect new home? Probably not! But it beats staying home and moping.
She finds an unexpected ally in her glamorous sister, with whom she's had a tense relationship all these years. And an unexpected babysitter in, of all people, Ben Hallowell, the driver in a car accident that nearly killed Lillie twenty years ago. And then there's Ophelia, her ex-husband's oddly lost niece, who could really use a friend.
It's the end of Lillie's life as she knew it. But sometimes the perfect next chapter surprises you . . . out of the clear blue sky.
Read an excerpt from this Christian historical romantic suspense... A Strike to the Heart by Danielle Grandinetti (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #christfic #christianromance #historicalromance #suspensebooks #newbooks @justreadtours
Monday, April 18, 2022 - Leave a Comment
Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...
A Strike to the Heart
(Strike to the Heart #1)
By Danielle Grandinetti
Christian Historical Romantic Suspense
April 12, 2022 by Iron Stream Media
She's fiercely independent. He's determined to protect her.
Wisconsin, 1933―When a routine mission becomes an ambush that kills his team, Craft Agency sniper Miles Wright determines to find the persons responsible and protect the woman he rescued. But the fierce independence that led Lily Moore to leave her family's dairy business for the solitary life of a dog trainer and the isolation of her farm don't make that easy. Neither does his unwanted attraction to her. Meanwhile, escalating incidents confirm that she's far from safe.
Lily fears letting the surprisingly gentle retired marine into her life almost as much as she fears whoever is threatening her. As Wisconsin farmers edge toward another milk strike, one that will surely turn violent, it becomes clear that the plot against Lily may be part of a much larger conspiracy. When the search for her abductor leads close to home, she must decide whether to trust her family or the man who saved her life.
B&N |Book Depository | Christianbook
Lily led the way, and no sooner had they settled than Smokey climbed into his lap. She smiled at him over her mug. "They like you too."
Too? His heart somersaulted, and he glanced at his feet. Pieter had curled up on his shoes. Smokey nosed his head under Miles' arm, jostling his cup of hot chocolate. He ran his hand over the puppy's back, and Smokey rested his paws on his chest, stretched his neck, and licked his cheek.
Lily gave a soft chuckle. "I can call them off if they bother you."
"I don't mind." Miles swallowed back his emotions. No, he sure didn't mind sitting here as if he belonged—as if he'd found a home with her just as the dogs had.
"They trust you." Lily's voice was quiet. "They don't settle this quickly with anybody but Joey. Especially Pieter."
"And you trust their instincts." The hot chocolate amplified the cozy feeling taking root in his heart.
"Absolutely. Dogs have an innate ability to read humans, and my two are incredibly protective of me. The fact that they not only accepted you into the house without protest but are treating you as one of their own says all I need to know about you."
Danielle Grandinetti is author of To Stand in the Breach and a book blogger at DaniellesWritingSpot.com. Her short stories have appeared in several publications and her writing has won the University of Northwestern Distinguished Faith in Writing Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan's Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Danielle especially loves quiet mornings served with the perfect cup of tea.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of A Strike to the Heart & $10 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight April 18, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 25, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
What did you think of the excerpt? Did it make you want to read more?
Another heartfelt story from this Nantucket series... What Matters Most by Courtney Walsh (Review) #christianromance #romancenovels #newbooks #bookstoread @crazy4fiction @tyndalehouse
(Nantucket Love Story #3)
By Courtney Walsh
April 5, 2022 by Tyndale House Publishers
"Courtney Walsh's books always capture my heart!" —Becky Wade, author of Let It Be Me
Emma Woodson is hoping the cobblestone streets of Nantucket and the charm of her late husband's family cottage will be the fresh start she and her young son, CJ, need. Securing a dream job at an art gallery is one more step along the path to a new life . . . and away from a piece of her history she hopes will never be revealed. Falling in love with the kind and handsome guy she hires to clean out the rental apartment above the garage wasn't part of the plan.
Jameson Shaw came to Nantucket for one reason: deliver his letter to Emma and never return. But when he sees an opportunity to help her, he takes a chance, desperate to atone for his past. He never planned to keep his connection to her husband a secret or to fall in love with her. After all, he knows that their new relationship might not survive the discovery of who he really is.
Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N
Book Depository | Target | Christianbook
WHAT MATTERS MOST is another heartfelt story from this author and series set on Nantucket. Fans of Christian romance will fall in love with these well-drawn characters and a story of redemption, forgiveness and letting go. Full of art, island scenes, a bit of faith, family, friends and romance.
I have come to adore this author and her books. This series has been especially endearing. The couple that is the focus of this story have some pretty big hurdles to get over to find peace within themselves but also to take a chance on love. Jamie is such a good guy. I love how he is already on his own path to redemption when he takes a pit stop on Nantucket with Emma and her son. I felt like their relationship started at a natural point, aided by Jamie's willingness to help and his innate goodness. He's just a genuine guy. I loved him! Of course, Emma makes is pretty easy for him to want to help her as he tries to come to terms with his role in her husband's death. Emma's son is an absolute joy in this story as well. I loved the way art is weaved throughout. It was probably one of my favorite parts. I also loved the photo story that Jamie tells and the whole situation surrounding that. The faith element in this story is handled well too.
I had just a few issues with the story. I honestly struggled with Emma. She just rubbed me wrong in places and I felt like she was so controlled by her fears even when they should have been minor or could have been alleviated so easily. She also isn't very kind in a few places even though others bend over backward to help or be there for her. There is also one aspect that felt a bit ominous or suspenseful and then kind of just died so I think it could have happened differently or be taken out of the story completely.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is another enjoyable addition from this author and series. I enjoyed the characters and the messages of forgiveness and redemption. A sweet little boy, an island escape, and sweet romance make for a heartfelt story.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
(Linked to my reviews.)
Check out an interview with the author here. Have you read this one yet or will you be?
New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for April 25th ...
Read an excerpt from this clean romance... The Ran...
A second-chance at love for this rock star... To B...
I Can't Wait for... A Botanist's Guide to Parties ...
Revisit Austen's characters and solve a crime... T...
Read an excerpt from this historical mystery... Se...
I Can't Wait for... Out of the Clear Blue Sky by K...
Read an excerpt from this Christian historical rom...
Another heartfelt story from this Nantucket series...
Check out a Q&A for this time-slip novel... The Wi...
I Can't Wait for... The Sweet Life by Suzanne Wood...
A Christian romantic suspense for dog lovers... Dr...
Check out an interview with the authors of this mi...
A futuristic earth and an underdog heroine... Maxi...
I Can't Wait for... Turn to Me by Becky Wade (Can'...
Check out a Q&A with the author... What Matters Mo...
Check out a Q&A for A Hundred Crickets Singing by ...
New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for March 28th ...


I know everyone's going to be saying the same, but I can't believe it's almost February! See ya January, you're hardly anyone's favourite month-especially considering it's been at least 6 weeks since I was paid and the weather has been appalling, definitely not blog-picture appropriate at least! Also, a lot of great people have shuffled off the earth this month-Bowie being one of them, Alan Rickman and now Tezza Wogan. Sad times-this real old guard of entertainment in the arts, music, acting or presenting are a hard act to follow and will be greatly missed.
This aside, there have been a few good things about this month. I rediscovered Alexa Chung's fashion app, Villoid, and have become ob-sessed with it, to say the least. I'm @amieisdancing on there if you also have it-I'm always looking for new boarders to follow! For those who don't know it's kind of a fashion Pinterest; you create pinboards using the latest fashion and imagery. It's very inspiring!
I started off the year thinking about my capsule wardrobe purchases and as the month has gone on I've been thinking more and more about sustainable fashion. I've become really interested in this capsule wardrobe theory and the move on from 'fast fashion' and I'm hoping to continue with the capsule wardrobe project but also to think about how I can incorporate more vintage/secondhand/thrifted/more ethical pieces into my capsule looks. I have really missed charity shopping over my 'no shopping' months and so I'm thinking of ways that I can continue to build a capsule wardrobe whilst stepping away from the places I would usually shop, and looking to the chazzers instead!
One place I am still loving for fashion choices and inspiration is Finery. I have worn these boots pretty much non stop since I bought them; they've now been brought out in another colourway and I am very tempted to get them too!
I am also looking more closely at my beauty regime this month; I think in the depths of winter it's important to look after your skin even more so than usual. I have been especially enjoying using a facial oil; you can read more about that in this post about the Love Me Beauty subscription box.
PS: you can follow on Instagram if you like what you see here!


Remodeling your home is a big decision. It is a considerable expense that you need to think about very carefully before you decide to go through with it. There are a number of steps that you need to be sure to follow in order to make sure your home remodeling project goes off without a hitch. One of the most important of these steps is hiring a contractor who has a great deal of experience remodeling homes. This is the person who will be in charge of the entire project from start to finish. Needless to say, it is critical that his person is very skilled at his job. Otherwise, you could have some serious problems down the road. Here are a few ideas you will be able to utilize to secure the services of a skilled remodeling contractor.
1. Ask members of your family if they have needed to hire a contractor to remodel their home.
The opinions of the people closest to you are always the most valuable. This is because you can always trust what these people will tell you. They have no reason to convince you to hire a certain contractor. With any luck, you will be able to find a few members of your family who have had some remodeling work done on their home recently. If this is the case, find out what specifically they had done. Are they happy with the way the work turned out? How long ago was the work done? Did the contractor make any big mistakes that needed to be fixed later? How long did the project take to complete? What was the final cost compared to the contractor's initial estimate? Get the name of the contractor if your family member gives him a positive review.
2. Look at the Better Business Bureau ratings of the remodeling contractors who work near your city.
The BBB should have listings for many contractors who specialize in performing porch construction Chicago IL. Pay close attention to the ratings these people have been given. Ideally, you should only do business with a contractor who has earned the prestigious A+ rating from the BBB.
3. Get estimates from a few different contractors.
You need to know what your options are in terms of pricing. Therefore, compare the estimates given to you by the contractors you speak with.


She faced her fears of hanging upside down 15-storeys high on the Buzzsaw rollarcoaster at Dreamworld on Thursday.
But shortly after the traumatic experience Samantha Armytage looked refreshed as she strutted through Coolangatta airport, Queensland to head back to Sydney.
The 38-year-old stunned in a grey frock which fell loosely over her frame highlighting her feminine curves.
The short sleeve dress featured a V-neck front that displayed her ample cleavage while dropping above her knee.
She wore her shoulder-length blonde locks out and blow dried for volume while parting her fringe to the left, covering her forehead.
Samantha dressed up her departing attire with a pair of black and silver wedge heels which strapped up around her ankle.
She looked fresh faced as she made her way towards the awaiting aircraft as she opted for minimal make-up which she finished off with a touch of clear lip gloss.
While covering her eyes with a pair of dark tanned shades, she clutched tightly onto her boarding pass while resting her black handbag in the crease of her elbow.
The television host accessorised her look with a thick gold bangle and watch before finishing it off with silver fop earrings.
Her co-host David 'Kochie' Koch walked closely to the blonde as he wheeled his black suitcase through the airport.
He dressed smart in a navy suit jacket which he teamed up with a pair of white slacks and matching button-up shirt.
While broadcasting Sunrise from the Gold Coast earlier in the morning, Samantha and her co-stars were entertained by a tiger cub, which walked around their improvised studio, before cuddling up to a koala bear.


A report from Edge magazine states that Media Molecule's Dreams will allow players to create and share their own PlayStation VR game.
Shuhei Yoshida confirms Detroit: Become Human and DREAMS are not confirmed for 2017 release for PlayStation 4. PlayStation UK Marketing Team mistakenly added them to a trailer showing 2017 Games for PlayStation 4.
British developer Media Molecule has announced the Dreams beta trial on PlayStation 4 which was expected to release this year won't be coming in time by the end of 2016.
Sony has shared a list of 20 PlayStation 4 exclusive games that are confirmed to launch in 2016. Surprisingly, the list includes The Last Guardian.


I love a good cause. I'm a firm believer that small offerings by many good hearts can combine to make a big difference. This week Alissa Haight Carlton is running her annual Action Kivu fundraiser. In this fundraiser the money raised goes directly to teaching women in the Congo how to sew and giving them their own sewing machine when they have passed their courses.
I love a cause that empowers under-privileged and abused women by giving them tools to and education to make their lives better. Not only so they can provide for their families but to give them confidence and self-worth.
Visit Alissa's Blog for more Action Kivu information. Your donations also enter you to win awesome prizes!
I know the goodness of this community first hand as many of your were so generous last winter in raising money for the Sewing Machines for Ecuador cause to buy sewing machines so that these indigenous women of northern Ecuador could help supplement the income for their families who typically earn as little as $300 a month. Over $1200 was raised within a couple of weeks for these women.
With the money that was donated these sweet ladies were able to buy 4 industrial sewing machines and a serger. After they have received training on the machines those who work are paid wages for the products they sew that are sold. Women are also given the opportunity to use the machines to sew for their own families needs. Many, many thanks again to those who helped!
Two other great causes include Days for Girls and Quilt Angels. If you know of other causes in need of quilt/fabric donations, please feel free to leave them in the comments!
What a good cause, as are the others you mentioned. I will visit their sites. Thanks!
Great to see this work in Congo and thanks for mentioning Days for Girls as well. Great organizations all of them!
Wow, what a wonderful cause! I love the idea of allowing women to grow and be able to provide for their families this way. Thank you for sharing!
Amy, I want to thank you for providing this informative post today! I am beginning to sew quilts just for charities quite often now. I have donated a few quilts here and there but most of the time as soon as a family member saw a quilt I was working on they would claim it. Now, most everyone has a quilt and I have the strength to say "NO" this quilt is for a special person. I will check out the other sites also. I hope that you have a wonderful creative day!
Thanks for sending this out. I know that we (my daughter and I) did try to help a little over the last year or so. Totally worthwhile causes. I love to sew and quilt and my family and friends have what they want and need of my quilts so it's great to pass them on. There are people out there that can use them and need them. I love donating them. I so appreciate what you do, Amy, and have so much respect for you. Thank you again and I'll be doing my little bit to help again. Such worthwhile causes.
Those are good causes indeed. Unfortunately, there are so many people needing help and so many causes to contribute to. I have just a few that I can afford to work with. One must pick the most heartfelt projects and causes to the individual. I only wish the world was better off.