text:
Walmart begins testing home delivery by its employees
Updated: 5:49 PM CDT Jun 1, 2017
WEBVTT NEW TONIGHT, WALMART IS MAKINGAN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT HOW THEYPLAN TO GET THEIR PRODUCTS TOYOU, HOME DELIVERY.WAL-MART ANNOUNCED TODAY THEYARE TESTING EMPLOYEES DELIVERORDERS TO HOMES.THEY WILL BE PARTICIPATING INTHREE STORES, ONE IN NORTHWESTARKANSAS.IT WILL WORK LIKE THIS.EMPLOYEES WILL PICK UP PACKAGESFROM THE WAL-MART STORE THEYWORK AT, PUT THEM IN THEIR CAR,AND THEN DROP THEM OFF ON THEWAY HOME.WAL-MART HOPES THE SYSTEM WILLALLOW THE COMPANY TO CUTSHIPPING COSTS AND GET PACKAGES
Walmart announced Thursday it will have its employees deliver orders directly to customers' homes, on a trial basis.The test will consist of three stores, one of which is in Northwest Arkansas. 40/29 News is attempting to verify which Northwest Arkansas store will be included.Employees will pick up packages from the Walmart store they work at, put them in their car, and then drop them off on the way home."Our stores put us within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population. Now imagine all the routes our associates drive to and from work and the houses they pass along the way," Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart eCommerce U.S. wrote in a release to media.Walmart hopes the system will allow the company to cut shipping costs and get packages to their destinations more quickly.The announcement was made during Walmart's annual Shareholders' meeting in Northwest Arkansas.
BENTONVILLE, Ark. —
Walmart announced Thursday it will have its employees deliver orders directly to customers' homes, on a trial basis.
The test will consist of three stores, one of which is in Northwest Arkansas. 40/29 News is attempting to verify which Northwest Arkansas store will be included.
Employees will pick up packages from the Walmart store they work at, put them in their car, and then drop them off on the way home.
"Our stores put us within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population. Now imagine all the routes our associates drive to and from work and the houses they pass along the way," Marc Lore, president and CEO of Walmart eCommerce U.S. wrote in a release to media.
Walmart hopes the system will allow the company to cut shipping costs and get packages to their destinations more quickly.
The announcement was made during Walmart's annual Shareholders' meeting in Northwest Arkansas.


text:
Home Article THE END OF SECRECY.
THE END OF SECRECY.
Glenn Greenwald is not an easy guy to please. And he's very pleased indeed:
Barack Obama will have spent his first several days in office issuing a series of executive orders which, some quibbling and important caveats aside, meet or actually exceed even the most optimistic expectations of civil libertarians — everything from ordering the closing of Guantanamo to suspending military commissions to compelling CIA interrogators to adhere to the Army Field Manual to banning CIA "black sites" and, perhaps most encouragingly (in my view): severely restricting his own power and the power of former Presidents to withhold documents on the basis of secrecy, which has been the prime corrosive agent of the Bush era. As a result, establishment and right-wing figures who have been assuring everyone that Obama would scorn "the Left" (meaning: those who believe in Constitutional safeguards) and would continue most of Bush's "counter-Terrorism" policies are growing increasingly nervous about this flurry of unexpected activity.
That bit on "severely restricting his own power and the power of former Presidents to withhold documents on the basis of secrecy" has been somewhat buried beneath the sexy torture bans (that's a weird sentence, huh?). But it's important! YObama has declared that only the president and ex-presidents can assert executive privilege to cover documents - the Bush administration had tried to open that authority to other executive-branch officials. And when the president does declare executive privilege, the attorney general and the White House counsel must review the constitutionality of the claim. In other words, executive privilege is now limited to presidents, a pain in the ass, and there are structures in place to encourage scrutiny and discourage secrecy. You can read the full executive order here. On a similar tip, Obama has thrilled journalists by releasing a memorandum directing agencies to "examine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with a bias toward release of the documents." Under the Bush administration, Ashcroft directed the government's agencies to to err in favor of non-disclosure -- a fairly remarkable statement, when you think about it. Government information was on a need to know basis: If you didn't work for the government, you didn't need to know. That just changed.But more reassuring than even these orders is the philosophy behind them. In his statement on transparency, Obama said that "Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset." That's in sharp contrast to the Bush administration's belief that information maintained by the Federal Government should be classified, hidden away, and then sealed -- or possibly shredded, or maybe burnt, or shot into outer space -- upon exit. What we're seeing here is the difference between an administration that does not expect to be engaging in an array of unethical and possibly criminal activities and an administration that knew full well that it was engaging in an array of unethical and possibly criminal activities. The Obama administration can insist on transparency because it believes it has nothing to fear from disclosure. And having set down these rules, they need to keep it that way.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Luster Wells Fargo TCPA class action lawsuit revolves around claims that Wells Fargo used an automatic telephone dialing system and/or artificial or prerecorded voice to make calls or send text messages to cell phones without the recipient's consent in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Those who received such as phone call between April 1, 2011 and March 30, 2016 should file a claim ASAP. Under the terms of the lawsuit class members might receive $500 or as much as $1,500 per TCPA violation but expert close to the class predict most class members will receive about $50 on average. All class members who file valid claims will be represented by John C. Lynch and David M. Gettings from the high power law firm of Troutman Sanders LLP. Class members who are not happy with the proposed settlement can file an objection by Aug. 21, 2017.


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Sherri is a given name, and may refer to:

 Sherri Baier, former Canadian pairs figure skater
 Sherri Coale (born 1965), current women's basketball coach for the University of Oklahoma Sooners
 Sherri DuPree (born 1983), vocalist, guitarist and lyricist for the band Eisley
 Sherri Field (born 1972), former field hockey player
 Sherri Finkbine (born 1942), American television actress
 Sherri Howard (born 1962), former American athlete
 Sherri Mandel, American journalist and literary professor
 Sherri Martel (1958–2007), American professional wrestler and valet
 Sherri Rasmussen (1957–1986), American murder victim
 Sherri Saum (born 1974), American Daytime Emmy nominated actress
 Sherri Shepherd (born 1967), American comedian and actress
 Sherri Steinhauer (born 1962), American golfer
 Sherri Stoner (born 1965), American actress and writer
 Sherri Sylvester (born 1959), longtime entertainment reporter
 Sherri Turner (born 1956), professional golfer
 Sherri Youngward, Christian praise and worship artist

Fictional characters
 Sherri and Terri fictional characters in The Simpsons''

See also
 Chari (disambiguation)
 Cheri (disambiguation)
 Cherie
 Cherri (disambiguation)
 Cherrie
 Cherry (disambiguation)
 Shari (disambiguation)
 Sheri
 Sherie
 Sherrie
 Sherry (disambiguation)
 Shery

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It's great when we meet experienced sailors, remember we meet Blind and Visually Impaired sailors as well as sighted ones, and we all know what happens every time we get on a boat? We learn something new! If you've got no experience don't worry, you'll be learning from the moment you step aboard.
How's this for a challenge for the sighted sailor?
you've just got your day skipper ticket and you want to start taking charge of a yacht, it's always a bit 'squeaky bum' time on that first trip, the shift from crew to skipper is a big one, so good luck.
Did you know we at Visa-gb can help any aspiring skipper learn their trade, how's that we hear you ask? Well imagine you've done a couple of trips but now you are about to set off with a new group of experienced sailors – fantastic, makes a change from trying to get your mates to do what you tell them. You sling your kit aboard a Visa-gb boat and get ready to meet the crew, they certainly know their way around and can clearly do everything needed but hang on a second they're all visually impaired so how's this going to work?Simple – it'll work fine and here's why, as the skipper you're not going to have to do anything other than facilitate the setting up of the boat and getting underway – you'll have completed your safety briefing and boat familiarisation so it's time to go.
You'll need to develop your communication skills to make sure the crew understand the order you want things done, you'll be concise to make sure each person knows exactly what job to perform and when, you will be managing every aspect but not doing it yourself. Believe us when we say you'll not get training like this anywhere else and we guarantee you be a better skipper than when you arrived! And by the way they'll be an experienced Visa skipper in the background so you can bounce ideas, double check and know you've got someone watching your back.


This harvest festival is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by Malayalis all over the state, and the world.
The popular Hindu harvest festival of Onam is the biggest and most important festival for Malayalis across the world. Onam is celebrated in the Malayalam calendar of Chingam, corresponding with the month of August- September in the Gregorian Calendar. This marks as the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, and the celebrations take place over a period of ten days.
This year, the festival dates are 15th August to 27th August. The unprecedented rain and resultant floods have marred the celebrations in Kerala this year.
Onam celebrates the arrival of Hindu mythological king Mahabali, or Maveli, with a grand and scrumptious feast along with energetic games like boat race and dance performances such as tiger dance, mask dance and ritualistic martial arts.
Onam is an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates rice harvest. According to legends, the then king Mahabali defeated the gods and took over all the three worlds. The gods then approached Lord Vishnu for help. In order to test Mahabali's devotion, Lord Vishnu disguised as a dwarf 'Vamana' approached him while he was performing a yajna where the kind king promised to fulfill anyone's request.
Lord Vishnu requested for a piece of land which would measure three paces in length, and Mahabali granted His wish.
Vishnu then grew in size and took over every property Mahabali ruled in just two paces. For the third pace, Mahabali offered his head as an act of sacrifice.
Impressed by his undying devotion towards him, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that once a year he could return to his kingdom to meet the people and the land.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated each year as Onam.
A "pookalam" (flower carpet) is laid in front of every house to welcome the arrival of king Maveli. Earthen mounds are placed in dung-clustered courtyards representing Mahabali and Vishnu.
A nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes is served on banana leaves in the grand feast known as Onasadya. It is served on the main day of the celebrations – Thiruonam.
Celebrations include singing of folk songs, traditional dances , games and performances.


This month is almost over, and I am still studying. Some of the techniques of self-publishing right now puzzles me. I am new to understand it. The smart thing is that I am reading it everyday.
Self-publishing an e-book is very difficult. It is not just the way it is done, but the way you present an e-books. The novel needs to be checked for grammar, errors, typos, needs polishing, and then editing several times. Self-publishing is hard work just like writing a novel is.
This is my second class of self-publishing. I am now understanding some of the rules and regulations of copyrights, and that all goes around traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Next month I will be in the same online class.
I didn't see any squirrels today. I saw birds outside. They look beautiful.
I was reading Spooky Action At A Distance by George Musser. It is very hard to understand and I am doing my very best to. I think I seem to understand some of it. My mind is capable of understanding Astronomy. But, I feel like a huge Astronomy expert buff yet at least not yet. Don't get me wrong I know half of the astronomy that some people don't still know. Most people tell me that I understand it more then them. I think I do. It is all very confusing, but love the subject. Somehow, I will understand all of it. I love science as well.
Back in the 80's my favorite theme show song was Moonlighting (Theme) Song by Al Jarreau from the television show series Moonlighting.


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Hans Landa Gets His Dream House
A new Samsung commercial running during the Olympics features Christoph Waltz, the Austrian actor who rose from obscurity in his fifties to win the Academy Award for his portrayal of the SS colonel Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds." Many critics called his performance the greatest portrayal of a villain in cinematic history.
Fans of the film will recall how at the end Landa negotiates his surrender with the Allies, demanding, among other things, a home on Nantucket.
In the Samsung commercial, Waltz enacts a dozen scenarios depicting various aspects of American culture. In the final scene, he's all prepped out in boat shoes, D-ring belt, polo shirt and sweater draped over his shoulders.
The house may not be on Nantucket, but it comes with a wholesome-looking family — and quintessentially American clothes. — CC
22 Comments on "Hans Landa Gets His Dream House"
GS | August 13, 2016 at 8:53 pm |
Correction: Christoph Waltz is Austrian.
Christian | August 13, 2016 at 9:04 pm |
That figures. I wrote Austrian first then changed to Swiss without checking.
Thanks. Will fix.
No worries, happy to help.
Mitchell S. | August 14, 2016 at 11:42 am |
For $959 (price without contract) one could spend a week-end on Nantucket…fried clams and Bellinis included.
Personally, if I had $1,000 to spend right now, I would shop at the Polo store for a new Fall wardrobe.
Christian | August 14, 2016 at 11:53 am |
I was in Polo last week and sure enough there's one of his updated Ivy sportcoats: darted 3/2 roll with natural shoulder and patch pockets. A grand would just about cover it.
GS | August 14, 2016 at 12:56 pm |
Polo's sport coats are "custom fit" which is a euphemism for trendy, slim fit. I wish they'd offer a normal fit, and as for price they always go on sale. I bought a Polo seersucker sport coat for 200$ down from 800$. Although, it has no Ivy trappings except for the fact that it's seersucker.
Roger Sack | August 14, 2016 at 4:34 pm |
Herr Waltz went on to receive his second Oscar for his role as the itinerant dentist, Dr Schultz,
in Django Unchained (2012)
sacksuit | August 14, 2016 at 4:35 pm |
I found the Samsung advert to be extremely entertaining. I have never seen Inglorious Bastards but I will now. I hope it is better than his unfortunate portrayal as Ernst Stafro Blofeld. Actually, all of Spectre was unfortunate IMO.
Regarding Polo, I visited Polo last week indirectly through my local thrift store. I bought the most beautiful suit I have ever owned. It is a blue label Polo Ralph Lauren in 100 percent cotton poplin in olive drab. The suit has patch pockets, hook vent, flat front trousers, very high lapel notches and breast pocket. Is the correct term swelled or lapped seams on the lapels? The coat has not even a hint of padding in the shoulders. I never purchase suits or sport coats that have only two buttons and darts but this one does. The top button is at the same position as a 3/2 roll suit would be. The darts do not take anything away from the sack drape of the coat. A trip to my tailor to take out the trousers two inches and add cuffs and I will have the ideal traditionalist suit. Being 6'3″, I wear long coats but this one is a regular. The sleeves are the perfect length and the coat ends at the first knuckle of my index finger which leads me to believe that this suit must date back at least to the '90s. Cost of suit, tailor and dry cleaning will set me back less than $50.
Good hunting gents,
@sacksuit I believe the correct term is swelled edges in reference to the seam on the edges of Ivy sport coats. I also believe that lapped seam refers to a seam on the underside of the arms of an Ivy sport coat. Also, that's a very good find I need to go thrift shopping more often. Where is the sport coat that you scored made?
sacksuit | August 15, 2016 at 11:09 am |
The coat is Macau and the pants China. A difference without a distinction. I rather think the Samsung phone was made there as well. Sad.
M Arthur | August 14, 2016 at 9:29 pm |
@ sack suit. Waltz strudel scene….brilliant!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lydYhl1982Y
A Bridge Too Far | August 15, 2016 at 2:20 pm |
Or maybe a difference with a distinction. Don't know Macau, but do know China. People there are very industrious, very motivated. They work exceptionally hard, day in and day out. It's not surprising they would produce the best suit you've ever owned. Kinda like the way America used to be before the Reagan-Bush eras of killing off the middle class. We haven't recovered yet, but those who outsource to the "third world" do quite well, thank you very much. It's why good suits come from China and Macau, not here.
quoth Mr. Buckley,
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said."
Buckley went down once and for all when he offered to smash Gore Vidal's face in 1968. Not an especially effective retort.
It was goaded, according to DCG. Maybe he'll chime in.
I need to see that documentary.
Yes, watch the documentary. Once a crypto-Nazi always a crypto-Nazi …
Mr. Buckley behaved just as any real man would after being called a Nazi. What is more, I believe Mr. Buckley could have taken Mr. Vidal. I think that many misunderstandings could and should be solved in the ring as a matter of honor. Just my humble opinion.
DCG | August 15, 2016 at 3:17 pm |
Vidal knew how to get under Buckley's skin, and when he managed to get a response he achieved victory in many people's eyes. The ever-cool and bemused conservative commentator was exposed as a human being like all the rest of us, I think that's all Vidal wanted.
Best of Enemies is simply required watching, get to it folks!
"I think that many misunderstandings could and should be solved in the ring as a matter of honor. "
In my humble opinion, that's a really lame defense: I don't agree with you so I'll smash your face. We've advanced far beyond that crude settling of differences, I would hope. You sound like you would have been more comfortable living in the Wild West in the 1870s. Is that a gun in our pocket or are you just …?
Gore and Buckley nicely symbolized the state of the country in 1968. It wasn't surprising that Buckley got violent and Gore won the debates. It was the beginning of the defeat of conservationism and the ascendancy of liberalism, the beginning of the defeat of force and oppression and the beginning of the ascendancy of real liberty and freedom for all. Although held back at times since 1968, the trajectory of where we are headed seems clear.
We're much more civilized now. Now it's "I don't agree with you so I'll start a Change.org petition."
I believe that the prospect of being called on to explain oneself would cause men to weigh their words and actions more carefully which would make society more civilized.
@Bridge
I am afraid that the trajectory in which we are headed is clear-it looks like China, a real worker's paradise. No thank you.
@Sacksuit
Society has never been nor ever will be "civilized," no matter how many explain themselves. Old utilitarian platitudes are, well, just old, JS Mill notwithstanding.
You've never been to China, have you? The trajectory we are on isn't going to China. Far from it. Illogical you would say that. The trajectory we are on is purely American — part of the grand experiment. Embrace it, as it can't be any other way.


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Q: Best way to create a new columns of numerics based on different string values in different column? I have 5 different possible string values in 3 columns that I want to be converted to numeric values in 3 new columns.
Columns:
1_month, 6_month, 12_month

Possible Values:
High
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Low

I'd like to create 3 new columns:
1_month_int, 6_month_int, 12_month_int

Then map the numerics from the string values as:
High = 5
Above Average = 4
Average = 3
Below Average = 2
Low = 1

I have tried copying the column then finding and replacing values for a single column, then changing the column type to numeric when done.  It works, but only works for 1 column:
df['1_month_int'] = df['1_month']
df['1_month_int'].replace("High",5, inplace=True)
df['1_month_int'].replace("Above Average",4, inplace=True)
df['1_month_int'].replace("Average",3, inplace=True)
df['1_month_int'].replace("Below Average",2, inplace=True)
df['1_month_int'].replace("Low",1, inplace=True)
df['1_month_int'] = pandas.to_numeric(df['1_month_int'])

I can't get it work for multiple columns at once:
df['1_month_int'] = df['1_month']
df['6_month_int'] = df['6_month']
df['12_month_int'] = df['12_month']
df[['3_month_int', '6_month_int', '12_month_int']/
      .replace("High",5, inplace=True)
etc..

I am sure there's a better way.
I am very new to Pandas and am struggling through the learning curve of how to think about and solve problems like this.
I would greatly appreciate any help being pointed in the right direction on the best practices to handle data manipulation like this in Pandas.

A: *

*you can use Series.map.

import pandas as pd
df = pd.DataFrame({
    '1_month':['High', 'Above Average'], '6_month':['Average','Below Average'], '12_month':['Low','Low']
})
map_ = {'High' : 5,'Above Average' : 4,'Average' : 3,'Below Average' : 2,'Low' : 1}
for c in df.columns:
    df[c+'_int'] = df[c].map(lambda x: map_[x])
df

*

*output

    1_month         6_month     12_month    1_month_int     6_month_int     12_month_int
0   High            Average         Low         5                3             1
1   Above Average   Below Average   Low         4                2             1

A: you can use series's map function to map the value to given number like below
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd

values = ["High",
"Above Average",
"Average",
"Below Average",
"Low", ]

mapper = {key: i+1 for i, key in enumerate(values[::-1])}

columns = "1_month,6_month,12_month".split(",")
df = pd.DataFrame(np.random.choice(values,(10,3)), columns=columns)

for col in columns:
    df[f"{col}_int"] = df[col].map(mapper)

display(df)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


[Updated on Feb 19, 2018] A lot of people are looking for a way to keep their pets secure. A playpen can do the trick very well, and you don't have to spend an arm and a leg here. We will let you know more about the things a playpen can do for you these days too.
Following are the benefits to you little pup when you buy a good dog playpen.
A playpen will provide your pets with all the relaxation that he needs these days. You don't have to deal with any kind of scratches on doors or door moldings because a playpen will keep your dog secure. You can also change the shape of the playpen whenever you need to, and this will give your pet tons of room to maneuver down the road. These items a truly easy to put together, and the also look just nice. A playpen will be one of the best things that you will ever buy these days too. Keeping the ferrets out has never been easier thanks to a playpen these days.
A playpen is truly a lifesaver for you. If you want to keep your sanity at home, you have to purchase a playpen right away. You might not want to leave your dog in such a small area all night long, but you can buy a playpen with enough room for water dishes and beds. If you have to deal with potty training, a playpen can do the trick right away. Remember also that you should buy a sturdy playpen. Your puppy will truly be quite content in his little new home, and you will be truly happy too.
If your dog is still a puppy, you should get a playpen right away. This is an affordable and simple solution to your needs, and they are easy to put together. Your dog will love a playpen right away. You will manage to use a pee pad, food, and toys in the playpen quickly and easily. These items tend to have tons of room for these things too. Keeping a puppy safe has never bene easier. This wonderful product is truly easy to clean and assemble.
You can give your puppy a great training when you buy a playpen. You don't have to shell out a lot of money on any small crate, as a playpen will do the trick. If your puppy does not have enough bladder control, you need to purchase a playpen right away. These items tend to have great lock mechanisms that will allow you to keep a puppy safe at all times. Making your life easier is what a playpen is all about. A playpen can also seem as an item that is just part of the flat. and playpen cleaning is easy as well.
Getting a playpen can be the solution to your problems. Your puppy might be scratching the whole house all day, but you need to find a solution to this issue. A playpen can do the trick because you can lock your puppy in whenever you need to. Remember that these items tend to be sturdy and easy to put together, which is truly awesome for you these days.


Bring together all your favourite casino games and chuck them in a pot and you've got Bingo Vega. Alright, the pot isn't actually necessary but this doesn't mean that you won't find the best games around at Bingo Vega. By accommodating more than merely your online bingo needs, Bingo Vega has placed itself at the top of the online bingo heap. More games, bigger prizes, and a better community are what make Bingo Vega the only destination for online bingo. A melting pot of online bingo gaming fun is the perfect metaphor for Bingo Vega.
First of all, at Bingo Vega they make sure to get the basics right. The bread and butter of the online bingo industry should come as no surprise. The majority of players visit a site like Bingo Vega to play bingo online. As such, Bingo Vega is dedicated to offering the classics as well as some new bingo game variations. They offer both 75 and 90 ball online bingo in addition to a wide range of other gaming options.
As they say, variety is the spice of life. So whether you're looking for an online bingo destination or somewhere to play some great casino games you'll find what you're looking for at Bingo Vega. Roulette, blackjack, poker and slots are just a sample of the games you can enjoy at Bingo Vega. When you want to try something new or just change up from the same online bingo games there is no other site that offers more choices than Bingo Vega. Plus, with some of the biggest online bingo jackpots and progressive jackpots it becomes more difficult to find a site that improves on Bingo Vega. You'll have hours of fun playing great games and if you're lucky winning big money!


New Delhi: With a 'fairly profitable' year of 2016, the consumer durable industry is looking forward to maintaining the momentum by cashing in on GST, likely to be rolled out in 2017, and overcome the short-term issues thrown up by demonetisation.
The makers have plans to introduce new technologies along with premiumisation of their existing offerings, increase in localised production and retail visibility focusing on enriching consumer experience next year.
Terming the setback from demonetisation as "a short-term phenomenon", the consumer durable makers are eyeing a bigger benefit from GST as it is likely to reduce tax burden, logistical and transactional costs.
"Samsung plans to outpace market growth by making continuous investments in making products that address the distinct needs of Indian consumers. Second, we wish to increase retail visibility and focusing on enriching consumer experience," Samsung India Vice President, CE Business Rajeev Bhutani told .
LeEco India COO Smart Electronics Business Atul Jain said: "In 2017, we will focus on growth and consolidation of the gains we have made in 2016. We aim to realise this through the launch of our next generation Superphones and SuperTVs. As part of LeEco's online to offline strategy, we will be launching our own branded stores."
According to the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association, in 2016-17 (which still has 3 months to go), the industry is expecting sales "of airconditioners, refrigerators, televisions and washing machines to touch 4.10 million units, 11.13 million units, 16.5 million units and 5.27 million units, respectively."
The industry, which had almost flat growth from last two years, has a very good festive sales this year coupled with factors such as good monsoon and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission.
"Progressive government policies had a positive impact on the overall economy augmenting the overall spending. This has resulted in an approximate CAGR of 10-12 per cent," said CEAMA President Manish Sharma.
The industry, which had almost 25-30 per cent average growth in the first seven months of 2016-17, took a hit in November by the demonetisation move. However, after having a degrowth in November and flat sales in December, it is expecting to bounce back next year.
"In the first seven months we have a good run with a 26 to 30 per cent growth, however, last two months, we have a degrowth of up to 35 per cent. October-December quarter would be flat quarter because whatever growth we had in October, will be nullified by degrowth in November and flat growth of December," said Godrej Appliances Business Head & EVP Kamal Nandi.


text:
Q: Redirect URLs to Microsoft Edge even if I'm already in Microsoft Edge My objective is to force an URL to be opened in Microsoft Edge. I found a way to do this with : microsoft-edge:url.
The fact is that this method works under Internet Explorer, Chrome but NOT in Edge. Using this method in Edge will open a Bing search but not my link.
I'm encountering this issue because I want to change a link from a website and it doesn't work at all if I'm already in Edge.
Is there any solution?

A: The microsoft-edge:url protocol enables other browsers to switch to Edge, except Edge itself since you're already in Edge. In this case, I would suggest modifying your code. You can first detect if the user is using Edge or other browsers. For other browsers, you can use microsoft-edge:url protocol; For Edge, you can simply use the url.


A Vulnerability Laboratory Researcher discovered a Local Buffer Overflow vulnerability on Pitrinec Software Macro Toolworks Free/Standard/Pro v7.5.0.
A Buffer Overflow vulnerability is detected on Pitrinecs Software Macro Toolworks Free/Standard/Pro v7.5.0 Edition (current version).
before passing the content to a buffer, which could lead to a local buffer overflow.
Note: Affected are all other products provided by Pitrinec Software which use the _prog.exe too.
# Notes:         Overflow occurs in _prog.exe, vulnerable are all Pitrinec applications on the same way.
print "[!] Error while creating file!"
The security risk of the local buffer overflow vulnerability is estimated as high.


text:
Mugginess combines with record temp at Lindberg Field
The monsoonal weather left a spectacular sunset over La Jolla on Monday. Photo: Greg Wiest
Sept. 6, 2011 5:46 PM PT
A monsoonal atmospheric pattern out of Mexico brought scattered showers to the San Diego area Tuesday, followed by muggy afternoon heat that set at least one record high.
The soupy skies let loose with light rainfall throughout the county over the morning hours, then began clearing up along the coast and in the inland valleys around midday, according to the National Weather Service. Though forecasters had predicted a chance of thunderstorms, there were no reports of any materializing.
While mild, the precipitation — which amounted to less than one-tenth of an inch of moisture in most areas — led to predictable problems on the region's roadways. Between midnight and 4 p.m., the California Highway Patrol logged about 100 collisions, as compared to the 50-75 that generally occur over an entire dry day.
By mid-afternoon, the rains had completely moved out of the region, leaving behind notably sultry and sticky conditions.
At Lindbergh Field, the mercury reached the 97-degree mark shortly before 1 p.m., surpassing the prior Sept. 6 milestone high of 90, set in 1952. The average temperature for the date in that location is 77 degrees, according to the weather service.
The heat and humidity should diminish steadily over the rest of the work week, ushering in a really good cooling trend into the weekend,'' meteorologist Miguel Miller said.


Mobilerobots Inc is located at the address 19 Columbia Dr in Amherst, New Hampshire 03031. They can be contacted via phone at (603) 881-7960 for pricing, hours and directions.
For maps and directions to Mobilerobots Inc view the map to the right. For reviews of Mobilerobots Inc see below.


text:
Q: Magento 2 - How to call custom attribute saved in a phtml file and display it? I want to display some text after product price. For example $35 per kg. this text "per kg" I want to append on some products which I am selling on kg basis.
I have created a custom attribute with textfield. I have inserted value per kg into that attribute and assigned with the product I want it to be displayed.
Now my problem is I am not getting any way to call this custom attribute to append to price on frontend. I want this text to be displayed on both category and display page.
I am trying to edit:
vendor\magento\module-catalog\view\base\templates\product\price\amount
I can display custom text by echo but not getting any way to call that custom attribute. code of custom attribute is per kg.

A: First of all. Don't edit the files in vendor. These will be overwritten when you do bin/magento setup:upgrade. It's a better practise to put your custom theme in app/design/frontend/.
Check Magento's guide: http://devdocs.magento.com/guides/v2.0/frontend-dev-guide/themes/theme-create.html
About your attribute, in stead of a text-field you could use a 'yes/no' input type. It will output 1 or 0.
You can get an attribute with:
$_product->getData('attribute_label')
So in your .phtml file you could do something like this:

$attr = $_product->getData('price_per_kg');

if($attr == 1) {
    echo __('Price per kg');
};

A: This worked for me
    $objectManager = \Magento\Framework\App\ObjectManager::getInstance();
    $_tempid = $block->getPriceId();
    $_tempid1 = substr($_tempid, strrpos($_tempid, '-') + 1);
    $_product = $objectManager->get('Magento\Catalog\Model\Product')->load($_tempid1);
    $attr = $_product->getData('priceperkg');
if($attr == 1) {
    echo __('per kg');
    };
}


text:
19/07/2019 19/07/2019 Sharon Bennett ConnollyLeave a comment
In the midst of civil war, America stands divided. Jack Lark has faced both armies first hand, but will no longer fight for a cause that isn't his.†
1863, Louisiana. Jack may have left the battlefield behind, but his gun is never far from reach, especially on the long and lonely road to nowhere. Soon, his skill lands him a job, and a new purpose.
Navy Colt in hand, Jack embarks on the dangerous task of escorting a valuable wagon train of cotton down through Texas to Mexico. Working for another man, let alone a man like the volatile Brannigan, isn't going to be easy. With the cargo under constant attack, and the Deep South's most infamous outlaws hot on their trail, Jack knows he is living on borrowed time.
And, as they cross the border, Jack soon discovers that the usual rules of war don't apply. He will have to fight to survive, and this time the battle might prove one he could lose.
The Lost Outlaw by Paul Fraser Collard is book number 8 in Jack Lark's incredible adventures.
I have been reading the Jack Lark books from the very first, The Scarlet Thief, and it is not wrong to say that each book is better than the last. Paul Fraser Colard's writing gets stronger and better every time. And given that The Scarlet Thief was a thoroughly enjoyable book, I have to say that The Lost Outlaw is truly special and a spectacular sequel to Paul Fraser Collard's last novel, The Rebel Killer.
In The Lost Outlaw our hero finds himself working alongside some of the most ruthless characters ever created in historical fiction, they will stop at nothing to get what they want – including betraying the people closest to them. Jack Lark is an outsider, a loner and a man who, borne of experience, does not give his trust lightly – a trait which he will need if he is going to survive. For Jack, looking for a connection – any connection – riding along with these unsavoury characters is little more than having something to do.
However, it helps him to reawaken his own fighting skills, and his knack for uncovering layers of conspiracy and deceit – and discovering more about himself. The Jack Lark books have always been filled with action, adventure and enough suspense to keep any reader gripped; but the new layers that the lead protagonists, the depths of his own abilities and issues, add a deeper perspective and go further to defining the motives behind Jack's actions and adventures.
He was spared finding a reply by the sound of voices. He braced himself, sure that what was to follow would set down a marker for the weeks and perhaps months to come.
The men he had heard arrived on a wave of noise, one that got louder as they swaggered into the cottage, every man sure of his place and his right to be there. To Jack, it seemed that they were all talking at once, their voices brash and overly loud, as if they were well aware of the display they made and were proud of it.
One went straight to the wooden dresser and grabbed two bottles of whiskey, then swept up as many glasses as he could hold in a single hand. He dumped them carelessly on the simple table and began to fill each glass in turn, without bothering to lift the bottle, so that a river of spilled whiskey ran across the wood. Eager hands grabbed glasses, the contents tossed quickly down throats before the now empty vessels were slammed back on to the plank of wood for an immediate refill.
Jack watched the men carefully. All were older than him, with grey in both their beards and their hair – if they had any, that was. None looked friendly. They all noted his presence, but not one of them acknowledged him or changed their manner. A few greeted Kat with a curt nod or a smile, but there was nothing more, no leers or propositions or ribald comments. Their reaction made it clear that she was part of the gang, yet there was something more in the guarded expressions being sent her way, as if she were somehow a danger, too.
In previous books, Jack Lark has come across as an opportunist, an impostor, pretending to be someone else to get what he wants. In The Lost Outlaw he is finally beginning to peel away the years of deception to find out for himself who he is. That is not to say that such deep reflection leaves the reader with a melodrama or a slower-paced book than Jack Lark's previous adventures. No. Jack is learning about his own morals, standards and faults amidst an eventful wagon train to the Mexican border and encounters with the most ruthless outlaws anyone is likely to come across.
Jack Lark is thrown into a little known part of history, a subplot of the American Civil War which was all knew to me and which held a fascination all of its own. It was fascinating to learn of the outlaw, profiteering bands of those areas of America that were truly inhospitable – and where most people would avoid like the plague.
The Lost Outlaw is – as with every book I've read by Paul Fraser Collard – impossible to put down. It is a story full of action and intrigue that leaves the reader thirsty for more. The author recreates the atmosphere of the desert – the dust, the desolation and the desperate characters that inhabit it – with a skill few authors can match.
This is truly his best book, yet.
Can't wait for the next instalment of Jack Lark's adventures.
The Lost Outlaw is available from Amazon in the UK from 25 July 2019.
Paul's love of military history started at an early age. A childhood spent watching films like Waterloo and Zulu whilst reading Sharpe, Flashman and the occasional Commando comic, gave him a desire to know more of the men who fought in the great wars of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. This fascination led to a desire to write and his series of novels featuring the brutally courageous Victorian rogue and imposter Jack Lark burst into life in 2013. Since then Paul has continued to write, developing the Jack Lark series to great acclaim. To find out more about Paul and his novels visit http://www.paulfrasercollard.com or find him on twitter @pfcollard.
Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest
From Emma of Normandy, wife of both King Cnut and Æthelred II to Saint Margaret, a descendant of Alfred the Great himself, Silk and the Sword: the Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now, on Kindle and in hardback, from Amazon UK, Amberley Publishing, Book Depository and Amazon US.
Telling the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, Heroines of the Medieval World, is available now on kindle and in paperback in the UK from from both Amberley Publishing and Amazon and worldwide from Book Depository.
©2019 Sharon Bennett Connolly
American history, Book review, English historyAmerican Civil War, Confederates, Heroines of the Medieval World, Jack Lark, Ladies of Magna Carta, Paul Collard, Paul Fraser Collard, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword, The Lost Outlaw, USA, Yankees
Take a romp through the long eighteenth-century in this collection of 25 short tales. Marvel at the Queen s Ass, gaze at the celestial heavens through the eyes of the past and be amazed by the equestrian feats of the Norwich Nymph. Journey to the debauched French court at Versailles, travel to Covent Garden and take your seat in a box at the theatre and, afterwards, join the mile-high club in a new-fangled hot air balloon. Meet actresses, whores and high-born ladies, politicians, inventors, royalty and criminals as we travel through the Georgian era in all its glorious and gruesome glory. In roughly chronological order, covering the reign of the four Georges, 1714-1830 and set within the framework of the main events of the era, these tales are accompanied by over 100 stunning colour illustrations.
I have to say that All Things Georgian: Tales from the long Eighteenth Century is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Crammed full of glossy, colourful paintings and photographs, it is impossible for the reader not to appreciate how aesthetically pleasing this book is. It is a pleasure to browse through, just to appreciate the gorgeous images scattered throughout the book.
Having said that, the images are not all this book has to offer. All Things Georgian: Tales from the long Eighteenth Century is co-written by Joanne Major and Sarah Murden and is replete with some of the best stories from the eighteenth century; scandals, love stories and mysteries fill the pages. The most amazing characters of the Georgian era complement the colourful photos; from Marie Antoinette to 'Crazy Sally', from coffee shop rivalries, to smuggling, female jockeys and intrepid balloon rides.
This book has stories to entertain everyone.
On the evening of 20 June 1791, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of France, together with their children and a handful of trusted attendants, made an ill-fated attempt to escape the revolutionary forces who were keeping them closely watched. The plan had taken many weeks to bring to fruition and the French queen, to whom it was inconceivable that she should survive without the everyday luxuries with which she was surrounded, had been engaged in smuggling various items to the safety of her sister in Brussels. AN infamous Scottish courtesan played a key role in one of these transactions, risking her life in Marie Antoinette's service.
Grace Dalrymple Elliott, tall, willowy and stunningly beautiful, had gained her notoriety following a very public Criminal Conversation trial and divorce from her portly little husband, Dr (later Sir) John Eliot; Grace had been discovered in a Berkeley Row bagnio with her lover, the worthless Viscount Valentia who soon after discarded his mistress. The handsome Earl of Cholmondeley became her protector; tall and athletic, he was the perfect match for Grace, and the two made an attractive if slightly disreputable couple but, when a countess's coronet was not forthcoming, Grace left for France and the arms of Louis XVI's cousin, Louis Philippe Joseph, Duke d' Orléans (later known as Philippe Egalité). A brief interlude back in London followed where grace bagged the affections of the young Prince of Wales and gained a permanent memento of her royal dalliance in the person of her daughter, Georgiana, who the future monarch privately – if not publicly – acknowledged as his child. The Earl of Cholmondeley became the child's guardian and Grace, with an annuity from the royal purse, returned to her French duke, only to become trapped in Paris during the French Revolution. …
Sarah Murden and Joanne Major have done a wonderful job of recreating the Georgian world. The language is beautiful, the stories both exciting and entertaining; and scattered with just the right amount of famous and infamous people to make the reader go 'ooh!'. The two authors are so in sync that it is impossible to discern which story is told by one of the writers and which by the other.
I usually read through books as quickly as possible, devouring them, so-to-speak. However, with All Things Georgian: Tales from the long Eighteenth Century I have taken my time, read only one or two of the fabulous stories at a time. Reading this book is a truly pleasurable experience, and I wanted to take my time and savour every moment.
All Things Georgian: Tales from the long Eighteenth Century by Joanne Major and Sarah Murden is a wonderful little treasure trove of stories and facts, brought to life in beautiful prose and accompanied by glorious images. Well researched and beautifully presented, it would be a stunning addition to any library – it even smells special!
All Things Georgian: Tales from the long Eighteenth Century is available from Amazon UK and US.
Joanne Major and Sarah Murden are supersleuthing historians who enjoy bringing the Georgian era to life. Their lives were changed forever when they (metaphorically) met an eighteenth-century courtesan, and this is now their fourth book together. Along with their respective families, they live in Lincolnshire.
From Emma of Normandy, wife of both King Cnut and Æthelred II to Saint Margaret, a descendant of Alfred the Great himself, Silk and the Sword: the Women of the Norman Conquest traces the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066. Available now from Amazon UK, Amberley Publishing, Book Depository and Amazon US.
Telling the stories of some of the most remarkable women from Medieval history, Heroines of the Medieval World, is now available in hardback in the UK from Amazon UK, and in the US from Amazon US. It is available now in paperback in the UK from from both Amberley Publishing and Amazon and worldwide from Book Depository.
Book review, Eighteenth Century, English history, European History, French history, Georgians, Historic Buildings, Napoleonic Wars, Uncategorized, Women's HistoryAll Things Georgian, All Things Georgian; Tales from the long eighteenth century, George III, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Joanne Major, Ladies of Magna Carta, Marie Antinette, Pen & Sword Books, Prince Regent, Sarah Murden, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword, Tales from the Long Eighteenth Century Pen & Swords Books
Frances Gorges has already survived the accusation of witchcraft.
But if her torturers at the court of King James knew of her love for Tom Wintour, one of the executed members of the gunpowder plot, it would mean certain death.
Pregnant with Tom's child, hiding under the reluctant protection of her spiteful and ambitious brother, Frances lives in fear – until she is offered the chance to make a respectable – if loveless – marriage and return to court.
She will not be expected to sleep with her husband. The only price she must pay for safety is to give up the cause for which her lover died.
But old loyalties are hard to deny, and soon Frances is drawn back into the snake-pit scheming of the factions trying to take the throne.
Everywhere she turns, it seems that someone has the power to force her deeper into danger until, all too late, Frances hears the warnings of her own heart.
Compelling, sensual, suspenseful, The Devil's Slave is a standalone sequel to The King's Witch and further evidence that one of our finest historians is also a brilliant novelist.
Another stunning instalment of the Frances Gorges story from Tracy Borman. The young woman who barely escaped the fallout of the Gunpowder Plot with her life is once again drawn into the intrigues of the fledgling Stuart court. Skilled with herbs and a secret Catholic make her twice the target for the staunchly protestant witch-hunter King James and his minister, Robert Cecil. Frances's return to court with her husband and son sees her trying to negotiate her way through the various Catholic plots that surround the crown and court.
Tracy Borman weaves a tale that is fraught with tension, with danger lurking around every corner, or behind every rose bush. At times, it seems that everyone is a chameleon – and no one is as they seem. And, just like the heroine, the reader is drawn into the plots and intrigues of the court. This engaging, entertaining story will keep the reader enthralled until the very last page.
The history and story are effortlessly woven together.
She looked down at her hands as she struggled to maintain her composure. Dorothy reached forward and took them in her own. 'I understand your fears, Frances,' she said softly. 'These are dangerous times for those of us who share the true faith. I know that you wish to protect your son, as I do mine. But you cannot condemn him – and yourself – to life of falsehood, of heresy. To do so would be to damn him in the next life, as well as this one. You cannot think that is what Tom would have wished for his son.'
'Tom would have wished him to stay alive!' Frances cried, the tears now streaming down her cheeks. 'What would you have me do? Parade him as the son of a condemned traitor? Forfeit his safety, his happiness, his life? And all for what? A cause that died with Tom and the rest?'
Dorothy fell silent, but her grip on Frances's hands tightened. 'It did not die, Fraces,' she said. 'It is stronger now than ever. The death of Tom and his companions has intensified people's hatred of this heretic king and drawn thousands more to our cause. I don not speak out of blind faith,' she continued, as if reading Frances's thoughts. 'We have learned from the lessons of the past. Cecil's spies are now outnumbered by those of our cause. How do you suppose I was able to find out about my nephew? The time is almost ripe to act. We have powerful supporters at court, and the King of Spain stands in readiness with a huge army.'
Frances's mind was reeling…
Tracy Borman's vast knowledge of the Stuart court and the various royal palaces in which The Devil's Slave is set, serve to add a level of authenticity into the story that is rarely seen in a novel, whilst the subtlety in delivering the facts avoids giving the reader a lecture in Stuart history. The blend of fact and fiction is indistinguishable, leaving the reader with many avenues of research to pursue later, if they are so inclined.
The locations of lavish palaces, manor houses and the Tower of London are recreated in great detail. Tracy Borman uses her extensive knowledge to rebuild the Stuart world for the modern reader. The prose is a pleasure to read and devour, while the plot delves deep into the dark corners of Stuart history.
However, her greatest creations in the book are the characters, whether real or imagined. The personalities of Sir Walter Raleigh and Arbella Stuart, alongside the various members of the royal family, are wonderfully deep, complex individuals who serve to add spice and colour to an already fabulous story. The heroine, Frances Gorges, is a woman with whom many can feel empathy. Drawn into the various intrigues much against her inclination, but with a desire to protect her family, she is forced to navigate her way through the various dangers, always with the knowledge of what faces her should she fail.
The Devil's Slave, as with The King's Witch, is a story that is not to be missed. For the reader, it provides a truly enjoyable sojourn in the realm of early Stuart England and must appeal to all with an interest in history, intrigue and adventure. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
The Devil's Slave by Tracy Borman is available from Amazon.
Tracy Borman is joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997.
Tracy is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books, including Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant, Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England, Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Tracy is also a regular broadcaster and public speaker, giving talks on her books across the UK and abroad. She lives in Surrey with her daughter.
Book review, English history, Stuart era, Tudor History, Women's HistoryAnne of Denmark, Frances Gorges, Gunpowder Plot, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, James VI and I, Ladies of Magna Carta, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword, Stuarts, The King's Witch, Tracy Borman
Orkney, 931: A young woman flees her home to secure a life for her unborn child. Eighteen years later, a witch foretells that she must lose him once more.
The subject of a Viking prophecy, it is Einar's destiny to leave Iceland and fight his father – of whom only only one will survive.
As the clouds of war gather, he will fight unimaginable foes, forge new friendships, and discover what it truly means to be a warrior.
Not everyone will survive, but who will conquer all?
Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson is a wonderful, involved story, weaving a tale from the icy chill of Iceland to the dramatic landscape of Ireland, with a sojourn on the Orkneys in between. It tells the story of a young man's journey to become a warrior, whilst uncovering the secrets of his parentage. It is not a straight forward journey. Fraught with danger, and the clash of two worlds and two religions, the Christian and the Norse gods, young Einar must fight for survival.
The characters are believable and wholly original. The reader is drawn into their troubles and finds themselves cheering on the ragtag crew that the hero, Einar, has found himself attached to. These are violent times, with war and intrigue being practically the norm. Betrayal is only ever just around the corner and it is a testament to the strength of the story in the the novel that the reader never quite knows from where the betrayal will come – nor from where the hero, Einar, will get his strength and support. Einar has to face a steep learning curve if he is to survive and prosper.
'My mother's Irish,' Einar said. 'When I was young, she used to tell me stories about it. I suppose ever since then I've had this notion of going there. She never talks about it now.'
Asmundarsson stopped his horse. Einar reined his own to a halt to avoid riding into the back of him. They had reached a wider part of the path where a long, flat rock stretched out, overhanging the precipice that dropped down to the icy waters of the tumbling river below.
'Irish?' The merchant whipped his head round and fixed Einar with a glare, his eyes narrowed. Einar was taken aback by this sudden change in demeanour. 'I was told there's a farm here run by an Irishwoman who works it all by herself.'
'That's my mother, Unn Kjartinsdottir,' Einar said, his feelings of pride mixing with confusion and unease at the intensity with which the merchant was looking at him. 'I help her, of course.'
To his further surprise, Asmundarsson's expression changed again. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped open, making his mouth gape amid the grey hairs of his plaited beard.
'It's you …' the merchant breathed.
As if from nowhere, mean appeared all round them. They scrambled up from behind rocks above the path. Several more jumped up on the path ahead. They wore iron helmets and their faces were masked behind helmet visors, they crouched behind the cover of round iron-bound shields. They bore spears.
Einar felt as if he was frozen. Fear and shock locked him to the saddle. His chest was so tight he could not breathe in.
'It's trouble, lad!' Asmundarsson shouted, wheeling his horse to ride back the way they had come. There were other men close behind them and Einar realised they must have been waiting, hidden, for them to pass by then jumped out onto the path to block their escape. Asmundarsson could go nowhere.
The little details demonstrate the extent to which the author has obviously researched the history and customs of the Norsemen. Weapons and fighting techniques are as accurate as any I have read; as are the finer details of clothing, customs and the relationships between the Norwegians, Irish and the Icelanders. The result for the reader is a total immersion into the unfolding story. The landscape is just as absorbing as the characters in the novel. You can practically feel the cold seeping into your bones in Iceland; or the damp, harsh conditions of Ireland.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story that will draw the reader in from the opening pages. One of the most unpredictable stories I have read in recent times, it will keep you on your toes, wondering what will happen next and whether any will get out alive. The tension is palpable!
If you enjoy a good, original story, full of action and intrigue, and a bag full of tension – this is the book for you!
Odin's Game is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure, twisting and turning in unexpected ways as the story unfolds. And, like all good stories, the ending does not exactly turn out as the reader would guess, leaving you wanting more. I sincerely hope that this is the beginning of a wonderful series of adventures fro Einar and his companions. It was a delight to read every page.
Tim Hodkinson grew up in Northern Ireland where the rugged coast and call of the Atlantic ocean led to a lifelong fascination with vikings and a degree in Medieval English and Old Norse Literature. Apart from Old Norse sagas, Tim's more recent writing heroes include Ben Kane, Giles Kristian, Bernard Cornwell, George RR Martin and Lee Child. After several years New Hampshire, USA, Tim has returned to Northern Ireland, where he lives with his wife and children.
Follow Tim:
Twitter: @TimHodkinson
Amazon; iBooks; Kobo; Google Play.
Follow Aria
Website: www.ariafiction.com; Twitter: @aria_fiction; Facebook: @ariafiction; Instagram: @ariafiction
Book review, English history, European History, Medieval History, Uncategorized, VikingsAria Fiction, Einar, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Iceland, Ireland, Ladies of Magna Carta, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword, The Orkneys, Tim Hodkinson, Vikings
Today it is my stop on the Historical Writers' Character Blog Hop, where we interview historical characters, both real and fictional. Watch out for Nicholaa de la Haye coming later in the tour!
And there's a giveaway! the author has kindly offered a paperback copy of Echoes of Treason to a UK winner, or an ebook to a winner elsewhere in the world. To enter, simply leave a comment below or on the Facebook page. The draw will be made on 12 June. Good luck! Sorry, competition is now closesd!
I would like to welcome Lady Eleanor Elder to History…the Interesting Bits. Lady Eleanor is one of the principal characters in Derek Birks' wonderful series of books, The Craft of Kings, the latest instalment of which, Echoes of Treason was released in May. Ever since I first read Feud, about 5 years ago, Lady Eleanor has become something of a heroine of mine. She has overcome many challenges and trials over Derek Birks' 7 books and – so far – is still standing, if a little battered. She is a fighter, not out of choice, but out of necessity and an impressive survival instinct. She is a lady I am in awe of and so I was quite nervous to finally meet her!
Welcome Lady Eleanor, could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?
About myself? The hard ones first, eh? Well, I was born and not long after, my mother died. So she died before I knew her and later, when I was a lass growing up in the dale, those who did know her, never stopped telling me how like her I was. It didn't sound like a compliment though… but by then I'd grown wild. I must have been about thirteen or so. I was wild and angry with everyone – except my only true friend, Becky Standlake.
What would you like to have been in your life, if you have not been caught up in the wars between Lancaster and York? Would you have made a good nun?
A nun? I see you try to provoke me with your questions!
(Sorry, Lady Eleanor, but my tongue was very firmly in my cheek!)
Well, of course, I was destined for marriage – or so my father kept saying – only no man would have me! By the time I was fifteen, my father had given up on me, I think… but by then I'd discovered what boys were really for and I fell in love with Will Coster, my brother Ned's closest companion. Will was a commoner, but I didn't care – still, we kept it to ourselves – even kept it from Ned. Then… we all descended into hell. All the rules changed when I was taken by force to a nunnery, aye, a nunnery! I tried to resist but in the end, I just had to bide my time. So, would I be a nun? Well, I've tried it and let's just say, it did not go well…
What is your favourite thing to do?
When I was younger, I loved to roam the dales with Becky. There was a pool, fed by the hillside becks and ice cold even in summer. We'd swim naked in that pool and lie, shameless, on the large rocks to dry off in the sun. When war came, I lost that innocence; and it never, ever came back. At first I wanted nothing more than to fight for those I loved, but one by one, those I loved were stripped away… Now, what do I prize above all? I just want some peace…
You have become quite a role model for women, always fighting your corner, what is the advice you would give to any woman, in any era, who finds herself in a situation where she feels powerless?
Aye, a woman in the world of men can often feel weak and powerless. The crown, the law, the church, all their rules are made by men. What can a woman do against such odds? Well, she must learn to fight, but it's not always about a sharp blade – by the Virgin, it's taken me all my life to understand that! There are many other weapons a woman has, for what are men but boys full-grown? It's not those full-grown boys that make you weak; it's your own fear. You must have spirit for it's what lies in your heart that matters. Spirit is everything…
Would you prefer to live in a castle or on a farm, city or country?
I don't care where I am – though I can't say I care much for the stench of the town. All that matters to me is who I'm with.
If you could live in any historical period, when would it be?
Eleanor Elder always lives in the present…
Echoes of Treason opened with you living in exile in Spain, what did you miss most about England while in exile?
My son, my nephew and the rest of my kin… that's all I missed – though a little more coin would have helped…
Who is your favourite king, Richard III or Edward IV?
Edward IV was a charmer, I'm told, though I don't think I ever met him; my brother Ned knew him well, liked him and served him well. England needed Edward, I think, but what a world of blood he brought down upon us. I met Gloucester when he was about 18 – he was full of himself and I can't say I liked him much, and now he is the cause of my nephew, John's troubles, so he is my enemy and I don't ever forgive my enemies…
Proud? I take no pride from anything I've done. In a time of blood, I've survived and to do so, I've taken lives. I will do it again if I must… and let God judge me as he wishes.
You have lived a rather adventurous life, do you have any regrets?
Right now, no; but, if I live to be old, I expect to be haunted by countless regrets and when I die, I've no doubt that I'll dwell in purgatory for a very, very long time… Because my passions have always ruled me – for good or ill – and, being swift to act, I've made many mistakes in my life: I've misjudged some folk and caused their ruin. But, most of all, I regret that many of those who dared to love me and tried to help me, died because of their love. Yet, anything I've done – however terrible – if it helped to save my loved ones, I don't regret that for an instant. I would do it all again.
I fear not being able to protect those I love and keep them safe. But I discovered, only in the past few years, that there is one thing in all Christendom that truly terrifies me – but I'm not telling you that!
Lady Eleanor, it has been a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I wish you the best of luck for Book 4.
Follow the Blog Hop
Wednesday 5 June Jen Black interviews courageous, Byrhtnoth, of the Byrhtnoth Chronicles by Christine Hancock.
Derek Birks
Derek Birks was born in Hampshire in England but spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand where he still has strong family ties. For many years he taught history in a secondary school in Berkshire but took early retirement several years ago to concentrate on his writing. Apart from writing, he spends his time gardening, travelling, walking and taking part in archaeological digs at a Roman villa.
Derek is interested in a wide range of historical themes but his particular favourite is the later Medieval period. He aims to write action-packed fiction which is rooted in accurate history. His debut historical novel, Feud, is set in the period of the Wars of the Roses and is the first of a four-book series entitled Rebels & Brothers which follows the fortunes of the fictional Elder family.
The other books of the series are (in order): A Traitor's Fate, Kingdom of Rebels and The Last Shroud.
The first 3 book of a brand new series, Scars From the Past, are now available in both kindle and paperback and are on Amazon in the UK and US.
You can find Derek at;
And look out for Nicholaa de la Haye dropping by Derek Birks' blog, Dodging Arrows, for to chat on 22 June.
English history, Guest Post, Medieval History, Medieval Women, Uncategorized, Wars of the RosesCraft of Kings, Derek Birks, Echoes of Treason, Eleanor Elder, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Interview my Character, Rebels and Brothers, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword, Wars of the Roses
Gwenllian was the only child of Llywelyn ab Gruffuddd, also known as Llywelyn the Last, Prince of Wales. Her mother was Eleanor de Montfort, who was the daughter of Eleanor of England, sister of Henry III, and Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Llywelyn and Eleanor had married in Worcester Cathedral in October 1278, in a lavish ceremony attended by Edward I, King of England, and Alexander III, King of Scots.
Memorial to Gwenllian, Sempringham, Lincolnshire
Gwenllian, a descendant of both Welsh and English royalty, was born in June 1282 at the palace of Garth Celyn, Abergwyngregyn, near Bangor; her mother died giving birth to her. Shortly after her birth, Edward I concluded his conquest of Wales. Gwenllian's father, Llywelyn, was killed in an ambush on 11 December 1282 – and just six months after her birth, Gwenllian was an orphan. Her uncle Dafydd, Llywelyn's younger brother, became the little princess's legal guardian. After his brother's death, Dafydd continued the fight for Welsh independence but was betrayed to the English, in June 1283.
Dafydd, his wife, children and little Gwenllian were captured at Bera Mountain in Snowdonia, where they had been in hiding. At just one year old, Gwenllian was taken, by sea, probably to thwart any attempt at rescue, from Wales, the land of her birth. She would never see her homeland again. The baby girl was placed behind the high walls of the Gilbertine priory of Sempringham, in Lincolnshire, just south of the great city of Lincoln. Her female cousins, the seven daughters of Dafydd, were also placed in various nunneries, so it is possible some of her cousins were with her. Dafydd's legitimate daughter, Gwladus, who was a similar age to Gwenllian, was placed in Sixhills, another Gilbertine priory, in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Statue of Gwenllian's father, Llywelyn the Last at Cardiff City Hall
Dafydd's two sons, Llywelyn and Owain, were imprisoned in Bristol Castle; the eldest, Llywelyn, died there in 1287, just four years after his capture. Owain was still living in 1325, every night securely incarcerated in a specially constructed timber cage within Bristol Castle. Dafydd himself suffered the horrendous 'traitor's death'; he was hung, drawn and quartered at Shrewsbury.
The Gilbertines were the only wholly-English monastic community. Their founder, St Gilbert, had some form of physical deformity, which prevented him from pursuing a career as a knight. He trained as a clerk in France, studying under Master Anselm at Laon. He eventually entered the household of the Bishop of Lincoln and, in 1129, was appointed Vicar of Sempringham and West Torrington. He established the first priory there in 1131, with seven local women vowing to live a life of chastity, poverty and obedience. Sempringham Priory was a double-house, housing both men and women in segregated quarters.
At its height, the priory housed 200 nuns and forty canons. The order followed strict rules, based on those of the Augustinian and Premonstratensian monasteries. By the time of Gilbert's death in 1189 there were thirteen priories in England; this number had risen to twenty-five at the time of the Reformation. [1]
Gwenllian was a prisoner at the Gilbertine Priory of St Mary, at Sempringham, for the rest of her life. A prisoner of three English kings, Edward I, Edward II and Edward III, she was a rallying figure for the subjugated Welsh and too valuable to ever be freed. Edward I wrote to the Prior and Prioress of Sempringham of his decision to place Gwenllian in their custody, on 11 November 1283: '… Having the Lord before our eyes, pitying also her sex and her age, that the innocent may not seem to atone for the iniquity and ill-doing of the wicked and contemplating especially the life in your Order'. [2]
Memorial plaque to Gwenllian on the memorial at Sempringham
Although Edward wanted Gwenllian to be forgotten, he could not afford to forget about her himself, and four years after she was placed in the convent, Edward ordered Thomas Normanvill to 'go to the places where the daughters of Llewellyn and of David his brother, who have taken the veil in the Order of Sempringham, are dwelling, and to report upon their state and custody by next Parliament'. [3] The extent of Gwenllian's knowledge of her own history and homeland is far from certain. Having been taken from Wales at six months old, she is said not to have spoken a word of Welsh and may not have even known how to spell her name; she is referred to as 'Wencillian', in a document sent to Edward III at the time of her death, although spelling was far from uniform in the 14th century.
Gwenllian was probably well-cared for. Edward III endowed her with a pension of £20 a year, which was paid to the priory for her food and clothing. Whether Gwenllian was treated according to her rank at the priory is unknown; however, it is highly likely that she was aware of her importance and her family connections, especially when she was older, given the attention paid to her by subsequent kings. She is said to have received gifts from her cousin the king, and may have spent time in Edward III's company, when he visited the priory at Easter-time in 1328; the young king issued a charter from Sempringham on 2 April of that year. [4]
St Andrew's Church, Sempringham stands close to the site of the Gilbertine priory of Sempringham
Gwenllian may also have spent time in the company of Joan Mortimer, the daughter of Roger Mortimer, supposed lover of Isabelle of France, Edward III's mother, and ruler of England after the deposition of her huusband, Edward II. Joan was held at Sempringham following her father's downfall in 1330. She was only eighteen at the time, however, so may have had little in common, beyond their joint status as prisoners of the crown, with Gwenllian, who was a woman now in her late forties who had spent her entire life in conventual seclusion. The profound difference between Joan and Gwenllian, of course, is that Joan was released after a short time.
Gwenllian only found release in death. The on 7 June 1337, the same month as her fifty-fifth birthday. She was buried at the priory where she had spent all but eighteen months of her life. Her grave was lost at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, in the 16th century. However, a memorial plaque was placed near St Andrew's Church in Sempringham in 1993, stating:
In memory of Gwenllian, daughter of the last Prince of Wales. Born at Abergwyngregyn 12.06.1282. Died at Sempringham 7.6.1337. Having been held prisoner for 54 years. [5]
Although she left very few physical marks on the world, a child whose very future was stolen by Edward I, Gwenllian's remarkable story has not been forgotten. In 2009 a mountain in Snowdonia in Wales, formerly known as Carnedd Uchaf, was renamed Carnedd Gwenllian in the lost princess's honour.
Footnotes: [1] David Ross, editor, Sempringham Priory, Church and Holy Well, britainexpress.com; [2] englishmonarchs.co.uk; [3] ibid; [4] Calendar of the Charter Rolls. 1-14, Edward III; [5] The Princess Gwenllian Society, Princessgwenllian.co.uk
Sources: castlewales.com; snowdoniaheritage.info; Marc Morris A Great and Terrible King;David Williamson Brewer's British royalty; Mike Ashley The Mammoth Book of British kings & Queens; Alison Weir Britain's Royal Families; Roy Strong The Story of Britain; Dan Jones The Plantagenets; the Kings who Made England; Chronicles of the Age of Chivalry Edited by Elizabeth Hallam; The Oxford Companion to British History; The History Today Companion to British History; Derek Wilson The Plantagenets; britainexpress.com; englishmonarchs.co.uk; princessgwenllian.co.uk; Calendar of the Charter Rolls
Images: Photos of Sempringham Church and memorial copyright Sharon Bennett Connolly. Llywelyn the Last courtesy of Wikipedia.
English history, European History, Medieval History, Medieval Women, Plantagenets, Uncategorized, Welsh HistoryEdward I, Edward II, Edward III, Eleanor de Montfort, Gilbertine order, Gwenllilan, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Llewelyn, Roger Mortimer, Sempringham priory, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword
It is autumn 1483 and Richard III is king of England, but rumours about the fate of his nephews are rife and dissent is beginning to grow. Waiting in Brittany, is the exiled Lancastrian heir to the throne, Henry Tudor, who senses that his moment has come. Henry's mother, Lady Margaret Stanley, plots to restore her son's fortunes with a series of revolts against King Richard.
After the disastrous events of the summer, the embattled Elder family is scattered and in hiding. The outlawed head of the family, John, has escaped to Flanders along with a few loyal comrades, his sister, Meg, and his lover, Isabel. But the Elders will not be left to lick their wounds for long, because William Catesby, influential servant of King Richard, has made it his mission to destroy them.
When Lady Stanley tries to draw the Elders into the Tudor rebellion, John must decide whether he can cast aside his long-held Yorkist loyalties. Should he join Henry Tudor under the banner of St. George and the dragon of Wales?
It is the devil's choice: poverty and a life in exile, or the slim chance of returning home by the fickle path of treason.
The first thing I have to say about Echoes of Treason by Derek Birks is wow! Not just for the story, but for such a stunning book cover!
I have been a fan of Derek Birks' work since his first book, Feud, introduced us to the Elder family in 2013. The first 4-book series, Rebel and Brothers was a refreshing new take on the Wars of the Roses era, combining national politics and war with the Elder family's own challenges and enemies.
Echoes of Treason is the 3rd book in Derek Birks' wonderful new series, The Craft of Kings, set during the reign of King Richard III, and following the younger generation of the Elder family, once again caught up in England's drama. As with all Derek's books, Echoes of Treason takes you on a fast-paced journey through medieval history, every page crammed with action and intrigue. This time we journey from Flanders to Brittany and on to England, coming face to face with enemies both old and new.
With her attention on the stall, Meg barely noticed the young woman who suddenly lurched forward and stumbled heavily into Isabel, knocking her to the ground. Torn between helping Isabel up and berating the clumsy woman who had come to rest at the feet of Thomas, Meg hesitated. Her eyes were drawn to the poor woman's bloodstained kirtle and shift which had been torn open at the front to reveal more than a glimpse of two full, bare breasts.
Before Meg could move, however, a firm hand was clamped upon her mouth and she was lifted off her feet. Cursing her own folly, Meg was borne away, squirming, into one of the many small alleys leading away from the market. Too much time talking and not enough watching those around her! God's teeth, she was usually so careful! She should have seen her attacker coming, love-besotted fool that she now was!
Her captor slammed her against a wall which ran alongside the alley, his hand still over her mouth. First things first, thought Meg, biting one of his fingers as hard as she could. While he was yelping in pain, she twisted half out of his grasp and reached down to her boot. But he recovered swiftly and they grappled with each other in a whirling flurry of arms until his greater strength enabled him to pin her to the wall once more with his hand around her neck. With his other hand he held a knife at her breast but she simply glared back at him, two sapphire eyes boring into his.
To her surprise, he sought to reassure her. "Don't be alarmed, girl; you've no need to be frightened; I'll not hurt you."
But far from being afraid, Meg was just warming to her work. "Put up your blade," she warned.
he gave a shake of the head until she pressed the point of the knife she had retrieved from her boot against his neck. Now, for the first time, she had his full attention.
"By Christ, little girl!" he cried. "Have a care with that knife!"
Echoes of Treason follows the Elder family into exile, following on from The Blood of Princes and John Elder's attempts to rescue the Prince in the Tower. From the first pages, in exile in Bruges, to a dramatic return to England's shores, the action is fast-paced, on land and sea. The author shows his wide breadth of knowledge of the era by incorporating actual events and characters who played leading roles in the history. There is a fabulous interview with Henry Tudor that leaves you smiling for days!
The tension is palpable on every page and builds to a crescendo as the story drives inexorably to the last, desperate fight. The plot, moreover, is as well thought out as the action and drags the Elder family into the intrigues and machinations of those fighting for the crown itself, and their scheming lackeys!
My favourite character in any Derek Birks book is Lady Eleanor Elder. Eleanor has become a bit of a heroine of mine; she is no weak-willed woman and fights with her wits and whatever weapon is to hand, whenever she is backed into a corner. It is a credit to the author that he has let this amazing woman take on a life of her own in the story, despite not being the lead character. She deserves a story of her own (hint, hint!)
I loved this book from the first page to the last. My only complaint is that I found it harder to write my own whilst I was reading it – I found myself drifting off into the Wars of the Roses and wondering how the Elders would get themselves out of the impossible predicament Derek Birks had sent them into. It is only when the last page has been turned that you can breathe a sigh of relief and one of regret, that the book finished too soon!
Derek Birks was born in Hampshire in England but spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand where he still has strong family ties.
For many years he taught history in a secondary school in Berkshire but took early retirement several years ago to concentrate on his writing.
Apart from writing, he spends his time gardening, travelling, walking and taking part in archaeological digs at a Roman villa.
The first book of a brand new series, Scars From the Past, is now out in both kindle and paperback.
His books are available on Amazon in the UK and US.
Book review, English history, French history, Medieval History, Medieval Women, Uncategorized, Wars of the RosesBook review, Craft of Kings, Derek Birks, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Rebels and Brothers, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword
Today I am delighted to be a part of the book tour for Matthew Harffy's latest addition to his Bernicia Chronicles, Storm of Steel, with a review of this fabulous new novel.
AD 643. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and the sixth instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles.
Heading south to lands he once considered his home, Beobrand is plunged into a dark world of piracy and slavery when an old friend enlists his help to recover a kidnapped girl. Embarking onto the wind-tossed seas, Beobrand pursues his quarry with single-minded tenacity.
But the Whale Road is never calm and his journey is beset with storms, betrayal and violence.
As the winds of his wyrd blow him ever further from what he knows, will Beobrand find victory on his quest or has his luck finally abandoned him?
I have had the distinct pleasure of following the adventures of Beobrand and his band of warriors from the very first to book to this one, the sixth in the series. In a feat that few authors ever manage to achieve, each book has been better than the last and, indeed, when I read the last one, Warrior of Woden, I sincerely doubted that Matthew Harffy could top it. But top it he has! And in spectacular style.
In Storm of Steel Beobrand has gone off in a new direction, on a personal mission, rather than one dictated by kings, and by sea rather than land. This has given scope for a fabulous new adventure and gives a new edge to the battles, both on land and sea – and against the elements. It also means new experiences, as Beobrand journeys along the south coast and into Frankia. The locations are stunning, Matthew Harffy's descriptions of dramatic coastlines, stormy weather and the different brands of people he encounters, from lowly peasants, to pirates and warlords, all serve to transport the reader back to the 7th century, recreating the Anglo-Saxon world in the mind of the reader.
'Go Cynan,' Beobrand whispered.
Cynan stepped away from the sailors and scrambled over the side of the ship, back into Háligsteorra. Beobrand followed him and quickly joined Bassus and the others where they stood before a pile of bloody corpses.
The pirates clambered off the ship even more quickly than they had boarded. Their leader was last, and he shuffled towards the wale still clutching Dalston to him, with the sharp seax blade digging into the skin beneath the monk's chin.
When he reached the side, he stepped over, steadied by the welcoming hands of his men. He lifted Dalston bodily and carried him over with him.
'Take the treasure the boy carries,' shouted Beobrand. Send the boy back.'
The dull thuds of axe blows signalled the ropes that had held the ships together being cut. Using their oars, the pirates shoved the two ships apart. the gap between the vessels widened quickly, soon it would be too far even for an unarmoured man to jump.
'Send the boy back!' yelled Beobrand again, but as he said the words, he tasted the bitterness of defeat and deceit in his throat.
Storm of Steel is Beobrand's 6th adventure; the stunning imagery and constant action leads the reader into Beobrand's world in magnificent style. The action, as ever, is constant and leads the reader on a roller-coaster of a ride from the first page to the last, never quite certain that Beobrand will win through, nor even that he will survive the encounter with one of the greatest warlords of Frankia and rescue the kidnapped girl…. I'm not telling….
Matthew Harffy is an author whose writing goes from strength to strength with each book. I feel I'm repeating myself when I say 'this is the best one yet', but it truly is. I defy anyone to be able to put it down without wanting to read through to the end in one sitting. I certainly read late into the night, but the lack of sleep was well worth the experience of another adventure with the now-famous Beobrand and his band of warriors.
Storm of Steel is a masterpiece of a novel, the visually imagery recreated by the words evoke a world so long in the past that little remains but archaeology, and yet the reader can imagine themselves there, and fighting at the side of Beobrand, Cynan, Bassus and the rest. But there is more to fighting in all of Matthew Harffy's books. The intricate and engrossing plot weaves its way between the battles – against man and the elements – to tell a story that is at once intriguing and gripping.
Beobrand and the Bernicia Chronicles are a phenomenon!
I cannot recommend the stories of Beobrand, told in the Bernicia Chronicles, highly enough. And Storm of Steel stands out as one of the best books I have read so far, this year.
Matthew grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.
Follow Matthew Harffy:
Twitter: @MatthewHarffy, Facebook: @MatthewHarffyAuthor, Website: http://www.matthewharffy.com/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2INuSlg; Kobo: https://bit.ly/2IQsFWo; Google Play: ttps://bit.ly/2GEC8i9; iBooks: https://apple.co/2UQcr6Y
Anglo-Saxons, Book review, English history, French history, UncategorizedAria Fiction, Bernicia Chronicles, Book launch, Book Reviews, Book Tour, Heroines of the Medieval World, Matthew Harffy, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword
Guest Post: Anna Duchess of Cleves by Heather R. Darsie
13/04/2019 13/04/2019 Sharon Bennett Connolly1 Comment
Today it is a pleasure to welcome historian Heather R. Darsie to History… the Interesting Bits with an article about Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's fourth wife. Heather's new book, Anna Duchess of Cleves; the king's Beloved Sister is out now.
The First Hint of Trouble: An Early Spat Between the Johann II of Cleves and Elector Frederick of Saxony
By Heather R. Darsie
Throughout the late 15th and early 16th century, various disputes over territory sprung up across the German-speaking portions of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1517, a new facet of rebellion against the Empire was introduced in Saxony when Martin Luther's 95 Theses became known. Maximilian I was still the Holy Roman Emperor in 1517. He could not know what the changing attitudes toward the Catholic church would do to the fabric of the Empire. Maximilian passed away on 12 January 1519, making his grandson Charles the next Holy Roman Emperor. Charles' first coronation, in Germany, took place in 1520.
Twenty-year-old Charles V was crowned in October 1520 as the King of the Romans-Germans at a grand ceremony in Aachen. By being crowned King of the Romans-Germans, Charles V was the Holy Roman Emperor Elect. Pope Leo X gave Charles V permission to style himself as the Holy Roman Emperor until Charles' 1530 coronation at Bologna by Pope Clement VII.
In 1520 when Charles V's massive train of at least two thousand horse. The various electors, including Elector Fredrick of Saxony, made up part of Charles V's company. Though the details are unclear, it is recorded in an account of Charles V's coronation printed circa 1520 that the Elector of Saxony and "Duke of Gülch" – an archaic spelling of "Jülich" – squabbled for a long time over who took which precedence during the procession to Aachen Cathedral.
Frederick of Saxony believed that Johann III of Cleves should have been included with the Saxon contingent rather than Johann being independent of Saxony. Saxony was ruled by an Elector, with only eleven electors in all of the Germanic areas. By comparison, Johann III was only a duke, and there were hundreds of duchies in all of the Germanic areas. In the end, Anna's father Johann III entered the city before Elector Frederick of Saxony. Elector Frederick likely took exception to this snub.
Elector Frederick, famous for having sheltered Martin Luther from Charles V, passed away. Because Frederick was childless, his younger brother John became Elector of Saxony in 1525. Frederick was Catholic throughout his life. There is some debate over whether Frederick converted to Lutheranism on his deathbed. In February 1527, Elector John's son Johann Friedrich married Johann III's eldest daughter, Sybylla of Cleves. The debate over Lutheran reforms was in full swing, and Charles V tried his best to quell the rising tides of religious change.
The marital alliance between Anna of Cleves' elder sister Sybylla and Johann Friedrich did not have the immediate benefits for which Elector John hoped. Elector John was a Lutheran even before he became the Elector of Saxony. Sybylla and Johann Friedrich welcomed their first son, also named Johann Friedrich, in January 1529. The next year, the first Diet of Augsburg took place. It was at this Diet that Emperor Charles V tried to soothe tensions over Protestantism, and also when he introduced his comprehensive criminal code. The Augsburg Confession was produced because of this Diet, too. After the Diet of Augsburg, the issue of religion and thus, allegiance to the Emperor became more divided.
Anna's and Sybylla's parents were Catholic, their mother Maria particularly so. Jülich-Cleves-Berg was understood to be predominantly Catholic under the reign of Johann III, but tolerant of Lutheranism. By the late 1520s, two political and religious ideas dominated Germany: pro-Imperial and pro-Catholic, or anti-Imperial and pro-Lutheran. This put Jülich-Cleves-Berg and Saxony on different ends of the political spectrum.
Sybylla herself converted to Lutheranism, as did Anna's and Sybylla's little sister Amalia. At the begin of his reign in 1539 as Duke Wilhelm V, Johann Friedrich sent Philipus Melanchthon to learn whether Wilhelm was pro-Lutheran or pro-Catholic. Johann Friedrich became Elector of Saxony in 1532 after the death of his father, and needed to know which way Wilhelm leaned.
If you're curious to know more about religion in Cleves during Anna of Cleves' lifetime, check out my new biography, "Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister.'
Sources & Suggested Reading
Römischer Künigklicher Maiestat Krönung zü Ach Geschehen. Author unknown. Circa Held by the Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois.
Rosenthal, Earl E. "The Invention of the Columnar Device of Emperor Charles V at the Court of Burgundy in Flanders in 1516." Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes36 (1973): 198-230.
Darsie, Heather. Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister.' Stroud: Amberley (2019).
Anna Duchess of Cleves; the king's Beloved Sister
Anna was the 'last woman standing' of Henry VIII's wives – and the only one buried in Westminster Abbey. How did she manage it?
Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister' looks at Anna from a new perspective, as a woman from the Holy Roman Empire and not as a woman living almost by accident in England. Starting with what Anna's life as a child and young woman was like, the author describes the climate of the Cleves court, and the achievements of Anna's siblings. It looks at the political issues on the Continent that transformed Anna's native land of Cleves – notably the court of Anna's brother-in-law, and its influence on Lutheranism – and Anna's blighted marriage. Finally, Heather Darsie explores ways in which Anna influenced her step-daughters Elizabeth and Mary, and the evidence of their good relationships with her.
Was the Duchess Anna in fact a political refugee, supported by Henry VIII? Was she a role model for Elizabeth I? Why was the marriage doomed from the outset? By returning to the primary sources and visiting archives and museums all over Europe (the author is fluent in German, and proficient in French and Spanish) a very different figure emerges to the 'Flanders Mare'.
Anna Duchess of Cleves; the king's Beloved Sister is available now from Amberley Publishing and Amazon in the UK and from Book Depository worldwide.
Heather Darsie works as an attorney in the US. Along with her Juris Doctorate she has a BA in German, which was of great value in her research in the archives of Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands for this book. She is currently studying for her Master's in Early Modern History through Northern Illinois University. She runs the website MaidensAndManuscripts.com and regularly contributes to QueenAnneBoleyn.com and TudorsDynasty.com. She has been researching this work for several years.
Tracing the fortunes of the women who had a significant role to play in the momentous events of 1066, Silk and the Sword: the Women of the Norman Conquest is available from Amazon UK, Amberley Publishing, Book Depository and Amazon US.
Telling the stories of some of the most incredible women from Medieval history, Heroines of the Medieval World, is now available in hardback in the UK from Amazon UK, and in the US from Amazon US. It is available now in paperback in the UK from from both Amberley Publishing and Amazon and worldwide from Book Depository.
©2019 Sharon Bennett Connolly and Heather R. Darsie
English history, Guest Post, Tudor History, UncategorizedAmberley Publishing, Anna Duchess of Cleves, Anna of Cleves, Anne of Cleves, Heather R Darsie, Henry VIII, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword
Mother's Day Giveaway
Competition Closed: And the winner is Heather Jackson
Sunday 31st March 2019 is Mother's Day in the UK this year and what beet way to celebrate the release of the paperback of Heroines of the Medieval World, than a giveaway for everyone's favourite Heroine – MUM?!?!
"As Connolly ably demonstrates, knowing about these fascinating women is essential to filly understanding medieval Europe." (Publishers Weekly)
About Heroines of the Medieval World
Heroines come in many different forms, and it is no less true for medieval heroines. They can be found in all areas of medieval life; from the dutiful wife and daughter to religious devotees, warriors and rulers. What makes them different compared to those of today are the limitations placed on them by those who directed their lives – their fathers, husbands, priests and kings. Women have always been an integral part of history, although when reading through the chronicles of the medieval world, you would be forgiven if you did not know it. We find that the vast majority of written references are focussed on men. The chronicles were written by men and, more often than not, written for men. It was men who ruled countries, fought wars, made laws and treaties, dominated religion and guaranteed – or tried to guarantee – the continued survival of their world. It was usually the men, but not all of them, who could read, who were trained to rule and who were expected to fight, to defend their people and their country…
And don't worry, the offer is open worldwide – even if it isn't Mother's Day for you just yet.
If you would like to win a signed copy of Heroines of the Medieval World to give to your mum on Mother's Day, or someone else's mum – or even as a gift to yourself, simply leave a comment below or on my Facebook page and I will include you in the prize draw.
The draw will be made on Wednesday 27th March, so you should get the book in time for the big day.
English history, French history, Medieval History, Medieval Women, News, Scottish history, Uncategorized, Wars of the RosesGiveaway, Heroines of the Medieval World, History Heroines, Mother's Day, Sharon Bennett Connolly, Silk and the Sword


text:
Pima este un nume propriu (ori Akimel O'odham) asociat cu un grup etnic al nativilor americani din vestul Statelor Unite și nord-vestul Mexicului, localizat în zonele sudică a statului american , respectiv în zona nordică a statului mexican vecin, Sonora. Derivat de la numele populației omonime, Pima se mai poate referi la

Denominarea originală

 Pima (grup etnic), un grup etnic al nativilor americani din vestul Statelor Unite și nordul Mexicului
 Pima (limbă) (sau limba numită O'odham), limbă a sus menționatului grup etnic, parte a familiei de limbi uto-aztece

Denumiri geografice

 Pima (sat), sat din Burkina Faso, Africa
 Pima (comitat), , unul din cele 15 comitate ale statului Arizona, situat în partea sa central-sudică
 Pima, localitate din comitatul Graham, statul

Alte utilizări

 Pima Air & Space Museum, in Arizona
 Pima Freeway, o parte a autostrăzii "buclă" din jurul orașului Phoenix, Arizona, cunoscută afecționat ca Loop 101
 Pima Community College, colegiu al comunității din Tucson, Arizona
 Pima (bumbac), varietate de bumbac cultivat în Arizona
 PIMA, un acronim pentru un program post-bachelor cunoscut ca Performance and Interactive Media Arts oferit la Brooklyn College, parte a City University of New York, un sistem de institute de învățământ superior din New York City, statul

Nume proprii