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About Leighton Asia
Graduates & internships
M&E works
For over 45 years Leighton Asia has built a strong track record as an international contractor in the construction, civil engineering and offshore oil and gas sectors.
CIMIC Group value as a family of industry leader
We provide a diverse range of career options that allow our employees to grow and be challenged everyday.
Search for a career in construction
We focus on our core strengths by combining best practice in international project delivery with our extensive in-country local knowledge.
Leighton Asia delivers a full suite of engineering and construction services across the Asia region.
Technology and digital engineering
Guided by our Mission and Principles, our priorities connect us to people and communities, and ensure we continuously improve.
Leighton Asia
Project Listing Page
Serendipity Residential Development
Forum Homes Pvt. Ltd
Leighton Asia is delivering the Serendipity residential development in Bandra Kurla Complex, a premium business district and financial hub of Mumbai.
Our scope includes civil and structural works, MEP, facade, interior finishes, external and landscaping works.
The plot occupies a land area of approximately 4,917 sqm with a Built Up Area of 36,552 sqm (Basement: 9,620 sqm and Superstructure: 26,932 sqm).
The project consists of two parts:
Sales building with four Basement Parking levels, a Ground Floor Entry level, 20 residential floors with 95 high end apartments and a Roof Level Sky Club with pools, sports and other leisure and entertainment facilities (total height 87.5m above ground level); Built Up Area of approx. 30,138 sqm (Basement: 9,300sqm and Superstructure: 20,838sqm).
Rehab building with one Basement (water tanks and pump rooms), a Ground Entry and Amenities level and 19 Upper floors with 129 residential units (total height 62.45m above ground level); Built Up Area of 6,414 sqm.
Jobs in construction
Graduate & internships
Our expertises


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Contrary to its colloquial use, the term "transformation" really calls forth a very precise distinction. It could be said that because we human beings have an unexamined propensity to use language loosely (by which I'm saying that because we regard language as an ability we have ie as something we do, rather than as that which we are), our efforts to transform our lives are impeded, hampered, and certainly unnecessarily delayed and overly complicated. We unwittingly make it hard for ourselves.
But if for a moment (and I do mean if for only a moment) I were to use the term "transformation" loosely ie in the way it's used colloquially outside of the context of Werner's work, then the conversation for transformation would incorporate a veritable swathe of well-known and widely patronized human pursuits and endeavors, chief among which would be religion (religions plural, actually) both western and eastern, practices, disciplines, therapies, the yogas (both the physical and the meditational) etc etc - you know, all those pursuits we human beings passionately undertake to actualize, realize, Self-realize, and even save our own lives. Arguably all these endeavors should lead to "transformation" - but that would be the rigorous, precise use of the term, and not the colloquial one which has devolved to imply little more than "change". And "change" when the truth is told, is the best these endeavors can ever provide. And of course plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose!
Here's the trap that the colloquial use of the term "transformation" sets up: it's that "transformation" becomes collapsed with actualization, realization, Self-realization, salvation, enlightenment etc etc.
It's none of the above. Transformation is the naturally occurring, hiding in plain sight context-to-be-discovered which is who we really are.
Watch: who we really are, is the space of transformation. Becoming who we really are, is the event "transformation".
Ergo: "Transformation is the space in which the event 'transformation' occurs.".
That's vintage Erhard. And it's also a subject for another conversation on another occasion.
It's clear that the results available from all of our undertakings, even those which we've collapsed with the work of transformation, are sublime and have value. That said, why is it (I've often asked myself) that some folks realize their results easily, fast, and indisputably, whereas others seem to find the same practices arduous, difficult, and even impractical to the point where although their benefits are clearly what's wanted and needed in their lives, they have no connection (ie like an affinity) with them at all? Wait! It's even more than that: it's why is it that some people are called to embark on these endeavors in the first place, yet for others they don't even show up on their dashboard GPS map at all?
I don't know the answer. So I speculate. And the closest I get to an answer for my speculation, is the possibility of being graced: some people are graced, so they discover the results sooner than others, indeed more profoundly than others ... and others aren't. But as to why some people are graced in this way and others aren't? I just don't know. There's no accounting for grace! It may just be true that "many are called but few are chosen" which is a fitting observation that's aptly biblical. But again, I just don't know. And even within the context of Werner's work, while it's well documented that the vast majority of its participants (I'm talking about the upper 90th percentiles here) realize results which they often describe as the most valuable experience of their lives bar none, it's also true that there are people who don't get it, or who don't get it as fully and / or as completely as the others (yes there are - tell the truth: the documented statistics are equally clear about this).
This is my personal observation (and I'm speaking here as an erstwhile hardened smart aleck skeptic): Werner's work provides a meticulously tried and tested, rigorously implemented workspace ie a laboratory if you will, that lays transformation bare, and makes it eye-poppingly accessible. And this work has been offered for nearly fifty years now, so it's not merely that the jury's simply out on whether or not it works. No, by now it's fait accompli. Here's a news flash just in: Planet Earth isn't flat: it's spherical! And Werner's work works. Anyone who commits to its result, sets themselves up for a completely authentic, direct access to transformation.
In the end, the really sublime, glorious, miraculous mystery which calls for an accounting for grace perhaps globally or even planetarily (if indeed there even is such a word) is: why did this work suddenly, discontiguously, decisively come into our world, vividly present itself, and become available to all us humans, in the first place?


Lin Clark has always loved cooking, and especially experimenting with different recipes so when she came across one for raspberry marshmallows she was intrigued to try them out. She was so impressed with the results she tested them on friends and family and they went down a storm. Before Christmas last year she found herself making and selling several hundred bags to colleagues and after a brain storming session with her family, came up with the name Little Delicious.
For Lin, the best thing about marshmallows is that they are incredibly versatile. With the raspberry flavour selling so well, she started experimenting with different recipes and flavours until she came up with her own version with exactly the right texture and taste. Some of the most popular flavours include Lemon Meringue and Salted Caramel Heaven but she had to draw the line at Beer Marshmallows, concluding that it was perhaps taking the flavour combination a bit too far.
Get ahead of the crowd and order a selection of Lin's gorgeous marshmallows online at www.littledelicious.co.uk. They are also available in several farm shops across the county.
Ethos: Quality and flavour - make every marshmallow the best it can be.


In a large heavy stockpot or casserole, melt the butter until it foams. When the foam subsides, add the onions and cook over moderate heat until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the turnips and potatoes and stir to coat with the butter. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover partially and cook over moderate heat until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until perfectly smooth. Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and the nutmeg. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and garnish with the basil before serving.


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Close to 20 years now my companies rely on AMS IT services. They always come with innovative and cost-saving solutions.
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Let us know if you have any inquiries or would like us to call you back.
Technical quality and customer support is essential for equipment manufacturing companies that desire to grow significantly.


Hear a bit from Elisabeth Fredrickson, one of our blog contributors, and the Associate Dean for Instruction at Edmonds Community College!
Talking to faculty about their teaching! I love to hear instructors' success stories, help them troubleshoot friction points in their teaching, and generally geek out on teaching and learning.
I'll give you one big one: Don't wait for someone else to bestow expertise status on you. If there's something that fascinates you, that you want to learn more about, then just go learn it! Read, go to workshops, listen to podcasts, watch videos, talk to people. People in the field of education, in particular, are eager to share what they know!
Interior design (I got to design my own office space) and hospitality (I make a lot of tea). Those weren't listed in the job description, but making people feel welcome is a big part of my role.
Hiking and backpacking. A friend (a fellow English teacher) and I took last summer off and backpacked in the Olympics and Cascades. We hiked Tuck and Robin Lakes during the Jolly Mountain fire and got evacuated by the ranger (fortunately, we'd already reached the lake and were on our way out, so we didn't miss anything!).
Cult of Pedagogy – Jennifer Gonzales' excellent teaching blog with quick tips you can apply right away in the classroom.
Teaching In Higher Ed Podcast – Bonni Stachowiak has such a comforting voice. She's like a den mother for teachers. She also knows her stuff, has smart guests, and offers loads of advice about becoming a more effective, efficient, and joyful teacher.
Teach Better Podcast – Doug McKee and Edward O'Neil take deep dives into a variety of teaching and learning topics and interview award-winning teachers. This is the podcast that first got me excited about the scholarship of teaching and learning.
I'd go back to Paris in the 1920s and hang out with the Fitzgeralds, Gertrude Stein, and the other expats -- just like in the movie Midnight in Paris. Maybe I'd buy a Picasso.
Camping at Kalaloch, on the Olympic Peninsula, as a kid. We still go every summer with our own kids, who are basically adults now. The tradition continues. . .
I can't think of a single non-living thing that would make me run into a burning house!
Marrying my high school sweetheart, bringing our three awesome kids into the world, and climbing Mt. Rainier.


Match 4: We're now four matches into the titanic computer vs human Go battle, and the humans finally have something to cheer: South Korean Go legend Lee Se-dol has won his first match against Google's DeepMind.
With the computer program 3-1 up with one match to play the series has already been lost, but it shows that DeepMind can be beaten. In fact the five-hour match was a bit of a thrashing.
The head-to-head is considered to be a landmark moment in the development of AI, such is the complexity and nuance of the Go game. On Tuesday we'll find out if Lee Se-dol can narrow the gap further and salvage some more pride.
Match 3: Google's AlphaGo artificial intelligence program has now won three matches in a row against top human player Lee Se-dol. That means it's triumphed in the best-of-five series and we're one step closer to a future ruled by intelligent board game-playing machines.
With the AI bot having already won two matches earlier this week the signs weren't good for Lee Se-dol and the human player was unable to claw back any ground in the third match-up.
"AlphaGo played consistently from beginning to the end while Lee, as he is only human, showed some mental vulnerability," one of Lee's former coaches told reporters after the event.
Match 2: It's not looking good for the humans. AlphaGo has taken its second victory against Lee Se-dol, meaning it's just one win away from the $1m prize pot.
While Lee is putting up a good fight, it appears the machines are finally putting us in our place. Also, not to rub salt in the wound, but someone on Twitter pointed out that AlphaGo spends about a minute to play each move, which means Lee actually might have a slight advantage.
Match 3 will take place on March 11 at 8PM PT/11PM ET/4AM GMT on March 12. You can see how the second match played out below.
Match 1: Well that didn't take long. DeepMind's AlphaGo program has taken the first round against legendary Go player Lee Se-dol, in a landmark moment for artificial intelligence.
Lee resigned after three and a half hours of play, with almost half an hour still left on the clock, realising he would not catch up to AlphaGo's lead.
Although AlphaGo previously beat the European Go champion, its victory over Lee was not assured; Lee is considered one of the best Go players in the world.
But AlphaGo is a self-learning program and has had time to hone its skills since its last victory against Fan Hui.
The next round against Lee will take place Thursday at 1pm local time (4am GMT/8pm PT/11pm ET), and you'll be able to watch it, once again, via the stream below.
Later today, Google's DeepMind AI will take on Lee Se-dol, one of the world's best players of the board game Go, in a showdown that's set to last several days.
The match will take place at the Four Seasons hotel in Seoul, South Korea, but will be live streamed over YouTube to ensure we never forget the exact moment artificial intelligence gave humanity a due thrashing (should it win).
In one corner we have Lee Se-dol, currently considered one of the top-ranking Go players (he's second in international titles right now). In the other corner we have AlphaGo, a program that was built by the Google-owned AI company DeepMind.
You might remember DeepMind causing a buzz earlier this year when it was revealed that its AlphaGo took on and beat European champion Fan Hui last October. It was a landmark moment for artificial intelligence, but a bigger challenge lies ahead of it this week as it faces a tougher opponent.
As well as humanity's dignity, there's a $1 million prize pot at stake, but DeepMind will be donating its winnings to charity should it take the crown.
The match will kick off at 1pm local time on March 9, so 4am GMT or 11pm ET/8pm PT (March 8), and you'll be able to watch it all unfold in the live video stream above.


Let's get out of the habit of saying, "I am depressed." The "I" that is truly who you are is not depressed, but depression may be visiting. In fact, you might even feel that depression has moved in and set up housekeeping. It may be hard to separate the "I" that you are from the down-in-the-dumps part. Yoga can help us do that. As we practice yoga-based skills on and off the mat, we cultivate "witness consciousness." This sense of witnessing helps us realize that yes, we have emotions like depression and anger and grief and shame, but we are so much more than whatever mood is visiting, so much more than the self-limiting beliefs we may have about ourselves or the world. Yoga, including yogic breathing called pranayama, begins to clear the chronic tension in the physical body and the mental and emotional constrictions we may have in response to the daily challenges we face. After a simple yoga-based practice of breathing, for example, we feel more expansive and spacious within, and more connected to others without. It's not surprising that we have this subjective experience of reconnecting with ourselves and with others, because that's exactly what's happening bio-chemically. Research has shown that we are lowering the stress hormone cortisol when we practice yoga, and we are raising GABA levels, a neurotransmitter that protects us from anxiety and depression. We are also raising oxytocin levels, the "bonding" hormone that allows us to feel more connected to others.
To find LifeForce Yoga Practitioner who can help, click here.
For an easy yoga practice you can do at home, take a look at LifeForce Yoga to Beat the Blues, level 1 DVD.


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Q: iOS - Detect if user is touching the screen outside of the application sandbox The question is actually in the title of the topic. I know that there are events for touchesBegan and etc. to identify touches INSIDE your application sandbox. But the problem is - is it possible to check touches when your application is in background? I want to determine user inactivity with device and do something inside the application (e.g. device was left somewhere) If yes - I would really appreciate the code snippet in Swift.
Thanks much!

A: Touch events go to a specific view. A view is owned by a specific app.
If an app is in the background then none of its views are being displayed. Therefore there is no way for an app in the background to get any sort of touch events.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Casualty (PERS-13) prior to attending the brief.
o Make copies of the DD-1300 as needed.
o Attach a copy of the DD-1300 to all benefit claim forms.
o Advise the family on housing options.
not done on a previous visit.
Accounting is received, contact the Personal Property Office to arrange for delivery.


text:
Q: Check duplication while uploading to database I need to find duplicated details in the existing table while uploading a Excel file that contains some details,i need to find that by phone number and customer name. I am using mattexcel to upload the data into database.
I don't want to insert that details if it is in there but other details must insert into that table
Controller
public function importExcel(Request $request)
    {
        if ($request->hasFile('import_file')) {
            Excel::load($request->file('import_file')->getRealPath(), function ($reader) {
                foreach ($reader->toArray() as $key => $row) {
                    $data['customername'] = $row['customername'];
                    $data['chassis'] = $row['chassis'];
                    $data['model'] = $row['model'];
                    $data['branchcode'] = $row['branchcode'];
                    $data['delivery'] = $row['delivery'];
                    $data['customerid'] = $row['customerid'];
                    $data['phone'] = $row['phone'];
                    $data['invoicedate'] = $row['invoicedate'];
                    $data['dse'] = $row['dse'];
                    $data['branch'] = $row['branch'];
                    $data['finance'] = $row['finance'];
                    $data['dono'] = $row['dono'];
                    $data['invoice'] = $row['invoice'];
                    $data['zsm'] = $row['zsm'];
                    $data['sm'] = $row['sm'];
                    $data['agm'] = $row['agm'];
                    $data['dsecode'] = $row['dsecode'];
                    $data['address'] = $row['address'];
                    $data['email'] = $row['email'];
                    $data['color'] = $row['color'];
                    $data['extendedwarrenty'] = $row['extendedwarrenty'];
                    $data['autocaddownload'] = $row['autocaddownload'];
                    $data['numberplate'] = $row['numberplate'];
                    $data['mcpstatus'] = $row['mcpstatus'];
                    $data['plandt'] = $row['plandt'];
                    $data['planok'] = $row['planok'];
                    $data['fasttag'] = $row['fasttag'];
//                    $data['settilment_pdf_path'] = $row['settilment_pdf_path'];
                    $data['rcstatus'] = $row['rcstatus'];
                    $branch = Branch::where([['branch_code', $row['branchcode']], ['status', 0]])->first();
                    $registration_id = Registration::orderBy('registration_id', 'desc')->take(1)->get();

                    if (count($registration_id) > 0) {
                        $regid = $registration_id[0]->registration_id;
                        $regid = $regid + 1;

                    } else {
                        $regid = 1;
                    }

                    $register = new Registration();
                    $register->registration_id = $regid;
                    $register->customername = $row['customername'];
                    $register->chassis = $row['chassis'];
                    $register->model = $row['model'];
                    $register->branchcode = $row['branchcode'];
                    $register->delivery = $row['delivery'];
                    $register->customerid = $row['customerid'];
                    $register->phone = $row['phone'];
                    $register->invoicedate = $row['invoicedate'];
                    $register->dse = $row['dse'];
                    $register->branch = $row['branch'];
                    $register->finance = $row['finance'];
                    $register->dono = $row['dono'];
                    $register->invoice = $row['invoice'];
                    $register->zsm = $row['zsm'];
                    $register->sm = $row['sm'];
                    $register->agm = $row['agm'];
                    $register->dsecode = $row['dsecode'];
                    $register->address = $row['address'];
                    $register->email = $row['email'];
                    $register->color = $row['color'];
                    $register->extendedwarrenty = $row['extendedwarrenty'];
                    $register->autocaddownload = $row['autocaddownload'];
                    $register->numberplate = $row['numberplate'];
                    $register->mcpstatus = $row['mcpstatus'];
                    $register->plandt = $row['plandt'];
                    $register->planok = $row['planok'];
                    $register->fasttag = $row['fasttag'];
                    $register->rcstatus = $row['rcstatus'];
                    $register->dealership = $branch->dealership_id;
                    $register->zone = $branch->zone_id;
                    $register->dh = $branch->dh_id;
                    $register->status = '0';
                    $register->created_user_id = Session::get('created_id');
                    $register->save();
                    $regidn = Registration::orderBy('registration_id', 'desc')->get();
                    $regidd = $regidn[0]->registration_id;

                    $ssitrack = new Ssi_track();
                    $ssitrack->registration_id = $regid;
                    $ssitrack->ssi_track_id = $regid;
                    $ssitrack->save();
                    $ssitrackk = Ssi_track::orderBy('ssi_track_id', 'desc')->get();
                    $ssitrackk = $ssitrackk[0]->registration_id;

                }
            });

        }
        return back()->with('success', 'Your File Is Successfully Uploaded To Database!');
    }

A: Option 1. You can add unique values combination in migration.
Schema::table('your_table_name', function (Blueprint $table) {
            $table->unique(['phone ','customername ']);
});

This won't let you insert same combination values for these column combination, however it also throws error stopping you import function.
Option 2 (Better).
Check if value already exits and ignore import for that column.
$old_customer = Regiter::where('phone', $row['phone'])->where('customername', $customername )->first();
        //Inser only if customer not found
        if(is_null($old_customer))
        {
            //INSERT QUERY
        }

To decrease number of query you can pluck name and phone with single query or use any other optimization tricks.


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Newest Philippine Navy ship arrives in Palawan, beefs up defense in West Philippine Sea
Posted On Friday, 06 January 2012 09:50
World Naval Forces News - Philippine
The Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), the newest and most modern frigate of the Philippine Navy, arrived this weekend in Palawan to provide a much needed boost in the maritime defense capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.
In a local radio interview, Captain Alfred Cruz, Commanding Officer of PF-15, said the ship will conduct maritime security and sovereignty patrols to beef up protection of the country's territorial waters, as well as conduct search and rescue missions in the western front.
PF-15, commissioned as a warship of the Philippine Navy, will also augment naval security at the Malampaya Natural Gas project and other petroleum service contract areas under the Department of Energy (DOE) in the West Philippine Sea.
Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15)
(Picture: Philippine Navy)
Cruz said that the ship is now the Navy's largest and fastest which can run with a speed of 40 knots per agility test. He said that it is equipped with helicopters, the first of which was donated by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
With a compliment of more than a hundred officers and enlisted personnel, the high-endurance Hamilton-class cutter can sustain a month-long mission without re-provisioning.
The home of PF-15 is the Ulugan Bay Naval Station in Barangay Macarascas, located about 45 kms northwest of this city.
PF-15 was acquired through the United Excess Defense Act using the Malampaya Natural Gas proceeds under the DOE. It was used by the United States Coast Guard for law enforcement and search and rescue missions.
Source: (DOS/VSM/PIA-Palawan)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Police Scanner Programming - Can I Do On My Own?
Police Scanner Programming – Can I Do On My Own?
Programming is the #1 concern of potential police scanner buyers so you're not alone.
Who wants to buy something that may not work? Programming each scanner is unique so we have videos on each scanner product page on how to program that particular scanner so you can watch and see if you feel comfortable doing on your own. Another option is to have us professionally program your police scanner so it will work right out the box. Over 75% of all scanner orders include programming. We also have a police scanner programming service where we can program any scanner, regardless of where you purchased.
Sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you when we roll out new articles & graphics like this one. No spam – pinkie promise.


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Tag: author Laura Kamoie
Social Media Mistakes with Laura Kamoie – #HNS2019
July 18, 2019 July 17, 2019 M.K. Tod2 Comments
Laura Kamoie amazes me with her ability to co-write such wonderful novels as America's First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton with Stephanie Dray. Combine that talent with a talk on the dos and don'ts of social media and I was lining up for this presentation at #HNS2019.
Laura gave us her qualifications immediately: she used to write romance and that genre is very good at social media so she learned from some of the best!
#1 Mistake – too much time on social media and not enough time writing. Don't get overwhelmed by social media. You don't have to do it all. Figure out what you're comfortable with and be authentic. And if you're going to be selective, according to Laura, Facebook is where readers hang out, particularly the 40+ crowd. Twitter is where influencers and industry folks hang out.
Laura offered the group several tangible ideas to keep in mind as we work on our social media presence.
EASY TO FIND = EASY TO PURCHASE
First, make sure you have a social media presence such as a website with your name prominently displayed. Use the PIN feature on Facebook and Twitter. Include retail links – all of them, not just Amazon to make it easy and to reduce clicks for readers. Include the covers of your books to create a branded look.
YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE SERVES READERS
Make sure that what you write and what kind of stories you write serve readers. Again, Laura mentioned retail links. Include quotes about your book(s). Find ways to take people through the stages of new to you ==> reader ==> fan ==> superfan. Superfans will bring other readers to you.
PURPOSE OF ONLINE PRESENCE IS TO SELL BOOKS
Goals of social media book promotion are to gain exposure for you as an author and what you write. To foster discoverability. To build you name, brand, and book recognition. To build relationships with existing readers so that readers will feel invested in you and feel some sort of kinship with you. To network and build relationships with authors, bloggers, reviewers. These relationships will get others talking about your books. (See, I did that at the beginning of this post!) To find new readers. And ultimately, to sell books.
Mistakes on Facebook and Twitter:
your posts are either too sell/buy or too personal/diluted
you don't engage/interact – remember that social media shrinks the distance between author and readers; you need to engage and readers want you to engage
you don't post regularly enough – Laura recommends 2-3 times per day
you have no custom URL on Facebook
you have no branded cover image
you don't have an author page on Facebook (as distinct from your personal page)
you have no description and/or no links on your Facebook cover image
you don't pin a post to signify its importance and to prompt shares
check out Laura's Facebook page for ideas; click on her header image for Ribbons of Scarlet to see what she has included;
AT A GLANCE YOUR WEBSITE SHOULD CONVEY
your genre
whether visitor's interests match your offer
Laura recommends checking out the websites of: Kristin Hannah, Steve Berry, Geraldine Brooks, Christina Baker Kline, Susan Meissner, Alma Katsu, Jennifer Robson
Mistakes on Website:
unclear branding/messaging about who you are and what you write and what kind of emotional reading experience your books offer
missing retail links
no master book list, no information on what's coming soon
out of date/stagnant information
inactive blog
hard to spell/difficult to remember URL
Website Must Haves
about page to convey who you are in an engaging way with headshot and short bio
separate page for each book that includes cover, buy links, short description, social proof
In closing, Laura reminded us not to be overwhelmed and to do what you are comfortable with. In her own case, Laura is on Twitter at least once a day; on Facebook 2-3 times a day; she has a virtual assistant; and posts about her backlist on TBT (Throwback Thursday).
Well, if you aren't exhausted, I was at the end of that session (I know I didn't capture everything!!) and as I prepare this post I admit to feeling daunted all over again by the work involved with social media. I already spend many hours to sustain my blog — clearly that's not enough if I want to serve and engage with readers!
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY
Posted in Connecting Readers & Writers, social readingTagged #HNS2019, #writingtips, America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, author Laura Kamoie, author website mistakes, author website must haves, authors using social media, designing an author's Facebook page, designing an authors website, features of an author website, features of an author's Facebook page, Historical Novel Society conference 2019, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, social media for authors, social media mistakes authors make
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
April 8, 2018 April 5, 2018 M.K. Tod6 Comments
The last line of chapter one in Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie's latest novel, My Dear Hamilton, sets the stage for this compelling novel about the forging of America: "But how, I wondered, could a daughter make a difference?" And what a difference Eliza Schuyler Hamilton made.
Not being a student of American history—the Canadian curriculum is, not surprisingly, more focused on Canadian matters—I found both American's First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton fascinating portrayals of the men and women who played pivotal roles during the revolution and the founding of this great nation.
Beginning in 1777 with a victory against the British at Saratoga, My Dear Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through the eyes of his wife Eliza. Dray and Kamoie bring great richness to Alexander and Eliza and the many famous people involved: James Monroe, Benedict Arnold, Lafayette, Aaron Burr, James Madison, General Washington, John Adams and others.
Two aspects were of particular interest to me: the complex and exceedingly difficult process of drafting America's constitution; and, the intense love and strife of Eliza and Alexander's marriage. It's an emotional roller coaster with passion, greed, war, betrayal, love, scandal, mutiny, death, corruption, infidelity, and treason playing centre stage at various times.
My Dear Hamilton is superb historical fiction.
Posted in Books I've Read, Historical Fiction, Reading, reading historical fictionTagged author Laura Kamoie, author Stephanie Dray, Books I've Read, historical fiction, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, novels about Alexander Hamilton, novels about American History, novels about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, novels about the American revolution, novels featuring America's founding fathers
Interview with Stephanie Dray, co-author of American's First Daughter
November 28, 2017 November 26, 2017 M.K. Tod1 Comment
A few weeks ago, I read America's First Daughter written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. The novel was so excellent, I should use the word devoured! It's difficult enough for one author to create a story let alone two, so I decided to find out more. Here's Stephanie letting us in on her writing world and how she works with Laura.
Can you tell us a little of your journey from newbie author to bestselling author?
Gosh, it was a long journey. I started out as a fantasy writer who didn't realize she wanted to write historical fiction. I have some manuscripts that are truly terrible, and will be hidden under the bed forever. But I eventually started getting little stories published in professional publications, then, under a pen name, I started writing genre fiction for traditional publishers. And my first historical was LILY OF THE NILE about the little known daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Antony who went on to be one of the greatest client queens in the Roman empire. That became a trilogy, and a passion. After seven years in the ancient world, however, I was ready to move on. And it was America's First Daughter that gave me the chance to do that. I was both surprised, and delighted by the public response to it, and that it hit the NYT Bestseller list, now with hundreds of thousands of books sold. But I really take nothing for granted. In this business, you're only ever as good as your last book.
What took you from lawyer/teacher to writing historical fiction? And how did your earlier career help your writing career?
The lawyer joke that I often make is that I decided if I was going to lie for a living I'd rather write fiction. It always makes me laugh, but it's a bit too flip, really, both with its attitude towards lawyers and fiction writing, because both seek out greater truths even if it's a circuitous path there. I think my earlier career helped me learn to research, and it definitely gave me an appreciation for how history and precedent shapes the present world, an understanding I try to bring to all my work.
With the H-Team and Laura Kamoie you seem to have become an expert at writing fiction collaboratively. Can you tell us why you chose that path? And secondly, can you give us some insights on how the process works so that the reader has a seamless reading experience?
I didn't set out to be the Queen of Collaboration; I think it's just that I'm a very social creature and writing can be a very solitary profession. I do it because my craft improves by learning from others and I've been blessed to have some extremely talented writer friends. Even so, my writing relationship with Laura is special.
Now, we're good friends, which helps enormously. But we also think alike when it comes to story structure. With regard to America's First Daughter, we had a completely unified vision of how the story should unfold from day one, and that served us well. Especially on the rare occasion that we came up against editorial pushback from critique partners or others. We very rarely disagreed and when we did, we always fashioned a third solution that was better than what either of us originally intended.
We found ourselves in more disagreement regarding My Dear Hamilton, but that was only because our original idea, which we thought was so clever, didn't work at all. And so, under extreme deadline pressures, we had to very quickly navigate a new path. But in the end, the respect we have for one another always gets us through the process and makes a stronger book. Laura and I edit each other's words freely. We use track changes, of course, so that if there's a dispute about something we can see what's changed and we can talk about it. But there's really no ego surrounding the sanctity of our words. They're Patsy's words or Eliza's words and we just try to make them the best they can be.
You've written several novels set in ancient Egypt and with America's First Daughter and the upcoming My Dear Hamilton, you are now focused on American history. What prompted the switch?
There are two reasons, really. The first is that, as a Government major and former lawyer, I have always wanted to write about the Founding Fathers and even when I look back to my creative writing in college I see that I was writing historical fiction about figures in government. Fortunately, America's First Daughter gave me a chance to write about a Founding Father from the eyes of his daughter Patsy, a little known woman who had a great deal of influence over our country's conception of itself.
The second reason for the switch is that I like to be read, and the commercial niche for ancient history–especially stories about ancient women who don't wield swords–is a smaller one than for American history at this particular juncture. Readers have a lot of people clamoring for their attention these days; I will always try to give them what they want. In the end, it's a fortuitous switch because as it happens, America and ancient Rome have a lot in common. The clothes are different. The climate is different. But the ideas, tensions, and struggles are very similar. And of course, I'm fascinated by Republics. Their rise, their fall, their triumphs and failures. That's the stuff of drama!
American's First Daughter is wonderfully written and a compelling story. How did you go about the research process?
Oh, thank you for your kind remarks about the novel. It truly was a passion project. The research, I confess, was arduous, but made much easier by the national archives, where 18k letters of Jefferson have been cataloged, digitized and transcribed. From his letters, we moved to the letters of the family, which are kept on Monticello.org. These are amazing resources for all Americans and it made it much easier for us to imagine the inner thoughts of our characters–because they wrote some of them down.
Patsy Jefferson lives a long life. How did you decide what and what not to include?
That was really tough. There were a number of times that I wished things would stop happening to her. We ended up stripping a lot of the politics out of the book simply because Patsy was removed from a lot of it. Her father got to be the president because she was busy keeping his plantation going, but that meant she wasn't directly involved with many of the more famous, or infamous, political doings of the day. Not so Eliza Hamilton, I should add, who was right in the thick of it with her husband at the time. Our basic rule was that if something didn't directly shape or influence the character arc we wanted for Patsy then it would have to go.
You say that you write about women who live in the shadows of men and that your novels explore "the moral dilemmas, difficult choices, and heartbreaking sacrifices that shaped these women's lives." How do you choose which women to write about?
In some ways I almost feel as if they choose me. Cleopatra Selene certainly did. I was actually trying to write a story about her brother, but I kept hearing her voice in my head. The same thing happened to me with Cartimandua from A Year of Ravens. I was supposed to write about someone else, but I couldn't fall asleep at night because this ancient lady wouldn't shut up. I know that sounds pretty woo woo, and I'm not one of those people who think the dead literally speak to them. But there's an exercise in empathy that happens while writing and the mind latches onto what it latches onto. Psychological alchemy, I guess.
I will say though, that there's no way that Patsy Jefferson chose me. In fact, both Laura and I were acutely aware that she would not have wanted her story told which made her a truly challenging woman to write about!
What do you think are the critical ingredients of historical fiction? And why do you think readers enjoy the genre?
Oh goodie! An invitation to ride my hobby horse. I apply a very emphatically broad definition to the genre. If it's set in the past–let's say more than thirty years–it's some sort of historical fiction. Whether or not it will be enjoyable or good is a much different question that depends on any variety of factors, but I take a very hard line against folks who get all sniffy about what does, or does not, belong in our genre based on their own particular preferences. I think we all need to be welcoming more readers, with their varied tastes, into the fold. For me personally, what I enjoy about historical fiction is learning something new; generally what I read prompts me to do a little research of my own or ask questions I would never have asked. I enjoy slipping into a different world than my own, without all the modern baggage we carry, to try and wrap my mind around human problems–which I don't believe ever really change.
America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie – In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph—a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy.
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie – From the New York Times bestselling authors of America's First Daughter comes the epic story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Haunting, moving, and beautifully written, Dray and Kamoie used thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza's story as it's never been told before—not just as the wronged wife at the center of a political sex scandal—but also as a founding mother who shaped an American legacy in her own right. Coming April 2018.
Many thanks, Stephanie. I'm delighted to have you on the blog. I'm sure readers will find your experience as a co-author and writer of historical fiction very interesting.
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Posted in Connecting Readers & Writers, Historical Fiction, Inside Historical Fiction, writing historical fictionTagged America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, author Laura Kamoie, author Stephanie Dray, co-authoring a novel, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, novels about American History, novels about Martha Randolph Jefferson, Novels about Thomas Jefferson, Stephanie Dray's writing, writing about famous women, writing historical fiction


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What? Dogs Have Their Own Roadhouses Now?
Toby is a Puerto Vallarta bar hound who loves stories that begin, "A dog walks into a bar..."
A dog and a man walk into a bar. Bartender says, "You can't bring animals in here." The man says, "But he's no ordinary dog. He talks." The man turns to his dog and says, "What's on top of a house?" The dog says, "Roof!" The man says, "What's on the outside of a tree?" The dog says, "Bark!" The man says, "Who's the greatest baseball player of all time?" "Ruth!" The bartender throws them out. As soon as they're on the street, the dog says, "Do you think I should have said DiMaggio?"
People have been telling "A dog walks into a bar" stories since the dawn of time. Historical records from the University of Oxford include this 5000-year-old Sumerian joke: "A dog walked into a tavern and said, "I can't see a thing. I'll open this one." Apparently that was a real thigh-slapper back in BC, but modern scholars continue to scratch their heads, and social media is full of half-baked explanations like, "It's obvious the dog had his eyes closed," or "There's a pun in there somewhere, if only we spoke ancient Sumerian," or "Must be a bawdy joke because they were wearing togas." Huh?
The Sumerians, who dominated ancient Mesopotamia, are believed to have been the first to domesticate dogs and invent the collar and leash.
My point is: dogs have been hanging out in bars with humans ever since alcohol was invented 9000 years ago. Twentieth century laws banned Bowser from the boozer on the basis of health and safety, but experts now say that's unnecessary. Healthy, vaccinated, well-behaved dogs, says veterinarian Eva Evens, "pose an extremely low risk to human health." Today, thanks to California's 2014 "canine dining law," dogs are allowed in outdoor eating areas and some indoor settings, depending on the proprietor's preferences and your pet's ability to stay out of trouble. This is great news, because painting the town red can be a lot more fun when you bring along your best friend.
And that goes double when you're headed to a roadhouse. On Sunday, as part of my selfless research on behalf of my readers, I went to 7 Mile House, an 1858 roadhouse that has won the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant award for the past five years in a row. There Rich and I met up with — oh wait, let me set this up properly. My brother, his wife, and their dog walk into a bar … and we all had lunch on the terrace, surrounded by other dogs and their human companions.
I was having so much fun meeting dogs that it was hard to settle down and concentrate on the food. When I did, it was clear why this place was famous for such Filipino specialties as adobo (marinated pork) and lumpia (crisp-fried spring roll). My brother Mike briefly considered the Cow Palace burger, an entire pound of Angus beef plus bacon and a staggering list of other trimmings, but he was put off by the menu's warning, "Dare to eat this only if you're so hungry you could eat a cow!" He wisely opted for the half-pounder instead.
No one was surprised that Deb and Mike's French poodle, Django, barely nibbled at the beef patty from the dog menu; advanced years and missing teeth make him a notoriously delicate eater. So you can imagine our amazement when Django sniffed the doggie lumpia then leapt on it like a wolf, gobbling three rolls and making sure his humans took the rest home for later.
The conversation turned to what makes a proper roadhouse. We agreed these roadside eateries are distinguished by stellar food — far better than you'd find at a typical diner or bar — and a dog-friendly attitude. I would also add a hint of danger from a slightly disreputable past (or present).
The 7 Mile House began innocently enough as a toll house where drivers paid a toll and watered the horses. With the addition of a barroom and bedrooms, word went around it had become a brothel. An illegal poolroom in the 1890s launched its career as a gambling den, and I think we can all guess what kind of hijinks went on during Prohibition. In the 1970s the owner was arrested by the FBI for being the top bagman under Ron "The Cigar" Sacco, the most successful bookmaker in history. It goes on and on. I couldn't make this stuff up.
7 Mile House in the 1940s
The 7 Mile House was a biker gang hangout when Vanessa Garcia took over in 2004, and with the help of her family she's now made the place downright upright. But in the early days the cops were called out to restore order so often that she got to know them well. How well? She's marrying one of them later this year.
Not all taverns can boast that much colorful history, but Pengrove's Twin Oaks Roadhouse scores points for longevity (it's nearing the century mark) and maintaining the Western rancher atmosphere. When I walk in, I'm always vaguely surprised not to find saloon doors swinging at the entry and a juke box playing the theme from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Here the standing joke is: A three-legged dog walks into a saloon. He says to the bartender, "I'm lookin' fer the man who shot my paw."
Twin Oaks is a great place for lunch; the food is excellent, the service cheerful, and the atmosphere so sleepy it's practically a siesta. Happy Hour starts at 2 pm (!), so about the time I'm heading out the serious barflies are trickling in. I've heard the place can get rowdy at night; last summer there was a fracas in the parking lot ending in a broken nose and lots of conflicting testimony. But so far I've missed all the action.
Rich and I visited another fabulous roadside eatery this week but regretfully decided Rudy's Can't Fail Café is not technically a roadhouse. Good food? Check. Dog-friendly? Check. Seedy barroom atmosphere? Decidedly lacking. Still, this quirky, engaging spot is well worth a visit.
These days lots of taverns and roadhouses feature Yappy Hour with "puptails" such as Barkaritas, CharDOGnay, and Bow Wow Bubbly. Some provide off-leash runs overseen by a "wooferee." Temptations include desserts like the Poochini, a peanut butter sundae with dog biscuits. Yes, it's all silly indulgence, but why not, once in a while? Dogs never turn down a chance to party. Their joy is contagious and if we're lucky we'll catch it again and again.
Animal behaviorist Patricia B. McConnell says, "That is what dogs and their emotions give us — a connection. A connection to life on earth, to all that binds and cradles us, lest we begin to feel too alone. Dogs are our bridge — our connection to who we really are, and most tellingly, who we want to be." She adds, "I invite all of you to show our own species the same patience and compassion that we show dogs. After all, dogs seem to like us a lot, and I have the utmost respect for their opinion."
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Travel & Covid-19 Updates
Celebrating Tshechu In Gangtey Valley
There is a certain time every year when Bhutan comes alive in a vivid display of colour, music, dance and motion. This is a time when Bhutanese from all walks of life down tools, put on their finest, most elaborate clothes (exquisite hand woven kiras for women and ghos for men) and gather together for a day of joyful celebration. These festivals, or tshechus as they are known in Bhutan, provide opportunities for people from surrounding villages to come together, to dance, to be happy and to share in spiritual teachings and rituals.
Each year Bhutan's 20 dzongkhags or districts hold their own annual tshechu, gathering together for a spectacular day of dancing, music, blessings and spiritual teachings, accompanied by the clash of cymbals and meditative beat of drums. They are usually celebrated between 3-5 days and often conclude with the unfurling of a giant thangkha (hand-painted religious scroll) with the Bhutanese lining up alongside to receive special blessings. These festivals are important social and spiritual events in the Bhutanese calendar and are held annually in the courtyards of temples, monasteries and dzongs across the country. They mark the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan and honor Guru Rinpoche, who was born on the tenth day of the sixth Bhutanese lunar month. In fact, the word tshechu translates as 'tenth day'.
Monks are integral to tshechus and will spend weeks in advance preparing for the event with prayers and meditation as well as practising ancient, sacred dances known as cham. These are masked dances and are the highlight of any tshechu, telling the story of the teachings of Buddha and the dharma through movement and music. They focus on three themes – dances with moral stories, dances that purify and protect people from destructive spirits and dances that celebrate the triumph of Buddhism and Guru Rimpoche. The Bhutanese believe these dances provide many blessings, luck and prosperity and are a path to enlightenment for anyone lucky enough to witness them.
The dancers are decoratively adorned in brightly coloured costumes and with energetic dancing accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals, whirl and leap around the courtyard of the monastery. While the monks spin and swirl in mesmerising circles, their brocade skirts twirling in flashes of vibrant colour, groups of Atsaras or clowns, entertain the crowds with practical jokes and other antics, often brandishing a large wooden phallus to ward off evil spirits!
Last year, for the first time in the history of Bhutan, tshechus across the country suddenly became closed-door events, with the gathering of large crowds prohibited amid the pandemic. Courtyards across the country that would be otherwise jam-packed with spectators, were closed to the public and health protocols were strictly followed by mask-dancers and the monastic body alike. While these protocols remain in place for the festivals this year, events are now being live-streamed on social media and broadcast on local television to help ease the disappointment.
In Gangtey, festivities are now underway with the tshechu taking place in the large courtyard of the historic Gangtey Goenpa monastery, from the 18th-20th September. Like every tshechu, the dates of this three-day annual festival are set according to the lunar calendar and therefore change every year and over those three days mountains of food will be generously offered by those attending. This particular tshechu culminates in a special blessing for the people of Gangtey Valley called the Nguedrup Langwa which is a blessing of spiritual wisdom and power. Later on, as the day winds down and the celebrations finally come to an end, villagers will pack up their food, finish their picnics and fold away their finest clothes until next year, when it will happen all over again.
And this time, we dearly hope, in person.
Gangtey Lodge Team Updates: Sonam Tshering, Sangay Tshering & Wangchuk Dorji
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan's borders have had to remain closed for quite some time now, meaning that we haven't been able to welcome any of you to experience our great nation. During these hard times, while we have been able to keep our whole team employed on rotation, there has been a lot of free time away from the lodge for our team to utilise. We asked some of our team members to share what they have been doing during this time.
Gangtey Lodge Team Updates: Sonam Dorji
Since we haven't been able to welcome any guests to our lodge lately, we thought we would share with you all what our team has been up to while awaiting Bhutan's borders to reopen. Below is an interview with our operations manager, Sonam Dorji, on his recent work with the Gangtey Lodge green team.
How Sustainability and Gross National Happiness impact daily life in Bhutan
During the summer months of June, July and August the moody monsoon rains roll in from India and the valleys of Bhutan are blessed with abundant rain.
The Beauty of Summer in Gangtey Valley
Gangtey Lodge Team Updates: Kinley Wangchuk & Kinley Dorji
'What are the Gangtey Lodge Team doing whilst Bhutan's borders and Lodge are closed?' is a question we often get asked.
We are happy to have kept all our team employed on rotation, whilst they pursue other projects in their free time. Here we interview Kinley Wangchuk (Food and Beverages Attendant) and Kinley Dorji (Spa Manager), about their work as Desuups – the Kingdom's 'Guardians of Peace'.
Supporting the Conservation of Black-Necked Cranes
If Bhutan wears the crown for caring for the environment, then Phobjikha Valley is the jewel in that crown. Phobjikha Valley is one of the largest, high-altitude wetlands in Bhutan, situated on the western slopes of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
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Woman living in a Wendy House in mum's back garden
Liam Soutar
A North West woman, who found herself homeless earlier this year has resorted to living in a children's play house to avoid sleeping on the streets.
For the past six months, the tiny outdoor Wendy House has been home to 27-year-old April Fillingham, who had to move out of her rented accommodation due to financial difficulties.
April in her 'home'
What should have been a temporary measure has now turned into a half-year-long ordeal which shows no sign of ending.
The small structure - whose dimensions are 5ft by 5ft by 5ft - bears more resemblance to a shed than it does to living quarters.
It provides only the most basic shelter from the elements and is barely large enough for April to climb into.
"I am sleeping on garden furniture," she said. "It drips rain in through the roof and it's freezing already.
Cold and damp, April in her Wendy House 'home'
"I can just about get in and out of it. I am the length of it. I don't sleep very well, obviously. It's an ongoing nightmare. Physically and mentally, I can't take it anymore."
And April fears for her health as winter approaches and temperatures begin to tumble.
The "house" is located in the back garden of April's mother, who lives in a small one-bedroomed bungalow in Hindley in Wigan.
April said that, due to several lifestyle differences, the pair cannot share the property, but that she is allowed to use the property to eat, drink and use the toilet.
April said she has been homeless "on and off" for the past 10 years, moving between sheltered accommodation, squatting, sofa surfing and living in a caravan for several years.
She had been living in a privately-rented house for 18 months, until April this year when she had to leave due to financial troubles.
Her problems first arose in 2009, when she was evicted from her council tenancy in Hindley Green over several complaints.
A football coach who 'rewarded' his young players' man of the match performances by sexually abusing them, has been jailed
Despite apologising for her behaviour and pleading to be added back to the council's housing list, April said she has since faced an arduous struggle with the council's housing team over getting support to get back on her feet.
"I am constantly ringing up and chasing this up, but they are pushing me from one place to another," she said.
Wigan Council said it was working with Ms Fillingham to help her find suitable accommodation.
Joanne Willmott, assistant director of provider management and market development said: "We are committed to helping individuals into stable accommodation and working with our partners to ensure people receive the right support.
"We have made an offer of temporary accommodation and are also providing ongoing advice and support whilst we work together to achieve a more permanent and stable tenancy."


Her books have been translated into 19 languages, including Turkish, Korean, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
She has contributed commentary and bylines to Entrepreneur magazine, IBM's Think Marketing, Inc. magazine, Mashable, Huffington Post, American Express, NPR, and the Wall Street Journal.
Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two – and four – legged.
She is an E.B. White Superfan, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enthusiast, and a novice tap dancer.
She escapes it all by retreating to her tiny-house office, which houses her vintage typewriter collection.


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Gunalda
Woolooga
Kilkivan
Goomboorian
Guns N' Roses in 1987, with Steve Adler at far right. Picture: Supplied
Guns N' Roses star 'stabs himself'
by Fox News
Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler has been hospitalised after reportedly suffering a self-inflicted knife wound.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Fox News that officers responded to the rocker's Studio City, California, home on a call of a possible suicide attempt.
Guns N' Roses in 1987, with then drummer Steve Adler at far right. Picture: Supplied
When they arrived, officers determined that no crime had been committed and deemed the incident a medical emergency only. Adler was transported to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.
NATIONAL 24/7 CRISIS SERVICES
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
beyondblue: 1300 22 46 36
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Representatives for Adler, 54, did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment.
Steve Adler was kicked out of the band because of his drug addiction. Picture: Twitter
According to TMZ, which first reported the news, police arrived at Adler's home and discovered he'd somehow stabbed himself in the stomach. No other parties are believed to be involved in the incident.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Adler joined the famed rock band in 1985. However, his public struggles with drug addiction eventually got him kicked out of the band in 1990.
Adler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Picture: Supplied.
People reports he was allowed to rejoin the band after signing a contract saying that he would refrain from drug use, but was then fired again later that same year due to his addiction.
He appeared in the 2008 season of the reality show Celebrity Rehab starring Dr. Drew and appeared in the subsequent spin-off Sober House.
Steve Adler on Sober House. Picture: Foxtel
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of the group, despite having been kicked out more than two decades prior.
This story was originally reported by Fox News and is reprinted here with permission.
If you are experiencing mental health issues or suicidal feelings contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call 000.
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Ad Week Europe: Teads scrapbook
It's undeniable that Advertising Week Europe brings an array of sunshine, rain, celebrities, thought leaders and, well, a lot of networking. With the likes of Mail Brands and Bing opening and closing the week with the events infamous parties, the week kicked off on a high as the British summer decided to make an appearance.
As with most media tech companies within our industry, the Teads team were out in the masses for the week-long event, engaging with the sessions taking place across Soho, Southwark and West London. From the leadership breakfast series to the unmissable celebrity stalking opportunities, this years' event brought another jam-packed agenda.
If you missed any of the sessions (it was impossible not to) then you can catch up online. Find Teads' 'The Power of Native Video' here.
It's an event that caters for all and due to the sheer volume of panels, keynotes and roundtables, the Teads team decided to write a collaborative blog to keep each other up to date with the event's highlights. So, take a look at Advertising Week 2016 through Teads eyes…
First stop: Virtually Real, Advertising's Virtual Future
The session, hosted by The Sun's Jamie East and News UK's CCO Dominic Carter, covered some of the best virtual reality content produced to date, showing through video and imagery the sheer power of VR.
The session revealed that experts predict VR devices will grow from 2.5M this year to 24-30M over the next 2 years.
"The speakers touched on how VR has the potential to tell a full immersive story, bringing the user emotionally closer to the brand is most definitely appealing. However, the content and software needs to catch up with the "idea" first. It's certainly food for thought" contributed Nick Takashima, Head of Tech Partnership Development
The main obstacles discussed touched on how we bring VR to a mainstream environment; 360 video takes eight cameras and multiple animators to patch it together (the technology is quickly evolving though). Yet with 360 video comes heavy data use and VR sickness (motion sickness), so the issues that lie ahead are still prevalent and currently, there is no viable solution that is 100% airtight for the masses.
Snapchat & Mobile, Storytelling
It's all about about being in the moment. Nick Bell, VP of Content at Snapchat and Alex Jenkins, UK Editor of Contagious took the stage to discuss content creation and the ever evolving industry.
"This session was really interesting, especially as it resonates so much with what we do at Teads. By 2020 Gen Z will account for 40% of all consumers – this will certainly affect the ways brands tell stories through their ad campaigns" says Desiree Nicholson, Video Campaign Manager
Social is still seeing growth, and brands have to adapt their content to stay relevant, new and exciting. The sheer speed of new formats emerging such as vertical, and the need for interactivity is paving the way to the new video ecosystem.
Snapchat revealed some research insights, stating that 50% of users have a negative view of the brand when they are forced to watch an ad. Much like the Teads Ad Blocking findings, brands need to start listening to the consumer and fit their ads to the device in which the campaign is running.
"I found this session quite insightful. On average Snapchat users spend 30mins a day on the app. This surprised me as its not a dominant part of my social life, but as Desiree mentioned above, Gen X is transforming the landscape" Thomas Bowen, Senior International Sales Manager
Future of Programmatic Debate:
Tuesday 19th played host to a Programmatic Futures debate, which is always a hot topic. The session invited the Commercial Director of Time Inc Dominic Perkins, Ruth Zoher Head of Programmatic at Mindshare and Mari Novak CMO at Rubicon.
Programmatic has changed so much from the days of RTB; we're no longer unsure of its capabilities and we're seeing more and more premium inventory flow through the programmatic pipes.
"While interesting, I would've liked to hear some more forward insights into where they see programmatic heading. Instead the discussion focused on the lack of trust in this area. It would have been interesting to hear how clients are taking back control, immersing themselves more into this area. The one thing I did take from the session was how content creators have to be more involved with the agency and client. Technology can enhance the whole ecosystem. The future is trust but its also collaboration. Programmatic is the machine, we are the creators" – – Andrew Kyriacou, Sales Director
Creativity and the brain
What makes a video ad memorable? Why do we remember some ads and not others?
According to the research presented by Heather Andrew, founder and CEO of Neuro-Insight, there are five important principles – or "Creative drivers of effectiveness" – that are most strongly linked to long-term memory encoding:
1) It's not about shouting the loudest
2) It's all about classic story-telling techniques
3) People are paramount
4) Music can make an ad… Or break it!
5) Branding's in the timing
"One of the highlights for me in this session was the first principle described by Heather: It's not about shouting the loudest. It's better to showcase the features of a product rather that trying hard to sell it. Heather presented a video ad where the long lasting qualities of the phone's battery compared to the iPhone were portrayed in the story, rather than just stated. Stories are what makes an ad effective and memorable." – Sara Di Pietrantonio, Senior Video Campaign Manager
Much of the discussion touched on storytelling, which seemed to be a key trend during this years' event. The industry is having to think creatively. Breaks, pauses and contrasts (in the pace of the story or in the sound) can also play a powerful role in driving a memory response. See the full research available here
Storytelling in the digital age
Where is the line between content and storytelling? Should all brands create stories or should some refrain from doing so? This session continued the 'storytelling' theme, and looked into surrounding factors such as ROI.
It's pretty clear that mobile is taking the lead in driving brand and publisher strategies towards a mobile-first ecosystem. There is a complacency in the industry stating how brands create video, and users watch it on mobile. But video needs to be created for mobile, first and foremost.
"We talk about 30-second ads – but all we have in the end is a 5-second attention span. Why does it need to be a repurposed TV creative? We live on and through mobile: the way we engage with content evolves constantly. Our analysis and discussions in the industry clearly shows that advertisers need to start thinking cross-screen but also thinking non-linear, interactive and playful. Brands need to add depth to their ads by crafting content for different levels, allowing users to be part of the story." Charlotte Diemer, Director of Content / Insights
Finally our journey ended with the Teads hosted panel, The Power of Native Video where Managing Director UK Justin Taylor invited a host of industry experts to the stage.
Nigel Gilbert, AppNexus; Jeff Moriaty, Johnston Press; Celine Saturino, Total Media; Jayne Knobbs, Lenovo and Jamie Toward, Karmarama kicked off discussions around the sheer growth of outstream, an accepted format by the IAB which announced that it took a 21% share of the UK video ad spend earlier this month. Despite its growth, Jayne stressed that brands still need to be educated around what native video is, and how they can leverage its power to engage its target audience.
Native video lends itself to scaling across multiple markets, and with the increasing popularity of silent video content, a brand can truly deliver its message through a universal communication. Jeff extended this point, from a publisher and frequent engager perspective, he stressed his passion for a personalised captioning experience. The technology currently exists for a video creative to direct its message directly to you the user. What greater way to persoanlise an experience and gain better brand recall?
The group discussed concerns over placements, and the trust in where your native video ad should be placed. How should it compliment the other ads on the page? Can we truly trust the technology to smartly position our native ads? As consumers in our own right we need to keep the user experience at the fore front of our minds.
Jamie injected some creative suggestions, encouraging brands to shoot in every format to ensure you are maximizing every screen for your campaign. Square and vertical are emerging formats that brands and publishers alike need to cater for. Creative agencies such as Karmarama are now filming trailers and teasers, as well as long form content so that a holistic story is told for every single device.
Celine and Jayne agreed that through the power of data and insights, their businesses have flipped to a mobile first thinking platform, listening to the consumer and how they are interacting with media through their native moments.
"The first five seconds are the most impactful, which is transforming the way creative teams need to think. The panel agreed that our approach to design, creating and delivering is shifting due to consumer behaviour. This is great as it brings creativity and data deeply into the mix" – Elle Panes, Marketing Executive
The panel concluded with Nigel stating desktop is still alive and thriving – yes we need to wear our mobile hats and think through a mobile lens, however we can't forget desktop. Understanding what each screen is used for and how interaction differs will pave the way for a strong cross-screen future.
"I thoroughly enjoyed moderating our panel yesterday. The discussions truly inspired the audience about just how powerful native video can be, and excited me about the prospect of it's future. It was great to hear that from all sides of the ecosystem how native video is changing the way the industry is thinking about experience, design and delivery. We all know that when advertising is used inappropriately, it can be intrusive and disruptive. What was clear from the panel was how native video provides a way around this, providing choice to the user and impacts for brands. It was a real pleasure ending a truly great week with these panelists." Justin Taylor, Managing Director
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Either you are a collector or a seller of these types of gems, you need to know there are a lot of things to be taken into consideration when it comes to display and store them.
Cases: these are an option for individual or collective usage as well. Either you want to display them as an individual piece, or in drawers, the case provide you the protection you need, as well as the possibility to exhibit the beauty of the gem, as they usually come with glass tops.
Bags or jars: covered in foam or other protective material, this is a safer way to display your gems, without fearing they might accidentally break.
Plastic containers: this is the inexpensive alternative, great for the collector and not the seller. You can use them in deposits to store the gems, but they do not make the ideal method of presentation for your clients.
Chain Jewelry Displays are perfect for the display of any jewelry containing chains, bracelets, necklaces, pairs of earrings! They are great and very useful and keeping items of jewelry from getting tangled into each other. They are made of various materials, plastic, cardboard, metal, and they come in diverse shapes and sizes. The design of jewelry displays vary a lot as well.
They are a lovely way of brightening up any environment, jewelry window case or store. They offer a helpful manner of keeping track of jewelry and also displaying them as well. They keep them well organized and in one single place, therefore avoiding risking to misplace or lose them. They are a wide range of jewelry displays and they can match into any kind of decoration so they are fit for any jewelry store. Chain jewelry displays can just as well be used for your own personal needs at home too!
Body jewelry displays are a wonderful and amazing way to display jewelry items and they offer a kind of unique presence wherever they are placed. They are usually either body parts such as hands, arms, necks or heads or a complete body display. They are created in order to correctly display any kind of jewelry, earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants, tiaras or any other kind of jewelry item.
They can be very imposing so they are perfect for attracting attention in the window case of a jewelry store. They can prove to be a very interesting and one of a kind manner of decorating and they will surely prove to be very attractive and captivating. This kind of display brings about a special type of elegance and sophisticated feeling and they help make any jewelry store look more inviting and authentic. They can also display plenty of various types of jewelry at the same time as well.
Bracelet displays are chiefly designed to display bracelets and watches. They usually contain either tiers or support or they are hand shaped. This type of display presents a nice and subtle touch in any exhibition set and they can be placed throughout the store pretty much anywhere, given their size and purpose. They are very elegant and highly sophisticated and also constructed with a very fine and smooth material.
They manage to keep other items of getting tangled into each other as well. They are a great and efficient way of displaying bracelets since they take up almost no space whatsoever. Bracelet displays can be just as readily utilized at home for your personal needs too.
They are very easy to arrange and they can help create beautiful and intricate jewelry exhibitions, therefore they make for a really efficient and attractive method of portraying bracelets, watches and so on!
Ring displays are great for displaying a multitude of rings in one simple go! They can gather a huge number of rings and beautifully show them off before customers. This kind of display keep jewelry items safely organized and in one place, so they are very efficient and keeping them from getting misplaced or lost too!
Earring and pendant displays are items that display both pairs of earrings and necklaces, so they are usually shaped in the form of a head or they are stands with multiples hooks, tiers and supports. They are an efficient and captivating method of jewelry display. They are sure to catch anyone's attention and they make beautiful and charming jewelry store window case ornaments.
They can be easily placed anywhere around the store or the house, if you choose to purchase them for your own personal use. They can accommodate pairs of earrings and pendants of various sizes and regardless of design. They are a lovely way of brightening up the place with a couple of jewelry items each and there. Earring and pendant displays are efficient, smart and they can prove to be very useful whenever you need to display either one item or an entire collection of earrings and pendants.
Necklace jewelry displays are especially created to hold and display necklaces and any items of jewelry containing chains, such as larger bracelets and earrings. This kind of display aims to beautifully exhibit necklaces in jewelry stores.
They can accommodate various kinds of necklaces, regardless of size and design. Necklace jewelry displays offer various kinds of designs and patterns; they usually are long and they have many holes and hooks to hang larger or smaller necklaces.
Necklace jewelry displays are great at keeping jewelry items apart from getting tangled into each other and they manage to present them in a beautiful and efficient way. They can be a lovely and fine addition in any jewelry department store's window case and they can be just as easily used for your own personal needs at home as well. They will arrange and decorate any environment and will beautifully display any type of necklace.
Antique jewelry displays are a beautiful and unique way of displaying jewelry. They are preferable as they offer a certain charm of their own when displaying jewelry. It is a great idea to use them in any jewelry store's window case as they will surely attract a lot of attention. They are gorgeous antiquities that will certainly appeal to any vintage lover. Usually, they are made of strong and resistant material such as metal or brass and they present fine and impressive patterns and motifs. They add a retro touch to any exhibition of jewelry and are definitely one of a kind. The use of antique jewelry displays is most suitable in a jewelry store as they beautifully combine and enhance the qualities of the jewelry they are displaying. Antique jewelry displays provide a completely new and alluring touch to any decoration set and are sure to catch any customer's eye.
This kind of jewelry display is the perfect way to add a touch of authenticity and finesse to any jewelry display exhibition. Vintage displays have a fascinating and interesting allure and they match with any kind of environment. They can be easily placed in the front window case of the store and they will prove to be very attractive.
They offer unique, colorful and retro displays that cannot definitely go unnoticed. They portray fun and one of a kind shapes and designs and usually come in many colors. They present a lovely and enticing manner of displaying pieces of jewelry and can be readily placed everywhere around the store or even for you own personal use at home.
Vintage jewelry displays offer a certain unique and captivating charm that is definitely hard to not remark and they are great examples of beautiful craftsmanship and traditional and retro items of decoration.
Minimalist jewelry displays are great for the display of jewelry items in a simplistic yet stylish and elegant manner. This kind of display is best suited for stores looking to present their products in a modern and simple way. Minimalist jewelry displays are ideal for showing off jewelry in window cases; they are beautiful and delicate additions among other types of jewelry display.
They come in various styles and sizes and they can easily accommodate earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and so on. This kind of jewelry display is ideal for saving up space and using it as efficiently as possible. They don't overcrowd and they can be a nice final touch to any kind of decoration. They can also be placed around the store for more effect. Given their minimalist design, their a perfect for your personal use at home as well and they are a beautiful and unique way of displaying jewelry.
Modern jewelry displays are a beautiful combination of modern decoration and jewelry display. They, like modern art, come in multiple and diverse styles and colors and they usually stand out in a crowd. They are ideal for displaying jewelry in shops' window cases as they present items of jewelry in innovative and interesting manners, therefore attracting passerby's attention.
They offer a wide range of tiers, stands, hooks and holes or supports in order to hang, organize and exhibit different kinds of jewelry. Depending on their size, they can display from rings and earrings to bigger items, such as tiaras and necklaces. Modern jewelry displays are unique and they aim to present their contents in completely new and entertaining ways. They can be used on their own or integrated into other jewelry exhibitions. Modern jewelry displays are great for both personal use and the display of jewelry in specialized department stores as well.
Handmade jewelry displays are a beautiful and one of a kind way of displaying jewelry items. They are all created with the greatest care to detail and they all bear a special token of authenticity and are therefore different than any other kind of jewelry display. They come in many shapes, sizes, colors and style. A handmade jewelry display means a completely genuine and special manner of presenting jewelry.
Their distinctive features will be the best way to attract anyone's attention; they definitely stand out in any crowd and window case. They make for a beautiful and appealing jewelry exhibition and are ideal for displaying jewelry in a nonconventional and unique way.
They can be meant for hanging jewelry, hooking pairs of earrings, or arranging various items of jewelry in gorgeous and enticing manners. They are true works of art and skilled craftsmanship and they will display your jewelry in a completely one of a kind way!
It is all about your vision and creativity but here are a few ideas for you, in case you lack time.
Painted twigs: very easy to make and eco-friendly, you just mix some colours together and then let your inspiration to the rest; ideal for necklaces, as they act like customized hangers. Pin them on a stand for more resistance and a pleasant appearance. Great for wooden and ivory jewels.
Animal toys: if you like nature, and your jewelry inspire the same theme, then why not display them accordingly? Cut the toys in half and with some glue, stick them on a wood or metal board. And there you have your display. Ideal for colorful and bedazzled jewels.
Painted wood and geometric designs: you can create amazing wall displays with some wooden boards and paint. You can use tape to mark the designs you want, as it provides precision. They look amazing with golden and silver minimalist jewels.
It is also a plus when you offer something unique to your clients, something that is specific your brand, your style. It creates a personal connection with them and you will create and promote a name. How can you achieve that? There are many methods when it comes to personalizing your displays. Firstly you can design and print your logo, as well as detailed or intricate designs on them.
They always have an impact. In the case of closeouts, pads or cards, which, beside of the actual presentation, the customer take them home with him, so it becomes a method of advertising as well. Another way of displaying your jewels in a customized way would be by using unusual objects as part of your display, as a central piece. One example could be the ethically obtained animal bones or horns (tip: those look amazing with wooden jewels or crystals) or abstract metal work that can be integrated into the finished design. It all depends on your style.


text:
Q: Are Asynchronous Sockets in .net threadless? From http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bbx2eya8.aspx it looks like, that this type of sockets are using more than one thread, but from what i am thinking Asynchronous Sockets can and should run in single thread (or least limited number of threads) , since they are just callbacks from state machine which works like smart scheduler.
My question is: Does asynchronous sockets spawns as many threads as there are connections or is there some upper bound of how many threads are spawned, no matter how many connections application handles.

A: Yes and no.  All the real work is done by the TCP/IP driver stack.  Which has no trouble handling multiple incomplete IRP requests.  When one of them completes, an APC is fired on a threadpool thread which in turn ends up calling your completion callback.  The underlying operating system object is called an "I/O completion port", you can read more about it in this SDK article.

A: It says right in the link you provided that asynchronous sockets use the thread pool, so by definition they are limited to a certain number of threads.


text:
1933 - 1983 Mettoy
From The Dragon Archive
After emigrating to England Philip Ullmann and Arthur Katz setup in workshop space offered by a subsidiary of Basset-Lowke (model train makers) in Northampton. Basset-Lowke relied on a lot of German-Jewish suppliers for their products such as Carette and Bing. The profits from toy manufacturing were used in rescuing other Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany.
In 1934 Mettoy was created by Philip Ullmann to carry on production of tin plate toys. The company was based in Stimpson Avenue, Northampton.
In 1940 most of the British toy industry switched production to the war industry.
In 1941 commercial manufacture of toys was forbidden in Britain as being non-productive to the war effort.
As defence contracts increased Mettoy expanded. A newly built factory in Swansea, Wales, was leased for this expansion in 1944.
In 1945 toy production resumed after defence contracts dried up.
Mettoy now had a massive factory in Fforestfach, Swansea which had been provided by the government for defence work but their prewar pressed metal toys were looking old fashioned so they moved production to plastic toys. In 1948 they started manufacturing cast aluminium clockwork toys for the retailer, Marks & Spencer.
In 1950 they started producing diecast clockwork vehicles in varying sizes, however when metal restrictions were lifted in 1955 they decided to take on Meccano's Dinky Toys.
The initial design was of a Karrier Bantam, produced for CWS Soft Drinks. Mettoy then placed orders for mass produced zinc diecast vehicles with German producers. These vehicles were of modern construction and employed all of the latest features, even being available with the option of a friction based motor drive.
In 1956, wanting to take Dinky Toys head on, Playcraft Limited's Managing Director, Arthur Katz, decided to launch Corgi (Playcraft being a sister company of Mettoy). He named the toy car's product line Corgi in honour of the Welsh breed of dogs, he also hoped to try and associate themselves with the Royal Family who's favoured breed of dogs was the Corgi (he also wanted a short, snappy and memorable name in order to compete). Corgi cars differed from Dinky's in that they didn't just look like their real sized counterparts but also incorporated other realistic nuances such as plastic windows, opening doors, hoods and greater attention to detail. Corgi's toys were so successful that they undertook advertising campaigns on national TV to spread their brand and products further than ever before.
Mettoy became a public listed company in 1963.
In 1966 Corgi received recognition in the form of both the "Queens Award to Industry" as well as the National Association of Toy Retailer's "Highest Standards Award".
The late 1960's saw the launch of Mattel's Hot Wheels range which though were less accurate they were more hip and colourful attracting youngster's eyes and pocket money. This ate into Mettoy's profits. Also a terrible fire at the Swansea factory in 1969 saw stock built up to fulfil outstanding orders destroyed and retailers turning to rival Dinky Toys. By 1970, Corgi Toys Ltd employed over 3500 people in the production of toy vehicles. However the tide was turning. 1971 saw the company founder, Philip Ullmann die plus the closure of the company's Northampton factory along with the loss of 900 jobs.
Through the 1970s children became more demanding, no longer would small toy cars satisfy. Changes such as increasing media exposure and parents having more disposable income meant demand spread for more "exotic" toys and games. Such a sea change combined with the lack of investment and increased costs saw Mettoy's profitability fall. As they entered the 1980s changes to the economy relating to export taxes and other factors saw the company lose over £7 million of turnover (at this point Mettoy didn't just mean themselves but also Corgi and other brands such as Playcraft, Wembley Playballs, etc). A further loss of £2.75 million was announced in 1981, with similar disasterous results in 1982. Redundancies followed with the Northampton factory closure and all production was moved to Swansea, however the writing was on the wall...
The continuing bad run of luck saw the company start to look outside their specialist area and attempt to diversify to increase revenue and reduce risk.
Division manager Tony Clarke had long been keeping an eye on electronic toys and wanted to create Mettoy's own "Speak and Spell". Being given the go ahead from the board of directors he contacted the electronics manufacturer Motorola who were based in Scotland to see what they could suggest.
Motorola suggested he looked at their "68xx" reference design which was essentially a sales catalogue for a number of Motorola integrated circuits, central to which was the MC6847 a video display generator. Dragon Data Ltd was born and shortly after mostly sold off and eventually became bankrupt.
Following several disasterous attempts to stave off the inevitable, Mettoy called in the receivers in October, 1983 and sold their remaining stake in Dragon Data Ltd to Pru-Tech.
In 1984 a management buyout was launched for Corgi which was successful and resulted in them trading under the name of the Corgi Toy Co..
1987 saw Corgi once again reach heady heights having been voted "British Toy Company of the Year" by the National Association of Toy Retailers.
By the end of 1989 Corgi Toys was bought out by arch rival Mattel who closed the Swansea factory during the first quarter of 1991 then moved Corgi's headquarters to Mattel's UK offices in Leicester..
In 1995 another management buyout (this time backed by Cinven) was launched followed by Corgi buyouts of the Lledo and Vanguard brands in 1999. With production moving to new premises in the Meridian Business Park, Leicester.
1998 Arthur Katz died, aged 91.
1999 once again saw Corgi bought out, though this time by China based Zindart.
2000 Corgi Sales and Marketing established new offices in the USA.
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