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Rough Ride Romeo
Crawley Creek 2
by Lori King
an Erotic Cowboy Romance
Release Date: Tuesday, June 2
Cowboys don't cry, but Roman "Romeo" Freemont certainly has enough tragic history to spend his days teary-eyed. Instead he's turned to women and liquor in an effort to soothe his aches and pains, but when a petite brunette with a feisty temper comes crashing into his world, he realizes what he's been missing.
Francesca "Franki" Scott has walked through fire herself. Nowadays she just isn't a people person, and she's definitely not interested in a wannabe playboy ranch owner either. She has a mission and it could mean life or death for someone close to her if she gets distracted.
Closing the gap between these two wounded souls could mean surviving yet another tragedy. Will their determination to hide their pain from themselves be their downfall, or will they come through this rough ride together?
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mf39ltr
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/or3y2s9
Amazon AU: http://tinyurl.com/othynfh
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/o2oa46o
Crawley Creek #1
a Steamy Cowboy Romance
Lacy Denvers has lost her job, and lost her way. All she wants to do now is get her career back on track and find some stability again, but first, she wants to mark something off her bucket list: She wants to learn to ride a horse. Her dream vacation to the Crawley Creek Cattle Ranch turns into a lesson in patience when the North Dakota winter proves unpredictable as ever. Wrapped in a cocoon of snow, Lacy finds the ranch to be a hidden treasure trove of cowboy eye candy, and her mouth is watering even as her brain is telling her to run.
After a devastating tragedy, a young Drannon Russo ended up fostering with the Crawley family, and found a home. He's only moved away once and had to lean on family for support when his dreams were shattered. Being a cowboy on a ranch is a pretty lonely existence. When a beautiful redhead shows up looking for a fresh start he's determined to give them both what they want.
Will this vacation into the heart of cattle country turn out to be a mistake, or will Lacy and Drannon find their future in each other?
Warning: Explicit romance
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Mdjr2Z Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/oz69san Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/o6zzhhz Amazon AU: http://tinyurl.com/l827fxy
Hot enough to melt a North Dakota blizzard. In this first book of the Crawley Creek series, Lori King introduces the reader to 4 cowboys, each rugged and seductive in their own unique ways. Drannon is the oldest, and he instantly falls for their vacationing guest Lacy. She's at a crossroads, but the handsome cowboy threatens to detour her plans. It is ironically this group of orphaned brothers that gives her a sense of family that she has longed for. It was fun to meet the men and to become familiar with the beauty of the North Dakota setting. While Lacy is asked to change her address, she is never asked to change who she is. In fact the brothers respect her immensely, even through all their teasing. The passion is hot and intense. As much as I loved meeting Drannon, I can't wait to get to know the other guys a little better, too.
There was a couple of inches of snow drift across the front lawn, but when she turned the corner and faced west, brown grass poked through just a dusting of snow, and the wind stole her breath from her lungs. Grey clouds filled the sky and the scent of snow was on the air.
Tipping her head down, she hurried across the yard to the massive barn doors, pausing only long enough to tug one open and squeeze through it. Compared to the cold outside, the warmth of the barn was intoxicating. The smell of animals and hay filled her nose and she sneezed loudly.
"Bless you." The deep voice was followed by a masculine chuckle, and she jerked in surprise looking for its owner. When she didn't immediately spot anyone she frowned.
"Thank you, um, whoever you are?"
A black cowboy hat appeared over the top of a stall next to a brown horses head. Under the hat was a strong face, with a sharp jaw and a meticulously trimmed goatee and mustache. His nose was a little large, and as she stepped closer she could see that it was also slightly crooked with a telling bump in the middle. The smile on his face was amused as he allowed her to look her fill. But his dark black eyebrow rose when she remained quietly standing several feet away from him.
Concern filled his brown eyes and he reached one long arm over the stall door opening the latch. Her vision suddenly filled with the huge sexy body of a real life cowboy and she felt her chest tighten. He was beautiful. Black curly hair peeked out from under the brim of his hat, barely curling over his ears and the collar of his heavy brown coat. His wide shoulders filled out every spare millimeter of the material, and a powerfully built chest drew her gaze further down until her eyes struck gold. Framed by perfectly cut chaps was a thick looking bulge of blue denim and zipper, and Lacy nearly groaned out loud at the many wicked images running through her brain.
"Are you all right?"
She jumped in surprise at his question and felt a hot blush creep up her cheeks. "Yes, I'm sorry. That was ridiculously rude, please excuse me." She stepped forward with her hand out, "I'm Lacy Denvers."
"Ah, Denvers, yes Marilyn said we were going to have a guest for a couple of weeks."
The hand that took hers was enormous, and it engulfed her grip until she could barely see her own skin. She could feel calluses on his palm and a shiver went up her spine at the touch. What would that feel like on other more sensitive parts of her body?
"Pretty unusual for someone to book a vacation in North Dakota in the winter."
She was taken aback by the comment, and frowned up at him. At five foot eight, Lacy wasn't a short girl, but the cowboy was at least eight or nine inches taller than she was, so her head had to tip back to see his eyes.
"I booked the trip last summer. I wanted to get away from the city and I wanted to learn how to ride. Is that a problem?"
"Want to learn how to ride, huh?"
The teasing flirtation in his voice made her pussy clench and her breasts swell. This time it was his eyes that slowly wandered down her body taking in every bit of her before coming back up to meet her pointed gaze.
"I have no doubt that you can learn how to ride like a pro here at Crawley Creek."
She nodded sharply refusing to acknowledge the innuendo. His eyes had turned a darker color, and his pupils had grown along with the bulge behind his zipper. The attraction was clearly mutual. Her heart was racing in her chest, and she turned back to the horse he had been working with in order to give herself some breathing room.
Best-selling author, Lori King, is also a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart. With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her.
Find out more about her current projects at http://lorikingbooks.com,
or look her up on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriKingBooks.
"She's pretty, does she have a name?"
The cowboy stepped closer to the stall. Suddenly her palms were sweating too, and she was glad she had on so many layers so that he wouldn't be able to see the hard nubs of her nipples poking through her shirt.
"She is a he, and his name is Toto."
Lacy snorted and then covered her mouth in embarrassment. "Sorry, you don't mean, Toto like the dog in Oz do you?"
"Is there another Toto?"
A giggle slipped out, and then turned into a full on loud laugh. Toto snuffed in his stall and looked at her with large brown eyes. The cowboy seemed amused at her enjoyment. He stepped closer and reached his hand up to run it over Toto's forehead. The horse nuzzled him, and bobbed its head asking for more affection.
"Here, reach up and touch him. He's like any other male, if you stroke him right he'll be yours."
His voice was low and deep, and his eyes were locked on Lacy while she reached up to run her hand over the soft white spot on Toto's forehead. Toto truly did seem to appreciate the gesture, and he tipped his nose to sniff at her arm.
"He's beautiful. This is the closest I've ever been to a real horse."
"Toto is honored to be your first."
Lacy's eyes darted over to look at the cowboy. His flirtations weren't subtle, and his eyes blatantly said that he would be up for a hot sweaty fling. She pondered for less than a breath before she turned to face him.
"Are all cowboys this forward?" She cocked her head to one side watching him.
His eyes shuttered and the heat seemed to seep out of them instantly. "I apologize. It's not often a beautiful woman appears in the barn out of nowhere. I have some more work to do, but you're welcome to look around, just make sure to stay out of the stalls without someone with you. All of the horses are gentle most of the time, but accidents happen. You're such a wisp, one kick and you'd be done for."
While he spoke, he reached back over the wall of the stall and pulled up a bucket that must have been on a hook inside. There was a collection of unusual tools inside the bucket, but she didn't have a chance to ask him what they were before he was headed down the walkway and out the doors.
Posted by Inner Goddess at 12:00 AM
Labels: cowboy, Crawley Creek, erotic, Lori King, romance, Rough Ride Romeo


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Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular show, The Pirates of Penzance, is a rollicking, delightfully funny tale of a band of soft-tempered pirates.
Mistakenly apprenticed to a pirate (instead of a pilot) by his nursemaid Ruth at the age of eight, the handsome Frederic is now twenty-one and, though quite fond of the group of joyous and fun-loving pirates, chooses to abandon his profession and "lead a blameless life henceforth," dedicating himself instead to their eradication.
Shortly after leaving them, he encounters a gaggle of beautiful maidens (one of whom, Mabel, steals his heart) and their father, the eccentric Major-General. The whole group has a run-in with the pirates themselves before escaping on the false premise that the Major-General is an orphan -- a fact these tender-hearted pirates simply cannot help but take into account, given the fact that the majority of them are orphans themselves and "know what it's like."
Just as Frederic is ready to lead a band of lily-livered policemen to take out the Pirate King and his men, a secret is uncovered that will change his fate forever, but, naturally, all comes out right in the end.
Beloved since its premiere in 1879, The Pirates of Penzance (or The Slave of Duty) is a delightful farce of a classic that is fun for all ages.
'Pirates' was directed by John Greene, with musical direction by Tim Egan.
See the poster or view the photo gallery.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 212 - Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas, Lord of Temptation by Erica Ridley
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Something is rotten in England and Ethan Ransom is following the trail to the traitors. Then the very lovely Dr. Garrett Gibson arrives on the scene and a wonderful night happens. That is not all. Garrett, who is the only female doctor in England, becomes a pawn to use agains Ethan. This uses the illegitimate son trope as part of the plot and it works very well. Now all the Ravenels are part of the story line as both legitimate and illegimate work together to save the day. Look for some very interesting disclosers that keep the romance in the story on track. A very good addition to the series.
Lord of Temptation by Erica Ridley
On a personal note I did not like the cover on the book but did enjoy the story. Lord Hawkridge and Faith Digby have a past but not a very good one. Seems Hawk, at 18, cast her off with only a letter saying goodby 10 years ago. He felt he had good reason as he had just learned he was saddled with more debts than he could pay off in years. Now they have just crossed paths and the reunion has not been a happy one. Faith has a secret. That drives the story line. Both feel betrayed but both have at least one common goal. A nice addition to the Lords to Riches series.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Posted by JC Jones at 12:00 AM No comments:
Labels: Erica Ridley, Historical Romance, Lisa Kleypas, Ravenels, Rogues to Riches
For This Moment by Holly Bush - Blurb Blitz and Giveaway
For This Moment
by Holly Bush
1871 - Born to privilege and duty in Virginia, Olivia Gentry comes of age as women begin to find their social and political independence. She has been raised and educated to carry on the Gentry family's successful horse breeding stables with her brothers at Paradise, their family home. Having been deceived in love as a young woman and unsure of her instincts, she is wary to commit to a marriage, but she cannot deny her long-buried feelings for a family friend.
Jim Somerset has been in love with Olivia Gentry from the moment she gazed up at him as a young girl. A farrier by trade like his father before him, he and his business's future are inexorably entwined with the Gentry family. He has watched her be courted by statesmen, and considers her and her goals out of the reach of a common workman, like himself. But he is fearful that he will never rid Olivia from his mind and from his heart. Has the moment come for him to reveal his passions for her? Find out in the third installment of the Gentrys of Paradise.
Twilight had descended, though, and she wasn't walking into the woods, where tree cover had already made it dark. But Olivia was heading toward the woods, where she could skirt the cool edges, away from the crowds until her breathing and sense were restored. She noticed two things as she walked. The sound of human voices had dimmed, and Jim Somerset was standing directly ahead of her.
"Of all people," she said softly.
He pushed off the tree he was leaning against and walked toward her. He didn't stop until he was standing close to her.
"Are you engaged to him?"
She shook her head. "No."
"What did that kiss mean?" he blurted out.
"I didn't kiss him," she said and looked so forlorn, so lost, that he wanted to gather her in his arms like he would a sister or brother who'd skinned a knee. But that wasn't quite true, or even true a small amount, because he wanted to ease her to the ground and cover her body with his. He wanted to touch her face and hair. He wanted to put his lips on hers.
"At the creek when you kissed me," he clarified.
She was silent for so long he wondered if she'd heard him or was ever going to answer if she had heard him. He was staring at her, waiting, when the tears began to roll down her cheeks and drop off her chin. The muscles in his chest contorted and twisted as he watched each tear fall. He had to force himself to breathe. Her hurt, her pain, was constricting his heart's ability to beat and his lungs' capacity to draw air and he understood at that moment with some clarity what poets meant by heartbreak.
Holly Bush writes historical romance set in the U.S.in the late 1800's, in Victorian England, and and occasional Women's Fiction title. Her books are described as emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance. She makes her home with her husband in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com and on Twitter @hollybushbooks and on Facebook at Holly Bush.
http://www.hollybushbooks.com
http://www.twitter.com/hollybushbooks
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435
http://www.amazon.com/Holly-Bush/e/B006ZDTQ1A/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-this-moment-holly-bush/1127861817
https://www.amazon.com/This-Moment-Gentrys-Paradise-Book-ebook/dp/B0795BC3Z1
Holly Bush will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour:
March 12: Christine Young
March 12: The Avid Reader
March 13: The Reading Addict
March 13: Unabridged Andra's
March 14: Buried Under Romance
March 14: Fabulous and Brunette
March 15: BooksChatter
March 15: Edgar's Books
March 16: Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
March 16: Queen of All She Reads
March 19: Danita Minnis
March 19: Sharing Links and Wisdom
March 20: Stormy Nights Reviewing and Bloggin'
March 20: Two Crazy Ladies Love Romance
March 21: XoXo Book Blog
March 21: A Chick Who Reads
March 22: Author C.A.Milson
March 22: B-Gina Review
March 23: books are love
March 23: Rachel Brimble Romance
March 26: Deal Sharing Aunt
March 26: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
March 27: Jazzy Book Reviews
March 27: Lampshade Reader
March 28: Hearts and Scribbles
March 28: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
March 29: Mixed Book Bag
March 29: Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
March 30: Locks, Hooks and Books - review
March 30: Musings From An Addicted Reader
April 2: Readeropolis
April 2: Romance Novel Giveaways
April 3: Long and Short Reviews
April 3: Sapphyria's Books
April 4: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
April 4: A Writer's Life
April 5: Harlie's Books - review
April 5: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
April 6: Tina Donahue Books - Heat with Heart
April 6: It's Raining Books
Posted by JC Jones at 1:30 AM 10 comments:
Labels: For This Moment, Goddess Fish Promotions, Historical Romance, Holly Bush, Mixed Book Bag
A Hole in One by Judy Pena Sheluk - Blurb Blitz and Giveaway
A Hole in One
by Judy Penz Sheluk
Hoping to promote the Glass Dolphin antiques shop, co-owners Arabella Carpenter and Emily Garland agree to sponsor a hole in one contest at a charity golf tournament. The publicity turns out to be anything but positive, however, when Arabella's errant tee shot lands in the woods next to a corpse.
They soon learn that the victim is closely related to Arabella's ex-husband, who had been acting as the Course Marshal. With means, opportunity, and more than enough motive, he soon becomes the police department's prime suspect, leaving Arabella and Emily determined to clear his name—even if they're not entirely convinced of his innocence.
Dogged by incriminating online posts from an anonymous blogger, they track down leads from Emily's ex-fiancé (and the woman he left Emily for), an Elvis impersonator, and a retired antiques mall vendor with a secret of her own.
All trails lead to a mysterious cult that may have something to do with the murder. Can Arabella and Emily identify the killer before the murderer comes after them?
Arabella Carpenter let the others go first. All three managed to clear the pond with their tee shot and land on the green, but not one was anywhere close to getting a hole in one. Arabella breathed a sigh of relief—since they were sponsoring the contest, their foursome might not be eligible to win, but it still freaked her out to think someone else might. She went through her mental prep, took her swing, and watched as her ball went directly into the woods.
"Hey, you made it over the water," Hudson said, hopping into his cart. "For someone just starting out, that's not a bad shot."
Arabella caught Emily's look and smiled. He really was a nice guy. "Thanks, Hudson. Whether I can find my ball is an entirely different story. Why don't I look for it while you guys putt in? I'm sure one of you will be able to make the shot."
They crossed the pond on a wooden bridge just wide enough for their golf carts, parked on the path next to the hole, and grabbed their putters. Luke, Hudson, and Emily went to the green and began debating which ball to hit. Arabella trundled over to the woods, feeling stupid and hoping like hell it wasn't infested with poison ivy. The woods were thicker than she'd expected. She walked in a couple of feet, using her putter to push the branches aside.
That's when she started to scream.
An Amazon international bestselling author, Judy Penz Sheluk is the author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries (THE HANGED MAN'S NOOSE and A HOLE IN ONE) and The Marketville Mysteries (SKELETONS IN THE ATTIC). Her short crime fiction appears is included in several collections, including LIVE FREE OR TRI.
Judy is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Regional Representative for Toronto/Southern Ontario.
Find Judy on her website/blog at www.judypenzsheluk.com, where she interviews and showcases the works of other authors and blogs about the writing life.
Website/Blog: http://www.judypenzsheluk.com
Facebook Author: https://business.facebook.com/JudyPenzSheluk/?business_id=736294013145101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyPenzSheluk
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/judypenzsheluk/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Penz-Sheluk/e/B00O74NX04
Buy Links for A HOLE IN ONE:
Amazon: http://authl.it/9f0
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-hole-in-one-judy-penz-sheluk/1127967500
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/a-hole-in-one-3
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Judy_Penz_Sheluk_A_Hole_in_One?id=IERMDwAAQBAJ
iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/a-hole-in-one/id1350574649?mt=11
Barking Rain Press: https://barkingrainpress.org/a-hole-in-one/ -1473022241950-de2dbbf6-9e98
Judy Penz Sheluk will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
March 19: Rogue's Angels
March 20: Let me tell you a story
March 20: Long and Short Reviews
March 22: Stuffed with Lurv
March 22: Independent Authors
March 27: Natural Bri
March 27: Readeropolis
March 28: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
March 29: Tina Donahue Books - Heat with Heart
March 30: La libreria di Beppe
March 30: The Book Connection
April 2: The Avid Reader
April 2: Author C.A.Milson
April 2: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
April 3: Teresa Trent Author Blog
April 4: A Chick Who Reads
April 4: FUONLYKNEW
April 5: Edgar's Books
April 5: Notes From a Romantic's Heart - review
April 6: Bookaholic - review
April 9: Dina Rae's Write Stuff
April 9: Two Ends of the Pen
April 9: Jazzy Book Reviews
April 10: Harlie's Books
April 10: Mello and June, It's a Book Thang!
April 11: Musings From An Addicted Reader
April 11: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
April 12: Journey of a Bookseller - review
April 12: Sapphyria's Books
April 13: B-Gina Review
April 13: It's Raining Books
Posted by JC Jones at 12:30 AM 10 comments:
Labels: Goddess Fish Promotions, Hole in One, Judy Penz Sheluk, Mixed Book Bag, mystery
Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 211 - Murder At Half Moon Gate by Andrea Penrose, The Chosen by Thea Harrison
Murder at Half Moon Gate by Andrea Penrose
I have a real weakness for historical mysteries. What I love are the things that are a big part of the story in Murder at Half Moon Gate. This is a mixture of the real and what could have been. In addition the characters fit the period where the story is set. This time the two main characters are Lord Wrexford, a English lord who loves science and feels that there is no room for emotion. Helping him is Charlotte Sloane, a lady with a somewhat mysterious past who uses a male pseudonym A. J. Quill to publish her scathing political cartoons. The mystery is complex, the danger ever present, and there is an excellent fit with the time period. The two have some very interesting helpers. All of the characters are very well developed, even those in a secondary role. This is book two in the series and I wished that I had read book one. Even so I had no trouble keeping up with the story. A very nice addition to the historical mystery universe.
The Chosen by Thea Harrison
A nice story that has some ties to the Elder Races series but sits a long way outside. The characters are new and a different world is built. I liked both Wolf and Lily. They were complex characters who carried the plot and kept things interesting. There were some fun scenes between the two as rock met hard place. A story that adds to the series for fans but can stand alone as an introduction for new readers.
Labels: A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery, Andrea Penrose, Elder Races Series, Historical Mystery, Paranormal, Thea Harrison
One for The Price of Two by Howard Weiner - Blurb Blitz and Giveaway
One for the Price of Two
by Howard Weiner
GENRE: Fiction, Thriller, Crime
Fraternal twins are raised by an ambivalent aunt who provides an unusual childhood experience. One twin leaves home to join the armed forces and is ultimately assigned to a Special Forces unit conducting clandestine operations in North Korea. The death of one his unit members produces an introduction to an organized crime family specializing in murder for hire. The funeral for the family's son and an interest in their daughter brings new blood and methods to the family business.
Later, she found she couldn't explain what it was about the passenger who boarded in the midst of the newbies. He was taller than most, but that wasn't it. His facial features were smooth, rounded with none of the angular bone structures most men had. He wore one of those rugby shirts with the parallel horizontal lines much like the old TV test patterns. His skin was light, very light. Perhaps that was it. Who lived in Las Vegas with milky white skin?
His long sandy hair was tied in the back—a man bun.
The horror that was the boarding process mercifully came to an end. The late hour guaranteed a quick trip to their runway and takeoff. Planes waiting to depart were not stacked up. A long, but quick taxi ride to the take-off area was the only thing between the plane and flight. Quickly, they were airborne, and shortly thereafter, they reached cruising altitude. Drink and snack service began.
The senior flight attendant encouraged economy passengers scattered throughout the plane to move forward. Seating was plentiful, and they wanted to bring this part of the flight service program to an end.
She completed the business class service and turned her attention to staging the extra beverages and ice needed to begin service in the economy section, when one of the other attendants started to complain.
"Didn't she hear us ask everyone in economy to please move forward?"
"I'm sorry," she started, "who are you talking about?"
"The tall woman sitting in front of the rear bulkhead."
"Describe her," she prompted.
"Tall, milky complexion, soft features, pony-tail, wearing a rugby dress." She paused, "Can you imagine? Skin like that in the hot desert sun. She must hide under a ton of sun screen and big hats. Poor thing."
"Did you say a woman?" she asked.
"Yes, a woman."
The only person who fit that description was a man she saw during boarding.
Wow, she thought. It's been a long day. Did I mistake a woman for a man?
Howard Weiner is a recent addition to the literary genre of fiction. Writing mysteries, thrillers, crimes—with a touch of romance—an approach described by one reader as "one bubble off."
Many authors sharing the genre have characters whose fortune is determined by others. They literally have dodged the bullet that otherwise would have killed them. Weiner's characters make their own fortune—good or bad—and they live with the results.
Weiner's own experiences are blessed with no small number of noteworthy characters and events. He brings these slightly off-kilter individuals to life, complete with their own stories and dramas. Like the child prodigy in his first novel, "It Is Las Vegas After All", who comes to the starting edge of adulthood and then loses the approval of his doting parents, the sponsorship of one of America's great institutions of higher education, and gains the enmity of his girlfriend's father—an international arms dealer—to become a home-grown terrorist operating on U.S. Soil.
A survivor of rich, nuanced bureaucracies in the public and private sector, Weiner writes about characters whose career choices and decisions are morally questionable. A student of personal behavior in complex circumstances, Weiner brings these often cringe-worthy characters to life. Some are amoral, others immoral in a narrow slice of their lives, yet they otherwise look and act like people we all know from work or even childhood. Like one of the female leads in his novel, "Serendipity Opportunity", an out-of-the-box thinker who flunks most of life's basic relationship tests, yet she is someone you never want pursuing you in the cause of justice. There's a former foreign security official who uses his protected status as a witness for federal prosecutors to provide cover for his own mayhem and murder in Weiner's third novel, "Bad Money".
Many of Weiner's stories are born out of real life events: The mix-up in luggage claim at the airport in, "Bad Money", the chronic high school slacker in "Serendipity Opportunity" whose one stroke of good fortune creates his opportunity to perpetrate a complex series of frauds, or the brilliant student in "It Is Las Vegas After All" who uses his prodigious talents toward an evil end.
As a former federal official, Weiner can neither confirm nor deny having the highest security clearances in classified security programs. Yet, his knowledge of the dark web, criminal organizations, and security organizations takes stories from the popular press to the next level.
Amazon Author Central Web Site:
The book will be $0.99 during the tour.
https://www.amazon.com/One-Price-Blood-Relations-Book-ebook/dp/B07BC6GHDW/
Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KE771A
Author Web Site:
https://www.hdweiner.com
Howard Weiner will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomldrawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
March 22: Mello and June, It's a Book Thang!
March 23: T's Stuff
March 27: Just Books
March 28: A Writer's Life
March 30: My Reading Journeys - review
April 2: Deal Sharing Aunt
April 2: B-Gina Review
April 3: Our Families Adventure
April 3: Welcome to My World of Dreams
April 4: Stormy Nights Reviewing and Bloggin' - review
April 4: Unabridged Andra
April 5: Bookaholic
April 6: Rainy Day Reviews
April 9: Let me tell you a story
April 9: This and That Book Blog
April 10: Natural Bri - review
April 10: So Many Books
April 11: Sascha Darlington's Microcosm Explored
April 13: Two Ends of the Pen - review
April 13: Nickie's Views and Interviews
Posted by JC Jones at 12:30 AM 6 comments:
Labels: Crime Thriller, Forward Weiner, Goddess Fish Promotions, Mixed Book Bag, One for the Price of Two
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Capital mobility brings many benefits to a country's economy but can also create instability and worsen crises. Measures can and should be put in place to curb the more risky forms of capital flow and foreign-exchange speculation.
Dennis Engbarth talks to opposition Democratic Progressive Party chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen about the challenges in negotiating with mainland China.
Taiwan and China are once again looking to formally agree a financial relationship. Dennis Engbarth reports.
Despite a recent lending crisis, Taiwan has quietly assumed an enviable position in global finance, with ever closer economic ties to China. Brian Caplen reports.
Debate on China's future was fierce at the inaugural summer event of the World Economic Forum held in the Chinese city of Dalian. Stephen Timewell reports.
In the face of intensifying pressure on Taiwan's external relations from a rising China, as shown by the August 6 break in ties with oil-rich Chad, Foreign Minister James Huang shares his views about the country's external strategy with Dennis Engbarth.
While China persuades countries to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Taipei may be changing its attitude to how it counts its allies while formulating a strategy to reverse its political isolation. Dennis Engbarth reports.


Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE) invites you to join them for their annual mid-year conference on September 15th in New York City.
For more information, please contact Angel Vallejo at angel@wcoeusa.org or call 800.788.3548.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsorships for this national event provide an opportunity for our industry to show support of women in our eld at all ownership and executive levels.


This Diwali box is handcrafted from cedar and teak wood and it is finished with aluminum foil embossing. It is adorned with a splendid floral pattern and complemented with a blue velvet lining inside. The velvet lining does not only give an elegant touch to this box, but it also protects your valuables from scratches and other damage. This box measures 6 inches in length, 4 inches in width and 2 inches in height. Hence, you can place it anywhere you want, to have your valuables within easy reach of hand, and this beautiful box in sight.
Do you love the traditions and culture of India? In this case, you'll be impressed with this Diwali Gifts Antique Style Sliding Small Jewelry Trinket Holder Box Keepsake Organizer. It makes a fabulous addition to any home and store. You can use it to organize and display some of the most precious jewelry and accessories in your collection. Besides, you can also get this box as a special gift to someone you care of.
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Dimensions: Length – 6 inches, Width – 4 inches, Height – 2 inches.
Hand crafted from the best quality cedar and teak wood with aluminum foil embossing.
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Store your earrings, bracelets, coins, stamps and other items of value in this engaging box. The latch is sturdy keeping your things safe within the box.


There are a range of work activities that require an individual or business to hold a licence prior to performing the work.
Shopgoods fireworks (retail and wholesale).
Prior to commencing construction work, a worker must first obtain a General Construction Induction Training card (aka NT White Card or interstate equivalent).


Practice today was a struggle. My boots were not cooperating. I couldn't get my laces snug enough to jump without pinching. After 4 or 5 tries I finally stuck a glove in my boot and that worked.
Worked on my Flip Jump, Salchow and MIF for the upcoming test. Landed my first Loop Jump today and attempted a Lutz Jump, but I only got a 1/2 Lutz out of it.


(in Polish: Polskie Towarzystwo Przyrodników im. Kopernika) was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest scientific societies in Poland. The constituent meeting of Polish Copernicus Society of Naturalists was held on the 17th January 1875 in Lviv (in Polish: Lwów). Professors of Lviv universities were initiators and founders of the Society. The first President was Feliks (Szczęsny) Kreutz, Professor of mineralogy.
Currently, the President is Prof. Elżbieta Pyza and Vice-Presidents are Prof. Bronisław Cymborowski and Prof. Jerzy Vetulani.
"Wszechświat. Pismo Przyrodnicze" (the title in translation into English: "The Universe. Magazine of Nature"), since 1882.
3) Section of Human Biology (Sekcja Nauk o Człowieku, Sekcja Biologii Człowieka).
The Society is a 'non-profit' organization. Members of the Society perform their duties honorably and our activity relies on grants and donations.
Contact to the Main Board.


text:
Q: Sharding GridFS on MongoDB I'm documenting about the GridFS and the possibility to shard it among different machines.
Reading the documentation here, the suggested shard key is chunks.files_id. This key will be linked to the _id of the files collection, thus this _id is incremental. Every new file i save in the Grid will have a new incremental _id.
In the O'Reilly "Scaling MongoDB" book the use of an incremental shard key is discouraged to avoid HotSpots (the last shard will receive all the write and read).
what is your suggestion for sharding the GridFS collection?
have anybody experienced the HotSpot problem?
thank you.

A: You can shard gridfs data because gridfs it just two collecttions: chunks and files. And gridfs sharding it's very useful and great thing. About gridfs shard key it's always bad choose random or incremental shard key, because data not evenly distribute across shards. In case of incremental shard key all writes going to the last shard and it growth and once difference between become 10 or more chunks, balancer move data to another shards. Moving data to another shard always difficult task that should be avoided as it possible.
So when you choose shard key you should care about even distribution of data.
Also if you get luck mb author of 'Scaling MongoDB' kristina(great specialist in shard keys) will answer to your question.
Documentation says that in common cases you should choose default index fileId:1,n:1 as shard key:

There are different ways that GridFS
  can be sharded, depending on the need.
  One common way to shard, based on
  pre-existing indexes, is:
"files" collection is not sharded. All
  file records will live in 1 shard. It
  is highly recommended to make that
  shard very resilient (at least 3 node
  replica set) "chunks" collection gets
  sharded using the existing index
  "files_id: 1, n: 1". Some files at the
  end of ranges may have their chunks
  split across shards, but most files
  will be fully contained within the
  same shard.

A: You should shard on files_id to keep file chunks together, but you are correct that that will create a hotspot.  If you can, use something other than ObjectId for _ids in the fs.files collection (probably MD5s would be better than ObjectIds).
We'll be adding hashing for sharding, which will solve this, but not until at least 2.0.

A: Currently MongoDB as of version 1.8.1 supports only sharding on "file_id" field, because of using md5 to verify the upload, but it doesn't
work across shards yet. So you cannot split single file across shards.
Answer on google group7

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Contemporary Art 101 is a Members-only art history lecture series at the Art School. This spring, we are delighted to continue this wildly popular series with Dr. Kate Green, featuring eye-opening lectures on various topics in contemporary art since the 1990s.
Contemporary Art 101 is available in both a daytime and evening session. Both series start February 2. Space is limited!
Please register for the full course of seven lectures online at the links below or by phone at 512 458 8191. You may also email membership@thecontemporaryaustin.org with questions or to register.
Designed as a follow-up to the museum's fall lecture series, this sequential course, led by art historian Dr. Kate Green, seeks to understand contemporary practice in the context of the past twenty-five years of artistic production. Sessions are organized around themes addressed by artists since the 1990s and their signal exhibitions.
Each class includes concise reading material as well as a printed list of images to take away.
Wine will be included, courtesy of our Art 101 Wine Sponsor The Austin Wine Merchant.
Both day and evening sessions meet Thursdays.
Instructor Kate Green received her Ph.D. in art history from The University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. in Curatorial Studies from the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College. As an art historian, she specializes in American art since 1960 and the history of exhibitions. She teaches art history at The University of Texas at Austin and has taught courses at Trinity University and Texas State University. As a curator, she specializes in contemporary art. She has worked at, among other institutions, MoMA PS 1 / MoMA, Dia Art Foundation, and Artpace, where she developed and oversaw that institution's curatorial and education departments. Green writes about modern and contemporary art for Art in America, Artforum.com, and Modern Painters.


More 1981 alumni from Andalusia HS have posted profiles on Classmates.com®. Click here to register for free at Classmates.com® and view other 1981 alumni.
The Andalusia High class of '81 alumni are listed below. These are former students from Andalusia High in Andalusia, AL who graduated in 1981. Alumni listings below have either been searched for or they registered as members of this directory.
You can also find out what other graduates are doing now, share memories with other alumn, upload pictures from Andalusia and find other alumni.


Histoplasmosis refers to a fungal infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. Dogs usually ingest the fungus when they eat or inhale contaminated soil or bird droppings. The fungus then enters the dog's intestinal tract, where it causes a diseased condition to develop.
The primary cause of this infection is the ingestion of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. The fungus may be inhaled when contaminated soil is disturbed, such as what happens when dogs scratch or dig in the dirt, or through contact with contaminated bird droppings, including that from poultry, and bat droppings.
A chemical blood profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis will be conducted. While blood tests may confirm the presence of histoplasmosa antibodies, this only means that your dog has been exposed to the fungus, and not necessarily that the dog is in a diseased state as the result of exposure. Further differential testing will confirm or rule out the actual state of histoplasmosis.
In order to settle on the correct course of treatment, your veterinarian will want to differentiate the symptoms of histoplasmosis from the syptoms of other diseased conditons. Severe chronic diarrhea and weight loss can indicate a variety of conditions for dogs, including lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis, eosinophilic enteritis, lymphoma, chronic parasitism, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.


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American Crime Story's third outing will focus on the 1997 murder of Gianni Versace in Miami. The iconic Italian designer was slain by serial killer Andrew Cunanan, who'd been on a protracted killing spree since April of that year. Eight days after killing Versace, Cunanan committed suicide before he could be captured by Miami Dade police. The 10-episode Versace/Cunanan: American Crime Story will be based in part on Maureen Orth's Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, And The Largest Failed Manhunt In U.S. History.


text:
2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State University
Penn State cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields is a big kid, that plays the ball well. He is not the most physical corner but in run support he is a beast.
Penn State CB Tariq Castro-Fields is a 6'0 cornerback that NFL teams love, but he brings a little tenacity too. When it comes to the run game, his closing speed is so amazing.
As a junior last year he started all 12 games, he finished the season with 52 tackles, 3 tackles for loss which was the best among all Penn State corners and had 8 pass break-ups.
This year Castro-Fields has started three games and has been pretty solid in all three games. He has played in 40 career games and broke 100 tackles last week against Maryland.
He has 106 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He has 22 pass break ups and three career interceptions.
This year, teams are doing their best to stay away from #5. That is smart, because he will make you pay if you come his way.
NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes
When it comes to run support, most cornerbacks do not want to come up and help. That is not the case with Tariq Castro-Fields. The 6'0 cornerback has a knack for shutting down the outside run plays in his direction. I love the ability to cover bigger receivers. He has heart, and he will not quit on a play. His best trait is he can play man-to-man and in zone. He is a good player. – Damond Talbot, NFL Draft Diamonds Owner
MVP chants Crank them Up Bills fans
That was huge twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/st…
Let's Go Weber State!!!!! Put em on the map Taron Johnson
Last Chance:Fantasy Doctors: Cooper Kupp Injury Update | Cooper boarded the plane nfldraftdiamonds.com/2021/01/cooper… #NFL… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
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The Office of Communications designs, edits, writes, and produces content across a variety of communications platforms, including Williams Magazine, the college's website, and its social media channels. We manage day-to-day media relations (writing and producing news releases) and can provide media training for faculty and administrators and strategic consultation on internal and external communications.
We maintain the college's overall visual identity, provide design consultation and services, and produce video and photography that helps promote and convey the Williams story in specific, authentic, and compelling ways.
We're responsible for developing and maintaining the college's web presence, and we have expertise in content strategy, design, information architecture, and site usage statistics (analytics). Our web team provides consultation and development services, support of the college's web publishing platform (WordPress), and training for faculty and staff on WordPress.
The college's sports information group, which is part of the Office of Communications, promotes athletics at Williams through its varsity sports website, its social media presence, and media outreach.
Finally, we're responsible for a number of online tools that help the Williams community connect internally and share information externally, including the public events calendar, campus map, Williams Switchboard, and Daily Messages.
The Office coordinates its work with partners across campus, including through the Communications Advisory Group (CAG).


Started in 2013 by two former employees of one of China's largest electronic goods manufacturer, OnePlus has since evolved to become a formidable presence in the global smartphone market thanks to their range of high-quality, innovative smartphones which manage to pack some seriously powerful hardware into devices which are priced considerably lower than any of their competitors.
The company's very first smartphone, the OnePlus One, debuted in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim with particular praise heaped upon its sleek design, flawless performance and unbelievable value, allowing them to stand toe-to-toe with industry behemoths like Apple and Samsung.
Five other OnePlus devices followed, each of which were also beloved by critics. The latest model, the OnePlus 5 was released in June 2017 and quickly became the company's fastest selling device.
Just last month, OnePlus confirmed that they're working on producing their first ever tablet which is currently known as the OnePlus Tab although that name is subject to change.
In the UK, OnePlus smartphones are only available on the O2 network. They have an excellent variety of different contracts and Pay As You Go deals on offer so you'll easily be able to find one that's suitable for you.
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OnePlus smartphones all run Android OS with their own Oxygen interface laid over the top. One of the world most popular operating systems, here Android is as quick and as fluid as ever with each dessert themed version coming jam packed with all kind of brilliant new extras.
Like all great skins, Oxygen is very user-friendly and doesn't come with an excessive amount of its own apps pre-installed, so you should have no issue navigating around its sleek and uncluttered space.
You can get some great deals on the latest OnePlus smartphone releases, with great value tariffs from UK networks. With Mobile-Phones.co.uk you can compare the prices, with deals that include the phone for free or a cheaper upfront cost, and you can get plans that included loads of calls, texts and data. If you're interested in owning a OnePlus phone outright from the start then check out the SIM Only deals; these are much cheaper than normal contracts as you aren't paying off the phone, and you get generous allowances, along with the option of a 1-month rolling plan..
Carl Pei, one of the company's two founders, was only 24 when he and Pete Lau began OnePlus.
Its motto is "Never Settle".
Originally, their smartphones were only made available through an exclusive invite-only system.
OnePlus serves 42 different countries and regions all around the world.
The company are currently sponsoring the Crystal Maze reboot on Channel 4.


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text:
COVID-19 & "The Next Big One": Spillover revisited
March 12, 2020 By Merritt Clifton
Science writer David Quammen saw COVID-19 coming
COVID-19, though renamed twice just in the first few months of 2020, "is not as novel as you might think," explained veteran science writer David Quammen in the January 28, 2020 edition of The New York Times.
Quammen, 72, was uniquely positioned to comment, not only because he has been reporting about related issues for a lifetime, but as author of Spillover, an award-winning 2012 nonfiction bestseller subtitled Animal Infections & The Next Human Pandemic.
See Spillover: Animal Infections & The Next Human Pandemic.
No need for mad scientists
Spillover could be said to have accurately prophesied the emergence of COVID-19, but might equally accurately be said to have accurately prophesied the MERS-COV scare of 2013, the Ebola virus scare of 2015, which was near peak when ANIMALS 24-7 reviewed the book, and many other zoonotic disease outbreaks which have crossed species barriers that were until recently believed to be impermeable, immutable, and unlikely ever to be violated––except by mad scientists tinkering in top-secret laboratories to develop the germ warfare equivalent of H-bombs.
Quammen in Spillover demonstrated that interspecies disease transmission is actually rather routine. In his New York Times essay, Quammen briefly reprised Spillover, explaining that the COVID-19 outbreak followed an increasingly well-beaten and familiar path.
Bat virus similar to COVID-19 known since 2015
Explained Quammen, "Something very much like [COVID-19] was found several years ago in a cave in Yunnan, a province roughly a thousand miles southwest of Wuhan," where COVID-19 first appeared during mid-November 2019 in the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, possibly transmitted from bats to humans by way of pangolins as an intermediary host.
The virus resembling COVID-19 was discovered, Quammen continued, by "Zheng-Li Shi, of the Wuhan Institute of Virology." With collaborators, Shi "back in 2005 showed that the SARS pathogen was a bat virus that had spilled over into people. Shi and colleagues have been tracing coronaviruses in bats since then," Quammen wrote, "warning that some of them are uniquely suited to cause human pandemics.
Intermediate horseshoe bat.
(Wikipedia photo)
"The intermediate horseshoe bat"
"In a 2017 paper," Quammen detailed, " they set out how, after nearly five years of collecting fecal samples from bats in the Yunnan cave, they had found coronaviruses in multiple individuals of four different species of bats, including one called the intermediate horseshoe bat, because of the half-oval flap of skin protruding like a saucer around its nostrils. The genome of that virus, Shi and her colleagues have now announced, is 96% identical" to COVID-19.
EcoHealth Alliance president Peter Daszak, identified by Quammen as "a co-author of the 2005 bats-and-SARS study, and again of the 2017 paper about the multiple SARS-like coronaviruses in the Yunnan cave," told Quammen that in connection with doing the 2017 study, "the field team took blood samples from a couple of thousand Yunnanese people, about 400 of whom lived near the cave. Roughly 3% of them carried antibodies against SARS-related coronaviruses," possibly including COVID-19, though this appears to be unknown as yet.
COVID-19 over Seattle.
"These viruses make the jump repeatedly"
Said Daszak, "We don't know if they got sick. We don't know if they were exposed as children or adults. But what it tells you is that these viruses are making the jump, repeatedly, from bats to humans."
Assessed Quammen, "In other words, COVID-19 is no novel event. It's part of a sequence of related contingencies that stretches back into the past and will stretch forward into the future, as long as current circumstances persist.
"So when you're done worrying about this outbreak, worry about the next one. Or do something about the current circumstances.
Bamboo rats. (Beth Clifton collage)
"Perilous trade in wildlife for food"
"Current circumstances include a perilous trade in wildlife for food," Quammen emphasized, "with supply chains stretching through Asia, Africa and to a lesser extent, the United States and elsewhere. That trade has now been outlawed in China, on a temporary basis; but it was outlawed also during SARS, then allowed to resume — with bats, civets, porcupines, turtles, bamboo rats, many kinds of birds and other animals piled together in markets such as the one in Wuhan," creating a perfect storm of opportunities for viruses, including coronavirus, to cross-infect new species and mutate into new forms.
Elaborated Quammen in the March 5, 2020 edition of Global Health Now, "When a virus passes from a nonhuman animal into a human, we call that moment of spillover a zoonotic transmission. It's an ecological event. What happens next depends on evolutionary potential and chance. If the virus is adaptable, it may succeed in replicating and proliferating in the new human host," as COVID-19 has.
David Quammen
"What makes a virus adaptable?"
"Maybe it kills the person and the line of transmission comes to an end there—as happens with rabies," Quammen said. "But if the virus is even more adaptable, it may acquire the ability to pass from one human host to another, perhaps by sexual contact (as with HIV), perhaps in bodily fluids such as blood (as with Ebola), perhaps in respiratory droplets launched by coughing or sneezing (as with influenza or SARS)," or as is now known, with COVID-19.
Finished Quammen, "What makes a virus adaptable? The changeability of its genome, plus Darwinian natural selection. Those viruses with single-stranded RNA genomes, which replicate themselves inaccurately and therefore have highly changeable genomes, are among the most adaptable. Coronaviruses belong to that group."
How to spark a pandemic
To spark a pandemic, as COVID-19 has, a disease agent must not only adapt to living within a new host, but also become able to easily and rapidly move from one host to the next without killing the host first. The disease agent can do this in either of two ways, or both.
The disease agent can, like HIV, evolve a long incubation interval before producing effects that kill the host.
Alternatively, the disease agent can, like COVID-19, evolve to produce symptoms so mild that most carriers are unaware they are infected, most infected carriers recover to go on hosting and transmitting the agent, and deaths occur only among those infected hosts who were already severely ill and therefore relatively unlikely to have the opportunity to infect others.
Of note is that disease agents can evolve from a less deadly to more deadly form, but when this occurs, killing the host tends to cause the disease to lose transmissibility and burn out.
COVID-19 lacks "the right stuff" to be "The Next Big One"
By January 17, 2020, Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases deputy editor Marjorie Pollack noted, the available evidence strongly suggested that COVID-19 had only a normal incubation interval of two to nine days, comparable to the incubation intervals for seasonal influenzas and the constellation of mild respiratory infections that are collectively recognized as the common cold.
The available evidence also strongly suggested that COVID-19 was not likely to become "The Next Big One," the term Quammen and many other epidemiologists use to denote the next zoonotic pandemic that will sweep the world, causing thousands of "additive" rather than "compensatory" deaths; in other words, deaths over and above expected mortality.
That assessment turned out to be wrong, because COVID-19 turned out to behave unlike any other coronavirus––or any virus––known to science.
COVID-19 was not believed likely to become "The Next Big One" because in order to be as easily passed from one host to the next as it is, it had to take an extremely mild form in most hosts, such that they do not feel sick, stay home, and thereby fail to shed virus to be inhaled or ingested by others.
(See Why COVID-19 is NOT the zoonotic illness most likely to kill you.)
"The Next Big One" hits the young & strong
Before COVID-19, a disease agent with the potential to become "The Next Big One" felled whoever was infected, like the 1918 Spanish influenza, hitting first the young, healthy people who are the most mobile, with the greatest likelihood of exposure.
COVID-19 from first identification was, and still is, a disease visibly afflicting the aged and already infirm, practically exempting children. As the aged and infirm tend to be out and about the least, any disease appearing to hitting this population segment first and hardest can reasonably be presumed to have already been out and about for weeks or even months among young and healthy people.
For that reason, COVID-19, like any other disease sharing similar characteristics, has proved almost impossible to eradicate by quarantine. Relatively isolated and immobile populations, such as the inmates of nursing homes, can be protected by quarantine.
However, by the time COVID-19 was even identified, it had most likely already been distributed worldwide. It will continue to spread and mutate, mostly to no visible effect, despite having killed 5.3 million people in only two years, until so many people have developed antibodies to it, whether through vaccination or exposure, that it can spread no longer.
Spillover tracked six "Next Big Ones"
David Quammen in Spillover: Animal Infections & The Next Human Pandemic focused on other diseases which at various times in the recent past have looked, at least to some of the noisiest presumed authorities, as if they might be "The Next Big One," only to be contained and mitigated mostly by their own virulence.
Among Quammen's case studies were Hendra virus, SARS (short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Nipah virus, Ebola virus, the H5N1 avian influenza, and HIV/AIDS.
Pointing out that each of these diseases is zoonotic in origin, meaning that it crossed into humans from animals, Quammen tracked each disease back to whenever and wherever the "spillover" occurred, as indicated by the best available historical and genetic evidence.
"Holy cow, Batman!"
Bats are disproportionately often the hosts for diseases that become pandemic in other species, Quammen explained, because there are perhaps more bat species than species of all other mammals; probably only humans are more numerous and broadly distributed.
Bats had already emerged in almost their present form and diversity more than 50 million years ago, and might actually be much older than that.
Though humans share common ancestors with bats, with lemurs and nonhuman primates also in the clade, humans and other animal species kept by humans as pets, steeds, and livestock had relatively little exposure to bats.
Humans, livestock, and dogs are mostly diurnal, dwelling on the ground; bats are nocturnal, dwelling either in caves or high places, rarely coming to ground except to die.
Anderson G. McKendrick, M.D., and William Ogilvy Kermack. (Beth Clifton collage)
"Susceptible, infected, recovered, SIR"
Of further relevance to COVID-19, Quammen in Spillover referred often to the "SIR" model of epidemics published in 1927 by Anderson G. McKendrick, a medical doctor, and William Ogilvy Kermack, a chemist who was blinded by an exploding experiment and turned to applying math to epidemiology.
"SIR" stands for "susceptible, infected, and recovered."
The progress of epidemics can be tracked by the movement of living beings through the three categories. Much depends upon whether survivors of a disease in the "recovered" category become dead ends for the infection, or remain capable of transmitting it, even after recovering from all the evident symptoms.
(See COVID-19: What can wildlife management teach us?)
"Close the wet markets!"
Preventing emerging diseases from spreading is largely a matter of reducing the susceptible populations, most effectively through vaccination, when vaccinations are developed, and/or through changing habits and customs.
Several vaccines believed likely to be effective against COVID-19 were reportedly developed within months, and were rushed through the safety testing phase into manufacture for general use within less than a year. Mass vaccination and even re-vaccination programs, as of December 2021, have already reached most susceptible people around the world, despite a considerable amount of politically motivated vaccination resistance.
Meanwhile, for more than a year before vaccines became available, that left changing habits and customs as our best and only defense––especially, as Quammen emphasized in his New York Times essay, permanently closing "wet markets," also known as "live markets," and discouraging any other commerce in wildlife.
Mink. (Beth Clifton collage)
More pandemics coming
Quammen, unlike many others who have written about emerging diseases, especially COVID-19 in 2020-2021, is a calm and methodical writer, who spent about 15 years researching Spillover, in work often overlapping the research behind his many other books pertaining to biodiversity and evolution.
Quammen nonetheless concluded on a pensive and pessimistic note: while we do not yet know what "The Next Big One" will be, or when it will come, human population growth and increased mobility, disturbing wildlife, practically guarantee that there will be more pandemics of relatively new and initially little understood diseases.
Merritt & Beth Clifton
One such disease may eventually kill tens of millions of people.
Please donate to support our work:
Diseased pigs & mink gave the world COVID-19, scientists suspect
Screaming for the dragon slayer
Spillover: Animal Infections & The Next Human Pandemic
A black-and-white issue that the humane community has yet to face
Black humane history found in great-grandpa's attic near a town called Ark
Four black leaders who built the humane movement––long before MLK!
Filed Under: Africa, African wildlife, Asia/Pacific, Cats, China, Culture & Animals, Disasters, Disease, Dogs, Dogs & Cats, Eating cats, Eating dogs, Feature Home Bottom, Food, Food & agriculture, Global, Horses & Farmed Animals, Live markets, Meat issues, Uses of dogs Tagged With: Anderson G. McKendrick, David Quammen, Merritt Clifton, Peter Daszak, William Ogilvy Kermack, Zheng-Li Shi
Sharing with gratitude, hoping (un)common sense will eventually prevail.
Janice Girardi says
Great article, thank you so much as always!!! Stay safe!


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Home / News / Beware the sim card scam: How with terrifying ease fraudsters can empty your bank account... just by fooling your mobile phone provider
Beware the sim card scam: How with terrifying ease fraudsters can empty your bank account... just by fooling your mobile phone provider
When Ryan Finnegan received a text message out of the blue from Tesco Mobile thanking him for calling its customer service department, he phoned back his provider immediately.
The 37-year-old was told he could be the victim of a fraud, but was assured nothing had changed with his account.
At 6.30pm that evening, he was sent an email from TSB confirming his registration to its internet banking service.
Ryan knew something was wrong, because he had opted not to bank online years before. Shortly afterwards, his mobile phone network signal disappeared.
His wife, Anne Margaret, checked their joint account balance and discovered it had been emptied of £2,500. 'This was everything we had. I had no idea how we were going to feed our two children and pay the bills,' he says.
Ryan, a civil servant from Dundee, was the victim of a so-called Sim swap scam.
This is where fraudsters trick your network provider into transferring your mobile phone number on to another Sim card.
They do this to steal six-digit verification codes sent by text from your bank when you try to set up new payees and transfer money online.
These one-time passcodes are supposed to provide a second layer of security, known as two-factor authentication — but they can be intercepted.
Fraudsters will already have stolen enough information to access your bank account, such as your username and password.
They then find out who the victim's network provider is — which they can do easily online — and pose as them over the phone or in store.
When you request to move your phone number to a different Sim card, providers typically ask for your name, address, date of birth and one or two security questions, according to Chris Underhill from Equiniti Cyber Security.
'Personal information, such as names, addresses and dates of birth, can be found easily on social media and online directories,' says Mr Underhill.
'Fraudsters can also obtain these details by tricking people over text, email or phone. Security questions can also be easy to find out.'
When Ryan reported the scam to Tesco Mobile last May, he discovered fraudsters had called the provider five times on one day trying to guess the answer to his security question — his favourite colour. 'Why weren't these calls flagged as suspicious?' he says.
Ryan got his money back and, after Money Mail intervened, a £450 goodwill payment from TSB.
Some 549 cases of Sim swap scams were reported to Action Fraud, the cybercrime reporting service, in the three years to August 2018. The average loss was around £4,000.
Experts say network providers must do more to verify the identity of their customers. Money Mail asked the biggest providers what information they require to swap a Sim.
Vodafone says it asks a range of security questions and sends a one-time access code to your mobile phone for verification. Customers can also use Vodafone's Voice ID feature, which uses voice recognition software.
O2 says it sends a code to your mobile phone before a new Sim can be activated. Photo ID is needed in store. EE asks customers a number of questions to prove their identity. If the customer fails these checks by phone, they must present a photo ID in store.
Tesco Mobile says it does not publicly share its security processes. A spokesman says the company has investigated Ryan's case and is satisfied that it followed procedures.


The finishing touch to a hot-looking set of wheels. Solid brass and chrome plated. Tested to withstand the elements. Saab logo on the top is encased in clear epoxy for protection. Set of four.
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On this page, you'll find step-by-step instructions for nozzle hang-up purging procedures (color or carbon) for your injection molding machines.
Raise the temperature of the nozzle 20-30°C (35-55°F). If purging a heat-sensitive resin, do not exceed the safe processing temperature of the material. Feed a small amount of ASACLEAN (less than half barrel capacity). Repeat short, high-velocity injections shots until clean.
Exercise proper safety precautions and use appropriate PPE.
For further insight into our recommended purging procedures, visit the Purging Process Resource Center. This page offers you training videos, guidelines, technical documentation and more to help answer your purging compound questions.
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For over 25 years, The French Bread Factory has been the leading choice for several of the finest establishments in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia metropolitan area. Quality products and Optimum service are not only a priority but a "tradition", and maintaining this tradition has become our best accomplishment, providing you with the best service in the industry.
After many years of been located at the Tyson's Corner Area we moved the manufacturing plant and headquarters to Sterling, with a brand new location, with state of the art equipment, we have taken it to the next level, not only improving our services but also enhancing your experience with The French Bread Factory.
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text:
Thailand nam deel aan de Olympische Zomerspelen 1956 in Melbourne, Australië. Ook op de tweede editie werd geen medaille gewonnen. Het voetbalelftal debuteerde op deze Spelen.

Land op de Olympische Zomerspelen 1956
1956

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Please find following a statement from former GRV Chairman Peter Caillard in regards to his resignation today.
I have today informed the Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, of my resignation as Chairman of the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria.
I was an outsider to the greyhound racing industry when appointed in 2012 following the release of the Ombudsman's report, and as an objective leader was able to make significant immediate changes.
Greyhound Racing Victoria is a very different organisation from when I was appointed Chairman with an entirely new Board and almost all of the senior management team being replaced with people from outside the greyhound racing industry.
By way of example, betting at GRV was banned; significant investment made to the GRV greyhound adoption program; an integrity Council formed (which included a senior veterinarian and the AFL's Head of Integrity) plus there are significantly more kennel inspections and drug swabs to protect dogs.
However, the extensive changes at GRV were not enough to prevent the type of sickening practices seen at the privately owned Tooradin trial track.
Although I had read that the archaic practice of live baiting had occurred years ago, it was distressing to discover that it was still occurring in recent times. Had this practice been brought to my attention earlier then it could have been stopped earlier. It was not and I did not.
The behaviour shown by those engaged in live baiting is contrary to my personal values and to those of the broader industry and the community.
I firmly believe that this practice is not widespread. However, despite assurance, I can no longer be satisfied that live baiting was restricted to the small band of immoral criminals at Tooradin. I will read with interest the Racing Integrity Commission's report considering the extent to which it still occurs.
I must emphasise that I am firmly of the view that the vast majority of participants are good people and share my repulse at this conduct. It is also critical to ensure that the rejuvenated GRV GAP program continues to prosper and dogs do not suffer as a result of what these people have done. Since the Four Corners program and subsequent discussions and developments, I have made the personal decision that I cannot remain as Chairman. I believe in accountability for a Chairman of an organisation and that it is in the best interests of the industry that a new person be appointed to this position.
I wish to emphasise that I am firmly of the view that the new team that has been put in place at GRV are the right people to work with the RSPCA to stamp out this activity once they are given the appropriate powers to do so. As a final comment, I will remain available to work closely with the Government and the RSPCA to bring those responsible to justice. I am pleased this activity has been discovered and have no doubt it will be stamped out.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the Government on taking such swift action in addressing this repulsive behaviour and taking a considered approach. It is a difficult time for all three codes of racing but I have no doubt that the industry will change and prosper given the leadership that you have already demonstrated in such a short period of time.


There's nothing that gets people heated in quite the same way as a good old controversial denim trend. Let's not forget that before they became your go-tos, skinny jeans were also a massive source of anxiety. Prior to 2009, people were just not comfortable with the idea of body-hugging denim the way they are now. This is to preface what I'm about to tell you with the notion that every denim trend is considered deranged before it's eventually accepted en masse. So, here it goes: Bootcut jeans are making a return, and—shocker—the internet is all kinds of divided on the topic.
After GQ published a story about the denim trend's comeback, Twitter went off. Some claimed that the revival of bootcut jeans is equivalent to the apocalypse while others proudly admitted to having never ditched them in the first place. Tempted to go down a rabbit hole of opinions? The following Twitter threads are an excellent entrée into the polarized conversation.
While we're still not sure exactly what makes people hate the jeans with the fire of a thousand suns, they constitute a new (well, revived) denim trend, so that's where we come in. Whether you're a bootcut-jeans hater and are just curious to see how fashion girls could possibly make them look good or you're game to wear the denim again, we've found some worthy outfit ideas with the jeans. Keep reading to see how to wear the bootcut jeans trend and then shop our picks (if you so dare).
I'll ease you into consideration of the trend with this simple yet utterly chic outfit. Tuck a thin knit top into the jeans for a streamlined approach.
See? The subtle flare flows effortlessly over a pair of boots, hence the name.
When you're feeling ready to add another trendy element to your bootcut jeans ensemble, opt for an '80s-style puff-sleeve blouse.
A slightly cropped hem acts as the perfect showcase to ankle boots.
The key to nailing any look? Tuck in your top of choice and pair the jeans with heels of any height—the extra few inches will elevate the look in more ways than one.
You can't go wrong with a black pair. Just look how long they make legs look.
For more of the latest denim trends, read up on the unexpected style that feels so fresh right now.


Include these foods in your diet to boost your energy, immunity, and wellbeing, while at the same time providing your breastfed baby with the nutrition needed for proper growth and development.
These provide you with natural fibre, which aids digestion. They deliver iron, calcium, and protein. Sprinkle sesame seeds liberally on salads to add magnesium, manganese, copper and phosphorus.
Broccoli and spinach, and the trendy kale, also deliver calcium, iron and other essential nutrients.
The DHA and oils found in salmon in particular aid the growth of your baby's nervous system, and they are great for you as well!
Apricots provide fibre, as well as vitamins A and C, and potassium - fresh or dried are both great. To add some more sweetness to your diet, include dates.
When give a choice, always opt for brown rice over white to get more fibre and longer sustained energy.
An ideal dessert for breastfeeding mums as it provides calcium and some extra protein.
There are lots more superfoods you can try, but including those above in your diet is a great start to becoming a healthier you.


Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers • View topic - Help with roof and trim please!
Help with roof and trim please!
So we were plugging along on our TD but have come to a stall. Nowhere in Fort Worth seems to have aluminium sheeting and I found a place where I could get a 4x10 for $62 for .032 only for them to tell me it's not going to work for my project. Plus there's nothing they have I can use for trim to cover the extra 1/4" (roof is 48 1/2" wide since I have a sandwich wall with 1/4" outside the trailer frame.
On the blogs and build journals I haven't been able to find how to do just the roof in aluminium. I'm thinking maybe forgoing the whole aluminum roof but I still need a type of trim. With my mural design I'm painting I think the aluminum roof will look better plus be more durable. Open to other options though!!
I'll try to get a picture of my design up.
Re: Help with roof and trim please!
Waco has a trailer manufacturing that has color rolls and will sell it cut to whatever you want. I think it's a little wider but was about 7 years ago I bought it so I'm a little spotty memory wise.
linuxmanxxx wrote: Waco has a trailer manufacturing that has color rolls and will sell it cut to whatever you want. I think it's a little wider but was about 7 years ago I bought it so I'm a little spotty memory wise.
What do I use for trim? Discount Steel had no idea and didn't think it was possible to use angle iron.
Bottom are the ones can be bent and you have to buy the vinyl insert to fill the slot.
Try Redneck Trailer Supply in Arlington. Years ago, I bought a Dexter torsion axle and aluminum trim from them.


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text:
Chojang-dong (koreanska: 초장동) är en stadsdel i staden Busan, i den sydöstra delen av Sydkorea,  km sydost om huvudstaden Seoul. Den ligger i stadsdistriktet Seo-gu.

Källor

Indelningar i Busan


after reading your list my first 2 thoughts were Benjamin and Charles.
I love Jaxon Kade that is a beautiful name!
If our daughter had been a boy, she would have been a Finn. Eli and Cruse were on our short list, too. Congrats and good luck!
Jett Wyatt Jason Wayne Jeff Wes or, how about JW?
Amina, just love this name.
Finally a Boy and at a Loss for Names.


text:
Événements
 France :
 Gustave de Beaumont publie L'Irlande sociale, politique et religieuse chez Charles Gosselin.
 Incendie du théâtre du Vaudeville rue de Chartres (rue disparue entre la place du Carrousel et le Palais-Royal), selon Hugo. Selon Hillairet, nuit du 16-.
 Chine : Le décret condamnant à mort les trafiquants d'opium s'étend aux étrangers. Le commerce avec les Britanniques est suspendu. Les ventes d'opium régressent. La communauté britannique de Canton se replie sur Hong Kong et Macao. Les hostilités se déclenchent à la fin de l'année (première guerre sino-britannique de l'opium, 1838-1842).

 7 juin : à Hawaii, la dynastie , sous la pression des missionnaires américains, promulgue une Constitution écrite.

 13 juin : Milos Obrenovic, souverain héréditaire de Serbie depuis le traité d'Andrinople (1829), cède le pouvoir à son fils Milan. Son tempérament despotique a heurté les chefs locaux qui, appuyés par la Russie et les Ottomans, obtiennent son abdication.

 24 juin : Bataille de Nézib : les Ottomans sont battus à Nizip, près d'Alep. Ahmed Pacha, amiral de la flotte turque, passe à l'ennemi avec ses bâtiments. La France, le Royaume-Uni et la Russie imposent leur médiation.

 27 juin :
 Mort du chef Sikh Ranjit Singh. Le Pendjab tombe dans le chaos.
 France : début du procès des insurgés de mai. Armand Barbès est arrêté. Louis Auguste Blanqui, en fuite.

 29 juin, France : l'avocat républicain Étienne Cabet publie une Histoire populaire de la Révolution française, de 1789 à 1830.

Naissances
 16 juin : Julius Petersen (mort en 1910), mathématicien danois.
 20 juin : Léon Bonnat, peintre et collectionneur français († ).
 27 juin : George Mary Searle (mort en 1918), astronome américain.

Décès
 3 juin : Marie-Nicolas Ponce-Camus, peintre français (° ).
 9 juin : Joseph Paelinck, peintre belge (° ).
 27 juin : Allan Cunningham (né en 1791), botaniste et explorateur anglais.
 27 juin : Ranjît Singh, est un chef Empire Sikh (° 13 Novembre 1780)

Notes et références


text:
Formica suecica é uma espécie de formiga do gênero Formica, pertencente à subfamília Formicinae.

Formicinae


Name: Balaur (After a dragon in Romanian folklore).
Named By: Zoltan Csikil, Matyas Vremir, Stephen L. Brusatte & mark A. Norell - 2010.
Size: Estimated between 1.8 and 2.1 meters long.
Known locations: Romania - Sebes Formation.
The dromaeosaurids are a very popular group of dinosaurs that all share a few common features. These include reasonably lightweight build, long stiff tails for balance, legs and pelvis adapted for very fast running and a large sickle shaped claw on the second toe of each foot. Balaur however is a dromaeosaur with a difference; instead of having one sickle shaped claw on each foot it had two. These claws were on the second and first toes, and seem to be the principal killing weapons since the hands are known to have one digit less than most other known dromaeosaurids.
In popular fiction the large sickle claws are usually interpreted as slashing weapons that could open up the side of an animal in a single stroke, an idea based upon very early ideas about dinosaurs like Balaur. However more modern analysis has produced scenarios where the sickle claws are more suited to stabbing rather than slashing. Additionally they may have also been used for getting a grip onto similarly sized or larger prey, and in the case of Balaur, the two sickle claws may have been to compensate for a lack of one of the hand digits.
Balaur has a number of other distinctive features that distinguish it from other dromaeosaurids, but overall it seems to have been more heavily built than its relatives. Palaeontologists are able to tell this because the bones, particularly those of the limbs, are shorter and more robust than in the closest relatives. This suggests that Balaur was built for power rather than high speed. It is curious that a dinosaur from a typically fast and lightweight family line would deviate so much from the others, but the reasons for why may be down to environmental factors from where it lived.
So far Balaur remains have only been found in Romania from a part that back in the late Cretaceous period was actually separated from the mainland. Today we now call this landmass Hateg Island (after the Hateg Basin, which it would form after its collision with mainland Europe), and this island is particularly noted for the large variety of dinosaurs that have been recovered from there. The most interesting fact about this dinosaur is that they included varieties such as sauropods and ornithopod hadrosauroids. On the mainland these varieties could comfortably grow up to ten meters long and probably more for certain genera, but on Hateg Island the typically large dinosaurs like sauropods grew much smaller than their mainland relatives.
With an estimated size around the two meter mark, Balaur does not seem to have grown small by insular dwarfism, many mainland varieties of dromaeosaur also grew to this size with some being larger, and some even being smaller. But on Hateg Island Balaur would have had access to dwarf sauropods like Magyarosaurus and hadrosaurids like Telmatosaurus. Although much smaller than their mainland counterparts, these types of herbivorous dinosaurs would have still been quite powerfully built, and arguably not that fast, at least when compared to a dromaeosaurid like Balaur. This could be where the more muscular legs and double sickle claws on each foot could have come in; they would have given dinosaurs like Balaur a significant edge when attacking them. Additionally in the absence of large theropods like those known in larger continental landmasses, dromaeosaurids like Balaur would have found itself elevated to the status of apex predator for the ecosystems.
The name Balaur is a reference to a dragon in Romanian folklore. Although many prehistoric animals have been after dragons (for example the archosaur Smok was named after a dragon in Polish folkore) the name has a double meaning since dragons are seen as winged flying creatures, and dromaeosaurid dinosaurs are treated as being very close to the ancestors of birds. The type species name B. bondoc means 'boned oak' and is based upon the squat appearance of the holotype remains. Out of all the other dromaeosaurids, Balaur is considered to be most closely related to those like Velociraptor from Asia.
*Special note - While Hateg Island is especially well noted for its dwarf dinosaurs, at least one giant has been found there. This refers to the pterosaur Hatzegopteryx, and although known from only partial remains, these indicate that it was one of the largest pterosaurs of all time.
- An aberrant island-dwelling theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Romania - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107(35):15357-15361 - Z. Csiki, M. Vremir, S. L. Brusatte & M. A. Norell - 2010.
- The Osteology of Balaur bondoc, an Island-Dwelling Dromaeosaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Late Cretaceous of Romania - Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 374: 1-100. - S. L. Brusatte, M. T. S. Vremir, Z. N. Csiki-Sava, A. H. Turner, A. Watanabe, G. M. Erickson & M. A. Norell - 2013.


text:
Film Review: The Vow
THIS would have been a lovely film worth flagging up for Valentine's Day – if only the distributors Sony Pictures had offered me the chance to see it before its release last Friday.
Coventry Live
Better late than never, the verdict is that it's a clean-cut, modern drama with an unashamedly old-fashioned emphasis on the nature of true love.
There's no smutty sex gags, no Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz or Sarah Jessica Parker and, praise be, no sign either of the likes of Russell Brand, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler.
Leo (Channing Tatum) has pledged his future to artist wife Paige, played by Canadian star Rachel McAdams.
The recording studio owner is a big believer in how we are shaped by our everyday existences and sculpted by major events along the journey.
When an accident leaves Paige suffering from memory loss, how will it affect their relationship if she cannot remember the dot-to-dot map of their past?
Debut directed by Michael Sucsy and inspired by a true story, this is not in the same league as The Notebook, McAdams' under-appreciated 2004 film with Ryan Gosling which remains Hollywood's best romantic drama this century.
But it's much better than her very disappointing 2009 release, The Time Traveller's Wife – more on a par with Tatum's own Dear John which co-starred Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!) back in 2010.
Here, Tatum and McAdams make for another believable couple, and the notion that marriage should be for ever is life-affirming.
The significant back story involving her parents (Sam Neill and Jessica Lange) is less convincing and in this respect The Vow seems to labour from having had five writers.
It's beautifully shot though and not only does Chicago look good but girls everywhere will certainly appreciate Tatum taking his shirt off.
The audience I saw this with at Cineworld Broad St was exceptionally attentive and I did hear sniffles which were not attributable to the cold weather.


Origination: £30.00 – Lead Time: around 10 working days from artwork approval – Carriage at cost.
Terran 15 cm ruler with 100% recycled plastic. Solid plastic ruler with both markings in inches and centimetres. Recycled plastic.


For most New Yorkers, moving is a special kind of physical and psychological hell to be avoided at all costs. Having to do so every single month? Best not to speak of it.
"When the rent in our old Park Slope apartment increased and we had to move out, we thought, let's give this crazy idea a shot," Horsten explained on a recent visit to their current sublet, a Chinatown artists' loft found via the Listings Project. (Their first month was spent in a friend's building in Long Island City.) "We thought about all these neighborhoods that we couldn't afford full-time, but would be interested to see what they're like. And then we thought that maybe we could afford a month in them, if we balanced it out with other, cheaper neighborhoods."
While the project hasn't been without its early challenges—the pair are still looking for September digs after an option in Clinton Hill fell through—Zeltner says, "so far it's been more fun than pure stress." They've also had an outpouring of early interest, including an offer to pet-sit in an Upper West Side home for a month, outreach from the Queens tourism board, and, Zeltner says, a particularly strong response from Bronx and Staten Island residents encouraging them to give their respective boroughs a try.
Still, there are plenty of logistical concerns to keep in mind. Both Zeltner and Horsten, native Germans who have lived in New York for the past four years, have day jobs as journalists in Manhattan offices in Soho and Midtown East, and as such, need to keep the commute in mind. "We have to take into consideration that we both work—it's not a sabbatical," Horsten notes. As their daughter gets older, they're also looking into centrally located daycare options (for now, they've had out-of-town friends stay with them as au pairs).
Thus far, they've primarily found apartments through friends or the Listings Project newsletter, which they've found to have more reliable options for sublets than other sites. As Zeltner notes, it's "Mostly artists, and stuff you probably wouldn't find on Airbnb or Craigslist."
The goal is to try an apartment in all five boroughs (and they wouldn't mind finishing out the year with a summer month spent in the Rockaways). Horsten says they'd "love to try Staten Island, Sunset Park, Sunnyside—neighborhoods that we might not have thought of before, or that you might not know about if you don't know about New York."
She adds, "We've been living here for four years and still try to be tourists and go everywhere, but it's so different when you're actually waking up somewhere every day, and getting your morning coffee there. I know we're not experts after living in a place for a month, but we're learning so much."
The plan is to expand the project into a newsletter, and eventually a podcast or book (currently they're primarily active on Instagram) and eventually, settle on a new neighborhood for the long term. "Our goal is to find a new place to live," says Zeltner. "But are we going to be totally spoiled?"