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WARRIOR'S MOON Blog Tour and Review
Medieval Historical Romance by Jaclyn M. Hawkes
Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden. And they loved each other desperately. But is their love strong enough to withstand all their dark age holds—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression? Yes, they truly loved each other desperately. They loved their kingdom more.
Amazon * Smashwords
Praise for Warrior's Moon
"This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!" ~Laura (Goodreads)
"I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!" ~ KMon (Amazon)
My Review / Thoughts
I love, love, loved this book!!!!!! It was clean, and wonderful from beginning to the end. I will try very hard not to give too much away, but I honestly loved this book, so I want to talk about each of the characters that I enjoyed.
Isabella Kincraig- The woman amazes me. She goes through so much in her life to keep her daughter safe. She is strong, and beautiful. She is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her family safe. LOVED her!
Chantaya Kincraig - Isabella's daughter. She is by far my favorite character. This girl is A MAY ZING! She goes through a lot in her little life at the very beginning you cannot help but love her. What I love most about her is that she is strong through the WHOLE book. She never backs down from what she believes in and always fights for what is right. A heroine that never wimps out. I LOVED her!
Peyton Wolfgar - He is a beautiful human being. He is kind, loving, caring, and a protector. He is another character that is great from beginning to the end. The sweetest boy, and then the sweetest man. He is what every girl should strive to find in a man. His love for Chani is so great. It made me cry a few times. I LOVED him!!!!!
The rest of the Wolfgar Family - such great people. They took a woman and her child in with only the intention of helping and bringing them back to heath. A compassionate and caring family. Strong and had lots of love for every one.
Sir Mordecai - A Knight...Need I say more? He is an old Knight who builds a stone cottage in the woods to live out the rest of his life in solitude. He soon finds a family in the Wolfgar family and the Kincraigs. He is honorable, strong, and a Knight! Like I said earlier..."need I say more?" :)
Prince Laird & King Dougal - Good, honorable men who wanted the best for their kingdom. They treated everyone with respect, and held those who fought for their kingdom in high esteem. I loved that the King and the Prince listened to others information and didn't just make decisions based on what they wanted. They always did what was best for the whole.
Conrad - I just love him. He watched over Isabella and Chani when Peyton couldn't and was just an all around good guy. Sweet, caring, watchful, and protective.
Okay, now for the ones I didn't like, but really did make good "love to hate" characters!
Lord Rosskeene - I didn't like him from the moment he entered the book. I knew that he was going to be a horrible man. A nobleman who thought the world owed him everything. He thought he could take whatever he wanted without any consequence. He made me so angry even when his name was mentioned in this book.
Damian - Lord Rosskeene's son - was just like his wretched father. A horrible human being. He never had a good example to follow, but a horrible human being just the same.
Hawkes writing is beautiful. I loved every moment reading this book. I hated having to put it down. I loved the romance, the struggle, and most of all I loved that Chani was a strong woman from beginning to end. The love story is just the sweetest thing. I LOVE a good love story. I have VERY few books that I add to my "want to read again" list, but this one has definitely made that list. I think I could read it over and over and not get sick of it. It just was such a good, CLEAN, book!
Thanks Hawkes for your amazing writing and bringing such a sweet love story to life.
Source: I was given this book as a tour host in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review and these are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Author Jaclyn M. Hawkes
Jaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor's degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life's work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.
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Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/23/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS by Vanessa Diffenbaugh - Review
A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.
The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it's been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.
Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what's been missing in her life, and when she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.
I don't quite know how to review this book. I think my emotions from reading are still kind of all over the place. It was kind of a tough book to read. It was good, but man, it was emotional.
Victoria Jones spent her life being shoved from foster home to foster home, until she finally found one that she thought might actually stick. When she comes to meet Elizabeth, her new foster mom, she does all she can to get kicked out of her house and sent back to a group home. Victoria has decided she isn't really worthy of the love of another person. Elizabeth tries as hard as she can to love Victoria, and in time they come to care for each other.
I really was rooting for Elizabeth, but she disappoints me. I think in her heart of hearts she really wanted to be a good mom, and to take the next step in adopting Victoria, but when she falls short, my respect for her dropped dramatically.
When Victoria is finally 18 and kicked out of the group home, she ends up living in a park. She had been taught by her Foster mother Elizabeth the meaning of flowers, and the importance the meaning had when giving them to someone. She had become quite good at planting and growing her own little garden in her own makeshift home in the park. When she finds Renata, a flower shop owner and Renata sees Victoria's talent. They begin to work together.
I honestly thought that Victoria would finally find some peace and move on with her life. Then walks in Grant. She is Elizabeth's nephew and they get to know each other again. It is such a sweet relationship but Victoria is horrible at relationships. When life and reality hit that Grant may love her she leaves, and retreats. As time moves on and Victoria realizes that she actually needs Grant in her life, she finds her way back to him. I thought it was such a sweet relationship, and I knew that Victoria would screw it up. When life gets hard she retreats, and that is something I just didn't like about her. She was obviously a damaged young woman, but I had high hopes for her.
This book was such a roller coaster. Just when I think Victoria is going to be a responsible adult and move on and break the cycle of heartbreak she has lived with her whole life, she reverts back to her "flight" behavior. I don't know how to say much more without giving the ending away, but I really did not like her choices. I think that she didn't have the tools to accept the good things that were happening in her life, as well as the bad. She dealt much better with the bad, but I think only because that is all she had her whole life.
The ending is touching, and gave me hope. I didn't like what it took for Victoria to find her way. I didn't like many of the choices she made. It showed me how different a persons life could be without the constant feeling of love around them. This book was hard to read for me. It was emotionally exhausting. It was truly a great book of how a person can overcome the worst of circumstances and find their place in the world, and possibly make up for all the wrong choices they have made. It's a great story of forgiveness, and love.
Source: I borrowed this book from a friend. I was not compensated in anyway for this review, and these are my owner PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Picture and bio taken from GoodReads
Vanessa Diffenbaugh was born in San Francisco and raised in Chico, California. After studying creative writing and education at Stanford, she went on to teach art and writing to youth in low-income communities. She and her husband, PK, have three children: Tre'von, eighteen; Chela, four; and Miles, three. Tre'von, a former foster child, is attending New York University on a Gates Millennium Scholarship. Diffenbaugh and her family currently live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where her husband is studying urban school reform at Harvard.
Vanessa Diffenbaugh is also the founder of the Camellia Network. The mission of the Camellia Network is to create a nationwide movement to support youth transitioning from foster care. In The Language of Flowers, Camellia [kuh-meel-yuh] means "My Destiny is in Your Hands." The network's name emphasizes the belief in the interconnectedness of humanity: each gift a young person receives will be accompanied by a camellia, a reminder that the destiny of our nation lies in the hands of our youngest citizens. For more information visit www.camellianetwork.org
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THE FANTASTICAL TOUR
January 26 @ Blogs everywhere: Launching the Tour
January 27 @ Mythical Books: Shadowskin by Bethany Cassel
January 28 @ Wonderings of One Person: Beyond the Hollow by Kristy Tate
January 29 @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer: Enchanted Fairytales by Cindy C Bennett
January 30 @ A Backwards Story: Enchanted & Hero by Alethea Kontis
January 31 @ Bookworm Lisa: The Fairytale Keeper: Avenging the Queen by Andrea Cefalo
February 1 @ Blogs everywhere: The Grand Finale
January 27 @ Mythical Books
Shadowskin
Cursed with a deadly touch, Pomona never thought she would leave the royal gardens of Norarchland, where she uses her magic over plant life to make the gardens flourish. But when she discovers a magic mirror beneath the roots of an apple tree, she learns a horrifying truth: the life of the beautiful Princess Nevea is in danger, and Pomona is the only one who can save her. Pomona flees with the princess into the dark forest, where she is taken in by the mysterious Selene Magna and her huntress companion, Callisto. They claim that the Tenebrari-short, magical beings responsible for Pomona's curse-are trying to conquer all of the kingdoms of Archland. Even more, Pomona is destined to play an important role in their defeat. The cursed gardener must now embark on a journey far beyond her imagination to stop the Tenebrari, or else she and all those she cares about will be cursed forever.
Goodreads * Amazon * Createspace * Barnes & Noble
Bethany Cassel lives in a land surrounded by forests and cornfields, and she was lucky enough to grow up in the same house all her life. Falling asleep to the sound of waterfalls and seldom-disturbed quiet provided the perfect environment for her to develop her passion for writing. Inspired by the beautiful landscape around her, Bethany created Archland, a world with deep forests, rolling hills, and fierce winters, home to dozens of fairy tale characters.
When she is not writing, Bethany is a voracious reader, known to finish the likes of "Seraphina" by Rachel Hartman in two sittings (it was a great book)! Her favorite writers are, in no particular order, Sir Thomas Malory, J.K. Rowling, John Keats, Victor Hugo, Kendare Blake, Jay Asher, Toni Morrison, and Marissa Meyer. This list is by no means complete. She is about to earn her Bachelor's of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo and plans to continue her education in literature in graduate school. Besides all things literary, Bethany enjoys archery and bow hunting, drawing, playing piano, and volunteering with ministries in her community. She currently lives in Western New York with four dogs, twenty-ish chickens (she lost count), a lizard, and a couple of frogs.
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January 28 @ Wonderings of One Person
Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent (Beyond #1)
When Petra Baron goes into the fortuneteller's tent at a Renaissance fair, she expects to leave with a date to prom. Instead, she walks out into Elizabethan England, where she meets gypsies, a demon dog and a kindred spirit in Emory Ravenswood.
Emory must thwart the plans of religious zealots. His mission is dangerous, his enemies are fanatical, and Petra Baron is a complication that Heaven only knows he does not need. Or does he? Although Emory is on Heaven's errand, he learned long ago that Heaven does not always play fair.
As Petra slowly falls for Emory, she wonders if he really is who he seems, or if he is just as lost as she is. How can they have a future while trapped in the past? Or is anything possible Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent?
Beyond the Hollow (Beyond #2)
Petra Baron and her immortal boyfriend, Emory Ravenswood, are living their happily in modern day Orange County, California, until Dane shows up: a heart-stoppingly handsome man from Petra's past. Petra can't remember Dane, or anything else about her time in Tarrytown, New York two hundred years ago. But Emory does remember, and he knows she's lucky to have forgotten all about Dane and the nightmarish episode in 1810.
After Emory disappears, Petra is determined to find him again. Yet she doesn't know whether Dane can lead her to Emory, or to the nightmare she can't remember. The one thing she does know is that once upon a time really means two hundred years ago, and that if she wants to find Emory the first place to look is Sleepy Hollow, 1810.
With a collection of Washington Irving's writings in her hand, and a prayer that some nine-pin-playing ghosts will give her a drink of the same magic ale they gave Rip Van Winkle, Petra heads into another time-defying adventure.
Kristy Tate
Kristy studied English literature at Brigham Young University and at BYU's International Center in London. Although a long time resident of Orange County California where she lives with her family, Kristy's heart belongs in her hometown of Arlington, Washington, AKA Rose Arbor--the fictional setting of her popular Rose Arbor series.
For updates on Kristy's upcoming novels, please visit her blog at kristystories.blogspot.com and sign up for her newsletter, where discounts and freebies are sure to happen.
Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest
Other books by Kristy:
The Rhyme's Library (2013 Kindle Book Review Awards semi-finalist)
Hailey's Comments (an Amazon Breakout Novel quarter-finalist)
Stealing Mercy
Rescuing Rita
A Light in the Christmas Café
Losing Penny
January 29 @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer
Enchanted Fairytales
Enchanted Fairytales is a series of short stories based on beloved fairytales. The stories are written as if the fairytales never existed. are contemporary, some are paranormal, some have elements of fantasy or magic.
Beautiful Beast: After a cruel prank, Calli is forced to move into "Monster House" to befriend the beast. Alex is determined to hate Calli, who he believes is there to get a peek at the beast. Calli must convince Alex that she isn't there to harm him, and that her feelings for him are very real.
Red and the Wolf: A sudden increase in the violence and frequency of wolf attacks in the forest surrounding Piera has all of the residents on edge. Ruby, contending with the news that Rafe has come home after leaving her three years earlier, and staving off the advances of his brother Lowell, doesn't have time to deal with wolves - until she finds herself fighting against a wolf for her life.
Snow White: Snow White, sent into the forest to be killed, escapes. She stumbles upon a tiny, magical kingdom called Fableton, where time stands still for its trapped residents. Phillip, blinded centuries ago by a vengeful love, believes Snow is the key to breaking the curse and freeing them all.
The Unmasking of Cinderella: Forced into servitude by her wicked stepmother, Amella longs for the simple freedoms her stepsister takes for granted. When she bumps into Char - literally - her world is suddenly turned upside down. Amella begins to believe that she can have a life she previously thought nothing more than a dream with Char by her side.
The White Swan: Cursed to live as a swan by day by the jealous Benno von Rothbart, Odette desires nothing more than to tell Victor what's happened, but can't out of fear for what Benno might do to him. Victor discovers her secret and together they try to break the curse. But the cost of doing so might just be too much.
Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Createspace
Cindy C Bennett is the YA author of several books. She lives in Utah with her two daughters. Both of her sons have married, giving her two more daughters (in-law). She loves gooey cookies, dark chocolate, and cheese popcorn. She hates housework and cooking, and has no plans to become a domestic goddess. She occasionally co-hosts a geek podcast with her son, called Geek Revolution Radio. Her favorite pastime—other than writing—is riding her Harley.
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Other books by Cindy:
Rapunzel Untangled,
Heart on a Chain, Geek Girl,
The Experiment,
Whispers of Razari,
Immortal Mine,
In the Beginning,
Reluctance,
January 30 @ A Backwards Story
It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.
When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday's family despises.
The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?
Rough and tumble Saturday Woodcutter thinks she's the only one of her sisters without any magic—until the day she accidentally conjures an ocean in the backyard. With her sword in tow, Saturday sets sail on a pirate ship, only to find herself kidnapped and whisked off to the top of the world. Is Saturday powerful enough to kill the mountain witch who holds her captive and save the world from sure destruction? And, as she wonders grumpily, "Did romance have to be part of the adventure?" As in Enchanted, readers will revel in the fragments of fairy tales that embellish this action-packed story of adventure and, yes, romance.
New York Times bestselling author Alethea Kontis is a princess, a goddess, a force of nature, and a mess. She's known for screwing up the alphabet, scolding vampire hunters, turning garden gnomes into mad scientists, and making sense out of fairy tales.
Alethea is the co-author of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter Companion, and penned the AlphaOops series of picture books. Her short fiction, essays, and poetry have appeared in a myriad of anthologies and magazines. She has done multiple collaborations with Eisner winning artist J.K. Lee, includingThe Wonderland Alphabet and Diary of a Mad Scientist Garden Gnome. Her debut YA fairy tale novel, Enchanted, won the Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award in 2012 and was nominated for both the Andre Norton Award and the Audie Award in 2013.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, Alethea now lives in Northern Virginia with her Fairy Godfamily. She makes the best baklava you've ever tasted and sleeps with a teddy bear named Charlie.
Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * YouTube
January 31 @ Bookworm Lisa
The Fairytale Keeper: Avenging the Queen
Anonymous, nameless, Adelaide Schumacher should have been lost to history. Medieval girls do not make legends. If they are lucky to live long enough, they make babies.
Adelaide's mother, Katrina was the finest storyteller in Cologne, but she left one story untold, that of her daughter, Snow White. A rampant fever claimed Adelaide's mother just like a thousand others in Cologne where the dead are dumped in a vast pit outside the city walls. In an effort to save Katrina's soul, Adelaide's family obtains a secret funeral by bribing the parish priest, Father Soren.
Soren commits an unforgivable atrocity, pushing Adelaide toward vengeance, but the corruption in Cologne reaches far beyond Soren, and the cost of settling scores quickly escalates. Avenging the mother she lost may cost Adelaide everything she has left: her father, her friends, her first love, and maybe even her life.
The Fairytale Keeper casts the famous villains, heroes, and damsels of Grimm's fairytales into Medieval lives. Seamlessly weaving historical events and Grimm's fairytales into a tale of corruption and devotion, The Fairytale Keeper, leaves the reader wondering where fact ends, and fiction begins.
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Read the first part of the novel for FREE:
Andrea Cefalo is the award-winning author of The Fairytale Keeper series. The Fairytale Keeper series is a Medieval tale of corruption, devotion, and the origins of Grimm's fairytales. It was a quarter-finalist in Amazon's 2013 Breakthrough Novel Contest and has been recommended by Riffle, Copperfield Review, and other various independent reviewers. The second novel in the series, The Fairest of All, will debut in 2014. When Andrea isn't writing, she enjoys blogging and tweeting about the Middle Ages, teaching authors how to effectively use social media, and presenting in schools. She resides in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and their two border collies.
February 1 – Grand Finale
Tour-Wide Giveaway!!
There are FIVE chances to WIN!!
Winners will be drawn randomly, entries will be validated and the IP Addresses checked for shipping qualifications to award winnings in order of preference, if indicated. See Rafflecopter entry. Additional restrictions on Rafflecopter apply.
1 - Signed print copy of Shadowskin by Bethany Cassel plus a signed sketch of the Main Character by the author! (US Only)
2 - eCopies of both books in the Beyond series by Kristy Tate: Beyond the Fortune Teller's Tent & Beyond the Hollow! (International)
3 - eCopy of Enchanted Fairytales by Cindy C Bennett! (International)
4 - FIVE Signed paperbacks of Enchanted by Alethea Kontis plus swag! (US Only) (That's five winners. Woop!)
5 - eCopy of The Fairytale Keeper: Avenging the Queen by Andrea Cefalo! (International)
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2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge from Bookish - January Wrap Up
I am doing this challenge this year. There are so many books on my TBR pile, that I needed more of a push to read them. The problem is I have so many I have to read for reviews, I almost feel guilty when I read something just for me. Now, I don't have to. I have a challenge...which means I have to..:)
This months books I have read and reviewed just for me are: (if you click on the picture it will take you to the GoodReads page!!!)
1. CINDER (LUNAR CHRONICLES) by Marissa Meyer - Review Here - this may go down as one of my favorite series!
2. REBEL SPRINGS (FALLING KINGDOMS #2) by Morgan Rhodes - Review Here
3. LONGING FOR HOME by Sarah M. Eden - Review Here
4. EVERTRUE (EVERNEATH #3) by Brodi Ashton - Review Here - such a fantastic series!
5. SCARLET (LUNAR CHRONICLES #2) by Marissa Meyer - Review Here
I got more done than I thought I would. This was fun to participate in. The book that they were reading for January as a discussion book was Daughter of Smoke and Bones. I didn't participate in reading because I read it a long time ago, but it was fun to be part of the discussion, even if it was just on line. It is so fun to see what other people thought about the book.
AN INCURABLE INSANITY - Grand Finale
The Review Tour for
An Incurable Insanity by Simi K Rao!
We offer flowers in traditional welcome.
You are our honored guest...
You saw The Exotic Tour... you got a taste for the beautiful culture and the romantic attraction of our spunky young characters... now we've reviewed it and have shared the Prologue and first four chapters with you. Did you miss any of them? Read them now!
1/13 Launch - Prologue
"Her heart fluttered when she heard the sound of the key turn in the lock. She quickly adjusted her maroon silk sari with the yellow border, the one that had caught his eye, and waited eagerly for his footsteps..."
Mel's Shelves - Chapter 1, Part I and Review
"I wasn't impressed with Shaan at the beginning. We find out why he married Ruhi, which didn't paint him in the best light, either, but he shows a lot of growth and maturity as time goes on and redeemed himself to me in the end. There were some crazy, dramatic parts and also some calm, tender moments. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Rao's books in the future!"
Tressa's Wishful Endings - Chapter 1, Part II
"Ruhi closed her eyes; she could now repeat every movement, every word by rote. He was a creature of habit…and she was bored.
What was supposed to be the most exciting time in every young woman's life had turned out to be the worst…Well, not really. He wasn't mean. rather he was the perfect gentleman, too perfect!..."
My Love For Reading Keeps Growing - Chapter 2, Part I and Review
"This really is a sweet love story. I found it very hard to put down. I love reading about different traditions and cultures, even if it's fiction. I love how each MC talk to themselves in their head. We always make things out to be worse than they really are in our minds, and this book made me chuckle sometimes because there is a lot of "in head" struggle, fighting, and talking. Silly things that make you want to find out if they are every going to get the nerve up to say to each other!"
Beck Valley Books - Chapter 2, Part II
"It goes without saying that the youngest Ahuja was by no means lacking in looks. He was unusually handsome, of good build, and above average height who liked to maintain an athletic physique with regular exercise. But despite being inundated with innumerable suitable matches, each willing to part with unbelievable amounts in dowry, he had steadfastly declined. In fact, he had even refused to pay a visit to his hometown until now. His hand finally being forced by the news of his dadaji's terminal illness, whose final wish was to see his youngest grandson married and settled in life..."
Deal Sharing Aunt - Chapter 2, Part III and Review
"This was a great look into the life of married couples in India. It was a nice romance story that the author really showed the readers about India and all its customs."
Colorimetry - Chapter 3, Part I and Review
"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian culture!! It's a thousand times better than any text book on the subject and should be a required compainion. Lol. It's similar to being immersed in the culture. It's also a must-read for romance lovers and everyone looking for something unique. And exotic."
Laurie's Throughts and Reviews - Chapter 3, Part II
"Son? Is it okay if I call you beta?" his father-in-law asked him; he had kind eyes.
Shaan looked over to his wife (what an odd-sounding word), and she mouthed a silent, "Please." Then she smiled, her eyelashes drifting down in shy discomposure, carrying on as though this was one of the happiest days of her life..."
Books with Bree - Chapter 4, Part I
"He has agreed! Oh, Mama, he has agreed!
The happiness and relief was so immense that Ruhi wanted to jump up, grab her mother, and do a little dance around the room like she had done on the day she had won her first ever trophy at school..."
Vvb32 Reads - Chapter 4, Part II and Review
"I found this to be a gentle romance read set in Los Angeles, California and India. Being that I grew up in the L.A. area, it was a treat to read about some of the sights mentioned.
Things start off rocky with plenty of back-and-forth tugging of the heart and playful banter sprinkle these pages."
Dividing by Zero - Chapter 4, Part III and Review
"Worth reading – the storyline is both humorous and sentimental, and I cared about the characters and what would happen to them. Ruhi in particular experiences a lot of personal growth as she adapts both to a new culture and the unexpected limitations of her marriage. (I was rooting for them to work things out, but you'll have to read the book for yourself to see if that's what happens!)"
An Incurable Insanity
by Simi K Rao
Paperback, eBook, 376 pages
Published October 8, 2013 by Tate Publishing
Her heart fluttered when she heard the sound of the key turn in the lock. She quickly adjusted her maroon silk sari with the yellow border, the one that had caught his eye, and waited eagerly for his footsteps.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven... Yes, exactly seven steps before he stopped, hesitated for a few moments, then removed his shoes one by one and arranged them neatly side by side on the shoe rack.
She smiled. He had been mindful of taking his shoes off every day now. "I am not used to it, but I will if you want me to. It's probably a good thing to do anyway."
As he settled down, he would pick up the TV remote and, without looking at her, would say in his smooth baritone, "So how did you spend your day, anything interesting?"
Shaan Ahuja found himself bowing to tradition and agreeing to an arranged marriage to the beautiful Ruhi Sharma. He went through the motions but had no intention of carrying through on his vows. His last foray into matters of the heart with an American girl had left him scarred and unwilling to try again. Thoroughly disillusioned and disgruntled he wasted no time in making his intentions clear to Ruhi on their wedding night. But, he was completely unprepared for what his new wife had in mind.
Goodreads * Tate Publishing * Barnes & Noble * Amazon
Simi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several years. The inspiration for An Incurable Insanity came from what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community. Some of the experiences included are her own; some have been garnered from friends and casual conversations with acquaintances...
I am a physician–and to many I may appear serious and solitary. But once people get to know me better, they often think that I am frank, down to earth, with quite a quirky sense of humor. And that is what I bring to my writing—read and you shall see.
I was born in the dead center of India, but had the privilege of spending time both in the north and south. Therefore I have been able to sample and absorb to some extent the vastly diverse cultures and languages of both these regions (the very quality that imparts tremendous richness to our country's heritage,) —a phenomenon perhaps not seen anywhere else in the world.
After immigrating to the United States in my early twenties and spending several years in this country, whenever I travel back to my homeland now, I find that I appreciate my roots a lot more. Still there is so much to see and learn, that a lifetime won't suffice.
A Casual Fling with the Keyboard
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Tour-Wide Giveaway
1 Signed Print Copy + Swag Pack! (US Only)
4 Signed Print Copies of An Incurable Insanity (US Only)
5 eCopies of An Incurable Insanity (International)
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer - Review!
The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
I listened to this book on audio book and loved it. The narrator was awesome. I always have a "real" book going, an audio book going, and an e-book going. My audio books help me get through the horrible household chores :). Again, I have to give a HUGE shout out to Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings for introducing me to this AWESOME series. This book was even better than the first one. I just loved it.
We meet Scarlet and Wolf who are such great characters. Cinder meets Thorne as she tries to escape from prison and they become quite the duo. Their relationship cracked me up so many times. They were so sarcastic, I loved it.
I love a good re-telling of stories and this combines Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood...it's awesome.
I am still trying to decide if I even like Prince Kai. I know most people probably like him, but I am still on the fence. He is between a rock and a hard place, but in my head if you "like" someone you do everything you can to keep a hold of them. Fight for them. He doesn't seem to be doing that. He is a great guy, I can tell. He wants the best for his people, but I also thinks he lets too many other people influence what and how he feels. I don't like that about him. I am hoping in the third installment he kicks it up and stands up for Cinder, and his people.
Cinder and Scarlet are by far my favorite characters. They are both amazing, strong women, and I like that about them. Scarlet is willing to do anything to find her grandmother. When she met Wolf I was so happy. I totally was NOT expecting him to be what he was. That was kind of awesome. I love that you could tell there was a connection between Wolf and Scarlet right from the very beginning.
Eiko in this book is the ships system, and I still love her. Her personality is fantastic. I still loathe Queen Levana. She is still a retched person. Which I believe is what the author is going for, so great job.
I cannot wait for the third book! CANNOT WAIT! These books are so fantastic. They are fun, exciting, and just plain FABULOUS! I LOVE this series.
Source: I purchased this book through Itunes. I am not affiliated with Itunes in anyway, and was not compensated for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Picture and Bio from GoodReads
CINDER, my debut novel, is a futuristic re-envisioning of Cinderella in which Cinder is a cyborg mechanic.
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Skeptic News: COVID update, and more from EvoRich
By craig
NZ Skeptics Newsletter
Welcome to the NZ Skeptics newsletter.
This week our COVID lockdown continues, and I've some updates on that. And we got an email from EvoRich - details on our response below.
Wishing you a great week surviving lockdown, whether it's level 4 or 3. Stay safe!
Craig Shearer
The COVID Delta outbreak in Aotearoa New Zealand continues, with Auckland (where I live) and Northland being remaining in level 4 and the rest of the country moving to level 3 from Wednesday 1st September.
With level 4, everybody is meant to be staying in their homes to avoid exposure to others, but, in my observation of things, there are plenty of people out and about "exercising". Apparently, exercising also extends to sitting down and taking a break, or stopping to talk to others, often maskless. Sigh! As we're advised, we should all be acting as if we have COVID - only leaving our homes for essential shopping and some exercise.
As I write this today (Sunday), there are 83 new cases in the community. These appear to be a combination of transmission within bubbles - so people who are already identified as cases infecting others within their bubbles - and infection of essential workers at their shared workplaces. While the transmission within bubbles seem unavoidable, the transmission between essential workers is worrying, and likely to prolong the lockdown.
John Hart (@farmgeek on Twitter) has been keeping track and graphing the daily numbers. It's nice to see that we appear to be "flattening the curve" though not as fast as some would have hoped. Though, perhaps the flat part will run for longer than hoped because of ongoing transmissions as mentioned above.
Unfortunately, the situation in Australia is getting worse, with 1,218 cases reported in NSW today. They have reported another 6 people dead, but over 800,000 people received a vaccine dose. Over the ditch they're aiming for 70% of the adult population being vaccinated then they'll lift restrictions.
A 70% vaccination rate is still woefully low on a population basis. I hope that we're aiming higher.
The reality is that with the Delta variant being so infectious, once we open up again it's likely that everybody will be exposed to it (or yet another variant!) at some point. When this happens it's going to be painfully clear the difference between those who have been vaccinated, and those who decided to take the risk and remain unvaccinated.
I know I'm generally preaching to the converted, but the vaccine is safe and effective, with serious side effects being very rare. And the rare side effects and also those of COVID itself, so it's far less risky to be vaccinated than to take your chances with COVID.
Mask exemptions
The anti-vaxxers and general "freedoms" bunch think they're being clever. It's now mandated that you must wear a mask when visiting a supermarket, unless you have an exemption.
Well this week, a woman in her 20s refused to wear one when visiting a supermarket. She produced a mask exemption document, which happened to be forged. The police turned up and arrested her. Charges are being considered under the Crimes Act.
An unfortunate death
You might remember back in May a high-profile BBC presenter - Lisa Shaw - died of a brain haemorrhage caused by a blood clot.
It's now been investigated by a coroner in the UK and confirmed that Shaw's death was likely a result of complications from the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine she'd received 3 weeks prior.
This really is a sad case, but will likely be used by anti-vaxxers, as a high profile case, to try to scare others away from taking vaccines.
Endless anti-vax "freedoms" promotion by VfF
As I've previously written, I keep an eye on the Voices for Freedom email channel. Over the past week they've been running "Freedom TV" everyday, trying to draw in new viewers, and even providing an email "template" with which to invite your unsuspecting friends down the rabbit hole with you.
Westland Mayor
In the past I've resisted poking fun (really, I have!) at some prominent individuals who come out with nonsensical, ridiculous pronouncements. But sometimes, it just gets to be too much.
This week, Bruce Smith, the mayor of Westland told us that he was sick of hearing from health experts about COVID -19, and thought business leaders should have more say!
He also has claimed that we should learn to live with COVID, just like our grandparents lived with Polio.
Luckily, Twitter user Richard Hills did a little research and uncovered the reality of NZ's past Polio outbreaks...
And, to top it all off, it seems that Bruce denies climate change, claiming that "The climate's been changing ever since I've been a kid".
Image: Sketchplanations
The Streisand Effect
Most skeptics will be aware of the Steisand Effect - so called because of the unintended consequence of trying to suppress information - which happened to Barbara Streisand back in 2003 when she tried to suppress pictures of her Malibu mansion.
You might recall that back in May, Mark Honeychurch wrote about a company called EvoRich, warning about Kiwis being involved in a possibly risky multi-level-marketing (MLM) scheme.
Well yesterday we received a document from EvoRich, from the highly professional email address [email protected]
The document, not even from their lawyers, was a Microsoft Word document. Word documents always make interesting reading if you go to the Info tab.
OK, so a couple of Russian names, confirming Mark's writing about the company originating in Russia. Interestingly they began the document on the day we published the newsletter, but didn't send it until yesterday. I wonder what triggered that.
Another interesting point - the Company entry "SPecialiST RePack" points to a "cracked" version of Microsoft Word being used to author the document. I'm sure all legit companies use cracked software versions! (Incidentally, it's best practise not to send original documents out - best to convert them to PDF first.)
They're not happy with what we wrote though. They claim that they're not an MLM:
We are not MLM, because we have neither registration fee, nor dividends paid from lowers (sic) levels to upper ones.
There are technical definitions of MLMs but it would appear that their members spend a lot of time trying to recruit their friends and associates into the business. This is a classic characteristic of an MLM.
However, should it be that they're not technically an MLM, so be it.
Mark reminded our readers in the initial newsletter that our Financial Markets Authority (FMA) warned about EvoRich being a potential scam. So, we're not the only ones to think that.
They also complained that Mark used the wrong email address when trying to notify them about their insecure site.
Please be informed that we have 24/7 support desk, which can help you to solve any technical problems, including security. The Ethics Department consider only conflict issues, which violate the Ethics Code.
They complain that:
Please note that the abovementioned publication bears the hallmarks of Defamation, which, under the Delaware Law, is a false statement that does not show and reflect the image of International Marketing Community INC in a favorable light.
The Delaware address is interesting. It would seem that the address is essentially used as a "convenience" address - to give them a presence in the US without actually having to have proper offices.
They have requested that we substantiate our claims - the main one being that they're an MLM when they're not, and that we publish a "contradiction" - presumably a retraction - and delete the original article.
They threaten:
In case of failure with the above request, the Company of International Marketing Community INC will apply to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), as well as judicial and other regulatory authorities in order to protect its reputation and name under the Delaware Law.
All very interesting.
Anyway, I decided to go do some digging myself, to check out what Mark had discovered and see what my impressions of the company were.
My first stop was to try to look at their website. The site is in Russian, but Google Translate allows me to see it in English. The site makes a variety of claims, but doesn't really provide any detail as to how the company works, or how it makes money.
So, next stop was to search for their presentations on YouTube. I found this video which I began watching. The video is introduced by a woman based in South America. But the video then goes continues with a presentation about EvoRich from a person with a Kiwi accent.
The video revealed that the company has a variety of business ventures, including selling financial training, running "Edu Cafe" businesses, and running crypto-currency investment schemes.
The video later revealed that the presenter with the Kiwi accent was Andrew Hawkes, who is based in Australia, living on the Gold Coast.
Now, the name Andrew Hawkes rang a bell with me. I have a local acquaintance who I'm friends with on Facebook. I'll call him Greg (not his real name). He seems to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer. I've recently responded to some of his posts, trying to set the record straight about COVID and vaccines. One of those posts was pretty long-winded, but one of his friends, Andrew Hawkes, popped up in the discussion, spouting all sorts of typical anti-vax talking points.
I looked up Andrew Hawkes on LinkedIn.
Oh, there he is! At the Academy of Private Investmen (sic).
So, next stop was to look him up on Facebook. I found his profile, and confirmed his mutual friendship with Greg described above. I now understood the connection.
About three years ago Greg was posting on Facebook about this amazing investment opportunity - Skyway Investments. At the time there were many, including me, who tried to warn him about the nature of the investment, and that it was probably a scam. At the time, the FMA was warning people about it. Greg was adamant that this was going to make him rich, and that others should join him. Three years on, I see little evidence that the "investment" has panned out.
So, it seems highly likely that Andrew Hawkes was the vector for introducing Greg to Skyway - now EvoRich (and also NEEW - New Economic Evolution of the World).
Come for the investment advice, stay for the anti-vax and conspiracy theories!
Scrolling through Andrew Hawkes's page on Facebook I came across a Facebook Live video he recorded this past Saturday morning. I thought it would be good to get some insight into what he's promoting by watching his video. Contrary to my expectations about investment advice, what I got was a video full of conspiracy theories and anti-vax messages.
According to Hawkes:
"If you want to go out, and get an experimental shot from a known corrupt industry, then go for it, have at it, but don't expect others to blindly follow you when they've actually done the research themselves, when they actually looked into it, when they've actually listened to scientists who are not being paid by the people who are pushing it…"
He then went on to talk about the Australian Census that's currently underway, and spouted some astounding nonsense about official government documents being addressed to people with their names in ALL CAPS, and that being a separate legal entity to the person being addressed.
Hawkes then talked about COVID never having been isolated, that the Delta variant hadn't been isolated, that COVID is a hoax, that it's all to do with the UN and Agenda 21 or Agenda 30.
He carried on to talk about the government taking people's guns away - referencing the Christchurch Mosque massacre of 2019.
Finally, he thinks that some of those getting the COVID vaccine are getting placebos (seemingly a misunderstanding of the original RCTs), that being vaccinated would allow keys and magnets to stick to your arm, and finally promoting Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine.
He claimed people should "think for themselves" - ironic since he was just regurgitating standard anti-vax talking points!
So, that's Andrew Hawkes - high profile EvoRich promotor for the Australia/New Zealand region!
Dr Dan
Finally this week, and related to the Streisand Effect above, comes the tale from David Farrier, of the popular Webworm blog.
Recently, David wrote about a certain doctor in Auckland at an Integrative Medical Centre, promoting alternative COVID treatments including hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin and hydrogen peroxide.
Dr Dan didn't like what David wrote, so got his lawyers to send a cease and desist letter.
I'll let David tell the tale - it's a great read!
We're excited to announce the combined NZ and Australian Skeptics Conference/Skepticon. We're holding this in person (COVID willing!) in Wellington and Sydney simultaneously on the weekend of 19th - 21st November.
There will also be the option to purchase a livestream ticket.
The conference will feature speakers from both sides of the Tasman as well as some exciting international speakers.
We're seeking registrations of interest so that we can gauge interest.
Please visit the registration of interest page (hosted on the Australian Skeptics site) at the following link:
If you have any news or thoughts you would like to see published in this newsletter, we would love to hear from you at:
if you want to support us by becoming a financial member, or would like to check your membership status, please go to:
https://skeptics.nz/join
Copyright © 2021 NZ Skeptics, All rights reserved.
Skeptic News: Careful Now
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Skeptic News: I wish Remote Rife Therapy really did work
Skeptic News: BSA decision, Sovereign Citizen Sheriffs, and Arbonne MLM
Skeptic News: BITE, NESARA, MLM – an acronym special

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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IRS' new paycheck withholding estimator should reduce tax refund surprises in 2020
4 tax matters that matter for the self-employed
Senators duke it out over capital gains inflation in letters to Treasury Department
UPDATE Aug. 21, 2019: In a stark reversal of yesterday's further tax cut considerations, Donald J. Trump today said he is no longer considering any such proposals.
UPDATE Aug. 20, 2019: This proposal has bubbled back to the top of simmering economic stimulus ideas. As reports, predictions and fears of an impending recession increased, today Donald J. Trump again said he was considering indexing capital gains, which would give investors a big tax cut and primarily benefit the rich, and that he believed he could do it without approval from Congress.
Members of the Upper Chamber of Congress are relying on the power of the pen in their battle to obtain or stop the proposed indexing of capital gains to inflation.
Republicans and now Democrats have written letters to the Treasury Department making their opposing cases for the broadening of this tax break.
A year's wait: Last summer, the Trump Administration began exploring its options when it comes to indexing capital gains.
Currently, capital gains on long-term assets are taxed at generally lower rates. The top 20 percent capital gains tax rate is particularly appealing to wealthy investors, who face a top 37 percent ordinary tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
See Also: Capital gains taxes under the new law
Lower-earning investors also can benefit. For those on the lowest end of the tax scale, they face no capital gains taxes, as in 0 percent, on long-term asset sales. Moving up the pay scale and tax brackets a bit, the top capital gains tax rate maxes out at 15 percent.
Election stall GOP legislative plan: Republicans had hoped to push through capital gains indexing, which would adjust the profit made on long-term asset sales to the cost of living, in a subsequent TCJA bill, dubbed Tax Reform 2.0.
Then the Grand Old Party lost control of the House in the 2018 midterms and any additional tax legislation has stalled under partisan Congressional gridlock.
See Also: Trump's tax returns, plus future candidates' filings,
are first target of House Democrats
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin originally had said he and the Trump White House would prefer Congress take the lead on indexing capital gains. But with no tax legislation, at least not any likely to pass, on the horizon, Treasury is again revisiting whether to act unilaterally when it comes to this tax break.
Now that it looks like Congress will be sidestepped on the matter, some Senators have taken to arguing their points, pro and con, via correspondence.
What would change: With indexing, investors' profit would be less, meaning the already lower capital gains tax rate would apply to a smaller amount and produce an even smaller tax bill.
See Also: Capital gains indexing would mean
more tax savings for long-term investors
Supporters of capital gains indexing, like the conservative, tax-cut advocating nonprofit Americans for Tax Reform argue that inflation comprises a significant portion of capital gains. As an example, the Grover Norquist led group notes:
"For instance, a taxpayer that purchases one share of Coca-Cola stock in 1998 would have paid $32.38 per share. Today, that share would be worth $48.13 with a gain of $15.76 and a tax liability of $3.75.
However, because of inflation, the value of a dollar in 1998 is worth $1.56. The inflation adjusted value of the stock is therefore $50.50 and the taxpayer has an inflation adjusted loss of $2.38."
Do it: Proponents of capital gains indexing and Treasury's power to make the change put pen to paper first.
The July 29 letter to Mnuchin from 21 Senate Republicans urged him to index the tax on gains realized from sales of real estate, stocks or bonds, echoing the economic benefit argument.
The current capital gains tax system "treatment punishes taxpayers for the mere existence of inflation and is inherently unfair," according the GOP letter writers, "Other tax provisions such as individual tax brackets are rightly adjusted for inflation annually. Capital gains ought to receive the same treatment."
See Also: TCJA produced little economic benefit in first year
In addition, say the inflation adjustment advocates, the move "would have significant economic benefits," including growing the economy thanks to more capital that would be available for investment.
Don't do it: On the other side, Congressional Democrats argue that indexing capital gains would be just another GOP sop to the rich.
"This unilateral move would almost exclusively benefit the wealthiest Americans, add to the ballooning federal deficit, further complicate the tax code, and ignore longstanding Justice Department policy," said the 42 Democrats, led by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden of Oregon, in their Aug. 7 letter to Mnuchin.
See Also: Warren Buffett's 'tax the rich' stance
In contract to their GOP counterparts, the Senate Democrats argue that "the proposal would do little to nothing to boost the economy as it would provide a windfall for existing capital assets rather than incentivize new investment."
They point to an analysis from the Penn-Wharton Budget Model that found that indexing capital gains would cost about $100 billion over a decade and predominantly benefit those in the top 1 percent of income.
In addition to the Senate Democrats, the Rep. Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued his own statement on the heels of the GOP letter expressing his strong opposition to any potential executive action to index capital gains to inflation.
Can or can't Treasury do it? In addition to the yea or nay over indexing capital gains, there's also the issue of whether Treasury can make the change via regulation.
The U.S. Constitution gives the power of the purse solely to Congress. Specifically, all tax legislation must originate in the House Ways and Means Committee.
That's led previous administrations to determine that Treasury cannot make such a change on its own. Notably, a 1992 Justice Department memo concluded that capital gains couldn't be indexed by regulation.
See Also: Treasury cites 8 burdensome tax regs that might be axed
Others, however, say that's not a problem. They contend that a variety of legal analyses going back several decades support the Treasury Department's authority to redefine the calculation of capital gains taxes by excluding inflation from tax owed.
Mnuchin reportedly is hesitant to act unilaterally, preferring Congress take the lead. But he's getting pressure from his boss at the White House, as well as from other Trump Administration personnel.
Tax action, legal reaction: Will the dueling letters have an effect?
As has been the case for a year now, we'll just have to keep waiting to see.
And as has been the case with the Trump White House, if Mnuchin does decide to act, get ready for law suits to follow.
Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2019 at 05:53 PM in Investing Capital Gains, Politics, Rich Wealthy, Tax planning, Tax rates, Tax reform, Taxes | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: 0 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, assets, capital gains, capital gains tax rates, long-term assets, rich investors, sales, stock market, tax, tax reform, taxes


A post-MORULA preimplantation mammalian embryo that develops from a 32-cell stage into a fluid-filled hollow ball of over a hundred cells. A blastocyst has two distinctive tissues. The outer layer of trophoblasts gives rise to extra-embryonic tissues. The inner cell mass gives rise to the embryonic disc and eventual embryo proper.


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Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe WTL G50, 1988
{{ $t('Type') }} {{ $t('Business') }}
{{ $t('City') }} Proven
{{ $t('Make') }} Porsche
{{ $t('Model') }} 911 Carrera Coupe WTL G50
{{ $t('VIN') }} WP0ZZZ91ZJS101099
This 1988 911 Carrera Coupe features the rare WTL (Werks Turbo Look) option. The current seller bought the car about 4 months ago from the previous owner, who moved to Spain. The previous owner had the car in his possession since 2013 and had driven more than 12,000 km with it. Because the car is from after 1987, it also has the sought-after (and praised) G50 gearbox, which would later be used in the 964. The option list includes electric seats, sunroof, fog lights and radio, as well as a limited-slip differential. This car also comes with a correct mileage history for the last 20 years - as can be seen in the Carpass. It also comes with a valuation report (see attached photos), which also describes the general condition of this beauty.
The 911 Carrera 3.2 model was introduced by Porsche in 1984 as the successor to the famous 911 SC. The Porsche engineers were so convinced of the new car that it was allowed to bear the Carrera name for the first time. Until then, that was exclusively reserved for limited series of racing models. At that time, many considered it sacrilege to stick a Carrera badge on an 'ordinary' street car. The 930 Turbo version was not available in the USA due to the applicable emission requirements. Because the Turbo looks of the 930 were looked at with great envy across the pond, Porsche decided to design a Turbobody kit for the Carrera 3.2. In the official specifications this was called WTL, or Werks Turbo Look, with the option number the M491 package. This was the first time Porsche made such a kit available. In addition to the body panels of the 930 Turbo, option M491 also included the suspension, brakes, the rear spoiler and the increased wheel and tire size of the 930 Turbo. A pretty important reason why this WTL option is quite rare is because it cost DM 29,350 in 1988 (by far the most expensive of all options at the time). This was ordered worldwide a total of only 3640 times over a period of 5 years, of which only 1397 times on a coupe model. When you look specifically at the most wanted EUR versions, only 346 copies!
The car is in pretty good condition: all reveals fit perfectly, all body panels are correctly parallel - as they should be. The car has already been repainted locally. There is sometimes some paintwork traces on the rubbers (see photos). However, this is limited. Furthermore, the car has some traces of use, as can be seen from the photo gallery.
The car has been completely repainted in this color in the past. He rolled out of the factory in white. There is also a limited amount of stone chips visible in the front.
{{ $t('History Sheet metal') }}
No traces of rust. The front spoiler shows a slight dent on the right front. The rubbers are in relatively good condition, show their age and do not always fit nicely.
Seats are made of black leather and show some limited usage damage. The dashboard looks neat and tidy. Carpets and headliner are in good condition.
The engine runs smoothly and correctly. The typical sweating of the air-cooled 3.2l 6 cylinder boxer engine is also present here, but to a limited extent. This is the European version so 231 horses will take you to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. They trot smoothly up to 216 km/h. From 1984, the engine was equipped with the more efficient Bosch MDE-motronic control, which among other things resulted in lower consumption and greater torque of 283Nm (gain of 17Nm compared to SC model). Because this clean one was produced in 1988, it is also equipped with the G50 5-speed manual gearbox that shifts perfectly.
The car recently received a minor maintenance.
This car comes with all necessary papers and Carpass (since 2000 - introduction of Carpass) that documents the last 91,000 kilometers of this car. In addition, the car comes with an extensive valuation report from a well-known expertise bureau, as you can also find in the photos.
M491 Turbo Look Leather sports steering wheel Electric sports seats Electric sliding roof Clarion music system Limited slip differential
There is an oil leak on the cooler.


A photo of the two artists performing at South Africa's Global Summit sparked a debate about how women are expected to look and what it all means.
He's right in that in order to reach Beyoncé's level of fame and success as a woman, there seems no other option than to be spend hours perfecting a dazzling look (and probably full choreography). But like in so many other aspects of both personal and professional life, male artists simply have more options in the way they present themselves, from Chance the Rapper's overalls to Sheeran's rolled-out-of-bed look to Michael Bublé's signature tux.
Women in the public eye don't seem to have the option to be comfortable or dress down. On the last episode of the 2 Dope Queens podcast, former first first lady Michelle Obama explained the exhaustive lengths she had to go to while in office to plan her hair, makeup, and outfits while in office: "I've done a little bit of everything–braids, weaves, wigs, extensions." She noted that after any briefing for an event, she'd have to have an additional briefing about what to wear and how to do her hair.
Work ethic and talent and ambition aside, the expectations on women (and especially on black women) in entertainment, politics, and the professional world seem to start at full hair and makeup and work their way up. Part of Beyoncé's widespread appeal is (in addition to her prodigious talent) her breathtaking showmanship. Michelle Obama, too, became a style icon. But imagine what women could accomplish if the barrier to entry was, as it is for men, simply based on the work itself.


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Important Documents for Parents
Information for Prospective Families and Students
Why Choose Pathfinder K-8?
BEE (K-3 Self Contained)
FOX (3-5 Self Contained)
LYNX (6-8 Self Contained)
Middle School Band & Choir
Building Leadership Team
About Pathfinder
David Dockendorf - Principal
Lisa Clayton - Assistant Principal
Pathfinder K-8 School » Resources and Services » Information for Prospective Families and Students » Why Choose Pathfinder K-8?
The answer to this question is as different as each child and family. Here are some reasons Pathfinder K-8 families identify as critical to their choice.
Click on any of the reasons to find out more about this aspect of our school.
Strong Community
Small School Size
Excellent Teachers
Focus on the Whole Child
Expeditionary Learning
Strong Art and Science Programs
Looped and Multi-aged Classrooms
Diverse Students and Families, Welcoming Environment
One School for K-8
Excellent Before and After School Program
Transportation Available Throughout West Seattle
For most of our parents, one of the most critical parts of choosing Pathfinder K-8 is the alternative education model we use. It is impossible to describe this model easily on a website. We teach to the whole child using techniques that are progressive and innovative. We balance district-adopted curricula with our own teacher-developed curricula that integrates academic disciplines and aligns with standards.
If you walk into a classroom you will not see desks lined up in rows, but tables set up for collaborative work and floor space for class meetings and lessons. You will hear children calling adults by their first names and being treated as equals in the learning process with respect and support from all.
At the most basic level, Pathfinder K-8 is an alternative, or "Option" school because parents must choose to enroll their children at Pathfinder K-8. We do not have a reference area and, according to District policy, no students are assigned to Pathfinder K-8. Of course, there is a lot more to being an alternative school. You can find out more in a welcome message from our principal.
From the origin of our school over 15 years ago, community has always been a tremendous part of Pathfinder K-8. Building community takes many forms: students go on camping trips with their classmates, parents work together to help in the classroom and organize PTSA and other school events, and families gather to share in celebrations of learning and culture. Throughout the school you will notice people genuinely care about one another. Parents greet children in the halls. Teachers, staff, and families build connections and relationships that can be counted on in times of need or celebration.
At just under 500 students enrolled in nine grade bands, Pathfinder is a "big" school with a "small" feel. This means teachers and staff know students personally. By breaking the school up into halls, organized by grade band (for examples 2nd and 3rd grade), there is an even greater sense of a small school - where everyone knows and cares about each other.
Our upper grades are particularly notable - while the other public middle schools in West Seattle have 700-900 students, we have about 140 students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The small-school atmosphere/climate allows for special projects rather than the typical six-period model of most middle schools. Indeed, many other schools have recognized this desire for a small school and are moving to the "small schools within a school" model.
Providing a continuous program for grades K-8 also allows for fewer transitions for students and engenders long-term relationships between staff, students, and families.
Pathfinder K-8 attracts, recruits and retains terrific teachers. Many have master's degrees, and all are committed to teaching excellence. Several of our teachers are currently completing their national board certification. Our teachers have a reputation for innovation, creativity, dedication and excellence. Our progressive teachers are committed to providing students culturally relevant and rigorous instruction using alternative curriculum and resources rather than relying only on text books. Our staff works hard to reach each child academically as well as socially and emotionally.
Our teachers also collaborate as a team, both within each grade band and throughout the school. They help and support each other and work together to ensure the highest quality instruction. They are committed to making sure each child moves successfully from the first day in kindergarten to the last spring day of 8th grade, achieving their highest potential.
Academics are incredibly important at Pathfinder K-8. However, we recognize that success in academics as well as in life is based on a child succeeding socially, emotionally, physically and artistically. In addition to a strong academic core, we care and teach about the other parts of a well-rounded education. Our teachers believe that if a child is not nurtured emotionally, he or she will not love learning; a child who is not physically fit will not be able to sit and learn as effectively; and a child who does not feel welcome and cared about by his or her peers will no want to be at school and will learn less.
Pathfinder K-8 uses age-appropriate curricula to teach children to change the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to concord and to getting along with others. In the younger grades (K-2) children are taught to think about others feelings, to solve problems cooperatively, increase their level of social competence, and to manage anger in a positive way. Students in grades 3-5 are taught friendship skills and anti-bullying strategies; they learn to recognize, refuse, and report unkind or excluding behaviors. For the older grades, social-emotional components at the school, classroom, and individual levels are implemented.
Expeditionary Learning (EL) emphasizes learning by doing, with a particular focus on character growth, teamwork, reflection and literacy. Teachers connect high quality academic learning to adventure, service and character development through a variety of student experiences including interdisciplinary, project based learning expeditions.
Expeditions start with a big idea, or organizing principle/theme, and typically involve field work, are project-based, and provide unique learning experiences. Teachers work collaboratively to design a multi-disciplinary approach that ties in core academic curricula with innovative learning. Previous expeditions have included:
K-1 Grades: Trees & Wood; Habitats
2-3 Grades: Puppets Around the World; Where in the World is... (maps and cartography)
4-5 Grades: Canoes on Puget Sound; Struggle & Resistance (American History through the lens of the struggle and resistance of American populations) 6-8 Grades Space (6th grade), Response to Climate (7th grade.).
Please look at our expeditionary learning page for more information.
Strong Arts and Science Program
Pathfinder K-8 has two art teachers, reflecting the importance placed on art in the school. Our students have displayed their work at the West Seattle Art Walk, and participate in the end-of-year art show. The PTSA strongly supports the art program with thousands of dollars every year for supplies.
Pathfinder K-8 is one of the only elementary schools in the Seattle School District that has a Science Fair. Over 100 students across all grade levels participate and many are nominated to go to the State Science Fair. Many of the expeditions at Pathfinder K-8 have a significant science focus. Our green belt serves
Typically your student at Pathfinder K-8 will have the same teacher for kindergarten and 1st grade, 2nd and 3rd grade, and 4th and 5th grade. This is great because it reduces the time spent on "get to know you" activities at the beginning of the year, reinforces the bond between teachers and students, and means that teachers know their students strengths and weaknesses right off the bat!
If you ever felt that your child was just getting settled in and adjusted when the school year ended, maybe a school with looped classrooms like Pathfinder K-8 is right for your family.
Our classrooms are typically multi-aged (except for K and first grade and some classrooms in the upper grades). The combination of looping and multi-aged classrooms means that each classroom becomes a learning community, and allows students to work at levels that are appropriate for them. For example, there is not a single book that all students read - they choose (with help and guidance) a book that is of interest to them and that challenges them. As a result students enjoy reading and, at the same time, are able to follow their own passion and work on the skills they need to work on.
Pathfinder is a school that families choose to attend so the commitment level and involvement among our parents is especially high. Pathfinder teachers value their partnership with parents for the benefit of all students. Our high degree of parental involvement makes are outdoor education and expeditionary learning possible.
Parents are involved in so many ways at Pathfinder K-8, spending time in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, contributing to school-wide decisions about staffing and budgets, and volunteering for community building and fundraising activities.
We have a strong PTSA that financially supports the instrumental music program, runs the after school program and Science Fair (one of only three science fairs for elementary-aged student in the entire Seattle School District!), and so much more.
Pathfinder K-8 is a great choice for some families because it offers a welcoming place for children through 8th grade. This means that there is no separate middle school experience or the adjustment of transitioning to a new school at a very difficult time in a child's life. Of course our curricula does change appropriately for the upper grades, but you will find the same caring teachers, small school atmosphere, and alternative education philosophy throughout the school.
Providing a continuous program for grades K-8 allows for fewer transitions for students and engenders long-term relationships between staff, students, and families. We get to know our kids so well that we can work with them on an individualized level; we build good relationships with families and students to enable working together effectively. We build a strong sense of community. Our 8th grade students go on to many different high schools in the Seattle area and are highly successful.
The demographics of Pathfinder K-8 students closely mimic the demographics of West Seattle. Almost half of the students at Pathfinder K-8 are students of color, including the largest percentage of native students in the SPS system. About 37% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Beyond these traditional measures of diversity, you will find that Pathfinder K-8 families also reflect the diversity of families in our community - from same-sex parents, to blended families, adoptive families, and most every other family configuration. These families chose Pathfinder K-8 because it is a welcoming place that understands and honors all families.
Our after-school program at Blazing Trails is widely recognized as one of the top after school and summer care programs in the area.
Pathfinder K-8, with support from our PTSA, has created a dynamic after-school program for all students. These programs range from language (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Lashootseed) to physical fitness (Jump Rope, Unicycle Team), to the creative arts (Art Studio, Drama Workshop, Film Making) and are open to all students for a modest fee. Some programs are free thanks to a Seattle Parks & Recreation levy. More information about this program can be found on in the After-School Program section of our Student Activities web page.
As West Seattle's only option school, students qualify for school bus transportation from all over West Seattle. This is, of course subject to the District's transportation policies. Our students come from every corner of West Seattle, and even from areas beyond!
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1901 SW Genesee St.


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